cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Murine sarcoma virus: titration patterns and interference by a murine leukemia virus.

A murine sarcoma virus (MSV-K) was assayed by conversion of 3T3 mouse cells into foci of morphologically altered cells. Murine erythroblastosis virus (MEV), a member of the murine leukemia virus group, induced resistance in 3T3 cultures specific to super-infection with focus-forming MSV-K. Interference by MEV was first detected at 14 days and reached maximal levels 21 days post infection. MSV-K preparations from transformed 3T3 cells contained competent virions, as judged by “one-hit” titration patterns. Since excess “helper” MEV in MSV-K stocks could effectively convert titration patterns to “one-hit” kinetics, the ratio of MEV to MSV-K was determined by interference experiments. The ratio of MEV to MSV was approximately 10:1. Thus it appears that a single particle is capable of producing a focus of altered cells in the absence of simultaneous infection with a separate particle of MEV. Interference Entre VSM et VEM Un virus du sarcome murin (VSM-K) a ete eprouve par conversion de cellules de souris 3T3 en foyers de cellules morphologiquement alterees. Le virus de l'erythroblastose murine (VEM), qui fait partie du groupe des virus de la leucemie murine, a provoque dans les cultures de 3T3 une resistance specifique a la surinfection par le VSM-K formateur de foyers. L'interference par le VEM a ete observee pour la premiere fois apres 14 jours et a atteint son niveau maximum 21 jours apres l'infection. Les preparations de VSM-K a base de cellules 3T3 transformeees contenaient des virions cometents, comme l'ont demontre les titrages “a un coup”. Etant donne qu'un exces de VEM adjuvant dans les stocks de VSM-K pouvait effectivement transformer la forme des titrages en cineetique “a un coup”, la proportion du VEM au VSM-K a ete determinee au moyen d'experiences d'interference. Cette proportion etait d'environ 10 pour 1. Il semble donc qu'une seule particule soit capable de produire un foyer de cellules alterees en l'absence d'infection simultanee au moyen d'une particule distincte de VEM.
Cyclone design: Sensitivity, elasticity and error analyses

Abstract The effectiveness factor, q = [− ln (penetration)]/(pressure drop) , is a useful figure of merit for cyclone design optimization, remaining the same for a system of series/parallel elements as it is for the individual elements, assuming they act independently. The partial derivatives of a function with respect to its variables can be used to determine its sensitivity, the change in the function per unit change in the variable; elasticity, the fractional change in the function per unit fractional change in the variable; and error propagation, the contribution of the variable's variance to the function variance. An analysis of the sensitivity, elasticity and error propagation of each of the independent variables in the cyclone effectiveness factor indicates advantages for designs that use an assembly of high-effectiveness-factor elements, operated at lower flow rates and/or lower pressure drops than for those designs that use a single cyclone.
Structural-equation models of migration: an example from the Upper Midwest USA.

To date, most migration models have been specified in terms of a single equation, whereby a set of regional characteristics are used to predict migration rates for various kinds of spatial units. These models are inadequate in at least two respects. First, they omit any causal links between the explanatory variables, thus ignoring indirect effects between these variables and migration. Second, they ignore the possibility of reciprocal causation, or feedback effects, between migration and the explanatory variables, even though it can be taken as axiomatic that although regional characteristics undoubtedly influence migration patterns, the reverse is also equally true. With the use of data for State Economic Areas, a path model and simultaneous-equation model are constructed to identify explicitly both indirect and feedback effects in the Upper Midwest USA. On the basis of the path model, it is suggested that the direct effects of many variables on migration are at least partially offset by the indirect eff...
Multimodal confocal mosaicing of basal cell carcinomas in Mohs surgical skin excisions

Mohs surgery is a procedure for microscopically excising basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) while preserving maximal surrounding normal skin. Each serial excision is guided by examination of the frozen histology of the previous excision. Because several (2-20) excisions must be made and frozen histology prepared for each excision. Mohs surgery is time-consuming (15-45 minutes per excision) and tedious. Real-time confocal reflectance mosaicing enables detection of BCCs directly in fresh excisions, following contrast-enhancement by acetowhitening. A confocal mosaic allows rapid observation of 15x15 mm2 of tissue, which is equivalent to a low magnification, 2X view of the excision. Relatively large superficial nodular and micronodular BCCs are rapidly detectable in confocal reflectance mosaics, whereas detection of much smaller infiltrative and sclerosing BCCs is a challenge due to the lack of sufficient nuclear/dermis contrast in acetowhitened excisions. Multimodal contrast, combining reflectance with either fluorescence or autofluorescence may make it possible to detect infiltrative and sclerosing BCCs. A reflectance image shows both nuclei and the surrounding dermis, whereas an autofluorescence image (excitation at 488nm, detection 500-700nm) shows only the dermis. Thus, ability of a composite (i.e., reflectance-less-autofluorescence) image shows significantly darkened dermis, with stronger enhancement of nuclear/dermis contrast. Preliminary results illustrate that this may enable detection of infiltrative and sclerosing BCCs. The use of reflectance and autofluorescence parallels the use of two stains (hematoxylin and eosin) in histology, thus allowing a more complete optical detection method.
The retention of 125I-labeled plasma membrane proteins in bovine spermatozoa cryopreserved in egg-yolk citrate extender

Cryopreservation of bovine sperm in egg-yolk citrate extender (EYC) usually maintains fertility. Since plasma membrane proteins are important for the fertilizing potential of sperm, the possible loss of membrane proteins from sperm subjected to cryopreservation in EYC was evaluated. Sperm were washed and labeled with 125I without significantly reducing motility. Radiolabeled sperm were a) held for 2 hr at 22°C in N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES)-buffered saline containing 1% polyvinyl alcohol, b) cooled to 5 °C in glycerol-free EYC and held for 3 hr, or c) frozen-thawed in EYC containing 7% glycerol. Sperm were solubilized and proteins were separated by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. Freeze-thawing dislodged most egg-yolk proteins from the spermatozoal plasma membrane that were bound to and retained by sperm that only were cooled to 5 °C. Autoradiography resolved 11-18 bands of 125I polypeptides. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the amount of 125I protein retained by frozenthawed and cooled sperm. However, the radioactivity in two polypeptide bands (MW = 105 K and 24.2 K) was less (P < 0.05) for sperm held at 22 °C in HEPES-buffered saline. Thus, holding sperm in buffered saline at 22 °C resulted in a greater loss of 125I proteins from the plasma membrane than did cryopreservation of sperm in EYC. Cryopreservation did not induce greater loss of 125I proteins from the plasma membrane than simply cooling sperm to 5 °C in EYC.
Rate of Deterioration of Freeze‐Dried Salmon as a Function of Relative Humidity

SUMMARY— The rates of several deteriorative reactions, including lipid oxidation, astacene pigment loss, carbon dioxide production, and production of non-enzymatic browning pigments, were studied in freeze-dried salmon at 37°C and at several relative humidities. Results previously obtained in cellulosic model systems containing methyl linoleate were confirmed by data on oxygen absorption as a function of moisture content. Both the rate of the initial peroxide mono-molecular decomposition and the peroxide value decreased as the water content was increased. Astacene pigment loss was reduced significantly by the higher moisture contents; non-enzymatic browning was increased. The significance of the reactivity of water at low moisture contents was demonstrated by its effect on the various reactions.
Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase activation modulates endotoxin-induced diaphragm weakness.

Diaphragm caspase-8 activation plays a key role in modulating sepsis-induced respiratory muscle dysfunction. It is also known that double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is a regulator ...
A Comment on Weak Disposability in Nonparametric Production Analysis

In his 2005 paper in this journal, Kuosmanen argues that Shephard's specification of weak disposability in activity analysis (DEA) models is not correct. We show that Shephard's specification does satisfy weak disposability and is the “smallest” technology to do so.
Estimation of sampling effort for catching enough bats

How many bats must you catch to find out how many species of them are flying around? South Dakota is evidently well infested with small flying mammals. Weiming Ke and Brandon T. Bales of South Dakota State University spent many happy night-time hours with their nets....
Matrices with block Toeplitz inverses

Abstract Conditions for a nonsingular matrix to have a block Toeplitz inverse are obtained. A simpler criterion for a block Toeplitz matrix to have a block Toeplitz inverse is also given. The results generalize those of Huang and Cline for Toeplitz matrices with scalar entries, for which alternative statements and proofs are also indicated.
CD28 and apoptosis.

Until recently, it was thought that signal transduction through CD28 and the related molecule CTLA4 prevented the induction of anergy in T cells activated through the TCR. This hypothesis has been suggested as an explanation for how soluble forms of CTLA4, which bind the CD28/CTLA4 ligands B7-1 and B7-2, can prevent graft rejection. Recent reports suggest that another function of CD28 costimulation is the regulation of T-cell survival. CD28 not only enhances IL-2 production, which can act as an extrinsic regulator of cell survival, but also augments the expression of the intrinsic survival factor Bcl-xL. In contrast, CTLA4-mediated signal transduction has been reported to induce cell death in previously activated T cells. These data suggest that B7-1/B7-2 signaling not only controls cell proliferation and T-helper cell subset selection, but also T-cell survival.
Asymmetrical electrically induced injury of rabbit ventricular myocytes

Strong defibrillation-type electric field stimulation may injure myocytes when transmembrane potentials during the pulse exceed the threshold for membrane permeabilization. The location of injury may depend on intrinsic transmembrane potential or influx of calcium by "electro-osmosis" during the stimulation pulse in addition to the transmembrane potential changes induced by the pulse. We have studied injury by examining contracture and changes in transmembrane potential-sensitive dye fluorescence induced by electric field stimulation (St) with a duration of 20 ms and strength of 16-400 V/cm in isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes. St of 100-150 V/cm produced injury in myocytes oriented parallel to the St field frequently without injuring myocytes oriented perpendicular to the field. Injury required calcium in the solution and was asymmetric, occurring first at the myocyte and facing the St anode in 100% of injured myocytes in normal Tyrode's solution. Injury depended significantly on whether the product of the electric field strength and myocyte length exceeded a threshold of 1.1 V (P < 0.05). Asymmetric injury at the end facing the anode was still present in 96% of injured myocytes for stimulation after depolarization by an action potential or 20 mM or 125 mM potassium, suggesting that intrinsic transmembrane potential is not responsible for asymmetry. In 125 mM potassium, eliminating calcium from the bathing solution during the St pulse and introducing calcium after the pulse decreased the fraction of injured myocytes in which injury occurred at the end facing the anode to 62%, suggesting that calcium influx by "electro-osmosis" at the myocyte end facing the anode contributes to asymmetry. Asymmetric injury at the end facing the anode was still present in 100% of injured myocytes after adding 1 mM tetraethylammonium chloride, indicating that asymmetry is not sensitive to the potassium channel blockade. For stimulation pulses stronger than 50 V/cm given after depolarization by an action potential, transmembrane potentials at both myocyte ends decayed after the initial deflection indicating that permeabilization occurred at both ends. In conclusion, injury depends on myocyte orientation and is asymmetric occurring first at the myocyte end facing the anode. Asymmetric injury is not explained by asymmetric permeabilization, is independent of the intrinsic transmembrane potential and may result from "electro-osmosis" during the stimulation pulse.
FLaSKU - a classroom experience with teaching computer networking: is it useful to others in the field?

In general, every educator has a classroom experience that he or she wants to share for the benefit of other educators and students in the field. This paper presents a classroom experience with teaching a computer networking course to both undergraduate and graduate students in Information Technology (IT) areas. This course uses conceptualization and summarization techniques coupled with standard teaching methods, such as independent learning, incremental learning, and out-of-class assignments. It also defines two terms: independent conceptualization and dependent conceptualization, and adopts them with a summarization technique to improve conceptualized computer networking. Two simple examples are presented to illustrate these definitions. The paper also presents a teaching philosophy and a flexible grading policy that help motivate learning over earning a grade. The experience and knowledge gained from the delivery of a computer networking course over eight years is shared in this paper. Course evaluations were conducted using a departmental questionnaire, peer evaluations, and an independent survey. The course evaluation results of over eight years demonstrate a significant improvement in the overall quality of the course delivery. The methods, results, and findings can deliver benefits to young university educators and students in the IT field.
Rupture of the ascending aorta during cocaine intoxication

Abstract Cocaine is commonly injected, sniffed and smoked because of its psychotropic effects, but it also has significant cardiovascular effects. Illicit use of cocaine has been associated with ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, with or without associated significant coronary atherosclerosis, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. 1–4 Herein, we describe rupture of the ascending aorta in a person while smoking cocaine, a complication of cocaine use not previously described.
Cultural factors in the intervention of child maltreatment

The focus of this paper is to suggest an approach to cultural factors in intervention efforts with child maltreatment cases. General issues as well as issues specific to Black and Hispanic Americans are explored. Various risk factors commonly used to guide intervention efforts are examined from a cultural perspective. Recommendations are provided in four key practice areas; organizational and administrative adaptations, staff recruitment and training, research, and public relations.
Characterization of Star Adhesive Sealants Based On PEG/Dextran Hydrogels

Swellable PEG amine/dextran aldehyde composite materials are emerging as a controlled, biocompatible tissue adhesive. We explain how preservation of natural tissue amines provides biocompatibility for PEG/dextran that exceeds the stringent, destructive cyanide-based chemistry of cyanoacrylates, and adhere far better than fibrin glue. Strategic variations of material composition allow for the improvement of biocompatibility and adhesion strength. Material variations can be tailored to match the needs of specific tissue beds for an array of clinical applications. PEG/dextran cohesive properties are most responsive to variations in the PEG component (number of arms and solid content), while tissue/material adhesion strength is primarily determined by the number of aldehydes in the dextran.
Biogeochemistry of oxalate in the antarctic cryptoendolithic lichen-dominated community

Cryptoendolithic (hidden in rock) lichen-dominated microbial communities from the Ross Desert of Antarctica were shown to produce oxalate (oxalic acid). Oxalate increased mineral dissolution, which provides nutrients, creates characteristic weathering patterns, and may ultimately influence the biological residence time of the community. Oxalate was the only organic acid detectable by HPLC, and its presence was verified by GC/MS. Community photosynthetic metabolism was involved in oxalate production since rates of 14C-oxalate production from 14C02 were higher in light than in dark incubations. Flaking of the sandstone at the level of the lichen-dominated zone a few millimeters beneath the rock surface can be explained by dissolution of the sandstone cement, which was enhanced by Si, Fe, and Al oxalate complex formation. Added oxalate was observed to increase the solubility of Si, Fe, Al, P, and K. Oxalate's ability to form soluble trivalent metal-oxalate complexes correlated with the observed order of metal oxide depletion from the lichen-dominated zone (Mn > Fe > Al). Thermodynamic calculations predict that Fe oxalate complex formation mobilizes amorphous Fe oxides (ferrihydrite) in the lichen-dominated zone, and where oxalate is depleted, ferrihydrite should precipitate. Hematite, a more crystalline Fe oxide, should remain solid at in situ oxalate concentrations. Oxalate was not a carbon source for the indigenous heterotrophs, but the microbiota were involved in oxalate mineralization to CO2, since oxalate mineralization was reduced in poisoned incubations. Photooxidation of oxalate to C02 coupled with photoreduction of Fe(Ill) may be responsible for oxalate removal in situ, since rates of 14C-oxalate mineralization in dark incubations were at least 50% lower than those in the light. Removal of oxalate from Si, Fe, and Al complexes should allow free dissolved Si, Fe, and Al to precipitate as amorphous silicates and metal oxides. This may explain increased siliceous crust (rock varnish or desert varnish) formation near the surface of colonized rocks were light intensity is greatest.
Obesity-related changes in bone structural and material properties in hyperphagic OLETF rats and protection by voluntary wheel running.

Abstract Purpose To examine how the development of obesity and the associated insulin resistance affect bone structural and material properties, and bone formation and resorption markers in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat model. Methods This was a 36-week study of sedentary, hyperphagic, male OLETF rats (OLETF-SED), exercise-treated OLETF rats (OLETF-EX) and sedentary non-hyperphagic controls (LETO-SED) with data collection at 13, 20, and 40 weeks of age (n = 5–8 animals per group per timepoint). Results Body mass and fat (%) were significantly greater in OLETF-SED versus controls. OLETF-SED were insulin resistant at 13 and 20 weeks, with overt diabetes by 40 weeks. At 13 weeks, OLETF-SED had lower total body BMC and BMD and serum P1NP compared with LETO-SED. Differences in total body BMC and BMD between OLETF-SED and LETO-SED persisted at 20 weeks, with reductions in total and cortical BMD of the tibia. OLETF-SED also had lesser femur diameter, cross-sectional area, polar moment of area, and torque at fracture than LETO-SED. By 40 weeks, OLETF-SED had elevated bone resorption and reduced intrinsic bone strength. OLETF-EX did not show the excessive weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance or diabetes observed in OLETF-SED. OLETF-EX had greater BMD than OLETF-SED, and structural and material properties of the femur were significantly increased in OLETF-EX relative to OLETF-SED and LETO-SED. Conclusions The negative skeletal effects of excessive adiposity and insulin resistance were evident early in the progressive obesity with lasting negative impacts on intrinsic and extrinsic bone strength. Exercise protected against obesity-associated skeletal changes with marked benefits on the biomechanical properties of bone.
Targeted temperature management of acute encephalopathy without AST elevation.

Abstract Background Acute encephalopathy is a leading cause of mortality and neurological sequelae in children. Although many strategies have been proposed, effective therapies have not yet been established. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the effectiveness of targeted temperature management in children with acute encephalopathy. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the clinical courses and outcomes of 57 children who were consecutively admitted at Kobe Children’s Hospital between October 2002 and August 2011. These children had acute encephalopathy with serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels below 90 IU/l within 6 h of onset. We compared the clinical characteristics and neurological outcomes of children treated with targeted temperature management and those who received conventional care. Targeted temperature management was defined as temperature control (34.5–36 °C) with intubation, and the continuous use of anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants induced within 24 h of onset. Outcome was measured using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale with grade 1 representing a good clinical outcome and grades 2–6 reflecting poor outcomes. Results Outcomes were good in all children treated with targeted temperature management (n = 23) as well as in 24 out of the 34 children who received conventional care (p = 0.004). The age, gender, refractory status epilepticus rate, prolonged neurological abnormality rate, preceding infection rate, and laboratory results were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions We determined that targeted temperature management could improve outcome in acute encephalopathy without AST elevation.
Biotransformation of 16-dehydroprogesterone by the intestinal anaerobic bacterium, Eubacterium sp. 144

Eubacterium sp. 144 biotransformed 16-dehydroprogesterone by initially hydrating approx 50% to 16 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. The detection of this reaction was dependent, in part, on the solubility state of 16-dehydroprogesterone and was less extensive when the concentration of methanol was insufficient to solubilize the steroid. Cultures containing a mixture of 16-dehydroprogesterone and 16 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone formed isoprogesterone as a final steroid end product. However, the extent of the reductive reaction was influenced by culture age at the time of 16-dehydroprogesterone addition and decreased in older cultures. Moreover, both mid- and late-log phase cells also formed progesterone as a reduced steroid end product. The enzyme(s) responsible for isoprogesterone formation (16-dehydroprogesterone reductase) appeared to be inducible because activity was not evident until 3-6 h after the addition of 16-dehydroprogesterone to early log-phase cultures. Growth inhibitory concentrations of chloramphenicol or rifampin prevented isoprogesterone formation, but not the production of progesterone. At lower concentrations, chloramphenicol delayed both growth and isoprogesterone formation by strain 144. Interestingly, rifampin partially inhibited the 16 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone dehydratase (hydration reaction) in cultures of strain 144, but did not affect the enzyme's activity in cell extracts.
IMF Stabilization Policies in Developing Countries: A Disaggregated Quantitative Analysis

This study examines the impact of the IMF programs on balance of payments, inflation, and economic growth of the program countries. The policy instruments used: currency devaluation, reduction in government budget and domestic credit, and increase in real interest rate. The findings show that Fund, in general, improve the rate of growth in real GDP, the inflation rate, and the current account balance in the short-run. As to their effectiveness, real interest rate targeting appears to be the most effective tool. The second important variable is the growth in domestic credit. Fiscal policy and devaluation come next in terms of effectiveness [F32].
Dual posttranscriptional regulation via a cofactor-responsive mRNA leader.

Riboswitches are cis-acting mRNA elements that regulate gene expression in response to ligand binding. Recently, a class of riboswitches was proposed to respond to the molybdenum cofactor (Moco), which serves as a redox center for metabolic enzymes. The 5′ leader of the Escherichia coli moaABCDE transcript exemplifies this candidate riboswitch class. This mRNA encodes enzymes for Moco biosynthesis, and moaA expression is feedback inhibited by Moco. Previous RNA-seq analyses showed that moaA mRNA copurified with the RNA binding protein CsrA (carbon storage regulator), suggesting that CsrA binds to this RNA in vivo. Among its global regulatory roles, CsrA represses stationary phase metabolism and activates central carbon metabolism. Here, we used gel mobility shift analysis to determine that CsrA binds specifically and with high affinity to the moaA 5′ mRNA leader. Northern blotting and studies with a series of chromosomal lacZ reporter fusions showed that CsrA posttranscriptionally activates moaA expression without altering moaA mRNA levels, indicative of translation control. Deletion analyses, nucleotide replacement studies and footprinting with CsrA-FeBABE identified two sites for CsrA binding. Toeprinting assays suggested that CsrA binding causes changes in moaA RNA structure. We propose that the moaA mRNA leader forms an aptamer, which serves as a target of posttranscriptional regulation by at least two different factors, Moco and the protein CsrA. While we are not aware of similar dual posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, additional examples are likely to emerge.
Ethical Intentions and the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior1

This study compares the explanatory power of Fishbein and Ajzen's (1991) theory of reasoned action, Ajzen's (1975) theory of planned behavior, and a modified version of the theory of planned behavior, which includes a measure of moral obligation, to predict insurance agents' e]thical intentions toward their clients. Two hundred and forty-five insurance agents in the U.S. were sent surveys, and with 59% of them responding, results suggest that the modified version of the theory of planned behavior best explains agents' e]thical intentions. Theoretical considerations and suggestions for future research, highlighting the perceived behavioral control and moral obligation constructs, are provided.
On a Rankin-Selberg -Function over Different Fields

Given two unitary automorphic cuspidal representations and defined on and , respectively, with and being Galois extensions of , we consider two generalized Rankin-Selberg -functions obtained by forcefully factoring and . We prove the absolute convergence of these -functions for . The main difficulty in our case is that the two extension fields may be completely unrelated, so we are forced to work either “downstairs” in some intermediate extension between and , or “upstairs” in some extension field containing the composite extension . We close by investigating some special cases when analytic continuation is possible and show that when the degrees of the extension fields and are relatively prime, the two different definitions give the same generating function.
The complementary role of business process reengineering and information technology to total quality management practices

Total Quality Management (TQM) practices aim to improve product quality and business process efficiency. However, the results of TQM practices are not always satisfied. This study proposes a research model to remedy such problem. This model suggests that the result of TQM practices could be strengthened after integrating business process reengineering and Information Technology (IT) into such implementation.
Intimate Relationships in Later Life Current Realities, Future Prospects

This article reviews the relationship statuses that are common for older adults today. It addresses the prevalence of various statuses among the older adult population as well as their consequences for economic, social, psychological, and physical well-being and adjustment. In addition, consideration is given to how the prevalence and experience of various relationship statuses may change in the next few decades given such demographic changes as reduced mortality, increased education and employment for women, and reduced standardization of the life course. Throughout the article, differences for older men and women are highlighted.
Accuracy assessment of a surface electromyogram decomposition system in human first dorsal interosseus muscle

Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of a surface electromyogram (sEMG) motor unit (MU) decomposition algorithm during low levels of muscle contraction. Approach. A two-source method was used to verify the accuracy of the sEMG decomposition system, by utilizing simultaneous intramuscular and surface EMG recordings from the human first dorsal interosseous muscle recorded during isometric trapezoidal force contractions. Spike trains from each recording type were decomposed independently utilizing two different algorithms, EMGlab and dEMG decomposition algorithms. The degree of agreement of the decomposed spike timings was assessed for three different segments of the EMG signals, corresponding to specified regions in the force task. A regression analysis was performed to examine whether certain properties of the sEMG and force signal can predict the decomposition accuracy. Main results. The average accuracy of successful decomposition among the 119 MUs that were common to both intramuscular and surface records was approximately 95%, and the accuracy was comparable between the different segments of the sEMG signals (i.e., force ramp-up versus steady state force versus combined). The regression function between the accuracy and properties of sEMG and force signals revealed that the signal-to-noise ratio of the action potential and stability in the action potential records were significant predictors of the surface decomposition accuracy. Significance. The outcomes of our study confirm the accuracy of the sEMG decomposition algorithm during low muscle contraction levels and provide confidence in the overall validity of the surface dEMG decomposition algorithm.
The role of estrogen, progesterone and aromatase in human non-small-cell lung cancer.

SUMMARY Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, patients have few effective therapeutic options and survival rates remain low. Emerging evidence suggests that the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a key role in the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for a key step in estrogen biosynthesis, elicits higher levels of estrogen in lung tumors as well as in metastases compared with nonmalignant tissues. Thus, aromatase may prove to be a key predictive biomarker for treatment of NSCLC. Epidemiologic and preclinical data show estrogens play a critical role in lung tumor development and progression. Two estrogen receptors, α and β, are expressed in normal and in cancerous lung epithelium, and estrogen promotes gene transcription that stimulates cell proliferation and inhibits cell death. Furthermore, expression of both forms of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor a...
A monograph of the Baltic amber bees and evolution of the Apoidea (Hymenoptera)

Abstract The bees found as Baltic amber inclusions are revised and the history of studies on these fossils is briefly reviewed. In total this subtropical Eocene fauna contains 36 species and 18 genera, all extinct. These are classified here into nine tribes, six subfamilies, and five families of which six tribes and one family are unknown in the modern fauna. The following taxa are described as new to science: PALEOMELITTIDAE, new family; Boreallodapini, Electrobombini, Eomacropidini, Melikertini, Protolithurgini, new tribes; Ctenoplectrellina, new subtribe; Boreallodape, Electrobombus, Electrolictus, Eomacropis, Glaesosmia, Liotrigonopsis, Melissites, Paleomelitta, Protolithurgus, Succinapis, Thaumastobombus, new genera; Boreallodape baltica, B. mollyae, B. striebichi, Ctenoplectrella cockerelli, C. grimaldii, Electrapis krishnorum, Electrobombus samlandensis, Electrolictus antiquus, Eomacropis glaesaria, Glaesosmia genalis, Glyptapis densopunctata, G. disareolata, Liotrigonopsis rozeni, Melikertes clype...
Comparing the consequences of induced and constitutive plant resistance for herbivore population dynamics.

Although it has been suggested that induced and con- stitutive plant resistance should have different effects on insect her- bivore population dynamics, there is little experimental evidence that plant resistance can influence herbivore populations longer than one season. We used a density-manipulation experiment and model fit- ting to examine the effects of constitutive and induced resistance on herbivore dynamics over both the short and long term. We used likelihood methods to fit population dynamic models to recruitment data for populations of Mexican bean beetles on soybean varieties with no resistance, constitutive resistance, or induced resistance. We compared model configurations that fit parameters for resistance types separately to models that did not account for resistance type. Models representing the hypothesis that the three resistance types differed in their effects on beetle dynamics received the most support. Induced resistance resulted in lower population growth rates and stronger density dependence than no resistance. Constitutive resis- tance resulted in lower population growth rates and stronger density dependence than induced resistance. Constitutive resistance had a stronger effect on both short-term beetle recruitment and predicted beetle population dynamics than induced resistance. The results of this study suggest that induced and constitutive resistance can differ in their effects on herbivore populations even in a relatively complex system.
Analysis of SNARE complex/Synaptotagmin-1 Interactions by One-dimensional NMR Spectroscopy

Neurotransmitter release depends critically on the Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 and the SNARE proteins syntaxin-1, synaptobrevin, and SNAP-25, which mediate membrane fusion by forming tight SNARE complexes that bridge the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes. Interactions between the SNARE complex and the two C2 domains of synaptotagmin-1 (the C2A and C2B domains) are believed to play a key role in coupling Ca2+ sensing to membrane fusion, but the nature of these interactions is unclear, in part because of a paucity of data obtained by quantitative biophysical methods. Here we have analyzed synaptotagmin-1/SNARE complex interactions by monitoring the decrease in the intensities of one-dimensional 13C-edited 1H NMR spectra of 13C-labeled fragments of synaptotagmin-1 upon binding to unlabeled SNARE complex. Our results indicate that there is a primary binding mode between synaptotagmin-1 and the SNARE complex that involves a polybasic region in the C2B domain and has a sub-micromolar affinity. Our NMR data,...
Acculturation status and heavy alcohol use among Mexican American college students: Investigating the moderating role of gender

We examined whether gender moderates the association between acculturation and heavy alcohol use. The sample consisted of 126 Mexican American college students (Mean age = 24.7 years; 57% female) who completed self-report measures of heavy alcohol use, acculturation status (global acculturation and ethnic identity), and relevant control variables (age, peer alcohol use). Multivariable regression revealed that higher levels of ethnic identity were associated with greater frequency of heavy alcohol among men. Conversely, neither measure of acculturation was associated with heavy alcohol use among women. These fi ndings suggest that interventions for Latino/a students should consider the role of culturally relevant variables in heavy alcohol use, particularly for men. They also have implications regarding how acculturation is operationalized in alcohol studies, and suggest directions for future research.
Platelet CD36 Links Not Only α-Granule–Derived Proteins to Thrombus Stability But Also Metabolic and Oxidant Stress to a Prothrombotic Phenotype

Platelet secretion in response to agonist stimulation is a critically important step in both normal hemostasis and pathological arterial thrombosis. ADP release from dense granules is necessary to convert a low-grade, often reversible platelet activation event into an irreversible event, and targeting this pathway pharmacologically by inhibiting cyclooxygenase with aspirin or by directly inhibiting the P2Y12 platelet ADP receptor with thienopyridine drugs is a cornerstone of arterial thromboprophylaxis. The frequent occurrence of bleeding complications with these commonly used therapies, however, speaks to the importance of this pathway in normal hemostasis. The role of α-granule secretion is less well understood, but studies during the past decade have increasingly pointed to biological and pathological importance. Patients with the rare congenital condition known as Gray Platelet Syndrome, in which α-granule biogenesis is defective, have a mild to moderate bleeding disorder, and mice genetically engineered to lack α-granules have prolonged thrombosis times in response to vascular injury in vivo and functional defects in platelet responses in vitro.1 Discovery and characterization of the many proteins contained in α-granules or expressed on their membranes coupled with the use of elegant in vivo assays of thrombus formation in genetically manipulated mice have led to the hypothesis that the …
Geochemical and Geophysical Implications of the Reaction between Seawater and the Oceanic Crust

I have presented a detailed synthesis of the evidence for large scale chemical reactions between sea water and the upper 2–3 km of the ocean floor basalt1. These reactions seem reasonable as the ocean floor is free from thick sediment for about 80 × 106 yr and is cross-cut with fractures and joints that permit seawater to circulate freely and react with basalt over long periods of time. Here, I emphasize some of the implications of these reactions.
Combined liver–kidney transplantation and the effect of preformed lymphocytotoxic antibodies

Abstract Thirty-eight sequentially placed liver and kidney allografts were evaluated with respect to patient and graft survival, and the influence of preformed lymphocytotoxic antibodies was analysed. The results suggest that the survival rate of combined liver and kidney transplantation is similar to the survival rate of liver transplantation alone. Sequentially placed kidney allografts may be protected from hyperacute rejection in the presence of donor specific lymphocytotoxic antibodies, but not in all instances. Both patient and kidney allograft survival was lower in positive crossmatch patients (33% and 17% respectively) than in negative crossmatch patients (78% and 75%). High levels of panel reactive antibodies (>10%) also appeared to have a deleterious effect on survival, although the majority of the patients who failed also had a positive crossmatch. Although preformed lymphocytotoxic antibodies are not an absolute contraindication to combined liver-kidney transplantation, they do appear to have a deleterious effect on long-term graft survival. However, more correlation with clinical parameters is needed.
Heat Capacities of Vanadium and Tantalum in the Normal and Superconducting Phases

The heat capacities of two samples of vanadium and two of tantalum have been measured in the normal and superconducting phases in the temperature interval between 1.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Below the transition temperature ${T}_{0}$, the superconducting heat capacity of both metals could be represented accurately by the relation ${C}_{s}=AT+B{T}^{2}$. In the normal phase the data obeyed the usual relation ${C}_{n}=\ensuremath{\gamma}T+(\frac{464}{{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{3}}){T}^{3}$. From these data $H$ vs $T$ curves were calculated and values of ${H}_{0}$, the threshold field at absolute zero, were obtained. For the better vanadium sample the values of the various constants were found to be ${T}_{0}=4.89\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, $A=\ensuremath{-}1.97\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ cal/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{2}$, $B=1.69\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ cal/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{3}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}=21.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ cal/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{2}$, $\ensuremath{\Theta}=273\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, and ${H}_{0}=1340$ oersteds; for the better tantalum sample ${T}_{0}=4.38\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, $A=\ensuremath{-}1.45\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ cal/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{2}$, $B=1.33\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ cal/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{3}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}=13.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ cal/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{2}$, $\ensuremath{\Theta}=231\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, and ${H}_{0}=860$ gauss. The measured heat capacities were compared with the predictions of the Koppe theory and the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ model.
Persistent left superior vena cava: an overlooked feature of CHARGE syndrome?

CHARGE is a well-characterized syndrome (OMIM 2148400) associated with multiple congenital anomalies including cardiovascular malformations. Mutations in CHD7 are the most common cause of CHARGE syndrome. Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) has been described in patients with CHARGE syndrome in one study of LSVC associations. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with CHARGE syndrome, diagnosed by Blake criterion features and/or the presence of a pathogenic CHD7 mutation. Echocardio - grams were performed on a clinical basis for all patients and were systematically reviewed and classified. Persistent LSVC was present in 50% of patients with CHARGE syndrome (4/8) and was seen in 3 out of 33 patients seen by cardiovascular genetics with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Persistent LSVC is a common finding in patients with CHARGE syndrome and its presence may increase the index of suspicion in patients with other characteristic congenital anomalies.
Approach to soft x-ray laser development below 100 Å

Recent measurements of the relative divergence of a C vi 182-A lasing line from a confined plasma column will be presented. We will also present a system being developed for research on a soft x-ray laser below 100 A.
Maintenance and Recycling in Space: Functional Dependency Analysis of On-Orbit Servicing Satellites Team for Modular Spacecraft

This paper introduces an innovative perspective in the problem of on-orbit servicing and maintenance. A network of modular satellites and servicing satellites is modeled as a two-level System-of-Systems. At the lower level, the architecture of the modular satellites is analyzed in terms of functional interdepencies between the component modules. Analysis of the impact of such interdependencies gives insight into the operability of the satellite, and accounts for partial failures, redundancies, and criticality of the modules. At the higher level, communication, observation, and experimental satellites and constellation are constituents of a System-of-Systems functional network. The other components of this network are servicing satellites, able to perform inspection, refueling, maintenance. At this level, results from the overall functional dependency analysis are used to evaluate and compare different architectures, i.e. different number, capabilities, and location of servicing satellites. We discuss the innovation brought by the proposed approach with respect to the current practice. A hypothetical scenario is considered, featuring satellites with different architectures, whose parts are susceptible to aging and to failures over time, and on-orbit servicing satellites. Results show not only the general applicability of the method in order to perform analysis, but also possible future applications of both the proposed concepts and the analytical tool in space systems architecture and design.
Halo Effects and the Attractiveness Premium in Perceptions of Political Expertise

Physical appearance, both our own and that of others, is a common influence on social interactions. In this article, we consider whether appearance also plays a role in how we come to understand politics. As a test, we use American National Election Study survey data, which includes the interviewer’s subjective ratings of respondents’ appearance and perceived political knowledge. We bolster the ANES results with a pair of survey experiments where subjects evaluated randomly assigned potential political discussion partners. Our results show that more attractive individuals are viewed as more knowledgeable and more persuasive, and are more likely to be sought out by others for political information. In addition, more attractive individuals (even the relatively uninformed) are more likely to report attempting to persuade others. These findings have implications for our understanding of how citizens identify political experts, the potential for the spread of misinformation, and the political judgments citizen...
Inelastic Sports Ticket Pricing, Marginal Win Revenue, and Firm Strategy

A standard result of firm theory is that a monopoly maximizes profit somewhere along the elastic portion of its demand curve. However, empirical studies of sports ticket pricing routinely find that (home) teams price along the inelastic portion of demand. Despite compelling theoretical explanations of this finding, at least one important factor remains unconsidered. A profit-maximizing team considers not only direct marginal revenue and direct marginal cost when setting a ticket price but also deferred, strategic benefit (revenue) from present game success. Prior literature finds that a) a given win is valued in that it generates additional future revenue and b) likelihood of home victory rises, ceteris paribus, in crowd density. We construct a game in which two opposing teams of a league (with interdependent profit functions) recognize the deferred, strategic benefit of pricing toward (along) the inelastic portion of their respective static demand curves. If the deferred benefit is sufficiently large, a forward-looking, profit-maximizing team prices along the inelastic portion of its static demand curve. Importantly, this same price falls along the elastic portion of the firm’s (empirically unobserved) dynamic demand curve. Lastly, we find that strategic pricing may constitute a Prisoner’s Dilemma (inefficient equilibrium) among opposing teams.
Control Logic Optimization of Modified Starch Dewatering and Drying System

In terms of modified starch dewatering and drying process,the whole system was divided into two sub-systems for analysis.Through on-line estimation and calculation,the productivity of dewatering process can be obtained and properly transformed to determine downstream drying rate and to optimize both moisture of finished products and temperature of end gas so that entire production line can be optimized and both moisture content stability and product quality of finished products can be improved.Comparative tests prove superiority of this system versus the original system.