cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Exceptional Human Longevity Come with a High Cost of Infertility?: Testing the Evolutionary Theories of Aging

The purpose of this study is to test the prediction of the evolutionary theory of aging that human longevity comes with the cost of impaired reproductive success (higher infertility rates). Our validation study is based on the analysis of particularly reliable genealogical records for European aristocratic families using a logistic regression model with childlessness as a dependent (outcome) variable, and woman's life span, year of birth, age at marriage, husband's age at marriage, and husband's life span as independent (predictor) variables. We found that the woman's exceptional longevity did not increase her chances of being infertile. It appears that the previous reports by other authors of high infertility among long-lived women (up to 50% infertility) are related to incomplete data, that is, births of children not reported. Thus, the concept of the high cost of infertility for human longevity is not supported by the data when these data are carefully cross-checked, cleaned, and reanalyzed.
SMOKE PLUMES FROM IN-SITU BURNING OF CRUDE OIL

ABSTRACT Several regions in the United States have begun the process of obtaining preapproval to use in-situ burning as a remediation method for oil spills. The Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the sponsorship of the Minerals Management Service has conducted a research program to study various aspects of this problem. One result of this program has been the development of a numerical model to predict the downwind concentration of smoke particulate and other combustion products from a large oil fire. To assess the accuracy of this model, data from three sets of experimental burns have been compared to model simulations run under similar meteorological conditions. The tests are (1) the Newfoundland Offshore Burn Experiment (NOBE), August 1993; (2) the Alaska Clean Seas Burning of Emulsions, September 1994; and (3) the U.S. Coast Guard/NIST Meso-scale Burn Series, October 1994. The model compared favorably with the experiments, increasin...
Role of β‐Adrenoceptor Desensitization in Heart Failure

: Heart failure is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction associated with a complex of symptoms that relate to inadequate perfusion of tissues and pulmonary congestion. When the heart is damaged by an insult, compensatory mechanisms mediated through activation of the sympathetic nervous system are involved to stabilize myocardial performance. Although these mechanisms can sustain cardiac function for a short time, chronic activation of sympathetic activity has adverse biological effects. This review will focus on the changes that occur in the β-adrenergic receptor pathway in the failing heart and will discuss novel approaches to therapy through manipulation of this pathway.
Temperature-induced delays in prolactin-initiated second metamorphosis of the newt (Notopthalamus viridescens).

1. Placing newts at 4°C inhibits prolactin-initiated second metamorphosis (water drive). 2. After prolactin injections, newts returned from 4°C to 20°C underwent second metamorphic changes similar to prolactin injected animals held at 20°C. 3. Results are compared with temperature-delayed T3-induced metamorphosis in tadpoles.
A mechanical signal biases caste development in a social wasp

Understanding the proximate mechanisms of caste development in eusocial taxa can reveal how social species evolved from solitary ancestors. In Polistes wasps, the current paradigm holds that differential amounts of nutrition during the larval stage cause the divergence of worker and gyne (potential queen) castes. But nutrition level alone cannot explain how the first few females to be produced in a colony develop rapidly yet have small body sizes and worker phenotypes. Here, we provide evidence that a mechanical signal biases caste toward a worker phenotype. In Polistes fuscatus, the signal takes the form of antennal drumming (AD), wherein a female trills her antennae synchronously on the rims of nest cells while feeding prey-liquid to larvae. The frequency of AD occurrence is high early in the colony cycle, when larvae destined to become workers are being reared, and low late in the cycle, when gynes are being reared. Subjecting gyne-destined brood to simulated AD-frequency vibrations caused them to emerge as adults with reduced fat stores, a worker trait. This suggests that AD influences the larval developmental trajectory by inhibiting a physiological element that is necessary to trigger diapause, a gyne trait.
Ring 1 chromosome and dwarfism--a possible syndrome.

Summary A girl, age 26 months, with profound dwarfism, mental retardation, and minor congenital abnormalities was studied. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a ring 1 chromosome in all of the cells counted. The patient is so similar clinically to the one child previously reported with a ring 1 chromosome that the two patients may represent a clinical syndrome.
Renal vein renin analysis: Limitations of its use in predicting benefit from percutaneous angioplasty

Two hundred forty-four consecutive patients (mean age 61 years), including 123 who had technically valid renal vein renin (RVR) analysis and 121 without RVR data, underwent technically successful percutaneous renal artery angioplasty (PTRA). They were retrospectively examined to evaluate the utility of RVR analysis in identifying renal hypertension (RVH), predicting benefit from PTRA, and determining if the lack of knowledge of renin levels significantly affected clinical outcome after PTRA. Abnormal RVR values were associated with clinical benefit after PTRA in 62 of 93 patients (67% sensitivity, 20% specificity, 72% positive predictive value). Clinical improvement following PTRA occurred in 31 of 37 patients with normal pre-PTRA RVR values (16% negative predictive value). RVR analysis correctly identified 86 of 117 patients with renovascular hypertension (74% sensitivity, 16% negative predictive value). Improved blood pressure (BP) control occurred in 72% with abnormal RVR analysis and 66% of the 121 patients without RVR data (p>0.1). We conclude that the very low negative predictive value significantly limited the use of RVR analysis in this elderly (mean age 60 years) patient population with a high incidence of mild renal functional impairment (mean serum creatinine 1.4 mg/dl) and bilateral renal artery stenosis (38%). The lack of pre-PTRA renin data did not significantly affect clinical outcome. If RVR data were relied upon as the exclusive selection criterion in patients of this type, many would be prevented from having the benefit of cure or improvement by PTRA.
Desmoplastic melanoma: a pathologically and clinically distinct form of cutaneous melanoma.

Background Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare variant characterized by the presence of fusiform melanocytes in a sclerotic stroma. Pathologic heterogeneity within DM may account for the controversy regarding the clinical presentation and prognosis of DM compared with conventional melanoma (CM).
Copper nuclear resonance line in CuMn alloys

Abstract The effect of the Mn ion cores on the copper nuclear resonance line in CuMn alloys is investigated. Contributions to the line width and the line shape from magnetic dipolar interaction and indirect exchange coupling are calculated. Comparison is made with the experimental results of O wen , et al . If the ratio of the hyperfine structure splitting in the free atom to that in the crystal is ξ = 0.53, the exchange coupling constant A in the crystal must be about twice the free atom value to account for the observed broadening.
The influence of critical Moho Reflections on strong ground motions recorded in San Francisco and Oakland during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake

The amplitudes of strong ground motions from the Loma Prieta earthquake recorded in the San Francisco and Oakland areas exceeded the levels predicted by standard empirical attenuation relations. Preliminary analysis of accelerograms having known trigger times strongly suggests that the elevation of ground motion amplitudes in the distance range of approximately 40 to 100 km was due to critical reflections from the base of the crust. These reflections, which are identified on the basis of their arrival times and phase velocity, and by comparison with simulated accelerograms, were large and occurred at relatively close range because of the deep focal depth of the earthquake and the strong velocity gradient at the base of the crust. These motions were further amplified, presumably by impedance contrast effects, at soft soil sites in San Francisco and Oakland. The effect of the critical reflections in amplifying peak accelerations of the Loma Prieta earthquake in the San Francisco and Oakland regions was as large as the effect of soft soil site conditions. Focal depth has an important influence on strong motion attenuation at distances beyond about 40 km, and empirical attenuation relations derived from shallow crustal earthquakes may underpredict the ground motions of deeper crustal events in this distance range. Further analyses using an expanded data base that includes recordings of aftershocks are required to rigorously test the proposed explanation of the ground motions recorded in San Francisco and Oakland, and the conclusions drawn from that explanation.
How are questionnaire data similar to, and different from, thought-sampling data? Five studies manipulating retrospectiveness, single-moment focus, and indeterminacy

Results reported in the literature from thinking research are difficult to compare because the various studies differ on three independent dimensions: whether the observations are immediate or retrospective, whether the observations are targeted at measuring single moments in time or multiple moments, and whether the observations are directed at specific thought events or at characterizing thought events in general. Furthermore, questionnaire and sampling studies typically collect data on differing sets of variables. In an attempt to separate the influences of these dimensions in the thoughtsampling literature, factor-analytic techniques were applied to five studies in which subjects described their thoughts and moods on the same 42-variable rating questionnaire. Studies were designed to differentiate between factors produced using immediate versus retrospective techniques, single-moment versus multiple-moment techniques, and specific-event versus indeterminate-event techniques. Factors that had occurred in previous research called Aggressive/Bad Mood, Pleasant/Sexual, Clear Thought, Daydream/Past Sexual, Duration, and Self-Critical were found in all five studies. However, factor-loading patterns in the five studies were somewhat different, leading to the conclusions that the retrospective nature of questionnaires is likely to distort the frequency of recollections in thinking; that the indeterminate nature of retrospective questionnaires might lead to the erroneous conclusions that clarity in thinking is associated with pleasant thoughts and to a minimization in the reports of strength of negative affect; and that either the multiple-moment nature or the between-people analysis of retrospective questionnaires might lead to exaggeration of the relationship between sex and aggression in experience.
Late Cretaceous Polar Wander of the Pacific Plate: Evidence of a Rapid True Polar Wander Event

We reexamined the Late Cretaceous-early Tertiary apparent polar wander path for the Pacific plate using 27 paleomagnetic poles from seamounts dated by (40)Ar/(39)Ar geochronology. The path shows little motion from 120 to 90 million years ago (Ma), northward motion from 79 to 39 Ma, and two groups of poles separated by 16 to 21 degrees with indistinguishable mean ages of 84 +/- 2 Ma. The latter phenomenon may represent a rapid polar wander episode (3 to 10 degrees per million years) whose timing is not adequately resolved with existing data. Similar features in other polar wander paths imply that the event was a rapid shift of the spin axis relative to the mantle (true polar wander), which may have been related to global changes in plate motion, large igneous province eruptions, and a shift in magnetic field polarity state.
High-pressure studies on ferrites

High-pressure studies to 150 kbar have been made on four orthoferrites, on Ni${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, and on ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ using M\"ossbauer resonance. For the last two compounds data were obtained at both 22 and 147 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The major features observed for the four rare-earth orthoferrites include an increase in the magnetic field with pressure which can be interpreted in terms of an increase in ${T}_{c}$ with pressure, and a modest change in the quadrupole splitting, which depends on the size of the rare-earth ion. For Ni${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ the changes in the magnetic field with pressure and temperature were complex and could best be interpreted in terms of a decrease in the saturation field ${H}_{0}$ with pressure. ${H}_{0}$ decreases more rapidly for the tetrahedral than for the octahedral site. For ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, with one tetrahedral and two octahedral sites, the behavior of the magnetic field at the tetrahedral site and that of the average value for the two octahedral sites is qualitatively similar to Ni${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. At 1 atm and 22 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the isomer shifts at the two octahedral sites in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ are measurably different; however, by 40 kbar these isomer shifts become identical. At 147 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 1 atm there is a small difference in isomer shift between the two octahedral sites which disappears at modest pressure. These observations can be interpreted in terms of the rate of electron exchange between the sites.
Mechanical Properties of Fine‐Grained Substoichiomebic Titanium Carbide

An attempt was made to lower the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of polycrystalline TiC and to prevent the premature intergranular fracture noted in stoichiometric Tic at high temperatures by producing four substoichiometric compositions chosen from the single-phase TiC phase field. Each desired composition was prepared by blending and vacuum hot-pressing the appropriate mixture of Ti powder and stoichiometric TiC powder. Each billet was characterized for density, hardness, lattice parameter, and microstructure. The actual bulk compositions were determined by averaging electron probe microanalysis data collected randomly from a polished section of each billet. Specimens cut from the billets were strength-tested in four-point bending from room temperature to 1400°C and in compression from room temperature to 1200°C. A qualitative determination of the material's ductility was obtained from a load vs deflection plot and by optical microscopy of polished surfaces after deformation. Both the hardness and strength dropped with decreasing C/Ti atom ratios. Billets produced at the lower C/Ti atom ratios showed a significant deviation from linearity of the load/ deflection curve at temperatures as low as 1200°C in bending, with little or no drop in strength, and as low as 600°C in compression.
On Quality of Usage Provisioning for Electricity Scheduling in Microgrids

Microgrid is a promising component for future smart grid deployment. The balance of supply and demand of electricity is one of the most important requirements of microgrid management. In this paper, we investigate the grid stability problem from an admission control perspective, while guaranteeing the quality of usage (QoU) of local residents in a microgrid under both random electricity supply and demand. In particular, a QoU request is generated when the electricity demand exceeds the microgrid supply. The microgrid control center aims to maintain the QoU blocking probability around a target value by serving (i.e., switching to the macrogrid for extra electricity supply) or blocking QoU requests. The problem is formulated as a queue stability problem by introducing the concept of a QoU blocking virtual queue. Lyapunov optimization is then applied to derive an adaptive QoU scheduling algorithm with low complexity ${\cal O}(1)$ . Furthermore, it is an online algorithm since it does not require any future knowledge of the electricity supply and demand processes. The stability of the algorithm is proven, and its performance is evaluated with trace-driven simulations under random or nonstationary QoU requests. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy and robustness of the proposed QoU scheduling algorithm.
Government expenditures and the ex ante crowding–out effect:an examination

This paper empirically examines the ex ante crowding–out effect of government expenditures upon private consumption expenditures. Intertemporal consumption theory is used to construct a consumption function which includes the ex ante crowding-out effect. The aggregate consumption function is then derived and estimated in the context of a simultaneous equations model. The empirical results indicate that government expenditures are an explanatory variable of private consumption expenditures. Two estimates of the ex ante, crowding-out effect were generated, 9.4 and 20.4 cents. The 9.4 cent estimate is associated with each dollar of a balanced budget increase in government expenditures crowding-out a dollar of desired consumption expenditures and the 20.4 cent estimate is associated with more than a dollar's worth of crowding out for a balanced budget increase.
Recombinant adeno-associated virus vector: use for transgene expression and anterograde tract tracing in the CNS

We used a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) to deliver a foreign gene, green fluorescent protein (GFP), into mature neurons in adult rat CNS in vivo. Microinjections of AAV as small as 50 nl transduced hundreds of neurons at the injection site. There was virtually no retrograde transport as fewer than one neuron per brain was found distant from the injection site that exhibited GFP immunoreactivity. The gene product, GFP, filled the entire neuronal cytoplasmic compartment; GFP immunoreactivity was robust in cell bodies, axons, and nerve terminals. There was no tissue damage at the injection sites or pathogenicity indicated by changes in astrocytic or microglial markers. There was no inflammatory response as judged by leukocytic invasion. Gene expression in transduced cells was robust and apparently permanent: there was no evidence of phenotypic reversion up to 12 weeks following infection. AAV is an excellent vector for introducing foreign genes into mature CNS neurons. Not only might it be an ideal vehicle for gene therapy, but also the GFP-containing AAV presents a new strategy for tracing long axonal pathways in the CNS, which is difficult with current tracers (PHAL, biotinylated dextrans).
Sodium valproate decreases synaptic potentiation and epileptiform activity in hippocampus.

Abstract The actions of sodium valproate (NaVP) were studied in the in vitro hippocampus using extracellular, intracellular and voltage-clamp recording techniques. In the CA1 region, concentrations of 30–200 μM NaVP reduced the amplitude but not the time course of post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) of dendritic field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Epileptiform discharges were studied intracellularly in CA3 cells after pharmacological blockade of synaptic inhibition and repeated tetanic stimulation. NaVP (100 μM) blocked evoked paroxysmal depolarizing shift (PDS) discharges through a mechanism of increasing the threshold for burst-firing. When the PDS current was studied under voltage-clamp, application of NaVP (100 μM) resulted in a graded reduction of the PDS waveform. All of the actions of NaVP may result from inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission following repetitive cell firing. A hypothesis is proposed that NaVP may act to decrease excitatory synaptic potentiation necessary for network synchronization.
Fault Detection in Open-Loop Controlled Structures

In the past decades, various algorithms have been proposed to detect failed structural members, sensors, and actuators. Most of these works make the assumption that the fault has already been isolated to either the sensors, actuators, or the structure itself. This work provides a novel technique for system-failure detection and classification using the eigensystem realization algorithm and outlier analysis. The technique is based on the comparison of the state-space-form realizations between the current system and the healthy system. Three different failure types of a dynamic system (sensor failure, actuator failure, and structural failure) are studied and compared to determine the unique statistical characteristics of each type of failure mode. Six coefficients representing these patterns are extracted from the realizations of the current system and compared with the generalized benchmarks of the healthy system so that system failure can be diagnosed. An expert system is also developed to automate the diagnosis process. Simulations and experiments successfully validate this work.
Observations on Nickel-Free, Beryllium-Free Alloys for Fixed Prostheses

This study of two similar alloys devoid of nickel and beryllium identifies different properties and their effects on finishing and polishing procedures and the potential for active dissolution in the oral environment.
RNA interference: unraveling a mystery

Andrew Fire and Craig Mello have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for their discovery of RNA interference. Mary K. Montgomery, then a postdoc in the Fire laboratory, participated in some of the key experiments.
Xanthine oxidase-derived superoxide causes reoxygenation injury of ischemic cerebral endothelial cells

Oxygen free radicals, generated by cerebral ischemia, have been widely implicated in the damage of vascular endothelium. Endothelial cells have been proposed as a significant source of oxygen free radicals. In the present study, we developed an anoxia–reoxygenation (AX/RO) model using pure cultures of cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) isolated from piglet cortex to measure CEC oxygen free radical production and determine its role in AX/RO-induced CEC injury. CEC injury, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase efflux into the culture medium, increased progressively with the duration of anoxic exposure, becoming significant after 10 h. Reoxygenation significantly increased CEC anoxic injury in a time-dependent manner. A 55% increase in oxygen free radical production, determined by fluorescence detection of dihydroethidium oxidation, was measured at the end of 4-h reoxygenation in CECs subjected to AX/RO conditions that killed 40% of the cells. Blockade of oxygen free radical production with superoxide dismutase (SOD; 250 and 1000 U/ml) or oxypurinol (50 and 200 μM), a potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor, reduced this injury by 32–36% and 30–39%, respectively. Results from our in vitro model indicate that CECs produce significant amounts of oxygen free radicals following ischemia, primarily from the xanthine oxidase pathway. These radicals ultimately have a cytotoxic effect on the very cells that produced them. Thus, reductions in oxygen free radical-mediated vascular injury may contribute to improvements in neurophysiologic outcome following treatment with oxygen free radical inhibitors and scavengers.
Crowding Effects on Association Reactions at Membranes

The effect of macromolecular crowding on the binding of ligands to a receptor near membranes is studied using Brownian dynamics simulations. The receptor is modeled as a reactive patch on a hard surface and the ligands and crowding agents are modeled as spheres that interact via a steep repulsive interaction potential. When a ligand collides with the patch, it reacts with probability prxn. The association rate constant (k∞) can be decomposed into contributions from diffusion-limited (kD) and reaction-limited (kR) rates, i.e., 1/k∞ = 1/kD + 1/kR. The simulations show that kD is a nonmonotonic function of the volume fraction of crowding agents for receptors of small sizes. kR is always an increasing function of the volume fraction of crowding agents, and the association rate constant k∞ determined from both contributions has a qualitatively different dependence on the macromolecular crowding for high and low values of the reaction probability prxn. The simulation results are used to predict the velocity of the membrane protrusion driven by actin filament elongation. Based on the simple model where the protrusive force on the membrane is generated by the intercalation of actin monomers between the membrane and actin filament ends, we predict that crowding increases the local concentration of actin monomers near the filament ends and hence accelerates the membrane protrusion.
Microtubule reorganization during the cell cycle in synchronized BY-2 tobacco suspensions

Tobacco BY-2 suspension cultures were synchronized with aphidicolin in order to assess the relationship between microtubules (MTs), microfilaments (MFs), and the nuclear envelope (NE) at different stages of the cell cycle. Using immunofluorescence techniques, ordered MT arrays were found in the cortex in G1; few MTs are evident deeper in the cytoplasm or near the nucleus. However, MTs radiate from the surface of the nucleus during S and G2 as the interphase cortical array is replaced by the preprophase band. Perinuclear fluorescence is also visible at the end of cytokinesis but does not overlap with new ordered cortical arrays early in G1. When isolated nuclei are examined, associated MTs are again evident in S and G2, but not in G1. Microfilaments are colocalized with the MTs in the radiating arrays, as ascertained by dual staining of cells with rhodamine phalloidin. Propyzamide treatment leads to the loss of MTs at all stages, while cytoplasmic and perinuclear MF networks persist. Conversely, cytochalasin D disrupts MFs, including those radiating from the nucleus during S and G2, without any apparent effect on MTs. The results cast doubt on a proposed role for the NE in the generation of cortical MTs in plants. A universal role for MFs in the deployment of MTs is also in question.
Two-dimensional flexible nanoelectronics.

The unique electrical, mechanical and physical properties of two-dimensional materials make them attractive candidates in flexible nanoelectronic systems. Here Akinwande et al. review the literature on two-dimensional materials in flexible nanoelectronics, and highlight barriers to their full implementation.
Steric Complementarity in the Decoding Center Is Important for tRNA Selection by the Ribosome

Abstract Accurate tRNA selection by the ribosome is essential for the synthesis of functional proteins. Previous structural studies indicated that the ribosome distinguishes between cognate and near-cognate tRNAs by monitoring the geometry of the codon–anticodon helix in the decoding center using the universally conserved 16S ribosomal RNA bases G530, A1492 and A1493. These bases form hydrogen bonds with the 2′-hydroxyl groups of the codon–anticodon helix, which are expected to be disrupted with a near-cognate codon–anticodon helix. However, a recent structural study showed that G530, A1492 and A1493 form hydrogen bonds in a manner identical with that of both cognate and near-cognate codon–anticodon helices. To understand how the ribosome discriminates between cognate and near-cognate tRNAs, we made 2′-deoxynucleotide and 2′-fluoro substituted mRNAs, which disrupt the hydrogen bonds between the A site codon and G530, A1492 and A1493. Our results show that multiple 2′-deoxynucleotide substitutions in the mRNA substantially inhibit tRNA selection, whereas multiple 2′-fluoro substitutions in the mRNA have only modest effects on tRNA selection. Furthermore, the miscoding antibiotics paromomycin and streptomycin rescue the defects in tRNA selection with the multiple 2′-deoxynucleotide substituted mRNA. These results suggest that steric complementarity in the decoding center is more important than the hydrogen bonds between the A site codon and G530, A1492 and A1493 for tRNA selection.
Quantitative mr imaging assessment of prostate gland deformation before and during mr imaging-guided brachytherapy

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors performed this study to document the deformations that occur between pretreatment magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and intraoperative MR imaging during brachytherapy. Materials and Methods MR images obtained at 1.5 and 0.5 T in 10 patients with prostate cancer were analyzed for changes in the shape and substructure of the prostate. Three-dimensional models of the prostate were obtained. The authors measured anteroposterior dimension; total gland, peripheral zone, and central gland volumes; transverse dimension; and superoinferior height. Results Gland deformations were seen at visual inspection of the three-dimensional models. The anteroposterior dimension of the total gland, central gland, and peripheral zone increased from 1.5- to 0.5-T imaging (median dimension, 4.9, 1.5, and 1.8 mm, respectively), and the increase was greatest in the peripheral zone ( P P Conclusion There were significant deformations in the shape of the prostate, especially in the peripheral zone, between the two imaging studies. The likely causes of the shape change are differences in rectal filling (endorectal coil used in 1.5-T studies vs obturator in 0.5-T studies) and/or changes in patient position (supine vs lithotomy). These findings suggest that pretreatment images alone may not be reliable for accurate therapy planning. It may be useful to integrate pre- and intraoperative data.
The pleistocene cinder cones surrounding Volcán Colima, Mexico re-visited : eruption ages and volumes, oxidation states, and sulfur content

Located at the volcanic front in the western Mexican arc, in the Colima Rift, is the active Volcan Colima, which lies on the southern end of the massive (∼450 km3) Colima-Nevado volcanic complex. Along the margins of this andesitic volcanic complex, is a group of 11 scoria cones and associated lavas, which have been dated by the 40Ar/39Ar method. Nine scoria cones erupted ∼1.3 km3 of alkaline magma (basanite, leucite-basanite, minette) between 450 and 60 ka, with >99% between 240 and 60 ka. Two additional cones (both the oldest and calc-alkaline) erupted <0.003 km3 of basalt (0.5 Ma) and <0.003 km3 of basaltic andesite (1.2 Ma), respectively. Cone and lava volumes were estimated with the aid of digital elevation models (DEMs). The eruption rate for these scoria cones and their associated lavas over the last 1.2 Myr is ∼1.2 km3/Myr, which is more than 400 times smaller than that from the andesitic Colima-Nevado edifice. In addition to these alkaline Colima cones, two other potassic basalts erupted at the volcanic front, but ∼200 km to the ESE (near the historically active Volcan Jorullo), and were dated at 1.06 and 0.10 Ma. These potassic suites reflect the tendency in the west-central Mexican arc for magmas close to the volcanic front to be enriched in K2O relative to those farther from the trench.
Association Between Physical Activity and Peripheral Artery Disease and Carotid Artery Stenosis in a Self-Referred Population of 3 Million Adults

Objective—Although the relationship between physical activity and coronary heart disease is well characterized, a paucity of data exists on physical activity and vascular disease in other arterial territories. This study examined the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in association with physical activity. Approach and Results—The association between physical activity and vascular disease was examined in >3 million self-referred US participants in the United States from 2003 to 2008 who completed a medical and lifestyle questionnaire in the Life Line screening program. All subjects were evaluated by screening ankle brachial indices 50%. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to estimate odds of disease. Among 3 250 350 subjects, 63% of the population engaged in some leisure time vigorous physical activity. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking status,...
Visualization of α-Helices in a 6-Ångstrom Resolution Cryoelectron Microscopy Structure of Adenovirus Allows Refinement of Capsid Protein Assignments

The structure of adenovirus was determined to a resolution of 6 A by cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) single-particle image reconstruction. Docking of the hexon and penton base crystal structures into the cryoEM density established that α-helices of 10 or more residues are resolved as rods. A difference map was calculated by subtracting a pseudoatomic capsid from the cryoEM reconstruction. The resulting density was analyzed in terms of observed α-helices and secondary structure predictions for the additional capsid proteins that currently lack atomic resolution structures (proteins IIIa, VI, VIII, and IX). Protein IIIa, which is predicted to be highly α-helical, is assigned to a cluster of helices observed below the penton base on the inner capsid surface. Protein VI is present in ∼1.5 copies per hexon trimer and is predicted to have two long α-helices, one of which appears to lie inside the hexon cavity. Protein VIII is cleaved by the adenovirus protease into two fragments of 7.6 and 12.1 kDa, and the larger fragment is predicted to have one long α-helix, in agreement with the observed density for protein VIII on the inner capsid surface. Protein IX is predicted to have one long α-helix, which also has a strongly indicated propensity for coiled-coil formation. A region of density near the facet edge is now resolved as a four-helix bundle and is assigned to four copies of the C-terminal α-helix from protein IX.
Accurate ab initio Predictions of Ionization Energies and Heats of Formation for Cyclopropenylidene, Propargylene and Propadienylidene

The ionization energies (IEs) of cyclopropenylidene (c-C3H2), propargylene (HCCCH) and propadienylidene (H2CCC) have been computed using the CCSD(T)/CBS method, which involves the approximation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit at the coupled cluster level with single and double excitations plus quasi-perturbative triple excitation effect (CCSD(T)). The zero-point vibrational energy correction, the core-valence electronic correction, the scalar relativistic effect and the high level correction beyond the CCSD(T) excitations have also been made in these calculations. The CCSD(T)/CBS values for the IE(c-C3H2) and IE(HCCCH) of 9.164, 8.987 eV are in good agreement with the experimental values of (9.15 ± 0.03) and (8.96 ± 0.04) eV. The CCSD(T)/CBS calculations yield the IE values of 10.477 and 10.388 eV for the ionization transitions H2CCC → H2CCC+(2A1, C2v) and H2CCC → H2CCC+(2A0, Cs), respectively. On the basis of the Franck–Condon factor consideration, the IE of (10.43 ± 0.02) eV determined in the previous single-photon ionization experiment most likely corresponds to the ionization threshold for the H2CCC → H2CCC+(2A1, C2v) transition. Although the precision of the experimental IE measurements for c-C3H2, HCCCH, and H2CCC is insufficient to pin down the accuracy of the theoretical calculations to better than ±30 meV, the excellent agreement between the experimental and theoretical IE values observed in the present study indicates that the CCSD(T)/CBS calculations together with high-order correlation corrections are capable of yielding reliable IE predictions for simple hydrocarbon carbenes and bi-radicals. We have also reported the heats of formation at 0 K (ΔHof0) and 298 K (ΔHof298) for c-C3H2/c-C3H2+, HCCCH/HCCCH+, and H2CCC/H2CCC+. The available experimental ΔHof0 and ΔHof298 values for c-C3H2/c-C3H2+, HCCCH/HCCCH+ are found to be in good accord with the CCSD(T)/CBS predictions after taking into account the experimental uncertainties.
A Camera-Based Energy Relaxation Framework to Minimize Color Artifacts in a Projected Display

We introduce a technique to automatically correct color inconsistencies in a display composed of one or more digital light projectors (DLP). The method is agnostic to the source of error and can detect and address color problems from a number of sources. Examples include inter- and intra-projector color differences, display surface markings, and environmental lighting differences on the display. In contrast to methods that discover and map all colors into the greatest common color space, we minimize local color discontinuities to create color seamlessness while remaining tolerant to significant color error. The technique makes use of a commodity camera and high-dynamic range sensing to measure color gamuts at many different spatial locations. A differentiable energy function is defined that combines both a smoothness and data term. This energy function is globally minimized through the successive application of projective warps defined using gradient descent. At convergence the warps can be applied at runtime to minimize color defects in the display. The framework is demonstrated on displays that suffer from several sources of color
Probalign: multiple sequence alignment using partition function posterior probabilities

Motivation: The maximum expected accuracy optimization criterion for multiple sequence alignment uses pairwise posterior probabilities of residues to align sequences. The partition function methodology is one way of estimating these probabilities. Here, we combine these two ideas for the first time to construct maximal expected accuracy sequence alignments. Results: We bridge the two techniques within the program Probalign. Our results indicate that Probalign alignments are generally more accurate than other leading multiple sequence alignment methods (i.e. Probcons, MAFFT and MUSCLE) on the BAliBASE 3.0 protein alignment benchmark. Similarly, Probalign also outperforms these methods on the HOMSTRAD and OXBENCH benchmarks. Probalign ranks statistically highest (P-value 300 and 400, respectively. Availability: Open source code implementing Probalign as well as for producing the simulated data, and all real and simulated data are freely available from http://www.cs.njit.edu/usman/probalign Contact: usman@cs.njit.edu
Directional wind shear within an old-growth temperate rainforest: observations and model results

Abstract Observed and modeled estimates of wind speed and direction within an old growth temperate rainforest are analyzed and compared. The UCD Advanced Canopy–Atmosphere–Soil Algorithm (ACASA) predicts strong directional shear of the horizontal wind velocity within and above the canopy. The modeled shear is less during the day than at night, due to diurnal variations in buoyancy-controlled turbulent coupling. Diurnal patterns of observed wind direction shear depart from the predicted shear in the lowest 15% of the canopy (z/hc Model estimates of shear are sensitive to the vertical distribution, and the total amount, of leaf area index (LAI). Tall and/or dense vegetation, especially if concentrated high in the canopy, is associated with greater integrated ageostrophic (antitriptic) flow and directional shear than for shorter and/or less dense canopies. These results have implications for the role of vegetation type and distribution on simulated convergence patterns at the regional and synoptic scales within the surface-layer. Sensitivity analyses confirm prior findings that the pressure gradient force is largely responsible for the presence of a simulated subcanopy wind speed maximum, with the direction approaching that of the antitriptic wind in the understory given a strong pressure gradient force. Results also show that second-order diabatic processes influence the shear by affecting the amount of turbulent mixing in thermodynamically stable and unstable conditions.
Observations of Deformation and Failure Processes in Fiber-Loop Tests

When tensile forces are applied to textile structures consisting of twisted, interwoven, interlooped, or entangled fibers, local deformations will often consist of a combination of tensile, bending, lateral compression and surface shearing, and unbending modes. The static-loop test combines the first three of these deformation modes, the sliding or dynamic-loop test adds the last two modes and readily lends itself to fatigue testing. The current paper reports on observations of filament deformation and fracture incurred during both static and dynamic-loop tests in contrast to what occurs during straight tensile tests. The damage processes observed include: opening of tensile cracks at surface flaws, catastrophic tensile failure, fiber flattening, coupled shear bands due to axial compression, surface shingling due to extreme shearing, gross filament dis tortion due to ploughing, crack branching accompanied by longitudinal splitting, surface wear, abrasion, and cutting. As expected, fibers with different tensile properties exhibit different combinations of deformation and fracture modes; like wise, different modes are manifested in the same fiber when testing is conducted at room condition and in liquid nitrogen.
Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles at the Surface of Amine- and Thiol-Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Gold nanoparticles have been self-assembled at the surface of both amine- and thiol-functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in solution. The chemical functionalization of the surface of the BNNTs was achieved following ammonia plasma irradiation in order to generate amine functional groups at the surface of the BNNTs. The amine-functionalized BNNTs (AF-BNNTs) were then covalently modified by the coupling of short-chain thiol-terminated organic molecules to result in thiol-functionalized BNNTs. The functionalization of the BNNTs was characterized using XPS, FT-IR spectroscopy, and EDS, whereas the nanoparticle−nanotube assemblies were characterized using HR-TEM and EELS. This approach constitutes a basis for the preparation of highly functionalized BNNTs and their utilization as nanoscale templates for assembly and integration with other nanoscale materials.
Methodologies for mapping a Southern African girlhood in the age of Aids, by R. Moletsane, C. Mitchell, A. Smith and Chisholm

Rotterdam, Sense Publishers, 2008, xi +147 pp., $39.00 (paperback) ISBN: 9087904418 Most research in the area of girlhood studies has focused on the USA, England, Australia and Canada, and very lit...
Maximum Lifetime of Sensor Networks with Adjustable Sensing Range

In this paper, we consider the problem of maximizing the lifetime of a target-covering sensor network in which each sensor can adjust its sensing range. The network model consists of a large number of sensors with adjustable sensing ranges being deployed to monitor a set of targets. Since more than one sensor can cover a target, in order to be energy efficient, one can activate successive subsets of sensors that cover all targets. This paper addresses the problem of maximizing the total lifetime of such an activation schedule. In contrast to the approach taken by Cardei et al. (2005), our formulation directly maximizes the network lifetime rather than maximizing the number of sensor covers. We give a mathematical model of this problem using a linear program with exponential number of variables and solve this linear program using the approximation algorithm of Garg-Konemann (1998). Our experimental results on simulated data show a 4times increase in lifetime when compared with the previous approach taken by Cardei et al. (2005)
Pricing Misperception: Explaining Pricing Structure in the Cellular Service Market

The common pricing structure in the cellular service market is a three-part tariff comprising: (1) a monthly charge; (2) a number of allotted minutes – talking minutes that the monthly charge pays for; and (3) an overage charge – a per-minute price for minutes beyond the plan limit. We argue that the three-part tariff is a rational response by sophisticated carriers to consumer misperception about their cell-phone usage. In particular, the three-part tariff is advantageous to carriers, because it exacerbates the effects of consumer misperception, leading consumers to underestimate the cost of cellular service. We develop a simple model that formalizes this account. We then proceed to test our theory using a unique dataset of subscriber-level, monthly billing and usage information for 3,730 subscribers at a single wireless provider. Policy implications are discussed.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Ca2SiO4–CaZrO3 Composites

Three types of dicalcium silicate (Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4})-calcium zirconate (CaZrO{sub 3}) composites were fabricated and their microstructures correlated with their mechanical properties. In the first type, Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} was added as a minor phase. The second type consisted of a 50 vol% Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}-50 vol% CaZrO{sub 3} mixture, while in the third type, CaZrO{sub 3} constituted the minor phase. Pure CaZrO{sub 3} was also studied as a control and found to have a toughness which depended on its grain size. In composites with Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} as the minor phase, a toughness increase was observed and found to be a function of matrix grain size. The composite with the second type of microstructure had the highest toughness of about 4.0 MPa{times}m{sup 1/2}, which was about double that of the monolithic CaZrO{sub 3}. No evidence was found for transformation toughening by the orthorhombic {beta} to monoclinic {gamma} transformation in Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}. The main toughening mechanisms identified were crack deflection and crack branching. Microstructural observations indicated the existence of weak grain boundaries in CaZrO{sub 3} agglomerates as well as weak interfaces between the two phases.
B Cell Depletion Curtails CD4+ T Cell Memory and Reduces Protection against Disseminating Virus Infection

Dynamic interactions between CD4(+) T cells and B cells are needed for humoral immunity and CD4(+) T cell memory. It is not known whether B cells are needed early on to induce the formation of memory precursor cells or are needed later to sustain memory cells. In this study, primary and memory CD4(+) T cells responses were followed in wild-type mice that were depleted of mature B cells by anti-CD20 before or different times after acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. The Ab treatment led to a 1000-fold reduction in B cell number that lasted 6 wk. Primary virus-specific CD4(+) Th1 cells were generated in B cell-depleted mice; however, there was a decrease in the CD4(+)Ly6C(lo)Tbet(+) memory precursor population and a corresponding 4-fold reduction in CD4(+) memory cell number. Memory T cells showed impaired cytokine production when they formed without B cells. B cell depletion had no effect on established memory populations. During disseminating virus infection, B cell depletion led to sustained weight loss and functional exhaustion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, and prevented mice from resolving the infection. Thus, B cells contribute to the establishment and survival of memory CD4(+) T cells post-acute infection and play an essential role in immune protection against disseminating virus infection.