cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 related neuroimaging findings: A signal of thromboembolic complications and a strong prognostic marker of poor patient outcome.

Abstract Objective To investigate the incidence and spectrum of neuroimaging findings and their prognostic role in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York City. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 3218 COVID-19 confirmed patients admitted to a major healthcare system (three hospitals) in New York City between March 1, 2020 and April 13, 2020. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records, and particularly data of all neurological symptoms were extracted from the imaging reports. Four neuroradiologists evaluated all neuroimaging studies for acute neuroimaging findings related to COVID-19. Results 14.1% of admitted COVID-19 patients had neuroimaging and this accounted for only 5.5% of the total imaging studies. Acute stroke was the most common finding on neuro-imaging, seen in 92.5% of patients with positive neuro-imaging studies, and present in 1.1% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Patients with acute large ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke had much higher mortality risk adjusted for age, BMI and hypertension compared to those COVID-19 patients without neuroimaging. (Odds Ratio 6.02 by LR; Hazard Ratio 2.28 by CRR). Conclusions Our study demonstrates acute stroke is the most common neuroimaging finding among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Detection of an acute stroke is a strong prognostic marker of poor outcome. Our study also highlights the fact there is limited use of neuroimaging in these patients due to multiple logistical constraints.
Physical Performance Testing in Kidney Transplant Candidates at the Top of the Waitlist.

Rationale & Objective Frailty and poor physical function are associated with adverse kidney transplant outcomes, but how to incorporate this knowledge into clinical practice is uncertain. We studied the association between measured physical performance and clinical outcomes among patients on kidney transplant waitlists. Study Design Prospective observational cohort study. Setting & Participants We studied consecutive patients evaluated in our Transplant Readiness Assessment Clinic, a top-of-the-waitlist management program, from May 2017 through December 2018 (N=305). We incorporated physical performance testing, including the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the sit-to-stand (STS) test, into routine clinical assessments. Exposures 6MWT and STS test results. Outcomes The primary outcome was time to adverse waitlist outcomes (removal from waitlist or death); secondary outcomes were time to transplantation and time to death. Analytical Approach We used linear regression to examine the relationship between clinical characteristics and physical performance test results. We used subdistribution hazards models to examine the association between physical performance test results and outcomes. Results Median 6MWT and STS results were 393 (IQR, 305-455) m and 17 (IQR, 12-21) repetitions, respectively. Clinical characteristics and Estimated Post-Transplant Survival scores accounted for only 14% to 21% of the variance in 6MWT/STS results. Physical performance test results were associated with adverse waitlist outcomes (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] of 1.42 [95% CI, 1.30-1.56] per 50-m lower 6MWT test result and 1.53 [95% CI, 1.33-1.75] per 5-repetition lower STS test result) and with transplantation (adjusted sHR of 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.88] per 50-m lower 6MWT test result and 0.80 [95% CI, 0.71-0.89] per 5-repetition lower STS test result). Addition of either STS or 6MWT to survival models containing clinical characteristics enhanced fit (likelihood ratio test P Limitations Single-center observational study. Other measures of global health status (eg, Fried Frailty Index or Short Physical Performance Battery) were not examined. Conclusions Among waitlisted kidney transplant candidates with high kidney allocation scores, standardized and easily performed physical performance test results are associated with waitlist outcomes and contain information beyond what is currently routinely collected in clinical practice.
Water relations and drought response of pinus strobiformis

Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis Engelm.) faces dual threats of climate change shifting its environmental niche and mortality due to a nonnative, invasive fungal pathogen. To inform effo...
Abstract P306: Racial/Ethnic Differences In Self-reported Sedentary Time Are Related To Differential Risk For Prevalent Hypertension: NHANES 2011-2016

Introduction: Evidence suggests there are racial/ethnic differences in lifestyle behaviors that may affect cardiovascular health outcomes such as physical activity engagement, diet, and sleep durat...
Calcineurin Inhibitor Sparing Immunosuppression in a 12-year-old Heart Transplant Recipient with a Single Kidney

Introduction Renal dysfunction requires renal transplant or dialysis in up to 10% of transplant patients at 15 years. Those with chronic renal disease or single kidney are at high risk, but there has been limited study of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-sparing heart transplantation (HT) in pediatrics. Case Report A 12 year old female with history of Wilms tumor status post left nephrectomy developed anthracycline-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. She had decompensated heart failure bridged to transplant with milrinone. Given prior recurrent acute kidney injury (AKI) in the setting of a single kidney, she was at increased risk of receiving dialysis post-operatively, but a combined heart-kidney transplant was not felt indicated. She was induced with thymoglobulin and initially managed with concomitant mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone. At approximately 3 weeks post-transplant, sirolimus was added. Within 2 week postoperatively, she developed hypertension, acute tubular necrosis, and oliguric AKI. Prior to starting Sirolimus, she also developed pleural and pericardial effusions requiring a chest tube, pericardiocentesis, and pericardial window. Despite these complications there was no evidence of transplant rejection or graft reperfusion injury on biopsy, but filling pressures were upwards of 25 mmHg bilaterally. Aggressive hypertensive management and judicious diuretic use improved her filling pressures and overall clinical status. She was discharged home 60 days after HT. At her 3 month post-op catheterization she had normal filling pressures and no signs of rejection (ISHLT grade A0, AMR grade 0) on low dose prednisone, mycophenolate, and sirolimus. Her AKI has resolved and she remains dialysis free. Summary AKI after HT is due to a constellation of renal hypoperfusion, low cardiac output, and drug-induced nephrotoxicity requiring dialysis in some patients. Prior studies showed improved renal function in those converted from CNIs to mTOR inhibitors. In our case, the morbidity associated with AKI was deemed too severe to pursue standard use of CNIs. While some pediatric patients have undergone immunosuppression with reduced CNI dosing, few have completed HT without CNI. Her case illustrates the utility of mTOR inhibitors for its nephrotoxic sparing profile while maintaining adequate immunosuppression protection and graft function.
Theoretical analysis of the basic mechanics of abrasive processes: Part II: Model of the ploughing process

Abstract As a grit ploughs the work material, the material in front of the grit flows upwards and to the sides to form ridges. The process is a three-dimensional flow problem. However, by considering the flow of material to occur on “effective planes”, the problem can be treated as two dimensional. On these effective planes two models are proposed. The upper part of the flow is modeled by a slip-line field and the bottom part by an upper bound velocity field. A combination of the two constitutes the ploughing model. Using a square base pyramid as a model of the grit, the forces required for ploughing are determined and compared with available experimental results.
Portugal and Spain in the EU: The Challenges of Economic Reforms

This paper examines the economic performance of Portugal and Spain in the European Union and outlines some lessons from their integration experience.
Internally-referenced chemical transducers using molecular probes assembled on fluorescent nanoparticles

Novel nanoscale carriers for fluorescent probes are being developed as optical sensors for intracellular monitoring of sodium, potassium, and oxygen. These carriers are constructed using the electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique to create polyelectrolyte thin films on the surface of nanoparticles. The thin film surrounding the nanoparticles is then used as a "sponge" to absorb the charged analyte-specific fluorescent indicators. Fluorescent nanoparticles are used as templates, and are chosen such that their optical properties allow them to be used simultaneously with the fluorescent indicators as internal intensity references. The probes embedded in the polyion films retain their sensitivity to sodium, potassium, and oxygen over a broad range, and are stable to leaching for at least one week, much longer than the intended application. In addition, the small size of the devices (>300 nm) makes them amenable to intracellular deployment. The versatile scheme presented here provides an elegant alternative when carriers for probes that require intensity references are needed, and when high precision, control, and repeatability in fabrication are required.
A radiographic assessment of pediatric fracture healing and time since injury.

: Past studies and pediatric bone physiology indicate that younger individuals may heal at a faster rate. Additionally, in adults upper limb fractures heal faster than lower limb fractures; this trend is expected for pediatric fractures. This study aims to evaluate and compare rates of fracture repair in children based on age and skeletal element. Six stages are used to describe the bone repair process in 294 radiographs of tibial and radial fractures from 107 infants and young children. Healing rates are examined using ANOVA and Welch’s t-test with a 95% confidence interval. Results indicate that younger individuals spend less time at stage 1, suggesting a delay in the start of healing. Furthermore, forearm fractures heal faster than leg fractures at stages 2 and 3, suggesting a role in the osseous reaction of bone healing. The healing schedule presented may allow the timing of injuries to be estimated from radiographs.
A load-balancing workload distribution scheme for three-body interaction computation on Graphics Processing Units (GPU)

Three-body effects play an important role for obtaining quantitatively high accuracy in a variety of molecular simulation applications. However, evaluation of three-body potentials is computationally costly, generally of O( N 3 ) where N is the number of particles in a system. In this paper, we present a load-balancing workload distribution scheme for calculating three-body interactions by taking advantage of the Graphics Processing Units (GPU) architectures. Perfect load-balancing is achieved if N is not divisible by 3 and nearly perfect load-balancing is obtained if N is divisible by 3. The workload distribution scheme is particularly suitable for the GPU's Single Instruction Multiple Threads (SIMT) architecture, where particle's data accessed by threads can be coalesced into efficient memory transactions. We use two potential energy functions with three-body terms, the Axilrod-Teller potential and the Context-based Secondary Structure Potential, as examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of our workload distribution scheme. Load-balancing scheme for calculating three-body interactions on GPU.Perfect load-balancing is achieved if N is not divisible by 3.Nearly perfect load-balancing is obtained if N is divisible by 3.Parallel efficiency demonstrated in three-body potentials.
Relationship between aerosol and cloud fraction over Australia

[1] We study the relationships between aerosols, clouds, and large scale dynamics over a north coastal Australia (NCA) region and a southeast Australia (SEA) region during the period 2002–2009 to evaluate the applicability of the aerosol microphysics-radiation-effect (MRE) theory proposed by Koren et al. (2008) in a low aerosol environment. We use aerosol optical depth (τa), fire counts, and cloud fraction (fc) from Aqua-MODIS, and NCEP Reanalysis vertical velocities at 500 mb (ω500) as a proxy for dynamic regime. In the NCA we find a monotonic increase fc (35%, absolute fc) as a function of increasing τa. In the SEA, we find that fc initially increases by 25% with increasing τa, followed by a slow systematic decrease (∼18%) with higher τa. We show that the MRE theory proposed by Koren et al. (2008) adequately represents the variation of fc with τa in both the NCA and SEA. By conditionally sorting data by ω500 we investigate the role dynamics plays in controlling the τa-fc relationship and the rate at which fc changes with τa. We find that the MRE theory can be used to empirically fit both −ω500 and +ω500 observations. By analyzing meteorological parameters from the NCEP Reanalysis, we find that variations in local meteorology are not likely the cause of the observed relationships of τa and fc during biomass burning seasons. However, additional factors such as aerosol type and cloud type may play a role.
The impact of mentoring and collegial support on faculty success: An analysis of support behavior, information adequacy, and communication apprehension

This study investigates the relationship between mentoring and collegial support systems, information adequacy, communication apprehension, and faculty success. Professors (N = 224) at two universities were surveyed. Results showed that patterns of communication and success differed by gender/mentee status. Canonical analysis, controlling for gender/mentee status, supported the hypothesized relationships.
Pheromone- and RSP5-dependent Ubiquitination of the G Protein β Subunit Ste4 in Yeast

Ste4 is the β subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein that mediates mating responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we show that Ste4 undergoes ubiquitination in response to pheromone stimulation. Ubiquitination of Ste4 is dependent on the E3 ligase Rsp5. Disrupting the activity of Rsp5 abolishes ubiquitination of Ste4 in vivo, and recombinant Rsp5 is capable of ubiquitinating Ste4 in vitro. We find also that Lys-340 is a major ubiquitination site on Ste4, as pheromone-induced ubiquitination of the protein is prevented when this residue is mutated to an arginine. Functionally, ubiquitination does not appear to regulate the stability of Ste4, as blocking ubiquitination has no apparent effect on either the abundance or the half-life of the protein. However, when presented with a concentration gradient of pheromone, Ste4K340R mutant cells polarize significantly faster than wild-type cells, indicating that ubiquitination limits pheromone-directed polarized growth. Together, these findings reveal a novel stimulus-dependent posttranslational modification of a Gβ subunit, establish Ste4 as a new substrate of the E3 ligase Rsp5, and demonstrate a role for G protein ubiquitination in cell polarization.
RENAL 1,25‐DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D, PHOSPHATURIC, AND CYCLIC‐AMP RESPONSES TO INTRAVENOUS SYNTHETIC HUMAN PARATHYROID HORMONE‐(1‐34) ADMINISTRATION IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

The exogenous administration of bovine parathyroid hormone or parathyroid extract has been used to differentiate states of parathyroid hormone resistance and parathyroid gland secretory failure, and in recent years to test renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2-D) secretion. We evaluated the effect of synthetic human parathyroid hormone (hPTH-(1-34] administration on the renal 1,25-(OH)2-D, phosphaturic and cyclic-AMP responses in eleven normal young adults. The intravenous administration of 200 units of hPTH-(1-34) over 10 min produced a 1.3-5.4 fold increase (P less than 0.01) in renal phosphate clearance and a 19-75 fold increase (P less than 0.0001) in urinary cyclic-AMP excretion. Serum 1,25-(OH)2-D levels showed a small and insignificant change at 2.5 h and a significant (P less than 0.05) but small (21 +/- 24 pmol/l) increase at 7 h after the first injection. In eight subjects a second injection of hPTH-(1-34) was given at 7 h. In these individuals serum 1,25-(OH)2-D levels at 24 h were 40 +/- 14 pmol/l (44%) higher than baseline (P less than 0.01), but were variable over the 24 h period. The present study shows that hPTH-(1-34) produces renal phosphaturic and cyclic-AMP responses in normals similar to those produced by bovine PTH preparations. However, the serum 1,25-(OH)2-D response to one or two intravenous injections of hPTH-(1-34) is small, variable, and inconsistent and, therefore, will not provide a consistent way of stimulating renal 1,25-(OH)2-D secretion.
Defining PHM, A Lexical Evolution of Maintenance and Logistics

Prognostics and health management (PHM) is an approach to system life-cycle support that seeks to reduce/eliminate inspections and time-based maintenance through accurate monitoring, incipient fault detection, and prediction of impending faults. Coupled with autonomic logistics for unprecedented responsiveness, cost effectiveness, and mission availability, PHM is largely automated in its application. Incorporating the principles of condition-based maintenance (CBM) along with the tenets of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), the PHM paradigm extends these capabilities and provides a robust environment to optimize maintenance and logistics for increased operational availability (A0), and reduced life-cycle costs (LCC) while potentially increasing the reliability and life expectancy of mechanical, structural, and electronic systems. Driven by a demand for greater reliability at reduced cost and fueled by technological advancements, the PHM contribution to an already robust and confounding vocabulary surrounding maintenance and logistics is significant. As adopters of PHM technology attempt to define requirements and performance parameters, difficulties encountered with various non- standardized terminology indicate that the PHM vocabulary merits a lexical review. This paper will provide a compendium of PHM terminology along with definitions and examples, derived from the authors' experience in the implementation of PHM systems. Coalescing existing vocabularies and introducing, formally, the new lexicon of maintenance and logistics, the authors seek to aid in clarification of the emerging dialogue of life-cycle support.
Construction of a multimodal CT-video chest model

Bronchoscopy enables a number of minimally invasive chest procedures for diseases such as lung cancer and asthma. For example, using the bronchoscope’s continuous video stream as a guide, a physician can navigate through the lung airways to examine general airway health, collect tissue samples, or administer a disease treatment. In addition, physicians can now use new image-guided intervention (IGI) systems, which draw upon both three-dimensional (3D) multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) chest scans and bronchoscopic video, to assist with bronchoscope navigation. Unfortunately, little use is made of the acquired video stream, a potentially invaluable source of information. In addition, little effort has been made to link the bronchoscopic video stream to the detailed anatomical information given by a patient’s 3D MDCT chest scan. We propose a method for constructing a multimodal CT-video model of the chest. After automatically computing a patient’s 3D MDCT-based airway-tree model, the method next parses the available video data to generate a positional linkage between a sparse set of key video frames and airway path locations. Next, a fusion/mapping of the video’s color mucosal information and MDCT-based endoluminal surfaces is performed. This results in the final multimodal CT-video chest model. The data structure constituting the model provides a history of those airway locations visited during bronchoscopy. It also provides for quick visual access to relevant sections of the airway wall by condensing large portions of endoscopic video into representative frames containing important structural and textural information. When examined with a set of interactive visualization tools, the resulting fused data structure provides a rich multimodal data source. We demonstrate the potential of the multimodal model with both phantom and human data.
Cold-standby redundancy optimization for nonrepairable systems

A solution methodology is described and demonstrated to determine optimal design configurations for nonrepairable series–parallel systems with cold-standby redundancy. This problem formulation considers non-constant component hazard functions and imperfect switching. The objective of the redundancy allocation problem is to select from available components and to determine an optimal design configuration to maximize system reliability. For cold-standby redundancy, other formulations have generally required exponential component time-to-failure and perfect switching assumptions. For this paper, there are multiple component choices available for each subsystem and component time-to-failure is distributed according to an Erlang distribution. Optimal solutions are determined based on an equivalent problem formulation and integer programming. Compared to other available algorithms, the methodology presented here more accurately models many engineering design problems with cold-standby redundancy. Previously, it has been difficult to determine optimal solutions for this class of problems or even to efficiently calculate system reliability. The methodology is successfully demonstrated on a large problem with 14 subsystems.
A comparison of nucleoside transport and metabolism in hypertensive and normotensive rats.

In a previous study, we discovered that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) are dissimilar with respect to the depressor potency differentiated between intravenously and intra-arterially infused adenosine. To test the hypothesis that this dissimilarity may reflect a difference between the two strains in adenosine transport or metabolism, we compared the kinetics of nucleoside transport (i.e., [3H]uridine uptake) in erythrocytes and the pulmonary disposition of [3H]adenosine in SHR versus WKY. [3H]Uridine uptake in rat erythrocytes was linear for 4 minutes and inhibitable with dipyridamole. Kinetic analysis (i.e., Hofstee plots) of initial uptake velocity indicated no difference between the two strains with respect to apparent Km (196 +/- 40 vs 230 +/- 29 microM in WKY and SHR, respectively) and maximum velocity (7.5 +/- 0.4 vs 8.3 +/- 0.5 pmol/2 min/12% Hct in WKY and SHR, respectively). Approximately 50% of [3H]adenosine infused into the pulmonary artery of perfused rat lung was transported into the lung, and 85% of this material was incorporated into the nucleotide pool. Radioactivity in the lung perfusate consisted initially of equal amounts of adenosine and inosine; however, within 60 seconds after administration of [3H]adenosine most of the effluent radioactivity was inosine. No differences were detected in adenosine uptake, intracellular metabolism, or extracellular metabolism in lung from SHR versus WKY. Our data indicate that any difference between SHR and WKY with respect to the biological response to adenosine cannot be attributed to differences in adenosine disposition and, therefore, must be due to pharmacodynamic differences between the strains.
The Natural Appearance of Unnatural Incline Speed

In three experiments, college students provided judgments about a marble’s speed along a nonlinear incline. Each experiment revealed widespread support for the slope-speed belief, a mistaken belief holding that an object’s speed at any point depends on the slope at that point. In truth, an object’s incline speed varies with its elevation. In Experiment 1, participants relied solely on a diagram. In Experiments 2 and 3, participants observed computer animations depicting the descent of a marble at speeds conforming to either the slope-speed belief or Newtonian theory, and they rated the slope-speed version as more “natural” than the correct version. The task in Experiment 1 gauged participants’ consciously available knowledge, but the perceptual realism of the slope-speed animations suggests that the slope-speed belief is also held outside awareness. By contrast, virtually all previously identified false beliefs about motion appear unnatural once animated.
Pion inelastic scattering from 48,50Ti, 52Cr, and 54,56Fe: Higher-lying states.

Differential cross sections are presented for pion elastic and inelastic scattering from /sup 48,50/Ti, /sup 52/Cr, and /sup 54,56/Fe at T/sub ..pi../ = 180 MeV to the 0/sup +/, 5/sup -/, and higher lying 2/sup +/, 3/sup -/, and 4/sup +/ states. Inelastic-scattering data were analyzed using distorted-wave impulse-approximation calculations with collective-model transition densities. Matrix elements for most of the transitions have been extracted.
Conserved elements of the cytochrome P-450 superfamily found in monoamine oxidase B.

Abstract Monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO A and B) are the major enzymes in mammals that catalyze the oxidative deamination or oxidation of neurotransmitters, peripheral vasoactive amines, and xeonbiotics (e.g. MPTP). Although these enzymes are among the most widely studied flavoproteins, their integral association with the outer mitochondrial membrane has deterred knowledge of their structures until recent work yielded the three-dimensional structure of MAO B [Nat. Struct. Biol. 9 (2002) 22]. In our study, we compared the primary sequence in different regions of MAO B to those in selected proteins of known structure, including cytochrome P-450. Using site-directed mutagenesis [Prog. Nucleic Acid Res. Mol. Biol. 65 (2001) 129], we have identified three amino acids residues (Phe 423, Glu 427, and Thr 428) that appear to play a role in generating catalytically active MAO B. However, examination of models of the MAO B structure show that these residues lie outside the substrate binding site. Thus, it appears that Phe 423, Glu 427 and Thr 428 do not directly affect the active site, but they could modulate activity through an independent function such as non-covalent binding of FAD during synthesis of the MAO B polypeptide chain.
Methyl esterification divergently affects the degradability of pectic uronosyls in nonlignified and lignified maize cell walls.

Nonlignified cell walls from Zea mays (L.) cell suspensions were incubated with and without pectin methylesterase (PME) and a portion were artificially lignified to assess how methyl esters influence the release of pectic uronosyls and total sugars from cell walls by fungal enzymes. Treatment with PME reduced uronosyl concentrations from 97 to 92 mg/g, reduced uronosyl methylation from 57% to 21%, and increased Klason lignin concentrations in artificially lignified cell walls from 99 to 116 mg/g. Although PME treatment slightly enhanced uronosyl release from nonlignified cell walls, it reduced uronosyl release from artificially lignified cell walls by 55% after 4 h and by 7% after 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. Pectin hydrolysis in PME treated cell walls was probably impaired by enhanced benzyl ester cross-linking of uronosyls to lignin via quinone methide intermediates. Variations in uronosyl methylation had little effect on the overall release of total sugars from cell walls. Keywords: Zea mays; quinone ...
Calcium- and voltage-gated potassium (BK) channel activators in the 5β-cholanic acid-3α-ol analogue series with modifications in the lateral chain.

Large conductance, calcium- and voltage-gated potassium (BK) channels regulate various physiological processes and represent an attractive target for drug discovery. Numerous BK channel activators are available. However, these agents usually interact with the ubiquitously distributed channel-forming subunit and thus cannot selectively target a particular tissue. Here, we performed structure-activity relationship study of lithocholic acid (LCA), a cholane that activates BK channels via the accessory BK β1 subunit. The latter protein highly abundant in smooth muscle but scarce in most tissues. Modifications in the LCA lateral chain length and functional group yielded two novel smooth muscle BK channel activators, both having a small volume and a net negative charge in the substituent radical at C24. Our data provide detailed structural information that will be used to advance a pharmacophore in search of β1 subunit-selective BK channel activators. These compounds are expected to evoke smooth muscle relaxation, which would be beneficial in the pharmacotherapy of prevalent human disorders associated with increased smooth muscle degree of contraction, such as systemic hypertension, cerebral or coronary vasospasm, bronchial asthma, bladder hyperactivity, and erectile dysfunction.
Nonadiabatic Reaction of Energetic Molecules

Energetic materials store a large amount of chemical energy that can be readily converted into mechanical energy via decomposition. A number of different ignition processes such as sparks, shocks, heat, or arcs can initiate the excited electronic state decomposition of energetic materials. Experiments have demonstrated the essential role of excited electronic state decomposition in the energy conversion process. A full understanding of the mechanisms for the decomposition of energetic materials from excited electronic states will require the investigation and analysis of the specific topography of the excited electronic potential energy surfaces (PESs) of these molecules. The crossing of multidimensional electronic PESs creates a funnel-like topography, known as conical intersections (CIs). CIs are well established as a controlling factor in the excited electronic state decomposition of polyatomic molecules. This Account summarizes our current understanding of the nonadiabatic unimolecular chemistry of en...
Variability in ambient noise levels and call parameters of North Atlantic right whales in three habitat areas

The North Atlantic right whale inhabits the coastal waters off the east coasts of the United States and Canada, areas characterized by high levels of shipping and fishing activities. Acoustic communication plays an important role in the social behavior of these whales and increases in low-frequency noise may be leading to changes in their calling behavior. This study characterizes the ambient noise levels, including both natural and anthropogenic sources, and right whale upcall parameters in three right whale habitat areas. Continuous recordings were made seasonally using autonomous bottom-mounted recorders in the Bay of Fundy, Canada (2004, 2005), Cape Cod Bay, (2005, 2006), and off the coast of Georgia (2004–2005, 2006–2007). Consistent interannual trends in noise parameters were found for each habitat area, with both the band level and spectrum level measurements higher in the Bay of Fundy than in the other areas. Measured call parameters varied between habitats and between years within the same habitat area, indicating that habitat area and noise levels alone are not sufficient to predict variability in call parameters. These results suggest that right whales may be responding to the peak frequency of noise, rather than the absolute noise level in their environment.
ASLR-Guard: Stopping Address Space Leakage for Code Reuse Attacks

A general prerequisite for a code reuse attack is that the attacker needs to locate code gadgets that perform the desired operations and then direct the control flow of a vulnerable application to those gadgets. Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) attempts to stop code reuse attacks by making the first part of the prerequisite unsatisfiable. However, research in recent years has shown that this protection is often defeated by commonly existing information leaks, which provides attackers clues about the whereabouts of certain code gadgets. In this paper, we present ASLR-Guard, a novel mechanism that completely prevents the leaks of code pointers, and render other information leaks (e.g., the ones of data pointers) useless in deriving code address. The main idea behind ASLR-Guard is to render leak of data pointer useless in deriving code address by separating code and data, provide a secure storage for code pointers, and encode the code pointers when they are treated as data. ASLR-Guard can either prevent code pointer leaks or render their leaks harmless. That is, ASLR-Guard makes it impossible to overwrite code pointers with values that point to or will hijack the control flow to a desired address when the code pointers are dereferenced. We have implemented a prototype of ASLR-Guard, including a compilation toolchain and a C/C++ runtime. Our evaluation results show that (1) ASLR-Guard supports normal operations correctly; (2) it completely stops code address leaks and can resist against recent sophisticated attacks; (3) it imposes almost no runtime overhead (
Application of Structural Concepts to Evaluate the Potential Carcinogenicity of Natural Products

Abstract The expert structure-activity relational system CASE/MULTICASE was used to obtain an assessment of the possible carcinogenicity of selligueain A, a plant-derived sweetener. Based upon a series of authoritative data bases it was predicted that this chemical had some marginal potential for being a ‘non-genotoxic’ rodent carcinogen. The relevance of this potential to possible human health risks is problematic. Still, given the fact that successful sweetener may be widely consumed, should this chemical be developed further, experimental determinations of its potential carcinogenicity appear in order.
Autonomic and behavioral thermoregulation in the golden hamster during subchronic administration of clorgyline

Abstract Chronic administration of glorgyline, a type-A monoamine oxidase inhibitor, leads to a decrease inperitoneal (i.e., core) temperature of golden hamsters. To better understand the mechanisms of clorgyline's thermoregulatory effects, autonomic and behavioral thermoregulatory effectors were measured in Syrian hamsters following chronic infusion of clorgyline via a minipump (2 mg/kg/day). Metabolic rate, evaporative water loss, motor activity, and core temperature were measured after 60 min of exposure to ambient temperatures ( T a ) of 5, 20, 30, and 35°C. Behavioral thermoregulatory responses were assessed by measuring selected T a and motor activity of the same animals in a temperature gradient over the course of 23 h. Metabolic rate and motor activity were significantly elevated in clorgyline-treated hamsters exposed to a T a of 5°C. There were no effects of clorgyline on evaporative water loss. In the temperature gradient the mean selected T a of clorgyline-treated hamsters was nearly equal to that of the saline-treated hamsters, 30.7 and 31.2°C, respectively. On the other hand, the mode of selected T a in the clorgyline group was 2.8°C higher than that of the saline group. Motor activity in the gradient was significantly elevated and food consumption was depressed by clorgyline treatment. Overall, these findings indicated the chronic clorgyline treatment in the golden hamsters results in novel autonomic and behavioral modification; it stimulates metabolic thermogenesis during cold exposure, but appears to increase the behavioral zone of thermoneutrality. This latter effect may mean an improvement in heat tolerance, suggesting that this drug might assist in the adaptation to warm temperatures.
Evolution at two levels: on genes and form.

Emerging knowledge about organismal evolution suggests that changes in the regulation of gene expression have played a major role - a thesis proposed 30 years ago by King and Wilson.
Mapping and sequence-specific identification of phosphopeptides in unfractionated protein digest mixtures by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

We have demonstrated a procedure for the rapid (minutes), sensitive (<pmol), and sequence-specific identification of phosphopeptides in unfractionated digests of phosphoproteins using matrix-assisted UV laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. The mass-dependent identification of one specific 13-residue phosphopeptide (S105-K117), observed among the 153 possible trypsin digest fragments of human β-casein (211 residues), was confirmed by amino acid sequence analysis of the ???P-labeled peptide after isolation by reverse-phase HPLC. MALDI-TOF was also used to monitor the rate and extent to which an 18-residue N-terminal β-casein peptide (R1-K18) was phosphorylated in vitro. These results demonstrate that MALDI-TOF may be used (i) to facilitate the identification of sequence-specific sites of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. (ii) to monitor protein and peptide phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reaction rate, even in complex unfractionated mixtures, (iii) to determine the minimum primary structure necessary for the phosphorylation of specific protein surface domains, and (iv) to evaluate the effects of intact protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation on susceptibility to subsequent proteolytic events.
The Impact of the Dupuit‐Forchheimer Approximation on Salt‐Water Intrusion Simulation

Numerical analysis based on the finite-difference and boundary element methods is used to investigate the impact of the Dupuit-Forchheimer approximation on results of salt-water intrusion simulation. It is found that for sinks or sources (drain, ditch) that are small compared to the freshwater-zone thickness, the use of the Dupuit-Forchheimer approximation may cause substantial errors. For such cases, a correction method is proposed and verified.
INNER HELIOSPHERIC FLUX ROPE EVOLUTION VIA IMAGING OF CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

Understanding the evolution of flux ropes in coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is of importance both to the scientific and technological communities. Scientifically their presence is critical to models describing CME launch and they likely play a role in CME evolution. Technologically they are the major contributor to severe geomagnetic storms. Using a new processing technique on the STEREO/SECCHI heliospheric imaging data, we have tracked a magnetic flux rope observed by the Wind spacecraft in December 2008 to its origins observed by coronagraphs. We thereby establish that the cavity in the classic three-part coronagraph CME is the feature that becomes the magnetic cloud. This implies that the bright material ahead of the cavity is piled-up coronal or solar wind material. We track the evolution of the cavity en-route and find that its structure transforms from concave inward (curving away from the Sun) to concave outward (toward the Sun) around 0.065 AU from the Sun. The pileup was tracked and its leading edge remained concave inward throughout its journey. Two other CMEs in January 2009 are also inspected and a similar cavity is observed in each, suggesting that they too each contained a flux rope. The results presented here are the first direct observation, through continuous tracking, associating a particular flux rope observed in situ with the same flux rope before ejection from the corona. We speculate that detailed heliospheric imagery of CMEs may lead to a means by which flux ropes can be identified remotely in the heliosphere.
Distances and Cosmology From Galaxy Cluster CMB Data

The measurement of angular diameter distance to galaxy clusters, through combined Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect data with X-ray emission observations, is now a well-known probe of cosmology. Using a combination of SZ data and a map of the lensed CMB anisotropies by the galaxy cluster potential, we propose an alternative geometric technique to measure distance information primarily through cluster related multi-frequency CMB measurements. We discuss necessary requirements to implement this measurement, potential errors including systematic biases, and the extent to which cosmological parameters can be extracted. While individual cluster distances are not likely to be precise, with upcoming subarcminute resolution wide-area CMB observations, useful information on certain cosmological parameters, such as the equation of state of dark energy, can be obtained from a large sample of galaxy clusters.
Carbon nanotubes and nucleic acids: tools and targets

Nucleic acids; with their intrinsic structural properties as well as their high specificity, are playing an important role in the rapid development of nano-technologies. In turn, these new technologies and their efficient performance enable fast and precise methods for detection of nucleic acids, improving the diagnosis of diseases and identification of pathogens. We discuss the use of nucleic acids to disperse and sort single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), and carbon nanotube-based field effect transistors (CNT-FETs) to electrically detect specific nucleic acid sequences. Both DNA and RNA are efficient agents for dispersion and separation of SWNTs by diameter and chirality. Fractions enriched in a narrow band gap distribution of DNA: SWNT hybrids do not alter the electronic performance of field effect transistors. A CNT-FET fulfills the requirements for a nanosensing device that can greatly exceed the existing technologies. Electrical detection of specific nucleic acid sequence could potentially overcome the current limitations of optical detection, by increasing sensitivity and speed, while reducing sample manipulation, size, and cost.
Walking the Talk Multiracial Discourses, Realities, and Pedagogy

An effective social justice pedagogy will simultaneously (a) acknowledge that students of all backgrounds are barraged with the false notion that racism no longer exists and (b) confront the apathy and hopelessness students may develop in response to existing systems of racialization. Furthermore, it will expose and challenge the global racial hierarchy that continues to uphold an obsolete and destructive system of social organization, despite efforts to repackage it as color blindness. The social justice pedagogy described herein (called MRULE, or Multi-Racial Unity Learning Experience) interrogates this system, rejects spurious claims of egalitarianism, and stimulates new patterns of thinking and acting that move authentically toward justice. Application of this pedagogical approach is reviewed here in a university cocurricular program conducted from 1996 to the present.
Systemic reactions to stinging ants

Abstract Four patients are described in whom immediate-type systemic allergic reactions occurred following stings by three different ant species. The reactions included diffuse urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, wheezing, cough, and lightheadeness. the ant involved in each case was identified by an entomologist. The ant-hypersensitive patients were skin-tested and the results compared to two control groups: persons hypersensitive to honeybees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets; and normal nonatopic subjects. The three ant species responsible were Solenopsis invicta Buren (imported fire ant), S. xyloni McCook (southern fire ant), and Pogonomyrmex barbatus F. Smith, (red harvester ant). The medical and ant entomology literature is reviewed in an area of insect hypersensitivity, which will undoubtedly command more widespread attention as the imported fire ant spreads its already extensive boundaries.
Dynamic Properties of Soft Tissues and Their Interface with Materials

Treatment for the human hand involves application of forces and torques to the skeletal system. These are applied through the soft tissues, frequently using protective materials such as splints and other static and dynamic therapeutic orthoses. A view of soft tissues as polymeric materials provides a more universal approach. The role of shear in soft tissues is discussed, as well as the response of the tissues of the hand to the mechanical challenges of treatment. A connection between the underlying concepts presented is provided and how this influences clinical treatment is discussed.
Performance of the nonlinear joint transform correlator for images with low-pass characteristics

The correlation performance of the nonlinear joint transform correlator for input images containing a target embedded in input noise is investigated. We focus on a class of images for the target, the input image, and the input noise for which nonlinear joint transform correlators perform well. The target and the input noise have low-pass characteristics; that is, they are not band limited but have most of their energies in the low spatial frequency domain. The analytical results show that for this class of low-pass (but not band-limited) images, the binary joint transform correlator outperforms other types of kth-law nonlinear joint transform correlators with k ≠ 0 when the input-noise bandwidth is less than the target bandwidth. We show that binary nonlinear joint transform correlators perform well when the input noise is signallike; that is, the input noise or the objects to be rejected have energy spectra that are similar to the target energy spectrum. Correlation tests with computer simulations are presented. The nonlinear joint transform correlator performance is determined for various degrees of nonlinear transformations and for different input-noise parameters. For the nonlinear joint transform correlator the correlation-signal term and the output-noise term arising from the input noise are determined for various degrees of nonlinearity for the target embedded in input noise.
Information Frictions and Investor Home Bias: A Perspective on the Effect of Global IFRS Adoption on the Extent of Equity Home Bias

This paper provides a perspective on the effect of IFRS adoption on the tendency of investors to under-invest in foreign equities. We consider explanations for the home equity bias described in prior research and discuss research relevant to the informational consequences of global adoption of IFRS. Specifically, we evaluate whether IFRS adoption reduces information processing costs or decreases investor uncertainty about either the quality of financial reporting or the distribution of future cash flows. We predict that the effect of any reduction in information processing costs from the adoption of IFRS is likely to be small relative to the effects of other determinants of home bias such as the strength of investor protection mechanisms in foreign countries, behavioral biases toward familiar equities, and informational advantages related to geographical proximity. We conclude that global IFRS adoption is unlikely to reduce home bias and propose avenues for future research.
First-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: role of alemtuzumab

The CD52-targeting antibody alemtuzumab is established in clinical practice with convincing activity in relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), particularly in patients with high-risk features and adverse prognosis. In the CAM307 study alemtuzumab was tested and finally approved as a first-line single agent, even though the hurdle with chlorambucil as the contender was not set very high. Within clinical trials, the drug demonstrated an excellent ability to eliminate minimal residual disease in blood and bone marrow, which has been correlated with a corresponding survival advantage in patients. However, in the maintenance setting, infectious complications due to severe T cell suppression have been highlighted and do not allow clinicans to use alemtuzumab outside of clinical trials. This review discusses potential therapeutic niches and future applications of alemtuzumab with a focus on CLL front-line treatment.
POSSIBLE EXISTENCE OF KINKS IN HIGH-ENERGY ELASTIC pp SCATTERING CROSS SECTION.

Using a model proposed earlier and experimental proton form factors, the high-energy elastic $\mathrm{pp}$ scattering cross section is computed.