cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solid-state laser-driven free-electron based coherent attosecond radiation sources

We propose a free-electron based attosecond coherent X-ray source powered by a laser-driven particle accelerator capable of producing sub-optical cycle electron pulses. The design parameters for the device are established by the one-dimensional FEL model.
Some Dimensions of Mathematics Anxiety: A Factor Analysis Across Instruments

The factor structure of the items of three commonly used measures of mathematics anxiety was examined using a sample of 323 undergraduates enrolled in a required college algebra course. Six oblique...
Constructing the anarchist beast in American periodical literature, 1880–1903

The first Red scare in the United States was directed at anarchism during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The campaign is analyzed in the magazine writers' treatment of the movement and its adherents. By being fashioned into a condensation symbol that evoked a moral, genetic, and cultural threat, anarchism's ideas and political orientation became socially unimaginable in America.
Coming to grips with foodborne infection--peanut butter, peppers, and nationwide salmonella outbreaks

In the past year, we have been confronted by two large nationwide outbreaks of salmonella infection. Dr. Dennis Maki explores ways to prevent foodborne infections and argues that it is time to launch a major effort to gain public acceptance of irradiation of high-risk foods.
Effect of sperm exposure time on in vitro fertilization and embryo development of bovine oocytes matured in vitro.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effect of sperm exposure time on the fertilization rate and subsequent developmental capacity of bovine oocytes matured in vitro. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from 2 to 6 mm follicles were matured for 24 h in TCM-199 supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and hormones (FSH, LH and estradiol 17-β). In vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed by incubating 15 to 20 matured oocytes with 1 × 10 6 percoll separated frozen-thawed spermatozoa in 1 ml of IVF-TL medium for either 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 or 28 h. Following sperm exposure for different periods of times, the presumptive zygotes were co-cultured with Buffalo Rat Liver cells (BRLC) monolayers in CZB medium without glucose, a simple semi-defined medium developed for mouse embryo culture, for 3 d post-insemination and then in M199/FBS (TCM-199-HEPES supplemented with 20% heat-treated FBS and 1 mM sodium pyruvate) for 5 d. The fertilization rates differed significantly among the 7 treatment groups, with higher frequencies obtained by co-incubation of gametes for 20, 24 or 28 h (67 to 76%) than for 4, 8 and 12 h (26 to 54.5%), with 16 h (57%) being intermediate. However, the length of sperm exposure time did not significantly affect subsequent embryo development, although an increasing trend was noted from 4 h to 20 h. The number of fertilized oocytes at 3 d post-insemination cleaving to 2- to 4-cell vs 8-cell stage was not different among treatment groups. Development of 8-cell embryos to morulae and blastocysts did not differ among the treatment groups. These data suggest that the optimum duration of sperm-oocyte incubation is 24 h, and periods shorter than 16 h may result in a reduced fertilization rate.
Testing NF-κB-based Therapy in Hemiparkinsonian Monkeys

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common human neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Despite intense investigation, no effective therapy is available to stop the onset PD or halt its progression. The primate model of PD is considered to be one of the best available models for human PD. Since neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PD and NF-κB, a proinflammatory transcription factor, participates in the transcription of many proinflammatory molecules, this study evaluates the ability of a peptide corresponding to the NF-κB essential modifier (NEMO)-binding domain (NBD) of IκB kinase (IKK)α or IKKβ to protect dopaminergic neurons in hemiparkinsonian monkeys. First, we found that NF-κB was activated within the substantia nigra pars compacta of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated hemiparkinsonian monkeys. However, intramuscular injection of wild type NBD (wtNBD) peptide reduced nigral activation of NF-κB and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, protected both the nigrostriatal axis and neurotransmitters, and improved motor functions in hemiparkinsonian monkeys. These findings were specific as mutated NBD peptide did not exhibit such effects. These results may help in the translation of NF-κB-based therapy to PD clinics.
Mean lives of excited states in 14N

Abstract The Doppler-shift technique was used to measure the mean life τ - (8.3 ± 3) × 10 −14 s for the 2.31 MeV level in 14 N and to establish limits of τ −14 and τ > 6 × 10 −13 s on the mean lives of the 3.95 and 5.10 MeV levels of 14 N, respectively. These measurements are compared with predictions made on the basis of the shell model.
Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Staging of Ovarian Cancer

Since the introduction of laparoscopy and robotic surgery in gynecologic practice in the last several decades, use of these minimally invasive surgical techniques has increased dramatically. The role of minimally invasive surgical techniques continues to expand because they offer reduced intraoperative and postoperative complications, less intraoperative blood loss, and a shorter postoperative recovery. Despite initial concerns about the use of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology, this approach has been shown to be safe and effective in the management of uterine and cervical cancer, and minimally invasive surgical management of these malignancies is now commonplace. Concerns remain regarding the use of minimally invasive surgery for the staging and management of ovarian cancer, including concerns regarding the adequacy of abdominal exploration and staging with minimally invasive approaches compared to traditional laparotomy and the risks and implications of intra-operative tumor cyst rupture and port-site metastases. However, several case series, retrospective reviews, and case–control studies have demonstrated that minimally invasive surgery is both safe and effective for the staging of borderline ovarian tumors and early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer when performed by a trained gynecologic oncologist. Data to support the role of minimally invasive surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer are scant and use of minimally invasive surgery in this setting is not recommended.
Some Remarks on BRS Transformations, Anomalies and the Cohomology of the Lie Algebra of the Group of Gauge Transformations

We show that ghosts in gauge theories can be interpreted as Maurer-Cartan forms in the infinite dimensional group ℊ of gauge transformations. We examine the cohomology of the Lie algebra of ℊ and identify the coboundary operator with the BRS operator. We describe the anomalous terms encountered in the renormalization of gauge theories (triangle anomalies) as elements of these cohomology groups.
A Comparison of Alveolar Bone in Young and Aged Mice

To study the relationship between aging and alveolar bone loss, the periodontia of young (12-week-old) and aged (94-week-old) C57B1/6 Nia mice were compared, giving special attention to the alveolar bone. The tibiae were also examined to distinguish local from systemic bone changes. The mean area of interproximal bone between the first and second mandibular molars was significantly less in the aged mice than in the young mice. While there was no difference in the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar crest, the width of the interproximal bone was narrower in the aged animals. The cross-sectional width of the tibia was also reduced in the aged mice, although the total bony area remained constant. In both groups of animals, the distance from the apical extent of the inflammatory infiltrate to the alveolar crest was similar suggesting that alveolar bone loss was not related to inflammation. Other histologic features observed in the teeth of the aged mice, which may have influenced the amount of alveolar bone, were mesial tilting and distal drifting, occlusal wear, and passive eruption. These findings suggest that the greater bone loss in the aged mice may be more related to the aging process and to the functional changes of tooth movement associated with aging than to periodontal disease.
The Panzaleo puzzle: non-local pottery in Northern Highland Ecuador

Abstract One of the most intriguing ceramic wares of the northern Ecuadorian highlands is a distinctive, thin-walled pottery commonly known as Panzaleo. Though widely dispersed throughout the northern highlands, it rarely, if ever, forms the sole or even primary element of archaeological site assemblages in this region. The ubiquity of this ware has led to considerable discussion about its nature and significance. The basic characteristics of this ware are reviewed, along with the results of two separate compositional analyses of Panzaleo sherds from the Guayllabamba-El Quinche region of northern highland Ecuador and the Cosanga region of the eastern montana. A comparative study of sherds from the two different regions demonstrates a high degree of similarity in the paste composition of pottery samples from the highlands and the eastern montana. The mineralogy of the ware points to the eastern foothills of the Andes as the probable locus of its production, suggesting the existence of prehistoric relations...
Subthreshold semantic priming: Not a context effect

Bernstein, Bissonnette, Vyas, and Barclay (1989) showed that masked primes can be recognized more often when followed by a related target than when followed by an unrelated target. They suggested that this effect may allow subjects in subthreshold semantic priming experiments to recognize the masked primes on the related semantic priming trials, even when the subjects cannot recognize masked primes presented alone. The present experiment found that when masked primes are presented at recognition rates comparable to those used in published studies of subthreshold masked priming, the forced choice recognition of masked primes followed by related targets was similar to that of masked primes presented alone (25% vs. 22%). In addition, the recognition of masked primes on the forced choice trials was highly predictive of masked prime recognition on the semantic priming trials.
Stochastic Nonlinear Dynamics of Interpersonal and Romantic Relationships

Current theories from biosocial (e.g., the role of neurotransmitters in behavioral features), ecological (e.g., cultural, political, and institutional conditions), and interpersonal (e.g., attachment) perspectives have grounded interpersonal and romantic relationships in normative social experiences. However, these theories have not been developed to the point of providing a solid theoretical understanding of the dynamics present in interpersonal and romantic relationships, and integrative theories are still lacking. In this paper, mathematical models are used to investigate the dynamics of interpersonal and romantic relationships, via ordinary and stochastic differential equations, in order to provide insight into the behaviors of love. The analysis starts with a deterministic model and progresses to nonlinear stochastic models capturing the stochastic rates and factors (e.g., ecological factors, such as historical, cultural and community conditions) that affect proximal experiences and shape the patterns of relationship. Numerical examples are given to illustrate various dynamics of interpersonal and romantic behaviors with particular emphases placed on sustained oscillations and transitions between locally stable equilibria that are observable in stochastic models (closely related to real interpersonal dynamics), but absent in deterministic models.
Thalamocortical Relay Neurons: Antidromic Invasion of Spikes from a Cortical Epileptogenic Focus

Thalamocortical relay neurons whose axons project into a penicillininduced cortical epileptogenic focus generate bursts of action potentials during spontaneous interictal epileptiform discharges. These bursts originate in intracortical axons and propagate antidromically into thalamic neurons. Repetitive spike generation in cortical axons and presynaptic terminals could produce a potent excitatory drive and contribute to the generation of the large depolarization shifts which are seen in cortical elements during focal epileptogenesis.
Friction Studies of Polymer Lubricated Surfaces

The shear properties of thin films of polymer melts confined between two molecularly smooth solid surfaces have been measured using a surface forces apparatus (SFA). Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polybutadiene (PBD), and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) of various molecular masses were studied, including both entangled and nonentangled systems. In all cases, the systems exhibited “smooth” sliding, with no intermittent or stick−slip motion at moderate shear rates (50−500 s-1). The coefficients of friction ranged from approximately 0.5 to 0.006, generally decreasing with increasing molecular mass and bulk viscosity for each polymer. The measured friction coefficients were smaller than values measured previously for lower molecular mass molecules such as n-alkanes, which is consistent with the above trend. During sliding, the surfaces remain separated by a thin tenacious polymer film, even at high loads where the minimum surface separation was found to be proportional to the radius of gyration, Rg, for each polyme...
Predicting spontaneous preterm birth: Esplin et al

Surrogate markers The primary endpoint for the 2 nested case-control studies was spontaneous preterm birth. Given how often we see this endpoint used in perinatal medicine, I believe it is worthwhile to examine whether it is an appropriate endpoint. As doctors and scientists, we are interested in health outcomes that are important to patients. Preterm birth itself has no meaning, except that it is associated with outcomes that we do care about. For example, we do know that preterm births are reasonably linked to adverse neonatal outcomes such as intraventricular hemorrhage, chronic lung disease, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Because this relationship is strongest for the earliest preterm births, we should, ideally, focus on this population when doing studies of premature delivery. Of course, because very preterm births are less common, it is much harder to assemble adequate data. The authors of this study made a compromise by defining preterm birth as occurring at less than 35 weeks.
The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG-1478 causes hypomagnesemia and cardiac dysfunction

We determined whether the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) N-​(3-​chlorophenyl)-​6,​7-​dimethoxy-​4-​quinazolinamine (tyrphostin AG-1478) causes hypomagnesemia and cardiac dysfunction in rats. Tyrphostin was administered (3 times per week, intraperitoneal injection, to achieve 21.4 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1) to normomagnesemic rats for 5 weeks. Levels of magnesium in the plasma of the tyrphostin-treated rats decreased significantly by the following amount: 17% at week 1, 27% at week 2, and 26%–35% between weeks 3 to 5. Levels of the plasma lipid peroxidation marker 8-isoprostane rose significantly: by 58% at week 1, 168% at week 3, and 113% at week 5. At week 5, blood neutrophils from the tyrphostin-treated group displayed a 2.26-fold higher basal level of O2•− generation; the ratio of oxidized glutathione (glutathione disufide; GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH) in the red blood cells increased 2.5-fold. At week 5, echocardiography revealed that TKI treatment result...
Stochastic process models for earthquake ground motion

Abstract In this paper we present a review of stochastic process models proposed for the simulation of seismic ground motion. The models reviewed include those based on filtered white noise processes, filtered Poisson processes, spectral representation of stochastic processes, and finally those based on stochastic wave theory. Mathematical expressions are provided for all models along with comments on their usefulness, advantages and disadvantages. Together with the review of auto-regressive moving-average models by F. Kozin in this PEM review series on earthquake engineering (June issue), this paper represents an overview of stochastic models of earthquake ground motion, which is hopefully of some use to researchers as well as practitioners.
Detecting buckling of filament-wound cylinders with optical fibers

This project demonstrated the implementation of embedded optical fibers as sensors for detecting the onset of shell buckling instabilities and compressive failure in composite cylinders. In the present work, five 6-inch diameter cylinders (four filament-wound and one prepreg tape) with integrated optical fiber strain sensors were fabricated and tested in compression. The cylinders were instrumented with an axial strain gage for local strain measurements and a helically wound 633 nm optical fiber for integrated strain measurement. The integrated strains along the optical fiber path were obtained by using a modified Mach- Zehnder interferometer with feedback electronics controlling PZTs in the reference arm. This distributed sensing technique provides a more reliable and sensitive means of detecting critical strains and the onset of pre-buckling deformations than the conventional local strain gage.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A model for comparisons with ordered categorical data

A model developed by Andrich for ordered categorical data is extended to develop tests for treatment effects with paired or matched samples. In particular, this includes analysis for pre-post studies and crossover designs. Some advantages of this model are that it allows for misclassification of subjects, yields reasonable conditional requirements for exact analysis, a normal approximation is good for all but the smallest of sample sizes, and it is relatively simple mathematically. Furthermore, the form of the tests derived are logical extensions of tests for unordered categories.
Review of Physicians at War: The Dual-Loyalties Challenge

, Fritz Allhoff, Ed. (Springer, 2008). Reviewed by Michael Davis As a military physician was getting into an ambulance to attend to the wounded at a firefight near Bagdad, a line officer asked her to report by radio any suspicious activity she saw: “The enemy is always setting bombs along that road. The more we spot, the fewer of our guys you’ll have to patch up.” As a member of the military, the physician should, it seems, agree to help protect “our guys”. But, as a physician in a vehicle marked with a red cross, shouldn’t she decline? Physicians are supposed to be physicians, not forward observation posts. Her loyalty to the military seems to clash with her loyalty to her profession. That is the subject of this collection of original essays, the so-called “problem of the dual loyalty of military physicians”.
Conducting a Meaningful Interview: Making the Most of a Golden Opportunity

The interview is an integral part of the residency selection process, and is a golden opportunity for you and the student. If you are willing to consider certain pre-interview decisions and structure your interview in a way that allows you to learn more about a candidate than just their academic accomplishments, there is an excellent chance that you will select and match with candidates who best complement your learning environment.
Up-regulation of brain [3H]diazepam binding sites in chronic caffeine-treated rats.

Abstract Brain [3H]diazepam and l -[3H]phenylisopropyladenosine binding sites in caffeine-treated (75 mg/kg/day, i.p. 12 days) and caffeine-withdrawn (30 days) rats were examined. Treatment with caffeine (75 mg/kg/day) for 12 days increases the Bmax (maximum binding capacity) for [3H]diazepam binding by 30.9% whereas the same treatment increased the Bmax for l -[3H]PIA binding by 120%. The Bmax for [3H]diazepam binding sites returns to slightly below control levels but l -[3H]PIA binding sites still remain elevated after 30 days of caffeine withdrawal. The up-regulation of [3H]diazepam binding sites seen in caffeine-treated rats may indicate an interaction between caffeine and benzodiazepines at the receptor level and it may account for the supersensitivity to benzodiazepines seen in behavioral testing.
Evaluating the cost of Boolean query mapping

Non-uniform query languages make searching over heterogeneous information sources difcult. Our approach is to allow a user to compose Boolean queries in one rich front-end language. For each user query and target source, we transform the user query into a subsuming query that can be supported by the source but that may return extra documents. The results are then processed by a lter query to yield the correct nal results. This post-ltering approach may involve signicant cost because the documents that the users will not see may have to be retrieved and ltered. There are generally two ways to implement post-ltering: batch post-ltering and incremental post-ltering. In this paper we evaluate the costs of both methods for different search features such as proximity operators. The experimental results show that in many cases incremental post-ltering cost may be acceptable, while the batch post-ltering cost may sometimes be extremely large.
Photoelectrons and electron temperatures in the Venus ionosphere

Solar wind induced magnetic fields may be present in the dayside ionosphere of Venus. A scale analysis and detailed calculations of the effects of different field line orientations on photoelectron transport and electron temperature show that horizontal magnetic fields considerably alter the profiles of electron heating and temperature and photoelectron flux. Direct injection of solar wind electrons has been considered, and the effects are minor. No evidence is found to support the suggestion that a sharp gradient in electron temperature is the cause of certain features in the Mariner 10 electron density profile.
Findings From the Pittsburgh Youth Study: Cognitive Impulsivity and Intelligence as Predictors of the Age–Crime Curve

Abstract Objective This article first summarizes key research findings from the Pittsburgh Youth Study from 1987 to the present, and focuses on delinquency in 1,517 young men who have been followed up from late childhood into their 20s. Second, the article addresses how indicators of self-control prospectively predict later offending, and whether the prediction shows individual difference in the age–crime curve, particularly the up-slope, peak, and down-slope of that curve. Method Longitudinal analyses were conducted on a sample of boys in the middle sample of the Pittsburgh Youth Study (n = 422), whose cognitive impulsivity and intelligence were assessed at about age 12 years. Criminal records on the sample were until age 28. Results The results show that cognitive impulsivity and intelligence, measured between ages 12 and 13 by means of psychometric tests, predicted the age–crime curve. The age–arrest curve was substantially higher in boys with high cognitive impulsivity and in boys with low IQ. However, there was a significant interaction between cognitive impulsivity and intelligence. For boys with high IQ, cognitive impulsivity was associated with a greater escalation in the prevalence of offending during early adolescence, followed by a more rapid decline in offending as boys entered early adulthood with a slight subsequent increase in criminal offending then occurring late 20. In contrast, there was no evidence that cognitive impulsivity independently influenced criminal offending at any developmental period for boys with low IQ. Conclusions The results are discussed in terms of interventions to reduce individuals' delinquency from childhood through early adulthood and lower the age–crime curve for populations. However, the association was complex because it was moderated by both age and intelligence.
Differential utilization of multiple transcription start points accompanies the overexpression of the P-glycoprotein-encoding gene in Chinese hamster lung cells

Abstract The overproduction of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) has been associated with the development and maintenance of the multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype, although the regulatory events responsible have not yet been elucidated. We have analyzed the overexpression of the TATA-less hamster class-I Pgp-encoding gene ( Pgpl ) in several MDR Chinese hamster cell lines. The MDR lung cell line DC-3F/VCRd5L, as well as the MDR ovary cell line CH R C5, express a level of Pgpl RNA commensurate with the increase in Pgpl dosage; in contrast, the actinomycin D (ActD)-selected sublines of DC-3F overexpress Pgpl mRNA without a concomitant increase in Pgpl gene-copy number. Analysis of Pgpl transcription start point ( tsp ) utilization revealed that drug-sensitive DC-3F cells, as well as DC-3F/VCRd5L and CH R C5 cells, utilize one major tsp; in contrast, the ActD-resistant sublines ‘switch’ to a more complex pattern, using four additional Pgpl tsp 32, 42, 52, and 67 bp downstream from the major parental tsp (+ 1). This observation of a difference in the regulation of transcription of Pgp in MDR vs. drug-sensitive cells suggests that the ‘switch’ in tsp selection may be involved in the increased expression of Pgpl mRNA. Interestingly, despite the existence of several hundred MDR cell lines, very few have been analyzed with respect to tsp selection; it is therefore possible that alternate tsp selection is a relatively common yet heretofore unobserved component of the MDR phenotype. Moreover, these cells provide an excellent system in which to evaluate the sequence elements and protein factors that govern the selection of tsp in TATA-less promoters.
Physiological variations, environmental factors, and genetic modifications in inherited LQT syndromes.

Variations in clinical expression of genetically based disorders are common, especially for syndromes characterized by complex physiological pathways. Although not unique to the inherited long QT syndromes (LQTS), patterns of complex interactions are particularly striking in families in which
HPC++: experiments with the parallel standard template library

HPC++ is a C++ library and language extension framework that is being developed by the HPC++ consortium as a standard model for portable parallel C++ programming. This paper describes an initial implementation of the HPC++ Parallel Standard Template Library (PSTL) framework. This implementation includes seven distributed containers as well as selected algorithms. We include preliminary performance results from several experiments using the PSTL.
Semantic Image Search From Multiple Query Images

This paper presents a novel search paradigm that uses multiple images as input to perform semantic search of images. While earlier focuses on using single or multiple query images to retrieve images with views of the same instance, the proposed paradigm uses each query image to discover text-based descriptors that are leveraged to find the common concepts that are implicitly shared by all of the query images and retrieves images considering the found concepts. Our implementation uses high level visual features extracted from a deep convolutional network to retrieve images similar to each query input. These images have associated text previously generated by implicit crowdsourcing. A Bag of Words (BoW) textual representation of each query image is built from the associated text of the retrieved similar images. A learned vector space representation of English words extracted from a corpus of 100 billion words allows computing the conceptual similarity of words. The words that represent the input images are used to find new words that share conceptual similarity across all the input images. These new words are combined with the representations of the input images to obtain a BoW textual representation of the search, which is used to perform image retrieval. The retrieved images are re-ranked to enhance visual similarity with respect to any of the input images. Our experiments show that the concepts found are meaningful and that they retrieve correctly 72.43% of the images from the top 25, along with user ratings performed in the cases of study.
The relative thermodynamic properties of solid nickel-palladium alloys☆

Abstract The relative thermodynamic properties of solid nickel-palladium alloys were determined in the temperature range 700–1200°C using a galvanic cell with a solid electrolyte. Within experimental error, the relative partial molar free energies of nickel were linear functions of the temperature, signifying that ΔCp, above 700°C is essentially zero and that the specific heats at elevated temperatures can be approximated by the Kopp-Neumann rule. Nickel-rich solutions were found to exhibit endothermic enthalpies of mixing and positive deviations from Raoult's law for the activity of the solvent and negative deviations for the activity of the solute. Palladium-rich solutions, on the other hand, exhibit exothermic enthalpies of mixing and negative deviations from Raoult's law for the activity of the solvent and solute alike. The excess entropies of mixing are positive for all compositions. This is considered to be primarily a result of the ferromagnetic properties of the alloys. From a consideration of magnetic, electronic, vibrational, and lattice distortional factors it has been concluded that nickel—palladium alloys, particularly those rich in palladium, exhibit significant short-range order.
The anisotropy of osteonal bone and its ultrastructural implications

The anisotropic elastic symmetry of osteonal bone reflects the ultrastructural organization of collagen fibrils and mineral crystals within the osteons as well as the lamellar microstructure. Until recently, reported values for bone's anisotropic elastic properties were limited in their interpretation by poor precision and resolution of measurement techniques. Here, we report measurements of bone anisotropy using high precision acoustic microscopy. The elastic properties of canine femoral bone specimens, taken from 23 femora, were measured at 10 degrees increments from the long axis of the bone. Half of the bone specimens subsequently were demineralized in EDTA solution, the other half were decollagenized in sodium hypochlorite solution, and the acoustic measurements were repeated. We found the elastic symmetry of osteonal bone deviates significantly from orthotropic theory supporting the hypothesis that the lamellar microstructure forms a "rotated plywood" (Weiner and Traub, FASEB J 6:879-885; 1992). The principal orientation of bone mineral was along the long axis of the bone, while bone collagen appeared to be aligned at a 30 degrees angle to the long axis. The misalignment between the mineral and the collagen suggests that (1) a substantial percentage of the mineral is extrafibrillar, and (2) the alignment of extrafibrillar mineral is governed by external influences, e.g., mechanical stresses.
Forward glory scattering from bubbles

The scattering enhancement known as the glory was observed in forward scattering from bubbles in liquids. A physical-optics model of the forward glory is detailed, based on transmitted waves reflected within the bubble. Some aspects of the model are compared with the Mie theory and with features in the cross-polarized light from single bubbles. Clouds of small bubbles rising in water show an angular structure in the forward glory light that is useful for estimating the bubble size.
Safety of thoracic aortic surgery in the present era.

Background Advances in graft materials, hemostasis, and surgical techniques have facilitated surgery on the thoracic aorta. We investigate the current safety level of these operations—for the purposes of enabling risk/benefit decisions for surgery and also to serve as a benchmark for comparison with emerging endovascular approaches. Methods Five hundred six consecutive patients (315 male, 191 female; aged 14 to 91 years [mean, 61]) underwent surgery on the thoracic aorta at one institution from 1995 to 2004. In all, 360 operations involved the ascending and arch (71.1%) and 130 (25.7%) involved the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta, or both, and 16 (3.2%) were classified as miscellaneous aortic operations. Clinical data collected prospectively were analyzed retrospectively using χ 2 and multivariable logistic regression statistics for the outcomes reoperation for bleeding, perioperative (hospital or 30-day) mortality and stroke. Midterm survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier methodology. Results Mortality for elective operations on the ascending/arch was 3.0%; mortality for elective operations on the descending aorta was 2.9%. Mortality for elective thoracoabdominal operations was 11.9%. Mortality for all operations was 8.6%. Probability of stroke was 3.0% for ascending/arch, 4.2% for descending, and 2.1% for thoracoabdominal operations. The paraplegia rate was 7.3% for all descending and thoracoabdominal operations. Age and emergency operation predicted increased risk of death, stroke, and reoperation for bleeding. For young patients (less than 55 years old) having elective ascending/arch operations, freedom from permanent complications of operation (death, stroke, paraplegia) was 98%. Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 84.7%, 78.3%, and 72.5%, respectively. Conclusions Aortic surgery is quite safe in the current era and leads to good long-term survival for this patient group. These data support prophylactic replacement of the thoracic aorta in patients with poor expected natural history (based on aneurysm size or symptoms). As catheter-based therapies proliferate, surgical data provide a benchmark that must be equaled or exceeded by newer endovascular approaches.
Examining the limits of the application of semidefinite programming to power flow problems

The application of semidefinite programming (SDP) to power system problems has recently attracted substantial research interest. Specifically, a recent SDP formulation offers a convex relaxation to the well-known, typically nonconvex “optimal power flow” (OPF) problem. This new formulation was demonstrated to yield zero duality gap for several standard power systems test cases, thereby ensuring a globally optimal OPF solution in each. The first goal of the work here is to investigate this SDP algorithm for the OPF, and show by example that it can fail to give a physically meaningful solution (i.e., it has a nonzero duality gap) in some scenarios of practical interest. The remainder of this paper investigates an SDP approach utilizing modified objective and constraints to compute all solutions of the nonlinear power flow equations. Several variants are described. Results suggest SDP's promise as an efficient algorithm for identifying large numbers of solutions to the power flow equations.
Ganciclovir Susceptibilities of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Isolates from Solid Organ Transplant Recipients with CMV Viremia after Antiviral Prophylaxis

Ganciclovir susceptibility studies were done on the last cytomegalovirus (CMV) isolate available from 42 solid organ transplant recipients with CMV viremia who were enrolled in a prospective CMV prophylactic trial. Viruses were categorized as follows: 13 isolates (group 1) from patients who received ganciclovir prophylaxis; 9 isolates (group 2) from patients who received acyclovir prophylaxis; 8 isolates (group 3) from patients who received acyclovir prophylaxis and ganciclovir treatment; and 12 isolates (group 4) from patients who received prophylaxis and treatment with ganciclovir. All CMV isolates were sensitive to ganciclovir (mean 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] 1.7 microM; range, 0.2-5.3 microM). Mean IC50 values (in microM) were 1.7 for group 1 isolates, 1.2 for group 2 isolates, 2.2 for group 3 isolates, and 1.7 for group 4 isolates (P > .05). Thus, acyclovir or ganciclovir prophylaxis in solid organ transplant patients did not select ganciclovir-resistant isolates of CMV.
Purinergic and Calcium Signaling in Macrophage Function and Plasticity

In addition to a fundamental role in cellular bioenergetics, the purine nucleotide adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays a crucial role in the extracellular space as a signaling molecule. ATP and its metabolites serve as ligands for a family of receptors that are collectively referred to as purinergic receptors. These receptors were first described and characterized in the nervous system but it soon became evident that they are expressed ubiquitously. In the immune system, purinergic signals regulate the migration and activation of immune cells and they may also orchestrate the resolution of inflammation (1, 2). The intracellular signal transduction initiated by purinergic receptors is strongly coupled to Ca2+-signaling and coordination of these pathways plays a critical role in innate immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of purinergic and Ca2+-signaling in the context of macrophage phenotypic polarization and discuss the implications on macrophage function in physiological and pathological conditions.
Gas‐phase products and secondary aerosol yields from the photooxidation of 16 different terpenes

The photooxidation of isoprene, eight monoterpenes, three oxygenated monoterpenes, and four sesquiterpenes were conducted individually at the Caltech Indoor Chamber Facility under atmospherically relevant HC:NO_x ratios to monitor the time evolution and yields of SOA and gas-phase oxidation products using PTR-MS. Several oxidation products were calibrated in the PTR-MS, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formic acid, acetone, acetic acid, nopinone, methacrolein + methyl vinyl ketone; other oxidation products were inferred from known fragmentation patterns, such as pinonaldehyde; and other products were identified according to their mass to charge (m/z) ratio. Numerous unidentified products were formed, and the evolution of first- and second-generation products was clearly observed. SOA yields from the different terpenes ranged from 1 to 68%, and the total gas- plus particle-phase products accounted for ∼50–100% of the reacted carbon. The carbon mass balance was poorest for the sesquiterpenes, suggesting that the observed products were underestimated or that additional products were formed but not detected by PTR-MS. Several second-generation products from isoprene photooxidation, including m/z 113, and ions corresponding to glycolaldehyde, hydroxyacetone, methylglyoxal, and hydroxycarbonyls, were detected. The detailed time series and relative yields of identified and unidentified products aid in elucidating reaction pathways and structures for the unidentified products. Many of the unidentified products from these experiments were also observed within and above the canopy of a Ponderosa pine plantation, confirming that many products of terpene oxidation can be detected in ambient air using PTR-MS, and are indicative of concurrent SOA formation.
Synchronized Division in Escherichia coli: an Integral Portion of Culture Growth

A single synchronized division normally occurs in Escherichia coli just prior to stationary phase, irrespective of growth medium and lineage or sex of the bacterium.
Probing the structure of monomers and dimers of the bacterial virus phi29 hexamer RNA complex by chemical modification.

All dsDNA viruses multiply their genome and assemble a procapsid, a protein shell devoid of DNA. The genome is subsequently inserted into the procapsid. The bacterial virus phi29 DNA translocating motor contains a hexameric RNA complex composed of six pRNAs. Recently, we found that pRNA dimers are building blocks of pRNA hexamers. Here, we report the structural probing of pRNA monomers and dimers by chemical modification under native conditions and in the presence or absence of Mg 21 . The chemical-modification pattern of the monomer is compared to that of the dimer. The data strongly support the previous secondary-structure prediction of the pRNA concerning the single-stranded areas, including three loops and seven bulges. However, discrepancies between the modification patterns of two predicted helical regions suggest the presence of more complicated, higher-order structure in these areas. It was found that dimers were formed via hand-in-hand and head-to-head contact, as the interacting sequence of the right and left loops and all bases in the head loop were protected from chemical modification. Cryoatomic force microscopy revealed that the monomer displayed a check-mark shape and the dimer exhibited an elongated shape. The dimer was twice as long as the monomer. Direct observation of the shape and measurement of size and thickness of the images strongly support the conclusion from chemical modification concerning the head-to-head contact in dimer formation. Our results also suggest that the role for Mg 21 in pRNA folding is to generate a proper configuration for the right and head loops, which play key roles in this symmetrical head-to-head organization. This explains why Mg 21 plays a critical role in pRNA dimer formation, procapsid binding, and phi29 DNA packaging.
Experiences with a Manufacturing Framework

This paper describes the first year of a joint project between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and SEMATECH. After studying the SEMATECH CIM Framework, we present a roadmap for adoption and use of manufacturing frameworks with four components: developing a specification, reaching consensus, standardization, and testing and certification. Results of our study include numerous recommendations about online specifications, supplier involvement, standards organizations, usage scenarios, reference implementations, and a testing and certification plan.
Multiyear Predictions of North Atlantic Hurricane Frequency: Promise and Limitations

Retrospectivepredictionsof multiyear NorthAtlanticOceanhurricanefrequencyareexploredbyapplying a hybrid statistical‐dynamical forecast system to initialized and noninitialized multiyear forecasts of tropical Atlantic and tropical-mean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from two global climate model forecast systems. By accounting for impacts of initialization and radiative forcing, retrospective predictions of 5- and 9-yr mean tropical Atlantic hurricane frequency show significant correlations relative to a null hypothesis of zero correlation. The retrospective correlations are increased in a two-model average forecast and by using a laggedensemble approach, with the two-model ensemble decadal forecasts of hurricane frequency over 1961‐2011 yielding correlation coefficients that approach 0.9. These encouraging retrospective multiyear hurricane predictions, however, should be interpreted with care: although initialized forecasts have higher nominal skill than uninitialized ones, the relatively short record and large autocorrelation of the time series limits confidence in distinguishing between the skill caused by external forcing and that added by initialization. The nominal increase in correlation in the initialized forecasts relative to the uninitialized experiments is caused by improved representation of the multiyear tropical Atlantic SST anomalies. The skill in the initialized forecasts comes in large part from the persistence of a mid-1990s shift by the initialized forecasts, rather than from predicting its evolution. Predicting shifts like that observed in 1994/95 remains a critical issue for the success of multiyear forecasts of Atlantic hurricane frequency. The retrospective forecasts highlight the possibility that changes in observing system impact forecast performance.
Multilinear operators for higher-order decompositions

We propose two new multilinear operators for expressing the matrix compositions that are needed in the Tucker and PARAFAC (CANDECOMP) decompositions. The first operator, which we call the Tucker operator, is shorthand for performing an n-mode matrix multiplication for every mode of a given tensor and can be employed to concisely express the Tucker decomposition. The second operator, which we call the Kruskal operator, is shorthand for the sum of the outer-products of the columns of N matrices and allows a divorce from a matricized representation and a very concise expression of the PARAFAC decomposition. We explore the properties of the Tucker and Kruskal operators independently of the related decompositions. Additionally, we provide a review of the matrix and tensor operations that are frequently used in the context of tensor decompositions.
Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation: Examining the Linkage Argument

Does the extent or lack of progress toward nuclear disarmament affect the health of the nuclear nonproliferation regime? Commentators have long asserted both positive and negative responses to this question as if the answer were self-evident. Given that opposite positions have been advanced with equal conviction, a more systematic analysis is required. This analysis begins by attempting to identify all of the potential arguments that can be made both for and against the hypothesis of a disarmament-nonproliferation linkage. The arguments are grouped in terms of five broader sets of explanatory factors: security, institutions, norms, domestic politics, and psychology. This approach clarifies the various causal microfoundations that could underpin different arguments in the debate as well as the types of empirical tests that would be most relevant for evaluating the “linkage hypothesis.” Comparative assessment of the arguments on both sides suggests that signs of commitment to nuclear disarmament by the nucl...
Loss of Cadherin-Binding Proteins β-Catenin and Plakoglobin in the Heart Leads to Gap Junction Remodeling and Arrhythmogenesis

Arrhythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a hereditary heart muscle disease that causes sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people. Almost half of ARVC patients have a mutation in genes encoding cell adhesion proteins of the desmosome, including plakoglobin (JUP). We previously reported that cardiac tissue-specific plakoglobin (PG) knockout (PG CKO) mice have no apparent conduction abnormality and survive longer than expected. Importantly, the PG homolog, β-catenin (CTNNB1), showed increased association with the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) in PG CKO hearts. To determine whether β-catenin is required to maintain cardiac conduction in the absence of PG, we generated mice lacking both PG and β-catenin specifically in the heart (i.e., double knockout [DKO]). The DKO mice exhibited cardiomyopathy, fibrous tissue replacement, and conduction abnormalities resulting in SCD. Loss of the cadherin linker proteins resulted in dissolution of the intercalated disc (ICD) structure. Moreover, Cx43-containing gap junction plaques were reduced at the ICD, consistent with the arrhythmogenicity of the DKO hearts. Finally, ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring captured the abrupt onset of spontaneous lethal ventricular arrhythmia in the DKO mice. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that the N-cadherin-binding partners, PG and β-catenin, are indispensable for maintaining mechanoelectrical coupling in the heart.
Genetic control of the immune response in mice: V. Minor genes involved in the response to H-Y and Ea-1 antigens

Murine responses to both the male specific histocompatibility antigen H-Y and the erythrocyte alloantigen Ea-l are regulated by genetic factors. In each case a single major gene that controls the immune response has been identified, but additional modifying factors can be demonstrated if appropriate strain combinations are studied. A single gene controlling the response to Ea-1 antigens, which segregates when strains YBR and B10.D2 are crossed, has been shown not to be an allele of the It-2 locus. A new phenomenon has also been observed in the control of anti-Ea-1 antibody production in that the mating of two responding strains, YBR and HTG, produces an F 1 generation of complete nonresponders. By linkage tests it was shown that the responding strain HTG possesses the nonresponder allele at the It-2 locus, so there appear to be recessive genes in the background which are able to overcome the suppressive influence of this allele.