cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient screening of high-signal and low-background antibody pairs in the bio-bar code assay using prion protein as the target

The bio-bar code assay is an assay for ultrasensitive detection of proteins. The main technical hurdle in bio-bar code assay development is achieving a dose-dependent, reproducible signal with low background. We report on a magnetic bead ELISA screening mechanism for characterizing antibody pairs that are effective for use in the bio-bar code assay. The normal isoform of prion protein was utilized as the target protein as dozens of antibodies have been developed against it. The development of an ultrasensitive assay for the detection of the various isoforms of PrP has the potential to enable significant advances in the diagnosis and understanding of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, including transmission mechanisms, disease pathology, and potential therapeutics. With prion protein as the target, the magnetic bead ELISA identified pairs with high background and low signal in the bio-bar code assay. The magnetic bead ELISA was effective as a screening mechanism because it reduced assay time and cost and allowed for understanding of pair characteristics such as development times and signal-to-noise ratios.
NON-WKB MODELS OF THE FIRST IONIZATION POTENTIAL EFFECT: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOLAR CORONAL HEATING AND THE CORONAL HELIUM AND NEON ABUNDANCES

We revisit in more detail a model for element abundance fractionation in the solar chromosphere that gives rise to the “first ionization potential (FIP) effect” in the solar corona and wind. Elements with first ionization potential below about 10 eV, i.e., those that are predominantly ionized in the chromosphere, are enriched in the corona by a factor of 3–4. We model the propagation of Alfv´ en waves through the chromosphere using a non-WKB treatment, and evaluate the ponderomotive force associated with these waves. Under solar conditions, this is generally pointed upward in the chromosphere, and enhances the abundance of chromospheric ions in the corona. Our new approach captures the essentials of the solar coronal abundance anomalies, including the depletion of He relative to H, and also the putative depletion of Ne, recently discussed in the literature. We also argue that the FIP effect provides the strongest evidence to date for energy fluxes of Alfv´ en waves sufficient to heat the corona. However, it appears that these waves must also be generated in the corona, in order to preserve the rather regular fractionation pattern without strong variations from loop to loop observed in the solar corona and slow-speed solar wind.
Trends in Large-Scale Testing outside the United States.

Is standardized testing on the decline outside the United States? How much testing goes on internationally? What types of testing and for what purposes?
A stochastic partial differential equation with multiplicative noise

Abstract A parabolic stochastic differential equation driven by multiplicative gaussian space-time white noise is introduced, and an exact stationary two-point correlation function is derived. Equations for the higher moments, some general features of Ito partial differential equations with linear drift, and the difference between the Ito and Stratonovich interpretations are discussed.
Correlation of side-scan backscatter intensity with grain-size distribution of shelf sediments, New Jersey margin

The dependence of acoustic backscatter variations on sediment grain-size distribution is examined using a combined analysis of 95 kHz side-scan data and approx. 300 grab samples from the New Jersey margin. We show that, under well-controlled circumstances, an unprecedented degree of correlation can be obtained between backscatter intensity and mean grain size. However, backscatter is disproportionately affected by larger grain sizes. Addition of just a few extra weight percentage of the larger grain sizes (>4 mm), which in our study is typically represented by more abundant shell hash among the older sediments at greater water depths, can completely degrade this correlation.
Differentiating Bending From Folding in Origami Engineering Using Active Materials

Origami engineering — the use of origami principles in engineering applications — provides numerous opportunities to revolutionize the way we design, manufacture, assemble, and package products and devices. By combining origami principles with active materials, we can create reconfigurable products and devices that can fold and unfold on demand. In origami, the folded medium is paper, yet many engineering applications require materials with finite thickness to provide the necessary strength and stiffness to achieve the desired functionality. In such applications, it is important to distinguish between bending and folding so that we understand the differences in material behavior when actuated. In this paper, we propose definitions for bending and folding for materials used in engineering applications. The literature is reviewed in detail to provide context and support for the proposed definitions, and examples from our own research with active materials, specifically, magneto-active elastomers (MAE) and dielectric elastomers (DE), are used to illustrate the subtle, yet important, differences between bending and folding in materials with finite thickness.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Epigenomic programming contributes to the genomic drift evolution of the F-Box protein superfamily in Arabidopsis

Comparisons within expanding sequence databases have revealed a dynamic interplay among genomic and epigenomic forces in driving plant evolution. Such forces are especially obvious within the F-Box (FBX) superfamily, one of the largest and most polymorphic gene families in land plants, where its frequent lineage-specific expansions and contractions provide an excellent model to assess how genetic variation impacted gene function before and after speciation. Previous phylogenetic comparisons based on orthology, diversity, and expression patterns identified three plant FBX groups—Common, Lineage-Specific, and Pseudo(genized)—whose emergences are consistent with genomic drift evolution. Here, we examined this variance within Arabidopsis thaliana by evaluating SNPs for all 877 FBX loci from 432 naturally occurring accessions and their relationships to variations in natural selection, expression, and DNA/histone methylation. In line with their phenotypic importance, Common FBX loci have low polymorphism but high deleterious mutation rates indicative of stringent functional constraints. In contrast, the Lineage-Specific and Pseudo groups are enriched in genes with basal expression and higher SNP density and more correlated with methylation marks (RNA-directed DNA methylation and histone H3K27 trimethylation) that promote transcriptional silencing. Taken together, we propose that reversible epigenomic modifications helped shape FBX gene evolution by transcriptionally suppressing the adverse effects of gene dosage imbalance and harmful FBX alleles that arise during genomic drift, while simultaneously allowing innovations to emerge through epigenomic reprogramming.
Molecular biology: A second layer of information in RNA

Three studies have characterized the full complement of RNA folding in cells. They find large numbers of secondary structures in RNA, some of which may have functional consequences for the cell. See Letters p.696 , p.701 & p.706 Being single-stranded, RNA can adopt a diversity of secondary structures via inter- and intramolecular base-pairing. Three studies published in this issue of Nature provide an in-depth view of the variety, dynamics and functional influence of RNA structures in vivo. Sarah Assmann and colleagues map the in vivo RNA structure of over 10,000 transcripts in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Their struc-seq (structure-seqence) approach incorporates in vivo chemical (DMS) probing and next-generation sequencing to provide single-nucleotide resolution on a genome-wide scale. Distinct patterns of structure are found to be correlated with coding regions, splice sites and polyadenylation sites. Comparison of these results with those obtained by earlier technologies reveals that, although predictions for some classes of genes were fairly accurate, others, such as those involved in stress response, were poorly predicted and may reflect changes that made them more adapted to that condition. Jonathan Weissman and colleagues have also developed a DMS-seq method to globally monitor RNA structure to single-nucleotide precision in yeast and mammalian cells. Comparing their findings with in vitro data, the authors conclude that there is less structure within cells than expected. Even thermostable RNA structures can be denatured in cells, highlighting the importance of cellular processes in regulating RNA structure. Howard Chang and colleagues asked a different question: how does RNA secondary structure change on a transcriptome-wide level in related individuals? By calculating the RNA secondary structures of two parents and their child, they find that about 15% of transcribed single-nucleotide variants affect local secondary structure. These 'RiboSNitches' are depleted in certain locations, suggesting that a particular RNA structure at that site is important. This study illustrates that there is much to be learned about how changes in RNA structure, particularly as imparted by genetic variation, can alter gene expression.
Laser conservation paleontology

Just as lasers have found countless applications in science, industry, medicine, and entertainment, an array of real and potential uses for lasers in art-conservation analytes and practice have been investigated over the past thirty years. These include holographic recording, holographic recording, holographic nondestructive testing, laser-induced ultrasonic imaging, laser-scattering surface characterization, atomic and molecular analyses, photoacoustic spectroscopy, surface modification, as well as surface divestment and cleaning. The initial endeavors in exploring and assessing the utility of these tools for art conservation are recounted for investigations involving ruby, glass, ion, YAG, carbon dioxide, dye, and excimer lasers as well as high-intensity nonlaser light generators such as xenon flashlamps and argon pinchlamps. Initially, laser divestment/cleaning was, by general consensus, the least plausible laser application in art conservation. In the past ten years it has emerged to dominate all the other applications noted above. Today, at least a dozen firms supply user-friendly laser systems optimized for a range of art-conservation divestment applications. The first-generation laser-cleaning tools are essentially a laser, a beam-delivery device, and a debris- collection accessory. Advanced developmental work has turned in large measure to ancillary subsystems for more sophisticated process control. Of particular importance are acoustic, optical, spectral, EMP, and electronic-vision process control. Beam direction may be via manual, translational-scanner, or robotic beam positioning implemented by means of fiber optics, minors, or prisms and computer control. Substrate thermal alteration and debris redeposition may be minimized or avoided through the incorporation of a gas jet, fluid or fluid jet, or dry-ice blast.
Raman scattering and perturbed phonons in KCl: KH and KCl: KD. Experiments

The doping of KCl with substitutional ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions has been extended from the usual low-concentration "$U$-center" range (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ mole ratio) into the ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ range. This high${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ concentration has made possible Raman measurements of two effects, which so far were not accessible: (1) The ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ defect-induced one-phonon spectrum (0-150 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) which in various scattering geometries displays the coupling of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion to perturbed phonons of ${A}_{1g}$, ${E}_{g}$, and ${T}_{2g}$ symmetries. (2) A new combination process of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ or ${\mathrm{D}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ local mode with lattice phonons, appearing in the parallel scattering geometry as a broad spectrum around 600 and 430 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, respectively. Besides these new effects, the second harmonic of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ local mode near 1000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (${\mathrm{D}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ near 700 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) is observed, split into three components of ${A}_{1g}$, ${E}_{g}$, and ${T}_{2g}$ symmetry, similar to those measured previously for KI: KH and KBr: KH. All three Raman responses scale with the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ doping for low concentrations, but display at high doping levels marked changes due to ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$-${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ interaction. A theoretical treatment of these results is planned to be presented in a separate paper.
Resistance of 12 rose genotypes to 14 isolates of Diplocarpon rosae Wolf (rose blackspot) collected from eastern North America

Blackspot disease, caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae Wolf, is the most serious disease problem of roses worldwide. From a breeding perspective, the documented occurrence of races in the pathosystem necessitates the characterization of the race structure for the pathogen, identification of resistance genes in rose germplasm, and determination of the nature of genetic resistance to breed stably resistant rose cultivars. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity of eastern North American races of D. rosae and to simultaneously determine the degree to which partial resistances existed in rose hosts. Twelve rose genotypes were inoculated with 14 single-conidial isolates collected from eastern North America. Three distinct D. rosae races were identified based on presence/absence of infection in the differential array. There were five distinct reaction patterns across pathogen isolates among the 12 rose genotypes. The partial resistance components of leaf area with symptoms, lesion length and incubation period were evaluated for all inoculated plants. Variation for expression of partial resistance was noted, and partial resistance appears to behave in a race-specific manner for some rose genotypes. Early defoliation differed between genotypes and may prove to be another component of partial resistance.
Laboratory-Infected Ehrlichia chaffeensis Female Adult Amblyomma americanum Salivary Glands Reveal Differential Gene Expression

ABSTRACT Ticks are efficient ectoparasites that are able to steal blood, a rich source of nutrients, from their vertebrate hosts. The nymphal developmental stage of ticks plays an important role for pathogen transmission to human and other animal hosts. In this article, we describe a bloodmeal-based sex differentiation tool to generate adult female ticks infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis to investigate vector-pathogen interactions (functional genomics and gene expression studies). We demonstrate that there is a correlation between the uptake of blood during nymph attachment and the molting into male or female adult ticks. The data obtained from the bloodmeal experiments suggest that nymphs that molt into females presumably imbibe more blood than those that become male during the nymphal stage. The natural low E. chaffeensis infection rate in female adult Amblyomma americanum (L.) is a major limiting factor to investigate Ehrlichia-Amblyomma interactions. To generate Ehrlichia-infected female adult ticks...
Wittgenstein's Grammatical Propositions as Linguistic Exemplars: A Refutation of Katz's Semantic Platonism

L'A. s'interroge sur les propositions grammaticales que Wittgenstein entend comme etant des exemples linguistiques. Il s'agit de refuter le platonisme semantique defendu par Jerold Katz dans son ouvrage The metaphysics of meaning, et ce en se fondant sur les theses defendues par Wittgentstein et qui s'opposent a celles du realisme platonicien en matiere de langage et de verite. L'argumentation de l'A. repose sur le fait que le fonctionnement de paradigmes en tant qu'ils sont exemples joue un role essentiel a l'interieur de la semantique de notre langage
Development of a linear scanning-force microscope for x-ray Gabor hologram readout

Recent work in Gabor x-ray holography has had a resolution limit imposed by the method used to extract the hologram information form the photoresist recording medium. In our case, we believe spiral distortions in the transmission electron microscope used for hologram readout limit resolution to 56 nm. To overcome this limitation we are building a scanning force microscope with a linear scanning stage offering < 20 nm resolution over a (70 micrometers X 70 micrometers ) field and a field linearity of 1 part in 10,000. A field linearity yielding one half or less pixel registration error across the scan is desirable so that the resulting hologram reconstruction is not significantly degraded. This desire for a large and linear scanning field necessitated designing our own stage since these conditions could not be met commercially. It is our goal to use this microscope to achieve higher resolution in reconstructed holograms. In addition, it should offer a means to explore at a macromolecular level the resolution limit of resists, such as PMMA. In this report we describe the technical strategy employed to meet these specifications.
NASA active in Mount St. Helens assessment

Ever since the May 18 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been working closely with scientists from universities and government agencies to assess the impact of the explosive geologic event. Instrument-laden NASA aircraft, balloons, and spacecraft all have contributed important data. Mount St. Helens is undoubtedly the best documented volcanic eruption in history. Shortly after the eruption began, a high-flying U-2 aircraft from NASA's Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California, was dispatched to sample the air within 185 km (100 miles) of the volcano. Back on the ground, scientists working with NASA's Aerosol Climatic Effects Program used the data that was collected on particulate matter to study the potential climatic effects of the ash blown into the upper reaches of the atmosphere by the violent explosion. Repeated U-2 flights, days after the eruption, continued to track the volcanic dust cloud and to photograph the devastation wrought upon the mountain by its self-destructive blast.
The quantification and analysis of information used in decision processes

Abstract If information science is to be considered a “science” in the true sense of the word, there is a clear need for the development of a set of general concepts and analytical expressions regarding the flow of information in any situation for which information serves as a resource. This paper discusses quantitative aspects of a theory leading to the development of such a pragmatic information theory . At the heart of a theory of pragmatic information is the measure of information contained in a set of data. At the pragmatic level, information has value to the extent that it is useful as a resource for purposeful activity. The primary “purposeful activity” in life is decision-making. Hence, information and decision-making are inextricably tied together; in fact, information is data of value in decision-making . In this paper, we discuss quantitatively a very general decision model which provides a formal and comprehensive representation of uncertainty in decision-making. Other decision models presented in the literature assume away a considerable and important portion of the uncertainty that exists in decision-making. This model is then used as a framework for examining the role of information in decision-making in a way that is also formal and comprehensive. Hence, the decision model suggested facilitates a meaningful analysis of information; this analysis culminates in the development of a measure of the value of the pragmatic information contained in a set of data.
Tetrahedral versus square planar arrangement of cyclopentadienyl ligands in bimetallic organosamarium complexes. X-ray crystal structure of [(C5H4Me)2(THF)Sm(μ-Cl)]2

The effects of cyclopentadienyl ring size on the geometry of bimetallic organosamarium complexes have been studied by comparing the X-ray crystal structure of [(C5H4Me)2(THF)Sm(μ-Cl)]2, prepared from KC5H4Me and SmCl3 in THF, with C5Me5 analogs. The complex crystallizes from THF at −30°C in space group Pbcn with a = 20.312(5), b = 9.626(2), c = 16.225(3) A, V = 3172.5(12) A3 and Dcalc = 1.74 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Least-squares refinement of the model based on 1759 reflections [|Fo| > 2.0σ(|Fo|)] converged to a final RF = 5.0%. The complex adopts a geometry which has a molecular two-fold rotation axis perpendicular to the Sm2Cl2 plane and a crystallographic inversion center. Hence, both methyl groups of each (C5H4Me)2Sm unit are located on the side opposite of the THF ligands, which are trans to each other, and the four C5H4Me ring centroids define a square plane. The SmCl distances are 2.759(3) and 2.819(3) A.
Public libraries and adult literacy in Nigeria

This paper centres on efforts the public libraries are making to enhance adult literacy in Nigeria. The mass literacy campaigns that have been embarked upon by the Federal Government of Nigeria so far are highlighted. The place of public libraries in advancement of adult literacy as well as the various efforts the public libraries have been making to promote literacy of adults are presented. It concludes by making recommendations that can help the public libraries to improve their services.
Effects of phase-shifting error upon the self-referencing interferometer wavefront sensor

A few years ago the Air Force Research Laboratory developed a Self-Referencing Interferometer (SRI) wavefront sensor (WFS) that is able to accurately detect the magnitude and phase of propagating electromagnetic waves in a strong scintillation environment. This proved to be very useful in applications of adaptive optics when detecting light or transmitting laser beams through moderate to high turbulence. The SRI operates by interfering a beacon beam, which has been aberrated by atmospheric turbulence, with a reference beam having a known phase and detecting the intensity of the interference pattern. The phase of the beacon is then determined from those interference patterns. At least three different phases of a reference beam are needed to accurately determine the phase on the beacon beam, but four are preferable. These phases shift the reference beam by 0, π/2, π, and 3π/2. In this paper we examine the effects of phase shift errors. Our method can be extrapolated to any WFS utilizing the Carre algorithm with π/2 phase steps. These results show that the SRI is amazingly tolerable to phase shifting errors, specifically that an adaptive optic loop still closes even with a phase error 'epsilon' of nearly ±π/2. Even more unexpected, it is possible to increase Strehl over the nominally aligned system by as much as 11% in closed loop operation when phase errors are purposefully induced.
Attention precuing and Simon effects: A test of the attention-coding account of the Simon effect

Simon effects refer to the finding that choice-response latencies to a nonspatial aspect of a stimulus vary depending on the spatial correspondence between the stimulus position and the position of the correct response alternative. Recently, researchers have proposed an attention-coding account of Simon effects whereby the (irrelevant) stimulus spatial code involved in the generation of the effect is formed in the process of attentional orienting to the stimulus. This account predicts that if attentional orienting is unnecessary at stimulus onset, as when the stimulus appears at an attended location, Simon effects will not be observed. This prediction was tested by measurement of Simon effects in an attention-precuing task in which the stimulus was presented at attended and unattended locations. Significant Simon effects were observed independently of the focus of attention. This result was obtained over a large range of precue-target SOAs, and did not depend on whether central or peripheral precues were used to direct attention or on whether the relevant target dimension was color or form. Significant Simon effects were not observed when the precue-target SOA was 50 ms, irrespective of the other precue and task conditions. The data do not support the prediction of the attention-coding account and thus question the generality of the account in its current form. It is suggested that spatial and temporal uncertainties are important factors that influence the pattern of results, and that these factors must be incorporated into attention-coding models of the Simon effect.
Patterns of mineral transformations in clay gouge, with examples from low-angle normal fault rocks in the western USA

Abstract Neoformed minerals in shallow fault rocks are increasingly recognized as key to the behavior of faults in the elasto-frictional regime, but neither the conditions nor the processes which wall-rock is transformed into clay minerals are well understood. Yet, understanding of these mineral transformations is required to predict the mechanical and seismogenic behavior of faults. We therefore present a systematic study of clay gouge mineralogy from 30 outcrops of 17 low-angle normal faults (LANF's) in the American Cordillera to demonstrate the range and type of clay transformations in natural fault gouges. The sampled faults juxtapose a wide and representative range of wall rock types, including sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks under shallow-crustal conditions. Clay mineral transformations were observed in all but one of 28 faults; one fault contains only mechanically derived clay-rich gouge, which formed entirely by cataclasis. Clay mineral transformations observed in gouges show four general patterns: 1) growth of authigenic 1M d illite, either by transformation of fragmental 2M 1 illite or muscovite, or growth after the dissolution of K-feldspar. Illitization of fragmental illite–smectite is observed in LANF gouges, but is less common than reported from faults with sedimentary wall rocks; 2) ‘retrograde diagenesis’ of an early mechanically derived chlorite-rich gouge to authigenic chlorite–smectite and saponite (Mg-rich tri-octahedral smectite); 3) reaction of mechanically derived chlorite-rich gouges with Mg-rich fluids at low temperatures (50–150 °C) to produce localized lenses of one of two assemblages: sepiolite + saponite + talc + lizardite or palygorskite +/− chlorite +/− quartz; and 4) growth of authigenic di-octahedral smectite from alteration of acidic volcanic wall rocks. These transformation groups are consistent with patterns observed in fault rocks elsewhere. The main controls for the type of neoformed clay in gouge appear to be wall-rock chemistry and fluid chemistry, and temperatures in the range of 60–180 °C.
THE EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN ON THE COURSE OF NEPHROTOXIC NEPHRITIS IN RATS

Acute nephritis of medium severity, affecting both glomeruli and tubules, was produced in rats by injections of anti-rat-kidney serum, given on 3 consecutive days. The course of the nephritis was markedly influenced by the type of diet which was fed. Rats tended to recover promptly from the induced nephritis when a low protein-high carbohydrate diet was given. On the other hand, in nephritic rats maintained on a medium protein diet the nephritis almost invariably became chronic and half the animals died of renal insufficiency during the 10½ months of observation. Finally none of the rats which received a high protein-low carbohydrate diet recovered from the acute renal injury; all developed chronic progressive nephritis and the majority died of renal failure after some months.
Magnetic Mn-Doped Ge Nanostructures

With the seemly limit of scaling on CMOS microelectronics fast approaching, spintronics has received enormous attention as it promises next-generation nanometric magnetoelectronic devices; particularly, the electric field control of ferromagnetic transition in dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) systems offers the magnetoelectronic devices a potential for low power consumption and low variability. Special attention has been given to technologically important group IV semiconductor based DMSs, with a prominent position for Mn doped Ge. In this paper, we will first review the current theoretical understanding on the ferromagnetism in MnxGe1−x DMS, pointing out the possible physics models underlying the complicated ferromagnetic behavior of MnxGe1−x. Then we carry out detailed analysis of MnxGe1−x thin films and nanostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy. We show that with zero and one dimension quantum structures, superior magnetic properties of MnxGe1−x compared with bulk films can be obtained. More importantly, with MnxGe1−x nanostructures, such as quantum dots, we demonstrate a field controlled ferromagnetism up to 100 K. Finally we provide a prospective of the future development of ferromagnetic field effect transistors and magnetic tunneling junctions/memories using dilute and metallic MnxGe1−x dots, respectively. We also point out the bottleneck problems in these fields and rendering possible solutions to realize practical spintronic devices.
Musical experience and dementia. Hypothesis

Background and aims: Cognitively stimulating activities appear to protect against the development of dementing illness — playing a musical instrument may be one of these activities. Consistent with this notion, the aim of this study was to explore the hypothesis that dementia might be less common among orchestral musicians. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 23 older orchestral musicians who were former members of a single orchestra was carried out. Prior musical background, family history, and health history were obtained. A cognitive screen was administered in person or by telephone. Musicians were also queried regarding their awareness of living former orchestral colleagues with dementia. Results: The mean age of participants was 76.9±6.8 (SD). No participant was aware of a living former or current orchestral member with either reported or suspected dementia. Conclusions: The results are consistent with the hypothesis that dementing illness may be less among orchestral musicians — possibly from a lifetime engaged in a cognitively stimulating endeavor.
Simultaneous Oxidation and Reduction of Diphenyl Picrylhydrazyl on Surfaces : Evidence for Catalytic Activity of F-centres

WE have recently found that diphenyl picrylhydrazyl undergoes intermolecular oxidation and reduction quite rapidly on carbon black (Cabot: ‘Carbolac 2’) and on a high area TiO2 (anatase) which has almost a monolayer of sulphuric acid on its surface.
Cyanobacteria — a neglected component of biodiversity: patterns of species diversity in inland marshes of northern Belize (Central America)

Cyanobacterial mats, widely distributed in the inland alkaline marshes of northern Belize and other regions in the Caribbean, are not only important and functionally complex components of these habitats, but they are alsosignificant reservoirs of biological diversity. Highly diverse and (relatively) isolated marshes have provided conditions suitable for cyanoprokaryotic organisms and conditioned the adaptation and stabilization of numerous specialized eco- and morphotypes. Species richness of cyanobacteria assemblages follows the conductivity gradient and is highest in the marshes of medium conductivity (c. 1000-2000 μS cm - 1 ) and decreases at low ( 3000 μS cm - 1 ) conductivities. This ecologically unique cyanobacterial microflora is very sensitive to nutrient enrichment, both directly and indirectly through shading by expanding macrophytes. Species richness of cyanobacterial assemblages decreases dramatically as a result of eutrophication. Similar cyanobacterial communities are widely distributed in limestone-based areas of Florida, Central America and Caribbean but none of them is currently under any legal protection status. The purpose of this paper is to bring attention to an ecologically important group of organisms that have traditionally not been considered in species diversity evaluations or conservation efforts.
Site-specific induction and repair of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide DNA damage in human H-ras protooncogene as revealed by restriction cleavage inhibition

Abstract Most genotoxic DNA base modifications localized at key genomic sequences constitute the molecular alterations crucial for mutagenesis and tumorigenesis. We have utilized lesion-rendered inhibition of restriction endonuclease cleavage for the analysis of site-specific DNA damage induced by (±)-7,8-dihydroxy- anti -9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ a ]pyrene (benzo[ a ]pyrene diol epoxide, anti -BPDE) in human genes. The H- ras protooncogene and insulin gene sequences were used as targets for modification in vitro and in vivo. Selective induction of individual facultative bands, resulting from covalent modification of the cognate recognition sites, was observed in modified plasmid DNA for a number of restriction nucleases. The ras gene-specific damage, at the Pst I, Bst YI, Not I and Bst EII recognition sites, was visualized and quantitated in human genomic DNA adducted by anti -BPDE. Repair of lesions at hexanucleotide sequences and/or regions surrounding the restriction site, was assessed as a gradual disappearance of facultative bands in DNA from repair-proficient human fibroblasts exposed to the carcinogen in confluent culture. Efficiency of the Pst I site-specific repair was compared at low and high levels of initial damage. Higher genotoxic dose caused a decrease in the extent of adduct removal from the bulk DNA, while the specific site of the ras gene was still subject to fast repair. No measurable Pst I site-specific repair was detected in the insulin gene. These results show the region-selective induction of bulky anti -BPDE DNA damage in non-related genomic targets and suggest that repair of these lesions in human cells proceeds with the efficiency tightly controlled at different levels of initial genotoxic load.
Nonadiabatic calculations for tdμ relevant for muon catalyzed fusion

Due to the mass effect, muonic molecular ions are about 200 times smaller than their electronic counterparts. The proximity of the nuclei in the td{mu} ion results in fusion taking place within a picosecond. The properties of this ion are central to understanding the phenomenon of muon catalysis. The authors developed a computational method of solving the nonadiabatic Schroedinger equation for the bound and resonance states of td{mu} and its isotopic analogues. The method takes into account both the Coulomb interactions and the strong nuclear forces responsible for the fusion reaction. The wave functions obtained from this method were used to predict very accurately branching ratios and transition rates relevant for various stages of the muon catalytic cycle. Knowledge of these quantities will guide the experiments and help to answer the question of feasibility of net energy production via muon catalysis.
Youth Activism and Resistance in Contemporary Times

Since the student movements of the 1960s and 1970s, there has been little discussion in scholarly research regarding youth activism and resistance, as most of what has been written has conceptualized youth resistance solely in cultural terms (Garrison 2000; Kearney 1998). In the last 40 years, much of the literature on youth and politics has focused on issues of civic and political engagement, demonstrating there has been a decline in civic membership and political engagement (Putnam 2001). More recently, scholars have critiqued these findings suggesting that engagement is not on the decline, but rather has changed forms and should be reconceptualized (Nehring 1993). These scholars suggest broader definitions of political engagement that incorporate a variety of actions, beyond simply measuring voting behavior or petition signing (Dalton 2008; Earl et al. 2010; Galston 2001). Given the recent surge in youth activism globally—such as the recent protests in Wall Street, Greece, Spain, Tunisia and Chile—it is necessary that we revisit the dynamics of youth activism. Both Hava Rachel Gordon’s We Fight to Win: Inequality and the Politics of Youth and Springtime: The New Student Rebellions edited by Clare Solomon and Tania Palmieri address the gap in existing literature by bringing youth activism to the forefront. We Fight to Win, focusing on high school activists, demonstrates the importance of not only considering the obstacles faced by teenage activists as distinct from adults, but also how the struggles vary within youth activists based on race, ethnicity, class, and gender. In this way, Gordon highlights the heterogeneity of youth activism through the voices of the activists themselves, which has often been ignored in most social movement literature. Similarly, Springtime, focused on college students, provides a Qual Sociol (2012) 35:109–111 DOI 10.1007/s11133-011-9214-0
Speciation via habitat specialization: the evolution of reproductive isolation as a correlated character

A diverse group of theoretical and empirical studies are integrated into a composite model of sympatric speciation via habitat specialization. It is shown that disruptive selection on a continuous distribution of habitat preference can lead to the evolution of prezygotic reproductive isolation as a correlated character. The form of selection eliminates the major theoretical objections to the process of sympatric speciation. The principal difference between this model and the allopatric model of speciation is that the initial barrier to gene flow between subpopulations is produced by the evolution of gaps in the phenotypic distribution of spatial/temporal habitat use, rather than an extrinsic geographical barrier.
Experimental designs for mixture systems with multicomponent constraints

In an earlier paper it was recommended that an experimental design for the study of a mixture system in which the components had lower and upper limits should consist of a subset of the vertices and centroids of the region defined by the limitson the components. This paper extends this methodology to the situation where linear combinations of two or more components (e.g., liquid content=x3+x4+≦0.35) are subject to lower and upper constraints. The CONSIM algorithm, developed by R. E. Wheeler, is recommended for computing the vertices of the resulting experimental region. Procedures for developing linear and quadratic mixture model designs are discussed. A five-component example which has two multiple-component constraints is included to illustrate the proposed methods of mixture experimentation.
Proximal focal femoral deficiency: evaluation by MR imaging

Proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by abnormal development of the proximal femur. The most common radiographic classification (Aitken) does not evaluate the cartilaginous and soft-tissue abnormalities. To demonstrate MR findings of PFFD focusing on features not seen with radiographs. Nine MR examinations of the hip and femurs of seven children with PFFD were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed comparing the affected limb to the contralateral limb and age-matched controls. The children were classified via the Aitken classification. All children had at least mild acetabular dysplasia, and one type D patient had no acetabulum. MR demonstrated that 4/6 children had labral hypertrophy with a decreased distance from the greater trochanter to the acetabular rim, suggesting impingement (P < 0.05). The proximal femoral physis was abnormal in all cases. The connection between the femoral head and shaft if present was fibrous or fibrocartilaginous. MRI can help in evaluation of PFFD by defining the anatomy. MR demonstrates features of the acetabulum and cartilaginous femoral epiphysis and depicts ligamentous abnormalities of the knee.
Octahedral Pt2CuNi Uniform Alloy Nanoparticle Catalyst with High Activity and Promising Stability for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Development of a highly active and stable electrocatalyst is of great significance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) research. Although octahedral Pt–Ni nanoparticle catalysts have attracted much interest because of their high activity, their poor stability raises a severe issue for real applications. We achieve both outstanding ORR activity and much improved catalyst stability by preparing octahedral Pt2CuNi alloy nanoparticles with uniform element distribution, with the activity far exceeding the DOE target and the stability comparable to that of state-of-the-art Pt/C. The improved stability is attributed to uniform elemental distribution within the ternary particles, which helps with formation of intact Pt surface layers and good retention of the octahedral morphology.
Metallothionein Detoxification Function Is Impaired by Replacement of Both Conserved Lysines with Glutamines in the Hinge between the Two Domains

Mammalian metallothioneins (MTs) possess eight highly conserved lysine residues, two of which constitute the hinge between two metal binding domains. By site-directed mutagenesis and recombinant DNA techniques, we replaced the interdomain lysines in Chinese hamster ovary MT2 with all possible combinations of glutamic acid and/or glutamine. The resultant MTs were expressed and assayed for detoxification function in a transformed yeast system. Results showed that these mutant MTs, like the native protein, bound seven atoms of divalent metal per molecule and conferred cadmium resistance to a metal-sensitive yeast host. Replacement of one or both of the lysines in the interdomain region was inconsequential to the structure and function of MT, unless both substituted residues were uncharged. When both lysines were replaced by glutamine (K30,31Q), a reduction in the ability of MT to protect yeast transformants against otherwise toxic levels of cadmium was observed. This diminished metal detoxification capacity was due to a decrease in the steady-state level of MT. These results suggest that at least one charged amino acid must be present in the hinge for the proper expression of MT.
Artificial respiration in the dog by percutaneous, bilateral, phrenic nerve stimulation

Artificial respiration was produced in 11 anesthetized dogs using trains of short duration stimuli (1 msec with a frequency of 35/sec), applied to needle electrodes placed bilaterally at the base of the neck. The tips of the needles were in close proximity to the phrenic nerves. In all cases, the inspired volume increased with an increase in stimulus intensity. Typically, it required 5 to 10 volts (peak) to produce an inspired volume equal to spontaneous tidal volume. The maximum inspired volumes ranged from 1.27 to 4.31 times the tidal volume.
Design and application of controlled low strength materials as a structural fill

Abstract Controlled low strength materials (CLSM) are flowable and self-compacting construction materials that have been used in a wide variety of applications. This paper describes design of an optimized CLSM mixture that was used as a structural fill for construction of a bridge abutment. The main performance criteria for selection of a potential CLSM mixture were compressive strength to support the bridge loads, excavatability and flowability to fill the entire abutment in one continuous pour. Several CLSM mixtures were developed and tested in the laboratory for engineering properties including flowability, density, compressive strength and stress–strain behavior. Since it was a critical area of concern in design of the CLSM bridge abutment, the bond strength performance of the CLSM to steel anchors was also investigated. In pullout tests, a CLSM mixture with higher compressive strength resulted in higher bond strength and more brittle slippage. A numerical simulation of pullout tests indicated that the bond strength decreases with increase in bar size and embedment length.
Pride and Prejudice: The Tale Told by Lady Catherine's House

(2008). Pride and Prejudice: The Tale Told by Lady Catherine's House. The Explicator: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 66-70.
Effects of drying temperature on barrier and mechanical properties of cold-water fish gelatin films

Fish gelatin films made from Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Alaska pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) were dried at 4 °C, 23 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C. The tensile, thermal, thermal stability, water sorption, and water vapor permeability properties were examined for cold-cast gelatin films (dried below gelation temperature at 4 °C) and hot-cast gelatin films (dried above gelation temperature at the higher temperatures). Cold-cast gelatin films retained helical-structured gelatin, whereas hot-cast gelatin films were amorphous. This resulted in cold-cast gelatin films having higher tensile strength and percent elongation values than hot-cast gelatin films. Also, water sorption isotherms indicated cold-cast gelatin films had higher equilibrium moisture contents than hot-cast gelatin films, except at low and high relative humidity. In addition, cold-cast gelatin films had water vapor permeability values two to three times higher than those of hot-cast gelatin films. The higher water vapor permeability values might in part be due to higher moisture contents found in cold-cast gelatin films.
Effects of the hormone therapy, drospirenone and 17-beta estradiol, on early morning blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension

Drospirenone (DRSP), is a unique progestin with antimineralocorticoid activity that has been combined with 17-beta estradiol (E2) for the treatment of symptoms of the menopause in women with hypertension. We assessed the effects of DRSP/E2, E2 alone, and placebo on early morning systolic blood pressure (BP) as well as the rate of rise in systolic BP in 748 postmenopausal women with stage 1 and 2 hypertension at baseline and after 8 weeks of double-blind therapy. Patient characteristics (mean age, 56.5 years, 73% to 77% Caucasian; 13% to 17% African-American) and the clinic (152/95 mm Hg) and 24-hour BP (139/83 mm Hg) measurements were similar at baseline. The early morning systolic BP was reduced significantly on DRSP at 3 mg, 2 mg, and 1 mg with E2 compared with placebo, while E2 alone was similar to placebo. The reductions in early morning systolic BP were larger with increasing dose. Changes in the rate of rise in systolic BP between the lowest values during sleep and following a plateau period post-awakening was significant for the 3 mg DRSP group. In conclusion, DRSP/E2 induced significant reductions in early morning systolic BP in post-menopausal women. This attribute could play a potential role in reducing some of the untoward cardiac and cerebrovascular events that have been observed in studies of other progestins/estrogens in postmenopausal women.
Improvements in the measurement of distillation curves. 3. Application to gasoline and gasoline + methanol mixtures

In previous work, several significant improvements in the measurement of distillation curves for complex fluids were introduced. The modifications to the classical measurement provide for (1) temperature and volume measurements of low uncertainty, (2) temperature control based upon fluid behavior, and, most important, (3) a composition-explicit data channel in addition to the usual temperature−volume relationship. This latter modification is achieved with a new sampling approach that allows precise qualitative as well as quantitative analyses of each fraction, on the fly. Moreover, as part of the improved approach, the distillation temperature is measured in two locations. The temperature is measured in the usual location, at the bottom of the takeoff in the distillation head, but it is also measured directly in the fluid. The measurement in the fluid is a valid equilibrium thermodynamic state point that can be theoretically explained and modeled. The usual temperature measurement location (in the head) p...