cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influenza virus proteins. I. Analysis of polypeptides of the virion and identification of spike glycoproteins.

Abstract The polypeptides of influenza virions have been analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Seven polypeptides were detected in purified virions grown in three different cell types, and four of these polypeptides appear to be covalently linked with carbohydrate. Virions grown in different cell types were compared by coelectrophoresis, and host-dependent differences were detected in the electrophoretic mobility of some glycoproteins, but not of nonglycoproteins, suggesting that the carbohydrate moiety of such glycoproteins is specified by the host cell. The molecular weights of the seven proteins, estimated by coelectrophoresis with marker proteins, ranged from 83,500 to 26,500, with a total molecular weight of 380,500. Treatment of virions with the protease bromelain degraded the viral spikes resulting in particles which were bounded by a smooth-surfaced membrane, and which could be purified in a potassium tartrate gradient. Such particles were lacking three of the four glycoproteins; the four remaining viral proteins were unaltered by the enzyme. The particles devoid of spikes were noninfective, and they lacked hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activities, indicating that these properties are associated with the spike glycoproteins.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies at Temperatures Below 77° K on Iron-Sulfur Proteins of Yeast and Bovine Heart Submitochondrial Particles

Abstract After NADH addition to Candida utilis submitochondrial particles (SMP) previously incubated with piericidin A, a typical electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum (g⊥ = 1.94, g|| = 2.02) from iron-sulfur protein was obtained at 77° K. Below 30° K, additional EPR signals having peaks at g = 2.09, 2.05, 1.93, 1.89, and 1.86 were detected which are due to at least two species of iron-sulfur proteins. These temperature-sensitive signals were not observed when succinate or glycerol 1-phosphate was added to SMP. Similar signals were also found below 30° K in SMP isolated from bovine heart muscle with small differences in the g values, but they were not detected in SMP from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When the iron concentration of the culture medium for C. utilis cells was lowered, the relative intensity of the EPR signals decreased in parallel. These observations suggest that at least three different species of EPR-detectable iron-sulfur proteins are present in the NADH-dehydrogenase region of the respiratory chain, possibly arising from different parts of the same enzyme molecule.
Isolation and analysis of the yeast TEA1 gene, which encodes a zinc cluster Ty enhancer-binding protein

A genetic screen for mutants that affect the activity of internal regulatory sequences of Ty retrotransposons led to the identification of a new gene encoding a DNA-binding protein that interacts with the downstream enhancer-like region of Ty1 elements. The TEA1 (Ty enhancer activator) gene sequence predicts a protein of 86.9 kDa whose N terminus contains a zinc cluster and dimerization motif typical of the Gal4-type family of DNA-binding proteins. The C terminus encodes an acidic domain with a net negative charge of -10 and the ability to mediate transcriptional activation. Like other zinc cluster proteins, purified Tea1 was found to bind to a partially palindromic CGGNxCCG repeat motif located in the Ty1 enhancer region. The Ty1 Tea1 binding site has a spacing of 10 and is located near binding sites for the DNA-binding proteins Rap1 and Mcm1. Analysis of the phenotype of tea1 deletion mutants confirmed that the TEA1 gene is required for activation from the internal Ty1 enhancer characterized in this study and makes a modest contribution to normal Ty1 levels in the cell. Hence, Tea1, like Rap1, is a member of a small family of downstream activators in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further analysis of the Tea1 protein and its interactions may provide insight into the mechanism of downstream activation in yeast cells.
Numerical Green's Functions for Line Force and Dislocation around Multiple Cracks

The numerical Green's function technique for an inA‚Â¯nite isotropic domain with multiple cracks is developed. The singularities considered are the line force and dislocation. The Green's function is decomposed into the singular and the image terms. To obtain the image term we represent the crack opening displacement (COD) by the dislocation dipole distribution, embed the pr crack tip behavior, and integrate the resulting singular/hyper-singular integrals analytically. The re- sulting whole crack singular element (WCSE) consists of multiple independent crack opening modes and is strictly algebraic with the correct crack tip singular behavior but the magnitude for each mode is unknown. They are determined to give the negative of the crack surface traction induced by the singular term. Ex- tensive error analysis is performed for the line force and dislocation in an inA‚Â¯nite domain with a single crack to identify the region where, when these singularities are placed, the solution achieves high accuracy. Following the guideline set by the error analysis, numerical Green's functions for a few multiple crack conA‚Â¯gurations are obtained for the line force and dislocation.
Using Screen Capture Feedback to Improve Academic Performance.

Feedback is an effective instructional practice for improving achievement. The importance of feedback has been understood by teachers for many years, yet recent research has elevated its status. One characteristic of effective feedback is personalized comments, which assist students in understanding their performance. Most research analyzes the effects of written feedback. Some current studies have examined the effects of alternative delivery methods, such as audio. One new approach for creating and delivering feedback is through screen capture technology. A case study was conducted to examine the effects of this method on the academic performance of 36 undergraduate students in a teacher education course. Results showed that screen capture feedback is effective for guiding corrections on a writing assignment. Students also reported that feedback was useful for knowing what they were doing right or wrong and that they would prefer more feedback of this type.
Multivariate statistical approach to electron backscattered diffraction

This paper assesses the potential of multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) applied to electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) data. Instead of directly indexing EBSD patterns on an individual basis, this multivariate approach reduces a large (thousands) set of individual EBSD patterns into a core set of statistically derived component EBSD patterns which can be subsequently indexed. The following hypotheses are considered in this paper: (1) experimental EBSD patterns from a microstructure can be analytically treated as linear combinations of spatially simple components, (2) MSA has an angular resolution on par with standard EBSD, (3) MSA can discriminate between similar and dissimilar phases, and (4) the MSA approach can improve the effective spatial resolution of automated EBSD.
Eye and hand: Differential memory and its effect on matching

Abstract An analysis of matching tasks in terms of memory demands has two advantages: it accounts for some variations in the difficulty of matching by eye and by hand, and it suggests an analysis of “visual” and “tactual” tasks in terms that may cut across modalities. Memory for information gathered by hand appears to be less stable than for information gathered by eye, more likely to show loss when the number of comparison objects is large. As memory demands increase, accuracy declines first on any matching that starts with inspection by hand.
Probing DNA polymerase α with monoclonal antibodies

DNA polymerase alpha was purified from human KB cells by immunoaffinity chromatography. Enzyme activity was inhibited by three different monoclonal antibodies (SJK-132, SJK-211, SJK-287). Kinetic analysis showed that each antibody neutralized polymerase activity by a different mechanism. SJK-132 was competitive with DNA indicating it interacts with the DNA binding domain of the polymerase. SJK-287 showed a biphasic response to dCTP suggesting two dCTP binding sites exist on polymerase alpha. SJK-211 was non-competitive with DNA, dCTP and dATP.
1-Iminoalkylimidazoles via cuprous imidazolide

1-Iminoalkylimidazoles are obtained from the novel reaction of cuprous imidazolide with alkyl halides and nitriles. The condensation produces a new class of imidazole derivatives and the ease of the reactions suggests a reasonable scope. The compound N-(1-N-t-butylimino)ethylimidazole exhibits nematicidal activity against larvae of Meloidogyne javanica at 1 ppm.
Investigation of Amorphous-Crystalline Silicon Interface Via Capacitance Techniques

Amorphous-crystalline heterostructures composed of sub-micron thick undoped amorphous hydrogenated silicon deposited on lightly doped n-type crystalline silicon substrates have been studied by capacitance techniques. Capacitance vs. temperature scans along with model calculations on these samples are used to investigate the amorphous-crystalline silicon interface region. We deduce the existence of an anomalously defective a-Si:H region extending roughly 1000 Angstroms from the growth interface. We also deduce considerable fluctuations in the interface potential which indicate lateral variations of ±20% in the defect distritribution over a 1000 Angstrom scale.
Harnessing Conscience for the King: Charles I, the Forced Loan Sermons, and Matters of Conscience

AbstractWhen military fiascos and financial crises drove Charles I to implement the Forced Loan at the beginning of his reign, he encouraged clerics to preach obedience to his authority through the rhetoric of conscience. Robert Sibthorpe, Isaac Bargrave, Matthew Wren, and Roger Maynwaring responded to the King’s call, delivering sermons between February and July 1627 that tied disobedience to misguided conscience. Their efforts represented a larger effort to harness individual conscience and condemn the conscience rooted in individual whims rather than in the King as a moral, religious, or political anchor. However, the Forced Loan also incited those who argued that resorting to individual conscience was necessary in cases where the King’s actions violated the rule of law. As all parties exploited conscience’s efficacy as an argumentative device, conscience lost its privileged status above the secular fray and was instead made into a matter of political contention. Ironically, in manipulating conscience ...
Siderophile-element Anomalies in CK Carbonaceous Chondrites: Implications for Parent-body Aqueous Alteration and Terrestrial Weathering of Sulfides

CK chondrites constitute the most oxidized anhydrous carbonaceous chondrite group; most of the Fe occurs in magnetite and in FeO-rich mafic silicates. The two observed CK falls (Karoonda and Kobe), along with thirteen relatively unweathered CK finds, have unfractionated siderophile-element abundance patterns. In contrast, a sizable fraction of CK finds (9 of 24 investigated) shows fractionated siderophile abundance patterns including low abundances of Ni, Co, Se and Au; the most extreme depletions are in Ni (0.24 of normal CK) and Au (0.14 of normal CK). This depletion pattern has not been found in other chondrite groups. Out of the 74 CK chondrites listed in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database (2006; excluded considerably paired specimens; see http://tin.er.usgs.gov/meteor/ metbull.php) we analyzed 24 and subclassified the CK chondrites in terms of their chemical composition and sulfide mineralogy: sL (siderophiles low; six samples) for large depletions in Ni, Co, Se and Au (>50% of sulfides lost); sM (siderophiles medium; two CKs) for moderately low Ni and Co abundances (sulfides are highly altered or partly lost); sH (siderophiles high; one specimen) for enrichments in Ni, Co, Se and Au; 'normal' for unfractionated samples (13 samples). The sole sH sample may have obtained additional sulfide from impact redistribution in the parent asteroid. We infer that these elements became incorporated into sulfides after asteroidal aqueous processes oxidized nebular metal; thermal metamorphism probably also played a role in their mineral siting. The siderophile losses in the SL and sM samples are mainly the result of oxidation of pentlandite, pyrite and violarite by terrestrial alteration followed by leaching of the resulting phases. Some Antarctic CK chondrites have lost most of their sulfides but retained Ni, Co, Se and Au, presumably as insoluble weathering products.
Study of Transient Flow and Particle Transport in Continuous Steel Caster Molds: Part II. Particle Transport

Particle motion and capture in continuous steel casters were simulated using a Lagrangian trajectory-tracking approach, based on time-dependent flow fields obtained from large-eddy simulations (Part I of this article). A computation was first conducted on a water model of a full-scale standard slab caster, where measurements were available. It simulated the transport of 15,000 plastic particles and their removal by a screen positioned near the mold top surface. The computation shows the screenremoval fractions to be 27±5 pct for 0 to 10 seconds and 26±2 pct for 10 to 100 seconds, which agrees with previous measurements. The flow exiting the nozzle was relatively uniform, and turbulent motion in the domain was very chaotic, so particle removal did not depend on the initial location of particles introduced in the nozzle port. A computation of motion and capture of 40,000 small inclusions (10 and 40 µm) was then performed in an actual thin-slab steel caster. The particles moved through the mold region with an asymmetrical distribution, which was caused by transients in fluid turbulence in the lower recirculation region, rather than by inlet variations at the nozzle port. Only about 8 pct of these small particles were removed to the top surface. This removal fraction was independent of both particle size and density, likely because all the simulated particles were too small to deviate significantly from the surrounding fluid flow. Finally, the computational results were further processed to predict the ultimate distribution of impurity particles in the solid thin slab after a short burst of inclusions entered the mold. They were reprocessed to reveal the distribution of total oxygen content for a steady inclusion supply from the nozzle. The results of this work confirm the important role of flow transients in the transport and capture of particles during continuous casting and can serve as a benchmark for future simplified models.
Relation of Electrolyte Disturbances to Cardiac Arrhythmias

While a number of electrolytes play a role in the genesis of the transmembrane action potential (AP), the changes in the action potential most clearly related to arrhythmias are dependent to a large extent on K+. Potassium gradient is a major determinant of the magnitude of transmembrane resting potential (TRP), and secondarily the rate of rise (dV/dt) of phase 0, and consequently the speed of conduction. The cell membrane conductance for K+, or a decrease therein, is most likely the major determinant of spontaneous slow depolarization during phase 4. Thus K+ has a pronounced effect on both conduction and automaticity. Furthermore, these electrophysiologic properties are altered within levels of K+ encountered in clinical medicine, a situation which, with rare exceptions, is not seen with Ca++, Mg++, or Na–. These latter ions affect the action potential and induce experimental arrhythmias at concentrations which are unphysiologic and frequently incompatible with life. Consequently, of all the electrolytes...
Effect of sodium on voltage-current relationships in rat muscles.

Abstract(1) Replacement of Tris by Na in propionate solution causes depolarizations (3–10 or more than 30 mV) in rat muscles. As a result, the resting potentials are distributed in two groups, one at about −70 mV and the other at about −40 mV. Small inward or outward currents are often sufficient for the membrane potential to switch from one level to the other. The change from the low (more positive) to the high (more negative) resting potential can also be provoked by small increases in [K] and vice versa.(2) High frequency, low-amplitude oscillations are produced by gradually repolarizing the membrane at the low resting potential level. The frequency decreases (from a high 2/sec to 5/min or less) and the amplitude increases (up to 30 mV) with further repolarization. Low amplitude oscillations are sinusoidal, high amplitude oscillations resemble pacemaker potentials in other tissues.(3) The voltage-current relationship in Na propionate solutions containing 2 mM K frequently displays pronounced hysteresis...
Disturbance of vestibular function attributable to cochlear implantation in children.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To investigate the prevalence and severity of vestibular impairment in children with cochlear implant (CI) and raise the awareness of vestibular disturbance following cochlear implantation. Study Design: Cohort study in a pediatric tertiary care facility. Methods: Outcome analysis of the vestibular evaluation, including vestibule-ocular reflex (VOR), computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, from a total of 42 patients with cochlear implants. Intrasubject comparison of pre- and postcochlear implantation VEMP measurements were conducted in a group of 19 patients who were newly implanted. Results: Our review found vestibular impairment present in 60% of patients with CI, e.g., reduced gain of VOR, weakness in posture, elevation of VEMP thresholds, and decrease in VEMP amplitude. The degree of functional reduction varied from subject to subject. Pre- and postimplantation VEMP study revealed more than 80% of the subjects had a change in saccular function, indicated by VEMP measurements, regardless of the etiology of the hearing loss. Conclusions: Our study supports the potential negative impact on vestibular function caused by cochlear implantation, especially for children who receive bilateral implantation. Vestibular impairment or dysfunction after cochlear implantation is clinically significant and should be well addressed preoperatively. Vestibular evaluation such as VOR and VEMP testing can be used in screening vestibular function for children who are candidates for CI. Future improvements in design of CI electrodes and surgical technique may minimize the traumatic impact of cochlear implantation on the inner ear structures and functionality. Laryngoscope, 2009
Powered Instrumentation in the Treatment of Tracheal Granulation Tissue for Decannulation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of powered instrumentation tracheal surgery (PITS) in patients with tracheal granulation tissue following tracheostomy that caused or exacerbated airway obstruction and impeded decannulation.STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review.METHODS: Sixteen patients that accepted PITS for decannulation from tracheal granulation tissue were reviewed. The surgical procedure was performed with the assistance telescope connected to a television monitoring system. The success of PITS was defined as a decannulation for 3 months without a recurrence of airway obstruction.RESULTS: The average operation time was 34 minutes. No complication was met in the perioperative period. Fourteen cases (87.5%) were successfully decannulated within 3 days following PITS. The 2 cases that failed successful decannulation had undergone insertion of a tracheal stent for their hindered tracheal stenosis.CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results reveal that the new operation modality, PITS, is a safe and simple ...
Distinct fluctuations of ammonia levels during asparaginase therapy for childhood acute leukemia.

Background The enzyme asparaginase (L-Asp) catalyses the hydrolysis of the non-essential amino acids asparagine and glutamine to aspartic and glutamic acid and ammonia. Ammonia therefore represents a direct metabolite of the biochemical reaction induced by this enzyme. However, data regarding the dynamics and clinical relevance of ammonia levels during L-Asp therapy are lacking. Procedure We prospectively followed the dynamics of ammonia levels during L-Asp containing induction therapy according to the ALL-BFM 2000 protocol in 10 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in order to assess the possible relevance of ammonia levels for clinical practice and its use as a possible surrogate parameter of L-Asp enzyme activity. Results We observed a significant elevation of ammonia levels 1 day after intravenous L-Asp administration with ammonia levels reaching up to the seventh fold of normal values, followed by a steep decline to basal values within another 2 days, resulting in an undulating course of ammonia concentrations during L-Asp containing induction treatment. Conclusions Although there are potential neurotoxic properties of ammonia, central nervous system (CNS) toxicity has not been observed in our study and is generally not seen as a common side effect of L-Asp therapy. Furthermore, due to the characteristic fluctuation profile, ammonia levels may represent a suitable surrogate parameter of L-Asp enzyme activity and may enable the monitoring of silent inactivation of L-Asp. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:640–642. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Lead contamination of urban snow

Abstract Lead content of newly fallen snow in an urban area ranges from 34 to 56 ppb. After falling, snow may incorporate major additional amounts of lead by dry deposition of lead aerosols from local sources. The highest concentration found was 2,700 ppb. Ingestion of leadcontaminated snow might pose a health hazard to inner city children.
A set of cassettes and improved vectors for genetic and biochemical characterization of Pseudomonas genes.

Abstract A set of broad-host-range vectors allowing direct selection of recombinant DNA molecules to facilitate subcloning and expression analyses of Pseudomonas genes was constructed using Bgl II lacZ α cassette. Controlled expression vectors pVDtac39 and pVDtac24 were shown to be useful for determination of enzymatic activities encoded by the cloned DNA fragments and M r determination of the corresponding polypeptides. A set of Pseudomonas putida xylE gene cassettes truncated at the 5' end was constructed for translational (protein) fusion studies. A protein fusion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa algD gene, coding for GDPmannose dehydro-genase, and the truncated xylE gene cassette was used to verify the putative coding region and translational signals predicted from the algD nucleotide sequence.
The distribution of negative surface charges on mammalian spermatozoa.

The relative density and distribution of acidic negative residues on the plasma membranes of spermatozoa of seven mammalian species were studied using a colloidal iron hydroxide (CIH) labeling technique. The surface distribution of negative residues is discontinuous on mature spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis or on ejaculated spermatozoa of the rabbit, mongoose, rat, guinea pig and hamster. Tail regions are generally more densely labeled with CIH than head regions, indicating that sperm tails have more acidic negative charges than heads. In these species, the density of the negative surface charge is rather uniform within a particular segment of the spermatozoa and abruptly changes at the junctions to morphologically distinct segments, suggesting that the biochemical properties of the plasma membrane also change at these junctions. In bull (cauda epididymal) and human (ejaculated) spermatozoa, the entire surfaces of spermatozoa are densely labeled with CIH. Comparison of testicular, caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa of rabbit, bull and hamster suggests that the negative surface charges of spermatozoa increase with epididymal maturation of spermatozoa. A possible chemical nature of the residue(s) has been suggested from neuraminidase digestion and methylation experiments.
Knot-tying with four-piece fixtures

We present a class of fixtures that can be disassembled into four pieces to extract the loosely tied knot. We prove that a fixture can be designed for any particular knot such that the knot can be extracted using only simple pure translations of the four fixture sections. We explore some of the issues raised by our experimental work with these fixtures, which show that simple knots can be tied extremely quickly (less than half a second) and reliably (99% repeatability) using four-piece fixtures.
A NOTE ON ALGEBRAIC EQUIVALENCE OF WHITE'S TEST AND A VARIATION OF THE GODFREY/BREUSCH-PAGAN TEST FOR HETEROSCEDASTICITY

Abstract Two, recently proposed tests for heteroscedasticity are examined. Under certain conditions and a modification of one of the tests already proposed in the literature, they are found to be algebraically equivalent.
Attraction, mating, and oviposition behavior in field populations of Diaprepes abbreviatus on citrus.

In a field bioassay, significantly more male and female Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) weevils congregated on trees which had been exposed overnight to weevils of the opposite sex compared with numbers on check trees and trees exposed to weevils of the same sex. The number of weevils of the opposite sex per treated tree increased from 0900 h until midafternoon, whereas the number of weevils present on trees exposed to weevils of the same sex and on check trees remained constant (from 0900 to 1600 h). Mating and oviposition were found to be primarily diurnal and nocturnal functions, respectively. The number of mating pairs in a sample at 1400 to 1600 h was significantly greater than that in an 0900 to 1100 h sample or an 1800 to 2000 h sample of a field population. More than 80% of 10,090 eggs were oviposited between 2000 and 0600 h on foliage in a field cage.
Correlation between viral production and carbon mineralization under nitrate-reducing conditions in aquifer sediment.

A variety of microbially mediated metabolic pathways impact biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial subsurface environments. However, the role that viruses have in influencing microbial mortality and microbial community structure is poorly understood. Here we investigated the production of viruses and change in microbial community structure within shallow alluvial aquifer sediment slurries amended with 13C-labeled acetate and nitrate. Biostimulation resulted in production of viruses concurrent with acetate oxidation, 13CO2 production and nitrate reduction. Interestingly, change in viral abundance was positively correlated to acetate consumption (r2=0.6252, P<0.05) and 13CO2 production (r2=0.6572, P<0.05); whereas change in cell abundance was not correlated to acetate consumption or 13CO2 production. Viral-mediated cell lysis has implications for microbial community structure. Betaproteobacteria predominated microbial community composition (62% of paired-end reads) upon inoculation but decreased in relative abundance and was negatively correlated to changes in viral abundance (r2=0.5036, P<0.05). As members of the Betaproteobacteria decreased, Gammaproteobacteria, specifically Pseudomonas spp., increased in relative abundance (82% of paired-end reads) and was positively correlated with the change in viral abundance (r2=0.5368, P<0.05). A nitrate-reducing bacterium, Pseudomonas sp. strain Alda10, was isolated from these sediments and produced viral-like particles with a filamentous morphology that did not result in cell lysis. Together, these results indicate that viruses are linked to carbon biogeochemistry and community structure in terrestrial subsurface sediments. The subsequent cell lysis has the potential to alter available carbon pools in subsurface environments, additionally controlling microbial community structure from the bottom-up.
Intracranial mucocele as a complication of endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Endoscopic repair of an anterior cranial fossa cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula has gained widespread acceptance. We report a case of mucocele development at the site of an endoscopic CSF leak repair. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old woman underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal obstructive symptoms. The surgery was complicated by an intraoperative CSF leak from the posterior cribriform plate/anterior sphenoid, which was repaired immediately using bone and mucosa grafts. Two years postoperatively, a 13-mm anterior cranial base mass was found incidentally. This mass increased to 20 mm over the next year. INTERVENTION: The anterior cranial base mass was excised via a right frontal craniotomy and confirmed histologically to be a mucocele. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic repair of an anterior cranial base CSF fistula with mucosal grafts may lead to formation of a mucocele.
Synthetic MR Images With Enhanced Tissue Contrast By Supervised Pixel Intensity Subspace Methods

Synthetic MR images that enhance tissue related contrast are proposed and compared. They are based on a subset supervised subspace methods. Advantages and weaknesses of individual transforms are discussed, including the discriminatory power, contrast and contrast/noise of the resulting images. For example, it is shown that eigenimages can be derived in a simple way without eigenanalysis, that eigenfilter is inferior to the maximal contrast transform, and that the common weakness of both of these methods can be compensated for by a blending transform. Examples of the corresponding synthetic images are provided as well.
Insights on the OAFlux ocean surface vector wind analysis merged from scatterometers and passive microwave radiometers (1987 onward)

A high-resolution global daily analysis of ocean surface vector winds (1987 onward) was developed by the Objectively Analyzed air-sea Fluxes (OAFlux) project. This study addressed the issues related to the development of the time series through objective synthesis of 12 satellite sensors (two scatterometers and 10 passive microwave radiometers) using a least-variance linear statistical estimation. The issues include the rationale that supports the multisensor synthesis, the methodology and strategy that were developed, the challenges that were encountered, and the comparison of the synthesized daily mean fields with reference to scatterometers and atmospheric reanalyses. The synthesis was established on the bases that the low and moderate winds (<15 m s−1) constitute 98% of global daily wind fields, and they are the range of winds that are retrieved with best quality and consistency by both scatterometers and radiometers. Yet, challenges are presented in situations of synoptic weather systems due mainly to three factors: (i) the lack of radiometer retrievals in rain conditions, (ii) the inability to fill in the data voids caused by eliminating rain-flagged QuikSCAT wind vector cells, and (iii) the persistent differences between QuikSCAT and ASCAT high winds. The study showed that the daily mean surface winds can be confidently constructed from merging scatterometers with radiometers over the global oceans, except for the regions influenced by synoptic weather storms. The uncertainties in present scatterometer and radiometer observations under high winds and rain conditions lead to uncertainties in the synthesized synoptic structures.
Results of extracardiac conduit total cavopulmonary connection in 500 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This single-institution study aimed to evaluate the early to mid-term outcomes of extracardiac conduit total cavopulmonary connection (EC-TCPC).
The analogy between sunquakes and water waves

To investigate the seismic waves generated at the surface of the convection zone by a sunquake, the solar convection zone is modeled as an incompressible fluid layer of finite depth which is excited by a pressure pulse just above the solar surface. Solutions for the surface displacement ζ as a function of time are obtained by solving the linearized Euler equations for wave propagation in an inviscid, incompressible fluid. Approximate solutions are derived using the method of stationary phase and formulas are obtained for the position of the wave crests versus time and the decay of the wave amplitude versus distance. Despite the very simple nature of the model, the resulting time–distance relation is found to exhibit the correct order of magnitude when compared to the observations of the flare initiated sunquake of 9 July 1996. However, the water wave model cannot fully explain the observations because, for one thing, the distance in between successive wave crests is greater than that seen in the observations. One may conclude that the sunquake is probably composed primarily of acoustic waves, that is, p modes and not f modes.
The pattern of pteridine accumulation in eggs of Pyrrhocoris apterus

Abstract The pteridines occurring in the eggs of the bug Pyrrhocoris apterus are erythropterin, isoxanthopterin, violapterin, chrysopterin, and a new compound which appears to be a 6-substituted derivative of violapterin. The changing content of all of these compounds with development has been determined. There are no simple precursor-product relationships among them.
The kernel of the wreath product of semigroups

All wreath products, in the general sense, of two semigroups with completely simple kernels have completely simple kernels. Presented here are computational characterizations of the primitive idempotents of such a wreath and of the identities and inverses in subgroups of its kernel.
Complex trade-offs - Enablement of moore and more than moore

Through the last decade of the past century and the 1st decade of our present century, Moore's law, the observation that was made some 20 years prior, was convincingly validated year after year. From a technology perspective this evolution was largely achieved through incremental improvements in a well established technology/device architecture and materials system. While the engineering achievements required to deliver each new technology node were formidable, the excitement with the advances in technology has shifted away from the core silicon technology and more to that applications that the silicon technology enabled. As we entered the 2nd decade of the present century the engineering community encountered the often predicted physical limitations of the established materials system. Existing materials systems and technology architectures that had been the base for more than two decades no longer scale. Adding to the challenge, the roadmap forward cannot be achieved through a single reset to a new base architecture/materials system but requires significant innovation at each new technology node. The time between innovations in research, development, design solutions, and finally manufacturing must be compressed making it once again an exciting time to be involved with silicon technology development. Additionally the economics of this paradigm shift in the technology roadmap are driving changes in the adoption profile. Innovations in “More than Moore” will be required to enable scaling solutions for both power and bandwidth. This introduction will examine the complex trade-offs required to optimize the technology architecture to enable the roadmap.
Design and Synthesis of Phospholipase C and A2-Activatable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Smart Probes

The primary focus of this work was to develop activatable probes suitable for in vivo detection of phospholipase activity. Phospholipases (PLs) are ubiquitous enzymes that perform a number of critical regulatory functions. They catalyze phospholipid breakdown and are categorized as A(1), A(2) (PLA(2)), C (PLC), and D (PLD) based on their site of action. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of self-quenching reporter probes that release fluorescent moieties upon cleavage with PLA(2) or PLC. A series of phospholipids were synthesized bearing the NIR fluorophore pyropheophorbide a (Pyro) at the sn-2 position. Fluorescence quenching was achieved by attachment of either a positively charged black hole quencher-3 (BHQ-3) to the phospholipid headgroup or another neutral Pyro moiety at the sn-1 position. The specificity to different phospholipases was modulated by insertion of spacers (C(6), C(12)) between Pyro and the lipid backbone. The specificity of the quenched fluorescent phospholipids was assayed on a plate reader against a number of phospholipases and compared with two commercial probes bearing the visible fluorophore BODIPY. While PyroC(6)-PyroC(6)-PtdCho revealed significant background fluorescence, and a 10% fluorescence increase under the action of PLA(2), Pyro-PtdEtn-BHQ demonstrated high selective sensitivity to PLC, particularly to the PC-PLC isoform, and its sensitivity to PLA(2) was negligible due to steric hindrance at the sn-2 position. In contrast, the C(12)-spacered PyroC(12)-PtdEtn-BHQ demonstrated a remarkable selectivity for PLA(2) and the best relative PLA(2)/PLC sensitivity, significantly outperforming previously known probes. These results open an avenue for future in vivo experiments and for new probes to detect PL activity.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment of unruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States

Abstract Purpose Previous studies have found increased mortality in minority patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The goal of this study was to identify racial and ethnic disparities in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Materials and methods We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005–2009) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for repair of unruptured thoracoabdominal aneurysms. The primary outcome was death. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. We performed multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, comorbidities (Charlson index), insurance type, and surgeon and hospital operative volumes and characteristics. Results Overall, 1541 white, 207 black, and 117 Hispanic patients underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. White patients tended to be older ( P = 0.003), whereas black patients had a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus ( P = 0.04). Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to have an elective admission ( P P = 0.04). Postoperative complications were similar among the groups ( P = 0.31). On multivariate analysis, increased mortality was independently associated with Hispanic ethnicity (relative ratio [RR], 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–5.25; P = 0.01), cerebrovascular disease (RR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.10–3.23; P = 0.02), and age (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07; P = 0.004). Conclusions Hispanic ethnicity is independently associated with increased mortality after repair of unruptured thoracoabdominal aneurysms. This finding was independent of preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, and surgeon and hospital operative volumes. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this mortality difference persists after the index hospitalization.
Chiral amplification based on enantioselective dual-phase distribution of a scalemic bisoxazolidine catalyst.

A readily available bisoxazolidine ligand was found to catalyze the asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes with Et2Zn and less reactive Me2Zn, providing high yields and ee's in both reactions. The bisoxazolidine-catalyzed alkylations and alkynylation of benzaldehyde show a positive nonlinear effect that cannot be accounted for by Kagan's MLn model. The chiral amplification originates from selective phase distribution favoring enrichment of the major enantiomer of the scalemic catalyst in solution.
Hot-hand effects in sports and a recursive method of computing probabilities for streaks

We give a recursive method of computing probabilities associated with the waiting time to the first occurrence of a run of arbitrary length in Markovian trials of a general order. Using data from the Oakland Athletics' 2002 season as an example, we show that the assumed model order can make a large difference in computed probabilities. The algorithm is then applied to the computation of probabilities associated with strikes and nonstrikes in bowling. After showing that there is significant deviation from a model of Bernoulli trials for data from the 2003-2004 Professional Bowlers Association tour, we suggest a criterion based on the longest success run for choosing the order of Markovian dependence that gives the best fit to the streakiness characteristics of an individual bowler's data.
Flame measurements utilizing Raman scattering

Abstract A number-density measurement of several postflame species and a temperature profile were obtained in a 0.1-atm methane-air flame utilizing Raman scattering data. Similar flame measurements utilizing thermocouples and microprobe/mass-spectrometer methods are also presented. Good experimental agreement was evident between the scattering measurements and the probe results, which indicated that accurate, non-perturbing spectroscopic data can be obtained in combustion environments. The application of Raman scattering to a research furnace and a magnetohydrodynamic combustor exit environment are also briefly discussed.
Interventional or surgical management of iatrogenic ostial coronary dissections.

Results 6 cases happened at our institution (4 on interventional and 2 on diagnostic procedures) and 1 was urgently transferred from a secondary center without on site surgery following coronary intervention. Of 7 cases, 2 happened with radial approach and 5 with femoral. Ostial LM was dissected in 4 cases and RCA in 3. Aortic propagation less than 2.5 cm was seen in 2 pts. Five patients underwent interventional revascularization and 2 surgical (1 was stable (RCA) and 1 unstable (LM)). All 5 interventions were successful with prolonged hospital stay and uneventful f-up. Surgical intervention on RCA dissection was successful with uneventful f-up, patient with LM dissection underwent rescue surgery with double SV grafting, but died however at 4 postoperative day of intractable heart failure due to large myocardial infarction. Of 4 LM dissections, 2 were treated with 1 ostial stent, one with 2 sequential stents, and one with 2 stents in LM (culotte stenting). Two RCAs was stented with 1 stent, and one needed 3 stents to seal and prevent further aorto-ostial propagation. Conclusions Interventional treatment of IOCD dissection is feasible requiring skills and experienced team work. Surgical treatment is good alternative if delivered immediately and if basic hemodynamics could be maintained up to the operation theater.
Mll partial tandem duplication induces aberrant Hox expression in vivo via specific epigenetic alterations

We previously identified a rearrangement of mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene (also known as ALL-1, HRX, and HTRX1), consisting of an in-frame partial tandem duplication (PTD) of exons 5 through 11 in the absence of a partner gene, occurring in approximately 4%-7% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and normal cytogenetics, and associated with a poor prognosis. The mechanism by which the MLL PTD contributes to aberrant hematopoiesis and/or leukemia is unknown. To examine this, we generated a mouse knockin model in which exons 5 through 11 of the murine Mll gene were targeted to intron 4 of the endogenous Mll locus. Mll(PTD/WT) mice exhibit an alteration in the boundaries of normal homeobox (Hox) gene expression during embryogenesis, resulting in axial skeletal defects and increased numbers of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Mll(PTD/WT) mice overexpress Hoxa7, Hoxa9, and Hoxa10 in spleen, BM, and blood. An increase in histone H3/H4 acetylation and histone H3 lysine 4 (Lys4) methylation within the Hoxa7 and Hoxa9 promoters provides an epigenetic mechanism by which this overexpression occurs in vivo and an etiologic role for MLL PTD gain of function in the genesis of AML.
Effect of Inclination on Freezing in a Sealed Cylindrical Capsule

Experiments were performed to study the heat transfer processes that occur during freezing inside of a sealed cylindrical capsule when the inclination of the capsule is varied parametrically from vertical to horizontal. The phase-change medium was 99 percent pure n-eicosane paraffin. It was found that the amount of mass that solidified during a given freezing period was insensitive to the inclination of the capsule, as was the amount of energy extracted from the capsule. Only highly localized quantities such as the local frozen layer thickness reflected the inclination of the cylinder. Parametric variations were also performed for the degree of subcooling of the capsule wall below the fusion temperature and for the degree of superheating of the liquid phase at the onset of freezing. These variations facilitated the identification of the relative importance of the latent and sensible energies to the total extracted energy.
Conversational sales assistant for online shopping

Websites of businesses should accommodate both customer needs and business requirements. Traditional menu-driven navigation and key word search do not allow users to describe their intentions precisely. We have developed a conversational interface to online shopping that provides convenient, personalized access to information using natural language dialog. User studies show significantly reduced length of interactions in terms of time and number of clicks in finding products. The core dialog engine is easily adaptable to other domains.
Modification of the duration of action and pharmacodynamics of arecoline by tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide.

Abstract Tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide (ISO-OMPA) pretreatment in the mouse was examined for its ability to prolong the time course of arecoline (ARE) concentration using brain ARE concentration as an index. Brain ARE levels were also correlated with acetylcholine (ACh) and choline concentrations. Pretreatment with 40 mg kg − ISO-OMPA increased ARE brain concentrations from 3 nmoles g − to 76 nmoles g − 15 min after i.p. administration of 25 mg kg −1 ARE. ARE (25 mg kg −1 ) alone significantly increased brain ACh and choline levels. In time course studies, administration of ARE (15 mg kg −1 ) produced a peak brain level of 7.9 nmoles g −1 at 3 min. ISO-OMPA pretreatment increased the peak level of ARE to 46.5 nmoles g −1 and the peak time to 7–15 min. The time of maximum brain elevation of ACh and choline produced by ARE alone lagged slightly behind the peak level time observed for ARE. ARE alone produced a maximal increase in ACh and choline levels to 34.1 and 57.1 nmoles g −1 , respectively. In the presence of ISO-OMPA, ARE further increased ACh and choline levels to 48.2 and 103 nmoles g −1 respectively. After i.p. administration the highest concentration of ARE was found in the cortex, followed by the subcortex, and cerebellum. A significant elevation of ACh was observed in the cortex.
Daily data collection of sexual and other health‐related behaviors

Is daily data collection of sexual and other health‐related behaviors reactive? This question was examined by exploring trends in daily reports of sexual intercourse, condom use, drinking, smoking, and vegetable and fruit consumption over a 2‐month period. The trends were examined for evidence of fatigue effects and socially desirable responding. The effects of data collection method and gender were also examined. Results from a hierarchical linear modeling analysis showed a significant trend toward decreased reporting of drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse, but no significant trends in fruit and vegetable consumption or condom use. These patterns are not consistent with fatigue effects or socially desirable responding. The results are discussed in relation to choosing data collection methods that minimize error.