cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Timing Ability of Fixed Income Mutual Funds

This paper evaluates the ability of US fixed income mutual funds to time common factors related to bond markets. We control for potential non-timing-related sources of nonlinearity in the relation between fund returns and common factors. Such nonlinearities may arise from dynamic trading strategies or derivatives, funds' responses to public information, they may appear in the underlying assets held by the fund, or they may be related to systematic patterns in stale pricing. Controlling for these effects we find that funds returns are more typically concave than convex, in relation to benchmark returns, which suggests negative timing ability. Thus, the evidence is similar to what previous studies have found for equity funds.
Regulation of shortening velocity by cross-bridge phosphorylation in smooth muscle.

We have proposed a model that incorporates a dephosphorylated "latch bridge" to explain the mechanics and energetics of smooth muscle. Cross-bridge phosphorylation is proposed as a prerequisite for...
Effect of atropine on the exercise-heat performance of man

This paper summarizes the findings from two recent studies involving the physiological effects of atropine (0 to 4 mg, im) on soldiers performing physical exercise in hot-dry environments. Study I determined the threshold of physiological effects and the gradation of these effects with increasing dosage of atropine. Study II examined the effects of exercise-heat acclimation on the reduced physical exercise performance that occurs following atropine administration. The following new observations were made: (1) a 0.5-mg dose of atropine elevates heart rate, rectal temperature, and mean skin temperature; (2) atropine exerts its peak physiological effects approximately 70 min after intramuscular injection; (3) within the dosage levels tested, the magnitude of the elevated heart rate response is curvilinearly related to atropine dosage, whereas, the magnitude of the elevated rectal temperature response is linearly related to atropine dosage; (4) repeated administration of atropine over a number of days does not alter thermo-regulatory responses; (5) heat acclimation improves exercise-heat performance of individuals under the influence of atropine by enabling a reduced rectal temperature; and (6) heat acclimation increases the sweat output of individuals under the influence of atropine; however, the absolute reduction in sweat output from atropine is the same pre-and post-heat acclimation.
Subjective utility, anticipated utility, and the Allais paradox

Abstract One of the most notable counterexamples to expected utility theory is the “Allais paradox” ( M. Allais, 1953 , Econometrica , 31 , 503–546). A number of alternative theories have been proposed in an attempt to resolve this paradox, notably including U. S. Karmarkar's subjectively weighted utility (SWU) theory ( Organizational Behavior and Human Performance , 1978, 21 , 61–72; 1979 , 24 , 67–72). It is shown that SWU theory necessarily involves violations of dominance, but that the theory can be modified to avoid these violations. The result is a special case of J. Quiggin's anticipated utility theory (1982, Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation , 3 , 323–343).
Feminist Psychotherapy in Cases of Life-Threatening Illness

Abstract In this article the author discusses therapeutic issues facing clients and psychotherapists who deal with life-threatening illnesses. She writes from the dual perspective of feminist client and psychotherapist, having recently undergone surgery for the removal of a malignant brain tumor. Numerous feminist therapeutic issues have emerged post-surgically including changed relationships, new boundaries, individual denial, altered sexuality and existential issues. Personal vignettes introduce each subsection, culminating in considerations for psychotherapists. Conclusions are then drawn.
Amplitude-modulated heterodyne polarization spectroscopy

Amplitude-modulated heterodyne polarization spectroscopy was applied for detecting spectral features with small transition probabilities. The intrinsic sensitivity of Doppler-free polarization spectroscopy can be enhanced toward the shot-noise limit, using a frequency-offset saturating beam together with high-frequency chopping. Heterodyne detection of weak transitions with absorption in the 10−6 range was achieved. Examples are given of spin-forbidden transitions in Na2 and of two-photon taransitions in Na2 and Na.
The growth rate of super-critical salt fingers

Abstract An expression for the growth rate of super-critical salt fingers is derived from similarity solutions to the Boussinesq governing equations. The fastest growing fingers have an e-folding time of about one Brunt-Vaisala period in the ‘central waters’ of the world's oceans, with faster growth rates realized in water masses with larger salinity gradients, such as below the Mediterranean outflow. This rapid growth rate supports the notion that salt fingers must be nearly ubiquitous in the main thermo-halocline of the ocean. The flux ratio and wavenumber of the fastest growing fingers are also computed, with the explicit dependence on Prandtl number and diffusivity ratio retained. The wave number of the fastest growing fingers agrees with the oceanic observations of Magnell (Journal of Physical Oceanography, 6, 511–523, 1976), and the flux ratio agrees well with the experimental data of Turner (Deep-Sea Research, 14, 599–611, 1967) for heat and salt, as well as with the data of Stern and Turner (Deep-Sea Research, 16, 497–511, 1969) and Lambert and Demenkow (Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 54, 627–640, 1972) for sugar and salt. The good agreement in systems having two orders of magnitude difference in Prandtl number and diffusivity ratio suggests that time-dependent effects must play an important role in the dynamics of salt finger convection.
Waveguide-integrated Germanium avalanche photodetector for low-noise and high-speed operation

A waveguide-integrated Germanium avalanche photodetector with 10dB gain and excess-noise factor with k eff below 0.2 was demonstrated. Gain-bandwidth-product of 350GHz was achieved at 3V. The single-crystalline Ge waveguide was integrated utilizing rapid melt growth technique.
Notes from the Ethnic Studies home front: student protests, texting, and subtexts of oppression

The protest against Arizona House Bill 2281 designed to ban Ethnic Studies from K-12 public schools on 12 May 2010 in Tucson resulted in 15 arrests. Students walked out of their classrooms in large numbers to defend their Mexican American Studies curriculum and program. Based primarily on participant observation of the protest, the authors examine the pedagogies of transformational resistance, interrogate HB 2281’s repressive aspects, and illuminate the role of social networking media as expressions of cultural citizenship in the twenty-first century.
Early Growth and Morphology Among Hybrids of Ictalurid Catfishes

Half-sib ictalurid families were produced when eggs from three channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus," females were fertilized with a mixture of sperm from channel catfish, blue catfish, "I. furcatus," black bullhead, "Ameiurus melas," and flathead catfish, "Plyodictis olivaris." Sperm from all four species successfully fertilized channel catfish eggs, although individual families contained different percentages of the various crosses. The enzyme glucose phosphate isomerase distinguished the different hybrids and parental groups, and confirmed sorting of offspring based on morphology. At 1 month of age, channel catfish ♀ X flathead catfish ♂ hybrids (0.36 ± 0.07 g, mean ± SD) were heavier (P ≤ 0.05) than channel catfish ♀ X black bullhead ♂ (0.12 ± 0.03 g), channel catfish ♀ X blue catfish ♂ hybrids (0.11 ± 0.03 g ), and channel catfish (0.10 ± 0.4 g). By 8 months of age, channel catfish ♀ X black bullhead ♂ hybrids (36.4 ± 21.9 g) and channel catfish ♀ X blue catfish ♂ hybrids (34.5 ± 24.2 g) were simila...
Survey of oral care practices in US intensive care units

Abstract Background Research has shown that oral care involving toothbrushes and topical antimicrobials improves the oral health of medically compromised patients and may reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections including pneumonia. This survey research was undertaken to determine the type and frequency of oral care in intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States and the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of health care workers. Methods A randomly selected survey of 102 ICUs within the continental United States participated with 556 respondents; 97% of respondents were registered nurses. Measurements Frequency and type of oral care provided, attitudes and beliefs, and knowledge and training in oral care were measured. Results Ninety-two percent of respondents perceived oral care to be a high priority. The primary methods of oral care involved the use of foam swabs, moisturizers, and mouthwash. Toothbrushes and toothpaste were used infrequently by almost 80% of respondents. The majority of nurses indicated a need for research-proven oral care standards and desired to learn more. Conclusions In this random sample of ICUs, oral care methods were not consistent with current research and oral care protocols. The translation of oral care research into practice in the ICU may improve the quality of care and decrease the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Discussion on “Second-Guessing Clinical Trial Designs” by Jonathan J. Shuster and Myron N. Chang

Abstract In discussing the paper by Shuster and Chang, we focus on the distinction between criteria for stopping a clinical trial early versus criteria for achieving statistical significance during the conduct of the trial. It is important to recognize that statistical significance is one of many factors that a data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) must consider in making the determination whether or not to stop a trial early (and thus the reference to interim testing boundaries as stopping rules is a misnomer). Some greatly simplified examples are provided. We conclude that one should tread cautiously in attempting to second-guess decisions made by a DSMB, and one should give careful consideration to the nonstatistical issues involved.
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) agonists with reduced amide bonds and Ser7 substitutions.

Strategies to generate competitive antagonists of bioactive peptides include several possible structural modifications such as the introduction of d-residues and of reduced amide bonds, the substit...
Brief communication: Gender and sex: Vive la difference

The distinction prevalent in the social sciences between the terms sex and gender is a useful one and ought to be preserved. Sex refers to the anatomical or chromosomal categories of male and female. Gender refers to socially constructed roles that are related to sex distinctions. Use of these terms as synonyms is becoming increasingly frequent in physical anthropology, especially among bioarchaeologists and primatologists. A failure to make the distinction between gender and sex is analytically incapacitating in a field such as physical anthropology, whose strength lies in the integration of biological and cultural information.
Spectroscopic Constants and Potential Energy Curves of PbI

Abstract The spectroscopic constants and potential energy curves of the PbI diatomic were computed using complete active space SCF (CASSCF) followed by first-order CI (FOCI) and second-order CI (SOCI) calculations which included 607 000 configurations. Spin-orbit coupling was studied using the relativistic CI (RCI) method. The spectroscopic properties of the 2 Π 1/2 state are R e = 2.885 A, ω e , = 153 cm −1 , and D e = 2.54(eV), while for the 2 Π 3/2 state the corresponding values are R e = 2.859 A, ω e = 162 cm −1 , and T e = 8255 cm −1 . Our computed constants are in good agreement with experiment for the observed states. We also computed the properties and curves for several excited states which are yet to be observed.
ACQUIRED AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA IN 3 RELATED MALE CHILDREN FOLLOWING AN ILLNESS WITH CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FEATURES OF INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

Three male children in 1 family (2 siblings and 1 maternal cousin) have presented with an illness characterized by cervical adenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, fever and subsequent development of agammaglobulinemia in the 2 survivors. Both siblings presented at age 8 with positive heterophile titers. EBV titers were not obtained. The maternal cousin became ill at age 6 months; EBV antibodies were detected on 3 occasions but the heterophile titer was negative. Peripheral WBC rose to a level of 120,000/mm3 with 90% lymphocytes, most being “atypical” in morphology. Evaluation of peripheral blood lymphocytes at the height of the illness showed 94% T-cells and 6% B-cells with normal lymphocyte transformation in response to phytohemagglutinin. Immunoglobulin analysis initially showed marked IgM elevation with normal IgA and decreased IgG. Subsequently serial analyses revealed absence of the 3 major immunoglobulins. Lymph node biopsies of the surviving sibling and cousin showed replacement of normal architecture by necrotic material. The association (x-linked) of acquired agammaglobulinemia following an illness with features of infectious mononucleosis has not been previously reported. Its pathogenesis may involve an abnormal T-cell response to EBV transformation of B-cells leading to B-cell dysfunction, lymph node necrosis, and agammaglobulinemia.
Archean cratons and mantle dynamics

Abstract The apparent stability of Archean cratons and cratonic keels for billions of years is a difficult observation for geodynamic modeling to explain. While it may be straight-forward to assert that chemical buoyancy and high viscosity are needed to stabilize cratons, there are many questions regarding craton formation, variability (both in space and time), and evolution that remain unanswered. In numerical studies, strong and buoyant cratonic keels survive relatively undeformed for several mantle overturn times (the equivalent of several hundred million years); extending this to several billion years remains a challenge. The strength required to stabilize keels in some of these numerical experiments exceeds reasonable estimates of the laboratory measurements of strength of mantle materials (including both the effects of temperature and melt-depletion). In addition, the most common explanation of keel formation, vertical stacking of subducted plate, requires the keel material to be deformable at the time of formation and soon afterward the keel material becomes strong enough to resist shearing. The extent to which cratonic keels interact with and influence the pattern of mantle convection, by nucleating small-scale edge-driven convection or by coupling plate motions to deeper mantle flow, remains an open question.
Acute herpetic and postherpetic neuralgia: Clinical review and current management

The pain of acute herpes zoster (HZ) may be severe, but it is usually transitory. A minority of patients, with the elderly at particular risk, go on to develop persistent, severe, often disabling pain called postherpetic neuralgia. Though the clinical features of these conditions are well known, the pathology of PHN is poorly described and the pathogenesis of the pain in both remains conjectural. During the past 60 years, an extraordinary number of pharmacological, anesthetic, and surgical therapies have been applied in an attempt to ameliorate the symptoms of acute herpes zoster, enhance its healing, prevent its transition to postherpetic neuralgia, and treat the pain of those with this complication. Relatively few treatments have been studied in a controlled manner, and fully reliable, safe, and effective therapeutic approaches for preventing and treating postherpetic neuralgia have not yet been found. This review summarizes current information on the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathology of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, and critically examines the accumulated experience with the various treatments. Guidelines for management are suggested.
Analysis of pretreatment FDG-PET SUV parameters in head-and-neck cancer: tumor SUVmean has superior prognostic value.

Purpose To evaluate the prognostic significance of different descriptive parameters in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing pretreatment [F-18] fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging. Patients and Methods Head-and-neck cancer patients who underwent FDG-PET before a course of curative intent radiotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. FDG-PET imaging parameters included maximum (SUV max ), and mean (SUV mean ) standard uptake values, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Tumors and lymph nodes were defined on co-registered axial computed tomography (CT) slices. SUV max and SUV mean were measured within these anatomic regions. The relationships between pretreatment SUV max , SUV mean , and TLG for the primary site and lymph nodes were assessed using a univariate analysis for disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional control (LRC), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and compared via the log‒rank method. SUV data were analyzed as continuous variables. Results A total of 88 patients was assessed. Two-year OS, LRC, DMFS, and DFS for the entire cohort were 85%, 78%, 81%, and 70%, respectively. Median SUV max for the primary tumor and lymph nodes was 15.4 and 12.2, respectively. Median SUV mean for the primary tumor and lymph nodes was 7 and 5.2, respectively. Median TLG was 770. Increasing pretreatment SUV mean of the primary tumor was associated with decreased disease-free survival ( p = 0.01). Neither SUV max in the primary tumor or lymph nodes nor TLG was prognostic for any of the clinical endpoints. Patients with pretreatment tumor SUV mean that exceeded the median value (7) of the cohort demonstrated inferior 2-year DFS relative to patients with SUV mean ≤ the median value of the cohort, 58% vs. 82%, respectively, p = 0.03. Conclusion Increasing SUV mean in the primary tumor was associated with inferior DFS. Although not routinely reported, pretreatment SUV mean may be a useful prognostic FDG-PET parameter and should be further evaluated prospectively.
The Isolation and Identification of Mutation Enhancing Principles from Cellulose Pyrolysate

Pyrene, 1-methylpyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene were isolated and identified as active principles in the pyrolysis product of cellulose which enhances mutagenicity of 2-acetylaminofluorene. 1-Hydroxypyrene was first identified from combustion products of naturally occurring materials.It was noted that the four ring system of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed the enhancement of mutagenicity.
Comment on “Can slow variations in solar luminosity provide missing link between the Sun and climate?”

Peter Foukal (Eos, 3 June 2003) has written an interesting and informative article on solar luminosity and climate. He mentions recent evidence correlating solar activity to climate changes during the last millennium and the last Ice Age and discusses possible mechanisms. He also presents the case for the importance of determining the correlation between solar variation and climate. Foukal's discussion is mainly about “slow variations,” which appears to mean centennial-to-millennial time scales. However, in the “Future Direction” section, he discusses the desirability of the determination of the “climate sensitivity to the small irradiance changes so far observed [1979 to present].”
Protease-Dependent T Cell Activation: Ligation of Effector Cell Protease Receptor-1 (EPR-1) Stimulates Lymphocyte Proliferation

Blood proteases regulate cellular growth through the recognition and signaling properties of specialized membrane receptors. Previous studies have identified a novel lymphocyte activation-dependent antigen, denominated effector cell protease receptor-1 (EPR-1), which binds the coagulation protease factor Xa on various leukocyte subsets. Here we show that occupancy of EPR-1 with physiologic concentrations of factor Xa (15-75 nM), or with "surrogate" monoclonal antibody ligands, stimulates proliferation of both T and B lymphocyte subsets and augments CD3-dependent lymphocyte proliferation. At suboptimal responder cell concentrations, ligation of EPR-1 costimulates lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of accessory signals, i.e., phorbol ester, IL-2. At higher responder cell concentrations, occupancy of EPR-1 per se is sufficient to initiate lymphocyte proliferation. EPR-1-dependent T cell activation is associated with early surface expression of IL-2 receptor on target cells, thus increasing by five- to eightfold their mitogenic responsiveness to very low doses of IL-2 (0.2 U/ml). Consistent with a postulated role in transmembrane signal transduction, cross-linking of EPR-1 transiently increases cytosolic free [Ca2+]i in single adherent T cells. These findings suggest that proteases ubiquitously generated in vivo might contribute a regulatory mechanism of cytokine- or antigen receptor-dependent T cell activation and identify EPR-1 as a novel signal-transducing molecule of lymphocyte stimulation.
Reconstructing dynamic microRNA-regulated interaction networks

The regulation of gene expression in cells, including by microRNAs (miRNAs), is a dynamic process. Current methods for identifying miRNA targets by combining sequence and miRNA and mRNA expression data do not adequately use the temporal information and thus miss important miRNAs and their targets. We developed the MIRna Dynamic Regulatory Events Miner (mirDREM), a probabilistic modeling method that uses input–output hidden Markov models to reconstruct dynamic regulatory networks that explain how temporal gene expression is jointly regulated by miRNAs and transcription factors. We measured miRNA and mRNA expression for postnatal lung development in mice and used mirDREM to study the regulation of this process. The reconstructed dynamic network correctly identified known miRNAs and transcription factors. The method has also provided predictions about additional miRNAs regulating this process and the specific developmental phases they regulate, several of which were experimentally validated. Our analysis uncovered links between miRNAs involved in lung development and differentially expressed miRNAs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, some of which we have experimentally validated using proliferation assays. These results indicate that some disease progression pathways in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may represent partial reversal of lung differentiation.
The Relationship between Mental Workload and Situation Awareness

Mental workload and situation awareness are both outgrowths of the practical need to assess operators' performing and managing dynamic complex tasks. Mental workload refers to the cost placed on th...
On the role of intensity-modulated radiation therapy in radiation oncology.

Physicists are critical members of the radiation therapy team, and rightfully so. Therefore, it is not unreasonable that they be acquainted with the broader aspects of the management of patients who receive radiation treatments, as well as the roles played by surgeons, medical oncologists and other members of the treatment team. The spate of recent technical developments openly embraced by medical physicists, many of whom appear unconcerned by questionable benefits and very high costs, leads the authors to believe that this acquaintance is not as widespread as it should be. The present paper provides a brief review of clinical considerations in radiationoncology, statistics for the most prevalent cancers, and how those cancers that account for over 90% of mortality are currently treated. With these data as background, it then considers the extent to which one of the more widely promoted new technologies is likely to impact upon survival. By providing this modicum of perspective, physicists will be in a better position to evaluate these new technologies in more fundamental clinical terms, and thereby enhance their contributions to the overall care of the cancer patient.
Molecular symmetry as an aid to geometry determination in ligand protein complexes.

Abstract Dipole–dipole couplings between pairs of spin 1 2 nuclei, which can be measured from NMR spectra in field-ordered media, offer useful constraints on the orientation of various fragments in molecular systems. However, the orientation of fragments relative to a molecule fixed reference frame is often key to complete structure determination. Here, we demonstrate that the symmetry properties of molecular complexes can aid in the definition of a reference frame. It is shown that a threefold rotational symmetry axis dictates the direction and symmetry of the experimentally determined order tensor for α-methyl-mannose in fast exchange among the three symmetry-related binding sites of mannose binding protein. This approach facilitates studies of the geometry of the ligand in the protein–ligand complex and also may provide a novel route to structure determination of a homomultimeric protein.
SU‐E‐I‐153: A Method for Fast Generation of High Resolution Software Breast Phantoms

Purpose: We have developed a new method for generating anthropomorphic software breast phantoms. The method allows for faster generation of phantoms with small voxel size, and provides better control of simulated anatomical structures. Methods: In this paper we compare the simulation time and quantization artifacts between our previous and the new method. Previously, our breast anatomy simulation was based upon a region growing algorithm. The new method preserves the concept of region growing and is optimized to allow for faster simulation. The new method includes improved thickness control of the simulated skin and Cooper's ligaments. For comparison, we generated phantoms simulating a 450 ml breast using both methods. The phantoms were generated with voxel sizes in the range of 25–1000 microns; we recorded the time needed for simulation. The simulation time as function of the voxel size was fitted using a power‐law regression; the regression exponents were compared between the two methods. We also performed a visual comparison of the phantoms generated with different voxel sizes. Results: For the simulated range of voxel sizes the new method yielded a regression exponent of 2.15, compared to 3.89 for the previous method. The new method is faster than the previous method for phantoms with voxels below 200 microns. Generating phantoms with small voxel size is of importance for reducing quantization artifacts in simulated images; commercial mammographysystems have detector element pitch as small as 50 microns. The visual comparison of the phantoms generated at different voxel sizes confirmed the improved quality of simulation with smaller voxels, as reflected by reduced quantization artifacts. Conclusions: Our new breast anatomy simulation is substantially improved in terms of simulation time and the quality of the simulated images. This is especially important for the simulation of phantom images with various available detector resolutions.
Application of symbolic algebra to the analysisof plates on variable elastic foundation

The analysis of plates on elastic foundation is very common in engineering. Usually the Winklermodel is adopted, and it is assumed that the foundation stiffness is constant over the area of the plate. In many cases, such as large foundation mats and in vertical slurry walls, the foundation stiffness varies and approximate solutions are found. Using symbolic algebra, an approximate finite element displacement method is introduced to analyse the problem of plates on a variable Winkler elastic foundation. It is proposed to add to the conventional plate element stiffness matrix, another matrix that will account for the effect of the variable foundation. The solution using this approach is compared to the solutions which were obtained using other approximation techniques. With the proposed method the convergence is much faster, with fewer elements, and saves computer and data preparation time.
Price Discrimination and Resale: A Classroom Experiment.

The authors present a classroom experiment designed to illustrate key concepts of third-degree price discrimination. By participating as buyers and sellers, students actively learn (1) how group pricing differs from uniform pricing, (2) how resale between buyers limits a seller's ability to price discriminate, and (3) how preventing price discrimination might reduce welfare. The exercise challenges sellers to set optimal prices against unknown demand curves by using a concrete story of pharmaceutical pricing to American and Mexican consumers. By working through profit calculations, students arrive at the optimal seller prices in three different settings: uniform pricing, price discrimination to two groups, and price discrimination to two groups who can resell to each other. The experimental design encourages students to converge reliably to the theoretical predictions. Classroom discussion can focus on real-world examples of price discrimination and on regulatory policy questions in industrial organizatio...
Charting A Course To Conflict: Territorial Issues and Interstate Conflict, 1816-1992

Contentious issues have frequently been overlooked in the study of international relations and interstate conflict. This paper explores the influence of territory and territorial issues on processe...
Leachate Collection Efficiency of Zero-tension Pan and Passive Capillary Fiberglass Wick Lysimeters

Lysimeter leachate collection efficiencies (LCEs), which are the measured leachate volume divided by estimated percolation water, are needed to convert measured leachate volumes to actual leachate fluxes. In this study, LCE of zero-tension pan and passive capillary fiberglass wick lysimeters were evaluated and directly compared. A total of 18 pan and 18 wick lysimeters were installed 1.2 m below the soil surface in tilled and no-till plots. From May 1995 to April 2000 the lysimeter LCEs were evaluated using a water-balance method with evapotranspiration (ET) estimated by the Penman-Monteith equation. On average, wick lysimeters collected 2.7 times more leachate than did pan lysimeters, and tillage had no effect on the 5-yr total leachate volume at the 5% significance level. If the anomalous 1997 leaching year with an exceptionally warm and wet winter was excluded, wick and pan lysimeters collected about 50 and 20% of precipitation, respectively, from both tillage systems. The average 4-yr LCE for wick lysimeters was 101% and that for the pan lysimeters was 40%. The much higher LCEs for both pan and wick lysimeters during the 1997 leaching year were thought to be the result of over-sampling of leachate during the exceptionally wet and warm winter. Errors of ET estimates associated with estimating crop residue cover and water stress adjustment parameters were small. Errors in LCE estimates can be mathematically shown to be in the same range as those of ET estimates.
Development of Radiation Dose Reduction Techniques for Cadmium Zinc Telluride detectors in Molecular Breast Imaging

Background: Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is a novel breast imaging technique that uses Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) gamma cameras to detect the uptake of Tc-99m sestamibi in breast tumors. Current techniques employ an administered dose of 20-30 mCi Tc-99m, delivering an effective dose of 6.5-10 mSv to the body. This is ~ 5-10 times that of mammography. The goal of this study was to reduce the radiation dose by a factor of 5-10, while maintaining image quality. Methods: A total of 4 dose reduction schemes were evaluated - a) optimized collimation, b) improved utilization of the energy spectrum below the photopeak, c) adaptive geometric mean algorithm developed for combination of images from opposing detectors, and d) non local means filtering (NLMF) for noise reduction and image enhancement. Validation of the various schemes was performed using a breast phantom containing a variety of tumors and containing activity matched to that observed in clinical studies. Results: Development of tungsten collimators with holes matched to the CZT pixels yielded a 2.1-2.9 gain in system sensitivity. Improved utilization of the energy spectra yielded a 1.5-2.0 gain in sensitivity. Development of a modified geometric mean algorithm yielded a 1.4 reduction in image noise, while retaining contrast. Images of the breast phantom demonstrated that a factor of 5 reduction in dose was achieved. Additional refinements to the NLMF should enable an additional factor of 2 reduction in dose. Conclusion: Significant dose reduction in MBI to levels comparable to mammography can be achieved while maintaining image quality.
Roundup: a multi-genome repository of orthologs and evolutionary distances

SUMMARY: We have created a tool for ortholog and phylogenetic profile retrieval called Roundup. Roundup is backed by a massive repository of orthologs and associated evolutionary distances that was built using the reciprocal smallest distance algorithm, an approach that has been shown to improve upon alternative approaches of ortholog detection, such as reciprocal blast. Presently, the Roundup repository contains all possible pair-wise comparisons for over 250 genomes, including 32 Eukaryotes, more than doubling the coverage of any similar resource. The orthologs are accessible through an intuitive web interface that allows searches by genome or gene identifier, presenting results as phylogenetic profiles together with gene and molecular function annotations. Results may be downloaded as phylogenetic matrices for subsequent analysis, including the construction of whole-genome phylogenies based on gene-content data. Availability: http://rodeo.med.harvard.edu/tools/roundup Contact: dpwall@hms.harvard.edu
Uncooled infrared sensor performance

The technology behind infrared focal plane arrays capable of operating at room temperature is discussed, emphasizing bolometric and pyroelectric devices. Theoretical limitations of thermal imagers operating at room temperature are explored and presented. The results of a survey cataloging the capabilities of currently available room temperature infrared focal plane arrays are presented. An example of how this technology could perform in a real world situation is presented from a theoretical point of view to show possible imaging system limitations due specifically to the room temperature focal plane.
A database-oriented social services system: title XX

INTRODUCTION Title XX of the Social Security Act was established by congress to assist the states in providing social services through federally-matched funding. These services are available without charge to eligible citizens of South Carolina. For the State of South Carolina an automated system was designed, implemented, and is being maintained by which client, service, provider, and delivery data may be reported as required by federal and state regulations.
Disseminated histoplasmosis and pulmonary cavitation in an infant with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Tandis que la plupart des enfants qui presentent un deficit en α1 Antitrypsine n'ont pas de symptomes pulmonaires, des modifications microscopiques d'un emphyseme precoce sont presentes. Ce qui peut predisposer ces enfants a developper des maladies pulmonaires progressives lorsqu'ils presentent une infection
Single Molecule Fluorescence Studies of Membrane Targeting Proteins: Lateral Diffusion in Supported Bilayers Reveals Additional Lipid Binding Sites

Protein-membrane docking via conserved membrane-targeting domains is essential for many cell signaling processes. Recently developed, in vitro applications of single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) can reveal features of the membrane-bound state that may remain hidden during bulk measurements. In particular, lateral diffusion on supported lipid bilayers can provide information on properties of membrane-docked states. Here, we measure lateral diffusion of multiple membrane-targeting pleckstrin homology (PH) and C2 domains and full-length proteins to determine the relationship between membrane binding and lateral diffusion. We find that increasing the number of peripherally bound lipid molecules slows diffusion, as expected based on both classical diffusion and established theory for membrane proteins. Furthermore, we use lateral diffusion measurements in supported bilayers of defined composition to identify and characterize a novel, secondary binding site specific for phosphatidylserine in the membrane-docked state of a representative PH domain. Overall, this study shows that in vitro single-molecule TIRFM provides a new window into the molecular mechanisms of membrane docking reactions.
Modified Central Line for Pneumothorax

Pneumothoraxes, whether spontaneous or iatrogenic, frequently require drainage. Although the recent trend has been toward a catheter-based approach, many thoracic surgeons continue to use chest tubes. Tube thoracostomy is associated with significant pain at the time of insertion and during continued drainage. Pneumothorax catheters are less painful but more expensive, and some have been associated with significant failure. After disappointing experience with pneumothorax catheters, we have modified a central line to use in lieu of a pneumothorax kit. We have found this technique to be effective, safe, reliable, and inexpensive.
Cysteine as a system-specific substrate for transport system ASC in rat hepatocytes

Abstract The rapid transport of L -cysteine into isolated rat hepatocytes escapes detectable inhibition by 2-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid at levels up to 50 mM. The system transporting cysteine instead is convincingly similar to the ASC system described for the Ehrlich cell in structural and steric specificity and in pH sensitivity. The Na+-dependent uptake of 2-aminoisobutyric acid is almost evenly divided between Systems A and ASC , showing better accommodation of its two α-methyl groups by ASC than in the Ehrlich cell. The hepatocyte ASC system tolerates Li+-for-Na+ substitution better than does System A , although the tolerance depends on amino acid structure. Adaptive regulation and insulin and glucagon stimulation were not seen under conditions producing these effects for System A .
Experimental Carcinogenesis in Duct-Artery Ligated Rat Submandibular Gland

This study compared tumor induction time and the type of tumor formed in rat submandibular glands implanted with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) to glands ligated before implantation of DMBA. Results showed no difference in tumor induction time or the type of tumor formed.
Micromechanical devices with embedded electro-thermal-compliant actuation

Abstract At the micro-scale, thermal actuation provides larger forces compared to the widely-used electrostatic actuation. In this paper, we highlight another advantage of thermal actuation, viz. the ease with which it can be utilized to achieve a novel embedded electro-thermal-compliant (ETC) actuation for MEMS. The principle of ETC actuation is based on the selective non-uniform Joule heating and the accompanying constrained thermal expansion. It is shown here that appropriate topology and shape of the structures give rise to many types of actuators and devices. Additionally, selective doping of silicon ETC devices is used to enhance the non-uniform heating and thus the deformation. A number of novel ETC building blocks and devices are described, and their analysis and design issues are discussed. The devices were microfabricated using MCNC’s MUMPs foundry process as well as a bulk-micromachining process called PennSOIL (Penn silicon-on-insulator layer). The designs are validated with the simulations and the experimental observations. The experimental measurements are quantitatively compared with the theoretical predictions for a novel ETC microactuator with selective doping.
Human parotid saliva as a sole source of nutrient for micro-organisms

Abstract Parotid saliva, collected under aseptic conditions from human beings, was studied as the sole source of nutrients for strains of Aerobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus var. terminalis, Bacillus subtilis var. niger, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Lactobacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and a viridans streptococcus. The populations of staphylococci, enterococci, Aerobacter, yeasts, and spores and vegetative cells of B. subtilis and B. cereus tended to survive and multiply suboptimally in the parotid saliva. Unfavourable effects of the reduced hydrogen-ion concentration of collected parotid saliva on the staphylococci, enterococci and Aerobacter were less when the pH was adjusted with phosphate buffer. Germination of spores, multiplication of vegetative cells and sporulation of the bacilli occurred in thirteen of fifteen parotid salivas. Eight salivas delayed germination, multiplication or sporulation from 24 to 96 hr of incubation. The populations of the lactobacillus, β-streptococcus, viridans streptococcus and diphtheria bacillus tended to be unable to survive and multiply even though the pH of the saliva was altered by addition of a phosphate buffer. Differences between the effects of the saliva samples on bacteria were also noted with the strain of Aerobacter and lactobacillus, otherwise parotid salivas from several human beings had similar effects on microbial growth.
Antioxidants prevent oxidative DNA damage and cellular transformation elicited by the over-expression of c-MYC

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced genomic damage may have important consequences in the initiation and progression of cancer. Deregulated expression of the proto-oncogene c-MYC is associated with intracellular oxidative stress and increased DNA damage. However, the protective role of antioxidants such as Vitamin C against MYC-induced genomic damage has not been fully investigated. In a variety of cell lines, we show that ectopic MYC over-expression results in the elevation of intracellular ROS levels and a concomitant increase in oxidative DNA damage, as assessed by levels of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) in the genomic DNA. Loading cells with ascorbic acid (AA) relieved MYC-elicited intracellular oxidative stress and conferred genomic protection. A mitochondrially targeted Vitamin E analog, TPPB, also protected cells from MYC-elicited oxidative DNA damage, suggesting the involvement of mitochondria in increased ROS production. We found that deregulated MYC expression resulted in the attenuation of intracellular glutathione levels, which was reversed by loading cells with Vitamin C. Additionally, cells over-expressing MYC had elevated levels of intracellular superoxide, which was significantly quenched by Vitamin C or the selective superoxide quencher, Tiron. Consequently, Vitamin C and other antioxidants protected cells from MYC-induced cellular transformation. Our studies implicate a role for ROS, and superoxide in particular, in MYC-elicited oxidative DNA damage and cellular transformation, and point to a pharmacological role of antioxidants in cancer chemoprevention.
The record of Cenozoic volcanism around the Gulf of California

Potassium/argon dating and chemical analyses of major oxides of volcanic rocks in areas adjacent to the Gulf of California provide a stratigraphic record of tectonic and magmatic evolution that has occurred during the past 30 m.y. The important volcanic provinces are: the Pliocene-Holocene Gulf of California dacite; the Pliocene-Holocene west Baja California alkaline basalt-andesite; the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt; the “proto-Gulf” basalt from the coast of Nayarit; the late Miocene alkaline basalt of the Commondu Formation found in the Peninsula; the late Miocene basalt-andesite-rhyolite rocks straddling the northern half of the Gulf; the 18- to 22-m.y.-old hornblende andesite belt in the Peninsula of Baja California and the central coast of Sonora; and the Oligocene–early Miocene basalt-rhyolite belt, largely east of the Gulf. Tectonics interpretation suggests that the subduction plane moved westward between Oligocene and middle Miocene time and that active calc-alkaline volcanism continued over a broad area around the northern Gulf even after the trench west of Baja California had been annihilated.
Minimizing the Cayley transform of an orthogonal matrix by multiplying by signature matrices

Abstract The Cayley transform, $ ( A ) = ( I − A ) ( I + A ) − 1 , maps skew-symmetric matrices to orthogonal matrices and vice versa. Given an orthogonal matrix Q , we can choose a diagonal matrix D with each diagonal entry ±1 (a signature matrix) and, if I + Q D is nonsingular, calculate the skew-symmetric matrix $ ( Q D ) . An open problem is to show that, by a suitable choice of D , we can make every entry of $ ( Q D ) less than or equal to 1 in absolute value. We solve this problem by showing that the principal minors of $ ( Q D ) are related in a simple way to the principal minors of $ ( Q ) .
The geomagnetic jerk of 1969 and the DGRFs

Abstract Cubic spline fits to the DGRF/IGRF series indicate agreement with other analyses showing the 1969–1970 magnetic jerk in the h 1 2 and g 0 2 secular change coefficients, and agreement that the h 1 1 term showed no sharp change. The variation of the g 0 1 term is out of phase with other analyses indicating a likely error in its representation in the 1965–1975 interval. We recommend that future derivations of the ‘definitive’ geomagnetic reference models take into consideration the times of impulses or jerks so as to not be bound to a standard 5 year interval, and otherwise to make more considered analyses before adopting sets of coefficients.
Homage to Hutchinson, and the role of ecology in lineage divergence and speciation

Aim A fundamental goal of biogeography is to explain why sister taxa are allopatric. Potential explanations include insufficient time for range expansion, adaptation to allopatrically distributed environments, or ecological similarity that prevents coexistence. Many sister species have been isolated for hundreds of thousands of years, providing ample time to attain sympatry. This focuses attention on the role of ecology. Allopatric phylogroups and phylogenetic sister species often exhibit morphological differences that are apparent responses to differing ecological conditions, revealing a role for ecology in lineage divergence and speciation. However, as Hutchinson proposed five decades ago, a certain level of morphological divergence is typically required before two taxa can partition resources and coexist. This paper uses ecological niche modelling and phylogeography to explore the role of niche divergence in shaping the ranges of sister taxa and in the speciation process. Location Aridlands of North America including the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and Baja California. Methods Ecological niche models were constructed for avian sister phylogroups on either side of two biogeographical barriers: the Vizcaino Desert in Baja California (c. 28°–30° N), and the Cochise Filter Barrier, which divides the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Each phylogroup pair was tested for differences in niche identity and niche divergence (using the background test). Results Niche identity can be rejected for each phylogroup, although tests of niche divergence were insignificant. Main conclusions Allopatric sister phylogroups exist in and respond to aspects of different environments, as shown by significant niche identity tests, leading to geographical variation that is often recognized taxonomically, supporting a role for ecology in lineage divergence. However, sister phylogroups also use shared ancestral components of the climatic niche more often than expected by chance, which might prevent selection from yielding divergence in traits related to resource use. Climatic niche divergence does not explain allopatric ranges of phylogroups. Allopatry is maintained because the phylogroups are too similar morphologically, lacking the necessary Hutchinsonian ratios for coexistence. The role of ecology in speciation differs between lineage and biological species concepts owing to their different ranking criteria.