cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis of primate and rodent protein-coding and associated non-coding nucleotide sequences

Materials and methods We obtained gene data (coding sequences, 5’ and 3’ UTRs, intron sequences, and 5,000 bases of the 5’ and 3’ flanking regions) from Ensembl [http://www.ensembl.org] after determining the Ensembl IDs from the online database InParanoid7 [http://inparanoid.sbc.su.se] for all known orthologs among four mammalian species (two primate and two rodent): human (Homo sapiens), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), mouse (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus). Evolutionary analyses were done using inhouse computer programs or by means of the program MEGA-CC [1]. Homogeneity of the nucleotide substitution pattern between species was tested using the Disparity Index test [2], and selection tests were done using the z-test for coding sequences and Tajima’s D [3] for noncoding sequences.
Quadratic and instantaneous frequency analysis of helicopter gearbox faults

Abstract Preventive maintenance is a significant cost associated with the use of helicopters. Recent efforts have focused on changing maintenance from periodic inspection to condition-based systems. In the past, various methods of vibration analysis have been used to detect faults in helicopter gearboxes. In this paper time-series quadratic detectors are used to establish a basis of comparison for new quadratic techniques. A shaft-rotation-synchronised quadratic detector is analysed to determine the important detection frequencies. These frequencies are utilised in smaller quadratic detectors that provide near-perfect performance, yielding a significant improvement over time-series detectors of identical length. Detection using standard spectral maxima provides a comparison. In most cases, the detector analysis frequencies yield better results than the spectral maxima. The use of instantaneous frequency (IF) to determine the pressure of localised faults is also discussed. Instantaneous frequency provides an intuitive measure of the angular acceleration. Increases in the acceleration due to gear faults appear detectable in the IF of the gear-mesh frequency.
Feedback tolerance of injection-locked VCSELs

We demonstrate that injection locking of VCSELs improves the tolerance to optical feedback. Laser relative intensity noise characterization shows that the critical feedback level is increased with increasing injection ratio.
Molecular Neuroimaging of Post-Injury Plasticity

Nerve injury induces long-term changes in neuronal activity in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), which has often been implicated as the origin of sensory dysfunction. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. C-fos is an immediate early gene, which has been shown to play an instrumental role in plasticity. By developing a new platform to image real-time changes in gene expression in vivo, we investigated whether injury modulates the levels of c-fos in layer V of S1, since previous studies have suggested that these neurons are particularly susceptible to injury. The yellow fluorescent protein, ZsYellow1, under the regulation of the c-fos promoter, was expressed throughout the rat brain. A fiber-based confocal microscope that enabled deep brain imaging was utilized, and local field potentials were collected simultaneously. In the weeks following limb denervation in adult rats (n = 10), sensory stimulation of the intact limb induced significant increases in c-fos gene expression in cells located in S1, both contralateral (affected, 27.6 ± 3 cells) and ipsilateral (8.6 ± 3 cells) to the injury, compared to controls (n = 10, 13.4 ± 3 and 1.0 ± 1, respectively, p value <0.05). Thus, we demonstrated that injury activates cellular mechanisms that are involved in reshaping neuronal connections, and this may translate to neurorehabilitative potential.
“Knowledge and Incentives: Socialism after Hayek?”

Abstract Is Socialism a possibility after Hayek? Ted Burczak—drawing upon a variety of heterodox traditions—provides a provocative answer.
Rotational collectivity in shell-model wave functions for A=20-28 nuclei.

Results of shell-model calculations for A=20--28 nuclei are examined for manifestations of collective rotational structure. The calculations use the full set of 0${d}_{5/2}$-1${s}_{1/2}$-0${d}_{3/2}$ configurations and an empirical Hamiltonian which yields a comprehensive reproduction of A=18--38 spectroscopy. The shell-model eigenvalues and the electric quadrupole matrix elements calculated from the shell-model eigenfunctions are treated as pseudodata from which the parameters of the simple rotational model are extracted. These analyses reveal extended groups of model levels in several nuclei which can be characterized in terms of well-defined moments of inertia and stable intrinsic quadrupole deformations. The ``bandlike'' structure of these groups persists, with diminishing intensity, to the largest values of total angular momentum which can be generated within the sd-shell space for these nuclei. Other sd-shell nuclei which are sometimes considered as ``rotational'' exhibit some fragmentary evidence for rotational collectivity in the present analyses, but the characteristics of band structure are not sustained over extended sequences of levels.
Variables associated with breast self-examination among Chinese women.

Asians are the fastest growing minorities in the U.S. To deliver culturally sensitive care is a significant challenge to the nursing profession. Research identifying variables associated with breast self-examination (BSE) in the U.S. has been conducted on Caucasian women, but little is known about Asian women. Based on the health belief model (HBM) and Bandura's social learning theory, the purpose of this study was to identify barriers to the practice of BSE among Chinese women. The Chinese women (n = 174; mean age, 31 years) were surveyed with a 38-item, five-point Likert scale developed by Champion, and Lauver and Angerame, as well as a six-step accuracy check. The factors included susceptibility; seriousness for breast cancer; general efficacy for BSE; specific efficacy of BSE for oneself; competence; comfort; and control. The results showed that only 15% of these Chinese women practiced BSE monthly, and 48% reported never having performed BSE. Approximately 50% had no opinion on perceived susceptibility to and seriousness of breast cancer; nevertheless, > 80% recognize the efficacy of BSE. Perceived competence significantly accounted for 10% of the variance on BSE frequency (p < 0.001). Implications for nursing interventions that foster competence in BSE for this population are suggested. The study also demonstrates culturally specific methodological considerations.
Physical versus biological hydrocarbon removal during air sparging and soil vapor extraction.

Although physical removal of contaminants may account for the majority of mass of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) removed using air sparging and soil vapor extraction (AS/SVE), biological processes con...
Tricritical behavior of polymers with loops.

We study by exact enumerations a lattice model of polymers with fused loops (which also describes polymeric networks with even functional units). As the relative concentration of fused crossings of the chain (or that of the tetrafunctional units in the network) is increased, the conformations change their shapes from swollen (with self-avoiding-walk scaling properties) to compact. Earlier renormalization-group studies predicted the tricritical point associated with this transition to be in a new universality class, distinct from the THETA point. In particular, non-Gaussian behavior with ..nu../sub t/<(1/2 and ..gamma../sub t/<1 in three dimensions (3D) was predicted. We have enumerated all conformations according to their length l and number of crossings (or tetrafunctional units) I with their end-to-end distance r, on triangular (up to l = 15, I = 7), square (l = 21, I = 7), and cubic (l = 15, I = 5) lattices. The locations of their respective transitions are determined from the divergence of the specific-heat plots. Tricritical couplings and exponents are extracted by a D log Pade analysis. The tricritical scaling exponents we find are ..nu../sub t/approx. =0.52(2), ..gamma../sub t/approx. =1.25(20) in 2D, and ..nu../sub t/approx. =0.465(10), ..gamma../sub t/approx. =0.60(5) in 3D, in fair agreement with themore » renormalization-group predictions.« less
The mucopolysaccharides of the ground substance of the human brain

The concept of the presence of mucopolysaccharides forming an interstitial ground substance in central nervous tissues is revived. The biochemical reports of both neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides in both gray and white matter of the normal brain are reviewed. The earlier histochemical reports and the histochemical studies in this laboratory are appraised and are thought to demonstrate the presence of neutral mucopolysaccharides in both gray and white matter, more evident in the former. These mucopolysaccharides are thought somewhat greater in the arcuate white matter than in the deeper white matter and greater in the striae of white matter coursing through the corpus striatum than in the internal capsule. The presence of acid mucopolysaccharides in normal brain substance is not clearly demonstrated histochemically, though they have been noted in some oligodendrogliomas and in rare well differentiated astrocytomas. The possibility is suggested that acid mucopolysaccharides are present, as the biochemical studies indicate, but that their acid groups are normally blocked or otherwise rendered non-reactive, preventing their histochemical disclosure in normal tissues but serving as a source of those seen in pathologic conditions. The concept of a ground substance has important implications for the understanding of the distribution of excellular fluid in brain tissues in both the normal state and in edema.
Autoantibodies to markers of oxidative stress are elevated in women with endometriosis

Abstract Objective: To measure autoantibodies that recognize oxidatively modified proteins in the sera of women with surgically proven endometriosis. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center. Patient(s): Women undergoing surgery for endometriosis or tubal ligation. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum and peritoneal fluid autoantibody titers to malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and lipid peroxide–modified rabbit serum albumin determined by ELISA. Correlation of autoantibody titers with revised American Fertility Society staging classification, symptoms, and morphologic type of endometriosis. Result(s): Mean (±SEM) serum autoantibody titers (in optical density units) to the three antigens were as follows: [1] lipid peroxide–modified rabbit serum albumin, 0.49 ± 0.12 units in the patients with endometriosis and 0.2 ± 0.02 units in the controls; [2] oxidized low-density lipoprotein, 0.22 ± 0.005 units in the patients with endometriosis and 0.18 ± 0.006 units in the controls; and [3] malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein, 0.21 ± 0.005 units in the patients with endometriosis and 0.16 ± 0.003 units in the controls. There was no correlation between autoantibody titers and revised American Fertility Society stage, symptoms, or morphologic type of endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid did not contain autoantibodies to any of the three antigens. Conclusion(s): Autoantibodies to markers of oxidative stress were significantly increased in women with endometriosis. These findings strongly support our data demonstrating that women with endometriosis have enhanced oxidative stress.
Foreign or domestic: who provides better customer service?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of customer service employees’ (CSEs) competence and service recovery outcomes on service evaluations of foreign and domestic CSEs. Design/methodology/approach – Three experiments were conducted to test and validate the proposed hypotheses. The participants were told a cover story that they were either listening to (Study 2) or reading (Studies 1 and 3) a real conversation between a customer service representative of a bank and a customer and the authors wanted their views about the service encounter. While country of origin (COO) and competency were common independent variables across three studies, Study 2 included service recovery with a full refund and Study 3 had both full and partial refund and apology offered or not. Findings – Results from three experiments show that while competent CSEs are evaluated the same, regardless of their COO, the domestic CSE is evaluated more negatively than the foreign CSE when both are incompetent. The aut...
Nitrile analogs of meperidine as high affinity and selective sigma-1 receptor ligands

A series of N-substituted-4-cyano-4-phenylpiperidine analogs were synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity at opioid receptors and showed no affinity. The series similarity to previously reported sigma ligands prompted analysis at sigma receptors to determine the SAR for affinity at sigma receptors. Within the N-substituent series the saturated analogs showed increased affinity at both sigma receptors. Optimal chain length in the N-arylalkyl series for sigma(1) and sigma(2) receptors proved to be N-propylphenyl; extension to a four carbon chain dramatically decreased affinity at both receptors. Substituents in the 4-position affect only sigma(1) affinity; no change in affinity at sigma(2) was shown. The N-isobutyl, N-phenylpropyl, and N-benzyl analogs are worth pursuing due to their good affinity and selectivity at the sigma(1) receptor, whereas the N-benzyl analog exhibits the greatest selectivity for sigma(1).
Experimental evolution of prepared learning

Animals learn some things more easily than others. To explain this so-called prepared learning, investigators commonly appeal to the evolutionary history of stimulus–consequence relationships experienced by a population or species. We offer a simple model that formalizes this long-standing hypothesis. The key variable in our model is the statistical reliability of the association between stimulus, action, and consequence. We use experimental evolution to test this hypothesis in populations of Drosophila. We systematically manipulated the reliability of two types of experience (the pairing of the aversive chemical quinine with color or with odor). Following 40 generations of evolution, data from learning assays support our basic prediction: Changes in learning abilities track the reliability of associations during a population’s selective history. In populations where, for example, quinine–color pairings were unreliable but quinine–odor pairings were reliable, we find increased sensitivity to learning the quinine–odor experience and reduced sensitivity to learning quinine–color. To the best of our knowledge this is the first experimental demonstration of the evolution of prepared learning.
A simple procedure for optic nerve section.

Abstract A surgical procedure for severing the optic nerve is described. The technique is successful in inducing Wallerian degeneration in optic projections. It is also simple and less traumatic than optic enucleation, it prevents avulsion and it provides for a sham operated control animal.
AVAS Best Clinical Resident Award (Tied): management and outcomes of the open abdomen in nontrauma patients.

Abstract Background Little is known regarding the morbidity and mortality of the open abdomen technique in older nontrauma patients. Methods A retrospective chart review identified cases of emergency laparotomy in which open abdomens were used. Results Eighty-eight patients with open Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) abdomens were identified. An overall mortality rate of 34%, consistent with mortality predicted by APACHE IV score, was seen. Common complications included ventilator-associated pneumonia (30%) and acute renal failure (22%). A perioperative APACHE IV score of greater than 65 and an albumin level less than 2.5 g/dL were found to predict an increased likelihood of long-term assisted care placement after discharge from the acute care setting. Conclusions The use of the open abdomen technique in older nontrauma patients carries acceptable morbidity and mortality given the acuity of disease. Focus on ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention and aggressive fluid resuscitation to avoid acute renal failure may improve outcomes. Need for long-term assisted care placement can be predicted early after admission based on the APACHE IV score or albumin level.
Stratospheric eddy diffusion coefficients from tracer data

Global distributions of nitrous oxide, methane, ozone, and carbon 14 are used to estimate four sets of stratospheric eddy diffusion coefficients. A photochemical equilibrium model calculates O(3P), O(1D), H, HO2, OH, H2O2, NO, and NO2 densities, as a function of altitude, latitude, and time. The calculated O(1D), OH, and observed Cl densities are used to obtain the eddy profiles associated with the methane and nitrous oxide distributions, for altitudes between 10 and 40 km. Application of a constant flux condition to the seasonally averaged ozone data yields eddy values below 20 km. Time-dependent carbon 14 calculations produce eddy coefficients between 13 and 27 km. A composite profile is obtained by comparing the four sets of coefficients. Further, carbon 14 computations are used to test these profiles as well as those recommended in reports issued by the National Academy of Sciences in 1976 and 1979. The composite eddy profile produces the best agreement.
Dream-sharing groups, spirituality, and community.

This article examines the phenomenon of dream-sharing groups and argues that these groups offer a valuable source of spiritual revitalization and community healing in contemporary Western society. The article traces the historical development of dream-sharing groups, analyzes the various forms they take, and discusses their relation to the secularization of the modern West. Two concrete examples are offered—one from a public high school, the other from a prison—to illustrate the power of dream-sharing groups to stimulate a deep and powerful sense of relatedness to others, enabling people to recognize a shared humanity in the midst of social and cultural differences.
Absence of Overall Feedback in a Benthic Estuarine Community: A System Potentially Buffered from Impacts of Biological Invasions

Species introductions are among the most dramatic human-induced impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems around the world. Stability patterns of an estuarine benthic community were investigated through guild interaction models representing the community before and after human-mediated species invasions. The study area was Yaquina Bay, a developed estuary on the central Oregon coast, U.S., where at least 12 species of nonindigenous invertebrates have been inadvertently introduced. Three of the introduced species (the polychaetes Hobsonia florida and Pseudopolydora kempi and the cumacean Nippoleucon hinumensis) are probably among the 10 most abundant invertebrate species in the intertidal benthic community. To estimate effects and potential risks of species introductions on the native community we constructed 2 types of community models based on functional-group interactions, namely, activity guild models and trophic guild models. In both cases we observed that overall feedback has a strong tendency towards zero in pre-invasion and post-invasion models. We generated 12,000 random models of similar size and could not detect this tendency. We suggest that the weak or absent overall feedback in this community may be an ecological property and not an intrinsic property of large systems as such. The reduced response to input from either invertebrate invasions or removal of native top predators, may to some extent buffer the community from such impacts. Alternative guild models suggested increased risk of stability decline in the invaded community even after accounting for potential complexity effects on stabllity. Further species introductions in this intermediately invaded estuary should be avoided.
Developmental expression and cardiac transcriptional regulation of Myh7b, a third myosin heavy chain in the vertebrate heart.

The mammalian heart expresses two myosin heavy chain (MYH) genes (Myh6 and Myh7), which are major components of the thick filaments of the sarcomere. We have determined that a third MYH, MYH7B, is also expressed in the myocardium. Developmental analysis shows Myh7b expression in cardiac and skeletal muscle of Xenopus, chick and mouse embryos, and in smooth muscle tissues during later stages of mouse embryogenesis. Myh7b is also expressed in the adult human heart. The promoter region of the Myh7b gene shows remarkable similarity between diverse species, suggesting that transcriptional control mechanisms have been conserved. Using luciferase reporter analysis in rat cardiomyocytes, it can be shown that MEF2, GATA, and E-box regulatory elements are essential for efficient expression of the Myh7b gene. In addition two conserved elements that do not correspond to consensus binding sites for known transcription factors are also essential for full transcriptional activity of the Myh7b reporter. Finally, the Myh7b gene shows a transcriptional response similar to Myh6 in response to cardiac hypertrophy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Intraindustry risk changes in the electric utility industry since Three Mile Island

Abstract This article compares the risk of nuclear and nonnuclear electric utilities in the period from 1980 through 1983 (the post TMI period) with the risk of utilities in the period from 1975 through February 1979 (the pre-TMI period). The observed changes in risk are evaluated by comparisons with two other groups consisting of airlines and petroleum companies. Risk is measured as total risk, systematic risk, and firm-specific risk. The sample is divided into nonnuclear utilities and three separate types of nuclear utilities. Little evidence exists to support the hypothesis that total risk has been greater in the post-TMI period, either for nuclear or nonnuclear utilities. However, firm-specific risk has increased dramatically (while systematic risk has declined substantially).
Differential Effects of Regulatory Fit on Category Learning.

Abstract Motivation affects the degree to which people engage in tasks as well as the processes that they bring to bear. We explore the proposal that a fit between a person’s situationally induced self-regulatory focus and the reward structure of the task that they are pursuing supports greater flexibility in processing than does a mismatch between regulatory focus and reward structure. In two experiments, we prime regulatory focus and manipulate task reward structure. Our participants perform a rule-based learning task whose solution requires flexible strategy testing as well as an information-integration task for which flexible strategy use hinders learning. Across two experiments, we predict and obtain a three-way interaction between regulatory focus, reward structure, and task. Relative to a mismatch, a match leads to better rule-based task performance, but worse performance on the information-integration task. We relate these findings to other work on motivation and choking under pressure.
Interactive machinability analysis of free-form surfaces using multiple-view image space techniques on the GPU

In this paper we present a set of graphics hardware accelerated algorithms to interactively evaluate the machinability of complex free-form surfaces. These algorithms work in image space and easily interface with all common formats available on CAD systems. The running time of these algorithms is independent of the complexity of the surface to be analyzed and depends only on the size of the projected image of the surface and the largest available tool head. Interactive speed is achieved through clever use of data-parallel techniques that map nicely onto the programming model of modern programmable graphics processing units. We demonstrate a method for pre-calculating and storing the machinability of a surface within a texture to further reduce rendering costs. The algorithms are implemented and tested on a complex set of parts and their performance has been analyzed.
Abstracts of papers to be presented at the Fifth Annual International SIGIR Conference

In addition to the presentation of papers whose abstracts appear herein, the Conference will also be addressed by several invited speakers, including Professor M. E. Maron of the University of California at Berkeley, Dr. Karen Sparck-Jones of Cambridge University, and an invited speaker from Germany.
A field fumigation system for elevated carbon dioxide exposure in chaparral shrubs

1. Modifications and improvements in the hardware and software of a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) system are described. The modifications were undertaken to minimize the amount of structure required and to improve software control of CO2 set points. 2. A new low-cost CO2 flow controller which provides increased reliability is described. 3. Analysis of system performance during a 79-day evaluation period of operation (13 h day–1) showed that for 1 min averages, the system is capable of maintaining a 550 p.p.m. ± 10% CO2 set point during 78% of the operating time and a 550 p.p.m. ± 20% set point during 95% of the operating time. Ten-minute averages were within ± 10% and 20% during 87% and 96% of the operating time, respectively. 4. Continuous measurements of the spatial variation in CO2 concentration inside the FACE ring over an 18-day period showed that of the total 16-m diameter treatment area, the central 11-m diameter portion remains within the 550 p.p.m. ± 10% set point. 5. Daily course gas-exchange measurements in matched individuals of the chaparral shrub Adenostoma fasciculatum just prior to and following a 6-week fumigation period at 550 p.p.m. CO2 in the FACE treatment ring showed the FACE plants with reduced photosynthetic rates and higher (less stressful) water potentials compared with control A. fasciculatum plants measured at the same times and conditions, indicating the responsiveness of this species to elevated CO2 conditions.
Reniforma strues, a new yeast from wastewater

Reniforma strues gen. et sp. nov. was isolated from the biological film of a primary wastewater treatment plant in Morgantown, West Virginia. It produced budding kidney-shaped somatic cells with a flat base circumscribed by a brim. Sexual reproduction was not detected. Reniforma strues did not ferment sugars and assimilation was limited to a small number of carbon compounds; nitrate was not assimilated. The cell wall, urease, and the diazonium blue B reactions were those ofa basidiomycetous yeast.
The importance of Lernaea cruciata (Le Sueur) in the initiation of skin lesions in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede), in the Chowan River, North Carolina, USA

. Largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede), were collected from May to October from the Chowan River, North Carolina and examined for the presence of skin lesions. Over 55% of all largemouth bass greater than 100 mm in length had skin lesions. The largest fish (≥400 mm) had the greatest number of lesions (X= 3.4 lesions per fish). When examined by wet mounts, small early lesions frequently (31% of all lesions) had the microscopic recently metamorphosed adult female stage of Lernaea cruciata. Older macroscopically visible adult females were only rarely seen (2% of all lesions). Examinations of wet mounts revealed no identifiable pathogen in 60% of all early lesions but histologically almost all lesions had a similar inflammatory response. Lesions were most common along the ventral surface of the body where 85% of all lesions were present. This was also the most common site of copepod infection, with 95% of all copepods present at this site. Bacterial numbers in early lesions were occasionally high and tended to increase in concentration in advanced lesions. No single organism was consistently identified as predominant in the majority of lesions. The possible relationship of these lesions to red-sore disease is discussed.
Spatio-Temporal Development of Supercavitation Over an Impulsively Launched Projectile

Supercavitation inception and formation was studied over blunt projectiles. The projectiles were fired using a gas gun method. In this method, projectiles are launched under the action of expanding detonation gases. Both qualitative and quantitative optical flow diagnostics using high speed digital imaging were used to analyze the spatio-temporal development of the supercavitating flow. For the first time, quantification of the supercavitation was achieved using Time Resolved Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (TRDPIV) detailing the two phase flow field surrounding the translating projectiles and the gas vapor bubble. Experimental results indicate that the supercavity forms at the aft end of the projectile and travels forward along the direction of projectile travel. The impulsive start of the projectile generates two asymmetric vortices which are shed from the blunt nose of the projectile. The vortices interact with the moving cavity and subsequently deform. This interaction is believed to directly contribute to the instabilities in the flight path.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Biomechanics and electromyography of a cumulative lumbar disorder: response to static flexion

Abstract Objective. To assess the mechanical and neurological processes active in the development of a cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) associated with repetitive exposure to periods of static lumbar flexion. Methods. The spine of the feline model was subjected to a series of three 10 min sessions of static lumbar flexion with each session followed by a 10 min rest. A 7 h rest period was implemented after the series of three flexion-rest sessions while monitoring viscoelastic (disks, ligaments, etc.) creep and multifidus EMG. A model was fitted to the experimental data from the flexion-rest period and the 7 h recovery period. Results. The creep developed in each 10 min static flexion period did not fully recovery during the following 10 min rest, resulting in a large cumulative creep at the end of the flexion-rest period. The cumulative creep did not fully recover over the following 7 h rest period. A neuromuscular disorder consisting of reduced muscular activity superimposed by spasms during static flexion periods and hyperexcitability during the 7 h recovery was evident. Comparison of the data to previous tests of continuous static flexion for 20 min reveal that the neuromuscular disorder elicited by the series of three 10 min flexion-rest was substantially attenuated when compared to a single 20 min static flexion although the overall work time was 50% larger. Conclusions. Frequent rest periods are highly beneficial in attenuating the development of a CTD, yet not able to prevent it, as viscoelastic tissues residual creep accumulates and its recovery is of extremely long duration. Relevance The data provides direct biomechanical and physiological evidence that explain the development of a CTD due to prolonged exposure to static lumbar flexion as well as confirms the epidemiological data correlating such work conditions with substantial increase in symptoms of low back disorders. The benefit of frequent rest periods in attenuating the risk of such a disorder is validated as an effective intervention.
Multidimensional free-energy calculations using the weighted histogram analysis method

The recently formulated weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM)1 is an extension of Ferrenberg and Swendsen's multiple histogram technique for free-energy and potential of mean force calculations. As an illustration of the method, we have calculated the two-dimensional potential of mean force surface of the dihedrals gamma and chi in deoxyadenosine with Monte Carlo simulations using the all-atom and united-atom representation of the AMBER force fields. This also demonstrates one of the major advantages of WHAM over umbrella sampling techniques. The method also provides an analysis of the statistical accuracy of the potential of mean force as well as a guide to the most efficient use of additional simulations to minimize errors. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A rapid, light-induced transient in electron paramagnetic resonance signal II activated upon inhibition of photosynthetic oxygen evolution.

A rapid, light-induced reversible component in Signal II is observed upon inhibition of oxygen evolution in broken spinach chloroplasts. The inhibitory treatments used include Tris washing, heat, treatment with chaotropic agents, and aging. This new Signal II component is in a 1 : 1 ratio with Signal I (P700). Its formation corresponds to a light-induced oxidation which occurs in less than 500 mus. The subsequent decay of the radical results from a reduction which occurs more rapidly as this free radical component is complete following a single 10-mus flash, and it occurs with a quantum efficiency similar to that observed for Signal I formation. Red light is more effective than far-red light in the generation of this species, and, in preilluminated chloroplasts, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea blocks its formation. Inhibition studies show that the decline in oxygen evolution parallels the activation of this Signal II component. These results are interpreted in terms of a model in which two pathways, one involving water, the other involving the rapid Signal II component, compete for oxidizing equivalents generated by Photosystem II. In broken chloroplasts this Signal II pathway is deactivated and water is the principal electron donor. However, upon inhibition of oxygen evolution, the Signal II pathway is activated.
The Reaction to Rape by American Male Bystanders

Abstract The present study simulated a rape in a realistic natural setting. The topography of the location ensured that the subjects, men walking to their adjacent parked cars, had but one of the following three options: to walk away, to intervene directly, or to intervene indirectly by summoning a police officer. Intervention was more frequent by groups of bystanders than by individual bystanders and was overwhelmingly of the direct kind. The results are discussed in terms of contemporary findings from laboratory and field research.
Acute Failure of a St. Jude's Prosthetic Aortic Valve: Large Pannus Formation Masked by a Small Thrombus

Pannus formation and valve thrombus can cause prosthetic valve failure. The authors report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented to the emergency room with decompensated heart failure secondary to mechanical valve dysfunction. On two-dimensional and transesophageal echocardiography, the patient had severe aortic stenosis and regurgitation. A thrombus seen on the valve was felt to be the etiology of her prosthetic valve failure. She underwent emergent cardiac surgery for aortic valve replacement. Pathology revealed that although a small thrombus was present, extensive pannus was the underlying mechanism of valve dysfunction. Differentiation between pannus and thrombus may have important clinical implications, but this case illustrates that distinguishing between these entities by echocardiographic and clinical criteria may not be possible.
Methods to calculate the lens efficiency in optically coupled CCD X-ray imaging systems

In lens‐coupled CCD x‐ray imaging, the lens efficiency is of critical importance for attaining an x‐ray quantum‐noise‐limited system. However, the equations and the associated parameters of this process have not always been used properly in some of the literature. This can result in the incorrect estimation of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). In practice, it is found more convenient to use lens‐coupling efficiency equations which assume that the scintillating screen is an extended Lambertian source, since the number of light photons emerging from various scintillating screens has been measured and reported by several investigators. This communication examines several of the most common types of lens‐coupling efficiency equations and explains how to use them correctly with other parameters to calculate the SNR of a lens‐coupled CCD x‐ray imaging system.
A class of loss functions of catenary form

The catenary form of loss function is considered in the framework of Bayesian decision theory. The mathematical tractability of this form seems to be unrecognized; it contains quadratic loss as a limiting case. For various probability distributions expressions are given for posterior analysis, and limiting properties are investigated.
Variations in the diurnal character of tropical cyclone wind speeds

[1] A significant decline in diurnal temperature range (DTR) is identified along the Atlantic seaboard. Recent studies suggest that DTR changes demonstrate a human-created weekly cycle and may therefore be anthropogenic. In this study, we address whether there is a change in the diurnal variation in Tropical Cyclone (TC) wind speeds that is consistent with the DTR trend over land. Our analysis of 34 years of TC activity reveals variations such that the difference between day and night wind speeds of TCs has decreased over time. Our work gives limited support to the contention that TC diurnal wind speed differences are thermally driven and, hence, warmer night temperatures (a smaller DTR over time) are leading to stronger nighttime winds over time. Our study initiates investigation of potential influences of climate changes (such as DTR) on secondary climatic phenomena.
The Effects of UVA‐I (340‐400 nm), UVA‐II (320‐340 nm) and UVA‐I+II on the Photoisomerization of Urocanic Acid in vivo

Ultraviolet B radiation (280-320 nm) can systemically suppress contact hypersensitivity (CHS), delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and tumor rejection responses in mice. Several models have been postulated for the initiation of this UVB-induced immune suppression and, although the complete mechanism is unclear, our early studies suggested that initiation is via the activation of a photoreceptor in the skin, identified as urocanic acid (UCA). Recent preliminary data from our laboratory and others indicated that UVA (320-400 nm)-emitting broad-band sunlamps can also isomerize UCA but may not lead to immune suppression, in contrast to UVB-emitting sunlamps, which cause both effects. Although the reason for this inconsistency is unknown, the emission spectra of UVA lamps contain differing amounts of UVB, UVA-I (340-400 nm) and UVA-II (320-340 nm) from those of UVB sources. In this study we determined a detailed dose-response for the isomerization of UCA in mouse skin using the UVA-I, UVA-II and UVA-I+II wavelength ranges. The dose-response curves obtained were put on an equal energy basis by quantum correction and the possibility of wavelength interaction for this effect investigated. A simple additive wavelength interaction between UVA-I, UVA-II, and UVA-I+II was observed for trans-UCA photoisomerization. This result indicates that the failure of UVA-I, UVA-II or UVA-I+II radiation to induce immune suppression of the CHS response in an animal model is not due to complex wavelength interactions and/or the presence of an in vivo endogenous photosensitizer of UCA isomerization. Other factors, such as downstream blocking by UVA of the cis-UCA generated signal, may be involved.
Analysis of EBR-II secondary sodium network for pressures pulses due to leaks of steam of water into sodium

Abstract A systematic procedure is presented for the safety analysis of the secondary sodium system of an LMFBR in the event of a leak of water or steam into sodium in an evaporator or a superheater. Using fracture mechanics, it is shown that the usual assumption of failure initiation by guillotine rupture of one or more water or steam tubes is unrealistic. A model is proposed for the gradual growth of leaks due to the phenomenon of wastage. The pressure rise in the system due to a sodium-water reaction is calculated solving one-dimensional hydrodynamic equations. By comparing results obtained for the proposed gradual growth model with those due to guillotine failure it is shown that the assumption of guillotine failure leads to a significant overestimation of pressures and stresses. Based upon the proposed leak progression model the stresses in the EBR-II secondary sodium system are shown to be within safe limits.
Testing and Modeling Threshold Autoregressive Processes

Abstract The threshold autoregressive model is one of the nonlinear time series models available in the literature. It was first proposed by Tong (1978) and discussed in detail by Tong and Lim (1980) and Tong (1983). The major features of this class of models are limit cycles, amplitude dependent frequencies, and jump phenomena. Much of the original motivation of the model is concerned with limit cycles of a cyclical time series, and indeed the model is capable of producing asymmetric limit cycles. The threshold autoregressive model, however, has not received much attention in application. This is due to (a) the lack of a suitable modeling procedure and (b) the inability to identify the threshold variable and estimate the threshold values. The primary goal of this article, therefore, is to suggest a simple yet widely applicable model-building procedure for threshold autoregressive models. Based on some predictive residuals, a simple statistic is proposed to test for threshold nonlinearity and specify the ...
Imaging thermal stratigraphy in freshwater lakes using georadar

[1] Thermal stratification exerts significant control over biogeochemical processing in freshwater lakes. Thus, the temporal and spatial distribution of the thermal structure is an important component in understanding lake ecosystems. We present the first reported observations of lake thermal stratification from surface based georadar measurements acquired over two small freshwater lakes. This method is very useful because it can provide rapid acquisition of 2D or 3D lotic stratification.
Sesquiterpenes from Rudbeckia grandiflora

Abstract Chemical analysis of Rudbeckia grandiflora afforded two new sesquiterpene esters, 6α-hydroxycostic acid, methyl ester and arbusculin E, methyl ester as well as two new pseudoguaianolide type sesquiterpene lactones, desacylligulatin C and rudbeckin A. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformations.
3399 Enteroclysis in the evaluation of unexplained gi bleeding.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of enteroclysis (dedicated small bowel radiography) in the evaluation of occult GI bleeding. Methods: A retrospective review of 56 consecutive patients was done at Temple University Hospital (mean age of 60 years, 26 males and 30 females) who had undergone enteroclysis for unexplained GI bleeding. All patients were initially worked up with EGD and colonoscopy and 42/56(75%) underwent enteroscopy prior to enteroclysis. 19/56(34%)of patients required blood transfusions with an average of 3.2 units transfused prior to enteroclysis. In the opinion of the primary gastroenterologist, all patients undergoing enteroclysis, had an inadequate explanation for occult bleeding after endoscopic procedures were performed. These patients were therefore referred for enteroclysis. Results: 5/56(9.0%) of the patients had an abnormal enteroclysis study. These patients included 3 patients with ileal involvement consistent with Crohns disease, 1 patient with a 5cm annular lesion of the ileum and 1 patient with a reversal of the fold pattern consistant with sprue. Of the patients that underwent enteroscopy 13/42(31%) had a normal examination. 22/42(52%) had abnormal findings, that could have been seen on upper endoscopy but did not explain the loss of blood. 7/42(17%) had small bowel pathology on push enteroscopy which did not explain continued blood loss. Conclusions: In patients completely worked up with endoscopic procedures (ie colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and push enteroscopy), in which an explanation for bleeding is not apparent, 9.0% of patients had an abnormal enteroclysis finding which could have explained the GI blood loss. Enteroclysis is an relatively insensitive test for the evaluation of occult GI bleeding but may be useful in a small percentage of patients after a complete endoscopic evaluation, if the source of bleeding is not clear. In this study enteroclysis was most useful for defining ileal pathology which was not picked up by endoscopic diagnostic tests 4/5(80%). 3/5(60%) of the positive enteroclysis findings in this study were due to Crohn's ileitis.
Facilitation of glutamatergic neurotransmission by presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract The profiles of presynaptic facilitation of glutamate release as elicited by nicotine and acetylcholine were compared in two limbic pathways recapitulated in vitro. At synapses of medial habenula (MHN) and interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) neurons, application of nicotine increased the frequency of TTX-resistant, spontaneous postsynaptic currents (SSCs) by an average of 5-fold. In contrast, the average increase in SSC frequency elicited by nicotine was more than 120 fold at synapses of olfactory bulb (OB) and amygdala neurons. At both preparations, pulses of ACh caused presynaptic facilitation that lasted longer than that elicited by nicotine. The subunit composition of presynaptic nAChRs may contribute to the different profiles of facilitation observed. The large magnitude, fast kinetics, and α–bungarotoxin sensitivity of facilitation observed at OB–amygdala synapses is consistent with participation of α7-type nAChRs. As subunit-selective deletion of α5 or α7 altered the profile of nicotine-elicited facilitation at MHN–IPN synapses, presynaptic nAChRs at MHN–IPN synapses appear to be more complex. Such heteromeric combinations of nAChRs may contribute to the lower magnitude and slower kinetics of presynaptic facilitation at MHN–IPN synapses. Calcium influx through either voltage-gated calcium channels or directly through presynaptic α7-containing nAChRs is sufficient to support nicotine-elicited facilitation of glutamate release. Resultant increases in intracellular calcium may further modulate presynaptic nAChR activity in a subunit-composition dependent manner.
The Genus Trillium (Liliaceae) in Virginia

Abstract Ten species of Trillium (Liliaceae) are known to occur in Virginia. Taxonomic key, morphological descriptions, distribution maps and chromosome numbers are presented. A chromosome number of 2n = 10 was verified for: Trillium cernuum, T. erectum, T. flexipes, T. grandiflorum, T. luteum, T. nivale, T. pusillum, T. sessile, T. sulcatum, and T. undulatum. Some chromosome morphology data are applied to the discussion of T. pusillum, and also reinforce that T. sulcatum and T. erectum are separate taxa.
Stability of CIS/CIGS modules at the outdoor test facility over two decades

We examine the status and question of long-term stability of copper indium diselenide (CIS) photovoltaic (PV) module performance for numerous modules that are deployed in the array field, or on the roof of, the outdoor test facility (OTF) at NREL, acquired from two manufacturers. Performance is characterized with current-voltage (I–V) measurements obtained either at standard test conditions (STC) or under real-time monitoring conditions, taken over the course of many years. We present and scrutinize I–V characteristics for degradation modes. Analysis yields that CIS PV modules can exhibit either moderate (2% to 4% per year) to negligible or small (less than 1% per year) degradation rates, and that the predominant loss mode appears to be fill factor diminution, often associated with increases in the series resistance in some of the modules. A secondary mode of degradation observed comprises metastable changes to the open-circuit voltage. The featured modules are deployed on three separate testbeds.