cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproductive pattern and sexual system of the nocturnal seagrass shrimp Ambidexter symmetricus (Decapoda: Caridea: Processidae) in a Florida bay

The purpose of the current study was to analyse the reproductive ecology and sexual system in Ambidexter symmetricus (Processidae), a nocturnal seagrass shrimp. This work was conducted in St Joseph Bay, Florida, in May–August 2010 and April–October 2011. The sex ratio in A. symmetricus and the presence of juvenile females supported the hypothesis of a gonochoric sexual system. Breeding in the population occurred seasonally from April until September. Successive spawning of individual females was shown by the presence of late-stage (prespawning) ovaries in females that were brooding late-stage (near hatching) embryos. Female A. symmetricus were generally larger and more abundant than males. Male A. symmetricus with parasites exhibited gigantism. Because of seasonal differences in recruitment and growth, body size varied with time of year, with larger (overwintered) individuals collected in April and May, and smaller more recently recruited individuals more abundant in September and October. The population biology of this species is similar to many other warm-temperate, shallow-water carideans, thus supporting hypotheses about latitudinal variation in breeding and recruitment in marine benthic invertebrates.
Feedback Regulation of Intracellular Hydrostatic Pressure in Surface Cells of the Lens

In wild-type lenses from various species, an intracellular hydrostatic pressure gradient goes from ∼340 mmHg in central fiber cells to 0 mmHg in surface cells. This gradient drives a center-to-surface flow of intracellular fluid. In lenses in which gap-junction coupling is increased, the central pressure is lower, whereas if gap-junction coupling is reduced, the central pressure is higher but surface pressure is always zero. Recently, we found that surface cell pressure was elevated in PTEN null lenses. This suggested disruption of a feedback control system that normally maintained zero surface cell pressure. Our purpose in this study was to investigate and characterize this feedback control system. We measured intracellular hydrostatic pressures in mouse lenses using a microelectrode/manometer-based system. We found that all feedback went through transport by the Na/K ATPase, which adjusted surface cell osmolarity such that pressure was maintained at zero. We traced the regulation of Na/K ATPase activity back to either TRPV4, which sensed positive pressure and stimulated activity, or TRPV1, which sensed negative pressure and inhibited activity. The inhibitory effect of TRPV1 on Na/K pumps was shown to signal through activation of the PI3K/AKT axis. The stimulatory effect of TRPV4 was shown in previous studies to go through a different signal transduction path. Thus, there is a local two-legged feedback control system for pressure in lens surface cells. The surface pressure provides a pedestal on which the pressure gradient sits, so surface pressure determines the absolute value of pressure at each radial location. We speculate that the absolute value of intracellular pressure may set the radial gradient in the refractive index, which is essential for visual acuity.
The FMO Protein.

In this article I review the history of research on the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) protein with emphasis on my contributions. The FMO protein, which transfers energy from the chlorosome to the reaction center in green sulfur bacteria, was discovered in 1962 and shown to contain bacteriochlorophyll a. From the absorption and circular dichroism spectra, it was clear that there was an exciton interaction between the bacteriochlorophyll molecules. Low temperature spectra indicated a seven-fold exciton splitting of the Qy band. The FMO protein was crystallized in 1964, and the X-ray structure determined in 1979 by B.W. Matthews, R.E. Fenna, M.C. Bolognesi, M.F. Schmidt and J.M. Olson. The structure showed that the protein consisted of three subunits, each containing seven bacteriochlorophyll molecules. The optical spectra were satisfactorily simulated in 1997. In living cells the FMO protein is located between the chlorosome and the reaction centers with the C3 symmetry axis perpendicular to the membrane. The FMO protein may be related to PscA in the reaction center.
A fluctuation theory model of strong electrolytes

Abstract A statistical mechanical model for the direct correlation function integrals (DCFI) to describe the densities and activities of strong electrolyte solutions has been developed. The resulting expressions involve only ionic and solvent parameters, leading to prediction of multicomponent systems, and contain the two known limiting laws for salt activity coefficients. Comparisons with experimental data for the density derivative of the pressure and the concentration derivative of the salt activity coefficient show good agreement for aqueous LiCl and KBr up to 7 molar at ambient conditions.
Installation of Photolabile Carbonyl-Protecting Groups under Neutral Conditions without Using Any Other Chemical Reagents

Methods of installing photolabile protecting groups for carbonyl compounds under neutral conditions without using any other chemical reagents are described. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Reactions of coordinated molecules. 47. Preparation of rhena-β-ketoimine derivatives of iodoacetamide and of an N-hydroxysuccinimide ester: heavy-atom labeling reagents for sulfhydryl and amino groups

Abstract A rhena-β-ketoimine complex containing an iodoacetamide moiety has been prepared as a reagent for effecting heavy-atom labeling of molecules containing sulfhydryl groups. This complex reacts with benzyl mercaptan, ethanethiol, N -t-BOC-cystamine, N -acetyl-L-cysteine, and N -acetyl-DL-penicillamine to give the corresponding rhena-labeled derivatives. A rhena-β-ketoimine containing a free carboxylic acid moiety has been converted to its N -hydroxysuccinimide ester. This reagent should be useful in effecting the heavy-atom labeling of molecules containing primary and secondary amino groups.
Far-Infrared Superradiance in Methyl Fluoride.

The cooperative spontaneous emission of radiation, or superradiance [1], should be observable from initially fully inverted molecular systems which have high gain and are either 1) shorter than a cooperation length [2], or 2) inverted by means of swept excitation [3]. The emission from an extended cylindrical sample should occur as delayed pulses, the intensity, width and delay of which depend on the density ρ of excited molecules and on the length L and cross-sectional area A of the sample.
Gonadal Transcriptome Alterations in Response to Dietary Energy Intake: Sensing the Reproductive Environment

Reproductive capacity and nutritional input are tightly linked and animals' specific responses to alterations in their physical environment and food availability are crucial to ensuring sustainability of that species. We have assessed how alterations in dietary energy intake (both reductions and excess), as well as in food availability, via intermittent fasting (IF), affect the gonadal transcriptome of both male and female rats. Starting at four months of age, male and female rats were subjected to a 20% or 40% caloric restriction (CR) dietary regime, every other day feeding (IF) or a high fat-high glucose (HFG) diet for six months. The transcriptional activity of the gonadal response to these variations in dietary energy intake was assessed at the individual gene level as well as at the parametric functional level. At the individual gene level, the females showed a higher degree of coherency in gonadal gene alterations to CR than the males. The gonadal transcriptional and hormonal response to IF was also significantly different between the male and female rats. The number of genes significantly regulated by IF in male animals was almost 5 times greater than in the females. These IF males also showed the highest testosterone to estrogen ratio in their plasma. Our data show that at the level of gonadal gene responses, the male rats on the IF regime adapt to their environment in a manner that is expected to increase the probability of eventual fertilization of females that the males predict are likely to be sub-fertile due to their perception of a food deficient environment.
Stereotypy and striatal dopamine receptor changes with l-α-acetylmethadol (LAAM)

Abstract Narcotics like morphine and methadone produce effects on striatal dopaminergic mechanisms as evidenced by changes in a stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine and binding of radioactive ligands to dopamine (DA) receptors. LAAM may replace methadone in the treatment of narcotic addiction. We investigated the effect of LAAM on apomorphine induced stereotypy and the binding of 3 H-spiroperidol to dopamine receptors isolated from mouse and guinea pig striata. Chronic LAAM treatment produced a behavioral supersensitivity to apomorphine. The biochemical expression of the behavioral effect was a significant increase in the number of dopamine receptor binding sites in mouse and guinea pig striata. These effects can be due to either a direct chronic blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors or stimulation of a presynaptic receptor which acts to reduce the amount of dopamine released during nerve activity. Work is in progress to determine the mechanism of this effect.
Synthesis, 18F-Labeling, and Biological Evaluation of Piperidyl and Pyrrolidyl Benzilates as in Vivo Ligands for Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors

A series of 31 compounds based on the piperidyl or pyrrolidyl benzilate scaffold were prepared from methyl benzilate and 4-piperidinol, (R)-(+)-3-piperidinol, or (R)-(+)-3-pyrrolidinol. Amine substituents included alkyl and aralkyl groups. In vitro Ki values ranged from 0.05 nM to >100 nM. (R)-N-(2-Fluoroethyl)-3-piperidyl benzilate (3-FEPB, 22, Ki = 12.1 nM) and N-(2-fluoroethyl)-4-piperidyl benzilate (4-FEPB, 8, Ki = 1.83 nM) were selected for radiolabeling with fluorine-18. Using alkylation with 2-[18F]fluoroethyl triflate, 3-[18F]FEPB (42) and 4-[18F]FEPB (43) were produced in 7−9% radiochemical yield and >97% radiochemical purity. For in vivo studies, retention was moderate in mouse brain for 42; however, blocking with scopolamine showed that uptake was not muscarinic cholinergic receptor-mediated. Conversely, 43 exhibited high, receptor-mediated retention in mouse brain, with significant clearance after 1 h. These results suggest that 43 could have applications as an in vivo probe for measuring endo...
The effect of distracting noise on the neuronal mechanisms of attention in schizophrenia.

Abstract Objective The inability to ignore irrelevant environmental noise is a common problem for people with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to determine if the neuronal response to distracting noise is related to mechanisms of altered attention observed in the illness. Method Twenty-two outpatients with schizophrenia and seventeen healthy comparison subjects performed a selective attention task in the presence or absence of distracting environmental noise while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T. A separate condition examining passive response to the distracting noise also was included. Results Group differences in neuronal response during the attention task were magnified by distracting noise, with the greatest difference being less response by patients, relative to comparison subjects, in the temporoparietal junction. Separate passive listening to distracting noise resulted in greater hippocampal response in patients, relative to comparison subjects. Across all subjects, hippocampal response to noise was inversely related to the degree to which the attention-task-related network was up-regulated to perform the task during distracting noise. Conclusions Given the observed hippocampal hyperactivity in response to environmental noise in patients and the inverse relationship between hippocampal response to noise and the effects of noise on the task-related network, hippocampal hyperactivity may contribute to impaired recruitment of attention networks in schizophrenia.
Stimulus intensity and familiarization effects on simple RT performance in children

Young children, assigned to a High, Medium, or Low stimulus intensity group, were given 71 simple reaction time trials. On the first 30 trials, a familiarization stimulus was presented. For the remaining 41 trials, Ss responded on each trial to the onset of either the familiarized or a non familiarized stimulus. Stimulus intensity was not an effective variable. A stimulus familiarization effect was obtained, whereas a change effect was not. The latter result is inconsistent with a stimulus interpretation of the change effect.
A neuromorphic approach to computer vision

If physics was “the” science of the first half of last century, biology was certainly the science of the second half. Neuroscience is often mentioned as the focus of the present century. The field of neuroscience has indeed grown very rapidly over the last several years, spanning a broad range of approaches from molecular neurobiology to neuro-informatics and computational neuroscience. Computer science provided to biology powerful new data analysis tools which created bioinformatics and genomics: they made possible the sequencing of the human genome. In a similar way, computer science techniques are at the heart of brain imaging and other branches of neuroscience. Computers are critical for the Neurosciences, however, at a much deeper level: they represent the best metaphor for the central mystery of how the brain produces intelligent behavior and intelligence itself. They also provide experimental tools for performing experiments in information processing, effectively testing theories of the brain, in particular theories of aspects of intelligence such as sensory perception. The contribution of computer science to neuroscience happens at a variety of levels and is well recognized. Perhaps less obvious is that neuroscience is beginning to contribute powerful new ideas and approaches to artificial intelligence and computer science. Modern computational neuroscience models are no longer toy models: they are quantitatively detailed and at the same time, they are starting to compete with state-of-the-art computer vision systems. In fact we will argue in this review that in the next decades computational neuroscience may be a major source of new ideas and approaches in artificial intelligence.
Issues in the design and modeling of automatic assembly systems

In this paper we explore three research areas in the development of design and analysis tools required for asynchronous or free transport automatic assembly systems. These areas include (1) the use of simulation analysis for the investigation of subsystems for a special class of automatic assembly stations - the “tunnel-gated” or “High-Lift” station, (2) the development of a theory of analysis for assembly systems based on the theory of closed networks of GI/G/1 queues and (3) methods for the optimization of assembly systems.
Initial intervertebral stability after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating.

Abstract Background context Anterior cervical locking plates are currently used to provide secure fixation, which appears to help promote fusion, although the details of the in vivo biomechanical effects of plating on the spine are unknown. Purpose To determine if any motion was present initially in the plated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and, if so, where the motion occurred. Study design A cohort of patients that were part of a prospective study on postoperative changes after cervical fusion were evaluated for motion at the fusion site about 2 weeks after ACDF. Methods Forty-eight segments in 27 patients undergoing ACDF with a cervical plate were evaluated. The patients underwent flexion and extension radiography approximately 2 weeks after surgery. Intervertebral motion at the fusion site was evaluated with validated quantitative motion analysis. Results Motion was perceived at 29 levels in 18 patients. The sources of motion were either actual bending of the plate itself, motion at the screw-bone interface, or screw-plate interface. Conclusions In many patients, anterior cervical plating after ACDF does not eliminate motion at the fusion site. Depending on the quality of bone, type of bone graft, and nature of the injury, this information may influence decisions regarding implants and postoperative bracing.
The biology of allogeneic hematopoietic cell resistance.

At the most basic level, success of an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) procedure relies upon the engraftment of recipients with donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that will generate blood formation for the life of that individual. The formula to achieve durable HSC engraftment involves multiple factors including the recipient conditioning regimen, the nature of the genetic disparity between donor and recipient, and the content of the hematopoietic graft. Animal and clinical studies have shown that the biology of host resistance is complex, involving both immune and nonimmune elements. In this article, we review the factors that contribute to host resistance, describe emerging concepts on the basic biology of resistance, and discuss hematopoietic resistance as it relates specifically to patients with severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID)— disorders that bring unique insights into the dynamics of cell replacement by allogeneic HSCs and progenitor cells.
Suspended Si/air high contrast subwavelength gratings for long-wavelength infrared reflectors

We report broadband reflectance in the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR, 8-12 μm) utilizing suspended-Si, high-index-contrast subwavelength gratings (HCGs). Iterative design optimization using finite element analysis software has been performed accounting for silicon’s wavelength-dependent index of refraction and extinction coefficient. Grating arrays were fabricated using commercial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, photolithography and reactive ion etching; subsequent selective wet etching of SiO2 was used to provide suspended Si/air gratings. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrates broadband, polarization–dependent reflectance between 8.5 and 12 μm, which agrees with the simulated response.
Microhabitat preference constrains invasive spread of non-native natal grass (Melinis repens)

Preventing the establishment of a non-native species is critical for ensuring the species does not become invasive, yet most non-native species will have little impact on their environment. Despite this, little is known about what influences whether a species will remain relatively benign, or whether it will cause economic or ecological harm. Understanding a plant’s microhabitat provides insight into the necessary conditions for establishment and the current distribution limitations of a population. We investigated microhabitat preference of the non-native natal grass (Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka) in Florida scrub using microhabitat sampling to measure vegetation composition. We examined the extent to which microhabitats were associated with natal grass presence and biomass in invaded disturbed scrub and roadside plots using backwards stepwise logistic regression and general linear models to identify significant microhabitat variables. We further compared these plots with those in undisturbed, uninvaded scrub to characterize vegetation across habitat types, and used our model to predict the probability of natal grass invasion in undisturbed scrub. Natal grass preferred microhabitats with high litter volume and distance to shrubs and intermediate cactus, graminoid, and vine cover. Roadside natal grass achieved higher biomass and was less microhabitat limited than disturbed scrub natal grass. We determined that undisturbed scrub plots represent distinct microhabitats that natal grass is unlikely to invade. Microhabitat sampling provides land-managers a non-intrusive technique to assess potential habitat suitability based non-native plant preferences before a costly invasion occurs.
Mechanism of acetylene oxidation on the Pt(111) surface using in situ fluorescence yield near-edge spectroscopy

Abstract In situ studies of acetylene oxidation on Pt(111) have been performed with both fluorescence yield near-edge spectroscopy (FYNES) and temperature-programmed FYNES (TP-FYNES) for temperatures up to 600 K and flowing oxygen pressures up to 0.009 Torr. Low-temperature spectroscopic (FYNES) results indicate that at 150 K acetylene adsorbs with the C C backbone tilted slightly up from the Pt(111) surface, consistent with the formation of an η 2 - μ 3 -CCH 2 surface intermediate. When acetylene is preadsorbed on the Pt(111) surface, forming the η 2 - μ 3 -CCH 2 intermediate, oxidation occurs in a single step over the 330–420 K temperature range. In the presence of excess oxygen, little effect on the rate of oxidation is seen when the oxygen pressure is increased, as observed previously for oxidation of adsorbed propyne on the Pt(111) surface. Comparison between the intensity of the C H σ ∗ resonance and the intensity in the carbon continuum clearly shows that the adsorbed hydrocarbon intermediate maintains a 1:1 C H stoichiometry throughout oxidation, suggesting that oxydehydrogenation and skeletal oxidation occur simultaneously above 330 K. Identical reaction temperature profiles observed for (1) reaction of coadsorbed acetylene and atomic oxygen, and (2) reaction of acetylene and oxygen from the gas phase signify that in both cases a direct, bimolecular surface reaction mechanism occurs during oxidation. For the catalytic studies, a large temperature hysteresis, which is associated with inhibition of oxygen adsorption by acetylene, is observed during thermal cycling. Detailed isothermal kinetic studies performed in flowing oxygen pressures indicate that the apparent activation energy for oxidation is 20.3 ± 2.0 kcal / mol with a pre-exponential factor of 10 10.3 ± 1.0 s −1 . Taken together, these results clearly indicate that surface properties and reactant properties both play major roles in controlling oxidation reactions over an extended range of reaction conditions.
[Comment on “The case for protons powering solar flares”] The case for electron dominance in solar flare energy transport

“Facts are stubborn things,” A. R. Lesage (1668–1747), once said. The accompanying article claims that “the crux of the argument is one of global energetics,” in other words that the existence of an energy content in protons comparable to that in electrons is enough to uproot the time-honored notion that electrons are the principal mediator of energy transport during solar flares. However, simply having a large enough reservoir of energy in high-energy particles is not sufficient; one must also make sure that this energy is distributed amongst the high-energy particles in a manner that accounts for the intense hard X ray bursts that are such a ubiquitous signature of the impulsive phase of flares. Further, the energy must be deposited at the right place to account for a host of other observable signatures, such as the dramatic increase in the amount of 107K plasma that characterizes the main phase of the flare. Only deka-keV electrons and ˜MeV protons satisfy the energy deposition requirements and, while such electrons naturally account for the impulsive-phase hard X ray burst, MeV protons do not.
Development of reflectance-based crop coefficients for corn

ABSTRACT Concurrent measurements of reflected canopy radia-tion and the basal crop coefficient (K^b) for corn were conducted throughout a season in order to develop a reflectance-based crop coefficient model. Reflectance was measured in Landsat Thematic Mapper bands TM3 (0.63 - 0.69 um) and TM4 (0.76 - 0.90 um) and used in the calculation of a vegetation index called the normalized difference (ND). A linear transformation of the ND was used as the reflectance-based crop coefficient (Kcr). The transformation equates the ND for dry bare soil and the ND at effective cover, to the basal crop coefficient for dry soil evaporation and at effective cover, respectively. Basal crop coefficient values for com were obtained from daily evapotranspiration measurements of corn and alfalfa, using hydraulic weighing lysimeters. The Richards growth curve function was fitted to both sets of data. The K^b values were determined to be within -2.6% and 4.7% of the K^^ values. The date of effective cover obtained from the K^b data was within four days of the date on which the ND curve reached its maxima according to the Richards function. A comparison of the Kcr with basal crop curves from the literature for several years of data indicated good agreement. Reflectance-based crop coefficients are sensitive to periods of slow and fast growth induced by weather conditions, resulting in a real time coefficient, independent from the traditional time base parameters based on the day of planting and effective cover.
Opportunities to participate: Extracurricular activities’ distribution across and academic correlates in high schools

Abstract Studies suggest that students who participate in extracurricular activities benefit in a number of ways. However, schools provide different opportunities to participate in these activities. Using information from high school yearbooks and administrative data on students and schools in North Carolina, we examine whether school characteristics influence the numbers and types of extracurricular activities available, whether schools providing more and diverse activities have higher participation rates, and whether these schools have better academic outcomes. We find that school size and poverty levels significantly influence the number and types of activities available, with larger schools and those schools with more affluent student bodies offering more activities. In addition, schools with more activities available tend to have higher participation rates. Opportunities to participate are associated with positive academic outcomes for the school, even when controlling for school resources. For some—but not all—activities, student participation rates mediate the relationship between activity availability and the school’s academic profile. For benefits to be present, schools must provide these resources, and students must invest in them.
Tomographic Analysis of Reactive Flow Induced Pore Structure Changes in Column Experiments

Abstract We utilize synchrotron X-ray computed micro-tomography to capture and quantify snapshots in time of dissolution and secondary precipitation in the microstructure of Hanford sediments exposed to simulated caustic waste in flow-column experiments. The experiment is complicated somewhat as logistics dictated that the column spent significant amounts of time in a sealed state (acting as a batch reactor). Changes accompanying a net reduction in porosity of 4% were quantified including: (1) a 25% net decrease in pores resulting from a 38% loss in the number of pores 10 - 4 mm 3 in volume and a 13% increase in the number of pores of larger size; and (2) a 38% decrease in the number of throats. The loss of throats resulted in decreased coordination number for pores of all sizes and significant reduction in the number of pore pathways.
Protocol for outpatient screening and initiation of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy: impact on cost and quality.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a screening protocol in identifying subjects who would initiate continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continue the therapy for at least 2 1/2 years. Methods One hundred four subjects were recruited to participate in a screening protocol involving a mock trial of insulin pump use. Participants who initiated CSII were followed for 2 1/2 years; those deemed ill suited for CSII used multiple insulin injections. Discontinuation rates, quality of life, and costs were evaluated for subjects using CSII. Baseline and quarterly hemoglobin A1C (A1C) were measured and compared. Results The screening protocol identified 37 subjects (35.6%) who were unsuited for CSII. Subjects who initiated CSII reported enhanced quality of life and exhibited a low discontinuation rate (3.3%). No safety issues were encountered. Screening, CSII initiation, and follow-up were accomplished at lower costs per subject ($2431.50) than those reported in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) ($8265.00). A1C was significantly lower over time for subjects receiving CSII compared with those receiving multiple injections. Conclusions A structured screening protocol with trial pump use was effective in identifying individuals who would initiate CSII and continue the therapy for at least 2 1/2 years.
The quark fraction of the proton spin

We report on a lattice QCD estimate of the fraction of the proton spin that the quark spin is responsible for. The estimate is arrived at by means of a lattice QCD simulation of the polarized proton matrix element of the anomaly, FμνFμν. The preliminary result of the simulation is that this fraction is rather small. This is in accord with the interpretation of the EMC experiment that the quark spins are responsible for very little, if any, of the proton spin.
Effect of resistive training on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in male adolescents

We studied fourteen 14 to 17-year old male adolescents before and after a9-week resistive exercise program and compared the changes in lipid and lipoprotein profiles with those in 14 non-exercising control subjects. Studies included determination of weight, body mass index (weight for height 2 ), percent body fat, blood pressure and resting heart rate, maximum heart rate and maximum oxygen consumption, and plasma lipids and lipoproteins. No significant differences were present between the two groups before training except that percent body fat was lower in the control subjects. After training, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the exercising subjects decreased from 120±15 to 95±13 mg/dL (P
Comparisons between MgH2-and LiH-containing systems for hydrogen storage applications

Abstract The present study compares the dehydrogenation kinetics of ( 2 LiNH 2 + MgH 2 ) and ( LiNH 2 + LiH ) systems and their vulnerabilities to the NH3 emission problem. The ( 2 LiNH 2 + MgH 2 ) and ( LiNH 2 + LiH ) mixtures with different degrees of mechanical activation are investigated in order to evaluate the effect of mechanical activation on the dehydrogenation kinetics and NH3 emission rate. The activation energy for dehydrogenation, the phase changes at different stages of dehydrogenation, and the level of NH3 emission during the dehydrogenation process are studied. It is found that the ( 2 LiNH 2 + MgH 2 ) mixture has a higher rate for hydrogen release, slower rate for approaching a certain percentage of its equilibrium pressure, higher activation energy, and more NH3 emission than the ( LiNH 2 + LiH ) mixture. On the basis of the phenomena observed, the reaction mechanism for the dehydrogenation of the ( 2 LiNH 2 + MgH 2 ) system has been proposed for the first time. Approaches for further improving the hydrogen storage behavior of the ( 2 LiNH 2 + MgH 2 ) system are discussed in light of the newly proposed reaction mechanism.
Language function after temporal lobectomy without stimulation mapping of cortical function

We studied 95 patients who underwent standard anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) without stimulation mapping of language areas, using neuropsychological parameters of language function preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively [Boston Naming Test and Verbal Fluency, and the Information, Comprehension, Arithmetic, Similarities, Digit Span, and Vocabulary subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)]. Verbal IQ (VIQ), Performance IQ (PIQ), Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ), and Verbal Deviation Quotient were also evaluated, as were parameters of memory function. All patients had hemisphere dominance for language assessed by an intracarotid amytal test. Fifty-three patients had a left dominant (LHDL) ATL with a mean extent of lateral resection of 4.8 cm, and 10 had a left ATL with right or mixed hemisphere dominance (RHDL, MDL). Thirty-two patients had a right nondominant ATL. Seizure outcome was 57 and 59% seizure-free for LHDH and right nondominant group, respectively, 1 year after operation. Comparison of preoperative scores showed the LHDL group to have significantly lower scores than the right nondominant group for several parameters of language function and memory. The group undergoing left dominant ATL showed no significant loss of language function postoperatively and actually showed gains in many parameters. Standard ATL without stimulation mapping of language areas and with conservative lateral resection is safe for long-term language function. In addition, evidence shows preexisting language dysfunction in patients undergoing left dominant ATL.
ICT education for development — a case study

Abstract “Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D)” is a general term that is used to define the applications of ICTs for the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. In other words, the ICT4D is applying information technologies for poverty reduction purposes. Today the concept is far more evolved from when it started just as the ICT industry. Especially along with the Internet now the possibilities for collaboration have significantly increased. Since information and communication technologies will be shaping the future, the jobs acquired in the ICT industry will be even more valid. On the other hand while the need for professionals is increasing, the number of well trained professionals is not accumulating with the same acceleration rate, due to the high costs and accessibility problems. This paper focuses on a unique and successful project called SPARK (Youth Movement in Informatics). SPARK is a partnership of UNDP, Cisco and Youth for Habitat Association. This project aims to improve the level of information technology expertise among youth using the Cisco NetAcad e-learning platform, while simultaneously encouraging volunteerism. Moreover, SPARK aims to support young people to develop their social capacities and helps them participate in the new information-based global economy through the peer education model on advanced information technology and networking skills. Through the case of SPARK, this paper also emphasizes the importance of the ICT education for development and poverty reduction and illustrates the impact it makes on people’s lives.
Random Baxter-Wu model: Duality relations and the replica method

Abstract Replica partition function for quenched bond disorder in a Baxter-Wu system is investigated. Its duality relations are obtained which yield exact values for the percolation concentration p c . Arguments used by Domany and others for the bond-random Ising model are extended and refined and T c ( p ) near p c is calculated. Exact results for the equiconcentration case with arbitrary (positive) bonds J A and J B are also obtained. Finally, the possibility of a Baxter-Wu spin-glass is mooted and a qualitative estimate for its location is given.
Studies of the antigenic properties of sheep kidney Na+,K+-ATPase

Abstract Antibodies raised to the membrane Na + ,K + -activated ATPase isolated from sheep kidney medulla were found to inhibit 60–70% of the ATPase hydrolytic activity, 30–40% of the K + -dependent p -nitrophenyl phosphatase activity, and to either inhibit or stimulate [ 3 H]ouabain binding to the enzyme depending upon the ligands in the incubation media. A surface adsorption assay was used to detect the formation of antigen-antibody complexes with the immunizing antigen and with the lipids and the purified catalytic, glycoprotein, and proteolipid components of the enzyme. The lipid components are not antigenic; but the isolated, delipidated, and inactive catalytic and glycoprotein subunits are highly reactive with the holoenzyme-directed antibodies. The purified proteolipid, also, binds holoenzyme antibodies, however, at a reduced level and affinity (25%). Interestingly, the titers for the holoenzyme and the catalytic subunit are similar. In contrast, in “early” bleedings the antisera titer for the glycoprotein subunit is only 30% of that of the holoenzyme but in “late” bleedings it increases to about 60%. Competition binding studies provide the first direct evidence that the holoenzyme-directed antibodies are largely directed against native enzyme conformations which are retained by the isolated subunits and that 96 and 50–60% of the antibodies which bind to the isolated catalytic and glycoprotein subunits, respectively, also bind to the active enzyme. The proteolipid has now been demonstrated to be an antigenically active component of the purified enzyme but the extent to which complete recognition of its antigenic sites may depend upon conformational structures imposed by the ATPase complex is not known.
Some Additions to: A Method for Bounded Variable Linear Programs Using One Upper Bound Constraint Only

This note contains some additions to my earlier published paper: A method for bounded variable linear programs using one upper bound constraint only.
Strain, Emotion, and Suicide Among American Indian Youth

In this article, we test the utility of Agnew's general strain theory to explain suicidal behaviors among American Indian youth. Data from 721 American Indian adolescents from the Midwest and Canada were collected in partnership with participating reservations/reserves and a research team. We investigate the effects of strains/stressors on suicide, including tests of mediating effects of negative emotions on relationships between stressors and suicidality. We found that several strains/stressors were related to suicidality, including coercive parenting, caretaker rejection, negative school attitudes, and perceived discrimination. We also found that depressive symptoms and anger mediated the effects of several key predictors of suicidality. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of our work for the general strain theory and for American Indian suicide in general.
Determination of the standard enthalpy of formation of Cu3P by direct-combination drop calorimetry

Abstract We determined Δ f H m XXX (Cu 3 P, cr, 298 K) using direct-synthesis drop calorimetry. We measured Δ r H m , which is the enthalpy of the reaction 3Cu(cr)+P(red, am) → Cu 3 P(cr) at T =(298±1) K. Our result for Δ r H m is (−39.7±2.1) kJ mol −1 . Correcting for Δ f H m XXX (P, red, am, 298 K) yields a value for Δ f H m XXX (Cu 3 P, cr, 298 K) of (−34.8±3.4) kJ mol −1 , where the reference state of phosphorus is P(black, orthorhombic).
Deep Signatures of Southern Tropical Indian Ocean Annual Rossby Waves

AbstractThe southern tropical Indian Ocean contains a striking forced annual Rossby wave studied previously using satellite altimeter sea surface height data, surface wind fields, expendable bathythermograph ocean temperature data, and models. Here, the deep reach of this wave and its velocity are analyzed using density–depth profiles and 1000-dbar horizontal drift data from Argo. Significant annual cycles in isopycnal vertical displacements and zonal velocity persist to the deepest pressures to which Argo data can be mapped reliably in the region, 1600–1900 dbar. Phase propagation of the annual cycle of the directly measured zonal velocities at 1000 dbar suggests a zonal wavelength of about 6000 km—about the length of the deep basin in which the wave is found—and a westward phase speed of ~0.2 m s−1. Apparent upward phase propagation in isopycnal vertical displacements suggests energy propagation downward into the abyss. This pattern is clearer when accounting for both the potential and kinetic energy of...
Mapping Tollywood: The Cultural Geography of “Ramoji Film City” in Hyderabad

Given the dominance of Hollywood productions in the global media industry, academic and journalistic debates over the rapid increase in transnational flows of television and film have emphasized th...
MC-PHS: A Monte Carlo Implementation of the Primary Hydration Shell for Protein Folding and Design

A primary hydration shell (PHS) approach is developed for Monte Carlo simulations of conformationally rich macromolecular systems in an environment that efficiently captures principal solvation effects. It has been previously demonstrated that molecular dynamics using PHS is an efficient method to study peptide structure and dynamics in aqueous solution. Here, we extend the PHS approach to Monte Carlo simulations, whereby a stable shell of water molecules is maintained with a flexible, nonspherical, half-harmonic potential, tuned to maintain a constant restraining energy, with the difference between the restraint and shell energies used to dynamically adjust the shell radius. Examination of the shell and system size dependence of the restraining potential reveals its robustness. Moreover, its suitability for biomolecular simulations is evaluated using small spheres of water, hydration properties of small biological molecules, and configurational sampling of β-hairpin pentapeptide YPGDV. This method, termed MC-PHS, appears to provide efficient representation of dominant solvation effects and should prove useful in the study of protein folding and design.
Multicomponent FM demodulation of speech based on the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) phase

Speech is a signal which is produced as a combination of frication and a quasi periodic train of glottal pulses excites the vocal tract and causes it to resonate. Information is encoded on the signal as the vocal tract changes configuration, resulting in a rapid change of the resonant frequencies. We develop methods, based on differentiation of the short time Fourier transform (STFT) phase, which effectively demodulates the speech signal and produces accurate, high resolution time-frequency estimates of both the resonances and the signal excitation. The method effectively condenses the STFT surface along curves representing the instantaneous frequencies of the vocal tract resonances and the channel group delay function.
ACTH‐induced cortisol production in multiple sclerosis

We measured the total daily urinary cortisol produced by each of 8 patients with multiple sclerosis during intravenous therapy with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Results indicated marked daily variation from patient to patient as well as in the same patient, suggesting that ACTH infusions do not result in reliable, consistent, high-level production of cortisol. We attempted to express the quantity of cortisol produced as an equivalent amount of oral prednisone. This comparison is difficult to make; but, given certain assumptions, the figures suggest that 40 U or 80 U ACTH infusions do not elicit the quantities of steroid generally considered to be indicated for the therapy of major allergic, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases.
A first view of the structure of a type IA topoisomerase with bound DNA

The first crystal structure of a type IA topoisomerase with bound DNA has been solved. The structure of Escherichia coli topoisomerase III provides key insights regarding the catalytic mechanism and the conformational changes that accompany DNA binding, and enhances our understanding of how topoisomerases control DNA topology in the cell.
Back to Clausewitz

Hew Strachan, Clausewitz's On War, A Biography. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2007. Pp.194 and notes. $20.95/£14.09, HB. ISBN 0-871-13956-1. Antulio J. Echevarria II, Clausewitz and Contemporar...
Subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma with associated hemophagocytic syndrome and terminal leukemic transformation

Abstract We report a case of subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma that presented as recurrent subcutaneous nodules, pancytopenia, and fever. Histopathologic examination revealed a dense infiltrate of markedly atypical lymphoid cells localized to the panniculus. These cells were identified as T cells by immunohistochemistry. There was associated karyorrhexis and fat necrosis. Hemophagocytosis was present both in the panniculus and in the bone marrow, with no tumor evident outside the subcutaneous tissue. Despite chemotherapy in conjunction with an autologous bone marrow transplant, the patient died after metastases, including explosive leukemic transformation, developed. Review of the literature shows subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma to be a rare peripheral T-cell lymphoma, often mistaken initially as a benign panniculitis, that manifests an aggressive, fulminant presentation in approximately one half of the patients; the remainder transform into a high-grade malignancy after months to years. The hemophagocytic syndrome, thought to be a reactive T-cell process mediated by cytokines, is a frequent complication of this lymphoma and is responsible for its poor prognosis. Our patient uniquely demonstrated fatal leukemic transformation.
The susceptibility of house flies reared under various photoperiods to insecticide residues.

Tests were conducted to determine the relative susceptibility of the house fly, Musca domestica L., reared under 7 photoperiods to residues of DDT, endrin, and dieldrin. Flies reared under Light-Dark (LD) 14:10 photoperiod were the most consistent in susceptibility to film residues of each of the 3 insecticides. Those reared under LD 13:11 also were susceptible to endrin residues. Flies reared under LD 15:9 were the least susceptible to DDT and dieldrin.
Stereochemical Theory of Olfaction

FULLMAN (preceding communication) has raised the important question of how cases of partial anosmia can be fitted into my Stereochemical theory of olfaction1. Unfortunately, the question cannot be answered as succinctly as it can be posed, because I have no single comprehensive answer. Each chemical example of partial anosmia will probably need special consideration.
EFFECTS OF PRETRAINING PROCEDURES FOR CLIENTS IN COUNSELING

Two models for pretraining clients entering counseling were compared to a no-treatment control condition on dimensions of clients' self-exploration and the development of client-counselor relationship. Self-exploration was measured by the Carkhuff Helpee Self-exploration Scale and client-counselor relationship development was measured by the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory. Pretraining involved clients' listening to audiotape cassettes concerning problems, expectations, and responsibilities clients frequently encounter during the counseling process. The general pretraining tape was modeled after the Orne and Wender Anticipation Socialization process and the specific pretraining tape was made by the client-specific counselor. 29 subjects volunteered from students seeking help at a university counseling center. Specific and general pretraining equally facilitated the counseling process as measured by clients' self-exploration and counselors' perceptions of client-counselor relationships. This result ...
Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation with Incomplete, Over-complete, and Ancillary Data

Image labeling and parcellation are critical tasks for the assessment of volumetric and morphometric features in medical imaging data. The process of image labeling is inherently error prone as images are corrupted by noise and artifact. Even expert interpretations are subject to subjectivity and the precision of the individual raters. Hence, all labels must be considered imperfect with some degree of inherent variability. One may seek multiple independent assessments to both reduce this variability as well as quantify the degree of uncertainty. Existing techniques exploit maximum a posteriori statistics to combine data from multiple raters. A current limitation with these approaches is that they require each rater to generate a complete dataset, which is often impossible given both human foibles and the typical turnover rate of raters in a research or clinical environment. Herein, we propose a robust set of extensions that allow for missing data, account for repeated label sets, and utilize training/catch trial data. With these extensions, numerous raters can label small, overlapping portions of a large dataset, and rater heterogeneity can be robustly controlled while simultaneously estimating a single, reliable label set and characterizing uncertainty. The proposed approach enables parallel processing of labeling tasks and reduces the otherwise detrimental impact of rater unavailability.