cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parvovirus H-1 P38 promoter requires the trans-activation region (tar), an SP1 site, and a TATA box for full activity.

Abstract In the parvovirus H-1 P38 promoter, there are sequences identified as a TATA box, an SP1 site, and a trans -activation responsive element (tar). It was previously shown that the parvovirus H-1 nonstructural protein NS1 positively regulates the expression of the P38 promoter for the viral capsid protein gene via the tar. To characterize the tar element further, a series of single-point mutations of the tar was constructed and the mutants were compared to wild-type for the trans -activation of the P38 promoter using a cat reporter gene. Most of the tar mutations had a negative effect on the P38 promoter and some of them reduced activity as much as 70%. However, when several mutants with multiplepoint mutations in the tar were tested, no significant additive effect was observed. We examined the function of the SP1 site in the trans -activation of the P38 promoter by replacing the wild-type SP1 sequence with synthetic DNA fragments, OSP1 or 2SP1, containing no SP1 or two SP1 sites respectively, in a P38 construct with a cat reporter gene. The results indicate that P38 expression varies in proportion to the number of SP1 sites, suggesting a role for the SP1 site during trans -activation by NS1. The role of the TATA box on the P38 promoter was also examined by mutagenizing TATA to CACG. The activity of this promoter was reduced to 43%. When a construct mutated at both the SP1 and TATA box sites was tested for its activity, about 22% of the wild-type activity remained, implying that this remaining activity was contributed largely by the tar element. A model is proposed for how the tar element activates the wild-type and SP1-TATA minus promoters in the presence of NS1.
Medical Comorbidities Associated With Pediatric Kidney Stone Disease

Objectives To characterize the relationship between pediatric kidney stone disease and the presence of hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), and obesity. In adults, kidney stone disease has been associated with medical comorbidities such as HTN, DM, and obesity. Similar analyses have never been performed for the pediatric population. Methods The 2003 and 2006 Kids' Inpatient Databases were queried to identify subjects treated for kidney stone disease (“International Classification of Diseases” codes 9592.0 and 592.1). The comorbidities of HTN, DM, and obesity were identified using the provided comorbidity software. The risk of kidney stone disease associated with age, sex, and comorbidity status was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 6 115 443 subjects were evaluated. Of these, 14 245 (0.2%) had a diagnosis of upper tract calculus (4092 boys and 10 045 girls, sex unavailable for 108). Age was the strongest independent predictor of stone risk (P < .0001). HTN was associated with a significantly increased risk of stone diagnosis in children ≤10 years old and DM for children ≤5 years old. Stone risk was not affected by obesity in any age group. Conclusions The results of our study have shown that kidney stone disease is significantly associated with age among all children and both HTN and DM for young children. Although exploratory, these findings are novel and suggest that kidney stone disease among young children might be associated with nonrenal, systemic disease states.
Pathway sampling by regenerating peripheral axons

A century ago, Ramon y Cajal described the generalized response of regenerating peripheral axons to their environment. By using mice that express fluorescent proteins in their axons, we are now able to quantify the response of individual axons to nerve transection and repair. Sciatic nerves from nonexpressing mice were grafted into those expressing a yellow variant of green fluorescent protein, then examined at 5, 7, or 10 days after repair. Regeneration was found to be a staggered process, with only 25% of axons crossing the repair in the first week. In the setting of Wallerian degeneration, this stagger will expose growth cones to an evolving menu of molecular cues upon which to base pathway decisions. Many axons arborize, allowing them to interact simultaneously with several pathways. Arborization could serve as the anatomical substrate for specificity generation through collateral pruning. Axons often travel laterally across the face of the distal stump before choosing a pathway. As a result, the average unbranched axon has access to over 100 distal Schwann cell tubes. This extensive access, however, does not ensure correct matching of axon and end organ, suggesting that pathway choice is made on the basis of factors other than end organ identity. These observations explain the failure of refined surgical techniques to restore normal function after nerve injury. The apparent wandering of axons across the repair defies surgical control and mandates a biological approach to reuniting severed axons with appropriate distal pathways.
The chemical composition of the Earth, of meteorites, and of the Sun's atmosphere

The preceding speakers have pointed out several of the lines along which we arrive at a knowledge of the constitution of the Earth. In these, and several other, ways we have come to believe, and with a high degree of probability of our belief, that a core of metallic iron, or nickel-iron, occupies the center of the Earth. This metallic core has a radius of about 3,400 kilometers. It changes, by the gradually increasing assumption of silicate material, first into a “lithosporic” shell—one in which silicates (especially olivine and pyroxene) are included sporadically in the metal, and then into a “ferrosporic” shell, in which gradually decreasing amounts of metal occur sporadically in silicate rock. This mixed zone is about 1,400 kilometers thick, and, for purposes of computation, we may assume that the lithosporic and the ferrosporic shells are each 700 kilometers thick. Outside of this is a shell of peridotite—a rock made up of olivine and pyroxene—which is about 1,540 kilometers thick, and above this the “crust” of the Earth, about 60 kilometers thick, the lower two-thirds being basaltic and the upper one-third being granitic.
Early initiation of postpartum contraception: does it decrease rapid repeat pregnancy in adolescents?

Abstract Study Objective Rapid repeat adolescent pregnancy is a significant public health concern. An effective and practical means of decreasing unintended second adolescent pregnancies needs to be identified. The objective of this study is to determine if early initiation of contraception, and in particular long acting reversible contraception (LARC), decreases rapid repeat pregnancy among first time adolescent mothers. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Urban teaching hospital. Participants 340 first-time adolescent mothers age ≤ 19. Interventions None, study was retrospective. Main Outcome Measures Repeat pregnancy within 2 years. Results 340 first time adolescent mothers with a documented follow-up time of 2 years had a repeat pregnancy rate of 35%. Average time from delivery to repeat pregnancy was 9.9 ± 6.4 months. Logistic regression analysis comparing adolescents with and without repeat pregnancy revealed that leaving the hospital postpartum without initiating any contraception was associated with significant increase risk of repeat pregnancy (OR = 2.447, 95% CI 1.326-4.515). Follow-up within 8 weeks postpartum was associated with lower chance of repeat pregnancy (OR = 0.322, 95% CI 0.172-0.603). Initiation of a LARC method (either an intrauterine device or etonogestrel subdermal implant) by 8 weeks postpartum was also associated with decreased chance of rapid repeat pregnancy (OR = 0.118, 95% CI 0.035-0.397). Conclusion Adolescent mothers who initiate a LARC method within 8 weeks of delivery are less likely to have a repeat pregnancy within 2 years than those who choose other methods or no method. First time adolescent mothers should be counseled about this advantage of using LARC.
The role of pyridoxal and manganous ions in the synthesis of iodothyronines.

Abstract 1. 1. The synthesis of 3,3′ diiodothyronine (3,3′T2) from monoiodotyrosine (MIT) in an assay system containing MIT, pyridoxal, Mn2+, thyroid microsomes, and a H2O2-generating system was studied. The yield of 3,3′T2 was approx. 17% and was only slightly less if the microsomes were preboiled for 20 min. 2. 2. Omission of microsomes from the assay system and chromatography of a butanol extract of the system in butanol-acetic acid-water disclosed a component with RF 0.8 in 15% yield. The formation of this component depended on the presence of Mn2+, MIT, and pyridoxal. Spectral analysis and other data indicated that it is a metal chelate of Mn2+ with a Schiff base formed from pyridoxal and MIT. This metal chelate exhibits peroxidase activity which may be primarily responsible for the synthesis of 3,3′T2 from MIT in the system studied.
Roles of genipin crosslinking and biomolecule conditioning in collagen-based biopolymer: Potential for vascular media regeneration.

The vascular media, a layer of the blood vessel wall containing smooth muscle cells (SMCs), are often the target functional tissue in the construction of artificial vessel. It contributes to mechanical properties and biological functions of vessels. The present study aimed to study effects of crosslinking and biomolecule conditions in the development of mechanically strong and stable, biologically functional constructs with potential for vascular media regeneration. Genipin was used to crosslink collagen–chitosan–elastin (CCE) constructs. Results revealed that mechanical strength, stiffness, and stability of CCE constructs significantly increased with genipin concentration, but crosslinking significantly inhibited SMC contraction of and invasion in gel constructs. No contraction or invasion was observed in those crosslinked with genipin at 5 mM or above. attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared results showed crosslinking changed functional groups on CCE depending on genipin concentration. To enhance biological activities on crosslinked constructs, soluble molecule factors were incorporated, and their effects on SMC activities were evaluated. These conditions include heparin, platelet-derived transforming growth factor (PDGF), high-concentrated fetal bovine serum (h-FBS), a mixture of heparin and PDGF, and a mixture of h-FBS and PDGF. The h-FBS and PDGF mixture was found to stimulate a 3.2-fold increase in SMC contraction of the crosslinked gels. It was also found that PDGF and h-FBS, separately and in combination, induced SMC invasion in the crosslinked gels, while heparin attenuated PDGF-induced SMC invasion. Our study suggests that designing high-performance acellular constructs to encourage tissue regeneration should use a combination of crosslinking condition and biomolecule factor, striking a balance between mechanical properties and biological functions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Non-linear hydrodynamics of thin laminae undergoing large harmonic oscillations in a viscous fluid

Abstract Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics is implemented to study the motion of a thin rigid lamina undergoing large harmonic oscillations in a viscous fluid. Particularly, the flow physics in the proximity of the lamina is resolved and contours of non-dimensional velocity, vorticity and pressure are presented for selected oscillation regimes. The computation of the hydrodynamic load due to the fluid–structure interaction is carried out using Fourier decomposition to express the total fluid force in terms of a non-dimensional complex-valued hydrodynamic function, whose real and imaginary parts identify added mass and damping coefficients, respectively. For small oscillations, the hydrodynamic force reflects the harmonic nature of the displacement, whereas multiple harmonics are observed as both the amplitude and frequency of oscillation increase. We propose a novel formulation of hydrodynamic function that incorporates added mass and damping coefficients for a thin rigid lamina spanning large amplitudes in viscous fluids in a broad range of the oscillation frequencies. Results of the simulations are validated against numerical and experimental works available in the literature in addition to theoretical predictions for the limit case of zero-amplitude oscillations.
From Wear to Self Healing in Nanostructured Biological and Technical Surfaces

Wear occurs at most solid surfaces that come in contact with other solid surfaces. While biological surfaces and tissues usually have the ability for self-healing, engineered self-healing materials only started to emerge recently. An example of a smart self-healing material is the materials with embedded microcapsules, which rupture during crack propagation and release a healing agent that repairs the crack. We discuss the conditions under which the self-healing occurs and provide a general theoretical framework and criteria for self-healing using the concept of multiscale organization of entropy and non-equilibrium thermodynamics.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Molecular weight and polydispersity measurements of polystyrene by quasielastic light scattering

Abstract The molecular weight and polydispersity of a polydisperse polystyrene sample was measured by quasielastic light scattering. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer was represented by the Schultz distribution. The weight average molecular weight and polydispersity of distribution was adjusted until the quasielastic light scattering spectra calculated for the distribution agreed with the measured spectra. The calculation was repeated using the logarithmic normal distribution for the polymer. The calculated value of the weight average molecular weight is accurate and insensitive to the assumed molecular distribution function. However, the calculated values of the polydispersity are only of fair accuracy. Thus quasielastic light scattering gives values of the weight average molecular weight at least as accurate as elastic light scattering and gives a crude estimate of the polydispersity of the polymer.
The plasma klystron concept for high-power microwave amplifiers

Summary form only given. In order to eliminate some of these intrinsic problems in the high-power RKA (relativistic klystron amplifier), the author presents a novel plasma klystron amplifier, which consists of a relativistic annular electron beam propagating through a space between a plasma column and the drift tube wall. The annular electron beam premodulated at the first cavity in the klystron enters the space. An axial electric field accompanied by the modulated beam excites space charge waves in the plasma column, which acts like an inductive medium amplifying the electrostatic waves. The physical mechanism of self-amplification of the electrostatic waves is the two-stream instability. A theoretical model for describing the current modulation of the annular electron beam propagating through the space has been developed. The electron beam current is modulated by the amplifying electric field fed by the plasma column. The saturation distance of the current modulation is a weakly dependent function of the initial energy modulation at the first cavity. Thus, a relatively low-power microwave input may well excite the two-stream instability and deliver a highly modulated beam to the extraction cavity.
Measuring the military decline of the Western Islamic World: Evidence from Barbary ransoms ☆

This paper uses data on more than 4000 captives ransomed from the Barbary corsairs to track the military power of the Ottoman Empire's most powerful North African regency over time. Results suggest that as the seventeenth century advanced, Algerian-based corsairs found it increasingly difficult to capture “hard” targets. These results do not appear to be driven by changes in ransoming preferences or by other unobserved factors and provide insights into both the timing and reasons behind the military decline of the Western Islamic World.
A Mutational Study of the Peptide-binding Domain of Hsc70 Guided by Secondary Structure Prediction

The abundant, cytoplasmic molecular chaperones of eukaryotic cells, of which mammalian Hsc70 is a member, have central roles in protein folding pathways in cells. Although substantial information is now available on substrate interactions and ATPase activity, neither the crystal structure of the intact Hsc70 molecule nor its isolated peptide-binding domain is known. Recently, the crystal structure of the isolated peptide-binding domain of an evolutionary relative of mammalian Hsc70, the DnaK protein of Escherichia coli, was solved. We have generated several rat Hsc70 mutants using site-directed and cassette mutagenesis guided by secondary structure predictions to test the hypothesis that the peptide-binding domains of mammalian Hsc70 and DnaK have similar molecular structures. Biochemical properties along with the ATPase and peptide binding activities of the resulting recombinant proteins were determined. Biochemical analyses included one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, electrospray mass spectrometry, and N-terminal amino acid sequencing. The results of our study suggest that the DnaK molecular structure is a useful working model for the mammalian Hsc70 peptide-binding domain. Evidence is provided that (i) small additions to the N terminus of Hsc70 alter the function of the peptide-binding domain, (ii) alterations in the C-terminal tetrapeptide EEVD result in dramatic increases in basal ATPase activity, (iii) polyalanine substitution of a helical connector segment compensates for changes at the C terminus to restore near-normal function, (iv) specific side chain interactions involving this connector segment are not required for peptide-stimulated ATPase activity, and (v) disruption of the cap homologue region inhibits peptide binding by Hsc70.
A Near-Infrared Spectrometer to Measure Zodiacal Light Absorption Spectrum

We have developed a high throughput infrared spectrometer for zodiacal light fraunhofer lines measurements. The instrument is based on a cryogenic dual silicon Fabry-Perot etalon which is designed to achieve high signal to noise Fraunhofer line profile measurements. Very large aperture silicon Fabry-Perot etalons and fast camera optics make these measurements possible. The results of the absorption line profile measurements will provide a model free measure of the zodiacal Light intensity in the near infrared. The knowledge of the zodiacal light brightness is crucial for accurate subtraction of zodiacal light foreground for accurate measure of the extragalactic background light after the subtraction of zodiacal light foreground. We present the final design of the instrument and the first results of its performance.
Predictive and Postdictive Validity of Need Achievement Measures

(1958). Predictive and Postdictive Validity of Need Achievement Measures. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 52, No. 3, pp. 119-120.
Leadership excellence in higher education: Present and future

Universities and colleges are expected not only to create knowledge, improve equity, and respond to student needs, but to do so more efficiently and effectively. Hence, to capture the advantage of this more central focus and role, institutions of higher education need to transform their structures, missions, leadership, and processes and programs in order to be more flexible and more responsive to changing social needs. Pivotal to institutional success in achieving this transformation is effective leadership, a critical factor in sustaining and improving universities’ quality and performance. This paper, therefore, examines whether the leaders of higher education are indeed taking the path to success and whether, in doing so, they are implementing a transformational or transactional leadership style. Specifically, this paper aims to systematically review the key findings in the existing literature investigating the styles of and approaches to leadership behaviors that are associated with effectiveness in higher education. The discussion includes a synthesis of the theoretical literature on leadership in higher education and concludes with an overview of potential strategies for educational leaders.
Enkephalin-immunoreactive neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius project to the parabrachial nucleus of the cat

Enkephalin immunoreactive neurons within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were found to project to the parabrachial nucleus of the cat with the use of a combination of immunohistochemistry and retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Double labelled neurons were located in the medial, parvocellular and commissural subdivisions of the NTS and were present predominantly ipsilateral to the injection site within the parabrachial nucleus. Only a few double labelled neurons were found in the contralateral NTS. The presence of neurons containing enkephalin immunoreactivity suggests that the role of enkephalin in the regulation of autonomic functions may be, in part, by circuits between the NTS and the parabrachial nucleus.
Domain-Related Phase Transitionlike Behavior in Lead Zinc Niobate Relaxor Ferroelectric Single Crystals

The relaxor ferroelectric lead zinc niobate (Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3) has been intensively investigated, because of its large dielectric and piezoelectric properties for applications in actuators and transducers. In this study, the in-situ behavior of the domains in Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 single crystals has been observed using optical microscopy in combination with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The temperature of the sample has been cycled between −185°C and −200°C, while applying an electric field of up to ±10 kV/cm. Many characteristics, such as the induction of birefringence, the transition between the microdomains and macrodomains, and the “freeze-in” of the macrodomains, have been optically observed. The optical and dielectric data have been collected and plotted as a function of temperature and electric field. An electric-fieldtemperature diagram showing five domain-related regions has been proposed. The microdomain-to-macrodomain phase transitionlike behavior seems to be an analog of a martensitic phase transition.
Translating Image and Text in the Medieval Mediterranean World between the Tenth and Thirteenth Centuries

Abstract This paper approaches the issue of the mechanisms and routes of transmission through the celebrated phenomenon of the translation of scientific works, to and from Greek, Arabic and Latin, that had its beginnings in Baghdad in the eighth century and expanded throughout European Mediterranean centers of scholarship by the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The focus is on the famous De Materia Medica of the first-century CE scholar Dioscorides and specifically on illustrated versions of this text. I analyze the process of textual and visual transmission by introducing the concept of an interactive space of translation as a theoretical framework for understanding how translation operated as a mediator of exchange. The contention here is that through the negotiation of these various intersections, translation served as a dynamic, collaborative and ongoing process that played a significant role in the formation and transmission of both art and scholarship throughout the medieval Mediterranean.
The addition rates of dichloro- and trichlorosilane to 2-pentene and 1-octene

Abstract When mixtures of dichloro- and trichlorosilane were added to 2-pentene and 1-octene in the presence of a solution of chloroplatinic acid, dichlorosilane added much more rapidly than trichlorosilane. But when each silane was added separately under identical conditions, trichlorosilane added much more rapidly than dichlorosilane to the same olefins.
STATUS OF THE MINOS EXPERIMENT

The MINOS experiment is designed to search for neutrino oscillations. A neutrino beam from Fermilab is observed by the Near and Far detectors, separated by 735km. A comparison of the observed neutrino events at the two locations allows a measurement of the oscillation parameters to be made. Commissioning of the Near detector is underway and the Far detector is collecting cosmic ray and atmospheric neutrino data. Analysis of the atmospheric neutrino events has begun and neutrino, antineutrino event separation has been achieved. Data collection with the NuMI beam will begin in December 2004.
1715: The Great Jacobite Rebellion – By Daniel Szechi

Desperately distressed by the Hanoverian succession to the British throne in 1714, the inequities of the new union of England and Scotland, and the recent Whig rise to dominance at Westminster, Sco...
Ruthenium(II) complexes of 1,12-diazaperylene and their interactions with DNA.

Four complexes of the ligand 1,12-diazaperylene (DAP) have been prepared, [Ru(bpy)n(DAP)3-n]2+ where n = 0−2 and [Ru(DAP)3]2+. The [Ru(DAP)3]2+ complex was characterized by X-ray analysis and was found to exhibit the expected propeller-like structure with significant intermolecular π-stacking interactions. The three Ru(II) complexes showed self-consistent optoelectronic properties with similar ligand-centered π−π* absorptions in the range of 333−468 nm and MLCT bands associated with the DAP which increased in intensity and decreased in energy as the number of DAP ligands varied from 1 to 3. Hypochromicity and viscosity changes were observed that were consistent with DAP intercalation into DNA, and binding constants were measured in the range of 1.4−1.6 × 106 M-1 for the mixed ligand complexes. Furthermore, the complex [Ru(bpy)2(DAP)]2+ was found to photocleave plasmid DNA upon irradiation with visible light.
Pigment production and isotopic fractionations in continuous culture: okenone producing purple sulfur bacteria Part II

Okenone is a carotenoid pigment unique to certain members of Chromatiaceae, the dominant family of purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) found in euxinic photic zones. Diagenetic alteration of okenone produces okenane, the only recognized molecular fossil unique to PSB. The in vivo concentrations of okenone and bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a) on a per cell basis were monitored and quantified as a function of light intensity in continuous cultures of the purple sulfur bacterium Marichromatium purpuratum (Mpurp1591). We show that okenone-producing PSB have constant bacteriochlorophyll to carotenoid ratios in light-harvesting antenna complexes. The in vivo concentrations of Bchl a, 0.151 ± 0.012 fmol cell^(−1), and okenone, 0.103 ± 0.012 fmol cell^(−1), were not dependent on average light intensity (10–225 Lux) at both steady and non-steady states. This observation revealed that in autotrophic continuous cultures of Mpurp1591, there was a constant ratio for okenone to Bchl a of 1:1.5. Okenone was therefore constitutively produced in planktonic cultures of PSB, regardless of light intensity. This confirms the legitimacy of okenone as a signature for autotrophic planktonic PSB and by extrapolation water column euxinia. We measured the δ^(13)C, δ^(15)N, and δ^(34)S bulk biomass values from cells collected daily and determined the isotopic fractionations of Mpurp1591. There was no statistical relationship in the bulk isotope measurements or stable isotope fractionations to light intensity or cell density under steady and non-steady-state conditions. The carbon isotope fractionation between okenone and Bchl a with respect to overall bulk biomass (^(13)e_pigment – biomass) was 2.2 ± 0.4‰ and −4.1 ± 0.9‰, respectively. The carbon isotopic fractionation (^(13)e_pigment-CO_2) for the production of pigments in PSB is more variable than previously thought with our reported values for okenone at −15.5 ± 1.2‰ and −21.8 ± 1.7‰ for Bchl a.
Fabrication of CdTe solar cells by laser-driven physical vapor deposition

Abstract Polycrystalline cadmium sulfide-cadmium telluride heterojunction solar cells were fabricated for the first time using a laser-driven physical vapor deposition method. An XeCl excimer laser was used to deposit both of the II–VI semiconductor layers in a single vacuum chamber from pressed powder targets. Results are presented from optical absorption, Raman scattering, X-ray diffraction, and electrical characterization of the films. Solar cells were fabricated by deposition onto SnO 2 -coated glass with top contacts produced by gold evaporation. Device performance was evaluated from the spectral quantum efficiency and current-voltage measurements in the dark and with air mass 1.5 solar illumination.
Multivariate pattern analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data reveals deficits in distributed representations in schizophrenia.

Background Multivariate pattern analysis is an alternative method of analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, which is capable of decoding distributed neural representations. We applied this method to test the hypothesis of the impairment in distributed representations in schizophrenia. We also compared the results of this method with traditional general linear model (GLM)-based univariate analysis. Methods Nineteen schizophrenia and 15 control subjects viewed two runs of stimuli—exemplars of faces, scenes, objects, and scrambled images. To verify engagement with stimuli, subjects completed a 1-back matching task. A multivoxel pattern classifier was trained to identify category-specific activity patterns on one run of fMRI data. Classification testing was conducted on the remaining run. Correlation of voxelwise activity across runs evaluated variance over time in activity patterns. Results Patients performed the task less accurately. This group difference was reflected in the pattern analysis results with diminished classification accuracy in patients compared with control subjects, 59% and 72%, respectively. In contrast, there was no group difference in GLM-based univariate measures. In both groups, classification accuracy was significantly correlated with behavioral measures. Both groups showed highly significant correlation between interrun correlations and classification accuracy. Conclusions Distributed representations of visual objects are impaired in schizophrenia. This impairment is correlated with diminished task performance, suggesting that decreased integrity of cortical activity patterns is reflected in impaired behavior. Comparisons with univariate results suggest greater sensitivity of pattern analysis in detecting group differences in neural activity and reduced likelihood of nonspecific factors driving these results.
Low temperature water–gas shift: Applications of a modified SSITKA–DRIFTS method under conditions of H2 co-feeding over metal/ceria and related oxides

Three applications of a modified SSITKA–DRIFTS technique demonstrate the importance of designing catalysts for fuel processor applications in terms of a formate mechanism. Switching between 12CO and 13CO was carried out under steady state water–gas shift conditions with a feed containing co-fed H2. The dynamic responses of surface species and CO2 product were evaluated in terms of their times required to achieve 50% fractional isotopic exchange. In all cases studied, the formate ν(CH) band was observed to switch at a rate similar to the gas phase asymmetric ν(CO2) band. In the first application, the method was employed to monitor and corroborate the normal kinetic isotope effect that has been suggested to link the rate limiting step of water–gas shift to formate decomposition via C–H bond cleaving. Also observed was that when the ν(CO) band for adsorbed CO on Pt was completely exchanged, the ν(CO2) band had only achieved 50% exchange, casting doubt on the proposed mechanism involving the direct reaction of Pt–CO with O adatoms on ceria to produce gas phase CO2. In a second study, the impact of metal loading on the formate switching rate led to a remarkable decrease in the switching times of both formates and CO2 product, emphasizing the need to express the reaction pathway in terms of a bifunctional mechanism involving both the oxide, where formates are formed at Type II bridging OH groups, and the metal, where dehydrogenation of formate proceeds rapidly. The results suggest that when the loading of Pt was greater, a higher fraction of rapidly reacting formate close to the metal–ceria interface was present. In contrast, when the Pt loading was low, a considerable fraction of formate was located further from the metal and required time to diffuse to the metal–oxide interface prior to decomposition. Finally, a demonstration of the usefulness of the technique in determining whether an associative mechanism holds true for other partially reducible oxide components is provided. Oxides included ceria, thoria, zirconia, and a mixed ceria–zirconia oxide sample. Limitations of the modified SSITKA technique regarding experimentation and data interpretation are also considered.
Representations of mineral chemical analyses in 11-dimensional space part 2, amphiboles

An expression of 200 amphibole analyses from Deer et al. (1963) and Engel et al. (1964) in terms of x tremolite , x ferrotremolite , x edenite , x tschermakite , and x pargasite is generally accompanied by a large errorbetween the observed and computed chemical analysis. In addition it is common to have x j ar j , for many analyses which other authors have shown graphically as falling within the chemical composition space defined by these five molecules. Most major chemical variations within the amphibole group are expressed in terms of the 11 oxides SiO 2 , TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , FeO, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na 2 O, K 2 O, H 2 O. Granting this assumption the total error, → , for a given chemical analysis b → is minimized when the amphibole composition space is represented by an 11×10 matrix A and x → is computed using some 10×10 matrix from A. It has not been possible thus far, using common amphibole ‘end’ members to define a representation A within which x j ≧0 for all j for a single amphibole analysis. It is possible, however, to generate a set of molecules which obey charge balance and certain structural constraints of the amphibole group and which define a composition space within which natural amphiboles lie. It is concluded that the natural amphiboles cannot be represented graphically.
An elementary description of thalamocortical system dynamics in the cat

Summary A limited range linear approximation for the input-output relationship of the ventrolateral thalamic (VL)-motorsensory cortical (MC) system has been utilized. The slope of the transfer function has been termed central rate sensitivity (R) and considered as the major parameter of interest. The changes in central dynamics which occur between nonsequential and sequential (1/sec) testing have been illustrated, with particular emphasis on the hysteresis or delay effects between shifts in thalamic stimulus parameters and the resulting cortical response. Peripheral control of central dynamics has been demonstrated by varying the time relationship between peripheral and central stimuli and observing the dependence of central rate sensitivity (R) on the peripheral-central time difference (X). Minimum R values were shown to occur at the point of peripheral-central signal coincidence (X= 0). The dependence of R on the sequence of X has been shown, with specific X sequences capable of forcing the neuronal machine to high R values and subsequent breakaway from the linear mode. The variations which occur in central rate sensitivity (R) following the placement of a freeze lesion in the contralateral cortex, homologous to the recording site, have been shown. The disruptive influence of the developing freeze lesion on the functional relationship between R and the peripheral-central time difference (X) has been demonstrated, with the lesion apparently being capable of completely reversing the situation of minimum R at X= 0 to near maximal R at X= 0. This reversal from a negative feedback situation to one of positive feedback may provide a mechanism for signal precipitation of system runaway with resultant epileptiform cortical discharge.
A system for automated DNA electrophoresis, molecular hybridization and electronic detection: II. Electronic detection.

We have designed and constructed an automated, computer-controlled, nucleic acid hybridization analysis system (Electrophoresis 1987, 8, 255–261). The system performs 9 simultaneous experiments, beginning with submarine electrophoretic separation of the restriction fragments and including microwave fixation of the separated fragments, denaturation, neutralization, prehybridization, hybridization, washing and drying. The final step is electronic detection of the hybridization pattern. The detector system consists of 90 Geiger-Mueller detectors arranged to simultaneously sample the 9 hybridizations at 10 positions each. The hybridization matrix is moved across the detectors by a robot arm in increments preprogrammed by the operator and the entire length of the matrix can be counted. The results are printed out as a plot of radioactive counts vs. distance from the origin of electrophoresis. We describe here the characteristics of the detection system.
Taut-string solution of the equilibrium no-lag Clark-Scarf serial inventory problem

This note is dedicated in memoriam to Cyrus Derman with whom I had the privilege of studying operations research. He was my teacher, mentor, thesis advisor, advocate, collaborator and friend. He and his colleagues guided me through the mathematical worlds of optimization, stochastic models, dynamic programming and their applications in OR. He was a gifted creative mathematician and operations researcher who profoundly influenced my life. Veinott (Manag. Sci. 17(9):547–567, 1971) shows how to reduce the one-period equilibrium version of the Clark-Scarf (Manag. Sci. 6(4):475–490, 1960) serial-facility inventory problem with no delivery lead time between facilities to an instance of Veinott’s (Manag. Sci. 17(9):547–567, 1971) theory of d-majorized network flows. That instance can be solved graphically with the aid of the taut-string solution for the dual problem. This expository note elaborates on this work by giving an example and showing that the optimal amount to stock at the most downstream facility rises as the distribution F of demand there rises stochastically. In addition, the optimal amount to stock at every other facility rises as the spread of F rises. The multi-period equilibrium version is also solved.
Quantitative evaluation of Langerhans cells in median rhomboid glossitis

Langerhans cells (LC) serve as antigen presenting cells and provide immune surveillance within epithelia. Since depression of LC number and/or function may allow tolerance to antigens, we evaluated LC in median rhomboid glossitis (MRG), a condition linked to persistent candidal infection of lingual mucosa. Material included a total of 36 cases of MRG (7 of which did not show PAS + fungi) and 6 controls. LC were identified by their expression of S-100 and HLA-DR antigens and quantified using image analysis. Equal numbers of LC were identified using S-100 + and HLA-DR + markers. The density of LC (cells/mm of basement membrane, mean +/- SD) in both PAS + MRG (2.6 +/- 1.3) and PAS-MRG (3.0 +/- 1.7) was markedly depressed compared with controls (17.2 +/- 6.4), (P less than 0.001). These findings indicate that the LC network is perturbed in MRG, and are consistent with the view that of localized defect in immune surveillance may contribute to persistent fungal infection of the oral mucosa.
Courtship versatility in the jumping spider, Phidippus johnsoni (Araneae: Salticidae)

Abstract A given male of P. johnsoni has at his disposal two alternative types of courtship. Each consists of distinctly different motor patterns and involves different sensory channels. If the male encounters a female outside her nest, he uses type 1 courtship. Type 2 courtship occurs if the male encounters a female inside her nest. Spiders do not respond to visual stimuli (house flies) under red light. The fact that type 2, but not type 1, courtship occurs when spiders are observed under red light is taken as evidence that type 1 is vision dependent, whereas type 2 is not vision dependent. Selection factors favouring the evolution of courtship versatility are discussed.
Observation of hydroxyl hydrogen in coal by in-situ FTIR difference spectroscopy

Direct studies of the chemical and thermal reactivity of complex materials such as coal are difficult due to their high optical density and chemical heterogeneity. To overcome these difficulties, highly sensitive semi-micro in-situ techniques have been developed which employ Fourier transform i.r. difference spectroscopy of optically thin sections of coal. These novel techniques are illustrated in studies of the intrinsic Bronsted type hydrogen bonding in coal at room temperature. Hydroxyl groups in coal are isotopically labelled with deuterium by exposure to gaseous D2O. The difference spectrum obtained by comparing the deuterium labelled coal to the unlabelled coal provides a ‘fingerprint’ of Bronsted type hydrogen bonding. The exchanged hydroxyls are spectroscopically identified as hydrogen bonded phenolic-OH (5 per 100 carbon atoms) and 0.03% tightly bound water. The high intrinsic sensitivity of in-situ i.r. difference spectroscopy combined with the spectral simplification resulting from isotopic substitution provides a rapid and direct method for the study of the effects of chemical and thermal treatment of coal.
Oxygen transport and hemodynamics in unanesthetized American opossum (Didelphisvirginiana)

Abstract 1. 1. Eleven hemodynamic and respiratory studies were carried out using five adult, unanesthetized American opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Nine of these eleven studies were considered basal. The mean and standard deviation of various parameters are reported for those nine studies. 2. 2. The average body weight was 3·29 kg and the mean rectal temperature was 35·2°C. 3. 3. Cardiac output averaged 439 ml/min (134 ml/kg per min). 4. 4. Related hemodynamic parameters were: heart rate, 175 beats/min; mean carotid and pulmonary artery blood pressures, 119 and 15 mm Hg, respectively; stroke volume, 2·6 ml/stroke; peripheral vascular resistance, 22,190 dyne sec cm−5 and hemoglobin flow, 13·5 g/kg per min. 5. 5. The concentration of O2 in arterial blood was 10·9 ml/100 ml; arterial blood was 86 per cent saturated with O2 and had an O2 tension(pO2) of 83 mm Hg. 6. 6. The mixed venous blood had an O2 concentration of 5·3 ml/100 ml, was 42 per cent saturated and had a pO2 of 38 mm Hg. 7. 7. Mean oxygen consumption by the Fick method was 7·6 ml/kg per min (N = 7) compared to 7·1 ml/kg per min (N = 8) by the chamber method with an overall mean of 7·3 ml/kg per min (N = 15).
An assessment of H1N1 influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome severity after adjustment for treatment characteristics.

Pandemic influenza caused significant increases in healthcare utilization across several continents including the use of high-intensity rescue therapies like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). The severity of illness observed with pandemic influenza in 2009 strained healthcare resources. Because lung injury in ARDS can be influenced by daily management and multiple organ failure, we performed a retrospective cohort study to understand the severity of H1N1 associated ARDS after adjustment for treatment. Sixty subjects were identified in our hospital with ARDS from “direct injury” within 24 hours of ICU admission over a three month period. Twenty-three subjects (38.3%) were positive for H1N1 within 72 hours of hospitalization. These cases of H1N1-associated ARDS were compared to non-H1N1 associated ARDS patients. Subjects with H1N1-associated ARDS were younger and more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI), present more rapidly and have worse oxygenation. Severity of illness (SOFA score) was directly related to worse oxygenation. Management was similar between the two groups on the day of admission and subsequent five days with respect to tidal volumes used, fluid balance and transfusion practices. There was, however, more frequent use of “rescue” therapy like prone ventilation, HFOV or ECMO in H1N1 patients. First morning set tidal volumes and BMI were significantly associated with increased severity of lung injury (Lung injury score, LIS) at presentation and over time while prior prescription of statins was protective. After assessment of the effect of these co-interventions LIS was significantly higher in H1N1 patients. Patients with pandemic influenza-associated ARDS had higher LIS both at presentation and over the course of the first six days of treatment when compared to non-H1N1 associated ARDS controls. The difference in LIS persisted over the duration of observation in patients with H1N1 possibly explaining the increased duration of mechanical ventilation.
Fungal colonization of Douglas-fir sapwood lumber.

The fungi colonizing Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) sapwood lumber were assessed in sam- ples collected from locations in western Oregon. A total of 547 isolates representing 29 genera and 45 species were obtained from sample boards. Graphium spp. represented 17% of all isolates, and the inci- dence of these species increased with time after saw- ing. The addition of streptomycin to malt extract agar improved isolation frequencies, while the addi- tion of cycloheximide sharply limited isolations to Graphium spp. and some Trichoderma isolates. The results indicate that Douglas-fir sapwood is suscepti- ble to colonization by a variety of fungal species. As a result, control strategies that concentrate on one fungus may have limited success because of interfer-
Implication of Feeding Isoenergetic Diets Containing Animal Fat on Milk Composition of Alpine Does During Early Lactation

Abstract Lactation and digestion trials were conducted to test the hypothesis that supplemental animal fat in goat diets would alleviate low fat content and decrease concentrations of fatty acids responsible for flavor problems in goat milk during early lactation. In a 17-wk trial, 14 Alpine does were assigned randomly to isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with either 0 or 5% animal fat in a double crossover experiment. Intakes of NDF and ADF were higher in goats fed 5% dietary fat, but intakes of other nutrients were similar between treatments. Total ruminal VFA concentration was lower, and acetate and butyrate proportions were higher, in does fed 5% fat. Plasma NEFA, triglyceride, and total cholesterol were higher in does fed 5% fat. Milk fat content was higher in does fed 5% fat (3.8 vs. 3.1%). Yields of 4% FCM and SCM were similar between treatments. No differences were observed in milk cholesterol content as a result of dietary animal fat. Milk caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, and myristic acids were lower, whereas palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids were higher, in milk from does fed 5% fat. Efficiencies of feed, energy, and protein for milk yield were not altered by supplemental animal fat in the diet. We concluded that an intake of animal fat combined with high fiber altered lipid metabolism in the rumen and peripheral circulation and contributed to changes in fat content and fatty acid composition in goat milk.
Extreme value theory for suprema of random variables with regularly varying tail probabilities

Abstract Consider a stationary sequence Xj=supiciZj−i,j∈I, where {ci} is a sequence of con {Zi} a sequence of i.i.d. random variables with regularly varying tail probabilities. For suitable normalizing functions υ1, υ2,…, the limit form of the two dimensional point process with points ( j n ,υ −1 n (X j )) ,j∈I, is derived. The implications of the convergence are briefly discussed, while the distribution of the joint exceedances of high levels by {Xj} is explicitly obtained as a corollary.
Choroidal neovascularization can digest Bruch's membrane. A prior break is not essential.

Abstract A novel form of retinal phototoxicity has facilitated investigation of the effect of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) damage on the choriocapillaris of the rat. In response to isolated RPE injury, the choriocapillaris buds, digests the endothelial basement membrane, and projects pseudopodia that erode Bruch's membrane. The development of subretinal neovascularization in one of the rats demonstrates that breaks in Bruch's membrane may result from this lytic process and that neither degeneration of Bruch's membrane nor a preexisting break is essential for subretinal neovascularization to occur.