cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Personal Reflection on Negotiating Fear, Compassion and Self-Care in Research

With this paper, I discuss the unexpected, the corporeal and the emotional. I attend not only to the issues of fear and integrity in research of the ex-gay movement in North America, but also to related issues of compassion, self-care and violence. I explore my commitment to communicate empathically with and think compassionately about a group of people who are politically and ideologically quite different from me. In the process of shifting my approach, I began to doubt my ability to write critically about the topics at hand. I faced significant cognitive dissonance as I shared moments of celebration with people who had found relief in the movement. Finally, as I internalized the thousands of pages of ex-gay literature, the dozens of face-to-face interviews and the countless email and instant message exchanges, I began to seriously ponder the violence I had done to myself in the name of research.
Peering into peer-review.

From the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH P eer-review is defined as the expert assessment of submitted materials. Because ‘‘the goal of this process is to ensure that the valid article is accepted, the messy article improved, and the invalid article rejected,’’ quality reviews are essential to the peer-review process and assist in maintaining the integrity of the medical literature. Grainger believes that ‘‘a critical determinant of any successful journal or technical communication in general is the sound, reliable capability to readily access a talented, adept, accomplished and reliable reviewer pool.’’ Because The Journal of Pediatrics publishes articles focusing on a wide variety of specialties and subspecialties in the field of pediatrics, The Journal uses an extensive historical database of experts, to which more are added daily. However, because of heavy workloads and time constraints of potential reviewers, it is often challenging for the editors to secure a commitment to review a manuscript from appropriate reviewers. Editors of The Journal usually choose reviewers from these sources: (1) personal knowledge of experts in the field; (2) authors of articles referenced in the manuscript; (3) reviewers suggested by the authors; (4) literature searches; (5) requesting suggestions from the editorial board; and (6) Elsevier Editorial System (EES) report of manuscript/personal classification matches. Occasionally, reviewers will be invited because another reviewer who declined or was uninvited suggests an individual as a good alternative candidate. Occasionally editors will choose reviewers from eTBlast, a freely available ‘‘similarity-based search engine,’’ which allows them to find ‘‘authors that are the most published in the topic of [their] query’’ (http://etest.vbi.vt.edu/etblast3/).
EFFECTS OF AMIODARONE AND L8040, NOVEL ANTIANGINAL AND ANTIARRHYTHIC DRUGS, ON CARDIAC AND CORONARY HAEMODYNAMICS AND ON CARDIAC INTRACELLULAR POTENTIALS

SUMMARY 1. The effects on the coronary and systemic haemodynamics of intravenous and intracoronary injections of two benzfuran derivatives, amiodarone and its brominated analogue (L8040), were studied in open-chest anaesthetized dogs. The effects of L8040 on cardiac intracellular potentials after 6 weeks of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injections in rabbits were also investigated. 2. Both compounds produced dose-related and quantitatively similar decreases in coronary vascular resistance following their intracoronary administration; threshold effects occurred with about 0.25 mg of each drug and maximal effects with 4 mg. Larger intracoronary doses produced measurable systemic effects. 3. Intravenous injections of amiodarone and L8040 (2·5·10 mg/kg) produced dose-related decreases in heart rate and aortic pressure with a fall in total peripheral resistance. The left ventricular output was either unaffected or increased with a consistent augmentation in stroke volume. 4. The bradycardia produced by both drugs was associated with prolongation of the P–R interval of the electrocardiogram with no significant effect on the QRS duration or the Q–T interval. 5. Each drug produced a decrease in the total peripheral vascular resistance with no change in left ventricular end diastolic pressure except after 10 mg/kg doses which led to an increase in this parameter. 6. Cardiac contractile force and peak LV dp/dt were reduced by both drugs in a dose-related manner. 7. Chronic intraperitoneal administration of L8040 in rabbits caused a prolongation of the duration of the atrial and ventricular intracellular potential without an effect on the maximal rate of depolarization. 8. The effects of amiodarone or L8040 on the coronary circulation and arterial pressure may be attributed to their vasodilator properties but their depressant actions on cardiac contractile force and peak LV dp/dt with an increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure at high doses, also suggest intrinsic negative inotropic propensity for both compounds. 9. It is concluded that the overall effects on coronary and systemic haemodynamics of amiodarone and its brominated analogue are likely to permit a favourable influence on the balance of oxygen supply and demand in myocardial ischaemia; in addition, their actions on sinoatrial and atrio-ventricular conduction as well as those on cardiac repolarization suggest potential antiarrhythmic properties which merit investigation.
Survival of organic phases in porous IDPs during atmospheric entry: A pulse‐heating study

In this study, we have performed pulse-heating experiments at different temperatures for three organic molecules (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [PAH], a ketone, and an amino acid) (absorbed into microporous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) in order to imitate the heating of the organic molecules in interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and micrometeorites (MMs) during atmospheric entry and to investigate their survival. We have shown that modest amounts (a few percent) of these organic molecules survive pulse-heating at temperatures in the 700 to 900 C range. This suggests that the porosity in IDPs and MMs, combined with a sublimable phase (organic material, water), produces an ablative cooling effect, which permits the survival of organic molecules that would otherwise be lost either by thermal degradation or evaporation during atmospheric entry.
The growth factor independence-1 transcription factor: New functions and new insights

The growth factor independence-1 (Gfi1) transcription factor is required for proper development of neuroendocrine cells, sensory neurons, and blood. Patients with mutations in Gfi1 exhibit severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) or non-immune chronic idiopathic neutropenia of adults. Gfi1 was initially described as an oncoprotein that mediates tumor progression in a mouse model of leukemia; however, recent data suggest that Gfi1 may act as either an oncogene or an anti-proliferative tumor suppressor gene depending on the cell type. Here we review the latest literature on Gfi1, and emphasize its role in the hematopoietic, sensory and neuroendocrine systems.
Public transportation line positions and headways for minimum user and system cost in a radial case

Abstract In this paper, a model of a transit system is built in polar coordinates with radial transit lines in order to find the line positions and headways which minimize user (travel time) and transit agency (operating) costs in response to a general population density function. It is found that the optimum line location is related to the population density and the circumferential access. The optimum headway is found to be that which causes user waiting time cost to equal the operating cost. The simplification of a population density function varying only radially is introduced. A method for determining the optimum number of lines is developed. This number depends upon the ratio of the access cost to the sum of the waiting and operating costs. It is proven that, for optimality, lines should be located in the centers of corridors of uniform width and have equal headways. A fleet size constraint is also introduced for the simplified case. It is proven that for optimality, the fleet is divided equally between lines.
Autotransplanted heart-lung and cerebral venous shunt preparations: Two new technics for pharmacologic assay of cardiovascular drugs

Abstract Two preparations, (1) the autotransplanted heart-lung, and (2) cerebral venous shunt, are presented as new experimental technics for the study of pharmacologic and physiologic phenomena. These experimental preparations have been utilized to demonstrate that sodium diphenylhydantoin has a direct action upon the myocardium, causing the conversion of aconite- and digitalis-induced arrhythmias, and not, as supposed by its action, on the central nervous system.
Milk protein synthesis as affected by high-grain, low-fiber rations.

Abstract Thirty-six Holstein cows were fed the following rations in two trials which lasted 50 days each: A) forage ad libitum plus 1kg concentrate per 3kg milk; B) concentrate ad libitum plus 2.7 to 3.2kg air-dry forage; C) B plus 7% partially delactosed whey, 1.25% NaHC0 3 , and 0.5% MgO in the concentrate. Milk yields tended to be lower for B than A and C in Trial 1, though differences were not significant. Cows were earlier in lactation in Trial 2 than 1, and milk production did not differ between treatments. Protein concentrations in milk were higher for high-grain groups in both trials. Greater yields of milk protein (P α -Casein and β -lactoglobulin accounted for the increase in milk protein, whereas milk serum albumins and "other nitrogens" decreased. Concentration of α -lactalbumin was correlated 0.88 with milk production.
Geomorphically Driven Late Cenozoic Rock Uplift in the Sierra Nevada, California

Geologists have long accepted that the Sierra Nevada, California, experienced significant late Cenozoic tectonically induced uplift. A flexural-isostatic model presented here shows, however, that a large fraction of the primary evidence for uplift could be generated by the lithospheric response to coupled erosion of the Sierra Nevada and deposition in the adjacent Central Valley and therefore requires less tectonic forcing than previously believed. The sum of range-wide erosion and the resultant isostatic rock uplift would have lowered Sierra mean elevation by 200 to 1000 meters since 10 million years ago and could also have increased summit elevations during the current period of relief production.
Influence of Immature Fruits on Strawberry Jam Quality and Storage Stability

Jam was prepared from two strawberry cultivars, ‘Cardinal’ and A-5344, which were suited to once-over machine harvest. For jam manufacture, puree from ripe (R) and immature (IM) fruits were combined in the following blends: 25% R + 75% IM, 50% R + 50% IM, 75% R + 25% IM, and 100% R. Initially and after storage at 2°C for 6 and 12 months, jam color and flavor of all mixtures were acceptable. Jam made from 25 and 50% ripe fruit of A-5344 had unacceptable color after 6 and 12 months, respectively, at 25°C. All jam stored at 35°C was unacceptable after 6 months. Color acceptability was more dependent on total anthocyanin content than the percentage of ripe puree used in jam manufacture.
Application of Long-Distance Forward-Scattering Particle Image Velocimetry in Micro-Scale Turbulent Jet Flow Tests

A new particle image velocimetry system is applied to measure turbulent air jet flows from a micro-scale nozzle. The applied MPIV system includes a long-distance microscope that enables not only a long working distance, but also a forward-scattering optical setup. By using a high repeating rate Nd:YAG laser and an advanced digital camera, particle image recordings can be captured at 60 fps, i.e. 30 PIV recording pairs per second, with an interframing time of 180 ns, so that a high-speed flow measurement is enabled in micro scale. Measurements were conducted in the central plane of an air jet from a nozzle of 500 μm in diameter at flow velocity up to 110 m/s. Mean velocity and Reynolds stress distributions were determined with statistical analyses of thousands of instantaneous velocity maps.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Age-related changes in hippocampal drug facilitation of memory processing in SAMP 8 Mice

SAMP8/TaJf(P8) mouse strain has an inherited age-related impairment of learning and memory, while age-matched subjects of the closely related SAMR1/TaJf(R1) show no impairment. After training on footshock avoidance, P8 and R1 received a drug injection into the hippocampus. Retention was tested 1 week later. The results indicate that bicuculline (GABA antagonist), SKF38393 (DA agonist), and ST587 (NE agonist) facilitated retention with little change in the dose-response curves for P8 mice 4, 8, and 12 months of age. L-glutamate, acting at the NMDA receptor, showed a modest decline in ability to improve retention with increasing age. Arecoline, a muscarinic agonist, had the strongest trend for an age-related decline in potency. The same drug treatments yielded dose-dependent facilitation of retention but no age-related changes in R1 mice. Reduced cholinergic activity in the hippocampus may be, in part, responsible for age-related decline in memory retention in P8 mice.
Sex Differences in Occupational Aspirations and Expectations

The research reported in this paper examines sex differences in the prestige and sex-type of occupational aspirations and expectations held by adolescents. Sex differences in the discrepancy between aspirations and expectations are examined, and the effects of socioeconomic background and academic achievement on the unmeasured construct of occupational ambition are compared for the two sexes. The study is based on a random sample of eleventh-grade students in Pennsylvania. The findings indicate that: (I) occupational aspirations and expectations held by adolescents are highly differentiated by sex according to the pattern of sexual segregation in the occupational structure; (2) boys aspire to and expect higher levels of occupational attainment than girls; (3) boys' occupational aspirations and expectations are characterized by greater variability than those of girls; (4) the discrepancy between the prestige of occupations aspired to and expected is greater for girls than boys at higher levels of aspiratio...
A Review of Chemotherapy Trials for Malignant Mesothelioma

Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma continues to be frustrating regardless of the modality employed. Numerous trials of chemotherapeutic agents have been performed, but until recently, these studies were small and subject to inaccuracies of disease measurement. To our knowledge, no chemotherapeutic regimen has emerged as a standard of care. A review of the literature reveals that small activity against this disease has been shown by the anthracyclines, platinum compounds, and alkylating agents, whereas higher activity has been reported with the antimetabolites. The plant alkaloids have not demonstrated any activity against mesothelioma. Dose-escalated chemotherapeutic regimens may offer an advantage, whereas combination chemotherapy has not shown any benefit over single-agent therapy. Favorable responses have been reported with the administration of intrapleural biological response modifiers. Further trials and the investigation of new agents in the treatment of this disease are necessary.
Using Geographic Information Systems to Design Population-Based Interventions

Geographic information systems (GIS) offer public health nurses a new technology to plan and implement interventions within communities. The present article gives a brief overview of GIS, describes a project designed to pilot-test the use of GIS for developing population-based interventions, and discusses lessons learned from the project that need to be applied to any future work. Using GIS to map the incidence and prevalence of disease, locate risk factors, and identify access to health care services is not difficult. Trying to move beyond that and use the technology to depict community networks and develop and implement population-based interventions is more problematic. The project identified specific questions that anyone involved in a planning or decision-making project in which GIS are used should ask.
Social Security in the United States—An Ongoing Debate

Social security is one of the most significant political‐economic issues in America. It is loaded with controversy and is of deep concern to millions of Americans, both the elderly, who have been receiving benefits since they became payable in the late 1930s, and also younger people, who are deeply concerned and troubled about two problems. The first has to do with the increasing costs, that is, the amount of the so‐called “contributions” being required in order to finance social security. Their second worry grows out of their decreasing confidence in the social security system. Will benefits be available to them when they reach age 65? Is the system sound? Is it bankrupt? If not now, is it likely to go broke?
A Periodontal Case Report by Dr. S.L. Clemens

Mark Twain provides a humorous and insightful look into the origins of periodontal therapy and anesthesia in "Happy Memories of the Dental Chair". The main character of this story is Dr. John Riggs, the father of periodontics. Dr. Horace Wells, a pioneer in the field of anesthesia, also appears in the story. Twain presents his autobiographical experiences with dentistry in his literary work in a form that can be seen to be similar to a case report in a professional dental journal.
Introduction: the future of news

staff by three hundred to four hundred, about 25 percent. More than one-quarter of the public now gets news from cell phones. Bankruptcies, buyouts, and bolting advertisers send one message: The sky, 1⁄2lled with pink slips for reporters, is falling on mainstream news media. Three magazines displayed next to each other at a bookstore blame different culprits for the mainstream news media’s plight. A New Yorker Nostradamus describes an entertain-or-die media world of nonstop news on the Web and high-decibel argument on cable tv.1 An Atlantic column points to the shift in readership from lengthy newspaper articles to Internet articles that “get to the point.”2 An Utne Reader article cites plummeting international coverage by U.S. media, down by about 40 percent in 2008.3 The authors of all three magazine pieces, whatever their differences, probably agree with the assumption that drives this issue of Daedalus about the future of news: A democracy depends on a citizenry informed by the free flow of serious news and an independent journalism that continuously casts a skeptical eye on the powerful and provides original, reliable reporting. This issue’s 1⁄2rst article–by Herbert J. Gans, the Robert S. Lynd Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Columbia University–calls for rethinking the theory of the press as a bulwark of democracy. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and Jeffrey A. Gottfried, senior researcher at the Center, follow with an article that credits news media with traditionally educating citizens about national issues. But the article questions whether, based on coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign, the media “still sift fact from fabrication.” Those who see informed citizens as key to a democracy worry, often apocalyptically, about the advertising-supported U.S. media that traditionally have provided news and credible journalism. Print newspapers are closing, commercial radio news is disappearing, and television news operations are slashing staff to survive. What business models will provide the income for news organizations to do the ambitious, expensive journalism that covers wars abroad and investigates corruption at home? Loren Ghiglione
Transplantation with low-density autologous PBSC prepared with BDS60 for women with Stage II, III and IV breast cancer.

Background DS60 is a novel buoyant density solution, whose density has been adjusted to enrich PBSC from subjects who have been mobilized with cytokines alone, or cytokines plus chemotherapy. This report describes the use of BDS60 to enrich autologous PBSC that were used for hematological reconstitution after myeloablative chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients with high-risk Stage II or III breast cancer or chemotherapy-sensitive Stage IV breast cancer were enrolled. Forty-seven completed treatment and were evaluable. After mobilization with cyclophosphamide (4.0 g/m2 i.v. once) and filgrastim (10 &#119 g/kg/day), the patients underwent leukapheresis and the products were enriched with BDS60 using the DACS300 Kit. Myeloablative chemotherapy, given on Day -5 through Day -2, consisted of cyclophosphamide (1.5 g/m2/day), thiotepa (150 mg/m2/day) and carboplatin (200 mg/m2/day). Results: Forty-one patients underwent a single leukapheresis procedure to achieve the ta...
Learning-dependent neuronal responses recorded from limbic system brain structures during classical conditioning

Multiple unit recordings were made from hippocampus and various other limbic system structures during classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response. Hippocampal cells increase their firing rate substantially during the very early phases of conditioning—long before behavioral conditioning. A variety of evidence indicates that the hippocampal increase is learning-dependent, suggesting that hippocampal neurons are particularly sensitive to temporal parameters of stimuli used in conditioning. Single unit recordings of physiologically identified hippocampal cells indicate that pyramidal neurons are the cell type exhibiting the increase pattern of activation, while other putative cell types respond in different manners. Recordings from other limbic system brain areas during conditioning show a contrast between activity patterns of the major hippocampal afferents, important similarities between hippocampal and entorhinal cortical within-trial unit patterns of cell activation, and a selective projection of heightened hippocampal discharges along precommissural rather than post-commissurral fornix pathways.
Troposcatter link performance in the presence of two jammers

Performance predictions of a Rayleigh fading channel are calculated for a troposcatter radio in the presence of two line-of-sight (LOS) jammers. The receiver incorporates dual main antennas and a sidelobe canceller. The countermeasure approach used is array processing. A communications approach is taken, with the goal of deriving an analytic expression for the bit error rate, in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio. After deriving the general solution, an approximation is introduced and proposed as an alternative measure of performance. It is insensitive to the fine-grain structure of the problem geometry, and it contains a minimal number of parameters, namely, the various signal energies reaching the receiver. >
Development of an homologous radioimmunoassay for chicken follicle-stimulating hormone and measurement of plasma FSH during the ovulatory cycle

1. A highly specific and sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay was developed for measurement of chicken follicle stimulating hormone (cFSH). 2. Mammalian gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) significantly stimulated secretion of chicken luteinising hormone (cLH) but not cFSH when administered to 22 week non-laying hens. 3. Chicken GnRH-I did not affect circulating cFSH concentrations but significantly stimulated cLH secretion when administered to 3 week cockerels. 4. The plasma concentration of cFSH was low throughout the ovulatory cycle, but a significant decline in cFSH occurred prior to the pre-ovulatory LH surge and a significant increase occurred during the 3 hr prior to oviposition as LH levels decline.
Tendon and nerve displacement at the wrist during finger movements.

Abstract Background. Repetitive motion of the hand has been suggested as a major factor of pathogenesis of cumulative trauma disorders (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome). The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3D displacement of the median nerve and extrinsic finger flexor tendons (flexor digitorum superficialis; flexor digitorum profundus) as a function of flexion/extension of metacarpophalangeal joints of the index and middle fingers. Methods. Shim markers were placed on the median nerve, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor digitorum profundus tendons at the wrist region of seven cadaveric specimens for the purpose of digitization of tendon and nerve locations. The metacarpophalangeal joint of the index or middle finger was moved from 15° extension to 75° of flexion while the markers were digitized at increments of 15°. Marker displacements were determined in the longitudinal, radial–ulnar, and dorsal–palmar directions. Findings. Movement of metacarpophalangeal joint of the index or middle finger caused tendon and nerve displacements in the longitudinal, radial–ulnar, and dorsal–palmar directions. The longitudinal displacements of the median nerve and the flexor tendons were linearly correlated with angular movement of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The maximum longitudinal displacements of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, flexor digitorum profundus tendon, and median nerve were, on average, 14.7 mm, 11.9 mm, and 3.0 mm, respectively, for the index finger; and 18.4 mm, 14.5 mm, and 4.0 mm, respectively, for the middle finger. The radial–ulnar and dorsal–palmar displacements were irregular and relatively small. The maximum displacements in these transverse directions fell in the range of 1.4–5.1 mm for the median nerve and 1.9–7.3 mm for the flexor tendons. Interpretations. Finger flexor tendons and median nerve move not only concurrently, but also differentially, in all anatomical directions. Tendon and nerve movement during prolonged repetitive hand movement may cause hand disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Angiotensin AT2 Receptor Contributes towards Gender Bias in Weight Gain

Obesity is a major disease condition, in turn leading to pathological changes collectively recognized as metabolic syndrome. Recently angiotensin receptor AT(2)R has been associated negatively with body weight (BW) gain in male mice. However, the gender differences in AT(2)R and BW changes have not been studied. To understand the gender based role of AT(2)R involving BW changes, we fed male and female wild type (WT) and AT(2)R knock out (AT(2)KO) mice with C57BL6 background with high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. The male AT(2)KO had higher HFD calorie intake (WT: 1280±80; AT(2)KO:1680±80 kcal) but gained less BW compared with the WT (WT: 13; AT(2)KO: 6 g). Contrary to the male animals, the female AT(2)KO mice with equivalent caloric intake (WT: 1424±48; AT(2)KO:1456±80 kcal) gained significantly more BW than the WT mice (WT: 9 g; AT(2)KO: 15 g). The male AT(2)KO on HFD displayed lower plasma insulin level, less impaired glucose tolerance (GT), and higher plasma T3 compared with WT males on HFD; whereas the female AT(2)KO mice on HFD showed elevated levels of plasma insulin, more impaired GT, lower plasma T3 and higher free fatty acid and hepatic triglycerides compared with WT females on HFD. Interestingly, compared with WT, AT(2)KO female mice had significantly lower estrogen, which was further reduced by HFD. These results suggest that AT(2)R in female mice via potentially regulating estrogen may have protective role against BW gain and impaired glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism.
Locomotion: Control by Positive-Feedback Optokinetic Responses

Several species of arthropods perform forward locomotory movements when restrained in place and exposed to a pattern of stripes moving backward at normal locomotory velocities. Locomotory effort varies directly with stripe velocity. In nature such locomotory reactions would increase the visual stimulus that elicits them; hence, the reactions represent a new class of optokinetic responses employing positive visual feedback. Stabilizing mechanisms include response decrement during constant stripe velocities.
Localization of Aircraft on an Electronic Navigation Display Using Verbal Communication

The present study examined the use of a track-up aircraft navigation display in localizing the position of a second aircraft given only verbal communication information of its position. Two experiments examined the role of map rotation, number of available fixed reference points, and the relative position between two aircraft on the ability to localize the position of the target aircraft. Both experiments confirmed that performance declined with map rotations other than north-up, with the poorest performance at 90° of rotation. The number of reference points available increased the response time for localization but did not improve accuracy. The relative position of the two aircraft also affected performance, finding that aircraft located on opposite sides of a reference point or aligned with one of the 4 cardinal compass directions resulting in the fastest and most accurate localization.
Central engines for gamma-ray bursts

What powers a gamma-ray burst (GRB)? We discuss here some properties of several currently favored models based on black hole accretion with emphasis on the collapsar - a rotating massive star whose iron core collapse produces a black hole. Depending on mass, rotation rate, and viewing angle, collapsars can explain a wide gambit of GRBs from faint events like GRB 980425, to bright ones like GRB 971214. Because of accretion disk instabilities, the Γ in the jet may be rapidly time variable. The burst itself is made by a combination of internal shocks in the jet and external shocks with the pre-explosive stellar wind. Beaming for hard gamma-rays is about 1%, but mildly relativistic matter is ejected at larger angles. All collapsars produce Type Ib/c supernovae like SN 1998bw, but the converse is not true. Most Type Ib/c supernovae do not make GRBs.
Structural biology: An alphavirus puzzle solved

Alphaviruses infect their host by binding cellular receptors and fusing with cell membranes. New structures define the receptor-binding protein of these viruses and its regulation of the membrane-fusion reaction.
The effect of water on the adsorption of CO2 and C3H8 on type X zeolites

The effect of small amounts of water, in regard to inhibiting the adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2), on several different cationic forms of zeolite X has been investigated using the zero length column (ZLC) technique, coupled with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) measurements. This is shown to be a very effective way to study the effect of a strongly adsorbed species (water) on the adsorption of a less-strongly adsorbed species (CO2 or propane (C3H8)). It was observed that, for all systems studied, the Henry constant declines exponentially with the loading of water. As expected, this effect is stronger for CO2 than for C3H8.
The Expression Profile of the Major Mouse SPO11 Isoforms Indicates that SPO11β Introduces Double Strand Breaks and Suggests that SPO11α Has an Additional Role in Prophase in both Spermatocytes and Oocytes

Both in mice and humans, two major SPO11 isoforms are generated by alternative splicing: SPO11alpha (exon 2 skipped) and SPO11beta. Thus, the alternative splicing event must have emerged before the mouse and human lineages diverged and was maintained during 90 million years of evolution, arguing for an essential role for both isoforms. Here we demonstrate that developmental regulation of alternative splicing at the Spo11 locus governs the sequential expression of SPO11 isoforms in male meiotic prophase. Protein quantification in juvenile mice and in prophase mutants indicates that early spermatocytes synthesize primarily SPO11beta. Estimation of the number of SPO11 dimers (betabeta/alphabeta/alphaalpha) in mutants in which spermatocytes undergo a normal number of double strand breaks but arrest in midprophase due to inefficient repair argues for a role for SPO11beta-containing dimers in introducing the breaks in leptonema. Expression kinetics in males suggested a role for SPO11alpha in pachytene/diplotene spermatocytes. Nevertheless, we found that both alternative transcripts can be detected in oocytes throughout prophase I, arguing against a male-specific function for this isoform. Altogether, our data support a role for SPO11alpha in mid- to late prophase, presumably acting as a topoisomerase, that would be conserved in male and female meiocytes.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Evidence for the Role of the Flexible Regions of the E1 Component of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex from Gram-negative Bacteria

Most bacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes from either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria have E1 components with an α2 homodimeric quaternary structure. In a sequel to our previous publications, we present the first NMR study on the flexible regions of the E1 component from Escherichia coli and its biological relevance. We report sequence-specific NMR assignments for 6 residues in the N-terminal 1–55 region and for a glycine in each of the two mobile active center loops of the E1 component, a 200-kDa homodimer. This was accomplished by using site-specific substitutions and appropriate labeling patterns along with a peptide with the sequence corresponding to the N-terminal 1–35 amino acids of the E1 component. To study the functions of these mobile regions, we also examined the spectra in the presence of (a) a reaction intermediate analog known to affect the mobility of the active center loops, (b) an E2 component construct consisting of a lipoyl domain and peripheral subunit binding domain, and (c) a peptide corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the E2 peripheral subunit binding domain. Deductions from the NMR studies are in excellent agreement with our functional finding, providing a clear indication that the N-terminal region of the E1 interacts with the E2 peripheral subunit binding domain and that this interaction precedes reductive acetylation. The results provide the first structural support to the notion that the N-terminal region of the E1 component of this entire class of bacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes is responsible for binding the E2 component.
Alkyne Hydroamination and Trimerization with Titanium Bis(phenolate)pyridine Complexes: Evidence for Low-Valent Titanium Intermediates and Synthesis of an Ethylene Adduct of Titanium(II)

A class of titanium precatalysts of the type (ONO)TiX_2 (ONO = pyridine-2,6-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate); X = Bn, NMe_2) has been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The (ONO)TiX_2 (X = Bn, NMe_2, X_2 = NPh) complexes are highly active precatalysts for the hydroamination of internal alkynes with primary arylamines and some alkylamines. A class of titanium imido/ligand adducts, (ONO)Ti(L)(NR) (L = HNMe_2, py; R = Ph, ^tBu), have also been synthesized and characterized and provide structural analogues to intermediates on the purported catalytic cycle. Furthermore, these complexes exhibit unusual redox behavior. (ONO)TiBn_2 (1) promotes the cyclotrimerization of electron-rich alkynes, likely via a catalytically active Ti^(II) species that is generated in situ from 1. Depending on reaction conditions, these Ti^(II) species are proposed to be generated through Ti benzylidene or imido intermediates. A formally Ti^(II) complex, (ONO)Ti^(II)(η^2-C_2H_4)(HNMe_2) (7), has been prepared and structurally characterized.
A Phase-Modulation I/Q-Demodulation Microwave-to-Digital Photonic Link

We present theory and experiments for a microwave-to-digital photonic link capitalizing on the linearity of optical phase modulation and coherent optical I/Q demodulation to achieve unprecedented gain and dynamic range performance. We demonstrate, with an optical amplifier noise limited system, direct demodulation spur-free dynamic range (SFDR), gain, and noise figure of 126.8 dB-Hz2/3 (86.8 dB in 1 MHz noise bandwidth), 8 dB, and 18.6 dB, respectively for inputs up to 1 GHz. Additionally we demonstrate complimentary all-photonic downconversion allowing the extension of input operating bandwidth to a modulator limited 40 GHz. Demonstrated microwave to intermediate frequency conversion loss ranges from <; 4 dB @ 4 GHz to <; 13 dB @ 40 GHz. Linear all-photonic downconversion and demodulation is demonstrated at 3 and 10 GHz with optical amplifier noise limited SFDR better than 107 dB-Hz2/3 (67 dB in 1 MHz noise bandwidth). System design issues are discussed including critical parametric sensitivities and optical-electrical-digital sub-system dynamic range matching and technology capability for downconverting microwave-to-digital SFDR performance in excess of 125 dB-Hz2/3 (85 dB in 1 MHz) with current technology.
'Candidatus Phytoplasma tamaricis', a novel taxon discovered in witches'-broom-diseased salt cedar (Tamarix chinensis Lour.)

Salt cedar trees with pronounced witches'-broom symptoms were observed in their natural habitat in China. 16S rRNA gene sequences unique to phytoplasmas were detected in every DNA sample extracted from stem and leaf tissues of the symptomatic trees, revealing a direct association between phytoplasma infection and the salt cedar witches'-broom (SCWB) disease. Phylogenetic analysis of the SCWB phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the SCWB phytoplasma belonged to a subclade consisting of several mutually distinct 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' taxa including 'Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum', 'Ca. Phytoplasma mali', 'Ca. Phytoplasma pyri' and 'Ca. Phytoplasma spartii'. Pairwise sequence similarity scores calculated from an alignment of near full-length 16S rRNA genes revealed that SCWB phytoplasma shared 96.6 % or less sequence similarity with each previously described or proposed 'Ca. Phytoplasma' taxon, justifying the recognition of SCWB phytoplasma as a novel taxon, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma tamaricis'. The distinct virtual RFLP pattern derived from the SCWB phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene sequence, together with its lower-than-threshold similarity coefficient values with RFLP patterns of any of the 29 previously established groups, supported the recognition of a new 16Sr group, designated 16SrXXX, salt cedar witches'-broom phytoplasma group.
On a stochastic model for particle sedimentation in fluids

The engineering sciences have long been interested in models describing the settling (or sedimentation) of particle ensembles in viscous fluids. From a theoretical point of view, sedimentation constitutes a two phase many-body phenomenon with complex interaction and as such has proved to be quite inaccessible to modelling attempts with relevance in applications. A stochastic model was introduced by Pickard and Tory in 1977 and was subsequently revised. In this paper we expand and refine the stochastic model and present a satisfactory model-fitting procedure and parameter estimators based on transit times of sedimenting particles.
Evaluation of a facial recognition algorithm across three illumination conditions

This work evaluated the performance of a commercially available face recognition algorithm for the verification of an individual's identity pertaining to three enrollment illumination levels. Existing facial recognition technology from still or video sources is becoming a practical tool for law enforcement, security, and counter-terrorist applications despite the limitations of the current technology. At this time, facial recognition has been implemented in limited applications, but has not been exhaustively studied in adverse conditions, which has initiated continuing study aimed at improving algorithms to compare images or representations of images to recognize a suspect (Paul, 2002). Moreover, this evaluation examined the influence of variations in illumination levels on the performance of a face recognition algorithm, specifically testing the significance between verification attempts and enrollment conditions with respect to factors of age, gender, ethnicity, facial characteristics, and facial obstructions. The results of this evaluation showed that for low and medium illuminance enrollments, there was a statistically significant difference between verification attempts made at low, medium, and high illuminance. However, for the high illuminance enrollment, there was no statistically significant difference between verification attempts made at low, medium, or high illuminance. Furthermore, this evaluation showed that the enrollment illumination level is a better indicator of the verification rate than the verification illumination level.
A SPICE model for multiconductor transmission lines excited by an incident electromagnetic field

This paper describes a SPICE model that may be used for predicting the time-domain or frequency-domain voltages and currents induced at the terminations of a multiconductor transmission line (MTL) by an incident electromagnetic held. Explicit results for the entries in the SPICE circuit model are obtained for an incident uniform plane wave that may represent sources such as radio and television transmitters, radars, lightning, etc. The result relies on the transformation of the MTL equations into uncoupled modal lines by similarity transformations. The entries in the similarity transformations are provided for lossless lines. The model is implemented using controlled sources to implement the modal transformations and delay lines to implement the modal lines. If the model is implemented as a SPICE subcircuit model, the time-domain form of the incident field can be implemented as a source external to that subcircuit model so that changes in the line responses due to changes In the incident field waveform can be simulated without changing the subcircuit model. In order to avoid negative line delays, the result is restricted to incident waves having components of the propagation vector in the positive direction along the line. This restriction can be removed by simply reversing the line. The paramount advantages of the model are that both time-domain and frequency-domain results can be easily obtained with the existing SPICE code, and nonlinear loads, such as transistors and digital devices, as well as dynamic loads, such as inductors and capacitors, may be easily incorporated using the existing elements in the SPICE code. Predicted results for MTL's using the method are compared to those of the time-domain to frequency-domain transformation and finite difference-time-domain (FDTD) methods. >
Saturation-induced frequency instability in electric power systems

This paper concerns the effects of generator controller limits on long-term power system stability. It is shown through an example that when the system operates near its limits, saturation in the turbine/governor controllers can lead to frequency instability that would not be evident from load-flow analysis. A linearized model with controller saturation nonlinearity is obtained that preserves the saturation-induced instability phenomenon. A linear matrix inequalities (LMI) technique is used to find a region of attraction for the saturated linear system that gives an estimate of the maximum load disturbance that can be tolerated when the saturation effect is taken into account. Simulation also shows a power system stabilizer (PSS) providing frequency feedback to the automatic voltage regulator (AVR) significantly enhances the system robustness to large disturbances, while reducing the AVR gain has little effect. This work suggests several directions for further research.
Effect of canopy structures and their steric interactions on CO2 sorption behavior of liquid-like nanoparticle organic hybrid materials

Liquid-like NOHMs with different grafting densities of polymeric canopy were synthesized to evaluate their solvating properties as CO2 solvents. The in situ ATR FT-IR study of NOHMs with linear and branched canopies revealed distinct CO2 capture and corresponding swelling behaviors. These observations suggested that the entropic contribution for CO2 sorption in NOHMs can be tuned via the canopy design.
A Technology Supported Induction Network for Rural Student Teachers

Student teaching is a challenging period for preservice teachers as they make the transition from preparation to practice. Support from mentor teachers and university personnel can make this time easier, helping preservice teachers successfully integrate educational theory into their practice. Because of logistical, financial, and personnel limitations, many student teachers with rural placements receive inadequate support. The Technology Supported Induction Network (TSIN) was developed to address these issues by providing support and ongoing professional learning opportunities for preservice teachers through distance technology. A qualitative case study was used to investigate the TSIN’s impact on elementary level student teachers. Results indicate that the TSIN’s two primary components, a discussion board and compressed video sessions, served different supportive roles. Recommendations for future programs utilizing technology as a way to enhance the preparation of student teachers or provide induction for inservice teachers in rural schools are also discussed.
The importance of private lands for ocelot Leopardus pardalis conservation in the United States

The distribution of ocelots Leopardus pardalis in the USA is limited to southern Texas. Identification and monitoring of ocelot populations enables biologists to assess population health and status. Use of camera traps has been successfully used to monitor numerous populations of wild felids, including the ocelot. Our objectives were to identify ocelot presence within southern Texas and estimate ocelot population size and density. We used camera traps to survey for ocelots on four study sites in southern Texas. We recorded ocelot presence on one study site with an abundance estimate of three individuals and a density estimate of 0.30±SE 0.03 ocelots km−2. The conservation implications of this study suggest concentrating conservation efforts in and around the study site (Yturria Ranch) found to have ocelots. In addition, this study emphasizes the importance of including private landowners in the ocelot recovery process.
Evaluation of Green's Functions of Rectangular Cavities Around Resonant Frequencies in the Method of Moments

This letter presents a technique to evaluate the Green's functions of rectangular cavities around resonant frequencies. It is well known that, lossless cavities' Green's functions are singular at discrete resonant frequencies hence cannot be numerically evaluated directly. In this letter, the singular terms are first explicitly separated from the Green's functions, and then a bases rearrangement method is proposed to avoid direct evaluation of singularities in the context of the method of moments (MOM). Consequently, MOM that conventionally fails around resonant frequencies yields correct results for all frequencies. The singularity evaluation technique is validated through a practical example. Good agreements between MOM and experimental data are demonstrated over a wide spectral range including various resonant frequencies.
Constitutive nitric oxide production by rat alveolar macrophages.

Results from previous studies suggest that alveolar macrophages must be exposed to inflammatory stimuli to produce nitric oxide (⋅ NO). In this study, we report that naive unstimulated rat alveolar...
Optical filling of delay-inducing traps in injection lasers

Irradiating a GaAs 0.60 P 0.40 laser with radiation from a GaAs laser demonstrates conclusively that the delay-inducing traps are deep centers which act as saturable absorbers. These centers can be filled optically and then remain in the nonabsorbing state for milliseconds. Their concentration is greater than 1 \times 10^{17} cm-3.