cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing Secure Integration Architectures

Security has become a paramount concern due to dramatic advances of network technologies and a wide variety of new business opportunities. These advances have also brought the need for integration of computers systems to the surface, mainly for real-time, information sharing. As these systems are network-based, COTS products are predominantly used in these types of integration efforts. Since security is still a relatively new concern, it is often addressed as an afterthought in software development. Unfortunately, to ensure a high degree of security, it is imperative to address the concerns in a principled manner. Software architectures provide a unique opportunity to assess and structure the security as part of integration solution design. In this paper, we describe an approach to constructing secure integration architectures-- architectural solutions to component interoperability that both satisfy known functional security policies and that specify the functionality of security mechanisms used to fulfill them.
Direct photolabeling of the cGMP-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase.

Abstract cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE) has been directly photolabeled with [32P]cGMP using UV light. Sequence analysis of peptide fragments obtained from partial proteolysis or cyanogen bromide cleavage indicate that two different domains are labeled. One site, on a Mr = 36,000 chymotryptic fragment located near the COOH terminus, has characteristics consistent with it being close to or part of the catalytic site of the enzyme. This peptide contains a region of sequence that is highly conserved in all mammalian cyclic nucleotide PDEs and has been postulated to contain the catalytic domain of the enzyme. The other site, on a Mr = 28,000 cyanogen bromide cleavage fragment located near the middle of the molecule, probably makes up part of the allosteric site of the molecule. Labeling of the enzyme is concentration dependent and Scatchard analysis of labeling yields a biphasic plot with apparent half labeling concentrations of about 1 and 30 microM consistent with two types of sites being labeled. Limited proteolysis of the PDE by chymotrypsin yields five prominent fragments that separate by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) at Mr = 60,000, 57,000, 36,000, 21,000, and 17,000. Both the Mr = 60,000 and 57,000 apparently have blocked NH2 termini suggesting that the Mr = 57,000 fragment is a subfragment of the Mr = 60,000 fragment. Primary sequence analysis indicates that both the Mr = 21,000 and 17,000 fragments are subfragments of the Mr = 36,000 fragment. Autoradiographs of photolabeled then partially proteolyzed enzyme show labeled bands at Mr = 60,000, 57,000, and 36,000. Addition of 5 microM cAMP prior to photolabeling eliminates photolabeling of the Mr = 36,000 fragment but not the Mr = 60,000 or 57,000 fragments. The labeled site not blocked by cAMP is also contained in a Mr = 28,000 cyanogen bromide fragment of the enzyme that does not overlap with the Mr = 36,000 proteolytic fragment. Limited chymotryptic proteolysis also increases basal activity and eliminates cGMP stimulation of cAMP hydrolysis. The chymotryptic fragments can be separated by either ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or solid-phase monoclonal antibody treatment. A solid-phase monoclonal antibody against the cGMP-stimulated PDE removes the Mr = 60,000 and 57,000 labeled fragments and any intact, unproteolyzed protein but does not remove the Mr = 36,000 fragment or the majority of activity. Ion exchange HPLC separates the fragments into three peaks (I, II, and III). Peaks I and II contain activity of approximately 40 and 100 units/mg, respectively. Peak II is the undigested or slightly nicked native enzyme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Novel applications of diagnostic X-rays in activating a clinical photodynamic drug: Photofrin II through X-ray induced visible luminescence from "rare-earth" formulated particles.

Introduction In this communication we report on a novel non-invasive methodology in utilizing "soft" energy diagnostic X-rays to indirectly activate a photo-agent utilized in photodynamic therapy (PDT): Photofrin II (Photo II) through X-ray induced luminescence from Gadolinium Oxysulfide (20 micron dimension) particles doped with Terbium: Gd _{2} O _{2} S:Tb. Photodynamic agents such as Photo II utilized in PDT possess a remarkable property to become preferentially retained within the tumor's micro-environment. Upon the photo-agent's activation through (visible light) photon absorption, the agents exert their cellular cytotoxicity through type I and type II pathways through extensive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); namely, singlet oxygen ^{1} O _{2} , superoxide anion O _{2}^{-} , and hydrogen peroxide H _{2} O _{2} , within the intra-tumoral environment. Unfortunately, due to shallow visible light penetration depth (∼ 2 mm to 5 mm) in tissues, the current PDT strategy has largely been restricted to the treatment of surface tumors, such as the melanomas. Additional invasive strategies through optical fibers are currently utilized in getting the visible light into the intended deep seated targets within the body for PDT. Methods X-ray induced visible luminescence from Gd _{2} O _{2} S:Tb particles were spectroscopically characterized, and the potential in-vitro cellular cytotoxicity of Gd _{2} O _{2} S:Tb particles on human glioblastoma cells (due to 48 Hrs Gd _{2} O _{2} S:Tb particle exposure) was screened through the MTS cellular metabolic assay. In-vitro human glioblastoma cellular exposures in presence of Photo II with Gd _{2} O _{2} S:Tb particles were performed in the dark in sterile 96 well tissue culture plates, and the corresponding changes in the metabolic activities of the glioblastoma due to 15 minutes of (diagnostic energy) X-ray exposure was determined 48 Hrs after treatment through the MTS assay. Results Severe suppression (> 90% relative to controls) in the cellular metabolic activity of human glioblastoma was measured due to the treatment of clinically relevant concentrations of 20 μg/ml Photo II, with Gd _{2} O _{2} S:Tb particles, and (120 kVp) diagnostic X-rays. Taken together, the in-vitro findings herein provide the basis for future studies in determining the safety and efficacy of this non-invasive X-ray induced luminescence strategy in activating photo-agent in deep seated tumors.
The role of self-perceived agency and job attainability in women's impressions of successful women in masculine occupations

Past research indicates that both men and women rate successful women in masculine occupations high in interpersonal hostility and low in likeability. Such unfavorable ratings may constitute impediments to women's career success. The present study investigates social comparison as a possible mechanism contributing to the negative impressions formed by women about successful women in masculine occupations. Students from a U.S. university (n = 236) read a job description, completed self-perceived agency and job attainability measures, and rated a successful woman in the occupation. Results suggest that for women only, participants high in agency viewed masculine occupations as more attainable, and thus were apparently not motivated to disparage the successful woman in the masculine occupation to salvage their self-views. The findings support the idea that different underlying mechanisms contribute to women's and men's devaluation of successful women.
Clearcutting Maine: implications for the theory of common property resources.

One of the basic tenets of the theory of common property resources is that private property rights work to conserve natural resources. There is growing evidence, however, that some large forest owners in Maine are cutting their forests heavily, using poor-quality silviculture techniques. This overexploitation is being done by paper companies, forest contractors, and some private land owners, who are being motivated by very different sets of factors. This article explores the reasons that private owners of forest resources are overexploiting their own lands and the implications of this for the theory of common property resources. Secure private property rights alone will not be enough to conserve resources and do away with externalities when the owners are operating in a system demanding constant short-term profits, where they are producing undifferentiated commodities in a highly competitive market, where the future value of slow-growing resources is very low, and where harvesting has so many ramifying biological and social effects.
Self-management in chronic illness: concept and dimensional analysis

udlis ka (2011) Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness3, 130–139 Self-management in chronic illness: concept and dimensional analysis Aim. To define self-management in chronic illness and explore the concept. Background. Successful management of chronic illness requires an integrated approach with active involvement of the patient, family and healthcare professional. The term self-management is used extensively within the literature as a method to improve chronic illness outcomes and is recognised as an essential component in the treatment of persons with chronic illness, yet the concept of self-management varies greatly depending on context and perspective. As patient involvement is the essence of self-management, the concept of self-management is in need of further exploration. Methods. Dimensional analysis provides the optimal approach to analysing the concept of self-management in chronic illness as it seeks to offer an understanding of the concept through its social construction and examines differences across perspectives and contexts. Conclusions. Antecedents, dimensions and consequences of self-management were identified and a definition and model of self-management was constructed. The salient dimension of adherence to a plan represents the dominance of the healthcare professional’s perspective in the literature. Further research exploring self-management from the patient’s perspective and encompassing all the aspects of the self-management model is necessary to accurately evaluate the consequences of improved quality of life, improved clinical outcomes and reduced healthcare expenditures. Relevance to clinical practice. Antecedents and dimensions of self-management derived from the chronic illness literature can be used to formulate tailored plans aimed at fostering successful self-management in patients as well as to guide interventions to improve self-management and patient outcomes.
Naphthalene‐1,5‐disulfonyl Chloride

Naphthalene-1,5-disulfonyl chloride product: naphthalene-1,5-disulfonyl chloride Keywords: replacement reactions, hydroxy by halogen
Formation of a quenchable dense carbon form by compression of double-walled carbon nanotubes

Double-walled carbon nanotubes were pressurized to ∼90 GPa by using a diamond anvil cell (DAC) at room temperature. High-resolution TEM and Raman spectroscopy on the recovered sample revealed that the carbon nanotubes collapse and result in the formation of a highly compressed carbon form. This carbon form has a c-layer interdistance of 0.21 nm, which is remarkably shorter than that of graphite (0.34 nm). The calculated density is 3.65 g/cm 3 , slightly greater than that of diamond (3.52 g/cm 3 ). It is suggested that this dense carbon form is a potential superhard material and is likely the significant precursor of the phase transformation of graphite to diamond.
Gender differences in hypertension and hypertension awareness among young adults.

Previous research has shown that men have higher levels of hypertension and lower levels of hypertension awareness than women, but it remains unclear if these differences emerge among young adults. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study examines gender differences in hypertension and hypertension awareness among U.S. young adults, with special focus on factors that may contribute to observed disparities (N = 14,497). Our results show that the gender disparities in hypertension status were already evident among men and women in their twenties: women were far less likely to be hypertensive compared to men (12% vs. 27%). The results also reveal very low levels of hypertension awareness among young women (32% of hypertensive women were aware of their status) and even lower levels among men (25%). Finally, this study identifies key factors that contribute to these observed gender disparities. In particular, health care use, while not related to the actual h...
Identification of molecular mechanisms underlying mood stabilization through genome-wide gene expression profiling.

Although Kraepelin described bipolar disorder (BD) to have a relatively good prognosis (Kraepelin, 1921), more recent studies have clearly shown that this may only represent the situation for a minority of subjects afflicted with this devastating illness; thus, a number of studies and analyses have now shown that for a large percentage of patients, outcome is quite poor, with high rates of relapse, chronicity, lingering residual symptoms, subsyndromes, cognitive and functional impairment, and psychosocial disability (Judd et al., 2002, 2003; Tohen et al., 2003; Zarate et al., 2000). Furthermore, suicide is estimated to be the cause of death in up to ∼15% of individuals with mood disorders. In addition to suicide, many other deleterious health-related effects are increasingly being recognized (Kupfer, 2005). The costs associated with disability and premature death represent an economic burden of tens of billions of dollars annually in the United States alone. It is, thus, not altogether surprising that the Global Burden of Disease Study has identified mood disorders among the leading causes of disability worldwide, and as illnesses that are likely to represent an increasingly greater health, societal, and economic problem in the coming years (Simon, 2003).
A Day in the Life of a Psychiatry Resident: A Pilot Qualitative Analysis

Objective The topic “A Day in the Life of a Psychiatry Resident” is an opportunity to explore residents’ experiences to inform the delivery of education.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF NG108-15 CELLS: AN IN VITRO MODEL FOR EVALUATING ANTAGONISTS OF MEMBRANE-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS

The utility of electrophysiological analysis of NG108-15 cells as an in vitro model system for evaluating antagonists of membrane-active compounds was investigated. This entailed the combined administration of the Ca ++ -selective ionophore A23187, which produces a concentration-dependent hyperpolarization of NG108-15 cells, with several antagonists shown to block the effects of A23187 in other model systems. Two series of experiments were conducted. In the first, the antagonists, that is, the Ca ++ -dependent K + (K Ca) channel blocker quinidine (QND), the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine (TFP), and the Ca ++ -channelblockerverapamil(VER),were administered simultaneously with A23187 (1 μM) and shown to block the development of the hyperpolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. In the second series of experiments, TFP (3 μM) or VER (3 μM) was administered only after the development of, and effectively reversed, anestablished A23187-induced hyperpolarization. These data demonstrate that this s...
Does Class Matter? The Centrality and Meaning of Social Class Identity in Emerging Adulthood

Social class identity development remains poorly understood, especially given beliefs in meritocracy and the American Dream. The relative fluidity and invisibility of class make it a slippery problem for social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981), which assumes stable category membership. This mixed methods study explored the importance and meanings of social class in 104 college-going emerging adults. As predicted, awareness of social class occurred primarily during social comparison encounters with peers. Unexpectedly, participants rated social class as affecting their everyday experiences more than gender or ethnicity; upper-class students reported the highest importance ratings. The article highlights narratives of upper-class guilt and privilege and working-class anger and pride, and considers the implications of contradictory ratings and exempt positioning.
The Routine Use of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure after Open Heart Surgery

Because atelectasis of the left lower lobe is a frequent complication of open heart surgery, we evaluated the efficacy of routine therapy with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to prevent this complication. Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to either a group receiving therapy with PEEP (ten patients) or to a group with no PEEP (14 patients). The two groups could not be distinguished by age, weight, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), the ratio of FEV 1 over the forced vital capacity, the time on the pump, the units of blood transfused, the tidal volume, or the hours of mechanical ventilation. There was no significant roentgenographic difference between the two groups in either the degree or frequency of left lower lobe atelectasis. While the arterial-alveolar ratios tended to improve over time in those patients receiving therapy with PEEP, this improvement was not clinically significant No complications were encountered with the use of PEEP. We conclude that the routine use of PEEP following open heart surgery is safe but offers no advantage over standard ventilatory techniques.
Characterization of β subunit modulation of a rabbit cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel α1 subunit as expressed in mouse L cells

Functional properties of a rabbit cardiac alpha 1 Ca2+ channel subunit (CARD alpha 1) were investigated using the patch-clamp technique in mouse L cells, a recipient cell line which is devoid of any Ca2+ channel subunits. Cell lines resulting from stable transfection of the CARD alpha 1 subunit as well as in coexpression with a beta subunit (CARD alpha 1 beta) derived from skeletal muscle (SKM beta) were characterized. The results show that while the CARD alpha 1-Ca2+ channel activity is negligible, the Ba2+ current density is dramatically increased in the presence of beta subunit (approximately 20-fold). CARD alpha 1- and CARD alpha 1 beta-Ba2+ currents were both sensitive to the 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) agonist, Bay K 8644 (5- to 8-fold increase). Activation kinetics of CARD alpha 1- and CARD alpha 1 beta-Ba2+ currents were comparable. The inactivation time-course was faster (3- to 4-fold) for CARD alpha 1 beta-Ba2+ currents. We conclude that the main role of the beta subunit in heart is to modulate the L-type current density and present several lines of evidence that SKM alpha 1 and CARD alpha 1 are differentially regulated by the beta subunit.
Specific N-terminal CGRP fragments mitigate chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats.

Abstract Chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure ( P PA ), right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary edema and polycythemia. Currently, there is no safe and effective treatment for HPH. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the most potent peptide vasodilator discovered thus far. We previously demonstrated that exogenous CGRP reversed HPH in rats. However, the CGRP1 receptor antagonist CGRP 8–37 and smaller inhibitory C-terminal CGRP fragments that can be formed by enzymatic cleavage in vivo may compromise the beneficial effects of endogenous or exogenous CGRP. We here examine the agonistic efficacy of N-terminal rat α-CGRP peptides containing the disulfide bridge (Cys 2 –Cys 7 ) with amidated C-terminal in prevention of HPH. Chronic infusion of CGRP 1–8 , CGRP 1–13 , or CGRP 1–14 at 7 nmol/h/rat via the right jugular vein during 14 days of hypobaric hypoxia (10% inspired O 2 ) significantly decreased the P PA , RVH and pulmonary arterial medial thickness in comparison with controls, suggesting that these CGRP sequences can mitigate chronic HPH in rats. Systemic pressure was unchanged by infused peptides indicating no carry-over effect. In conclusion, N-terminal CGRP fragments (CGRP 1–8 , CGRP 1–13 and CGRP 1–14 ) may have a protective role in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Effect of thyroid hormone on metabolic adaptation to fasting.

Abstract The acute effect of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) on mobilization of fat and protein energy stores has been measured in five fasting, normal men. Fasting subjects were chosen for this study to amplify catabolic effects occurring during brief thyroid hormone treatment. Subjects were fasted for 72 hr on two occasions with administration of T 3 , 150 μg every 12 hr, for 72 hr before and during the second fast. Plasma beta hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and free fatty acid levels as well as ketone, creatine, and urea excretion were measured during control and T 3 fasts. T 3 enhances catabolism of protein stores as indicated by the doubling of urea excretion during the T 3 fasts. Likewise, creatine excretion is increased six to ninefold during the T 3 fasts. Catabolism of fat stores is enhanced during the T 3 fasts as shown by increased plasma free fatty acid and ketone levels, and increased ketone excretion. Brief T 3 treatment for 3 days augments the expected protein and fat catabolism of starvation without causing subjective changes of hyperthyroidism. Much of the catabolic expression of hyperthyroidism may simply reflect inadequate caloric intake to fuel energy requiring processes stimulated by thyroid hormone such as cell membrane sodium pumping and protein synthesis.
The effect of imagery generation on science rule learning

This study was designed to investigate the effect of teacher-induced imagery generation on rule recall and transfer. The independent variables were the degree of imagery encouragement during instruction and the reported utilization of images while performing problem solving tasks on a criterion test. The dependent variable was scores on the criterion test. The results of the study indicate that imagery utilization significantly facilitates rule recall and also that imagery encouragement during instruction leads to significant rule transfer gains for low imagery students. The implications of these findings for teaching are addressed.
Surface structure of protonated R-sapphire (1102) studied by sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy.

Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy was used to study the protonated R-plane (1102) sapphire surface. The OH stretch vibrational spectra show that the surface is terminated with three hydroxyl moieties, two from AlOH2 and one from Al2OH functional groups. The observed polarization dependence allows determination of the orientations of the three OH species. The results suggest that the protonated sapphire (1102) surface differs from an ideal stoichiometric termination in a manner consistent with previous X-ray surface diffraction (crystal truncation rod) studies. However, in order to best explain the observed hydrogen-bonding arrangement, surface oxygen spacing determined from the X-ray diffraction study requires modification.
The Generation of Direction Selectivity in the Auditory System

Both human speech and animal vocal signals contain frequency-modulated (FM) sounds. Although central auditory neurons that selectively respond to the direction of frequency modulation are known, the synaptic mechanisms underlying the generation of direction selectivity (DS) remain elusive. Here we show the emergence of DS neurons in the inferior colliculus by mapping the three major subcortical auditory nuclei. Cell-attached recordings reveal a highly reliable and precise firing of DS neurons to FM sweeps in a preferred direction. By using in vivo whole-cell current-clamp and voltage-clamp recordings, we found that the synaptic inputs to DS neurons are not direction selective, but temporally reversed excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs are evoked in response to opposing directions of FM sweeps. The construction of such temporal asymmetry, resulting DS, and its topography can be attributed to the spectral disparity of the excitatory and the inhibitory synaptic tonal receptive fields.
Teaching those who teach to have a voice: the history and current practices of Gynecological Teaching Associates

This paper describes one medical school’s shift from women as standardized patients to women as Gynecological Teaching Associates during the practice training of medical students in Well-Woman exams. Specifically, the author reflects on her experiences as a standardized patient in practice gynecological exams, her experiences becoming a trained Gynecological Teaching Associate (GTA), and her experiences teaching other women to become GTAs. The mix of narrative and analysis reveals the history and current usage of GTAs, the value of GTA programs, and the contribution GTAs and GTA training add to the overall health care of women.
Ion selectivity and activation of the M2 ion channel of influenza virus

The influenza A virus-associated M2 ion channel is generally believed to function during uncoating of virions in infected cells. On endocytosis of a virion into the lumen of endosomes, the M2 ion channel is thought to cause acidification of the virion interior. In addition, the influenza virus M2 ion channel is thought to function in the exocytic pathway by equilibrating the pH gradient between the acidic lumen of the trans-Golgi network and the neutral cytoplasm. A necessary test of the proposed roles of the influenza virus M2 ion channel in the virus life cycle is to show directly that the M2 ion channel conducts protons. We have measured the ionic selectivity and activation of three subtypes (Udorn, Weybridge, and Rostock) of the M2 ion channel in oocytes of Xenopus laevis by measurement of 1) the intracellular pH (pHin) of voltage-clamped oocytes, 2) the current-voltage relationship in solutions of various pH and ionic composition, and 3) the flux of 86Rb. We took advantage of the low pHin achieved during incubation in low pH medium to study the effects of low pHin on M2 activation. Oocytes expressing each of the three subtypes of the M2 protein a) underwent a slow acidification when incubated in medium of low pH (acidification was blocked by the M2 ion channel inhibitor, amantadine); b) had current-voltage relationships that shifted to more positive values and had greater conductance when the pHout was lowered (this relationship was modified when Na- was replaced by NH4+ or Li+); c) had an amantadine-sensitive influx of Rb+. The effects on the current-voltage relationship of reduced pHin were opposed to the increased conductance found with reduced pHout. We interpret these results to indicate that the M2 ion channel is capable of conducting H+ and that other ions may also be conducted. Moreover, the channel conductance is reduced by decreased pHin. These findings are consistent with the proposed roles of the M2 protein in the life cycle of influenza A virus.
A Comparison of Several Methods of Assessing Item Bias.

Controversy over testing practices has erupted at various times since the inception of wide-scale testing during World War I (Cronbach, 1975). Most recently the issue of bias in measurement and selection has come to the forefront. Minority groups have claimed that traditional educational and employment tests are oriented toward white middle class culture and may not reflect the true ability of minorities (Williams, 1970, 1971). Subsequently, research on bias in testing has followed two paths (Pothoff, 1966): the study of bias in the presence of an external criterion, called bias in selection, versus the study of bias in the absence of an external criterion, called item bias. The present paper does not deal with bias in selection, but the interested reader can refer to the special issue of the Journal of Educational Measurement (Spring, 1976) which is devoted entirely to this topic. Rather, this paper is concerned with item bias.
Interpeducular nucleus afferents in the rat

Afferents to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) of the rat were studied with the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde transport method. HRP was deposited microelectrophoretically in the IPN of adult rats. Major projections to the IPN originate in the medial habenular nucleus, the region surrounding the dorsal tegmental nucleus (accessory dorsal tegmental nucleus and the so-called dorsal tegmental nucleus pars lateralis), and the midbrain raphe (nucleus centralis superior and nucleus raphe dorsalis). Also, minor projections originate in the central gray and nucleus locus coeruleus. Our results indicate that the habenulointerpeduncular projection originates solely from the medial habenular nuclei and is topographically organized; medial regions of the medial habenular nuclei project to ventral portions of IPN and lateral regions project to the dorsal IPN.
Vocal plasticity in captive black-capped chickadees: The acoustic basis and rate of call convergence.

During the winter months, the acoustic structure of the ‘chick-a-dee’ call of black-capped chickadees,Parus atricapillus, is similar among flock members but varies significantly between different flocks. To investigate the process of within-flock convergence through which these differences arise, an experimental flock of birds previously unfamiliar with each other was established and maintained in captivity. The vocal behaviour of each individual was monitored over several weeks. Acoustic analyses revealed that significant vocal convergence occurred in less than 1 week after the birds were initially exposed to each other. No single individual appeared to provide a vocal model that other birds copied. Acoustic differences appeared in the spectral structure of the D-note of this complex call, especially in the frequency difference between adjacent overtones and in the bandwidth. Both of these acoustic features are attributable to specific physiological mechanisms of production. The significance of vocal plasticity in chickadees and its relationship to production and perception are discussed.
Graph and Group Classification of Terms in Adiabatic and Semiclassical Expansions

The author describe three ways in which concepts from discrete mathematics are being used, along with computer algebra systems, to bring order into the welter of terms that appear when asymptotic expansions of propagators or heat kernels are carried out to high orders. (The key needs are (a) specifying a linearly independent set of terms, and (b) classifying terms by their structural properties.) (1) For a Schrodinger operator with a scalar potential, a closed-form solution has been given as a sum over graphs (including loops and multiple lines). To generate the series requires only the listing of all graphs with given numbers of lines and vertices, taking account of isomorphism. This can be done by Polya-type methods, obtaining along the way a finer classification of graphs by the distribution of lines among the vertices. (2) For problems involving a Riemann curvature tensor, enumerating and classifying all the linearly independent terms of each order involves the Schur-Young-Littlewood theory of representations of the symmetric and orthogonal groups. (3) For scalar equations, the connectedness of graphs has a profound relation to the mathematical structure of the series. If there is an analogue of this principle for equations with matrix-valued potentials, the relevant notion of connectedness must involve commutators as well as index contractions.
Pollen germination and pollen tube growth following self-pollination and intra- and interspecific pollination of Medicago species

Pollen germination and pollen tube growth after self- and intra- and interspecific pollinations of annual [M. scutellata (L.) Mill., M. disciformis DC., and M. rigidula (L.) All.] and perennial (M. sativa L.) Medicago species were studied using a Carl Zeiss microscope with a fluorescence filter attachment. Self-pollination of self-fertile annual and intraspecific pollination of cross-fertile perennials were characterized by high pollen germination and rapid normal pollen tube growth. In contrast pollen germination percentages were very low and many pollen tube growth abnormalities occurred following interspecific pollination and self-pollination of self-sterile plants. The time period from pollination to fertilization for interspecific crosses was about double that following self-pollination of the annual species. However, fertilization occurred frequently following interspecific pollinations. Much of the sterility was due to factor(s) operating after fertilization.
Mid-chain methoxylated fatty acids within the chemocline of the Cariaco Basin: A chemoautotrophic source?

A series of C15–C20 mid-chain methoxylated fatty acids (FAs) has been tentatively identified in suspended particulate matter samples from within the chemocline of the Cariaco Basin. The concentrations appeared to be highest (50 ng/l) within the core of the chemocline (245–256 m), where they constituted 25% of the total FAs, 9-methoxy-C16:0 and 10-methoxy-C16:0 being 73% of the total methoxy acids. Mid-chain methoxy acids in the chemocline hadd 13 C values of ca. �34 ‰. In stable isotope probing experiments using 13 C labeled bicarbonate and various sulfur species (S2O 2� 3 ,S O 2� 3 and particulate S 0 ), up to 80% of 9-/10-methoxy-C16:0 were 13 C labeled when thiosulfate was provided. Therefore, we propose that mid-chain methoxy FAs are key membrane lipids in sulfur-metabolizing chemoautotrophs within the core of the chemocline. Sulfuroxidizing bacteria belong to both the e- and b-proteobacteria; half of the bacteria within the chemocline are eithere-proteobacteria (�40%) or b-proteobacteria (�11%), providing a possible clue to the phylogeny of chemoautotrophs and a link to the production of chemoautotrophic biomarkers. We thus demonstrate an association between the presence and activity of sulfur-utilizing chemoautotrophs and occurrence of midchain methoxylated FAs within the chemocline of the Cariaco Basin.
Cumulative distribution functions, p-boxes and decisions under risk

Our concern is with the problem of decision making in the face of incomplete or imprecise probabilistic information. We particularly focus on the use of the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) and the related idea of a p-box. After first describing the CDF we consider the problem of choosing between two uncertain alternatives based on their representation using CDFs. We introduce the idea of dominance as a primary rule for choosing between CDFs. Since this condition is often not satisfied, we provide a rule based on a comparison of the integrals of the CDF. We show how this is related to the expected value. The p-box, which is seen as an imprecise CDF, is introduced. We then consider the problem of choosing between alternatives whose payoffs are represented as p-boxes.
Prediction of F3 row performance from F2 individual plant data in oats

Parameters estimated from a Gardner-Eberhart analysis of the F2 generation of a six-parent diallel in oats (Avena sativa L.) were used to compare methods for predicting the performance of F3 row plots. The prediction methods were: (1) individual F2 plant performance (F2I), (2) parent average plus F2 plot deviations (PF2), (3) parent average plus weighted F2 plot deviations (PF2P), (4) best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) of parent average plus F2 plot deviations (BPF2), and (5) BLUP plus weighted F2 deviations (BF2). The F2 single-plant traits used for prediction were biological yield to predict F3 biological yield, whole plant and primary tiller grain yield for prediction of F3 grain yield, and whole plant and primary tiller harvest index (HI) to predict F3 HI. Prediction methods were evaluated by correlations between predicted and observed F3 performance. Prediction methods and traits for which correlations were greater than for F2I included: BF2 for biological yield, PF2, PF2P and BF2 for whole plant grain yield, PF2, BPF2, and BF2 for primary tiller grain yield. None had a correlation significantly greater than F2I for either measure of HI, where heritability was large. PF2 is the recommended method for traits with low heritability because of its simplicity and because it had the largest or nearly the largest correlation for each of the yield traits. F2I is the recommended method for traits with larger heritability.
Alpha2 adrenergic amines, adenosine and prostaglandis inhibit lipolysis and cyclic AMP accumulation in hamster adipocytes in the absence of extracellular sodium.

Abstract The accumulation of cyclic AMP due to adenosine deaminase plus theophylline and either isoproterenol or ACTH in the presence of adenosine deaminase plus theophylline, was inhibited by clonidine, N6-(phenylisopropyl)-adenosine and prostaglandin E2. The inhibition was nearly identical in medium containing sodium ions or in medium in which sodium and its accompanying anion were substituted by an isosmotic amount of sucrose. Consistent with this, lipolysis induced by adenosine deaminase and theophylline was significantly inhibited by clonidine, N6-(phenylisopropyl)-adenosine and prostaglandin E2 regardless of the presence or absence of Na+ in the medium. The results do not support the suggestion that extracellular Na+ is required for the regulation of cyclic AMP levels by hormones and neurotransmitters that inhibit adenylate cyclase.
A review of the geochemistry of methane in natural gas hydrate

The largest accumulations on Earth of natural gas are in the form of gas hydrate, found mainly offshore in outer continental margin sediment and, to a lesser extent, in polar regions commonly associated with permafrost. Measurements of hydrocarbon gas compositions and of carbon-isotopic compositions of methane from natural gas hydrate samples, collected in subaquatic settings from around the world, suggest that methane guest molecules in the water clathrate structures are mainly derived by the microbial reduction of CO2 from sedimentary organic matter. Typically, these hydrocarbon gases are composed of > 99% methane, with carbon-isotopic compositions (δ13CPDB) ranging from − 57 to − 73‰. In only two regions, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caspian Sea, has mainly thermogenic methane been found in gas hydrate. There, hydrocarbon gases have methane contents ranging from 21 to 97%, with δ13C values ranging from − 29 to − 57‰. At a few locations, where the gas hydrate contains a mixture of microbial and thermal methane, microbial methane is always dominant. Continental gas hydrate, identified in Alaska and Russia, also has hydrocarbon gases composed of > 99% methane, with carbon-isotopic compositions ranging from − 41 to − 49‰. These gas hydrate deposits also contain a mixture of microbial and thermal methane, with thermal methane likely to be dominant. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
Effect of soybean on yield and nitrogen response of subsequent sorghum crops in Eastern Nebraska

Abstract Sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and soybeans [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are two crops which will grow in the same environments and therefore are often grown in rotation. This study was to determine the benefit from the legume on the subsequent sorghum crop. The cropping systems were established at Mead, Nebraska, on soils that are generally Typic Argiudolls. The crop systems included continuous sorghum, continuous soybeans and sorghum and soybeans in rotation. Four nitrogen levels (0, 57, 114 and 170 kg/ha N) were applied to sorghum in each system. A randomized complete block design with four replication was used. Average grain yield of sorghum grown continuously with 0 N applied was 4616 kg/ha as compared to 6551 kg/ha when grown after soybeans in rotation. The estimated available N for sorghum after soybeans was 76± 19 kg/ha. Regression analysis showed maximum grain yields of continuously grown sorghum would be expected to occur with application of 150 kg/ha N and with application of 95 kg/ha when grown in rotation. On this soil a large portion of sorghum nitrogen requirement can be met by growing it in rotation with soybeans. Perhaps in subsistance agriculture a legume—cereal system could supply nitrogen which otherwise would not be available.
The capsule amputator spatula

Anterior capsular remnants cause various early and late cataract and intraocular lens implant complications. The complete removal of any large anterior capsular tags is easily accomplished with a 0.295 mm spatula, designed to cut capsular tags entrapped in the 0.3 mm aspiration port of any extracapsular extractor, using a “hole-punching”: concept.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Stability of Pt−3d−Pt(111) Bimetallic Surfaces under Oxygen Environment

The stability of the Pt−3d−Pt(111) (3d = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Ni) bimetallic surface structures in the presence of adsorbed oxygen has been investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT). The dissociative binding energies of oxygen on Pt−3d−Pt(111) (i.e., subsurface 3d monolayer) and 3d−Pt−Pt(111) (i.e., surface 3d monolayer) were calculated. All of the Pt−3d−Pt(111) surfaces were found to have weaker oxygen binding energies than pure Pt(111) whereas all of the 3d−Pt−Pt(111) surfaces were found to have stronger oxygen binding energies than pure Pt(111). The total heat of reaction was calculated for the segregation for 3d metal atoms from Pt−3d−Pt(111) to 3d−Pt−Pt(111) when exposed to a half monolayer of oxygen. All of the Pt−3d−Pt(111) subsurface structures were predicted to be thermodynamically unstable with adsorbed oxygen. In addition, the segregation of subsurface Ni and Co to the surfaces of Pt−Ni−Pt(111) and Pt−Co−Pt(111) was investigated experimentally using Auger electron spectrosco...
Treatment of newly diagnosed pediatric epilepsy: A community-based study

Objective To determine the patterns and frequency of treatment and use of specific drugs for newly diagnosed pediatric epilepsy. Design and Setting Prospective, community-based study. Children were recruited from physicians in Connecticut from 1993 to 1997. Patients Children aged 1 month through 15 years at the time of their first seizure, who had 2 or more unprovoked seizures, and who were newly diangosed during the recruitment period were eligible. Main Outcome Measure Initiation of treatment at diagnosis and within 1 year after diagnosis of epilepsy. Results Of 613 children, 482 (78.6%) were treated at the time of initial diagnosis. By 6 months another 10.3% were treated, and by 12 months 90% of the cohort had been treated. The most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug (AED) was carbamazepine (38.8%) followed by sodium valproate (18.4%). Only 1 child received an investigational drug and none received any of the most recently approved drugs as a first AED. Children with idiopathic and secondarily generalized forms of epilepsy were most likely to be treated (90%-100%), whereas children with idiopathic localization-related epilepsy were least likely to be treated (50.8%). Approximately 80% of those with other forms of epilepsy were treated at the time of diagnosis. Use of specific medications reflected current guidelines and recommendations for treatment of specific seizure types and syndromes. Conclusions In Connecticut, approximately 20% of children with epilepsy are not treated at the time of initial diagnosis, and around 10% continue to be untreated after 1 year. This most likely reflects the increased understanding of the nature of pediatric epilepsy and concerns regarding the adverse effects of AEDs. The most commonly used first drugs are carbamazepine and valproate. Follow-up of this cohort may help provide information to guide the use of recently approved AEDs.
Active Contours with Edges: Combining Hyperspectral and Grayscale Segmentation

In this work, we introduce a method to segment hyperspectral images using a Chan-Vese framework. We utilize a modified l2 distance especially well-suited for hyperspectral classification problems. This distance considers spectral signal shape rather than illumination for the classification of objects. The practicality of multiple phase segmentation in this application is also demonstrated. We then use a high spatial resolution grayscale or color image and a high spectral, but low spatial resolution hyperspectral image to produce a fused segmentation result that is more accurate than segmentation on either image alone. Lastly, we show that the algorithm also gives a natural method for end member selection and apply this result to anomaly detection.
Hypocalciuria Can Differentiate Preeclampsia from Chronic Hypertension in the Third Trimester

Forty-nine patients in the third trimester were studied to evaluate the differences in 24-hr urinary calcium excretion (UV Ca) among 3 groups: pre-eclamptic (PET, n = 22); normotensive control (NTC, n = 14), and chronic hypertensive (CHTN, n = 13) patients. Analysis of variance, co-variance, and Bonfroni multiple range tests were used to compare the groups. Values are expressed as mean (±SD). Chi-square test was used whenever appropriate. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation of fractional excretion of calcium (Fe Ca) to creatinine (Cr) clearance and calcium to creatinine ratio (Ca/Cr). Patients with PET had significantly lower UV Ca than the NTC and the CHTN (87 ± 57 vs. 369 ± 204 and 319 ± 178 mg, respectively, P = 0.0001). Fe Ca was significantly lower in PET than in NTC and in CHTN (0.36 ± 0.24 vs. 1.06 ± 0.54 and 0.82 ± 0.48%, P = 0.0001). Ca/Cr was significantly lower in PET than in NTC and in CHTN (6.9 ± 4.5 vs. 29.1 ± 15 and 22.7 ± 11%, respectively, P = 0.0001). Fe Ca correlated ...
Hyperglycemia Alters Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion Proteins in Mice Subjected to Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion

Preischemic hyperglycemia exacerbates brain damage caused by cerebral ischemia. In the present experiment, we studied the effects of preischemic hyperglycemia on protein markers that are related to mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitochondrial biogenesis, and autophagy in mice subjected to 30-min transient focal ischemia. The fission proteins dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and fission 1 (Fis1), fusion proteins optic atrophy 1 (Opa1) and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), mitochondrial biogenesis regulators nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), and autophagy marker beclin 1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were analyzed in control, 30 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) plus 6-, 24-, and 72 h of reperfusion in normo- and hyperglycemic conditions. Cerebral ischemia increased the levels of Drp1 and decreased Fis1 after reperfusion. Preischemic hyperglycemia further augmented the increase of Drp1 and induced elevation in Fis1. Ischemia inhibited the levels of Opa1 and Mfn2 and hyperglycemia further decreased the level of Opa1. Further, NRF1 increased after reperfusion in both normo- and hyperglycemic animals. However, such increase was caused by reperfusion rather than glucose level. Finally, ischemia increased beclin 1 level at 6 and 24 h of reperfusion and hyperglycemia further increased the beclin 1 level and caused LC3-II increase as well. Hyperglycemia enhances the ischemia-induced mitochondrial dynamic imbalance towards fission that may favor mitochondrial fragmentation and subsequent damage. Hyperglycemia elevated autophagy markers may represent an adapting reaction to the severe damage incurred in hyperglycemic animals or a third pathway of cell death.
Transition-Analyzer-Based Harmonic and Waveform Load-Pull Measurements

A new load-pull measurement technique based on the HP 71500A transition analyzer has been developed. The new technique uses in-situ calibration and large-signal verification to improve measurement accuracy. Compared to conventional network-analyzer-based techniques, the present technique yields more detailed information, including both the magnitudes and phases of harmonic output voltages and currents, hence better insight into the output characteristics of the device under test. In addition, because the transition analyzer is a time-domain instrument, the present technique can be readily modified for pulsed measurement of output transients which are critical to the characterization of digitally modulated broadband telecommunication components.