cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface weather features associated with freezing precipitation and severe in-flight aircraft icing

Surface observations of freezing precipitation and pilot reports of severe in-flight aircraft icing for the continental United States are compared to the location of surface weather features, including airmasses of different origin and position relative to fronts, low-pressure centers and troughs. Statistics are calculated to determine where freezing precipitation and severe aircraft icing occur most often, and are produced most efficiently (number of occurrences per unit area). Airmasses found along the east and west coasts of the US are the most efficient producers of freezing precipitation and pilot reports of severe icing, respectively, while the areas ahead of surface warm fronts are the most efficient producers of both of these phenomena. The weather conditions typically found in these locations, and others that are of interest for freezing precipitation and aircraft icing, are discussed.
An integral formulation of the ɛ-problem and a new computational approach to control function optimization

A version of Balakrishnan's e-technique is developed using an integrated description of the system equations. The associated necessary conditions for optimality of theintegral e-technique appear as integral equations and lead to computational algorithms which are largely independent of the penalty function characteristics of the e-technique. The merits and shortcomings of this approach are discussed, alternative solution methods are proposed, and some computational results are presented.
Linear Programs and Related Problems

Sample Linear Problems. Tableau Algebra. Canonical Duality. the Simplex Algorithm. General Linear Programs. Numerical Considerations. Matrix Games. Assignment and Matching Problems. Transportations Problems. Network Flow Problems. The Transshipment Problem. Nonlinear programs.
In Vivo MRI Cell Tracking: Clinical Studies

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this review is to describe the principles of MRI cell tracking with superparamagnetic iron oxides and the four clinical trials that have been performed.CONCLUSION. Clinical MRI cell tracking is likely to become an important tool at the bedside once (stem) cell therapy becomes mainstream. The most prominent role of this technique probably will be verification of accurate cell delivery with MRI-guided injection, in which interventional radiologists will play a role in the near future. All clinical studies described as of this writing have been performed outside the United States.
Functional Heterogeneity of Arcuate Nucleus Pro-Opiomelanocortin Neurons: Implications for Diverging Melanocortin Pathways

Arcuate nucleus (ARC) pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are essential regulators of food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis. POMC neurons integrate several key metabolic signals that include neurotransmitters and hormones. The change in activity of POMC neurons is relayed to melanocortin receptors in distinct regions of the central nervous system. This review will summarize the role of leptin and serotonin receptors in regulating the activity of POMC neurons and provide a model in which different melanocortin pathways regulate energy and glucose homeostasis.
The significance of Michael Polanyi's post-critical philosophy for institutional and social economics

Abstract The post-critical philosophy of Michael Polanyi offers structure and insights for institutional and social economics. The authors argue that his epistemology validates and authenticates the empirical, inductive and historical methods of these branches of economics. Moreover, it can increase their relevance.
Synaptic initiation and extension as prerequisites for crossing over

The effect on crossover frequency in maize of three hour heat treatment was studied when treatment was applied at zygotene (substantially later than the major DNA synthetic period) and at pachytene. Crossover frequency assay was based upon bridge and fragment frequency at anaphase I in heterozygotes for a short paracentric inversion. Effect of treatment was studied in three distinguishable synaptic classes: (1) overall crossover frequency within the inversion, (2) double crossover frequency where two separate events of pairing initiation are required (coincident crossovers within and proximal to the inversion) and (3) double crossover frequency within the inversion, where spreading of synapsis over a short distance from a single event of pairing initiation can provide the requisite pairing. Evidence is reported: (1) that overall crossover frequency within the inversion was very significantly increased by treatment at zygotene but not detectably affected by treatment at pachytene; (2) that double crossover frequency within the inversion was very significantly increased by treatment at pachytene and may have been somewhat increased by treatment at zygotene. Results are consistent with the model that most crossover sites may be established at, or approximately at, events of synaptic initiation but that establishment of infrequent second crossover sites near those formed first can follow or accompany the spreading of synapsis to adjoining regions.
The growth of single crystals of cubic laves phase compounds in the HoTbFe system

Abstract The preparation of large single crystal specimens of Ho1−xTbxFe2, where x=0.12 to 0.18, from 1% rare-earth-rich melts by the Czochralski technique using an electric-arc furnace is described. X-ray, magnetic anisotropy and neutron diffraction data demonstrate that crystals of excellent quality have been obtained.
Neurochemical effects of CM 57227 and CM 57373, two anorectic agents, on brain serotonin neurons in rats.

Abstract The effects of two anorectic drugs, CM 57227 (4-amino-1-[6-chloropyrid-2-yl]piperidine) and CM 57373 (its 6-bromo analog), on brain serotonin metabolism in rats were studied. Both compounds dose-dependently decreased brain concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) for several hours while causing little or no change in brain concentrations of serotonin. Both compounds antagonized the depletion of brain serotonin by p -chloroamphetamine, an agent whose depletion requires the serotonin uptake carrier, with ED 50 values of about 7 mg/kg. The data suggest these compounds affect brain serotonin neurons primarily by inhibiting the membrane uptake carrier, which may be the mechanism by which they produce anorexia.
Two-machine flowshop scheduling with availability constraints

The majority of the scheduling literature carries a common assumption that machines are available all the time. However, this availability assumption may not be true in real industry settings, since a machine may become unavailable during certain periods of time when, for instance, a machine breakdown or a preventive maintenance activity is scheduled. Although the problem is realistic and important, it is relatively new and unstudied. In this paper, we study the two-machine flowshop problem under the assumption that the unavailable time is known in advance. We assume that if a job cannot be finished before the next down period of a machine then the job will have to partially restart when the machine has become available again. We call our model semiresumable. Our model contains two important special cases: resumable where the job can be continued without any penalty and nonresumable where the job needs to totally restart. We study the problem where an availability constraint is imposed only on one machine as well as on both machines. We provide complexity analysis, develop a pseudo-polynomial dynamic programming algorithm to solve the problem optimally and also propose heuristic algorithms with an error bound analysis.
Metal-olefin complexes III. The rhodium(I) π-complex of cis,cis-1,6-cyclodecadiene by the metal-catalyzed isomerization of cis,trans-1,5-cyclodecadiene

The preparation of the dimeric rhodium(I) π-complex of cis,cis-1,6-cyclodecadiene is reported. Rhodium trichloride is shown to catalyze the isomerization of cis,trans-1,5-cyclodecadiene with the formation of the rhodium(I) olefin complex of cis,cis-1,6-cyclodecadiene. A structure of the 1,6-cyclodecadiene complex is suggested and the possible mechanisms of isomerization are briefly discussed.
Fungal infections of the head and neck: an update

Despite the vast literature regarding fungal infections of the head and neck, little has changed in diagnosis or management of these infections except in the nose and sinuses. Three main points regarding fungal involvement in the paranasal sinuses are evident now. First, fungi may be important in a significant percentage of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Second, the pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for fungal rhinosinusitis remains unclear. It may represent an allergic IgE response, a cell-mediated reaction, or a combination of the two. Finally, there is certainly a spectrum of disease thus far defined: allergic fungal sinusitis as defined by Bent and Kuhn [35], eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis defined by Ferguson [50], and eosinophilic fungal rhinosinusitis as proposed by Ponikau [45]. Fungal infections of the head and neck are panoramic in distribution and pathophysiology. They represent a broad range of disease of which medical science has only recently begun to uncover the surface. As research begins to unravel the complex host defense mechanisms against these pathogens from a cellular and even genetic level, the body of knowledge will continue to increase exponentially and the ability to treat patients suffering from fungal infections will improve.
Misconceptions concerning gastroesophageal reflux in children.

To the Editor .— After reading the article “Yield of Diagnostic Testing in Infants Who Have Had an Apparent Life-Threatening Event” by Brand et al,1we were dismayed because of the perpetuation of a myth by well-meaning but misinformed pediatricians. The authors state that a subset of tests that led to the identification of all occult causes of an apparent life-threatening event would include screening for gastroesophageal reflux (GER). To this point we agree. However, their basis for this statement comes from the evaluation of 68 children who had upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series; 36 of the 37 children in whom findings contributed to the final diagnosis of an …
Polydactyly in the Southwest: art or anatomy—a photo essay

Rock art in the Four Corners area often includes pictures of hands and feet, which may be representational or symbolic. There is correlation between actual metatarsal bones and carvings of polydactyl feet. No duplicated hand bones have been found, but we postulate petroglyphs of polydactyl hands are a reflection of a real congenital difference.
Empirical Likelihood Inference for the Cox Model with Time-dependent Coefficients via Local Partial Likelihood

The Cox model with time-dependent coefficients has been studied by a number of authors recently. In this paper, we develop empirical likelihood (EL) pointwise confidence regions for the time-dependent regression coefficients via local partial likelihood smoothing. The EL simultaneous confidence bands for a linear combination of the coefficients are also derived based on the strong approximation methods. The empirical likelihood ratio is formulated through the local partial log-likelihood for the regression coefficient functions. Our numerical studies indicate that the EL pointwise/simultaneous confidence regions/bands have satisfactory finite sample performances. Compared with the confidence regions derived directly based on the asymptotic normal distribution of the local constant estimator, the EL confidence regions are overall tighter and can better capture the curvature of the underlying regression coefficient functions. Two data sets, the gastric cancer data and the Mayo Clinic primary biliary cirrhosis data, are analyzed using the proposed method.
Estradiol sensitization of rat pituitary cells to gonadotropin-releasing hormone: involvement of protein kinase C- and calcium-dependent signaling pathways.

During the female reproductive cycle, estrogen enhances the actions of GnRH on the gonadotrope cell. Recently, we reported that in vivo exposure to estradiol causes a marked enhancement GnRH-induced transcription of the α gene promoter in primary cultures of pituitary cells. In the present study, we analyzed the GnRH signaling pathways that mediate the sensitizing effects of estradiol on the α promoter. Primary cultures of male and female rat pituitary cells were transfected with the −420αLUC reporter gene and treated with agonists or antagonists for 24 h. As found previously, the degree of GnRH (1 nm) stimulation was 15-fold greater in females (157-fold) than in males (9-fold). When cells were treated with phorbol esters [phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA); 10 nm], the level of stimulation was half that observed with GnRH, but the sexual dimorphism was preserved. When protein kinase C (PKC) activity was either depleted by long term treatment with phorbol esters (1 μm PMA for 24 h) or inhibited with st...
Patterns of information flow in local cortical networks

Structural and functional connectivity of macroscopic brain regions has been very widely researched [1] in the last decade, however very little work has been done on the effective connectivity between individual neurons, largely because of limitations on the simultaneous measurement of large numbers of neurons at high spatiotemporal resolution. We recorded spontaneous single neuron activity from 15 organotypic cultures (prepared from the mouse cortex), with a 512 channel micro-electrode array at a temporal resolution of less than 1 ms and a spatial resolution of 60 μm. The average number of recorded neurons was 347 ± 119. Effective connectivity matrices, both binary and weighted, were constructed from the spike trains using transfer entropy (TE) analysis to estimate directed neuronal interactions [2]. The strength of information flow from neuron i to j was quantified in terms of the TE value calculated from neuron i to j. We observed that only 20% of the recorded neurons accounted for 80% of the total information flow in these networks (see Figure 1A) which we define as the network’s set of rich nodes. The rich nodes were characterized by a higher firing rate, and graph theoretic analysis revealed their participation in a number of highly non-random network features. The networks were highly clustered with small average path
Increased synthesis and mRNA of surfactant protein A in oxygen-exposed rats.

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an abundant glycoprotein in surfactant that is synthesized and secreted by alveolar type II cells and likely has important roles in mediating surfactant function and metabolism. In the present study, we demonstrate that exposure to 85% oxygen increased alveolar lavage and lung SP-A, and that these increases were related to increased SP-A synthesis and mRNA. Adult rats were exposed to room air or to 85% oxygen for 3, 5, or 7 days. Continuous exposure to hyperoxia progressively increased SP-A content, with a 20-fold increase in alveolar lavage and a 10-fold increase in lung SP-A content observed after 7 days. SP-A-specific mRNA increased in the lungs of rats exposed to oxygen, occurring with a time course similar to the increase in tissue SP-A. SP-A mRNA was increased 7-fold after 7 days of oxygen exposure. Synthesis of SP-A was increased 2- to 3-fold and secretion was increased 6- to 7-fold by type II epithelial cells isolated from oxygen-exposed rats. We conclude that exposu...
A new, radially expanding access system for laparoscopic procedures versus conventional cannulas

The safety, postoperative pain, and costs associated with a newly developed, radially expanding access (REA) system for laparoscopic surgery were evaluated. This prospective, patient-blinded, self-controlled study was conducted at a free-standing surgicenter. Nineteen women underwent various outpatient laparoscopic surgical procedures consecutively between November 1994 and February 1995. In each patient an REA system was placed laterally as an ancillary port, and a size-matched contralateral ancillary port was placed using a conventional cannula. In 8 patients 5-mm bilateral access devices were placed, and in 11 patients, 12-mm devices. All five complications and device-related adverse events were associated with conventional cannulas. At 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after laparoscopic surgery, patients were asked on which side incisional pain was greater or whether there was no difference between the sides. A significantly higher proportion of patients rated pain on the REA system side lower at all three evaluations. This was the case for recipients of both 5- and 12-mm access devices. The REA system is safer, better tolerated, and more cost effective than conventional cannulas for a range of laparoscopic surgical procedures.
Effective Stress Intensity Factor in Mode III Crack Growth in Round Shafts

Turbine-generator shafts are often subjected to a complex transient torsional loading. Such transient torques may initiate and propagate a circumferential crack in the shafts. Mode III crack growth in turbo-generator shafts often results in a fracture surface morphology resembling a factory roof. The interactions of the mutual fracture surfaces result in a pressure, and a frictional stress field between fracture surfaces when the shaft is subjected to torsion. This interaction reduces the effective Mode III stress intensity factor. The effective stress intensity factor in circumferentially cracked round shafts is evaluated for a wide range of applied torsional loadings by considering a pressure distribution in the mating fracture surfaces. The pressure between fracture surfaces results from climbing the rought surfaces respect to each other. The pressure profile not only depends on the fracture surface roughness (height and width (wavelength) of the peak and valleys), but also depends on the magnitude of the applied Mode III stress intensity factor. The results show that the asperity interactions significantly reduce the effective Mode III stress intensity factor. However, the crack surfaces interaction diminishes beyond a critical applied Mode III stress intensity factor. The critical stress intensity factor depends on the asperities height and wavelength. The results of these analyses are used to find the effective stress intensity factor in various Mode III fatigue crack growth experiments. The results show that Mode III crack growth rate is related to the effective stress intensity factor in a form of the Paris law.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Advances in large-diameter, low-energy HPGe detectors

Abstract The preparation of large diameter germanium crystals of both P- and N-types has made possible the construction of coaxial detectors of relative efficiency exceeding 100% for commercial exploitation. A new development involves large diameter (70 mm) N-type coaxial detectors of low length-to-diameter ratio (“LO-AX” detectors). These new detectors have similar resolution to available 50 and 60 mm diameter crystals; thus the low-energy photon efficiency of a 70 mm device is nearly twice that of a standard 50 mm detector. Spectra are presented and discussed from the monitoring of plutonium and americium lung phantoms and the study of mining samples as examples of two cases where the larger diameter detectors have advantages over the smaller detectors.
Longitudinal variation of the E-region electric fields caused by atmospheric tides

[1] Polarization electric fields created by the E- and F-region dynamos cause the uplift of F-region plasma. The subsequent redistribution of that plasma along the magnetic field lines creates the equatorial ionospheric anomaly (EIA). Observations of the post-sunset EIA made by the IMAGE and TIMED satellites are compared here with CHAMP, Orsted and SAC-C observations of the noontime equatorial electrojet (EEJ). During magnetically quiet periods around equinox, the EIA and EEJ show a remarkably similar four-peaked wave-like longitudinal variation. Its structure is consistent with the longitudinal variation in the strength of diurnal tides that drive the E-region dynamo. This indicates a strong vertical coupling between the ionosphere and troposphere because the four-peaked tidal structure is driven by tropospheric weather. Furthermore, the dayside ionospheric conditions are found to perform the global-scale longitudinal structure of the post-sunset ionosphere at low latitudes.
The Tolerability of Newer Immunosuppressive Medications in a Patient with Acute Intermittent Porphyria

Acute intermittent porphyria results from a deficiency of the porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme of heme biosynthesis and is commonly exacerbated by a wide variety of medications. When referred a patient with acute intermittent porphyria for a renal transplant, only steroids and azathioprine were discovered as safe in patients with acute intermittent porphyria. The administration of many newer immunosuppressive medications, including calcineurin inhibitors, has not been documented in acute intermittent porphyria. Actually, cyclosporine is presently considered contraindicated in acute intermittent porphyria. To determine if calcineurin inhibitors would be tolerated in acute intermittent porphyria, cyclosporine and tacrolimus were administered pretransplant and were documented not to exacerbate acute intermittent porphyria. A successful renal transplant was then performed using tacrolimus. This is the first reported patient with documented acute intermittent porphyria to tolerate safely several of the newer immunosuppressive medications, including tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and rabbit antithymocytic globulin following renal transplantation. This patient's pretransplant evaluation also suggested that cyclosporine may be safe for some patients with acute intermittent porphyria.
Analysis of the meiotic recombination gene REC8 for sequence variations in a population with severe male factor infertility.

Proper regulation of meiosis is essential for normal spermatogenesis and abnormalities may be associated with infertility, as shown in both animal knockout studies and studies identifying anomalies in key proteins, such as SCP3 and MLH1. Disruptions of meiosis are associated with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, and may increase the incidence of sperm aneuploidy in some men. Based on its function and animal studies, REC8, a key component of the meiotic cohesion complex, has been identified as a candidate male infertility gene. In this study, we have evaluated sequence variation in the REC8 gene of severely infertile men of European descent with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia compared to a fertile control population. The direct sequencing of these populations revealed nine polymorphic sites, four within intron/exon boarders, four within coding exons and one in the three prime untranslated region. These sites did not show significantly different allelic frequencies in the study populations comp...
PARENTAL SELF-EMPLOYMENT, START-UP ACTIVITIES AND FUNDING: EXPLORING INTERGENERATIONAL EFFECTS

In this paper, we compare first generation entrepreneurs with entrepreneurs whose parents were self-employed. To test the hypotheses, we use PSED II data on nascent entrepreneurs to explore the effects of parental self-employment (PSE) on various start-up activities associated with planning and organization, and on funding structure. Overall, results show a difference in patterns of behavior between first generation entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs whose parents were self-employed, supporting the notion of intergenerational learning. Specifically, results indicate a positive relationship between PSE and early deployment of startup activities and a positive relationship between PSE and attaining informal external funding. Post hoc analyses for gender differences show that (a) the relationship between PSE and startup activities exists primarily for men and (b) gender differences exist in the effects of PSE on funding structure: for women, PSE is positively associated with the use of personal savings, whereas for men, PSE is positively associated with use of external informal funding. The results of our findings and their implications are discussed.
Location, Extent and Number of Positive Surgical Margins Do Not Improve Accuracy of Predicting Prostate Cancer Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: Positive surgical margins increase the risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy by 2 to 4-fold. The risk of biochemical recurrence may be influenced by the anatomical location and extent of positive surgical margins. In a multicenter study we analyzed the predictive usefulness of several subclassifications of positive surgical margins.Materials and Methods: The clinical information and followup data of 7,160 patients treated with radical prostatectomy alone at 1 of 3 institutions between 1995 and 2006 were modeled using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for biochemical recurrence. Positive surgical margins were analyzed as solitary vs multiple, focal vs extensive and apical location vs other. The usefulness of these subclassifications was assessed by the improvement in predictive accuracy of nomograms containing these parameters compared to one in which the surgical margin was modeled simply as positive vs negative.Results: The 7-year progression-free probability was ...
Mechanisms of carbon storage in mountainous headwater rivers

Published research emphasizes rapid downstream export of terrestrial carbon from mountainous headwater rivers, but little work focuses on mechanisms that create carbon storage along these rivers, or on the volume of carbon storage. Here we estimate organic carbon stored in diverse valley types of headwater rivers in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, USA. We show that low-gradient, broad valley bottoms with old-growth forest or active beaver colonies store the great majority of above- and below-ground carbon. These laterally unconfined valley segments constitute o25% of total river length, but store B75% of the carbon. Floodplain sediment and coarse wood dominate carbon storage. Our estimates of riverine carbon storage represent a previously undocumented but important carbon sink. Our results indicate that: not all mountainous rivers rapidly export carbon; not all valley segments are equally important in carbon storage; and historical changes in riverine complexity have likely reduced carbon storage.
Rethinking job characteristics in work stress research

In work stress research, consistent relationships between job characteristics and strain have not been established across methods for assessing job characteristics. By examining the methods used to assess job characteristics in work stress research, I argue that this is because different methods are assessing interrelated, yet distinct, facets of job characteristics: latent, perceived and enacted facets. The article discusses the implications for work stress research of differentiating these facets of job characteristics.
Are Africans, Europeans, and Asians Different “Races”? A Guided-Inquiry Lab for Introducing Undergraduate Students to Genetic Diversity and Preparing Them to Study Natural Selection

Many students do not recognize that individual organisms within populations vary, and this may make it difficult for them to recognize the essential role variation plays in natural selection. Also, many students have weak scientific reasoning skills, and this makes it difficult for them to recognize misconceptions they might have. This paper describes a 2-h laboratory for college students that introduces them to genetic diversity and gives them practice using hypothetico-deductive reasoning. In brief, the lab presents students with DNA sequences from Africans, Europeans, and Asians, and asks students to determine whether people from each continent qualify as distinct “races.” Comparison of the DNA sequences shows that people on each continent are not more similar to one another than to people on other continents, and therefore do not qualify as distinct races. Ninety-four percent of our students reported that the laboratory was interesting, and 79% reported that it was a valuable learning experience. We developed and used a survey to measure the extent to which students recognized variation and its significance within populations and showed that the lab increased student awareness of variation. We also showed that the lab improved the ability of students to construct hypothetico-deductive arguments.
Power control for wireless networks using multiple controllers and switching

Controlling transmitted power in a wireless network is critical for maintaining quality of service, maximizing channel utilization and minimizing near-far effect for suboptimal receivers. In this paper, a general PID (proportional-integral-derivative) type algorithm for controlling transmitted powers in wireless networks is studied and a systematic way to adapt or tune the parameters of the controller in a distributed fashion is suggested. The proposed algorithm utilizes multiple candidate PID gains. Depending on the prevailing channel conditions, it selects an optimal PID gain from the candidate gain set at each instant and places it in the feedback loop. The algorithm is data driven and can distinguish between stabilizing and destabilizing controller gains as well as rank the stabilizing controllers depending on their performance. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme performs better than several candidate controllers, including the well known distributed power control algorithm.
Determination of Unbound Bilirubin in the Serum of Newborns

An enzymatic assay is described for non-albuminbound bilirubin in the serum of newborn infants. Unbound bilirubin is oxidized to colorless compounds by ethyl hydroperoxide in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), while albumin-bound bilirubin is protected from oxidation. Because the equilibrium between albumin and bilirubin occurs rapidly, the oxidation step is rate limiting, and the initial oxidation velocity of total bilirubin is proportional to the unbound bilirubin concentration. By titrating serum with bilirubin in vitro, the association constant and binding capacity of high-affinity sites for albumin binding can be determined. Normal human serum albumin tightly binds 1 mole of bilirubin per mole of albumin (binding constant, 2-4 x 108 liter/mol). Although weaker secondary binding occurs, the unbound bilirubin fraction increases rapidly after the high-affinity binding sites are saturated. Compromised newborns may have a decreased apparent binding capacity and (or) binding affinity. The method can be used to assess the risk of a jaundiced infant for bilirubin encephalopathy.
Cloning, Nucleotide Sequence, and Expression of the Gene Encoding the Bacteriocin Boticin B from Clostridium botulinum Strain 213B

Boticin B is a heat-stable bacteriocin produced by Clostridium botulinum strain 213B that has inhibitory activity against various strains of C. botulinum and related clostridia. The gene encoding the bacteriocin was localized to a 3.0-kb HindIII fragment of an 18.8-kb plasmid, cloned, and sequenced. DNA sequencing revealed the boticin B structural gene, btcB, to be an open reading frame encoding 50 amino acids. A C. botulinum strain 62A transconjugant containing the HindIII fragment inserted into a clostridial shuttle vector expressed boticin B, although at much lower levels than those observed in C. botulinum 213B. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration and characterization of a bacteriocin from toxigenic group I C. botulinum.
Multivariate functional-coefficient regression models for nonlinear vector time series data

SUMMARY Vector time series data are widely found in practice. In this paper we propose a multivariate functional-coefficient regression model with heteroscedasticity for modeling such data. The local linear smoother is employed to estimate the unknown coefficient matrices. Asymptotic normality 10 of the proposed estimators is established, and bandwidth selection is considered. To deal with cointegration widely observed in financial markets, we propose an error-corrected multivariate functional-coefficient model. Simulations show that the proposed estimation procedures capture nonlinear structures of coefficients well. Analysis of United States interest rates illustrates the proposed methodology. 15
Diffusion of electromagnetic fields into the Earth from a line source of current

The popularity of time‐domain electromagnetic (EM) systems in geophysical exploration has stimulated much interest in transient solutions of Maxwell’s equations. Although the fields at the surface of the earth are of the most practical value, the patterns of current flow in the ground can also be very enlightening, as demonstrated by Nabighian (1979) who showed the development and diffusion of the now famous “smoke ring” of current in the earth after shut‐off of a steady current in a loop at the surface. Nabighian’s result, which is based on Weaver’s (1970) general theory of EM induction in a half‐space, is an approximate image solution involving a single current filament; however, calculation of the full solution by numerical integration of the appropriate Hankel transforms showed that the real currents in the earth follow a similar smoke‐ring pattern (Nabighian, 1979; Lewis and Lee, 1978). Since the two‐dimensional (2-D) approximation is often used in solving EM scattering problems, it is interesting to...
EFFECT OF SERVING TEMPERATURE ON THE SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF RED AND WHITE WINES

ABSTRACT Convention dictates that red wines should be served around room temperature and white wines should be served chilled. The objective of this study was to determine the sensory impact of white wine serving temperature (4, 10 and 18C) and red wine serving temperature (14, 18 and 23C) on wine sensory attributes. A trained panel evaluated a series of adjusted model wines served at different serving temperatures. The control white wine was adjusted to enhance sweetness and acidity, while the control red wine was adjusted to enhance bitterness and astringency. For both wines, the adjusted wine was rated significantly higher on the enhanced sensory attribute compared with the unaltered control. In white wine, serving temperature significantly affected perceived aroma, with sweetness and acidity intensities impacted by the interaction between the panelist and temperature (P ≤ 0.05). In red wine, serving temperature significantly affected aroma intensity. These results indicate that the sensory attributes of white wines may be more influenced by serving temperature than red wines. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The temperature at which wine is served is thought to affect the intensity of the different sensory attributes in wine. Depending on whether the wine is white or red, different taste and mouthfeel attributes are of interest. In white wine, the typically cooler serving temperature is thought to suppress sweetness while enhancing acidity. Serving red wine close to room temperature is thought to enhance wine aroma while diminishing perceived bitterness and astringency typically associated with red wine. While these relationships have been suggested, there is little scientific published research describing the effect of serving temperature on the perception of different wine attributes. With increased understanding of the relationship between temperature and sensory properties, recommendations for serving temperature ranges could possibly be built. The objective of this study was the examination of the sensory impact of white wine serving temperature (4, 10 and 18C) and red wine serving temperature (14, 18 and 23C) on salient wine sensory attributes.
Behavioral approach system (BAS)–relevant cognitive styles and bipolar spectrum disorders: Concurrent and prospective associations.

The authors examined concurrent and prospective associations of behavioral approach system (BAS)-relevant and non-BAS-relevant cognitive styles with bipolar spectrum disorders. Controlling for depressive and hypomanic/manic symptoms, 195 individuals with bipolar spectrum disorders scored higher than 194 demographically similar normal controls on BAS sensitivity and BAS-relevant cognitive dimensions of performance concerns, autonomy, and self-criticism, but not on behavioral inhibition system sensitivity and non-BAS-relevant dimensions of approval seeking, sociotropy, and dependency. Moreover, group differences on autonomy fully mediated the association between higher BAS sensitivity and bipolar status. In addition, only BAS-related cognitive dimensions predicted the likelihood of onset of depressive and hypomanic/manic episodes among the bipolar individuals over a 3.2-year follow-up, controlling for initial symptoms and past history of mood episodes. Higher autonomy and self-criticism predicted a greater likelihood of hypomanic/manic episodes, and higher autonomy predicted a lower likelihood of major depressive episodes. In addition, autonomy mediated the associations between BAS sensitivity and prospective hypomanic/manic episodes. These findings suggest that individuals with bipolar spectrum disorders may exhibit a unique profile of BAS-relevant cognitive styles that influence the course of their mood episodes.
A novel fibronectin binding site required for fibronectin fibril growth during matrix assembly.

Fibronectin (FN) assembly into a fibrillar extracellular matrix is a stepwise process requiring participation from multiple FN domains. Fibril formation is regulated in part by segments within the first seven type III repeats (III1–7). To define the specific function(s) of this region, recombinant FNs (recFNs) containing an overlapping set of deletions were tested for the ability to assemble into fibrils. Surprisingly, recFN lacking type III repeat III1 (FNΔIII1), which contains a cryptic FN binding site and has been suggested to be essential for fibril assembly, formed a matrix identical in all respects to a native FN matrix. Similarly, displacement of the cell binding domain in repeats III9–10 to a position close to the NH2-terminal assembly domain, as well as a large deletion spanning repeats III4–7, had no effect on assembly. In contrast, two deletions that included repeat III2, ΔIII1–2 and ΔIII2–5, caused significant reductions in fibril elongation, although binding of FN to the cell surface and initiation of assembly still proceeded. Using individual repeats in binding assays, we show that III2 but not III1 contains an FN binding site. Thus, these results pinpoint repeat III2 as an important module for FN–FN interactions during fibril growth.
Sudden cardiac death: a 2400-year-old diagnosis?

Abstract Sudden cardiac death is one of the most important causes of mortality in the modern industrialized world. Although it has been described for at least several centuries, we believe in fact that Hippocrates provided a concise, but historically compelling, description of sudden cardiac death in his Aphorisms II, 41: "Those who are subject to frequent and severe fainting attacks without obvious cause die suddenly." This would be the earliest description of sudden cardiac death known. The Aphorism was analyzed in the context of genuine Hippocratic writings as well as ancient Greek culture. The Aphorism describes recurrent syncope in otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, only certain select cardiac conditions are likely described by this Aphorism. Such conditions—long QT syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital coronary artery syndromes, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, chief among them—are linked by a final common pathway of an arrhythmic death. Relying solely on clinical experience based on careful history-taking and keen powers of observation, Hippocrates was the first to describe sudden cardiac death due to a select group of cardiac conditions. This analysis establishes such conditions as being an important cause of sudden death 2400 years ago, much as they are among the most important causes of sudden death today.
End-of-life care for blood cancers: a series of focus groups with hematologic oncologists.

The authors' analysis suggests that hematologic oncologists need better clinical markers of when to initiate end-of-life care.
Attrition from surgical residency training: perspectives from those who left.

Abstract Background High rates of attrition from general surgery residency may threaten the surgical workforce. We sought to gain further insight regarding resident motivations for leaving general surgery residency. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews to generate rich narrative data that explored individual experiences. An interdisciplinary team used the constant comparative method to analyze the data. Results Four themes characterized experiences of our 19 interviewees who left their residency program. Participants (1) felt an informal contract was breached when clinical duties were prioritized over education, (2) characterized a culture in which there was no safe space to share personal and programmatic concerns, (3) expressed a scarcity of role models who demonstrated better work–life balance, and (4) reported negative interactions with authority resulting in a profound loss of commitment. Conclusions As general surgery graduate education continues to evolve, our findings may inform interventions and policies regarding programmatic changes to boost retention in surgical residency.
SPECIFIC MOTOR RESPONSE DURING SLEEP TO SLEEP-ADMINISTERED MEANINGFUL SUGGESTION: AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION.

Complex meaningful suggestions were given during various stages of physiological sleep as defined by EEG monitoring to 4 Ss high and 4 Ss low in hypnotizability. All the high hypnotizability Ss gave accurate behavioral responses while remaining asleep, but none of the low hypnotizability Ss did so. Specific response to sleep-administered suggestion was obtained only during Stage 1 periods.
Complications of small intestinal submucosa for corporal body grafting for proximal hypospadias.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) has been described for corporal body grafting in cases of severe penile curvature. We reviewed our experience with a 2-stage repair using corporal body grafting with SIS for proximal hypospadias and severe chordee.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 12 patients with penoscrotal hypospadias and severe chordee. Corporal grafting was performed with a 4-layer SIS graft (STRATASIS, Cook Biotech, Spencer, Indiana). Patients were evaluated postoperatively with clinic visits after both stages of repair to assess results.Results: Corporal body grafting with SIS was performed in 12 patients between June and December 2001. Average patient age at the time of stage 1 repair was 9 months. Of the 12 patients 8 (66%) had no complications and 10 (83%) have a straight phallus following stage 2 repair. Complications occurred in 4 patients (33%), 2 of which were minor and did not require surgical correction. There were 2 major complications re...
Characterization of a human plasma membrane heme transporter in intestinal and hepatocyte cell lines

Heme is the most bioavailable form of dietary iron and a component of many cellular proteins. Controversy exists as to whether heme uptake occurs via specific transport mechanisms or passive diffusion. The aims of this study were to quantify cellular heme uptake with a fluorescent heme analog and to determine whether heme uptake is mediated by a heme transporter in intestinal and hepatic cell lines. A zinc-substituted porphyrin, zinc mesoporphyrin (ZnMP), was validated as a heme homolog in uptake studies of intestinal (Caco-2, I-407) and hepatic (HepG2) cell lines. Uptake experiments to determine time dependence, heme inhibition, concentration dependence, temperature dependence, and response to the heme synthesis inhibitor succinylacetone were performed. Fluorescence microscope images were used to quantify uptake and determine the cellular localization of ZnMP; ZnMP uptake was seen in intestinal and hepatic cell lines, with cytoplasmic uptake and nuclear sparing. Uptake was dose- and temperature dependent, inhibited by heme competition, and saturated over time. Preincubation with succinylacetone augmented uptake, with an increased initial uptake rate. These findings establish a new method for quantifying heme uptake in individual cells and provide strong evidence that this uptake is a regulated, carrier-mediated process.
CRYOPRESERVATION OF HEART CELLS FROM THE EASTERN OYSTER

Conditions were developed to cryopreserve cells from pronase-dissociated atria and ventricles of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). The effect of three concentrations (5, 10, 15%) of the cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, and propylene glycol), three thawing temperatures (25, 45, 75°C), and three cooling rates (slow, medium, fast) were compared. Cells were frozen at −80°C and plunged in liquid nitrogen. Thawed cells were seeded in 96-well plates and primary cultures were evaluated after 3 d by measuring the metabolic activity using a tetrazolium compound, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-( 3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, and by comparing the relative spreading of cells between treatments. The best conditions for freezing and thawing of cells for each cryoprotectant were selected and a final study was performed to compare cryoprotectants. For this final study, we measured the number of cells and their viability 3 d after thawing, in addition to determining cell metabolic activity and cell spreading. Primary cultures of cells frozen without cryoprotectant and of nonfrozen cells were used as controls in all studies. Atrial cells were best cryopreserved with glycerol at a concentration of 10%, a medium cooling rate, and thawing at 45°C. After thawing, atrial cells showed 53±5% of the metabolic activity, 84±5% of the number, and 92±2% of the viability of nonfrozen cells. For ventricular cells, 10% glycerol, a medium cooling rate, and thawing at 25°C yielded the best results. The thawed ventricular cells showed 83±5% of the metabolic activity, 91±5% of the number, and 96±2% of the viability of nonfrozen cells.
Review of The BUGS Book: A Practical Introduction to Bayesian Analysis, by David Lunn, Christopher Jackson, Nicky Best, Andrew Thomas, and David Spiegelhalter

The BUGS Book is not only a book on how to use the software BUGS to conduct Bayesian modeling but also an introductory book on Bayesian analysis. It is written by the development team of BUGS; henc...
Chapter 6 The photosynthetic oxygen-evolving process

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving process. The oxygen-evolving system in photosynthesis uses light energy to promote electrons from a plentiful substrate, water, to higher energy where they are ultimately used to reduce CO 2 to organic products. The protons liberated in water oxidation are released vectorially, and contribute to the membrane free energy gradient that drives adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. With the progress made recently in understanding the interplay between the peripheral polypeptides and the required small ions, chloride, calcium and manganese, the effects of PS II oxidizing side inhibition have become both clearer and more complicated. A good deal of effort is currently being spent defining the loci of inhibitory treatments, particularly when manganese is not released by the inhibition. The situation when manganese is released is clearer and is dealt with first. The electron transfer cofactors have been identified to a large extent and their reactions characterized in some detail. Their protein binding sites and geometric arrangement is currently the subject of intense scrutiny. The mechanism of water oxidation and the organization of the active-site manganese atoms have lost a good deal of their nebulousness, and models based on solid metallobiochemical and inorganic chemical principles are being postulated. The uniqueness of the photosynthetic reaction whereby water is split is likely to be paralleled by uniqueness in the catalytic structures.
Anisotropic electronically conductive films templated using ultrasonic focusing

Elastomers doped with conductive metal particles were rendered surface conductive at particle loadings as low as 1% by weight using acoustic focusing. The resulting films were flexible and had transparencies exceeding 80% in the visible spectrum and with electrical bulk conductivities exceeding 50 S/cm.