cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Busy-wait barrier synchronization using distributed counters with local sensor

Barrier synchronization is an important and performance critical primitive in many parallel programming models, including the popular OpenMP model. In this paper, we compare the performance of several software implementations of barrier synchronization and introduce a new implementation, distributed counters with local sensor, which considerably reduces overhead on POWER3 and POWER4 SMP systems. Through experiments with the EPCC OpenMP benchmark, we demonstrate a 79% reduction in overhead on a 32-way POWER4 system and an 87% reduction in overhead on a 16-way POWER3 system when comparing with a fetch-and-add implementation. Since these improvements are primarily attributed to reduced L2 and L3 cache misses, we expect the relative performance of our implementation to increase with the number of processors in an SMP and as memory latencies lengthen relative to cache latencies.
Dimethylsulfoniopropionate in giant clams (Tridacnidae).

The tridacnid clams maintain symbiotic associations with certain dinoflagellates (termed zooxanthellae). Tridacnids are thus candidates to have high tissue concentrations of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a tertiary sulfonium compound that is not synthesized by animals but is commonly produced by dinoflagellates. This study establishes that DMSP is about an order of magnitude more concentrated in the light-exposed and shaded mantle and gills of Tridacna maxima and T. squamosa than in any other known animal tissues. The DMSP concentration in the light-exposed, siphonal mantle--the location of most zooxanthellae--is an inverse function of body size, paralleling an inverse relation between apparent density of zooxanthellae (measured as pheophytin concentration) and body size. The shaded mantle and gills are high in DMSP despite having low densities of zooxanthellae, indicating that high DMSP concentrations occur in molluscan tissue, not just in algal cells. DMSP is almost an order of magnitude less conce...
Soy Protein-Another Cause of the Flat Intestinal Lesion

This is a prospective study of the pathogenesis of a violent gastrointestinal reaction to soy protein in an infant. Within 24 hr of changing this 6-week-old infant's formula to soy milk, he developed sequentially: fever, leukocytosis, cyanosis, vomiting, massive blood-tinged mucoid diarrhea, dehydration, and metabolic acidosis. All symptoms disappeared after discontinuing soy milk. At 6 and 10 months the patient was given a single test feeding of soy milk formula and soy protein isolate respectively. All symptoms recurred promptly. The previously normal jejunal mucosa became acutely inflamed and flat (villi disappeared). The patient recovered completely within 48 hr and villi regenerated within 4 days. Soy lecithin, gluten, and cow's milk neither produced symptoms nor altered intestinal structure. Total hemolytic complement did not change after soy milk exposure nor did circulating eosinophils increase, despite leukocytosis with shift to the left. This is the first documentation of a reversible flat jejunal lesion caused by feeding soy protein to a susceptible infant.
Sediment resuspension effects on alkaline phosphatase activity

Sediment cores, including the associated lake water, were collected from a shallow hypereutrophic lake located in central Florida. Alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured as an indicator of potential organic P mineralization. In both the sediment and water columns, APA was mainly associated with particulate matter; < 10% of APA was within the soluble phase. This suggests that for enzymatic hydrolysis to occur the hydrolyzable organic compounds must be in close proximity to the particle-bound enzyme complex. Both total P (TP) and APA decreased with depth in the sediment, whereas soluble reactive P increased in the 20–40 cm fraction. Resuspension of surficial sediments resulted in an immediate increase in APA, total suspended solids, TP, total Kjeldahl N, and total organic C within the overlying water column. However, these concentrations decreased rapidly following cessation of turbulence and settling of the sediments, emphasizing the close association of these parameters with the sediment.
Serum inhibin B levels in males with gonadal dysfunction.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether inhibin B levels are reflective of the etiology of gonadal dysfunction. Design: Institutional study. Setting: A tertiary care university-affiliated infertility clinic. Patient(s): Forty-four men: 16 with primary testicular failure, 10 with partial idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), 8 with primary germ cell failure, one with iatrogenic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, one with untreated Kallmann's syndrome, and 8 healthy fertile controls. Intervention(s): Three individuals (one each with IHH, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism [HH], and Kallmann's syndrome) underwent treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin. Main Outcome Measure(s): Baseline serum inhibin B, FSH, LH, total testosterone and estradiol levels, and sperm concentrations were measured. Result(s): Serum inhibin B concentrations were significantly higher in fertile controls (255 ± 59 pg/mL) than in men presenting with primary testicular failure (75 ± 46 pg/mL, P Conclusion(s): Inhibin B plays an important role as an endocrine regulator of FSH secretion, whereas gonadotropins are involved in the regulation of inhibin B secretion.
Collisional modification of the atomic-Na 3s 2S1/2-5s 2S1/2 two-color two-photon polarization spectrum.

An experimental investigation of the atomic-Na 3s $^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2\char21{}}$5s $^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$ two-color two-photon polarization spectrum has been made. Measurements of the linear polarization degree of the two-photon transition were made for one laser tuned within a \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ range of the atomic-Na 3p $^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{\mathit{j}}$ levels, with the second adjusted to satisfy the two-photon resonance condition. The relatively short-pulse (\ensuremath{\sim}0.5 ns) lasers used eliminate effects on the spectrum due to atomic-Na hyperfine interactions and radiation trapping, while greatly reducing depolarization due to collisions with Ar gas. In the absence of collisions, the measured polarization spectrum is in excellent agreement with calculations. Measurements of the Ar pressure dependence of the spectrum revealed strong depolarization in the vicinity of resonant excitation through the 3p $^{2}$${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$ level. A collisional depolarization cross section of 200(30) \AA{} for this process was deduced from the data.
Terephthalamide-containing ligands: fast removal of iron from transferrin.

The mechanism and effectiveness of iron removal from transferrin by three series of new potential therapeutic iron sequestering agents have been analyzed with regard to the structures of the chelators. All compounds are hexadentate ligands composed of a systematically varied combination of methyl-3,2-hydroxypyridinone (Me-3,2-HOPO) and 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalamide (TAM) binding units linked to a polyamine scaffold through amide linkers; each series is based on a specific backbone: tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, spermidine, or 5-LIO(TAM), where 5-LIO is 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethylamine. Rates of iron removal from transferrin were determined spectrophotometrically for the ten ligands, which all efficiently acquire ferric ion from diferric transferrin with a hyperbolic dependence on ligand concentration (saturation kinetics). The effect of the two iron-binding subunits Me-3,2-HOPO and TAM and of the scaffold structures on iron removal ability is discussed. At the low concentrations corresponding to therapeutic dose, TAM-containing ligands exhibit the fastest rates of iron removal, which correlates with their high affinity for ferric ion and suggests the insertion of such binding units into future therapeutic chelating agents. In addition, urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to measure the individual microscopic rates of iron removal from the three iron-bound transferrin species (diferric transferrin, N-terminal monoferric transferrin, C-terminal monoferric transferrin) by the representative chelators 5-LIO(Me-3,2-HOPO)2(TAM) and 5-LIO(TAMmeg)2(TAM), where TAMmeg is 2,3-dihydroxy-1-(methoxyethylcarbamoyl)terephthalamide. Both ligands show preferential removal from the C-terminal site of the iron-binding protein. However, cooperative effects between the two binding sites differ with the chelator. Replacement of hydroxypyridinone moieties by terephthalamide groups renders the N-terminal site more accessible to the ligand and may represent an advantage for iron chelation therapy.
Prospective gated chest tomosynthesis using CNT X-ray source array

Chest tomosynthesis is a low-dose 3-D imaging modality that has been shown to have comparable sensitivity as CT in detecting lung nodules and other lung pathologies. We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of stationary chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) using a distributed CNT X-ray source array. The technology allows acquisition of tomographic projections without moving the X-ray source. The electronically controlled CNT x-ray source also enables physiologically gated imaging, which will minimize image blur due to the patient’s respiration motion. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of prospective gated chest tomosynthesis using a bench-top s-DCT system with a CNT source array, a high- speed at panel detector and realistic patient respiratory signals captured using a pressure sensor. Tomosynthesis images of inflated pig lungs placed inside an anthropomorphic chest phantom were acquired at different respiration rate, with and without gating for image quality comparison. Metal beads of 2 mm diameter were placed on the pig lung for quantitative measure of the image quality. Without gating, the beads were blurred to 3:75 mm during a 3 s tomosynthesis acquisition. When gated to the end of the inhalation and exhalation phase the detected bead size reduced to 2:25 mm, much closer to the actual bead size. With gating the observed airway edges are sharper and there are more visible structural details in the lung. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of prospective gating in the s-DCT, which substantially reduces image blur associated with lung motion.
Pericarditis and Pericardial Effusion: Management Update

Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms of pericardial disease is critical so that appropriate treatments can be initiated. Acute pericarditis has a classical presentation, including symptoms, physical examination findings, and electrocardiography abnormalities. Early recognition of acute pericarditis will avoid unnecessary invasive testing and prompt therapies that provide rapid symptom relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain first-line therapy for uncomplicated acute pericarditis, although colchicine can be used concomitantly with NSAIDS as the first-line approach, particularly in severely symptomatic cases. Colchicine should be used in all refractory cases and as initial therapy in all recurrences. Aspirin should replace NSAIDS in pericarditis complicating acute myocardial infarction. Systemic corticosteroids can be used in refractory cases or in those with immune-mediated etiologies, although generally should be avoided due to a higher risk of recurrence. Pericardial effusions have many etiologies and the approach to diagnosis and therapy depends on clinical presentation. Pericardial tamponade is a life-threatening clinical diagnosis made on physical examination and supported by characteristic findings on diagnostic testing. Prompt diagnosis and management is critical. Treatment consists of urgent pericardial fluid drainage with a pericardial drain left in place for several days to help prevent acute recurrence. Analysis of pericardial fluid should be performed in all cases as it may provide clues to etiology. Consultation of cardiac surgery for pericardial window should be considered in recurrent cases and may be the first-line approach to malignant effusions, although acute relief of hemodynamic compromise must not be delayed. Constrictive pericarditis is associated with symptoms that mimic many other cardiac conditions. Thus, correct diagnosis is critical and involves identification of pericardial thickening or calcification in association with characteristic hemodynamic alterations using noninvasive and invasive diagnostic approaches. Constrictive physiology may occur transiently and resolve with medical therapy. In chronic cases, definitive therapy requires referral to an experienced surgeon for pericardiectomy.
Ab initio theory of metal-insulator interfaces in a finite electric field

We present a technique for calculating the dielectric response of periodic metal-insulator heterostructures. This scheme allows the fully first-principles calculation of the microscopic properties of thin-film capacitors at finite bias potential. The method can be readily applied to pure insulators, where it provides an appealing alternative to conventional finite-field techniques based on the Berry-phase formalism. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by performing comprehensive numerical tests on a model $\mathrm{Ag}∕\mathrm{Mg}\mathrm{O}∕\mathrm{Ag}$ heterostructure.
Accuracy of quantitative ventriculographic analysis at reduced frame rates.

OBJECTIVE We measured the error in left ventricular (LV) volume and wall motion measurement from recording contrast ventriculograms at 15 frames/sec instead of 30 frames/sec. BACKGROUND Angiograms are increasingly recorded at 15 frames/sec instead of 30 frames/sec to improve efficiency. However the resulting error in quantitative analysis has not been evaluated. METHODS Contrast ventriculograms recorded at 30 frames/sec of 23 patients undergoing diagnostic studies were digitized from cine film. End diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction, anterior wall motion, and inferior wall motion were measured from a full set recorded at 30 frames/sec and from two reduced data sets at 15 frames/sec generated from the even and odd numbered frames. Intraobserver variability was compared with the error due to frame rate reduction. RESULTS The error due to frame rate reduction did not differ significantly from intraobserver variability (p > 0.1 for all), measuring 2.6 +/- 2.2 ml (r = 0.997) vs. 1.9 +/- 1.2 ml (r = 0.999), respectively for EDV, 2.4 +/- 1.8 ml (r = 0.991) vs. 2.1 +/- 1.7 ml (r = 0.994), respectively for ESV, and 0.2 +/- 0.2 percent (r = 0. 981) vs. 0.1 +/- 1.2 percent (r = 0.994), respectively for ejection fraction. The error and variability for wall motion were 0.3 +/- 0.3 SD (r = 0.928) vs. 0.2 +/- 0.1 SD (r = 0.946), respectively for the anterior wall and 0.2 +/- 0.2 SD (r = 0.963) vs. 0.2 +/- 0.1 SD (r = 0.968), respectively for the inferior wall. CONCLUSION Imaging the LV at 15 frames/sec does not cause a significant error in measuring LV volume and function compared with imaging at 30 frames/sec. Cathet. Cardiovasc, Intervent. 48:18-21, 1999.
Quantitative Multiple-Quantum Magic-Angle-Spinning NMR Spectroscopy of Quadrupolar Nuclei in Solids

We describe a new approach for observation of multiple-quantum (MQ) NMR spectra of S = 3/2 nuclei with magic-angle spinning (MAS). The new method employs the Rotation-Induced Adiabatic Coherence Transfer (RIACT) that occurs between triple-quantum (3Q) and central-transition (1Q) coherences in S = 3/2 systems. In contrast to currently available coherence-transfer techniques, RIACT is relatively insensitive to the magnitude of the quadrupole interaction for e2qQ/h ≤ 4 MHz for both 3Q excitation and 3Q-to-1Q conversion. Thus, RIACT provides a means of extracting quantitative information about site populations from isotropic MQ NMR spectra. We illustrate the utility of the approach with 23Na (S = 3/2) MQ NMR spectra of a series of sodium salts exhibiting crystallographically distinct sites. The spectra provide quantitative measurements of quadrupolar parameters, chemical shifts, and relative site populations for each of the crystallographically distinct sodium sites.
Industry Linkages, Indices of Variation and Structure of Production: an International Comparison

The structures of production of three African nations, Egypt, Morocco and Zambia, are compared. Input–output economics is used for this purpose and two measures of variation for interindustry transactions are developed: an index of concentration for sectoral transactions and an entropy-based measure of dispersion for interindustry transactions. The empirical results suggest that the structures of production of these countries are similar.
Rat supernatant protein factor-like protein stimulates squalene monooxygenase and is activated by protein kinase A.

Rat supernatant protein factor-like protein (SPF2) shares 90% sequence identity with rat SPF and 77% identity with human SPF, both of which have been shown to stimulate squalene monooxygenase in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. SPF2 appears to be predominantly expressed in respiratory and epithelial tissues, whereas SPF is expressed in liver. To determine if SPF2 was also able to stimulate squalene monooxygenase activity, we have cloned, expressed, and purified the protein following heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. SPF2 was only half as effective as SPF in stimulating squalene epoxidation and was more strongly inhibited by GTP and GDP. The inhibition by guanine nucleotides was fully prevented by α-tocopherol, a reported ligand for these proteins. Incubation of SPF2 with protein kinase A and ATP increased its activity by about twofold, has been found for SPF. These results indicate that SPF2 activity is modulated by guanine nucleotides and α-tocopherol, as well as by phosphorylation.
Voltammetric measurement of ultraslow diffusion rates in polymeric media with microdisk electrodes

Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used in conjunction with microdisk electrodes in polymeric solvents to measure diffusion coefficients of ferrocene redox solutes down to 10{sup {minus}12} cm{sup 2}/s. Experimental manipulation of the parameter {tau} ({tau} = 4Dt/r{sup 2}) results in diffusion profiles dominated by radial diffusion, linear diffusion, or a combination of the two. In the former two cases, adherence to the steady-state current equation for a a microdisk and the Cottrell equation, respectively, was observed. Under conditions of mixed contribution, evaluation of diffusion coefficients was based on comparison of experimental and simulated current-time curves. Generally, diffusion coefficients >10{sup {minus}7} cm{sup 2}/s were evaluated from steady-state potential sweeps. Diffusion coefficients <10{sup {minus}11} cm{sup 2}/s could be evaluated by a standard Cottrell analysis. Values in the transition region were evaluated from the slope of nonzero intercept Cottrell plots. A numerical guideline, based on {tau}, is presented.
Nuclear spin effects in optical lattice clocks

We present a detailed experimental and theoretical study of the effect of nuclear spin on the performance of optical lattice clocks. With a state-mixing theory including spin-orbit and hyperfine interactions, we describe the origin of the $^{1}S_{0}\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{3}P_{0}$ clock transition and the differential $g$ factor between the two clock states for alkaline-earth-metal(-like) atoms, using $^{87}\mathrm{Sr}$ as an example. Clock frequency shifts due to magnetic and optical fields are discussed with an emphasis on those relating to nuclear structure. An experimental determination of the differential $g$ factor in $^{87}\mathrm{Sr}$ is performed and is in good agreement with theory. The magnitude of the tensor light shift on the clock states is also explored experimentally. State specific measurements with controlled nuclear spin polarization are discussed as a method to reduce the nuclear spin-related systematic effects to below ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}17}$ in lattice clocks.
Modeling the development of coarse-to-fine processing in the central visual pathway

The mode of information processing in neural sensory systems has been the subject of many experimental and computational studies. In the visual system, the existence of a sequential analysis of information, where coarse features are processed before fine details, is intuitive--when looking quickly at a scene, we process general structures before focusing on individual objects. Recent studies have shown that cortical spatial coarse-to-fine processing is largely accounted for by feedforward input from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in adults [1]. However, the developmental aspect of this process has not yet been considered. We use experimental data from LGN neurons from three age groups: adult cats and kittens at 4 and 8 weeks postnatal [2] to construct a firing-rate based thalamocortical model. We consider how developmental changes in spatiotemporal structure affect feedforward thalamic contribution to cortical spatial frequency (SF) tuning, as well as the efficacy of cortical feedback in facilitating this dynamic. Our model predicts a non-monotone relationship between relative surround strength and shift in tuning peak, suggesting the existence of an optimal center-surround balance which maximizes SF shift. Taken together with previous data, our results suggest that the ratios for mature animals are distributed close to or around their "optimum", while the distribution for kittens is centered at a ratio significantly lower than their peak value. As cortical feedback has been suggested to strengthen the antagonistic effects of the surround response, this implies that kittens early in the developmental process are more strongly affected by corticothalamic feedback than adults. Our results point to these recurrent connections as an important mechanism in facilitating the development of spatial coarse-to-fine processing. Figure 1 Effects of selected model parameters on SF tuning in the visual cortex. Top panels show representative LGN and cortical spatiotemporal receptive fields at low and high ends of the intervals considered. Plots (bottom) show cortical peak SF shift for various ...
Comparisons of hydroperoxide isomerase and monooxygenase activities of cytochrome P450 for conversions of allylic hydroperoxides and alcohols to epoxyalcohols and diols: probing substrate reorientation in the active site.

Ferric cytochrome P450 (P450) catalyzes intramolecular rearrangements of hydroperoxides to diols by heterolytic scission of the O−O bond and insertion of the terminal oxygen atom into the resulting alcohol. The goals of this work were to further characterize the regio- and stereochemistry of P450 isomerase activity using allylic hydroperoxides and to compare these reactions with NADPH-supported monooxygenations of the corresponding alcohols. Microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats or purified P450 2B1 catalyzed the conversions of several peroxyquinols, including 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one (BMPOOH) and its 2,6-dimethyl derivative (TMPOOH), to diols and to α,β-epoxyquinols by predominant (>93%) cis addition of oxygen to the least hindered double bond. Monooxygenation of the 4-hydroxy analogues (quinols) yielded identical cis-epoxyquinols, and both isomerization and monooxygenation reactions exhibited similar enantioselectivities (32−74% enantiomer excess). Regioselectivit...
Convective instabilities in porous media with through-flow

The stability of a thermally stratified, saturated porous media through which mass is being ejected is considered theoretically. The stability parameter is a flow modified D'Arcy-Rayleigh number and is a function of a single scalar variable, the dimensionless through-flow strength. Results of both linear and energy theory are given, and it is seen that the fluid can lose stability by either a buoyantly driven mode or by a continuous analogue of the Saffman-Taylor mode. (auth)
Control of reflector vibrations in large spaceborne antennas by means of movable dampers

A simple approach to the design of feedback controls for damping the vibrations in large spaceborne antennas with flexible dish reflectors is proposed. The feedback controls consist of movable velocity-feedback dampers whose positions are determined by minimizing the rate of change of total vibrational energy at any time. The performance of the proposed feedback controls is studied via computer simulations.
Microgram doses of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam do not increase punished responding in the rat

Microgram doses of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) have been reported to change rodent behavior, notably in two observational procedures that predict anxiolysis. We tested half-log doses from 0.03 to 10 mg/kg in the Geller-Seifter conflict preparation in the rat. Only doses in the milligram range showed any tendency to increase punished responding. The results do not support the hypothesis that microgram doses might be anxiolytic. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predictive Value of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome Stage 0p in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease of the Lung

Abstract Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a significant post-transplant complication with low survival. BOS stage 0p (BOS 0p) is a parameter detected on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after lung transplantation to identify patients at risk to develop BOS. We performed a retrospective study on 442 patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant from 2007 to 2011 to evaluate whether development of BOS 0p is a risk factor in this population for BOS. Patients who met criteria for BOS 0p were significantly more likely to develop BOS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.22; P
Kyasanur forest disease.

Abstract In the spring of 1957, an outbreak of severe disease was documented in people living near the Kyasanur forest in Karnataka state, India, which also affected wild nonhuman primates. Collection of samples from dead animals and the use of classical virological techniques led to the isolation of a previously unrecognized virus, named Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), which was found to be related to the Russian spring-summer encephalitis (RSSE) complex of tick-borne viruses. Further evaluation found that KFD, which frequently took the form of a hemorrhagic syndrome, differed from most other RSSE virus infections, which were characterized by neurologic disease. Its association with illness in wild primates was also unique. Hemaphysalis spinigera was identified as the probable tick vector. Despite an estimated annual incidence in India of 400–500 cases, KFD is historically understudied. Most of what is known about the disease comes from studies in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Virus Research Center in Pune, India and their collaborators at the Rockefeller Foundation. A report in ProMED in early 2012 indicated that the number of cases of KFD this year is possibly the largest since 2005, reminding us that there are significant gaps in our knowledge of the disease, including many aspects of its pathogenesis, the host response to infection and potential therapeutic options. A vaccine is currently in use in India, but efforts could be made to improve its long-term efficacy.
A mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach to study Marek's Disease Virus gene expression

Abstract Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) is an avian herpesvirus that causes a lymphoproliferative disorder in chickens. MDV transitions between a lytic phase in which new viruses are produced and a latent phase in which the virus lays dormant. The mechanism controlling this lytic-to-latent switch remains unclear. To better understand the lytic phase of MDV infection, a mass spectrometry-based strategy was developed to identify viral proteins and to qualitatively examine their abundance in lytically infected chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells. A combination of strong cation exchange chromatography (SCXC) and microcapillary reversed-phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (μrpLC/MS/MS) was used to resolve peptides from tryptic digests of MDV-infected CEF cell lysates. Peptides were identified by searching the tandem mass spectra against a protein database containing both MDV proteins and all currently available Gallus gallus proteins using the SEQUEST algorithm. A total of 427 MDV peptides, corresponding to 82 unique proteins, were identified, with 56 of them detected with at least two unique peptides. Overall, nearly 80% of all putative MDV proteins expressed in infected CEF cells were identified. We anticipate that this approach will be a viable method for determining how viral and host proteome changes occurring in Marek's Disease pathogenesis regulate the switch between the lytic and latent phases of the MDV life cycle.
Self-Perceptions of Stability and Change in Personality at Midlife: The UNC Alumni Heart Study:

The finding of personality stability in adulthood may be counterintuitive to people who perceive a great deal of change in their own personality. The purpose of this study is to determine whether s...
Raman spectroscopy of glyoxal oligomers in aqueous solutions.

Abstract Raman microscopy and Attenuated Total Reflection infrared spectroscopy were utilized to facilitate investigations of equilibria between various hydrated and oligomeric forms of glyoxal in aqueous glyoxal solution droplets. The assignment of spectra is obtained with the assistance of B3LYP density functional quantum chemical calculations of vibrational wavenumbers, Raman activities, and infrared intensities. Several forms of glyoxal derivatives with similar functional groups, e.g., hydroxyl and dioxolane rings, are found to be present. The absence of a Raman spectral peak corresponding to the vibrational carbonyl stretch provides evidence that both carbonyl groups of a glyoxal molecule become hydrated in solutions of a broad concentration range. The presence of bands corresponding to deformation vibrations of the dioxolane ring indicates that dihydrated glyoxal oligomers are formed in glyoxal solutions with concentrations of 1 M and higher. Under typical ambient temperature and humidity conditions, concentrated glyoxal solution droplets undergo evaporation with incomplete water loss. Our results suggest that formation of crystalline glyoxal trimer dihydrate from concentrated solutions droplets is hindered by the high viscosity of the amorphous trimer and requires dry conditions that could rarely be achieved in the atmosphere. However, crystallization may be possible for droplets of low initial glyoxal concentrations, such as those produced by evaporating cloud droplets.
Structural Comparison of Five-Coordinate Thiolate-Ligated MII = FeII, CoII, NiII, and ZnII Ions Wrapped in a Chiral Helical Ligand

The syntheses and structures of two analogous five-coordinate mixed nitrogen/thiolate-ligated Co2+ and Fe2+ complexes are described and compared to their previously reported Zn2+ and Ni2+ analogues...
THE BEST OPERATION FOR RECTAL PROLAPSE

Rectal prolapse is an intussusception of the rectum 17 and may be categorized as occult (internal), mucosal, or complete (external). Internal or occult rectal prolapse does not extend beyond the anal canal; some clinicians believe that this is a precursor of complete prolapse. Complete rectal prolapse is an intussusception that extends beyond the anus. Mucosal prolapse refers to protrusion of mucosa only, with the muscular layers remaining in place. 17 Rectal prolapse has been known since antiquity. Despite this, its cause is still not completely understood, and there is considerable disagreement as to which operative repair is best. More than 100 procedures have been described for the treatment of rectal prolapse, and dozens are still in use. For example, the Delorme repair was first described in 1900. 8 We recently reviewed our experience at George Washington University; these data are included here with this discussion.
A revised learning transfer system inventory: factorial replication and validation

The learning transfer system inventory (LTSI) is an empirically derived self-report 16-factor inventory designed to assess individual perceptions of catalysts and barriers to the transfer of learning from work-related training. Although a good deal of research has been done addressing various dimensions of the LTSI's construct validity, minor discrepancies in factor solutions in several studies together with problematic fit of some items suggest that further construct validity research is needed. Using data collected in 17 countries and utilizing 14 different language versions of the LTSI, the research objectives for this research were to (1) determine the number and nature of common factors involved to account for the pattern of correlations among the measured variables in LTSI version 3 using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and (2) test via confirmatory factor analysis the validity of the factorial structure of the LTSI that emerged from the EFA and scale refinement efforts. Results provided strong su...
Explanation of the Anomalous Spectral Behavior of Fluorine Substituted Acetylacetonate Complexes

Abstract In 1970 Lintvedt and Kernitsky1, from a study of the optical spectra of fluorine substituted acetylacetonate complexes, reported that CF3, substitutents on the chelate ring appear to destabilize the occupied energy levels relative to CH3. These results seem to be in direct contradiction with the results of ionization studies2,3,4,5 which indicate that CF3 substitution stabilizes the occupied energy levels. In an attempt to resolve this dilemma, we have investigated the hydrogen-bonded cis enolone forms of acetylacetone, trifluoroacetylacetone, and hexafluoroacetylacetone with a theoretical molecular orbital method which has been relatively successful for both optical spectra and ionization potentials.
Music, Musicians, Medicine, and the Kidney

The relationship between music, medicine and nephrology is ancient; ranging from musicians afflicted with kidney disease, contributors to nephrology who were musicians, and the use of music to treat renal maladies. Musicians have long been afflicted by diseases of the kidney, particularly nephrolithiasis, for which Marin Marais in 1725 composed a unique piece for the viol detailing the harrowing experience of 'cutting for stone.' Beethoven and Mozart were afflicted by kidney disease, as are several current musicians. Where past musicians succumbed to their failing kidneys, the advent of renal replacement therapy has given today's musicians, such as James DePreist and Natalie Cole, the opportunity to continue performing and composing. Several notable physicians of old have excelled as musicians; one example is Jacob Henle (1809-1885), for whom the loop of Henle is named, another is Robert Christison, a contemporary of Richard Bright, who is considered a 'founder of nephrology'. Importantly, music therapy, as used in the times of Hippocrates and King David, has evolved from an empiric to a well-established scientific discipline. Given the recent enlarging body of scholarly studies of music therapy, its rudimentary role in nephrology deserves further exploration.
Effects of soil moisture, temperature and nutrient availability on the population dynamics of Mucor piriformis

The effects of soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability on the population dynamics of Mucor piriformis were studied using moisture levels from −0·1 to −40 kPa, temperatures from −1 to 25 °C, and three nutrient levels adjusted with pear juice. All three factors affected the population dynamics of M. piriformis in soil. Few interactions occurred among the factors, and no interactions were observed consistently. Populations of M. piriformis were higher in soil at −0·1 kPa than in drier soils. Propagule density was highest in soil at 5 and 10° during the first 30 d of the study but greater at −1 and 5° during the last 30 d. Propagule density consistently increased as soil nutrient concentration increased. Results are discussed in relation to dynamics of M. piriformis in pear orchard soils.
Evaluation of a fishing captain's ability to predict species composition, sizes, and quantities of tunas associated with drifting fish-aggregating devices in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Experiments were conducted to evaluate a fishing captain’s ability to predict species composition, sizes, and quantities of tunas associated with drifting fish-aggregating devices (FADs), before encirclement with a purse-seine net. Operating in the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean, during 11 May– 23 July 2011, Captain Ricardo Diaz detected small quantities of bigeye (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) tunas within large FAD-associated aggregations dominated by skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). The captain’s predictions were significantly related to the actual total catch and catch by species, but not to size categories by species. His predictions of species composition were most accurate when estimates of bigeye and yellowfin tuna were combined. If purse-seine captains are able to make accurate predictions of the proportion of bigeye and yellowfin tunas present in mixed-species aggregations associated with FADs, managers may wish to consider incentives to fishers to reduce the fishing mortality on those species.
Are there chromodyons

Abstract The problem of the monopole infinite moments of inertia, and the related degeneracies in the dyon spectrum of a grand unified theory in the absence of light fermions is considered. A careful application to gauge theories of the method of collective coordinates is given in two different classes of gauges. A basic defect in the earlier treatments of the subject is pointed out. It is shown that the commonly accepted method, while giving reasonable qualitative results for the dyon spectrum in the SO(3) model, fails completely when applied to grand unified theories. The reason is simply that there is a contribution to the monopole moments of inertia that has so far been overlooked. This contribution is of the same order of magnitude as the already known one. The sum of the two contributions vanishes for these moments of inertia that have been thought to be infinite. This means that, in a grand unified theory without light fermions, dyon states transforming as definite color representations (chromodyons) do not exist if we believe this lowest-order analysis (which is almost all what one can do to show their existence). It is shown that applying the Bohr-Sommerfeld method to the classical dyon solutions leads to the same result.
Estimating Inspection Intervals for Bridges Based on Statistical Analysis of National Bridge Inventory Data

This paper describes a statistical approach to estimating an appropriate inspection interval for highway bridges based on historical condition data collected from 20 years of routine inspections. Condition ratings of 4,270 bridges with concrete, steel, and prestressed-concrete superstructures were analyzed in this study to determine the time-in-condition rating (TICR) for superstructure components. The Anderson-Darling test was used to assess five conventional distributions to determine goodness of fit for describing the distribution of the TICR probabilistically. The test results revealed that the Weibull distribution was the best fit for the TICR for superstructure components. Parameters of the Weibull distribution were estimated for concrete, steel, and prestressed concrete in different condition ratings and used to define probability-density functions (PDFs), which were then used to determine the likelihood of a bridge deteriorating from a good condition to a poor condition over some time period. These data can be used for rational decision making regarding the appropriate inspection interval for bridges of a given type based on quantitative historical analysis of data. This study is beneficial because of the simplicity of the models developed and their accessibility for practicing engineers.
Opposite effects of cis-parinaric acid on activities of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinases in malignant rat astrocytoma cells

Abstract cis-Parinaric acid (cPNA) is a natural, conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acid. Micromolar concentrations of cPNA are preferentially toxic to malignant glial cells compared to cultured normal astrocytes. Our lab has demonstrated that exposure of malignant glioma cells to cPNA is followed by increased production of free radicals and that antioxidants diminish the cytotoxicity of cPNA. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanism of cPNA-induced oxidative stress on gliomas. Members of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases superfamily c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase (p38 MAPK) are involved in the signal transduction of oxidative stress. We measured the activities of p38 MAPK and JNK in 36B10 rat astrocytoma cells using Western blot analysis and specific phospho-antibodies against each of the two kinases. These studies revealed that in vitro glioma exposure to cPNA at concentrations toxic to 36B10 but normal astrocyte results in a greater than 50% decrease in p38 MAPK activity. JNK activity increases threefold following treatment with cPNA. Parallel changes also occurred at the protein levels. The observed decrease in p38 MAP kinase activity by cPNA differs from the known effects of H2O2, which activates both kinases. The MEK inhibitor PD 98059 and JNK inhibitor curcumin protected the cells from the cytotoxicity of cPNA. Taken together, these results imply that a persistent increase in JNK activity and protein is required for cytotoxicity of cPNA in malignant glial cells.
(p, V, T) of compressed and liquefied (nitrogen + methane)

Abstract The results of ( p , V , T ) measurements on 3 gravimetrically prepared mixtures of nitrogen + methane are reported. Results were obtained on a mixture with mole fraction x ≈ 0.5 along 24 isochores at densities from about 8 mol dm −3 to over 28 mol dm −3 and at pressures to over 30 MPa. Results were also obtained along 6 selected isochores for each of 2 mixtures of nominally (0.3N 2 + 0.7CH 4 ) and (0.7N 2 + 0.3CH 4 ). The temperatures ranged from about 75 to over 300 K at pressures to over 30 MPa.
Examining Contextual Influences on Classroom-Based Implementation of Positive Behavior Support Strategies: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial

Although it is widely recognized that variation in implementation fidelity influences the impact of preventive interventions, little is known about how specific contextual factors may affect the implementation of social and behavioral interventions in classrooms. Theoretical research highlights the importance of multiple contextual influences on implementation, including factors at the classroom and school level (Domitrovich et al., Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, 1, 6–28, 2008). The current study used multi-level modeling to empirically examine the influence of teacher, classroom, and school characteristics on the implementation of classroom-based positive behavior support strategies over the course of 4 years. Data were collected in the context of a 37-school randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Multi-level results identified several school-level contextual factors (e.g., school size, behavioral disruptions) and teacher-level factors (perceptions of school organizational health and grade level taught) associated with variability in the implementation of classroom-based positive behavior supports. Implications for prevention research and practice are discussed.
Growth of an understory herb is chronically reduced in Amazonian forest fragments

Abstract The biotic and abiotic changes associated with habitat fragmentation have been shown to have major consequences for plant recruitment and survivorship. However, few studies have quantified the growth of plants that persist in fragments. Over the course of a decade, we measured annual growth of 5200 individuals of the common understory herb Heliconia acuminata (Heliconiaceae) in an experimentally fragmented Amazonian forest. We tested (A) whether annual growth rates were lower in fragments than in continuous forest, and (B) whether cumulative growth rates of plants that survived the entire period were lower in fragments. While mean annual growth rates were often lower in fragments, differences were not significant in any year. After 10 years, however, the cumulative effect was that plants in fragments were significantly smaller. This had a clear demographic consequence – plants in fragments produced fewer inflorescences than plants in continuous forest. Our results demonstrate that chronic reduced individual growth may be an important mechanism contributing to reduced population viability in fragmented forests, and that negative demographic consequences of fragmentation for plants can take years to manifest themselves.
Collision induced ultraviolet structure in nitrogen radar REMPI spectra.

We present 2 + 2 radar REMPI measurements in molecular nitrogen under atmospheric conditions and observe a strong interference in the (1,0) vibrational band of the a1Πg ← X1Σg+ electronic manifold. The interference is suppressed by using circularly polarized light, permitting rotational analysis of the 2 + 2 radar REMPI spectrum. It is observed in pure nitrogen, though the structure varies with gas composition. The structure also varies with temperature and pressure. These results indicate that it is collision induced. We hypothesize that the source of the interference is a 3 + 1 REMPI process through the a″1Σg+ electronic state.
Susceptibility of Bacteroides non-fragilis and fusobacteria to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ticarcillin, ticarcillin/clavulanate, cefoxitin, imipenem and metronidazole.

The susceptibility of 234Bacteroides non-fragilis strains and 56 fusobacteria from 12 European centers to amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ticarcillin, ticarcillin/clavulanate, cefoxitin, imipenem and metronidazole was tested and related to β-lactamase production. Beta-lactamase production was detected in 42.3 % of theBacteroides strains and 26.8 % of the fusobacteria. The MIC90 of amoxicillin for β-lactamase-negative strains was 0.5 µg/ml and the MIC90 of ticarcillin 2.0 µg/ml. In the case of β-lactamase-positive strains the MIC90 of amoxicillin (32 µg/ml) and ticarcillin (16 µg/ml) dropped to ≤ 1.0 µg/ml upon addition of clavulanate; 65.8 % of these strains were susceptible to amoxicillin and 98.2 % to ticarcillin, but all were susceptible when clavulanate was added. All strains were susceptible to imipenem and metronidazole, and 99.3 % to cefoxitin.
Lectins in Precipitin Reactions with Soluble H Substance of Human Saliva and Serum

Lectins that precipitate the soluble H substances of saliva were produced for the first time from the four commonly used sources of seed. In Ouchterlony precipitin reactions, identity was observed between extracts of Cytisus sessilifolius and Laburnum alpinum, but these extracts displayed incomplete identity with extracts from Ulex europaeus. These three sources of the precipitating lectin formed bands when tested with saliva from all secretors and none with saliva from nonsecretors. Extracts from Lotus tetragonolobus, however, formed two bands with saliva from secretors and one strong band with all saliva from nonsecretors. This new antigen, which reacts with Lotus, is present in all saliva and on red cells of all normal individuals, but it is absent in the O(h) (Bombay) type. The lectins formed bands with serums of secretor and nonsecretor individuals, but these bands were weaker than those with saliva, and revealed incomplete identity between H substance of serum and saliva. The precipitin reaction of the lectins is an efficient method for demonstrating relations among lectins and among antigens and has led to the discovery of a new human antigen.