cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue distribution and excretion of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the rat☆

Abstract The contamination of several commercial compounds by chlorinated dibenzo-ϱ-dioxins and the health hazards presented by certain dioxins have been well documented. In this study the relative absence of toxicity following high dosages of octachlorodibenzo-ϱ-dioxin (OCDD) in rats was confirmed. A moderate proliferation of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and hepatomegaly occurred. Daily administration of a radioactive analog of OCDD to rats by gastric intubation for 21 days resulted in the recovery of over 90% of the total dose in the feces as unabsorbed material. A small lipid-soluble fraction was excreted in the urine. After 21 days of administration, less than 1% of the total dose was present in the rat tissues. The liver contained the highest concentration with approximately 50% of the body load found within this organ. The radioactivity in the adipose tissue was approximately 25% that in the liver. Significant levels of radioactivity were found in the kidneys, heart, testes, skeletal muscle, skin, and serum. The greatest reservoirs of the material were liver, skin, and adipose tissue. Over 95% of the radioactivity within the liver was associated with the microsomes and was equally distributed within the rough and smooth fractions. Distribution of the detectable radioactivity within rats that subsequently received a control diet for 6 wk was confined to the liver, adipose tissue, and skin at levels approximately 20–25% that found immediately after the 21-day period of administration. The route of excretion was through the urinary system and the rate corresponded to a biological half-life of approximately 3 wk. Toxicity, hepatic alterations, percentage of absorption, body distribution, and biological half-life of OCDD are compared to those parameters of the extremely toxic tetrachlorodibenzo-ϱ-dioxin (TCDD). Microsomal localization of the compounds is postulated to result in sequestration of the material.
The application of scanning probe microscopy in materials science studies

The family of techniques known as scanning probe microscopy (SPM) was invented in 1981 by Binnig and Rohrer. The most common methods are scanning-tunneling microscopy, atomic-force microscopy (AFM), and near-fi eld scanning optical microscopy, although hundreds of other variants have since been developed. Regardless of the specifi c version, each applies the same basic concept: detecting interactions between a scannable nanoscale probe and a nearby surface in order to measure and/or map local surface properties. Atomic-force microscopy was designed for detecting and mapping tipsample forces. These include repulsive and attractive interactions such as van der Waals, electronic, and magnetic forces, though applications to detect chemical, thermal, acoustic, and a host of other properties have since been implemented. The concept also extends to lithography, whereby the probe is used to modify a surface through physical, electronic, chemical, or thermal means. The probe itself in AFM is generally a microfabricated tip at the end of an integrated cantilever. Static or intermittent contact forces between the tip apex and a surface are measured as corresponding shifts in the lever defl ection or the resonant frequency, respectively. Although the lever motion is generally nanoscale, it is nearly always amplifi ed by refl ecting focused light off of the lever The Application of Scanning Probe Microscopy in Materials Science Studies
Some applications of many-time Green's functions to the many-boson problem

Abstract The spectral representation of many-time Green's functions is generalized to Green's functions in which several operators may appear in normal order. The Heisenberg picture matrix elements are given for the Green's function having one external interaction line and one external quasi-particle line and for the Green's function having two external interaction lines. It is shown how these Green's functions can be used to calculate the chemical potential and the correlation function.
VEGF-B selectively regenerates injured peripheral neurons and restores sensory and trophic functions

VEGF-B primarily provides neuroprotection and improves survival in CNS-derived neurons. However, its actions on the peripheral nervous system have been less characterized. We examined whether VEGF-B mediates peripheral nerve repair. We found that VEGF-B induced extensive neurite growth and branching in trigeminal ganglia neurons in a manner that required selective activation of transmembrane receptors and was distinct from VEGF-A–induced neuronal growth. VEGF-B–induced neurite elongation required PI3K and Notch signaling. In vivo, VEGF-B is required for normal nerve regeneration: mice lacking VEGF-B showed impaired nerve repair with concomitant impaired trophic function. VEGF-B treatment increased nerve regeneration, sensation recovery, and trophic functions of injured corneal peripheral nerves in VEGF-B–deficient and wild-type animals, without affecting uninjured nerves. These selective effects of VEGF-B on injured nerves and its lack of angiogenic activity makes VEGF-B a suitable therapeutic target to treat nerve injury.
Effect of branched loops on the diamagnetism of disordered superconductors

We discuss a model of a disordered superconducting film consisting of small loops with dead-end arms. de Gennes showed that the arms markedly increase the field at which the loop is driven normal. Our numerical solution of the Ginzburg-Landau equation shows the enhancement of the magnetic moment of the loop to be less remarkable.
Analysis of genetic changes in finite populations composed of mixtures of pure lines

Abstract A mathematically manageable log normal approximation of a multi-nomial genetic model is developed, which takes into account those directed and random processes which control genotypic frequencies in populations consisting of mixtures of pure lines. Results based on this model agree closely with those obtained by numerical simulations performed on an electronic data processing computer. It is noted that “genotype” and “pure line” are interchangeable in the context of this paper. “Pure line” is used in many early papers, but “genotype” must be used in more general situations dealt with in the following paper. Both terms are used here in order to make easier the transition from the simple to the more complex.
The Tax Incidence of the Colorado State Lottery Instant Game

This article assesses the county-by-county incidence of the Colorado state lottery tax for instant games during 1989. Tax regressivity is found. The share of income spent on instant game tickets is...
Determinants of corporate restructuring: The relative importance of corporate governance, takeover threat, and free cash flow

This study seeks to estimate the relative importance of free cash flow, corporate governance, and takeover threat in determining financial and portfolio restructuring. The free cash flow hypothesis and agency theory prescriptions are used as the basis for developing a model of restructuring. A simple analysis of variance method is used to decompose restructuring transactions and outcomes into the three effects. The results support the hypothesis that financial and portfolio restructuring are motivated, in part, by agency costs. Decomposition of variances indicates that restructuring is equally explained by free cash flow and interaction of governance and takeover threat with free cash flow.
Controlling earth's resources: Markets or socialism?

The important message contained in Garrett Hardins...The Tragedy of the Commons is that in making resource-use decisions individuals see their own narrow interests best and if not constrained by institutions such as governmental rule or market incentives will tend to follow those narrow interests....In this paper the same insight is applied to the two types of control mechanism cited by Hardin: socialist management and private ownership. The author finds that private property ownership tends to ensure more efficient and considerate resource use. Comparisons are made between socialist and capitalist countries. (EXCERPT)
ID'ing innate and innate‐like lymphoid cells

The immune system can be divided into innate and adaptive components that differ in their rate and mode of cellular activation, with innate immune cells being the first responders to invading pathogens. Recent advances in the identification and characterization of innate lymphoid cells have revealed reiterative developmental programs that result in cells with effector fates that parallel those of adaptive lymphoid cells and are tailored to effectively eliminate a broad spectrum of pathogenic challenges. However, activation of these cells can also be associated with pathologies such as autoimmune disease. One major distinction between innate and adaptive immune system cells is the constitutive expression of ID proteins in the former and inducible expression in the latter. ID proteins function as antagonists of the E protein transcription factors that play critical roles in lymphoid specification as well as B- and T-lymphocyte development. In this review, we examine the transcriptional mechanisms controlling the development of innate lymphocytes, including natural killer cells and the recently identified innate lymphoid cells (ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3), and innate-like lymphocytes, including natural killer T cells, with an emphasis on the known requirements for the ID proteins.
The initial expression and patterned appearance of tenascin in scutate scales is absent from the dermis of the scaleless (sc/sc) chicken.

Morphogenesis of the anterior metatarsal skin (scutate scale region), from 9.5 to 12 days of development, results in the formation of orderly patterned scale ridges. It is after the initial formation of the Definitive Scale Ridge that the characteristic outer and inner epidermal surfaces differentiate. The hard, plate-like β stratum , with its unique β keratins, characterizes the epidermis of the outer surface, while the epidermis of the inner surface elaborates an α stratum. The anterior metatarsal region of the scaleless mutant does not undergo scale morphogenesis. Therefore, scale ridges do not form nor do the outer and inner epidermal surfaces with their characteristic β and α strata. We have found that the extracellular matrix molecule, tenascin, first appears in the scutate scale dermis at 12 days of development when the scale ridge is established. Tenascin is found in the dermis only under the scale ridge and is not associated with the dermal-epidermal junction. Tenascin is not found in scaleless anterior metatarsal dermis at this time. As outgrowth of the Definitive Scale Ridge takes place, tenascin distribution correlates closely with the formation of the outer epidermal surface of each scale ridge. By 16 days of development tenascin is also found in close association with the dermal-epidermal junction. Tenascin does not appear in scaleless anterior metatarsal dermis until 16 days of development and then it is randomly and sparsely distributed at the dermal-epidermal junction. Tenascin's initial appearance and pattern of distribution in the scutate scale dermis and its abnormal expression in the scaleless dermis suggest that morphogenesis plays a significant role in regulation of its expression.
Bridging the European Union and Eastern Europe: Cross-border Cooperation and the Euroregions

This article explores the development of Euroregions on the European Union's eastern border and then suggests how their contribution to overcoming the various barriers between societies may be assessed. In particular, this analysis focuses on both the stated goals and actual activities of one Euroregion, the Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina on the German-Polish border. With its focus on small-scale projects that affect people's daily lives, the Euroregion provides opportunities for elites and average citizens on both sides of the border to overcome mutual suspicions, work together to promote the regional economy, and foster linkages with the European Union.
Methods for the isolation of viable gonadotropin-releasing hormone (LRF) neurons

Studies were conducted in order to determine if selected neurons could be isolated from the brain using Sepharose-linked recognition complexes directed against or related to the biosynthetic/neurosecretory product of the desired neuronal population. Immunoreactive LRF neurons were precipitated when dispersed cells of adult male rats were incubated successively in media containing free LRF antiserum followed by the exposure of LRF bound to Sepharose-4B. The radioimmunoassayable LRF content of the isolated cells was 88% of that contained in fresh frozen tissue of a contemporary group of rats and trypan blue exclusion indicated that at least 85% of the neurons were viable. Furthermore, based on immunocytochemistry and cresyl violet staining in combination with immunocytochemistry, the isolated cell fraction appeared to be free from other types of cells and also exhibited assayable LRF release when challenged with potassium. These results suggest that the neuroendocrine properties of hypothalamic neurons may be exploited in order to isolate viable cells for acute in vitro experiments.
Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is a suitable host for Gyrodactylus salaris (Monogenea, Gyrodactylidae) in Norway.

Gyrodactylus specimens infecting both anadromous Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) from River Signaldalselva (northern Norway) and resident Arctic charr from Lake Palsbufjorden (southern Norway) were identified as G. salaris using molecular markers and morphometrics. The infection in Palsbufjorden represents the first record of a viable G. salaris population infecting a host in the wild in the absence of salmon (Salmo salar). G. salaris on charr from Signaldalselva and Palsbufjorden bear different mitochondrial haplotypes. While parasites infecting charr in Signaldalselva carry the same mitochondrial haplotype as parasites from sympatric Atlantic salmon, G. salaris from charr in Palsbufjorden bear a haplotype that has previously been found in parasites infecting rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon, and an IGS repeat arrangement that is very similar to those observed earlier in parasites infecting rainbow trout. Accordingly, the infection may result from 2 subsequent host-switches (from salmon via rainbow trout to charr). Morphometric analyses revealed significant differences between G. salaris infecting charr in the 2 localities, and between those on sympatric charr and salmon within Signaldalselva. These differences may reflect adaptations to a new host species, different environmental conditions, and/or inherited differences between the G. salaris strains. The discovery of G. salaris on populations of both anadromous and resident charr may have severe implications for Atlantic salmon stock-management as charr may represent a reservoir for infection of salmon.
Sequential methylation of 2-mercaptoethanol to the dimethyl sulfonium ion, 2-(dimethylthio)ethanol, in vivo and in vitro

Thioether methyltransferase (S-adenosyl-l-methionine: thioether S-methyltransferase; EC 2.1.1.96) catalyzes the methylation of X in compound of the type R-X-R′(X = S, Se, Te), yielding a methyl onium ion. Previous results using mice have demonstrated a role for thioether methyltransferase in the conversion and clearance of thioethers by methylation to more water-soluble methyl sulfonium ions suitable for excretion in the urine. A potential major physiological source of thioethers is reactions catalyzed by microsomal thiol methyltransferase (S-adenosyl-l-methionine: thiol S-methyltransferase; EC 2.1.1.9), which has been shown to methylate a diverse range of aliphatic sulfhydryl compounds. This study provides evidence for the sequential methylation of the aliphatic thiol, 2-mercaptoethanol, first to the methyl thioether, 2-(methylthio)ethanol, by thiol methyltransferase followed by methylation of this methyl thioether to the dimethyl sulfonium ion, 2-(dimethylthio)ethanol, by thioether methyltransferase. This sequence of reactions was demonstrated in vivo by injecting mice i.p. with radioactive 2-mercaptoethanol and analyzing the labeled methylated products, 2-(methylthio)ethanol and 2(dimethylthio)ethanol, in the urine by HPLC. In addition, the system converting 2-mercaptoethanol to 2-(dimethylthio)ethanol was reconstituted in vitro using solubilized mouse liver microsomes as a source of thiol methyltransferase and purified thioether methyltransferase from mouse lung. The results of these in vivo and in vitro studies established the sequential methylation of 2-mercaptoethanol by these two enzymes.
The role of salt on cellulose dissolution in ethylene diamine/salt solvent systems

Ethylene diamine (EDA)/salt solvent systems can dissolve cellulose without any pretreatment. A comparison of the electrical conductivity of different salts in EDA was made at 25 °C, and conductivity decreased in the order of KSCN>KI>NaSCN at the same molar concentration. Among the salts tested, potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) was capable of dissolving both high molecular weight (DP>1000) and low molecular weight (DP = 210) cellulose, and this was confirmed by polarized light microscopy. 39K and 14N NMR experiments were conducted at 70 °C as a function of cellobiose concentration with EDA/KSCN as the solvent. The results showed that the K+ ion interacts with cellobiose more than the SCN− ion does. Recovered cellulose was studied by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Changes in the FTIR absorption bands at 1,430 and 1,317 cm−1 were associated with a change in the conformation of the C-6CH2OH group. The changes in positions and/or intensities of absorption bands at 2,900, 1,163, and 8,97cm−1 were related to the breaking of hydrogen bonds in cellulose. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that cellulose, recovered by precipitating cellulose solutions with water, underwent a polymorphic transformation from cellulose I to cellulose II.
Treatment of neoplastic diseases of the sacrum

Sacral neoplasms constitute a wide range of pathological entities including primary and metastatic as well as benign and malignant conditions. Often these lesions are large at the time of initial diagnosis and surgical cure may be difficult. Nonetheless, surgery may be indicated for a wide range of reasons including tissue diagnosis, palliation of pain, preservation of neurological function, or attempts for curative resection. There are numerous surgical approaches to lesions of this area which require a complete understanding of the neural, pelvic, and bony anatomy. For this reason we utilize a multidisciplinary team approach when treating these lesions. This allows for the combination of expertise from areas such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery that optimizes the treatment of these patients. In this article we review the basic techniques of diagnosis and treatment of these lesions. This overview includes the relative anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, imaging, operative indications, surgical approaches, and potential complications.
Regulation of α genes of herpes simplex virus: Expression of chimeric genes produced by fusion of thymidine kinase with α gene promoters

Abstract We report a system for investigating promoters of eucaryotic cell and virus genes based on analyses of the regulation of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) thymidine kinases whose structural gene sequences have been fused to the promoter of the gene under study. In infected cells, the polypeptides specified by HSV-1 form at least three groups, α, β and γ, whose synthesis is coordinately regulated and sequentially ordered at the transcriptional level. To identify the DNA sequence responsible for the regulation of transcription of α genes, we fused the sequence encoding the 5′ end of an α gene to the structural gene sequence of the thymidine kinase, a β gene. The resultant recombinant DNA was inserted into the viral genome and was also used to convert Ltk − cells to tk + phenotype. In cells infected with recombinant virus, the thymidine kinase gene was regulated and expressed as an α gene—that is, it was transcribed and processed in the absence of prior infected cell protein synthesis. Moreover, mRNA selected by hybridization to sequences encoding the thymidine kinase contains at its 5′ terminus sequences homologous to the donor sequence encoding the 5′ terminus of the α mRNA. In converted tk + cells, the fused thymidine kinase gene, like the wild-type gene, is stimulated by superinfection with the tk − virus. However, the stimulation is many times greater and is due to non-α-gene products, whereas in cells converted by the wild-type gene, the stimulation is by a gene products. We conclude that the α genes are identified for transcription by sequences at or near those encoding the 5′ terminus of the mRNA, and transposition of these sequences to a β gene is all that is required to convert it to an α gene. Transcription of α genes appears to be regulated by non-α-gene products, which could be contained within the structure of the virion. In converted Ltk + cells, the thymidine kinase gene uses its own promoter.
Fecal microbiota transplantation and donor standardization

Clostridium difficile diarrhea is a common and severe infectious disease. Antibiotics, which are standard initial treatment, are less effective for treating refractory or recurrent infection. Fecal microbiota transplantation, where healthy donor stool is transplanted into a patient, is an alternative to antibiotic therapy that requires standardization for donors and patients.
NAFTA and the Mexican economic crisis: Causality or coincidence?

Abstract The recent Mexican economic crisis has raised some questions about the economic policies of the Salinas administration. Is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to be blamed for the collapse of the Mexican Peso and the ensuing economic downturn? Could a recession have been prevented? How is the recent currency crisis different from the three previous balance of payments crisis in 1976, 1982, and 1985? This article answers these important questions and provides some insights into the socio-economic dilemmas that Mexican policy-makers face.
Symbol design: a user-centered method to design pen-based interfaces and extend the functionality of pointer input devices

A method called “SymbolDesign” is proposed that can be used to design user-centered interfaces for pen-based input devices. It can also extend the functionality of pointer input devices, such as the traditional computer mouse or the Camera Mouse, a camera-based computer interface. Users can create their own interfaces by choosing single-stroke movement patterns that are convenient to draw with the selected input device, and by mapping them to a desired set of commands. A pattern could be the trace of a moving finger detected with the Camera Mouse or a symbol drawn with an optical pen. The core of the SymbolDesign system is a dynamically created classifier, in the current implementation an artificial neural network. The architecture of the neural network automatically adjusts according to the complexity of the classification task. In experiments, subjects used the SymbolDesign method to design and test the interfaces they created, for example, to browse the web. The experiments demonstrated good recognition accuracy and responsiveness of the user interfaces. The method provided an easily-designed and easily-used computer input mechanism for people without physical limitations, and, with some modifications, has the potential to become a computer access tool for people with severe paralysis.
Scheduling input-queued switches by shadow departure time algorithm

A new scheduling algorithm for input-queued cell switches, referred to as a shadow departure time algorithm (SDTA), is introduced. Simulations demonstrate that the cell delay distribution of the SDTA is more desirable than the distributions of the GS-OCF and GS-LQF algorithms in terms of cell overdue probability.
Repeated evolution of limblessness and digging heads in worm lizards revealed by DNA from old bones

The evolutionary relationships of the burrowing amphisbaenians ('worm lizards') have long been controversial for several reasons: the rarity of museum specimens available for study, highly derived morphological conditions that can confound comparative studies and difficulty in obtaining tissues for molecular phylogenetic studies because of their secretive habits in the wild. We present a phylogenetic analysis of two nuclear genes obtained from both fresh tissues and museum specimens of worm lizards. We achieved sufficient taxonomic sampling for analysis by extracting DNA from museum specimens using a modified forensics protocol. Results show the limbless Rhineuridae to be the most basal lineage, whereas the limbed Bipedidae occupy a more derived position as the sister-taxon to a Trogonophidae-Amphisbaenidae clade. This pattern of relationships indicates widespread morphological convergence within the group, including three independent incidences of limb loss. Convergence in skull shape and scalation is also prevalent. Mosaic evolution in the skull versus postcranial skeleton parallels that seen in snake evolution.
Returning to God after God: Levinas, Derrida, Ricoeur

This essay discusses the anatheist option of returning to God after the atheistic critique of the traditional God of ontotheology. It begins by reviewing the contributions that Levinas and Derrida have made toward this position and the atheistic criticisms of Freud and Nietzsche. The work of Paul Ricoeur is then discussed, showing how the atheist critique is a necessary moment in the development of genuine faith that involves a renunciation of fear and dependency as well as a reaffirmation of life and a return to existence. Kearney goes on to discuss how this return to God is possible, considering the ethical position that makes it possible, the reinterpretations of biblical traditions that it entails, the relationship between the anatheist philosopher and the theologian, and revival of God as an enabling God.
Computation-Guided Development of Au-Catalyzed Cycloisomerizations Proceeding via 1,2-Si- or 1,2-H Migrations: Regiodivergent Synthesis of Silylfurans

A novel highly efficient regiodivergent Au-catalyzed cycloisomerization of allenyl and homopropargylic ketones into synthetically valuable 2- and 3-silylfurans has been designed with the aid of DFT calculations. This cascade transformation features 1,2-Si or 1,2-H migrations in a common Au-carbene intermediate. Both experimental and computational results clearly indicate that the 1,2-Si migration is kinetically favored over the 1,2-shifts of H, alkyl, and aryl groups in the β-Si-substituted Au-carbenes. In addition, experimental results on the Au(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of homopropargylic ketones demonstrated that counterion and solvent effects could reverse the above migratory preference. The DFT calculations provided a rationale for this 1,2-migration regiodivergency. Thus, in the case of Ph3PAuSbF6, DFT-simulated reaction proceeds through the initial propargyl-allenyl isomerization followed by the cyclization into the Au-carbene intermediate with the exclusive formation of 1,2-Si migration prod...
VARIABLE BREEDING PHENOLOGY AFFECTS THE EXPOSURE OF AMPHIBIAN EMBRYOS TO ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Reduced water depth in dry years has been proposed to interact with ultra- violet-B (UV-B) radiation and a pathogenic fungus to cause episodes of high mortality of amphibian embryos. Observations of breeding phenology of boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata) in Colorado from 1986 to 2001 show that dry years result in earlier breeding. The earliest and latest dates of maximum calling activity by males were 20 May and 16 June, and the date of maximum calling was strongly related to the amount of snow accu- mulation during the winter. Surface UV-B flux, estimated from satellite-based measure- ments, was positively related to date of maximum calling. In dry years, surface UV-B during calling was reduced by an amount similar to that attributed to reduced depth. Al- though there was a significant trend of increasing UV-B from 1978 to 2001 on the average date (2 June) of maximum calling activity, there was no relationship between year and surface UV-B at actual dates of maximum calling. Exposure to extreme temperatures is an alternative explanation for increased mortality of amphibian embryos in shallow water.
synMuv verite--Myb comes into focus.

Over the past 25 years, tremendous progress has been made in the identification of the genetic alterations that cause cancer. The discovery of oncogenes and tumorsuppressor genes relied largely on studies of animal retroviruses, consistent chromosomal aberrations in human cancers, transfection of human tumor DNA into rodent cells, DNA tumor viruses, and rare familial cancer syndromes (Bishop 1995). A major challenge has been to understand the function of the protein products of these genes in both normal and malignant cells. In many cases studies of developmental genetics in model organisms have provided key insights that have illuminated the pathways that go awry in human cancer. In particular, the awesome power of beast genetics in the nematode and fruit fly has benefited from the speed and rela
Nonparametric density estimation and clustering in astronomical sky surveys

We present a nonparametric method for galaxy clustering in astronomical sky surveys. We show that the cosmological definition of clusters of galaxies is equivalent to density contour clusters (Hartigan, 1975) S"c={f>c} where f is a probability density function. The plug-in estimator [email protected]^"[email protected]^>c is used to estimate S"c where [email protected]^ is the multivariate kernel density estimator. To choose the optimal smoothing parameter, we use cross-validation and the plug-in method and show that cross-validation method outperforms the plug-in method in our case. A new cluster catalog, database of the locations of clusters, based on the plug-in estimator is compared to existing cluster catalogs, the Abell and Edinburgh/Durham Cluster Catalog I (EDCCI). Our result is more consistent with the EDCCI than with the Abell, which is the most widely used catalog. We use the smoothed bootstrap to asses the validity of clustering results.
Value of the H-Q interval in patients with bundle branch block and the role of prophylactic permanent pacing

His bundle electrograms were obtained in 313 patients with chronic bundle branch block who were followed for a mean period of almost 3 years. The infranodal conduction time (H-Q interval) was less than 55 ms in 97 patients (Group I), 55 to 69 ms in 99 patients (Group II), and greater than or equal to 70 ms in 117 patients (Group III). There was a higher incidence of organic heart disease in patients in Group III, but the groups were otherwise comparable. On follow-up study, mortality and the incidence of sudden death were similar among the groups, but patients in Group III had a greater incidence of progression to high degree atrioventricular block (HDB) than did those in Groups I and II (14 of 117 [12%] versus 4 of 97 [4%] and 2 of 99 [2%], p less than 0.01, respectively). High degree block was found in 4 of 17 (24%) patients with an H-Q interval (H-Q) greater than or equal to 100 ms. Sixty-two patients underwent permanent prophylactic pacemaker insertion at the discretion of the referring physician and were compared with 231 patients who did not. Paced patients had a higher incidence of transient neurologic symptoms and prolonged H-Q, but the groups were otherwise comparable. On follow-up study, mortality and the incidence of sudden death were similar among the groups, but symptom relief was significantly more common among patients with pacemakers. In conclusion, in our population (1) H-Q greater than or equal to 70 ms was an independent risk factor for progression to HDB, (2) H-Q greater than or equal to 100 ms identified a subgroup at particularly high risk, and (3) prophylactic pacemakers relieved neurologic symptoms but did not prolong life.
Use of the Physical Performance Test to Assess Preclinical Disability in Subjects With Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and occlusion demonstrate deficits in physical performance compared with a comparison group. These deficits may indicate that a person is demonstrating preclinical disability. Subjects. Seventy-one subjects with no known disease and 39 subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis of moderate and severe degrees or with occlusion were included. Methods. Physical performance was assessed with the 9-item and 7-item versions of the Physical Performance Test (PPT). Individual tasks also were timed for the subjects with disease. Results. There were significant differences between the comparison group and the subjects with carotid artery stenosis on the 9-item PPT ( P <.00) and on the 7-item PPT ( P <.03). Subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and occlusion demonstrated less than optimal performance on the PPT (9-item PPT, X=27 of 36; 7-item PPT, X=21 of 28). Subjects with moderate stenosis were the slowest in performing the task of simulated eating. Discussion and Conclusion. Subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and occlusion exhibited changes in function, as indicated by their performance on the PPT relative to that of a comparison group. This finding may be indicative of preclinical disability, indicating that these people are symptomatic. This indication may affect the medical and surgical options that can be considered for their care. [Landgraff NC, Whitney SL, Rubinstein EN, Yonas H. Use of the Physical Performance Test to assess preclinical disability in subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Phys Ther . 2006;86:541–548.]
Social Support in Absentia: The Effect of an Absentee Partner on Conformity

An experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of an absentee social supporter as a way of reducing conformity. Eighty female subjects responded in five-person groups. On the pretext of a mechanical failure in the apparatus, four group members gave answers on 11 trials while the subject observed but did not answer. The same series of 11 trials was then repeated (the apparatus having allegedly been repaired), with the subject answering in one of three conditions: (1) unanimous pressure: during both presentations of the 11 trials all group members gave extremely incorrect or unpopular answers on all critical trials; (2) present social support: during both presentations one person in the group always gave correct or popular answers on critical trials in disagreement with the group; (3) absent social support: during the first presentation one group member always gave correct answers on critical trials, but left the experiment before the second presentation. Results showed that both the physically prese...
Voltage sag source location in high-voltage power transmission networks

Voltage sags is among the most concerned power quality problem in power systems. Online voltage sag state estimation is used to assess voltage sags at non-measured buses. However, due to the constraint of cost, the power quality meters available to sag estimation are much fewer than the number of buses. It makes the sag estimation problem underdetermined in nature. In this situation, conventional least-square based estimators are unable to obtain reliable estimates. This paper proposes a new method to estimate voltage sags at un-metered busses based on underdetermined state estimation theory. By exploiting the spatial sparsity of fault locations, the paper shows the underdetermined sag estimation problem can become observable. The proposed method is tested in IEEE 30-bus power system.
An Updated Snapshot of Recent Advances in Transcriptomics and Genomics of Phytomedicinals

Medicinal plants have been of great importance to human health care since the advent of medicine. A huge array of molecules has been obtained from these phytopharmaceutical-yielding species that have influenced human lives since the beginning of plant-based life-saving medicines. Some of these molecules have taken the form of taxol, aspirin, and artemisinin. With the flourishing era of highthroughput next generation sequencing technologies, a hot pursuit for sequencing the genomes and transcriptomes of these life-saving plants is underway. Although few genomes have been sequenced or are currently being addressed, the number of transcriptomes sequenced has sky-rocketed in the last couple of years and continues to surge forward with immense pace, covering all important genera of medicinal plants. I have attempted to provide the current status, progress, opportunities, and challenges of these sequencing endeavors in this comprehensive and updated review. It is my hope that this information will provide both specialists and non-specialists with the current trends and future directions of this interesting category of plants.
Relationship among derivative spectroscopy, color, crystallite dimensions, and Al substitution of synthetic goethites and hematites

Nine hematites and 22 goethites were synthesized by a variety of methods to obtain monomineralic samples having a range of Al substitutions and particle sizes. The second derivative of absorbance and Munsell color designations were calculated from visible reflectance spectra obtained from the dry powders. Unit-cell dimensions, Al substitution, infrared band positions, mean crystallite dimensions (MCD) from X-ray powder diffraction, and particle size from fiber-optic Doppler anemometry (FODA) were determined. Previously reported correlations between Al substitution, goethite unit-cell dimensions, and OH-stretching and -bending band positions were confirmed. For hematite, the position of the second derivative peak at ≈600 nm was negatively correlated with Al substitution (r = −.86). Munsell value and chroma were positively correlated with Al substitution (r =.94 for both), but hue was not related to Al substitution. Hue appeared to become redder, however, as particle size measured either by FODA or MCD increased. For goethite, the position of the second derivative minimum at ≈485 nm was negatively correlated with Al substitution (r = −.99). Munsell hue appeared to be related to both Al substitution and MCD perpendicular to (110), MCD110, with hues becoming redder with increasing Al substitution and yellower with increasing MCD110. Correlations between Munsell value and chroma and parameters such as Al substitution, particle size, and OH-stretching and -bending band positions were poor, but goethites synthesized by oxidation of Fe2+ solutions at room temperature had higher chromas than goethites synthesized hydrothermally from an Fe3+ system. Visually determined colors agreed well with calculated ones. Second-derivative spectra and color designations calculated from visible spectra appear to be potentially useful for quickly estimating other properties of goethite and hematite, such as Al substitution and particle size.
Lung Transplant Recipients Carrying rs2241880 GG Genotype of the Autophagy Gene ATG16L1 Are at Accelerated Risk for BOS Development

Purpose: Autophagy is a catabolic process that promotes cytoplasmic component cycling and is implicated in regulating alloimmune responses by dendritic cells. Carriers of autophagy gene ATG16L1 (rs2241880, T300A) G alleles are at increased risk for Crohn’s disease but the role of this genotype in solid organ transplant tolerance is unclear. Here we assess BOS development risk in lung transplant recipients at rs2241880. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 230 recipients who received lungs between 12/1/09 and 10/31/13 was performed. Donor and recipient demographic data were extracted along with time to first occurrence of post-transplant Grampositive (inc. S. aureus and other), Gram-negative (inc. P aeruginosa and other), Aspergillus (inc. A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, or other), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and respiratory viral infection (inc. influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and other). Recipient saliva DNA samples were collected from 239 recipients. Results: ATG16L1 rs2241880 polymorphisms could be determined from 229 participants. 60 recipients were AA, 101 AG, and 68 GG. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in BOS development rates between AA, AG and GG (p ≤ 0.0016). This result remained statistically significant when multivariate analysis was applied to infections (as indicated in the methods) as covariates (p= 0.008) for AA vs. GG but not AG vs. AA or GG. Conclusion: Carriers of ATG16L rs2241880 GG are prone to faster BOS development suggesting that the underlying immune mechanisms that promote chronic rejection are regulated by autophagy. of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; 4Division of Respiratory Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; 5Division of Respiratory Medicine, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland; 6Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA; 7Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA.
Heat protection by sugars and sugar analogues

We have examined the relative ability of 16 sugars and sugar analogues to reduce cell killing by hyperthermia of 40 min, 45 degrees C. In general, sugars were added to the culture medium 6 h prior to heating at a concentration of 100 mM (400 mosmol). The results show that D-hexoses, L-hexoses, methylated or thiolated sugars and disaccharides significantly protected cells against thermal damage, increasing survival by factors of 10 to 100. The degree of protection varied for specific sugars and could not be predicted on the basis of sugar conformation or the number of hydroxyl groups. Relative heat protection was partially dependent on the survival assay technique (pre- and post-plating); consistently lower cell survival was measured when cells were subcultured after hyperthermia, both in medium-control and sugar-protected cells. However, the time dependence of heat protection appeared independent of pre- and post-plating. Cell survival after heating was not increased by two sugars: (a) D-idose, and (b) 2-deoxy-D-galactose. The latter sugar, curiously, was also a heat protector but only when cells were trypsinized after hyperthermia. Both of these sugars were relatively more toxic at 37 degrees C under identical treatment conditions. The lack of protection by these two sugars is not understood. Another reported non-sugar heat protector, sodium butyrate, was included as an additional control. Heat protection by butyrate was not observed in CHO cells. The accumulation of intracellular free sugar was measured by gas chromatography after incubating cells for 6 h, 37 degrees C with talose, idose, L-galactose or 1-O-methyl-D-glucose. All of these sugars were found in high concentrations inside of cells. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that polyhydroxy compounds must accumulate intracellularly for cellular heat protection.
Relationships among Personality, Situational Construal and Social Outcomes:

The present study demonstrates a novel way of exploring the relationship between personality and social outcomes by examining an understudied intermediate step: situational construal. Construal is ...
Simple formulas for designing an offset multibeam parabolic reflector

For given beamwidth, sidelobe, and scan requirements, simple analytical formulas are presented for designing reflector and feed array configurations. All calculations can be done with hand calculators.
Spin valve and dual spin valve heads with synthetic antiferromagnets

Analytical and micromagnetic analysis have been performed for synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) biased single and dual spin valve heads. It is found that for a un-pinned SAF under an external field, the antiparallel axis will flop to the direction orthogonal to the field direction. Introducing a thickness differential in the SAF can help to prevent the magnetization flop in addition to the exchange pinning. Design principles for SAF biased single and dual spin valve heads are presented. An SAF biased dual spin valve head with appropriate design can have significant advantages over the single spin valve besides higher GMR values.
Teacher–Student Relationships as Compensatory Resources for Aggressive Children

This 2-year prospective investigation examined the association between the quality of teacher-student relationships and children's levels of aggression in a sample of 140 second- and third-grade aggressive children (M age = 8.18). Consistent with the proposed dual-risk compensatory hypothesis, positive teacher-student relationships were more beneficial for aggressive African American and Hispanic children than for aggressive Caucasian children. Data did not support a moderating effect of negative parent-child relationship quality on the association between supportive teacher-student relationships and aggression. Findings underscore the importance of recruiting and preparing teachers capable of establishing supportive relationships with aggressive African American and Hispanic children. Results also suggest the need for multiple reporters of relationship quality in future research.
Analysis of Instability of Latitudinal Differential Rotation and Toroidal Field in the Solar Tachocline Using a Magnetohydrodynamic Shallow-Water Model. I. Instability for Broad Toroidal Field Profiles

We examine the global MHD instability of solar tachocline latitudinal differential rotation and the coexisting broad toroidal magnetic field, using a "shallow-water" model that captures the simplest effects of subadiabatic stratification. We assume a single fluid shell that has a fixed bottom but variable thickness. This model is the MHD generalization of a hydrodynamic model that we have previously applied to the tachocline, although the solution method is somewhat different. Stratification in the model is characterized by an "effective gravity" G (G = 0 for adiabatic stratification). The radiative (lower) part of the tachocline thus has high G (~102) and the overshoot part, low G (less than 1). We obtain growth rates, phase velocities, and spatial structures of unstable modes for a wide range of toroidal field strengths and effective gravities, as well as differential rotations that are consistent with helioseismic observations. We recover known two-dimensional MHD stability results in the limit of large G and hydrodynamic instability results in the limit of vanishing toroidal field. For strong magnetic fields, only longitudinal wavenumber m = 1 is unstable, but for weak fields m = 2 is also. For peak toroidal fields of 20 kG and above, the growth rates and disturbance structures are essentially independent of the effective gravity, until it becomes so small that the fluid shell shrinks to zero in low latitudes, whereupon the instability is cut off. In contrast, the instability evolves radically at low G when toroidal field is increased from zero. In both overshoot and radiative parts of the tachocline, unstable modes grow fastest for toroidal fields of the order of 102 kG. The structure of the unstable disturbances is always governed by the latitude location of singular or critical points at which the Doppler-shifted phase velocity of the disturbance equals the local (angular) Alfven speed. All unstable disturbances possess kinetic helicity, narrowly concentrated in the neighborhood of the same critical points. Just as shown by Dikpati & Gilman for the hydrodynamic case, such disturbances could provide an "α-effect" for the solar dynamo. But unlike the hydrodynamic case, this α-effect would be a function of the toroidal field itself.