cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motion onset captures attention: A rejoinder to Franconeri and Simons (2005)

Recently, we have provided evidence that the onset of motion captures attention (Abrams & Christ, 2003, 2005a, 2005b). In the present article, we clarify the motion onset hypothesis, we discuss recent data (Franconeri & Simons, 2005) that, at least on the surface, seem to challenge the hypothesis, and we present results from a new experiment (Christ & Abrams, 2005). Finally, we conclude that, although motion onset does indeed appear to capture attention, motion in the absence of a motion onset might also attract attention under certain circumstances.
Cavity quantum electrodynamic enhancement of stimulated emission in microdroplets

Cavity-QED-enhanced stimulated visible emission was observed in 14-\ensuremath{\mu}m-diam rhodamine-6G--ethanol droplets pumped by cw 514.5-nm radiation. Use of droplets provides an excellent test of cavity QED theory for spherical geometries. The mode number and order of the spherical-cavity resonances responsible for the observed emission peaks were identified and their Q values calculated from Lorenz-Mie theory. By equating stimulated gain to calculated/measured cavity losses, it was determined that spherical-cavity Q's of only ${10}^{3--}$${10}^{4}$ lead to cavity QED enhancements in excess of 120 in the emission cross section of rhodamine 6G, consistent with theory.
An optical sensor for detecting the contact location of a gas-liquid interface on a body

An optical sensor for detecting the dynamic contact location of a gas-liquid interface along the length of a body is described. The sensor is developed in the context of applications to supercavitating bodies requiring measurement of the dynamic cavity contact location; however, the sensing method is extendable to other applications as well. The optical principle of total internal reflection is exploited to detect changes in refractive index of the medium contacting the body at discrete locations along its length. The derived theoretical operation of the sensor predicts a signal attenuation of 18 dB when a sensed location changes from air-contacting to water-contacting. Theory also shows that spatial resolution (d) scales linearly with sensor length (L(s)) and a resolution of 0.01L(s) can be achieved. A prototype sensor is constructed from simple components and response characteristics are quantified for different ambient light conditions as well as partial wetting states. Three methods of sensor calibration are described and a signal processing framework is developed that allows for robust detection of the gas-liquid contact location. In a tank draining experiment, the prototype sensor resolves the water level with accuracy limited only by the spatial resolution, which is constrained by the experimental setup. A more representative experiment is performed in which the prototype sensor accurately measures the dynamic contact location of a gas cavity on a water tunnel wall.
Stability of the R3m structure of solid N2 under high pressure based on Kihara potentials

Abstract The stability of solid N2 with a β-O2-like R 3 m structure with respect to γ-N2 has been studied under high pressure at zero temperature using Kihara potentials of 12-6 and exp-6 forms. It is shown that the R 3 m structure is less stable than the γ-N2 structure for Vm > 12 cm3/mole, consistent with experiment. In order to stabilize the R 3 m structure, the quadrupole moment of the molecules in R 3 m has to be reduced considerably compared to the value for γ-N2. Librational frequencies at wave vector k = 0 for γ-N2 and for the R 3 m structure are also calculated.
Minimal Injective and Flat Resolutions of Modules over Gorenstein Rings

Abstract Over a commutative Noetherian ring R, the Bass invariants μi(p, M) were defined for any module M and any prime p ∈ Spec R by H. Bass (Math. Z. 82, 1963, 8-28). In the first part of this paper, we study these numbers further. We are concerned primarily with the modules having a certain vanishing property of their Bass numbers. For instance, we show that R is Gorenstein if and only if μi(p, F) = 0 whenever ht(p) ≠ i for any nat module F. In the second part, we define the invariants πi(p, M) for any prime p ∈ Spec R and module M by a minimal flat resolution of M. As with the Bass invariants, we can characterize Gorenstein rings and modules by a vanishing property of these numbers. For instance, injective modules are just those modules M having πi(p, M)= 0 for all prime p with ht(p) ≠ i and all i ≥ 0. Finally, we introduce strongly cotorsion modules and show that these modules M are just those modules having πi(p, M) = 0 for all prime p with ht(p) > i and all i ≥ 0. From this paper we will see that nat covers defined by E. Enochs (Israel J. Math.39, 1981, 189-209) behave in a manner dual to the behavior of injective envelopes.
Nonlinear elastic properties of particulate composites

Abstract A method of computing effective elastic moduli of isotropic nonlinear composites is developed by using a perturbation scheme. It is demonstrated that only solutions from linear elasticity are needed in computing higher order moduli. As an application of the method, particulate composites of nonlinear elastic materials are analysed.
Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Develop Targeted Messages: College Students and Physical Activity

Despite the importance of physical activity, college students currently do not participate in the recommended amounts of physical activity. Fortunately, the field of communication is uniquely situated to assist in promoting physical activity behaviors by examining and developing effective messages. To help accomplish this task, the current article qualitatively explores messages college students hear regarding physical activity using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Analysis of the messages using thematic analysis revealed that SCT can be useful in explaining the impact of messages on health behaviors. Results suggested that college students focus primarily on messages delivered from two sources—themselves and important others. In addition, messages included all components of SCT (self-efficacy, goals, outcome expectations, and environmental factors), with students predominantly focusing on self-efficacy and environmental factors. This framework provides a starting point for developing effective message int...
Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration

The recent letter by Dr Oertel1 points to a critical issue. With thyroid biopsies using small needles, suction not only is unnecessary but also is counterproductive, often leading to local bleeding and, …
The potential of the metasearch engine

Research into metasearch engines has traditionally been focused on source engine selection and the re-ranking and integration of multiple search engines' results. In this paper we describe existing and new techniques that metasearch engines can apply to broaden the services provided to the searcher, by capturing and analyzing information already flowing through the meteasearch engine—the queries, their results, and the clicks made by users. In addition, we demonstrate the potential for the engine to generate related queries, related pages, and to recommend queries for web site builders to target through optimization or advertising.
Risk Aversion is Associated with Decision Making among Community-Based Older Persons

Background: Risk aversion is associated with many important decisions among younger and middle aged persons, but the association of risk aversion and decision making has not been well studied among older persons who face some of the most significant decisions of their lives. Method: Using data from 606 community-dwelling older persons without dementia from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, an ongoing longitudinal epidemiologic study of aging, we examined the association of risk aversion with decision making. Risk aversion was measured using standard behavioral economics questions in which participants were asked to choose between a certain monetary payment ($15) versus a gamble in which they could gain more than $15 or gain nothing; potential gamble gains ranged from $20 to $300 with the gain amounts varied randomly over questions. Decision making was measured using a 12 item version of the Decision Making Competence Assessment Tool. Findings: In a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, education, and income, greater risk aversion was associated with poorer decision making (estimate=-1.03, standard error (SE)=0.35, p=0.003). Subsequent analyses showed that the association of risk aversion with decision making was independent of cognitive function. Conclusion: Greater risk aversion is associated with poorer decision making in advanced age and the effect of risk aversion on decision making is above and beyond that of cognition.
Functional Analysis of Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Private Signing

The chimpanzee's use of American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with humans and with each other has been empirically demonstrated in several reports, but this is the first research to experimentally examine their use of sign language in a nonsocial fashion: private signing. This experiment examined the private signing behavior of five signing chimpanzees, using a remote videotaping technique with no human present. It was found that all five chimpanzees signed to themselves for a total of 368 instances. These instances of private signing were classified into nine different functional categories as has been done in the analysis of private speech and signing in hearing and deaf human children. Similar to humans, a few of the categories accounted for the majority of the instances of private signing. These findings empirically demonstrate a behavior similar to private speech and signing in humans.
Ceramic Alumina in The HPLC Determination of Benzo(a)Pyrene in Air Particulate Material

Abstract A fast room-temperature extraction by mechanical shredding of airborne particulate material collected on Hi-Vol filters is described. The polar compounds in the extract are quickly removed by test-tube adsorption. A group separation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is made on Corning controlled pore ceramic alumina in stainless steel columns with methylene chloride in cyclohexane as the solvent. The pentacyclic fraction is taken at the same elution time as BaP and is evaporated to dryness under a stream of nitrogen. BaP is determined fluorometrically in concentrated sulfuric acid at F 538/553. It can also be dissolved in a polar solvent and separated and quantitated by reverse phase HPLC or gas chromatography. Total analysis time is approximately 2 hours, much of which is waiting time.
Interdisciplinary research and education at the biology-engineering-computer science interface: a perspective (reprinted article)

Progress in the life sciences, including genome sequencing and high-throughput experimentation, offers an opportunity for understanding biology and medicine from a systems perspective. This ‘new view’, which complements the more traditional component-based approach, involves the integration of biological research with approaches from engineering disciplines and computer science. The result is more than a new set of technologies. Rather, it promises a fundamental reconceptualization of the life sciences based on the development of quantitative and predictive models to describe crucial processes. To achieve this change, learning communities are being formed at the interface of the life sciences, engineering and computer science. Through these communities, research and education will be integrated across disciplines and the challenges associated with multidisciplinary team-based science and engineering will be addressed.
Optimizing Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department

While emergency diagnostic imaging use has increased significantly, there is a lack of evidence for corresponding improvements in patient outcomes. Optimizing emergency department (ED) diagnostic imaging has the potential to improve the quality, safety, and outcomes of ED patients, but to date, there have not been any coordinated efforts to further our evidence-based knowledge in this area. The objective of this article is to discuss six aspects of diagnostic imaging in order to provide background information on the underlying framework for the 2015 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference, “Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department: A Research Agenda to Optimize Utilization.” The consensus conference aims to generate a high priority research agenda for emergency diagnostic imaging that will inform the design of future investigations. The six components herein will serve as the group topics for the conference: 1) patient-centered outcomes research; 2) clinical decision rules; 3) training, education, and competency; 4) knowledge translation and barriers to image optimization; 5) use of administrative data; and 6) comparative effectiveness research: alternatives to traditional CT use.
In Situ Enrichment of Phosphopeptides on MALDI Plates Functionalized by Reactive Landing of Zirconium(IV)−n-Propoxide Ions

We report substantial in situ enrichment of phosphopeptides in peptide mixtures using zirconium oxide coated plates for detection by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The novel feature of this approach rests on the specific preparation of zirconium oxide coatings using reactive landing on stainless steel support of gas-phase positive ions produced by electrospray of zirconium(IV)−n-propoxide solutions in 1-propanol. Reactive landing was found to produce durable functionalized surfaces for selective phosphopeptide capture and desorption−ionization by MALDI. Enrichment factors on the order of 20−90 were achieved for several monophosphorylated peptides relative to abundant nonphosphorylated peptides in tryptic digests. We demonstrate the ability of the zirconium oxide functionalized MALDI surfaces to facilitate detection of enriched phosphopeptides in mid-femtomole amounts of α-casein digests per MALDI spot.
Bond rupture mechanisms in vitreous systems

An experimental comparison was made between the breaking strength of fresh cleavage surfaces on various glasses and surface flaw parameters. A direct relationship was found between the product Nb of flaw length and number and the mean pressure to produce breakage in localized areas. This relationship was attributed to surface energy being utilized in flaw creation. A theory is advanced that a localized force causes a part of the mechanical stress to be relieved by flaw surface energy, producing a confined region of plastic deformation. Flaw formation in fused silica was observed to be less extensive and, as a consequence, the structure supported less localized force than commercial glasses before fracturing. The fused quartz structure was modified by adding sodium and calcium oxides; these three component glasses also disclosed the direct relation between Nb and the breaking force. By employing a dynamic indenter tool, quantitative flaw formation in systems such as fused and crystalline quartz is compared with other structures. Both quantitative and qualitative types of flaw formation are discussed in relation to plastic flow phenomena in vitreous networks.
Identification and solubilization of a cAMP-independent protein kinase from mouse L-cell smooth membranes.

Abstract 1. 1. Smooth membranes have been prepared from mouse L-cells and found to contain an endogenous protein kinase activity. 2. 2. The enzyme(s) responsible for this activity use ATP, but no other nucleoside triphosphates, to phosphorylate endogenous membrane proteins as well as exogenously-added protein substrates such as phosvitin and casein. 3. 3. Mg2+is required for enzyme activity, maximal activity is observed at pH 7.5–8.0 and the kinase is not dependent on, or stimulated by, cyclic 3'–5' AMP. 4. 4. The kinase activity is not decreased by the Walsh heat-stable inhibitor of cyclic 3'-5' AMP-dependent protein kinases. 5. 5. Fifty percent or more of the membrane-associated kinase activity can be solubilized by extracting membranes with buffer containing 0.6 M NaCl. 6. 6. The solubilized enzyme resembles the membrane-associated activity m its Mg2+ requirement, pH optimum and independence of cyclic 3'–5' AMP. 7. 7. Phosvitin and casein are better exogenous substrates than histones or protamine for phosphorylation by the enzyme in either the membrane-associated or solubilized state.
Psychopharmacologic Issues in Organ Transplantation: Part 2: Psychopharmacologic Medications

This article reviews psychopharmacology in organ transplant patients, with particular attention to the changes in the metabolism and elimination of drugs during organ insufficiency and drug interactions in the immunosuppressed state. The side effects of psychotropic drugs need to he distinguished from those of immunosuppressants. Antidepressants, including tricyclics, heterocyclics, MAOIs, stimulants, and newer agents, are discussed. Use of neuroleptics for delirium, mania, and other organic disorders is described. Lithium may he more difficult to use in the immediate postoperative period. Anxiolytics, including benzodiazepines and buspirone, are useful depending on the underlying medical problem.
Traumatic Ventricular Septal Defect and Lacerated Mitral Leaflet: Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Demonstration

A patient is described in whom the diagnosis and location of a traumatic ventricular septal defect and laceration of a mitral leaflet were documented by two-dimensional echocardiographic studies. The echocardiographic study provides information not available from catheterization and contrast angiogram, and may be very valuable in subsequent patient management, as in this case.
Response of tree legumes to rhizobial inoculation in relation to the population density of indigenous rhizobia

Summary-To determine the relationship between leguminous tree yield response to inoculation and indigenous rhizobial population density, an inoculation experiment was conducted in pots using four soils and six tree species: Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth., A. mangium Willd., A. mearnsii De Wild., Leucaena diversifolia (Schlecht.) Benth., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Sesbania grandiflora Poir. Densities of indigenous rhizobia were determined by most probable number (MPN) plant-infection assays. Statistically significant increases in shoot N due to inoculation were observed most frequently in soils with 1000 rhizobia g - ' soil. A hyperbolic model best described the relationship between response to inoculation and the density of indigenous rhizobia. Incorporating an index of available soil N into the hyperbolic model reduced residual mean square values, indicating that available mineral N attenuates the response to inoculation.
The production of the arachidonate metabolite HETE in vascular tissue.

Blood platelets contain two enzyme systems which oxygenate arachidonic acid (AA). First, a cyclooxygenase1 which metabolises AA into the biologically active prostaglandin endoperoxides (PGG2 and PGH2) which are precursors for the platelet prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2α and thromboxane A2 (TxA2). And second, a lipoxygenase that metabolises AA into 12-L-hydroperoxy-5, 8, 10, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid (HPETE)1,2. HPETE is a labile intermediate which is nonenzymatically reduced in aqueous environments to a more stable metabolite, 12-L-hydroxy-5, 8, 10, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). HPETE is produced in significant quantities by aggregated platelets, but its exact biological role is not known. Turner et al.3 has suggested that HETE may be a mediator of neutrophil chemotaxis. Vane and coworkers demonstrated that 15-hydroperoxy-5, 8, 10, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid4,5 as well as HPETE were potent inhibitors of prostacyclin (PGI2), the major arachidonate metabolite in vascular tissue. These data suggest that HPETE, if present in vascular tissue, might act as endogenous regulator of PGI2 production. Using radiochemical techniques and mass sspectrometry we have now identified a lipoxygenase enzyme in vascular tissue (rabbit aorta) in which biosynthesis of HETE also occurred. The detection of HETE in this suggests a potential role of the lipoxygenated product as an endogenous regulator of PGI2 biosynthesis.
Cardiac volume in normal children and adolescents. Its application to patients with rheumatic mitral insufficiency.

Cardiac volume was determined by a simplified Rohrer-Kahlstorf method in 305 healthy children and adolescents. The ages ranged from birth to 19 years. Height and weight were comparable with normal growth standards. Race, sex, age, height, weight, and body surface area were studied for their value in predicting cardiac volume. Cardiac volume was different in males and females ( p Serial cardiac volume plotted against weight and cardiothoracic ratio plotted against time were correlated with the clinical course in 27 children with pure rheumatic mitral insufficiency. Cardiac volume was found to be superior to the cardiothoracic ratio in reflecting the severity and prognosis of mitral insufficiency. After the cardiac volume had reached a level of 1,100 to 1,300 ml, the course was progressively downhill in 10 adolescents in the absence of evidence of rheumatic activity in most cases. That the course of rheumatic mitral insufficiency is essentially volume-dependent is a phenomenon of great interest which may be used to assess the severity of mitral regurgitation and its future course.
Environmental Risk Evaluation System—an Approach to Ranking Risk of Ocean Energy Development on Coastal and Estuarine Environments

The pressure to develop new and renewable forms of energy to combat climate change, ocean acidification, and energy security has encouraged exploration of sources of power generation from the ocean. One of the major challenges to deploying these devices is discerning the likely effects those devices and associated systems will have on the marine environment. Determining the effects each device design and deployment system may have on specific marine animals and habitats, estimating the extent of those effects upon the resiliency of the ecosystem, and designing appropriate mitigation measures to protect against degradation all pose substantial challenges. With little direct observational or experimental data available on the effects of wave, tidal, and offshore wind devices on marine animals, habitats, and ecosystem processes, researchers have developed the Environmental Risk Evaluation System (ERES) to provide preliminary assessments of these risks and to act as a framework for integrating future data on direct interactions of ocean energy devices with the environment. Using biophysical risk factors, interactions of marine animals and seabirds, with ocean energy devices and systems, are examined; potential effects on habitats, and changes in processes such as sedimentation patterns and water quality, are also considered. The risks associated with specific interactions for which data are more readily available are explored including interactions between ocean energy devices and surface vessels, toxicity of anti-biofouling paints, and potential for harm to animals from turbine blade strike. ERES also examines the effect that environmental regulations have on the deployment and operation of ocean energy devices.
Properties of an enzyme from bananas (Musa sapientum) which hydroxylates tyramine to dopamine

Abstract An enzyme system isolated from the pulp of banana fruit ( Musa sapientum ) was partially purified and characterized. The enzyme was capable of catalysing the hydroxylation of the monophenol, tyramine, to the diphenol, dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine). Unlike some tyrosinases, the reaction was not stimulated by catalytic amounts of diphenolic reaction product. Ascorbic acid, however, reduced the initial lag period in the oxidation of tyramine, stimulated the reaction rate and promoted the accumulation of dopamine during the first few minutes of the reaction. The hydroxylation of tyramine was apparently dependent upon molecular oxygen. On the basis of these observations it is tentatively suggested that the enzyme is a tyramine hydroxylase which may be responsible for the formation of dopamine in the banana.
Prior Incarceration and Barriers to Receipt of Services among Entrants to Alternative to Incarceration Programs: A Gender-Based Disparity

The high levels of health and psychosocial needs among correctional populations strongly shape the well-being of the urban communities from which a large number of criminal justice-involved individuals come or to which they return. The benefits of providing services to correction-involved individuals and linking them to providers such as with alternative to incarceration (ATI) programs may be limited if they encounter difficulties accessing such services. This study identified the types of barriers that have prevented entrants into ATI programs from receiving health and psychosocial services. We then tested the association between number of prior incarcerations and number of barriers by gender. From a random sample of adults (N = 322; 83 women and 239 men) entering ATI programs in New York City, data were collected via structured interviews that elicited self-reported sociodemographics, substance use, prior incarcerations, and barriers that had actually prevented a participant from visiting or returning to a service provider. Participants reported an average of 3.0 barriers that have prevented them from receiving health and psychosocial services. The most prevalent barriers predominantly concerned service providers’ inability to accommodate constraints on participants’ time availability or flexibility, transportation, and money. Compared to women, men had a significantly different association that was in the adverse direction—i.e., more prior incarcerations was associated with more barriers—between prior incarcerations and encountering service barriers. Findings indicate that ATI program entrants experience many barriers that have prevented them from receiving health and/or psychosocial services. Furthermore, men with more extensive incarceration histories particularly are disadvantaged. ATI programs can improve the public health of urban communities if such programs are prepared and resourced to facilitate the receipt of services among program participants, especially men who have more extensive incarceration histories.
Alternative splicing in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases

Alternative splicing is a general mechanism for regulating gene expression that affects the RNA products of more than 90% of human genes. Not surprisingly, alternative splicing is observed among gene products of metazoan immune systems, which have evolved to efficiently recognize pathogens and discriminate between "self" and "non-self", and thus need to be both diverse and flexible. In this review we focus on the specific interface between alternative splicing and autoimmune diseases, which result from a malfunctioning of the immune system and are characterized by the inappropriate reaction to self-antigens. Despite the widespread recognition of alternative splicing as one of the major regulators of gene expression, the connections between alternative splicing and autoimmunity have not been apparent. We summarize recent findings connecting splicing and autoimmune disease, and attempt to find common patterns of splicing regulation that may advance our understanding of autoimmune diseases and open new avenues for therapy.
Force microscopy: On the charge

The atomic force microscope has recently been the subject of a series of exciting developments. The latest advance shows that this instrument can measure the charge state of an individual atom.
TRAF6 Autoubiquitination-Independent Activation of the NFκB and MAPK Pathways in Response to IL-1 and RANKL

The adapter protein TRAF6 is critical for mediating signal transduction from members of the IL-1R/TLR and TNFR superfamilies. The TRAF6 RING finger domain functions as an ubiquitin E3 ligase capable of generating non-degradative K63-linked ubiquitin chains. It is believed that these chains serve as docking sites for formation of signaling complexes, and that K63-linked autoubiquitination of TRAF6 is essential for formation and activation of a complex involving the kinase TAK1 and its adapters, TAB1 and TAB2. In order to assess independently the E3 ligase and ubiquitin substrate functions of TRAF6, we generated, respectively, RING domain and complete lysine-deficient TRAF6 mutants. We found that while the TRAF6 RING domain is required for activation of TAK1, it is dispensable for interaction between TRAF6 and the TAK1-TAB1-TAB2 complex. Likewise, lysine-deficient TRAF6 was found to interact with the TAK1-TAB1-TAB2 complex, but surprisingly was also found to be fully competent to activate TAK1, as well as NFκB and AP-1 reporters. Furthermore, lysine-deficient TRAF6 rescued IL-1-mediated NFκB and MAPK activation, as well as IL-6 elaboration in retrovirally-rescued TRAF6-deficient fibroblasts. Lysine-deficient TRAF6 also rescued RANKL-mediated NFκB and MAPK activation, and osteoclastogenesis in retrovirally-rescued TRAF6-deficient bone marrow macrophages. While incapable of being ubiquitinated itself, we demonstrate that lysine-deficient TRAF6 remains competent to induce ubiquitination of IKKγ/NEMO. Further, this NEMO modification contributes to TRAF6-mediated activation of NFκB. Collectively, our results suggest that while TRAF6 autoubiquitination may serve as a marker of activation, it is unlikely to underpin RING finger-dependent TRAF6 function.
Antimicrobial properties of heartwood, bark/sapwood and leaves of Juniperus species

Hexane and methanol extracts of heartwood, bark/sapwood and leaves of twelve taxa of Juniperus from the United States were assayed for antifungal and antibacterial activities. The hexane extract of the heartwood of several junipers appeared comparable in antibacterial activity to streptomycin. Antibacterial activity of the hexane extracts from the bark/sapwood of J. monosperma and J. californica were comparable to streptomycin. No appreciable antibacterial activities were found in the leaf extracts from any species examined. No antifungal activities comparable to amphotericin B were found in either hexane or methanol extracts of the heartwood nor from the bark/sapwood. Antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans comparable to amphotericin B was found in the hexane extract of the leaves of J. occidentalis var. australis. The methanol extracts from the leaves of J. osteosperma and J. californica had antifungal activities comparable to amphotericin B against Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Regulation of phenylalanine hydroxylase: Conformational changes upon phosphorylation detected by H/D exchange and mass spectrometry

The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase catalyzes the hydroxylation of excess phenylalanine in the liver to tyrosine. The enzyme is regulated allosterically by phenylalanine and by phosphorylation of Ser16. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by mass spectrometry has been used to gain insight into any structural change upon phosphorylation. Peptides in both the catalytic and regulatory domains show increased deuterium incorporation into the phosphorylated protein. Deuterium is incorporated into fewer peptides than when the enzyme is activated by phenylalanine, and the incorporation is slower. This establishes that the conformational change upon phosphorylation of phenylalanine hydroxylase is different from and less extensive than that upon phenylalanine activation.
On power-bounded operators and operators satisfying a resolvent condition

We obtain, by means of a classification of the eigenvalues, local estimates for holomorphic. functions of a class of linear operators on a finite dimensional linear vector space. We apply these methods to find new proofs of some theorems ofKreiss andMorton, and in addition we give a local estimate of the powers of the inverse of any nonsingular operator in this class.
The Life and Legend of Jay Gould

He was, for Joseph Pulitzer, "one of the most sinister figures that have ever flitted bat-like across the vision of the American people." According to the New York Times, "the work of reform is but half done...when people claiming to be respectable are not ashamed of being associated with a man such as he." He was Jay Gould, the individual who for a century has been singled out as the most despicable and unscrupulous of the Robber Barons. In this splendid biography, Maury Klein paints the most complete portrait of the notorious Gould that we have ever had. His Gould is a brilliant but ruthless businessman who merged dying railroads into expansive and profit-making lines, including the giant Union Pacific.
Flip that house: visualising and analysing potential real estate property flipping transactions in a cold local housing market in the United States

The purpose of this exploratory case study is to use social network analysis techniques to visualise and analyse potential real estate property flipping transactions which may be a type of investment in Mansfield, OH. While real estate property flipping is typically associated with hot real estate markets, Mansfield's real estate market, interestingly, has been a cold one. Social network analysis is a method for analysing the structure of relationships among social entities through networks and graphs. We look at how homebuyers and grantees of mortgages relate to each other, utilising Gephi and UCINET software for visualisation purposes. We find that almost 50% of the mortgage grantees are from Ohio, which runs counter to our expectations based on the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994. We also find that the topological structure is highly fragmented. In some cases, the components represent only a single transaction between one homebuyer and one grantee. In other cases, th...
Fertility preservation counseling at the time of cancer diagnosis reduces distress and anxiety

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the psychological health of surrogates approximately 10 years after the child’s birth and is the first study to assess the psychological health and experiences of surrogates’ partners and children. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were administered to surrogates, their partners and children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 26 surrogates, 8 surrogates’ partners and 28 children of surrogates. Families were interviewed about their experiences of surrogacy. All participants completed the Family Assessment Measure-III (FAM-III) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. In addition, surrogates and their partners completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State (GRIMS) and children completed the General Health Questionnaire 30. RESULTS: Preliminary findings show that 98% of surrogates, partners and children scored within or above the normal range for self-esteem. Most surrogates (91%) and all partners scored within the normal range for depression and 77% of surrogates reported no psychological problems since the child’s birth. The GRIMS scores revealed that 86% of surrogates and partners scored average or above average for relationship quality. Mean scores on all scales of the FAM-III suggest better than average family functioning. Most children (96%) and partners (88%) reported positive views of surrogacy e.g. saw the benefits of surrogacy and felt proud of the surrogate. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that surrogates and their families do not experience long-term psychological health problems as a result of their involvement in surrogacy and view surrogacy and their expereinces of surrogacy in a positive way. The families in our study showed better than average family functioning suggesting that surrogates’ families have close relationships which are not negatively affected by the surrogacy process. Supported by: The project is funded by a grant awarded by the Economic and Social Research Council, UK.
Study protocol for a cluster randomized trial of the Community of Voices choir intervention to promote the health and well-being of diverse older adults

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the United States population. There is an immediate need to identify novel, cost-effective community-based approaches that promote health and well-being for older adults, particularly those from diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Because choral singing is multi-modal (requires cognitive, physical, and psychosocial engagement), it has the potential to improve health outcomes across several dimensions to help older adults remain active and independent. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a community choir program (Community of Voices) on health and well-being and to examine its costs and cost-effectiveness in a large sample of diverse, community-dwelling older adults.
Guidelines for placing additional sensors to improve variation diagnosis in assembly processes

Dimensional variation reduction is critical to assuring high quality in assembly and manufacturing processes. The extent to which data from a multiple-sensor system aids the diagnosis of variation sources depends on the effective placement of the sensors. The diagnostic objective that we consider is to estimate the variance components for potential variation sources. Using a linear structured model to represent the effects of the variation sources on the measurement data, this paper studies the problem of how to add additional sensor(s) to ensure diagnosability and/or improve estimation accuracy. Most prior work on sensor placement focused on automated numerical search algorithms that optimize rather unintuitive mathematical measures of diagnosability and accuracy. Our objective is to translate the measures into expressions that provide better conceptual guidance into how to most appropriately locate additional sensors to improve accuracy and diagnosability. The expressions may be used in conjunction with qualitative judgment and expert knowledge as the basis for locating additional sensors. Alternatively, they can be used in conjunction with existing numerical search routines by providing initial guesses for the sensor location and/or substantially narrowing the space of feasible sensor locations that must be searched during the numerical optimization. The proposed method is illustrated with examples from automotive panel assembly.
The Status of Vud

The Vud element of the Cabibbo‐Kobayashi‐Maskawa matrix can be determined from several different experimental approaches: based on either 0+→0+ superallowed nuclear β decays, neutron decay, nuclear mirror decays, or pion β decay. Currently all give consistent results but, because the nuclear superallowed value has an uncertainty at least a factor of six less than all other results, it dominates any average. We present the results from all four approaches and recommended the value |Vud| = 0.97425(22).
Fluorescence transmission through 1-D and 2-D periodic metal films

We study the transmission of fluorescence through periodically modulated metal films. In one-dimensional corrugated films, transmission is mediated by coherent scattering of surface plasmons directly excited by fluorophores on the surface. This scattering is shown to be a two-dimensional problem in that diffraction orders along both axes are obtained with well-defined states of polarization. In films consisting of two-dimensional arrays of sub-wavelength apertures, an additional mechanism exists in the direct transmission of fluorescence through the apertures, which is the dominant mechanism of transmission as shown by measurement of the radiation pattern from these structures.
P060 When Evidence is Weak or Insufficient, how can we Produce Guidance that is Trustworthy?

Background The GuideLine Implementability Appraisal (GLIA) instrument has been suggested for identifying potentially remediable implementability issues during the guideline development process. Objective To explore to what extent using GLIA during the development process would result in guideline revision before publication. Methods The development process of the European hyponatremia guideline -coordinated by European Renal Best Practice - was our study context. Using the GLIA web-tool, eleven clinicians and methodologists from eight countries individually appraised 27 guideline statements. In a face-to-face consensus meeting, four GLIA panelists and one guideline development group (GDG) representative summarized potential implementability issues. The GDG discussed these issues, and revised the guideline if deemed necessary. Results We identified 33 issues; the GDG accepted 26 as potentially hampering implementability. This resulted in statement reformulation with (n=5) and without (n=10) influencing clinical content, adding or (re)moving entire statements (n=8), and adding information to tables or rationales (n=3). The majority of issues declined by the GDG (n=7) addressed clinical situations that were covered elsewhere in the guideline or were considered to be uncommon. Discussion Using GLIA during the development process resulted in a revised guideline. We felt that GDG representation in the consensus meeting optimize our appraisal process. Implications for Guideline Developers Guideline organizations may want to consider incorporating GLIA into their development process. This may raise GDGs’ awareness of potential implementability issues, and allow revision of the guideline accordingly prior to publication. Future research should explore the effect of GLIA-based revisions on implementability as assessed by guideline users.
Chick eyes compensate for chromatic simulations of hyperopic and myopic defocus: Evidence that the eye uses longitudinal chromatic aberration to guide eye-growth

Longitudinal chromatic aberration (LCA) causes short wavelengths to be focused in front of long wavelengths. This chromatic signal is evidently used to guide ocular accommodation. We asked whether chick eyes exposed to static gratings simulating the chromatic effects of myopic or hyperopic defocus would "compensate" for the simulated defocus. We alternately exposed one eye of each chick to a sine-wave grating (5 or 2 cycle/deg) simulating myopic defocus ("MY defocus": image focused in front of retina; hence, red contrast higher than blue) and the other eye to a grating of the same spatial frequency simulating hyperopic defocus ("HY defocus": blue contrast higher than red). The chicks were placed in a drum with one eye covered with one grating, and then switched to another drum with the other grating with the other eye covered. To minimize the effects of altered eye-growth on image contrast, we studied only the earliest responses: first, we measured changes in choroidal thickness 45 min to 1 h after one 15-min episode in the drum, then we measured glycosaminoglycans (GAG) synthesis in sclera and choroid (by the incorporation of labeled sulfate in tissue culture) after a day of four 30-min episodes in the drum. The eyes compensated in the appropriate directions: The choroids of the eyes exposed to the HY simulation showed significantly more thinning (less thickening) over the course of the experiment than the choroids of the eyes exposed to the MY simulation (all groups mean:-17 microm; 5 c/d groups: -24 microm; paired t-test (one-tailed): p=0.0006). The rate of scleral GAG synthesis in the eye exposed to the HY simulation was significantly greater than in the eye exposed to the MY simulation (HY/MY ratio=1.20; one sample t-test (one-tailed): p=0.015). There was no significant interaction between the sign of the simulated defocus and either the spatial frequency or the presence of a +3 D lens used to compensate for the 33 cm distance of the drum. Although previous work has shown that chromatic cues to defocus are not essential for lens-compensation, in that chicks can compensate in monochromatic light, our evidence implies that the eye may be able to infer whether the eye is myopic or hyperopic from the different chromatic contrasts that result from different signs of defocus.
Pediatric complex chronic conditions classification system version 2: updated for ICD-10 and complex medical technology dependence and transplantation

The pediatric complex chronic conditions (CCC) classification system, developed in 2000, requires revision to accommodate the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision (ICD-10). To update the CCC classification system, we incorporated ICD-9 diagnostic codes that had been either omitted or incorrectly specified in the original system, and then translated between ICD-9 and ICD-10 using General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs). We further reviewed all codes in the ICD-9 and ICD-10 systems to include both diagnostic and procedural codes indicative of technology dependence or organ transplantation. We applied the provisional CCC version 2 (v2) system to death certificate information and 2 databases of health utilization, reviewed the resulting CCC classifications, and corrected any misclassifications. Finally, we evaluated performance of the CCC v2 system by assessing: 1) the stability of the system between ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes using data which included both ICD-9 codes and ICD-10 codes; 2) the year-to-year stability before and after ICD-10 implementation; and 3) the proportions of patients classified as having a CCC in both the v1 and v2 systems. The CCC v2 classification system consists of diagnostic and procedural codes that incorporate a new neonatal CCC category as well as domains of complexity arising from technology dependence or organ transplantation. CCC v2 demonstrated close comparability between ICD-9 and ICD-10 and did not detect significant discontinuity in temporal trends of death in the United States. Compared to the original system, CCC v2 resulted in a 1.0% absolute (10% relative) increase in the number of patients identified as having a CCC in national hospitalization dataset, and a 0.4% absolute (24% relative) increase in a national emergency department dataset. The updated CCC v2 system is comprehensive and multidimensional, and provides a necessary update to accommodate widespread implementation of ICD-10.
A Highly Conserved Protein of Unknown Function Is Required by Sinorhizobium meliloti for Symbiosis and Environmental Stress Protection

We report here the first characterization of the Sinorhizobium meliloti open reading frame SMc01113. The SMc01113 protein is a member of a highly conserved protein family, universal among bacteria. We demonstrate that the SMc01113 gene is absolutely required for S. meliloti symbiosis with alfalfa and also for the protection of the bacterium from a wide range of environmental stresses.
An Empirical Exploration of the Population-Environment Nexus in India

This article presents an empirical study of population growth and environmental change using cross-section district-level data from South, Central, and West India. Environmental change is measured using a satellite-based vegetation index. Unlike prior work, the analysis treats population growth and environmental change as jointly determined, distinguishes between rural and urban populations, and distinguishes between two components of population growth, natural growth and migration. Among key findings are that environmental decline spurs rural population growth and net rural in-migration, which prompt further environmental decline; environmental improvement spurs urban population growth and net urban in-migration; and environmental scarcity spurs environmental improvement. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
Auch Mesonen erfüllen Bellsche Ungleichung

Teilchenphysikern bei Belle am KEKB-Beschleuniger in Tsukuba, Japan, ist es erstmals gelungen eine Verletzung der Bellschen Ungleichung bei Elementarteilchen nachzuweisen [1]. Damit konnten sie die Vollstandigkeit der Quantenmechanik erneut bestatigen.