cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ozone enhancement in western US wildfire plumes at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory: The role of NOx

Abstract We looked at 19 wildfire events that were observed in the summers of 2012 and 2013 at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory (MBO, 2.7 km a.s.l.), a mountaintop site located in central Oregon. We identified wildfire plumes using enhancement ratios (Δ Y /Δ X ), which we calculated for each plume by taking the Reduced Major Axis linear regression slope of various species. We reported the calculated enhancement ratios and explored their relationship with ozone production. We observed a negative correlation between ΔO 3 /ΔCO and ΔNO x /ΔNO y ( r = −0.72). This showed that the degree of NO x oxidation is a key predictor of ozone production. The highest ΔNO x /ΔNO y (0.57 pptv/pptv) was associated with ozone loss (ozone titration). Low ΔNO x /ΔNO y values (ranging from 0.049 to 0.15 pptv/pptv) are generally associated with ozone enhancement. We also found that even if ΔO 3 /ΔCO is low, ΔO 3 may still be significant if CO enhancements are large. We then explored events that are not associated with any O 3 enhancement/loss. Out of 19 fire events, 3 belong to this category. We discovered that these events are either BL-influenced (O 3 deposition), associated with low ΔNO y /ΔCO ratios, and/or associated with minimal photochemistry (due to nighttime transport). Absolute ozone enhancements ranged from 3.8 to 32 ppbv, while ozone production efficiencies (OPEs) ranged from 2.1 to 17. However, because PAN comprises most of the reactive nitrogen in fire plumes, the calculated OPEs underestimated the true ozone mixing ratios. OPEs may therefore be misleading indicators of ozone production in wildfires. Finally, we segregated the data into plume/non-plume time periods. From this we found that the average O 3 mixing ratio was significantly higher in fire plumes compared to non-plume time periods, and the noontime NO/NO 2 ratios were also higher. This later result gives insight into the photochemical environment in the fire plumes.
Mechanistic Studies of para-Substituted N,N'-Dibenzyl-1,4-diaminobutanes as Substrates for a Mammalian Polyamine Oxidase

The kinetics of oxidation of a series of para-substituted N,N′-dibenzyl-1,4-diaminobutanes by the flavoprotein polyamine oxidase from mouse have been determined to gain insight into the mechanism of amine oxidation by this member of the monoamine oxidase structural family. The kcat/Km values are maximal at pH 9, consistent with the singly charged substrate being the active form. The rate constant for flavin reduction, kred, by N,N′-dibenzyl-1,4-diaminobutane decreases about 5-fold below a pKa of ∼8; this is attributed to the need for a neutral nitrogen at the site of oxidation. The kred and kcat values are comparable for each of the N,N′-dibenzyl-1,4-diaminobutanes, consistent with rate-limiting reduction. The deuterium kinetic isotope effects on kred and kcat are identical for each of the N,N′-dibenzyl-1,4-diaminobutanes, consistent with rate-limiting cleavage of the substrate CH bond. The kred values for seven different para-substituted N,N′-dibenzyl-1,4-diaminobutanes correlate with a combination of th...
A new species of Boophis (Anura: Rhacophoridae) with unusual skin glands from Madagascar, and a discussion of variation and sexual dimorphism in Boophis albilabris (Boulenger)

Abstract Boophis periegetes,sp. nov., is described from Ranomafana National Park, eastern Madagascar. The new frog is a large species having, in breeding males, extremely spinose dorsal integument and enlarged glands along the canthal ridges, upper eyelids, and anterior dorsolateral portion of the body (females smooth and without glands). The large glands are unique within the genus as currently known. Nuptial pads ofB. periegetesinvolve the prepollex, fingers I and II, and the anteroventral portion of the forearm. The new species also differs from other species ofBoophisby combined features of large size; brownish dorsal colouration with a dark brown facial mask; large digital discs; and extensive webbing. Notes on a sample ofBoophis albilabris(Boulenger) are given, including an amended description, and observations on natural history, secondary sexual characteristics, and behaviour.Boophis albilabrisexhibits a highly unusual sexual dimorphism in the position of the cloacal opening, and shares withB. periegetesthe unusual character of nuptial pad development on the forearm.
Normal-state resistivity of the high- T c compound Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

The resistivity of ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ has been measured in an oxygen atmosphere from 90 to 800 K. Above 300 K, the slope of the resistivity versus temperature curve increases from its initial constant value. Around 625 K an anomaly occurs and resistivity remains essentially constant with increasing temperature and becomes hysteretic during cooling. We correlate the date above 500 K with the gain and loss of oxygen observed by thermogravimetric analysis. Such an explanation is consistent with recent density-of-states calculations.
Criteria for parr-smolt transformation in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Abstract A number of common indicators of parr-smolt transformation were examined in juvenile spring chinook in relation to the timing of seaward migration and ocean entry. Only gill (Na+K)-ATPase activity showed a correlation between peaks in activity and migration or ocean entry in spring chinook. Hatchery releases from Cole Rivers Hatchery on the Rogue River at maximal gill (Na+K)-ATPase activity survived better than those released at low gill (Na+K)-ATPase activity. This relationship was not apparent in Deschutes River spring chinook.
Molecular genetics of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Objectives To review the genetic model of colon cancer formation and the primary advances and clinical relevance of molecular genetics of pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies. Data sources Research studies, review articles, and textbook chapters. Conclusions Genetic discoveries are influencing the screening and treatment of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies by better targeting chemoprevention and treatment in high-risk and molecular-distinct patient populations. Implications for nursing practice A basic knowledge of cancer genetics and the latest genetic discoveries will assist oncology nurses in patient teaching, counseling, and care.
Invariance Techniques And High-Resolution Null Steering

Over the past several decades, a significant amount of research has been performed in the area of high-resolution signal parameter estimation. It is a problem of significance in many signal processing applications including direction-of-arrival estimation in which the locations of multiple sources whose radiation is received by an array of sensors are sought. Much of the research has focussed on approaches based on the formation of optimal weight or copy vectors, procedures derived from the conventional practice of beamforming. This class of approached to parameter estimation problems has come to be known as high-resolution spectral analysis/beamforming since the introduction of the maximum entropy (MEM) method by Burg in 1967, and the maximum-likelihood (ML) method by Capon in 1969. These techniques provide increased resolution and accuracy over their predecessors (including conventional beamforming, but suffer from model mismatch. MUSIC and ESPRIT are recently developed geometric techniques that exploit the underlying model and thereby achieve significant improvements in performance. In this paper, these techniques are summarized. From basic physical principles, it is shown that ESPRIT is actually a multidimensional null steering algorithm, an interpretation with significant intuitive appeal. Finally, optimal signal copy vectors that naturally arise from the algorithm are presented, and their properties as beamforming vectors for this class of problems are discussed.
Contribution of proteomics in the identification of novel proteins associated with plant growth.

The epidermis is not only the interphase between the plant and the environment but also a growth-limiting tissue. Understanding the initiation and regulation of its expansion growth is essential for addressing the need for more food and fuel. We used mass spectrometry to identify proteins from auxin (indole-3-acetic acid; IAA)-induced rapidly growing corn (Zea mays) coleoptiles to find possible candidates controlling this growth as well as the underlying cell wall and cuticle biosynthesis. Excised sections were incubated for 4 h in the absence or presence of IAA, protein extracted, and analyzed using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Of 86 proteins identified, 15 showed a predicted association with cell wall/cuticle biosynthesis or trafficking machinery; four identifications revealed novel proteins of unknown function. In parallel, real-time PCR indicated that the steady-state mRNA levels of genes with a known or predicted role in cell-wall biosynthesis increase upon treatment with auxin. Importantly, genes encoding two of t...
Renin release from isolated afferent arterioles

Abstract Renin release from isolated afferent arterioles. A new in vitro system was developed in which renin release was studied in the absence of tubules, glomeruli, and macula densa. Rabbit afferent arterioles were isolated by microdissection and incubated in medium 199 for consecutive 15-min periods. Renin concentration of incubation media and arteriolar tissue was measured using partially purified rabbit angioten-sinogen. Basal renin release rate was 0.68 ± 0.06ng of angiotensin I (AI) · hr -1 arteriole -1 /hr incubation of arterioles (x ±SEM, N=29), and remained stable for 60min. The renin release rate was 2.76 ± 0.22% of arteriolar renin content each hour, and there was a significant correlation between the two (r = 0.73, P -1 · arteriole -1 /hr (P -5 M) and returned to basal values during the recovery period. Dietary sodium depletion resulted in a significantly greater arteriolar renin content (86.1±17.5ngAI · hr -1 /arteriole) compared with that from rabbits on a normal sodium diet (26.8 ± 2.51 ngAI · hr -1 /arteriole). However, sodium depletion did not alter the basal renin release rate suggesting that sodium depletion increased renin content in a storage pool rather than a pool contributing to basal release. It is concluded that the isolated afferent arteriole is a good model for the study of renin release in the absence of tubules, glomeruli, and macula densa. Liberation de renine par des arterioles afferentes isolees. Un nouveau systeme in vitro a ete developpe, grâce auquel la liberation de renine a ete etudiee en l'absence de tubules, de glomerules, et de macula densa. Des arterioles afferentes de lapin ont ete isolees par microdissection et incubees dans du milieu 199 pendant des periodes consecutives de 15min. La concentration en renine des milieux d'incubation et du tissu arteriolaire ont ete mesurees en utilisant de l'angiotensinogene de lapin partiellement purifie. La vitesse de liberation de renine basale etait de 0,68 ± 0,06ng d'angiotensine I (AI) · hr -1 · arteriole -1 /hr d'incubation des arterioles (x ±SEM, N=29), et est restee stable pendant 60min. La vitesse de liberation de renine etait de 2,76 ± 0,22% du contenu arteriolaire en renine chaque heure, et il existait une correlation significative entre les deux (r = 0,73, P -1 · arteriole -1 /hr (P -5 M) et est revenue aux valeurs de base pendant la periode de recuperation. Une depletion sodee alimentaire a entraine un contenu arteriolaire en renine significativement plus eleve (86,1 ± 17,5ng AI · hr -1 /arteriole) par rapport a celui de lapins en regime sode normal (26,8 ±2,51 ngAI · hr -1 /arteriole). Toutefois, la depletion sodee n'a pas altere la vitesse de liberation basale de renine ce qui suggere que la depletion sodee a augmente le contenu en renine dans un pool de stockage plutot que dans un pool contribuant a la liberation basale. On conclut que l'arteriole afferente isolee est un bon modele d'etude de la liberation de renine en l'absence de tubules, de glomerules, et de macula densa.
Neplanocin A inhibition of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase in Alcaligenes faecalis has no effect on growth of the microorganism

Neplanocin A, a cyclopentenyl analog of adenosine, is a naturally occurring antibiotic possessing potent inhibitory activity toward the enzyme S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase. In the present study, we examined whether there was a correlation between the inhibition of prokaryotic AdoHcy hydrolase and the reported antibacterial activity of neplanocin A, e.g. Alcaligenes faecalis (YAGINUMA et al., J. Antibiotics 34: 359-366, 1981). Of 16 bacterial species screened, only 2 organisms (both of which contained AdoHcy hydrolase) were sensitive to 10 nM neplanocin A when grown on agar plates. None of the 16 strains showed any growth sensitivity in broth culture to concentrations of the antibiotic as high as 4 mM. However, treatment of A. faecalis in broth culture with 14 μM neplanocin A resulted in complete inhibition of cellular AdoHcy hydrolase and subsequent elevation of intracellular AdoHcy. No alternative method for degrading or removing the excess AdoHcy from these cells was detected. Bacillus subtilis, which exhibited no AdoHcy hydrolase activity showed no alteration of AdoHcy metabolism when treated with the same concentration of the antibiotic. These results indicate that inhibition of AdoHcy hydrolase is not related to the antibacterial activity of neplanocin A and suggest that using this enzyme as a target for the design of antimicrobial agents is not likely to prove a productive approach.
Expanding maps on Cantor sets and analytic continuation of zeta functions

Abstract In this paper, we study a class of Ruelle dynamical zeta functions related to uniformly expanding maps on Cantor sets. We show that under a non-local integrability condition, the zeta function enjoys a non-vanishing analytic continuation in a strip on the left of the line of absolute convergence. Applying these results to Fuchsian Schottky groups and Julia sets yields precise asymptotics of the number of closed geodesics for convex co-compact surfaces and the distribution of periodic points for a family of Cantor-like Julia sets.
Comparison of diagnostic test scores through use of a T-score table.

T-scores can be used to compare scores from standardized tests of ability and performance, simplify determination of intra-individual discrepancy, and lead to more appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and classification. A conversion table is presented.
A causal analysis to predict the personal and academic adjustment of nontraditional students.

A causal model of nontraditional student adjustment was developed from sociopsychological concepts and a person-environment fit paradigm. Measures of student role evaluation, commitment to the student role, and self-good student role incongruence were collected at the beginning of an academic year and used to predict the level of personal distress experienced at the beginning of the next spring quarter and academic performance across that academic year
Colonization and establishment of Missouri prairie plants on artificial soil disturbances. I: Dynamics of forb and graminoid seedlings and shoots

We observed colonization and mortality of plants in small (26 m2) artificial soil disturbances and undisturbed controls in a tall-grass prairie from 1977-1980. This paper examines the dynamics of colonists based on mode of origin (seedlings and shoots) and broad taxonomic affinity (forbs and graminoids). Few seedlings colonized either disturbances or controls the first year, probably due to a severe drought in 1976 when few seeds were produced. Graminoid shoots were more abundant in disturbed sites than in controls the first year, probably due to the sSedge effect" of cutting roots and rhizomes and stimulating new growth. For each year following the first, the number of current residents peaked early in the season and then declined, with the decline more precipitous for seedlings than for shoots. The population fluctuations of seedlings were very predictable, and separate years resembled each other. In contrast to seedling populations, graminoid shoot populations generally were accumulating throughout the study. Populations of forb shoots rose and fell, but the years did not resemble each other. Neither seedlings nor forb shoots showed a response to the new uncolonized soil resource of the artificial disturbances compared to controls, but graminoid shoots were more common on disturbed sites. These results suggest a nonequilibrium dynamic among colonizers of small-scale microsites.
"Transdifferentiation" of C6 glial cells in culture

The activities of cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase, an enzyme marker for oligodendrocytes, and glutamine synthetase, an enzyme marker for astrocytes, were studied at early (21 to 26) and late (82 to 88) cell passages. The activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase was markedly high and that of glutamine synthetase was low in the early passages, but this relation was reversed in the late passages. These findings suggest a "transdifferentiation" of C6 glial cells with passage in culture.
A multimodal view of voluntary associations

Participation in voluntary associations is often considered challenging due to the fact that humans possess limited time and resources that can be allocated to various types of social activities. The prevalence of multiple modes of communication in our everyday lives may signal the possibility of addressing such traditional problems of voluntary associations. Employing the framework of media multiplexity, this study investigates the factors that predict multimodal participation and how multimodal participation in turn affects overall involvement in voluntary associations. Analyses of the data gathered by the Pew Internet Report show that the degree of affiliations, prior experiences (including participation in online groups, online recruitment, and leadership), and routinized technology use were significant predictors of multimodal group participation. In addition, multimodal group participation mediated the effects of these factors on participation in voluntary associations. Together, multimodal particip...
The 1938 First Vienna Award and the Holocaust in Slovakia

The 1938 First Vienna Award obliged Slovakia to cede substantial territories to Hungary. For many Slovaks, the logic of ethnic borders transformed Jews into, or confirmed themas, “security threats,” accentuating the goal of ethnic homogeneity as a defense against Hungarian irredentism. Despite the relationships between the Award and the Holocaust of Slovak Jewry, the literatures on Slovak-Hungarian relations and the Holocaust in Slovakia remain disconnected. The work presented below proposes fusing them in favor of a transnational and regional understanding of the Holocaust.
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) Exposures in Texas, 1998–2004

For centuries, jimsonweed, Datura stramonium, was known to produce hallucinogenic effects. Jimsonweed is easily obtained and may be abused by adolescents. This investigation examined the patterns of jimsonweed exposures reported to Texas poison control centers during 1998-2004. A total of 188 reported human exposures were identified. Seventy-six percent of the exposures occurred in June-October. For those cases where the information was known, the majority were male (82%) and age 13-19 yr (72%). Intentional abuse or misuse accounted for 78% of reported exposures. Eighty-two percent of the reported exposures were at, en route to, or referred to health care facilities, and 89% of those cases with a known medical outcome had moderate or major effects. The most frequently reported clinical effects were hallucination, tachycardia, agitation, mydriasis, and confusion; the most frequently reported treatments were intravenous fluids replacement, activated charcoal, cathartic, and benzodiazepines. The pattern of reported jimsonweed exposures in Texas was consistent with previously published literature.
Early development of the Drosophila brain: III. The pattern of neuropile founder tracts during the larval period.

The Drosophila N-CAM homolog Fasciclin II (FasII) is expressed during the embryonic period in a subset of central neurons that pioneer the neuropile of the larval brain. Toward the end of embryogenesis, FasII expression in axon tracts diminishes but resumes from the late first larval instar in an increasingly complex pattern of axon tracts that join the tracts laid down in the embryo. We present evidence that FasII is expressed in a major fraction of the long axon tracts that interconnect different domains of the larval brain. For many tracts, FasII expression remains stable throughout larval development and pupal development. Therefore, the FasII pattern of axon tracts, along with the mushroom body and optic lobe, both of which are also FasII-positive, represents a useful set of landmarks that define different regions in the Drosophila brain throughout development. In this study, serial confocal brain sections were used to generate digital three-dimensional models of larval axon tracts at different stages. These models form part of our effort to generate an anatomic framework of Drosophila larval brain structure required for accurate localization of gene expression and gene function in experimental studies of neural development.
Aristotelian virtue and business ethics education

In recent years there has been an increased interest in the application of Aristotelian virtue to business ethics. The objective of this paper is to describe the moral and intellectual virtues defined by Aristotle and the types of pedagogy that might be used to integrate virtue ethics into the business curriculum. Virtues are acquired human qualities, the excellences of character, which enable a person to achieve the good life. In business, the virtues facilitate successful cooperation and enable the community to achieve its collective goals. The cultivation of virtue in students requires imparting knowledge about virtue and training students to be virtuous. A variety of instructional techniques are discussed including using case studies, collaborative and cooperative learning, role-playing, and video presentations. Business educators should emphasize to students that virtue considerations apply both to possible actions they may take and to themselves as moral agents. Since faculty may be viewed as role models, it is especially important that they set proper standards of behavior for students to emulate.
Suicide Prevention: Guidelines for Schools

Adolescent suicide is escalating, especially among White male teenagers who use drugs and/or alcohol, are depressed or cognitively rigid, have maladaptive families, have experienced recent loss, misunderstand death, and know a suicide victim. Teachers can foster suicide resistance by developing teens' cognitive deterrents and encouraging adaptive coping strategies. Recommended assessment tools for potentially suicidal children and teens include the Reasons for Living Inventory and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire. For teachers, intervention strategies include listening empathically, asking directly about potential suicide, and breaking confidentiality in cases of an actively suicidal child or teenager. Administratively, helpful strategies are hot lines, suicide prevention training modules, and publicity of popular students' adaptive responses to stress such as drug rehabilitation or therapy. After suicide, administrators should work to diminish survivor guilt, minimize scapegoating, and prevent contagion.
A logistic dose-ranging method for phase i clinical investigations trials

This paper describes an alternative to the continual reassessment method (CRM) for phase I trials. The logistic dose ranging strategy (LDRS) uses logistic regression and a dose allocation scheme similar to the CRM. It can easily be implemented from any logistic regression program. The LDRS can be a stand alone dose allocation scheme or it can be incorporated into standard three on a dose strategies to indicate when escalation can proceed more rapidly. Finally, the effect of covariates such as age or comorbid conditions on the toxicity expected for the dose selected for a phase II trial can be examined.
Immune-checkpoint blockade and active immunotherapy for glioma.

Cancer immunotherapy has made tremendous progress, including promising results in patients with malignant gliomas. Nonetheless, the immunological microenvironment of the brain and tumors arising therein is still believed to be suboptimal for sufficient antitumor immune responses for a variety of reasons, including the operation of “immune-checkpoint” mechanisms. While these mechanisms prevent autoimmunity in physiological conditions, malignant tumors, including brain tumors, actively employ these mechanisms to evade from immunological attacks. Development of agents designed to unblock these checkpoint steps is currently one of the most active areas of cancer research. In this review, we summarize recent progresses in the field of brain tumor immunology with particular foci in the area of immune-checkpoint mechanisms and development of active immunotherapy strategies. In the last decade, a number of specific monoclonal antibodies designed to block immune-checkpoint mechanisms have been developed and show efficacy in other cancers, such as melanoma. On the other hand, active immunotherapy approaches, such as vaccines, have shown encouraging outcomes. We believe that development of effective immunotherapy approaches should ultimately integrate those checkpoint-blockade agents to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. With these agents available, it is going to be quite an exciting time in the field. The eventual success of immunotherapies for brain tumors will be dependent upon not only an in-depth understanding of immunology behind the brain and brain tumors, but also collaboration and teamwork for the development of novel trials that address multiple layers of immunological challenges in gliomas.
Short-term variability in the measurement of plasma homocysteine, fasting and post-methionine loading.

Objectives: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with premature cerebral, peripheral and coronary vascular disease. Evaluation of the significance of changes in plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) results obtained by analysis of serial specimens may be accomplished only by taking into account biologic (between-person and within-person) as well as analytical variation. Since the repeatability of a measurement significantly determines our ability to associate tHcy level with the presence of disease, this study was performed to evaluate various components of variation in tHcy values. Design and methods: We report the within-person, between-person, and methodological variability of tHcy, both fasting and postmethionine load (PML) values, in 20 healthy volunteers from whom samples were drawn weekly for 4 weeks. Results: The short-term reliability coefficient (R) was 0.72 for fasting tHcy and 0.83 for PML tHcy. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates for the first time that the short-term reliability coefficient for PML tHcy is relatively high (0.83), suggesting that an individual’s PML tHcy, like fasting tHcy, is relatively constant over at least one month, and that a single measurement should provide a reasonable characterization of an individual’s PML tHcy concentration.
Moral status, human identity, and early embryos: a critique of the President's approach.

On August 9, 2001, President George W. Bush delivered a statement that would have a great effect on bioethics policy in the United States. The President stated his belief that human life is a sacred gift from the Creator, expressed his strong opposition to any type of human cloning, and announced a policy of restricting federal funds for embryonic stem cell research to studies on stem cell lines already in existence at the time of his statement. He also announced his intention to create the President's Council on Bioethics (PCB), headed by Leon Kass, “to monitor stem cell research, to recommend appropriate guidelines and regulations, and to consider all of the medical and ethical ramifications of biomedical innovation.” On November 28, 2001, President Bush formally created the PCB, which began its deliberations the following January.
Landscape phenology: an integrative approach to seasonal vegetation dynamics

This brief report addresses the theory and methodology of landscape phenology (LP), along with synopsis of a case study conducted in the northern Wisconsin temperate mixed forest. LP engages questions related to ecosystem phenology, landscape genetics, and vegetation change science across multiple scales, which have rarely been addressed by existing studies. Intensive in situ observations, remote sensing data, and spatiotemporal analysis are employed for understanding patterns and processes within the complexity of seasonal landscape dynamics. A hierarchical upscaling approach is also introduced. Results from the case study suggest that plot-scale phenology lacks spatial autocorrelation and varies individualistically, with genetic heterogeneity overriding small microenvironmental gradients. However, at the landscape level, forest phenology responds coherently to weather fluctuations. The resultant LP index confirms the relative reliability of moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based land surface phenology (LSP). Due to technological advancement in spatial data acquisition and analysis, LP has the ability to connect conventional plant phenology studies back to their intricate ecological context, and provides a new approach to validating coarse-scale monitoring and modeling of LSP and other seasonal ecosystem processes.
Solar cycle dependence of solar wind energy coupling to the thermosphere

[1] Solutions to the differential equations describing the behavior of driven‐dissipative systems are compared with measured exospheric temperatures (T∞) and provisional Dst indices acquired during 38 magnetic storms between mid‐2002 and 2008. The only storm selection criterion was the availability of solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field data to compute driving electric fields "VS. Globally averaged T∞ was inferred from measurements by accelerometers on the GRACE satellites. Statistical regression analyses indicate that the coupling coefficients for T∞, Dst, and their ratio are well represented as functions of 81 day averaged F10.7a. Using Dst as the driver, this functional relationship yielded reasonable estimates of the evolution of T∞ during the Halloween 2003 magnetic storm. Linear relations between T∞ and the total energy of the thermosphere (Eth) and between Dst and the energy of the ring current (ERC) allow estimates of the storm time energy partitioning. Empirical estimates of the energy coupling coefficients for the thermosphere (aE) and ring current (aERC) span the ranges 1.5–0.2 and 0.5–0.2 TW/mV/m, respectively. Outside of extreme solar minimum conditions, main phase increases in Eth exceed those of ERC.
Characterization of a Three-Component Vanillate O-Demethylase from Moorella thermoacetica

The Moorella thermoacetica aromatic O-demethylase was characterized as an inducible three-component system with similarity to the methanogenic methanol, methylamine, and methanethiol methyltransferases and to the O-demethylase system from Acetobacterium dehalogenans. MtvB catalyzes methyl transfer from a phenylmethylether to the cobalt center of MtvC, a corrinoid protein. MtvA catalyzes transmethylation from MtvC to tetrahydrofolate, forming methyltetrahydrofolate. Cobalamin can substitute for MtvC.
Relation between shallow sediment bitumens and deeper reservoired hydrocarbons, offshore Santa Maria basin, California, U.S.A.

Abstract Detailed molecular and isotopic analysis of near surface liquid hydrocarbon seepage is useful not only in determining the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons but also to indicate the type and quality of deeper seated hydrocarbons. Near surface sediment bitumens collected over known production in the offshore Santa Maria basin were shown to be similar to reservoired petroleum in the adjacent onshore. Triterpane, sterane and aromatized sterane compositional similarities between oils and near surface sediment bitumens suggest a common source in the Monterey Formation. An empirical model based on the relation between oil composition (pristane/phytane and bisnorhopane/hopane ratios) and API gravity was applied to the near surface bitumens and accurately predicted the API gravity of the nearest known production. The improvement and refinement of geochemical prospecting techniques has greatly enhanced their use and reliability as exploration tools.
An unexplored ethical issue in clinical research: Disclosure of individual findings in the Creando Posibilidades [creating possibilities] study

Individual disclosure refers to the presumptive ethical responsibility of an investigator to communicate to a study participant information that was collected as a part of a research study protocol and is specific to the individual. Currently, there are no federal regulatory guidelines specifying the conditions and management of disclosure of health-related individual-specific information. In this report, the authors discuss the challenges associated with individual disclosure in the context of a longitudinal descriptive study. Arguments favoring disclosure and those challenging disclosure as a general ethical duty are presented. Finally, strategies for addressing individual disclosure are discussed using a research exemplar in which risk behaviors related to health outcomes were measured.
A nonlinear implicit code for relativistic electron beam tracking studies

Abstract The formulation of an implicit code is described. The code solves the three-dimensional field equations without linearization. This code is applied to the study of beam tracking. Some applications are suggested.
Accurate alignment technique for nanoimprint lithography

The inherently high resolution of imprint lithography has the promise of extending integrated circuit minimum feature sizes down to the 10 nm region. However, the main effort of companies building nanoimprint tools has been directed to the development of robust printing techniques, rather than to alignment. Consequently, no alignment system currently exists for nanoimprint lithography that is capable of the alignment accuracy required by the semiconductor industry. This paper proposes a solution to the problem of obtaining accurate alignment over an extended imprinted area. On the one hand, alignment is difficult to perform when the mold template and the substrate are in contact, or nearly in contact. On the other hand, if they are widely separated, the accuracy is limited by the difficulty of simultaneously imaging fine features on both of them. However, by using orthogonal polarizations, sharp images of the template and substrate can be obtained when they are separated by 30 to 40 μm. Previous experience with a dual focus x-ray alignment microscope indicates that this alignment technique will readily meet the 18 nm 3 σ tolerance required by the semiconductor industry at the 45 nm node. Here the technique is adapted for nanoimprint lithography by employing transparent bulk mold materials (e.g. quartz) with opaque alignment targets on the surface. In addition, a flexure stage capable of reproducibly bringing the mold template and the substrate into contact is integrated into the system, so that after the alignment is performed it can be maintained during imprinting.
Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty--the method of choice in the presence of an enlarged renal pelvis and crossing vessels.

Abstract Objective: Herein we report our experience of 49 consecutive pyeloplasties that were all laparoscopically performed with an intracorporeally sutured anastomosis. We describe the operative technique, complications and outcomes during a follow-up period of 1–53 months (mean 23.2 months). Patients and Methods: Forty-nine patients (28 women and 21 men) with a mean age of 34 years (range 6–65 years) underwent a laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty because of primary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction with hydronephrosis in each case. The preoperative evaluation included an evaluation for pain, an excretory urography (IVP), renal scan and sometimes CT angiography to evaluate for crossing vessels. Follow-up studies included an IVP, renal scan and renal ultrasound 4 weeks postoperatively and every 3 months thereafter. Success was considered as improvement of the pain score and IVP (less hydronephrosis, visible UPJ and/or normalization of drainage) or absence of an obstructive pattern during the washout phase of a renal scan. Results: There was no conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 165min (range 90–240min). Blood loss was negligible. Crossing vessels were noted in 57.1% of the patients (28/49). Postoperative hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 3–6 days). One patient had a leakage of the anastomosis on postoperative day 1 and needed to undergo laparoscopic repair. The mean follow-up is 23.2 months (range 1–53 months). There was one single late failure. This patient later underwent an open revision of the laparoscopic pyeloplasty. In all other patients (48/49), the obstruction was resolved or significantly improved. The long-term success rate is 97.7%. Conclusions: The results of dismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasties compare favorably with those achieved by open pyeloplasties with less perioperative morbidity and discomfort. We do believe that laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty with an intracorporeal anastomosis is the method of choice in the treatment of the UPJ obstruction in the presence of an enlarged renal pelvis and crossing vessels.
Evidence against functional interaction between aquaporin-4 water channels and Kir4.1 potassium channels in retinal Müller cells.

Indirect evidence suggests that the Muller/glial cell water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) modulates K(+) channel function of the closely associated Kir4.1 protein. We used patch clamp to compare Kir4.1 K(+) channel function in freshly isolated Muller cells from retinas of wild-type (+/+) and AQP4 knock-out (-/-) mice. Immunocytochemistry showed a comparable Kir4.1 protein expression pattern in Muller cells from +/+ and -/- retinas, with greatest expression at their end feet. Osmotic water permeability was >4-fold reduced in -/- than in +/+ Muller cells. Resting membrane potential did not differ significantly in +/+ versus -/- Muller cells (-64 +/- 1 versus -64 +/- 1 mV, S.E., n = 24). Whole-cell K(+) currents recorded with a micropipette inserted into the cell soma were Ba(2+)-sensitive and showed no significant differences in magnitude in +/+ versus -/- Muller cells (1.3 +/- 0.1 versus 1.2 +/- 0.1 nA at -160 mV) or in inwardly rectifying current-voltage relationships. Spatially resolved K(+) currents generated by pulsed K(+) injections along Muller cell bodies were also comparable in +/+ versus -/- Muller cells. Single-channel cell-attached patch clamp showed comparable unitary conductance, current-voltage data, and open probability in +/+ versus -/- Muller cells. Thus, contrary to the generally accepted view, our results provide direct evidence against functionally significant AQP4 modulation of Muller cell Kir4.1 K(+) channel function.
Muscle strength, functional mobility and vitamin D in older women.

Vitamin D deficiency may lead to loss of type II muscle fibres, and thereby to atrophy of proximal muscles with an increased risk of falling and bone fractures. The aim of the study was to determine if six months of vitamin D treatment (0.5 microg alphacalcidol) could positively influence values for muscle strength and functional mobility in vitamin D-deficient older women. Twenty-seven women entered the study which took place at a teaching hospital outpatient department. Ten vitamin D-deficient (serum 25(OH)D3 70 years) women and 13 age-matched female subjects with normal vitamin D levels (serum 25(OH)D3 >30 nmol/L) completed the study. Preand post-treatment data were obtained for isometric knee extensor strength, handgrip strength and functional mobility (walking distance over 2 minutes and the timed i'Up & Go" test). Six months of treatment with alphacalcidol led to significant improvements (compared to the controls) in values of isometric knee extensor strength (left leg: 14.6% +/- 5.7%. p=0.03; right leg: 11.5% +/- 5.0%, p=0.02) (mean +/- SEM). The achievements in the timed "Up & Go" test and 2-minute walking test did not improve in the alphacalcidol group compared to the controls after 6 months. However, within the vitamin D-deficient group, 6 months of alphacalcidol treatment led to a significant increase in the walking distance over 2 minutes (increase from 137.6 +/- 12.6 to 151.3 +/- 11.2 meters, p=0.03). The controls, with normal vitamin D levels, did not exhibit improvements in performance of any of the tests over a period of 6 months. Summarized, alphacalcidol seems to improve muscle strength and walking distance over 2 minutes in vitamin D-deficient older women.
Fourier series and orthogonal polynomials

The MAA is pleased to re-issue the early Carus Mathematical Monographs in ebook and print-on-demand formats. Readers with an interest in the history of the undergraduate curriculum or the history of a particular field will be rewarded by study of these very clear and approachable little volumes. The underlying theme of this monograph is that the fundamental simplicity of the properties of orthogonal functions and the developments in series associated with them makes those functions important areas of study for students of both pure and applied mathematics. The book starts with Fourier series and goes on to Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions. Jackson considers a variety of boundary value problems using Fourier series and Laplace's equation. Chapter VI is an overview of Pearson frequency functions. Chapters on orthogonal, Jacobi, Hermite, and Laguerre functions follow. The final chapter deals with convergence. There is a set of exercises and a bibliography. For the reading of most of the book no specific preparation is required beyond a first course in the calculus. A certain amount of 'mathematical maturity' is presupposed, or should be acquired in the course of the reading.
A method for developing comprehensive categories of meaning

This paper describes a method for developing more comprehensive categories of meaning than those found by existing procedures. The method extends Deese's procedure (1962) for classifying groups of words similar in associative meaning. It is based upon the assumption that the common free associates to a set of related stimuli are mediating responses and are part of the associative structure of the set. To determine words related to the factors in the original set, succeeding groups of free associates are readministered as stimuli. The entire matrix of words obtained in this way is then factor analyzed. Data were presented comparing (a) factors derived from the basic stimulus set with (b) the factors for the same set combined with the response given to it. Results indicated that factors for the large matrix were more tightly organized or included additional closely related words. These factors, therefore, should be more representative of factors occurring when the words are embedded in varying stimulus sets; this stability would increase the effectiveness of relating associative structure to other language data. In addition, a study of mediators given frequently by children and their links with the basic stimuli indicated relationships not evident from administration of students' responses alone.
Effects of chronic administration of tobacco smoke to mice: Behavioral and metabolic measures

Tobacco smoke was administered to male and female mice of four inbred strains and two lines selectively bred for high activity (HA) or low activity (LA) in an open field. Administration occurred during 14 daily 10-min pretreatment sessions in a box filled with smoke from a nonfiltered cigarette (2 mg nicotine/ cigarette; average density, 750 ppm carbon monoxide). When open-field activity was subsequently measured in the absence or presence of smoke (average density, 150 ppm carbon monoxide), pretreated mice had significantly lower activity scores than controls. Comparisons of open-field activity scores under smoke-present and smoke-absent conditions revealed that effects of this acute exposure were dependent upon genotype: C3H/2Ibg activity was almost tripled in the presence of smoke; DBA/2Ibg activity was increased; but HA, LA, and C57BL/6Ibg activity scores were depressed. As measured by open-field activity, development of tolerance to the effects of acute exposure to tobacco smoke after chronic pretreatment was also genotype-dependent. Significant genotypic differences were found for nicotine remaining in liver, brain, and blood samples when mice were sacrificed 2.5 or 5 min after a weight-specific injection of radiolabeled nicotine. Tissue nicotine levels were also related to sex, time after injection, and pretreatment interactions with genotype. Strong positive correlations were found between the measures of brain and liver levels at 5 min after injection and the behavioral measure of open-field activity under the smoke-present condition.
Regulation of 5-lipoxygenase activity in mononuclear phagocytes: characterization of an endogenous cytosolic inhibitor

Abstract The proinflammatory leukotrienes (LT) play important roles in host defense and disease states. However, no endogenous mechanisms to downregulate 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), the enzyme catalyzing LT synthesis, have been described. We observed that the cytosolic fraction of rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) and peritoneal macrophages (PMs), and of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) contain substantial amounts of 5-LO protein, but little detectable 5-LO activity. We therefore examined these mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) cytosolic fractions for inhibitory activity against 5-LO. MNP cytosol dose-dependently reduced the 5-LO activity in neutrophil (PMN) cytosol and AM membrane. Furthermore, MNP cytosol dose-dependently prolonged the lag phase of soybean lipoxygenase (LO) without affecting the rate of product formation. This effect was overcome by subsequent addition of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9-cis-11-trans-octadecadienoic acid (13-HpOD), suggesting that the active factor scavenges hydroperoxides. Inactivation by boiling and proteinase K suggest that is a protein. We speculate that this cytosolic factor(s) may serve as an endogenous means for the down-regulation of 5-LO in macrophages.
Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus pneumonia in compromised hosts.

Abstract Sixteen patients with cytomegalovirus pulmonary infection are described. In 11 the diagnosis was made antemortem by lung aspirate or biopsy, and in five the diagnosis was made at postmortem by typical lung histology and positive viral lung cultures. All patients were immunosuppressed by both their underlying diseases and treatment with corticosterolds and other chemotherapy. Although other pathogens were identified at lung biopsy in most patients (73 per cent), primarily Pneumocystis carinii, evidence is offered to demonstrate that cytomegalovirus can cause significant pulmonary disease alone, leading to respiratory failure and death.