cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian approach to tomography of multiply-scattered beams

Recently, Levine, Kearsley, and Hagedorn proposed a generalization of generalized Gaussian random Markov field (GGMRF) as developed by Bouman and Sauer. The principal components of the Bouman-Sauer formulation are a quadratic approximation to the log-likelihood assuming a Poisson distribution and a Beer's Law interaction and a prior distribution which penalized deviation of the values in a neighborhood as a user-defined power in the interval (1-2]. The generalization removes the restriction that the transmission function follows Beer's Law, but instead admits any functional form for the transmission-thickness relation, such as those arising in transmission electron microscopy of thick samples. Several illustrative examples are given in this paper.
Center Pivot Sprinkler Distribution Uniformity Impacts on the Spatial Variability of Evapotranspiration

AbstractUnderstanding variable evapotranspiration (ET) throughout a field can help maximize yield on a per-acre basis, as well as assist with proper irrigation scheduling. The results from this study indicate that irrigation system distribution uniformity (DU) has a significant effect on the uniformity of ET during water-stressed periods. The study site involved intensely managed forage (alfalfa and winter grain hay) irrigated by center pivots being supplied with reclaimed water near Palmdale, California. During spring and early summer 2007 the center pivots were operating under deficit irrigation. In 2010, after the installation of reservoirs, water was applied to meet full evapotranspiration (ETc) demands. Using remote sensing of actual evapotranspiration, the variability in ETc for the same pivots with the same crop was quantified. During the non-water-stressed period, ET uniformity was significantly better than during the water-stressed period (2007). The difference in uniformity was found to be attri...
6-deoxyerythronolide B production through chromosomal localization of the deoxyerythronolide B synthase genes in E. coli.

Abstract Chromosomal engineering was used to localize the deoxyerythronolide B synthase (DEBS) genes and propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) genes to the BAP1 Escherichia coli chromosome creating the new strain YW9. YW9 then featured a plasmid-free heterologous pathway for the production of the polyketide product 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6dEB, a precursor to the antibiotic erythromycin) highlighted by the successful chromosomal integration of five genes total and three DEBS genes each approximately 10 kb in length. The new strain was tested for small-scale 6dEB biosynthesis and compared to 6dEB production from plasmid-derived gene expression at 22, 30, and 37 °C. YW9 produced 6dEB at each temperature tested; whereas, the current plasmid-based system could only produce 6dEB at 22 and 30 °C. As determined by MS analysis, average production levels for YW9 were 0.47 (22 °C), 0.52 (30 °C), and 0.11 (37 °C) mg/L.
Cell bodies of origin of serotonin-immunoreactive afferents to the inferior olivary complex of the rat

Previous studies have used immunohistochemistry to localize serotonin to distinct olivary nuclei in several mammalian species. However, the location of the cell bodies of origin for the serotoninergic projection to the inferior olive in any of these species was unknown. In the present study, a paradigm which combines transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and serotonin immunohistochemistry (PAP) was used to identify the cell bodies of origin of this afferent system to the inferior olivary complex of the rat. Cells which contain both retrogradely transported HRP and brown cytoplasmic staining indicating that they are serotoninergic cells that project to the inferior olivary complex are found exclusively in an area dorsal to the rostrolateral dorsal accessory olive within the nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis. Neurons within this nucleus were also found to be a source of serotoninergic afferents to the cerebellum and spinal cord of the rat. This raises the possibility that individual serotonin-immunoreactive neurons within this nucleus may project to all 3 areas. Future studies will be designed to address this possibility. No double-labeled cells were observed within any of the raphe nuclei.
Generalized Bell numbers and zeros of successive derivatives of an entire function

Abstract Six different formulations equivalent to the statement that, for n ⩾ 2, the sum ∑k = 1n (−1)kS(n, k) ≠ 0, where the S(n, k) are Stirling numbers of the second kind, are shown to hold. Using number-theoretic methods, a sufficient condition for the above statement to be true for a set of positive integers n having density 1 is then obtained. It remains open whether it is true for all n > 2. The equivalent statements then yield information on the irreducibility of the polynomials ∑k = 1n S(n, k)tk = 1 over the rationals, the nonreal zeros for successive derivatives ( d dz ) n exp (e iz ) , a gap theorem for the nonzero coefficients of exp(−ez), and the continuous solution of the differential-difference equation ƒ(x) = 1, 0 ⩽ x , where ∥ denotes the greatest integer function.
The Carina Spiral Feature: Strömgren-Hβ photometry approach. I. The photometric data-base

A data-base collating all uvbyβ photometry available at present for O-B9 stars brighter than 10th visual magnitude in the field of the Carina Spiral Feature is presented. The completeness and homogeneity of the data-base are discussed.
a Review of Research Instruments for Use During The Postpartum Period

Abstract Locating existing instruments available to measure key variables is critical to the success of a research study. However, this process can be a time-consuming activity. In this article, selected instruments available for use in research during the postpartum period are reviewed. These instruments are divided into two categories. The first category deals with instruments that focus on mothers only. These questionnaires measure mothers' perceptions of their deliveries, their adaptation to motherhood, and their breastfeeding experiences. The second category centers on instruments that both parents can complete. These instruments measure parents' perceptions of their parenting role, sense of competence, problem-solving ability, and perceptions of their newborns. The psychometric properties of each instrument are described, and selected nursing research studies that used the instrument are reviewed.
Protein-based volumetric memories

This paper will explore the use of the protein, bacteriorhodopsin, as the photoactive recording medium in an optical three-dimensional memory. Although this protein has been used previously as the photoactive medium in a number of three-dimensional architectures (e.g., holographic and two- photon), a sequential one-photon volumetric architecture employing a photochemical branching reaction characteristic of the protein is currently showing the most promise. This unique branching reaction allows for long-term data storage by the protein, and rigorously excludes unwanted photochemistry. During the past two years, two prototypes have been constructed, and the preliminary results look promising. The use of chemical modification and genetic engineering of the protein has improved data reliability by roughly five-fold, but reliability remains an issue. Some of the key problems will be discussed. In addition, the use of gray-scale and polarization multiplexing to increase the storage capacity will be examined.
The temperature and photoperiod regulation of flowering and runnering in the strawberries, Fragaria chiloensis, F. virginiana, and F. x ananassa

Abstract The temperature and photoperiod interactions of a number of elite genotypes of Fragaria virginiana, F. x ananassa, and F. chiloensis were studied in a series of growth chamber experiments. Several parameters were evaluated including: (1) the critical day-length (CDL) for flowering of short day (SD) genotypes under 8, 9, 10, and 11 h days at 18 °C, (2) the floral and runnering response of single and multiple cropping genotypes under 8 and 16 h days at 18 °C, and (3) the effect of temperature on flower bud formation in day-neutral (DN) genotypes held at 18, 22, 26, and 30 °C under 12 h day-lengths. The same number of flowers were initiated under 15 and 30 day induction periods, regardless of photoperiod. Frederick 9, LH 50-4 and RH 30 (F. virginiana), ‘Aromas’ and ‘Tribute’ (F. x ananassa) and CFRA 0368 of F. chiloensis flowered under both long days (LDs) and SDs; while Eagle-14 (F. virginiana), ‘Fort Laramie’ and ‘Quinalt’ (F. x ananassa) flowered only under long days. While those genotypes that flowered under both LD and SD can be considered day-neutral, they varied in the degree of floral response to the two photoperiods. CFRA 0368 and Frederick 9 produced the same number of flowers under both LDs and SDs, while ‘Aromas’ and ‘Tribute’ had more flowers under LDs and RH 30 had more under SDs. Of the DN genotypes, LH 50-4 and RH 30 were the only ones that produced runners under SDs. Flowering in ‘Fort Laramie’ was least affected of any genotype by high temperature, although its dry weight was negatively impacted. Based on these data, several genotypes show promise as breeding parents: CFRA 0368 and Frederick 9 to equalize flower production under LD and SD conditions, LH 50-4 and RH 30 to produce more freely runnering DNs, and ‘Fort Laramie’ for floral heat tolerance.
A Revisit of the Coupling Loss Factors in Determining Power Flows in Structures

Coupling loss factor is one of the most important parameters used in the statistical energy analysis (SEA). It regulates the energy flows between two subsystems. Theoretically, the coupling loss factors are usually calculated from the wave transmission coefficients derived using two semi-infinite systems. While the final system equation in the SEA is based on the powerful energy conservation principle, in the process the coupling loss factors are assumed to be unaffected by the configuration changes. In other words, the coupling loss factors which are experimentally or analytically determined under some ideal conditions are considered to be unchanged by the more complicated coupling conditions under a system configuration. The validity of this treatment needs to be carefully studied because there is a belief that the SEA method can be readily extended to lower frequencies so long as the coupling loss factors can be somehow satisfactorily determined. In this study, wave transmission coefficients are obtained by calculating the energy flows for a three-beam system coupled together in T-shape. Separately, the wave transmission coefficients are estimated by using energy flows calculated for each possible pairing of two beams. By comparing the results from these two different approaches, some insightful information has been obtained regarding the characteristics of the coupling loss factors in determining power flows in structures.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effects of alpha1 inhibition on renal blood flow and sympathetic nervous activity in systemic hypertension

Doxazosin is a competitive inhibitor of norepinephrine at α1 adrenoceptors on vascular smooth muscle, where it blocks vasoconstriction. Twenty-four patients with mild hypertension were treated with either doxazosin or placebo for 6 weeks. Supine and upright mean arterial pressures decreased by 9 and 12 mm Hg, respectively, in patients receiving doxazosin. This decrease was significantly more than the blood pressure change with placebo (p < 0.05). Doxazosin therapy led to a small increase in weight (p < 0.05). It was also associated with a statistically insignificant decrease in renal vascular resistance (568 dynes s/cm5) so that renal blood flow and creatinine clearance did not change. Doxazosin increased renin levels acutely and norepinephrine levels with 6-week treatment, but these changes were not significantly different from placebo. Norepinephrine clearance, measured after a 120-minute infusion of 3H norepinephrine, did not change. Heart rate increased acutely after doxazosin administration, but returned to baseline during 6-week therapy. Blood pressure, measured hourly for 14 hours after treatment, was consistently decreased in all patients. Doxazosin taken once daily lowers blood pressure without affecting renal blood flow or heart rate.
Selecting interrelated R & D projects in space technology planning

A decision support model and solution procedure are presented for selecting interrelated R and D projects in space technology planning. Technical and benefit interactions among projects are explicitly considered. The problem addressed is that of selecting among technologically enabling and value enhancing projects. A 0-1 integer programming model is formulated and a solution technique is presented that places technology project sets into two categories: (1) those the decision-maker should consider, and (2) those that are dominated by sets in the first category. Use of the model and solution techniques is demonstrated in the context of a NASA case example pertaining to Earth resources space programs. The efficiency of the model (with the solution technique) in reducing an unmanageably large number of feasible and efficient sets is demonstrated in the example problem.
The COMLEX Syntax Project

Developing more shareable resources to support natural language analysis will make it easier and cheaper to create new language processing applications and to support research in computational linguistics. One natural candidate for such a resource is a broad-coverage dictionary, since the work required to create such a dictionary is large but there is general agreement on at least some of the information to be recorded for each word. The Linguistic Data Consortium has begun an effort to create several such lexical resources, under the rubric "COMLEX" (COMmon LEXicon); one of these projects is the COMLEX Syntax Project.
Wine and Catharsis of the Emotions in Plato's Laws

Plato's views on tragedy depend in large part on his views about the ethical consequences of emotional arousal. In the Republic, Plato treats the desires we feel in everyday life to weep and feel pity as appetites exactly like those for food or sex, whose satisfactions are ‘replenishments’. Physical desire is not reprehensible in itself, but is simply non-rational, not identical with reason but capable of being brought into agreement with it. Some desires, like that for simple and wholesome food, are in fact ‘necessary’ and approved by reason. Other appetites, like lust and gluttony, are ‘unnecessary’ and anti-rational in that they are actively opposed to reason. According to the Republic, the satisfaction of these ‘unnecessary’ desires inevitably strengthens the elements in the soul that oppose reason. The desire to weep at the theatre is treated in this dialogue as just such an anti-rational desire. Even a temporary indulgence in tragic pity and fear has a permanent deleterious effect on the soul, although it does not lead directly to any action.This paper argues that a radically different psychological theory, with important aesthetic implications, appears in the discussion of wine-drinking in Books 1 and 2 of Plato's Laws. Though this long passage has been much scorned and neglected, it is of considerable philosophical importance. While in the Republic Plato condemns drunkenness and other anti-rational states, in the Laws he extols the benefits of a hypothetical ‘fear drug’ that could induce a temporary state of anti-rational terror and of wine to produce other anti-rational emotions and desires.
Manipulation of tissue contrast using contrast agents for enhanced MR microscopy in ex vivo mouse brain

Detailed 3D mouse brain images may promote better understanding of phenotypical differences between normal and transgenic/mutant mouse models. Previously, a number of magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) studies have successfully established brain atlases, revealing genotypic traits of several commonly used mouse strains. In such studies, MR contrast agents, mainly gadolinium (Gd) based, were often used to reduce acquisition time and improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this paper, we intended to extend the utility of contrast agents for MRM applications. Using Gd-DTPA and MnCl(2), we exploited the potential use of MR contrast agents to manipulate image contrast by drawing upon the multiple relaxation mechanisms and tissue-dependent staining properties characteristic of each contrast agent. We quantified r(1) and r(2) of Gd-DTPA and MnCl(2) in both aqueous solution and brain tissue and demonstrated the presence of divergent relaxation mechanisms between solution and tissue for each contrast agent. Further analyses using nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion (NMRD) of Mn(2+) in ex vivo tissue strongly suggested macromolecule binding of Mn(2+), leading to increased T(1) relaxation. Moreover, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectroscopy revealed that MnCl(2) had higher tissue affinity than Gd-DTPA. As a result, multiple regions of the brain stained by the two agents exhibited different image contrasts. Our results show that differential MRM staining can be achieved using multiple MR contrast agents, revealing detailed cytoarchitecture, and may ultimately offer a window for investigating new techniques by which to understand biophysical MR relaxation mechanisms and perhaps to visualize tissue anomalies even at the molecular level.
Collision-induced interaction cross sections of 1–7 MeV B2 ions incident on an N2 gas target

Abstract Collision-induced interaction cross sections were measured for 1–7 MeV diatomic boron molecular ions incident on a nitrogen gas target by using a differentially pumped gas cell. The dissociation cross section of B 2 q + ( q = 1–3) were measured to be on the order of 10 −15 cm 2 . The dissociation cross section was found to decrease with increasing ion charge state, and with increasing collision energy. The single-electron-loss cross section of B 2 1+ was measured to be on the order of 10 −16 cm 2 , and the double-electron-loss cross section of B 2 1+ was measured to be on the order of 10 −17 cm 2 for 3 MeV ions. The single-electron-capture cross section of B 2 2+ was measured to be on the order of 10 −20 cm 2 .
β-Carbolines. 2. Rate Constants of Proton Transfer from Multiexponential Decays in the Lowest Singlet Excited State of Harmine in Water As a Function of pH

The β-carbolines present a complex problem involving multiple equilibria in the excited state in hydrogen-bonding solvents including water. Three excited state species exist: neutral, cation, and zwitterion. Here we examine the multiple equilibria and excited state kinetics of harmine, using time-resolved and steady state fluorescence techniques. From an analysis of the multiexponential decays, measured at the emission wavelengths of the three species as a function of the pH, seven unknowns (four rate constants and three reciprocal lifetimes) were determined. Data analysis was made both by a previously reported numerical method and by analytical solution of the differential equation set. The results obtained accurately describe the independently obtained steady-state fluorescence results. The dramatic modifications of the equilibria and rate constants between the ground and excited states can be understood on the basis of the significative changes in charge densities on the two nitrogen atoms of harmine ...
An efficient compression scheme based on adaptive thresholding in wavelet domain using particle swarm optimization

Image compression is one of the most important research areas in the field of image processing due to its large number of applications such as aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, medicine and multimedia communication. Even when high data rates are available, image compression is necessary in order to reduce the transmission cost. For applications involving information security, a fast delivery also reduces the chances of compromise over a communication channel. In this paper, we explore the possibility of using one of the computational intelligence techniques, namely, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), for optimal thresholding in the 2-D discrete wavelet transform (DWT) of an image. To this end, a set of optimal thresholds is obtained using the PSO algorithm. Finally, a variable length coding scheme, such as arithmetic coding is used to encode the results. Finding an optimal threshold value for the wavelet coefficients is very crucial in reducing the source entropy and bit-rate reduction. The proposed method is tested using several standard images against other popular techniques and proved to be more efficient compared to other methods. HighlightsAn evolutionary optimization technique is devised for thresholding the wavelet coefficients.PSO is used to find the optimum thresholds for various sub-bands in the wavelet domain.The method is adaptive in the sense that a single threshold is not used for all sub-bands.A VLC coding scheme is used to efficiently compress the wavelet coefficients.
Sub-nanosecond lifetime measurement using the recoil-distance method

The electromagnetic properties of low-lying nuclear states are a sensitive probe of both collective and single-particle degrees of freedom in nuclear structure. The recoil-distance technique provides a very reliable, direct and precise method for measuring lifetimes of nuclear states with lifetimes ranging from less than one to several hundred picoseconds. This method complements the powerful, but complicated, heavy-ion induced Coulomb excitation technique for measuring electromagnetic properties. The recoil distance technique has been combined with heavy-ion induced Coulomb excitation to study a variety of problems. Examples discussed are: study of the two-phonon triplet in (110)Pd, coupling of the β and γ degrees of freedom in (182,184)W, highly deformed γ bands in (165)Ho, octupole collectivity in (96)Zr, and opposite parity states in (153)Eu. Consistency between the Coulomb excitation results and the lifetime measurements confirms the reliability of the complex analysis often encountered in heavy-ion induced Coulomb excitation work.
A Simple Procedure for the Rapid Determination of the Bulk Constituents of Certain Insulation Materials

The analysis of thermal insulation materials by optical microscopy has centered on the identification of fibrous constituents and not the bulk insulation. To enhance the identification of insulation, procedures were developed using chemical spot tests and microscopical observations that included dispersion staining to characterize the matrix material.
Differential alterations in antioxidant capacity in cells from Alzheimer patients.

Abstract Oxidative stress occurs in brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. A major question in AD research is whether the oxidative stress is just secondary to neurodegeneration. To test whether oxidative stress is an inherent property of AD tissues, the ability of cultured fibroblasts bearing the AD Presenilin-1 246 Ala→Glu mutation to handle reactive oxygen species (ROS) was compared to controls. Although ROS in cells from AD subjects were only slightly less than cells from controls under basal conditions (−10%) or after exposure to H 2 O 2 (−16%), treatment with antioxidants revealed clear differences. Pretreatment with DMSO, a hydroxyl radical scavenger, reduced basal and H 2 O 2 -induced ROS levels significantly more in cells from controls (−22%, −22%) than in those from AD subjects (−4%, +14%). On the other hand, pretreatment with Trolox diminished H 2 O 2 -induced ROS significantly more in cells from AD (−60%) than control subjects (−39%). In summary, cells from AD patients have greater Trolox sensitive ROS and less DMSO sensitive ROS than controls. The results demonstrate that fibroblasts bearing this PS-1 mutation have altered means of handling oxidative stress and appear useful for determining the mechanism underlying the altered redox metabolism.
Thermocouple Placement in Chicken Carcasses

Abstract Considerable difficulty was encountered in replication of time required to cool during a study to establish accurate cooling curves of broiler carcasses in 32°F. water. Similar problems were reported by Nicholas and Havanesian (1960) who were working with freezing curves. They suggested a technic whereby the carcass was split, thermocouples were placed in exact positions, the flesh was sewn back together and the carcass was placed in a freezer bag prior to obtaining temperature changes. Since poultry carcasses are normally chilled without use of bags this method is not applicable. The purpose of this report is to outline the technic of thermocouple placement which was found most suitable in this laboratory and to compare it with other methods in general use. METHODS AND MATERIALS Thermocouples were mounted on a wooden probe as shown in Figure 1. Affixing the thermocouples to the probe allowed easier insertion and gave greater assurance of…
Daily Bathing with Chlorhexidine and Its Effects on Nosocomial Infection Rates in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Infections remain a serious complication in pediatric oncology patients. To determine if daily bathing with Chlorhexidine gluconate can decrease the rate of nosocomial infection in pediatric oncology patients, we reviewed rates of infections in pediatric oncology patients over a 14-month span. Intervention group received daily bath with Chlorhexidine, while the control group did not receive daily bath. The results showed that daily bath with antiseptic chlorhexidine as daily prophylactic antiseptic topical wash leads to decreased infection density amongst the pediatric oncology patients, especially in patients older than 12 years of age. Furthermore, daily chlorhexidine bathing significantly reduced the rate of hospital acquired infection in patients older than 12 years of age. The findings of this study suggest that daily bathing with chlorhexidine may be an effective measure of reducing nosocomial infection in pediatric oncology patients.
The Influence of Motor Parameter Deviations in Feedforward Field Orientation Drive Systems

If the value of the time constant used in the slip calculator of a feedforward field orientation drive system deviates from the correct value, the decoupling of flux and torque is lost, and both steady-state and transient response is degraded. An analysis of detuned operation shows that the amount of performance degradation is strongly dependent on machine parameters. The large magnetizing inductance and low rotor resistance typically associated with larger, more efficient machines is shown to tend to amplify the effects of detuning compared to the relative insensitivity of small low-efficiency machines. It is also shown that for many applications the transient response effects of detuning can be handled by the outer control loops and that the major problem is maintaining the steady-state operating flux and current at reasonable levels.
Behavior of Sandwich Plates Reinforced with Polyurethane/Polyurea Interlayers under Blast Loads

In this study, the behavior of conventional and modified sandwich plate designs subjected to blast loads is examined with the finite element method. The conventional sandwich design consists of thin outer (loaded side) and inner facesheets made of fibrous laminates, separated by a layer of structural foam core. In the modified designs, a thin ductile interlayer is inserted between the outer facesheet and the foam core. Two materials are selected for the interlayers; one is rate-independent, hyperelastic (polyurethane, PUR), and the other is rate and pressure-dependent, elastic—plastic (polyurea). A comparison is made between the two enhanced designs and the conventional design during an extended time period of 5.0 ms under an exponential pressure impulse lasting for 0.05 ms, and has a peak pressure of 100 MPa. Results show that utilizing PUR or polyurea to separate the outer facesheet and the foam core leads to a much reduced core compression, facesheet vibration, and overall deflection compared to the co...
Closer look at autism and the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

Abstract Objectives To educate pharmacists regarding the hypothesis that the measles—mumps—rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to the development of autism. Data sources Articles published from 1998 to 2009 were identified through electronic searches of Medline. Study selection Articles were included if they evaluated or reviewed a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism or discussed MMR epidemiology, legal proceedings involving the MMR vaccine and autism, or health professionals' impact on immunization decisions. Data synthesis A total of 27 articles were identified. Of the articles, 74% (20 of 27) were included in the review because of their relevance to the study topic. Conclusion The evidence presented does not show a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. Myths presented to potentially support any relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism have not been proven. Expert testimony refuting initial scientific theories has led to Supreme Court decisions that do not support a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Pharmacists and all health care providers are responsible for informing and educating parents and families regarding this information so that they can make informed decisions about immunizations.
Anomalous Sea Surface Temperatures and Local Air–Sea Energy Exchange on Intraannual Timescales in the Northeastern Subtropical Pacific*

Abstract Here 11 years of surface data (1961–72, excluding 1963) taken at ocean weather ship N (OWS N) are analyzed. OWS N is located in the subtropical eastern Pacific Ocean (140°W, 30°N). Bulk formulas are employed to calculate each component of the surface heat flux (sensible, latent, longwave, and shortwave) from the 3-h measurements of sea surface temperature (SST), air temperature, surface humidity, wind speed, and cloudiness. Analyses are performed on fluxes averaged over daily and monthly intervals. Results indicate a large fraction of the variance in net surface energy flux is associated with anomalies in the latent heat flux; the latter are principally due to variability in the surface wind speed. Cross correlation and regression analyses of monthly anomalies of SST and SST tendency (∂SST/∂t) with the surface heat flux components indicate over 50% of the variance in SST-tendency anomalies is accounted for by local anomalies in the net surface energy flux. In the summer, the summed variance in th...
Periconceptional Multivitamin Use Reduces the Risk of Preeclampsia

The objective was to assess the independent effect of regular periconceptional multivitamin use on the risk of preeclampsia. Pregnant women (n=1,835) enrolled in the Pregnancy Exposures and Preeclampsia Prevention Study (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1997-2001) at less than 16 weeks' gestation were asked whether they regularly used multivitamins or prenatal vitamins in the past 6 months. Women were classified as users or nonusers. The unadjusted prevalence of preeclampsia was 4.4% in nonusers and 3.8% in users. After adjustment for race/ethnicity, marital status, parity, prepregnancy physical activity, and income in a multiple logistic regression model, regular use of multivitamins was associated with a 45% reduction in preeclampsia risk compared with nonuse (odds ratio (OR)=0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32, 0.95). Prepregnancy overweight modified this effect. After confounder adjustment, lean multivitamin users had a 71% reduction in preeclampsia risk compared with lean nonusers (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.65). In contrast, there was no relation between multivitamin use and preeclampsia among overweight women (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.25). A sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding by fruit and vegetable intake supported these conclusions. If confirmed by others, these results suggest that regular use of a multivitamin supplement in the periconceptional period may help to prevent preeclampsia, particularly among lean women.
Pbp1p, a Factor Interacting with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Poly(A)-Binding Protein, Regulates Polyadenylation

The poly(A) tail of an mRNA is believed to influence the initiation of translation, and the rate at which the poly(A) tail is removed is thought to determine how fast an mRNA is degraded. One key factor associated with this 3'-end structure is the poly(A)-binding protein (Pab1p) encoded by the PAB1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In an effort to learn more about the functional role of this protein, we used a two-hybrid screen to determine the factor(s) with which it interacts. We identified five genes encoding factors that specifically interact with the carboxy terminus of Pab1p. Of a total of 44 specific clones identified, PBP1 (for Pab1p-binding protein) was isolated 38 times. Of the putative interacting genes examined, PBP1 promoted the highest level of resistance to 3-aminotriazole (>100 mM) in constructs in which HIS3 was used as a reporter. We determined that a fraction of Pbp1p cosediments with polysomes in sucrose gradients and that its distribution is very similar to that of Pab1p. Disruption of PBP1 showed that it is not essential for viability but can suppress the lethality associated with a PAB1 deletion. The suppression of pab1Delta by pbp1Delta appears to be different from that mediated by other pab1 suppressors, since disruption of PBP1 does not alter translation rates, affect accumulation of ribosomal subunits, change mRNA poly(A) tail lengths, or result in a defect in mRNA decay. Rather, Pbp1p appears to function in the nucleus to promote proper polyadenylation. In the absence of Pbp1p, 3' termini of pre-mRNAs are properly cleaved but lack full-length poly(A) tails. These effects suggest that Pbp1p may act to repress the ability of Pab1p to negatively regulate polyadenylation.
Still a bridge too far? Biolinguistic questions for grounding language on brains

In this paper we discuss how Fibonacci growth patterns are apparent in the structure of human language. We moreover show how familiar dynamics yielding these sorts of patterns in nature may be taken to apply, at some level of abstraction, for the human faculty of language. The overall picture casts doubts on any simplistic treatment of language behavior, of the sort stemming from classical behaviorism in psychology (which is again popular in contemporary computational models). Instead, it appears to be more profitable to study language as a complex dynamic system, emerging in human brains for physical reasons which are yet to be fully comprehended, but which in the end disfavor any dualistic approach to the study of mind in general, and the human mind in particular.
Technical Note-Minimizing Cost to Maintain a Steady-State Growth Rate in a Population

An approach for estimating the minimum cost of holding a specified steady-state growth rate for a population is given. The behavior of the population is described by a constant "population matrix." The components of the state vector are the number of women in various age intervals. All age intervals are of equal length and equal to the length of the fundamental time period. Within each age bracket we assume that the fraction of women using birth-control devices is the controllable variable and that the cost depends linearly on the number of women using the devices.
Alzheimer's Disease is Type 3 Diabetes—Evidence Reviewed

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has characteristic histopathological, molecular, and biochemical abnormalities, including cell loss; abundant neurofibrillary tangles; dystrophic neurites; amyloid precursor protein, amyloid-β (APP-Aβ) deposits; increased activation of prodeath genes and signaling pathways; impaired energy metabolism; mitochondrial dysfunction; chronic oxidative stress; and DNA damage. Gaining a better understanding of AD pathogenesis will require a framework that mechanistically interlinks all these phenomena. Currently, there is a rapid growth in the literature pointing toward insulin deficiency and insulin resistance as mediators of AD-type neurodegeneration, but this surge of new information is riddled with conflicting and unresolved concepts regarding the potential contributions of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, and obesity to AD pathogenesis. Herein, we review the evidence that (1) T2DM causes brain insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment, but its aggregate effects fall far short of mimicking AD; (2) extensive disturbances in brain insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling mechanisms represent early and progressive abnormalities and could account for the majority of molecular, biochemical, and histopathological lesions in AD; (3) experimental brain diabetes produced by intracerebral administration of streptozotocin shares many features with AD, including cognitive impairment and disturbances in acetylcholine homeostasis; and (4) experimental brain diabetes is treatable with insulin sensitizer agents, i.e., drugs currently used to treat T2DM. We conclude that the term “type 3 diabetes” accurately reflects the fact that AD represents a form of diabetes that selectively involves the brain and has molecular and biochemical features that overlap with both type 1 diabetes mellitus and T2DM.
Group status, perceptions of threat, and support for social inequality

Members of high-status groups have been shown to favor social inequality, but little research has investigated the boundary conditions of this phenomenon. In the present article we suggest that perceived intergroup threat moderates the relationship between group status and support for social inequality (i.e., social dominance orientation), especially among highly identified group members. In Study 1, Democrats and Republicans rated their party’s relative status and were later exposed to a leading US. Presidential candidate from the opposing party (high threat) or their own party (low threat). In Study 2, university students were made to believe that their school had high or low status and were then presented with threatening or non-threatening information about a rival institution. The results of both studies supported the prediction that status only increases preferences for group-based inequality under conditions of high threat and high ingroup identification.
Picosecond optoelectronic gating of silicon bipolar transistors by locally integrated GaAs photoconductive devices

Integration of picosecond GaAs photoconductive devices with silicon bipolar transistors to provide a high-performance optoelectronic gating element is demonstrated. GaAs photoconductive circuit elements (PCEs) with approximately 15-ps FWHM photocurrent transient responses have been integrated in base-drive circuit configurations. Results have demonstrated that approximately 70-ps FWHM pulses of >1 mA (5 V switching across 5 k Omega ) are possible using approximately 3-4 pJ of optical input at 820 nm. Furthermore, for the silicon bipolar transistor process which has a nominal f/sub t/ > 10 GHz, gating pulses with approximately 50-ps rise times, limited by the input optical pulse, have been observed. >
Diabetes-mediated decreases in ovarian superoxide dismutase activity are related to blood-follicle barrier and ovulation defects

The activity of nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as an important mediator in ovarian function, including the regulation of the blood-follicle barrier and ovulation. Both clinical and experimental diabetes have been found to impair endothelial-dependent vascular activity through the inactivation of NO. It has also been shown that diabetes-induced inactivation of NO can be rescued with administration of insulin as well as with free radical scavengers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). In this study, we report decreases in both ovulation and the activity of the blood-follicle barrier in insulin-dependent diabetic prepubertal mice treated with exogenous gonadotropic hormones. Moreover, these ovarian defects are rescued with administration of insulin, nitroprusside, L-arginine, and the free radical scavengers citiolone and 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulfonic acid (Tiron). We found that the activity of Cu/Zn SOD in the ovaries of diabetic mice used in this study is decreased by 48% compared to that in no...
Long-term antibiotic therapy for balanitis xerotica obliterans

In an open uncontrolled study of 3 patients with balanitis xerotica obliterans we have observed significant improvement after long-term systemic antibiotic therapy. Two of the patients noticed softening of the skin as well as disappearance of pruritus, tenderness, and inflammatory changes within 3 weeks of receiving oral and intramuscular penicillin. The third patient experienced the same degree of improvement after a regimen of dirithromycin, 500 mg/day. Stopping the antiobiotic for 1 month resulted in relapse, with improvement again on resumption.
Prior Training of Data Mining System for Fault Detection

Many approaches have been used to fault discovery in complex systems. Model based reasoning; data mining analysis; rule base methods are the few among those approaches. To be successfully applied, these approaches all have to have some knowledge about the system prior to faults detection during the system run. Fault Tree Analysis shows the possible causes of a system malfunction by enumerating the suspect components and their respective failure modes that may have induced the problem. The rule based inference build the model based on the expert knowledge. Those models and methods have one thing in common; they have presumed some prior-conditions. Complex systems often use fault trees to analyze the faults. Fault diagnosis, when an error occurs, is performed by engineers and analysts performing extensive examination of all data gathered during the mission. International space station (ISS) control center operates on the data feedback from the system and decisions are made based on threshold values by using fault trees. Since those decision-making tasks are safety critical and must be done promptly, the engineers who manually analyze the data are facing the challenge of time limit. To automate this process, this paper presents an approach that uses decision trees to discover faults from data in real-time and capture the contents of fault trees as prior knowledge and use them to set the initial state of the decision trees.
Binding of Histidine in the (Cys)3(His)1-Coordinated [2Fe−2S] Cluster of Human mitoNEET

Human mitoNEET is a homodimeric iron−sulfur protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane with unknown function, but which is known to interact with thiazolidinedione diabetes drugs. Each monomer houses a [2Fe−2S] cluster with an unusual (Cys)3(His)1 ligation. The His ligand is important for enabling cluster release and for tuning the redox potential. We use multifrequency (X-, Ka-, and Q-band) and multitechnique (continuous-wave, electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM), pulsed electron−nuclear double resonance (ENDOR), and hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE)) electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the cluster in its paramagnetic reduced [Fe2+Fe3+] (S = 1/2) state. It has a rhombic g tensor (2.007, 1.937, 1.897) with an average g value of 1.947 that falls between those of Rieske-type and ferredoxin-type [2Fe−2S] clusters. Simulation and least-squares fitting of orientation-selective Ka- and Q-band ENDOR, 1D ESEEM, and HYSCORE spectra of 14N and 15N-labeled mitoNEET y...
Tracking a moving vessel from bearing measurements

This paper presents a method for tracking a distant moving target using only bearing measurements obtained from a tracking platform. The method is an improvement of the Hinich-Bloom passive tracking approach presented in [1]. The target is assumed to be moving at constant speed on a fixed heading, whereas the platform maneuvers during the measurement period. The direction cosines of the bearings are computed with respect to a rotation of the coordinate system that places 0° at the mean estimated target bearing. This is done to minimize the approximation bias due to the linearization of sine bearing as a function of inverse range and time. The coordinate system is rotated back to estimate the target coordinates. When the noise is Gaussian, the estimates of target range and heading are approximately maximum likelihood when the target's relative range is slowly varying during the observation period. In this case the mean square errors of the target parameter estimates are the smallest achievable within the order of the approximation.
Stages of Development and Sequence of Bone Formation in the Little Brown Bat, Myotis lucifugus

Developmental stages of Myotis lucifugus are described and data on the sequence of post-cranial skeletogenesis are provided. A total of 27 embryonic, juvenile, and adult M. lucifugus was weighed and crown-rump length measured. Developmental stages were determined by use of external morphological characteristics and sequence of bone formation of the post-cranial skeleton was determined on cleared and differentially stained individuals. Weight is a less variable character than crown-rump length within each developmental stage, development of external characteristics correlates with skeletal formation, and osteogenesis first appears in the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula.
An Agenda To Combat Substance Abuse

Despite their huge health toll, substance abuse disorders remain underappreciated and underfunded. Reasons include stigma, tolerance of personal choices, acceptance of youthful experimentation, pessimism about treatment efficacy, fragmented and weak leadership, powerful tobacco and alcohol industries, underinvestment in research, and difficult patients. Positive signs include declining prevalence rates, successful counter-marketing campaigns, changing public attitudes, new scientific discoveries that could yield new treatments, and effective new organizations. Further progress will require better treatment, more research, better education of health professionals, more nongovernmental support, and stronger leadership. Policy changes regarding each of the three substance groups are indicated, as are reforms in the criminal justice and educational systems.
New GLC Analysis of Urushiol Congeners in Different Plant Parts of Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron radicans

Methods are presented for the direct GLC analysis of the catechol C15 alkenyl side-chain congeners contained in the urushiol fraction of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and the C17 homologs of poison oak (Toxicodendron diuersiloburn). A number of liquid phases were investigated and demonstrated varying degrees of separation. The methods developed were applied to the analysis of the urushiol fractions obtained from different plant parts of poison ivy. The effects of extraction before and after drying demonstrated that a larger percentage of urushiol was obtained when the fresh plant material was extracted with ethanol.
Analysis of Ti-6Al-4V implants placed with fibroblast growth factor 1 in rat tibiae.

Titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) implants were placed in the tibiae of 32 rats (male SpragueDawley, 350 g) to examine healing and bone response. Half of the implants were treated with fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) delivered in an activated fibrinogen matrix. Animals were injected with a radiopharmaceutical imaging agent, technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate (Tc-99m-MDP), which concentrates in bone, especially in areas of higher osteoblastic activity. Binding of Tc-99m-MDP to the implant was detected in vivo by Anger gamma camera imaging. Fourteen days after implant surgery, specimens were recovered and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. Histologic examination revealed that samples treated with FGF-1 demonstrated significantly greater amounts of bone-toimplant contact (P < .05) compared to controls. Also, FGF-1–treated samples showed significantly greater amounts of bone (percent volume) adjacent to implants (P < .005). These findings were supported by analyses of the non-invasive Tc-99m-MDP images, which demonstrated significantly greater uptake of Tc-99m-MDP adjacent to FGF-1-treated implants (P < .05). Results of the experiments supported the hypothesis that FGF-1 could increase bone production around implants in a rat model. (INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2001;16:495‐502)