cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral anomaly detection using sparse kernel-based ensemble learning

In this paper, sparse kernel-based ensemble learning for hyperspectral anomaly detection is proposed. The proposed technique is aimed to optimize an ensemble of kernel-based one class classifiers, such as Support Vector Data Description (SVDD) classifiers, by estimating optimal sparse weights. In this method, hyperspectral signatures are first randomly sub-sampled into a large number of spectral feature subspaces. An enclosing hypersphere that defines the support of spectral data, corresponding to the normalcy/background data, in the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) of each respective feature subspace is then estimated using regular SVDD. The enclosing hypersphere basically represents the spectral characteristics of the background data in the respective feature subspace. The joint hypersphere is learned by optimally combining the hyperspheres from the individual RKHS, while imposing the l1 constraint on the combining weights. The joint hypersphere representing the most optimal compact support of the local hyperspectral data in the joint feature subspaces is then used to test each pixel in hyperspectral image data to determine if it belongs to the local background data or not. The outliers are considered to be targets. The performance comparison between the proposed technique and the regular SVDD is provided using the HYDICE hyperspectral images.
High performance, LED powered, waveguide based total internal reflection microscopy

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is a rapidly expanding optical technique with excellent surface sensitivity and limited background fluorescence. Commercially available TIRF systems are either objective based that employ expensive special high numerical aperture (NA) objectives or prism based that restrict integrating other modalities of investigation for structure-function analysis. Both techniques result in uneven illumination of the field of view and require training and experience in optics. Here we describe a novel, inexpensive, LED powered, waveguide based TIRF system that could be used as an add-on module to any standard fluorescence microscope even with low NA objectives. This system requires no alignment, illuminates the entire field evenly, and allows switching between epifluorescence/TIRF/bright field modes without adjustments or objective replacements. The simple design allows integration with other imaging systems, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), for probing complex biological systems at their native nanoscale regimes.
The Neostriatal Mosaic: Striatal Patch-Matrix Organization is Related to Cortical Lamination

The basal ganglia, of which the striatum is the major component, process inputs from virtually all cerebral cortical areas to affect motor, emotional, and cognitive behaviors. Insights into how these seemingly disparate functions may be integrated have emerged from studies that have demonstrated that the mammalian striatum is composed of two compartments arranged as a mosaic, the patches and the matrix, which differ in their neurochemical and neuroanatomical properties. In this study, projections from prefrontal, cingulate, and motor cortical areas to the striatal compartments were examined with the Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) anterograde axonal tracer in rats. Each cortical area projects to both the patches and the matrix of the striatum; however, deep layer V and layer VI corticostriatal neurons project principally to the patches, whereas superficial layer V and layer III and II corticostriatal neurons project principally to the matrix. The relative contribution of patch and matrix corticostriatal projections varies among the cortical areas examined such that allocortical areas provide a greater number of inputs to the patches than to the matrix, whereas the reverse obtains for neocortical areas. These results demonstrate that the compartmental organization of corticostriatal inputs is related to their laminar origin and secondarily to the cytoarchitectonic area of origin.
Linear dichroism of electric field oriented bacteriochlorophyll a-protein from green photosynthetic bacteria

Bacteriochlorophyll alpha-protein from Prosthecochloris aestuarii strain 2K was oriented in a pulsed electric field. The room temperature linear dichroism spectrum of the oriented protein in the Qy region of the bacteriochlorophyll alpha absorption exhibits a single asymmetrical peak at 813 nm with a shoulder extending to the blue. The approximately equal 12 nm fullwidth of the linear dichroism peak is only about half that of the 300 K absorption spectrum. The linear dichroism at 813 nm was not saturated at field strengths of up to 15 kV/cm. The time dependence of the linear dichroism suggests that the orienting particles are aggregates of at least some tens of bacteriochlorophyll alpha-protein trimers. The linear dichroism peak coincides in wavelength with the 813-nm peak of the 300 K, 4th derivative absorption spectrum of the protein and is therefore attributed to the bacteriochlorophyll a Qy exciton transition observed in absorption at the same wavelength.
Comparison of vertex analysis and branching ratio in the study of trees.

Abstract Many kinds of naturally occuring trees have been the subject of study by investigators from a wide variety of disciplines, employing different techniques each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this paper two such techniques for studying trees are compared: one is the classification of branches by order and the calculation of the branching ratio; the other is vertex analysis. The two methods, which at first sight appear different, are found to be mathematically similar. In complete trees, much the same information can be obtained from counting branches in each order as can be obtained from vertex analysis. In the case of pruned trees, overall branching ratio may give the more consitent results.
Comparative study of protease inhibitors on coagulation abnormalities in canine pancreatitis.

Coagulation abnormalities induced by pancreatitis were studied in 36 dogs. The 12 dogs in group I underwent a duodenotomy alone. The six dogs in groups II, III, IV, and V had pancreatitis induced by bile injection (1 cc/kg) into the pancreatic duct. Twenty minutes after bile-induced pancreatitis, group III was given 1.0 mg/kg aprotinin (trasylol), group IV was given 10 mg/kg S-2441, a new synthetic protease inhibitor, and group V was given 0.5 mg/kg α2-antitrypsin by intravenous infusion over 10 min. Blood was drawn for amylase, protime (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen, and platelets, in addition to markers of hypercoagulation, fibrinopeptide A, and antithrombin III, and markers of fibrinolysis, Bβ 15–42 immunoreactive peptide (IP), and α2-antiplasmin at baseline, 12, 1, 3, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hr after duodenotomy or bile injection. There was no significant difference in PT, platelets, antithrombin III, and fibrinopeptide A among the five groups. With the induction of pancreatitis (group II), serum amylase was significantly elevated but fibrinogen only became elevated at 24 hr and PTT at 48 hr. The increase in Bβ 15–42 IP seen 30 min after induction of pancreatitis and the decrease in α2-antiplasmin were blunted by aprotinin, α1-antitrypsin, and S-2441, but inhibition of the rise in amylase and Bβ 15–42 IP only reached significance with S-2441 (P < 0.05). Pancreatitis-induced fibrinolysis was inhibited by S-2441 suggesting that synthetic protease inhibitors may play a therapeutic role in pancreatitis.
α-Adrenoceptors and vascular regulation: Molecular, pharmacologic and clinical correlates

This manuscript is intended to provide a comprehensive review of the alpha-adrenoceptors (ARs) and their role in vascular regulation. The historical development of the concept of receptors and the division of the alpha-ARs into alpha 1 and alpha 2 subtypes is traced. Emphasis will be placed on current understanding of the specific contribution of discrete alpha 1- and alpha 2-AR subtypes in the regulation of the vasculature, selective agonists and antagonists for these receptors, the second messengers utilized by these receptors, the myoplasmic calcium pathways activated to initiate smooth muscle contraction, as well as the clinical uses of agonists and antagonists that work at these receptors. New information is presented that deals with the molecular aspects of ligand interactions with specific subdomains of these receptors, as well as mRNA distribution and the regulation of alpha 1- and alpha 2-AR gene transcription and translation.
The Causal Role of Cigarette Smoking in Bladder Cancer Initiation and Progression, and the Role of Urologists in Smoking Cessation

Purpose: Cigarette smoking is a well established risk factor for bladder cancer. We characterize the changing impact of this exposure throughout the course of bladder cancer from incidence through progression. We also discuss how understanding the risk of bladder cancer attributable to smoking can help urologists effectively communicate with their patients and influence smoking cessation in their patients.Materials and Methods: A review using the MEDLINE® database from 1975 through 2007 was performed to search for studies from the epidemiological and medical literature on cigarette smoking and bladder cancer.Results: Cigarette smoking accounts for up to 50% of all incident bladder cancer cases, an attributable fraction that may be increasing. The general public is not informed of the association between cigarette smoking and bladder cancer, and physicians do a poor job of counseling patients regarding this risk. Smoking cessation has proven beneficial in decreasing the risk of many smoking related illness...
trans-Activation of viral enhancers including long terminal repeat of the human immunodeficiency virus by the hepatitis B virus X protein

Human hepatitis B virus contains an open reading frame designated X. We have investigated the trans-activating function of the hepatitis B virus X gene in regulating transcriptional control elements. In the HBV genome the major target for X trans-activation is the enhancer element. Further, the X protein stimulates several other viral promoters/enhancers including the long terminal repeats (LTR) of human retroviruses. One of the viral sequences studied in detail is the human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) LTR which is trans-activated by the X protein. Using mutational analysis of the HIV LTR, we show that the NF-kappa B sequences contained within the U3 region are involved in this stimulatory activity. Nuclear run-on analyses support the notion that X-mediated trans-activation occurs at the level of transcription.
High Resolution Reconstruction of Line Drawings

Chain codes are widely nsed for representing a line drawing digitally using connected short line segments. When the encoded image is presented in the usual way, the resolution is constrained by the grid size. Here we consider using a linear smoothing filter for improving the reconstruction accuracy. The linear reconstruction filter that minimizes the meansquare reconstruction error is derived, and it is found that subpixel accuracy can be achieved by using such a filter.
Gastrostomy Tube Placement Outcomes: Comparison of Surgical, Endoscopic, and Laparoscopic Methods

Background: Advances in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and laparoscopic (LAP) techniques now allow for less invasive placement of gastrostomy tubes. This study compared morbidities and feeding outcomes of these procedures with standard surgical (OPEN) insertion. Methods: Gastrostomy tubes placed in the operating room by the PEG, LAP, and OPEN methods were compared for insertion times, tube insertion and maintenance complications, enteral feeding complications, and feeding start days. Patients with concomitant intra-abdominal procedures were excluded. Patients were followed for 6 days after tube placement. Results: A total of 91 catheters (PEG = 23, LAP = 39, OPEN = 29) were inserted in the operating room for indications of ventilator-dependent respiratory failure (45), dysphagia (30), head and neck cancer (9), and decreased mental status (7). No patients were fed on the day of the procedure. Insertion times were significantly longer (p < .05) in the OPEN technique (68 minutes) vs LAP (48 minute...
Production of particles of therapeutic proteins at the air–water interface during compression/dilation cycles

Particles in protein therapeutics are undesirable because they may have the potential for causing adverse immunogenicity in patients. Agitation-induced exposure to the air–water interface during manufacturing, shipping, and administration can cause particle formation in therapeutic protein products. We systematically studied how application of surface pressure during periodic interfacial compressions caused a model monoclonal antibody to form particles. Above a critical interfacial compression ratio of 5 we observed a dramatic increase in the rate of protein particle formation. During continuous interfacial compression/dilation cycles, particle numbers increased but the particle size distribution remained unchanged. When cyclic compressions were halted, particles did not nucleate additional particles or grow further in bulk solution suggesting that they are formed only at the air–water interface. In fact, we found that particles in the bulk slowly decreased in number upon standing. The rate of particle formation was only weakly dependent on both the bulk protein concentration and the period of cyclical interfacial compressions. These observations are consistent with the interfacial aggregation of proteins during periods of high surface pressure, followed by collapse of the adsorbed layer and detachment of protein particles from the interface into the bulk.
Hox en Provence

In the nearly 25 years since the cloning of the first Hox genes, the broad brushstrokes of their functions in axial patterning have become familiar motifs in developmental biology. The October 2007 Fondation des Treilles workshop on "Hox Genes in Development and Evolution" in Les Treilles, France, highlighted some of the finer details regarding the function of these genes in shaping animal morphology.
Onboard processing of multispectral and hyperspectral data of volcanic activity for future Earth-orbiting and planetary missions

Autonomous onboard processing of data allows rapid response to detections of dynamic, changing processes. Software that can detect volcanic eruptions from thermal emission has been used to retask the Earth Observing 1 spacecraft to obtain additional data of the eruption. Rapid transmission of these data to the ground, and the automatic processing of the data to generated images, estimates of eruption parameters and maps of thermal structure, has allowed these products to be delivered rapidly to volcanologists to aid them in assessing eruption risk and hazard. Such applications will enhance science return from future Earth-orbiting spacecraft and also from spacecraft exploring the Solar System, or beyond, which hope to image dynamic processes. Especially in the latter case, long communication times between the spacecraft and Earth exclude a rapid response to what may be a transient process — only using onboard autonomy can the spacecraft react quickly to such an event.
THE ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY OF TETRAFLUOROHYDRAZINE.

Summary Rats and dogs were exposed to several concentrations of N2F4 below the previously determined rat 15- and 60-minute LC50's. No histopathologic changes were observed in animals exposed to lethal and sublethal concentrations of N2F4 in the 15- and 60-minute exposures. However, some pathologic changes involving the lungs, spleens, and livers were observed in animals exposed to lethal concentrations in the 4-hour exposures. The toxic signs were cyanosis, hematologic changes, and eye and nasal irritation. Rats showed signs of eye and nasal irritation at concentrations causing no such effects in dogs. However, at these concentrations dogs had a greater increase in methemoglobin than did the rats.
Calculating the jet quenching parameter q ̂ in lattice gauge theory

We present a framework where first-principles calculations of jet modification may be carried out in a nonperturbative thermal environment. As an example of this approach, we compute the leading-order contribution to the transverse momentum broadening of a high-energy (near on-shell) quark in a thermal medium. This involves a factorization of a nonperturbative operator product from the perturbative process of scattering of the quark. An operator product expansion of the nonperturbative operator product is carried out and related via dispersion relations to the expectation of local operators. These local operators are then evaluated in quenched $SU(2)$ lattice gauge theory.
Role of nitrite, a nitric oxide derivative, in K-Cl cotransport activation of low-potassium sheep red blood cells.

K-Cl cotransport (COT) is the coupled movement of K and Cl, present in most cells, associated with regulatory volume decrease, susceptible to oxidation and functionally overexpressed in sickle cell anemia. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of the oxidant nitrite (NO2 −) on K-Cl COT. NO2 − is a stable metabolic end product of the short-lived highly reactive free radical nitric oxide (NO), an oxidant and modulator of ion channels, and a vasodilator. In some systems, the response to NO2 − is identical to that of NO. We hypothesized that NO2 − activates K-Cl COT. Low potassium (LK) sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were used as a model. The effect of various concentrations (10−6 to 10−1 m) of NaNO2 was studied on K efflux in hypotonic Cl and NO3 media, Cl-dependent K efflux (K-Cl COT), glutathione (GSH), and methemoglobin (MetHb) formation. In support of our hypothesis, K efflux and K-Cl COT were stimulated by increasing concentrations of NaNO2. Stimulation of K efflux was dependent upon external Cl and exhibited a lag phase, consistent with activation of K-Cl COT through a regulatory mechanism. Exposure of LK SRBCs to NaNO2 decreased GSH, an effect characteristic of a thiol-oxidizing agent, and induced MetHb formation. K-Cl COT activity was positively correlated with Methb formation. N-ethyl-maleimide (NEM), a potent activator of K-Cl COT, was used to assess the mechanism of NO2 − action. The results suggest that NEM and NO2 − utilize at least one common pathway for K-Cl COT activation. Since NaNO2 is also a well known vasodilator, the present findings suggest a role of K-Cl COT in vasodilation.
A mathematical model for diffusion with induced crystallization: 2

Abstract This article extends the analysis of a mathematical model for solvent induced crystallization. By evaluating the model's parameters for polymer/penetrant systems studied previously we find the predicted behaviours to be consistent with those determined experimentally. Fitting a limiting solution to solvent transport data in poly(ethylene terephthalate) films gives the threshold concentrations for crystallization and the penetrant diffusivity in the amorphous component of the highly swollen polymer. Numerical solutions determine the model's behaviour in intermediate regions where analytical solutions do not apply. These predict negative curvature in plots of weight gain versus √ t and a distinct crystallization front behind a swelling boundary; the former results from the rapid crystallization of swollen surface layers, while the latter indicates partial decoupling between solvent transport and polymer crystallization. We also analyse briefly the desorption process following solvent induced crystallization; the relative magnitude of initial sorption and desorption rates depends on the induced crystallinity and the crystallization rate.
Flash and cw Methods for Laser Potentiality Measurements

The measurement of laser potentialities on a crystal slab, which was described in a previous article, can often be greatly facilitated by a measurement under flash excitation by the laser pumping source. Measurements on a particular crystal which also was lased were done both by the new method and the previous cw excitation method, and the results are compared.
CALORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF TISSUE RESPONSES TO THERMAL EXTREMES AS A FUNCTION OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE

Abstract Calorimetric procedures have been developed for defining the effects of high and low temperature stresses on the metabolic activities of plant tissues and cell cultures. Inactivation of metabolism was shown to be a complex function of both temperature and time of exposure to thermal extremes. Equations developed to fit the activity loss data can be used to (a) predict residual activity after any regime of thermal exposure, (b) select plant cultivars with differences in thermal stabilities, and (c) provide models for the nature of responses associated with thermal inactivation. Equations describing thermal inactivation at both high and low temperature ranges have a form which suggests a second or higher order dependence on temperature. Results on tomato leaflets and cells are used to illustrate the applicability of the method.
Electrochemistry on a bimolecular lipid membrane

Abstract A variety of electrochemical events occurring on a bimolecular membrane of oxidized cholesterol have been detected. With solutions of I2 in NaI on one side and safranine on the other side of the membrane, an electric field in one direction causes a stable precipitate of high electrical resistance to form on the membrane. This can be erased by the reverse field direction. This precipitate can be visually observed, and decreases the electrical conductivity of the membrane. With solutions of I2 in NaI on one side and Hg(NO3)2 on the other, the application of 50 mv. across the membrane creates a specularly reflecting metallic film on the membrane surface. We suggest that this is strong evidence of coupled oxidation-reduction reactions occurring across the membrane and mediated by electron transport through the membrane. Application of higher voltages (≥ 100 millivolts) changes the dominant charge carrier to an ionic form (J3−—?) which forms visible precipitates of mercuric iodide. With a solution of NaI on one side and safranine on the other, an electric field in one direction causes a stable increase of conductance of the membrane.
The copositive completion problem: Unspecified diagonal entries

Abstract In [L. Hogben, C.R. Johnson, R. Reams, The copositive matrix completion problem, Linear Algebra Appl. 408 (2005) 207–211] it was shown that any partial (strictly) copositive matrix all of whose diagonal entries are specified can be completed to a (strictly) copositive matrix. In this note we show that every partial strictly copositive matrix (possibly with unspecified diagonal entries) can be completed to a strictly copositive matrix, but there is an example of a partial copositive matrix with an unspecified diagonal entry that cannot be completed to a copositive matrix.
Professionalism and campus police officers

Survey research was conducted to examine the effects of education, perceptions of community attitudes, and career commitment upon overall job satisfaction of campus law enforcement officers in North Carolina. Thirteen (13) campus departments participated in the 1984 study. Findings revealed both significant and insignificant relationships. The attained level of post-secondary education was not significantly related to an officer’s perception of having his/her authority questioned, nor was education related to an officer’s feeling of boredom with the job. However, significant relationships were found between several variables including an officer’s willingness to recommend the job to another person and his/her perceptions of community attitudes and the rank of the officer and his/her commitment to the current position.(1)
Glass formation and properties in the system calcia-gallia-germania

The critical cooling rate for glass formation, R sub c was measured for four compositions in the system calcia-gallia-germania. The activation energy, E, and frequency factor, nu, for the crystallization process were determined by reheating the glasses at varied constant heating rates and measuring the temperature of crystallization. Both E and nu increased, with increasing germania content of the glass, whereas R sub c decreased. The density, refractive index, and Abbe number were also measured; all decreased with increasing GeO2 content. These results are compared with those for calcia-gallia-silica glasses of comparable compositions.
Modelling fatigue damage accumulation in two-dimensional Voronoi honeycombs

Abstract Trabecular bone, a porous, cellular type of bone found at the ends of the long bones and within the vertebrae, is subject to cyclic compressive loading resulting from the activities of daily living. Such fatigue loading can result in fracture, especially in vertebrae of patients with osteoporosis. As an initial step in understanding compressive fatigue of trabecular bone we previously used finite-element analysis to model the progressive damage and failure of a simple, two-dimensional hexagonal honeycomb. In this study, the analysis is extended to a random, Voronoi honeycomb. Bending of the cell walls induces tensile stresses even when the overall loading is compressive. The cell walls are assumed to have a distribution of crack lengths in their tensile zones. The cracks are assumed to grow according to a Paris law and fail when the cracks reach 75% of the cell wall thickness. Failed cell walls are removed from the structure, the stress distribution recalculated and the next increment of fatigue loading are simulated. The Young's modulus of the honeycomb is calculated after each cell wall failure. Overall failure of the Voronoi structure is assumed to occur when the modulus is reduced by 5%; further loading reduces the modulus sharply. The slope of the S–N curve for the Voronoi honeycomb is the same as that for the hexagonal honeycomb. The model suggests that a random honeycomb is more sensitive to fatigue than a regular one.
Some comments on the damped van der Waals interaction of adatoms on metal and graphite surfaces

Abstract A comparison is made of the Ruiz-Scoles-Jonsson (RSJ) and Nordlander-Harris (NH) damping functions used in treating the Van der Waals interaction of adsorbed atoms with metal and graphite surfaces. Both damping functions may be written as f =1−P( x )e −2 x with P(x) a polynomial. A general discussion is presented of these two damping functions with reference to their use for adatoms on metal and graphite surfaces and a discussion is given of the need for a more fundamental treatment of the damping function.
Traditional and novel risk factors for clinically diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm: the Kaiser multiphasic health checkup cohort study.

Background Identification of risk factors for and early diagnosis of clinically significant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) before rupture is vital to optimize outcomes in these patients. Our aim was to examine traditional and three novel potential risk factors (abdominal obesity, white blood cell count, and kidney function) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA, comprising discharge diagnosis or surgical repair) in a large multiethnic population. Methods Cohort study ( N =104,813) conducted at an integrated health care delivery system in northern California. Results After a median of 13 years, 605 AAA events (490 in men and 115 in women; 91 [15%] fatal) were observed. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with risk of clinically detected AAA included male gender, older age, black race (inversely), low educational attainment, cigarette smoking (with dose-response relation), height, treated and untreated hypertension, high total serum cholesterol, elevated white blood cell count, known coronary artery disease, history of intermittent claudication, and reduced kidney function. A significant Asian race by gender interaction was found such that Asian race had a (borderline significant) protective association with AAA in men but not in women. Conclusions Our findings confirm that major atherosclerotic risk factors, except for diabetes and obesity, are also prospectively related to AAA and suggest that elevated white blood cell count and reduced kidney function may improve risk stratification for clinically relevant AAA.
High energy fuels for jet propulsion engines

Since World War II, the development of jet propulsion engines has fallen into two main categories, i.e. air breathing devices which include the turbojet and ramjet engines, and the rockets which use solid or liquid fuels. A brief review is given of the history and operating principle of each type. The use of fuel energy for power release in jet propulsion engines is based on rate of change of momentum as the fuel is burned either with oxygen or other oxidizer. The basic power and thrust equations are presented. From these equations it is shown that high heat of combustion, ΔH, is the most significant fuel property for air breathing engines, but other properties including molecular weight of the products of combustion and temperature of combustion become equally significant for the rockets. Other desirable properties for chemical fuels are listed. Candidate chemical fuels having higher energy release than hydrocarbons (with oxygen) are tabulated. It is shown that hydrogen, beryllium and boron hydrides have significant potentiality. Hydrogen is difficult to use. Beryllium chemicals are very toxic. Consequently, the boron hydrides and their alkylated compounds show exceptional promise. The properties of these are listed.
Effect of Service Transition Strategies on Firm Value

Abstract The authors investigate the effectiveness of service transition strategies for generating shareholder value by evaluating secondary data pertaining to 477 publicly traded manufacturing firms during 1990–2005. The impact of a firm's transition to services on firm value (as measured by Tobin's q) remains relatively flat or slightly negative until the firm reaches a critical mass of service sales (20%–30%), after which point they have an increasingly positive effect. Furthermore, the effect of service sales on firm value depends on both firm and industry factors. Service transition strategies are more effective at enhancing value when the service offerings are related more to the firm's core business and when firms have more available resources (i.e., resource slack). The impact of adding services to core products on firm value amplifies as industry turbulence increases but diminishes when the firm's core products are in high-growth industries.
Decoding of cytosolic calcium oscillations in the mitochondria

Frequency-modulated oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) are believed to be important in signal transduction, but it has been difficult to correlate [Ca2+]c oscillations directly with the activity of Ca(2+)-regulated targets. We have studied the control of Ca(2+)-sensitive mitochondrial dehydrogenases (CSMDHs) by monitoring mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) and the redox state of flavoproteins and pyridine nucleotides simultaneously with [Ca2+]c in single hepatocytes. Oscillations of [Ca2+]c induced by IP3-dependent hormones were efficiently transmitted to the mitochondria as [Ca2+]m oscillations. Each [Ca2+]m spike was sufficient to cause a maximal transient activation of the CSMDHs and [Ca2+]m oscillations at frequencies above 0.5 per minute caused a sustained activation of mitochondrial metabolism. By contrast, sustained [Ca2+]c increases yielded only transient CSMDH activation, and slow or partial [Ca2+]c elevations were ineffective in increasing [Ca2+]m or stimulating CSMDHs. We conclude that the mitochondria are tuned to oscillating [Ca2+]c signals, the frequency of which can control the CSMDHs over the full range of potential activities.
Auditory perception is not special: We see the world, we feel the world, we hear the world

The literature on “contrast” provides no evidence that durational contrast should occur in the speech and nonsence signals used in research cited by Diehl et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 89, 2905–2909 (1991)]. Moreover, there is evidence that, in comparable signals, it does not occur. Accordingly, their own account of the collection of findings on rate normalization is not viable. Their comments on my research do not imperil my interpretation of it or challenge my criticism that classification judgments of acoustically analogous speech and nonsense signals do not permit interpretation, by themselves, in terms of underlying auditory-system mechanisms. Their arguments that in auditory perception, uniquely, we hear proximal stimulation, not its physical causal sources, is implausible. Their theoretical perspective generally, I argue, is unrealistic.
Racial Inequality in Receiving Transitional Support Services and Being Sanctioned Among TANF Recipients: A Group Threat Hypothesis

ABSTRACT This study investigates whether race or ethnicity is a factor that affects the chances of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients receiving three transitional supportive services—child-care subsidy, transitional Medicaid, and transportation/rent assistance—as well as being sanctioned. A sample of 676 adult parents who left TANF in 1998 or 1999 was analyzed with logistic regressions, using a national data set, The National Survey of America's Families (NASF) 1999. The results show that Hispanic recipients were less likely than White recipients to receive transportation/rent assistance and that African American recipients were less likely than White recipients to receive transitional Medicaid. Also, a state's high percentage of Hispanics reduced recipients' chances of receiving any three transitional support services in that state, and African American recipients were more likely than White recipients to be sanctioned. Transportation/rent assistance was likely to be provided to th...
Bioengineered human growth hormone supports limb regeneration in the hypophysectomized newt Notophthalmus viridescens

It is well documented that growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy will restore normal limb regeneration to hypophysectomized adult newts. However, it is also known that the GH preparations used in previous reports were contaminated by other pituitary hormones shown to support regeneration when administered free of GH. The recent availability of bioengineered human GH was studied for its ability to restore the regenerative capacity to hypophysectomized newts. Five days posthypophysectomy adult newts were subject to forelimb amputation distal to the elbow. Animals were divided into three groups (n greater than 20). Each received one of three GH preparations: pituitary-derived bovine GH, pituitary-derived human GH, or bioengineered human GH. GH was administered via intraperitoneal injection (0.029 IU/50 microliters) on alternate days for either the first 5 days (total of 3 injections) or for 35 days (total of 18 injections). Pituitary-intact and hypophysectomized control newts were subjected to forelimb amputation and injected with hormone diluent. All newts that received GH demonstrated normal limb regeneration to the early digitiform stage by 35 days postamputation. None of the hypophysectomized control newts showed any evidence of regeneration. We conclude that GH alone can restore the ability to undergo normal limb regeneration to hypophysectomized newts.
Studies on Anthramycin Sensitivity in Euglena

SummaryAnthramycin toxicity to growth of the alga, E. gracilis, increases with decrease in pH and with incubation of cultures in the light instead of the dark. Anthramycin is a bleaching agent: it causes the production of permanently white colonies.
Quantum chemistry without wave functions: two-electron reduced density matrices.

For 50 years, progress toward the direct calculation of the ground-state two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) was stymied from an inability to constrain the 2-RDM to represent an N-electron wave function. Recent advances in theory and optimization have realized the direct calculation of the 2-RDM. A variational 2-RDM procedure, using first-order semidefinite programming, has been shown to capture multireference correlation effects important at nonequilibrium geometries [Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. Lett. 2004, 93, No. 213001]. This method emerged from research on a nonvariational calculation of the 2-RDM by the contracted Schrodinger equation. Both approaches will be discussed and illustrated.
Solving a bi-objective flowshop scheduling problem by a Multi-objective Immune System and comparing with SPEA2+ and SPGA

This paper presents a bi-objective flowshop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup times. The objective functions are to minimize the total completion time and the total earliness/tardiness for all jobs. An integer programming model is developed for the given problem that belongs to an NP-hard class. Thus, an algorithm based on a Multi-objective Immune System (MOIS) is proposed to find a locally Pareto-optimal frontier of the problem. To prove the efficiency of the proposed MOIS, different test problems are solved. Based on some comparison metrics, the computational results of the proposed MOIS is compared with the results obtained using two well-established multi-objective genetic algorithms, namely SPEA2+ and SPGA. The related results show that the proposed MOIS outperforms genetic algorithms, especially for the large-sized problems.
Photopolymerization of developmental monomers for dental cationically initiated matrix resins

Summary Objectives The objectives were to investigate the structure and selected physical properties of products resulting from the photopolymerization of a binary mixture containing an aliphatic dioxirane, 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (ECHM-ECHC) and a potential expanding monomer, 3,9-bis(oxiranylcyclohexylmethyl)-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane (BOCHM-TOSU). Methods Reaction mixtures were irradiated with a dental curing lamp at room temperature. Some reactions were quenched prior to gel point. Oligomeric products were separated from unreacted monomers by column chromatography, and analyzed by NMR. Physical properties of polymeric solids were measured using accepted standard methods. Protonation energies for monomers were calculated using semi-empirical quantum mechanical methods. Results Types of oligomers found included poly(ether)s and poly(carbonate)s. Quantum mechanical calculations indicated preferential attack at the more nucleophilic oxaspirocyclic ring sites. For cured solid polymer samples, the elastic modulus was 2.39±0.24 GPa and the fracture toughness was 0.73±0.10 MPa m 1/2 . These values were similar to those measured for a cured conventional BISGMA/TEGDMA matrix resin. Significance The room-temperature photopolymerization of an aliphatic dioxirane and a potential expanding monomer demonstrates the possibility of making cross-linked copolymer resins with improved polymerization shrinkage characteristics for use in dental composites.
The use of model life tables to estimate mortality for the United States in the late nineteenth century

This paper seeks to extend our knowledge about mortality in the late nineteenth century United States by using census mortality data for older children and teenagers to fit model tables. The same method can also be used with partially underregistered death data. The most commonly used model tables, the Coale and Demeny West Model, apparently do not adequately depict the changing shape of mortality over the period 1850–1910. An alternative model life table system is presented, based on the Brass two parameter logit system and available reliable life tables from the period 1850–1910. The two parameter system must be reduced to a one parameter system by means of estimated relationships between the parameters so that the fitting procedure can be used. The resulting model system is, however, heavily dependent on the experience of northern, industrial states, especially Massachusetts.
An overview of motor skill performance and balance in hearing impaired children

Childhood hearing impairment is a common chronic condition that may have a major impact on acquisition of speech, social and physical development. Numerous literature states that injury to the vestibular organs may result in accompanying balance and motor development disorders. But still postural control and motor assessments are not a routine procedure in hearing impaired children. Hence, we aim to provide an overview on motor skill performance and balance in hearing impaired children.
Dynamic Instability of Finned Missiles Caused by Unbalanced Fin Forces

A dynamic instability is described for rolling, finned missiles with canted fins. The instability occurs as an undamping of the angle of attack and is caused by differential lift and drag from unequal effectiveness of the windward and leeward fins. The instability is similar to a Magnus instability in that a yawing moment is produced that unequally damps the positive and negative precession motions. The equivalence of the Magnus coefficient and the differential fin forces is derived, and the instability is demonstrated with computer simulations of the equations of motion for the angle-of-attack convergence of a re-entry vehicle. The computer results are compared with a closed-form solution for the angle-of-attack convergence envelope.
Mechanisms and Method

Causal mechanisms theory (CMT) has provided an important contribution to the theory of social explanation. This article considers whether CMT also makes a contribution to improvement of social science methodology. Methodology serves as a guide to the construction of research questions and explanatory hypotheses. Research is guided by background assumptions about the ontology of the domain of investigation. CMT provides a valuable ontology for social science research. Furthermore, it provides a valuable research heuristic: “seek out the causal mechanisms that underlie an outcome of interest.” CMT does indeed have valuable implications for social science investigation, hypothesis formation, and research strategy.
Opportunity for Effective Feedback: A Supervision Tool

Literature recognizes that the supervision of student clinicians is an essential part of the learning process, including the successful development of clinicians’ knowledge and skills. This two-par...
Characteristics of Obesity: An Overview

Obesity is considered to be a major nutritional disorder in the U.S. and in many parts of the industrialized world. The physiology of the obese and their propensity for chronic disease has been of growing interest over the past few years, and an extensive literature has begun to accumulate. Obesity is a heterogeneous disorder. When viewed in the broadest sense, it has been considered a disorder of energy balance. The development of obesity in humans is of complex etiology, involving genetic and environmental components that affect regulatory and metabolic events. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in a population depends on the particular reference or standard of desirable weight selected for use. A trend toward increasing height and weight has been evident among adults for several centuries, and among children as early as the 7th year of life in developed countries. Overweight persons are at increased risk for coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. The degree of overweight that carries additional risk without affecting mortality needs to be defined. Overweight most likely contributes in varying degrees to morbidity in different societies, because the risk for most common chronic diseases is multifactorial. In defining overweight and obesity, morbidity, in addition to mortality, ought to be taken into consideration. The multidisciplinary approach to the study of obesity--borrowing concepts and techniques from endocrinology, neurobiology, genetics, and nutrition--should yield new insights into how environmental factors such as diet and physical expenditure interact to influence energy metabolism and body composition.
A Framework for Ethical Deliberation in Special Education

Developing largely out of an awakened commitment to the ethical requirement that all individuals be provided with access to a decent public education, special education has had a strong ethical component from its inception. Because it challenges traditional organizational structures and the knowledge and skills of teachers, it has continued to engender many ethical dilemmas. Despite this fact, the ethics of special education has received scant attention, either as a field of ethical inquiry or as a topic in teacher education. This article characterizes the kinds of perspectives that go into establishing a general framework for ethical deliberation and then uses that framework to characterize the special role-related obligations that help define the ethics of special education. An extended example of the case method is used as the point of departure for the discussion, and cases illustrative of special ethical dilemmas in special education are presented.
Families and Family Therapy

ipated at the community level. The major question left untouched is the barrier to national implementation of a policy with liberal roots in a nation uncertain about its commitment to liberalism. The report of the Committee on Children of Minority Groups identifies racism as the number one public health problem in America. After describing briefly the extent of the problem, the Committee urges a massive outpouring of resources and energies at all levels, and proposes a series of specific recommendations touching on various forms of affirmative action, educational efforts, improvements in delivery of services, housing, community participation, manpower training and employment, and community parent-child and child-rearing facilities. The Committee suggests that the time is ripe for action because "vast numbers of Americans appear ready to accept, either from egalitarian or humanistic motives or from simple self-interest, that the dangerous and destructive mechanisms of racism must be abandoned" (p, 189). The plea is forceful, and many of the proposed interventions appear useful. One is left wondering, however, about the potential gap between proposal and implementation.
The Status of Likelihood Claims in International Relations and Peace Science

Many of the best scholars working in International Relations and Peace Science have employed statistical (e.g., logit/probit) and theoretical models to buttress claims of causally increased or decreased probabilities. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: to display the applicability of the tools of probabilistic causality and statistical explanation to assessing analyses in International Relations and Peace Science, and to assess the status of the claims of causally changed probabilities made in these disciplines. The paper displays the applicability of the relevant tools of probabilistic causality and statistical explanation by examining two remarkably interesting analyses due to Russell Leng and Patrick Regan. The paper concludes that claims of causally changed probabilities commonly made in the International Relations and Peace Science literatures are suspect.