cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ca2+, calmodulin and cycic AMP-dependent modulation of actin-myosin interactions in aorta

Abstract Incubation of bovine aortic native actomyosin with cyclic AMP and bovine aortic cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase produced a rightward shift in the relation between free Ca 2+ and both superprecipitation and actomyosin ATPase activity. The relation between free Ca 2+ and phosphorylation of myosin light chains was also shifted to the right. The concentration of free Ca 2+_ required for half-maximal activation of both ATPase activity and myosin light chain prosphorylation was approximately 1.0 μM for control actomyosin and 2.5 μM for actomyosin incubated with cyclic AMP-protein kinase. Neither basal nor maximal activities were significantly affected by incubation with cyclic AMP-protein kinase. Addition of 3 μM calmodulin to cyclic AMP-protein kinase-treated actomyosin relieved inhibition of both superprecipitation and myosin light chain phosphorylation. These findings suggest that cyclic AMP-protein kinase-mediated inhibition of actin-myosin interactions in vascular smooth muscle involve a shift in the Ca 2+ sensitivity of the sytem. This shift probably involves Ca 2+ -calmodulin interactions and the control of phosphorylation of the myosin light chains.
Renodulation and characterization of Rhizobium isolates from cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.)

In 1993 and 1994, 12 bacterial isolates were isolated from root nodules of cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer). In the tests for nodulation of A. cicer by these bacterial isolates, five were found to form hypertrophic structures, while only two formed true nodules. These true nodules were formed in a sterilized soil system. This system might be able to act as a DNA donor to provide residual DNA to other microbes in the soil. The rhizobial isolates were thought to have lost genetic material crucial to nodulation during the isolation process. This hypothesis was supported by an experiment in which isolate B2 was able to nodulate A. cicer in vermiculite culture after being mixed with heat-killed rhizobia, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii and R. loti. The nodulation would not occur in vermiculite culture system without the heat-killed rhizobia. Based on the biochemical data, the B2 and 9462L, which formed true nodules with A. cicer, were closely related. The rhizobia type cultures that nodulate A. cicer include Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii, R. leguminosarum bv. viceae, and R. loti. All of these rhizobia were from different cross-inoculation groups. The B2 and 9462L isolates could only nodulate Medicago sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Melilotus officinalis, but not these species within the genus from which they were isolated: Astragalus. The traditional cross-inoculation group concept obviously does not fit well in the classification of rhizobia associated with Astragalus. The rhizobia isolated from A. cicer can be quite different, and the rhizobia able to renodulate A. cicer also quite diverse.
Altered Siliceous Volcanics as a Source of Refractory Clay

In the intermountain states, a region deficient in kaolinite and alumina clays, there is an increasing demand for refractory clay. In this arid region residual kaolins are not developed in quantity from feldspathic intrusives. Glassy, siliceous extrusives alter commonly to mont-morillonite of the montmorillonite-beidellite series. Zeolites, principally analcime and heu-landite, often are alteration products. Under certain conditions kaolinite, halloysite, or saponite will form; several tuffaceous deposits were investigated in an attempt to determine these environmental conditions, especially the physico-chemical environment necessary to produce kaolin clay.
Friction at the Nanoscale

Dissipation mechanisms at the nanoscale are influenced by finite size effects that may significantly affect the frictional response of sliding objects. In particular, locking of temporal and spatial dynamics may introduce several distinct modes of motion leading to friction selection. Here, the authors discuss such nonlinear mechanisms leading to stick-slip dynamics at the atomic scale.
Economic value and cost of automated on-line poultry inspection for the US broiler industry

Abstract The US Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) uses visual (organoleptic) methods to inspect individual carcasses on-line at US broiler slaughter plants. The current system is very labor-intensive and is directly related to industry production capacity. Continued expansion of production capacity within the broiler industry requires additional staffing of FSIS inspectors. However, FSIS is currently under a hiring freeze. Also, FSIS wants to redeploy on-line inspectors to more pressing tasks, such as the oversight of industry compliance with food safety and pathogen reduction standards. This study evaluates the economic value and costs of using an automated inspection technology in place of visual organoleptic inspection in the US broiler industry for the period 1997–2001. The results indicate the US broiler industry would gain from $1.55–$2.57 billion in discounted throughput value over the next five years if automated inspection is used in place of organoliptic methods and line speeds are operated at 100 birds per min. The results also indicate FSIS could redeploy approximately 1342 inspectors to other in-plant tasks by adopting automated inspection, but would have to pay additional expenses related to the installation of the technology in slaughter plants. These additional expenses range from $32 to $59 million in discounted cost over the five-year period, and could be payed either in part or in whole by the broiler industry.
Fabrication, characterization and analysis of low threshold current density 1.55-/spl mu/m-strained quantum-well lasers

Tertiarybutylarsine and tertiarybutylphosphine are less hazardous alternatives to arsine and phosphine as group V sources for crystal growth of In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As/sub y/P/sub 1-y/ alloys by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Compressive and tensile-strained quantum-well lasers emitting at 1.55 /spl mu/m have been fabricated using these sources. Threshold current density as low as 93 A/cm/sup 2/, transparency current density as low as 38 A/cm/sup 2/ and internal efficiency of 91% were obtained for 1.5% compressive-strained single quantum-well lasers. These devices represent the best lasers emitting at this wavelength that have been reported in the literature. An analysis of some of the characteristics of these devices such as transparency current, differential gain and nonradiative recombination is also presented in this paper.
Urinary excretion of d-glucuronic acid and derivatives in man

Abstract Seven healthy adult male subjects excreted daily 143 ± 13 mg of conjugated glucuronic acid and eight, 42 ± 14 mg of d -glucuronic acid.
Chick Viability and Pantothenic Acid Deficiency in the Breeding Diet—A Case Report

Abstract During the past year cases of high chick mortality during the first week of life have been reported with increasing frequency at the New Jersey Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory in New Brunswick. Symptoms of disorder included general listlessness and weakness that suggested a possible B vitamin deficiency. Hatchability was reportedly excellent and no signs of pathogenicity could be detected in the affected birds. In view of the recent increase in the number of such cases, a report of the following case history was thought to be of interest. Day-old chicks were brought to our laboratory by a Pennsylvania hatcheryman who was losing 10–15 percent of all chicks hatched during the first few days after hatching. Since no pathogens could be detected, it was decided to study vitamin treatment of afflicted birds. The hatcher co-operated in supplying fifty birds which he considered representative and these were divided at random into two groups… .
Assessment of Fecal Coliform and Escherichia Coli Across a Land Cover Gradient in West Georgia Streams

Conversion of forested land to suburban and urbanized landscapes is occurring at extreme rates, especially in the southeastern United States. To examine the effects of land cover on bacteria indicator concentrations in streams, twenty small watersheds (<2500 ha) within the Middle Chattahoochee Watershed of western Georgia were chosen for investigation. Watersheds were selected to represent a gradient of impervious surface cover and also to represent a wide array of land covers, including urban, developing, pastoral, mixed species forests, and pine forests. Grab samples were collected from May 2002 to January 2006 and analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria, ammonium, nitrate, phosphorus, and total suspended solids. In general, urban watersheds revealed higher concentrations of fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli than other land covers. Fecal indicator bacteria concentrations and violations of bacteria state and federal standards were positively correlated with percent impervious surfaces. Furthermore, positive relationships between fecal indicator bacteria and ammonium and total suspended solids were found during stormflow. These results suggest that watershed land cover may impact the period of time that waters exceed the fecal coliform and E. coli standards. Additionally, these data reveal that the fecal coliform review criterion may be met, while simultaneously violating the E. coli standard. This study will help to clarify the effects of land development on the pathogen properties of stream water in the Georgia Piedmont and examine the ramifications of using fecal coliforms and E. coli as indicators of disease-causing pathogens within the region.
Green turtle migrations in the Hawaiian archipelago

Abstract In order to understand better the natural history and conservation status of the unique land-basking Hawaiian green turtle population ( Chelonia sp.), intensive tagging studies were conducted at French Frigate Shoals ( 24°N 160 °W ), a wildlife sanctuary comprising the only aggregate breeding site remaining in the 2600 km long Archipelago. Additionally, newly captured Chelonia , as well as individuals held for extended periods in display aquaria, were tagged and released around the large islands in the southeast. Tag recoveries of adults identified during the 1973 and 1974 nesting seasons documented migrations from French Frigate Shoals to the islands of Kauai, Oahu and Maui, distances of 713, 936 and 1069 km to the southeast, respectively, and to French Frigate Shoals from Lisianski Island and Pearl and Hermes Reef, distances of 834 and 1075 km to the northwest, respectively. A captive-held female released off Niihau travelled 658 km to French Frigate Shoals where nesting was recorded. Other animals released from captivity showed movement between the large islands, while those released shortly after capture remained in the same coastal area for up to 11 months. Combined results from the present study and previous intermittent taggings made since 1961 by Federal and State wildlife management personnel indicated that breeding colony members are derived from widely separated feeding areas within the archipelago and appear to be reproductively isolated from other Pacific Chelonia . Northwestern areas of the archipelago are thought to serve as important migratory stations for early life stage development.
Automated classification of fMRI during cognitive control identifies more severely disorganized subjects with schizophrenia

The establishment of a neurobiologically based nosological system is one of the ultimate goals of modern biological psychiatry research. Developments in neuroimaging and statistical/machine learning have provided useful basic tools for these efforts. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of fMRI as input data for the classification of schizophrenia, but none, to date, has used fMRI of cognitive control for this purpose. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of an unbiased classification method on fMRI data from a large cohort of subjects with first episode schizophrenia and a cohort of age matched healthy control subjects while they completed the AX version of the Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT). We compared these results to classifications based on AX-CPT behavioral data. Classification accuracy for DSM-IV defined schizophrenia using fMRI data was modest and comparable to classifications conducted with behavioral data. Interestingly fMRI classifications did however identify a distinct subgroup of patients with greater behavioral disorganization, whereas behavioral data classifications did not. These results suggest that fMRI-based classification could be a useful tool in defining a neurobiologically distinct subgroup within the clinically defined syndrome of schizophrenia, reflecting alterations in discrete neural circuits. Independent validation of classification-based phenotypes using other biological data such as genetics would provide a strong test of this hypothesis.
Role of p38alpha MAPK in cardiac apoptosis and remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Abstract Acute coronary occlusion results in ischemia-mediated death of cardiomyocytes. In the days and weeks following myocardial infarction (MI), left ventricular remodeling occurs that is characterized by persistent cardiomyocyte apoptosis, thinning and fibrosis at the site of infarction, ventricular chamber dilatation, and growth of remaining viable cardiomyocytes. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade has been implicated in the remodeling process. In this work, mice with cardiac-specific expression of a dominant negative mutant form of p38 MAPK (DN-p38α) were subjected to MI by occlusion of the left coronary artery. Acute ischemia area was determined by transthoracic echocardiography 2 h after MI surgery, and was found to be nearly identical in DN-p38 mice and their wild-type littermates. Seven days after MI, mice were subjected to repeat echocardiography and histological examination of infarct size. DN-p38 mice had markedly reduced infarct size and increased ventricular systolic function 7 days after MI when compared to wild-type littermates. In addition, DN-p38 mice had less cardiomyocyte apoptosis than wild-type mice in the infarct border zone. Recently, it was discovered that Bcl-XL deamidation occurs in vivo, and this results in Bcl-XL degradation that sensitizes cells to apoptosis by enhancing BAX activity. Bcl-XL deamidation was found to occur in the cardiac tissue of wild-type mice after MI, but was reduced in DN-p38 mice. These results establish that p38 MAPK activity is required for pathological remodeling after MI and suggest that p38 MAPK may promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis through Bcl-XL deamidation.
Superlattices, polymorphs and solid-state NMR spin–lattice relaxation (T1) measurements of 2,6-di-tert-butylnaphthalene

Two polymorphs of 2,6-di-tert-butylnaphthalene, which differ by a factor of twelve in the number of crystallographically independent tert-butyl group environments, have been characterized by a synergistic combination of low-frequency 1H NMR spin–lattice relaxation rate measurements and conventional crystallographic structure determinations.
Through the ‘Scope: The Willet Raney Willis Micromineral Collection at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs

(1999). Through the ‘Scope: The Willet Raney Willis Micromineral Collection at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 196-198.
Assembly of pili in Gram-positive bacteria

The formation of adhesive pili on the surface of Gram-negative bacteria has been studied in detail, whereas the pilus assembly pathways in Gram-positive bacteria remain to be characterized. Gram-positive microbes use the cell wall peptidoglycan as a surface organelle for the covalent attachment of proteins; a strategy that involves sorting signals of surface protein precursors and sortase, a transpeptidase that cleaves sorting signals and links the C-terminus of surface proteins via an amide bond to the peptidoglycan cross-bridge. Recent studies with Actinomyces naeslundii, Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Streptococcus parasanguis suggest that some sortase enzymes catalyze protein polymerization leading to the formation of pili on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria. Arthobacter photogonimos and Ruminococcus albus appear to use different strategies for pilus assembly, consistent with the notion that Gram-positive organisms, similar to Gram-negative bacteria, have evolved multiple molecular strategies for the formation of pili on microbial surfaces.
Inactivity of surface carbon to hydrogenation on supported rhodium

Abstract Carbon atoms deposited on Rh TiO 2 were not readily hydrogenated to form methane, methanol, or ethanol in CO hydrogenation at 393 and 422 K. This result is in contrast to the behavior of supported Ni and Co for which similarly deposited surface carbon is readily hydrogenated to hydrocarbons. Two possibilities for the different behavior are discussed.
Extraction of platinum from aqueous solution into chloroform using a 2-pyridylthio-N-oxide derivatized calix[4]arene as phase transfer reagent

Abstract The compound 25,26,27,28-(2-(2-pyridylthio- N -oxide)ethoxy)calix[4]arene has been synthesized from 25,26,27,28-(2-bromoethoxy)calix[4]arene by reaction with 2-pyridylthiol- N -oxide in the presence of pyridine as base. The compound is one of the better modified calix[4]arene extractants for Pt(IV).
Acceleration of ungapped extension in Mercury BLAST

The amount of biosequence data being produced each year is growing exponentially. Extracting useful information from this massive amount of data efficiently is becoming an increasingly difficult task. There are many available software tools that molecular biologists use for comparing genomic data. This paper focuses on accelerating the most widely used such tool, BLAST. Mercury BLAST takes a streaming approach to the BLAST computation by offloading the performance-critical sections to specialized hardware. This hardware is then used in combination with the processor of the host system to deliver BLAST results in a fraction of the time of the general-purpose processor alone. This paper presents the design of the ungapped extension stage of Mercury BLAST. The architecture of the ungapped extension stage is described along with the context of this stage within the Mercury BLAST system. The design is compact and runs at 100MHz on available FPGAs, making it an effective and powerful component for accelerating biosequence comparisons. The performance of this stage is 25x that of the standard software distribution, yielding close to 50x performance improvement on the complete BLAST application. The sensitivity is essentially equivalent to that of the standard distribution.
Defects in Irradiated Silicon: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Electron-Nuclear Double Resonance of the Si-E Center

The Si-$E$ center is one of the dominant defects produced by electron irradiation in phosphorus-doped vacuum floating zone silicon. It introduces an acceptor level at $\ensuremath{\sim}({E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.4)$ eV and gives rise to an electron paramagnetic resonance when this level does not contain an electron. As a result of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) studies described in this paper, we conclude that the defect is a lattice vacancy trapped next to a substitutional phosphorus atom, with EPR arising from the neutral charge state. The observed hyperfine interactions with ${\mathrm{P}}^{31}$ and neighboring ${\mathrm{Si}}^{29}$ nuclei, as well as the observed $g$-tensor anisotropy, are discussed in terms of a simple linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) molecular orbital treatment. In addition to the anisotropy associated with the phosphorus-vacancy direction in the lattice, an additional distortion of the defect occurs which is identified in the LCAO treatment as a manifestation of the Jahn-Teller effect. Thermally activated reorientation from one Jahn-Teller distortion to another causes motional broadening and narrowing effects upon the EPR spectrum in the temperature region 60-150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The motion is also studied by stress-induced alignment at lower temperatures and the activation energy for this process is determined to be \ensuremath{\sim}0.06 eV. Alignment of the phosphorus-vacancy direction in the lattice is also achieved by stressing at elevated temperatures. The activation energy for this motion is 0.93\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 eV. The magnitude and sense of the alignment in both kinds of stress experiments are consistent with the microscopic model of the defect. The role of the phosphorus-vacancy interaction in the diffusion of phosphorus in unirradiated silicon is discussed. Using the published value for the diffusion activation energy for phosphorus in silicon, we estimate the appropriate value for silicon self-diffusion to be 3.94\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.33 eV and the formation energy for the lattice vacancy in silicon to be 3.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 eV. These are quantities for which no direct experimental values are available. Also included is an appendix which gives estimates of ${|{\ensuremath{\psi}}_{3s}(0)|}^{2}$ and $〈{{r}_{3p}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}〉$ for the $3p$ atoms aluminum through chlorine.
Physical models of regional fold superposition: the role of competence contrast

Abstract Physical models of superposed folds demonstrate that rheologic contrast strongly controls the style of fold interference. Rheologic contrast affects strain partitioning between layer-parallel shortening and buckling and affects the development of structural anisotropies parallel to first-generation folds. Laminates with insignificant competence contrast are characterized by circular to elliptical domes and basins (Type 1 interference). In addition to folding, the layers accommodate shortening by layer-parallel thickening, preferentially in the fold culminations. Laminates with significant competence contrast are characterized by buckled fold hingelines and axial surfaces (Type 2 interference). The less competent layers thicken in the hinges; the more competent layers maintain their initial thickness. In plan view, the F 1 ) hingelines are refolded in a lobate—cuspate to box style, whose axial traces form conjugate pairs. The models are dynamically scaled to represent folds with km-scale wavelengths. The evolution of surface structures, map patterns at different depths, and equal-area projections synthesized from structure contour maps were used for analysis, comparable to regional analysis common to field studies. Gravitational body forces effectively damp the vertical amplitudes of both the first and second generation folds, thereby enhancing the formation of Type 2 interference.
CRITICAL THEORY AND PUBLIC POLICY

In the confines of the study of politics, public policy analysis involves a shift from pure to applied research, a shift which intensifies the problem of the fact-value split inherited from positivist behavioralism. While early public policy literature concentrated on empirical policy-making processes bypassing moral criteria, some recent writings have elaborated on policymaking and policy evaluation as a type of normative inquiry; significant steps in this direction have been undertaken by Duncan MacRae and especially by Jurgen Habermas in the context of “critical theory.” According to Habermas, policy evaluation requires a critically reflective “practical discourse” open not only to experts or policy analysts but to the public at large. The paper argues that such discourse is a valuable remedy against the technical-instrumental bent of applied science, but that recovery of a fully non-instrumental “practical” judgement presupposes an evaluation not only of concrete policies but of the status of “policy” itself.
LOWER SOCIOECONOMIC GROUPS HAVE A HIGHER INCIDENCE OF PRESISTENT PATENCY OF THE DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

LOWER SOCIOECONOMIC GROUPS HAVE A HIGHER INCIDENCE OF PRESISTENT PATENCY OF THE DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS
The effect of holdings data frequency on conclusions about mutual fund behavior

Abstract A number of articles in financial economics have used quarterly or semi-annual mutual fund holdings data to test hypotheses about investment manager behavior. This article reexamines four well-known hypotheses in finance to determine whether the results of prior tests of these hypotheses remain valid when higher frequency (monthly) holdings data are employed. The areas examined are: momentum trading, tax-motivated trading, window dressing, and tournament behavior. We find that the use of monthly holdings data rather than quarterly holdings data or, in the case of tournament behavior, holdings data rather than monthly return data, change, and in some cases reverse, previous results. This occurs because monthly holdings data capture a large number of trades missed by quarterly data (18.5% of the trades) and permit a more precise estimation of the timing of trades.
High-pressure equation of state for partially ionic solids.

Recently, we showed that the cohesive energy of partially ionic solids may be characterized by a two-term energy relationship consisting of a Coulomb term arising from the valence-charge transfer \ensuremath{\delta}Z between the atoms, and a scaled universal energy function ${\mathit{E}}^{\mathrm{*}}$(${\mathit{a}}^{\mathrm{*}}$), which accounts for the partially covalent character of the bond and for the repulsion between the atomic cores for small R; ${\mathit{a}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ is a scaled length. Normalized cohesive-energy curves of alkali halide crystals and of Tl and Ag halide crystals were obtained, and the cohesive-energy-curve parameters were used to generate theoretical equation-of-state (EOS) curves for the Li, Na, K, Cs, and Ag halides. Good agreement was obtained with the experimental isothermal compression curves over a wide pressure range (0--90 kbar). In this paper we verify that the cohesive-energy relationship is valid for divalent partially ionic solids; physically reasonable charge-transfer values (1.80Z2.0) are obtained for MgO, CaO, and CaS. Next, EOS curves for LiF, NaF, NaI, CsCl, CsI, MgO, CaO, and CaS are generated in terms of the cohesive-energy parameters. These EOS's yield excellent fits to experimental isothermal-compression data and to shock-wave data to very high pressures (${\mathit{P}}_{\mathrm{max}}$=250--1350 kbar).
Sensitivity of extreme climate events to CO2‐induced biophysical atmosphere‐vegetation feedbacks in the western United States

[1] We have tested the sensitivity of extreme temperature and precipitation events to CO2-induced atmosphere-vegetation feedbacks (AVFs) in the western United States using an equilibrium vegetation model coupled to a regional climate model. Biophysical AVFs resulted in positive anomalies in the frequency and magnitude of extreme temperature events over much of the western United States, with the notable exception of key high elevation areas, where there were strong negative anomalies. Anomalies in extreme temperature events were largely associated with changes in surface albedo, LAI, upper layer water extracted and root zone depth. Negative anomalies in extreme precipitation along the Pacific coast were associated with reductions in low-level specific humidity, zonal wind speeds and eddy kinetic energy. These results suggest that AVFs could strongly influence the response of extreme climate regimes to anthropogenic greenhouse forcing, with the sign of that influence varying on horizontal scales of 101 to 102 km.
Proximal Recognition Sites Facilitate Intrasite Hopping by DNA Adenine Methyltransferase MECHANISTIC EXPLORATION OF EPIGENETIC GENE REGULATION

Abstract The methylation of adenine in palindromic 5′-GATC-3′ sites by Escherichia coli Dam supports diverse roles, including the essential regulation of virulence genes in several human pathogens. As a result of a unique hopping mechanism, Dam methylates both strands of the same site prior to fully dissociating from the DNA, a process referred to as intrasite processivity. The application of a DpnI restriction endonuclease-based assay allowed the direct interrogation of this mechanism with a variety of DNA substrates. Intrasite processivity is disrupted when the DNA flanking a single GATC site is longer than 400 bp on either side. Interestingly, the introduction of a second GATC site within this flanking DNA reinstates intrasite methylation of both sites. Our results show that intrasite methylation occurs only when GATC sites are clustered, as is found in gene segments both known and postulated to undergo in vivo epigenetic regulation by Dam methylation. We propose a model for intrasite methylation in which Dam bound to flanking DNA is an obligate intermediate. Our results provide insights into how intrasite processivity, which appears to be context-dependent, may contribute to the diverse biological roles that are carried out by Dam.
Mortality after coronary artery revascularization of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk for accelerated arthrosclerosis. It is not known, however, whether this disorder is associated with a higher risk of complications after coronary artery revascularization. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients in the 2003–2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. To determine whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis had higher in-hospital mortality after coronary artery revascularization, we used logistic regression to adjust for age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, rural–urban residency, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, Charlson comorbidities (including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and diabetes), elective admission, weekend admission, and primary payer. Results Among patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization, those with rheumatoid arthritis were 49% less likely to die while hospitalized compared with those without rheumatoid arthritis (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.65) after adjusting for the above confounders. In subgroup analyses that adjusted for the same confounders, patients with rheumatoid arthritis also had a 61% improvement of in-patient mortality when they underwent percutaneous coronary interventions (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.54) along with a median of 0.32 less days hospitalized (95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.34 days). Similarly, patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting had a 31% improvement of in-patient mortality (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.99), with a median of 1.36 less days hospitalized (95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.12 days). Conclusion Among patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an in-hospital survival advantage along with reduced days of hospitalization compared with patients without rheumatoid arthritis.
M1 mirror print-thru investigation and performance on the thermo-opto-mechanical testbed for the Space Interferometry Mission

This paper presents the studies carried out to determine the source of the surface distortions on the M1 mirror as well as comparison and model validation during testing. This research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Norepinephrine-induced down regulation of alpha1 adrenergic receptors in cultured rabbit aorta smooth muscle cells

Drug-induced refractoriness of alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated vasoconstriction may be a clinically important phenomenon. We have investigated the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells derived from the rabbit aorta. alpha 1-Adrenergic receptors were identified in membranes prepared from these cells by [125I]HEAT binding. The radioligand bound to a high affinity site (Kd = 140 pM) in a saturable fashion (202 fmol/mg protein). Adrenergic agonists and antagonists competed for binding of [125I]HEAT with the expected order of potency for an alpha 1-receptor, (-)epinephrine greater than or equal to (-) norepinephrine greater than (+)epinephrine greater than isoproterenol and prazosin greater than phentolamine greater than yohimbine. Exposure of cells for 26 hours to 10 microM norepinephrine resulted in a 70% decrease in the number of alpha 1-receptors as measured by [125I]HEAT binding without any significant change in the affinity of the receptor for the ligand. When the alpha-receptors were blocked with 10 microM phentolamine the loss of receptors induced by norepinephrine was completely prevented. Similar down-regulation of the [125I]HEAT binding sites was observed when the alpha 1-agonist phenylephrine was used instead of norepinephrine. It is concluded that alpha-agonists induce down-regulation of aortic smooth muscle alpha 1-receptors. This reduction of alpha-receptors could be important in the mechanisms by which vascular smooth muscle develops refractoriness to alpha-adrenergic stimulation.
Bone-metastatic potential of human prostate cancer cells correlates with Akt/PKB activation by alpha platelet-derived growth factor receptor.

Prostate adenocarcinoma metastasizes to the skeleton more frequently than any other organ. An underlying cause of this phenomenon may be the ability of bone-produced factors to specifically select disseminated prostate cancer cells that are susceptible to their trophic effects. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a potent mitogen for both normal and tumor cells, is produced in several tissues including bone, where it is synthesized by both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Here, we show that PDGF causes a significantly stronger activation of the Akt/PKB survival pathway in bone-metastatic prostate cancer cells compared to nonmetastatic cells. Normal prostate epithelial cells and DU-145 prostate cells, originally derived from a brain metastasis, are not responsive to PDGF. In contrast, epidermal growth factor stimulates Akt to the same extent in all prostate cells tested. This difference in PDGF responsiveness depends on the higher expression of α-PDGFR in bone-metastatic compared to nonmetastatic prostate cells and the lack of α-PDGFR expression in normal and metastatic prostate cells derived from tissues other than bone. Thus, α-PDGFR expression might identify prostate cancer cells with the highest propensity to metastasize to the skeleton.
Twenty-first century reversal of the surface ozone seasonal cycle over the northeastern United States

Changing emissions can alter the surface O3 seasonal cycle, as detected from northeastern U.S. (NE) observations during recent decades. Under continued regional precursor emission controls (>80% decreases in NE NOx by 2100), the NE surface O3 seasonal cycle reverses (to a winter maximum) in 21st century transient chemistry-climate simulations. Over polluted regions, regional NOx largely controls the shape of surface O3 seasonal cycles. In the absence of regional NOx controls, climate warming contributes to a higher surface O3 summertime peak over the NE. A doubling of the global CH4 abundance by 2100 partially offsets summertime surface O3 decreases attained via NOx reductions and contributes to raising surface O3 during December–March when the O3 lifetime is longer. The similarity between surface O3 seasonal cycles over the NE and the Intermountain West by 2100 indicates a NE transition to a region representative of baseline surface O3 conditions.
Traffic-and-resource-aware intrusion detection in wireless mesh networks

As the interest in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN), as an infrastructureless wireless network, grows, security issues, especially intrusion detection, become of paramount importance. The diversity in hardware along with a variety of WMN applications, have resulted in WMN with different network characteristics (e.g., resource levels, system and security models, etc.). Consequently, different intrusion detection mechanisms have been proposed by the research community. Recently, the community has proposed several monitoring techniques for intrusion detection where each considers different assumptions and presents a different problem formulation for optimal monitoring. This article proposes a taxonomy that categorizes existing solutions in this research area and identifies the similarities and differences in their optimal monitoring problem formulations. We then concentrate on two classes of monitoring techniques for intrusion detection in WMN: Traffic Agnostic and Resourceful and Traffic Aware and Resourceful and present centralized and distributed algorithms for solving optimal monitoring problem in these networks. Through extensive simulations and a real implementation, we demonstrate the effects of different network characteristics on the problem formulation and consequently the performance (e.g., intrusion detection rate and resource consumption) of proposed solutions for optimal monitoring in WMN.
On stability of self-assembled nanoscale patterns

We conduct linear and nonlinear stability analyses on a paradigmatic model of nanostructure selfassembly. We focus on the spatio-temporal dynamics of the concentration field of deposition on a substrate. The physical parameter of interest is the mean concentration C0 of the monolayer. Linear stability analysis of the system shows that a homogeneous monolayer is unstable when C0 lies within a band symmetric about C0 ¼ 1 . On increasing C0 from zero, the homogeneous solution destabilizes to a hexagonal array, which then transitions to stripes. Transitions to and from the hexagonal state are subcritical. Square patterns are unstable for all values of C0 transitioning either to hexagons or stripes. Further, we present stability maps for striped arrays by considering possible instabilities. The analytical results are confirmed by numerical integrations of the Suo–Lu model. Our formalism provides a theoretical framework to understand guided self-assembly of nanostructures. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
MEMBRANE SPLITTING IN FREEZE-ETCHING : Covalently Bound Ferritin as a Membrane Marker

The freeze-etch technique was used to observe red blood cell ghosts labeled on both surfaces with covalently bound ferritin. Ferritin molecules were never observed on fracture faces, thus indicating that fracture does not show membrane-surface detail. Subliming away the surrounding ice did expose the ferritin on the membrane surface. These results were consistent with the concept that membranes split during the fracture process of freeze-etching.
Nexus: a novel weighted-graph-based prefetching algorithm for metadata servers in petabyte-scale storage systems

An efficient, accurate and distributed metadata-oriented prefetching scheme is critical to the overall performance in large distributed storage systems. In this paper, we present a novel weighted-graph-based prefetching technique, built on successor relationship, to gain performance benefit from prefetching specifically for clustered metadata servers, an arrangement envisioned necessary for petabyte-scale distributed storage systems. Extensive trace-driven simulations show that by adopting our new prefetching algorithm, the hit rate for metadata access on the client site can be increased by up to 13%, while the average response time of metadata operations can be reduced by up to 67%, compared with LRU and an existing state of the art prefetching algorithm.
Requirements Fulfillment: A Missing Link between Requirements Determination and User Acceptance

Large information systems often span various functional areas of an organization and are used by different groups across several levels of the organization. When fulfillment of requirements in an information system is deficient for a functional area or an organizational unit, lower levels of acceptance among certain user groups may occur. This article explores the relationship between user acceptance of an information system and the degree of information requirements fulfillment for various user groups.
Systemic Magnesium to Reduce Postoperative Arrhythmias After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective To evaluate the effect of systemic magnesium on the prevention of postoperative cardiac arrhythmias after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Design A meta-analysis. Setting Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of systemic magnesium on the incidence of postoperative arrhythmias. Participants Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Interventions Systemic perioperative administration of magnesium sulfate. Measurements and Main Results Twenty studies evaluating 3,696 subjects were included. The combined effect suggested that systemic magnesium reduced the incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias compared with saline (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.90; number needed to treat [NNT] = 14). The effect was present for lower-quality studies (Jadad score ≤3; OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.81; NNT = 8), but it was not detected for higher-quality studies (Jadad >3; OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.66-1.11). There was no association between the total dose of magnesium administration and the incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias ( p = 0.19). There was no effect of magnesium on the incidence of postoperative stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. In addition, magnesium did not reduce the hospital or intensive care unit lengths of stay (all p > 0.05). Conclusions The effect of magnesium sulfate in reducing postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias was significant when examined by lower-quality studies but not when examined by higher-quality studies. This fact probably is responsible for controversial findings reported in the literature. Also, magnesium sulfate did not reduce the incidence of complications associated with the development of postoperative cardiac arrhythmias. More effective strategies should be used to prevent complications caused by arrhythmias in this patient population.
Evidence for long-range interactions in DNA. Analysis of melting curves of block polymers d(C15A15)-d(T15G15),d(C20A15)-d(T15G20), and d(T15G20).

The influence of one DNA region on the stability of an adjoining region (telestability) was examined. Melting curves of three block DNA's, d(C15A15)·d(T15G15), d(C20A15)·d(T15G20), and d(C20A10)·d(T10G20) were analyzed in terms of the nearest neighbor Ising model. Comparisons of predicted and experimental curves were made in 0.01 M and 0.1 M sodium ion solutions. The nearest neighbor formalism was also employed to analyze block DNA transition in the presence of actinomycin, a G·C specific molecule. The results show that nearest neighbor base-pair interaction cannot predict the melting curves of the block DNA's. Adjustments in theoretical parameters to account for phosphate repulsion assuming a B conformation throughout the DNA's do not alter this conclusion. Changes in the theoretical parameters, which provide good overall agreement, are consistent with a substantial stabilization of the A·T region nearest the G·C block. The melting temperature T A·T for the average A·T pari in d(C20A10)·d(T10G20), with 10 A·T pairs, appears to be 4°C greater than TA·T for d(C15A15)·d(T15G15) and d(C20A15)·d(T15G20), both with 15 A·T pairs. Actinomycin bound to the G·C end effectively stabilizes the A·T end by 9°C. These results indicate a long-range contribution to the interactions governing DNA stability. A possible mechanism for these interactions will be discussed.
A mouse model of lymphocyte infusion-induced bone marrow failure.

Objective To develop a mouse model for the study of the pathophysiologic mechanism and treatment of human bone marrow (BM) failure. Materials and methods Unmanipulated B6D2F1 or CByB6F1 hybrid mice were infused with 10–40 × 10 6 lymph node (LN) cells from their C57BL/6 (B6) parent. Pancytopenia was monitored by cell counting, while marrow damage was assessed by histological staining. Destruction of BM hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells was measured by colony formation in vitro and irradiation protection in vivo. Serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BM T cell Vβ and Fas expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry. Treatment effects of immunosupressive agents cyclosporine, antithymocyte globulin (ATG), anti-IFN-γ, and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) were tested. Results Infusion of 30–40 × 10 6 B6 LN cells led to rapid development of severe pancytopenia, BM hypoplasia, and death. Affected mice had drastically reduced hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. BM of affected mice showed lymphocyte infiltration, oligoclonal T cell expansion, and upregulated Fas expression. Serum IFN-γ concentration increased two- to three-fold. Timed administration of cyclosporine or ATG abrogated pancytopenia. Treatment with anti-IFN-γ antibody reliably rescued mice, and treatment with anti-TNF-α antibody extended animal survival significantly. Conclusion This mouse model indicates that activated lymphocytes and type I cytokines play important roles in marrow destruction in lymphocyte infusion-induced BM failure.
Reconciling OntoNotes: Unrestricted Coreference Resolution in OntoNotes with Reconcile.

This paper describes our entry to the 2011 CoNLL closed task (Pradhan et al., 2011) on modeling unrestricted coreference in OntoNotes. Our system is based on the Reconcile coreference resolution research platform. Reconcile is a general software infrastructure for the development of learning-based noun phrase (NP) coreference resolution systems. Our entry for the CoNLL closed task is a configuration of Reconcile intended to do well on OntoNotes data. This paper describes our configuration of Reconcile as well as the changes that we had to implement to integrate with the OntoNotes task definition and data formats. We also present and discuss the performance of our system under different testing conditions on a withheld validation set.
Taiwan's Self-Conscious Nation-Building Project

Some Taiwanese nationalists express, with alarm, the view that their country is about to be absorbed into a rising China, yet they are paradoxically optimistic that broader international trends will make it possible to secure de jure independence as early as the end of the decade. Their first and most urgent task, in the process of thoroughly de-Sinifying the culture, is to imagine a new Taiwanese nation—âa radical project that, in the aftermath of President Chen Shui-bian's reelection, is certain to roil cross-strait relations in the coming months and years.
Observations on some grasshoppers of the Rukwa Valley, Tanganyika.

A report is made of field observations during a period of three months on the development, daily activities, and feeding behaviour of eleven grasshopper species found at one location in the Rukwa Valley, Tanganyika.
The Philosophical Basis of Bioethics.

In this article, I consider in what sense bioethics is philosophical. Philosophy includes both analysis and synthesis. Analysis focuses on central concepts in a domain, for example, informed consent, death, medical futility, and health. It is argued that analysis should avoid oversimplification. The synthesis or synoptic dimension prompts people to explain how their views have logical assumptions and implications. In addition to the conceptual elements are the evaluative and empirical dimensions. Among its functions, philosophy can be a form of prophylaxis—helping people avoid some commonly accepted questionable theories. Generally, recent philosophy has steered away from algorithms and deductivist approaches to ethical justification. In bioethics, philosophy works in partnership with a range of other disciplines, including pediatrics and neurology.