cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques to study amyloid fibril formation in vitro

Amyloid fibrils are ordered aggregates of peptides or proteins that are fibrillar in structure and contribute to the complications of many diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and primary systemic amyloidosis). These fibrils can also be prepared in vitro and there are three criteria that define a protein aggregate as an amyloid fibril: green birefringence upon staining with Congo Red, fibrillar morphology, and beta-sheet secondary structure. The purpose of this review is to describe the techniques used to study amyloid fibril formation in vitro, address common errors in the collection and interpretation of data, and open a discussion for a critical review of the criteria currently used to classify a protein aggregate as an amyloid fibril.
Dynamics of Corporate Performance in Thailand

Recent crises in emerging markets have highlighted the role of the corporate sector in transmitting financial shocks to the macroeconomy. This paper takes stock of the performance of the Thai corporate sector in emerging from the Asian crisis, and discusses remaining challenges and vulnerabilities. Econometric evidence is presented on the impact of excess leverage on performance. Debt levels, though high, have fallen from post-crisis peaks, while returns and corporate cash flows have stabilized. However, the aggregate picture masks significant firm-level variation, which is analyzed by examining estimated distributions for various indicators across firms.
GATA1s goes germline

Acquired somatic mutations in the transcription factor GATA1 are a defining feature of acute megakaryocytic leukemia in children with Down syndrome. A new study shows that similar inherited GATA1 mutations do not promote leukemia in the absence of trisomy 21 but lead to defects in multiple hematopoietic lineages.
Antiulcer activities of D-penicillamine copper complexes

A comparison of the antiulcer activities of the polymeric cuprous, cupric disulfide and mixed valence D-penicillamine copper complexes in the Shay rat are presented. The data support the conclusion that these complexes may be less toxic and more effective than the parent compound in the therapy of arthritic diseases and/or ulcers.
Human and organizational implications of computer privacy

The computer was created to serve man. With increasing reason serious questions are being raised pertaining to the potential misuse of the computer. Specifically, the issue of privacy has come to the public's attention as cherished liberties and psychological needs are gradually being eroded as the technology of the computer expands.Recent discoveries have shown how men desiring power can utilize data for their own benefit, leaving the person intruded upon with little recourse, or for that matter, any knowledge of the invasion into his private world.This paper identifies the many implications of loss of privacy on man's ego, dignity and general ability to cope with these forces. Failure to possess privacy can lead to withdrawal, loss of productivity, lack of confidence, physiological deterioration and other conditions of mental and physical decline.A significant portion of this paper details the protections that can be incorporated, primarily technical, to preserve the balance between the need for society to know and the need of the individual to remain independent. The basic conditions for man's well-being are being tested along with the foundations of our governmental traditions.
Future giant telescopes: astronomy's Holy Grail or Pandora's Box?

In this paper I review and reflect on the contributions given at this conference and place them in a broader context. Emboldened by the recent successes of 8 to 10-meter class telescopes and by the success of adaptive optics in making these telescopes diffraction limited, astronomers and engineers are now embarking on the quest for giant telescopes. Are these plans realistic? Are we overreaching ourselves?
The Substance P and Somatostatin Interferon-γ Immunoregulatory Circuita

Murine schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease in which flukes living in the portal vein of the host produce ova that deposit in the liver and intestines. In these organs, ova release antigens that induce chronic, focal granulomatous inflammation. IFN-gamma is an inflammatory cytokine important in macrophage activation and B-cell differentiation. A substance P (SP)/somatostatin (SOM) neurokine immunoregulatory circuit controls IFN-gamma production in schistosome granulomas. SP stimulates, while SOM inhibits IFN-gamma release, modulating IFN-gamma-dependent circuitry. SP and SOM function through interaction with authentic SP and SOM receptors located on granuloma T cells. Also, the granulomas produce authentic SP and SOM14, as evidenced by the presence of mRNA and product. The granulomas have no nerves. This, and other data suggest that the inflammatory cells make these neurokines. Granuloma macrophages produce SOM. Macrophages from various sources express SOM mRNA in response to LPS, IFN-gamma, IL-10 or several other inflammatory mediators. Thus, the inflammation of murine schistosomiasis has a complete SP/SOM immunoregulatory circuit, which in turn is subject to immunoregulation.
Techniques for Processing Experimental Data From a Solar Central Receiver to Evaluate the Receiver Steady-State Efficiency

This paper describes techniques for processing experimental data from a solar central receiver to evaluate the receiver steady-state efficiency. These techniques are applicable when the necessary experimental data is recorded on media that can be processed by a computer. The description includes how to select which measured value to use for the various parameters, how to determine a receiver steady-state condition, and how to evaluate the receiver efficiency. The authors compare the results from using these techniques for two different solar central receiver facilities using two different methods to evaluate the receiver steady-state efficiency.
A chemical method for the determination of acetylcholine: its application in a study of presynaptic release and a choline acetyltransferase assay.

— 1. A chemical method for the determination of acetylcholine has been devised based upon (a) The precipitation of acetylcholine out of solution as an iodine complex. (b) The absorption of the quaternary ester to a ‘carboxyl’ ion exchange resin column. (c) The hydrazinolysis of the acetylcholine to form acetyl hydrazide. (d) The formation of a fluorescent molecule with salicylaldehyde. 2. The method was utilized to determine (a) If tetramethylammonium ions would release acetylcholine from the cat cervical synaptic ganglion. (b) The activity of enzyme choline acetyltransferase in rat brain. 3. The observation that tetramethylammonium ions do release acetylcholine sustains the viability of the hypothesis that acetylcholine forms a primary acyl bond with its receptor.
Design of substrate-mode holographic interconnects with different recording and readout wavelengths

A method for recording a substrate-mode holographic interconnect system, composed of two identical holographic optical elements (HOEs) which were recorded on the same plate, has been developed. Since the possible recording wavelengths for efficient holograms are usually different from the readout wavelengths, the holographic elements must be recorded with predistorted wavefronts to assure high diffraction efficiencies and low aberrations. The predistorted wavefronts are derived from simple spherical holograms whose readout geometries differ from those used during recording. The method is illustrated with HOEs recorded at 488 nm and read out at 633 nm. Nearly diffraction-limited imaging and high efficiencies were achieved.
Diffusible ion localization by ion microscopy: a comparison of chemically prepared and fast-frozen, freeze-dried, unfixed liver sections

The necessity of low temperature preparative procedures for diffusible ion localization using the ion microscope has been established with rat liver as the test material. Using conventional fixation procedures, significant ion loss and redistribution were observed which exceeded the 1 micrometer lateral resolution of the direct imaging ion microanalyser. The compositional morphology evidenced in chemically prepared versus fast-frozen, freeze-dried, unfixed material was compared and evaluated in terms of ion retention, ion redistribution and morphological integrity. A mass spectral analysis of both preparations has been presented and discussed with regard to spectral interferences and elemental sensitivities. Ion images of sodium and potassium were recorded for chemically prepared liver sections and compared with the ion distributions obtained for unfixed, fast-frozen, freeze-dried 1 micrometer thick sections. The magnitude of ion loss during preparation of samples removed at different stages in the course of chemical processing was determined by atomic absorption and flame emission spectrophotometry.
Empiric therapy of perianal lesions in a sexually abused child: Medical and forensic implications

A two-year, eight-month-old boy was diagnosed clinically with perianal warts and treated with topical 5-Fluorouracil, with subsequent resolution of the lesions. The child disclosed sexual abuse, and subsequent physical abuse was also documented. Attempts to identify the perpetrator have been hampered by the child's young age and resolution of the skin lesions. The forensic implications of this case are discussed. Language: en
Taking up Space: Redefining Political Legitimacy in New York City

In this paper the ways in which the legitimacy gained through appropriation of space, accomplished by drawing on skills learned by living at or beyond the margins of mainstream economic and political production, is being extended to redefine political involvement and change are examined. The example of neighborhood networks of residents living in limited-equity cooperatives in New York City will be examined as a new form of political practice based on the experiences of gender, race, class, and shared lifeworlds. The paper ultimately is an attempt to identify what concept of citizenship is at work for those who have survived long-term multi-leveled exclusion from the economic and political spheres and yet have created communities.
Thermal and electrodynamic aspects of the superconductive transition process

Abstract The dynamic processes occurring in the transitions back and forth between the normal and superconducting states dominate the practical aspects and engineering considerations of virtually all superconductive computational devices, yet represent an area of greatest deficiency in theoretical understanding. However, in the case of the superconducting-to-normal transition induced in a thin wire or strip of film by the flow of a sufficient electric current, one of the chief dynamic aspects of the process can be discussed simply on the basis of a proper accounting of all heat generation and heat flow, particularly of the joulean heat generated in an already normal region. The derivations are outlined of the formulas describing the velocity of propagation of the transition and of the relations between current, bath temperature and the quenching characteristics of the material. The approximations necessary are indicated. In many other cases, such as expulsion of or quenching by an external magnetic field, or in certain extreme conditions of current quenching and recovery, the chief aspects of the process are electrodynamic. While the Londons' equations and boundary conditions give a complete characterization of the electrodynamic properties of the superconductor, they do not apply to the transition process itself. Some considerations are given for an appropriate generalization of these equations, and those of more recent theories, to the transition, and a few simple, heuristic models are used to suggest specific equations.
The effect of desferrioxamine B on the desorption of U(VI) from Georgia kaolinite KGa-1b and its ligand-promoted dissolution at pH 6 and 25 °C

The pathway of actinides through the soil column hinges on many intricate processes with soil constituents. These processes often involve the bioactivity of the microenvironment conferring the biosphere a crucial role in the natural attenuation of radionuclide contaminants in soils. In order to investigate the bioavailability of uranium, sorption experiments with U(VI) on kaolinite in the presence of an important organic chelator, DFO-B, at pH 6 and 25 °C were performed. Under these conditions uranyl adsorption reached a constant ∼ 70% of which virtually all was subsequently desorbed in the presence of the siderophore. It is reasoned that the almost quantitative desorption is a result of both direct displacement of uranyl surface species by DFO-B adsorption onto the same kaolinite Al edge sites and indirect desorption via thermodynamic disequilibrium between free and surface-complexed U(VI). Estimates suggest that indirect desorption prevails over direct exchange processes in the detachment of uranyl surface complexes. Yet, direct desorption and the concept of ligands competing for the same adsorption sites is corroborated by experiments where DFO-B and oxalate were employed to assess a potential synergistic effect on kaolinite dissolution. However, no such effect was observed. Species calculations as well as experiments indicate that DFO-B was preferentially adsorbed. In separate systems, DFO-B and oxalate each caused a ligand-promoted dissolution of kaolinite. This enhancement of dissolution rates is consistent with a mechanism involving ligand adsorption rather than chemical affinity or aluminum inhibitory effects. Further support for this hypothesis comes from the observation that siderophore-promoted dissolution of kaolinite showed the same relationship with aqueous ligand concentration as does the surface coverage: At low aqueous DFO-B concentrations 100 μM, where increase in these parameters is only marginal. The results show that DFO-B is a very efficient U-desorbent and affects uranium mobility in clay containing soils. Moreover, the ligand-promoted desorption results principally in a stable neutral aqueous species (UO2DFOBH) not likely to re-adsorb on soil particles to a great extent. Hence, the siderophore effect on the bioavailability of U(VI) is not exclusively determined by its desorptive strength but also encompasses the aqueous speciation that follows desorption.
Remifentanil : A Viewpoint by Peter S.A. Glass.

- Remifentanil is a new selective μ opioid receptor agonist of higher potency than alfentanil, with pharmacological effects that essentially parallel those of alfentanil and other opioids in this class. - Unlike other opioids, remifentanil is rapidly hydrolysed by nonspecific plasma and tissue esterases: this imparts brevity of action, precise and rapidly titratable effects (due to rapid onset and offset), non-cumulative opioid effects and rapid recovery after cessation of administration. - The onset of action of remifentanil is similar to that of alfentanil, although its offset is considerably more rapid and independent of the duration of infusion. Remifentanil also has a sparing effect on hypnotics and sedatives. - Its brevity of action ensures not only a rapid resolution of adverse effects but also a rapid offset of analgesic effect. Therefore, appropriate postoperative analgesia, when necessary, should be established before discontinuation of remifentanil infusion. - The unique pharmacokinetic profile of remifentanil facilitates 'real time' management of intraoperative stress, as well as provision of optimal intraoperative analgesia without compromising recovery for a variety of surgical procedures.
Religion and declining support for traditional beliefs about gender roles and homosexual rights

Berger's (1967, 1992) views on plausibility structures suggest that a belief must receive a high level of support from group members if the belief is to be maintained over time. An alternative view holds that beliefs that are empirically unfalsifiable and that receive validation from sources external to the group (e.g., from the mass media) can be maintained without high levels of intra-group support. Using longitudinal data, we found that between the early 1970s and the early 1990s support for two unfalsifiable beliefs (traditional beliefs about gender roles and homosexual rights) declined among all Christian groups, including active conservative Protestants. In the early 1970s, support for these beliefs was relatively low among active conservatives as well as among other Christians. Throughout the time period studied, however, the active conservatives, compared to other Christians, had greater exposure to extra-group sources of validation for both beliefs. Thus, our findings do not support the view that unfalsifiable beliefs that have extra-group support structures are sustainable without high levels of intra-group support.
The analysis of carbon fibre strength distributions exhibiting multiple modes of failure

Abstract Current statistical analyses of carbon fibre strength distributions consider only a single mode of failure whereas experimentally determined strength distributions commonly exhibit several modes. In this paper a new statistical analysis, which allows the possibility of multiple modes of failure, is presented. This is accomplished by the use of a mixture of Weibull distributions which are adapted to the case of a bimodal distribution. The mixed distribution is not linearised by forming the conventional cumulative probability of failure plot. Instead the parameters of the mixed distribution are found by the more direct method of fitting the mixed probability density to the experimental histogram using maximum likelihood methods. The bimodal analysis is applied to a set of measured tensile strengths for Thornel-P fibres and the results are compared to those obtained by the conventional Weibull and method of moments analyses. The bimodal analysis is shown to yield a better set of Weibull parameters, hence allowing more accurate estimates of mean fibre strength at short gauge lengths.
Active Faulting and Seismicity in a Prefractured Terrane: Grand Canyon, Arizona

Structural and seismic data for the eastern Grand Canyon were analyzed to determine the relationship between basement fractures, surface faulting, and seismicity. Published structural data were compared with the results of focal mechanism analysis of tremors occurring in the eastern canyon region during the period 1989–2004. Previous studies of the geology of this area indicate that the fault and joint trends exposed in the surface rocks and through the entire sedimentary section were first established with predominant northeast and northwest trends in Precambrian time. The northwest trends of this prefractured terrane correlate with a dominant northwest trend of nodal planes in the seismic data, suggesting that the present stress system in the region is favoring the reactivation of the preferentially oriented pre-existing northwest-trending fractures.
Applying linguistic methods to understanding smoking-related conversations on Twitter

Introduction Social media, such as Twitter, have become major channels of communication and commentary on popular culture, including conversations on our nation9s leading addiction: tobacco. The current study examined Twitter conversations following two tobacco-related events in the media: (1) President Obama’s doctor announcing that he had quit smoking and (2) the release of a photograph of Miley Cyrus (a former Disney child star) smoking a cigarette. With a focus on high-profile individuals whose actions can draw public attention, we aimed to characterise tobacco-related conversations as an example of tobacco-related public discourse and to present a novel methodology for studying social media. Methods Tweets were collected 11–13 November 2011 (President Obama) and 1–3 August 2011 (Miley Cyrus) and analysed for relative frequency of terms, a novel application of a linguistic methodology. Results The President Obama data set (N=2749 tweets) had conversations about him quitting tobacco as well as a preponderance of information on political activity, links to websites, racialised terms and mention of marijuana. Websites and terms about Obama’s smoke-free status were most central to the conversation. In the Miley Cyrus data (N=4746 tweets), terms that occurred with the greatest relative frequency were positive, emotional and supportive of quitting (eg, love, and please), with words such as ‘love’ most central to the conversation. Conclusions People are talking about tobacco-related issues on Twitter, and semantic network analysis can be used to characterise on-line conversations. Future interventions may be able to harness social media and major current events to raise awareness of smoking-related issues.
Histopathology of intersexuality in mosquitoes.

Masculine expressivity in several species of mosquitoes is dependent upon low larval rearing temperatures. At elevated temperatures femininity prevails in both sexual genotypes. This paper is concerned with the histological development of organs of genotypic males of Aedes stimulans (A. stimulans) and ix Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti) before, during and after their determination to a specific sexual form. Intersexuality of homologous and nonhomologous organs was shown to arise in a manner that has not been previously reported in insects. Homologous organs develop similarly in the two sexes up to a critical stage, after which divergent morphogenesis commences. This critical period occurs at an earlier stage of ontogeny in males than it does in females. At elevated temperatures and during their period of plasticity, organs of genotypic males developed in a feminine manner. Determination began approximately at the time of divergent development. If the temperature remained high at this time, organs continued their feminine development, but if the temperature was lowered before feminine specialization, masculinity quickly ensued. Nonhomologous organs that are found only in males were present during ontogeny of larvae which were reared at elevated temperatures. These organs reached a high degree of juvenile masculine specialization during the larval period, but then histolyzed during pupal development. Nonhomologous organs that are present only in females were also studied. Primordia of the median oviduct, spermathecae and related feminine parts were the ones selected. In genotypic males which were reared at high temperatures, the primordia appeared at the same time and developed in the same manner as did those of a normal female. When larvae were reared at elevated temperatures just long enough to activate these primordia and were then exposed to low temperatures, the discs developed into masculine genital appendages of abdominal segment eight.
Effect of acute arteriolar vasodilation on capacitance and resistance in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract BACKGROUND : Pulmonary vascular capacitance (PVC) is reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In normal lung, PVC is largely a function of vascular compliance. In PAH, increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) arises from the arterioles. PVR and PVC share pressure and volume variables. The dependency between the two qualities of the vascular bed is unclear in a state of intense vasoconstriction. METHODS : We compared PVC and PVR before and during nitric oxide (NO) inhalation during right-sided heart catheterization in eight NO-responsive patients with PAH. NO only directly affects tone in parenchymal vessels. RESULTS : During NO inhalation, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure decreased, 80 ± 20 SD to 48 ± 20 mm Hg, and stroke volume increased, 62 ± 19 mL to 86 ± 24 mL ( P P P P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS : In vasoresponsive PAH, PVC is a function of the pressure response of the vasoconstricted arterioles to stroke volume. Immediately upon vasodilation, the capacitance increases markedly. The compliance vessels are, thus, the same as the resistance vessels. The immediate reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure during NO inhalation suggests that large vessel remodeling is not a major contributor to systolic pressure in these patients.
Single‐cell C4 photosynthesis: efficiency and acclimation of Bienertia sinuspersici to growth under low light

Traditionally, it was believed that C(4) photosynthesis required two types of chlorenchyma cells to concentrate CO(2) within the leaf. However, several species have been identified that perform C(4) photosynthesis using dimorphic chloroplasts within an individual cell. The goal of this research was to determine how growth under limited light affects leaf structure, biochemistry and efficiency of the single-cell CO(2) -concentrating mechanism in Bienertia sinuspersici. Measurements of rates of CO(2) assimilation and CO(2) isotope exchange in response to light intensity and O(2) were used to determine the efficiency of the CO(2) -concentrating mechanism in plants grown under moderate and low light. In addition, enzyme assays, chlorophyll content and light microscopy of leaves were used to characterize acclimation to light-limited growth conditions. There was acclimation to growth under low light with a decrease in capacity for photosynthesis when exposed to high light. This was associated with a decreased investment in biochemistry for carbon assimilation with only subtle changes in leaf structure and anatomy. The capture and assimilation of CO(2) delivered by the C(4) cycle was lower in low-light-grown plants. Low-light-grown plants were able to acclimate to maintain structural and functional features for the performance of efficient single-cell C(4) photosynthesis.
Non-invasive optical detection of cathepsin K-mediated fluorescence reveals osteoclast activity in vitro and in vivo

Osteoclasts degrade bone matrix by demineralization followed by degradation of type I collagen through secretion of the cysteine protease, cathepsin K. Current imaging modalities are insufficient for sensitive observation of osteoclast activity, and in vivo live imaging of osteoclast resorption of bone has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we describe a near-infrared fluorescence reporter probe whose activation by cathepsin K is shown in live osteoclast cells and in mouse models of development and osteoclast upregulation. Cathepsin K probe activity was monitored in live osteoclast cultures and correlates with cathepsin K gene expression. In ovariectomized mice, cathepsin K probe upregulation precedes detection of bone loss by micro-computed tomography. These results are the first to demonstrate non-invasive visualization of bone degrading enzymes in models of accelerated bone loss, and may provide a means for early diagnosis of upregulated resorption and rapid feedback on efficacy of treatment protocols prior to significant loss of bone in the patient.
Subtropical ocean ecosystem structure changes forced by North Pacific climate variations

Biological responses to basin-scale climate forcing in the subtropical North Pacific Ocean are assessed based on temporal variations in plankton community structure observed at Station ALOHA and results of a coupled physical‐biogeochemical model. Observational data and model simulations for the period 1990‐2004 reveal distinct temporal patterns, with significant increases in net primary productivity, modeled nitrate flux into the euphotic zone and the measured downward flux of particulate nitrogen during 1999‐2004. Concurrent increases in microalgae, cyanobacteria and modeled and measured zooplankton biomass were also observed during this period. We provide evidence that these responses were a consequence of climate forcing that destratified the upper ocean, making it more susceptible to mixing events and nutrient entrainment. These findings underscore the importance of nitrate flux and plankton community structure, as modulated by climate forcing, in regulating particle export over interannual and decadal time scales.
Evaporative dense water formation and cross-shelf exchange over the northwest Australian inner shelf

and dense waters onshore, with a strong front near the 25 m isobath. The front is evident in satellite sea surface temperature (SST) imagery along the majority of the northwest Australianshelf,exhibitingacomplexfilamentaryandeddystructure.Cross‐shelfbuoyancy fluxes estimated from the mean, two‐dimensional heat and salt budgets are comparable to parameterizations of cross‐shelf eddy driven fluxes; however, the same fluxes can be achieved by cross‐shelf transports in the bottom boundary layer of about 0.5 m 2 s −1 (and an overlying return flow).
Interleukin-18 as an in vivo mediator of monocyte recruitment in rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: The function of interleukin-18 (IL-18) was investigated in pertinent animal models of rodent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to determine its proinflammatory and monocyte recruitment properties. Methods: We used a modified Boyden chemotaxis system to examine monocyte recruitment to recombinant human (rhu) IL-18 in vitro. Monocyte recruitment to rhuIL-18 was then tested in vivo by using an RA synovial tissue (ST) severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse chimera. We defined monocyte-specific signal-transduction pathways induced by rhuIL-18 with Western blotting analysis and linked this to in vitro monocyte chemotactic activity. Finally, the ability of IL-18 to induce a cytokine cascade during acute joint inflammatory responses was examined by inducing wild-type (Wt) and IL-18 gene-knockout mice with zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA). Results: We found that intragraft injected rhuIL-18 was a robust monocyte recruitment factor to both human ST and regional (inguinal) murine lymph node (LN) tissue. IL-18 gene-knockout mice also showed pronounced reductions in joint inflammation during ZIA compared with Wt mice. Many proinflammatory cytokines were reduced in IL-18 geneknockout mouse joint homogenates during ZIA, including macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α/CCL20), vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), and IL-17. Signal-transduction experiments revealed that IL-18 signals through p38 and ERK½ in monocytes, and that IL-18-mediated in vitro monocyte chemotaxis can be significantly inhibited by disruption of this pathway. Conclusions: Our data suggest that IL-18 may be produced in acute inflammatory responses and support the notion that IL-18 may serve a hierarchic position for initiating joint inflammatory responses.
Information integration using logical views

A number of ideas concerning information-integration tools can be thought of as constructing answers to queries using views that represent the capabilities of information sources. We review the formal basis of these techniques, which are closely related to containment algorithms for conjunctive queries and/or Datalog programs. Then we compare the approaches taken by AT&T Labs' “Information Manifold” and the Stanford “Tsimmis” project in these terms.
Reproductive correlates of spring arrival date in the Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus

Harsh weather in spring presents energetic challenges to birds during migration and upon reaching the breeding grounds, and yet, birds often arrive well before breeding begins. We studied a population of Eastern Kingbirds in eastern Oregon from 2004 through 2007. Early arriving kingbirds faced the poorest weather conditions, and therefore we predicted that benefits of early arrival must exist to balance the presumed costs. Early-arriving kingbirds were more likely to both acquire a high-quality territory and to replace nests after failure. Early-arriving birds also bred early, and early breeding led to larger clutches and greater production of young. Early-arriving males also sired more extra-pair young than later arrivers. Our data suggest that arrival date is in part influenced by individual quality, and that arrival date has reproductive consequences, with the primary benefits of early arrival being the acquisition of a high-quality territory, early breeding, and increased probability of replacing failed initial nests.
Effect of Private, Designer, and National Brand Names on Shoppers' Perception of Apparel Quality and Price:

The present study examined (a)the effect of product characteristics and brand name on shoppers' evaluations of apparel quality and price and (b) the effect of consumer decision-making style on evaluations. One hundred sixty four mall shoppers evaluated the quality and price of one of three experimental shirts which were identical exceptfor brand labels. Brand labels had been manipulated so that each shirt contained a private, national, or designer label. Brand name did influence shoppers perceptions of price but not of quality. Consumers' decision-making style was found to influence perception of price.
ADORNMENT AND IDENTITY

Excavations in Formative and Early Classic contexts at the Maya site of K'axob have produced a sample of 2,568 worked-shell ornaments crafted from both marine and freshwater species. Predominantly shell beads, the sample also includes unique pendants, figurines, and tinklers. A high frequency of unfinished beads in Middle Formative and early Late Formative midden contexts provides strong evidence of localized shell working and trading connections with the Caribbean. Personal adornment crafted from shell is an important item in many burials, including those of children. The most lavish disposal of shell, however, occurs in one of the earliest Middle Formative interments at K'axob. An adult male—who may have been a “founder” of K'axob—was buried with 2,019 shell beads. Through time, fewer individuals were buried with worked shell as the intricacy of shell working became more elaborate and possibly iconic of roles of authority. Interpretation of archaeological patterns indicates that shell beads can provide significant insight into the construction of social identities.
Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Increases Survival of Patients With Pretreatment Anemia

Background & Aims Individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and pretreatment anemia are less likely to begin and complete a full course of treatment for HCV. However, among those who are treated for HCV infection, the effect of treatment on mortality is not clear. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 200,139 HCV-infected veterans using data from the Electronically Retrieved Cohort of Hepatitis C–Infected veterans (2001–2008). The effects of treatment and treatment duration on survival were compared based on data from 1820 treated and 27,690 untreated anemic HCV-infected veterans. The association between HCV treatment and mortality was estimated using the Cox proportional hazard models, with adjustments for potential confounders. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Results In multivariable analysis, pretreatment anemia was associated significantly with African American race (odds ratio [OR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95–2.11), chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 3.23–3.51), and decompensated liver disease (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 3.53–3.86). All-cause mortality for treated, anemic, HCV-infected veterans was lower (54.2 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 49.2–59.7 per 1000 person years) than for untreated, anemic HCV-infected veterans (146.8 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 144.2–149.4 per 1000 person-years). The adjusted hazard ratio for treatment of HCV in anemic veterans was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.39–0.51), which was reduced after exclusion of comorbidities (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.22–0.37). Conclusions Based on a retrospective analysis of a veterans database, HCV therapy increases survival rates of individuals with pretreatment anemia. Additional studies are needed to determine strategies to increase rates of HCV therapy for this group.
Opiate modulating properties of nociceptin/orphanin FQ

The recently discovered peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor NOR share many structural similarities with the opioid peptides and their receptors. The anatomical distributions of N/OFQ and NOR are similar to those of opioid peptides and receptors. In addition, NOR and opiate receptors couple via the same G-proteins to similar effectors, such as Ca2+ channels, K+ channels, adenylyl cyclase, and several protein kinases. Thus, the behavioral effects of N/OFQ have been investigated in the context of known opiate effects, and a possible connection has been sought between the effects of these two homologous signaling systems. Originally characterized as a nociception-producing peptide, N/OFQ has now been shown to have diverse effects on nociception, as well as effects on many other behaviors. With regard to nociception, the peptide has been reported to produce hyperalgesia, reversal of opioid-mediated analgesia, analgesia, and allodynia. N/OFQ also has effects on other behaviors, such as locomotion, feeding, anxiety, spatial attention, reproductive behaviors, and opiate tolerance. The relationship between opiates and N/OFQ is strengthened by the fact that opiates also affect these behaviors. However, the exact nature of the relationship of N/OFQ with opiates—opiate-like versus antiopiate—remains controversial. This review will detail the diverse effects of N/OFQ and suggest that this peptide, like other putative antiopiate peptides, can be described as ‘opiate modulating.’
Designing manycore processor networks using silicon photonics

We present a vertical integration approach for designing silicon photonic networks for communication in manycore systems. Using a top-down approach we project the photonic device requirements for a 64-tile system designed in 22 nm technology.
An intrinsic base resistance model for low and high currents

A highly physical model of the intrinsic base resistance for a bipolar junction transistor, which includes emitter crowding, base pushout, and conductivity modulation and is compatible with the charge-based large-signal bipolar transistor model, is presented. This model, which is an extension of the Hauser model, is derived from a power dissipation calculation and verified with PISCES simulations of the low- to high-current region. It is then implemented in SLICE for CAD. >
A real-time system for power quality testing

This paper presents a real-time system that can be used for quick and reliable power quality testing. The system is based on a dual-processor architecture with a digital signal processor (DSP) interfaced to a personal computer (PC). Real-time tasks are delegated to run on the optimized hardware of the DSP board, while system-level requirements are handled by the PC. The real-time processing (RTP) kernel implemented on the DSP supports multi-tasking to handle tasks associated with data collection, data analysis and interprocessor communication. The results of real-time analysis are presented in the PC through a menu-driven, graphical interface. Tests show that the system complies with IEC standards for power quality monitoring. This system offers many significant advantages. Real-time analysis of acquired data significantly reduces storage requirements. Data analysis algorithms can be modified to suit specific testing needs. Test results available in the PC can be exported to other computer analysis tools. The system is portable and holds promise as a powerful, low-cost tool for practicing power quality engineers.
Solutions for training the professional when money is tight

With the increase in full-featured computer programs in the workplace, the demand for computer training is growing. Information specialists and documentation designers as well as researchers in user documentation are frequently asked to help solve the training problem. Using a case study, three training options are analyzed, and one approach to solving the training problem is described.
The CUSB-II BGO calorimeter

Abstract A description of the CUSB-II bismuth germanate calorimeter is presented. Details of the design philosophy are given, together with the performance characteristics. Energy resolution results obtained with 5 GeV Bhabha scattering events and with radiative photons from electric dipole transitions from the third excited upsilon state to the second excited P state are presented.
Properties of cardiac contractions in zero sodium solutions: Intracellular free calcium controls slow channel conductance

Abstract Guinea-pig, rat and frog atria bathed in zero sodium, contract in response to high intensity electrical stimuli. A transient positive inotropic response after sodium removal is followed by a decline and then leveling off of twitch tension. Abolition of sodium-calcium exchange in zero sodium medium results in a species-dependent decline in the rate of relaxation and an increase in diastolic tension. The characteristic positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol is reduced in rat and frog atria and abolished in guinea-pig atria bathed in zero sodium. Cyclic AMP generation in response to isoproterenol is reduced but not abolished in zero sodium, and time to peak tension is still shortened in response to the catecholamine. Addition of strontium ion to guinea-pig atria in zero sodium restores the ability of isoproterenol to increase twitch tension and to enhance slow channel conductance now carried by strontium. Chelation of calcium ion in the presence of strontium ion by the calcium chelator ethyleneglycol bis-(β-amino ethylether)- n,n,n′,n′ tetraacetic acid (EGTA) K A Ca K A Sr > 100 greatly increases the duration of slow action potentials carried by strontium. These data suggest that intracellular calcium accumulation, but not strontium accumulation, decreases slow channel conductance and the ability of isoproterenol to enhance slow channel conductance. It is concluded that sodium reduction tends to increase intracellular free calcium by decreasing the process of sodium-calcium exchange which normally contributes to relaxation. A large accumulation of intracellular calcium diminishes the ability of the tissue to respond to isoproterenol both by reducing the ability of the tissue to generate cyclic AMP and by directly inhibiting slow channel conductance.
The effect of surface treatment on the electrical properties of metal contacts to boron-doped homoepitaxial diamond film

Both doped and undoped homoepitaxial diamond films were fabricated using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The conductivity of the diamond film is strongly affected by the surface treatment. In particular, exposure of film surface to a hydrogen plasma results in the formation of a conductive layer which can be used to obtain linear (ohmic) I-V characteristics of the Au/diamond contacts, regardless of the doping level. It is shown how the proper chemical cleaning of the boron-doped homoepitaxial diamond surface allows the fabrication of Au-gate Schottky diodes with excellent rectifying characteristics at temperatures of at least 400 degrees C. >
Electromagnetic limits to radiofrequency (RF) neuronal telemetry

The viability of a radiofrequency (RF) telemetry channel for reporting individual neuron activity wirelessly from an embedded antenna to an external receiver is determined. Comparing the power at the transmitting antenna required for the desired Channel Capacity, to the maximum power that this antenna can dissipate in the body without altering or damaging surrounding tissue reveals the severe penalty incurred by miniaturization of the antenna. Using both Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and thermal damage limits as constraints and 300 Kbps as the required capacity for telemetry streams 100 ms in duration, the model shows that conventional antennas smaller than 0.1 mm could not support human neuronal telemetry to a remote receiver (1 m away.) Reducing the antenna to 10 microns in size to enable the monitoring of single human neuron signals to a receiver at the surface of the head would require operating with a channel capacity of only 0.3 bps.
Assessment of reproductive disorders and birth defects in communities near hazardous chemical sites. I. birth defects and developmental disorders

Members of the workgroup on birth defects and developmental disorders discussed methods to assess structural anomalies, genetic changes and mutations, fetal and infant mortality, functional deficits, and impaired fetal and neonatal growth. Tier 1 assessments for all five adverse reproductive outcomes consist of questionnaires and reviews of medical records rather than laboratory testing of biologic specimens. The work-group members noted a role for neurodevelopmental testing and for limited genetic studies, such as karyotyping in Tier 2 assessments. Emerging methodologies to identify chromosomal aberrations, DNA adducts, and repair inhibition were reserved for Tier 3.
Reduced-rank multi-label classification

Multi-label classification is a natural generalization of the classical binary classification for classifying multiple class labels. It differs from multi-class classification in that the multiple class labels are not exclusive. The key challenge is to improve the classification accuracy by incorporating the intrinsic dependency structure among the multiple class labels. In this article we propose to model the dependency structure via a reduced-rank multi-label classification model, and to enforce a group lasso regularization for sparse estimation. An alternative optimization scheme is developed to facilitate the computation, where a constrained manifold optimization technique and a gradient descent algorithm are alternated to maximize the resultant regularized log-likelihood. Various simulated examples and two real applications are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. More importantly, its asymptotic behavior is quantified in terms of the estimation and variable selection consistencies, as well as the model selection consistency via the Bayesian information criterion.
Regarding Rules: From Rimini to Rio

The legacy of Alberti’s 15th century treatise, De re aedificatoria(Alberti, 1988), on architectural theory and practice up to the present day is profound and wide-ranging. Indeed, the story of building over the last five and a half centuries is, in part, the story of the diverse interpretations, adaptations, and transformations of the rules of building that Alberti derived from classical architecture and laid down in his treatise. Interestingly, this story of transformations begins with Alberti himself — with his own adaptations and departures from classical rules within his own design practice and for his own time. In so doing, Alberti set the stage for others to transform rules, precedents, and traditions in innovative and context-specific ways.In this paper, design rules and transformations are introducedthrough the ideas and work of Alberti, and then expanded througha computational lens, specifically, through the lens of shape grammars.Four computational strategies for transforming designs to produce new ones are outlined and illustrated through prior shape grammar studies.In each strategy, the analysis of precedents is the impetus for design, and rules are the basis for practice. Though the computational format of shape grammars rules is unique and contemporary, the goals and potentials of shape grammars are very much in the spirit of Alberti.
Dermal graft repair of Peyronie's disease: survey of 50 patients.

Abstract: Peyronie’s disease is characterized by localized fibrosis in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum. This inelastic segment causes bending of the erect penis and sexual incapacity in advanced cases. We reviewed 52 cases in which excision of the Peyronie’s plaque and replacement of the defect with a dermal graft have been done. An operation is an acceptable method to treat patients who are anatomic and sexual cripples. More than 70 per cent of our postoperative patients have been satisfied with sexual performance. Specific aspects of the postoperative course and surgical results are reviewed.