cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gelation of sickle cell hemoglobin. IV. Phase transitions in hemoglobin S gels: separate measures of aggregation and solution--gel equilibrium.

Abstract Two assays of equilibrium properties in the gelation of deoxyhemoglobin S were carried out by analytical ultracentrifugation on the same sample: Csat, the monomer concentration in equilibrium with the fully formed gel, was obtained as the supernatant concentration after sedimentation of a preformed gel. The presence of a plateau region during sedimentation of the supernatant and the rate of sedimentation of the boundary from which Csat was measured indicate that centrifugation did not alter the pre-existing equilibrium and that the supernatant consisted of monomers. The centrifugation was then continued to equilibrium to obtain a distribution showing a sharp increase in molecular weight at Cagg, the monomer concentration at which a small amount of polymerization to large aggregates begins. The primary result is that Csat > Cagg under all conditions. The different values of the two parameters indicate that they reflect two separate transitions and that the overall monomer to gel process has a limited co-operativity. Within the limits of the method Csat is independent of total hemoglobin concentration. The two transitions divide the overall range of total hemoglobin concentration into an essentially monomeric region at concentrations below Cagg, a region in which isotropically oriented polymers exist, occurring when monomer concentration lies between Cagg and Csat, and a two-phase region of conjugate isotropic and anisotropic phases when monomer concentration equals Csat. These regions correspond to zones in the ultracentrifuge equilibrium distribution. In this scheme Cagg depends only on the interaction energy of polymerization. Csat depends on entropic factors which induce tactoid formation as well. Csat, while a monomer concentration, reflects a saturation not of monomers in relation to a polymeric phase, but of polymers in the isotropic phase in relation to the anisotropic or tactoidal polymerized phase. As such, Csat represents a supersaturated state of isolated monomers. The ratio C sat C agg = 1.23 in stripped hemoglobin ‡ and equilibrium distributions in the zone of isotropically oriented polymers were both used to obtain an order of magnitude estimate of polymer size, found to be much smaller than that of hemoglobin S fibers. This further confirms that gelation does not consist of a single transition and phase change with near infinite co-operativity of polymerization. Csat as well as Cagg are lowered by 2,3,diphosphoglycerate and inositol hexa-phosphate. Decreasing pH near 7 also favors gelation; in stripped hemoglobin a pH optimum for gelation occurs near pH 6.8. The apparent van't Hoff ΔH for stripped hemoglobin is about 3 kcal/mol for Csat and 2 kcal/mol for Cagg.
A dual effect of some 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on cisplatin-induced emesis in the pigeon.

Abstract In the present study, the emetic effect of the anticancer drug cisplatin, and protective effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists against cisplatin emesis were investigated in the pigeon. The experimental setting involved the i.v administration of drugs and subsequent observation of the percentage of vomiting animals and number of emetic episodes per vomiting animal over a period of 5 h. In some experiments, the 5-HT and 5-HIAA content in tissues was estimated by the HPLC technique. It was observed that cisplatin (2.5–10 mg/kg) is able to induce dose-dependent emesis in the pigeon. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (500 mg/kg) afford partial protection against cisplatin emesis, although some of them i.e. indolic derivatives and zacopride, display intrinsic emetic activity at doses of 50–500 μg/kg. A serotonergic mechanism appears to be involved in both cisplatin- and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist-induced emesis, since pretreatment with an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, para-chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg × 3 days), is able to hamper vomiting induced by either cisplatin or 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It is concluded that the intrinsic emetic effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in the pigeon provide pharmacological evidence of species differences in the properties of 5 HT3 receptors.
The level of 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6‐PGD) activity in a patient with a 1p terminal deletion suggests that the gene locus is not distal to sub‐band p36.3 on chromosome 1

A rare case of chromosome 1p deletion is reported in a mentally retarded male infant with a derived chromosome: 45,XY,-1,-13,tdic(1;13)(1qter----1p36.2::13p11.2----++ +13qter). Parental chromosomes were normal. Since the patient's 6-PGD specific activity was in the normal range, it is probable that he retained both 6-PGD alleles. Consequently, if a dosage affect exists, then the locus for 6-PGD must be proximal to 1p36.3.
Patterns of axial and appendicular movements during aquatic walking in the salamander Siren lacertina

Most studies of salamander locomotion have focused either on swimming or terrestrial walking, but some salamanders also use limb-based locomotion while submerged under water (aquatic walking). In this study we used video motion analysis to describe the aquatic walking gait of Siren lacertina, an elongate salamander with reduced forelimbs and no hindlimbs. We found that S. lacertina uses a bipedal-undulatory gait, which combines alternating use of the forelimbs with a traveling undulatory wave. Each forelimb is in contact with the substrate for about 50% of the stride cycle and forelimbs have little temporal overlap in contact intervals. We quantified the relative timing and frequency of limb and tail movements and found that, unlike the terrestrial gaits of most salamanders, axial and appendicular movements are decoupled during aquatic walking. We found no significant relationship between stride frequency and aquatic walking velocity, but we did find a statistically significant relationship between tailbeat frequency and aquatic walking velocity, which suggests that aquatic walking speed is mainly modulated by axial movements. By comparing axial wavespeed and distance traveled per tailbeat during swimming (forelimbs not used) and aquatic walking (forelimbs used), we found lower wavespeed and greater distance traveled per tailbeat during aquatic walking. These findings suggest that the reduced forelimbs of S. lacertina contribute to forward propulsion during aquatic walking.
Limb remote-preconditioning protects against focal ischemia in rats and contradicts the dogma of therapeutic time windows for preconditioning.

Abstract Remote ischemic preconditioning is an emerging concept for stroke treatment, but its protection against focal stroke has not been established. We tested whether remote preconditioning, performed in the ipsilateral hind limb, protects against focal stroke and explored its protective parameters. Stroke was generated by a permanent occlusion of the left distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) combined with a 30 min occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) in male rats. Limb preconditioning was generated by 5 or 15 min occlusion followed with the same period of reperfusion of the left hind femoral artery, and repeated for two or three cycles. Infarct was measured 2 days later. The results showed that rapid preconditioning with three cycles of 15 min performed immediately before stroke reduced infarct size from 47.7±7.6% of control ischemia to 9.8±8.6%; at two cycles of 15 min, infarct was reduced to 24.7±7.3%; at two cycles of 5 min, infarct was not reduced. Delayed preconditioning with three cycles of 15 min conducted 2 days before stroke also reduced infarct to 23.0±10.9%, but with two cycles of 15 min it offered no protection. The protective effects at these two therapeutic time windows of remote preconditioning are consistent with those of conventional preconditioning, in which the preconditioning ischemia is induced in the brain itself. Unexpectedly, intermediate preconditioning with three cycles of 15 min performed 12 h before stroke also reduced infarct to 24.7±4.7%, which contradicts the current dogma for therapeutic time windows for the conventional preconditioning that has no protection at this time point. In conclusion, remote preconditioning performed in one limb protected against ischemic damage after focal cerebral ischemia.
Identification of an Essential Domain in the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 UL34 Protein That Is Necessary and Sufficient To Interact with UL31 Protein

Previous results have indicated that the herpes simplex virus 1 UL31 and UL34 proteins interact and form a complex at the inner nuclear membranes of infected cells, where both play important roles in the envelopment of nucleocapsids at the inner nuclear membrane. In the work described here, mapping studies using glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays indicated that amino acids 137 to 181 of the UL34 protein are sufficient to mediate an interaction with the UL31 protein. A recombinant virus (v3480) lacking UL34 codons 138 to 181 was constructed. Similar to a UL34 null virus, v3480 failed to replicate on Vero cells and grew to a limited extent on rabbit skin cells. A UL34-expressing cell line restored v3480 growth and plaque formation. Similar to the localization of UL31 protein in cells infected with a UL34 null virus, the UL31 protein was present in the nuclei of Hep2 cells infected with v3480. Hep2 cells infected with v3480 contained the UL34 protein in the cytoplasm, the nucleus, and the nuclear membrane, and this was noted to be similar to the appearance of cells infected with a UL31 null virus. In transient expression assays, the interaction between UL34 amino acids 137 to 181 and the UL31 protein was sufficiently robust to target green fluorescent protein and emerin to intranuclear sites that contained the UL31 protein. These data indicate that amino acids 137 to 181 of the UL34 protein are (i) sufficient to mediate interactions with the UL31 protein in vitro and in vivo, (ii) necessary for the colocalization of UL31 and UL34 in infected cells, and (iii) essential for normal viral replication.
Dispersion characteristics of bimodal heavy metal fluoride fibers at 1.3 mu m

The design of heavy metal fluoride fibers having segmented-core refractive index profiles and operating a bimodal regime, with small modal dispersion or good equalization, between the LP/sub 01/ and LP/sub 11/ modes in the 1.3- mu m wavelength region is discussed. The concept of effective cutoff of the LP/sub 02/ mode has been used in order to maximize the operating V value. A practical bimodal equalized design example which has negligible extrinsic losses is provided in which equalization between the modes is within +or-25 ps/km over a wavelength interval of 160 nm ( approximately 1.2-1.36 mu m). Hence, the predicted bandwidth of the bimodal fiber is high over a broad wavelength interval. >
Family and Clinician Perceptions of Pragmatic Communication Skills Following Right Hemisphere Stroke

Pragmatic communication abilities are frequently impaired in persons who have had a right hemisphere stroke. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often use rating scales to judge the appropriateness of pragmatic communication behaviors observed during their treatment sessions with patients. At the same time, families are able to rate the degree to which a stroke has changed pragmatic communication behaviors. In comparing these two perspectives, this study found that the degree of agreement between clinicians and family members as to the existence/appropriateness of pragmatic communication behaviors varied widely across behaviors and, overall, was not robust. SLPs were likely to rate behaviors as inappropriate that family members reported had not changed.
Pressure effects on the diffusion and solubility of Zn in Pb

We have measured the activation volume of Zn in Pb to be 3.98 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.11 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole at 600 K and atmospheric pressure and have measured the temperature and pressure dependence of the saturation solubility of Zn in Pb. From the solubility measurements we find a volume of solution of 3.1 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.3 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole, which is not consistent with purely interstitial or purely substitutional solution. These results are compared to other impurity diffusion in Pb.
Stoneley Wave Generation in Joined Materials With and Without Thermal Relaxation Due to Thermal Mismatch

Two perfectly bonded, thermoelastic half-spaces differ only in their thermal parameters. Their governing equations include as special cases the Fourier heat conduction model and models with either one or two thermal relaxation times. An exact solution in transform space for the problem of line loads applied to the interface is obtained. Even though the elastic properties of the half-spaces are identical, a Stoneley function arises, and conditions for the existence of roots are more restrictive than for the isothermal case of two elastically dissimilar half-spaces. Moreover, roots may be either real or imaginary. An exact expression for the time transform of the Stoneley residue contribution to interface temperature change is derived. Asymptotic results for the inverse that, valid for either very short or very long times after load application, is obtained and show that, for long times, residue contributions for all three special cases obey Fourier heat conduction. Short-time results are sensitive to case differences. In particular, a time step load produces a propagating step in temperature for the Fourier and double-relaxation time models, but a propagating impulse for the single-relaxation time model.
Third Harmonic Generation As a Novel Technique for Imaging Myelin in the Central Nervous System

We demonstrate that third harmonic generation provides a suitable modality for imaging myelination on axons in the mouse brain and spinal cord with micrometer resolution both in vivo and ex vivo.
Real-time multiphoton ionization detection of iodine atoms produced by infrared multiphoton dissociation of perfluoroalkyl iodides

Abstract We report the direct detection of iodine atoms following infrared multiphoton dissociation of perfluoroalkyl iodides. The technique, three-photon resonant two-photon ionization, shows great promise as an actinometer for primary dissociation yield in IRMPD.
The structure of MDI/BDO‐based polyurethanes: Diffraction studies on model compounds and oriented thin films

Polyurethanes based on MDI/BDO are known to crystallize in three distinct forms. Two of these crystal structures, type II and type III, have been characterized by electron and x-ray diffraction experiments on model compounds and oriented thin films of a 77% hard-segment polyurethane elastomer. The model compounds were of the form BDO(MDI/BDO)n with n = 1, 2, 3. Results from the model compounds indicate that the MDI/BDO repeat crystallizes in the type-II structure, which has a contracted conformation with a monomer repeat length of 1.70 nm. MDI/BDO-based polyurethanes also exhibit the type-II structure under quiescent crystallization conditions. Studies of oriented thin films of an MDI/BDO-based polyurethane indicate that a change in crystal form occurs on stretching to the fully extended monomer conformation. This crystal form is termed type III and has a monomer repeat length of 1.92 nm.
Compressible flow inertial impactors

The scaling criteria used to predict the size cuts of inertial impactors are strictly valid only so long as the jet Mach number is small, i.e., M^2 1. In order to improve size resolution of submicron particles, a number of impactors have been operated with Jet Mach numbers as large as one. Unless the jet Mach number is small, fluid properties, e.g., viscosity, μ, mean free-path, λ and density, p, may vary in the jet impingement region, making the aerodynamic drag coefficient of a particle vary with position. A theoretical investigation of inertial impaction from sonic jets (M = 1) was undertaken in order to determine the extent to which fluid compressibility influences impactor size cuts. A finite difference solution to the inviscid, compressible flow is used to explore the conditions for particle impaction in round sonic jet impactors. The flow from an underexpanded sonic jet (pressure ratio less than 0.53) expands to supersonic velocities before decelerating through a shock wave between the jet outlet and the impaction plate. The pressure near the impaction plate approaches that of the stagnation conditions upstream of the jet inlet. The impaction parameters characteristic of an impactor stage should, therefore, be defined in terms of the gas viscosity and mean free-path at the stagnation conditions above the jet entrance. The impaction parameter, Ψ_(50) defined in this manner does not appear to vary significantly with the jet pressure ratio, Mach number, or the particle Knudsen number.
Lattice-dynamical calculation of phonon scattering at ideal Si–Ge interfaces

Detailed phonon scattering at an ideal Si–Ge interface is studied with a linear lattice dynamics model. Frequency dependent transmission coefficients indicate the significance of acoustic-optical phonon mode conversion at the interface. Applied to multiple interfaces, the method shows how the overall thermal resistance approaches a finite (Bloch mode) limit with the increasing number of interfaces in absence of other scattering mechanisms. The dependence of thermal resistance on the superlattice layer thickness is not significant even in the interface-scattering-only limit we study. We also assess errors incurred by the finite domain size and classical statistics in molecular dynamics simulations of interface thermal resistance. Results suggest that using 6×6 unit cells in the transverse directions, a tractable size for such simulations, will incur only a 5% error in the predicted thermal resistance. Similarly, the error due to the classical (Boltzmann) phonon distribution in molecular dynamics simulation...
Gastrointestinal function after surgical correction of Hirschsprung's disease : long-term follow-up in 135 patients

This study is a retrospective review of all children treated for Hirschsprung's disease over the past 22 years at a single pediatric institution. During this time 177 patients had definitive surgical reconstruction. Five children died of causes unrelated to Hirschsprung's disease, and five children died from enterocolitis after an uneventful postoperative course. Clinical follow-up information was obtained from 135 (78%). Demographic data includes the following: sex ratio 74% male, 26% female; current mean age 9.9 years; mean length of follow-up 7.9 years (range, 3 months to 21.5 years). Mean age at surgical reconstruction was 1.6 years. Definitive surgical procedures included endorectal pull-through (Soave), 21%; modified Duhamel, 67%; extended side-to-side ileocolic anastomosis, 8%; rectal myomectomy, 4%. Transition zone was within rectum or rectosigmoid region in 86%. Overall, 32% (43/135) report difficulty with fecal soiling, and 12.6% (17/135) identify this as a severe problem. These numbers include patients with trisomy 21 and total colonic aganglionosis. Severe fecal soiling was reported in 7.1% (2/28) after an endorectal pull-through, and in 12.1% (11/91) after the modified Duhamel. The difference in incidence of soiling after these two procedures is not statistically significant. However, 40% (4/10) of the patients after the long side-to-side anastomosis for total colonic aganglionosis report severe problems with fecal soiling (P = .03). Surgical reconstruction for Hirschsprung's disease provides near-normal gastrointestinal function for the majority of children, but long-term follow-up shows significant residual problems with soiling in 12.6% of the patients. This is consistent with reported experience worldwide.
Free-carrier relaxation dynamics in the normal state of sintered YBa2Cu3O7-y.

The conductivity of $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}y}$ in the normal state has been obtained from a measurement of the reflectivity over a wide frequency range. The product of the Drude model parameters ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}\ensuremath{\tau}l1$ indicates that the plasma oscillations are overdamped. The free-carrier electrodynamics are well described by a frequency-dependent scattering rate which rises linearly in frequency from the dc value and saturates at a value consistent with scattering at the unitarity limit with a concomitant frequency-dependent mass enhancement.
Do enzyme activities during decomposition follow predicted patterns? A test of the conceptual model of litter decay.

Surprisingly, there remains a paucity of research examining specific interactions between the relationship between microbial community behavior and plant litter chemistry during decomposition. A more mechanistic understanding of the relationship between these drivers will ultimately help determine the trajectory of litter decomposition and the conditions in which soils serve as either a source or sink for atmospheric C. In order to examine these relationships, a laboratory incubation was established using Acer saccharum litter and a sandy soil ( 25% mass loss), likely following the depletion of more labile substrates. A second increase in BG activity was observed between Days 83-111, which may be due to an increase in the availability of cellulose that was previously shielded by lignin, since oxidative enzyme activity was first detected on Day 68. We also observed some shifts in microbial PLFAs along with enzyme activities during decomposition. Prior to the increases in enzyme activity we observed a high proportion of PLFA 18:1[omega]7c, which is a bacterial biomarker. As enzyme activities increased, we observed a decrease in this biomarker and an increase in 18:2[omega]6,9c, a fungal biomarker that was correlated with BG and NAG activity. We did not observe any clear relationships between PLFAs and lignolytic enzyme activity, however. Overall, we observed a distinct functional shift in microbial substrate use that may be associated with either changes in composition of the microbial community or community shifts in enzyme production.
Response of two cows with mummified fetus to treatment with cloprostenol (ICI 80, 996)☆

Abstract Two cases of bovine fetal mummification were treated with a single intramuscular injection of 500 μg cloprostenol. Plasma progesterone levels fell rapidly within 24 hours following injection from a mean level of 10.45 ng/ml to 1.05 ng/ml. Extradiol-17β levels were variable and low (x = 3.04 pg/ml) during the 120-hour postinjection sampling period. The mummies were delivered at 104 and 120 hours postinjection. Both were expelled into the vagina and traction was required to complete removal from the genital tract. No adverse reactions which could be attributed to cloprostenol treatment were observed.
Sudden Gains Can Occur in Psychotherapy Even When the Pattern of Change Is Gradual

Certain large decreases in symptoms between consecutive sessions of psychotherapy, called sudden gains, have been characterized as unique, pivotal events in the course of change. We asked whether a sudden gain is necessarily a qualitatively distinct change, or whether it might be the largest and most stable gain occurring in a gradual course of change. We conducted simulations that showed that sudden gains with most of the characteristics reported in prior research occurred even when change followed a gradual course, and we performed regression analyses that showed that sudden gains did not add any unique predictive power to the ability of the slope of early gradual change to predict post-treatment outcome.
RcoM: A New Single-Component Transcriptional Regulator of CO Metabolism in Bacteria

Genomic analysis suggested the existence of a CO-sensing bacterial transcriptional regulator that couples an N-terminal PAS fold domain to a C-terminal DNA-binding LytTR domain. UV/visible-light spectral analyses of heterologously expressed, purified full-length proteins indicated that they contained a hexacoordinated b-type heme moiety that avidly binds CO and NO. Studies of protein variants strongly suggested that the PAS domain residues His74 and Met104 serve as the heme Fe(II) axial ligands, with displacement of Met104 upon binding of the gaseous effectors. Two RcoM (regulator of CO metabolism) homologs were shown to function in vivo as CO sensors capable of regulating an aerobic CO oxidation (cox) regulon. The genetic linkage of rcoM with both aerobic (cox) and anaerobic (coo) CO oxidation systems suggests that in different organisms RcoM proteins may control either regulon type.
Pathogenic anti-DNA antibodies in SLE: idiotypic families and genetic origins.

We have adopted an idiotypic approach to study the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding antibodies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Three anti-idiotypic reagents, 8.12, 31, and F4, identify cross reactive idiotypes that are each expressed on anti-dsDNA antibodies in the sera of many patients with SLE. These idiotypic antibodies are implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE as they are present in immune complex deposits in the kidneys of patients with SLE glomerulonephritis. The autoantibody associated idiotypes are also expressed on antibodies that do not bind DNA. We are investigating the origin of the pathogenic anti-dsDNA antibodies of SLE by comparing the autoantibodies, the antibodies to foreign antigens, and the myeloma proteins that express each SLE associated idiotype. In conjunction with serological analysis of these idiotypic systems, molecular genetic studies indicate that both the 8.12 and the 31 autoantibody associated idiotypes may be germline encoded, while the F4 idiotype is generated by ...
Experimental investigation of shale gas production impairment due to fracturing fluid migration during shut-in time

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing has been applied to exploit hydrocarbon resources for a number of decades. During the fracturing process, large amounts of pressurized fracturing fluid is injected to create and to propagate the fracture. In the exploitation of unconventional reservoirs, fracturing fluid recovery can be very low and even less than 10%. Any unrecovered fracturing fluid can be imbibed into the formation and block the rock pores, thus reducing the effective permeability of gas and causing gas production impairment. This study investigates gas production impairment due to spontaneous migration of fracturing fluid into a shale formation as a function of shut-in time. Core flooding experiments were designed to mimic initial leak-off volume, followed by shut-in time and flow back. Results are presented in terms of regained permeability ratios as a function of shut-in time. Findings from this work indicate that the regained permeability of shale slightly decreases with shut-in time, as the fluid front propagates within the rock. Results are also compared to previous experiments on tight sand cores. From this comparison, it was concluded that lithology also plays a determining factor in the relationship between shut-in time and regained permeability. The level of impairment caused by fracturing fluid migration was found to be significantly higher in shale cores than tight sands, which is attributed to the inherent lower permeability of shale formations.
Amino acid analysis of angiotensin I by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract The chemical shifts of the isoleucine and histidine protons of angiotensin I were assigned and the chemical shifts of the protons of the other amino acids in this peptide were confirmed at a field strength of 400 MHz. These chemical shift assignments were used to determine the amino acid composition of angiotensin I. These data were then compared to the amino acid composition which was determined by chromatographic analysis of the peptide hydrolysate. The results obtained by the chromatographic method were similar to those obtained by the NMR method. The standard deviations of the results were similar, indicating that these methods are equally precise. The major advantages of the NMR method are that it permits the recovery of the peptide after completion of the analysis and improves the quantitation of amino acids which are either partially destroyed by the hydrolysis procedure or require special derivatization methods for detection and quantiation.
EVIDENCE FOR CRYPTIC SPECIATION OF LEUCOCYTOZOON SPP. (HAEMOSPORIDA, LEUCOCYTOZOIDAE) IN DIURNAL RAPTORS

Species of Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) traditionally have been described based on morphological characters of their blood stages and host cells, with limited information on their avian host specificity. Based on the current taxonomy, Leucocytozoon toddi is the sole valid species of leucocytozoids parasitizing falconiform birds. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction protocol, we determined the prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection in 5 species of diurnal raptors from California. Of 591 birds tested, 177 (29.9%) were infected with Leucocytozoon toddi. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene revealed that distinct haplotypes are present in hawks of these genera. Haplotypes present in Buteo spp. are not found in Accipiter spp., and there is a 10.9% sequence divergence between the 2 lineage clades. In addition, Leucocytozoon sp. from Accipiter spp. from Europe group more closely with parasites found in Accipiter spp. from California than the same California Accipiter species do with their sympatric Buteo spp. Similarly, a Leucocytozoon haplotype from a Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) from Kazakhstan forms a monophyletic lineage with a parasite from B. jamaicensis from California. These results suggest that Leucocytozoon toddi is most likely a group of cryptic species, with 1 species infecting Buteo spp. and 1 or more species, or subspecies, infecting Accipiter spp.
Human activity recognition using multi-features and multiple kernel learning

This paper presents two sets of features, shape representation and kinematic structure, for human activity recognition using a sequence of RGB-D images. The shape features are extracted using the depth information in the frequency domain via spherical harmonics representation. The other features include the motion of the 3D joint positions (i.e. the end points of the distal limb segments) in the human body. Both sets of features are fused using the Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) technique at the kernel level for human activity recognition. Our experiments on three publicly available datasets demonstrate that the proposed features are robust for human activity recognition and particularly when there are similarities among the actions.
Development of the multiregional inoperability input-output model (MRIIM) for spatial explicitness in preparedness of interdependent regions

Any given region in the US is a complex, interconnected, and interdependent economic system of systems that includes multiple stakeholders, spans multiple sub-regions, and produces a very large number of commodities and services. This paper provides a holistic, methodological framework with which to model the multisectoral and multiregional economic interdependencies inherent in such a large-scale and complex system, factors essential to making strategic preparedness decisions. The framework we present extends the Inoperability Input-Output Model (IIM) [Santos and Haimes, 2004], a model which has been developed to study these large-scale systems and which has been deployed in various studies. The basic IIM yields only average estimates across geography, and thus may provide insufficient information with which to make decisions about preparedness allocation within and across regions. Such average estimates may lead planners and policy makers to overlook geographically concentrated risks and significant cross-regional interdependencies, which are critical in evaluating strategic preparedness options. This paper extends the IIM to model the multiregional interdependencies among the various regions in the US by introducing and developing the Multiregional IIM (MRIIM) and by presenting the spatially explicit concepts of intraregional and multiregional interdependency matrices, A* and T*, respectively. The MRIIM possesses important properties that are derived from the databases that support the model and from the construction of the model itself. These properties guarantee unique solutions when studying the cascade of perturbation across regions and guarantee convergence when computational methods are applied. These properties also lead to a notion of resilience that is gained from cross-regional interdependencies. The major contribution of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of spatial explicitness in interdependency analysis through an example case study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Investigation of the Dynamic Gait Index in children: a pilot study.

Purpose:We investigated the feasibility and construct validity of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) in children and explored interrater and test-retest reliability.Methods:DGI performance of 10 children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), aged 8 to 15 years, was compared with that of 10 age- and
An application of the Markov chain approach to forecasting cotton yields from surveys

Abstract This paper applies a Markov chain approach to forecasting cotton yield from pre-harvest crop data gathered in a large-scale USDA yield survey. Transition matrices for crop condition classes between successive sampling dates were estimated from three years (1981–1983) of baseline data. The estimated average cotton yields for California and for Texas were forecasted for each pre-harvest sampling date in 1984. The forecasting errors were very encouraging for 1984, and a resampling study of the previous years confirms the relatively small forecast error of this procedure. The procedure should be easy to adapt for similar applications, therefore, the Markov chain approach is recommended as a new, useful procedure for crop forecasting from operational survey data.
Pecha Kucha: using “lightning talk” in university instruction

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an examination of the scholarly literature regarding both the pedagogical and practical aspects of PowerPoint.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers used a post‐test experimental design to determine the effectiveness of a Pecha Kucha presentation when compared to a traditional, untimed PowerPoint‐enhanced lecture.Findings – The results of this literature review and subsequent experimental study suggest that Pecha Kucha can be an effective instructional technique that should be considered for inclusion in the university classroom.Originality/value – Provides an examination of the pedagogical and practical aspects of PowerPoint.
A multitime circuit formulation for closely spaced frequencies

Verifying circuits with two or more closely-spaced driving frequencies is important in RF and wireless communications, for example, in the design of down-conversion mixers. Existing steady-state calculation methods, like harmonic balance, rely on Fourier series expansions to find the difference-frequency components typically of interest. Time-domain methods are, however, better suited for circuits with strong nonlinearities such as switching. Towards this end, we present a purely time-domain method for direct computation of difference tones in closely-spaced multitone problems. Our approach is based on multiple artificial time scales for decoupling the tones driving the circuit. Our method relies on a novel multitime reformulation that expresses circuit equations directly in terms of time-scales corresponding to difference tones. We apply the new technique to an RF-CMOS mixer to predict baseband bit-streams and down-conversion gain and distortion, in two orders of magnitude less CPU time than traditional time-stepping simulation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2005.
Sex differences in cardiovascular disease risk in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is seen at a younger age and at a higher prevalence in patients with type 1 diabetes than in the general population. It is well described that women with type 1 diabetes have a higher relative risk of cardiovascular disease than men with type 1 diabetes, unlike that seen in the general population. The pathophysiology behind this is unknown. Objective We performed a cross-sectional study to examine sex differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes between ages 13 and 20 years, compared with children of a similar age without type 1 diabetes. Methods All patients underwent a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to measure body composition and a pulse wave test measure of arterial elasticity. Fasting serum lipid levels, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein C-III levels were measured in each patient. Twenty-nine children with type 1 diabetes (10 girls, 19 boys) and 37 healthy children (18 girls, 19 boys) participated. Results Although no sex differences for body mass index ( P = 0.91) and glycosylated hemoglobin ( P = 0.69) were seen, girls with type 1 diabetes had a significantly higher percent trunk fat compared with boys ( P = 0.004). No sex differences were found ( P > 0.05) for percent trunk fat in adolescents without diabetes. There was no sex difference among any other cardiovascular risk factors in either children with or without diabetes. Conclusions Female adolescents with type 1 diabetes have more centrally distributed fat, which may contribute to their relatively higher cardiovascular disease risk. Attenuation of the central distribution of fat through exercise and dietary modifications may help ameliorate their subsequent cardiovascular disease burden.
Mechanisms of intrathymic tolerance induction to isolated rat hepatocyte allografts

Intrathymic injection of alloantigen in young adult rats is capable of mediating long-lived transplantation tolerance. In this study, we use a well-defined model of isolated hepatocyte transplantation to define the mechanisms of intrathymic induced tolerance. The recipient rats are Nagase analbuminemic rats (NAR) that are deficient in albumin, to allow for following transplant acceptance using metabolic and genetic markers. Tolerance to allogeneic hepatocyte transplants could be mediated by intrathymic injection of live allogeneic splenocytes, lethally irradiated splenocytes, or isolated hepatocytes. Intrathymic injection of live allogeneic splenocytes, but not of hepatocytes or irradiated splenocytes, resulted in donor microchimerism in peripheral lymphoid organs, with preferential expansion of CD4-positive T cells in the recipient spleens. Tolerance could be adoptively transferred from tolerant animals to naive recipients, but only from those animals that had been inoculated with intrathymic donor splenocytes. We conclude that donor microchimerism is found after intrathymic inoculation of live splenocytes, but is not required for tolerance induction and that microchimerism is not an absolute requirement for the generation of regulatory cells.
Development of interatomic potentials appropriate for simulation of liquid and glass properties of NiZr2 alloy

A new interatomic potential for the Ni–Zr system is presented. This potential was developed specifically to match experimental scattering data from Ni, Zr and NiZr2 liquids. Both ab initio and published thermodynamic data were used to optimise the potential to study the liquid and amorphous structure of the NiZr2 alloy. This potential has the C 16 phase, being more stable than C 11b phase in the NiZr2 alloy, consistent with experiments. The potential leads to the correct glass structure in the molecular dynamics simulation and, therefore, can be used to study the liquid–glass transformation in the NiZr2 alloy.
Hemothorax related to trauma.

Management of hemothoraces related to trauma follows basic tenets well respected by both trauma and cardiothoracic surgeons. In most instances, a nonoperative approach is adequate with a defined group of patients requiring only tube thoracostomy. It is only in a true minority of individuals that operative intervention necessary. For both blunt and penetrating injuries, the presence of retained hemothorax is well treated by early intervention with thoracoscopic techniques, shown to decrease hospital stay and costs. Controversial areas including the use of prophylactic antibiotics, sequence of operative intervention in patients with combined thoracoabdominal trauma, and the use of emergency department thoracotomy, remain a challenge but recent literature can serve to guide the clinician.
Differentiation and Proliferation of Periosteal Osteoblast Progenitors Are Differentially Regulated by Estrogens and Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone Administration

The periosteum is now widely recognized as a homeostatic and therapeutic target for actions of sex steroids and intermittent PTH administration. The mechanisms by which estrogens suppress but PTH promotes periosteal expansion are not known. In this report, we show that intermittent PTH(1-34) promotes differentiation of periosteal osteoblast precursors as evidenced by the stimulation of the expression or activity of alkaline phosphatase as well as of targets of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and Wnt pathways. In contrast, 17beta-estradiol (E2) had no effect by itself. However, it attenuated PTH- or BMP-2-induced differentiation of primary periosteal osteoblast progenitors. Administration of intermittent PTH to ovariectomized mice induced rapid phosphorylation of the BMP-2 target Smad1/5/8 in the periosteum. A replacement dose of E2 had no effect by itself but suppressed PTH-induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8. In contrast to its effects to stimulate periosteal osteoblast differentiation, PTH promoted and subsequently suppressed proliferation of periosteal osteoblast progenitors in vitro and in vivo. E2 promoted proliferation and attenuated the antiproliferative effect of PTH. Both hormones protected periosteal osteoblasts from apoptosis induced by various proapoptotic agents. These observations suggest that the different effects of PTH and estrogens on the periosteum result from opposing actions on the recruitment of early periosteal osteoblast progenitors. Intermittent PTH promotes osteoblast differentiation from periosteum-derived mesenchymal progenitors through ERK-, BMP-, and Wnt-dependent signaling pathways. Estrogens promote proliferation of early osteoblast progenitors but inhibit their differentiation by osteogenic agents such as PTH or BMP-2.
State-dependent Importance Sampling and large Deviations

Large deviations analysis for light-tailed systems provides an asymptotic description of the optimal importance sampler in the scaling of the Law of Large Numbers. As we will show by means of a simple example related to computational finance, such asymptotic description can be interpreted indifferent ways suggesting several importance sampling algorithms, some of them state-dependent. In turn, the performance of the suggested algorithms can be substantially different.
Achieving GPS integrity and eliminating areas of degraded performance

There are two concerns regarding the civil use of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The first is “integrity,” which is the possibility that GPS transmits an erroneous navigation signal to the user. A malfunction of the atomic frequency standard in the satellite is regarded as a possible integrity problem. The second concern is the areas of degraded performance. Although four satellites may be visable, because of poor satellite geometry the accuracy of navigation can be severely degraded for a short period of time. This paper discusses an approach to the solution of each of these two issues. It is shown that a communications type geostationary satellite is a common element to the solution of both concerns. Also common to both is a network of integrity monitoring and control stations. The paper discusses a system to cover the North American continent and also how it might be expanded to become worldwide.
Current trends in the management of small abdominal aortic aneurysms

Over the past decade, there have been revolutionary changes in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Minimally invasive endovascular technologies have decreased length of stay and, more importantly, improved at least the early outcomes compared with conventional open surgical therapy. Several large, randomized, prospective trials have re-evaluated the optimal size to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. The guidelines and conclusions from these studies, the UK Small Aneurysm Trial and The Veterans Affairs Administration aneurysm Detection And Management Trial recommend intervening on aortic aneurysms when they reach 5.5 cm in transverse diameter. However, these studies do not bear direct relevance to contemporary management of aneurysms with endovascular techniques. Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the optimal size for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms with endovascular stent grafts.
ESTIMATION OF SOIL HEAT FLUX FROM NET RADIATION DURING THE GROWTH OF ALFALFA

Abstract Soil heat flux studies have indicated that the instantaneous daytime flux can be estimated as a fraction of the net radiation, the ratio ranging from 0.1 to 0.5, depending on the amount of vegetation present and on the time of day. Soil heat flux and net radiation were measured for an alfalfa crop over two regrowth cycles during the fall growing season. For both sparse alfalfa stubble and full vegetative canopy, the surface soil water content did not significantly affect the fraction of net radiation consumed as soil heat flux. The ratio of soil heat flux to net radiation around midday was found to be a linearly decreasing function of crop height only for heights up to 450 mm. As crop growth continued beyond this height, the ratio remained nearly constant at 0.1. The ratio data were also found to be well-fitted by a linearly decreasing function of a spectral vegetation index (near-IR to Red ratio) over both regrowth cycles. These results indicate that both crop height and spectral vegetation indices can be used to estimate soil heat flux from net radiation measurements.
Practical Challenges to Positive Drug Tests for Marijuana

With the advent of drug testing in the workplace and the consequences of a positive drug test, several issues have arisen in defending or explaining a positive result for a given drug of abuse. Marijuana is the illicit drug with the highest percentage of positives in workplace drug testing. Consequently, marijuana was the first such drug for which excuses were provided to explain the positive test result. Passive inhalation was the first defense offered. This prompted several studies to ascertain whether passive inhalation of marijuana smoke could produce a positive drug test (1)(2)(3)(4). The majority of these studies showed that although passive inhalation of marijuana smoke under certain circumstances could produce detectable concentrations of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolite in urine, those concentrations were not above the cutoffs used under the federal workplace drug testing guidelines (50 μg/L for screening and 15 μg/L for confirmation). One study (5), however, showed that concentrations above these cutoffs could be attained when the exposure conditions were very severe and, hence, unrealistic. Today, passive inhalation is not nearly the issue that it was at the beginning of drug testing in the workplace. The second issue was passive ingestion. Unknowing ingestion of marijuana tea, brownies prepared with marijuana, or the like was the line of defense that followed passive inhalation. Although studies were carried out to investigate this issue (6)(7), there was no question that if someone orally ingested cooked marijuana, urinary excretion of Δ-9-THC …