cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competition between sulfate-reducing and methanogenic bacteria for H2 under resting and growing conditions

The basis for the outcome of competition between sulfidogens and methanogens for H2 was examined by comparing the kinetic parameters of representatives of each group separately and in co-culture. Michaelis-Menten parameters (Vmax and Km) for four methanogens and five sulfate-reducing bacteria were determined from H2-depletion data. Further, Monod growth parameters (μmax, Ks, YH2) for Desulfovibrio sp. G11 and Methanospirillum hungatei JF-1 were similarly estimated. H2Km values for the methanogenic bacteria ranged from 2.5 μM (Methanospirillum PM1) to 13 μM for Methanosarcina barkeri MS; Methanospirillum hungatei JF-1 and Methanobacterium PM2 had intermediate H2Km estimates of 5 μM. Average H2Km estimates for the five sulfidogens was 1.2 μM. No consistent difference among the Vmax estimates for the above sulfidogens (mean=100 nmol H2 min-1 mg-1 protein) and methanogens (mean=110 nmol H2 min-1 mg-1 protein) was found. A two-term Michaelis-Menten equation accurately predicted the apparent H2Km values and the fate of H2 by resting co-cultures of sulfate-reducers and methanogens. Half-saturation coefficients (Ks) for H2-limited growth of Desulfovibrio sp. G11 (2–4 μM) and Methanospirillum JF-1 (6–7 μM) were comparable to H2Km estimates obtained for these organisms. Maximum specific growth rates for Desulfovibrio sp. G11 (0.05 h-1) were similar to those of Methanospirillum JF-1 (0.05–0.06 h-1); whereas G11 had an average yield coefficient 4 x that of JF-1. Calculated μmax and Vmax/Km values for the methanogens and sulfidogens studied predict that the latter bacterial group will process more H2 whether these organisms are in a growing or resting state, when the H2 concentration is in the first-order region.
Pareto-based evolutionary computational approach for wireless sensor placement

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become increasingly appealing in recent years for the purpose of data acquisition, surveillance, event monitoring, etc. Optimal positioning of wireless sensor nodes is an important issue for small networks of relatively expensive sensing devices. For such networks, the placement problem requires that multiple objectives be met. These objectives are usually conflicting, e.g. achieving maximum coverage and maximum connectivity while minimizing the network energy cost. A flexible algorithm for sensor placement (FLEX) is presented that uses an evolutionary computational approach to solve this multiobjective sensor placement optimization problem when the number of sensor nodes is not fixed and the maximum number of nodes is not known a priori. FLEX starts with an initial population of simple WSNs and complexifies their topologies over generations. It keeps track of new genes through historical markings, which are used in later generations to assess two networks' compatibility and also to align genes during crossover. It uses Pareto-dominance to approach Pareto-optimal layouts with respect to the objectives. Speciation is employed to aid the survival of gene innovations and facilitate networks to compete with similar networks. Elitism ensures that the best solutions are carried over to the next generation. The flexibility of the algorithm is illustrated by solving the device/node placement problem for different applications like facility surveillance, coverage with and without obstacles, preferential surveillance, and forming a clustering hierarchy.
Progressive Localized Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Loss Following a Retinal Cotton Wool Spot

Localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects can be an early sign of glaucomatous damage. However, their presence is not pathognomonic of the disease. We report a case of a localized RNFL defect developing after a retinal cotton-wool spot in a patient with diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension.
Chaotic scattering of electrons with He

We investigate the classical scattering patterns of an electron off a ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ ion. The scattering functions exhibit interesting self-similar structure, which can be interpreted in terms of the indefinite number of electronic returns to the vicinity of the nucleus, encounters among the particles, and Kepler-like electronic excursions during the collisional process. Based on this mechanism a binary coding is introduced to organize the dynamics of this three-body system and yields escape rates that vary with the sectional cut in the parameter space. The physical interpretation and the symbolic dynamics introduced here are generally useful for all three-body collisional systems.
Free boundary current ramp and current profile control in a D-T ignition experiment

The importance of the initial current rise phase of a toroidal, magnetically confined plasma to the fusion ignition of a deuterium-tritium mixture at high magnetic field and current is pointed out. Numerical results from the simulation of a free boundary plasma, using the axisymmetric transport and MHD evolution code TSC, extend and verify the analytic and experimental results. The current ramp can drive a large amount of Ohmic heating at high central temperatures and can contribute significantly to reaching ignition in high field machines. Simultaneous control of the rate of current rise, the plasma shape and position, and the plasma density allows D-T ignition to be attained with stable, monotonically decreasing toroidal current density profiles and with magnetic field line parameters q(?) that do not lead to large sawtooth oscillations, when the plasma current diffuses under a collisional (neoclassical) resistivity alone. The results apply to existing low q plasmas and suggest the possibility of control of the electron temperature in the central and outer regions of the plasma to enhance both current density control and ignition
Photophysical processes and interactions between poly(ethylene terephthalate) and 1‐amino‐2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)‐4‐hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone

The effect of 1-amino-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-4-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (C. I. Disperse Red 59) on the phototendering of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was assessed. The photophysical processes occurring in the polymer, the dye, and the dyed polymer were determined. The energy and nature of the dye and polymer electronic excited states were assigned on the basis of absorption and luminescence properties. Irradiation failed to produce dye-sensitized phototendering of PET; however, the titanium dioxide delusterant in commercial PET did function as a sensitizer in the presence of moist air. The phototendering of blank-dyed PET yarn was found to obey (pseudo-) zero-order kinetics k = 1.69 × 10−19 per cent breaking strength loss/quantum absorbed/cm2. The dye exhibited fluorescence from a lowest, ∼51.5 kcal/mole, singlet charge-transfer (C-T) excited state but did not phosphoresce. The PET possessed a complex fluorescence spectrum attributed to similar 1(n,π*)1 excited states, ∼78.1 kcal/mole, while its phosphorescence derives from a proposed 3(π,π*) state, ∼69.8 kcal/mole, populated by intersystem crossing from a 1(π,π*) state, ∼92.3 kcal/mole. The dyed polymer exhibited a PET-sensitized delayed fluorescence from the dyestuff involving triplet–singlet transfer by a dipole–dipole (Coulumbic) long-range resonance excitation mechanism. The transfer process was characterized by an experimentally determined critical transfer distance, R0, of approximately 40 A.
Analytical optimization of modulation functions for adiabatic pulses

Abstract A necessary condition for the optimal modulation functions for adiabatic pulses is proved and used to derive the analytic expressions for the optimal amplitude-modulation function for any given frequency-modulation function. Optimal amplitude-modulation functions are then calculated for three frequently used frequency-modulation functions, namely, cosine, tangent, and hyperbolic tangent. When the frequency is modulated by a cosine function, the improved performance of the adiabatic pulses based on optimal amplitude modulation is demonstrated experimentally and with computer simulations. The effect of truncation on the performance of the adiabatic pulses when truncated tangent or hyperbolic tangent is used for the frequency modulation is investigated.
Using Antisense Morpholino Oligos to Knockdown Gene Expression in the Chicken Embryo

Morpholinos are synthetic DNA analogs that are not degraded by nucleases. A technique has been developed for the microinjection and square-pulse electroporation of antisense morpholinos into the precursors of neural crest cells in the chicken embryo in ovo. This paper reviews the methods used for the introduction of morpholinos into the chicken embryo as well as how to analyze their effects on gene expression and morphogenesis.
Trade in the MashreqAn Empirical Examination

This paper provides a framework for understanding trade patterns in the Mashreq. An augmented gravity model is used to compare actual with expected levels of trade. Trade barriers, political uncertainty, and over-appreciation of domestic currencies seem to explain low levels of international trade. At the intra-regional level, specific trade barriers between Israel and other Mashreq countries reduce further levels of trade. Quite surprisingly, removing Israel from the sample leads to higher actual intra-regional trade than predicted. The analysis suggests that trade liberalization, correction of currency misalignments, reduction of political uncertainty, and improved trade relations with Israel would boost trade in the region.
Spin flip excitation of the 1+ T=0 state in 12C

Abstract The spin-flip probability was measured at θlab = 15°, 20° and 25° for the 12C(p,p′)12C(1+, 12.71 MeV) reaction at Ep = 42 MeV using polarization transfer techniques. Antisymmetrized DWBA calculations with an interaction derived from fits to the G-matrix elements of the Reid potential cannot account for the data. A purely central spin-dependent interaction with Vσ = 9.3 MeV gives good agreement with experiment.
Organism development and characterization for ethanol production using thermophilic bacteria.

This article provides an overview and evaluation of our recent interdisciplinary work having a bearing on ethanol production using thermophilic bacteria. Based on steady-state effluent substrate concentrations in continuous culture, the ratio of the ethanol-inhibited growth rate and the uninhibited growth rate (ΜI/Μ0)s was determined forClostridium thermosaccharolyticum grown on xylose at both 55 and 60 ‡C. (ΜI/Μ0)S exhibited an approximately linear pattern in relation to ethanol concentration. Based on least square linear fits to the data, ethanol concentrations corresponding to (Μ I/Μ0 S = 0.5 were 29 g/L ethanol at 60‡C, and 36 g/L ethanol at 55‡C, and 31 g/L for the data combined for both temperatures. It is concluded that ethanol inhibition is unlikely to constrain utilization ofC. thermosaccharolyticum in processes for ethanol production from cellulosic biomass. Growth at high substrate concentrations using a defined medium has been achieved forC. thermocellum in continuous culture with essentially complete substrate utilization at 54 g/L cellobiose concentration. We also include work aimed at elucidating the molecular genetics ofC. thermocellum with the ultimate goal of pathway manipulation. Antibiotics effective againstC. thermocellum include chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, and erythromycin at 125, 10, and 40 Μg/mL, respectively. Summarized is work describing a restriction system ofC. thermocellum and protection against it by methylation. Demonstration of restriction protection and antibiotic sensitivity provides two elements likely to be useful in the transformation ofC. thermocellum.
The Fitting of Power Series, Meaning Polynomials, Illustrated on Band-Spectroscopic Data

The prototype of fitting polynomials to equally-spaced data—in which the equalspacing is theoretically precise and the data is accurate to many decimal places—arises in the analysis of band spectra. A hard look at such examples forces us to reexamine our thinking on such diverse issues as: How to formulate such problems, the use of robust/resistant techniques in polynomial regression, which coordinates to use and why, the basic properties of linear least squares, choices in stopping a fit, and improved ways to describe our answers. Our results and attitudes apply rather directly to other situations where we are fitting a sum of functions of a single variable. When two or more different variables, subject to error, blunder, or omission, underlie the carriers to be considered, regression/fitting problems are likely to need not only the considerations presented here, but others as well. To a varying extent, the same will be true of nonlinear fitting/regression problems.
Spectral reflectance variations and mineral transformations during the formation of acid sulphate soil in an incubation experiment

Understanding the reflectance spectral variations associated with oxidation of iron sulphide materials is highly important to the detection of environmental changes affected by the detrimental acid mining drainage and acid sulphate soil (ASS) using hyperspectral sensing. An incubation experiment with iron-sulphide-rich sediments was set up to simulate the formation and evolution of ASS. The sediments were shaped into different micro-landforms. Spectral changes and mineral transformation were observed by comparing weekly measurements of the materials in the different landforms using an ASD (Analytical Spectral Devices) reflectance spectrometer, as well as comparing the measurements of the initial materials and the residual materials after oxidation. We found that the spectral changes usually occur at the spectral absorptions near 0.9 μm, which relate to ferric iron contents, near 1.17 μm, which relate to ferrous iron content, and near 2.265 μm, which relate to jarosite. Spectral variations are detected bot...
Usefulness of anti-infective lock solutions for catheter-related bloodstream infections

Central venous catheters are commonly used for the administration of medications in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, but their use carries the risk of developing catheter-related bloodstream infections, increasing morbidity and mortality. Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America include use of antibiotic lock solutions as a therapeutic option for intraluminal infections when the device is difficult to remove, but these lock solutions are not indicated routinely for the prophylaxis of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Because catheter removal is not always possible in patients who require chronic catheterization or who have multiple catheters, antibiotic lock therapy can be utilized with the goal of sparing removal of the catheter while sterilizing the lumen. The use of an antibiotic lock solution is an appealing option for localized infections because it is easy to use, is associated with a low cost, and is usually without systemic side effects if the catheter remains closed. Patients with long-term or short-term catheters with no signs of exit-site or tunnel infection for whom salvage is the goal may benefit from this technique when treated with systemic antibiotics. Consider antibiotic lock therapy only in uncomplicated infections, typically nontunneled catheter or port infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci or gram-negative bacilli. Generally, a short-term regimen of 7 to 14 days is recommended. Several studies have supported antimicrobial lock therapy with vancomycin, gentamicin, cefazolin, or ethanol. Antibiotic locks have the potential to positively impact mortality and cost savings. A protocol at the Mount Sinai Medical Center is in development.
Data-centric multi-level blocking

We present a simple and novel framework for generating blocked codes for high-performance machines with a memory hierarchy. Unlike traditional compiler techniques like tiling, which are based on reasoning about the control flow of programs, our techniques are based on reasoning directly about the flow of data through the memory hierarchy. Our data-centric transformations permit a more direct solution to the problem of enhancing data locality than current control-centric techniques do, and generalize easily to multiple levels of memory hierarchy. We buttress these claims with performance numbers for standard benchmarks from the problem domain of dense numerical linear algebra. The simplicity and intuitive appeal of our approach should make it attractive to compiler writers as well as to library writers.
Absence of electrographic seizures after transient forebrain ischemia in the Mongolian gerbil

EEG was continuously recorded from Mongolian gerbils for 4 days after transient bilateral forebrain ischemia, to determine whether ischemic brain damage in this species is necessarily associated with seizures. Gerbils were chronically implanted with EEG recording electrodes in hippocampal area CA1, striatum and frontal neocortex and were subjected to a 5–10 min occlusion of both common carotid arteries. During the first few hours after the occlusion, the EEG was dominated by slow waves similar to those recorded from human brain after a damaging episode of cerebral ischemia. Amplitudes of the hippocampal and striatal EEG declined markedly with time, presumably as a result of neuronal degeneration. Ictal activity was never recorded, even from animals that suffered extreme damage to the hippocampal formation and striatum. Therefore ischemic brain damage in the gerbil does not result from seizure activity.
On the stability of stigmatization: the case of ex-homosexual males.

We undertook to empirically identify variables that influence the stigmatization of ex-homosexuals by analyzing the relationship between stigmatization and seven variables held to influence negative attitudes toward members of other ex-deviant groups: the stimatizer's age, highest achieved educational level, amount of interaction the stigmatizer has had with an ex-homosexual, degree of effectiveness attributed to treatment in changing the homosexual to a heterosexual orientation, degree of responsibility that the stigmatizer attributes to ex-homosexuals for their prior homosexual behavior, degree of dangerousness attributed to ex-homosexuals, and degree of seriousness attributed to homosexuality. Analysis of data obtained by questionnaire from 281 respondents showed that the variable most strongly related to stigmatization of ex-homosexuals was the degree of dangerousness attributed to them. There was a profound direct relationship between these variables. Further, educational level, belief in the effectiveness of treatment, and amount of interaction with ex-homosexuals were inversely related to stigmatization, while degree of seriousness attributed to homosexuality was directly related to stigmatization. Respondents' tendency to stigmatize was not found to be related to age or to their attribution of responsibility to the ex-homosexual for his previous sexual orientation.
Connolly and Hirschmann receive 2011 N. L. Bowen Awards: Response from Marc M. Hirschmann

James A. Connolly and Marc M. Hirschmann received the 2011 N. L. Bowen Award at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting, held 5–9 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “outstanding contributions to volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology.”
On the nature of nonenzymatic and enzymatic oxidation of the putative sclerotizing precursor, 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopamine

The mode of oxidation of 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopamine by nonenzymatic and enzymatic systems was examined. At acidic and near neutral pH, this compound is fairly stable; however, even at slightly alkaline pH it is highly labile and undergoes spontaneous, nonenzymatic aerobic oxidation. Borate, which is known to chelate with catechols, prevented such nonenzymatic reaction, indicating the participation of the o-dihydroxyphenolic group in the oxidation process. The product of nonenzymatic oxidation was found to be not the expected o-benzoquinone derivative, but a benzodioxan-type dimer. Although mushroom tyrosinase also catalyzed this reaction (Sugumaran et al.: Journal of Biological Chemistry 262:10546–10549, 1987), cuticular phenoloxidase(s) from Sarcophaga bullata failed to mediate this conversion. Rather, the cuticular phenoloxidase(s) oxidized the parent compound to a reactive intermediate which got bound to cuticle irreversibly through covalent linkage. Proteolytic digests of dehydro-N-acetyldopamine-treated cuticle released peptide-bound catechols. Such cuticle which on acid hydrolysis yielded ketocatechols consistent with the binding of dehydro-N-acetyldopamine to the cuticle through its side chain. Based on these results, the mechanisms of oxidation of 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopamine by nonenzymatic and enzymatic systems are discussed.
Mammalian mutation pressure, synonymous codon choice, and mRNA degradation.

The usage of synonymous codons (SCs) in mammalian genes is highly correlated with local base composition and is therefore thought to be determined by mutation pressure. The usage is nonetheless structured. For instance, mammals share with Saccharomyces and Drosophila most preferences for the C-ending over the G-ending codon (or vice versa) within each fourfold-degenerate SC family and the fact that their SCs are placed along coding regions in ways that minimize the number of T|A and C|G dinucleotides (“|” being the codon boundary). TA and CG underrepresentations are observed everywhere in the mammalian genome affecting the SC usage, the amino acid composition of proteins, and the primary structure of introns and noncoding DNA. While the rarity of CG is ascribed to the high mutability of this dinucleotide, the rarity of TA in coding regions is considered adaptive because UA dinucleotides are cleaved by endoribonucleases. Here we present in vivo experimental evidence indicating that the number of T|A and/or C|G dinucleotides of a human gene can affect strongly the expression level and degradation of its mRNA. Our results are consistent with indirect evidence produced by other workers and with the detailed work that has been devoted to characterize UA cleavage in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that SC choice can influence strongly mRNA function and gene expression through effects not directly related to the codon–anticodon interaction. These effects should constrain heavily the nucleotide motif composition of the most abundant mRNAs in the transcriptome, in particular, their SC usage, a usage that must be reflected by cellular tRNA concentrations and thus defines for all other genes which SCs are translated fastest and most accurately. Furthermore, the need to avoid such effects genome-wide appears serious enough to have favored the evolution of biases in context-dependent mutation that reduce the occurrence of intrinsically unfavorable motifs, and/or, when possible, to have induced the molecular machinery mediating such effects to rely opportunistically on already existing motif rarities and abundances. This may explain why nucleotide motif preferences are very similar in transcribed and nontranscribed mammalian DNA even though the preferences appear to be adaptive only in transcribed DNA.
Quantitative Risk Assessments As Evidence In Civil Litigation

Those who prepare quantitative risk assessments do not always appreciate that those assessments might be used as evidence in civil litigation. This paper suggests that litigation attorneys, judges, and juries be regarded as audiences to whom the information in the risk assessment must be communicated. The way that a risk assessment is prepared can affect significantly whether litigation is brought at all, the resolution of evidentiary motions involving the risk assessment, as well as the ultimate outcome of the litigation. This paper discusses certain procedural and evidentiary aspects of the civil litigation process in the hope that a better understanding of that process might lead to the preparation of risk assessments that are more adequately understood by juries, judges, and litigants.
Volume versus surface sampling of Maxwellian distributions in nuclear reactions

The pre-exponential factor in a thermal distribution of classical particles depends on whether the particles have been emitted from the surface of a hot body or are contained in a volume of gas of given temperature. Precisely the appropriate factors describe nuclear evaporation of very low energy neutrons (volume sampling) or moderate energy fragments (surface), as well as the high energy processes of projectile fragmentation and "fireball" breakup (volume).NUCLEAR REACTIONS Thermal distributions of products; pre-exponential factors; thermal neutrons, $\sqrt{E}$; evaporation particles, $E$; fragmentation or breakup, $\sqrt{E}$.
The catalytic effects of uranium oxides and salts in carbon oxidation

The gasification reactions of carbon belong to an unusual class of heterogeneous processes involving the conversion of a solid phase into gaseous products. These reactions, which are of great technological importance, are catalyzed by many diverse types of inorganic species. In fact, active catalysts for carbon oxidation include members of every group in the Periodic Table. Although the detailed mechanism of few of these catalytic reactions have been unequivocally determined, it is generally agreed that cyclic redox processes on the carbon surface are probably the basis for the catalytic behavior. The metal uranium, which forms a complex series of interconvertible oxides, has apparently not hitherto been investigated as a catalyst for carbon oxidation and hence would provide a useful test for the redox mechanism. Uranium is found as a minor element in many coals, so that an understanding of its catalytic behavior during coal combustion would be of technological interest. This note describes the results of a study of the behavior of series of uranium oxides and uranyl salts as catalysts for the oxidation of graphite in the temperature range 500-1000/sup 0/C. 15 references.
Preserving Oral Communication in Individuals With Tracheostomy and Ventilator Dependency

How to preserve oral communication in patients with tracheostomy is the primary focus of this paper. We review the approaches applicable to patients who breathe independently and to patients who de...
Redox modulation of peripheral T-type Ca2+ channels in vivo: alteration of nerve injury-induced thermal hyperalgesia

We reported recently that redox agents, including the endogenous amino acid l-cysteine, modulate T-type Ca2+ currents in primary sensory neurons in vitro, and alter mechanical and thermal nociception in peripheral nociceptors in vivo in intact animals [Neuron 31 (2001) 75]. Here, we studied the effects of locally applied redox agents (l-cysteine and 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) on thermal hyperalgesia in animals with neuropathic pain due to chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. We found that, following injection into the peripheral receptive fields, the endogenous reducing agent l-cysteine increased thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner in rats with CCI of the sciatic nerve as well as in sham-operated rats. However, the magnitude of the increase was smaller and duration of effect was shorter in rats with CCI of the sciatic nerve compared to sham-operated animals. DTNB, an exogenous oxidizing agent, induced dose-dependent alleviation of thermal hyperalgesia in rats with CCI of the sciatic nerve and caused analgesia in sham-operated rats. DTNB completely blocked l-cysteine-induced thermal hyperalgesia in both animal groups. Mibefradil, a potent and preferential T-type Ca2+ channel blocker, abolished l-cysteine-induced increase in thermal hyperalgesia in both animal groups suggesting the involvement of T-type Ca2+ channels in peripheral nociception. These results indicate for the first time that redox modulation of T-type Ca2+ channels in rat peripheral nociceptors is operational in pain states caused by peripheral axonal injury. Since thermal hyperalgesia is a common symptom of axonal injury, locally applied oxidizing agents could be used as a novel treatment to ameliorate neuropathic pain.
Scratch-Ed: an online community for scratch educators

Scratch is a programming environment that enables users to easily construct a wide variety of interactive projects - and share these creations with an online community. A main goal of Scratch is to enable young people to engage in construction-oriented acts of personal expression. From community narratives to role-playing games to mathematical simulations to consciousness-raising presentations, the potential for creative production with Scratch is boundless. However, for those who are primarily concerned with assisting others' Scratch learning, there is a disconnect between what individuals want to do and the resources that are presently available. In response, we have developed Scratch-Ed, an online environment for educators. Using the lens of situated learning, Scratch-Ed has been designed to enable users to organize a community of practice for Scratch around the processes of mutual engagement, joint enterprise, and shared repertoire by sharing stories, exchanging resources, facilitating discussions, and establishing relationships.
Tree-structured wavelet transform signature for classification of melanoma

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the use of a wavelet transform based tree structure in classifying skin lesion images in to melanoma and dysplastic nevus based on the spatial/frequency information. The classification is done using the wavelet transform tree structure analysis. Development of the tree structure in the proposed method uses energy ratio thresholds obtained from a statistical analysis of the coefficients in the wavelet domain. The method is used to obtain a tree structure signature of melanoma and dysplastic nevus, which is then used to classify the data set in to the two classes. Images are classified by using a semantic comparison of the wavelet transform tree structure signatures. Results show that the proposed method is effective and simple for classification based on spatial/frequency information, which also includes the textural information.
Angiotensin II Inhibits the ROMK-like Small Conductance K Channel in Renal Cortical Collecting Duct during Dietary Potassium Restriction

Base-line urinary potassium secretion in the distal nephron is mediated by small conductance rat outer medullary K (ROMK)-like channels. We used the patch clamp technique applied to split-open cortical collecting ducts (CCDs) isolated from rats fed a normal potassium (NK) or low potassium (LK) diet to test the hypothesis that AngII directly inhibits ROMK channel activity. We found that AngII inhibited ROMK channel activity in LK but not NK rats in a dose-dependent manner. The AngII-induced reduction in channel activity was mediated by AT1 receptor (AT1R) binding, because pretreatment of CCDs with losartan but not PD123319 AT1 and AT2 receptor antagonists, respectively, blocked the response. Pretreatment of CCDs with U73122 and calphostin C, inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC), respectively, abolished the AngII-induced decrease in ROMK channel activity, confirming a role of the PLC-PKC pathway in this response. Studies by others suggest that AngII stimulates an Src family protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) via PKC-NADPH oxidase. PTK has been shown to regulate the ROMK channel. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase with diphenyliodonium abolished the inhibitory effect of AngII or the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on ROMK channels. Suppression of PTK by herbimycin A significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of AngII on ROMK channel activity. We conclude that AngII inhibits ROMK channel activity through PKC-, NADPH oxidase-, and PTK-dependent pathways under conditions of dietary potassium restriction.
Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Neointimal Accumulation by Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer of Cytosine Deaminase

Background Restenosis remains a significant problem after balloon angioplasty. Previous studies have demonstrated that recombinant adenoviruses are efficient vectors for gene transfer to the arterial wall and can be used to inhibit the proliferative aspect of restenosis. We sought to extend these observations using AdCMV.CD, an adenovirus that encodes cytosine deaminase (CD) and is capable of metabolizing 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to 5-fluorouracil. Methods and Results Infection of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with AdCMV.CD increases by two to three orders of magnitude the growth-inhibitory effects of 5-FC. The degree of VSMC inhibition in vitro was a function of 5-FC concentration and the level of CD expression. Cells infected with AdCMV.CD exhibited a profound bystander effect on the growth of neighboring cells, which did not require direct cell-to-cell contact. The predominant effect of AdCMV.CD on growth of VSMC appeared to be cytostatic, not cytotoxic. Assessment of this strategy in a rabbit fem...
Corporate control effects and managerial remuneration in commercial banking

Abstract The managerial view of the firm suggests that high share diffusion and non-competitive product markets create corporate governance frictions, enabling executives to raise own-remuneration above competitive levels. However, these circumstances could also trigger corporate control effects by prompting shareholders to rely on alternate pay mechanisms on the margin, such as bonus and profit-sharing payments, in lieu of salary. Tests employing total, salary and incentive compensation data for small-to-medium sized banking companies provide support for corporate control effects resulting from ownership and, in particular, product market structure.
Moving from lean manufacturing to lean construction: Toward a common sociotechnological framework

Since the early 1990s, the construction industry has taken some interest in the application of lean production to its own case. A new body of research led by the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) has been exploring new techniques for the industry. In this article the techniques developed for lean construction are compared with those of lean manufacturing. Differences between the manufacturing and the construction cases showed why lean production does not fully suit the construction industry. Although some elements are in an embryonic state, lean construction has built a set of techniques that are transferable to any constructor. Lean manufacturing and lean construction share many common elements despite their different techniques. The need for a joint combination of technical and human elements shows that both approaches conform to a common sociotechnological design. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 233–245, 2005.
A fast frequency-domain adaptive algorithm

A time-varying convergence factor mu is proposed for the frequency-domain LMS (least-mean-square) adaptive algorithm, which results in the frequency-domain optimal block algorithm (FOBA). The FOBA is the frequency-domain implementation of the recently proposed optimum block algorithm (OBA). The FOBA results in computational savings in comparison to the OBA and in performance enhancement relative to the frequency-domain LMS algorithm. >
The permeability of the endoplasmic reticulum is dynamically coupled to protein synthesis.

Abstract Proteins synthesized by the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) co-translationally cross the membrane through the pore of a ribosome-bound translocon (RBT) complex. Although this pore is also permeable to small molecules, it is generally thought that barriers to their permeation prevent the cyclical process of protein translation from affecting the permeability of the RER. We tested this hypothesis by culturing Chinese hamster ovary-S cells with inhibitors of protein translation that affect the occupancy of RBTs by nascent proteins and then permeabilizing the plasma membrane and measuring the permeability of the RER to a small molecule, 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (4-MαG). The premature or normal release of nascent proteins by puromycin or pactamycin, respectively, increased the permeability of the RER to 4-MαG by 20–30%. In contrast, inhibition of elongation and the release of nascent proteins by cycloheximide did not increase the permeability, but it prevented the increase in permeability by pactamycin. We conclude that the permeability of the RER is coupled to protein translation by a simple gating mechanism whereby a nascent protein blocks the pore of a RBT during translation, but after release of the nascent protein the pore is permeable to small molecules as long as an empty ribosome remains bound to the translocon.
Protein-based underwater adhesives and the prospects for their biotechnological production

Biotechnological approaches to practical production of biological protein-based adhesives have had limited success over the last several decades. Broader efforts to produce recombinant adhesive proteins may have been limited by early disappointments. More recent synthetic polymer approaches have successfully replicated some aspects of natural underwater adhesives. For example, synthetic polymers, inspired by mussels, containing the catecholic functional group of 3,4-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine adhere strongly to wet metal oxide surfaces. Synthetic complex coacervates inspired by the Sandcastle worm are water-borne adhesives that can be delivered underwater without dispersing. Synthetic approaches offer several advantages, including versatile chemistries and scalable production. In the future, more sophisticated mimetic adhesives may combine synthetic copolymers with recombinant or agriculture-derived proteins to better replicate the structural and functional organization of natural adhesives.
Controlling invasive species in complex social landscapes

Control of biological invasions depends on the collective decisions of resource managers across invasion zones. Regions with high land-use diversity, which we refer to as “management mosaics”, may be subject to severe invasions, for two main reasons. First, as land becomes increasingly subdivided, each manager assumes responsibility for a smaller portion of the total damages imposed by invasive species; the incentive to control invasives is therefore diminished. Secondly, managers opting not to control the invasion increase control costs for neighboring land managers by allowing their lands to act as an invader propagule source. Coordination among managers can help mitigate these effects, but greater numbers ‐ and a wider variety ‐ of land managers occupying a region hinder collective action. Here, we discuss the challenges posed by management mosaics, using a case study of the yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) invasion in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California. We suggest that the incorporation of management mosaic dynamics into invasive species research and management is essential for successful control of invasions, and provide recommendations to address this need.
Clinical Features of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background— Patients with HIV infection exhibit increased rates of coronary events; however, the clinical features of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in HIV-infected patients have not been well defi...
Robust speaker identification using auditory features and computational auditory scene analysis

The performance of speaker recognition systems drop significantly under noisy conditions. To improve robustness, we have recently proposed novel auditory features and a robust speaker recognition system using a front-end based on computational auditory scene analysis. In this paper, we further study the auditory features by exploring different feature dimensions and incorporating dynamic features. In addition, we evaluate the features and robust recognition in a speaker identification task in a number of noisy conditions. We find that one of the auditory features performs substantially better than a conventional speaker feature. Furthermore, our recognition system achieves significant performance improvements compared with an advanced front-end in a wide range of signal-to-noise conditions.
Use of two conventional staining methods to assess the acrosomal status of stallion spermatozoa

Summary Reasons for performing study The acrosome is a highly specialised region of the spermatozoon that is essential for fertilisation. Defects or dysfunction of this structure have been associated with fertility problems in man and various domestic species including stallions. Current methods of evaluating the acrosome of stallion spermatozoa are time consuming and require specialised equipment, which is cost prohibitive to the average practitioner. Objectives To evaluate 2 conventional stains (Dip Quick and Spermac) and determine their usefulness in assessing acrosome integrity in stallions as compared with specific acrosomal labelling with a fluorescein-conjugated lectin – a method that has been validated for acrosome status evaluation in stallions. Study design In vivo experimental design. Methods Semen from 6 mature Miniature horse stallions of known fertility was collected on 5 separate occasions. To increase the number of reacted acrosomes, portions of each ejaculate were incubated with the calcium ionophore, A23187. Ejaculates were divided and semen samples were processed according to recommendations for fluorescein-conjugated peanut lectin, Pisum sativum agglutin, Dip Quick, and Spermac staining methods. Slides were evaluated independently by 2 separate investigators. Spermatozoa were classified as having intact, reacting, reacted or defective acrosomes. Results All parameters obtained by both investigators, using all 3 staining methods were highly correlated (P 0.05) between investigators or staining method for the percentages of intact or reacted acrosomes. However, there was a significant difference between investigators and staining methods for determining reacting acrosome percentages (P<0.05). Conclusions Dip Quick and Spermac stains are useful for determining intact vs. reacted acrosomes for stallion spermatozoa.
Performance evaluation of state-owned enterprises in theory and practice

This study explores the goal orientation of state-owned enterprises SOEs with a view to develop a behavioral theory of SOEs. It is set in India, where as in many other countries the government expects SOEs to promote the "public interest" rather than maximize profits. The research design consisted in searching for patterns in the subjective evaluations of a set of Indian SOEs by critical environmental actors senior bureaucrats and influential journalists. The study attempted to get at each respondent's "espoused theory" for performance evaluation as well as his or her "theory-in-use," and compared both with official goals as well as the prescriptions of welfare economists. Five models of performance evaluation, varying in criteria and weighting schemes, were considered. The results showed-with surprising consistency-that commercial profitability was the most important criterion that explained bureaucrats' subjective evaluations. Lack of comprehensive information seemed to accentuate their reliance on profitability-but not by very much. For a minority of bureaucrats Type 1, the more important explanation seemed to be their "incorrect" belief that SOEs could be judged like private firms, official policy notwithstanding. For the majority Type 2, who espoused views consistent with official policy, the explanation seemed to be conceptual confusion or double standards. Both types also behaved as if they would like SOEs to maximize profitability rather than just break even or earn a reasonable return. Some of these findings were true for responding journalists as well. Given these results, managers of Indian SOEs can be expected to seek profits not only to reduce financial dependence on government but also to gain a measure of external legitimacy. Recognizing the importance of profitability as a criterion-in-use, they can be expected to propose strategies that would increase their firm's profitability and resist those that would reduce it, regardless of official goals. Where managers are free to act independently, profitability may prevail as the dominant decision criterion, but where they are not, the outcome may depend on more complex factors. More generally, the profit motive in SOEs may be as strong or stronger than it appeared to be in India in countries with a less sophisticated administrative systems or personnel; b an official ideology more to the right than in "socialist" India; and c a higher proportion of mixed enterprises. The paper concludes with the implications of these findings for the design of performance evaluation systems at the government-SOE interface.
KINEMATIC SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION FROM STRONG MOTION RECORDINGS

Earthquake strong motion recordings from 29 sites with instrumented structures and free-field accelerographs are used to evaluate variations between foundation-level and free-field ground motions. The focus of the paper is on buildings with surface and shallowly embedded foundations. The foundation/free-field ground motion variations are quantified in terms of frequency-dependent transmissibility function amplitude uHu. Procedures are developed to fit to uHu analytical models for base slab averaging for the assumed conditions of a rigid base slab and a vertically propagating, incoherent incident wave field characterized by ground motion incoherence parameter k. The limiting assumptions of the model are not strictly satisfied for actual structures, and the results of the identification are apparent k values ~denoted k a) that reflect not only incoherence effects, but also possible foundation flexibility and wave inclination effects. Nonetheless, a good correlation is found between k a values and soil shear wave velocity for sites with stiff foundation systems. Based on these results, recommendations are made for modifying free-field ground motions to estimate base slab motions for use in response analyses of buildings.
Mechanical properties of individual electrospun PA 6(3)T fibers and their variation with fiber diameter

Abstract Young’s modulus and yield strength of individual electrospun fibers of poly(trimethyl hexamethylene terephthalamide) (PA 6(3)T) have been obtained in uniaxial extension. The Young’s modulus is found to exhibit values in excess of the isotropic bulk value, and to increase with decreasing fiber diameter for fibers with diameter less than roughly 500 nm. The yield stress is also found to increase with decreasing fiber diameter. These trends are shown to correlate with increasing molecular level orientation within the fibers with decreasing fiber diameter. Using Ward’s aggregate model, the correlation between molecular orientation and fiber modulus can be explained, and reasonable determinations of the elastic constants of the molecular unit are obtained.