cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of starvation and diphenylamine on carotenoids in Phycomyces.

IN cultures of Phycomyces blakesleeanus treated with diphenylamine and methylheptenone, the synthesis of the more saturated polyenes is enhanced at the expense of β-carotene1,2. Diphenylamine has a similar effect on cultures of Rhodospirillum rubrum at the expense of spirilloxanthin3. This effect of diphenylamine has been interpreted as blocking a series of dehydrogenation steps in the transformation of the more saturated to the less saturated carotenoids. Leucine, on the other hand, which stimulates production of β-carotene, contributes to intermediates in carotenoid synthesis.
We don't need no stinkin' badges: examining the social role of badges in the Huffington Post

News sites commonly allow users to post comments under each article, but, until recently, did little more than allow these social spaces on their sites. The Huffington Post took a pro-active stance when they introduced badges that award users for the frequency of their posting behaviors. Both social role and network theories posit that groups create their own normative structures when left to grow organically. However, badges may be symbolic of hierarchical control since they are defined, determined, and awarded by the organization rather than from the group itself. This study is a first step in examining the relationship between badges and group behavior within threads. As active members of the group, badge owners may be serving the role of discussion catalysts [1]. If so, then threads started by badge owners should be longer than for non-badge owners. Preferential attachment posits that highly connected users are "richer" in the social network [2]. Thus, threads started by badge owners may draw in more badge owners to the discussion. If badges have no influence on thread characteristics, then what does? Findings suggest that badges at the thread start do not generate longer threads but rather the type of news story does. Furthermore, some of the most popular commenters were not badge owners despite the overwhelming number of fans they had attracted. This study takes a first look at how parameters set by news organizations are accepted, or rejected, by online communities
Protein flexibility in aqueous and nonaqueous solutions

Herein we present the results of molecular dynamics simulations of a protein in an organic solvent. Our results show that while the amino acid side chains are more flexible in water, there is only a very small difference in backbone flexibility between protein in chloroform and protein in water. We propose that the major difference between the two solvent environments is the preferred orientations of the amino acid side chains. These results aid in the understanding of experimental observations and offer important insights for protein engineering in nonaqueous media
Structure of 13C from an R-matrix analysis of 12C + n scattering and reaction cross sections

Abstract Differential cross sections for 12 C + n elastic and inelastic scattering and for the 2 C(n, α) 9 Be reaction, together with high resolution total cross-section data were analyzed by means of a multilevel multichannel R -matrix program to determine J , π, and γ λc for states in 13 C up to E x = 13.5MeV. Good overall fits to the data were obtained throughout this large energy range. Spin and parity assignments for thirteen states above E x = 9.5MeV for which there had been either no previous J π assignments or only tentative assignments have been made in this study. The present results are in good agreement with previous analyses and model calculations.
Prefrontal lobe functions and the neocortical commissures in monkeys.

Monkeys with the neocortical commissures and the optic chiasm sectioned still exhibit a substantial contralateral generalization of delayed response and delayed alternation learning even though the sensory and motor activities during learning are restricted to a single hemisphere. The commissure and chiasma transections, on the other hand, interrupt the contralateral generalization of unilaterally acquired, visual stimulus (color) dependent Go, No-go performances. The differences in outcome between these two types of tasks appears to depend upon the presence or absence of a cueing of correct performance by specific exteroceptive sensory stimuli.
Caffeine-resistant mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans fails to reach adulthood if L1 larvae are incubated in the presence of 30 mM or greater concentrations of caffeine. Eleven mutants have been isolated in which caffeine has a less pronounced effect on development. The mutations are recessive, define two genes, and have been mapped. The mechanism(s) of resistance is unknown.
Atomic structures at the buried {Pb}/{Si(111) } interface

Abstract Using surface X-ray scattering and crystal truncation rod (CTR) analysis we have studied the buried atomic structure at the Pb Si (111) interface. In agreement with previous studies, we observe that the (7 × 7) reconstruction is preserved at the interface, containing many features of the Si surface reconstruction and decorated with Pb atoms adsorbed at on-top sites. The (7 × 7) reconstruction undergoes an irreversible transition to a (1 × 1) structure between 150°C and 300°C. Changes in the first-order CTR indicate that the transition from the bulk Si lattice to the “bulk-like” Pb lattice occurs over a single Pb monolayer at the interface.
Underlying Mechanisms of Symmetric Calcium Wave Propagation in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Calcium waves in heart cells are mediated by diffusion-coupled calcium-induced calcium release. The waves propagate in circular fashion. This is counterintuitive in view of the accepted ultrastructure of the cardiac myocyte. The density of calcium release sites in the transverse direction is four times higher than in the longitudinal direction. Simulations with release sites localized along Z-lines and isotropic diffusion yielded highly elliptical, nonphysiological waves. We hypothesized that subcellular organelles counteracted the higher release site density along the Z-lines by acting as transverse diffusion barriers and sites of active calcium uptake. We quantified the reduction of transverse diffusion by microinjecting cells with the nonreactive dye fluorescein. The ratio of the radial diffusion coefficient to the longitudinal coefficient was 0.39. Inhibition of mitochondrial uptake by rotenone accelerated the wave in the transverse direction. Simulations with release sites clustered at the Z-lines and a transverse diffusion coefficient 50% of the longitudinal coefficient generated waves of ellipticity 2/1 (major axis along the Z-line). Introducing additional release sites between the Z-lines at a density 20% of that on the Z-lines produced circular waves. The experiments and simulations support the presence of transverse diffusion barriers, additional uptake sites, and possibly intermediate release sites as well.
Electrocatalytic Reductions of Nitrite, Nitric Oxide, and Nitrous Oxide by Thermophilic Cytochrome P450 CYP119 in Film-Modified Electrodes and an Analytical Comparison of Its Catalytic Activities with Myoglobin

Previous investigations of nitrite and nitric oxide reduction by myoglobin in surfactant film modified electrodes characterized several distinct steps in the denitrification pathway, including isolation of a nitroxyl adduct similar to that proposed in the P450nor catalytic cycle. To investigate the effect of the axial ligand on these biomimetic reductions, we report here a comparison of the electrocatalytic activity of myoglobin (Mb) with a thermophilic cytochrome P450 CYP119. Electrocatalytic nitrite reduction by CYP119 is very similar to that by Mb: two catalytic waves at analogous potentials are observed, the first corresponding to the reduction of nitric oxide, the second to the production of ammonia. CYP119 is a much more selective catalyst, giving almost exclusively ammonia during the initial half-hour of reductive electrolysis of nitrite. More careful investigations of specific steps in the catalytic cycle show comparable rates of nitrite dehydration and almost identical potentials and lifetimes f...
Comments on the use of the Illinois test of psycholinguistic abilities with culturally deprived children in the rural South.

Evidence of item content bias in the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) is examined. The instrument fails, in certain subtests, to relate to the basic communication skills of Headstart children in the rural South. Incautious application of the test to minority groups may not yield adequate functional assessment of these children's skills. The authors recommend that alternative scoring procedures, local norms, or new items be developed.
Proof of principle for shotgun DNA mapping by unzipping

Ability to map polymerases and nucleosomes on chromatin is important for understanding the impact of chromatin remodeling on key cellular processes. Current methods (such as ChIP and ChIP-chip) have produced a wealth of information that demonstrates this importance, but key information is elusive in these ensemble methods. We’re pursuing a new single-molecule chromatin mapping method based on unzipping native chromatin molecules with optical tweezers. The first step we are taking towards this ability is shotgun DNA mapping (SDM). This is the ability to identify the genomic location of a random DNA fragment based on its naked DNA unzipping forces compared with simulated unzipping forces of a published genome. We show that ~32 separate experimental unzipping curves for pBR322 were correctly matched to their simulated unzipping curves hidden in a background of the ~2700 sequences neighboring XhoI sites in the S. cerevisiae (yeast) genome. We describe this method and characterize its robustness as well as discuss future applications.
Numerical Investigation of Turbulence Modulation by Sediment-Induced Stratification and Enhanced Viscosity in Oscillatory Flows

AbstractRecent turbulence-resolving simulations of fine sediment transport in the oscillatory bottom boundary layer (OBBL) revealed the existence of a diverse range of flow regimes over muddy seabeds. Transitions between these flow regimes are caused by different degrees of sediment-induced stable density stratification in the OBBL. These transitions have critical implications for the role of wave resuspension in the delivery of fine sediment and hydrodynamic dissipation over muddy seabeds. This study further investigates the effect of Newtonian rheology, parameterized as a concentration-dependent effective viscosity, on turbulence modulation and the transition from turbulent to laminar states. Assuming small particle Stokes number, the equilibrium approximation is adopted to simplify the Eulerian two-phase flow governing equations. The resulting simplified equations are solved with a high-accuracy hybrid scheme in an idealized OBBL. A sixth-order centered compact finite difference is implemented in the v...
Inpatients with Briquet's syndrome: presence of additional psychiatric syndromes and MMPI results.

Abstract Sixteen Briquet's syndrome psychiatric inpatients were compared to 32 age- and sex-matched psychiatric inpatient controls by using a structured diagnostic interview (PDI) and the MMPI. Briquet's syndrome patients have significantly more additional psychiatric syndromes on the PDI and significantly more MMPI validity and clinical scale elevations within the pathological range. The MMPI may be of use in screening patients for the presence of Briquet's syndrome.
Use of Real Time Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Intracardiac Catheter Based Interventions

Background Real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) echocardiography is a recently developed technique that is being increasingly used in echocardiography laboratories. Over the past several years, improvements in transducer technologies have allowed development of a full matrix-array transducer that allows acquisition of pyramidal-shaped data sets. These data sets can be processed online and offline to allow accurate evaluation of cardiac structures, volumes, and mass. More recently, a transesophageal transducer with RT3D capabilities has been developed. This allows acquisition of high-quality RT3D images on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Percutaneous catheter-based procedures have gained growing acceptance in the cardiac procedural armamentarium. Advances in technology and technical skills allow increasingly complex procedures to be performed using a catheter-based approach, thus obviating the need for open-heart surgery. Methods The authors used RT3D TEE to guide 72 catheter-based cardiac interventions. The procedures included the occlusion of atrial septal defects or patent foramen ovales (n = 25), percutaneous mitral valve repair (e-valve clipping; n=3), mitral balloon valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis (n = 10), left atrial appendage obliteration (n = 11), left atrial or pulmonary vein ablation for atrial fibrillation (n = 5), percutaneous closures of prosthetic valve dehiscence (n = 10), percutaneous aortic valve replacement (n = 6), and percutaneous closures of ventricular septal defects (n = 2). In this review, the authors describe their experience with this technique, the added value over multiplanar two-dimensional TEE, and the pitfalls that were encountered. Results The main advantages found for the use RT3D TEE during catheter-based interventions were (1) the ability to visualize the entire lengths of intracardiac catheters, including the tips of all catheters and the balloons or devices they carry, along with a clear depiction of their positions in relation to other cardiac structures, and (2) the ability to ability to demonstrate certain structures in an "en face" view, which is not offered by any other currently available real-time imaging technique, enabling appreciation of the exact nature of the lesion that is undergoing intervention. Conclusion RT3D TEE is a powerful new imaging tool that may become the technique of choice and the standard of care for guidance of selected percutaneous catheter-based procedures.
Cutting Edge: A TLR9 Cytoplasmic Tyrosine Motif Is Selectively Required for Proinflammatory Cytokine Production

Compartmentalization of nucleic acid sensing TLR9 has been implicated as a mechanism to prevent recognition of self nucleic acid structures. Furthermore, recognition of CpG DNA in different endosomal compartments leads to the production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, or type I IFN. We previously characterized a tyrosine-based motif at aa 888–891 in the cytoplasmic tail of TLR9 important for appropriate intracellular localization. In this article, we show that this motif is selectively required for the production of TNF, but not IFN. In response to CpG DNA stimulation, the proteolytically processed 80-kDa fragment is tyrosine phosphorylated. Although Y888 is not itself phosphorylated, the structure of this motif is necessary for both TLR9 phosphorylation and TNF-α production in response to CpG DNA. We conclude that bifurcation in TLR9 signaling is regulated by a critical tyrosine motif in the cytoplasmic tail.
Physical properties of a Mollisol, an Oxisol and an Inceptisol.

Abstract An Inceptisol (Andept) from Ecuador, an OOxisol (Ustox) from Columbia and a Mollisol (Udoll) from the U.S.A. were studied. The clay in the Andept was >85% amorphous with allophane being predominant. The Ustox contained sesqui-oxides of iron and aluminum and kaolinite, while the Udoll contained hydrous mica, quartz and kaolinite in the clay fraction. The water retained at all matric potentials >−100 kPa decreased in the order Andept, Udoll, Ustox. The mean wet strength declined approximately in the order Andept = Ustox > Udoll. Hydraulic conductivity decreased with aggregate size. The Ustox and Andept were more stable under rainfall impact than the Udoll. Greater stability was reflected in higher infiltration rates, lower run off, less soil splash and soil movement in run off water. The differences in physical behavior were clearly related to the widely different characteristics of the clay fraction. The physical properties of the three soils studied have important implications as to their management.
The sex ratios of human and sheep births in areas of high mineralization

The soils of the Tablelands of New South Wales are in general deficient in molybdenum. The sex ratio of lambs bred on these soils averages about 90 rams to 100 ewes. The Tablelands also contain very limited areas of fertile soils which are in the immediate neighbourhood or downstream of proven occurrences of various non‐ferrous metals. The sex ratio of lambs bred on such soils averages about 112 rams to 100 ewes. The Merseyside Conurbation of England began in 1958 to draw very substantial quantities of water from the Dee River Scheme. There is a large mineral province on the catchment area of the Dee. The Cheshire parts of the conurbation have received the greatest proportion of the new supply, and in association with the new supply the sex ratio of live births has become very significantly more masculine, especially in the Cheshire parts. Some 7 years after the introduction of Dee water to the conurbation, the death rates began to manifest a very significant decline, the decline being greatest where the ...
A C+ + class library foundation for developing an electronic medical record.

Abstract The basic features that gave the M (or Mumps, as it was originally called) language its initial popularity are still important to many programming applications, especially those involving the health care domain. To date, however, efforts to change the language have been predicated on the axiom that the existing structure must be preserved in order to accommodate legacy applications. To many, it is becoming clear that the 1960s' minicomputer induced interpreter syntax underlying M is inadequate and incapable of further evolution. In this paper, we demonstrate an alternative that preserves those features that many find to be the essence of M in a manner that is transportable to other language environments and not directly linked to any underlying operating system. This article describes a set of operating system independent C++ class libraries, based on M, designed to enhance the C + + programming environment with features that facilitate health care record applications development. These extensions allow the user to manage hierarchical data base problems, such as those typical in the health care domain, at a level of abstraction consistent with many information theoretic models commonly in use. Examples are given from a pilot implementation of the libraries to demonstrate a simple health care record application.
Fluorescence spot tests for DNA endonuclease, ligase, and topoisomerase activities

Abstract A sensitive method for selectively detecting covalently closed circular duplex DNA in the presence of open forms of DNA is described and used to test for some enzymes which alter circular duplex DNA.
Epigenome editing by a CRISPR-Cas9-based acetyltransferase activates genes from promoters and enhancers

Technologies that enable targeted manipulation of epigenetic marks could be used to precisely control cell phenotype or interrogate the relationship between the epigenome and transcriptional control. Here we describe a programmable, CRISPR-Cas9-based acetyltransferase consisting of the nuclease-null dCas9 protein fused to the catalytic core of the human acetyltransferase p300. The fusion protein catalyzes acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 at its target sites, leading to robust transcriptional activation of target genes from promoters and both proximal and distal enhancers. Gene activation by the targeted acetyltransferase was highly specific across the genome. In contrast to previous dCas9-based activators, the acetyltransferase activates genes from enhancer regions and with an individual guide RNA. We also show that the core p300 domain can be fused to other programmable DNA-binding proteins. These results support targeted acetylation as a causal mechanism of transactivation and provide a robust tool for manipulating gene regulation.
Comparison of the structures of blue-green algal viruses LPP-1M and LPP-2 and bacteriophage T7.

Abstract Quantitative electron microscopy and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis have been applied to characterize and compare the structures of three viruses of prokaryotes. The molecular weights of blue-green algal viruses LPP-1M and LPP-2 and phage T7 are (in millions) 53.4 ± 0.2, 50.9 ± 0.4, and 44.7 ± 0.2, respectively. These values were derived from the median dry masses of populations of virus particles, measured by an electron microscopic technique. For all three viruses one protein, of around 40,000 daltons, comprises over 50% of the viral protein mass. Approximately 310 copies of this molecule are used in the construction of LPP-1M, 290 copies in LPP-2 and 460 copies in T7. The blue-green algal viruses differ from the bacteriophage in utilizing a second major structural protein in building the viral shell. Most other viral structural proteins are represented by no more than about a half dozen or a dozen copies. There appear to be no proteins represented only once in any of the viruses examined.
Analysis of the US Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database for adverse events involving Amplatzer septal occluder devices and comparison with the Society of Thoracic Surgery congenital cardiac surgery database

Objective Amplatzer (AGA Medical Corporation, Plymouth, Minn) septal and vascular occluder devices have significantly altered the care of patients with congenital heart disease. The relative frequency and consequence of complications resulting from the attempted placement of such devices, however, have not been well assessed. The purpose of this study is to use large databases to assess the frequency and severity of such complications and compare them with those of surgical atrial septal defect closure. Methods The US Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was quarried for all adverse events for Amplatzer septal occluder devices, which were categorized and analyzed with particular emphasis on management and outcome. The Society of Thoracic Surgery database was likewise quarried for the same data regarding atrial septal defect closures over a contemporaneous time period. By using a literature-derived denominator for total Amplatzer implant numbers, the results of the 2 therapies were compared. Results Since July 1, 2002, 223 adverse events in patients undergoing Amplatzer atrial septal defect closure were submitted to the Food and Drug Administration, resulting in 17 deaths (7.6%) and 152 surgical rescue operations (68.2%). Society of Thoracic Surgery data demonstrated 1537 primary operations with 2 deaths (0.13%) and 6 reoperations (0.39%). By extrapolating on published estimates of Amplatzer implantation to provide an implant denominator (n = 18,333), there was no difference between overall mortality for surgical (0.13%) and device closure (0.093%, P = .649). Rescue operation for device adverse events (0.83%) was 2.1 times more likely than reoperation for surgical closure (0.39%, P = .063). Mortality per adverse event was higher for device closure (7.6%) than for surgical closure (1.2%, P = .004), and the need for surgery per adverse event was higher for device closure (68.2%) than for surgical closure (3.6%, P P Conclusion Overall crude mortality for device and surgical closure atrial septal defect closure is equivalent, and the need for subsequent operation (surgical rescue) is more common in patients undergoing device closure than reoperation is in patients undergoing surgical closure. Complications from device closure tend to be serious and most often require urgent or emergency operative management, whereas the mortality for surgical management of a device complication appears higher than that of elective atrial septal defect closure. Further information is required in the form of postmarketing surveillance, such as a mandatory user registry with periodic end-user notification.
Multiple-scattering approach to the M -edge x-ray-absorption spectra of UO 2 and UCl 4

The M-edge x-ray-absorption near-edge spectra was calculated for bulk ${\mathrm{UO}}_{2}$ and gas-phase ${\mathrm{UCl}}_{4}$ from a multiple-scattering approach within the muffin-tin--potential approximation. The muffin-tin potential was constructed from the self-consistent relativistic discrete-variational X\ensuremath{\alpha} potential. The spectra were interpreted by analyzing the photoelectron-trapping time in different channels inside each atomic sphere. The energy levels of bound states down to the valence levels of the ligands were calculated within the same framework as the continuum in order to set the absolute energy scale. The calculated spectra were compared and found to agree quantitatively with our experimental results.
Research and advocacy in nutrition therapy: our specialty needs you.

swered in clinical nutrition. The old nutrition support specialty was plagued by a preponderance of small, singlecenter, and/or underpowered studies. We have attempted to use these often very small trials to create our clinical guidelines. I believe that we as a new nutrition therapy specialty must now approach our clinical trials as cardiology or oncology would approach their new drug trials: with well-designed, appropriately powered, multicenter trials. We are currently close to developing the critical mass to bring to bear a powerful multinational nutrition network of researchers that will be capable of performing these key multicenter trials. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) and the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN) can and should be catalysts and leaders in this field. Some examples of the key areas that must be acutely addressed include a clearer understanding of the risks and benefits of parenteral nutrition (PN). It is clearly possible that the risks of PN may now be reduced with the advent of glucose control, new lipid emulsions, and an understanding of the risks of overfeeding. New trials examining the safety and efficacy of parenteral nutrients must be undertaken. A major controversy growing in this field is the use of W-6–based lipids in critical illness. Some data suggest that, in the sickest critical care patient, withholding these lipids for an unclear period of time may be beneficial. But a more definitive trial is clearly required. Speaking of glucose control, how to safely use glucose control in critically ill patients has now become unclear. Current data leave us quite conflicted with regard to the safety and benefit of tight glucose control in the critically ill patient. The new Glucontrol trial by Dr Preiser and colleagues in Europe has demonstrated a significant mortality risk of hypoglycemia in patients receiving tight glucose control. Of the patients in the tight glucose control arm, 41% had a glucose level <60 mg/dL during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay. These patients had a 2-fold increase in risk of death. This trial also did not show any overall mortality benefit from tight glucose control (J. C. Preiser, personal communication, 2007). This is, of course, in contrast to Dr van den Berghe’s findings on the benefits He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had failed.
The Reorganization of Federal Agencies

This study presents a theory of federal agency reorganization covering a large per centage of reorganization cases occurring from 1934 through 1976. The theory views federal agency reorganization as closely related to de novo agency creation. Agency reorganization and creation are often the last two steps in an escalation process through which society deals with problems generated by large scale discontinuous socioeconomic-technological changes called novelties. Escalation is part of a more comprehensive process called conceptualization in which interest groups and govern ment officials seek to understand a novelty's implications, to modify the novelty to fit socioeonomic-political systems, and to modify socioeconomic-political systems to fit the novelty. If an agency is created before conceptualization has ended, it is very likely that it will be reorganized repeatedly until conceptualization is complete. Thus two modes of agency reorganization are identified: reorganization of existing agencies as part ...
Effective elastic moduli for thin‐walled structural foam beams

Because of the nonhomogeneous morphology of rigid structural foams, the elastic moduli determined from tension and bend tests are different, the latter being larger. These moduli also depend on the geometry of the specimen. In general, the elastic bending stiffness of foams is determined by the rigidity tensor, which combines geometry and material information. Although the bending problem for nonhomogeneous materials is more complex than the equivalent homogeneous problem, the analysis simplifies considerably for thin-walled beams. The effective flexural modulus for a thin-walled foam beam is shown to be the tension modulus that would be measured on a flat foam specimen of the same thickness. The flexural modulus measured by bend tests on flat bars is shown to have very little effect on the stiffness of most thin-walled sections. This conclusion is independent of how the “true” material modulus varies across the thickness of the foam part.
The role of lossless systems in modern digital signal processing: a tutorial

A self-contained discussion of discrete-time lossless systems and their properties and relevance in digital signal processing is presented. The basic concept of losslessness is introduced, and several algebraic properties of lossless systems are studied. An understanding of these properties is crucial in order to exploit the rich usefulness of lossless systems in digital signal processing. Since lossless systems typically have many input and output terminals, a brief review of multiinput multioutput systems is included. The most general form of a rational lossless transfer matrix is presented along with synthesis procedures for the FIR (finite impulse response) case. Some applications of lossless systems in signal processing are presented. >
The tanh method for a reliable treatment of the K(n, n) and the KP(n, n) equations and its variants

Abstract In this work, the nonlinear K(n, n) and KP(n, n) equations and its variants are analytically studied. We show that these equations may exhibit compactons, solitons or periodic solutions by using the tanh method. The analysis reveals the change of the physical structure of the solutions as a result of the exponents and the coefficients of the derivatives.
Parabrachial nucleus involvement in multiple system atrophy.

Abstract Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is associated with respiratory dysfunction, including sleep apnea, respiratory dysrhythmia, and laryngeal stridor. Neurons of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) control respiratory rhythmogenesis and airway resistance. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine whether there was involvement of putative respiratory regions of the PBN in MSA. Methods: We examined the pons at autopsy in 10 cases with neuropathologically confirmed MSA and 8 age-matched controls. Sections obtained throughout the pons were processed for calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) and Nissl staining to identify the lateral crescent of the lateral PBN (LPB) and the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus (K-F), which are involved in respiratory control. Cell counts were performed using stereology. Results: There was loss of CGRP neurons in the PBN in MSA (total estimated cell counts for the external LPB cluster was 12,584 ± 1146 in controls and 5917 ± 389 in MSA, p
Protein kinase C in platelets of depressed patients.

Abstract Background: We studied the role of protein kinase C (PKC), a major regulatory enzyme and an important component of the phosphoinositide signaling system, in depression. Methods: PKC was determined using [ 3 H]phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) as the radioligand in the membranal and cytosolic fractions of platelets obtained from hospitalized drug-free depressed patients during a baseline period and from drug-free normal control subjects. Results: We observed that the [ 3 H]PDBu binding was significantly higher in the cytosolic fraction obtained from platelets of depressed patients compared to normal control subjects. Conclusions: Our studies indicate increased formation of PKC in platelets of depressed patients. The significance and mechanisms involved in increased PKC in the cytosolic fraction of platelets are unclear, but they suggest that increased PKC may be associated with the pathophysiology of depressive illness.
Intracerebral Hematoma Secondary to Lightning Stroke: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A young boy sustained a lightning stroke to his head. He was rendered immediately unconscious and hemiplegic. Computed tomography revealed three discrete basal ganglia hematomas. This patient's management is discussed, and a review of lightning injuries to the central nervous system is presented. (N
Fate of Maize DNA During Steeping, Wet-Milling, and Processing

ABSTRACT The fate of DNA during steeping, wet-milling, and subsequent processing of maize was examined using a sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR-based) detection system. The system used specific amplification of maize DNA sequences by primers generated toward plant nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded genes. The PCR method facilitated analysis of DNA content in food products, which is an important issue in use of genetically modified organisms. In a conventional laboratory wet-milling countercurrent steep system, DNA was detected in maize kernels throughout the process but was not found in steepwater. After kernels were wet-milled, DNA was detected in the starch, germ, coarse fiber, and wet gluten fractions but not in the fine fiber fraction. When dried by heating at 135°C for 2 hr, DNA was degraded to undetectable levels in the wet-milled gluten fraction and hydrated kernels. DNA was not detected in feed pellets, starch, dextrose, sorbitol, or high-fructose maize syrup made from industrial wet-milled ...
Development of lava tubes in the light of observations at Mauna Ulu, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

During the 1969–1974 Mauna Ulu eruption on Kilauea's upper east rift zone, lava tubes were observed to develop by four principal processes: (1) flat, rooted crusts grew across streams within confined channels; (2) overflows and spatter accreted to levees to build arched roofs across streams; (3) plates of solidified crust floating downstream coalesced to form a roof; and (4) pahoehoe lobes progressively extended, fed by networks of distributaries beneath a solidified crust. Still another tube-forming process operated when pahoehoe entered the ocean; large waves would abruptly chill a crust across the entire surface of a molten stream crossing through the surf zone. These littoral lava tubes formed abruptly, in contrast to subaerial tubes, which formed gradually. All tube-forming processes were favored by low to moderate volume-rates of flow for sustained periods of time. Tubes thereby became ubiquitous within the pahoehoe flows and distributed a very large proportionof the lava that was produced during this prolonged eruption. Tubes transport lava efficiently. Once formed, the roofs of tubes insulate the active streams within, allowing the lava to retain its fluidity for a longer time than if exposed directly to ambient air temperature. Thus the flows can travel greater distances and spread over wider areas. Even though supply rates during most of 1970–1974 were moderate, ranging from 1 to 5 m3/s, large tube systems conducted lava as far as the coast, 12–13 km distant, where they fed extensive pahoehoe fields on the coastal flats. Some flows entered the sea to build lava deltas and add new land to the island. The largest and most efficient tubes developed during periods of sustained extrusion, when new lava was being supplied at nearly constant rates. Tubes can play a major role in building volcanic edifices with gentle slopes because they can deliver a substantial fraction of lava erupted at low to moderate rates to sites far down the flank of a volcano. We conclude, therefore, that the tendency of active pahoehoe flows to form lava tubes is a significant factor in producing the common shield morphology of basaltic volcanoes.
Inversion of reflectivity data for nondecaying potentials

The recovery of material properties of thin films is considered by probing them with neutron beams or X-rays. The interaction between the beam and the thin film is described by the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation with an optical potential that is supported in the right half-line and asymptotic to a positive constant. The reconstruction of such a potential is studied in terms of the scattering data consisting of the magnitude of the reflection coefficient from the left, a known potential placed to the left of the unknown potential, and the magnitude of the reflection coefficient for the combined potential. A previous method utilizing three sets of reflectivity measurements is generalized to potentials not decaying at infinity, and the precise conditions are indicated for the validity of this method. It is shown that two sets of reflectivity measurements, instead of three, are sufficient for the unique reconstruction. Some analytical and computational methods are provided for the recovery of the unknow...
Maximum Likelihood Symbol Synchronization for the Direct-Detection Optical On-Off-Keying Channel

The maximum-likelihood symbol synchronization statistic is derived from noisy observations of randomly modulated on-off-keying data for the direct-detection optical channel. A similar statistic for the case when the transmitter sends a special pattern of alternating O's and 1's for synchronization purposes only is also derived. Various approximations to the optimal statistic are introduced and their performance compared to the optimal one under a new criterion, believed to be more appropriate for the Poisson channel than the mean-square error criterion routinely used with other channels. It is shown that although the variable associated with symbol transitions is continuous, the possible values of it that maximize the maximum-likelihood (ML) statistic belong to a discrete set with relatively few elements.
ERK5 signaling gets XIAPed: a role for ubiquitin in the disassembly of a MAPK cascade.

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are tightly controlled through a series of well‐characterized phospho‐regulatory events. In this issue, Takeda et al (2014) identify the inhibitor of apoptosis protein, XIAP, as a key regulator of ERK5 activation via uncoupling of upstream kinase activity by non‐degradative ubiquitination.
A REFUTATION OF CONSEQUENTIALISM

: This article argues that consequentialism does not work as a comprehensive theory of right action. The argument is that what course of action maximizes the good makes sense only within a particular context, but that it is impossible to supply such a context while adhering to a global consistency requirement. A global consistency requirement merely specifies the demand for maximization: it insists that an individual action, in order to be morally right, must be optimific relative not only to a set of temporally and spatially local alternatives but also to all future possibilities that the action would preclude. I further argue that an appropriate context is impossible to provide because act consequentialism invokes incompatible temporal horizons, that of action and that of a maximizable good. The incompatibility between these two horizons makes it impossible for there to be any morally salient, consistent assignment of consequences to actions, and thus renders act consequentialism empty.
Useful numerical techniques for compact modeling

This paper presents three useful numerical techniques for compact modeling. First, a new approach to modeling non-uniform vertical doping profiles in MOSFETs is presented, based on non-linear mapping of the backgate bias. Second, a technique that guarantees that limiting of V/sub ds/ at saturation will not lead to glitches in output conductance is presented. Finally, requirements for limiting functions for V/sub ds/ that do not cause discontinuities in high order derivatives at V/sub ds/ = 0 are defined. Examples of limiting functions that maintain proper symmetry are given. The techniques to eliminate glitches in output conductance and maintain symmetry are applicable to MOSFET and resistor models.
Stress Management Techniques: Anxiety Reduction, Appeal, and Individual Differences:

Four stress management techniques were evaluated for their general appeal, their immediate benefits, and the subjective experiences they evoke. One hundred undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: (1) progressive muscle relaxation (PMR); (2) distraction imagery; (3) focused imagery; (4) listening to music; (5) sitting quietly (control). Distraction imagery and listening to music were the only techniques found to reduce anxiety to a greater extent than simply sitting quietly. The techniques differed in the way they made subjects feel, but not in their general appeal. Individuals with a “blunting” coping style were more likely to find all five techniques appealing.
Sources of heavy metals in sediments of the Hudson river Estuary

Abstract Sediments in the Hudson Estuary contain zinc, copper and lead from metal pollutants discharged to the harbor in the New York City area, from dispersed sources of contamination introduced upstream, and from natural weathering processes. The magnitude of the contribution from each of these three sources to particular sites can be estimated on the basis of total metal abundances, relative proportions of several metals, and other sediment properties. The pattern of recent heavy-metal contamination in Hudson sediments closely follows the distribution in sediments of 137Cs which was derived over the past two decades from global fallout and local releases from a commercial nuclear reactor. Several simple empirical corrections related to grain size and mineralogy variations are suggested for comparing heavy-metal contamination levels of sandy continental shelf sediments with fine-grained estuarine and coastal sediments. Iron has little variation in Hudson sediments while manganese is greater in surface sediment of some low-salinity and fresh-water areas than deeper in the sediments, and generally less in the high-salinity area of rapid sediment deposition in New York harbor. Much of the pollutant Cu added to the harbor appears to be rapidly deposited in the sediments.
On the antennular secretion of the cyprid of Balanus amphitrite amphitrite , and its role as a settlement pheromone

In exploring a substratum, Balanus amphitrite amphitrite Darwin (Crustacea: Cirripedia) cyprids deposit ‘footprints’ of antennular secretion. The results of in vitro settlement assays suggest that in addition to serving as a temporary adhesive, the secretion acts as a pheromone, in that its presence induces the settlement of conspecific cyprids. This result is in accord with a previous study on Balanus balanoides (L.)(=Semibalanus balanoides). In settlement assays, the pheromone is likely to contribute to an observed positive linear relationship between settlement and cyprid density. The density effect should thus be an important consideration in the design of barnacle settlement assays. In the field, cyprid searching behaviour may render a surface more attractive to settlement by cypris larvae.
A unique experimental validation in atmospheric flashover phenomena

Lack of flashover robustness has been shown to catastrophically damage energy systems. A greater general understanding is needed to be able to design modern energy systems around this unique failure process. A flashover is a disruptive discharge through air around or over the surface of insulation produced by the application of voltage wherein the breakdown path becomes sufficiently ionized to maintain an electric arc. Flashover in insulators has in the past been shown to occur at the interface between insulator, conductor and air (or some other insulating medium) and is known as the triple point. The focus of this study is on the adverse effects of flashover on thin polyester and polypropylene films cut to initial lengths and widths of 12" /spl times/ 3/4" respectively. The thickness for the polypropylene film is 7 microns while the polyester is 4.5 microns. The bulk resistance for the polypropylene film is 7/spl Omega//square inch and for polyester is 3/spl Omega//square inch. Flashover on the samples was initiated by the application of 2400 V/sub ac/. Preliminary results have shown that the thin polyester film is resistant to flashover formation and sublimates upon the application of the test voltage. However, the polypropylene was able to sustain the flashover without sublimating. Upon further investigation, the polypropylene would sustain flashover when scaled down linearly in voltage and length to a minimum of 150 V/sub ac/ and 3/4" length. Little is known of flashover basics, and this fundamental work, for the very first time, both experimentally validates and theoretically explains the behavior for a phenomenon of grave robustness concern for energy systems.
Accounting for multi‐scale spatial autocorrelation improves performance of invasive species distribution modelling (iSDM)

Aim Analyses of species distributions are complicated by various origins of spatial autocorrelation (SAC) in biogeographical data. SAC may be particularly important for invasive species distribution models (iSDMs) because biological invasions are strongly influenced by dispersal and colonization processes that typically create highly structured distribution patterns. We examined the efficacy of using a multi-scale framework to account for different origins of SAC, and compared non-spatial models with models that accounted for SAC at multiple levels. Location We modelled the spatial distribution of an invasive forest pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, in western USA. Methods We applied one conventional statistical method (generalized linear model, GLM) and one nonparametric technique (maximum entropy, Maxent) to a large dataset on P. ramorum occurrence (n = 3787) to develop four types of model that included environmental variables and that either ignored spatial context or incorporated it at a broad scale using trend surface analysis, a local scale using autocovariates, or multiple scales using spatial eigenvector mapping. We evaluated model accuracies and amounts of explained spatial structure, and examined the changes in predictive power of the environmental and spatial variables. Results Accounting for different scales of SAC significantly enhanced the predictive capability of iSDMs. Dramatic improvements were observed when fine-scale SAC was included, suggesting that local range-confining processes are important in P. ramorum spread. The importance of environmental variables was relatively consistent across all models, but the explanatory power decreased in spatial models for factors with strong spatial structure. While accounting for SAC reduced the amount of residual autocorrelation for GLM but not for Maxent, it still improved the performance of both approaches, supporting our hypothesis that dispersal and colonization processes are important factors to consider in distribution models of biological invasions. Main conclusions Spatial autocorrelation has become a paradigm in biogeography and ecological modelling. In addition to avoiding the violation of statistical assumptions, accounting for spatial patterns at multiple scales can enhance our understanding of dynamic processes that explain ecological mechanisms of invasion and improve the predictive performance of static iSDMs.