cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic transposable element accumulation in the nascent sex chromosomes of papaya.

From their inception, Y chromosomes in plants and animals are subjected to the powerful effects of Muller’s ratchet, a process spurred by suppression of recombination that results in a rapid accumulation of mutations and repetitive elements. These mutations eventually lead to gene loss and degeneration of the Y chromosome. Y chromosomes in mammals are ancient, whereas most sex chromosomes in plants and many in insects and fish evolved recently. Sex type in papaya is controlled by a pair of nascent sex chromosomes that evolved around 7 million years ago. The papaya X and Yh were recently sequenced, providing valuable insight into the early stages of sex chromosome evolution. Here we discuss the fruits of this work with a focus on the repeat accumulation, gene trafficking and promiscuous DNA sequences found in the slowly degenerating Yh chromosome of papaya.
Controlled Escalation: Himmler's Men in the Summer of 1941 and the Holocaust in the Occupied Soviet Territories

Most scholars who study Holocaust perpetrators have invested more energy in discussing the role of the leadership in the centers of executive power than in investigating the actions of the killers in the field. Research on the latter has focused on identifying personal motives and collective attitudes; comparatively few insights are offered into the synergies between units and agencies or between center and periphery at a specific time. This article explores this interaction for the critical phase of Operation Barbarossa, during which German units, and especially Himmler's SS- and policemen, crossed the line from persecution to the murder of Jewish men, women, and children en masse. The author examines the leadership's expectations and concerns prior to Operation Barbarossa, and analyzes Himmler's response to and interference in his men's actions in the East.
Decarboxylation of long chain fatty acids to alkanes by cell free preparations of pea leaves (Pisum sativum).

Summary Cell free preparations from excised epidermis of pea leaves and whole leaf extracts catalyzed the decarboxylation of n-[9,10,11- 3 H]dotriacontanoic acid to alkanes in the presence of ascorbic acid and oxygen. The products were identified by radio gas-liquid chromatography as n-C 31 alkane and n-C 30 alkane suggesting that both direct decarboxylation and α-oxidation followed by decarboxylation occurred. Imidazole inhibited the formation of both n-C 30 alkane and n-C 31 alkane from n-C 32 acid. Synthetic α-hydroxy C 32 acid was converted to n-C 31 alkane. Therefore, this hydroxy acid is suggested to be an intermediate in the conversion of C 32 acid to C 31 alkane. Alkane formation by the cell free preparation was also inhibited by parachloromercuribenzoate, dithioerythritol, ethylenediamine tetraacetate, and o-phenanthroline. The decarboxylase activity was located in the 100,000 xg supernatant.
An intermittent “cooing” diastolic murmur due to a torn aortic valve cusp

Abstract We have reported a patient with an extremely loud “cooing” diastolic murmur of aorta regurgitation that occurred intermittently. The murmur was periodically superimposed upon the typical murmur of aortic regurgitation and was similar to the murmur associated with retroversion of an aortic valve cusp. The unusual murmur varied greatly from heart cycle to heart cycle and within a few heartbeats would range in intensity from very loud to inaudible. The murmur was secondary to a 5 mm. tear in the left aortic cusp, although, in addition, the patient had a history of treated syphilis and mild systemic hypertension. The cause of the intermittency of the murmur and probable retroversion or prolapse of the cusp was not determined. Aortic valve surgery was recommended and executed because the aortic regurgitation was severe and presumably progressive, because heart failure was noted on physical examination, and because the intermittent murmur was audible to the patient.
Mecamylamine blockade of nicotine enhanced noradrenaline turnover in rat brain.

Abstract The administration of nicotine significantly enhanced the depletion in noradrenaline (NA) observed in the brains of male Sprague-Dawley rats following alpha methyl-para-tyrosine (αMPT) administration. These data indicate that nicotine enhances the turnover of NA in the rat brain. This effect of nicotine was completely blocked by mecamylamine administration while mecamylamine alone had no observed effect on NA content or turnover. These data are consistent with the action of mecamylamine as an effective antagonist of the action of nicotine in the rat brain.
Picosecond and femtosecond pulse generation near 1000 nm from a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG-pumped cw dye laser

We report efficient synchronous mode locking of a 532-nm pumped cw dye laser tunable from 840 to 1030 nm, using a styryl compound as the gain medium. Hybrid synchronously pumped, passive mode locking of the laser using the saturable absorber DaQTeC generated 230-fsec pulses near 975 nm.
Severity of disease induced by a pancreatropic Coxsackie B4 virus correlates with the H-2K q locus of the major histocompatibility complex

Coxsackie B viruses are known etiological agents of pancreatic diseases, including diabetes. The pathogenesis of these infections is influenced by both host and viral factors. In this report, we examined whether the outcome of Coxsackie B4 virus infection is dependent on the genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We generated a pancreatic variant, CB4-V and established an animal model system of pancreatitis with concurrent hypoglycemia in mice. Infection of various B10 H-2 congenic strains of mice revealed that the development of hypoglycemia with accompanying pancreatitis was independent of the MHC haplotype. However, the severity of the disease as monitored by the extent and duration of hypoglycemia and by mortality rate was found to be associated with the H-2 haplotype, specifically the H-2Kq locus. Pancreatic damage induced by CB4-V appeared to be both immune-mediated and viral-mediated. Histological examination of pancreatic tissue from infected B10 H-2 congenic mice revealed an association between acute destruction of the exocrine pancreas and lymphocytic infiltration. This infiltration may correlate with immune-mediated destruction of the infected pancreatic tissue. Since preferential replication of CB4-V was not observed in the most susceptible B10 mouse strain, direct viral destruction may not be the major mechanism of pancreatic injury.
From the Harpoon to the Heat: Climate Change and the International Whaling Commission in the 21st Century

The article examines the International Whaling Commission's efforts to address one of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans in the 21st Century, climate change. The article outlines the history of the IWC in addressing climate change issues and suggests ways for the IWC to improve its ability to protect cetaceans in the future.
The lattice location of helium implanted in α-SiC☆

Abstract Methods of ion channeling analysis, employing backscattering spectrometry and the ion-induced 3 He(d,p) 4 He nuclear reaction, were applied to specify a lattice site of high symmetry for helium in α-SiC. Single-crystal α-SiC, held at 300 K, was implanted with 3 He + at 75 keV. By considering the channeling angular distributions and the crystal structure, a probable position within the unit cell was qualitatively identified. Significant clustering and random positioning were not present. A single helium atom was centrally positioned in either a substitutional site or a tetrahedral interstitial site. Limitations upon the number of available low-index channeling directions prevented precise specification of the final lattice location. The availability of α-SiC with an orientation normal to the 〈0001〉 axis would allow the two identified possible locations for the helium to be distinguished.
A biocompatible surfactant with folded hydrophilic head group : Enhancing the stability of self-inclusion complexes of ferrocenyl in a β-cyclodextrin unit by bond rigidity

This work reports a new biocompatible surfactant structure, of which the hydrophilic head group is composed of a folded, stable self-inclusion complex of a ferrocenyl substituted beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD). While multiple intra- or intermolecular complexes can exist for this amphiphile, the molecule folds into a unique intramolecular complex with well-defined conformation, in which part of the aliphatic chain and the ferrocene group are both included in the annular cavity of betaCD. Study of different isosteric covalent linkages indicates that this folded structure is stable against displacement by the presence of other small guest molecules. Furthermore, in contrast to ferrocene-CD conjugates that are without the aliphatic chain, the presence of small guest molecules in solution does not influence at all the induced circular dichroism signal of this amphiphile, indicating a sterically congested, but stable, folded conformation of the inclusion complex. This new amphiphile is surface active and, more importantly, does not denature the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin. Finally, because this surfactant forms self-assembled aggregates, this work introduces a folded structure into soft matters formed by amphiphiles in water.
Determination of the minimal phototoxic dose and colorimetry in psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation therapy

Background The use of an adequate initial dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for photochemotherapy is important to prevent burns secondary to overdosage, meanwhile avoiding a reduced clinical improvement and long-term risks secondary to underdosage. The ideal initial dose of UVA can be achieved based on the phototype and the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD). The objective measurement of constitutive skin color (colorimetry) is another method commonly used to quantify the erythematous skin reaction to ultraviolet radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to determine variations in MPD and constitutional skin color (coordinate L(*)) within different phototypes in order to establish the best initial dose of UVA radiation for photochemotherapy patients. Methods Thirty-six patients with dermatological conditions and 13 healthy volunteers were divided into five groups according to phototype. Constitutional skin color of the infra-axillary area was assessed by colorimetry. The infra-axillary area was subsequently divided into twelve 1.5 cm(2) regions to determine the MPD; readings were performed 72 h after oral administration of 8-methoxypsoralen (MOP) followed by exposure of the demarcated regions to increasing doses of UVA. Results The majority of the participants were women (73.5%) and their mean age was 38.8 years. The MPD ranged from 4 to 12 J/cm(2) in phototypes II and III; from 10 to 18 J/cm(2) in type IV; from 12 to 24 J/cm(2) in type V and from 18 to 32 J/cm(2) in type VI. The analysis of colorimetric values (L(*) coordinate) and MPD values allowed the definition of three distinctive groups of individuals composed by phototypes II and III (group 1), types IV and V (group 2), and phototype VI (group 3). Conclusions MPD and L(*) coordinate showed variation within the same phototype and superposition between adjacent phototypes. The values of the L(*) coordinate and the MPD lead to the definition of three distinct sensitivity groups: phototypes II and III, IV and V and type VI. Also, the MPD values bear a strong correlation to coordinate L(*) values. Mean MPD values described for each of the three major sensitivity groups were higher than the values commonly used in clinical settings for the different phototypes. Therefore, phototype alone is not a good parameter to define the initial UVA dose. MPD and colorimetry could be used in pre-treatment evaluation of patients who are to be submitted to photochemotherapy, in a non-invasive and more accurate way when compared with the classical phenotype clinical criteria.
Observations on the particulate chlorine distribution in the Houston-Galveston area

Abstract The chlorine component of total suspended paniculate (TSP) measured in the Houston-Galveston area during 10 days in June and September, 1975 has been examined for spatial variation and correlation with wind speed. The background concentrations of chlorine vary over an order of magnitude (from 0.2 to 6.6 μg m −3 ), and are found to depend on wind speed and direction. Higher background concentrations are associated with inland penetration of fresh marine air from the Gulf of Mexico. These background [Cl] variations are taken into account in order to identify anthropogenic [Cl] sources. Significant non-marine sources of [Cl], located in the industrialized Pasadena-Houston Ship Channel area, are evident in our data.
Synthesis of a photoactivable phospholipid containing an aromatic sulfonylazide and its interaction with proteins

Abstract The photoactivable compound, fluorobenzenesulfonylazide (FBSA) was prepared and the structure and stability verified by gas chromatographic-mass spectral analysis, infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The FBSA was reacted at the amino headgroup of 3H-labeled phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to produce the photoactivable phospholipid, 3H-labelled 1,2- diacylglycero -3-(N-4- sulfonylazidophenylaminoethyl ) phosphate at a yeild of approx. 30%. Activation of the photoactivable phospholipid was accomplished with shortwave ultraviolet light as opposed to longwave ultraviolet light in which the sulfonylazide was unreactive. The [3H]PE-benzenesulfonylazide was partitioned at nmol levels into low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and retinal rod disc membranes. Photolysis experiments coupled with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis fractionation showed the [3H]PE-benzenesulfonylazide to crosslink to apolipoprotein B of low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein AI of high-density lipoprotein and rhodopsin of the disc membranes.
Cowards, Critics, and Catholics: The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, South Park and the Politics of Religious Humor in the United States

Throughout its history South Park has had a contentious relationship with Catholicism, frequently using Catholic doctrine, rituals, and popular practices as a foil for humor. This article examines the way that a Catholic parachurch organization, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, has criticized South Park and its creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone as cowardly and not the satirical mavericks they are frequently portrayed as in popular media. Using the sociologies of religion, humor, and culture, this article demonstrates that this conflict reflects deeper conflicts over the limits of free speech, the place of Catholics in American culture, and the importance of humor in criticizing and controlling religious traditions in the United States.
Transmission of a laser beam through anisotropic scattering media

Experimental and theoretical two-dimensional results are compared for laser beam transmission through a multiple scattering medium. An azimuthally symmetric He-Ne laser beam with a Gaussian radial distribution was incident normal to a scattering media consisting of double distilled water and uniform-sized spherical latex particles 0.481 /xm in diameter. The transmitted radiation was measured as a function of optical radius from the beam and optical thickness of the scattering medium. It is shown that 1) anisotropic scattering experimental data correlates with scattering theory for optical thicknesses of 2.0-10.0 when effective optical properties are used and 2) changing the radius-to-depth ratio of the scattering media between 0.33 and 1 does not effect the transmission for the range of optical thicknesses mentioned above.
Carnitine esters of fatty acids support mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis.

Abstract Acylcarnitines are active primers for mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis. It is suggested that another metabolic fate of carnitine esters of fatty acids in addition to their role in fatty acid oxidation is to provide substrates for mitochondrial fatty acid elongation.
Management of left ventricular assist device infection with heart transplantation.

Abstract Background . Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are being used as bridges to heart transplantation (HT). Infection of the LVAD in this patient population represents a serious complication, as simple LVAD removal or delaying HT may result in death. To improve outcomes in this group of patients, we performed HT in the presence of LVAD infection. Methods . Eighteen patients underwent LVAD implantation followed by HT. Ten underwent HT in the absence of LVAD infection (group 1); and 8, in the presence of LVAD infection (group 2). All patients were treated similarly except for modification of immunosuppression in group 2 patients. Results . Infectious and noninfectious complications were equivalent between the two groups. There was no difference between groups in regard to intraoperative deaths (one versus none), long-term survival (8/10 versus 7/8), wound complications (three versus none), and mean length of hospital stay after HT (21 versus 26 days). Conclusions . Patients with LVAD infection are too seriously ill to allow LVAD removal or delay of HT. Transplantation in the face of infection is an effective treatment option.
Spatial representation across species: geometry, language, and maps.

We review growing evidence that the reorientation system — shared by both humans and nonhuman species — privileges geometric representations of space and exhibits many of the characteristic features of modular systems. We also review evidence showing that humans can move beyond the limits of nonhuman species by using two cultural constructions, language and explicit maps. We argue that, although both of these constructions are uniquely human means of enriching the spatial system we share with other species, their representational formats, functions, and developmental trajectories are quite different, yielding distinctly different tools for empowering human spatial cognition.
The role of ant-tended extrafloral nectaries in the protection and benefit of a Neotropical rainforest tree

One possible function of extrafloral nectaries is to attract insects, particularly ants, which defend plants from herbivores. We determined whether ants visiting saplings of the tree Stryphnodendronmicrostachyum (Leguminosae) provide protection (decreased plant damage due to ant molestation or killing of herbivores) and benefit (increased plant growth and reproduction associated with ant presence) to the plant. We compared ant and herbivore abundance, herbivore damage and growth of ant-visited plants and ant-excluded plants grown in sun and shade microhabitats of a 6-ha plantation in Costa Rica over a 7-month period. Results show that ants provided protection to plants not by reducing herbivore numbers but by molesting herbivores. Ants also reduced the incidence of pathogen attack on leaves. Protection was greater in the shade than in the sun, probably due to lower herbivore attack in the sun. Protection was also variable within sun and shade habitats, and this variability appeared to be related to variable ant visitation. Results also indicate that ant presence benefits the plant: ant-visited plants grew significantly more in height than ant-excluded plants. The cultivation of ants may serve as an important natural biological control in tropical forestry and agroforestry systems, where increased plant density can otherwise lead to increased herbivore attack.
Distinct Roles for Dectin-1 and TLR4 in the Pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus Keratitis

Aspergillus species are a major worldwide cause of corneal ulcers, resulting in visual impairment and blindness in immunocompetent individuals. To enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of Aspergillus keratitis, we developed a murine model in which red fluorescent protein (RFP)-expressing A. fumigatus (Af293.1RFP) conidia are injected into the corneal stroma, and disease progression and fungal survival are tracked over time. Using Mafia mice in which c-fms expressing macrophages and dendritic cells can be induced to undergo apoptosis, we demonstrated that the presence of resident corneal macrophages is essential for production of IL-1β and CXCL1/KC, and for recruitment of neutrophils and mononuclear cells into the corneal stroma. We found that β-glucan was highly expressed on germinating conidia and hyphae in the cornea stroma, and that both Dectin-1 and phospho-Syk were up-regulated in infected corneas. Additionally, we show that infected Dectin-1−/− corneas have impaired IL-1β and CXCL1/KC production, resulting in diminished cellular infiltration and fungal clearance compared with control mice, especially during infection with clinical isolates expressing high β-glucan. In contrast to Dectin 1−/− mice, cellular infiltration into infected TLR2−/−, TLR4−/−, and MD-2−/− mice corneas was unimpaired, indicating no role for these receptors in cell recruitment; however, fungal killing was significantly reduced in TLR4−/− mice, but not TLR2−/− or MD-2−/− mice. We also found that TRIF−/− and TIRAP−/− mice exhibited no fungal-killing defects, but that MyD88−/− and IL-1R1−/− mice were unable to regulate fungal growth. In conclusion, these data are consistent with a model in which β-glucan on A.fumigatus germinating conidia activates Dectin-1 on corneal macrophages to produce IL-1β, and CXCL1, which together with IL-1R1/MyD88-dependent activation, results in recruitment of neutrophils to the corneal stroma and TLR4-dependent fungal killing.
Intramolecular carbyne-carbyne coupling on exposure of [μ3-η1-CR1][μ3-η1-CR2][CpCo]3 clusters to sulphur and selenium: a novel synthesis of 1-cobalta-2,5-diheterocyclopent-3-enes

Abstract The trinuclear cobalt biscarbyne clusters [μ3-η1-CR1][μ3-η1-CR2][CpCo]3 (1) react with sulphur (or selenium) to give the CpCo dithiolenes (or selenolenes) 2. This degradation is thought to proceed via electrophilic attack of the chalcogen, a step modelled by the addition of CH3S+ to 1a to furnish 6, characterized by X-ray crystallography. Labelling experiments aimed at elucidating the mechanistic features of the formation of 2 were inconclusive because of the occurrence of CpCo-scrambling.
Risk factors for peripheral arterial disease incidence in persons with diabetes: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Abstract Background: Some risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have been identified, but little information is available on PAD risk factors in individuals with diabetes. Methods: Using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we assessed the relation of traditional and non-traditional risk factors with the risk of PAD in 1651 participants with diabetes, but not PAD, at baseline. Incident PAD was defined as an ankle–brachial index (ABI) Results: Over a mean of 10.3 years of follow-up, 238 persons developed incident PAD identified, yielding a PAD event rate of 13.9 per 1000 person years. Adjusted for sex, age, race, and center, the risk of developing PAD was increased 1.87-fold (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.36–2.57) in persons who were current smokers versus non-smokers, 2.27-fold (95% CI: 1.57–3.26) for baseline coronary heart disease (CHD) versus no baseline CHD, and 1.75-fold (95% CI: 1.18–2.60) for the highest quartile versus lowest quartile of triglycerides. We found no evidence of an association with other blood lipids or hypertension. Compared with the lowest quartiles, comparably-adjusted relative risks for the highest quartiles were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.10–2.33) for waist-to-hip ratio, 2.52 (95% CI: 1.70–3.73) for fibrinogen, 1.70 (95% CI: 1.17–2.47) for factor VIII, 1.73 (95% CI: 1.18–2.54) for von Willebrand factor, 2.15 (95% CI: 1.43–3.24) for white blood cell count, 1.81 (95% CI: 1.19–2.74) for serum creatinine, 0.55 (95% CI: 0.37–0.83) for serum albumin, and 2.73 (95% CI: 1.77–4.22) for carotid intima-media thickness. Persons who had a prior history of diabetes and were taking insulin had a relative risk of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.35–2.87) for future PAD events, compared with those with newly identified diabetes at baseline. In our final multivariable model, current smoking, prevalent CHD, elevated fibrinogen and carotid IMT, and a prior history of diabetes with insulin treatment were independently associated with greater PAD incidence. Conclusion: These markers might be useful to identify individuals with diabetes at particular risk for PAD.
Le réacteur de recherche FRM-II à Munich : une nouvelle source de neutrons à haut flux

En 1974, l'Universite technique de Munich considera pour la premiere fois la possibilite de creer une nouvelle source d e neutrons. 2 7 ans plus tard, le reacteur FRM - II , nouvelle source de neutrons a haut flux, etait pret pour l'exploitation a chaud. Mais celle-ci est actuellement differee en raison du refus du gouvernement federal allemand d'accorder la troiseme autorisation partielle.Cette longue periode a ete riche en propositions, en rebondissements, en rivalites et en controverses. Un projet de nature et d e dimension aussi ambitieuse, mis en oeuvre par une universite technique, a connu bien des jours difficiles dans une Allemagne qui ne se distingue pas par une attitude de pronucleaire.Heureusement, il a recu dans le meme temps un large appui d e la communaut e scientifique et de ces hommes politiques qui sont convaincus que la science et la recherche sont absolument indispensables a l'avenir de notre societe.
Phrenic and hypoglossal neural responses to cold airflow in the upper airway.

Abstract Cold air flowing through the larynx is known to alter the activities of laryngeal receptors with afferents in the superior laryngeal nerves (SLNs) and to induce reflex apnea in neonatal mammals. To examine the ventilatory response in adult animals and to explore associated upper airway motor responses, we recorded phrenic and hypoglossal neural responses to cooling the isolated larynx with cold air in decerebrate, vagotomized, paralyzed, ventillated cats. The most consistent response was phrenic inhibition, which occured in all animals tested. Either excitation or inhibition of hypoglossal activity was seen consistently in individual cats, with the result that the group response was not statistically significant. All responses to laryngeal cooling were abolished by section of the SLNs. The findings confirm that directing cold air through the larynx causes reflex inhibition of ventilatory (phrenic) activity, but raise new questions as to how the two, directionally opposite hypoglossal responses are mediated.
Resolution of brewer's yeast pyruvate decarboxylase into multiple isoforms with similar subunit structure and activity using high-performance liquid chromatography.

A method for the purification of brewer's yeast pyruvate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.1) that resolves the enzyme into multiple active isoforms was developed. Seven activity fractions are resolved by DEAE HPLC chromatography. Among these fractions, three distinct subunit composition isoforms are apparent by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: alpha 4, a homotetrameric holoenzyme consisting of the lower mass subunit; alpha 2 beta 2, a heterotetrameric holoenzyme consisting of lower and higher mass subunits; and beta 4, a homotetrameric holoenzyme consisting of the higher mass subunit. Beta 4 is a heretofore unreported form which may represent the unproteolyzed form of the enzyme. The Km and Vmax for the alpha 4 and beta 4 isoforms are identical within the limits of experimental error, as is their behavior vis-a-vis the allosteric regulator pyruvamide. All active isoforms exist as tetramers according to gel filtration analysis under native conditions. The purification has been successfully applied to pyruvate decarboxylase isolated from two different species of yeast and therefore is likely to be of general utility for purification of this enzyme from other yeast sources. Conditions under which all three isoforms demonstrate exceptional stability, making them amenable to prolonged physicochemical studies at 4 degrees C and even at room temperature are reported.
Electrophoretic, solubility and thermostability differences in proteins of eye lens nuclei from two closely related fish species, the yellowfin tuna and the bigeye tuna.

Abstract 1. 1. Electrophoretic separation of protein from lens nuclei of yellowfin and bigeye tunas produced species-specific patterns. 2. 2. Certain of these proteins from the yellowfin and bigeye had identical electrophoretic mobilities but differed in solubility. 3. 3. In both tuna species, proteins from heated extracts revealed an increasing thermostability with increasing electrophoretic mobility and molecular weight. Proteins of bigeye, however, were more heat-stable than those of yellowfin. 4. 4. The electrophoretic, solubility and thermostability data indicate that the low molecular weight nuclear lens proteins are less alike than those of high molecular weight in related species.
Impaired hippocampal recruitment during normal modulation of memory performance in schizophrenia.

Abstract Background Patients with schizophrenia demonstrate poor verbal memory, ascribed to impaired prefrontal and hippocampal function. Healthy adults can increase recall accuracy following encoding interventions, such as item repetition and the formation of semantic associations. We examined the effects of these interventions on both memory performance and retrieval-related hippocampal activity in healthy adults and patients with schizophrenia. Methods Twelve patients with schizophrenia and twelve healthy control subjects participated. During study, subjects counted either the number of meanings or T-junctions in words seen only once or repeated four times. At test, O 15 –positron emission tomography scans were acquired while subjects completed word-stems with previously studied items. Results Control subjects recalled more words overall, but both groups demonstrated similar performance benefits following deeper encoding. Both item repetition and the use of a semantic encoding task were associated with memory retrieval–related hippocampal recruitment in control but not schizophrenic participants. Patients with schizophrenia demonstrated greater activation of prefrontal cortical areas during word retrieval. Conclusions Despite a lack of hippocampal recruitment, patients with schizophrenia showed intact modulation of memory performance following both encoding interventions. Impaired hippocampal recruitment, in concert with greater prefrontal activation, may reflect a specific deficit in conscious recollection in schizophrenia.
A Multidimensional Goodness-of-Fit Test Based on Interpoint Distances

Abstract Distributional assumptions can be examined with multidimensional goodness-of-fit tests. We propose a conceptually simple test with an appealing logic and accessible asymptotic properties, which is generalizable to a variety of problems and appears to work well against diverse alternatives. To test whether a k-dimensional random sample X1, …, X n follows the distribution G, consider a triangle formed by two randomly selected data points X i and X j and a variable Y ∼ G. Our statistic estimates the likelihood that the side formed by the line from X i to X j is the smallest, the middle, or the largest side of the triangle.
ON THE RATE OF REACTION BETWEEN ENZYME AND SUBSTRATE.

1. An equation of the form: See PDF for Equation in which vt is the time of flow of the mixture, vw the time of flow for water, vf the time of flow of the mixture when proteolysis is complete, vo the time of flow at the beginning of the experiment, t the time of observation, and r a constant, has been found to describe accurately the course of change of viscosity in a mixture of gelatin and pancreatin. 2. An equation of the same general form has been found to apply similarly to the reaction between other enzymes and other substrates. 3. The equation may be derived theoretically from assuming a bimolecular reaction between enzyme and substrate obeying the mass action law.
The accuracy of astronomic azimuth determinations

Astronomic azimuths are used in classical geodesy, through the Laplace equation, to control the orientation of geodetic networks. The method most commonly used by the United States National Geodetic Survey for the determination of astronomic azimuth is often referred to as the “direction method”, and is based on observations of Polaris at any hour angle. We have analyzed repeat determinations, by analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques, to derive realistic estimates of the expected accuracy of typical astronomic azimuths to be used in the readjustment of the North American Datum. We found that the dominant errors are systematic in nature, with a very important source being observer bias, or “personal equation”. We were unable to decompose the remaining systematic error, which presumably consists primarily of instrument biases, anomalous refraction, and setup errors. We found, from an analysis of determinations that were first corrected for observer bias, an increase in the variance of repeat azimuth determinations as a function of latitude that agrees reasonably well with theoretical expectations.
Evaluation of a method for studying forgetting: Is data from split-half recognition tests contaminated by test interference?

Split-half recognition testing is a method of investigating forgetting. In this method, a subject studies a list of items and then is given a recognition test covering half the items on the list. At a later time, a final recognition test covering the other half of the items is given. The present study investigates whether data from split-half recognition tests is contaminated by test interference. Specifically, this study investigates whether taking the first recognition test affects the subject’s recognition accuracy on the second test. It is concluded that the first test does not affect performance on the second test provided that the two tests are separated by 24 h or more.
Durability of open repair of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective As branched/fenestrated endografts expand endovascular options for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAAs), long-term durability will be compared to that of open JAAA repair, which has not been documented in large contemporary series. The goal of this study was to assess the late clinical and anatomic outcomes after open JAAA repair. Methods From July 2001 to December 2007, 199 patients underwent open elective JAAA repair, as defined by a need for suprarenal clamping. End points included perioperative and late survival, long-term follow-up of renal function, and freedom from graft-related complications. Factors predictive of survival were determined by multivariate analysis. Results The mean patient age was 74 years, 71% were men, and 20% had baseline renal insufficiency (Cr >1.5). Thirty-seven renal artery bypasses, for anatomic necessity or ostial stenosis, were performed in 36 patients. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.5%. Four patients (2.0%) required early dialysis; one patient recovered by discharge. Two additional patients progressed to dialysis over long-term follow-up. There was one graft infection involving one limb of a bifurcated graft. Surveillance imaging was obtained in 101 patients (72% of survivors) at a mean follow-up of 41 ± 28 months. Renal artery occlusion occurred in four patients (3% of imaged renal arteries; one native/three grafts). Two patients (2.0%) had aneurysmal degeneration of the aorta either proximal or distal to the repaired segment, but there were no anastomotic pseudoaneurysms. Remote aneurysms were found in 29 patients (29% of imaged patients), 14 of whom had descending thoracic aneurysm or TAAA. Four patients underwent subsequent thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR). Actuarial survival was 74 ± 3.3% at 5 years. Negative predictors of survival included increasing age at the time of operation (relative risk [RR], 1.05; P = .01), steroid use (RR, 2.20; P = .001), and elevated preoperative creatinine (RR, 1.73; P = .02). Conclusions Open JAAA repair yields excellent long-term anatomic durability and preserves renal function. Perioperative renal insufficiency occurs in 8.5% of patients, but few of them progress to dialysis. Graft-related complications are rare (2% at 40 months); however, axial imaging revealed descending thoracic aneurysms in 14% of imaged patients, making continued surveillance for remote aneurysms prudent. These data provide a benchmark against which fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes can be compared.
Regulation of phase-specific genes in the more general switching system of Candida albicans strain 3153A

It was previously demonstrated that the genes PEP1 and Op4 are selectively transcribed in the opaque phase of the white-opaque transition in Candida albicans strain WO-I, and that the gene Wh11 is selectively transcribed in the white phase. However, the white-opaque transition occurs in only a minority of C. albicans strains and the opaque cell phenotype is highly specialized. To test whether these genes are regulated in more mainstream switching systems in C. albicans, their expression was analysed in the switching system of the laboratory strain 3153A. Both PEP1 and Op4 are not expressed in the basic smooth phenotype of 3153A, but they are expressed in switch phenotypes. However, expression is dissociated. Op4 is expressed in irregular wrinkle, star and revertant-smooth cells, while PEP1 is expressed only in star cells. Wh11 is expressed in the basic smooth and three tested variant phenotypes and is again associated with growth in a round budding form. The results support the general conclusion that PEP...
From electron densities to Kohn-Sham kinetic energies, orbital energies, exchange-correlation potentials, and exchange-correlation energies.

By developing our previous method [Phys. Rev. A 46, 2337 (1992); J. Chem. Phys. 98, 543 (1993)], we show how to calculate Kohn-Sham kinetic energies, orbitals, orbital energies, and exchange-correlation potentials, starting from accurate ground-state electron densities. In addition, given correct total energies, we also show how to obtain exchange-correlation energies. The scheme used is based on the Levy constrained-search method for determining the Kohn-Sham kinetic energy. In our preferred implementation, the total electron-electron repulsion is written as a Fermi-Amaldi term plus the rest, thereby assuring the correct long-range behavior of the exchange-correlation potential. Results are given for He, Be, Ne, and Ar. It is demonstrated that the exact exchange-correlation functional cannot be local.
On preemptive multi-wavelength scheduling in hybrid WDM/TDM passive optical networks

In this paper, we investigate the wavelength scheduling problem in hybrid wavelength division multiplexing/time division multiplexing passive optical networks (WDM/TDM PONs), which can be mapped into multiprocessor scheduling problems with wavelengths and optical network unit (ONU) requests being considered as machines and jobs, respectively. To achieve high bandwidth utilization, guarantee low delay, and ensure short-term fairness, we try to construct a schedule with the minimum latest job completion time. First, we investigate the non-preemptive scheduling problem, which was shown to be NP-hard, and hence requires heuristic algorithms to approximate the optimal solution. The approximation ratio of the best heuristic algorithm is as large as 2-1/m, where m is the number of wavelengths. Motivated to achieve a smaller latest job completion time, we then investigate the preemptive scheduling problem. Preemption allows jobs to be scheduled more flexibly, and thus may yield a smaller makespan. However, with preemption, jobs may be split into subjobs and scheduled in discontinuous time durations at the expense of more guard time. We show that, with the consideration of guard time, the preemptive scheduling with the objective of minimizing the latest job completion time is NP-hard. To address the problem, we propose an approach by using linear programming with guard time supplement. It is shown that the proposed algorithm can ensure that the latest job completion time is no greater than the optimal value plus (m-1)g/m, where g is the guard time between the scheduling of two ONUs. When the network is highly loaded, the approximation ratio is around 1.00061 and 1.002056 for hybrid WDM/TDM Ethernet PON (EPON) and Gigabit-capable PON (GPON), respectively.
Energetics and sedimentary processes in the Columbia River Estuary

Abstract The Columbia River Estuary is an energetic, sand-bedded system. Mixed tides with a spring tidal range of about 3.6m and a large freshwater discharge produce bottom shear stresses capable of transporting nearly all the sizes of sediment present in the estuary. As a result, the morphology of the estuary is closely related to the fluxes of tidal and fluvial energy. To investigate the relationship between energetics and sedimentary processes, an energy budget based on a one-dimensional harmonic tidal model was developed for the estuary-tidal river system and has been compared with the results of geological studies of the bedforms, large-scale morphology, sediment distribution, and suspended sediment field. The pattern of energy fluxes predicted by the model suggests the division of the system into three regimes: a tidally dominated lower estuary, a mid-estuary energy flux divergence (EFD) minimum region, and a fluvially controlled, tidal-fluvial reach. Model results also show that non-linear interactions between the tidal and fluvial flows are responsible for the suppression of the tides in the tidal-fluvial reach during periods of high flow. Finally, changes in tidal amplitude at the mouth result in a less than proportionate response in tidal elevations at points inside the estuary, because the cubic dependence of dissipation on tidal amplitude damps system responses to such changes. Many features of the observed sediment transport patterns and sedimentary environments can be related to the energy budget. Most of the medium to coarse sands entering the system from the river are permanently retained within the EFD minimum. Much of this deposition takes place upstream of the limits of salinity intrusion and is not, therefore, related to baroclinic circulatory effects. Most of the fine sands and the silts and clays entering the system are not permanently retained. Some of the silts and clays are, however, temporarily retained in a turbidity maximum, whose mean position is near the lower end of the EFD minimum. This position is dictated by the inability of salinity intrusion to extend up the fluvial potential energy gradient. Although some aspects of sedimentary processes cannot readily be related to the energy budget, our model provides a valuable conceptual approach to the dominant long-term sedimentary processes of sand transport and deposition in the Columbia River Estuary that structure the observed sedimentary environments. Biological processes are in turn strongly influenced by these geological patterns.
Magnetovacs in gauged N=4 supergravity

Abstract A two-parameter family of supersymmetric background field solutions of the recently formulated version of gauged N = 4 supergravity is found. This constitutes strong evidence that the theory has stable vacua, despite energy densities that are unbounded below. The background geometries are metric products of (AdS) 2 × S 2 , and there are covariantly constant magnetic and electric fields. For a special choice of parameters the (AdS) 2 factor becomes a flat Minkowski space and electric fields vanish.
Leveraging chemotherapy-induced lymphopenia to potentiate cancer immunotherapy

First-line chemotherapy to combat primary malignant brain cancer is often accompanied by lymphopenic immunologic deficiency. Although counterintuitive, chemotherapy-induced lymphopenia can provide excellent host conditioning that may actually be leveraged to potentiate antitumor immunotherapy. We discuss here our preclinical and clinical experiences applying immunotherapy against glioblastoma, the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor, as well as the use of immunotherapeutics in the setting of standard-of-care temozolomide chemotherapy.
Event Data Mining and Classification from Multiple Streaming Sources

A novel solution to mining and classification of deformable events from multiple streaming image data sources is discussed. Observations of natural or manmade phenomenon using sensor networks or remote satellites are often acquired from various sensory measurement mechanisms placed at different locations. Furthermore, each source measures a different parameter (or different aspect of the phenomenon) resulting in strong and weak classifiers for different data sources. Previous solutions for multisource learning and mining are applicable to simultaneous co-registered data measurements that may not work in many practical applications. We discuss a new multisource classification solution using a generative model that reduces the multiple measurement spaces into a common feature space and maintains a unique feature space for each measurement source. A temporal classifier is used for temporal knowledge transfer by tracking the correspondence between consecutive measurements from different sources in the common feature space. In addition, an auxiliary source-specific classifier is used for each data source. A knowledge transfer solution based on a Bayesian approach is then used to fuse the transferred knowledge between the consecutive measurements from two sources (applied to the common feature spaces) with a source-specific classifier for the current observation (applied to the unique feature space) to ensure robust classification labeling even during instances when only measurements from a weak data source is used. Experimental results on a practical cyclone detection and tracking problem from multiple streaming remote satellite sources demonstrate the usefulness of our proposed approach.
Rethinking Domination and Resistance: Challenging Postmodernism

The emergence of postmodern ideas in the educational literature has complicated the field’s understandings of oppression and resistance. While important, this postmodern influence has been problematic in its tendency to stress the relatively nurturing forms of “pastoral” control generally experienced by the privileged. Such a focus can direct attention away from the often brutal discipline experienced by those who are more marginalized. The article examines contexts where pastoral or disciplinary forms of control predominate, noting the limited forms of resistance (if any) generated by each. It then looks to more sophisticated visions of resistance developed by scholars and activists. The article concludes by exploring the limitations inherent in any single approach to understanding or resisting domination.
Sensitivity of Surface Air Temperature Analyses to Background and Observation Errors

Abstract A two-dimensional variational method is used to analyze 2-m air temperatures over a limited domain (4° latitude × 4° longitude) in order to evaluate approaches to examining the sensitivity of the temperature analysis to the specification of observation and background errors. This local surface analysis (LSA) utilizes the 1-h forecast from the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) downscaled to a 5-km resolution terrain level for its background fields and observations obtained from the Meteorological Assimilation Data Ingest System. The observation error variance as a function of broad network categories and the error variance and covariance of the downscaled 1-h RUC background fields are estimated using a sample of over 7 million 2-m air temperature observations in the continental United States collected during the period 8 May–7 June 2008. The ratio of observation to background error variance is found to be between 2 and 3. This ratio is likely even higher in mountainous regions where representativeness erro...