cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antagonistic neural networks underlying differentiated leadership roles

The emergence of two distinct leadership roles, the task leader and the socio-emotional leader, has been documented in the leadership literature since the 1950s. Recent research in neuroscience suggests that the division between task-oriented and socio-emotional-oriented roles derives from a fundamental feature of our neurobiology: an antagonistic relationship between two large-scale cortical networks - the task-positive network (TPN) and the default mode network (DMN). Neural activity in TPN tends to inhibit activity in the DMN, and vice versa. The TPN is important for problem solving, focusing of attention, making decisions, and control of action. The DMN plays a central role in emotional self-awareness, social cognition, and ethical decision making. It is also strongly linked to creativity and openness to new ideas. Because activation of the TPN tends to suppress activity in the DMN, an over-emphasis on task-oriented leadership may prove deleterious to social and emotional aspects of leadership. Similarly, an overemphasis on the DMN would result in difficulty focusing attention, making decisions, and solving known problems. In this paper, we will review major streams of theory and research on leadership roles in the context of recent findings from neuroscience and psychology. We conclude by suggesting that emerging research challenges the assumption that role differentiation is both natural and necessary, in particular when openness to new ideas, people, emotions, and ethical concerns are important to success.
Predictive modeling for the presence of prostate carcinoma using clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters in patients with prostate specific antigen levels < 10 ng/mL

BACKGROUND The objective of the current study was to develop a model for predicting the presence of prostate carcinoma using clinical, laboratory, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) data. METHODS Data were collected on 1237 referred men with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels ≤ 10 ng/mL who underwent an initial prostate biopsy. Variables analyzed included age, race, family history, referral indication(s), prior vasectomy, digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA level, PSA density (PSAD), and TRUS findings. Twenty percent of the data were reserved randomly for study validation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the relative risk, 95% confidence interval, and P values. RESULTS Independent predictors of a positive biopsy result included elevated PSAD, abnormal DRE, hypoechoic TRUS finding, and age 75 years or older. Based on these variables, a predictive nomogram was developed. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 92% and 24%, respectively, in the validation study for which the predictive probability ≥ 10% was used to indicate the presence of prostate carcinoma. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the model was 73%, which was significantly higher compared with the prediction based on PSA alone (AUC, 62%). If it was validated externally, then application of this model to the biopsy decision could result in a 24% reduction in unnecessary biopsy procedures, with an overall reduction of 20%. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of clinical, laboratory, and TRUS data into a prebiopsy nomogram significantly improved the prediction of prostate carcinoma over the use of individual factors alone. Predictive nomograms may serve as an aid to patient counseling regarding prostate biopsy outcome and to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsy procedures. Cancer 2003;98:1417–22. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11668
Peripheral blood DNA methylation profiles are indicative of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: an epigenome-wide association study.

Head and neck cancer accounts for an estimated 47,560 new cases and 11,480 deaths annually in the United States, the majority of which are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The overall 5 year survival is approximately 60% and declines with increasing stage at diagnosis, indicating a need for non-invasive tests that facilitate the detection of early disease. DNA methylation is a stable epigenetic modification that is amenable to measurement and readily available in peripheral blood. We used a semi-supervised recursively partitioned mixture model (SS-RPMM) approach to identify novel blood DNA methylation markers of HNSCC using genome-wide methylation array data for peripheral blood samples from 92 HNSCC cases and 92 cancer-free control subjects. To assess the performance of the resultant markers, we constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated the corresponding area under the curve (AUC). Cases and controls were best differentiated by a methylation profile of six CpG loci (assoc...
On multipole theory in electrocardiography.

This paper continues a comparison of the Taylor series and spherical harmonic forms of multipole representations initiated by Yeh (Bull. Math. Biophysics,24, 197–207, 1962). It is shown that while transformations from Taylor series form into spherical harmonic form is always possible, the inverse cannot be accomplished as suggested by Yeh; corrected transformation equations are given. It is also shown that direct measurement of Taylor coefficients, as outlined in Yeh, Martinek, and de Beaumont (Bull. Math. Biophysics,20, 203–216, 1958), is actually not possible. Accordingly, only the spherical harmonic coefficients can be determined by measurement of surface potentials, as in electrocardiography.
Statistical sampling of the distribution of uranium deposits using geologic/geographic clusters

The concept of geologic/geographic clusters was developed particularly to study grade and tonnage models for sandstone-type uranium deposits. A cluster is a grouping of mined as well as unmined uranium occurrences within an arbitrary area about 8 km across. A cluster is a statistical sample that will reflect accurately the distribution of uranium in large regions relative to various geologic and geographic features. The example of the Colorado Plateau Uranium Province reveals that only 3 percent of the total number of clusters is in the largest tonnage-size category, greater than 10,000 short tons U3O8, and that 80 percent of the clusters are hosted by Triassic and Jurassic rocks. The distributions of grade and tonnage for clusters in the Powder River Basin show a wide variation; the grade distribution is highly variable, reflecting a difference between roll-front deposits and concretionary deposits, and the Basin contains about half the number in the greater-than-10,000 tonnage-size class as does the Colorado Plateau, even though it is much smaller. The grade and tonnage models should prove useful in finding the richest and largest uranium deposits.
Critical role of Lys212 and Tyr140 in porcine NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase.

Lys212 and Tyr140 are close to the enzyme-bound isocitrate in the recently determined crystal structure of porcine NADP-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (Ceccarelli, C., Grodsky, N. B., Ariyaratne, N., Colman, R. F., and Bahnson, B. J. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 43454–43462). We have constructed mutant enzymes in which Lys212 is replaced by Gln, Tyr, and Arg, and Tyr140 is replaced by Phe, Thr, Glu, and Lys. Wild type and mutant enzymes were each expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. At pH 7.4, the specific activity is decreased in K212Q, K212Y, and K212R, respectively, to 0.01–9% of wild type. The most striking change is in the pH-Vmax curves. Wild type depends on the deprotonated form of a group of pKaes 5.7, whereas this pKaes is increased to 7.4 in neutral K212Q and to 8.3 in K212Y. In contrast, the positive K212R has a pKaes of 5.9. These results indicate that (by electrostatic repulsion) a positively charged residue at position 212 lowers the pK of the nearby ionizable group in the enzyme-substrate complex. Lys212 may also stabilize the carbanion formed initially on substrate decarboxylation. The Tyr140 mutants have specific activities at pH 7.4 that are reduced to 0.2–0.5% of those of wild type, whereas their Km values for isocitrate and NADP are not increased. Most notable are the altered pH-Vmax profiles. Vmax is constant from pH 5.3 to 8 for Y140F and Y140T and increases as pH is decreased for Y140E and Y140K. These results suggest that in wild type enzyme, Tyr140 is the general acid that protonates the substrate after decarboxylation and that the carboxyl and ammonium forms of Y140E and Y140K provide partial substitutes. Relative to wild type, the Y140T enzyme is specifically activated 106-fold by exogenous addition of acetic acid and 88-fold by added phenol; and the K212Q enzyme is activated 4-fold by added ethylamine. These chemical rescue experiments support the conclusion that Tyr140 and Lys212 are required for the catalytic activity of porcine NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase.
Pre- and postnatal exposure to dieldrin: Persistent stimulatory and behavioral effects☆

Abstract Dieldrin was fed to two generations of albino rats at levels often found in the environment (0.35 μg/kg/day, orally). A two-by-two factorial design was employed to investigate the simultaneous effect of a malnutrition condition consisting of low protein and dieldrin exposure. Second generation animals were tested using comprehensive behavioral criteria (swimming ability, righting reflex, motivational test, and a series of learning tasks) in order to detect any subtle diffeences between groups. Significant differences were seen between all of the test groups in the development of swimming ability. Animals in the 10% protein plus dieldrin (10% + D) were significantly inferior to the 10% protein group. However, rats in the 20% protein plus dieldrin (20% + D) were superior to all of the other groups in overall swimming ability. Both dieldrin groups were significantly superior to their control groups in the retention test (running the animals on the same problem 48 hr later), thus suggesting a stimulatory effect of low-dose dieldrin. No implication is made to suggest that the stimulatory effect is not harmful, since the consequences of such effects have not been determined by long-term studies.
Proximity among Distant Regulatory Elements at the β-Globin Locus Requires GATA-1 and FOG-1

Recent evidence suggests that long-range enhancers and gene promoters are in close proximity, which might reflect the formation of chromatin loops. Here, we examined the mechanism for DNA looping at the β-globin locus. By using chromosome conformation capture (3C), we show that the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1 and its cofactor FOG-1 are required for the physical interaction between the β-globin locus control region (LCR) and the β-major globin promoter. Kinetic studies reveal that GATA-1-induced loop formation correlates with the onset of β-globin transcription and occurs independently of new protein synthesis. GATA-1 occupies the β-major globin promoter normally in fetal liver erythroblasts from mice lacking the LCR, suggesting that GATA-1 binding to the promoter and LCR are independent events that occur prior to loop formation. Together, these data demonstrate that GATA-1 and FOG-1 are essential anchors for a tissue-specific chromatin loop, providing general insights into long-range enhancer function.
A pharmacological comparison of the cloned frog and human mu opioid receptors reveals differences in opioid affinity and function.

Abstract This study presents a direct comparison of the ligand binding and signaling profiles of a mammalian and non-mammalian mu opioid receptor. Opioid ligand binding and agonist potencies were determined for an amphibian (Rana pipiens) mu opioid receptor (rpMOR) and the human mu opioid receptor (hMOR) in transfected, intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Identical conditions were employed such that statistically meaningful differences between the two receptors could be determined. Identifying these differences is an important first step in understanding how evolutionary changes affect ligand binding and signaling in vertebrate opioid receptors. As expected, the rank of opioid ligand affinity for rpMOR and hMOR was consistent with the ligands' previously characterized type-selectivity. However, most of the opioid ligands tested had significant differences in affinity for rpMOR and hMOR. For example, the mu-selective agonist, DAMGO ([ d -Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin), had a 10.9-fold greater affinity (Ki) for hMOR (Ki = 268 nM) than rpMOR (Ki = 2914 nM). In addition, differences in signaling between these receptors were found by measuring inhibition of cAMP accumulation by morphine or DAMGO. DAMGO was significantly more potent (13.6-fold) in CHO cells expressing hMOR versus those expressing rpMOR. In addition, a significantly greater maximal inhibition was elicited by both opioid agonists in cells expressing hMOR. In summary, this study supports an ongoing effort to better understand how vertebrate evolution has shaped opioid receptor properties and function.
Defining dose-response of copper surface area on sperm motility. An evaluation of the copper contained in the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD)

DEFINING DOSE-RESPONSE OF COPPER SURFACE AREA ON SPERM MOTILITY. AN EVALUATION OF THE COPPER CONTAINED IN THE COPPER INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (Cu-IUD). M. Gualtieri, R. Steward, M. Wilson, R. Paulson, D. Mishell. Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Analysis of a discrete-time queue with integrated bursty inputs in ATM networks

In this paper, we carry out an exact analysis of a discrete-time queue system with a number of independent Markov modulated inputs in ATM networks, using a generating function approach. We assume that the queueing system has an infinite buffer with M servers. The cell arrival process is characterized by a number of independent Markov modulated geometrical batch arrival processes. We first obtain the generating function of the queue-size distribution at steady-state in vector form, then derive an expression for the average queue-size in terms of the unknown boundary probabilities. To obtain those unknown probabilities, we use the technique proposed in Reference 1. This involves decomposing the system characteristic function to evaluate the roots and solving a set of linear equations. One of the contributions of this paper is presented in Lemma 1, which characterizes the property of the underlying eigenvalues. For one special case of at least M-1 cell arrivals during one slot at one Markov state and of at least M arrivals at all other states, the determination of the unknowns is straightforward. If every Markov modulated arrival process can be further decomposed into a number of i.i.d. two-state, or three-state, or even four-state Markov modulated arrival processes, then each root can be obtained separately using an iterative algorithm. Numerical results are presented to validate the proposed traffic models against actual traffic measurements.
Ultrastructure of thyroid follicle cells of three salamanders (Ambystoma, Amphiuma, and Necturus) exhibiting varying degrees of neoteny

Thyroid follicle cells of a facultively neotenic salamander ( Ambystoma tigrinum ), a perpetual perennibranchiate ( Necturus maculosus ), and a consistently partially metamorphosing derotreme ( Amphiuma means ), were compared at light and electron microscopic levels. In all three urodeles, a feltwork of cytoplasmic filaments apparently becomes contractile and is responsible for relatively rapid changes in cellular configuration. It apperars that microtubules form as an intermediate step in the synthesis of new filaments. The paucity of parafollicular (light) cells may be partly responsible for the lack of ossification in adult perennibranchiates. While recent evidence suggests that little T 4 is produced and none is released into the blood stream by Necturus thyroid ( 42 ), morphologically, the follicle cells appear to be relatively active. Detection of small amounts of T 4 in the thyroid of this genus may merely represent a disappearing function for this gland. Therefore, it might prove useful to look for other functions for the follicle cell of Necturus without the preconceived notion that it only synthesizes iodinated tyrosines.
Simultaneous measurement of steering performance and perceived heading on a curving path

The ability to judge heading (direction of travel) has been the focus of much research, but a role for perceived heading in steering has not been firmly established. Subjects steered down a road consisting of straight and curved segments and made heading judgments along the way. Heading judgments while traversing curved road segments were biased in the direction of the curve by up to 5° and position errors on the same curved roads were highly correlated with heading biases. This correlation was revealed by the simultaneous measurement of steering performance and perceived heading.
β-alanine metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster adults☆

Whole body homogenates of Oregon-R Drosophila melanogaster adults have an oxygen uptake of 1·61 μl O2/mg (fresh wt.) per hr at 28°C, after subtracting the results of the endogenous control. The optimum pH appears to be 8·5 and the optimum β-alanine concentration is 0·03 M. Although there is dehydrogenase activity at 40°C using whole body homogenates, the activity did not need β-alanine as a substrate because the endogenous control is similar. Transamination studies at 37°C produce several ninhydrin-positive substances, e.g. asparagine + aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, and possibly α-alanine. Again, the endogenous control and tests in which β-alanine is present are similar.
Effects of dihydrotestosterone and gonadotropins on the development of female behavior

Abstract The effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen not converted to estrogen, and gonadotropins (GTH) on the development of female sexual behavior were examined. First, DHT in Silastic or Silastic without steroid dwelled subcutaneously during the first 10 days of life in intact and Day 1 hemigonadectomized male and female rats. Weights of ovaries and testes and degree of compensatory testicular hypertrophy were reliably decreased by DHT, indicating inhibition of GTH release. DHT decreased receptivity in adulthood induced by exogenous hormones in females and Day 1 castrated males and increased it in males having testes neonatally. Second, 25.0 μg FSH and LH was injected every 6 hr on Days 1–4 in intact females, males, and Day 1 castrated males implanted with DHT or plain Silastic. Again, DHT significantly decreased receptivity in females and castrated males. GTH ameliorated DHT suppression but had no effect in nonandrogenized females. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that suppression of development of female behavior is the consequence of androgen rather than estrogen or lack of GTH.
Harmonic analysis of phonon echoes in liquids

Abstract We present, for the first time, a study comparing phonon quench echoes in supercooled liquid argon with a normal mode analysis of the echoes. The phonon echoes are produced via molecular dynamics simulation. We model the echoes by considering a collection of harmonic oscillators whose frequency distribution is defined by the density of normal modes in the liquid under consideration. We find for times less than 300 fs, the fluid behaves in a relatively harmonic manner. We also find that low temperatures and short times are best suited to harmonic analysis. We comment on the agreement and deviation between simulation and model particularly as dephasing processes are concerned. Future approaches to this phenomenon are addressed as well.
Conductivity of polystyrene film upon exposure to nitrogen dioxide: a novel NO2 sensor

Abstract A novel NO2 sensing device has been developed based on a reversible change in d.c. conductivity in an otherwise insulating film of polystyrene upon exposure to NO2 gas. The device consists of a polystyrene film-coated interdigitated electrode, for which several orders of magnitude increase in conductivity occurs when an NO2/N2 mixture, 1:10 v/v, comes into contact with the film. This rapid (2 min) change in conductivity is reversible and is not associated with any irreversible decomposition of the film. The conductivity of the film is believed to be due to the self-ionization of N2O4, the form of NO2 within the film, to NO+NO3−, with the appropriate anodic and cathodic electrochemistry; it is therefore extremely selective for NO2.
Uremic malnutrition-inflammation syndrome in chronic renal disease: a pathobiologic entity.

HRONIC UREMIA is an inflammatory condition that is characterized by a persistent metabolic derangement, nutritional and hormonal dysfunctions, oxidative imbalance, and immune dysregulation. There is a close association between malnutrition and inflammation in chronic renal disease (CRD), both of which are strong predictors of poor outcome. Thus, although protein energy malnutrition may be evident in about 45% of renal patients at initiation of dialysis, protracted nutritional deficiency and inflammatory-oxidative stress closely correlate with
No-capture hardware feature for securing sensitive information

Protecting sensitive information (credit card information, social security number... etc.) from being captured is of utmost importance as it can lead to serious repercussions if the collected data lands into unscrupulous hands. Despite tremendous advances in security, plenty of security problems still afflict systems. Existing security approaches do not prevent processes running in the background from capturing sensitive information on the screen. This paper proposes a no-capture hardware security feature that prevents capturing of sensitive data by users that have administration privileges.
Polyamines in spermiogenesis: Not now, darling

“Interesting processes invariably employ interesting biochemistry,” declares Marc Kirschner (1). From this statement, one may readily conclude that antizyme (AZ) deserves our attention. AZ is the central element in a feedback loop that controls cellular polyamines. AZ is interesting for a number of reasons. First, AZ production requires the exercise of a remarkable mechanism, translational frameshifting. Second, AZ has the unique ability to cause proteasomal degradation of a protein target without using ubiquitin, thereby evoking another Kirschnerian dictum: Labile proteins are important and important proteins are labile. First identified as an inducible biochemical activity that inhibits a specific enzyme target (2), recent developments have deepened our understanding of AZ biochemistry and physiology and broadened our appreciation of the AZs as a protein family conserved in structure and means of production. In this issue of PNAS, Ivanov et al. (3) describe a novel AZ family member, termed AZ3. It is expressed only in the testes and is there restricted to the postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis. Tosaka et al. have independently described similar findings (4), using a gene (they term OAZ-t) cloned from a haploid-germ-cell-specific library. The pattern of AZ3 expression suggests that it acts to sharply limit polyamine accumulation in cells that have finished DNA synthesis and meiotic reduction and are about to be remodeled into mature spermatozoa. The reported observations imply a need for adroit control of polyamines in spermatogenesis.
Aspiration biopsy cytology of tumoral calcinosis: a case report.

Background Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare inherited disorder leading to the formation of periarticular calcified masses. Aspiration cytology of this condition has been rarely reported. We describe the aspiration cytology findings of a recent case of TC and discuss possible differential diagnoses. Case This is a case of a 35-year-old African-American man who presented with a right posterior chest/shoulder mass. The patient had a history of resection of right shoulder (1996) and left neck (2007) masses histologically diagnosed as TC. He recently also had a right-side neck mass that, surprisingly, was found to be extraabdominal desmoid fibromatosis on histologic examination. Conclusion Inherited idiopathic TC is a rare disease commonly presenting as a periarticular mass, which may be subjected to aspiration biopsy. Awareness of this distinct entity and the aspiration cytologic features helps avoid incorrect interpretation.
Effect of ethanol on hypothalamic opioid peptides, enkephalin, and dynorphin : Relationship with circulating triglycerides

Background: Recent evidence has demonstrated that ethanol intake can stimulate the expression and production of the feeding-stimulatory peptide, galanin (GAL), in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and that PVN injection of this peptide, in turn, can increase the consumption of ethanol. To test the hypothesis that other feeding-related systems are involved in ethanol intake, this study examined the effect of ethanol on the hypothalamic opioid peptides, enkephalin (ENK), and dynorphin (DYN). Method: Adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained to voluntarily drink increasing concentrations of ethanol, up to 9% v/v, on a 12-hour access schedule or were given a single injection of ethanol (10% v/v) versus saline vehicle. The effect of ethanol on GAL, ENK, and DYN mRNA was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and radiolabeled in situ hybridization, while radioimmunoassay was used to measure peptide levels. In addition to blood alcohol, circulating levels of triglycerides (TG), leptin, and insulin were also measured. Results: The data demonstrated that: (1) rats voluntarily drinking 9% v/v ethanol (approximately 2.0 g/kg/d) show a significant increase in GAL, ENK, and DYN mRNA in the PVN compared with water-drinking rats; (2) voluntary consumption of ethanol also increases peptide levels of ENK and DYN in the PVN; (3) acute injection of 10% ethanol (1.0 g/kg of 10% v/v) similarly increases the expression of GAL, ENK, and DYN in the PVN; and (4) ethanol consumption and injection, while having little effect on leptin and insulin, consistently increase circulating levels of TG as well as alcohol, both of which are strongly, positively correlated with peptide expression in the PVN. Conclusions: These findings, together with published studies, suggest a possible role for hypothalamic opioid peptides in the drinking of ethanol. Based on evidence that dietary fat and lipid injections stimulate the PVN peptides and injection of the opiates and GAL increase ethanol intake, it is proposed that both TG and alcohol in the circulation, which are elevated by the ingestion or injection of ethanol, are involved in stimulating these peptides in the PVN, which in turn promote further consumption of ethanol.
In vitro assembly of a prohead-like structure of the Rhodobacter capsulatus gene transfer agent.

Abstract The gene transfer agent (GTA) is a phage-like particle capable of exchanging double-stranded DNA fragments between cells of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. Here we show that the major capsid protein of GTA, expressed in E. coli , can be assembled into prohead-like structures in the presence of calcium ions in vitro. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of uranyl acetate staining material and thin sections of glutaraldehyde-fixed material demonstrates that these associates have spherical structures with diameters in the range of 27–35 nm. The analysis of scanning TEM images revealed particles of mass ∼ 4.3 MDa, representing 101 ± 11 copies of the monomeric subunit. The establishment of this simple and rapid method to form prohead-like particles permits the GTA system to be used for genome manipulation within the photosynthetic bacterium, for specific targeted drug delivery, and for the construction of biologically based distributed autonomous sensors for environmental monitoring.
A New Game Chromatic Number

Consider the following two-person game on a graphG.Players I and II move alternatively to color a yet uncolored vertex ofGproperly using a pre-specified set of colors. Furthermore, Player II can only use the colors that have been used, unless he is forced to use a new color to guarantee that the graph is colored properly. The game ends when some player can no longer move. Player I wins if all vertices ofGare colored. Otherwise Player II wins. What is the minimal number?g*(G)of colors such that Player I has a winning strategy? This problem is motivated by the game chromatic number?g(G)introduced by Bodlaender and by the continued work of Faigle, Kern, Kierstead and Trotter. In this paper, we show that?g*(T) ?3for each treeT.We are also interested in determining the graphsGfor which?(G)= ?g*(G),as well as?g*(G)for thek-inductive graphs wherekis a fixed positive integer.
Variability in thickness measurements using x-ray fluorescence technique

Thirty units of tin plated Dual In-line Packages were used to evaluate the measurement system for tin thickness using the X-ray Fluorescence technique. The results showed that the system is sensitive to inspector technique and the total measurement error estimate was about 22 microinches. This system for obtaining tin thickness measurements had been recommended only when the variability of the process is at least 80 microinches. Otherwise a more sensitive method must be used.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A review of earthquake occurrence models for seismic hazard analysis

Abstract A large number of probabilistic earthquake occurrence models are currently available for seismic hazard assessment. This paper reviews the basic assumptions of the various models, summarizes their stochastic representations and discusses the parameters needed for applications. While the Poisson model is one of the most commonly used in practice it is limited in its representation of the physical earthquake driving mechanism and in its characterization of distinct seismicity patterns. From comparisons of the various models, it is observed that while the Poisson model may apply to regions characterized by moderate frequent earthquakes, other stochastic representations such as the Markov and semi-Markov models describe the sequences of events more adequately at regions with large infrequent earthquakes. Regions that have unique seismicity patterns such as clustering foreshock-mainshock-aftershock sequences are better represented by other stochastic models. It is found, however, that some of these models are difficult to implement and rather restrictive primarily because they require a considerable amount of additional data for model parameter estimation.
A rigorous upper bound in electrostatics on a random lattice ensemble

We consider a Kirchhoff network on a random two-dimensional lattice with links and weights as previously specified, and a circular boundary of radiusR. We show rigorously that the resistance between the central point and the boundary, averaged over all placements of the remaining sites with site density ϱ, is bounded above by $$\begin{array}{*{20}c} {(4\pi )^{ - 1} [\ln (4\pi \rho R^2 ) + 1] + 16[\tan ^{ - 1} 5^{ - {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 4}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 4}} + 5^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 4}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 4}} /(\sqrt 5 + 1)^2 ]} \\ { \simeq (4\pi )^{ - 1} \ln (4\pi \rho R^2 ) + 12.0.} \\ \end{array} $$
Use of Escherichia coli Mutants to Evaluate Purines, Purine Nucleosides, and Analogues

Of 142 purines, purine nucleosides, and analogues tested for inhibition of growth of Escherichia coli B Hill, 45 were active. Of these, 27 were evaluated for inhibition of other E. coli lines, including those resistant to 6-thioguanine, 2-fluoroadenosine, 2,6-diaminopurine, or 6-mercaptopurine. Most toxic to the parent lines were 2-fluoroadenosine, 2-fluoroadenine, 2-fluoro-5′-deoxyadenosine, adenosine, 6-thioguanosine, 6-thioguanine, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-mercaptopurine ribonucleoside, 2-azaadenine, 2′-deoxyinosine, 6-N-aminoadenine, and inosine. Hypoxanthine was strongly inhibitory only to E. coli B Hill. Evidence regarding the substrate specificity of the three purine phosphoribosyltransferases was obtained by assaying for these enzymes in extracts of the various cell lines and by cross-resistance studies. The line selected for resistance to 6-thioguanine had low guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity (guanosine monophosphate: pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase, EC 2.4.2.8) and was deficient in activity for xanthine and 6-thioguanine. The lines selected for resistance to 2-fluoroadenosine and 2,6-diaminopurine were deficient in adenine phosphoribosyltransferase activity (adenosine monophosphate: pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase, EC 2.4.2.7), and that selected for resistance to 6-mercaptopurine had low hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase activity and undetectable activity with 6-mercaptopurine as a substrate. Purine, 6-methylpurine, 2-fluoroadenine, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 2-azaadenine were classified as adenine analogues; 6-mercaptopurine and 8-aza-2,6-diaminopurine, as hypoxanthine analogues; and 6-thioguanine and 2-amino-6-chloropurine, as analogues of guanine. The inhibition of bacterial growth by hypoxanthine, inosine, 2′-deoxyinosine, or adenosine was prevented by small amounts of thiamine or by relatively high concentrations of either cytidine or uridine. Cytidine also reversed the inhibition by some purine and purine ribonucleoside analogues. Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OMP: pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase, EC 2.4.2.10), a possible site of action for these compounds, was not inhibited directly by the toxic agents.
Electron transfer vs coordination chemistry: isomer-specific binding of HgII by an ortho-Wurster's thiacrown ether.

Isomeric p- and o-phenylenediamine-containing macrocyclic hosts (Wurster's thiacrown ethers L1 and L2, respectively) were prepared and studied as HgII ionophores. The distinct electrochemical properties of the two hosts allowed for the formation of a coordination compound with the ortho-Wurster's thiacrown ether but not the para isomer. In the latter case, the HgII ion served as an oxidant in an electron-transfer reaction with the host. Solutions of the HgII complex of L2 were studied by 13C NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry and revealed a strong interaction between the redox-active phenylenediamine subunit and the bound metal cation. An X-ray analysis confirmed the participation of the three macrocyclic S atoms and both phenylenediamine N atoms in the stabilization of the complex.
Hypercapnic acidosis is protective in an in vivo model of ventilator-induced lung injury

To investigate whether hypercapnic acidosis protects against ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in vivo, we subjected 12 anesthetized, paralyzed rabbits to high tidal volume ventilation (25 cc/kg) at 32 breaths per minute and zero positive end-expiratory pressure for 4 hours. Each rabbit was randomized to receive either an FI(CO(2)) to achieve eucapnia (Pa(CO(2)) approximately 40 mm Hg; n = 6) or hypercapnic acidosis (Pa(CO(2)) 80-100 mm Hg; n = 6). Injury was assessed by measuring differences between the two groups' respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, wet:dry weight, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein concentration and cell count, and injury score. The eucapnic group showed significantly higher plateau pressures (27.0 +/- 2.5 versus 20.9 +/- 3.0; p = 0.016), change in Pa(O(2)) (165.2 +/- 19.4 versus 77.3 +/- 87.9 mm Hg; p = 0.02), wet:dry weight (9.7 +/- 2.3 versus 6.6 +/- 1.8; p = 0.04), bronchoalveolar lavage protein concentration (1,350 +/- 228 versus 656 +/- 511 micro g/ml; p = 0.03), cell count (6.86 x 10(5) +/- 0.18 x 10(5) versus 2.84 x 10(5) +/- 0.28 x 10(5) nucleated cells/ml; p = 0.021), and injury score (7.0 +/- 3.3 versus 0.7 +/- 0.9; p < 0.0001). We conclude that hypercapnic acidosis is protective against VILI in this model.
Contribution of the forebrain archistriatal gaze fields to auditory orienting behavior in the barn owl.

A region in the barn owl forebrain, referred to as the archistriatal gaze fields (AGF), is shown to be involved in auditory orienting behavior. In a previous study, electrical microstimulation of the AGF was shown to produce saccadic movements of the eyes and head, and anatomical data revealed that neurons in the AGF region of the archistriatum project directly to brainstem tegmental nuclei that mediate gaze changes. In this study, we investigated the effects of AGF inactivation on the auditory orienting responses of trained barn owls. The AGF and/or the optic tectum (OT) were inactivated pharmacologically using the GABAA agonist muscimol. Inactivation of the AGF alone had no effect on the probability or accuracy of orienting responses to contralateral acoustic stimuli. Inactivation of the OT alone decreased the probability of responses to contralateral stimuli, but the animals were still capable of orienting accurately toward stimuli on about 60% of the trials. Inactivation of both the AGF and the OT drastically decreased the probability of responses to 16–21% and, on the few trials that the animals did respond, there was no relationship between the final direction of gaze and the location of the stimulus. Thus, with the AGF and OT both inactivated, the animals were no longer capable of orienting accurately toward acoustic stimuli located on the contralateral side. These data confirm that the AGF is involved in gaze control and that the AGF and the OT have parallel access to gaze control circuitry in the brainstem tegmentum. In these respects, the AGF in barn owls is functionally equivalent to the frontal eye fields in primates.
Memories of a childhood pharmacy

I had seen first one and then another of the rooms in which I had slept during my life, and in the end I would revisit them all in the course of my waking dream. Marcel Proust
The influence of irrigation regime on yield and quality of potato tubers and nutritional status of plants

Yield and quality (mealiness) of Russet Burbank potatoes are markedly increased by increasing the frequency and quantity of irrigation water. No advantage in yield or quality of tubers was observed for either sprinkle or furrow irrigation when soil moisture tensions in the root zone were comparable. The use of critical levels as a basis for appraising the nutrient status of potatoes under some conditions appears unsatisfactory. Conclusions favoring the use of a modification of Thomas’ “quantity factor” and “quality factors” over the use of “critical levels” are based on the following three assumptions: (1) that concentrations of macronutrients (N, P and K) below the “critical levels” should adversely affect yield and possibly quality of potato tubers, (2) that high yields of potato tubers are possible only when potato plants are well-nourished and (3) that proper balance of macro-nutrients in plant tissue (N, P and K) is more important in the production of high yields of tubers than is the total concentration of these nutrients in leaf blades individually or collectively. The application of a modification of Thomas’ quantity factor and quality factor to data on the chemical composition of potato leaf-blades and leaf-petioles indicates that the proper balance of the principal nutrient elements is a critical factor in the production of high yields of potatoes. It would seem wise to determine the range in quantity factor and quality factors suitable to the production of high yields of the important potato varieties under the climatic conditions where they are to be grown. Under conditions where phosphorus nutrition is not a controlling factor, the N:K ratio sensitively indicates nitrogen and potassium nutritional status. The principle of foliar diagnosis, when applied to soluble constituents extracted from potato leaf-petioles, promises to be a useful basis for appraising the nutrient status of potato plants.
The existence region of the Hg0.8Cd0.2Te phase field

The existence region of the Hg0.8Cd0.2Te phase field has been re-examined using three techniques: Hall measurements, p-n junction depth measurements on material which had been annealed to produce an n-type skin following equilibration at high temperature, and quantitative modelling of experimental observations of gettering of silver in (Hg,Cd)Te. The results we obtain are generally in good agreement with previously reported measurements, although some systematic disagreement is found, particularly under tellurium saturated conditions for temperatures less than 450‡C.
Air pollution exposure prediction approaches used in air pollution epidemiology studies

Epidemiological studies of the health effects of outdoor air pollution have traditionally relied upon surrogates of personal exposures, most commonly ambient concentration measurements from central-site monitors. However, this approach may introduce exposure prediction errors and misclassification of exposures for pollutants that are spatially heterogeneous, such as those associated with traffic emissions (e.g., carbon monoxide, elemental carbon, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter). We review alternative air quality and human exposure metrics applied in recent air pollution health effect studies discussed during the International Society of Exposure Science 2011 conference in Baltimore, MD. Symposium presenters considered various alternative exposure metrics, including: central site or interpolated monitoring data, regional pollution levels predicted using the national scale Community Multiscale Air Quality model or from measurements combined with local-scale (AERMOD) air quality models, hybrid models that include satellite data, statistically blended modeling and measurement data, concentrations adjusted by home infiltration rates, and population-based human exposure model (Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation, and Air Pollutants Exposure models) predictions. These alternative exposure metrics were applied in epidemiological applications to health outcomes, including daily mortality and respiratory hospital admissions, daily hospital emergency department visits, daily myocardial infarctions, and daily adverse birth outcomes. This paper summarizes the research projects presented during the symposium, with full details of the work presented in individual papers in this journal issue.
Detecting Marker-Disease Association by Testing for Hardy-Weinberg Disequilibrium at a Marker Locus

We review and extend a recent suggestion that fine-scale localization of a disease-susceptibility locus for a complex disease be done on the basis of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium among affected individuals. This deviation is driven by linkage disequilibrium between disease and marker loci in the whole population and requires a heterogeneous genetic basis for the disease. A finding of marker-locus Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium therefore implies disease heterogeneity and marker-disease linkage disequilibrium. Although a lack of departure of Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium at marker loci implies that disease susceptibilityweighted linkage disequilibria are zero, given disease heterogeneity, it does not follow that the usual measures of linkage disequilibrium are zero. For disease-susceptibility loci with more than two alleles, therefore, care is needed in the drawing of inferences from marker Hardy-Weinberg disequilibria.
The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers

Summary Background There is an increased demand for soft tissue augmentation procedures. A wide range of products can provide correction through different mechanisms and it is important for clinicians to understand the biological pathways of each material. This study presents a systematic review of the pathways of commonly used fillers, with consideration of the complications associated with each. Methods The PubMed (National Library of Medicine) database was searched for MeSH headings for different types of fillers, including trade names, between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2013. Article titles were screened, and only studies designed to determine the mechanism of action and histopathology of complications were included. Results When restricted to studies on biological mechanisms, 109 manuscripts were identified and the mechanisms of action of short-term and long-term degradable as well as permanent fillers were reviewed. Hyaluronic acid fillers, which are the most commonly used, form a fibrous capsule and induce limited de novo collagen. Poly-l-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite are semipermanent fillers that provide long-term restoration of tissue volume by stimulating fibroblasts to lay down a matrix of collagen and elastic fibers. Polymethyl methacrylate is the only FDA-approved permanent implant that is held in place by encapsulation, providing a scaffold upon which the dermis can recover to its original thickness. Discussion Soft tissue augmentation products are variable, and no single product can be considered the most effective or ideal. An understanding of biological mechanisms may help guide physicians choose the best suited product among the various options available while minimizing the occurrence of complications.
Intracellular cargo delivery by an octaarginine transporter adapted to target prostate cancer cells through cell surface protease activation.

Delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents to target tissues requires localization and activation strategies with molecular specificity. Cell-associated proteases can be used for these purposes in a number of pathologic conditions, and their enzymatic activities can be exploited for activation strategies. Here, molecules based on the d-arginine octamer (r8) protein-transduction domain (PTD, also referred to as molecular transporters) have been adapted for selective uptake into cells only after proteolytic cleavage of a PTD-attenuating sequence by the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an extracellular protease associated with the surface and microenvironment of certain prostate cancer cells. Convergent syntheses of these activatable PTDs (APTDs) are described, and the most effective r8 PTD-attenuating sequence is identified. The conjugates are shown to be stable in serum, cleaved by PSA, and taken up into Jurkat (human T cells) and PC3M prostate cancer cell lines only after cleavage by PSA. These APTD pept...
Echocardiographic left ventricular geometry in hypertensive patients with electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy: The LIFE Study.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and concentric remodeling in hypertensive patients with electrocardiographic (ECG)-LVH and to estimate the costeffectiveness of echocardiography and ECG for detection of LVH.Design: Echocardiographic LV measurements and the prevalence of abnormal LV geometric patterns were compared between 964 hypertensive patients with ECG-LVH (Cornell voltage-duration product > 2440 and/or SV1
Individual differences in alcohol-induced aggression. A nonhuman-primate model.

Some people are more likely than others to become aggressive after consuming alcohol. Researchers studying alcohol use and aggression hope to identify individual differences in behavior and biochemistry that exist among subjects who become aggressive following alcohol consumption. Research with nonhuman primates has shown that individual differences in brain chemistry predict impulsivity, aggression, and alcohol-induced aggression. These differences appear to be associated with early rearing experiences and remain stable throughout the individual's life. Language: en
Automorphisms of simple Lie algebras G(n) Over GF(2)

We define certain algebras ℭ(n) over a commutative ring K based on the combinatorics of n dots. If K is a field of characteristic 2, then ℭ(n) decomposes as G(n) ⊗&#x1d53d;2K where G(n) belongs the infinite sequence of simple Lie algebras over the field &#x1d53d;2 that was introduced by Kaplansky in 1982. We show that Aut(ℭ(n)) is isomorphic to {±1} × &#x1d516;n for n > 4.