cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Diffuse Emission and a Variable Ultraluminous X-Ray Point Source in the Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3379

A Chandra observation of the intermediate-luminosity (MB = -20) elliptical galaxy NGC 3379 resolves 75% of the X-ray emission within the central 5 kpc into point sources. Spectral analysis of the remaining unresolved emission within the central 770 pc indicates that 90% of the emission probably arises from undetected point sources, while 10% arises from thermal emission from kT = 0.6 keV gas. Assuming a uniform density distribution in the central region of the galaxy gives a gas mass of 5 × 105 M☉. Such a small amount of gas can be supplied by stellar mass loss in only 107 yr. Thus, the gas must be accreting into the central supermassive black hole at a very low radiative efficiency as in the ADAF or RIAF models, or it is being expelled in a galactic wind driven by the same AGN feedback mechanism as that observed in cluster cooling flows. If the gas is being expelled in an AGN-driven wind, then the ratio of mechanical to radio power of the AGN must be 104, which is comparable to that measured in cluster cooling flows that have recently been perturbed by radio outbursts. Only 8% of the detected point sources are coincident with globular cluster positions, which is significantly less than that found among other elliptical galaxies observed by Chandra. The low specific frequency of globular clusters and the small fraction of X-ray point sources associated with globular clusters in NGC 3379 is more similar to the properties of lenticular galaxies rather than elliptical galaxies. The brightest point source in NGC 3379 is located 360 pc from the central AGN with a peak luminosity of 3.5 × 1039 ergs s-1, which places it in the class of ultraluminous X-ray point sources (ULXs). Analysis of an archival ROSAT HRI observation of NGC 3379 shows that this source was at a comparable luminosity 5 yr prior to the Chandra observation. The spectrum of the ULX is well described by a power-law model with Γ = 1.6 ± 0.1 and galactic absorption, similar to other ULXs observed by Chandra and XMM-Newton and to the low-hard state observed in Galactic black hole binaries. During the Chandra observation, the source intensity smoothly varies by a factor of 2 with the suggestion of an 8-10 hr period. No changes in hardness ratio are detected as the intensity of the source varies. While periodic behavior has recently been detected in several ULXs, all of these reside within spiral galaxies. The ULX in NGC 3379 is the only known ULX in an elliptical galaxy with a smoothly varying light curve suggestive of an eclipsing binary system.
Nanomaterial-based electrochemical detection of explosives: a review of recent developments

This article reviews recent advances in electrochemical sensing and detection of explosive substances at nanomaterial-based electrode surfaces. The escalating threat of terrorist activities and growing environmental concerns have generated major demand for innovative, field-deployable tools for detecting explosives in a fast, sensitive, reliable and simple manner. Electrochemical sensors can address these demands as they possess attributes including high sensitivity and selectivity, speed, wide linear range, compatibility with microfabrication, minimal space and power requirements, and low-cost instrumentation. The redox properties of nitro-based explosives, namely the presence of easily reducible nitro groups, ideally lend themselves to electrochemical detection. Advances in the development of nanomaterials show strong potential to create electrochemical sensors for detecting explosives, with aspects such as very high surface area-to-volume ratio, convergent rather than linear diffusion, improved selectivity, catalytic activity, and unique electrical and optical properties which can be exploited for highly sensitive molecular adsorption detection. The goal of this article is to review recent advances in electrochemical detection of nitro-based explosives at working electrodes comprised of different nanomaterials. Specifically we will discuss the electroanalysis of nitro-based explosives on graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles and nanoporous material, and composites of these materials.
Review article: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and psychological comorbidity.

Summary Background A growing number of studies have shown the impact of psychological comorbidities on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients’ symptom reports and healthcare-seeking behaviour. Aim To review the reported relationship between GERD and psychological comorbidity. Methods Review of the literature on GERD and psychological comorbidity. Results Psychological comorbidity is common among GERD patients and appears to afflict all GERD phenotypes. Sexual and physical abuse is also common in GERD patients. Stress enhances perception of oesophageal acid exposure. Treatment for GERD, especially in those who are not responsive to antireflux treatment, may require further evaluation for psychological comorbidity. Conclusions Psychological comorbidity is very common in GERD patients and is likely to play an important role in response, or failure of response, to proton pump inhibitor treatment.
Particulate Matter Matters

Quasi-experimental evidence is needed on the relations between human health and airborne particulate matter.
Prospective, randomized trial comparing four biofeedback techniques for patients with constipation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare four methods of biofeedback for patients with constipation. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were prospectively, randomly assigned to one of four protocols: 1) outpatient intra-anal electromyographic biofeedback training; 2) electromyographic biofeedback training plus intrarectal balloon training; 3) electromyographic biofeedback training plus home training; or 4) electromyographic biofeedback training, balloon training, and home training. All 36 patients received weekly one-hour outpatient biofeedback training. Success was measured by increased unassisted bowel movements and reduction in cathartic use. In all instances patients maintained a daily log in which documentation was maintained regarding each bowel evacuation and the need for any cathartics. RESULTS; There was a statistically significant increase in unassisted bowel movements for Groups 1, 2, and 4 (P<0.05) and a reduction in the use of cathartics in Groups 1, 2, and 3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in outcome after all four treatment protocols for constipation; however, no significant difference was found among the treatments. Therefore, electromyographic biofeedback training alone is as effective as with the addition of balloon training, home training, or both.
Emission Computed Tomography Simulator

We have designed and built a system to simulate emission computed tomography (ECT) devices and measure physical parameters of the component parts in such systems. It consists of a heavy duty X, Y, Z, ? scanning table under computer control through CAMAC with modular NIM electronics for signal processing. The modular approach allows ready reconfigurations of detectors and lead shielding to test new design concepts. Direct computer control allows simulation of complex scanning motions and detector geometries by motion of the object rather than the detectors as well as ready capability in data analysis. A study is presented in which the simulator shows a significant increase in signal to noise ratio in a commercial tomograph by small changes in lead shield geometry.
Endogenous excitatory drive to the respiratory system in rapid eye movement sleep in cats

A putative endogenous excitatory drive to the respiratory system in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may explain many characteristics of breathing in that state, e.g. its irregularity and variable ventilatory responses to chemical stimuli. This drive is hypothetical, and determinations of its existence and character are complicated by control of the respiratory system by the oscillator and its feedback mechanisms. In the present study, endogenous drive was studied during apnoea caused by mechanical hyperventilation. We reasoned that if there was a REM-dependent drive to the respiratory system, then respiratory activity should emerge out of the background apnoea as a manifestation of the drive. Diaphragmatic muscle or medullary respiratory neuronal activity was studied in five intact, unanaesthetized adult cats who were either mechanically hyperventilated or breathed spontaneously in more than 100 REM sleep periods. Diaphragmatic activity emerged out of a background apnoea caused by mechanical hyperventilation an average of 34 s after the onset of REM sleep. Emergent activity occurred in 60 % of 10 s epochs in REM sleep and the amount of activity per unit time averaged approximately 40 % of eupnoeic activity. The activity occurred in episodes and was poorly related to pontogeniculo-occipital waves. At low CO2 levels, this activity was non-rhythmic. At higher CO2 levels (less than 0.5 % below eupnoeic end-tidal percentage CO2 levels in non-REM (NREM) sleep), activity became rhythmic. Medullary respiratory neurons were recorded in one of the five animals. Nineteen of twenty-seven medullary respiratory neurons were excited in REM sleep during apnoea. Excited neurons included inspiratory, expiratory and phase-spanning neurons. Excitation began about 43 s after the onset of REM sleep. Activity increased from an average of 6 impulses s-1 in NREM sleep to 15.5 impulses s-1 in REM sleep. Neuronal activity was non-rhythmic at low CO2 levels and became rhythmic when levels were less than 0.5 % below eupnoeic end-tidal levels in NREM sleep. The level of CO2 at which rhythmic neuronal activity developed corresponded to eupnoeic end-tidal CO2 levels in REM sleep. These results demonstrate an endogenous excitatory drive to the respiratory system in REM sleep and account for rapid and irregular breathing and the lower set-point to CO2 in that state.
Monte Carlo Modeling of Phonon Transport Using Scattering Phase Functions

The calculation of heat transport in nonmetallic materials at small length scales is important in the design of thermoelectric and electronic materials. New designs with quantum dot superlattices (QDS) and other nanometer-scale structures can change the thermal conductivity in ways that are difficult to model and predict. The Boltzmann Transport Equation can describe the propagation of energy via mechanical vibrations in an analytical fashion but remains difficult to solve for the problems of interest. Numerical methods for simulation of propagation and scattering of high frequency vibrational quanta (phonons) in nanometer-scale structures have been developed but are either impractical at micron length scales, or cannot truly capture the details of interactions with nanometer-scale inclusions. Monte Carlo (MC) models of phonon transport have been developed and demonstrated based on similar numerical methods used for description of electron transport [1-4]. This simulation method allows computation of thermal conductivity in materials with length scales LX in the range of 10 nm to 10 μm. At low temperatures the model approaches a ballistic transport simulation and may function for even larger length scales.© 2008 ASME
Aortic Stent-Graft for a Giant Bronchial Artery Aneurysm with Ultrashort Neck

Bronchial artery aneurysms are rarely encountered, but they can cause life-threatening hemorrhages when they rupture. The authors report a case of a giant bronchial artery aneurysm with ultrashort neck in a 73-year-old woman who presented with massive hemoptysis. The aneurysm was successfully treated by a combination of transcatheter arterial embolization and aortic stent-graft placement, and the patient made an uneventful recovery. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) obtained 24 months after aortic stent-graft placement confirmed continued exclusion of the aneurysm, with no evidence of an endoleak.
On the thermomechanical laws for the motion of a phase interface

This paper discusses the formulation of balance laws for mass, force, and energy in conjunction with a law of entropy growth for the motion of a sharp evolving phase interface within a continuum framework.
Relative fitness scaling for improving efficiency of proportionate selection in genetic algorithms

This paper presents a scaling technique called Relative Fitness (RF) for roulette-wheel parent selection in genetic algorithm (GA). The RF scaling factor is a function of the fitness value of a chromosome. Without compromising the running time of the algorithm, it improves the performance and efficiency of the GA. RF also enhances the capability of GA, allowing it to handle longer and a greater number of chromosomes in the population. Different fitness scaling approaches are described along with RF. The RF approach is applied to the task of evolving colormosaics--an application designed by the researcher to evolve the colors of a sectioned image.
Biomechanical Testing of the Compressive Strength of Various Distal Locking Screw Options for Intramedullary Nails in the Treatment of Tibia Fractures

Treatment of distal third tibia fractures remains challenging. New intramedullary nails provide torsional stability by using distal interlocking screws. In this study we attempted to determine the most biomechanically stable number and configuration of distal locking screws. The distal part of human cadaveric tibia bones was nailed using a tibial nail (Stryker T2). Distal locking was performed in three different configurations: (a) Group I: 2 screws in the medio-lateral (ML) direction, (b) Group II: 1 ML screw and 1 Screw in the antero-posterior (AP) direction, and (c) Group III: 2 ML screws and 1 AP screw. The specimens were then mounted onto a mechanical testing machine (Instron) and tested in compression. The load carrying capacity of the samples from Group III with these locking screws was higher than Group I & II, although this difference was not statistically significant.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The upwind/downwind dependence of the doppler spectra of radar sea echo

A detailed investigation of the differences between the upwind and downwind Doppler spectra of the radar sea echo has been made, utilizing P- , L- , and C -band data obtained with the Naval Research Laboratory's Four-Frequency Radar System. The results indicate that while the Doppler bandwidth is nearly independent of wind direction, the differential Doppler looking upwind is nearly twice that for the downwind case.
Catalytic effect of platinum on oxygen reduction : An ab initio model including electrode potential dependence

The effects of bonding to a platinum atom are calculated for the reduction of oxygen to water. The electron-correlation corrected MP2 method is used, and the electrode potential is modeled by variations in values for the electron affinities of the reaction centers. Potential-dependent transition state structures and activation energies are reported for the one-electron reactions Pt-O 2 + H + (aq) + e - (U) → Pt-OOH [i] Pt-OOH + H + (aq) + e - (U) → Pt-(OHOH) [ii] Pt-(OHOH) + H + (aq) + e - (U) → Pt-OH + H 2 O [iii] Pt-OH + H + (aq) + e - (U) → Pt-OH 2 [iv] This is the predicted lowest energy pathway. An alternative, where step (ii) is replaced by Pt-OOH + H + (aq) + e - (U) → Pt-O + H 2 O [v] is excluded by the high activation energy calculated for it, though reduction of Pt-O to Pt-OH Pt-O + H + (aq) + e - (U) → Pt-OH [vi] has a very low activation energy. Compared to uncatalyzed outer-Helmholtz-plane values, bonding to the Pt has the effect of decreasing the calculated high reduction activation energies for O 2 and H 2 O 2 . Bonding to Pt also decreases the HOO. and increases the HO- activation energy values. The reverse reaction, oxidation of H 2 O to O 2 , is also discussed in light of these results. The issues of potential-dependent double-layer potential drops and adsorbate bond polarizations are discussed, and it is pointed out that the results of this study can be used to estimate the effects of such potential drops.
Curriculum development for a university-level computer applications course in corrections

As part of a needs assessment for development of a university curriculum integrating computer applications with correctional course instruction, we gathered survey data from correctional training directors throughout the United States. This information aided in developing and implementing a university-level computer applications course in corrections by revealing what software applications and other topics should be covered.
Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in blunt thoracic trauma.

surgery or myocardial infarction. Cardiac murmurs caused by traumatic valvular or septal rupture may not be heard in a noisy emergency room. The hemodynamic consequences of structural cardiac damage may not be immediately apparent due to multiple injuries and severe hypovolemia. Frequently other significant intrathoracic in- juries coexist with cardiac damage: which may require urgent operation, thereby postponing tests such as two- dimensional (2D) surface echocardiography that would diagnose clinically undetected cardiac injury. A case of right atria1 and tricuspid valve rupture is presented that was not clinically apparent in a patient with a previous myocar- dial infarction and coronary artery surgery. The diagnosis was made using 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the operating room during thoracotomy for a related noncardiac injury.
Effect of oxygen partial pressure on the lower solubility limit of Nd1+xBa2−xCu3O7

Abstract The lower solubility limits of Nd 1+ x Ba 2− x Cu 3 O 7 (Nd123ss) in 1 bar, 0.2 bar, 0.01 bar, and 0.001 bar oxygen partial pressure ( P O2 ) were studed by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Large relative changes in stability with decreasing P O2 explain why sharp superconducting transitions can be achieved in P O2 ≤ 0.01 bar while processing in 0.2 to 1 bar P O2 tends to produce broad transitions. While the lower solubility limits in 0.01 bar and 0.001 bar P O2 remain at x = 0.00, the solubility limits in 0.2 bar and 1 bar P O2 show a narrowing with decreasing temperature. Because of the narrowing of the solubility range in 1 bar P O2 , oxygen annealing of Nd123 initially processed in low P O2 will result in precipitation of second phases which act as flux pinning centers.
What’s the object of object working memory in infancy? Unraveling ‘what’ and ‘how many’

Abstract Infants have a bandwidth-limited object working memory (WM) that can both individuate and identify objects in a scene, (answering ‘how many?’ or ‘what?’, respectively). Studies of infants’ WM for objects have typically looked for limits on either ‘how many’ or ‘what’, yielding different estimates of infant capacity. Infants can keep track of about three individuals (regardless of identity), but appear to be much more limited in the number of specific identities they can recall. Why are the limits on ‘how many’ and ‘what’ different? Are the limits entirely separate, do they interact, or are they simply two different aspects of the same underlying limit? We sought to unravel these limits in a series of experiments which tested 9- and 12-month-olds’ WM for object identities under varying degrees of difficulty. In a violation-of-expectation looking-time task, we hid objects one at a time behind separate screens, and then probed infants’ WM for the shape identity of the penultimate object in the sequence. We manipulated the difficulty of the task by varying both the number of objects in hiding locations and the number of means by which infants could detect a shape change to the probed object. We found that 9-month-olds’ WM for identities was limited by the number of hiding locations: when the probed object was one of two objects hidden (one in each of two locations), 9-month-olds succeeded, and they did so even though they were given only one means to detect the change. However, when the probed object was one of three objects hidden (one in each of three locations), they failed, even when they were given two means to detect the shape change. Twelve-month-olds, by contrast, succeeded at the most difficult task level. Results show that WM for ‘how many’ and for ‘what’ are not entirely separate. Individuated objects are tracked relatively cheaply. Maintaining bindings between indexed objects and identifying featural information incurs a greater attentional/memory cost. This cost reduces with development. We conclude that infant WM supports a small number of featureless object representations that index the current locations of objects. These can have featural information bound to them, but only at substantial cost.
Simultaneous Extraction and Concentration in Carbon Nanotube Immobilized Hollow Fiber Membranes

Analytical enrichment during continuous hollow fiber membrane extraction involves the movement of analytes from the sample to the extractant. At the same time, a second preconcentration mechanism is provided by out-diffusion of the extracting solvent. These effectively combine extraction and concentration into one step. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time that the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can enhance both these phenomenon leading to superior performance in terms of higher enrichment factors and extraction efficiency. The CNTs were immobilized in the pores of a polypropylene hollow fiber and led to nearly 250% enrichment enhancement over the unmodified parent membranes. The detections limits for polycyclic aromatic compounds were between 0.042 and 0.25 μg/L.
Nonlinear thermal analysis with a boundary element zone condensation technique

This paper presents a substantially more economical technique for the boundary element analysis (BEA) of a large class of nonlinear heat transfer problems including those with temperature dependent conductivity, temperature dependent convection coefficients, and radiation boundary conditions. The technique involves an exact static condensation of boundary element zones in a multi-zone boundary element model. The condensed boundary element zone contributions to be overall sparse blocked boundary element system matrices are formed once in the first step of the iterative nonlinear solution process and subsequently reused as the nonlinear parts of the overall problem are evolved to a convergent solution. Through a series of example problems it is demonstrated that the zone condensation technique facilitates the use of highly convergent iterative strategies for the solution of the nonlinear heat transfer problem involving modification and subsequent factorization of the overall boundary element system left had side matrix. For heat transfer problems with localized nonlinear effects, the condensation technique is shown to allow for the solution of nonlinear problems in less than half the CPU time required by methods that do not employ condensation.
Prospective association of lipoprotein(a) concentrations and apo(a) size with coronary heart disease among men in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial

In this nested case-control study, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentrations and apo(a) isoform size were measured in serum samples obtained from men participating in the prospective Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT). Serum from men aged 35 to 57 years and stored for up to 20 years were analyzed for Lp(a) levels (n=736) and isoform size (n=487), respectively. Cases involved nonfatal myocardial infarctions (MI; n=98), documented during the active phase of the study that ended on February 28, 1982 and coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths (n=148) monitored through 1990. Median Lp(a) levels did not differ between cases and controls and mean apo(a) size did not vary between cases and controls in the entire study population. When adjusted for age and Lp(a) concentration, logistic regression analysis indicated that small apo(a) isoforms were associated with CHD deaths among smokers (OR 3.31; 95% CI 1.07-10.28).
Analysis of Vertical Ground Reaction Force Variables during a Sit to Stand Task in Participants Recovering from a Hip Fracture

Abstract Background A Sit to Stand task following a hip fracture may be achieved through compensations (e.g. bilateral arms and uninvolved lower extremity), not restoration of movement strategies of the involved lower extremity. The primary purpose was to compare upper and lower extremity movement strategies using the vertical ground reaction force during a Sit to Stand task in participants recovering from a hip fracture to control participants. The secondary purpose was to evaluate the correlation between vertical ground reaction force variables and validated functional measures. Methods Twenty eight community dwelling older adults, 14 who had a hip fracture and 14 control participants completed the Sit to Stand task on an instrumented chair designed to measure vertical ground reaction force, performance based tests (Timed up and go, Berg Balance Scale and Gait Speed) and a self report Lower Extremity Measure. A MANOVA was used to compare functional scales and vertical ground reaction force variables between groups. Bivariate correlations were assessed using Pearson Product Moment correlations. Findings The vertical ground reaction force variables showed significantly higher bilateral arm force, higher uninvolved side peak force and asymmetry between the involved and uninvolved sides for the participants recovering from a hip fracture (Wilks' Lambda = 3.16, P = 0.019). Significant correlations existed between the vertical ground reaction force variables and validated functional measures. Interpretation Participants recovering from a hip fracture compensated using their arms and the uninvolved side to perform a Sit to Stand. Lower extremity movement strategies captured during a Sit to Stand task were correlated to scales used to assess function, balance and falls risk.
Assessing parental empathy: a role for empathy in child attachment

Although empathy has been associated with helping behavior and relationship quality, little research has evaluated the role of parental empathy in the development of parent-child relationships. The current study (1) establishes preliminary validity of the Parental Affective and Cognitive Empathy Scale (PACES), a method for coding empathy from parents' narrative responses to the Parent Development Interview - Revised for School-Aged Children (PDI-R-SC), and (2) tests a theoretical model of empathy and attachment. Sixty caregivers and their children completed a battery of questionnaire and interview measures, including the PDI-R-SC and the Child Attachment Interview (CAI). Caregivers' interview narratives were scored for empathy using PACES. PACES showed good interrater reliability and good convergent validity with a self-report empathy measure. Parent empathy was positively related to child attachment security (using a continuous score for narrative coherence) and emotional openness on the CAI, as well as to child perceptions of parental warmth. Moreover, parent empathy mediated the relation between parents' self-reported attachment style and their children's attachment security. Implications for attachment theory and future directions for establishing scale validity are discussed.
Effects of glucagon on cholesterol and triglyceride deposition in tissues

Abstract In rats on a high lipid diet a study was done on the effect of glucagon injections on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in plasma, liver, kidney, heart muscle, and aorta. There was little effect on the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver or in the diaphragm. However, the level of these lipids was significantly decreased in the kidney, aorta, and serum. Possible explanations for the findings are offered.
Need, Greed, and Protest in Japan's Black Market, 1938-1949

The image of Japan's black market as a historical marker, forged in the crucible of defeat, is powerfully persuasive, but also misleading. It did not arise, phoenix-like, from the ashes of defeat but grew steadily into a compelling structure of daily life from the late 1930s to the late 1940s. This paper analyzes its evolution and argues that the black market was in fact a structure of continuity linking war and defeat as a single historical era. As such, the black market was more than just a physical space, or collection of spaces, created by the laws of supply and demand where people engaged in various acts of illegal exchange. It was in fact a network of social practices identified by specific forms of behaviour and defined by a particular language, virtually all of which predated Japan's defeat. As a structure of continuity, the black market also represents a world decidedly un-Japanese, at least according to perceptions of Japan on this side of the Pacific. As one of the defining structures of a world of crisis, the black market offers us a glimpse of Japan that stands in marked contrast to the commonly accepted images of the Japanese people. Despite government propaganda about the special Japanese spirit of harmony and the "one-hundred million hearts beating as one" ( ichioku isshin ) and postwar exhortations to repent and sacrifice to rebuild the nation, the individual and collective acts performed within the black market stand as reminders of how great a gap exists between rhetoric and reality. As both monopoly and monopsony, especially after 1944, the black market drew into its orbit the government official, the military office, and the corporate baron just as it did the farmer, the salaried man and woman, and the entrepreneur. Enriching some, impoverishing many, and compelling most, the black market was the very antithesis of Japan's allegedly "beautiful customs" of harmony and selflessness.
Selecting specialized creators: the independent inventor.

This study applied to 103 independent inventors and 75 noninventors a modified version of a “test” designed to discriminate between creative people and others. The results for this 19-item questionnaire indicated that 7 items discriminated between inventors and noninventors. In addition, 2 of these items plus one other discriminated between patentees and nonpatentees within the inventor group. Support is therefore provided for the contention made in previous research that it may be possible to discriminate reliably between creative people and others by use of such a simple test.
A molecular mechanism underlying the neural-specific defect in torsinA mutant mice

A striking but poorly understood feature of many diseases is the unique involvement of neural tissue. One example is the CNS-specific disorder DYT1 dystonia, caused by a 3-bp deletion (“ΔE”) in the widely expressed gene TOR1A. Disease mutant knockin mice (Tor1aΔE/ΔE) exhibit disrupted nuclear membranes selectively in neurons, mimicking the tissue specificity of the human disease and providing a model system in which to dissect the mechanisms underlying neural selectivity. Our in vivo studies demonstrate that lamina-associated polypeptide 1 (LAP1) and torsinB function with torsinA to maintain normal nuclear membrane morphology. Moreover, we show that nonneuronal cells express dramatically higher levels of torsinB and that RNAi-mediated depletion of torsinB (but not other torsin family members) causes nuclear membrane abnormalities in Tor1aΔE/ΔE nonneuronal cells. The Tor1aΔE/ΔE neural selective phenotype therefore arises because high levels of torsinB protect nonneuronal cells from the consequences of torsinA dysfunction, demonstrating how tissue specificity may result from differential susceptibility of cell types to insults that disrupt ubiquitous biological pathways.
Prediction of engine and near-field plume reacting flows in low-thrust chemical rockets

A computational model is employed to study the reacting flow within the engine and near-field plumes of several small gaseous hydrogen-oxygen thrusters. The model solves the full Navier-Stokes equations coupled with species diffusion equations for a hydrogen-oxygen reaction kinetics system and includes a two-equation q-omega model for turbulence. Predictions of global performance parameters and localized flowfield variables are compared with experimental data in order to assess the accuracy with which these flowfields are modeled and to identify aspects of the model which require improvement. Predicted axial and radial velocities 3 mm downstream of the exit plane show reasonable agreement with the measurements. The predicted peak in axial velocity in the hydrogen film coolant along the nozzle wall shows the best agreement; however, predictions within the core region are roughly 15 percent below measured values, indicating an underprediction of the extent to which the hydrogen diffuses and mixes with the core flow. There is evidence that this is due to three-dimensional mixing processes which are not included in the axisymmetric model.
Existence of maximum likelihood estimates in normal variance-components models

Abstract Under the usual nonnegativity constraints on the variance components, a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of the parameter vector in a normal variance-components model is known to exist. We investigate the question of existence under more general types of constraints and, in particular, under the constraint that requires only that the variance–covariance matrix be positive definite. Attention is restricted to models in which all the possible variance–covariance matrices commute with one another. It is found that in some models, such as all random one-way models with a single group having the largest size and all balanced random two-way models, the likelihood becomes infinite under the positive definiteness constraints, so that no MLE exists. In (practically) all normal balanced mixed-effects classification models, a residual maximum likelihood estimate (REMLE) exists.
Knowledge and productivity in the pharmaceutical industry

Pharmaceutical firms perform R&D to develop and maintain core knowledge and capabilities. They use foundational knowledge to identify and evaluate relevant scientific advances and integrate those advances with existing knowledge and capabilities throughout the innovation pipeline. If core scientific knowledge and technical capabilities are used in this manner to increase innovative productivity by decreasing the use of other inputs, conventional measures of productivity based solely on outputs, per unit time, are likely to be inaccurate. We analyze productivity by examining development time and controlling for knowledge inputs. This approach measures the effect of core knowledge generated through pre-clinical laboratory R&D on development time in later stages of clinical development. We use patents and citations to model the use of technical knowledge generated through pre-clinical laboratory research in subsequent clinical development activities. Our results indicate that internally generated knowledge and patents, which builds on the existing scientific base are associated with shorter development times.
A simple magic angle spinning NMR experiment for the dephasing of rotational echoes of dipolar coupled homonuclear spin pairs

Abstract A simple NMR experiment for the dephasing of the rotational echo amplitudes of homonuclear dipolar coupled spin pairs in solids rotating at the magic angles is described. The dephasing is generated by π pulses applied synchronously with the sample rotation. One π pulse per rotor cycle is sufficient to cause an echo decay when the homonuclear dipole interaction is present. The dephasing effect of the π pulses is described using Floquet theory. Experimental results obtained on a doubly 13C-labeled alanine are presented and compared with numerical calculations. Effects arising from finite pulse lengths are also demonstrated and discussed.
The State Wealth-Legislative Compensation Effect

Abstract. Legislative scholars have paid almost no attention to explanations for the level of compensation provided to legislators, either within a country or cross-nationally, despite its importance to members and institutions. I posit a simple theory based on state wealth to explain differences in legislative pay. I test this theory using two novel data sets, one on 35 national assemblies, the other on subnational assemblies in Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States. Analysis of these data reveals that national or state wealth is strongly associated with legislator compensation. This finding is consistent with an intriguing analog in the labour economics literature.Resume. Les erudits du monde legislatif ne se sont guere penches sur les raisons des divers niveaux de remuneration des legislateurs, a l'echelle nationale ou transnationale, malgre l'importance du sujet pour les institutions et les membres des legislatures. Pour expliquer cette disparite, j'avance une simple theorie fondee sur la richesse des Etats. J'evalue ensuite cette theorie en m'appuyant sur deux nouvelles bases de donnees, la premiere portant sur 35 assemblees nationales et l'autre sur des assemblees sous-nationales en Australie, au Canada, en Allemagne et aux Etats-Unis. Ces analyses statistiques demontrent qu'il existe effectivement un lien etroit entre la richesse de l'Etat et la remuneration des legislateurs. Cette constatation est confirmee par une analogie fascinante dans la litterature sur l'economique du travail.
Targeting kinases in CML CLL.

Whereas kinases have become effective targets for cancer treatment, such enzymes have not been recognized as therapeutic targets in CLL. In this issue of Blood , Herman et al demonstrate expression of PI3K-δ in CLL and introduce CAL-101, a selective inhibitor of this kinase.[1][1] ![Figure][2]</
Metabolism of Propranolol during Percutaneous Absorption in Human Skin

This in vitro study evaluated the extent of the absorption and metabolism of propranolol in human skin from four sources. Between 10.4 ± 3.1 and 36.6 ± 2.6% of the applied dose was absorbed; however, only a small portion (between 4.1 ± 0.9 and 16.1 ± 1.3%) of the dose permeated through the skin. Naphthoxyacetic acid formed during percutaneous absorption was located in the skin supernate. 4’- Hydroxypropranol was formed during percutaneous absorption and by skin microsomes. In addition, the microsomes biotransformed propranolol to norpropranolol. The retention of some of the absorbed drug and metabolites in the skin could explain the low plasma concentration and irritation observed following topical application of propranolol.
Separation of recombinant β-glucuronidase from transgenic tobacco by aqueous two-phase extraction.

Abstract Transgenic plants hold many promises as viable production hosts for therapeutic recombinant proteins. Many efforts have been devoted to increase the expression level of the proteins, but the efforts for developing economic processes to purify those proteins are lacking. In this report, aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) was investigated as an alternative for the separation of an acidic recombinant protein, β-glucuronidase (rGUS), from transgenic tobacco. Screening experiments by fractional factorial designs showed that PEG concentration and ionic strength of the system significantly affected the partitioning of native tobacco proteins and GUS. Response surface methodology was used to determine an optimized aqueous two-phase system for the purification of rGUS from transgenic tobacco. In a 13.4% (w/w) PEG 3400/18% (w/w) potassium phosphate system, 74% of the rGUS was recovered in the top PEG-rich phase while more than 90% of the native tobacco proteins were removed in the interphase and the bottom phase. A purification factor of about 20 was achieved in this process. The most important impurity from tobacco, Rubisco, was largely removed from the rGUS in the recovered phase.
Procedures for a best population problem when the criterion of bestness involves a fixed tolerance region

In this paper we supply tables of constants necessary to use the procedures developed in [4]. We also present a new procedure for one of the cases not discussed in that paper, as well as a proof that it is parameter-free at levelP*.
A model of mercury contamination in a woodland stream

A model for the accumulation of mercury in four compartments of woodland stream has been set up. The four components considered are sediments, detritus, invertebrates and fish. The model inputs are concentrations of dissolved monomethyl mercury and dissolved inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in the water. The model predicts that some reevaluation of current safe mercury concentrations in water may be needed in order to keep mercury concentrations in fish below current actions levels.
An impact of community policing: Reported stressors, social support, and strain among police officers in a changing police department

Community-based policing requires a radically different philosophical and organizational approach from the more traditional approach to policing. Stress may be experienced during organizational change as areas of responsibility and roles are altered. This study had three primary objectives: to identify (1) the areas officers and their immediate supervisors actually consider stressful, (2) the officers' and supervisors' responses to stress, and (3) the influence of their social support systems on these responses. Data were collected from community coordinators, radio response officers, and sergeants of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina. The officers and sergeants report specific physiological responses, lack of job involvement, and propensity to leave law enforcement; all responses that are considered by the literature to be related to stress. Stressors that are both common in law enforcement in general and stressors unique to a department implementing community policing are found to be significant. Work social support does appear to affect the level of job involvement of the officers. The finding that sergeants do not appear to feel that they have work social support may be working to the detriment of their ability to cope with stress and their willingness to be involved with their job.
Nonlinear Transient Dynamics of Pendulum Torsional Vibration Absorbers—Part I: Theory

Transient dynamics of centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers, which are used for reducing torsional vibrations in rotating machines, are investigated using analysis and simulations of a dynamical model. These absorbers are being implemented in automotive engines to smooth vibrations and aid with fuel saving technologies, such as cylinder deactivation and torque converter lockup. In order for the absorbers to operate effectively with minimal mass, they must be designed to accommodate large amplitude, nonlinear responses, and in automotive engines they will experience a variety of transient environments. Here we consider the most severe transient environment, that of sudden activation near resonance, which leads to beating behavior of a nonlinear oscillator coupled to a driven rotor. An approximate method for predicting the percent overshoot of the beating transient response is derived, based on perturbation analysis of the system equations of motion. The main result is expressed in terms of the system and excitation parameters, and is found to accurately predict results from direct simulations of the model equations of motion. It is shown that absorbers with near-tautochronic paths behave much like linear absorbers, and when lightly damped and start from small initial conditions, they have an overshoot close to 100%. For absorbers with softening paths, such as the commonly used circular path absorbers, the overshoot can reach up to 173%, depending on system and input parameters, far exceeding predictions from linear analysis. These results provide a useful tool for design of absorbers to meet transient response specifications. In the following companion paper an experimental investigation is used to verify the analytical predictions.
Immunization of rabbits with cottontail rabbit papillomavirus E1 and E2 genes: protective immunity induced by gene gun-mediated intracutaneous delivery but not by intramuscular injection

We previously demonstrated that gene gun-based intracutaneous vaccination of rabbits with a combination of, but not with individual papillomavirus E1, E2, E6 and E7 genes provided complete protection against cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) infection. In the present study, we tested whether vaccination of inbred and outbred rabbits with a combination of CRPV E1 and E2 genes could provide complete protection against virus infection. In the first experiment, gene gun-based intracutaneous vaccination with E1 and E2 genes prevented papilloma formation in the majority of inbred rabbits and promoted systemic papilloma regression in one non-protected rabbit. In contrast, needle-mediated intramuscular injection of E1 and E2 genes did not prevent papilloma formation nor promoted systemic papilloma regression, indicating an absence of strong protective immunity. In the second experiment, six outbred rabbits were immunized by gene gun-based intracutaneous administration of the E1 and E2 genes. Prevention of papilloma formation or systemic papilloma regression was observed in three vaccinated rabbits. Papillomas persisted on the remaining three rabbits, but were significantly smaller than that on control rabbits. These results suggested that gene gun-based intracutaneous vaccination with the combination of papillomavirus E1 and E2 genes induced strong protective antivirus immunity but may be insufficient for complete protection in an outbred population.
The Remaking of the Franciscan Entries for the New Catholic Encyclopedia, Second Edition

ABSTRACT This article examines the three-year editorial process for all Franciscan entries in the 2002 edition of the New Catholic Encyclopedia. It outlines the project's editorial guidelines and presents its editorial data, which identifies the actual differences between the Franciscana entries between the 1967 and the 2002 editions, that is, percentages of new, rewritten, revised, reprinted and deleted entries. Data analysis reveals qualitative and quantitative differences between the two editions while also revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the 2002 entries, which provided new perspectives, major revision of seminal articles, abundant bibliographic updates, and systematic review of all entries.
Growth Hormone (GH) Binding and Effects of GH Analogs in Transgenic Mice

Overexpression of human (h) or bovine (b) growth hormone (GH) in transgenic mice is associated with marked (2- to 12-fold) and significant increase in hepatic binding of GH and prolactin (PRL). This is due to an increase in the number of GH and PRL receptors (GHR, PRLR) per mg of microsomal protein without changes in binding affinity. Comparison of results obtained in transgenic animals expressing bGH with a mouse metallothionein (MT) or a rat phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter suggests that effects of bGH on hepatic GHR and PRLR do not require GH overexpression during fetal life and, within the dose range tested, the effects on PRLR are not dose dependent. The increase in hepatic GHR was accompanied by significant increases in plasma GH-binding protein (GHBP) and in mean residence time of injected GH. Thus life-long elevation of peripheral GH levels alters the availability of both free GH and GHR. Site-directed in vitro mutagenesis was used to produce hGH and bGH analogs mutated within one of the sites involved in binding to GHR and PRLR. Mutating hGH to produce amino acid identity with bGH at Position 11, 18 (within Helix 1), 57, or 60 (within the loop between Helix 1 andmore » 2) did not affect binding to GHR in vitro, or somatotropic activity in transgenic mice in vivo but reduced lactogenic activity in Nb{sub 2} cells by 22%-45%. Mutations of bGH designed to produce amino acid identity with hGH at one to four of the corresponding positions in the bGH molecule did not interfere with binding to GHR or somatotropic activity in vivo, and failed to produce significant binding to PRLR but resulted in alterations in the effects on the hypothalamic and anterior pituitary function in transgenic mice. Apparently region(s) outside the domains examined are essential for lactogenic activity of hGH, and different portions of the GH molecule are responsible for its diverse actions in vivo. 35 refs.« less