cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substorms and Magnetic Storms From the Satellite Charging Perspective

Abstract Substorms and magnetic storms generate significant space weather effects in the inner magnetosphere. They change the dose rates experienced by satellites in many orbits and are directly linked to the occurrence of satellite charging. Substorms inject hot plasma into the nightside magnetosphere. The drifting electron component of this hot plasma can charge the surfaces of the satellites leasing to electrostatic discharges, the associated satellite anomalies and sometimes failures. These occur in regions that are consistent with the expected motions of the substorm injected particles. The high-energy electron enhancements following many magnetic storms can be sufficient to cause charging of shielded satellite elements. Not all magnetic storms result in flux enhancements sufficient to cause such internal charging. Because the induced voltages from the internal charging are usually not directly measured, the anomalies they cause are more difficult to link to the space environment and magnetic storms. However, the anomaly statistics are sufficient to show linkage in a several cases.
Feminine power or feminine weakness? North Indian girls’ struggles with aspirations, agency, and psychosomatic illness

In Hindi-speaking northeastern India, mothers whose daughters are afflicted with a psychosomatic illness referred to locally as “the teeth have clenched” employ standard tropes pertaining to Indian femininity to negotiate their daughters’ agency against the backdrop of new aspirations. An inquiry into two cases I encountered during fieldwork in Varanasi psychiatric clinics in 2001–04 demonstrates how girls’ symptomatic bodies mediated social concerns pertaining to the challenges that women's education and work in public spaces present to non-elite middle-class domestic orders. While these illnesses may have been born of previous traumas or household conflicts, and sometimes were acknowledged as such, mothers’ and daughters’ own concerns about the illnesses focused on what they indicated about the daughters’ potential for social and academic success. In particular, mothers regarded their daughters as possessing either too much or too little “power” or “strength,” and these attributions attached to their anxieties and hopes for their daughters’ futures. In the drama of clenched teeth, disordered bodies, disruptive behavior, and possible futures were folded into the same metaphors of agency.
Inositol transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by transcriptional and degradative endocytic mechanisms during the growth cycle that are distinct from inositol-induced regulation

Regulation of inositol uptake activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the growth cycle was examined. Activity increased as the cell population transited from lag phase to exponential growth, and continued to increase until late exponential phase. The increase in activity was due to increased transcription of the ITR1 gene and synthesis of the Itr1 permease. When the culture reached stationary phase, uptake activity decreased and dropped to a minimum within 4 h. The decrease was due to repression of ITR1 transcription, independent of the negative regulator Opi1p, and degradation of the existing permease. Degradation depended on delivery of the permease to the vacuole through the END3/END4 endocytic pathway. During exponential growth in inositol-containing medium the permease is also rapidly degraded, whereas in inositol-free medium the permease is highly stable. Rapid degradation of the permease at stationary phase occurred in inositol-free medium, indicating that there are two distinct mechanisms that trigger endocytosis and degradation in response to different physiological stimuli. In addition, the level of the enzyme required for inositol biosynthesis, inositol-1-phosphate synthase, encoded by INO1, is not reduced in stationary-phase cells, and this contrast in the regulation of inositol supply is discussed.
Genetack: frameshift identification in protein-coding sequences by the Viterbi algorithm.

We describe a new program for ab initio frameshift detection in protein-coding nucleotide sequences. The task is to distinguish the same strand overlapping ORFs that occur in the sequence due to a presence of a frameshifted gene from the same strand overlapping ORFs that encompass true overlapping or adjacent genes. The GeneTack program uses a hidden Markov model (HMM) of genomic sequence with possibly frameshifted protein-coding regions. The Viterbi algorithm finds the maximum likelihood path that discriminates between true adjacent genes and those adjacent protein-coding regions that just appear to be separate entities due to frameshifts. Therefore, the program can identify spurious predictions made by a conventional gene-finding program misled by a frameshift. We tested GeneTack as well as two earlier developed programs FrameD and FSFind on 17 prokaryotic genomes with frameshifts introduced randomly into known genes. We observed that the average frameshift prediction accuracy of GeneTack, in terms of (Sn + Sp)/2 values, was higher by a significant margin than the accuracy of two other programs. In addition, we observed that the average accuracy of GeneTack is favorably compared with the accuracy of the FSFind-BLAST program that uses protein database search to verify predicted frameshifts, even though GeneTack does not use external evidence. GeneTack is freely available at .
The moments of the extended compound point process with applications

The Concept of Compound point(or counting)process is generalized to account for situations in which the compound events are described by a stochastic process rather than a random variable. Quasi–closed form expressions for the mean and the variance of this extended compounded point process are obtained in terms of the first two moments of the underlying point process and of the process describing the compound events. An expression for the higher moments is also obtained. The results are applied to obtain the mean and variance of the number of busy channels in a ppx/G/∞ queue. (PP=point process) which generalises results of the M(t)x/G/∞ and GIx/G/∞ queue. Other applications include the derivation of the first two moments of the total backlog and of the revenues from telephone traffic in a PP/G/∞ queue. Finally, a special empirical model is considered
De Novo Generation of Bound Structures for an Intrinsically Disordered Protein using Only Alpha Carbon Chemical Shifts

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) challenge our traditional notions of protein structure/function relationships because they are highly dynamic in their native state and do not form tertiary structures. To design new drugs for IDPs it is essential to generate realistic structural ensembles for these proteins. We have recently developed a method called broad ensemble generation with re-weighting (BEGR) where a million or more diverse IDP structures are generated and then re-weighted to fit experimental data. Results show that bound state structures of the disordered p53 transactivation domain (p53TAD) are reproducibly generated, even though the BEGR method is using experimental data for unbound p53TAD. These bound state structures were found for wild type p53TAD and a mutant that increases the transient helical secondary structure of one of the binding sites using only the alpha carbon chemical shift data.
Estimation Problems in the Block-Diagonal Model of the Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix:

The most popular method used to analyze the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrix has been confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The block-diagonal model, in which trait effects, trait correlations, method effects, and method correlations are simultaneously estimated is examined in detail. Analysis of published data from 18 correlation matrices showed estimation problems in all but one case. Simulations were used to show how identification and specification difficulties may account for these problems. Even trivial misspecification of a single parameter can prevent program convergence. These problems render the CFA block-diagonal approach to analyzing MTMM data less useful than has generally been thought. Index terms:
Determination of Surface Structure by LEED

After a brief review of some noteworthy recent achievements of LEED crystallography we describe two important advances in methodology. One is experimental and concerns the rapid acquisition of LEED intensity data from display-type equipment with a computer-assisted television camera. The other is theoretical and concerns the calculation of LEED intensities with a new cluster approach that offers notable advantages over the schemes presently used, especially for structures involving large numbers of atoms and for high electron energies.
Temperature and salinity regulation of growth and gas exchange of Salicornia fruticosa (L.) L.

Salicornia fruticosa was collected from a salt marsh on the Mediterranean sea coast in Libya. Growth and gas exchange of this C3 species were monitered in plants pretreated at various NaCl concentrations (0, 171, 342, 513 and 855 mM). Maximum growth was at 171 mM NaCl under cool growth conditions (20/10° C) and at 342 mM NaCl under warm growth conditions (30/15° C) with minimum growth at 0 mM NaCl (control). Net photosynthesis (Pn) was greatest in plants grown in 171 mM NaCl with plants grown at 513 and 855 mM having lowest rates. Maximum Pn was at 20–25° C shoot temperatures with statistically significant reductions at 30° C in control plants while salt treated plants showed such reductions at 35° C. Salt treatments increased dark respiration over the control at 171 and 342 mM but reduced it at higher concentrations. Photorespiration was reduced by salt treatment and increased by increasing shoot temperature. Greatest transpiration was in 171 mM NaCl treated plants and increasing shoot temperature increased transpiration in all treatments. Stomatal resistance to CO2 influx was influenced only moderately by temperature while increasing salinity resulted in increased stomatal resistance. In general both temperature and salinity increased the mesophyll resistance to CO2 influx. The species seems adapted to the warm saline habitat along the Mediterranean sea coast, at least partially, by its ability to maintain relatively high Pn at moderate NaCl concentrations over a broad range of shoot temperatures.
Modern Romance and Transformations of the Novel: The Gothic, Scott, Dickens

Introduction: fiction as fiction 1. The culture of Gothic 2. The romance of subjection: Scott's Waverley 3. The suspension of belief 4. Scott and Dickens: the work of the author 5. Scott and Dickens: the end of history Endnotes.
Corruption and Related Socioeconomic Factors: A Time Series Study

SUMMARY This study examines corruption in relation to political, legal, and economic factors to see how these factors impact corruption over time and to test the direction of causality between these variables. To assess causality, cointegration analysis using an error correction model on data from over 100 countries spanning over 20 years was performed. Three antecedent variables are analyzed in relation to corruption. Over the long-term, increases in these variables result in decreases in corruption. However, there is no evidence that changes in corruption impact any of these same variables. Interestingly, increases in GDP per capita are found to increase corruption over the short-term while leading to a long-term reduction in corruption.
Toward a generic UGV autopilot

Much of the success of small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) has arguably been due to the widespread availability of low-cost, portable autopilots. While the development of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) has led to significant achievements, as typified by recent grand challenge events, to date the UGV equivalent of the UAV autopilot is not available. In this paper we describe our recent research aimed at the development of a generic UGV autopilot. Assuming we are given a drive-by-wire vehicle that accepts as inputs steering, brake, and throttle commands, we present a system that adds sonar ranging sensors, GPS/IMU/odometry, stereo camera, and scanning laser sensors, together with a variety of interfacing and communication hardware. The system also includes a finite state machine-based software architecture as well as a graphical user interface for the operator control unit (OCU). Algorithms are presented that enable an end-to-end scenario whereby an operator can view stereo images as seen by the vehicle and can input GPS waypoints either from a map or in the vehicle's scene-view image, at which point the system uses the environmental sensors as inputs to a Kalman filter for pose estimation and then computes control actions to move through the waypoint list, while avoiding obstacles. The long-term goal of the research is a system that is generically applicable to any drive-by-wire unmanned ground vehicle.
Analysis and classification of remote-sensed cloud imagery

The objective of this research is to automate the classification of clouds from satellite images providing a method for studying their properties over time. Analysis was applied to the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) low resolution (2.5 degrees per pixel) database for January 1987. Our approach differs from earlier studies by taking advantage of cloud top pressure and optical thickness from the ISCCP database, providing more accurate measures of cloud height with less dependency on the sun's angle of illumination. A total of 365 regions of interest (ROI), each classified Storm or Non Storm were used in the analysis. The algorithms used were Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network and Nearest Neighbor Pattern Classification. Each ROI was assigned on identification number between 1 and 365. One third of the ROIs were randomly selected for testing using a random number generator and the remaining ROIs were assigned to be training set. This process was repeated 29 times resulting in a mean classification error of 5.76% for the nearest neighbor algorithm and 3.97% for the backpropagation neural network.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Epidermolytic Toxin of Staphylococcus aureus: Its Failure to Bind to Cells and Its Detection in Blister Fluids of Patients with Bullous Impetigo

Radioiodinated staphylococcal epidermolytic toxin was found not to bind to erythrocytes, blood leukocytes, trypsin-dispersed keratinocytes, epidermis or whole skin. Moreover the toxin could not be found to bind to murine epithelia by indirect immunofluorescence methods. However, the toxin, measured by radioimmunoassay, could be eluted from the skin of mice undergoing epidermolysis following intraperitoneal injection of toxinogenic Staphylococcus aureus . Furthermore, epidemolysin was measured in the blister fluid of 3 of 5 children with bullous impetigo but not in blister fluid from control patients with other blistering eruptions. Thus epidermolysin has been demonstrated to be present in lesions of the staphylococcal epidermolytie toxin syndrome but its mechanism of action does not involve binding to cells.
Measurement of Mucociliary Transport Velocity in the Intact Mucosa

A new method for measuring the velocity of the tracheal mucous transport rate in anesthetized dogs is described. The length of the trachea is determined with the bron­ choscope as the distance between the larynx and the lower end of the trachea at the level of the carina. A small volume (0.04 to 0.1 ml) of albumin microspheres 5;im to 71,m in diameter labeled with radioactive ""technetium or 113m indium is deposited on the mucosal surface at the lower end of the trachea via a catheter placed in the inner channel of a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The movement of the microspheres towards the larynx is visualized and recorded using a scintillation camera (Picker Dyna Camera) with a large field of view (30 cm in diameter) for 30 to 60 minutes, depending upon the time required for the spheres to reach the top of the trachea. Polaroid pictures are made immediately and every minute thereafter until the activity reaches the larynx. The data are also recorded and stored on mag­ netic tape for subsequent analyses by computer. The length in millimeters divided by the time in minutes gives the transport velocity rate. The mean velocity was found to be 19.2 ± 1.6 mm/min (±SE). /"| ne major factor in the clearance of inhaled foreign particles from the lung is the efficiency of the mechanisms for mucociliary clearance. When deposited on the mucous coat of the airways, par­ ticulate matter (such as dust, smoke, and smog) is removed primarily by ciliary activity which propels the mucous blanket to the pharynx, from which it is swallowed. Some previous investigations of muco­ ciliary activity were done with fresh postmortem specimens, thereby not representative of normal physiologic conditions during life. Advances in in­ strumentation for organ imaging and the current availability of a variety of particulates labeled with gamma rays have made simple, accurate, and ex­ ternally performed methods for measuring the rates
Using the score method to construct asymmetric confidence intervals: an SAS program for content validation in scale development.

Expert review sessions are often conducted to determine the content validity of scale items. The accurate quantification of content validity is usually limited by a relatively small number of experts as well as by a small number of rating categories. These factors, combined with the bounded and discrete nature of rating scale categories, hinder use of traditional methods for computing standard errors and confidence intervals. Using an application of the score method, researchers can construct an asymmetric interval that is better suited for these situations. SAS code is provided to automate the computations, and a discussion of two methods for using the obtained results for content validation decisionmaking follows.
Estimating Respiratory Volumes from Rib Cage and Abdominal Displacements During Ventilatory and Speech Activities

This methodological study examined the predictive strength associated with modeling respiratory volumes from chest-wall movements during selected ventilatory and speech activities. A linearized mag...
Design and analysis of a micro-optical position readout for acceleration sensing

Sandia National Laboratories is developing a MEMS-based trajectory safety subsystem, which allows enablement of critical functions only after a particular acceleration environment has been achieved. The device, known as an Environmental Sensing Device (ESD), consists of a suspended moving shuttle that translates a given distance when exposed to an appropriate acceleration environment. The shuttle contains an embedded code, consisting of grating structures, that is illuminated and optically read using a semiconductor laser and detector integrated together in a GaAs-based Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) flip-chip bonded to the assembly. This paper will describe the optical design and performance analysis of the embedded code features in the shuttle.
Contribution of growth rate and harvest index to grain yield of oats (Avena sativa L.) following selfing and outcrossing of M1 plants

Three populations of oats, each with 790 lines, were derived from CI 7555: (a) one (M population) consisted of M2-derived lines obtained from EMS treatment of naked seeds, (b) one (O population) consisted of F2-derived lines from crosses of M1 with check plants, and (c) one (C population) consisted of check lines.
Luminescence Dating of Monumental Stone Architecture at Chavín De Huántar, Perú

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is applied to quartz extracted from mud mortar collected from Chavin de Huantar, an early Andean monumental center. The samples appear to have been only partially exposed to sunlight during construction, so a minimum age model is applied to equivalent dose distributions. Complications, including complex radioactivity, low sensitivity of the quartz, and limited sample, prevent high precision, but the 14 dates obtained cluster around 1000 BC largely in agreement with radiocarbon assays on charcoal also collected from the mortar. Results suggest a relatively rapid construction for the monument. This work develops OSL as a method for directly dating architectural mortar.
Cell-type-specific opening of the retinal ganglion cell mitochondrial permeability transition pore.

PURPOSE. To study the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) in apoptosis of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro. METHODS. Primary rat retinal cultures containing DiI-labeled RGCs were treated with pharmacological agents that modulate the PTP. Ratiometric imaging of the mitochondrial membrane potential (m) were conducted on similarly treated cultures, with the dual-emission probe JC-1, and the correlation with the results of the viability experiments were determined. RESULTS. The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist PK11195 induced RGC death, but this was not inhibited by cyclosporin A (CsA), which normally maintains the PTP in the closed configuration. Paradoxically, the combination of CsA and PK11195 caused massive RGC death and decreased m, suggesting aberrant regulation of the PTP in these cells. Imaging of m revealed morphologic changes in the mitochondria after depolarization, characterized by formation of ringlike bodies, and similar to that with the potassium ionophore valinomycin. There were no such findings with other retinal neurons or neuronally differentiated PC-12 cells. The anomalous RGC death was independent of caspase activation or reactive oxygen species production. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest an aberrant opening of the RGC PTP and could be the result of structural differences in its components or its interaction with intracellular ligands. Unique RGC PTP behavior could underlie the pathophysiology of those mitochondrial diseases in which RGCs are specifically affected (e.g., Leber hereditary optic neuropathy). (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:2774 ‐2782) DOI:10.1167/iovs.021061
Effect of a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Field on Greenfield Filters in Vitro and in Dogs

The authors have tested four Greenfield filters for deflection in a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field and found large variations in the amount of deflection among filters. They also placed two filters in dogs and checked the filter for migration by taking radiographs before and after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. They found no evidence of migration. They conclude that, while most Greenfield filters respond to a magnetic field, the chance of migration of a filter because of an MRI scan is small. Therefore, MRI scanning of patients with Greenfield filters has little risk.
CICATRIZATION OF WOUNDS : VI. BACTERIOLOGICAL ASEPSIS OF A WOUND.

Of twenty infected cases treated with Dakin's solution or chloramine paste, seven were bacteriologically sterile. This proves that, in general, 35 per cent of the cases thus treated become bacteriologically aseptic. This degree of asepsis is not necessary in order to suture the wound, the absence of bacteria in films being sufficient. Complete sterilization of wounds, can, therefore, now be accomplished.
The Effects of Endosulfan on the Testes of Bluegill Fish, Lepomis macrochirus : A Histopathological Study

The effect of endosulfan, an Organochlorine pesticide, on bluegill testes was studied. Endosulfan is aqua-toxic and has an immediate effect on fish and other aquatic life. In this experiment, we exposed the fish for 24-, 48-, 72-, 96-h, and 1- and 2-week periods. A second group of fish without exposure to endosulfan served as the control. The control testis appeared structurally normal. The seminiferous tubules were of round or oval shape and contained primary spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatozoa, spermatids, Sertoli cells, and interstitial cells of Leydig. Within the connective tissue that connected the seminiferous tubules were Leydig cells. After 24 h of exposure, there was evidence of slight signs of connective tissue splintering. The 48-h exposure resulted in breakage of primary spermatocyte walls and separation from the seminiferous tubules. The 72-h testis showed further connective tissue damage and migration of primary spermatogonia into the lumen. After 96 h, there was significant damage to connective tissue and the seminiferous tubules were less pronounced. After 1 and 2 weeks, the seminiferous tubule walls were disrupted and missing in places and the structure of the testis was very disorganized compared to the control testis. Biometric analysis indicated that the diameter of the primary spermatogonia decreased from 24 h to two weeks. There also appeared to be fewer Leydig cells, responsible for testosterone production, over the exposure period and damaged Sertoli cells, which support, protect, and nourish the spermatogonic cells, synthesize ABP, and assist in maintaining the necessary concentration of testosterone in the seminiferous tubules so that spermatogenesis can progress. These kinds of damage could affect the spermatids and spermatozoa and possibly have a negative impact on spermatogenesis and male fertility, affecting bluegill fish population.
Long-term laboratory evolution of a genetic life-history trade-off in Drosophila melanogaster. 1. The role of genotype-by-environment interaction.

Trade-offs among life-history traits are often thought to constrain the evolution of populations. Here we report the disappearance of a trade-off between early fecundity on the one hand, and late-life fecundity, starvation resistance, and longevity on the other, over 10 yr of laboratory selection for late-life reproduction. Whereas the selected populations showed an initial depression in early-life fecundity, they later converged upon the controls and then surpassed them. The evolutionary loss of the trade-off among life-history traits is considered attributable to the following factors: (1) the existence of differences in the culture regimes of the short- and long- generation populations other than the demographic differences deliberately imposed; (2) adaptation of one or both of these sets of populations to the unique aspects of their culture regimes; (3) the existence of an among-environment trade-off in the expression of early fecundity in the two culture regimes, as reflected in assays that mimic those regimes. The trade-off between early and late-life reproductive success, as manifest among divergently selected populations, is apparent or not de- pending on the assay environment. This demonstration that strong genotype-by-environment interactions can obscure a fundamental trade-off points to the importance of controlling all aspects of the culture regime of experimental populations and the difficulty of doing so even in the labo- ratory.
Effects of Acute Exposure to O3 On Rats: Sequence of Epithelial and Inflammatory Changes in the Distal Airways

AbstractThis study involves the analysis of the sequence of changes in lung epithelial permeability, free cells in the airways, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) flux, and alveolar lesions in rats exposed to 0.8 ppm ozone (O3) for 3 h and then studied at 4-h intervals up to 24 h postexposure. Protein content of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) increased immediately after O3 exposure and returned to control levels by 16 h postexposure. Albumin concentration in the BAL also increased with time after O3 exposure, but the increase was more gradual than the protein increase. The lower albumin concentrations at 20 and 24 h postexposure were still higher than the control levels. While the total protein in the BAL could be attributed to tissue injury and increased transmucosal transport, the albumin primarily reflected elevated transport from the serum. Total cells in the BAL decreased immediately after the O3 exposure, but returned to near normal levels by 4 h. PGE, levels did not...
Great divides: Deceptive distinctions and rhetorical strategies in the VMI and citadel cases

Legitimation for the maintenance of privilege is often made by rhetorical strategies that appeal to often irrelevant but favored values of a group. The case for the continuance of the exclusion of women at two revered state-supported militarystyle colleges, The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) (in Virginia) and the Citadel (in South Carolina), was made by those institutions and their lawyers and expert witnesses by appeals to “rationality” which encompass unsupported stereotyped views and references to the value of historical precedent and the status quo. The view that males and females are basically different with respect to cognitive and emotional characteristics is employed in the rhetoric. Thus, in these institutions and in some others today (e.g., a new single sex public school) sex segregation is offered as a benefit not only to males but to females, who are regarded as unable to learn well in coeducational environments. The article notes that assumptions about basic cognitive and emotional differences are deceptive and are not supported by empirical evidence, and that the studies cited by advocates of sex segregation are either impaired methodologically or are irrelevant today. The article also explores the way in which such values as diversity and states' rights are employed in the rationales for segregation.
Excision of Intralaryngeal Granulation Tissue in 25 Horses Using a Neodymium:YAG Laser (1986 to 1991)

Granulation tissue masses arising from the axial surface of the arytenoid cartilage in 25 horses were excised using a contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. A technique that eliminated the need for general anesthesia or laryngotomy was developed for transen-doscopic removal of the masses in standing horses. Nineteen racehorses made abnormal upper respiratory tract noises or their performance was decreased, whereas six horses not used for racing had a history of stertor (five horses) or epistaxis after nasogastric intubation (one horse). Thoroughbreds were significantly (p = .0126) overrepresented compared with the hospital population. The granulation tissue masses were successfully excised and the defect healed in all 25 horses, although a second excision of granulation tissue regrowth was necessary in four horses. In 21 horses, the underlying chondrosis did not progress appreciably. In four horses with preexisting moderate arytenoid cartilage thickening and concurrent laryngeal abnormalities, the surgery site healed but the underlying chondrosis progressed substantially. Twelve of 19 (63%) racehorses returned to race at least three times after the surgery. Of the 19 racehorses, five had only slight arytenoid cartilage involvement whereas 14 had moderate cartilage thickening or concurrent laryngeal pathology. All five horses with slight apparent arytenoid cartilage involvement and no concurrent laryngeal pathology returned to racing. Seven of the 14 horses (50%) with moderate underlying cartilage thickening or concurrent laryngeal pathology returned to racing. The six horses not used for racing returned to their previous activity without further respiratory problems.
The Effects of Geometric Asymmetry on the Dynamic Response of Silicon Nanowires

This work investigates the impact of asymmetric cross-sectional geometry on the near-resonant response of electrostatically-actuated silicon nanowires. The work demonstrates that dimensional variances of less than 2% qualitatively alter the near-resonant response of these nanosystems, rendering a non-Lorentzian frequency response structure. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that this effect is independent of material properties and device boundary conditions and can be easily modeled using a two-degree-of-freedom system. Proper understanding of this phenomenon is believed to be essential in the characterization of the dynamic response of resonant nanotube and nanowire systems and thus the predictive design and development of such devices. Practical applications of the devices of interest include electrostatic force gradients and mass sensing, both of which can advantageously leverage the unique frequency response structure attendant to these systems.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
RNA Translocation Coupled to Large-Scale Conformational Transitions of a Hexameric Helicase

Rho is an exemplary hexameric helicase that participates in transcription termination utilizing the energy from ATP hydrolysis. It remains unclear how mRNA translocation through the Rho central pore is coupled to the ATP hydrolysis cycle of this ring-shaped motor. Rho has structural and sequence homology with F1-/V1-ATPase; a general rotary ATP-hydrolysis mechanism, similar to Boyer's mechanism for F1-ATPase, has been proposed for Rho based on structural and biochemical evidence. Here we investigate long-time (millisecond) conformational transitions of Rho during one rotary reaction step at the atomic-level in silico. To overcome the challenging time scale for molecular dynamics simulations, we employ transition pathway techniques combined with the milestoning method. Free energy profile and kinetics of the Rho-RNA conformational transition along the pathway are determined, suggesting a critical role of ATP hydrolysis product release in triggering RNA translocation. The resulting pathway suggests that the six subunits of Rho remain largely unaltered in their interior, but translate and rotate relative to each other through surface-surface generated forces stemming from the ATPase cycle. The six-subunits-motion induces translocation through the six K326 residues’ engagement with and disengagement from the RNA; the movement of K326 is coupled to the ATPase cycle through an allosteric pathway that controls phosphate (Pi) release.
Metastable radicals and intrinsic chemiluminescence from soy proteins.

: Chemiluminescence from various powdered food proteins were examined without the addition of any external source of free radicals or luminescent agents. In the solid-state, soy and whey proteins produced more intrinsic chemiluminescence than casein, sodium caseinate, or egg albumin. However, when these same food proteins were hydrated, intrinsic chemiluminescence from soy proteins was about 4- to 8-times greater than other source proteins. Quenching the alkyl-radicals in the powdered soy proteins with hydrogen sulfide reduced the typical electron paramagnetic resonance spectra from soy proteins below detectable levels, and reduced the chemiluminescence from the hydrated soy proteins by about 65%. Antioxidants also reduced chemiluminescence in hydrated soy proteins by about 50% to 92%, with ellagic acid being the most effective. The reduction in chemiluminescence from both quenching radicals in the solid state, and by the addition of antioxidants to aqueous mixtures, indicate that the chemiluminescence produced when soy proteins are hydrated is a free radical catalyzed event. Based on the production of chemiluminescence, the radicals from soy protein were largely released within 30 min of hydration at 23 °C. Elevating the hydration temperatures increased chemiluminescence by as much as 280% at 70 °C, and decreased the half-life of the light-emitting reaction by about 9-fold. Practical Applications: Levels of metastable radicals in powdered soy proteins typically range from to 10 to 100 times greater than free radicals from other food protein sources. This research focuses on the types of reactions these radicals catalyze when soy proteins are hydrated, and the radicals suddenly become reactive. The findings suggest that a portion of the energy released from metastable radicals when powdered soy proteins are hydrated is involved in the generation of chemically-induced light.
Sample selection, preparation methods, and the apparent tensile properties of silkworm (B. mori) cocoon silk

Reported literature values of the tensile properties of natural silk cover a wide range. While much of this inconsistency is the result of variability that is intrinsic to silk, some is also a consequence of differences in the way that silk is prepared for tensile tests. Here we explore how measured mechanical properties of Bombyx mori cocoon silk are affected by two intrinsic factors (the location from which the silk is collected within the cocoon, and the color of the silk), and two extrinsic factors (the storage conditions prior to testing, and different styles of reeling the fiber). We find that extrinsic and therefore controllable factors can affect the properties more than the intrinsic ones studied. Our results suggest that enhanced inter-laboratory collaborations, that lead to standardized sample collection, handling, and storage protocols prior to mechanical testing, would help to decrease unnecessary (and complicating) variation in reported tensile properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 397–407, 2012.
Thermocapillary stabilization of the capillary breakup of an annular film of liquid

It is known that the breakup by surface tension of a cylindrical interface containing a viscous liquid can be damped by axial motion of the underlying liquid and that for an annular film the capillary instability can be completely suppressed (disturbances of all wavelengths decay) by certain axial velocity profiles. Here, using a linear stability analysis, it is shown that complete stabilization can also occur for thermocapillary-driven axial motions. However, the influence of thermocapillary instabilities typically shrinks the window in parameter space where stabilization is found, relative to the isothermal case. The influence of Reynolds, surface tension, Prandtl, and Biot parameters on limits of stabilization is calculated using continuation techniques. It is observed that windows of stabilization first open with topological changes of the neutral curves in parameter space.
The financial close process: Implications for future research

Abstract This study advances our understanding of the current financial close process. Attention to the topic is warranted for four reasons. First, economic volatility and growth in restatements have increased pressure on companies to report performance timely, completely, and accurately to market participants. Second, recent regulations have increased the workload for accountants at period end thus negatively impacting the efficiency of the close process. Third, several SEC filings have contained control weaknesses related to the financial close process. Finally, academic research suggests that the time needed to complete the financial close process may serve as a proxy for a company's internal information environment quality. We draw upon prior research and conduct a field investigation with corporate financial officers from 22 different organizations to examine the role of four factors – need to meet expectations, collaboration among multiple participants, estimation process, and ability to incorporate new regulations – in the financial close process. Results suggest that researchers should examine further how the need to meet (or beat) expectations impacts management's actions and the effectiveness and efficiency of the financial close process. Future work could also explore how hidden profile task research and technology advances may improve the financial close process. Finally, research needs to examine how ex post estimate analysis may improve not only estimate quality but also the effectiveness and efficiency of the financial close process.
Where does energy R&D come from? Examining crowding out from energy R&D

Abstract Recent efforts to endogenize technological change in climate policy models demonstrate the importance of accounting for the opportunity cost of climate R&D investments. Because the social returns to R&D investments are typically higher than the social returns to other types of investment, any new climate mitigation R&D that comes at the expense of other R&D investment may dampen the overall gains from induced technological change. Unfortunately, there has been little empirical work to guide modelers as to the potential magnitude of such crowding out effects. This paper considers both the private and social opportunity costs of climate R&D. Addressing private costs, we ask whether an increase in climate R&D represents new R&D spending, or whether some (or all) of the additional climate R&D comes at the expense of other R&D. Addressing social costs, we use patent citations to compare the social value of alternative energy research to other types of R&D that may be crowded out. Beginning at the industry level, we find no evidence of crowding out across sectors—that is, increases in energy R&D do not draw R&D resources away from sectors that do not perform R&D. Given this, we proceed with a detailed look at alternative energy R&D. Linking patent data and financial data by firm, we ask whether an increase in alternative energy patents leads to a decrease in other types of patenting activity. While we find that increases in alternative energy patents do result in fewer patents of other types, the evidence suggests that this is due to profit-maximizing changes in research effort, rather than financial constraints that limit the total amount of R&D possible. Finally, we use patent citation data to compare the social value of alternative energy patents to other patents by these firms. Alternative energy patents are cited more frequently, and by a wider range of other technologies, than other patents by these firms, suggesting that their social value is higher.
The treatment of meningococcus meningitis

Summary Our belief is that the intraspinal administration of a potent antimeningococcus serum every twelve hours for the first few days gives better results than when given at longer intervals. The case fatality rate is lower, the hospital stay is shortened, and the total amount of serum used is not much, if any, greater. Further reduction in case fatality is to be sought in earlier diagnosis and in the use of as potent a serum as can be manufactured. The reasons outlined in the beginning of this paper for intraspinal administration of antimeningococcus serum, rather than the intravenous use of antitoxin alone, we believe to be supported by our results.
Development and estimation of aphid populations infesting annual winter plantings of strawberries in California.

Temporal occurrence and sampling of aphids infesting fresh market strawberries were investigated in two successive annual winter plantings in Orange County, Calif. Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) was the dominant species as well as the primary cause of contamination. Aphis gossypii Glover was also a contaminant, but did not reach population densities as high as C. fragaefolii. Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) were less common and were of minor importance. Aphid densities in excess of a log (x + 1) value of 1.5 (30.6 aphids) per plant resulted in contaminated fruit. Populations of C. fragaefolii on the youngest or oldest leaves co-varied with total populations, but this technique was not reliable for the other species. A binomial sampling plan based on the presence or absence of aphid infestations on the oldest trifoliate leaf per plant provided an efficient and conservative estimate for determining when pesticide applications are necessary.
Use of CT Hounsfield unit density to identify ablated tumor after laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors.

Background: When attempting to interpret CT scans after radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of liver tumors, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish ablated from viable tumor tissue. Identification of the two types of tissue is specially problematic for lesions that are hypodense before ablation. The aim of this study was to determine whether quantitative Hounsfield unit (HU) density measurements can be used to document the lack of tumor perfusion and thereby identify ablated tissue.
Kinetics of Ferric Cytochrome P450 Reduction by NADPH−Cytochrome P450 Reductase: Rapid Reduction in the Absence of Substrate and Variations among Cytochrome P450 Systems†

The reduction of ferric cytochrome P450 (P450) to ferrous is the first chemical step in almost all P450 reactions, and many characteristics of this step have been reported. Reduction kinetics of rabbit and human P450s were measured in a variety of systems. As reported earlier, P450 reduction is biphasic in microsomes and some purified P450 systems. However, this is not an inherent property of P450s, and some low- and high-spin iron P450s were reduced with single-exponential kinetics. Contrary to a generalized view, the presence of substrate is not necessary for rapid reduction of all P450s. Also, low-spin heme can be reduced as rapidly as high-spin in several P450s. P450s varied considerably in their reduction behavior, and even a single P450 showed remarkably different reduction kinetics when placed in various environments. P450 3A4 reduction was examined in liver microsomes, a reconstituted system, a fusion protein in which it was linked to NADPH−P450 reductase, and baculovirus and bacterial membranes i...
Autoradiographic analysis of odontoblast replacement following pulp exposure in primate teeth

Cell migration and replication associated with odontoblast replacement occurring soon after pulp exposure in primate teeth were studied. Class 5 cavity preparations resulting in pulp exposures were restored with a calcium hydroxide-containing capping agent and amalgam. Eighty-four and 96 h after this the animals were injected with 0.5 microCi/g body wt tritiated thymidine (sp. act. 6.7 Ci/mM). Teeth were extracted 6, 8, 10 and 12 days after treatment. The number of labelled cells as well as the number of grains per labelled cell were counted for odontoblast-like, fibroblast-like and perivascular cells in three 60 x 260 microns zones. These zones represented the odontoblast and cell-free (zone 1), cell-rich (zone 2) and deep pulp (zone 3) areas of normal pulp tissue. Ten sections centred around the mid-point of the exposure were counted for each tooth. Matrix formation and labelled odontoblast-like cells were observed at the interface between the capping agent and the pulp as early as day 8. Other significant findings were: (1) an increase in labelled odontoblast-like cells in zone 1 over time, suggesting a continual influx of differentiating cells; (2) an increase in labelled cells in zone 1 over time with a concurrent decrease in zone 3, suggesting that the influx of cells in zone 1 was from the deeper pulp; and (3) differences in grain counts between zones, treatment times and cell types, indicating that at least two DNA replications had occurred between initial treatment and final odontoblast-like cell differentiation.
Effect of a viscoelastic interface on the transverse behavior of fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract In this paper we investigate the effect of a viscoelastic interfacial zone on the mechanical behavior of a transversely loaded tiber-reinforced composite. A simple linearly viscoelastic model is used to characterize the stiffness and viscosity of the interface separating the libers and the matrix. The mechanical response is obtained using the finite element method and calculations are carried out for a unit cell in a periodic array of hexagonally packed fibers. An approximate representation of the time-dependent macroscopic behavior of the composite is derived analytically and compared with the numerical results. From a micromechanical perspective, the influence of interfacial stress relaxation on the stress fields in the matrix material contiguous to the interface is also examined.