cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wind effect on the performance of solid particle solar receivers with and without the protection of an aerowindow

Abstract The wind conditions affect the performance of a solid particle solar receiver (SPSR) by convection heat transfer through the existing open aperture. Aerowindows have the potential of increasing the efficiency of an SPSR. In the present paper, the wind effect on the performance of an SPSR is investigated numerically with and without the protection of an aerowindow. The independence of the calculating domain in a wind field has been studied in order to select a proper domain for the numerical simulation. The cavity thermal efficiencies and the exiting temperature of the solid particles have been calculated and analyzed for different wind conditions. The numerical investigation of the SPSRs’ performance can provide a guide in optimizing the prototype design, finding out the suitable working condition and proposing efficiency enhancing techniques for SPSRs.
Insulin reduces excitation in gastric-related neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) in the caudal brain stem is composed mainly of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons that control the subdiaphragmatic viscera and thus participates in e...
U.S. Air Force pilot selection and training methods.

Abstract : US Air Force (USAF) pilot selection and training procedures have changed substantially in the last several years. Pilot selection procedures were augmented with the introduction of computer-based testing to assess pilot aptitude. Training procedures have changed in an effort to modernize the training fleet and provide better, more specialized training earlier in the training process. Results: Despite several studies showing the utility of USAF pilot aptitude tests for predicting training performance, results of a recent policy capturing study suggest that this information is often ignored by pilot candidate selection boards. The two largest sources of USAF pilot trainees relied heavily on measures of officership when making selection decisions. Cumulative research findings suggest that USAF pilot selection decisions could be improved by making better use of currently available personnel attribute data. Further improvements could be expected from the addition of a structured selection interview and measures of personality.
Sensitivity of the normalized difference vegetation index to subpixel canopy cover, soil albedo, and pixel scale

An analytical framework is provided for examining the physically based behavior of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in terms of the variability in bulk subpixel landscape components and with respect to variations in pixel scales, within the context of the stochastic-geometric canopy reflectance model. Analysis focuses on regional scale variability in horizontal plant density and soil background reflectance distribution. Modeling is generalized to different plant geometries and solar angles through the use of the nondimensional solar-geometric similarity parameter. Results demonstrate that, for Poisson-distributed plants and for one deterministic distribution, NDVI increases with increasing subpixel fractional canopy amount, decreasing soil background reflectance, and increasing shadows, at least within the limitations of the geometric reflectance model. The NDVI of a pecan orchard and a juniper landscape is presented and discussed.
Biological effects of calcium sulfate as a bone graft substitute in ovine metaphyseal defects

Calcium sulfate has been used as a bone graft substitute in many fields, from dentistry to orthopedics. However, the results of many studies have yielded inconclusive results. In the present study, a sheep model was used with tibial and femoral metaphyseal defects to determine whether calcium sulfate was as effective as autograft and allograft in promoting new bone formation in a critical size defect. Medical-grade calcium sulfate pellets, autograft bone, allograft bone, or nothing was used to fill the metaphyseal defects. The sheep were allowed to heal for 12 weeks. Sagittal sections from the bones were analyzed with high-resolution contact radiographs, backscattered electron microscopy, and light microscopy. The volume fractions of bone within the defect perimeter were determined, and the histologic quality of the bone was observed. The volume fraction of new bone in the autograft, calcium sulfate, and allograft were not statistically different, but all were significantly different than the untreated control. The majority of the calcium sulfate had been resorbed at 12 weeks, and the histologic quality of the bone appeared similar to the autograft-treated bone. Calcium sulfate appears to be a useful biocompatible bone graft substitute that yields results similar to autograft bone in sheep metaphyseal defects.
Reactions of octacalcium phosphate to form hydroxyapatite

Hydrolysis reactions of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) to form hydroxyapatite (HAp) were studied. OCP was mixed with the proportions of tetracalcium phosphate (TetCP) or calcium hydroxide needed to form stoichiometric HAp. The relationships between the rates of hydrolysis, microstructural evolution, and variations in solution chemistry were examined during the transformations of OCP to HAp. Isothermal calorimetry at 25, 38 and 60°C and variations in solution chemistry showed that conversion of OCP to HAp occurred more rapidly at higher temperatures. Moreover, its transformation to HAp was more rapid when TetCP was present. Reactions involving TetCP and OCP showed heat evolution curves (dQdt versus t) characterized by the presence of two peaks, one due to mixing of the reactants and a second due to the conversion reaction. The rate of OCP hydrolysis to HAp was reduced when calcium hydroxide was present, if not entirely stopped. Calorimetric curves showed mixing peaks but the absence of reaction peaks when OCP hydrolyzed in the presence of Ca(OH)2. The only reaction observed was the dissolution of Ca(OH)2. There was an absence of any notable reaction with OCP once it had dissolved. The direct hydrolysis of OCP in the absence of other solids occurred the most slowly. This is consistent with the hydrolysis behavior of other calcium phosphates. Lastly, OCP reactivity depended on the manner in which it was produced. Although more crystalline, OCP made using calcium phosphate precursors was more reactive than OCP produced by precipitation from calcium rmacetate/sodium dihydrogen phosphate solution.
Is Cuba's emerging entrepreneurial economy at the crossroads?

Purpose – The Caribbean Island of Cuba, only 90 miles from the US mainland, has remained one of the world's few examples of a centralized communist economy since Fidel Castro overthrew the government in 1959. The country has declined in recent years, most significantly since the fall of Cuba's key trading partner and ally, the former Soviet Union. Recently, under the direction of Fidel's brother, Raul Castro, the island appears to be slowly loosening some restrictions and promoting new venture creation by allowing more private enterprises and forcing laid‐off state employees to consider entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether entrepreneurship will be the answer to improving Cuba's economy.Design/methodology/approach – Using Graham's framework of conditions necessary for encouraging entrepreneurship, Cuba is examined with actual observations by the authors after a July 2010 State Department‐sanctioned research trip to observe entrepreneurship within the centralized economy.Fin...
Random matrix theory

Random matrix theory is now a big subject with applications in many disciplines of science, engineering and finance. This article is a survey specifically oriented towards the needs and interests of a numerical analyst. This survey includes some original material not found anywhere else. We include the important mathematics which is a very modern development, as well as the computational software that is transforming the theory into useful practice.
A scaling Monte Carlo method for diffuse reflectance computation from multi-layered media

A scaling Monte Carlo method has been developed to quickly calculate diffuse reflectance spectra from multi-layered media for a wide range of optical properties. This method employs the photon trajectory information generated from a single baseline Monte Carlo simulation for a homogeneous medium to scale the exit distance and exit weight of photons for the new optical properties in multi-layered media. The method was tested for simulating diffuse reflectance from both a two-layered and a three-layered epithelial tissue model when using a flat-tip fiber-optic probe with variable source-detector separations. The scaling method can reduce computation time by more than two orders of magnitude compared to independent Monte Carlo simulations. This scaling method is particularly suited to simulating diffuse reflectance spectra or creating a Monte Carlo database to extract optical properties of layered media, which may potentially help spread the use of Monte Carlo modeling in the spectroscopy research of layered tissues.
An Algorithmic Approach to Securing the Three-Stage Quantum Cryptography Protocol

A recent paper has discussed the implementation of the three-stage protocol as a multi-photon tolerant protocol. In this paper, we present a powerful algorithm to further enhance the security of the three-stage protocol. Using this algorithm, the three-stage protocol will be provided with yet another layer of security by provisioning an initialization vector between the two communicating parties. The addition of this contrivance makes it theoretically impossible for any intruder to recover the plaintext except under the condition when the intruder has simultaneous real-time access to four elements in the implementation of the protocol. In this paper, it is postulated that the concept can be extended to an electronic implementation with minor enhancement.
Leading the Ongoing Development of Collaborative Data Practices: Advancing a Schema for Diagnosis and Intervention

Research suggests that school leaders play an important role in cultivating and developing collaborative data practices by teachers. Although diagnosis and intervention are critical facets of leaders' work to support collaborative data practice development, this work remains poorly understood. Missing from data-use literature is more explicit and holistic attention to diagnostic factors and interventions of importance to the ongoing development of collaborative data practices. To address this knowledge gap, this article integrates largely unsynthesized literature to advance a schema for school leader diagnosis and intervention as a central mechanism for supporting the ongoing development of collaborative data practices.
Evaluating Different Aspects of Prospective Memory in Amnestic and Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Prospective memory, the inability to remember an intended action, is a common complaint, but not formally assessed in most clinical and research studies of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this study, patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), non-amnestic cognitive impairment (naMCI), and cognitively normal (CN) elders were assessed using the Miami Prospective Memory Test (MPMT). A unique aspect of the paradigm was that participants were scored for intention to perform, accuracy in recollection for specific elements of the task, and the need for reminder cues. Excellent test-retest stability was obtained for MPMT Event-Related (ER), combined Time-Related (TR) subscales, and total MPMT score for aMCI subjects. MPMT impairments were observed in 48.6% of aMCI, 29.4% of naMCI, and 10.0% of normal elderly participants. Prospective memory deficits were common in participants with aMCI, and occurred in almost a third of naMCI participants. Intention to perform and need for reminder cues were significantly more impaired than retrospective memory for specific details of the task. It is concluded that assessment of different elements of prospective memory is important in MCI research and that inability to remember intended actions is a significant feature in those as risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion: Conflict and Collaboration in Networks

As the authors of the articles in this symposium demonstrate, public managers who work collaboratively in networks find themselves not solely as unitary leaders of unitary organizations. Additional...
Aluminum composite materials for multichip modules

In the intensive materials development activities for electronic packaging and thermal management applications, the subclass of materials in which SiC particles reinforce aluminum alloy matrices has emerged as one with an especially attractive combination of physical properties, manufacturing flexibility, and cost. One benefit of these materials is the ability to tailor the physical properties through the selection of both reinforcement and alloy variables to match the thermal expansion coefficient of other electronic materials. In addition, the manufacturing flexibility of the various processes allows for shape complexity as well as selective reinforcement placement in the component to optimize system producibility. Finally, because raw materials are inherently inexpensive and low-cost production routes have been identified, aluminum composites may offer a range of cost-effective solutions to emerging problems in electronic packaging and thermal-management applications.
On the relation between central and sub-national government fiscal balances 1

Unbalanced panel least squares regression results (with fixed cross-section and period effects) suggest that changes in the fiscal balances of central and sub-national tiers of government in OECD countries tend to be highly positively correlated and that this partly reflects the existence of administrative controls and fiscal rules that govern central- and sub-national government fiscal relations. In contrast, cooperative institutional frameworks and reliance on market forces do not appear to have secured complementary fiscal adjustment at the sub-national tier of government.
Labyrinthine fistula: diagnosis and management

Abstract Erosion of bone by cholesteatoma is produced by pressure from an expanding cholesteatoma sac or by collagenase activity in its lining membrane. When this erosion includes all three layers of the otic capsule, a bony fistula results. Bony labyrinthine fistulae are classified into those involving the vestibular labyrinth and those of the cochlear wall. The clinical manifestations of these fistulae are vertigo and sensorineural hearing loss. Guidelines for the recognition and surgical management of labyrinthine fistulae are described in this report.
New and Old Tests of Cosmological Models and the Evolution of Galaxies

We describe classical cosmological tests, such as the log N-log S, redshift-magnitude, and angular diameter tests, and propose some new tests of the evolution of galaxies and the universe. Most analyses of these tests treat the problem in terms of a luminosity function and its evolution. The main thrust of this paper is to show that this is inadequate and can lead to incorrect conclusions when dealing with high-redshift sources. We develop a proper treatment in three parts. First, we describe these tests based on the isophotal values of quantities such as flux, size, or surface brightness. We show the shortcomings of the simple point-source approximation based solely on the luminosity function and consideration of the flux limit. We emphasize the multivariate nature of the problem and quantify the effects of other selection biases arising from the surface brightness and angular size limitations. In these considerations, the surface brightness profile and the distribution of the basic parameters describing it play a critical role in modeling the problem. In general, in the isophotal scheme the data analysis and comparison with the model predictions is complicated. Next, we show that considerable simplification is achieved if these test are carried out in some sort of metric scheme, for example that suggested by Petrosian. This scheme, however, is limited to well-resolved sources. Finally, we describe the new tests and compare them to the traditional tests, demonstrating the observational and modeling ease that they provide. These new procedures, which can use the data to a fuller extent than the isophotal or metric-based tests, amount to simply counting the pixels or adding their intensities as a function of the surface brightness of all galaxies instead of dealing with surface brightness, size, and flux (or magnitude) of individual galaxies. We also show that a comparison of the data with the theoretical models of the distributions and evolution of galaxies has the simplicity of the metric test and utilizes the data as fully as the isophotal test.
Noradrenergic potentiation of excitatory transmitter action in cerebrocortical slices: evidence for mediation by an α1 receptor-linked second messenger pathway

Considerable evidence from intact, anesthetized preparations suggests that norepinephrine (NE) can modulate the efficacy of synaptic transmission within local circuits of the mammalian neocortex; i.e. both iontophoretic application of NE and activation of the coeruleocortical pathway are capable of facilitating cortical neuronal responses to non-noradrenergic synaptic inputs and putative transmitter agents. In the present study, the effects of NE on somatosensory cortical neuronal responses to putative excitatory transmitters were characterized using in vitro tissue slice preparations. Somatosensory unit responses to iontophoretic pulses of acetylcholine (ACh) or glutamate (Glu) (10–60 nA; 5–25 s duration) were examined before, during and after a period of continuous NE (1–35 nA; 4–25 min duration) microiontophoresis. Quantitative analysis of peri-event histograms indicated that both Glu- and ACh-evoked excitatory discharges were routinely (Glu94%, n = 54;Ach67%, n = 9) potentiated above control levels during NE administration. In 8 cells, NE revealed robust excitatory discharges to otherwise subthreshold iontophoretic doses of Glu. The α-specific agonist, phenylephrine, mimicked (n = 3), Ne-induced potentiation of Glu-evoked discharges whereas the α antagonist phentolamine blocked (n = 5) enhancement of these responses. Moreover, activation of protein kinase C by iontophoretic application of phorbol 12, 13-diacetate (5–15nA, n = 4) mimicked the potentiating actions of NE on Glu-evoked excitatory responses. Results from other experiments further indicated that these facilitating actions of NE on Glu-evoked responses do not involve β receptor activation or intracellular increases in cyclic AMP. In summary, these results demonstrate that NE can facilitate cortical neuronal responses to threshold and subthreshold level applications of putative excitatory transmitter agents. Moreover, it appear that, unlike noradrenergic facilitating influences on GABA-induced inhibition, these actions are mediated by an α adrenoceptor mechanism which may be linked to intracellular activation of protein kinase C. Overall, these findings reinforce the idea that noradrenergic modulatory actions on excitatory and inhibitory neuronal responses may involve the activation of separate receptor-linked second messenger systems.
Freud returns? Like a bad dream.

The article comments on Sigmund Freud's views on the meaning of dreams and their impact on mental functioning. Mark Solms and others assert that brain imaging and lesion studies are now validating Freud's conception of the mind. But similar scientific investigations show that major aspects of Freud's thinking are probably erroneous. For Freud, the bizarre nature of dreams resulted from an elaborate effort of the mind to conceal, by symbolic disguise and censorship, the unacceptable instinctual wishes welling up from the unconscious when the ego relaxes its prohibition of the id in sleep, But most neurobiological evidence supports the alternative view that dream bizarreness stems from normal changes in brain state. Many studies have indicated that the chemical changes determine the quality and quantity of dream visions, emotions and thoughts. Freud's disguise-and-censorship notion must be discarded; no one believes that the ego-id struggle, if it exists, controls brain chemistry. Most psychoanalysts no longer hold that the disguise-censorship theory is valid.
Interpreting nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy with the classical mechanical analogs of double-sided Feynman diagrams

Observables in coherent, multiple-pulse infrared spectroscopy may be computed from a vibrational nonlinear response function. This response function is conventionally calculated quantum-mechanically, but the challenges in applying quantum mechanics to large, anharmonic systems motivate the examination of classical mechanical vibrational nonlinear response functions. We present an approximate formulation of the classical mechanical third-order vibrational response function for an anharmonic solute oscillator interacting with a harmonic solvent, which establishes a clear connection between classical and quantum mechanical treatments. This formalism permits the identification of the classical mechanical analog of the pure dephasing of a quantum mechanical degree of freedom, and suggests the construction of classical mechanical analogs of the double-sided Feynman diagrams of quantum mechanics, which are widely applied to nonlinear spectroscopy. Application of a rotating wave approximation permits the analytic extraction of signals obeying particular spatial phase matching conditions from a classical-mechanical response function. Calculations of the third-order response function for an anharmonic oscillator coupled to a harmonic solvent are compared to numerically correct classical mechanical results.
Genetic Analysis of Primitive Cotton Germplasm Accessions

The recent conversion of primitive cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stocks to the day-neutral flowering habit has effectively made these accessions readily available for direct use in plant breeding programs. Genetic analysis of these accessions would be useful in ascertaining parental material for improvement of specific traits. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic variances for 13 yield, fiber, and other agronomic traits in 79 accessions and 11 cultivars. A minimum norm quadratic unbiased estimation (MINQUE) method was used for estimating genetic variance components and an adjusted unbiased prediction method for predicting genetic effects. Additive x environment interaction variances were significant for lint yield and node of first fruiting branch. The additive variance components made relatively high contributions to the phenotypic variances for lint percentage and boll size. Additive variances were relatively low for other traits. Narrow-sense heritabilities ranged from 8 to 50% for the traits studied. The proportion of accessions displaying significant, positive effects ranged from 12.7% for 50% span length to 30.4% for lint percentage and 2.5 span length. Positive additive effects for yield, lint percentage, and fiber traits except micronaire and negative effects for N1FB, NOMS, and plant height could be considered favorable effects. Although 16 of the primitive accessions showed significant positive additive effects for lint yield, only MDN-74 and MDN-101could be predicted to produce stronger fiber, as well as higher lint yield and lint percentage. Results indicate that many primitive accessions may be used in crosses with commercial cultivars without serious loss of agronomic potential in the progeny.
A Complete Study of Equal Channel Angular Extrusion Process: A Promising Method for Production of Nanostructured Materials

Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is defined as a deformation process that produces intense and uniform plastic deformation caused by simple shear of the material and it is being investigated as an effective method for forming nanostructured materials. This paper presents a thorough study of the ECAE via finite element. A two dimensional model consisting of a stainless steel billet and the die system was constructed. The effect of the most significant parameters, namely, angle of extrusion, temperature, and friction on the extruded final product was investigated. The stresses, axial strains, shear strains, and principal strains as a function of extrusion time for nine different models, at three different sections (top, bottom and middle of the billet), and eleven equally spaced points per each section are presented. The deformations patterns are different when moving from top to bottom and when moving from center to circumference of the billet. Also all the variables studied, extrusion angle, temperature and friction have a significant effect on the final extruded product.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Land Mosaics: The Ecology of Landscapes and Regions

Animals, plants, water, wind, materials and people flow at different rates, according to spatial patterns common to almost all landscapes and regions. This up-to-date synthesis explores the ecology of heterogeneous land areas, where natural processes and human activities spatially interact, to produce an ever changing mosaic. The subject has great relevance to today's society, and this book reflects the breadth of its importance; there are many ideas and applications for planning, conservation, design, management, sustainability and policy. Spatial solutions are provided for society's land-use objectives. An appealing book, with a highly-readable text on this major emerging field. Students and professionals alike will be drawn by the attractive and informative illustrations, the conceptual synthesis, the wide international perspective and the range of topics and research covered.
Variation in Congenital Heart Surgery Costs Across Hospitals

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of costs associated with common and resource-intense conditions such as congenital heart disease has become increasingly important as children’s hospitals face growing pressure to both improve quality and reduce costs. We linked clinical information from a large registry with resource utilization data from an administrative data set to describe costs for common congenital cardiac operations and assess variation across hospitals. METHODS: Using linked data from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and Pediatric Health Information Systems Databases (2006–2010), estimated costs/case for 9 operations of varying complexity were calculated. Between-hospital variation in cost and associated factors were assessed by using Bayesian methods, adjusting for important patient characteristics. RESULTS: Of 12 718 operations (27 hospitals) included, median cost/case increased with operation complexity (atrial septal defect repair, [$25 499] to Norwood operation, [$165 168]). Significant between-hospital variation (up to ninefold) in adjusted cost was observed across operations. Differences in length of stay (LOS) and complication rates explained an average of 28% of between-hospital cost variation. For the Norwood operation, high versus low cost hospitals had an average LOS of 50.8 vs 31.8 days and a major complication rate of 50% vs 25.3%. High volume hospitals had lower costs for the most complex operations. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes benchmarks for hospital costs for common congenital heart operations and demonstrates wide variability across hospitals related in part to differences in LOS and complication rates. These data may be useful in designing initiatives aimed at both improving quality of care and reducing cost.
Rot and SaeRS Cooperate To Activate Expression of the Staphylococcal Superantigen-Like Exoproteins

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen that is capable of infecting a wide range of host tissues. This bacterium is able to evade the host immune response by utilizing a repertoire of virulence factors. These factors are tightly regulated by various two-component systems (TCS) and transcription factors. Previous studies have suggested that transcriptional regulation of a subset of immunomodulators, known as the staphylococcal superantigen-like proteins (Ssls), is mediated by the master regulators accessory gene regulator (Agr) TCS, S. aureus exoprotein expression (Sae) TCS, and Rot. Here we demonstrate that Rot and SaeR, the response regulator of the Sae TCS, synergize to coordinate the activation of the ssl promoters. We have determined that both transcription factors are required, but that neither is sufficient, for promoter activation. This regulatory scheme is mediated by direct binding of both transcription factors to the ssl promoters. We also demonstrate that clinically relevant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains respond to neutrophils via the Sae TCS to upregulate the expression of ssls. Until now, Rot and the Sae TCS have been proposed to work in opposition of one another on their target genes. This is the first example of these two regulators working in concert to activate promoters.
The role of local contrast in the visual deficits of humans with naturally occurring amblyopia

We measured the positional acuity of amblyopic observers and their sensitivity to the local contrast information which provides the cue for the position judgement. Our results suggest that there exist fundamental differences in the neural losses in humans with strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia. The losses in positional acuity of anisometropic amblyopes may be accounted for on the basis of the reduced contrast sensitivity and increased neural pooling of the underlying visual filters; whereas strabismic amblyopes, like the normal periphery, show an extra loss, which may be accounted for on the basis of scrambling, or jitter in the topographic mapping of information from retina to cortex. Since neurons in the striate cortex of monkeys show precise positional coding [9], it would be of particular interest to examine the positional acuity and local contrast sensitivity in cortical neurons of monkeys with experimental amblyopia using the same stimuli to measure both.
Guest Editorial: More Questions than Answers: Responding to the Reading and Mathematics Software Effectiveness Study

There have been few large-scale empirical studies of the effectiveness of educational software in improving student learning, even though educational technology has become a ubiquitous tool for learning both in and out of the classroom. The recently released report to Congress, “Effectiveness of Reading and Mathematics Software Products: Findings from the First Student Cohort,” (Dynarski et al., 2007) produced by the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance aims to fill this gap. (The complete report can be downloaded from http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pdf/20074005.pdf).
Antithrombin reduces monocyte and neutrophil CD11b up regulation in addition to blocking platelet activation during extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass develop a systemic inflammatory reaction. Antithrombin III (AT) has anticoagulant effects but also shows evidence of anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to examine whether exogenous AT could reduce white blood cell activation (CD11b up regulation or elastase release), in addition to inhibiting platelet (PLT) activation and fibrin generation, during simulated cardiopulmonary bypass (sCPB), undertaken in the absence of endothelium. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: sCPB was carried out with minimally heparinized (2 U/mL) human blood for 90 minutes in controls and with supplementation by low-dose (1 U/mL) and high-dose (5 U/mL) AT. RESULTS: High-dose AT blunted thrombin generation during sCPB (prothrombin fragment 1.2); both doses significantly inhibited thrombin activity (fibrinopeptide A). Complement activation (C3a and C5b-9) was unaffected by AT. High-dose AT inhibited PLT activation (P-selectin expression and P-selectin–dependent monocyte-PLT conjugate formation). AT supplementation at the higher dose significantly abrogated monocyte and neutrophil CD11b up regulation and neutrophil elastase release. CONCLUSION: In addition to anticoagulant and anti-PLT effects, pharmacologic AT doses significantly blunted monocyte and neutrophil CD11b up regulation and neutrophil elastase release during sCPB, independent of endothelial effects. These data provide evidence for the direct anti-inflammatory activity of AT that has clinical relevance for CPB complications.
Characterization of the morphology of Pt clusters incorporated in a KL zeolite by vapor phase and incipient wetness impregnation. Influence of Pt particle morphology on aromatization activity and deactivation

Abstract Two series of Pt/KL catalysts with varying metal loading were synthesized by the methods of incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) and vapor phase impregnation (VPI) to compare the effects of the different morphologies that result when the metal loading and, in particular, the preparation method are varied. Catalysts were characterized by a variety of techniques. TEM and DRIFTS studies indicated that on the low-loading samples the majority of particles were located inside the channels of the L-zeolite. In agreement with recent studies, the DRIFTS results evidenced the formation of Pt carbonyls, which further support the presence of very small particles. EXAFS and TEM showed that the VPI catalysts resulted in smaller particles than the catalysts prepared by the IWI method. In addition, EXAFS demonstrated for this series a higher degree of interaction with the L-zeolite framework oxygen atoms. Pulse testing of the methylcyclopentane ring opening showed that the very small clusters produced by the VPI preparation did not result in collimation of the MCP molecule, implying that the reactants and products can easily diffuse over the Pt cluster. This is in contrast with the particles produced by the IWI method, which clearly displayed a collimation effect. The characteristic morphology produced by the VPI method was found to improve the performance of the catalyst under clean and sulfur-poisoned conditions, enhancing the catalyst’s resistance to the formation of coke and decreasing the particle agglomeration rate.
The mouse Ovol2 gene is required for cranial neural tube development

The Ovo gene family encodes a group of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors and includes members that reside downstream of key developmental signaling pathways such as Wg/Wnt and BMP/TGF-β. In the current study, we explore the function of Ovol2, one of three Ovo paralogues in mice. We report that Ovol2 is expressed during early–mid embryogenesis, particularly in the inner cell mass at E3.5, in epiblast at E6.5, and at later stages in ectodermally derived tissues such as the rostral surface (epidermal) ectoderm. Embryos in which Ovol2 is ablated exhibit lethality by E10.5, prior to which they display severe defects including an open cranial neural tube. The neural defects are associated with improper Shh expression in the underlying rostral axial mesoderm and localized changes of neural marker expression along the dorsoventral axis, as well as with expanded cranial neural tissue and reduced cranial surface ectoderm culminating in a lateral shift of the neuroectoderm/surface ectoderm border. We propose that these defects reflect the involvement of Ovol2 in independent processes such as regionalized gene expression and neural/non-neural ectodermal patterning. Additionally, we present evidence that Ovol2 is required for efficient migration and survival of neural crest cells that arise at the neuroectoderm/surface ectoderm border, but not for their initial formation. Collectively, our studies indicate that Ovol2 is a key regulator of neural development and reveal a previously unexplored role for Ovo genes in mammalian embryogenesis.
BRCA1 controls homologous recombination at Tus/ Ter -stalled mammalian replication forks

Replication fork stalling can promote genomic instability, predisposing to cancer and other diseases 1–3 . Stalled replication forks may be processed by sister chromatid recombination (SCR), generating error-free or error-prone homologous recombination (HR) outcomes 4–8 . In mammalian cells, a long-standing hypothesis proposes that the major hereditary breast/ovarian cancer predisposition gene products, BRCA1 and BRCA2, control HR/SCR at stalled replication forks 9 . Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 affect replication fork processing 10–12 , direct evidence that BRCA genes regulate HR at stalled chromosomal replication forks is lacking due to a dearth of tools for studying this process. We report that the Escherichia coli Tus/Ter complex 13–16 can be engineered to induce site-specific replication fork stalling and chromosomal HR/SCR in mammalian cells. Tus/Ter-induced HR entails processing of bidirectionally arrested forks. We find that the BRCA1 C-terminal tandem BRCT repeat and regions of BRCA1 encoded by exon 11—two BRCA1 elements implicated in tumor suppression—control Tus/Ter-induced HR. Inactivation of either BRCA1 or BRCA2 increases the absolute frequency of “long-tract” gene conversions at Tus/Terstalled forks—an outcome not observed in response to a restriction endonuclease-mediated chromosomal double strand break (DSB). Therefore, HR at stalled forks is regulated differently from HR at DSBs arising independently of a fork. We propose that aberrant long-tract HR at stalled replication forks contributes to genomic instability and breast/ovarian cancer predisposition in BRCA mutant cells.
Reading and Writing for Preservice Teachers: Making Meaningful Connections

In many states, preservice physical education teachers are required to take reading courses to obtain their teaching certificate. However, many future physical educators are not enthusiastic about this requirement. In fact, many candidly state, “I don't like reading” and “I am not becoming a PE teacher so I can teach reading.” This article describes three strategies for making the content in this course more relevant and meaningful for teacher candidates.
Identification of Four Novel Exon 5 Splice Variants of the Mouse μ-Opioid Receptor Gene: Functional Consequences of C-Terminal Splicing

The rat mu-opioid receptor clone in which novel exon 5 was found in the place of exon 4 (MOR-1B) was one of the first MOR-1 variants described. We now have identified the mouse homolog of the rat MOR-1B as well as four additional variants derived from splicing from exon 3 into different sites within exon 5. The sequences of all of the variants were identical except for the intracellular tip of the C terminus encoded by exon 5, where each variant predicted a unique amino acid sequence ranging from 2 to 39 amino acids. All of the mMOR-1B variants were selective for mu-opioids in receptor-binding assays, as anticipated, because they all have identical binding pockets defined by the transmembrane domains. However, the relative potency and efficacy of mu-agonists to each other varied from variant to variant in guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate-binding studies, as shown by morphine-6beta-glucuronide, which was the most efficacious agent against mouse MOR-1B1 (mMOR-1B1) and the least efficacious agent against mMOR-1B2. mMOR-1B4 was quite unusual. Although mMOR-1B4 was mu-selective in receptor-binding studies and antagonists labeled mMOR-1B4 well, the binding affinities of most of the mu-agonists were far lower than those seen with mMOR-1, suggesting that the 39 amino acids at the C terminus of mMOR-1B4 influences the conformation of the receptor and its ligand recognition site itself either directly or through its interactions with other proteins. In conclusion, alterations in the amino acid sequence of the C terminus do not alter the mu-specificity of the receptor but they can influence the binding characteristics, efficacy, and potency of mu-opioids.
Effects of Commercial Harvest on Shovelnose Sturgeon Populations in the Upper Mississippi River

Shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus have become an increasingly important commercial species in the upper Mississippi River (UMR) because of the collapse of foreign sturgeon (family Acipenseridae) populations and bans on imported caviar. In response to concerns about the sustainability of the commercial shovelnose sturgeon fishery in the UMR, we undertook this study to describe the demographics of the shovelnose sturgeon population and evaluate the influence of commercial harvest on shovelnose sturgeon populations in the UMR. A total of 1,682 shovelnose sturgeon were collected from eight study pools in 2006 and 2007 (Pools 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 18). Shovelnose sturgeon from upstream pools generally had greater lengths, weights, and ages than those from downstream pools. Additionally, mortality estimates were lower in upstream pools (Pools 4, 7, 9, and 11) than in downstream pools (Pools 13, 14, 16, and 18). Linear regression suggested that the slower growth of shovelnose sturgeon is a consequence of commercial harvest in the UMR. Modeling of potential management scenarios suggested that a 685-mm minimum length limit is necessary to prevent growth and recruitment overfishing of shovelnose sturgeon in the UMR.
Establishing Commensurability: Intercalation, Global Meaning and the Unity of Science

In the face of disunification and incommensurability, how can the scientific community maintain itself and (re-)establish commensurability? According to Peter Galison's investigations of twentieth-century microphysics, commensurability is achieved through local coordination even in the absence of global meaning: The “strength and coherence” of science is due to diverse, yet coordinated action in trading zones between theorists and experimenters, experimenters and instrument builders, etc. Galison's claim is confronted with Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's establishment of commensurability between unitarians and dualists in the eighteenth century dispute about electrical ouids. The contrast of cases suggests an alternative account: Commensurability may be established through the global coordination of local meaning. And where Galison reifies the disunification of science, this account suggests a dynamic interplay between de facto disunification and an intended unity. This interplay is manifested in the pervas...
Successful Interferon-Free Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Normalizes Natural Killer Cell Function

Background & Aims Chronic hepatitis C virus infection activates an intrahepatic immune response, leading to increased expression of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes and activation of natural killer (NK) cells—the most prevalent innate immune cell in the liver. We investigated whether the elimination of hepatitis C virus with direct-acting antiviral normalizes expression of IFN-stimulated genes and NK cell function. Methods We used multicolor flow cytometry to analyze NK cells from the liver and blood of 13 HCV-infected patients who did not respond to treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Samples were collected before and during IFN-free treatment with daclatasvir and asunaprevir and compared with samples from the blood of 13 healthy individuals (controls). Serum levels of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL) 10 or CXCL11 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Before treatment, all patients had increased levels of CXCL10 or CXCL11 and a different NK cell phenotype from controls, characterized by increased expression of HLA-DR, NKp46, NKG2A, CD85j, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), phosphorylated STAT1, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). NK cells from patients also had increased degranulation and decreased production of IFNγ and tumor necrosis factor α compared with NK cells from controls. Nine patients had an end-of-treatment response (undetectable virus) and 4 had virologic breakthrough between weeks 4 and 12 of therapy. A rapid decrease in viremia and level of inflammatory cytokines in all patients was associated with decreased activation of intrahepatic and blood NK cells; it was followed by restoration of a normal NK cell phenotype and function by week 8 in patients with undetectable viremia. This normalized NK cell phenotype was maintained until week 24 (end of treatment). Conclusions Direct-acting antiviral–mediated clearance of HCV is associated with loss of intrahepatic immune activation by IFNα, which is indicated by decreased levels of CXCL10 and CXCL11 and normalization of NK cell phenotype and function.
Yanomami Warfare: A Political History

Yanomami Warfare: A Political History. R. BRIAN FERGUSON. Santa Fe, NM: School of American Research Press, 1995. xiv + 449 pp., maps, notes, references, index.
Gravitational wave astronomy, relativity tests, and massive black holes

The gravitational wave detectors that are operating now are looking for several kinds of gravitational wave signals at frequencies of tens of Hertz to kilohertz. One of these is mergers of roughly 10 M⊙ BH binaries. Sometime between now and about 8 years from now, it is likely that signals of this kind will be observed. The result will be strong tests of the dynamical predictions of general relativity in the high field regime. However, observations at frequencies below 1 Hz will have to wait until the launch of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), hopefully only a few years later. LISA will have 3 main objectives, all involving massive BHs. The first is observations of mergers of pairs of intermediate mass (100 to 105M⊙) and higher mass BHs at redshifts out to roughly z=10. This will provide new information on the initial formation and growth of BHs such as those found in most galaxies, and the relation between BH growth and the evolution of galactic structure. The second objective is observations of roughly 10 M⊙ BHs, neutron stars, and white dwarfs spiraling into much more massive BHs in galactic nuclei. Such events will provide detailed information on the populations of such compact objects in the regions around galactic centers. And the third objective is the use of the first two types of observations for testing general relativity even more strongly than ground based detectors will. As an example, an extreme mass ratio event such as a 10 M⊙ BH spiraling into a galactic center BH can give roughly 105 observable cycles during about the last year before merger, with a mean relative velocity of 1/3 to 1/2 the speed of light, and the frequencies of periapsis precession and Lense-Thirring precession will be high. The LISA Pathfinder mission to prepare for LISA is scheduled for launch in 2011.
Pharmacogenetic diversification by alternative translation initiation: background channels to the fore: Commentary on Kisselbach et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 5182-5194.

Linked Article This article is a Commentary on Kisselbach J, Seyler C, Schweizer PA, Gerstberger R, Becker R, Katus HA and Thomas D (2014). Modulation of K2P2.1 and K2P10.1 K+ channel sensitivity to carvedilol by alternative mRNA translation initiation. Br J Pharmacol 171: 5182–5194. doi: 10.1111/bph.12596
Prediction of secondary structure of RNAs with pseudoknots using matched filter

Prediction of RNA secondary structure is one of the pivotal tasks in bioinformatics. Several computational methods based on dynamic programming, statistical models, have been proposed with considerable success. A typical substructure that occurs in several classes of RNAs, called pseudoknot, plays vital role in many biological processes. Prediction of the pseudoknots in RNA secondary structure is still an open research problem. In this paper, we employ matched filtering approach to determine the secondary structure of a target RNA. The central idea is to match the stem patterns in the base-pairing matrix of RNA with unknown secondary structure. The proposed approach predicts number of stems, loops and also the presence of pseudoknot in the secondary structure of RNA. Illustrative examples on real RNA sequences illustrate the effectiveness and accuracy of our proposed method.