cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topological Measurement of an A-tract Bend Angle: Comparison of the Bent and Straightened States

It is well established that an A-tract imparts curvature to the DNA double helix. Constructs of such A-tracts have been used as bend standards in a large number of both structural and functional studies, and A-tracts can confer significant activation in transcription. An accurate value for the bend angle induced by an A-tract is centrally important to all such studies, but the estimates reported for the bend angle of an A-tract differ by greater than threefold. To address this problem, we have used the rotational variant method to measure the angle of DNA curvature conferred by a tract of six adenine bases (A6 tract). The original version of the method measured a protein-induced bend angle independent of external standards. It compared the effect of bent and straight forms of the sequence on the topology of a DNA plasmid in which the sequence is cloned as a series of tandem repeats. To adapt the approach to the measurement of an intrinsic bend, high temperature was used to generate the straightened reference state, with the required topological relaxation being performed by a hyperthermophile topoisomerase. Appropriate plasmids containing tandem repeats of A-tracts were constructed and topologically analyzed in this manner. The bend value measured at 4 degrees C was 26(+/-2), and decreased linearly to 17(+/-2) at 37 degrees C. The relationship to other estimates and the application of these values are discussed.
Forward and Backward Visual Masking in Unaffected Siblings of Schizophrenic Patients

Background Visual masking tasks assess the earliest stages of visual processing. This study examined visual masking performance for forward and backward masking tasks in siblings of schizophrenic patients and healthy comparison subjects. Methods A staircase method was used to ensure that unmasked target identification was equivalent across subjects to eliminate differences due to discrimination of simple perceptual inputs. Four computerized visual masking tasks were administered to 43 siblings of patients and 42 normal comparison subjects. The tasks included: 1) locating a target; 2) identifying a target with a high-energy mask; 3) identifying a target with a low-energy mask; and 4) a paracontrast/metacontrast procedure with nonoverlapping target and mask. Results Across masking conditions, there was a significant group by forward/backward interaction, meaning that siblings showed a larger difference from control subjects in backward versus forward masking. This group difference was more pronounced in the location condition. Conclusions These results support the theory that visual masking procedures may be indicators of vulnerability to schizophrenia. The pattern of findings in this report (larger group differences on backward versus forward masking and on the location condition) suggests that the activity of transient visual channels may be particularly linked to vulnerability.
Buffer-layer enhanced structural and electronic quality in ferrimagnetic Sr2CrReO6 epitaxial films

Highly ordered epitaxial Sr2CrReO6 films of 20-nm and 175-nm thicknesses were deposited on SrTiO3 and (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 substrates and Sr2CrNbO6 buffer layers. Electronic measurements and scanning transmission electron microscopy images clearly show that the Sr2CrNbO6 buffer layers facilitate Cr/Re ordering near the interface, thus minimizing the number of defect states in the films. Arrhenius fits of the resistivity data give activation energies of 7.3–32 meV for films grown on non-buffered substrates, suggesting defect states are more conducting than Sr2CrReO6, whereas films grown on the Sr2CrNbO6 buffer layer have activation energies in the narrow range 38.6–42.1 meV.
Ion pairing and counterion condensation in aqueous electrolyte and polyelectrolyte solutions: Insights from molecular simulation

Abstract We discuss the molecular-based study of ion-pair formation in LiCl aqueous solutions and its implications on the interpretation of the raw data from neutron diffraction with isotopic substitution experiments, the counterion condensation in aqueous polyelectrolyte solutions comprising short-chain lithium poly-styrene sulfonate (Li + –PSS − ), as well as their interplay leading to the occurrence of “like-charge” attractive interactions in the presence of salts of polyvalent counterions.
Analysis of weights in a layered network for classifying active sonar returns

Rosenblatt's "back-propagating error correction procedure".1. INTRODUCTIONIn a landmark study, Gorman and Sejnowski (1988) trained a three-layer, feed-forward neuralnetwork to classify active sonar returns from two undersea objects, a metal cylinder and a similarly-shaped rock. In the widely publicized DARPA Neural Network Study (1988), "metal cylinder" wastranscribed as "mine". The inputs represented the spectrum levels derived from a lofargram of theechoes and the two output units registered the classification.The work described here is similar in motivation but differs from the Gorman-Sejnowski exper-iment in several important respects. Our network received inputs obtained by sampling the en-velope of the echo in the time domain. The objective was to see how effectively the network couldlearn to estimate the orientation of a single target type. We used binary threshold units (or McCul-loch-Pitts neurons) in the hidden and output layers. For the learning algorithm we adopted a
Discussion on “Change-Points: From Sequential Detection to Biology and Back” by David Siegmund

Abstract Inspired by Professor Siegmund's survey of change-point detection and related problems, I point out that some popular fixed-sample multiple hypothesis testing procedures also have a similar structure.
Ontogeny of long-term, nonassociative memory in the rat

The primary purpose of the present study was to assess the ontogeny of nonassociative learning and memory in 16-, 30-, and 75-day-old rats. In each of three experiments, habituation of the orienting response to a novel auditory stimulus was measured. The orienting response is an unconditioned reaction elicited by innocuous environmental stimulation that habituates with repeated stimulus presentations. Both an autonomic component (heart-rate deceleration) and a behavioral index (head jerk) of the orienting response were recorded in this study. Although no age differences in rate of habituation (i.e., rate of nonassociative learning) were found (see Experiment 1), a marked effect of age on retention of habituation was observed. Preweanling rats retained habituation of the orienting response to an auditory stimulus for less than 4 h (Experiment 2), whereas adult animals exhibited no forgetting even after a 1-week interval (Experiment 3). These results are discussed in terms of (1) demonstrations of age-related differences in associative memory, (2) the persistence of nonassociative memories in adults, and (3) the significance of the orienting response as a measure of retention of nonassociative learning.
The Energy Budget Over the Florida Peninsula When a Convective Regime Dominates

Abstract In order to assess the role played by convective processes in the vertical transfer of energy, the mean structure and energy budget over the Florida Peninsula have been studied, when the convective scale is the dominant scale of motion present. The study utilized 0000 and 1200 GMT radiosonde data for the period 1957-65 and the convectively dominated period was identified as June, July and August. Energy budget computations show that the Florida Peninsula provides a considerable amount of latent and sensible energy across the air-surface interface. Convective processes make a significant contribution to the vertical transport of energy. The sea-breeze circulation is found to play an important role in the physical processes taking place. When the entire tropospheric volume is considered, it is found that there is a net expert of energy.
Linezolid has unique immunomodulatory effects in post-influenza community acquired MRSA pneumonia.

Introduction Post influenza pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with mortality rates approaching 60% when bacterial infections are secondary to multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus, in particular community acquired MRSA (cMRSA), has emerged as a leading cause of post influenza pneumonia. Hypothesis Linezolid (LZD) prevents acute lung injury in murine model of post influenza bacterial pneumonia Methods Mice were infected with HINI strain of influenza and then challenged with cMRSA at day 7, treated with antibiotics (LZD or Vanco) or vehicle 6 hours post bacterial challenge and lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) harvested at 24 hours for bacterial clearance, inflammatory cell influx, cytokine/chemokine analysis and assessment of lung injury. Results Mice treated with LZD or Vanco had lower bacterial burden in the lung and no systemic dissemination, as compared to the control (no antibiotic) group at 24 hours post bacterial challenge. As compared to animals receiving Vanco, LZD group had significantly lower numbers of neutrophils in the BAL (9×103 vs. 2.3×104, p < 0.01), which was associated with reduced levels of chemotactic chemokines and inflammatory cytokines KC, MIP-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-1β in the BAL. Interestingly, LZD treatment also protected mice from lung injury, as assessed by albumin concentration in the BAL post treatment with H1N1 and cMRSA when compared to vanco treatment. Moreover, treatment with LZD was associated with significantly lower levels of PVL toxin in lungs. Conclusion Linezolid has unique immunomodulatory effects on host inflammatory response and lung injury in a murine model of post-viral cMRSA pneumonia.
Early nasogastric tube removal combined with metoclopramide after postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for metastatic testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of combining early nasogastric tube (NGT) removal and metoclopramide after postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in decreasing complications, time to diet tolerance, and discharge. Methods. We performed a retrospective study of 31 patients who underwent postchemotherapy RPLND at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1994 and 1996, who were treated with a clinical care pathway that included NGT removal on postoperative day 1 and immediate use of promotility agents such as metoclopramide. A comparison was made with 42 historic controls treated from 1988 to 1994 who were managed with an NGT until the return of flatus and minimal promotility agents. Results. Both groups had comparable age, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures. The study group had fewer complications, with an earlier tolerance of solid food (median 5 ± 2.5 days compared with 7 ± 5.1 days in controls, P = 0.000) and discharge (median 6 ± 2.6 days compared with 9 ± 6.9 days in controls, P = 0.000). NGT replacement was required in 3.2% of study patients versus 9% of controls. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that the number of NGT days was an independent predictor of early return of bowel function and length of hospitalization ( P = 0.000), and metoclopramide was not. Conclusions. Early NGT removal combined with metoclopramide after postchemotherapy RPLND allowed earlier diet tolerance and shortened hospital stays without increased complications. The role that promotility agents play as a necessary component of safe, early NGT removal is unclear.
Impacts of climate change on stratospheric ozone recovery

[1] The impact of increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) on the “recovery” of stratospheric ozone is examined using simulations of the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry-Climate Model. In this model, GHG-induced climate change has a large impact on the ozone evolution and when O3 recovery milestones are reached. The two distinct milestones of “O3 returning to historical values” and “O3 being no longer significantly influenced by ozone depleting substances (ODSs)” can be reached at very different dates, and which occurs first varies between regions. GHG-induced cooling in the upper stratosphere causes O3 to increase, and O3 returns to 1980 or 1960 values several decades before O3 is no longer significantly influenced by ODSs. In contrast, transport changes in the tropical and southern mid-latitude lower stratosphere cause O3 to decrease. Here O3 never returns to 1980 values, even when anthropogenic ODSs have been removed from the atmosphere. O3 returning to 1960 (or 1980) values should not necessarily be interpreted as O3 recovery from the effects of ODSs.
Response of rice genotype to straighthead disease as influenced by arsenic level and water management practices in soil.

Abstract Arsenic (As) uptake by rice plants and the straighthead disease induced by As-based herbicide are of environmental concerns. Bioavailability or mobility of inorganic As in soil has been reported to be significantly influenced by soil minerals such as iron (hydr) oxide; however, the interactions of organic As such as monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) with soil minerals are little studied, thus largely unknown. In an effort to minimize the As uptake by rice and determine rice cultivar response to soil MSMA level, a field experiment was conducted on three rice cultivars grown in both MSMA-treated and -untreated soils under continuous or intermittent flood water management practices. Results indicated that the grain yield and the occurrence of straighthead disease were cultivar-dependent and influenced by soil As level and water management practices. Straighthead-resistant cultivars yielded more and had lower grain As than the susceptible ones. Elevated soil As with continuous flood management significantly reduced the grain yield of susceptible cultivars by > 89% due to substantially increased straighthead, which were induced by increased As content in grains. Yield reduction by MSMA treatment could be partially mitigated with intermittent flood water practice. The As accumulation was found to be associated with soil iron redox transformation influenced by the water management. This study demonstrates that the selection of less As-susceptible cultivars and intermittent flood water practice could be effective means to lower the As accumulation in grains and minimize the occurrence of the As-induced straighthead symptom and yield reduction.
Optimizing Amphotericin B Therapy for Cryptococcal Meningitis

JavalyK,BarkerDE,andAmBisomeCryptococcalMeningitis Study Group: Comparison of 2 doses of liposomal amphotericin b and conventional amphotericin b deoxy- cholate for treatment of AIDS-associated acute cryptococ- cal meningitis: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of efficacy and safety. Clin Infect Dis 2010, 51:225-232. Rating: Of importance. Introduction: Although the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased the incidence of cryptococcal meningitis associated with AIDS in many countries, it is still common, especially among populations with limited access to medical care (1). Using a regimen of amphotericin B deoxycholate (0.7-1.0 mg/kg per day), with or without flucytosine, mortality rates associated with the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis have been reported to be 5% to 11% and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sterilization rates were reported to be 60% to 75% (2, 3). Lipid-based formulations have been widely used for the treatment ofavariety offungalinfections, withsimilar clinical efficacy and fewer adverse effects than amphotericin B deoxycholate. Interestingly, no large-scale clinical trial has been conducted to examine the comparative efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B with amphotericin B deoxycholate for the treatment of cryptococcalmeningitis. Furthermore, itis generally recognized that amphotericin B exhibits concentration-dependent fungicidal activity, and clinical data regarding the use of high-dose dose liposomal amphotericin B for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis unfortunately are lacking (4). Aims: The purpose of this trial was compare the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of two doses of liposomal ampho- tericin B and a standard dose of amphotericin B deoxycho- late for patients with AIDS-associated acute cryptococcal meningitis.
The potential for high strength steels in the U.S. automotive industry

Abstract The rapidly developing materials technology of high strength steels (HSS) is offering significant competition to the alternate materials for weight reduction (plastics, aluminium alloys) in the automobile industry. The dynamic HSS field offers a range of products tailored for various applications, with constant evolvement of new grades of steel to meet developing needs. The steels can be divided into three broad classifications, based on the strengthening mechanisms. The metallurgy of these different classes is described. The factors involved in selecting HSS for automotive applications are described, and their properties relative to these applications are delineated. It is concluded that HSS offer a broad spectrum of opportunities for significant weight reduction in automobiles.
XIV—The Moral Limits of Markets: The Case of Human Kidneys

This paper examines the morality of kidney markets through the lens of choice, inequality, and weak agency looking at the case for limiting such markets under both non-ideal and ideal circumstances. Regulating markets can go some way to addressing the problems of inequality and weak agency. The choice issue is different and this paper shows that the choice for some to sell their kidneys can have external effects on those who do not want to do so, constraining the options that are now open to them. I believe that this is the strongest argument against such markets.
The two sides of opioids in cyclical vomiting syndrome.

Background: Cyclical vomiting syndrome is increasingly recognized in adults, with recent reports suggesting 'coalescing attacks' in one third of the patients. We hypothesized that the common need for opioid treatment may contribute to coalescing attacks through development of opioid dependence and withdrawal, triggering cyclical vomiting syndrome. Aim: This study was to review iatrogenic opioid dependence as the potential cause for triggering cyclical vomiting syndrome. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients treated for cyclical vomiting syndrome by a single physician between Jan and December of 2010. Demographic data, clinical presentation, treatment, cumulative opioid prescription during hospitalizations and emergency room visits and days of inpatient stay were abstracted from the chart. Results: Forty-one patients (mean age 37.5.6 ± 2.6 years; 66% female) were seen within this timeframe. In eleven patients (27%) with ongoing opioid use, the initial cyclical illness had progressed and eventually coalesced. A cohort of 23 patients was followed for at least 6 months (12.3 ± 1.7 months). The best single predictor of repeat hospitalizations was the cumulative opioid dosage. Conclusion: Continued use of opioid therapy is a poor prognostic marker of cyclical vomiting syndrome and may contribute to disease coalescence, with dependence and withdrawal triggering recurrent episodes.
Correlation between Biomarkers and Surrogate Markers in Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM-1): Data from the Study of Pathogenesis and Progression in DM (STOPP DM) (P05.185)

Objective: To document correlations between biomarkers (muscle mass and strength measures) and surrogate markers (function and health related quality of life (HRQoL measures) in patients with DM-1. Background Research funding agencies and regulatory agencies are increasingly requiring investigators to validate and use outcome measures that patients feel have a direct relationship to their well being and performance. Design/Methods: Patients participating in the STOPP DM study at our institution undergo assessments of: muscle mass ( DXA), manual muscle testing (MMT) on 38 muscles, quantitative muscle tests (QMT) on 14 muscles, function testing – 6 and 2 minute walk tests (6MWT& 2MWT), run/walk 309, ascend/descend 4 stairs, rise from a chair, Purdue pegboard test (PPT), Jebsen Taylor Hand function test (JTHFT); and complete, HRQOL surveys (Short Form 36 & Individualised Quality of Life-INQoL). Data from patients who have undergone all the above evaluations at baseline were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Statistical significance was set at p Results: To date 71(46F) patients average age 46.9yrs (18-69) have enrolled in the study. Significant correlations (p Conclusions: We have documented significant relationships between measures of muscle strength, function and quality of life in patients with DM-1. These correlations and subsequent longitudinal analyses of our findings at 12 and 36 months in the STOPP DM cohort will provide necessary guidance in selecting appropriate outcome measures for future therapeutic trial phases. Supported by: U54NS048843 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Disclosure: Ms. Pandya has received personal compensation for activities with Shire Pharmaceuticals Group. Dr. Eichinger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dilek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dekdebrun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martens has nothing to disclose. Dr. Heatwole has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thornton has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme Corporation as a consultant. Dr. Thornton has received research support from Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Moxley has nothing to disclose.
Enhanced 4D heart model based on high resolution dual source gated cardiac CT images

We have developed a new 4D heart model for use in the 4D NCAT phantom that, through modification of parameters that define it, is capable of modeling a wide variety of beating heart motions, normal and abnormal. High-resolution gated cardiac CT data of a healthy subject obtained from a dual source MSCT scanner was used to define the more detailed anatomy of the model. The study consisted of 100 gated time frames over a complete cardiac cycle. For each time frame, 3D NURBS and subdivision surfaces were created to model the four cardiac chambers as well as the coronary vessels, papillary muscles, valves, and other small details of the heart. The motion vector field of the chamber surfaces between adjacent gated time frames was set up by combining information from the CT data as well as the gated tagged MRI data upon which the original 4D NCAT heart model was based. The cardiac twisting motion of the heart cannot be ascertained from CT imaging data; therefore, the twisting motion in the original heart model was scaled to fit the new heart segmented from the CT data. Once the twisting motion was established, the radial and longitudinal contractions could be obtained by noting the epi- and endocardial borders in the gated MSCT images. The motion of the vessels and other cardiac structures was determined by tracking landmark points located on or within them for each subsequent time frame. Time curves were defined for the control points defining each surface creating a time changing 3D surface or 4D model for each heart structure. The resulting heart model was parameterized (including variables to alter the volume change and time duration of different portions of the cardiac cycle as well as the global and regional motion) so as to simulate normal and abnormal variations in the cardiac motion. The model will provide a useful simulation tool for evaluating and improving existing and emerging high resolution 4D imaging techniques used in the diagnosis of cardiac disease.
Autologous stem cell transplantation for myocardial repair

Current therapies for heart failure due to transmural left ventricular (LV) infarction are limited. We have developed a novel patch method for delivering autologous bone marrow stem cells to sites ...
Production of Antilisterial Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in Dairy-Based Media: A Comparative Study

One hundred and eight strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for bacteriocin production by the modified deferred antagonism and agar well diffusion methods. When the modified deferred antagonism method was employed, 82 LAB strains showed inhibitory action against Listeria monocytogenes v7 ½a, whereas 26 LAB strains expressed no inhibition. Only 12 LAB strains exhibited inhibitory activity when the agar well diffusion method was used, 11 of which had been previously recognized as bacteriocin production positive (Bac(+)). Lactobacillus viridescens NRRL B-1951 was determined, for the first time, to produce an inhibitory compound with a proteinaceous nature. The inhibitory activity was observed in the presence of lipase, α-chymotrypsin, and trypsin, but no inhibition zone could be detected in the presence of proteinase K, indicating the proteinaceous nature of the inhibitory compound. The inhibitory compound was active against Lact. sake ATCC 15521 and Lact. plantarum NCDO 995. Bacteriocin production by the Bac(+) LAB strains was assessed in Lactobacillus MRS Broth as well as in dairy-based media such as nonfat milk, demineralized whey powder, and cheddar cheese whey supplemented with complex nutrient sources that are rich in nitrogen. Lact. sake ATCC 15521 and L. monocytogenes CWD 1002, CWD 1092, CWD 1157, CWD 1198, and v7 ½a were used as indicators. The inhibitory activities of the bacteriocins varied depending on the indicator strains and the growth media used. The LAB indicator strains were found to be more sensitive to inhibition by bacteriocins when compared to the listerial indicator strains. Among the listerial indicators, L. monocytogenes CWD 1002 and CWD 1198 were the most sensitive strains to the bacteriocins investigated in this study. Media composition had a significant influence on bacteriocin production and activity. When compared to demineralized whey powder medium and cheddar cheese whey medium supplemented with whey protein concentrate, cheddar cheese whey medium supplemented with complex nutrient sources such as yeast extract, polypeptone, proteose peptone nr. 3, or soytone appeared to be more supportive of bacteriocin production.
A Simplified Model for Predicting Vapor Bubble Growth Rates in Heterogeneous Boiling

A simplified model, based on heat transfer through a wedge-shaped liquid microlayer and a lumped thermal analysis for a solid heater, is developed for predicting the vapor bubble growth rate in heterogeneous pool boiling. A first-order ordinary differential equation is obtained for the bubble growth rate. An empirical parameter, C2 , which characterizes the region of the heating surface influenced by microlayer evaporation, is determined by matching the existing experimental data with the predicted growth rate. The present bubble growth model compares well with the available experimental data for intermediate and moderately wetting fluids in which Jacob number ranges from 0.52 to 1974.
Is synaesthesia one condition or many? A large-scale analysis reveals subgroups

Synaesthesia is a broadly defined neural phenomenon in which stimulation of a sense or concept triggers a second perception not normally associated with the stimulus. For example, letters or numbers may trigger a colour experience, sounds may trigger a taste sensation, or tastes may trigger a feeling of touch. Dozens of forms of synaesthesia have been reported, but the relationship between the different forms has not been studied: is someone with a particular form of synaesthesia likely to possess other types? If so, which ones? As an inroad to illuminating underlying mechanisms, we here examine which different synaesthesia types tend to co-occur. We analyzed reports of the forms of synaesthesia experienced by 19,133 participants who completed the Synaesthesia Battery (Eagleman, Kagan, Nelson, Sagaram, & Sarma, 2007), using correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multidimensional scaling (MDS). Our analyses converged on the finding of five distinct groupings of synaesthesia forms. We label these coloured sequence synaesthesias (CSSs), coloured music synaesthesias, non-visual sequela synaesthesias, spatial sequence synaesthesia (SSS), and coloured sensation synaesthesias. Collectively, our findings reveal that synaesthesia is an umbrella term that encompasses several distinct groups with independent probabilities of expression, and this may in turn suggest distinct underlying mechanisms and the possibility of different genetic bases.
DIURNAL VARIATION IN SUPPRESSION OF ADRENAL FUNCTION BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS.

If the functioning of the ACTH-releasing mechanism were analogous to a negative feedback system sensitive to glucocorticoids, administration of physiologic amounts of exogenous cortisol-like compounds might be expected to suppress ACTH release quantitatively and would serve, therefore, merely as replacement glucocorticoid. However, in certain circumstances it appears that this does not occur. In order to understand this paradox, normal subjects were given 0.5 mg of dexamethasone orally at 8 am in one study, at 4 PM in a second study and at midnight in the third study. Plasma and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels were determined. Production rates of cortisol were estimated by isotope dilution. One half mg of dexamethasone administered at 8 am or 4 pm caused only temporary suppression of cortisol secretion. The same amount given at midnight, however, produced virtually complete suppression of cortisol production for a full 24-hr period. These findings appear to be attributable to a variation in the du...
Natural intrusions of hypoxic, low pH water into nearshore marine environments on the California coast

A decade-long time series recorded in Central California demonstrates that a shallow, near-shore environment (17 m depth) is regularly inundated with pulses of cold, hypoxic and low-pH water. During these episodes, oxygen can drop to physiologically stressful levels, and pH can reach values that potentially result in dissolution of calcium carbonate. Pulses of the greatest intensity arose at the onset of the spring upwelling season, and fluctuations were strongly semidiurnal and diurnal. Arrival of cold, hypoxic water on the inner shelf appears to be driven by tidal-frequency internal waves pushing deep, upwelled water into nearshore habitats. We found no relationship between the timing of low-oxygen events and the diel solar cycle. These observations are consistent with the interpretation that hypoxic water is advected shoreward from the deep, offshore environment where water masses experience a general decline of temperature, oxygen and pH with depth. Analysis of the durations of exposure to low oxygen concentrations establishes a framework for assessing the ecological relevance of these events, but physiological tolerance limits to such hypoxic events are not well documented for most near-shore organisms expected to be impacted.
Taxonomic status of the Davis Mountains cottontail, Sylvilagus robustus, revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism

The Davis Mountains cottontail, Sylvilagus robustus, is morphologically different from the eastern cottontail, S. floridanus, but previous genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA data did not recover 2 genetically distinct groups. Our study used a nuclear DNA fingerprinting technique, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), to test the hypothesis that S. robustus is genetically distinct from S. floridanus. We tentatively considered any individual collected at an elevation .1,400 m as S. robustus and later confirmed our identifications with morphological or genetic data, or both. Principal component and discriminant function analyses of 6 previously published cranial measurements confirmed morphological distinctiveness. For genetic analyses we analyzed 273 AFLP fragments from 20 individuals of S. robustus and compared them to 16 S. floridanus ,4 S. audubonii, and 1 S. obscurus. Results from phylogenetic and population genetic analyses suggest a significant lack of gene flow between the 2 species. Together, these data support recognition of S. robustus as a separate species. DOI: 10.1644/09-MAMM-A-382.1.
Electric field manipulation of charged copolymer worm micelles.

Manipulation of diblock copolymer worm micelles by external electric fields is visualized by fluorescence microscopy in dilute, aqueous solution. Hydrodynamic coupling of the poly(acrylic acid)−(1,4)-polybutadiene (PAA−PBD) worm motion to the electric field and the effective stiffening of the worms in an oscillating electric field are demonstrated. A brief discussion on using this technique to estimate the rheological properties of wormlike micelles is presented.
A new technique for enlargement and reconstruction of digital sensor imagery

A new image enlargement and reconstruction routine, the digital image enlarging balanced reconstruction algorithm (DIEBRA), is described. Using a highly modified form of 'balanced' two-dimensional polynomial interpolation, this program enlarges digital imagery, creating synthetic high spatial resolution images. Statistical analysis shows the DIEBRA-generated imagery to be significantly closer to true high spatial resolution imagery at all frequencies than imagery generated by a cubic convolutional reconstruction filter.
Halo clustering with nonlocal non-Gaussianity

We show how the peak-background split (PBS) can be generalized to predict the effect of nonlocal primordial non-Gaussianity on the clustering of halos. Our approach is applicable to arbitrary primordial bispectra. We show that the scale dependence of halo clustering predicted in the peak-background split agrees with that of the local-biasing model on large scales. On smaller scales, k ≳ 0:01h Mpc^(-1), the predictions diverge, a consequence of the assumption of separation of scales in the peak-background split. Even on large scales, PBS and local biasing do not generally agree on the amplitude of the effect outside of the high-peak limit. The scale dependence of the biasing—the effect that provides strong constraints to the local-model bispectrum—is far weaker for the equilateral and self-ordering-scalar-field models of non-Gaussianity. The bias scale dependence for the orthogonal and folded models is weaker than in the local model (~k^(-1)), but likely still strong enough to be constraining.We show that departures from scale-invariance of the primordial power spectrum may lead to order-unity corrections, relative to predictions made assuming scale-invariance—to the non-Gaussian bias in some of these nonlocal models for non-Gaussianity. An Appendix shows that a nonlocal model can produce the local-model bispectrum, a mathematical curiosity we uncovered in the course of this investigation.
High-resolution historical records from Pettaquamscutt River basin sediments: 1. 210Pb and varve chronologies validate record of 137Cs released by the Chernobyl accident

Abstract Cesium-137 derived from the explosion of the Chernobyl reactor in 1986 was preserved in anoxic sediments from a coastal environment in southern Rhode Island. Although the radioactive plume was detected in surface air samples at several locations in the United States, this is the first known record of a Chernobyl 137 Cs peak in sediments from North America. The inventory of Chernobyl 137 Cs that was preserved in the Pettaquamscutt River is small compared to European counterparts and should only be detectable for the next 15–20 yr. However, the presence of two 137 Cs peaks (1963 and 1987) identifies a well-dated segment of the sediment column that could be exploited in understanding the decomposition and preservation of terrestrial and aquatic organic matter. Different methods for calculating the 210 Pb chronology were also evaluated in this study and checked against independent varve counting. The end result is a detailed chronology of a site well suited for reconstruction of historical records of environmental change.
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Consists of a Small Number of Divergent and Globally Distributed Clonal Lineages

ABSTRACT A worldwide collection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense was analyzed using anonymous, single-copy, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci. Several lines of evidence indicated that this pathogen has a clonal population structure. Of the 165 isolates examined, only 72 RFLP haplotypes were identified, and nearly half the isolates were represented by the five most common haplotypes. Individuals with identical haplotypes were geographically dispersed, and clone-corrected tests of gametic disequilibrium indicated significant nonrandom association among pairs of alleles for 34 of 36 loci tested. Parsimony analysis divided haplotypes into two major branches (bootstrap value = 99%) that together contained eight clades supported by significant bootstrap values. With the exception of two isolates, all isolates within a vegetative compatibility group were in the same clade and clonal lineage. Clonal lineages were defined by isolates having coefficients of similarity between 0.94 and 1.00. T...
B. H. Liddell Hart and the Creation of a Theory of War, 1919-1933:

This paper argues that Liddell Hart's continuing value as a military theorist resides in the set of general propositions upon which his specific policy prescriptions were based more than upon the adequacy of the latter to their time and circumstances. The author maintains that a proper understanding of Liddell Hart's general theory of war must be drawn from a chronological study of his writings. The paper shows that Liddell Ilart's basic conceptual structure was complete by 1933, and had evolved from consideration of small-unit infantry tactics in the World War, through speculation on the influence of mechanization and a belief in the existence of lessons in history, to a fundamental belief in the central importance of dislocation on battle outcome. In the end, Liddell Hart reminds the soldier that he is engaged in a purposeful activity and one that must be conducted with an eye on the consequences.
The Relationship of Culture Value Orientation Change and Rorschach Indices of Psychological Development

The relation of culture change to psychological stress was investigated in a sample of second generation Greek-Americans undergoing the acculturation process. The sample was subdivided into four sub-groups on the basis of sex and social class (lower class-middle class) and positioned on a continuum of progressive stages of acculturation. The relation of culture change to psychological stress was then examined in each group separately. An objective measure of culture change based on a theory of variations in value orientations and an objective measure of psychological stress based on genetic theory were employed. It was found that the position of a sub-group on the acculturation continuum alone was not related to the degree of stress evidenced in the psychological measure. It was rather the degree to which American value orientations were internalized by members of each sub-group that was related to stress. Intra-group correlations between the measure of culture change and the measure of psychological stre...
Role of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Interactions in the Mismatch Repair-Dependent Processing of Mitotic and Meiotic Recombination Intermediates in Yeast

The mismatch repair (MMR) system is critical not only for the repair of DNA replication errors, but also for the regulation of mitotic and meiotic recombination processes. In a manner analogous to its ability to remove replication errors, the MMR system can remove mismatches in heteroduplex recombination intermediates to generate gene conversion events. Alternatively, such mismatches can trigger an MMR-dependent antirecombination activity that blocks the completion of recombination, thereby limiting interactions between diverged sequences. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the MMR proteins Msh3, Msh6, and Mlh1 interact with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and mutations that disrupt these interactions result in a mutator phenotype. In addition, some mutations in the PCNA-encoding POL30 gene increase mutation rates in an MMR-dependent manner. In the current study, pol30, mlh1, and msh6 mutants were used to examine whether MMR–PCNA interactions are similarly important during mitotic and meiotic recombination. We find that MMR–PCNA interactions are important for repairing mismatches formed during meiotic recombination, but play only a relatively minor role in regulating the fidelity of mitotic recombination.
Accrual Measures of Pension-Related Compensation and Wealth of State and Local Government Workers

This paper develops a method to convert the normal costs and actuarial liabilities published by state and local government retirement systems for their defined benefit pension plans to measures consistent with national income accounting principles. It also standardizes the measures using a common discount rate. The method is applied to data for the years 2000 to 2006 to generate a set of national and state estimates of employer normal costs and liabilities which are then used to improve the estimates of compensation and property income in the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA). Using a 6% discount rate, our estimated liability of state and local government retirement systems is about 4% lower than the published liability for 2006 and our estimate of normal costs is about 48% higher. Adopting these estimates would add $105 billion (or about 1.0%) to personal income in 2006. Revisions to state estimates of personal income would range from a 0.7% reduction in West Virginia to a 2.3% increase in New Jersey.
Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiology, Risk Factors, Catheter Ablation and Other Non-pharmacologic Treatments

Atrial fibrillation occurring in the absence of cardiovascular disease in individuals younger than 60 years is known as lone atrial fibrillation. Nearly 1-12% of atrial fibrillation is considered to be lone atrial fibrillation. As our understanding of atrial fibrillation grows, we wonder as to whether there is such as thing as "lone" atrial fibrillation? We know that male sex, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, alcohol consumption and endurance sports increase the risk of developing lone atrial fibrillation. Family history of atrial fibrillation increases the risk strongly and there are several recognized mutations that are causative of lone atrial fibrillation. Common triggers for origin of atrial fibrillation are the pulmonary veins. The atrial substrate provides the reentry circuits for perpetuating the arrhythmia. The autonomic nervous system is a key modulator and allows the continuation of the atrial fibrillation. Catheter ablation has been very effective in the treatment of this condition. The ablation procedure involves isolation of the pulmonary veins, antrum, complex fractionated electrograms and other sites. Alternatively surgical techniques can be used to isolate the pulmonary veins and surgical techniques have evolved to minimally invasive procedures and these are as effective as catheter ablation. Early intervention improves the left atrial remodeling and may lead to fewer recurrences.
Active certificates: a new paradigm in digital certificate management

Digital certificates form the basis for trust among entities in distributed systems. Current digital certificates are passive entities (i.e., they contain only data). The passive nature of the certificates has greatly limited the scope of use of the certificates. In addition, the data-only certificates also limit the architectures supporting the certificate management and verification. We propose the concept of active certificates - certificates that contain both data and executable code. With this new concept, the use of certificates can now be extended to other areas such as authorization, privilege management, and access control. More importantly, it gives rise to the possibility of more flexibility in system architectures. We discuss the active certificate concept, some candidate architectures for certificate management, and application areas for the concept.
Requirements engineering and program synthesis: mutually exclusive or synergistic?

There has often been a clash within the formal methods community between early life-cycle proponents, such as the requirements engineering community, and late life-cycle proponents, such as the program synthesis community. This paper first characterizes these positions and their underlying assumptions, and then exposes a common set of problems and approaches. The paper then proposes an integrated life-cycle framework and expounds on its potential benefits. Technical challenges to achieving this integrated life-cycle framework are described, as well as some preliminary work towards that goal.
Optic Orientation in Stereo

The visualization and representation of optic orientation is the nittygritty of practical optical mineralogy. A complete description is concisely made with the use of a stereographic projection. Perspective drawings can also give complete information and are often easy to understand. Drawings of principal sections, particularly the pinacoids, are also helpful and can be easy to construct. The identification of pinacoidal and other sections requires observation of the interference figure. We will illustrate several examples of optic orientation completely, with stereo nets, perspective drawings, sections, and interference figures. We begin with a brief review of morphological crystallography in stereograms of the holosymmetric classes of the five crystal systems that are optically anisotropic. The optical symmetry of a crystal must always be consistent with the holosymmetric class of the crystal system to which it belongs.
Predation by Adult and Larval Lady Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on Initial Contact with Lady Beetle Eggs

Naive adults and larvae of the native lady beetles Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), Cycloneda munda (Say), Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant), and the exotic lady beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were tested for their initial response to eggs of these five lady beetle species and for egg consumption on first contact and after 3 h. Additionally, field-collected O. v-nigrum and H. axyridis adults were tested. C. maculata, H. axyridis, and O. v-nigrum adults responded similarly to all egg species on first contact. Higher numbers of C. munda adults did not eat C. maculata, H. convergens, and O. v-nigrum eggs on first contact compared with numbers that did eat C. munda and H. axyridis eggs. H. convergens adults always ate C. munda eggs but hardly ate H. axyridis eggs on first contact. Results showed that over the 3-h interval, egg predation by those predators feeding on first contact was always higher, except for adults and larvae of C. maculata, than for those that did not feed on first contact. Thus, acceptance of eggs on initial contact does impact egg survival. It is likely that eggs of all native species tested (i.e., C. maculata, C. munda, H. convergens, and O. v-nigrum), but not exotic H. axyridis eggs, are suitable food for C. maculata, H. convergens, and O. v-nigrum, whereas only C. munda eggs serve as suitable food for C. munda. In direct contrast, all egg species tested would likely serve as suitable food for the exotic H. axyridis.