cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Folding of the epiglottis – an unusual complication to be recognized after laryngoscopic endotracheal intubation

We report a case of folding of the epiglottis during endotracheal intubation, an unusual complication of intubation. A 36-year-old female patient underwent laryngeal microsurgery for a vocal polyp. Following anesthesia induction, an endotracheal tube (ID = 6.0 mm, cuffed) was advanced through an intubating laryngoscope via the oropharyngeal route. At the beginning of the surgery, the otolaryngologist noted that the patient's epiglottis was folded under the view of the surgical laryngoscopy. The endotracheal tube was adjusted immediately by withdrawing it 0.5 cm with the cuff deflated. Slight edema of the upper ridge of the epiglottis was noted. There were no sequelae such as laryngeal spasm or vocal cord palsy after the surgery. The "peardrop" phenomenon is suggested as a possible cause of this event. Potential adverse outcomes of this unusual occurrence are reviewed.
Formaldehyde-protein conjugate-specific antibodies in rats exposed to formaldehyde.

A large human population is exposed to formaldehyde (FA) environmentally and occupationally, leading to a variety of respiratory and dermatological disturbances. FA covalently binds with proteins to form FA–protein conjugates, which might lead to the formation of FA-specific antibodies. The focus of this investigation was to study the formation of antibodies against FA–protein conjugates in rats for their possible use as biological markers of FA exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed FA via drinking water (1.6 mg/ml) for up to 6 mo. Blood was collected at 3 and 6 mo following FA exposure, and formation of anti-FA–albumin adduct (anti-FAA) antibodies measured in the serum samples (1:100 dilution) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using synthesized rat albumin conjugates of FA as the solid-phase antigen. Sera from FA-treated rats showed induction of antibodies to FAA in 50% of the animals at both 3 and 6 mo, and the antibody titer was higher at 6 mo, suggesting a greater antibody response...
Synchronization with eventcounts and sequencers

Synchronization of concurrent processes requires controlling the relative ordering of events in the processes. A new synchronization mechanism is proposed, using abstract objects called eventcounts and sequencers, that allows processes to control the ordering of events directly, rather than using mutual exclusion to protect manipulations of shared variables that control ordering of events. Direct control of ordering seems to simplify correctness arguments and also simplifies implementation in distributed systems. The mechanism is defined formally, and then several examples of its use are given. The relationship of the mechanism to protection mechanisms in the system is explained; in particular, eventcounts are shown to be applicable to situations where confinement of information matters. An implementation of eventcounts and sequencers in a system with shared memory is described.
The Anthropocentric Predicament and the Search for Extra‐terrestrial Intelligence (The Universe as Seen Through Our Eyes Darkly)

Concepts from evolutionary biology are conjoined with a Kantian- and Nietzschian-based critique to demonstrate that our human concepts and perspectives are hopelessly ‘earthbound.’ Unless the caprice of evolutionary biology on some Earth-like planet replicates the evolutionary history of Earth, we shall not recognise alien intelligence. To suggest that another planet is likely to produce a recognisable intelligence because its evolutionary history is similar to ours is simply absurd, but will seem absurd only to those with a knowledge of bio-evolution, an understanding of our linguistic and syntactical abilities, and concepts of space, time, and causality. This conclusion may appear heavy-handed, even pedestrian. However, a closer scrutiny reveals that it is the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence which is naive.
A mathematical model and heuristic procedure to schedule printed circuit packs on sequencers

This paper considers the NP-hard problem of scheduling printed circuit packs (PCPs) on sequencers to minimize the total number of changeovers of input tapes required to produce PCPs. A mathematical model for this problem is given. However, when the size of the problem increases, the model will not be computationally feasible. An effective and fast heuristic to solve this problem is presented. The heuristic has shown its effectiveness over two previous heuristics found in the literature. It has been tested on a problem with 45 PCPs, two sequencers, each with seven dispensing heads, and a total of 20 input tape types. Comparison results showed that the heuristic reduced the total number of changeovers by 34% and 23% over previous heuristics. In addition, the proposed heuristic provided balanced workload across available sequencers. To investigate the efficiency of our heuristic further, we tested it against data sets from the literature. The proposed heuristic performs reasonably well compared with the repo...
On finitely deforming rigid-plastic materials

Abstract In the context of a Lagrangian strain-space formulation of finitely deforming elastic-plastic materials, a theory of rigid-plastic materials is first derived as a limiting case. Hardening, softening, and perfectly plastic responses are discussed. Consequences of a physically plausible work assumption are examined, and special classes of materials are studied. An a priori theory of finitely deforming rigid-plastic materials is then proposed.
Formation and circulation of dense water in the Persian/Arabian Gulf

[1] The nature and circulation of water masses in the Persian/Arabian Gulf (hereinafter referred to as the Gulf) is investigated by examination of a historic database of hydrographic observations. The densest water forms in winter at the northern end of the Gulf rather than along the warmer southern and western coasts. With the exception of small amounts of water directly above the seafloor, most water flowing out of the Gulf mixes across a density front that separates Gulf Deep Water within the Gulf from the Indian Ocean Surface Water (IOSW). Contrary to previous inferences, the seasonally variable incursion of IOSW into the Gulf peaks in late spring. This timing may be due to seasonal changes in sea surface slope driven by variations in evaporation rate. In order to explain mooring results published elsewhere that show relatively small seasonal changes in the volume flux through the Strait of Hormuz (hereinafter referred to as the Strait), we suggest that this flux is driven by the difference between the density of Gulf Deep Water in the interior of the basin and water at comparable depths outside the Gulf. This density difference varies less than 15% during the year. High rates of vertical mixing in the Strait extend about 200 km westward in response to topographic constriction of tidal flows by islands and shoals.
Dietary Fat and Nitrogen Composition of Milk from Lactating Cows

Abstract Effects of dietary fat on milk composition, particularly milk N, were evaluated in lactating dairy cows at two stages of lactation. Complete mixed diets containing 0, 3.5, or 7% of the diet DM as animal fat were fed to 12 cows in a 3×3 Latin square. Cows were divided into two status categories based on stage of lactation resulting in two squares of early and two of late lactation cows. Percentages of fat, solids, lactose, and protein were decreased and ash increased in the milk of cows fed the 7% fat diet. Percent of casein N was elevated while nonprotein N was depressed by fat fed in diet. Percentage of solids and protein was higher and lactose lower for cows in late lactation than for those in early lactation. Dietary fat reduced the proportion of short-chain fatty acids in milk fat and increased C 18:0 and C 18:1 fatty acids. Digestibility of DM, energy, and fiber was not significantly affected by dietary fat, but estimates decreased with increased dietary fat. Cows in late lactation had a higher digestibility of dietary fractions than early lactation cows even though intakes of DM were similar.
DIFFERENCES IN THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL SMOKING ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN AND WHITE MOTHERS. † 1688

We used the Marion County, Indianapolis, IN data on singleton live births for the years 1988-1994 (N=94,683) to compare the effects of cigarette smoking during pregnancy on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among African American and White mothers. Data was analyzed using stratified chi-squared and logistic regression analysis. Prevalence of smoking was higher among White mothers (28.4%, 95% C.I., 28.1-28.8) as compared with African American mothers(20.8%, 95% C.I., 20.3-21.3); White mothers were also more likely to smoke heavily. We used logistic regression to estimate the effects of smoking on adverse pregnancy outcomes while controlling for the effects of maternal age, education, marital status, prenatal care, WIC participation, parity, birth order, and drug use. Logistic models (Table) showed that both African American and White mothers who smoked had an increased risk of very low birth weight (VLBW, <1.5kg) and intermediate low birth weight(MLBW, 1.5-2.5kg). For both African American and White mothers, the risk of MLBW increased with increasing amounts of smoking. However, for MLBW, the effect of smoking was significantly less for African American compared to White mothers. African American mothers who smoked had an increased risk of VLBW only if they smoked more than 10 cigarettes/day. White mothers who smoked had an increased risk of VLBW; however, there was no evidence of an increased risk of VLBW with increasing amounts of smoking. We conclude that the dose response curve of maternal smoking on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes depends both on the race of the mother and on the outcome studied. (NS = not significant)
The origin of the ballistic pendulum: The claims of Jacques Cassini (1677–1756) and Benjamin Robins (1707–1751)

Abstract After describing Robins' ballistic pendulum in general an outline is presented of the contributions to the elementary theory of the impact of translating point masses between the time of Marcus Marci (b.1595) and Christopher Wren (1632–1723). The specific work of Christian Huygens (1629–1695) especially, is described for relevant theory of the compound pendulum. A brief outline of the early lives of Robins and Cassini is given leading to an account of how the latter came to be involved, probably being the first scientist recorded as using a ballistic pendulum. The author's search for a written account of Cassini's work, in French, was located in the Procesverbaux—the original hand-written record of scientific work as reported to the French Academy—for 1707. An abridgment of the reports was subsequently printed in the Philosophical History and Memoirs of the Academy and the latter eventually rendered into English by Ephraim Chambers (with Professor John Martyn as a co-author) in 1742. The latter may be contrasted with Benjamin Robins' own account of his pendulum design, use and experiments as given in his book, New Principles of Gunnery, published in 1742. Some reference to Euler's reception and reaction to the latter is noticed. Seemingly, Robins was not aware of Cassini's work and in any case used the pendulum to great and, different, purposes. As far as the author is aware no paper or publication, and but one book—and that minimally—in English has ever noticed or assessed the claim of Cassini to a share in the invention of the ballistic pendulum. The purpose of this paper is less to establish a priority than to put on record a truer account of the origins of the ballistic pendulum. (Ballistics: from the Greek βαλλeiv, to throw, and pertaining to the throwing of projectiles.) Several useful Notes about people, apparatus and events, are appended for improving understanding of the background of the times in which Cassini and Robins lived.
The role of biomaterials in burn treatment.

Burns are among the most challenging injuries to manage. Although the great advances in treatment that have been made have arguably been sufficient to address the related medical challenges of the past century, modern society now faces even greater difficulties. These are caused predominantly by increase in population and lifespan, which frequently are not matched by an increased effectiveness in the maintenance of health and quality of life.
BIPOLAR CONTROL IN FIXED INTERFOOD INTERVALS

The ability of stimuli correlated with successive periods in a fixed interfood interval to support a response that produced or removed them was examined using pigeons. The degree to which those correlated stimuli elicited directed key pecks was also obtained. Stimuli early in the interval functioned as negative reinforcers, and stimuli late in the interval functioned as positive reinforcers. Stimuli correlated with successively later portions of the second half of the interval supported successively higher rates of elicited pecking and, with the exception of the final stimulus, supported successively higher rates of stimulus production. Stimuli in successively earlier portions of the first half of the interval supported successively higher rates of correlated-stimulus removal. This effect occurred in spite of the addition of a conjoint variable-interval dependency for food. An ogive fit to the mean normalized response distributions resulted in r2s demonstrating that most of the variance in the temporal organization of the behavior was accounted for. The findings were taken to indicate that fixed interfood intervals establish bipolar control.
Synthesis of the spirastrellolide A trioxadispiroketal.

The core trioxadispiroketal system representing C26−C40 of spirastrellolide A was assembled using a sequenced double-intramolecular hetero-Michael addition process.
A study of interstate motor carrier vehicle miles of travel

Abstract This article summarizes the evaluation results of six data sources in terms of their ability to estimate the number of commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce and their vehicle miles of travel by carrier type and by state. The six data sources were: (a) Truck Inventory and Use Survey of the U.S. Bureau of the Census; (b) Nationwide Truck Activity and Commodity Survey of the U.S. Bureau of the Census; (c) National Truck Trip Information Survey of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute; (d) Highway Performance Monitoring System of the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation; (e) International Registration Plan of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators; and (f) State fuel tax reports from each individual state and the International Fuel Tax Agreement. Evaluation results concluded that none of the data sources by themselves were capable of providing reliable estimates at the state level. Although several attempts were made to combine the strengths of different data sources so that reliable estimates could be generated, none of them were successful. Data inconsistency and incompatibility contributed primarily to the failures. Although several of the six data sources by themselves could provide estimates at the national level, each had limitations. As a result of these findings, two cost-effective methodologies were proposed to estimate the number of commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce and their vehicle miles of travel by carrier type. Neither method required collecting additional data.
The human ecosystem Part I: The human ecosystem as an organizing concept in ecosystem management

The organization and description of a comprehensive ecosystem model useful to ecosystem management is necessary. In this article, we propose the human ecosystem as an organizing concept for ecosystem management. First, we describe the history of the human ecosystem idea; both biological ecology and mainstream social theories provide useful guidance. Next, we present the key elements of a human ecosystem model: critical resources (natural, socioeconomic, and cultural), social institutions, social cycles, and social order (identities, norms, and hierarchies). In each element, we (1) provide a general definition and description, (2) suggest ways that the variable can be measured, and (3) give selected examples of how it may influence other components of the human ecosystem. The article concludes with specific suggestions as to how the human ecosystem model can play an organizing role in ecosystem management.
Outpatient patterns of care and longitudinal intensity of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected drug users.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association of drug users' outpatient patterns of care with subsequent intensity of antiretroviral therapy (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS Annual types of ART in 8897 New York State Medicaid drug users who were prescribed ART for > or =6 months in 1996 or 1997 were determined. From pharmacy claims, intensity was classified from changes in annual type of ART in 1996 to 97 and 1997 to 98 as: optimal (ie, on or starting highly active ART [HAART]), acceptable (ie, on or starting 2+ non-HAART drugs), or suboptimal (ie, none, <6 months, one drug, or change from HAART to non-HAART). In both 1996 and 1997, outpatient pattern of care was defined including regular medical care, regular drug treatment, both, and neither and categories of visits for HIV-focused care. Predictors of adequate ART intensity were examined among the group with suboptimal or adequate intensity (model 1) and predictors of optimal ART intensity among the group with adequate or optimal intensity (model 2). RESULTS The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of acceptable ART intensity in model 1 were increased for those with HIV-focused care (AOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.6, 3.3 for 4+ visits 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5, 1.9 for 1-3 visits) or regular medical care (AOR, 1.2 [1.1, 1.4]. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of optimal intensity in model 2 were increased for those with regular substance abuse care with (AOR, 1.4 [1.2, 1.7]) or without (AOR, 1.2 [1.1, 1.4]) regular medical care whereas HIV-focused visits had no effect. CONCLUSION Care from an HIV-focused provider was predictive of a drug user receiving at least adequate intensity of ART for more than 2 years whereas regular drug abuse treatment, especially with regular medical care, was associated with optimal intensity of ART.
Non-destructive Evaluation of Composite Repairs by Using Infrared Thermography

Composite structures are found in modern aircraft designs ranging from air transport to general aviation. Maintenance repair technology varies for each original equipment manufacturer and aircraft type. This research reports on two different composite repair methods commonly used within the composite aviation industry and how they compare when inspected with transient infrared thermography non-destructive evaluation technique. Composite sandwich test coupons made with carbon fiber laminate, nomex honeycomb, and glass fiber laminate were used for this work. Impact damages were generated in the sandwich test coupons and repairs were conducted by following repair procedures of two leading general aviation composite aircraft manufactures. During the repair process, controlled flaws were also induced to simulate bad repairs with weak bond areas, disbonds, and excessive porosity. During transient infrared thermography, several patches were identified that contained wrinkles, porosity, and disbond defects in the...
Application of Multidimensional Gas Chromatography to Analysis for Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Airborne Particulate Matter

Abstract Multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC) in combination with simplified sample handling and detection procedures was evaluated for the determination of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) in particulate matter. Extraction was carried out by sonication. The extract was cleaned up using a short Florisil column, filtered, concentrated, and injected by means of a capillary on-column injector. Heart-cuts taken from the front column were focused on the back column, which was equipped with parallel detectors (flame ionization detector (FID) and nitrogen selective detector (NSD)). Unambiguous identification of chromatographic peaks from the combined information on front and back column retention times and the NSD/FID peak response ratios was demonstrated in the case of 1-nitropyrene. The limit of detection for 1-nitropyrene at 2 x noise was calculated to be 36 picograms under the NSD/FID splitter ratio employed in this study. The recovery of 1-nitropyrene in a National Bureau of Stan...
The Flipped Classroom in Counselor Education.

The flipped classroom is proposed as an effective instructional approach in counselor education. An overview of the flipped-classroom approach, including advantages and disadvantages, is provided. A case example illustrates how the flipped classroom can be applied in counselor education. Recommendations for implementing or researching flipped classrooms are shared.
HTLV-1 Rex is required for viral spread and persistence in vivo but is dispensable for cellular immortalization in vitro

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with leukemia/lymphoma and neurologic disorders. Although the viral transcriptional activator Tax is the critical viral oncoprotein, Rex, which regulates the expression of the viral structural and enzymatic genes, is essential for efficient viral replication. Herein, we investigate the contribution of Rex in HTLV-1 immortalization of primary T cells in vitro and viral survival in an infectious rabbit animal model. A Rex-deficient HTLV-1 (HTLVRex-) was constructed and characterized for viral gene expression, protein production, and immortalization capacity. Cells transiently transfected with the HTLVRex- proviral clone produced low detectable levels of p19 Gag. 729HTLVRex- stable transfectants produced functional Tax, but undetectable levels of Rex or p19 Gag. Coculture of irradiated 729HTLVRex- cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) resulted in sustained interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent growth of primary T lymphocytes. These cells carried the HTLVRex- genome and expressed tax/rex mRNA but produced no detectable Rex or p19 Gag. Rabbits inoculated with irradiated 729HTLVRex- cells or 729HTLVRex- cells transiently transfected with a Rex cDNA expression plasmid failed to become persistently infected or mount a detectable antibody response to the viral gene products. Together, our results provide the first direct evidence that Rex and its function to modulate viral gene expression and virion production is not required for in vitro immortalization by HTLV-1. However, Rex is critical for efficient infection of cells and persistence in vivo.
Non-linear rotor bearing behavior

Abstract The stability of rotor bearing systems is analyzed. It is demonstrated that non-linear descriptions of the expressions for the lubricating fluid forces are required in order to obtain results which agree with experimental observations. This leads to a better understanding of the oil whip phenomenon than currently exists. The method of analysis is a new variation of the classical slowly varying parameter method.
Cholesterol management in high-risk patients without heart disease

PREVIEWThe benefits of aggressive cholesterol-lowering drug therapy are well established in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and other atherosclerotic disorders. But what about high-risk patients without clinical CHD? When is primary prevention appropriate for them? In this article, Dr Grundy discusses selection of high-risk patients for treatment and outlines therapeutic goals and drug options.
Computer-oriented synthesis of wide-band non-uniform negative resistance amplifiers

This paper presents a synthesis procedure which provides design values for broad-band amplifiers using non-uniform negative resistance devices. Employing a weighted least squares optimization scheme, the technique, based on an extension of procedures for uniform negative resistance devices, is capable of providing designs for a variety of matching network topologies. It also provides, for the first time, quantitative results for predicting the effects of parameter element variations on overall amplifier performance. The technique is also unique in that it employs exact partial derivatives for optimization and sensitivity computation. In comparison with conventional procedures, significantly improved broad-band designs are shown to result.
INFINITE CYLINDER IN A UNIFORM SINUSOIDAL FIELD (COMPARISON OF RESULTS, PROBLEM 2)

Problem 2 of the International Workshop for Eddy Current Code Comparison is a hollow cylinder with its axis perpendicular to a uniform sinuosoidal field. A total of 10 solutions, employing 9 different computer codes, are described and compared with analytic results. Most codes were 2‐D finite element and were found to give satisfactory solutions.
Some asymptotic properties of an estimate of the survival function under dependence conditions

Abstract Let X1, X2,…, Xn be p-dimensional random vectors coming from a strictly stationary sequence which is also subject to any one of the four standard kinds of mixing. The survival function F is defined by F (x) = P(X > x), where X is distributed as the X's above and the inequality X > x is to be interpreted coordinatewise. A natural estimate, F n(x), for F (x) is proposed and, under suitable conditions, the asymptotic normality of n 1 2 [ F n (x) − F (x)] is established. The asymptotic behavior of the variance of F n(x) and that of the covariance of F (x), F n(y) are also studied. Finally, it is indicated how the asymptotic normality obtained here may be used in proving asymptotic normality for a suitable version of an estimate of the hazard rate function.
Residency Training in Handoffs: a Survey of Program Directors in Psychiatry

The purpose of this study was to investigate how psychiatry programs are addressing the new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training requirements regarding transitions in patient care effective July 1, 2011. An anonymous online survey was distributed to program directors of general psychiatry residencies within the USA. Survey questions pertaining to the 2011 ACGME handoff requirements focused on training modalities, assessment of competence, and oversight of appropriate handoff procedures. In addition, program directors were asked to share specific challenges in implementing the new handoff regulations as well as their view on how the new regulations would impact patient care. Of the 177 recipients, 108 completed at least part of the survey (61 % response rate). Only 11.4 % of programs indicated that they did not need to make any changes to their program in order to meet the new guidelines. Approximately a third of survey respondents reported that they did not yet have a formal curriculum in handoffs (32.4 %) and/or did not specifically assess competence at handoffs (30.5 %). Program directors cited the challenge of working with a variety of clinical settings with unique cultures, infrastructure, and policies and procedures and suggested that implementation and ownership of handoff training and assessment should be at the level of the clinical services. Despite these challenges, most program directors agreed that the new ACGME requirements would improve patient care and safety. The high frequency of programs without established handoff curricula or competence evaluations highlights the potential value of published resources and tools to provide standardized training and assessment in handoffs. The results also underscore the importance of developing training and assessment in close collaboration with the clinical services and recognizing the need to tailor handoff communications to address the types of transitions that occur within each clinical setting.
A two-stage empirical Bayes method for identifying differentially expressed genes

Due to the high dimensionality of microarray gene expression data and complicated correlations in gene expression levels, statistical methods for analyzing these data often are computationally intensive, requiring special expertise for their implementation. Biologists without such expertise will benefit from a computationally efficient and easy-to-implement analytic method. In this article, we develop such a method: a two-stage empirical Bayes method for identifying differentially expressed genes. We use a special technique to reduce the dimension of the parameter space in the preliminary stage, and construct a Bayesian model in the second stage. The computation of our method is efficient and requires little calibration for real microarray gene expression data. Specifically, we employ statistical tools, including the empirical Bayes estimation and a distribution approximation approach, to speed up computation and at the same time to preserve precision. We develop a score for evaluating the magnitude of the overall differential gene expression levels based on our Bayesian model, and declare differential expression according to the posterior probabilities that their scores exceed some threshold value. The number of declarations is determined by a false discovery rate procedure.
Nitric oxide/cGMP-induced inhibition of calcium and chloride currents in retinal pericytes.

In the CNS, contractile pericytes positioned on endothelium-lined lumens appear to play a role in regulating capillary blood flow. This function may be particularly important in the retina where pericytes are more numerous than in other tissues. Despite the importance of pericytes, knowledge of the effects of vasoactive molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), on the physiology of these cells is limited. Since it is likely that ion channels play a role in the response of pericytes to signaling molecules from other cells, we used the perforated-patch configuration of the patch-clamp technique to record the whole-cell currents of pericytes located on microvessels freshly isolated from the rat retina. We found that voltage-gated calcium currents and calcium-activated chloride currents were inhibited during exposure to the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). 8-Bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) mimicked these effects. In contrast, neither SNP nor the cGMP analog significantly affected the potassium or nonspecific cation conductances, which establish the resting membrane potential of retinal pericytes. Consistent with endogenous NO suppressing pericyte channel activity, exposure of isolated microvessels to an inhibitor of NO synthase increased the calcium and chloride currents. Since our experiments indicate that chloride channel activity is dependent, in part, upon the function of voltage-gated calcium channels, we postulate that a NO/cGMP-mediated inhibition of calcium channels reduces calcium influx and, thereby, lessens the opening of the calcium-activated chloride channels. This may be one mechanism by which NO decreases the contractile tone of pericytes.
Default and Recovery Rates of Sovereign Bonds: A Case Study of the Argentine Crisis

Uncertainty about the expected recovery value is a main caveat when pricing credit-contingent claims in reduced-form models. This article introduces an empirical model of the bond price that allows the simultaneous estimation of both default intensity parameters and recovery rates. The model addresses some peculiarities of risky sovereign debt. Although under distress sovereign bond prices do not necessarily converge to par at maturity, recent experience from coercive restructurings shows that recovery is comprised mostly of an equal compensation to all bondholders. A parsimonious model with these features is applied to a case study of the Argentine debt crisis of 2000–2002. The resulting recovery value estimated from Argentine global bonds starts out above 50% and falls to 25% after default. The arrival of a USD 40 billion aid package arranged by the IMF appears to raise the recovery ratio while leaving the implied default parameters mostly unaffected. This provides evidence that bond investors did not believe in this cure.
Tannin and Protein in the Diet of a Food-Hoarding Granivore, the Western Scrub-Jay

Plant tannins are known to impede vertebrate protein digestion. The severity of their impact on vertebrates, particularly birds, may be a function of the relative presence of lipids and proteins (or individual amino acids) in the diet. We examined the effects on six captive Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) of dietary lipids and proteins in artificial diets that varied in tannin activity. Tannin variation in the artificial diets was within the range of concentrations in Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) acorns, an important winter food. Jays lost mass on low-protein diets and lost the most mass on low-protein, high-tannin diets. A significant protein-tannin interaction existed such that tannin effects were eliminated in high-protein diets. No significant changes in weight were associated with any lipid treatments.
Unbiased station grid for study of the kinetic energy balance of the atmosphere

For the past several years observational studies of the northern hemisphere kinetic energy balance and related subjects have been performed by the Planetary Circulation Project of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Numerous integrals required were recently evaluated directly from a five-year period of observations using a network of nearly 800 stations. The stations, however, are concentrated primarily over temperate latitude continents, and the data from maritime and tropical areas were comparatively sparse. The question then arises whether the results are representative. The problem discussed in this paper is to select a subset of more uniformly spaced stations and to recompute the zonal kinetic energy balance. This is accomplished and the results are presented herewith.
A sludge-to-diamond story.

Unearthed after millions of years, diamondoid molecules are being studied for their possible use in single-molecule transistors, for field-emission displays and for their downright fascinating electronic properties.
Structural Acoustic Control of a Shape Memory Alloy Composite Beam

Active control of sound radiation from a clamped, baffled, composite beam with embedded Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) fibers was demonstrated using two dif ferent control strategies. The unique behavior of the SMA reinforced composites was uti lized to allow minimization of radiated sound for harmonic beam vibration and placement of peak radiation response at specified frequencies within a controllable range.
Forest certification and institutional governance: An empirical study of forest stewardship council certificate holders in the United States

Abstract Forest certification is a new policy mechanism for environmental governance; however, academic perspectives differ about what benefits forest certification offers to landholders and policy makers. In this research, we identify using analytical techniques three literature-based views of certification: as a market-based mechanism that performs by providing market advantage, as a learning mechanism that transfers knowledge and as an assurance mechanism or signal of hard-to-observe or predict organizational characteristics and practices. Empirically, those with first-hand experience with certification, i.e., forest management certificate holders, report that certification does not operate as a market-based mechanism, nor do they have high expectations or satisfaction with certification as a learning mechanism; certified landowners are most satisfied with certification as an assurance system or signal of risk sensitivity and strategy. We consider the implications for the social construction of markets.
Ultra-low power delay-insensitive circuit design

This paper presents a design methodology incorporating multi-threshold CMOS (MTCMOS) into delay-insensitive asynchronous circuits in order to solve the problems of the synchronous counterpart, e.g., sleep signal generation, storage element data loss during sleep mode, and sleep transistor sizing. Significant leakage power reduction has been demonstrated by simulation. Due to the flexible timing requirement feature of delay-insensitive circuits, sub-threshold operation can be achieved, which allows for further supply voltage scaling for ultra-low power.
An Elevation in Physical Coupling of Type 1 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate (IP3) Receptors to Transient Receptor Potential 3 (TRPC3) Channels Constricts Mesenteric Arteries in Genetic Hypertension

Hypertension is associated with an elevation in agonist-induced vasoconstriction, but mechanisms involved require further investigation. Many vasoconstrictors bind to phospholipase C-coupled receptors, leading to an elevation in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) that activates sarcoplasmic reticulum IP(3) receptors. In cerebral artery myocytes, IP(3) receptors release sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) and can physically couple to canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channels in a caveolin-1-containing macromolecular complex, leading to cation current activation that stimulates vasoconstriction. Here, we investigated mechanisms by which IP(3) receptors control vascular contractility in systemic arteries and IP(3)R involvement in elevated agonist-induced vasoconstriction during hypertension. Total and plasma membrane-localized TRPC3 protein was ≈2.7- and 2-fold higher in mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) than in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat controls, respectively. In contrast, IP(3)R1, TRPC1, TRPC6, and caveolin-1 expression was similar. TRPC3 expression was also similar in arteries of pre-SHRs and WKY rats. Control, IP(3)-induced and endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer between IP3R1 and TRPC3 was higher in SHR than WKY myocytes. IP3-induced cation current was ≈3-fold larger in SHR myocytes. Pyr3, a selective TRPC3 channel blocker, and calmodulin and IP(3) receptor binding domain peptide, an IP(3)R-TRP physical coupling inhibitor, reduced IP(3)-induced cation current and ET-1-induced vasoconstriction more in SHR than WKY myocytes and arteries. Thapsigargin, a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase blocker, did not alter ET-1-stimulated vasoconstriction in SHR or WKY arteries. These data indicate that ET-1 stimulates physical coupling of IP(3)R1 to TRPC3 channels in mesenteric artery myocytes, leading to vasoconstriction. Furthermore, an elevation in IP(3)R1 to TRPC3 channel molecular coupling augments ET-1-induced vasoconstriction during hypertension.
Virtual Labs in the Online Biology Course: Student Perceptions and Implications for Policy and Practice

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate student perceptions of virtual biology labs used in two online introductory biology courses. Students completed an online survey about their experiences using several CD-ROM-based virtual laboratories. The authors present preliminary results of this survey, a brief synthesis of extant literature in this area, and suggestions for future research on examining student learning outcomes and effectiveness of virtual biology laboratories.
Palmitoyl-Protein Thioesterase 1 Deficiency in Drosophila melanogaster Causes Accumulation of Abnormal Storage Material and Reduced Life Span

Human neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of genetic neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive death of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and accumulation of abnormal lysosomal storage material. Infantile NCL (INCL), the most severe form of NCL, is caused by mutations in the Ppt1 gene, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (Ppt1). We generated mutations in the Ppt1 ortholog of Drosophila melanogaster to characterize phenotypes caused by Ppt1 deficiency in flies. Ppt1-deficient flies accumulate abnormal autofluorescent storage material predominantly in the adult CNS and have a life span 30% shorter than wild type, phenotypes that generally recapitulate disease-associated phenotypes common to all forms of NCL. In contrast, some phenotypes of Ppt1-deficient flies differed from those observed in human INCL. Storage material in flies appeared as highly laminar spherical deposits in cells of the brain and as curvilinear profiles in cells of the thoracic ganglion. This contrasts with the granular deposits characteristic of human INCL. In addition, the reduced life span of Ppt1-deficient flies is not caused by progressive death of CNS neurons. No changes in brain morphology or increases in apoptotic cell death of CNS neurons were detected in Ppt1-deficient flies, even at advanced ages. Thus, Ppt1-deficient flies accumulate abnormal storage material and have a shortened life span without evidence of concomitant neurodegeneration.
OBDD-based planning with real-valued variables in non-deterministic environments

Planning for highly dynamic and uncertain real-world domains is difficult using current planning tools. These domains may be characterized by non-deterministic actions and the need to represent large real-valued state spaces. Classical planning considers only deterministic domains and sidesteps the issue of non-determinism. Real-valued variables are handled by requiring domains to either represent real variables as relative booleans (e.g. using ontable or on-block in the classical blocks world), or to explicitly enumerate each possible value for a real variable (e.g. using at11, at12, at21, at22 for block position in a 2x2 blocks world). The former approach is a lossy transformation where positioning information is lost while the latter is subject to state explosion for large domains. We are developing a planner that can efficiently handle non-determinism and real variables using neither relative values nor explicit enumeration. In doing so, we are leveraging tools and representations from (i) planning and (ii) logic synthesis for computer-aided verification. We propose the use of OBDDs (Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams) to deal with the large amounts of space required to represent domains and plans. OBDDs have recently been shown to be effective in modeling nondeterministic domains and provide a concise representation for state diagrams because their size (number of nodes) is not necessarily related to the size of the state space (Cimatti et al., 1998). OBDDs are currently used to represent gate-level logic for logic synthesis and computerverification problems and have a wealth of prior research and tools available for manipulation and searching (Goel et al., 1998). These tools can be extended to handle nondeterminism and real-variable based plan generation. Recent work in the use of un-interpreted functions with OBDDs has outlined a method for modeling and interpreting real variables (Goel et al., 1998). A full explanation of this technique is beyond the scope of this abstract. However, this methodology allows real variables to be used without requiring relative boolean values or explicit enumeration. The real variables are directly represented and used to calculate the satsifiability of the
Efficient screening of fungal cellobiohydrolase class I enzymes for thermostabilizing sequence blocks by SCHEMA structure-guided recombination.

We describe an efficient SCHEMA recombination-based approach for screening homologous enzymes to identify stabilizing amino acid sequence blocks. This approach has been used to generate active, thermostable cellobiohydrolase class I (CBH I) enzymes from the 390 625 possible chimeras that can be made by swapping eight blocks from five fungal homologs. Constructing and characterizing the parent enzymes and just 32 ‘monomeras’ containing a single block from a homologous enzyme allowed stability contributions to be assigned to 36 of the 40 blocks from which the CBH I chimeras can be assembled. Sixteen of 16 predicted thermostable chimeras, with an average of 37 mutations relative to the closest parent, are more thermostable than the most stable parent CBH I, from the thermophilic fungus Talaromyces emersonii. Whereas none of the parent CBH Is were active >65°C, stable CBH I chimeras hydrolyzed solid cellulose at 70°C. In addition to providing a collection of diverse, thermostable CBH Is that can complement previously described stable CBH II chimeras (Heinzelman et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 2009;106:5610–5615) in formulating application-specific cellulase mixtures, the results show the utility of SCHEMA recombination for screening large swaths of natural enzyme sequence space for desirable amino acid blocks.
6-Hydroxydopamine lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats exposed to a peak-interval procedure

Impaired temporal control is symptomatic of several neurological disorders; recently, it has been implicated in schizophrenia. An animal model of schizophrenia using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) infused to the medial pre-frontal cortex (mPFC) was employed to examine its effects on temporal control. Twelve rats were trained on a peak-interval procedure (PIP) until stable patterns of behavior were obtained. Rats infused with 6-OHDA responded less during peak trials and their peak functions were flatter than sham rats. These results are consistent with similar studies with transgenic mice with increased striatal dopamine D2 receptor activity. Lesions in the mPFC decreased motivation to respond in a PIP. These effects may be considered analogous to negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Photolysis-induced suppression of inhibition in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons

1. Whole cell patch clamp recording, Ca(2+) measurement with ratiometric fluorescent dyes and photolysis of caged Ca(2+) were combined to investigate the depolarization- and photolysis-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI and PSI) in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. 2. A 5-s depolarization from -70 mV to 0 mV or a 6-s photolysis of nitrophenyl-EGTA (NPE) in cell bodies could each depress the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and the amplitude of evoked IPSCs while elevating intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). 3. Within a cell the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by depolarization was inversely related to that induced by photolysis, suggesting that higher [NPE] is more effective in releasing caged Ca(2+) but also increases buffer capacity to reduce [Ca(2+)](i) rises caused by Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. 4. Both DSI and PSI were linearly related to [Ca(2+)](i), with a 50 % reduction in transmission occurring at about 3.6--3.9 microM. 5. [Ca(2+)](i) recovered more quickly than DSI, indicating that the duration of DSI is not set simply by the duration of [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, but rather entails other rate-limiting processes. 6. We conclude that DSI is activated by micromolar [Ca(2+)](i) acting far from sites of Ca(2+) entry through channels in the plasma membrane.
Investigation of magnetic guidance of cochlear implants

Cochlear implants have become a standard treatment for many with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, delicate cochlear structures can be damaged during surgical insertion, which can lead to loss of residual hearing and decreased implant effectiveness. We propose a magnetic guidance concept in which a magnetically tipped cochlear implant is guided as it is inserted into the cochlea. In a scaled in vitro experimental study, we record insertion forces for nonguided and magnetically guided insertion experiments and compare the results. Results indicate that magnetic guidance reduced insertion forces by approximately 50%.
Evidence for a Supershear Transient during the 2002 Denali Fault Earthquake

Elastodynamic considerations suggest that the acceleration of ruptures to supershear velocities is accompanied by the release of Rayleigh waves along the fault from the stress breakdown zone. These waves generate a secondary slip pulse trailing the rupture front, but manifest almost entirely in ground motion perpendicular to the fault in the near-source region. We construct a spontaneously propagating rupture model exhibiting these features and use it to explain ground motions recorded during the 2002 Denali fault earthquake at pump station 10, located 3 km from the fault. We show that the initial pulses on both the fault normal and fault parallel components are due to the supershear stress release on the fault, whereas the later- arriving fault normal pulses result from the trailing subshear slip pulse on the fault. Online material: MPEG movies of rupture history and ground motion.