cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Access to Cardiac Surgery Did Not Improve Outcomes: Early Look into Medicaid Expansion.

Background Cardiac surgery utilization has increased after passage of the Affordable Care Act. This multi-state study examined whether changes in access after Medicaid Expansion (ME) have led to improved outcomes, overall and particularly among ethno-racial minorities. Methods State Inpatient Databases were used to identify non-elderly adults (ages 18-64) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, or mitral valve repair in three expansion (Kentucky, New Jersey, Maryland) vs two non-expansion states (North Carolina, Florida) from 2012 to 2015. Linear and logistic Interrupted Time Series (ITS) were used with two-way interactions and adjusted for patient, hospital, and county-level factors to compare trends and instantaneous changes at the point of ME implementation (Q1 2014) for mortality, length of stay (LOS), and elective status. ITS models estimated expansion effect, overall and by race-ethnicity. Results Analysis included 22,038 cardiac surgery patients from expansion states and 33,190 from non-expansion states. In expansion states, no significant trend changes were observed for mortality (OR 1.01, p=0.83) or LOS (β= -0.05, p=0.20), or elective surgery (OR 1.00, p=0.91). There were similar changes seen in non-expansion states. Among ethno-racial minorities, ME did not impact outcomes or elective status. Conclusions Despite an increase in cardiac surgery utilization following ME, outcomes remained unchanged in the early period after implementation, overall and among ethno-racial minorities. Future research is needed to confirm long-term trends and examine reasons behind this lack of improved outcomes.
A Wireless Single Lead ECG Module for Cloud-Computing Based Postoperative Monitoring of Cardiac Surgical Patients

Optimal postoperative care is critical after cardiac surgery to prevent hospital readmission. Miniaturized vital sign monitoring systems outside of critical care settings provide early detection of vital sign deterioration in high risk patients. This paper presents a wireless body sensor system to capture electrocardiogram (ECG) data which is transmitted to computer via a Bluetooth interface. A custom-designed programmable interface is developed for signal conditioning and real-time observation of heart rate variability, and arrhythmia detection on a cloud based server.
The Effect of Segment Orientation and Cell Growth on the Acropetal Flux Of Calcium

Currently, the basipetal and lateral« polarity of auxin transport and the ensuing cellular growth that occurs is the only system that can explain the relatively rapid and effective means by which plants are able to respond to such stimuli as unilateral light or gravity. Very little information is known about how the polarity of IAA transport is accomplished. Dela Fuente and Leopold (1973) and dela Fuente (1984) showed that the basipetal transport of IAA is diminished in plant tissues deprived of Ca2+; a short incubation of such tissues in Ca2+ solution restored normal auxin transport.
Has Legislative Television Changed Legislator Behavior?: C-SPAN2 and the Frequency of Senate Filibustering

Using data from 1959-1998, this study examines the impact of legislative television (C-SPAN2) on the number of filibusters in the United States Senate. As previous work has sug- gested, the institutional rules of the federal legislative branch of government in the U.S. often allow for political grandstanding and posturing, and these activities are enhanced with the presence of television cameras on the legislative floor. Like those previous studies, the present work builds a theoretical model wherein political services are considered search/experience goods, and service providers (federal legislators) are expected utility maximizers who are concerned with promoting their policy preferences and their re-election prospects. Poisson model estimates suggest that the presence of legislative television has worked to increase the filibuster count in the Senate. As a result, such posturing and positioning on the issues by incumbents (in front of television cameras) is costly for challengers to replicate and likely contributes to lower turnover rates in the legislative branch.
The Intrathecal Antibody Response in Multiple Sclerosis Brain Does Not React Against Measles Virus

liminarily identified as a phlebovirus transmitted by the sand fly Lutzomyia anthophora. RGV is not known to cause disease in humans, but it could be detected by assays designed for HRTV or other phleboviruses. The goal of this study was to determine antigenic cross-reaction between RGV and other phleboviruses. A commercially available ELISA based sand fly fever antigen detection kit was tested for the ability to detect RGV and other New and Old-World phleboviruses, including attenuated Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) strain MP12, Punta Toro virus (PTV), Toscana virus, Aguacate virus, Anhanga virus, Arumowot virus, and Chagres virus. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect cross reactions between RGV, MP12, and PTV using rabbit anti-RVFV nucleocapsid protein and glycoproteins GC and GN, mouse monoclonal anti-PTV, and sheep polyclonal anti-MP12. The ELISA test detected cross reactivity for all phleboviruses excluding RGV, but Western blotting detected the presumed RGV nucleocapsid protein (N) using rabbit anti-RVFV-N serum, RGV-infected cells were also identified when labeled with this antibody. Our findings demonstrate assay specific antigenic cross reactivity between these phleboviruses, thus further characterization of the molecular targets of the cross-reaction is required for proper interpretation of serological assays.
Abstract 12624: Blockade of Exosome Secretion Attenuates Inflammatory Cytokines, Mitigates Cardiac Dysfunction, and Reduces Mortality in Polymicrobial Sepsis

Introduction: Exosomes, a group of nano-vesicles secreted from living cells, are documented to increase in the circulation and are believed to promote cardiac dysfunction in sepsis patients and animal models. However, whether inhibition of exosome release could exert a cardio-protective effect in polymicrobial sepsis remains unexplored. Methods and Results: C57BL/6 mice (male, 8-week old) were pre-treated with GW4869 (dissolved in DMSO, injection i.p. at a dose of 2.5μg/g body weight), a known inhibitor of exosome secretion. Same volume of DMSO was used as controls. One hour later, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery was performed to induce polymicrobial sepsis. We found that the concentration of serum exosomes, measured by membrane markers CD63 and CD81with detection ELISA kits, was increased by 3.5-fold in DMSO-CLP mice, but no increase was detected in GW4869-CLP mice or in sham operated mice (n=4-6, p<0.01). Myocardial contractile function, assessed at 12h post-CLP using a SONOS-7500 echocardiography system, revealed that pre-injection of GW4869 significantly attenuated CLP-associated cardiac dysfunction, evidenced by an improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and minor axis fractional shortening (LVFS), compared to DMSO controls (n=8-10, p<0.01). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of myocardial inflammation, measured with a [[Unable to Display Character: ﬂ]]uorometric assay kit, also showed a significant reduction in GW4869-pre-treated mice, compared to DMSO-controls (n=5, p<0.01). Similarly, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β triggered by CLP were reduced by 72% and 61%, respectively in GW4869-treated mice, compared with controls (n=6). Furthermore, we observed that 67% (n=9) of the DMSO controls, but only 20% in GW4869-treated mice (n=10) had died by 48h post-CLP. In vitro study confirmed that GW4869 limited the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 cells (a mouse macrophage cell line) challenged with endotoxin (LPS, 1μg/ml, 24 h). Conclusions: Together, this study indicates that blockade of exosome secretion could attenuate the inflammatory cytokine response as well as the consequent cardiac dysfunction and mortality in polymicrobial sepsis. Thus, our study may provide a new approach to the treatment of sepsis.
Evaluation of Fluoride-Releasing Dental Materials by Means of in Vitro and in Vivo Demineralization Models: Reaction Paper

It is essential that we understand the dose-response mechanisms of fluoride delivered intra-orally at sites in intimate contact with dental tissues. Many studies show that extremely low levels of fluoride can inhibit caries. However, few of these studies provide a direct comparison between fluoride release and the inhibition of secondary caries. For this, laboratory, animal, and in situ caries models are required which can predict clinical efficacy. This paper supplements Dr. Erickson's presentation (Erickson and Glasspoole, 1995) by illustrating the adaptation of currently used demineralization and caries models to the development and evaluation of fluoride-containing resin materials. As representative of this class of material, those which release by ion-exchange are reviewed. It is concluded that model systems designed for topical fluorides and non-fluoride dental materials can be adapted for use with fluoride-releasing materials. Further, the use of materials with a long history of clinical efficacy a...
Thermodynamic limitations for pigment adsorption during the bleaching of triglyceride oils

Triglyceride oils are complex multi-component mixtures, so that the adsorption of chlorphylls is limited by co-adsorption of other components. Efforts to evaluate the effect of co-adsorbates on the capacity of adsorbents for a chlorophyll model compound were undertaken for two-component systems by means of the Ideal Dilute Solution Theory, (IDST). Single-component isotherms were measured for adsorption of the model compounds protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester (PPIX), tripalmitin, trilinolein, stearic acid and linolenic acid onto both acid-activated clay (ABE) and an experimental adsorbent (EXP1) in a non-interacting solvent (CH2Cl2). Adsorbent affinities, as qualitatively measured by the initial slope of the isotherms, were in the order porphyrin (pKb = 4.8) » fatty acid (pKb ∼ 20.0) > triglyceride (pKb ∼ 20.5) for EXP1, while for ABE the affinities were in the order porphyrin » fatty acid, triglyceride. These affinities roughly correlate with the adsorbate basicity so that the mechanism of adsorption is acid-base reaction. Isotherms for binary mixtures of PPIX with the other adsorbates were calculated from single-component isotherm data by using IDST. Calculated isotherms for the adsorption of low concentrations of prophyrin in the presence of higher concentrations of triglyceride or fatty acid dramatically demonstrate the ability of these co-adsorbates to suppress the adsorption of porphyrin. Thus, competitive adsorption has a predominant effect on the behavior of adsorbents in the edible oil application. Improvements in adsorbent selectivity or the removal of co-adsorbing components are necessary to substantially improve bleaching performance.
Using Resistance Resources to Control Later Life Stress

The number of stressful events experienced and the personal and environmental resistance resources associated with the control of stress were examined for 186 rural Nevada residents aged 60 and over. Ten variables having significant statistical associations with stress scores (including number of stressful events experienced) were used in a regression analysis. All 10 variables were included in the full regression model and explained nearly 44% of the variance in stress scores. In the regression model, the two variables significantly associated with perceived stress scores were scores for the avoidance coping sty/e and satisfaction with family life.
Transition state analysis of NAD+ hydrolysis by the cholera toxin catalytic subunit

The transition state for NAD+ (oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) hydrolysis by the cholera toxin A1 polypeptide (CTA) has been characterized by multiple V/K kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) using labeled NAD+ as the substrate. CTA causes cholera by catalyzing the ADP-ribosylation of the signal-transducing Gsα protein. In vitro, CTA catalyzes the ADP-ribosylation of several simple guanidino compounds as well as the slow hydrolysis of NAD+ (kcat = 8 min-1, Km = 14 mM) to form ADP−ribose and nicotinamide. KIEs for NAD+ hydrolysis are the following: primary 14C = 1.030 ± 0.005, primary 15N = 1.029 ± 0.004, α-secondary 3H = 1.186 ± 0.004, β-secondary 3H = 1.108 ± 0.004, γ-secondary 3H = 0.986 ± 0.003, δ-secondary 3H = 1.020 ± 0.003, and primary double = 1.052 ± 0.004. On the basis of steady-state kinetic parameters for CTA-catalyzed NAD+ hydrolysis, as well as a comparison with KIEs measured for NAD+ solvolysis, the enzymatic KIEs are near-intrinsic and describe a transition state that is relatively d...
Neuronal pentraxin 2 supports clear cell renal cell carcinoma by activating the AMPA-selective glutamate receptor-4.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer, and has the highest propensity to manifest as metastatic disease. Recent characterizations of the genetic signature of ccRCC have revealed several factors correlated with tumor cell migration and invasion; however the specific events driving malignancy are not well defined. Furthermore, there remains a lack of targeted therapies that result in long-term, sustainable response in patients with metastatic disease. We show here that neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2) is over-expressed specifically in ccRCC primary tumors and metastases, and that it contributes to tumor cell viability and promotes cell migration through its interaction with the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluR4. We propose NPTX2 as a novel molecular target for therapy for ccRCC patients diagnosed with or at risk of developing metastatic disease.
The compatibility of domestic birds with a nonchemical agroecosystem

We evaluated free-range domestic chickens and geese as components of a nonchemical apple orchard intercropped with potato. Chickens and geese were compatible with the system but provided different benefits and had different requirements. Chickens were omnivorous and highly active throughout the day, and dispersed throughout the available area. In contrast, geese were strictly herbivorous and less active, and usually remained close to their coop and water source. Geese substantially reduced vegetation biomass under the trees and around the potatoes without damaging either crop. Chickens reduced noncrop vegetation biomass slightly but also consumed several insect species, including Japanese beetle and Colorado potato beetle. Factors influencing the feasibility of integrating domestic chickens or geese into agroecosystems are discussed.
Repulsive interactions between polar and apolar atoms in globular proteins.

Abstract A significant number of tetrahedral carbon-backbone nitrogen pairs in ferrocytochrome c have interatomic distances that are more than 0.4 A shorter than the sum of the atomic van der Waals' radii. The non-bonded repulsions of these pairs destabilize the native structure by as much as 50 to 60 kcal/mol. A detailed examination of the close contacts suggests that these result from packing forces associated with the formation of secondary and tertiary structure in the protein.
Pulmonary vascular effects of Leu5-enkephalin in conscious newborn lambs.

Anatomic evidence suggests that leu5-enkephalin (Leu5-enk) may be involved in the physiologic control of pulmonary vascular tone. Information regarding its pulmonary vascular effect is limited; we therefore studied its effect on the immature pulmonary circulation. Normoxic and hypoxic unsedated newborn lambs with chronically implanted flow probes around the right and left pulmonary arteries were used. Leu5-enk was injected into one pulmonary artery only, so that any direct effect of the peptide on the pulmonary vessels could be determined by measuring changes in the ratio of blood flow to the injected versus the non-injected lung. Leu5-enk caused a small but significant increase in pulmonary artery pressure without increasing cardiac output or left atrial pressure (threshold=1 μg/kg); it is therefore a pulmonary vasoconstrictor. At a dose of 10 μg/kg, Leu5-enk also raised pulmonary artery pressure (20.6 mmHg to 23.9 mmHg; F(8,36) = 15.1, p<0.001) and calculated PAR (14.6 to 16.1 units; NS). However, the ratio of blood flow to the two lungs did not change; thus, Leu5-enk does not appear to directly act on pulmonary vessels, but rather through an intermediary to produce pulmonary vasoconstriction. This indirect pulmonary vasoconstriction was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone (3 mg/kg). We conclude that Leu5-enk is a pulmonary vasoconstrictor, albeit a weak one, in the lamb and may therefore play a role in pulmonary vascular homeostasis. This vasoconstriction does not seem to be due to a direct effect on pulmonary vessels by Leu5-enk, but may be effected through a neural or hormonal intermediary.
Volume-Preserving Mapping and Registration for Collective Data Visualization

In order to visualize and analyze complex collective data, complicated geometric structure of each data is desired to be mapped onto a canonical domain to enable map-based visual exploration. This paper proposes a novel volume-preserving mapping and registration method which facilitates effective collective data visualization. Given two 3-manifolds with the same topology, there exists a mapping between them to preserve each local volume element. Starting from an initial mapping, a volume restoring diffeomorphic flow is constructed as a compressible flow based on the volume forms at the manifold. Such a flow yields equality of each local volume element between the original manifold and the target at its final state. Furthermore, the salient features can be used to register the manifold to a reference template by an incompressible flow guided by a divergence-free vector field within the manifold. The process can retain the equality of local volume elements while registering the manifold to a template at the same time. An efficient and practical algorithm is also presented to generate a volume-preserving mapping and a salient feature registration on discrete 3D volumes which are represented with tetrahedral meshes embedded in 3D space. This method can be applied to comparative analysis and visualization of volumetric medical imaging data across subjects. We demonstrate an example application in multimodal neuroimaging data analysis and collective data visualization.
The biological effect of inhomogeneous dose distributions in fractionated radiotherapy

The linear quadratic (LQ) model is applied to an organ receiving a fractionated course of radiotherapy with an inhomogeneous dose distribution. It is shown that the gradient in the extrapolated response dose (ERD) will be steeper than the gradient in the physical dose. This effect will be greatest for an organ with a small alpha/beta ratio treated with large dose fractions. Clinical implications are discussed with an emphasis on radiation myelitis.
Use of a surfactant-stabilized emulsion to deliver 1-butanol for density-modified displacement of trichloroethene.

A novel surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation technology, density-modified displacement (DMD), has been developed to minimize risk of dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) downward migration during displacement floods. The DMD method is designed to be implemented using horizontal flushing schemes, with in situ DNAPL density conversion accomplished by the introduction of a partitioning alcohol (e.g., 1-butanol) in a predisplacement flood (preflood). Subsequent NAPL displacement and recovery is achieved by flushing with a low-interfacial-tension (low-IFT) surfactant solution. The efficiency of the DMD method may be enhanced for heavier DNAPLs, such as trichloroethene (TCE), by increasing alcohol delivery and the extent of partitioning during the preflood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a macroemulsion, consisting of 4.7% (vol) Tween 80 + 1.3% (vol) Span 80 + 15% (vol) 1-butanol to achieve efficient in situ density conversion of TCE (relative to that obtained with use of an aqueous...
Impact of Lipopolysaccharide Extraction on Bacterial Adhesion and Transport

Animal waste is a valuable resource, which, when managed properly, can reduce the need for commercial fertilizer. It can also improve the soil water holding capacity and tilth. Similarly, as a newly recognized water resource, nutrient-rich reclaimed wastewater supplies not only water, but also plant nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) that can benefit agricultural production. When animal waste or reclaimed wastewater is used for land applications or agricultural irrigation, the major concern is the possible spreading of pathogenic organisms in the soil and the possibility of groundwater contamination once the pathogenic organisms pass through the vadose zone and reach the groundwater table. Proper chemical treatment is required either to kill the pathogens or to enhance the retention of the pathogens in the subsurface soil to protect the groundwater from being contaminated. In this study, we have investigated the impact of lipopolysaccharide extraction on bacterial retention in a porous medium ...
Ultrapure poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with mucoadhesive drug delivery characteristics

Abstract Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were prepared by treating 15 or 20% aqueous PVA solutions to repeated cycles of freezing for 6 or 12 h at − 20 °C and thawing for 2 h at 25 °C. The resulting gels did not contain any leachable toxic crosslinking agents or other residues. Their adhesive characteristics were examined using tensile experiments in contact with bovine submaxillary mucin. As the number of freezing/thawing cycles increased, the work of fracture (detachment) decreased due to the increase in the PVA degree of crystallinity. The PVA gels prepared from the 20 wt.% solution and exposed to two freezing/thawing cycles exhibited the largest work of adhesion. Surface contact angle measurements of the PVA gel in contact with water were used to evaluate their wettability. As the number of freezing/thawing cycles was increased and the degree of crystallinity increased, there was a decrease in the contact angle. The degree of crystallinity of PVA gels was determined by comparing the heat required to melt a PVA sample to the heat required to melt a 100% crystalline sample. The average degree of crystallinity of PVA samples prepared from 20 wt.% solutions was 19.3% on a dry basis. Oxprenolol and theophylline delivery studies were conducted using PVA samples prepared from a 20 wt.% solution and exposed to two, three or four cycles of freezing for 12 h followed by thawing for 2 h. Drug release was affected by the number of freezing/thawing cycles. Thus, the mucoadhesive characteristics and drug release could be optimized by controlling the freezing/thawing conditions.
Accurate quantum mechanical calculation of thermally averaged reaction rate constants for polyatomic systems

A new approach to the calculation of quantum mechanical Boltzmann averaged reaction rate constants for polyatomic systems is described. The rate constant is obtained by integrating a set of coupled first order temperature‐dependent differential equations, the number of which grows linearly with the size of the system. This is accomplished by (i) representing the complex time evolution operator in mixed position and operator form and (ii) introducing two‐body correlations in the conventional time‐dependent self‐consistent field approximation, as suggested recently [Chem. Phys. Lett. 169, 541 (1990)]. The method is accurate and numerically stable; it is therefore expected to find considerable utility in the study of gas phase bimolecular reactions with the reaction path Hamiltonian formalism, as well as in the calculation of rate constants for reactive processes in condensed media.
Protection against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by pretreatment with methylmercury hydroxide.

Pretreatment of rats with methylmercury hydroxide (MMH) (15 mg/kg s.c. for 2 days) protected against hepatotoxicity due to the inhalation of CCl4 vapor (4800-6100 ppm for 2 h). This was evidenced by lessening of the changes due to CCl4 in liver glucose-6-phosphatase, serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum isocitrate dehydrogenase and serum sorbitol dehydrogenase. Decreases in p-nitroanisole demethylation and cytochrome P-450 were also altered. Lipid peroxidation due to CCl4 was decreased by MMH. These biochemical indices of protection were supported by histopathological observations. These results lend further support to the concept that metabolism of CCl4 is necessary for its hepatoxicity.
Managing academia in the information age

Abstract The academic institutions are experiencing the impact of communications revolution and societal transition to the Information Age. This article proposes that today the management of academic institutions requires effective communication networks, information technologies, improved management techniques and decision making practices all combined into an overall management system for the institution.
Smooth vortex precession in superfluid 4 He

We use a vibrating wire to trap circulation in superfluid 4 He. When the trapped circulation extends along only part of the wire, continuing as a free vortex through the cell, we can observe the free vortex precessing around the wire. Despite the small vortex core size in superfluid 4 He, the vortex motion proceeds in a regular manner, negotiating surface asperities without halting. We attribute this smooth precession to the wire's being substantially displaced from the cylinder's axis. We verify several numerical predictions about the motion, including an asymmetric signature, isolated pinning events, and temperature dependence.
Preliminary Method for Prospective Analysis of the Circadian Efficacy of (Day)Light with Applications to Healthcare Architecture

AbstractRecent studies have attempted to link environmental cues, such as lighting, with human performance and health, and initial findings seem to indicate a positive correlation between the two. Light is the major environmental time cue that resets the human circadian pacemaker, an endogenous clock in the hypothalamus that controls the timing of many 24-hour rhythms in physiology and behavior. Insufficient or inappropriate light exposure can disrupt normal circadian rhythms which may result in adverse consequences for human performance, health and safety.This paper addresses the problem of prospective analysis of building architecture for circadian stimulus potential based on the state of the art in photobiology. Three variables were considered in this analysis: lighting intensity, timing, and spectrum. Intensity is a standard design tool frequently used in illuminating engineering. Timing and spectrum are not commonplace considerations, so the analysis that follows proposes tools to quantitatively addr...
Magnetic and catalytic properties of sintered nickel catalysts for the methanation reaction

Ni catalysts supported on Al2O3, as received commercially and subjected to sintering at 723–973 K, were characterised in terms of distinct magnetic structures. It was found that the Ni on all the catalysts consisted of a mixture of single domain structures, with and without anisotropic effects, and multidomain (ferromagnetic) structures. The formation of the multidomain particles during the sintering process coincides with a decrease in catalytic activity for the reaction CO+3H2°CH4+H2O. From this study it was concluded that the methanation reaction is ‘magnetic-structure’ sensitive.
Phthalate plasticizers: accumulation and effects on weight and food consumption in captive starlings.

Phthalate plasticizers have recently been recognized to be widespread environmental pollutants (see, for example, GIAM et al. 1978). These compounds possess certain characteristics that are cause for concern: they are produced in massive quantities, they eventually reach the environment, and they have biomagniflcatlon factors at least as great as DDT within invertebrate food chains of model ecosystems (BOOTH et al. 1976, METCALF et al. 1973). Fortunately, however, in common laboratory mammals phthalates are rapidly metabolized, do not accumulate appreciably, and are of very low toxicity (for reviews on the toxicity and metabolism of phthalates see AUTIAN 1973, DANIEL 1978, FISHBEIN and ALBRO 1972, PEAKALL 1975, THOMAS et al. 1978).
Improved photometric redshifts via enhanced estimates of system response, galaxy templates and magnitude priors

Wide, deep photometric surveys require robust photometric redshift estimates (photo-z's) for studies of large-scale structure. These estimates depend critically on accurate photometry. We describe the improvements to the photometric calibration and the photo-z estimates in the Deep Lens Survey (DLS) from correcting three of the inputs to the photo-z calculation: the system response as a function of wavelength, the spectral energy distribution templates, and template prior probabilities as a function of magnitude. We model the system response with a physical model of the MOSAIC camera's CCD, which corrects a 0.1 magnitude discrepancy in the colours of type M2 and later stars relative to the SDSS z-band photometry. We provide our estimated z-band response function for the use of other surveys that used MOSAIC before its recent detector upgrade. The improved throughput curve, template set, and Bayesian prior lead to a 20 per cent reduction in photo-z scatter and a reduction of the bias by a factor of more than two. This paper serves as both a photo-z data release description for DLS and a guide for testing the quality of photometry and resulting photo-z's generally.
Simulating carbon storage in forests of Eastern Russia

In a pilot study investigating a method for estimating carbon (C) in forested ecosystems of Russia, a forest growth model was selected and applied to a test area. BORFOR, a forest gap model which simulates growth of trees, mosses and forest floor decay was used to model a mountainous area in the Russian Far East. Vegetation and landcover were identified using an unsupervised classification of Global Vegetation Index (GVI). The continental scale image class descriptions required a supplemental description of the species-specific to the area before they could be used as input data. Site level data was provided for soils and disturbances using published literature and thematic maps. Carbon values for forest ecosystems estimated with BORFOR were compared to other estimates. Good comparisons were noted for living tree C in all forest types, except mountain deciduous forests. Forest floor C was both overestimated or underestimated depending on forest type. Spatial resolution of ecosystem identification data was found to be very important to the estimation of C in mountainous regions. The BORFOR model could be improved to provide better C estimates with species-specific biomass calculations and improved simulation of decay of dead trees.
Effect of Potassium on the Resting Length of Vascular Smooth Muscle of the Rabbit Aorta and its Response to I-Norepinephrine

Change in resting length, response to l -nor-epinephrine and tissue concentration of potassium of helical rabbit aorta strips have been investigated, following changes in concentration of extracellular potassium. Increase in potassium decreases resting length, increases sensitivity and slope of log dose - probit response curve: potassium decrease has opposite effects. Alterations in external potassium concentration have no effect on the maximum response to l -norepinephrine. A potassium range between 50% and 300% of normal was investigated. Results show that when the muscle shortened, following an increase in potassium in the presence of l -norepinephrine, the change in resting length due to a direct action of this ion was more important than changes in sensitivity to l -norepinephrine. It is suggested that sensitivity of muscle to l -norepinephrine may be related to the intra-cellular concentration of potassium.
Auditory--visual interaction in single cells in the cortex of the superior temporal sulcus and the orbital frontal cortex of the macaque monkey.

Abstract Previous anatomical studies show that the cortex of the superior temporal sulcus and the orbital frontal cortex receive convergent corticocortical and thalamocortical projections which represent different sensory modalities. In the present experiments both intracellular and extracellular recordings were made in these cortical regions to determine if the individual cells receive polysensory information and if interactions between different medalities are a result of local convergence at the cortical cell. The results show that many neurons have visual receptive fields which are bilateral, include the fovea, and are sensitive to moving stimuli. Many of these neurons are also excited or inhibited by auditory stimuli. For both modalities a variety of ON or OFF excitatory and inhibitory effects was seen. The results further indicate that neurons in both regions show auditory-visual interactions and that at least some of these interactions are due to convergence at the cortical cell. For example, we found that auditory stimuli of a specific frequency had a powerful inhibitory effect on many of the neurons and that this inhibitory effect could negate the excitation caused by a visual stimulus. These types of interactions are related to the anatomical inputs and may be possible mechanism implicating each of these regions in attention and discrimination.
Rare earth substituted fluoride-phosphate apatites

Abstract Compositions with the general formula LnxM10−2xNax(PO4)6F2 (Ln = La, Pi, Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Er, Lu, andY;M = Ca, Sr, and Ba) have been prepared and studied by X-ray diffraction methods. The hexagonal apatite like structure was indicated by the powder patterns of all the compounds (with Ba compounds only when Ln = La through Sm). Single crystal precession data reveal that the crystal lattice of all the compositions in the Ca and Sr system have space group P63/m, the Ln2Ba6Na2(PO4)6F2 compounds crystallize in space group P6 and the Ln3Ba4Na3(PO4)6F2 compounds in the trigonal space group P3. Order and disorder mechanisms of the substitution and its dependence on size and polarization effects are discussed.
Photocatalytic reaction of acetaldehyde over SrTiO3 nanoparticles

Abstract The photooxidation of acetaldehyde on SrTiO 3 has been studied using UV–vis irradiation in the range of 2.1–5.0 eV. It has been found that a large fraction of acetaldehyde undergoes aldol condensation during dark oxidation forming crotonaldehyde. However, in presence of UV light, the formation of CO 2 and other partially oxidized species was observed. The infrared assignment of surface species was used to explore the photochemical reaction.
On the role of side information in steganography in empirical covers

In an attempt to alleviate the negative impact of unavailable cover model, some steganographic schemes utilize the knowledge of the so-called “precover” when embedding secret data. The precover is typically a higherresolution (unquantized) representation of the cover, such as the raw sensor output before it is converted to an 8-bit per channel color image. The precover object is only available to the sender but not to the Warden, which seems to give a fundamental advantage to the sender. In this paper, we provide theoretical insight for why side-informed embedding schemes for empirical covers might provide high level of security. By adopting a piece-wise polynomial model corrupted by AWGN for the content, we prove that when the cover is sufficiently non-stationary, embedding by minimizing distortion w.r.t. the precover is more secure than by preserving a model estimated from the cover (the so-called model-based steganography). Moreover, the side-informed embedding enjoys four times lower steganographic Fisher information than LSB matching.
Effect of membrane cholesterol enrichment or depletion on the partition behavior of human erythrocytes in dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous phases.

Abstract It has previously been shown that by appropriate manipulation of polymer concentrations and ionic composition and concentration one can select whether charge-associated or lipid-related membrane surface properties are reflected by cell partition in dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous two-phase systems (Walter, H. (1977) in Methods of Cell Separation ((Catsimpoolas, N., ed.), Vol. 1, pp. 307–354, Plenum Press, New York). In the current experiments we have studied the partition behavior of human erythrocytes and found that not only lipid-related but also charge-associated membrane properties are altered as a consequence of cholesterol-enrichment or -depletion. Results further indicate that, just as cell partition in charged phase systems reflects membrane charge-associated properties not readily measured by means other than partition (Brooks, D.E., Seaman, G.V.F. and Walter, H. (1971) Nat. New Biol. 234, 61–62; Walter, H., Tung, R., Jackson, L.J. and Seaman, G.V.F. (1972) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 48, 565–571), cell partition in uncharged phases reflects membrane lipid-related properties also not readily measured by other means.
Bowen ratio and closed chamber carbon dioxide flux measurements over sagebrush steppe vegetation

Abstract Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) fluxes over sagebrush steppe ecosystems has received little attention, and seasonal dynamics of CO 2 uptake are not known for most portions of this expansive ecosystem. We utilized two techniques — Bowen ratio/energy balance (BREB) and closed chamber (CC) — to measure CO 2 fluxes during eight 24 h sampling periods throughout the 1997 growing season on ungrazed sagebrush steppe communities at the US Sheep Experiment Station near Dubois, ID and the Northern Great Basin Experimental Range near Burns, OR. Instantaneous CC measurements generally agreed with 20 min average CO 2 fluxes measured by BREB instrumentation, except later in the season at Burns when soil moisture was depleted. Maximum mid-day CO 2 assimilation occurred in June at both locations, with rates up to 0.4 and 0.5 mg CO 2 m −2 s −1 at Burns and Dubois, respectively. In August, mid-day assimilation was low, at about 0.1 mg m −2 s −1 at both locations. Slopes of CC fluxes as a function of BREB were not different between locations, so data were combined across locations. A significant, positive correlation was observed between CC and BREB ( R =0.82, n =190). These two independent measurements of CO 2 flux showed good agreement, except during extremely hot and dry periods in late summer. This suggests that both BREB and CC are valid techniques and can be used in concert to obtain reliable estimates of CO 2 flux on these shrub-dominated communities, although caution is advised for CC during periods when temperatures are high and soil moisture is low. The BREB technique is appropriate for large-scale, continuous measurements of CO 2 flux, and compares well with the CC technique, which can partition flux estimates between shrub canopy and interspace, thereby providing a measure of spatial variability.
Interior Point Methods for Second-Order Cone Programming and OR Applications

Interior point methods (IPM) have been developed for all types of constrained optimization problems. In this work the extension of IPM to second order cone programming (SOCP) is studied based on the work of Andersen, Roos, and Terlaky. SOCP minimizes a linear objective function over the direct product of quadratic cones, rotated quadratic cones, and an affine set. It is described in detail how to convert several application problems to SOCP. Moreover, a proof is given of the existence of the step for the infeasible long-step path-following method. Furthermore, variants are developed of both long-step path-following and of predictor-corrector algorithms. Numerical results are presented and analyzed for those variants using test cases obtained from a number of application problems.
An interactive "retrographic sensor" for touch, texture, and shape

Retrographic sensing is a novel method for measuring surface texture and shape. It uses a sensor made of clear elastomer with a painted skin to non-destructively change an object's reflectance characteristics. When an object is pressed into the sensor, the painted skin conforms to the shape of the object. Viewed from behind, the object appears as a shaded surface and the shape of the surface can be estimated using photometric stereo techniques. In previous work [Johnson and Adelson 2009], we describe a method for reconstructing high-resolution 2.5D surface data from a single image of the sensor. In this work, we demonstrate an implementation of the system that runs at interactive rates.
Adaptive IIR filtering of nonstationary signals

This paper presents global stability of the adaptive IIR filter in a nonstationary environment. For the estimation of time-varying parameters, the normalized least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm based on the output error method is used. We assume the presence of a possibly colored and nonstationary measurement noise. The global stability analysis is carried out in a deterministic context, and it is shown that the filter output is uniformly bounded for all initial conditions. We then consider the special case when the noise is a martingale difference sequence, and establish the almost sure mean-square performance in a stochastic framework.
A synchronized biplane videoradiographic system employing image manipulation for improved diagnosis and dose reduction

Abstract Motion x-ray studies are being produced on videotape with improved definition and reduced radiation. Controlled current to an image-intensifying tube and two synchronized television cameras produce biplane images of the patient's face in the corner of the monitor with the moving x-ray view in the center. Image quality and characteristics were manipulated through the use of television recorder-player units, a processing amplifier, and the monitor controls to improve definition and enhance diagnostic study of speech, swallowing, mastication, and temporomandibular joint function.
The β-Secretase Enzyme BACE in Health and Alzheimer's Disease: Regulation, Cell Biology, Function, and Therapeutic Potential

The β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide is the major constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain and is likely to play a central role in the pathogenesis of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The β-secretase, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1; also called Asp2, memapsin 2), is the enzyme responsible for initiating Aβ generation. Thus, BACE is a prime drug target for the therapeutic inhibition of Aβ production in AD. Since its discovery 10 years ago, much has been learned about BACE. This review summarizes BACE properties, describes BACE translation dysregulation in AD, and discusses BACE physiological functions in sodium current, synaptic transmission, myelination, and schizophrenia. The therapeutic potential of BACE will also be considered. This is a summary of topics covered at a symposium held at the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and is not meant to be a comprehensive review of BACE.
Demographic effects on the Trail Making Test in amphetamine abusers.

Demographic effects on the Trail Making Test (TMT), a test often used for screening for cognitive impairment, were examined in a sample of amphetamine abusers in drug abuse treatment programs. A sample was drawn from electronic files of data from the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS). The DATOS was a naturalistic, prospective cohort study that collected data from 1991-1993, in 96 programs in 11 cities in the United States. The number of amphetamine abusers scores available for analysis were 185. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of sex, ethnicity, age, and education variables on the two parts of the TMT in this large treatment sample of amphetamine abusers. No variables were statistically significant for either parts A and B of the TMT. R-square values for overall models were also negligible (A =. 03. B =. 08) suggesting that demographic effects on the TMT account for a minuscule amount of overall variance in terms of amphetamine abusers' TMT performance.
A Bcl-xL timer sets platelet life span

Platelets are cell fragments lacking nuclei that play a key role in blood clotting. Using an impressive genetic screen involving ENU-mutagenesis of whole mice, Mason et al. (2007) report in this issue their identification of mutations in the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-x L that cause accelerated death of platelets leading to platelet deficiency.
Contesting Contained Bodily Coaching Experiences.

Through critical readings of several images and texts, including photographs and artifacts in this collected montage, my aim here is to use multiple interactional analyses (visual culture techniques and deconstructive techniques) to assist in the critique of these presented visual images that represent current coaching policies in the USA.
A direct method for transient stability analysis of power systems with detailed models

This paper presents a direct method for studying transient stability of multimachine systems with detailed models. The method uses a differential equation to define a general energy function. An algorithm is given for using the method with detailed models that contain fast dynamics.
School Psychology--Special Education: To Acknowledge a Relationship.

Abstract This paper asks school psychologists to view themselves as others see them, namely as special educators see them function. It challenges the school psychologist to join with the special educator in establishing a team which is capable of activating a diagnostic-prescriptive instructional relationship. The system presented attempts to eliminate many of the problems which result from the mundane recommendations rarely communicated fully to the special educator who receives the child for instructional purposes following psychological appraisal. One system of mechanisms for initiating behaviorally based diagnostic-prescriptive teaching procedures is briefly described.
Characterization of Wind Erosion Sediments in the Red River Valley of North Dakota

Wind erosion is a serious problem in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. Wind erosion sediments were characterized to evaluate their potential as nonpoint source pollutants for surface water and shallow groundwater. Thirty-four sites from the South Dakota border to the Canadian border were sampled to measure physical and chemical characteristics of displaced sediment and field soils. Collected sediments originated from fields with soils having silt loam, silty clay loam or silty clay textures [...]
Constitutive Mutations of the OccR Regulatory Protein Affect DNA Bending in Response to Metabolites Released from Plant Tumors

OccR is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator of Agrobacterium tumefaciens that positively regulates the octopine catabolism operon of the Ti plasmid and is also an autorepressor. Positive control of the occ genes occurs in response to octopine, a nutrient released from crown gall tumors. OccR binds to a site upstream of the occQ promoter in the presence and absence of octopine. Octopine causes prebound OccR to undergo a conformational change at the DNA binding site that causes changes in footprint length and DNA bending. To determine the roles of these conformational changes in transcriptional activation, we isolated 22 OccR mutants that were able to activate the occQ promoter in the absence of octopine. Thirteen of these mutants contained single amino acid substitutions, and nine contained two base pair changes resulting in two amino acid substitutions, which in most cases acted synergistically. These mutations spanned the entire length of the protein. Most of these mutant proteins in the absence of octopine displayed DNA binding and bending properties characteristic of transcriptionally active OccR-octopine complexes.