cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential molt‐induced atrophy in the dimorphic claws of male fiddler crabs, Uca pugnax

Molt-induced atrophy was examined in the closer muscles of the dimorphic claws of the fiddler crab, Uca pugnax. In adult males, the major claw, which is about 30 times larger than the minor claw, contains primarily S1 fibers and some S2 fibers, while the minor claw contains exclusively S2 fibers. Ultrastructurally, both S1 and S2 fibers resembled slow fibers of other crustacean species: high ratios of thin:thick myofilaments, thickened Z-lines, and myofibrils with long sarcomeres. However, the S1 fibers had higher thin:thick myofilament ratios (9:1 vs. 6:1), longer sarcomeres (6 μm vs. 4.5–5 μm) and fewer mitochondria than the S2 fibers. During proecdysis, the muscle of the major claw underwent a greater atrophy than that of the minor claw. Furthermore, atrophy of the major claw muscle was enhanced by the number of walking legs being regenerated. The weight of the major claw muscle in animals regenerating one walking leg decreased about 50%, while that in animals regenerating eight walking legs decreased about 67%. The weight of the minor claw muscle decreased about 25% in animals regenerating either one or eight walking legs. Changes in myofibrillar cross-sectional areas paralleled the reductions in muscle mass. In S1 fibers, cross-sectional area decreased 43% in animals regenerating one walking leg and 78% in animals regenerating eight walking legs. In S2 fibers, cross-sectional area decreased 27% and 32%, respectively. Increases in the thick myofilament packing density and decreases in the thin:thick myofilament and actin:myosin heavy chain ratios suggest that this atrophy involves a preferential hydrolysis of thin myofilaments. The ultrastructural changes in S2 fibers from major and minor claws were similar, suggesting that the preferential atrophy of the major claw muscle results, at least in part, from a differential sensitivity of S1 and S2 fibers to factor(s) that trigger protein degradation. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An innovative functional positron imaging technique for plant leaves

There is a growing interest in studying plant biology using nuclear imaging technology. We are currently developing a novel imaging system that permits β imaging of an intake leaf. Positrons originated from a leaf may escape the leaf and can be imaged by a β imager. However, different parts of a leaf may have different thickness, which renders quantitative β imaging difficult. Coincident γ imaging provides more quantification and lower sensitivity image than β imaging for positron emitting tracer. The proposed system combined with 11C labeled carbon dioxide will allow us to quantify carbon assimilation in plant and study the interplay between photosynthesis and photorespiration under different environments. The system will include two planar detectors, one is a typical PET detector and the other is a phoswich detector that detects both β and γ. The prototype phoswich detector consists of a plastic scintillator with a LSO array and a position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (PS-PMT). The plastic scintillator serves as a β detector, while the LSO array serves as a γ detector and a light guide that couples scintillation light from the plastic detector to PMT. PMT signal was feed into the Siemens QuickSilver electronics that provides shaping and waveform sampling. With the decay time of the plastic and LSO being 2.1 and 40 ns, respectively, pulse-shape discrimination was implemented to differentiate β events detected by the plastic from γ events detected by the LSO from the common PMT signals. Using this prototype phoswich detector, we simultaneously measured a β image and γ events (in singles mode) and obtained 1.6–1.8mm FWHM resolution for the β image using F-18 line sources.
Graph isomorphism testing without numerics for graphs of bounded eigenvalue multiplicity

There are several parameterized classes of graphs for which polynomial time isomorphism tests are known. Attempts have been made to develop one conceptionally simple parameterized class of algorithms to solve the graph isomorphism problem for all of these classes. Such unified algorithms have been designed to handle almost all of these classes except for the case of bounded eigenvalue multiplicity. It is shown here that this case can also be handled in a more direct way by discrete methods. The new algorithm uses combinatorics and group theory closely related to the methods used for the other feasible classes of graphs. The classical polynomial time graph isomorphism test of Babai, Grigoriev and Mount for graphs of bounded eigenvalue multiplicity consists of two distinct parts. First, in the linear algebra part, numerical approximations of all eigenvalues and projections of the basis vectors into the eigenspaces are computed. The precision has to be chosen carefully to ensure that it is decidable whether two such projections are equal or have equal length. Also equal angles between such projections have to be recognized. In a second combinatorial and group theoretical part, this information is used to try isomorphisms in the projections and either to combine them to a global isomorphism or to detect that none exists. The numerical part is alien to such a discrete mathematical problem. A direct combinatorial approach is more natural and gives more insight. It is shown that such an approach is indeed pos*Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, furer@cse .psu. edu and Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544. This work is supported in part by NSF grant CCR-9218309 and DIMACS. sible. It is an important step towards one unified algorithm for the graph isomorphism problem for all natural polynomially solvable classes. It helps understanding under which circumstances computationally feasible isomorphism tests are possible.
Nonthermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma Suppresses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Replication in Corneal Epithelium

PURPOSE Herpes keratitis (HK) is the leading cause of cornea-derived and infection-associated blindness in the developed world. Despite the availability of effective antivirals, some patients develop refractory disease, drug-resistant infection, and topical toxicity. A nonpharmaceutical treatment modality may offer a unique advantage in the management of such cases. This study investigated the antiviral effect of nonthermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, a partially ionized gas that can be applied to organic substances to produce various biological effects. METHODS Human corneal epithelial cells and explanted corneas were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and exposed to culture medium treated with nonthermal DBD plasma. The extent of infection was measured by plaque assay, quantitative PCR, and Western blot. Corneal toxicity assessment was performed with fluorescein staining, histologic examination, and 8-OHdG detection. RESULTS Application of DBD plasma-treated medium to human corneal epithelial cells and explanted corneas produced a dose-dependent reduction of the cytopathic effect, viral genome replication, and the overall production of infectious viral progeny. Toxicity studies showed lack of detrimental effects in explanted human corneas. CONCLUSIONS Nonthermal DBD plasma substantially suppresses corneal HSV-1 infection in vitro and ex vivo without causing pronounced toxicity. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Nonthermal plasma is a versatile tool that holds great biomedical potential for ophthalmology, where it is being investigated for wound healing and sterilization and is already in use for ocular microsurgery. The anti-HSV-1 activity of DBD plasma demonstrated here could be directly translated to the clinic for use against drug-resistant herpes keratitis.
Ultraviolet light treatment delays contact sensitization to nitrogen mustard.

SUMMARY Contact sensitivity to nitrogen mustard was delayed after first treating patients with u.v. light. While the number of patients becoming sensitive to nitrogen mustard after ultraviolet light exposure was not significantly different from the control, the number of patients who became sensitive in the first 30 days was significantly less than the control group. It is postulated that this delay in sensitization is due to an alteration of the patients’ epidermal Langerhans cells, produced by the u.v. light exposure.
Dermatitis From Purified Sea Algae Toxin (Debromoaplysiatoxin)

• Cutaneous inflammation was induced by debromoaplysiatoxin, a purified toxin extracted from Lyngbya majuscula Gomont. This alga causes a seaweed dermatitis that occurs in persons who have swum off the coast of Oahu in Hawaii. By topical application, the toxin was found to produce an irritant pustular folliculitis in humans and to cause a severe cutaneous inflammatory reaction in the rabbit and in hairless mice. ( Arch Dermatol 114:1333-1335, 1978)
Bridge to cardiac transplant in children: Berlin Heart versus extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background For small children requiring mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplantation (BTT), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been the only option until the recent introduction of the Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin, Germany). We reviewed our recent experience with these two technologies with particular focus on early outcomes. Methods Data for 55 consecutive children undergoing BTT between 2001 and 2008 were abstracted from an institutional database. The analysis excluded 13 patients because EXCOR was not used for acute postcardiotomy BTT. Patients were divided into ECMO (n = 21) and EXCOR groups (n = 21). Specific end points included survival to transplant, overall survival, and bridge to recovery. Incidences of adverse events and the duration of support were determined. Results Groups were similar in weight, age, and etiologies of heart failure. Likewise, the incidences of stroke and multisystem organ failure were similar. Survival to transplant, recovery, or continued support was 57% in ECMO and 86% in EXCOR ( p = 0.040). EXCOR patients had overall significantly better survival ( p = 0.049). Two ECMO patients and 1 EXOR patient were bridged to recovery. The mean duration of support was 15 ± 12 days in the ECMO group and 42 ± 43 days in the EXCOR group ( p Conclusions In children requiring BTT, EXCOR provided substantially longer support times than ECMO, without significant increase in the rates of stroke or multisystem organ failure. Survival to transplant and long-term survival was higher with EXCOR.
Failure of calcium channel blockers to improve ventricular relaxation in humans

Objectives. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether the reversal of low peak filling rates after administration of calcium channel blockers in patients with diastolic dysfunction indicates true improvement in the rate of ventricular relaxation and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure measured by invasive indexes. Background. Depressed filling rates measured noninvasively have been associated with diastolic dysfunction, specifically abnormal relaxation of the left ventricle. There is a reversal of these low peak filling rates after administration of calcium channel blockers. Methods. Doppler echocardiographic measurements of peak filling rates were made and invasive high fidelity manometer-tipped pressures were measured before and after administration of verapamil (0.1 mg/kg body weight) in 20 patients with coronary artery disease who had an ejection fraction >40% and decreased peak filling rates. Results. Verapamil caused significant increases in the peak filling rate, as measured by early transmitral (E) flow velocity, from 0.57 ± 0.16 m/s to 0.77 ± 0.15 m/s (p < 0.01), indicating reversal of decreased peak filling rates. Concomitantly, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased from 18.0 ± 7.7 mm Hg to 24.1 ± 9.0 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The time constant of relaxation was variable, with an overall significant increase from 45.8 ± 10.4 ms to 53.2 ± 14.6 ms (p = 0.01). Conclusions. Verapamil administered intravenously produced reversal of decreased peak filling rates in patients with coronary artery disease and normal ventricular function. However, there was an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure as well as an overall prolongation of the time constant of relaxation. Therefore, changes in peak filling rates do not accurately reflect the response of ventricular relaxation to drug interactions. Thus, calcium channel blockers should be used cautiously in the empiric treatment of patients with diastolic dysfunction.
Interrelationship of Vitamins

THE successful study of vitamins depends to a large extent upon the production of uncomplicated symptoms in experimental animals which can be cured by purified preparations of the vitamin in question. However, the cure of certain symptoms even with crystalline preparations does not necessarily mean that the deficiency was due to a lack of the factor fed. We have recently encountered such conditions in our laboratory and wish to describe one such relationship briefly.
Is a postintubation chest radiograph necessary in the emergency department

Postintubation chest X-rays (CXR) are standard practice in emergency department (ED) intubations. In the operating room, it is not usually a standard practice to confirm endotracheal tube placement with a CXR. We seek to study the utility of postintubation CXR in ED patients. This was a retrospective case series of 157 adult patients intubated in the ED of an urban academic hospital with an emergency medicine training program. Standardized chart review was performed by two emergency physicians (EP) using a structured data abstraction tool and final radiology attending reads of postintubation CXR to assess placement. Endotracheal tube placement was graded as satisfactory, too high, too low, or malpositioned in the esophagus. Descriptive statistics were used, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Hospital Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. A total of 157 patients were intubated in the ED during the study period: 127 (81%, 95% CI: 74–86) had adequate tube placement by CXR confirmation, 9 (6%, 95% CI: 3–11) endotracheal tubes were judged to be too high, and 20 (13%, 95% CI: 8–19) were judged to be too low with 10 (6.5%, 95% CI: 3–11) of these being right mainstem bronchus intubations. One patient (<1%, 95% CI:<0.0001–4) had a CXR confirming esophageal intubation. ED intubations were judged to have “satisfactory” placement by CXR in 81% of patients. CXR is able to identify a small subset of patients that likely need immediate intervention based on their CXR. Until further studies refute the utility of postintubation CXR in ED intubations, they should remain a part of routine practice.
Land supply, pricing and local governments' land hoarding in China

article i nfo Article history: China's land reform has successfully taken advantage of land sales to generate revenue. However, with land prices soaring, land has become a secure and profitable asset, which in turn has triggered land speculation. The ensuing bubble is detrimental to sustainable development. This paper examines the impact of China's land pric- ing system on land hoarding by local governments, who acquire and hold land as one form of China's land spec- ulation. We first review the mechanism of land speculation; next, we analyze the institutional root of land hoarding bylocal governments inChina;last, we investigate empiricallythe relationshipbetweenthemagnitude of local governments' land hoarding and the land pricing system based on provincial level data from 1995 to 2010. The results indicate that land price is positive and significantly correlated with the magnitude of land hoarding by local governments. Their land hoarding behaviors have adapted to the progress of land reform and to changes in land market conditions. The instrumental variables (IV) estimation accounting for the possible endogeneity of land price generates more significant and pronounced effects than non-IV estimation. According to IV estimation, one yuan per square meter increase of land price could trigger local governments to hoard 40.8 ha more land annually and 163.1 ha more land cumulatively over the period 1995 to 2010; while according to non-IV estimation, the magnitude is 0.3 and 3.8 ha, respectively.
High-mass accuracy of product ions produced by SORI-CID using a dual electrospray ionization source coupled with FTICR mass spectrometry

High-mass accuracy is demonstrated using internal calibration for product ions produced by sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID) of a 15-mer oligonucleotide, 5‘-(CTG)5-3‘. Internal calibration for this tandem MS experiment was accomplished using a dual electrospray ionization (ESI) source coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) utilizing hexapole accumulation and gated trapping. The pulse sequence entails injection, trapping, and gas-phase isolation of the precursor ion of interest followed by the SORI-CID of this ion and, subsequently, injection and trapping of the internal mass calibrant (i.e., poly(ethylene glycol) with a 1000 Da average mass). The product ions and the poly(ethylene glycol) ions are then simultaneously excited by a broadband frequency chirp excitation waveform and detected. This technique corrects for space-charge effects on the measurement of an ion's cyclotron frequency experienced when externally cal...
Solvothermal Synthesis and Structural Characterization of New Zn−Triazole−Sulfoisophthalate Frameworks

Two new Zn-based coordination polymers based polymers, namely, Zn7(TRZ)8(SIP)2·7H2O (1) and Zn5Na2(DMA)4(TRZ)4(SIP)4·5H2O (2) (TRZ = 1,2,4-triazole, SIP = sulfoisophthalate, and DMA = dimethylamine), were synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions. Their crystal structures were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and their thermal properties were examined by thermogravimetric analysis. Structure 1 crystallizes in monoclinic P21/n space group (a = 14.050(3) A, b = 12.517(3) A, c = 15.377(3) A, β = 97.95(3)°, V = 2678.3(9) A3, Z = 2), while structure 2 is described as triclinic P1 (a = 9.701(2) A, b = 12.442(3) A, c = 17.218(3) A, α = 89.83(3)°, β = 75.01(3)°, γ = 73.33(3)°, V = 1917.5(7) A3, Z = 1). Structure 1 contains 8- and 16-membered channels made of Zn polyhedra linked by TRZ, which are occupied by water molecules and SIP ligands. Structure 2 consists of one-dimensional chains of Zn−TRZ moieties that are linked to each other via SIP. It is a negatively charged open framework in wh...
The relationship between self‐report measures of communication apprehension and trained observers' ratings of communication competence

This study investigated the relationship between self‐reported communication apprehension (CA) and trained observers’ ratings of competence. Participants (N= 274) completed self‐report measures of CA and were assessed for listening competence. For 103 participants, trained raters also assessed interpersonal competence, public speaking competence, and behavioral indicators of CA during an informative speech and an interpersonal encounter. Self‐reported CA was not significantly associated with interpersonal competence, public speaking competence, listening competence, or behavioral indicators of CA. Behavioral indicators of CA during the informative speech were not significantly associated with public speaking competence, although behavioral indicators of CA during the interpersonal encounter were negatively related to interpersonal competence.
BDNF Val66Met and spontaneous dyskinesias in non-clinical psychosis.

Background Evidence indicating that symptoms of non-clinical psychosis (NCP) occur in 6–8% of the general population suggests that psychosis may occur across a continuum. Although a number of studies have examined environmental contributors, to date there have been few investigations of biological/genetic factors in this integral population. A recent study observed spontaneous dyskinetic movements (reflecting an innervated striatal system) in individuals reporting NCP. The present investigation is designed to replicate this finding and determine if brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (implicated in striatal dopamine function) is associated with dyskinesias.
Thyrotropin receptors in normal and pathological human thyroid tissues.

The properties of TSH receptors in normal and pathological human thyroid tissues were studied. Highly purified bovine TSH after lactoperoxidase iodination retained full biological activity, as assessed by radioreceptor assay. Binding of bovine [125I]TSH to 1000 × g pellets of human thyroid homogenate was specific with respect to hormone and tissue. Total binding amounted to 50-60% of total radioactivity using 10 rag (wet weight) normal thyroid tissue. Nonspecific binding was only 6% of total radioactivity. Normal thyroid tissue contained two orders of binding sites, which were shown to be independent of each other by Hill plot analysis. The high affinity sites [equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd), 0.015–0.16 × 10−9 M] were present in concentrations of 1.05–9.30 pmol/mg protein and concentrations of low affinity sites (Kd, 1.2–2.4 × 10−9 M) were 35.9–213 pmol/mg. In all pathological thyroid tissue studied, two orders of binding sites were found with dissociation constants similar to those of normal tiss...
Short-Term Toxicity (1 and 10 Days) of Cadmium Chloride in Male and Female Rats: Gavage and Drinking Water

Male and female Sprague-Dawley-derived rats received CdCl2 by gavage at doses of 25, 51, 107, and 225 mg CdCl2 per kg body weight per day for 1 or 10 consecutive days or in drinking solutions at concentrations of 13–323 mg CdCl2 per liter for 10 consecutive days. There were appropriate controls. In the 1 day study in males only, an apparent treatment-related but not statistically significant decrease in body weight was reported; spleen weights and ratios were significantly lower and lung weights and ratios were significantly higher (in the highest dose only). Dose-dependent mortality was observed in the 10 day gavage study. Body weight gain was depressed in a dose-dependent manner in both males and females. Weights and/or ratios of brain, liver, spleen, lungs, thymus, kidneys, and testes of treated males were depressed in a dose-dependent manner. In females, weights and/or ratios of liver, spleen, thymus, and kidneys were depressed in a dose-dependent manner. Focal necrotic changes in renal tubular epithe...
Genome-wide association study of leaf architecture in the maize nested association mapping population

US maize yield has increased eight-fold in the past 80 years, with half of the gain attributed to selection by breeders. During this time, changes in maize leaf angle and size have altered plant architecture, allowing more efficient light capture as planting density has increased. Through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the maize nested association mapping panel, we determined the genetic basis of important leaf architecture traits and identified some of the key genes. Overall, we demonstrate that the genetic architecture of the leaf traits is dominated by small effects, with little epistasis, environmental interaction or pleiotropy. In particular, GWAS results show that variations at the liguleless genes have contributed to more upright leaves. These results demonstrate that the use of GWAS with specially designed mapping populations is effective in uncovering the basis of key agronomic traits.
Mad-1 Is the Exclusive JC Virus Strain Present in the Human Colon, and Its Transcriptional Control Region Has a Deleted 98-Base-Pair Sequence in Colon Cancer Tissues

deleted strain was not detected in any of the nonneoplastic tissues (14 versus 0% [x 2 5 23.6; P < 0.001]). Our study demonstrates that the only JCV strain present in the human colon is Mad-1, and the variant with a single 98-bp sequence is found exclusively in the cancer tissues. This strain may be involved in the development of chromosomal instability. The human polyomavirus JC virus (JCV) infects a large proportion of the population worldwide (23). The initial infection is unapparent, but subsequently JCV establishes a latent infection, becoming reactivated when the immune system is impaired (8). The JCV genome is double-stranded, negatively supercoiled circular DNA that consists of early and late coding regions separated by two noncoding regions at both the 59 and 39 ends. Within the noncoding sequences is the transcriptional control region (TCR), which contains the promoter and enhancer for the early and late proteins; the intergenic region separates the 39 regions of T antigen and the capsid protein, VP1. T antigen is an oncogenic protein capable of transforming mammalian cells by interacting with cellular proteins such as p53 and the Rb family proteins (5, 21). T antigen also has ATPase and helicase activities, the latter of which may eventually contribute to chromosomal breakage and recombination (7). We have recently reported the presence of JCV T-antigen DNA sequences in nonneoplastic gastrointestinal tissues, colon cancer samples, and adjacent nonneoplastic mucosa, indicating that JCV might play a role in inducing chromosomal instability in the colonic cells (10, 20).
Terrestrial applications of extreme environment stirling space power systems

NASA has been developing power systems capable of long-term operation in extreme environments such as the surface of Venus. This technology can use any external heat source to efficiently provide electrical power and cooling; and it is designed to be extremely efficient and reliable for extended space missions. Terrestrial applications include: use in electric hybrid vehicles; distributed home co-generation/cooling; and quiet recreational vehicle power generation. This technology can reduce environmental emissions, petroleum consumption, and noise while eliminating maintenance and environmental damage from automotive fluids such as oil lubricants and air conditioning coolant. This report will provide an overview of this new technology and its applications.
Efficacy and safety of a paired sedation and ventilator weaning protocol for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care (Awakening and Breathing Controlled trial): a randomised controlled trial

Methods In four tertiary-care hospitals, we randomly assigned 336 mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care to management with a daily SAT followed by an SBT (intervention group; n=168) or with sedation per usual care plus a daily SBT (control group; n=168). The primary endpoint was time breathing without assistance. Data were analysed by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00097630. Findings One patient in the intervention group did not begin their assigned treatment protocol because of withdrawal of consent and thus was excluded from analyses and lost to follow-up. Seven patients in the control group discontinued their assigned protocol, and two of these patients were lost to follow-up. Patients in the intervention group spent more days breathing without assistance during the 28-day study period than did those in the control group (14·7 days vs 11·6 days; mean diff erence 3·1 days, 95% CI 0·7 to 5·6; p=0·02) and were discharged from intensive care (median time in intensive care 9·1 days vs 12·9 days; p=0·01) and the hospital earlier (median time in the hospital 14·9 days vs 19·2 days; p=0·04). More patients in the intervention group self-extubated than in the control group (16 patients vs six patients; 6·0% diff erence, 95% CI 0·6% to 11·8%; p=0·03), but the number of patients who required reintubation after self-extubation was similar (fi ve patients vs three patients; 1·2% diff erence, 95% CI –5·2% to 2·5%; p=0·47), as were total reintubation rates (13·8% vs 12·5%; 1·3% diff erence, 95% CI –8·6% to 6·1%; p=0·73). At any instant during the year after enrolment, patients in the intervention group were less likely to die than were patients in the control group (HR 0·68, 95% CI 0·50 to 0·92; p=0·01). For every seven patients treated with the intervention, one life was saved (number needed to treat was 7·4, 95% CI 4·2 to 35·5).
Suppression of leakage current in a relativistic magnetron using a novel cathode endcap design

Upcoming experimental verification of MAGIC particle-in-cell (PIC) code simulation of a high-power, 70%-efficient relativistic magnetron with diffraction output (MDO) requires leakage electrons to be insulated axially from a dielectric antenna window [1]. Endcaps in relativistic magnetron systems have been explored before with great success in increasing output power and efficiency and greatly reducing leakage current, but none has yet to completely suppress leakage current [2, 3]. In our experiments the radius of a disk endcap was extended slightly beyond the inner radius of an A6 anode slow-wave structure, such that electrons from the interaction space drifting downstream along the axial magnetic field lines are stopped. On the endcap surface, which is not bombarded by these electrons, a thin dielectric coating was added to lower the endcap surface electric fields and to capture any emitted electrons. Preliminary results of experiments on a radial-extraction relativistic A6 magnetron system (260 kV, 16 ns paraboloidal pulse) with a solid cathode almost entirely suppressed the leakage current. Extension of these experimental results through MAGIC will provide a predictive mechanism for the success of endcap designs in the MDO system.
Microstructural Evolution in Ca‐PSZ and the Room‐Temperature Instability of Tetragonal ZrO2

Microstructural evolution of a 7.8 mol% Ca-PSZ, fired at 1870°C and subsequently aged at 1300°C, was studied and correlated with the mechanical properties. The morphology, rafting, and subsequent coarsening of the tetragonal (t) ZrO2 precipitates were of particular interest, as was the instability of some of the t-ZrO2 particles during room-temperature aging. Precipitate coarsening kinetics (Ostwald ripening) was also studied. Over the limited time range studied (136 h), the interface reaction dominated the kinetics.
Identification and Molecular Analysis of the Gene Encoding Rickettsia typhi Hemolysin

Rickettsia typhi, the causative agent of murine typhus, grows directly within the host cell cytoplasm, accumulating a large number of progeny, and eventually lyses the cells. Typhus group rickettsiae (R. typhi and R. prowazekii) adhere to and lyse human and sheep erythrocytes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying erythrocyte lysis by R. typhi has not been defined. Here we describe the cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis of the gene (tlyC) encoding a hemolysin from R. typhi. DNA sequence analysis of R. typhi tlyC revealed an open reading frame of 912 bp, which encodes a protein of 304 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 38 kDa. To associate the R. typhi tlyC gene product with hemolytic activity, we performed complementation studies with hemolysin-negative Proteus mirabilis WPM111 (a HpmA 2 mutant of BA6163) transformed with R. typhi tlyC or R. typhi GFPuv-tlyC constructs. We demonstrated that the cloned tlyC gene conferred a hemolytic phenotype on an otherwise nonhemolytic mutant of P. mirabilis. The availability of the cloned R. typhi tlyC will permit further characterization and definition of its role in rickettsial virulence. The genus Rickettsia contains several well-known human pathogens, such as R. prowazekii, R. typhi, R. rickettsii, and R. conorii, the etiologic agents of epidemic and endemic typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Boutonneuse fever, respectively (6). As obligate intracellular parasites, typhus group (TG) rickettsiae (R. prowazekii and R. typhi) enter nonprofessional phagocytes (e.g., epithelial and endothelial cells and fibroblasts) by a process of induced phagocytosis, multiply intracellularly, and lyse the cells only after the accumulation of a large number of rickettsial progeny (reviewed in reference 6). Little is known about rickettsial pathogenesis and virulence factors.
Glacial Earthquakes in Greenland and Antarctica

Glacial earthquakes are a new class of seismic events, first discovered as signals in long-period seismograms recorded on the Global Seismographic Network. Most of these events occur along the coasts of Greenland, where they are spatially related to large outlet glaciers. Glacial earthquakes show a strong seasonality, with most events occurring during the late summer. The rateofglacial-earthquakeoccurrenceincreasedbetween2000and2005,with a stabilization of earthquake frequency at 2003‐2004 levels in 2006‐2008. Recent observations establish a strong temporal correlation between the distinct seismic signals of glacial earthquakes and large ice-loss events in which icebergs of cubic-kilometer scale collapse against the calving face, linking the seismogenic process to the force exerted by these icebergs on the glacier andtheunderlyingsolidearth.Asuddenchangeinglacierspeedresultsfrom these glacial-earthquake calving events. Seasonal and interannual variations in glacier-terminus position account for general characteristics of the temporal variation in earthquake occurrence. Glacial earthquakes in Antarctica are less well studied, but they exhibit several characteristics similar to glacial earthquakes in Greenland.
Inferring transcription factor collaborations in gene regulatory networks

Living cells are realized by complex gene expression programs that are moderated by regulatory proteins called transcription factors (TFs). The TFs control the differential expression of target genes in the context of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs), either individually or in groups. Deciphering the mechanisms of how the TFs control the expression of target genes is a challenging task, especially when multiple TFs collaboratively participate in the transcriptional regulation. We model the underlying regulatory interactions in terms of the directions (activation or repression) and their logical roles (necessary and/or sufficient) with a modified association rule mining approach, called mTRIM. The experiment on Yeast discovered 670 regulatory interactions, in which multiple TFs express their functions on common target genes collaboratively. The evaluation on yeast genetic interactions, TF knockouts and a synthetic dataset shows that our algorithm is significantly better than the existing ones. mTRIM is a novel method to infer TF collaborations in transcriptional regulation networks. mTRIM is available at http://www.msu.edu/~jinchen/mTRIM .
Three-body interactions in many-body effective field theory

Abstract This contribution is an adverstisement for applying effective field theory (EFT) to many-body problems, including nuclei and cold atomic gases. Examples involving three-body interactions are used to illustrate how EFT's quantify and systematically eliminate model dependence, and how they make many-body calculations simpler and more powerful.
Breed means for average daily gain, feed conversion and intake of beef bulls during postweaning feedlot performance tests.

Comparisons of ADG, feed/gain, daily feed intake and daily feed intake as percentage of body weight may be important to beef cattle producers and researchers in breed selection and computer modeling. Data evaluated were postweaning feedlot performance test records collected from 1967 to 1986 of 3,661 individually fed bulls. Bulls originated from University of Arkansas purebred herds, Fayetteville, and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Bull Tests at Fayetteville, Hope and Monticello. Data were analyzed separately for years 1967 to 1976 (P1) (n = 1,654) and 1977 to 1986 (P2) (n = 2,007). Breeds in P1 were Hereford (HH), Angus (AN), Charolais (CH), Polled Hereford (HP) and Santa Gertrudis (SG). Breeds in P2 were HH, AN, CH, HP, SG, Simmental (SM), Maine-Anjou (MA), Brangus (BN) and Beefmaster (BM). The model fitted included initial age, breed and test number (all P less than .01 except for initial age on ADG in P1). Test number included variation of year, location and season. Breed rankings from highest to lowest for ADG in P1 were CH, SG, HH, HP and AN and in P2 were MA, CH, SM, AN, HP, SG, HH, BN and BM. Breed rankings from highest to lowest for feed/gain in P1 were AN, SG, CH, HP and HH and in P2 were BM, BN, AN, SG, HP, SM, HH, MA and CH. Breeds highest to lowest for daily feed intake (as-fed basis) in P1 were CH, SG, AN, HP and HH and in P2 were SM, MA, CH, AN, BN, HP, SG, HH and BM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Efficient segmentation of degraded images by a neuro-fuzzy classifier

The segmentation of degraded images has always been a difficult problem to solve. Efficient object extraction from noisy images can be achieved by neuro-fuzzy clustering algorithms where noise pixels are identified during the clustering process and assigned low weights to avoid their degradation effect on prototype validity. We present a new approach to noise reduction prior to segmentation by using a two-step process named the AFLC-median process. This new two-step process has been specifically tailored to remove speckle noise. The first step is to use an AFLC (adaptive fuzzy leader clustering) network that has been designed to follow leader clustering using a hybrid neuro-fuzzy model developed by integrating a modified ART-1 model with fuzzy c-means (FCM). This integration provides a powerful, yet fast method for recognizing embedded data structure. In speckled imagery, AFLC is used to isolate the speckle noise pixels by segmenting the image into several clusters controlled by a vigilance parameter. Once the speckles have been identified, a median filter is used, centered on each speckle noise pixel. The resulting image, after undergoing the AFLC-median process, demonstrates a reduction in speckle noise whilst retaining sharp edges for improved segmentation.
Robotic assisted thoracic surgery for resection of an esophageal cyst.

SUMMARY. Many centers around the world are now developing robotic surgical programs. The benefit of robotics, particularly in those centers where there is already expertise with minimally invasive surgical techniques, is unclear. We present the case of a 58-year-old man presenting with an esophageal cyst. This was removed using a robotic assisted, VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) approach. The technical details of the procedure are described. Additionally, a discussion of the relative merits of using a robotic rather than a standard minimally invasive approach is discussed. In a procedure such as the case described, the critical parts of the procedure are focused within a small operative field. We believe that the articulating instrumentation and the 3-dimensional magnified view provided by the robot offers significant advantages over a standard VATS approach.
Low-voltage blue electroluminescence in GaN

Blue electroluminescence has been obtained in GaN with the energy supplied to each electron lower than the energy of the emitted photons. This antistokes emission increased with the cube of the current. An external power efficiency of 3 × 10-4was obtained. A tentative model of impact excitation by two hot electrons is proposed as the excitation mechanism. The prospects of practical applications of this phenomenon are discussed.
Estimation of Maximum Tolerated Dose for Long-Term Bioassays from Acute Lethal Dose and Structure by QSAR

A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model has been developed to estimate maximum tolerated doses (MTD) from structural features of chemicals and the corresponding oral acute lethal doses (LD50) as determined in male rats. The model is based on a set of 269 diverse chemicals which have been tested under the National Cancer Institute/National Toxicology Program (NCI/NTP) protocols. The rat oral LD50 value was the strongest predictor. Additionally, 22 structural descriptors comprising nine substructural MOLSTAC(c) keys, three molecular connectivity indices, and sigma charges on 10 molecular fragments were identified as endpoint predictors. The model explains 76% of the variance and is significant (F = 35.7) at p less than 0.0001 with a standard error of the estimate of 0.40 in the log (1/mol) units used in Hansch-type equations. Cross-validation showed that the difference between the average deleted residual square (0.179) and the model residual square (0.160) was not significant (t = 0.98).
Core fusion: accommodating software diversity in chip multiprocessors

This paper presents core fusion, a reconfigurable chip multiprocessor(CMP) architecture where groups of fundamentally independent cores can dynamically morph into a larger CPU, or they can be used as distinct processing elements, as needed at run time by applications. Core fusion gracefully accommodates software diversity and incremental parallelization in CMPs. It provides a single execution model across all configurations, requires no additional programming effort or specialized compiler support, maintains ISA compatibility, and leverages mature micro-architecture technology.
Assessing Associative Distance Among Ideas Elicited by Tests of Divergent Thinking

Tests of divergent thinking represent the most commonly used assessment of creative potential. Typically they are scored for total ideational output (fluency), ideational originality, and, sometimes, ideational flexibility. That scoring system provides little information about the underlying process and about the associations among ideas. It also does not really capture the key principle of divergent thinking, namely that ideas may be found when cognition explores new (divergent) directions. The investigation reported here used 3 independent semantic networks, each computerized and previously validated, to quantify the distance between responses (ideas) to several tests of divergent thinking. These sources were WordNet (WN), Word Associations Network (WAN), and IdeaFisher (IF). Statistical analyses indicated that remote and close associations can be reliably measured when different sources of associative strength are used. Inter-item reliability (alpha coefficients) of what these networks had identified a...
Financial Goods’ Typology and the Process of Transmutation

The recent financial crisis has brought on customary demands to reform and to rework governance regimes so that the next crisis will not be as intense or long-lived. To craft effective governance of any economic activity requires an effective yet flexible regulatory regime; to craft an effective yet flexible regulatory regime requires understanding the nature of the goods and services being transacted. This is especially true in banking and investments. The term “financial markets” is plural for a reason: diverse, complex financial goods are traded locally, regionally, internationally. These complex bundles of financial goods and services may be categorized in a variety of ways: as derivative or “cash”, service or product, simple or complex, “straight” or with embedded securities. Hybrid financial goods — like hybrid financial services firms — have become ubiquitous. In this paper, I “type” financial goods and services along two dimensions – rivalry and excludability. Through typing we can also gain understanding as to why, and how, financial products may shift from one type of good to another, a process which I term transmutation. Transmutation of financial goods arises from theoretical development in finance, new technologies, crises, and institutional change in financial firms or in government. To explicate this typology and examine transmutation, I examine two financial “products” (stock shares, and mortgage-backed securities and the mortgages which underlie them). As goods shift, or transmutate, from one type of good to another, properties rights structures change as well. While these shifts may encourage innovation and economic advance, they may also sow seeds of disaster.
Performance of conventional and X2® prosthetic knees during slope descent

Abstract Background: Individuals with transfemoral amputation often have difficulty descending sloped surfaces due to increased lower extremity range of motion and torque requirements. The X2®, a new microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee, claims to improve gait over sloped terrain. The aim of this study was to evaluate how experienced prosthesis users descended a sloped surface using the X2®, compared to a conventional knee, either mechanical (MECH) or microprocessor (MP). Methods: Descent technique and biomechanics were assessed in 21 service members with unilateral transfemoral amputation as they descended an instrumented 10° slope at a self-selected walking velocity. Findings: Use of the X2® in the MECH group resulted in greater hill assessment scores (8.5 to 11.0, P = 0.026), due primarily to decreased reliance on handrail use. The use of the X2® in the MP group increased prosthetic knee flexion to a median of 6.4° at initial contact (P = 0.002) and 73.7° in swing (P = 0.005), contributing to longer prosthetic limb steps (P = 0.024) and increased self-selected velocity (P = 0.041). Additionally, the use of the X2® in the MP group increased prosthetic limb impact peaks (11.6 N/kg, P = 0.004), improving impact peak symmetry to − 1.3% (P = 0.004). Interpretation: Decreased reliance on handrail use as MECH users descended in the X2® indicate improved function and perhaps greater confidence in the device. Additional biomechanical improvements for existing MP users suggest potential longer-term benefits with regard to intact limb health and overuse injuries.
REVIEW OF COLLAPSING SOILS

Soils which collapse (undergo large consolidation) when unusual amounts of water are added to them exist in many places around the world. Contrary to the ideas of many observers these collapsing soils derive from many different soil forming processes. Although surface collapse of 15 ft has occurred, the usual amount is considerably less. These soils are of open structure and exist in nature at less than 100% saturation. The major soil materials are silt, sand, or gravel or any of their combinations. Water in tension is the general binding material. A small amount of clay is present in many cases. Other binding agents sometimes contribute. The amount and rate of collapse is a function of grain shape, grain size, existing moisture content, kinds and amounts of clay present, void ratio, adsorbed ions, etc. Maximum collapse occurs at optimum clay content (10% in one case) and moisture content (between 13% and 39%). Most of the collapse can occur before the soil reaches 100% saturation. Estimates of the magnitude of possible collapse derived from routine tests generally are compared to field results.