cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NMR studies of the structure and dynamics of carbohydrates in aqueous solution

Abstract Notable recent developments in NMR methodology for studying carbohydrate structure and dynamics include the increased information gained from the observation of hydroxyl proton signals in supercooled water as well as improved measurements of long-range heteronuclear scalar couplings and 13 C relaxation rates. This chapter presents an example of recent progress in each of those categories. (1) A 2-D homonuclear rotating-frame exchange experiment is proposed as a suitable means under supercooled aqueous conditions to detect transient intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the flexible disaccharide sucrose. (2) A modified 2-D 1 H-detected heteronuclear multiple-quantum experiment is introduced for speedy and accurate measurement of n J CH ( n ≥ 2); the application of the so-called HSMBC experiment is illustrated for sialyllactose. (3) The quantitative aspects of the dynamics of the hexasaccharide headgroup of ganglioside G D1a embedded in a perdeuterated mixed micelle in aqueous solution are assessed by 1 H-detected natural-abundance 13 C T 1ρ measurements; the data are interpreted according to the Lipari-Szabo model-free approach which reveals relatively fast internal motions in the outer region of the hexasaccharide.
Synthesis of long lowpass ladders

This paper describes methods to synthesize physically-realizable LC ladders which approximate a desired input impedance function. The normalized input resistance function is represented as the reciprocal of a product of real factors constructed from its symmetrical s-plane poles. This form permits an unconstrained optimization to be used, and also provides a basis for a display of target function, current function, and poles which allows a person to aid the search process. An example showing the development from fifteen to twenty-three elements is used as a vehicle for presentation and discussion. >
The Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic: Profiles of Dementia and Depression

Dementia (or cognitive decline) either results in or causes changes in personality and treatment patterns as the person declines. From a sample of older adults with memory complaints who have varying problems of dementia, depression or both, we address two issues: (1) we provide a personality, stress moderator and treatment prognostic profile of older adults with and without dementia; and (2) we consider the question of the added influence of depression related to these variables. For question 1, older subjects (N=112) were disaggregated by dementia and non-dementia status; for question 2, the older adults (N=62) were further separated into those with a dementia, those who are depressed, and those with both dementia and depression. Patients were interviewed and self-report scales were given to all subjects. All patients had a caregiver. Cognitive and personality styles, treatment and stress markers, and Axis I variables, as well as background and adjustment, were measured. For dementia/non-dementia groups, results show that the dementia group was more detached, had more problems with depression and cognitive dysfunction, and showed less concerns about Informational Fragility. Of the three groups, the combined and dementia groups had the most problems, including more fixed personality features, more psychiatric problems, more stress moderators and more problematic treatment prognostics. We also show profiles of treatment prognostics and stress moderators of each personality type for a dementia, depression and dementia/depression. We highlight the importance of depression at later life whether with or without a dementia.
An Empirical Comparison of Hierarchical vs. Two-Level Approaches to Multiclass Problems

The Error Correcting Output Codes (ECOC) framework provides a powerful and popular method for solving multiclass problems using a multitude of binary classifiers. We had recently introduced [10] the Binary Hierarchical Classifier (BHC) architecture that addresses multiclass classification problems using a set of binary classifiers organized in the form of a hierarchy. Unlike ECOCs, the BHC groups classes according to their natural affinities in order to make each binary problem easier. However, it cannot exploit the powerful error correcting properties of an ECOC ensemble, which can provide good results even when the individual classifiers are weak. In this paper, we provide an empirical comparison of these two approaches on a variety of datasets, using well-tuned SVMs as the base classifiers. The results show that while there is no clear advantage to either technique in terms of classification accuracy, BHCs typically achieve this performance using fewer classifiers, and have the added advantage of automatically generating a hierarchy of classes. Such hierarchies often provide a valuable tool for extracting domain knowledge, and achieve better results when coarser granularity of the output space is acceptable.
Newspaper Coverage and Gender: An Analysis of the 1996 Illinois State Legislative House District Races

Abstract This paper examines newspaper coverage in Illinois state legislative races. A content analysis of newspaper articles appearing in a sample of 21 legislative races was undertaken. The study tests for differences in coverage along lines of gender. Results indicate there are differences, but they are subtle. While overall quantity and quality of coverage are similar for male and female candidates, a closer look reveals that differences, including those along lines of candidate status and issue choice, may cause concern for female candidates in these races.
Phosphorylation of eIF-4F by protein kinase C or multipotential S6 kinase stimulates protein synthesis at initiation.

Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F, a multiprotein cap binding complex, has been shown to be phosphorylated in vivo in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and insulin (Morley, S.J., and Traugh, J.A. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 2401-2404; Morley, S.J., and Traugh, J.A. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 10611-10616). The effect of phosphorylation on the activity of purified eIF-4F, utilizing both protein kinase C and a multifunctional S6 kinase, previously identified as protease activated kinase II, has been examined; these protein kinases modify eIF-4F p25 and p220 and eIF-4F p220, respectively. Studies with an eIF-4F-dependent protein synthesis system showed that phosphorylation of eIF-4F with either protein kinase resulted in a 3-5-fold stimulation of translation relative to the nonphosphorylated control. Chemical cross-linking of eIF-4F to cap-labeled mRNA, showed that phosphorylation increased the interaction of both the p25 and p220 subunits of eIF-4F with the 5' end of mRNA. This effect was manifested by a stimulation of initiation complex formation as measured by an increase in the association of labeled mRNA with 40 S ribosomal subunits in the translation system. Thus, phosphorylation of eIF-4F enhances binding to mRNA, resulting in a stimulation of protein synthesis at initiation.
Magill forceps technique for removal of safety pins in upper esophagus: a preliminary report

Summary Objective: Foreign body ingestion is not an uncommon problem in children. Children can ingest various foreign objects. One of such objects is safety pin, which is not widely reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to consider the efficacy of Magill forceps for removal of safety pins from upper esophagus. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children admitted to our hospital with safety pin ingestion from 1995 to 2003. In 58 children who had been found to ingest safety pin, the attachment site was gastrointestinal tract. In 12 of the cases, safety pins were located in the upper end of the esophagus. In seven of the children safety pin extraction was achieved by using a Magill forceps with the assistance of a laryngoscope maintaining general anesthesia with mask inhalation. Results: Safety pins were successfully removed with Magill forceps without any complications in seven patients whom they were located in the upper esophagus. Upper esophageal safety pins in the other five patients were extracted with rigid esophagoscopy for they were not seen under direct laryngoscopy. There were no complications. Conclusions: This is a preliminary report, but we believe that the Magill forceps technique for the removal of safety pin in the upper end of the esophagus is safe and minimally invasive method compared to rigid esophagoscopy. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Estimating and Testing Common Parameters for Some Multiresponse Models Associated With Microbial Growth and Bioenergetics

Multivariate observations obtained from chemical and biological experiments often relate several responses to a common set of parameters. In several fields of application, the response functions can be put in the form of a general multivariate linear model, which originates from the analysis of growth curves. System overdetermination is frequently encountered with this model because the number of variables that can be directly measured is larger than the number needed for full identification of the system. These measured variables usually satisfy certain equality constraints, which may come from material balances, for example. The covariate adjustment technique is particularly useful in the analysis of multiresponse models when the responses are related by equality constraints and the covariates are associated with these constraints. Methods to select covariates and criteria to evaluate the results are presented and applied to a set of experimental data. The technique yields maximum likelihood estimates o...
Sex after 40?: Gender, ageism, and sexual partnering in midlife

Abstract This article examines the relationship between gender and heterosexual partnering in midlife, using survey data from 1240 women and men aged 40 to 59. Although older ages are associated with lower numbers of sexual partners for both genders, larger proportions of women report having no partners, and at earlier ages than men. Sexual conservatism and non-cohabitation predict lower numbers of partners for both genders, albeit in different ways. Age's differential effects by gender are not reducible to greater conservatism among older cohorts of women or to age-gender patterns in cohabitation, suggesting that ageism and sexism combine to middle-aged women's particular disadvantage.
Characterization of antibodies to house fly NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase

Antibodies to solubilized and purified NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase from house fly microsomes were obtained in rabbits. Evolution of antibody titre was determined by the increasing inhibition of house fly microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity by serum samples. An IgG fraction was obtained from the serum by ammonium sulphate precipitation. These antibodies inhibited microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase from insecticide-resistant and susceptible house fly strains as well as from phenobarbital-treated insects. The antibodies were specific for NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase because they did not inhibit the NADH-dependent reduction of cytochrome c, dichlorophenolindophenol or ferricyanide. The antibodies distinguished the native NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase from the proteolytically processed NADPH-cytochrome c reductase as shown by differential inhibition of solubilized, purified enzymes. The antibodies inhibited microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activities such as epoxidation and O-dealkylation, thus confirming the role of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in these reactions. Cross-reactivity towards the microsomal enzyme of 15 animal species was shown by inhibition of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity. Cross-reactivity was high for the enzyme of other Diptera such as a Drosophila melanogaster and Culex pipiens, but was very low for NADPH-cytochrome c reductase from vertebrate sources.
Transposition of the great arteries: Possible risk factorfor Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis

REFERENCES 1. Underman AE, Overturf GD, and Leedom JM: Bacterial meningitis 1978, Disease-A-Month 2,4:23, 1978. 2. Zucker S, Haynes DJ, Vogler WR, et al: Plasma muramidase: a study of methods and clinical applications, J Lab Clin Med 75:83, 1970. 3. Raitamo S, and Klockars M: Lysozyme activity in cerebrospinal fluid, Acta Meal Scand 199:321, 1976. 4. Florkin M, and Stotz EH: Enzyme nomenclature, in Comprehensive biochemistry, Amsterdam, 1972, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, p 217. 5. Brogen J, and Romslo I: Lysozyme determined in serum or urine by a simple nephlometric method, Clin Chem 23:1599, 1977. 6. Hankiewiez J, and Swierezek E: Lysozyme in human body fluids, Clin Chim Acta 57:205, 1974. 7..Briggs RS, Perillie PE, and Finch SC: Lysozyme in bone marrow and perpherial blood cells, J Histochem Cytochem 14:167, 1966. 8. Pruzanski W, and Saito SG: The diagnostic value of lysozyme (muramidase) estimation in biological fluids, Am J Med Sci 258:405, 1969. 9. Mason DY, and Roberts-Thomson P: Spinal fluid lysozyme in diagnosis of central nervous system tumors, Lancet 2:952, 1974. 10. Newman J, Josephson AS, Cacatian A, and Tsang A: Spinal fluid lysozyme in the diagnosis of central nervous system tumours, Lancet 2:756, 1974.
Socially Embedded Consumer Transactions: For What Kinds of Purchases Do People Most Often Use Networks?

Why and to what extent do people make significant purchases from people with whom they have prior noncommercial relationships? Using data from the economic sociology module of the 1996 General Social Survey, we document high levels of within-network exchanges. We argue that transacting with social contacts is effective because it embeds commercial exchanges in a web of obligations and holds the seller's network hostage to appropriate role performance in the economic transaction. It follows that within-network exchanges will be more common in risky transactions that are unlikely to be repeated and in which uncertainty is high. The data support this view. Self-reports about major purchases are consistent with the expectation that exchange frequency reduces the extent of within-network exchanges. Responses to questions about preferences for in-group exchanges support the argument that uncertainty about product and performance quality leads people to prefer sellers with whom they have noncommercial ties. Moreover, people prefer to avoid selling to social contacts under the same conditions that lead buyers to seek such transactions; and people who transact with friends and relatives report greater satisfaction with the results than do people who transact with strangers, especially for risk-laden exchanges.
MUNICIPAL AMALGAMATION AND THE GROWTH OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC SECTOR IN SWEDEN

. The proposition that a decentralized structure of local governments can effectively constrain public sector growth is empirically investigated. Data on Swedish municipal sector size for the 1942–87 period are analyzed within the context of a median voter model. The results indicate that decentralization, measured by the number of units of local government serving a given population, constrains the influence of institutional factors (e.g., rent seeking, bureaucracy) on local budgets as long as these units exceed some minimal threshold size. The findings support the view that communities should be given the flexibility to determine their own ideal pattern of local governments.
The Balassa‐Samuelson Model: A General‐Equilibrium Appraisal*

We derive two key propositions of the Balassa-Samuelson model as long-run balanced growth implications of a neoclassical general equilibrium model. the propositions are that productivity differentials determine international differences in nontradable relative prices and deviations from PPP reflect differences in nontradable prices. Closed-form solutions are obtained and tested using panel methods applied to long-run components of OECD sectoral data computed using the Hodrick-Prescott filter. the results indicate that labor productivity differentials help explain international low-frequency differences in relative prices. However, predicted nontradable relative prices are less successful in explaining long-run deviations from PPP. Unless very sophisticated indeed, PPP is a misleadingly pretentious doctrine, promising us what is rare in economics, detailed numerical predictions. (Paul A. Samuelson, 1964, p. 153)
Analysis of postembryonic heart development and maturation in the zebrafish, Danio rerio

Background: Cardiac maturation is vital for animal survival and must occur throughout the animal's life. Zebrafish are increasingly used to model cardiac disease; however, little is known about how the cardiovascular system matures. We conducted a systematic analysis of cardiac maturation from larvae through to adulthood and assessed cardiac features influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Results: We identified a novel step in cardiac maturation, termed cardiac rotation, where the larval heart rotates into its final orientation within the thoracic cavity with the atrium placed behind the ventricle. This rotation is followed by linear ventricle growth and an increase in the angle between bulbous arteriosus and the ventricle. The ventricle transitions from a rectangle, to a triangle and ultimately a sphere that is significantly enveloped by the atrium. In addition, trabeculae are similarly patterned in the zebrafish and humans, both with muscular fingerlike projections and muscle bands that span the cardiac chamber. Of interest, partial loss of atrial contraction in myosin heavy chain 6 (myh6/weahu423/+) mutants result in the adult maintaining a larval cardiac form. Conclusions: These findings serve as a foundation for the study of defects in cardiovascular development from both genetic and environmental factors. Developmental Dynamics, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating cattle manure application strategies on phosphorus and nitrogen losses from a Florida spodosol.

Repeated application of cattle (Bos taurus) manure to agricultural areas oft en results in soil P accumulation, which may pose risks to surface waters. We evaluated seven diff erent application strategies on P and N losses from an established bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pasture: control (no N applied); two N sources [manure alone or manure plus ammonium nitrate (AN) (50/50% combination)]; two application frequencies (single or split); and two N rates (200 and 400 kg N ha –1 ). Shallow groundwater P was monitored using piezometers installed at 60 cm (shallow wells) and 120 cm (deep wells). Surface runoff collectors were used to monitor runoff N and P from naturally occurring rainfall events. Soil samples were analyzed for Mehlich-1 P and KCl-extractable NH 4 –N and NO 3 –N concentrations. Application of manure in combination with AN suppressed leachate P, but no eff ect was observed on leachate NO 3 –N concentrations in the shallow wells. Application of manure alone or in combination with AN did not aff ect P and N concentrations in the deep wells. Applying manure plus AN resulted in approximately 50% reduction in runoff N and P loads than treatments receiving manure alone. Manure applied alone or in combination with AN increased soil test P in upper soil horizons relative to control plots. Conversely, application of either manure or manure plus AN had no eff ect on soil NH 4 –N and NO 3 –N concentrations. Results demonstrate that combining manure application with inorganic N fertilizer represents an environmentally sound application strategy to reduce soil P and N accumulation and subsequent risks of nutrient transport.
Optimization of caviar and meat production from white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Abstract A multi-period mixed integer linear programming model was developed to optimize caviar and meat production from a white sturgeon production facility over a 51 year time horizon. The model is only moderately complex but is large with 10 102 equations and 17 905 variables. The model size allows for system stabilization and a minimization of end of model effects without artificially imposed constraints. The model demonstrates the economic feasibility of caviar and meat production as a long-term investment where break-even occurs in year 9, after the first group of caviar fish is harvested. An optimal production schedule is generated where harvest cycles from 3- and 3·5-year old fish offset caviar harvest cycles to maintain an optimal biomass on the farm. The optimal production schedule is evaluated for economical viability against a non-cyclical stable production schedule.
Effect of development on monoterpene composition of Hedeoma drummondii

Abstract Samples of leaves, flowers and whole plants were taken from clonal stock of Hedeoma drummondii to determine the effect of developmental age on the monoterpene profile. GLC analysis revealed that there are significant differences in the quantity of major monoterpenes in leaves and flowers of different ages and in plants at different flowering stages. The results are discussed in relation to biogenetic pathways and implications for taxonomic work.
Some considerations for the expert witness in cases involving birth defects

Abstract Individuals serving as experts in litigation involving birth defects typically find that their scientific training has not prepared them well. A greater understanding of the choices and pitfalls involved can assist such individuals in promoting the legal process. Experts should carefully evaluate the evidence and should not become involved unless they have the needed expertise. Experts must understand what they will be asked to testify about and be completely comfortable with any positions that they may be asked to support. Experts must obtain the necessary facts, never merely relying on information from the retaining attorney. Experts should not make statements they cannot support, and they must be willing to say, “I don't know.” Experts should not merely ignore facts that weaken their positions, but must be willing to take them into account. Although the court may require only that an accused agent be “more likely than not” the cause of a birth defect, experts must use recognized scientific principles, and the judge will decide what evidence is admissible. Experts must be willing to examine enormous amounts of information, and they should be organized, carefully filing information received. Experts must be both willing and able to spend large amounts of time in preparation, consultation, travel, deposition, court, and even “bookkeeping.” It should be realized that the expert's role in birth defects litigation is essential, however, and knowledge of what experts should and should not do should aid in the promotion of justice.
Clinical and pathologic features of postinfarction cardiac rupture.

Abstract In a 15 year period 106 instances of myocardial rupture after myocardial infarction were observed at autopsy, an incidence of 8.6 per cent of fatal acute myocardial infarcts. This complication occurred most frequently in the seventh and eighth decades and was slightly more common in women. Clinically, rupture occurred most frequently during the first week after infarction. Historical evidence of previous coronary artery disease was uncommon. Hypertension had been present in 70 percent of the patients, but it persisted after the infarct in less than a third. Pathogenetic factors were sought in the clinical aspects of the patients. No definite role could be ascribed to anticoagulant or sympathomimetic drugs or digitalis. Physical activity after infarction may be a predisposing factor in some instances. Sudden death without antecedent change in symptoms most often occurred. Cardiac tamponade or vascular collapse was documented in a few instances prior to death. In most instances no physical findings, laboratory tests, or electrocardiographic features that indicated cardiac rupture could be ascertained. Based on histologie data, 90 per cent of the ruptures occurred during the first two weeks after infarction, at an average time of five days; 22 per cent were in the first 24 hours, and 69 per cent were in the first week. All of the infarcts were transmural and involved large areas of the left ventricle. Ruptures presented as distinct tears (79 per cent) or large areas of hemorrhagic dissection (9 per cent), or both (12 per cent). The most common site of rupture was through the anterior wall of the left ventricle; commonly, ruptures were near the septum or near the base of papillary muscle. The areas of rupture were more common in the basal two thirds of the ventricle than in the apical portion. The ruptures varied greatly in size. Most were situated within the area of infarction rather than at the junction between the infarcted and the normal myocardium. Unusual accumulations of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were not found in most specimens. Most hearts had severe coronary artery disease, but myocardial scarring was present in only a fourth. Cardiac hypertrophy was usually present. The amount of hemopericardium varied widely and was the apparent mechanism responsible for death in some patients. Mural hemorrhage, hypertension, degree of polymorphonuclear infiltration, degree of myocardial fibrosis and location of the infarct may all be of pathogenetic significance in post-infarction rupture in different situations, but these considerations did not have universal applicability. The only common morphologic features among the infarcts that ruptured were their large size and transmural extent. The major pathogenetic considerations probably are loss of tensile strength of the infarcted segment, increased tension in this area, and, in some cases, divergent vector forces.
Parameter Estimation in a Nonlinear Two-Dimensional Population Diffusion Model

Abstract In this paper we present a two-dimensional mathematical model with nonlinear diffusion and reaction terms that describes population dynamics in an environment or heat flow in a medium. An inverse method procedure is described to numerically approximate infinite-dimensional parameters in the model. Convergence results for these approximated parameters are proved and numerical examples are presented that confirm accuracy of the theory.
THE EFFECT OF HYPERPYREXIA UPON SPERMATOZOA COUNTS IN MEN

IN A SERIES of papers published since 1922, Carl Moore and his coworkers (1, 2, 3, 4) have presented abundant evidence to show that exposure of the testes of the rat, guinea pig, and sheep to temperatures above that of the scrotum results in degeneration of the germinal epithelium and a consequent failure of spermatogenesis. This work was confirmed by Fukui (5) who exposed the scrota of rabbits to midsummer sunlight and found selective destruction of the germinal epithelium. He also applied continuous streams of hot water (44°–49°C.) to the scrota of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rats and goats and found degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium i n every case. Young (4) studied the order of sperm cell degeneration in guinea pig testes after water heated to 46° or 47° C. had been run over the scrotum for 15 or for 30 minutes. He found that degeneration of the germinal epithelium begins immediately after treatment and continues until the end of ia days.
Re-Excision Rates of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with Lobular Features Compared with Invasive Ductal Carcinomas and Invasive Lobular Carcinomas of the Breast

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) with lobular features (IDC-L) is not recognized as a subtype of breast cancer. We previously showed that IDC-L may be a variant of IDC with clinicopathological characteristics more similar to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). We sought to determine the re-excision rates of IDC-L compared with ILC and IDC, and the feasibility of diagnosing IDC-L on core biopsies. Surgical procedure, multiple tumor foci, tumor size, and residual invasive carcinoma on re-excision were recorded for IDC-L (n = 178), IDC (n = 636), and ILC (n = 251). Re-excision rates were calculated by excluding mastectomy as first procedure cases and including only re-excisions for invasive carcinoma. Slides of correlating core biopsies for IDC-L cases initially diagnosed as IDC were re-reviewed. For T2 tumors (2.1–5.0 cm), re-excision rates for IDC-L (76 %) and ILC (88 %) were higher than that for IDC (42 %) (p = 0.003). Multiple tumor foci were more common in IDC-L (31 %) and ILC (26 %) than IDC (7 %) (p < 0.0001), which was a significant factor in higher re-excision rates when compared with a single tumor focus (p < 0.001). Ninety-two of 149 patients (62 %) with IDC-L were diagnosed on core biopsies. Of the 44 patients initially diagnosed as IDC, 30 were re-reviewed, of which 24 (80 %) were re-classified as IDC-L. Similar to ILC, re-excision rates for IDC-L are higher than IDC for larger tumors. Patients may need to be counseled about the higher likelihood of additional procedures to achieve negative margins. This underscores the importance of distinguishing IDC-L from IDC on core biopsies.
Vaginal prolapse in a pregnant Maine coon cat: a case report

Vaginal prolapse is a condition characterised by excessive accumulation of mucosal oedema and protrusion of hyperplastic tissue through the vulva. It has been reported in ruminants and canines, but has not been characterised in felines. This report describes the history, clinical signs and treatment of a pregnant Maine coon cat with a Type III vaginal prolapse diagnosed approximately 54 days after the first day of mating. Prior to queening, the prolapse was reduced and retained using a vulvar cruciate suture. Due to the risk of dystocia and recurrence, a caesarean section with ovariohysterectomy was performed. Postoperatively, a stay suture was maintained in the vulva for 2 weeks, resulting in permanent reduction of the vaginal prolapse. To the authors' knowledge, this case represents the first report of the successful management of vaginal prolapse in a pregnant cat.
The Compton–Getting effect of energetic particles with an anisotropic pitch-angle distribution

Abstract This paper presents a simulation of anisotropy measurements by the low-energy charged particle (LECP) experiment on Voyager 1 for cases when the particle pitch-angle distribution function in the solar wind plasma reference frame is not isotropic. The model includes both the Compton–Getting anisotropy and perpendicular diffusion anisotropy that possibly exists in the upstream region of the termination shock. The results show that the Voyager 1 data cannot rule out either the model with zero solar wind speed or the one with a finite speed on qualitative basis. The determination of solar wind speed using the Compton–Getting effect is affected by the assumption of the magnetic field direction and perpendicular diffusion anisotropy. Because the pitch-angle distribution anisotropy is so large, a small uncertainty in the magnetic field direction can produce very different solar wind speeds ranging from ∼0 to >400 km/s. In fact, if the magnetic field is chosen to be in the Parker spiral direction, which is consistent with the magnetometer measurement on Voyager 1, the derived solar wind speed is still close to the supersonic value. Only the two lowest-energy channels of the LECP instrument may give a definitive answer to the solar wind speed. However, because these channels contain a very high level of cosmic ray background, an uncertainty of just a few percent in the background can entirely hamper the estimate of solar wind speed.
Susceptibility of Balb/c, C57/B6 and C57/B10 mice to infection with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

Balb/C, C57/B10 and C57/B6 mice were examined for their susceptibility to disseminated Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infection after intraperitoneal inoculation with a suspension of organisms containing mineral oil. Animals were examined monthly by histopathology and bacterial tissue counts of liver and spleen over a 6-month period. Only Balb/c mice maintained a steady infection with an average of 4.1 x 10(5) +/- 7.8 x 10(3) and 8.1 x 10(5) +/- 2.6 x 10(4) colony forming units (cfu) per gram of liver and spleen, respectively, during the course of the study. In contrast, C57/B10 mice reduced the bacterial counts in the liver and spleen from 6.8 x 10(4) and 1.3 x 10(5) to 7.1 x 10(2) and 4.3 x 10(3), respectively during the first 120-150 days after infection. The reduction in cfu was associated with the development of caseous necrotic lesions. C57/B10 mice were of intermediate resistance, slowly reducing cfu in the liver, but not the spleen, during the 6-month period. Balb/c was found to be a suitable mouse strain for the study of chronic M. paratuberculosis infection.
Grassroots Advocacy for Gun Violence Prevention: A Status Report on Mobilizing a Movement

The recent experience of gun violence prevention advocates with building an active, engaged grassroots holds important lessons for the future of gun violence prevention. However, formal research methods are rarely used to examine the role of grassroots advocacy efforts within public health. In order to assess the state of the grassroots gun violence prevention movement, learn from their experiences, and understand the challenges they face, the author conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with eighteen leaders in the gun violence prevention community. The author then assessed the findings from the analysis of interview data within a social health movement framework, and developed recommendations for addressing the identified challenges. Results from this study provide insight into the state of U.S. grassroots gun violence prevention efforts prior to 2001. Grassroots advocacy efforts represent an important, influential component of injury prevention and public health. Understanding the perspective of the grassroots, their contribution to the field, and the challenges to such efforts is critical to ensuring a connection among the research, practice, policy and education efforts aimed at reducing injuries and violence.
Monotonicity of slab operators. II

We study the monotonicity properties of the scattering, reflection and transmission operators for plane-parallel slabs in their dependence on the slab width. The underlying equation describes neutron transport in absorbing media. The monotonicity considered is taken relative to the partial ordering induced by the cone of nonnegative functions in an L2-space.
Cardiac Muscle Ring Finger-1 Increases Susceptibility to Heart Failure In Vivo

Muscle ring finger (MuRF)1 is a muscle-specific protein implicated in the regulation of cardiac myocyte size and contractility. MuRF2, a closely related family member, redundantly interacts with protein substrates and heterodimerizes with MuRF1. Mice lacking either MuRF1 or MuRF2 are phenotypically normal, whereas mice lacking both proteins develop a spontaneous cardiac and skeletal muscle hypertrophy, indicating cooperative control of muscle mass by MuRF1 and MuRF2. To identify the unique role that MuRF1 plays in regulating cardiac hypertrophy in vivo, we created transgenic mice expressing increased amounts of cardiac MuRF1. Adult MuRF1 transgenic (Tg+) hearts exhibited a nonprogressive thinning of the left ventricular wall and a concomitant decrease in cardiac function. Experimental induction of cardiac hypertrophy by transaortic constriction (TAC) induced rapid failure of MuRF1 Tg + hearts. Microarray analysis identified that the levels of genes associated with metabolism (and in particular mitochondrial processes) were significantly altered in MuRF1 Tg + hearts, both at baseline and during the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Surprisingly, ATP levels in MuRF1 Tg + mice did not differ from wild-type mice despite the depressed contractility following TAC. In comparing the level and activity of creatine kinase (CK) between wild-type and MuRF1 Tg + hearts, we found that mCK and CK-M/B protein levels were unaffected in MuRF1 Tg + hearts; however, total CK activity was significantly inhibited. We conclude that increased expression of cardiac MuRF1 results in a broad disruption of primary metabolic functions, including alterations in CK activity that leads to increased susceptibility to heart failure following TAC. This study demonstrates for the first time a role for MuRF1 in the regulation of cardiac energetics in vivo.
Role of vaginal sonography and hysterosonography in the endoscopic treatment of uterine myomas

Abstract Objective: To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the various imaging techniques used to evaluate uterine leiomyomas preoperatively and to propose a classification system for intramural and subserosal leiomyomas that may better serve the endoscopist in surgical treatment. Design: A MEDLINE search of the available literature was performed. Conclusion(s): Selective use of the various imaging techniques is required based on the clinical situation. Classification systems that describe the degree of myometrial involvement are needed for appropriate case selection and counseling by the endoscopist.
Modifications to the simplex-optimized adaptive kalman filter

Abstract New response functions for the simplex-optimized adaptive Kalman filter have been examined as a means of improving the estimation of known components in the presence of unknown components or other matrix effects. Four response functions based on the innovations sequence have been tested with respect to increasing the computational speed of the filter and reducing the estimation error for the quantitated components. The response function based on the area under the innovations sequence with a penalty function was found to provide the best estimates for synthetic data and ultraviolet-visible spectra.
Wide‐Range Multi‐Input Pulse Height Recording System

This paper describes a system which can photographically record with one dual‐beam oscilloscope the amplitudes of 10 simultaneous photomultiplier pulses over a four‐decade dynamic range with an accuracy of ±1.5% over the entire range. The signal processing time is 2.2 μsec. The basic circuit is a logarithmic pulse‐height‐to‐time converter with two triggering levels, requiring twelve transistors per input channel. The dynamic range of the device could be easily extended to six decades, and the two‐level technique can be applied to digitized recording systems and pulse height analyzers. The circuit has been found to meet the above specifications over a temperature range from −19 to +38°C.
A Super-Resolution Study of the Structural Organization of the E. Coli FTSZ-Ring by ZapA and ZapB

The first step in E. coli cell division is the localization of the FtsZ protein at midcell, where it polymerizes into a ring-like structure called the Z-ring. FtsZ is widely conserved throughout bacteria and is a structural homolog of eukaryotic tubulin. Understanding the organization of the Z-ring will provide insight into the force generation mechanism of bacterial cell division.In our previous work we used a super-resolution imaging method, photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), to characterize the arrangement of FtsZ protofilaments inside the Z-ring1. We showed that the Z-ring is likely composed of a loose association of protofilaments overlapping in both the circumferential and radial direction of the Z-ring. Given that FtsZ protofilaments exhibit a low intrinsic self-interaction, how they are associated in vivo remains unknown.Recently a family of Z-ring associated proteins (Zap) have been shown to promote FtsZ polymerization in vitro and Z-ring formation in vivo. In this study, we investigated how ZapA and ZapB affect the organization of the Z-ring.We used live-cell PALM imaging to characterize the structure of the Z-ring in the absence of ZapA and ZapB. We found that in the absence of ZapA or ZapB, FtsZ adopts a variety of non-native structures characterized by a fractured appearance containing dispersed clusters of FtsZ. Similar FtsZ clusters have been observed to precede wild-type Z-ring assembly and are likely composed of multiple FtsZ protofilaments. Comparison of the FtsZ clusters observed in ΔzapA and ΔzapB to those observed in wild-type suggest that ZapA and ZapB may function to promote Z-ring assembly by corralling and consolidating higher-ordered FtsZ groupings.[1] G. Fu, T. Huang, J. Buss, C. Coltharp, Z. Hensel, J. Xiao, PLoS One 2010, 5, e12680.
Pharmacokinetic Concepts in Assessing Intake of Pentachlorophenol by Rats after Exposure through Drinking Water

Abstract The objective of this study was to predict concentrations of a toxicant in plasma after exposure to the toxicant through drinking water using basic pharmacokinetic principles. As an example, we studied pentachlorophenol (PCP), a widely used wood preservative of public health concern as an environmental pollutant. We added PCP to the drinking water (30 μg/mL) of five rats for 3 days. Blood was sampled, and water consumption was monitored every 12 h on the days 1 and 2 and every 3 h on day 3. After a 4-day washout, a PCP dose of 2.5 mg/kg was given intravenously, and blood was withdrawn at selected times for 2 days. PCP concentrations in plasma were measured by capillary gas chromatography. A one-compartment model with zero-order input and kinetic parameters (clearance, volume of distribution, and bioavailability) estimated after intravenous administration adequately predicted PCP concentrations in plasma during exposure to PCP. The average steady-state concentration ( C ss ), which reflects the overall exposure, was predicted using the clearance ( CL ) concept [i.e., C ss = (bioavailability • rate of intake)/CL] and compared with the observed value. The data for PCP demonstrate the potential utility of CL and other kinetic concepts in assessing exposure to a toxicant in drinking water, food, or air.
Missouri River power curve regression equations

Abstract By the use of a statistical computer program power curve regression equations and correlation coefficients were developed for as many river parameters as could be accurately quantified for the Missouri River. This was done with the expectation that these equations would be useful in sorting, from the many river parameters, those variables that are strongly related, and aid in predicting changes the river might undergo as a result of the manipulative behavior of man. Results indicate that the equations developed may be useful for both purposes.
WORKER RESPONSE TO THERMAL CONSTRAINTS IN THE ANT FORMICA OBSCURIPES (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Abstract 1. 1.In southwestern Montana, the ant Formica obscuripes Forel occupies open habitats where temperatures on soil and nest surfaces of 50–60°C are common in summer. Workers succumb rapidly if they remain on surfaces with temperatures in this range (determined experimentally). 2. 2.Variation in the thermal and radiative environment is strongly correlated with variation in worker behaviour. To avoid stressful microhabitats, the workers abandon the surfaces of nests and unshaded foraging areas near midday on clear days. However, they do remain active on plants harbouring honeydew-secreting Homoptera and on shaded sections of foraging trails that constitute over 95% of the trail system between nests. Although bottlenecks do occur on the few unshaded portions of the trails, movement of workers transporting prey, nesting material, and honeydew along trails continues throughout the day.
Revisiting justified nonvoluntary euthanasia.

The issue concerning whether euthanasia is 1) morally permissible, and 2) ought to be legalized in certain cases is much more complicated than I initially addressed in my article “A Case for Justif...
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE THRESHOLD AND INTER-SPECIES SCALING LAW FOR PRIMARY BLAST-INDUCED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: A SEMI-ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has become a signature injury in recent military conflicts and terrorist attacks. However, the mechanisms and thresholds for such injury are still unknown. In this paper, effort has been made toward establishing the threshold due to primary blast based on the published injury data in the rat. Peak incident overpressure and pulse duration of the incident wave were used as predictors and the injury risk curves for the rat were derived via a linear logistic regression analysis. A scaling law based on body mass was then used to scale the tolerance curves from the rat to the pig and the human. The injury risk curve for bTBI was compared with that for the lung. The results reveal different injury mechanisms between these two organs. The developed injury curves can be used in the design of personal protective equipment against primary bTBI.
Semiclassical theory of the Anderson transition.

We study analytically the metal-insulator transition in a disordered conductor by combining the self-consistent theory of localization with the one parameter scaling theory. We provide explicit expressions of the critical exponents and the critical disorder as a function of the spatial dimensionality $d$. The critical exponent $\ensuremath{\nu}$ controlling the divergence of the localization length at the transition is found to be $\ensuremath{\nu}=\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{d\ensuremath{-}2}$ thus confirming that the upper critical dimension is infinity. Level statistics are investigated in detail. We show that the two level correlation function decays exponentially and the number variance is linear with a slope which is an increasing function of the spatial dimensionality. Our analytical findings are in agreement with previous numerical results.
Surgical management of thyroid masses: assessing the need for frozen section evaluation.

Objective/Hypothesis: To determine the need for intraoperative frozen section to guide the extent of thyroid surgery in the presence of an adequate preoperative fine-needle aspiration (FNA) finding. Methods : Charts of patients who presented from 1995 to 1998 to the two senior authors were reviewed. A total of 82 patients were found who satisfied the inclusion criteria of having both an adequate FNA and frozen section. The extent of surgery was based on the frozen section finding for all the patients in this study. The authors looked at the number of cases in which the surgical management would be changed if the frozen section was not obtained and the surgical decision was based only on preoperative FNA and intraoperative findings. Results: FNA revealed papillary carcinoma in 18 patients that was confirmed by intraoperative frozen section and final pathology. In the remaining 64 patients, the FNA diagnosis was either benign or suspicious. When routine frozen section was done, 61 of these 64 patients were found to have either benign pathology or pathological diagnosis that was deferred to permanent section. Only three patients were found to have malignancy on frozen section that was missed by FNA. Of these three patients, two had obvious findings of malignancy at the time of surgery. This leaves only one patient with carcinoma that was missed by FNA and intraoperative findings but detected by the intraoperative frozen section. Conclusion. Of the 82 patients in this study, only one extra case of malignancy would be missed by elimination of the routine use of intraoperative frozen section. The authors conclude that the routine use of intraoperative frozen section may be unnecessary. The use of an adequate preoperative FNA together with sound clinical judgment at time of surgery can adequately guide the extent of surgical resection.
Analysis of Travel Time Reliability in New York City Based on Day-of-Week and Time-of-Day Periods

Travel time reliability in New York City was analyzed with three travel time reliability measures. A classification and regression tree model was used for the analysis. Instead of analysis of conventional peak and off-peak periods, day-of-week (DOW) and time-of-day (TOD) periods were determined on the basis of each travel time reliability measure. DOW and TOD periods were identified on the basis of average travel time and each selected measure. Travel time reliability measures formulated to explain the same phenomenon classified different periods as having similar characteristics. The results agreed with the literature that reliability measures should be based on temporal periods such as DOW and TOD; however, the selection of time periods should be measure specific. The impact of New York City's urban grid network on travel time and speed distributions is also discussed. The travel time distribution patterns reported in the literature for freeways do not exist for the city. Therefore, caution is suggested...