cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shift work and circadian dysregulation of reproduction

Health impairments, including reproductive issues, are associated with working nights or rotating shifts. For example, shift work has been associated with an increased risk of irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight or pre-term delivery, and reduced incidence of breastfeeding. Based on what is known about circadian regulation of endocrine rhythms in rodents (and much less in humans), the circadian clock is an integral regulatory part of the reproductive system. When this 24-h program is disordered by environmental perturbation (such as shift work) or genetic alterations, the endocrine system can be impaired. The purpose of this review is to explore the hypothesis that misalignment of reproductive hormones with the environmental light-dark cycle and/or sleep-wake rhythms can disrupt menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and parturition. We highlight the role of the circadian clock in regulating human reproductive physiology and shift work-induced pathology within each step of the reproductive axis while exploring potential mechanisms from the animal model literature. In addition to documenting the reproductive hazards of shift work, we also point out important gaps in our knowledge as critical areas for future investigation. For example, future studies should examine whether forced desynchronization disrupts gonadotropin secretion rhythms and whether there are sleep/wake schedules that are better or worse for the adaptation of the reproductive system to shift work. These studies are necessary in order to define not only whether or not shift work-induced circadian misalignment impairs reproductive capacity, but also to identify strategies for the future that can minimize this desynchronization.
Renormalization group equation in a theory with spontaneously broken symmetry and decoupling of heavy scalar particles

Abstract Renormalization group equations for light-particle processes are examined in a simple spontaneously broken symmetry theory (SBT) for energy-momentum far below a heavy scalar particle threshold. The results confirm the generalized decoupling theorem for SBT with the introduction of a new effective coupling constant.
Pain management and pulmonary dysfunction

Pain and pulmonary dysfunction (PD) co-exist in a number of clinical scenarios, including burns, trauma, and a variety of acute abdominal diseases (e.g., pancreatitis). 1 The two conditions are, however, encountered with the greatest frequency in the postoperative setting. This setting has given us much information on the possible mechanisms by which the two are related. The nature of PD can range from transient aberrations in arterial blood gases (ABG), to overt lobar pneumonia or pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), both severe enough to cause significant morbidity and, not infrequently, mortality. This article examines the extent to which pain contributes to PD in each of these common scenarios; it also discusses options available to attenuate the extent of this contribution. Owing to the larger body of published literature on this subject, postoperative pulmonary dysfunction (PPD) will be addressed separately.
A cost-effective eigensolution method for large systems with Rockwell NASTRAN☆

Abstract The Lanczos method with reorthogonalization based on Householder transformations has been implemented in Rockwell's version of the COSMIC-released NASTRAN program for partial solution of a large-scale symmetric eigenvalue problem. A special technique has been included for restarting Lanczos iteration with a new random vector, partly to avoid premature termination associated with a null or linearly dependent Lanczos feed vector and partly to discover multiple eigenvalues. The developed Lanczos-Householder algorithm with built-in random restart capability shows appreciable cost-savings over the conventional subspace iteration technique as well as the COSMIC NASTRAN method, FEER, which utilizes the modified Gram-Schmidt process to reorthogonalize the Lanczos feed vector with respect to those previously converged.
Apomixis : Developmental characteristics and genetics

Asexual reproduction through seeds, or apomixis, is widespread in angiosperms, although does not happen frequently. It occurs in no major crop plant, but its deployment in major crops would afford advantages for breeding and maintenance of hybrid genotypes. Deployment is still a long-term goal, however, since the genetic mechanisms underlying apomixis in nature have not been determined nor has the isolation of apomictic mutants in sexual plants been achieved. Nevertheless, an increasing intensity of research toward these goals over the last decade has greatly expanded our knowledge of genome structure and gene expression in naturally occurring apomicts and female gametophyte development in sexual plants. A common working hypothesis is that apomixis is a “deregulation” of sexual processes and is increasingly supported by gene expression data. Nevertheless, the search for a unique trigger that initiates apomictic development still cannot be disqualified. Further characterization of female gametophyte-relate...
Automatic mine detection algorithm using ground penetration radar signatures

This paper describes an automatic mine detection algorithm (AMDA) based on the template matching technique. Specifically, this paper demonstrates that regardless of sensor artifacts and other perplexities including environment effects such as terrain variation or weather conditions, there will be distinctive information between targets and clutter imbedded in the signatures for the discrimination. This paper also includes the data analysis of the ground penetration radar signatures and quantifies the AMDA performance. This paper use a subset of the DARPA clutter data collected with the Geo-Centers ground penetration radar at Fort A.P. Hill and Fort Carson. This subset contains anti-personnel, and anti-tank mines buried from 1 to 6 inches deep with the size of the mine ranging from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. The total number of mines and the area coverage of this subset are about 30 and 600m2, respectively.
Acclimation to Ammonia by Tilapia aurea

Abstract An automatic flow-through dosing apparatus was used to determine the effect on Tilapia aurea of acute and chronic exposure to un-ionized ammonia. For fish not exposed to ammonia prior to acute testing, the 48-hour median lethal concentration (LC50) was 2.40 mg/liter un-ionized ammonia. After fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of un-ionized ammonia (0.43–0.53 mg/liter) for 35 days, concentrations as high as 3.4 mg/liter caused no mortalities within 48 hours. Histopathological changes occurred in the gills of fish given both nonlethal and acute doses of ammonia. Capillary congestion, hemorrhaging, and telangiectasis were common symptoms of gill abnormalities.
Adolescent romantic relationships and change in smoking status.

Abstract Although smoking rates have decreased, smoking among adolescents continues to be a problem. Previous research has shown the importance of peer influences on adolescent smoking behavior but has mostly neglected the impact of adolescent romantic relationships. This study examines the influence of romantic relationships with smokers and non-smokers on smoking initiation and cessation over a one-year period using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). For initial non-smokers, we examined whether the total length of time in romantic relationships with smokers and non-smokers at Wave I, as well as amount of exposure to smoking through romantic partners, predicted smoking initiation at Wave II. Among initial regular smokers, we examined whether these same relationship characteristics predicted smoking cessation at Wave II. These analyses were conducted separately for respondents in any type of romantic relationship, as well as just those respondents in close romantic relationships. Results indicated that, for close romantic relationships, cessation was more likely among smokers with more time in relationships with non-smoking partners. Greater exposure to smoking through romantic partners at Wave I significantly decreased the likelihood of cessation among initial smokers and increased the likelihood of initiation among initial non-smokers. For all relationships, greater exposure to smoking through romantic partners at Wave I significantly reduced the likelihood of cessation. These associations held when controlling for best friend smoking, as well as demographic factors and school-level smoking, suggesting that peer-based smoking programs aimed at adolescents should incorporate a focus on romantic relationships.
Interpersonal and intrapsychic goal-related conflict reported by cigarette smokers, unaided quitters, and relapsers.

Current cigarette smokers not actively trying to cut down (n = 38), recent relapsers (n = 40), and successful self-initiated quitters (n = 36), matched on age, gender, and smoking background, completed questionnaires retrospectively assessing (a) the degree of conflict among important personal goals and the goal of smoking cessation, and (b) the level of perceived social hindrance from significance others vis-a-vis their efforts to quit smoking. Results indicated that unaided quitters, in contrast to current smokers and relapsers, recalled significantly less goal-related interpersonal interference and significantly lower levels of intergoal conflict. The findings are considered to provide support for a social/cognitive perspective on the process of self-managed smoking cessation.
Metric characterization and the integers

Abstract Let ( X , d ) be a locally compact metric space such that (∀x ϵ X)(∀r > 0) card {y: d(x, y) = r} = n . Then n cannot be odd. In the case n = 2, E 1 and S 1 × ω are the only locally connected examples.
General Multilayer Geometrically‐Exact Beams and 1‐D Plates with Piecewise Linear Section Deformation

A general theory of geometrically-exact multilayer beams and 1-D plates, which can be viewed as a special version of a Cosserat continuum, is presented. The formulation allows for shear deformation in each layer; the deformed cross section is piecewise linear such that interlayer continuity is exactly satisfied. Large deformation and large overall motion can be analyzed, as a salient feature of the geometrically-exact formulation. The number of layers is unlimited, with the reference centroidal line arbitrarily chosen among the layers. The unique features of the present formulation provide a versatile model to investigate the behavior of an important class of composite/multilayer structure that have ply drop-off, or that are connected together at any arbitrary layers. Also derived are two important particular cases of the general formulation: (i) The case in which only the reference layer undergoes finite rotations, whereas rotations in the outer layers are small relative to that of the reference layer, (ii) the fully linearized case. Eine allgemeine Theorie der geometrisch exakten Mehrschichten-Balken und 1-D-Platten, die als eine besondere Art des Cosseratkontinuums aufgefast werden konnen, wird vorgestellt. Die Formulierung berucksichtigt eine Schubdeformation in jeder Schicht; der verformte Querschnitt ist stuckweise linear, so das die Stetigkeit in der Zwischenschicht genau erfullt ist. Grose Verschiebungen und grose Gesamtbewegungen konnen als eine herausragende Eigenschaft der geometrisch exakten Darstellung analysiert werden. Die Zahl der Schichten ist nicht begrenzt, wobei die Bezugs-Schwerpunktlinie willkurlich aus den Schichten ausgewahlt werden kann. Die ausergewohnlichen Eigenschaften der vorliegenden Formulierung liefern ein vielseitiges Modell, das Verhalten einer wichtigen Klasse von zusammengesetzten Mehrschichtenverbunden, die „ply drop–off” haben oder die zu willkurlichen Schichten zusammengefugt wurden, zu untersuchen. Auch zwei wichtige Teilklassen der allgemeinen Formulierung werden abgeleitet: (i) Der Fall, in dem nur die Bezugsschicht endliche Rotationen erfahrt, wobei die Rotationen in den auseren Schichten klein im Vergleich zu der der Bezugsschicht sind, (ii) der vollstandig lineare Fall.
Impaired expression of type I and type II interferon receptors in HCV-associated chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis.

Purpose: Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-infected patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) respond poorly to interferon-alpha (IFN-a) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy, but the reason for this is unclear. We previously reported that HCV-infection induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy response that selectively down regulates the type I IFN-a receptor-1 (IFNAR1) and RBV transporters (CNT1 and ENT1), leading to IFN-a/RBV resistance. The goal of this study is to verify whether an increase in ER stress and autophagy response is also associated with the reduced expression of IFNAR1 and RBV transporters in chronic HCV-infected patients. Methods: Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were infected with cell culture grown HCV particles (JFH-DV3-Rluc). HCV replication was confirmed by the detection of viral RNA by RT-qPCR and HCV-core protein by Western blotting. The ER stress and autophagy response and expression of IFN receptors and RBV transporters in HCV infected PHH and liver tissues derived from patients were measured by Western blotting. Result: HCV infection of PHH showed impaired expression of IFNAR1, IFNcR1 (Type II IFN receptor) and RBV transporters but not IL10Rb (Type III IFN-l receptor). ER stress markers (BiP, IRE1a and peIF2a) and autophagy response (LC3II, Beclin 1 and ATG5) were induced in HCV infected chronic liver disease (CLD) and LC patients. Liver biopsies (CLD) show a 50% reduced expression of IFNAR1 and RBV transporters. Furthermore, the expression of IFNAR1 and RBV transporters was impaired in almost all LC patients. Conclusion: HCV infection induces ER stress and autophagy response in infected PHH and chronically infected liver tissues. The expression of IFNAR1, IFNcR1 and RBV transporters were significantly impaired in CLD and cirrhotic livers. Our study provides a potential explanation for the reduced response rate of IFN-a and RBV combination therapy in HCV infected patients with liver cirrhosis.
Long-term denudation of ocean crust in the central North Atlantic Ocean

Near-bottom sidescan, bathymetric, and visual observations of fault scarps in 4–24 Ma sea floor show that basaltic ocean crust undergoes extensive denudation that creates wide, complex scarp zones. Most denudation is caused by mass wasting, probably accompanied by abrasion by disaggregated debris. In 11–24 Ma crust, trellis drainage patterns are formed by deep cross-scarp canyons and intersecting scarp-parallel gullies that appear to follow weak zones of fracturing and intracrustal weathering. Until stabilized (e.g., by sediment burial), fault scarps will continue to degrade with time, yielding increasingly distorted representations of apparent fault geometry in remotely sensed morphological data.
Forced response of mistuned bladed disks using reduced-order modeling

A reduced-order model formulation is presented for examining the forced response of tuned and mistuned bladed disks. The technique developed uses modal information obtained from highly detailed finite element models to create, in a systematic manner, much simpler and computationally inexpensive models of bladed disks. The small size of the reduced-order model and associated computational savings enable analysts to examine the effect of mistuning strength and pattern, interblade coupling, and localized modes on forced response amplitudes. Previously, this was a formidable task with finite element modeling for even a single mistuning pattern.
Stability of hyperelastic bodies subject to hydrostatic loading

Abstract An exact energy criterion for elastic stability of a hyperelastic body subject to conservative, configuration-dependent forces is developed and subsequently expressed in terms of surface-traction potentials by aid of a recent general theorem due to Sewell. The surface potential for hydrostatic loading is formulated, and the aforementioned general criterion is specialized for these. The effect of rigid body rotations on the stability of a body subject on the boundary to both dead loads and hydrostatic loads is examined, and it is found desirable to restrict the class of virtual deformations so as to preserve equilibrium of moments. Several theorems concerning this case are then proved. Linearized criteria appropriate for both compressible and incompressible, hyperelastic materials under hydrostatic loads are derived and stability of the undistorted states of isotropic materials is investigated. Inequalities long accepted as characterizing reasonable material behavior in the classical linearized theory of elasticity are here proved valid for general isotropic, hyperelastic materials in finite strain.
A review of human and natural changes in Maya Lowland wetlands over the Holocene

Abstract In the Maya Lowlands of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala two main types of wetlands have played important roles in human history: bajos or intermittently wet environments of the upland, interior Yucatan and perennial wetlands of the coastal plains. Many of the most important Maya sites encircle the bajos, though our growing evidence for human–wetland interactions is still sparse. The deposits of these wetlands record two main eras of slope instability and wetland aggradation: the Pleistocene–Holocene transition as rainfall increased and forests eclipsed savannas and the Maya Preclassic to Classic as deforestation, land-use intensity, and drying increased. The ancient Maya adapted with terraces around these bajo margins but retracted in the Late Preclassic in some areas. The perennial wetlands of the coastal plains have different histories, and the first conceptual model of human–wetland interaction described intensive wetland agriculture in the Preclassic through Classic based on raised fields and canals. But a second model arose that interpreted the wetland stratigraphy and canals as more indicative of natural aggradation by accelerated erosion and gypsum precipitation that buried Archaic and Preclassic fields and there was little Classic era use. We present new data on a third and fourth model in this study. The third is a hybrid of the models one and two, including the Archaic to Preclassic aggradation of the second model, and the first model's Classic period fields and canals as piecemeal attempts by the Maya to adapt to these and other environmental changes. The fourth conceptual model describes a very Late/Terminal Classic, preplanned project on a floodplain. These wetland fields were short-lived, aggraded rapidly but with some reoccupation in the Postclassic. All of these new models display the burgeoning evidence for intricate Maya interactions with wetlands, and the diversity of evidence from the relatively few studies underscores the infancy of our understanding of Maya interaction with tropical wetlands.
Mucosal vascular stasis precedes loss of viability of endothelial cells in rat acetic acid colitis.

The hypothesis that a significant reduction in colonic mucosal perfusion, and hence ischemic injury, precedes the development of mucosal ulceration and inflammation is tested in this report. The microcirculatory changes in the rat colonic mucosa within 1 hr of topical exposure to 10% acetic acid were assessed. Colonic mucosal blood flow signals measured by laser Doppler flowmetry were, significantly reduced to 61±8, 52±10, and 37±13% (mean±SEM) of baseline values at 1 min, 4 min, and 10 min after the colonic mucosa was exposed to 10% acetic acid, respectively, but not in controls exposed to saline. After the start of application of 10% acetic acid (for 4 min),in vivo microscopy studies demonstrated that colonic mucosal ischemia (stasis of the red blood cells in the mucosal capillaries) occurred at 9±5 min (mean±SEM). Evidence of endothelial cell death, (failure to exclude a fluorescent dye, propidium iodide, by endothelial cells) developed at 25±10 min (mean±SEM). These findings indicate that within minutes after contact of the colonic mucosa with 10% acetic acid, colonic mucosal ischemia develops, followed shortly by death of endothelial cells. The data do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the reductions, in mucosal blood flow and loss of endothelial cell viability in response to acetic acid. Nevertheless, because these events occur at such an early time point, they may play a pathogenetic role in the development of the subsequent inflammatory and ulcerative changes in this animal model of colitis. Further studies to define the potential causal relationships between these parameters are warranted.
Performance opportunity for workforce agility in collaborative and noncollaborative work systems

To gain insight into the potential logistical benefits of worker cross-training and agile workforce policies, we study simple models of flexible workers in serial production systems. The primary control issue is how to assign workers to jobs/stations over time. Under assumptions of complete worker flexibility and collaborative work, we prove that a simple expedite policy minimizes along each sample path the cycle time (delay) for each job. Therefore, the expedite policy also minimizes work in process and maximizes throughput along every sample path. We also compute the performance improvement opportunity achievable using flexible workers as opposed to the optimal static allocation of workers. This enables us to examine the factors that make workforce agility a potentially attractive strategy. We also consider the intuitive analog of the expedite policy for the noncollaborative work environment, which we call the pick-and-run policy; however, we demonstrate by counterexample that it is not always optimal. Finally, we extend some of our insights from the demand-constrained environment to a capacity-constrained environment operating under a CONstant WIP (CONWIP) protocol.
Biblical Safeguards and Traditions as Potential Guidance for the Lending of Monies

Some individuals and businesses have become increasingly dependent upon multiple financing sources for economic survival. Certain currently used lending policies, such as interest-only loans and revolving credit lines, may encourage borrower dependency on the lender. The paper reviews religious teachings, specifically religious safeguards on lending identified in primary Jewish sources including the Tanach and rabbinic teachings, and finds that the safeguards in place centuries ago may still be relevant for lending practices today to both protect the borrower while still providing a profitable means to help borrowers.
A new device for administering placebo alcohol

Placebo alcohol administered via a new device induced intoxication in 7 of 10 healthy adult males. Intoxication levels reported after placebo alcohol was 36% of intoxication ratings after real alcohol when peak blood alcohol values reached 84 mg/dl. Since expectancy about alcohol effects may contribute significantly to perceived intoxication, the new device should facilitate alcohol administration studies which would benefit from a placebo control.
Simultaneous recovery of ampicillin-sensitive and ampicillin-resistant organisms in Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis

DESPITE W IDESPREAD K NOWLEDGE of childhood infections caused by ampicillin-resistant Haernophilus influenzae type b, it has not been appreciated that some clinical isolates consist of a heterogeneous population of both beta-lactamase-producing and non beta-lactamase-producing organisms?' 2 We have recently encountered two children with meningiti s , in whom simultaneous blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures yielded 11. influenzae type b with different susceptibi!ities. As shown in the Table, blood culture isolates were ampicillin-sens~tive , whereas cerebrosphaal fluid isolates were ampicillin resistant. Patient 2 had recei'r one day of oral ampicil!in. DISCUSSION Gray et al 1 have investigated some amp-R strains of H. influenzae type b and found them to contain as few as 7% truly resistant colonies. Most resistant strains, however, have more than 70% beta-lactamase-producing colonies. The minimal inhibitory concentration for amp-R organisms have correlated di)ectly with the percemage of beta-lactamase-producing colonies? Yogev et aP reported simultaneous nasal carriage of amp-R and amp-S H. !nfluenzae type b from children in a chronic care facility. From 25 to 80~ of those who carried amp-R strains also harbored amp-S organisms. Although this report represents the first encounter with simultaneous recovery of amp-R and amp-S H. influenzae type b from children with meningitis. Smith et aP have observed a similar in vivo segregation of organisms in an experimental animal model of meningitis, Rats were given intranasal amp-R organisms containing 97 to 99% betalactamase-producing colonies. After 48 hours. 80% of the colony-forming units in blood and only 38% of those recovered from CSF produced beta-lactamase. In a similar experiment in infant monkeys, one-third of the colonyforming unitsin blood and none of the colonies recovered from CSF produced beta-lactamase. The effects of selective antibiotic pressure also were demonstrated in the experimental model of Smith et al. 5
Iodine 131 tositumomab in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Iodine 131 (I131) tositumomab is composed of murine anti-CD20 antibody linked to the radioisotope I131. I131 tositumomab exploits the specificity of monoclonal antibody therapy and the radiosensitivity of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to exact a combined antitumor effect. It is currently approved in the USA for treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade (and transformed) non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. High response rates in this setting, with some patients achieving a remission of longer duration than that of their prior treatment, provided the basis for approval of the drug. Studies using I131 tositumomab as initial treatment for low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (with or without chemotherapy), and in conditioning regimens for autologous transplantation, have yielded promising results. Randomized, comparative trials are needed to define its optimal clinical use.
Phylogeny of lipase specificity.

Lipase preparations from 19 animal species, representing nine of the animal phyla, were studied. Acetone powders were prepared from the pancreas, hepatopancreas, gastrointestinal tract or whole animal, and the preparations were screened for lipolytic activity by tributyrin agar clearing. The pH optimum of each preparation was determined by using both tributyrin and corn oil emulsions. The positional specificity at the pH optimum of each lipase preparation was determined from the fatty acids released by a 2–5 min reaction with cocoa butter and lard. The vertebrate lipases behaved analogously to hog pancreatic lipase by showing a high specificity for the 1 and 3 positions of long chain triglycerides. Invertebrate preparations that did hydrolyze long chain triglycerides did so randomly, with no strong positional or fatty acid specificity.
Persistence of Infection by Metacercariae of Apophallus sp., Neascus sp., and Nanophyetus salmincola Plus Two Myxozoans (Myxobolus insidiosus and Myxobolus fryeri) in Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch

We evaluated the ability of 5 muscle- or skin-dwelling parasites to persist in naturally infected coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, from the West Fork Smith River, Oregon, by holding them in captivity from late summer to early spring (parr stage to the typical time of smoltification). These parasites included metacercariae of 3 digeneans, Nanophyetus salmincola, Apophallus sp., and neascus sp., and 2 myxozoans, Myxobolus insidiosus and Myxobolus fryeri. Two groups of wild-caught fish were evaluated in the laboratory, i.e., heavily infected fish from the lower main stem and less severely infected fish collected from tributaries of this river. All parasites survived in these fish for the 7-month experiment. Only 2 parasites had a statistically significant lower median abundance between host life stages. The mean abundance of N. salmincola declined 45% in the tributary fish and Apophallus sp. declined 43% in the lower main stem fish. However, more than 50% of each species persisted until the end of the study, with smolts still harboring relatively high infections.
Fast Implementation of Direct Allocation with Extension to Coplanar Controls

The direct allocation method is considered for the control allocation problem. The original method assumed that every three columns of the controls effectiveness matrix were linearly independent. Here, the condition is relaxed, so that systems with coplanar controls can be considered. For fast online execution, an approach using spherical coordinates is also presented, and results of the implementation demonstrate improved performance over a sequential search. Linearized state-space models of a C-17 aircraft and of a tailless aircraft are used in the evaluation. Oincreasethe reliability ofaircraft,cone gurations with a large numberofactuatorsandcontrolsurfacesareadvantageous.Recone gurable control laws may be used to exploit all of the available control power despite failures and damages. 1;2 Control allocation is the problem of distributing the control requirements among multiple actuators to satisfy the desired objectives while accounting for the limited range of the actuators. Although solutions exist for the control allocation problem, an issue of current interest is that of the feasibilityoftheirimplementationonexistingcomputersforaircraft with a large number of actuators. 3 The direct allocation approach 4i6 is based on the concept of the attainable moment set (AMS), which is the set of all of the moment vectors that are achievable within the control constraints. The methodofdirectallocation allowsoneto achieve100%oftheAMS, whereas some other approaches such as daisy chaining, pseudoinverse,and generalized inversesolutionshavebeen shown to achieve
Pluto's extended atmosphere - An escape model and initial observations

Abstract We have calculated the rates of production and hydrodynamic outflow of atomic hydrogen resulting from the photodissociation of methane in the upper atmosphere of Pluto. Under the present near-perihelion conditions this yields an extended cloud of H around Pluto which is likely to be the most easily observable signature of Pluto's extended atmosphere, and thereby provide information on the extent, escape rate, and composition of Pluto's upper atmosphere. We have also performed initial observations with the IUE attempting to detect the H Ly α emission from the extended H cloud, which we use to derive upper limits to the cloud properties as a function of the cloud extent.
Spin waves in systems with weak exchange fields

Multiboson spin waves are constructed to represent the low-temperature collective states of paramagnets and ferromagnets whose spins are located in strong single-ion anisotropy fields and are coupled by weak exchange interactions. The different sets of bosons are particles excitable to the different eigenstates of the single-ion part of the Hamiltonian, and boson representations of the single-ion spin operators are constructed by a matrix-elements-matching method. The method allows the determination of magnon frequencies and of possible effects of applied oscillatory magnetic fields, and also allows the estimation of boundaries between different magnetic phases. However, it does not establish the form of the single-ion contribution to four-magnon interactions. In addition, it is not applicable to transitional phases where the exchange cannot be treated as a perturbation. The spin-1 system with positive and negative uniaxial and orthorhombic anisotropies in various magnitudes of parallel static magnetic fields is discussed in detail. Results of Ishikawa and Oguchi are obtained and generalized. The presence of orthorhombic anisotropy is predicted to make possible the "parallel" pumping of various magnon pairs, and also to give rise to parallel incoherent resonance absorption between excited states, as well as the usual "perpendicular" coherent $k=0$ ground-state resonance excitation. Magnon relaxation times are extimated in the case of a paramagnet with hard-axis anisotropy in sufficiently small magnetic fields. Typical materials to which this theory applies are hydrated nickel salts.
Uterine perforation by an intracavitary tandem: CT demonstration

Perforation of the uterus by a tandem device is an important complication of intracavitary radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma. Although the sonographic appearance of this complication is well recognized, its demonstration by computed tomography (CT) has been reported in only a single case. We report a second case and discuss the CT findings.
Evaluability assessment: Developing program theory

Evaluability assessment involves key policymakers, managers, and staff in developing program theory and clarifying intended uses of evaluation information, thus helping solve problems that inhibit useful program evaluation.
Reduced Complexity K-Best Sphere Decoder Design for MIMO Systems

The sphere decoding algorithm is widely used for maximum likelihood (ML) detection in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, wherein the K-best sphere decoding algorithm is well appreciated for its fixed complexity and throughput. However, to achieve near-ML performance, K needs to be sufficiently large, which leads to large computational complexity in path expansion, sorting, and path updating. In this paper, we propose two efficient decoding schemes that can significantly reduce the average K value and thus the total computational complexity without sacrificing performance. We further present a novel sorting architecture that can save about 70% of the sorting operations compared with the bubble sort method. It is estimated that, for the example 4×4 64 QAM MIMO system, 68% of the total computational complexity can be saved over the conventional design by applying all the proposed techniques.
Attenuation of sound waves due to scattering from bubbles and liquid drops

By a field theoretical method of approach, the attenuation of sound waves due to scattering from air bubbles and liquid drops is analyzed. The results are in excellent agreement with recently performed ultrasonic experiments.
An amplification and ligation-based method to scan for unknown mutations in DNA

A new approach is presented for the sensitive and selective scanning for unknown DNA mutations, based on ligation-mediated PCR and the use of the glycosylases TDG and MutY. These two highly selective enzymes together can detect about 70% of commonly observed polymorphisms and mutations in human tumors. DNA is cross-hybridized to form mismatches at the positions of point mutations, de-phosphorylated to eliminate any pre-existing phosphorylated DNA ends, and then exposed to enzymatic treatment to remove mismatched thymidine (TDG) or adenine (MutY). The resulting apurinic/apyrimidinic sites at the position of the mismatches are heat-converted to 5′-phosphate-containing strand breaks, the DNA is denatured, and an oligonucleotide is ligated at the position of the newly created 5′-phosphate-containing DNA ends. The ligated oligonucleotide then participates in a PCR reaction that amplifies exponentially only the mutation-containing fragments. Using this method, AG mutations in a p53 (TP53)-containing system, TG, GA, and CA, mutations in the Ku gene (XRCC5), and ATM, gene for a number of patient-derived genomic DNA samples have been successfully screened. This PCR-based assay is capable of detecting one mutated allele in 100 normal alleles and requires 5 to 100 ng of genomic DNA as starting material. The assay allows final visualization of the mutated fragments on a common ethidium gel or biotinylation and use in a capture format, potentially allowing the isolation of diverse mutated DNA fragments simultaneously. This versatile new approach should allow high throughput detection of DNA alterations and application in diverse areas of human mutation research. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural analysis of the active site geometry of N5- carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase from Escherichia coli

N(5)-Carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase (N(5)-CAIR synthetase) converts 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR), MgATP, and bicarbonate into N(5)-CAIR, MgADP, and P(i). The enzyme is required for de novo purine biosynthesis in microbes yet is not found in humans suggesting that it represents an ideal and unexplored target for antimicrobial drug design. Here we report the X-ray structures of N(5)-CAIR synthetase from Escherichia coli with either MgATP or MgADP/P(i) bound in the active site cleft. These structures, determined to 1.6-A resolution, provide detailed information regarding the active site geometry before and after ATP hydrolysis. In both structures, two magnesium ions are observed. Each of these is octahedrally coordinated, and the carboxylate side chain of Glu238 bridges them. For the structure of the MgADP/P(i) complex, crystals were grown in the presence of AIR and MgATP. No electron density was observed for AIR, and the electron density corresponding to the nucleotide clearly revealed the presence of ADP and P(i) rather than ATP. The bound P(i) shifts by approximately 3 A relative to the gamma-phosphoryl group of ATP and forms electrostatic interactions with the side chains of Arg242 and His244. Since the reaction mechanism of N(5)-CAIR synthetase is believed to proceed via a carboxyphosphate intermediate, we propose that the location of the inorganic phosphate represents the binding site for stabilization of this reactive species. Using the information derived from the two structures reported here, coupled with molecular modeling, we propose a catalytic mechanism for N(5)-CAIR synthetase.
Awareness and use of MyPlate Guidelines in Making Food Choices

Abstract Background/Objective Over the past decades, the USDA created several guidelines to assist the public in making healthful food choices. In June 2011, the popular pyramid symbols (Food Guide Pyramid and MyPyramid) were replaced with MyPlate – a simple and practical guideline for making healthful food choices. This study aims to 1) assess consumers’ awareness of the replacement of MyPyramid with MyPlate, and 2) determine whether MyPlate influenced people's dietary choices 4 months after the MyPlate symbol's release. Methods Fifty-one male and female participants, ages 18-34 years, with high school, associate's and bachelor's degree diplomas, were selected by convenience sampling. Participants manually completed an 11-question survey using yes/no or degree of liking rating. The relationship between participants’ backgrounds, familiarity with MyPlate and MyPyramid guidelines, and the likelihood of use and influence on food selection was compared with participants’ demographics. Results Eighty percent of the 51 participants were familiar with MyPyramid while 59% reported they had visited the website. About 50% of the participants reported they were aware that MyPlate replaced MyPyramid; but they were unfamiliar with MyPlate guidelines. About 50% of the participants would likely visit the MyPlate website. And, over half of the participants were unsure if MyPlate would influence their food choices while 43% thought it would. Significance MyPlate guidelines have been available to the public since June 2011 and findings of this study show that MyPlate guidelines influenced the food choices of at least 40% of the participants. It could be inferred that public awareness and use of MyPlate guidelines will grow over time.
ESCRT-III protein requirements for HIV-1 budding

Summary Two early-acting components of the cellular ESCRT pathway, ESCRT-I and ALIX, participate directly in HIV-1 budding. The membrane fission activities of ESCRT-III subunits are also presumably required, but humans express 11 different CHMP/ESCRT-III proteins whose functional contributions are not yet clear. We therefore depleted cells of each of the different CHMP proteins and protein families and examined the effects on HIV-1 budding. Virus release was profoundly inhibited by codepletion of either CHMP2 or CHMP4 family members, resulting in ≥ 100-fold titer reductions. CHMP2A and CHMP4B proteins bound one another, and this interaction was required for budding. By contrast, virus release was reduced only modestly by depletion of CHMP3 and CHMP1 proteins (2- to 8-fold titer reductions) and was unaffected by depletion of other human ESCRT-III proteins. HIV-1 budding therefore requires only a subset of the known human ESCRT-III proteins, with the CHMP2 and CHMP4 families playing key functional roles.
Technology Criticism for Technophiles

Attempts to assess the influence of the Web upon our intellectual and imaginative capacities have resulted in a steady stream of commentary and debate. Although the subject has been approached from a great variety of perspectives, the analyses often share a lexicon of transformation, of upheaval, of the unprecedented or the inexorable (e.g., Benkler, 2007; Keen, 2008; Shirky, 2010). This can be true whether the arguments are of the utopian or the apocalyptic variety, and whether the commentators speak in the voice of Pollyanna or Cassandra. Although certain aspects of Web-driven change may in fact be genuinely novel (the pace of its relatively widespread adoption, for example), some seasoned voices are beginning to conclude that many of the more radical claims made for the Web have been overblown, and called for more careful consideration of both its limitations and possibilities (Zuckerman, 2010; Lanier, 2010).
Control of laser high-harmonic generation with counterpropagating light.

Relatively weak counterpropagating light is shown to disrupt the emission of laser high-harmonic generation. Harmonic orders ranging from the teens to the low thirties produced by a 30-femtosecond pulse in a narrow argon jet are ``shut down'' with a contrast as high as 2 orders of magnitude by a chirped 1-picosecond counterpropagating laser pulse (60 times less intense). Alternatively, under poor phase-matching conditions, the counterpropagating light boosts harmonic production by similar contrast through quasiphase matching where out-of-phase emission is suppressed.
Cryptosporidium anserinum sp. n. (Sporozoa) in a domestic goose Anser anser L., from Iowa.

SYNOPSIS. Cryptosporidium anserinum sp. n. is described in the large intestinal mucosa of a domestic goose, Anser anser L., from Iowa. Ultrastructural studies revealed schizonts containing 4 merozoites and macrogametes and schizonts with characteristic attachment zones and double membranes. The only lesion associated with infection was shortening of the intestinal microvilli.
Intralobar Bronchopulmonary Sequestration with Bronchial Communication

Surgical resection in unsuspected intralobar sequestration can result in fatal hemorrhagic complications. The roentgen criteria for establishing this diagnosis are: 1) chronic and recurrent pulmonary infiltrate; 2) most often located in basilar segments of the lower lobes; 3) multiple cystic areas; 4) failure of contrast media to enter the cystic area during bronchography. We studied two cases of intralobar sequestration where on bronchography the contrast medium entered the cystic areas. To our knowledge only four other similar cases are reported in the literature. In our cases the preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by aortography. Since the roentgenographic and bronchographic findings alone would have suggested the possibility of cystic bronchiectasis, the importance of aortography is stressed.
Cell-specific expression controlled by the 5′-flanking region of insulin and chymotrypsin genes

DNA sequences containing the 5′-flanking regions of the insulin and chymotrypsin genes were linked to the coding sequence of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. The insulin gene recombinant elicits preferential expression of CAT activity when introduced into cells producing insulin; similarly, the chymotrypsin gene recombinant elicits preferential expression in chymotrypsin-producing cells. Sequences located upstream of previously defined transcriptional control elements are essential for efficient expression in both cases.
Bi-racial U.S.A. vs. Multi-racial Brazil: Is the Contrast Still Valid?*

In the last two decades the comparative analysis of race relations in the U.S.A. and Brazil has been based on a conventional wisdom. It is the corollary of a larger conventional wisdom in the study of comparative race relations. The thesis is that systems of race relations in the Western Hemisphere are primarily of two types: bi-racial and multi-racial. The distinction is normally spelled out as follows. The U.S.A. is a prime example of a bi-racial system. In the prevailing logic of the US legal and social structure, individuals have historically been either black or white. In Brazil, on the other hand, there has been a spectrum of racial distinctions. At a minimum, Brazilian social practice has recognised white, black and mulatto. At a maximum, the phenotypical distinctions have become so refined as to defy analysis, or effective application for those who would discriminate.
Isolation of a glycoprotein from granulation tissue in rats

Abstract A homogeneous glycoprotein was isolated from 7-day-old rat granulation tissue by a method which included water extraction, dialysis, and concentration at 80 °C. to eliminate heat-coagulable protein. Purification was achieved by zone electrophoresis on starch with a borate-sulfate buffer, pH 8.6, μ = 0.1. Physical properties of this material include a sedimentation constant of 2.2 S , an electrophoretic mobility of −6.0 × 10 −5 sq. cm./sec./v. at pH 8.6 in Veronal buffer, and an interpolated isoelectric point at pH 3.8. Fourteen to 16 amino acids and galactosamine and glucosamine were demonstrated in the glycoprotein.
Neurocognitive and neuroanatomic changes after off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: Long-term follow-up of a randomized trial

Objective It is unknown whether avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass during coronary artery bypass grafting affects cerebral injury or long-term neuropsychological function. Methods Two hundred unselected patients were randomized to off-pump coronary artery bypass or on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting between March 2000 and August 2001. One hundred sixty-eight patients had early postoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging. Eighty-seven returned after a mean of 7.5 years of follow-up; 67 had repeat magnetic resonance imaging, and 76 had neuropsychological testing. Results There were 26 deaths among patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass and 31 among patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass as of March 2009. Seventy-six patients (41 undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass and 35 undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass) had neuropsychological testing at late follow-up. Groups were similar in age, sex, depression, and IQ. Patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass showed better attention, performing better at tracking and mentally manipulating information ( P =.011). Patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass demonstrated better cognitive reasoning and made fewer errors in reasoning ( P = .05); they also showed a trend toward better verbal learning ( P = .064). There were no domains in which patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass outperformed those undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass. Early magnetic resonance imaging in 168 patients showed no significant differences between groups in temporal or frontal lobe atrophy, subcortical white matter lesions, or acute infarctions. There were no significant differences between groups in atrophy over time or new subcortical white matter lesions or infarctions. Acute perioperative cerebral infarctions were more common and atrophy more progressive during follow-up among diabetic than nondiabetic patients. Conclusions After a mean of 7.5 years of follow-up, patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass performed better than those undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass in several neuropsychological domains; these differences were small and of uncertain clinical importance. Early brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no significant differences in acute cerebral infarctions between the off-pump coronary artery bypass and cardiopulmonary bypass groups.