cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The formation of poly(methyl-methacrylate) on transition metal-exchanged hectorite

Abstract Hectorite clay films exchanged with Cu 2+ or Fe 3+ react with methyl-methacrylate monomer in a solventless process to form poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA). Scanning force microscopy (SFM), electron spin resonance (ESR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are useful in studying the resulting clay/polymer composite. SFM shows that PMMA forms on the surface of both the Cu 2+ - and Fe 3+ -exchanged films. In addition, XRD shows PMMA formation in the interlayer region of the Fe 3+ -exchanged hectorite but not the interlayer region of Cu 2+ -exchanged hectorite. SFM shows that the morphology of the polymer formed on the film surface depends on: (1) the type of transition metal exchanged into the interlayer region. (2) The mode of delivery (vapor vs. liquid) of methyl-methacrylate monomer to the surface of the clay. PMMA does not form to a significant extent on or within Ca 2+ -exchanged hectorite, and ESR shows no evidence of free radical formation or reduction of the transition metals during any of the polymerization reactions. The results suggest the possibility of an unusual cationic polymerization of methyl-methacrylate to form PMMA with organic cations being stabilized by interaction with the silicate surface. The experimental results have implications for “solventless synthesis” of PMMA and other polymers.
The effect of topography on the determination of the geoid using analytical downward continuation

The method of analytical downward continuation has been used for solving Molodensky’s problem. This method can also be used to reduce the surface free air anomaly to the ellipsoid for the determination of the coefficients of the spherical harmonic expansion of the geopotential. In the reduction of airborne or satellite gradiometry data, if the sea level is chosen as reference surface, we will encounter the problem of the analytical downward continuation of the disturbing potential into the earth, too. The goal of this paper is to find out the topographic effect of solving Stoke’sboundary value problem (determination of the geoid) by using the method of analytical downward continuation.
Adaptation of spatial modulation transfer functions via nonlinear lateral inhibition

Adaptation, or change of shape of spatial modulation transfer functions (MTFs) on change of mean luminance level, occurs in visual interneurone and human psychophysical observations. Generally the bandwidth decreases and relative low frequency attenuation decreases as mean luminance decreases. Here it is shown how these changes in MTFs can be accounted for by nonlinear lateral inhibition based on spatial distributions of efficacy of voltage controlled synaptic conductance variation.
Effects of religious denomination on sex differences in occupational expectations

The degree of difference between men and women in occupational expectations and attitude toward careers for married women are related to the degree of discrimination against women in religious denominations. Occupational expectations are scored along the dimension of masculinity. Discrimination against women is indicated by extent and timing of the ordination of women within the denominations for which subjects indicated a preference. Data are a subselection of 12,018 cases from a national sample of 189,733 first-time full-time entering college freshmen. The difference between women and men in masculinity of occupational choice and agreement with the attitude “Activities of married women are best confined to the home and family” are positively related to denominational discrimination against women.
Effect of cooking time and temperature on the heterocyclic amine content of fried beef patties

Abstract The mutagenic heterocyclic amines 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5- b ]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (DiMeIQx) were measured in ground-beef patties fried at 150, 190 and 230°C for 2–10 min on each side. Heterocyclic amines were purified using solid-phase extraction and analysed by HPLC. Recovery-corrected amounts of each heterocyclic amine were determined by the method of standard addition based on spiked samples with recoveries ranging from 40 to 70%. Mutagenic activity measured by the Ames/Salmonella test was determined for each sample. The amounts of MeIQx, PhIP, DiMeIQx and IQ increased with time and temperature of cooking. 3-Amino-1,4-dimethyl-5 H -pyrido[4,3- b ]indole (Trp-P-1), 3-amino-1-methyl-5 H -pyrido[4,3- b ]indole (Trp-P-2) and 2-amino-9 H -pyrido[2,3- b ]indole (AαC) were not detected in any sample. The mutagenic activity response measured for the meat extracts (TA98 revertants) was similar to the mutagenic activity calculated from the mass of heterocyclic amines present. The rate of formation of PhIP in a model system containing creatinine and phenylalanine heated in 80% diethylene glycol was compared with PhIP formation during meat frying. The apparent heats of activation were 6.5 kcal/mol in the model system compared with 6.0 kcal/mol in the fried meat patties. The increase in PhIP and MeIQx formation fitted an exponential function over the range 0 to 11 min and from 150 to 230°C. This report shows clearly that increases in cooking temperature and time can have a profound effect on the amounts of heterocyclic amines generated and subsequently consumed in the diet.
Toward a clinical implementation of a noninvasive microwave imaging system for temperature monitoring

A laboratory scale multi-illumination microwave imaging system has been successfully demonstrated for the reconstruction of biologically relevant materials and has also been shown to be sensitive to thermally induced electrical property changes. Several challenges are currently being addressed in an effort to bring the system to the clinic for use in non-invasive thermometry. These include: (1) increasing the size of the imaging region, (2) reducing image artifacts due to the presence of multiple antennas during illumination, and (3) developing a solid illumination chamber to replace the saline bath tank. The first two are intimately related. As the imaging system size is increased to clinically useful dimensions, we must inevitably reduce the lossiness of the surrounding medium which will subsequently increase the antenna-antenna interactions. This is being addressed both in terms of the design of the individual antennas and in terms of introducing compensating techniques into the numerical model. Investigating these areas will provide insight into the ultimate capability of this imaging modality. Additionally, a solid material is being developed with electrical properties close to that of saline. Working in such a lossy medium has significant advantages in terms of the antenna performance and the reduction of unwanted multi- path signals propagating into and out of the desired imaging plane. With these tasks completed, quantification of the system's ability to recover electrical property distributions and thermal profiles based on difference imaging techniques will be investigated for both phantom and in vitro experiments.
Vertical structure and transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in Drake Passage from direct velocity observations

[1] The structure of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) in Drake Passage is examined using 4.5 years of shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) velocity data. The extended 1000 m depth range available from the 38 kHz ADCP allows us to investigate the vertical structure of the current. The mean observed current varies slowly with depth, while eddy kinetic energy and shear variance exhibit strong depth dependence. Objectively mapped streamlines are self‐similar with depth, consistent with an equivalent barotropic structure. Vertical wavenumber spectra of observed currents and current shear reveal intermediate wavenumber anisotropy and rotation indicative of downward energy propagation above 500 m and upward propagation below 500 m. The mean observed transport of the ACC in the upper 1000 m is estimated at 95 ± 2 Sv or 71% of the canonical total transport of 134 Sv. Mean current speeds in the ACC jets remain quite strong at 1000 m, 10–20 cm s −1 . Vertical structure functions to describe the current and extrapolate below 1000 m are explored with the aid of full‐depth profiles from lowered ADCP and a 3 year mean from the Southern Ocean State Estimate (SOSE). A number of functions, including an exponential, are nearly equally good fits to the observations, explaining >75% of the variance. Fits to an exponentially decaying function can be extrapolated to give an estimate of 154 ± 38 Sv for the full‐depth transport.
laxative phosphate poisoning: pharmacokinetics of serum phosphorus

Despite the frequency of acute poisoning in normal children by oral or rectal phosphosoda laxatives, the rate of clearance of the resultant high level of phosphorus and the rationale for therapy are defined incompletely. Pharmacokinetic analysis has been made of plasma inorganic phosphate (Pi) in an infant after ingestion of phosphosoda laxative and of data reported for four comparable poisonings in healthy infants to provide a nomogram which predicts the decline in Pi in paediatric phosphate poisoning. Clearance of Pi is exponential; it directly correlates with and approaches the glomerular filtration rate. After single oral or rectal overdoses, plasma Pi at diagnosis is 4-20 mmol/l and has a half-life of 5-11 h that appears independent of therapy. The time for plasma Pi to return to normal can be calculated from the initial Pi as t = (ln 5/Pi)/0.1292. Neuromuscular and cardiac abnormalities relate to the low serum calcium; the increase of total serum calcium during recovery from phosphate poisoning is linear but is accelerated by intravenous (i.v.) calcium salt. Continued i.v. calcium therapy may be required since restoration of plasma calcium is often delayed.
The first bromonicotinato-coordinated metal-organic polymer featuring covalent 2-D layer alternately sandwiched by 1-D intra-hydrogen bonding networks

Abstract A unique 2-D coordination network sandwiched by alternating 1-D intra-hydrogen bonding networks has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique and thermal analysis. [(H2O)Mn(BN)2] (BN = bromonicotinato) crystallized in monoclinic crystal system, space group P21/c with unit cell dimensions a=10.385(1), b=10.151(1) and c=7.156(1) A, β=98.119(1)°, Z=2.
Adaptive sampling of potential-field data: A direct approach to compressive inversion

ABSTRACTCompressive inversion uses computational algorithms that decrease the time and storage needs of a traditional inverse problem. Most compression approaches focus on the model domain, and very few, other than traditional downsampling focus on the data domain for potential-field applications. To further the compression in the data domain, a direct and practical approach to the adaptive downsampling of potential-field data for large inversion problems has been developed. The approach is formulated to significantly reduce the quantity of data in relatively smooth or quiet regions of the data set, while preserving the signal anomalies that contain the relevant target information. Two major benefits arise from this form of compressive inversion. First, because the approach compresses the problem in the data domain, it can be applied immediately without the addition of, or modification to, existing inversion software. Second, as most industry software use some form of model or sensitivity compression, the...
Racial heterogeneity and the effective number of candidates in majority runoff elections: Evidence from Louisiana

The majority runoff formula is employed by a multitude of countries to elect executives and legislators at the national and subnational levels. This study examines the impact of racial heterogeneity on the number of effective candidates in majority runoff elections employing data from Louisiana House of Representatives elections. This is the first district level test of the emerging theory that the effective number of candidates and parties in a polity is the product of an interactive relationship between electoral laws and social heterogeneity. Using a much larger data set with more reliable data and valid measures than previous studies, I find that the level of racial heterogeneity in the House districts does indeed have a significant positive impact on the effective number of candidates in the House elections.
Measurement of spin-exchange and relaxation parameters for polarizing Ne 21 with K and Rb

Hyperpolarized K-$^{3}\mathrm{He}$ comagnetometers have been used for tests of fundamental physics and inertial rotation sensing. These experiments will demonstrate increased sensitivity if the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas is replaced with $^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$. We measure the parameters necessary to realize implementation of an alkali-metal--$^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ comagnetometer for two promising alkali-metal species, Rb and K. The spin-exchange rate constant for K with $^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ and Rb with $^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ are measured using two different methods. We also make the first measurement of the K-$^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ contact spin interaction. Measurements for the Rb-$^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ contact spin interaction, as well as the spin-destruction coefficients for $^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ with both alkali-metal species are consistent with previous measurements. Additionally the quadrupolar spin-relaxation rate of $^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ is measured. Finally, the feasibility of utilizing polarized $^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$ for operation in a comagnetometer is discussed.
CPR during ischemia and reperfusion: a model for survival benefits.

Summary Objective Manual CPR improves the likelihood of neurologically intact survival following cardiac arrest. The mechanism of this benefit is not completely understood. We propose a mechanism whereby manual CPR simultaneously limits ischemia and specifically protects against reperfusion injury. We derive a conceptual framework that describes cell survival as it relates to the ischemic and reperfusion stages and CPR effects. Results Based on a synthesis of basic science and clinical information, we propose that the benefit of the subnormal circulation produced by manual CPR is multifaceted and specifically includes attenuating reperfusion injury by providing graded blood flow to the heart and brain. Although manual CPR produces reperfusion pathophysiology, the low flow from CPR limits reperfusion injury specifically through mechanisms of post-ischemic conditioning which include attenuating peak levels of oxidative substrate and activating pathways that protect against oxidative stress. Conclusions If such a hypothesis of post-ischemic conditioning is borne out, CPR may be considered a dose-sensitive therapy whereby certain physiologic states would be best served by different levels of circulation and hence distinct grades of CPR.
Combined Administration of Plasmids Encoding IL-4 and IL-10 Prevents the Development of Autoimmune Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice

Studies of animals with spontaneous autoimmune diabetes have revealed that autoreactive T cells that mediate islet beta-cell destruction belong to the Th1 subset (producing IL-2 and IFN-gamma), whereas regulatory T cells are Th2 type (producing IL-4 and IL-10). Here, we evaluate the effect of combined delivery of plasmid DNA encoding IL-4 and IL-10 using a degradable, cationic polymeric carrier, poly[gamma-(4-aminobutyl)-L-glycolic acid] (PAGA), in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. In the liver of NOD mice, we detected mouse Il4 and Il10 mRNA 5 days after intravenous injection of both PAGA-Il4 and PAGA-Il10 plasmid complexes. We found that 6 weeks after injection, 75% of observed islets were intact compared with less than 3% in the control group. Furthermore, in the treatment group, only 5% of the islets were severely infiltrated by the lymphocytes compared with over 30% in the control group. We measured glucose levels weekly up to the age of 32 weeks, revealing that co-injection of PAGA-Il4 and PAGA-Il10 plasmids prevented the development of diabetes in 75% of the treated animals. Thus, combined administration of mouse Il4 and Il10 plasmids prevents the development of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice.
Synchronization of nonlinear heterogeneous cooperative systems using input-output feedback linearization

In this paper, input-output feedback linearization is used to design distributed controls for multi-agent systems with nonlinear and heterogeneous non-identical dynamics. Using feedback linearization, the nonlinear and heterogeneous dynamics of agents are transformed to identical linear dynamics and non-identical internal dynamics. Based on the dependence of agent outputs on agent inputs, feedback linearization may lead to a first-order or high-order tracking synchronization problem. The controller for each agent is designed to be fully distributed such that each agent only requires its own information and the information of its neighbors. The effectiveness of the proposed control protocols are verified by simulation on a microgrid test system.
Evaluation of the Cepheid herpes simplex virus typing real-time PCR assay using dermal and genital specimens.

The Cepheid herpes simplex virus (HSV) (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) typing multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was evaluated for its ability to detect HSV in dermal and genital specimens stored in M5 media. Swab specimens (n = 114) for HSV testing were placed in M5 media and split between our laboratory and a highly experienced reference laboratory. Aliquots for testing with the Cepheid assay were processed using a simple boil-and-go procedure and then run in a SmartCycler® II (Cepheid). Aliquots tested at the reference laboratory were processed using a MagNA Pure LC DNA extractor (Roche Molecular Systems, Alameda, CA) and tested by the Roche HSV real-time PCR assay. Both laboratories detected 35 positives. Of the positive specimens, the Cepheid assay typed 16 as HSV 1 and 19 as HSV 2; the reference laboratory typed 15 as HSV 1, 19 as HSV 2, and 1 as HSV indeterminate. Our results demonstrate that the Cepheid real-time PCR assay, using specimens subjected to minimal specimen processing, performed as well as the Roche real-time PCR assay, using DNA extracts, for the detection of HSV DNA in genital and dermal specimens.
Valvular heart operation in patients with previous mediastinal radiation therapy.

Abstract Background . The outcome of valvular heart operations in patients with previous mediastinal radiation therapy was studied. Methods . This is a single center retrospective study of 60 patients (37 females, 23 males) with a mean age of 62 ± 15 years (28 to 88 years old) operated on from January 1976 to December 1998. Valvular heart operations performed included aortic valve replacements (n = 26), mitral valve procedures (n = 16), tricuspid valve procedures (n = 6), and multiple valve procedures (n = 12). A total of 264 clinical, hemodynamic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic variables were analyzed. Results . Total follow-up was 199 patient-years with a mean of 3.3 ± 3.1 years and a range of 0 to 12.4 years old. Early mortality was 7 patients (12%). Early mortality in patients with constrictive pericarditis was 40% (4 of 10) compared with 6% (3 of 50) in patients without constrictive pericarditis. By univariate analysis, early mortality was associated with constrictive pericarditis ( p = 0.011), reduced preoperative ejection fraction ( p = 0.015), and longer cardiopulmonary bypass times ( p = 0.037). A total of 14 patients (23%) required permanent pacemaker placement before (n = 7), during (n = 1), or early (n = 6) after valvular heart operations. There were 19 late deaths (malignancies, 7; heart failures, 5; other cardiac, 4; and other noncardiac, 3). Overall survival and freedom from late cardiac death and cardiac reoperation at 5 years for hospital survivors were 66% ± 8%, 82% ± 7%, and 93% ± 4%, respectively. By univariate analysis, late cardiac death was associated with low ejection fraction ( p = 0.002), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV ( p = 0.004), preoperative congestive heart failure ( p = 0.02), and preoperative atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.038). Eighty-five percent of the discharged patients were in NYHA functional class I or II at follow-up. Conclusions . Early results of valve replacement after mediastinal radiation therapy were good except in the presence of constrictive pericarditis. Long-term outcome was limited by malignancy and heart failure. Early surgical intervention is recommended before the development of risk factors for late death, namely, severe symptoms, left ventricular dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation.
AN ALGEBRAIC COMPUTATION OF WEIGHTS FOR THURSTONE'S ANALYTIC ROTATION METHOD

Thurscone (1954) proposed a single-plane analytic method of factor rotation in which each coordinate hyperplane is determined separacely. The solution requires an arbitrary weighting system, and che trial veccors used to approximate the coordinates of the normals to the desired hyperplanes are not obtained analytically; trial vectors are chosen from marker variables in the factor macrix or according to some hypothesis. However, once the weighting system has been chosen and the uial vectors selected (one trial vector for each factor to be rotated) the solution is complecely analytical. The criterion function of rotation was set up so char each attribute vector receives a weight which is determined solely by rhe size of che projeccion of that attribute on the crial vector. The weighcs are whole numbers ranging from 0 . . . 6 and are related to the projection by an arbitrary step funccion so as to emphasize the zero or near zero projections. The selection of adequate firsc approximarions to the desired transformation veccors is quite important in this mechod. Thurstone recommended raking normalized attribute vectors from the unrorated factor macrix. He stated that these trial vectors should represent attributes having both relatively high and relatively low correlations in their respective columns of the correlation matrix; however, his analytic rotational method does not include a procedure for the selection of these attributes. This must be done by E. In essence then, Thurstone's method of rotacion falls berween a complete hypothesis mechod and a method which is entirely analytical. An hypothesis mechod requires an escimate of the location of each large or significant loading and also each small or near-zero loading in the rotated matrix. On the other hand, in Thurstone's method only as many trial vectors have to be selected as there arc factors. Attempts have been made to obtain trial vectors analytically. For example, Cureton (1958) defined a trial vector from the relationship CI = hl- 2 R, where R' is the mean absolute value of che m numerically lowest correlations in column i of the correlation matrix, m is the number of factors, and hi is che square root of the communality. The firsc trial veccor selecred is the one for which Ci is algebraically highest; for each succeeding factor the selection is made on the arcribuce for which Ci is algebraically highest after elimination of all those having high loadings on any previously rocated factor. In any case, once a trial vector is selecred, che procedure is designed to find the mean principal axis for a whole set of weighted attribute vectors making up
Chronic prenatal nicotine exposure sensitizes rat brain to acute postnatal nicotine challenge as assessed with ornithine decarboxylase

Abstract Prenatal exposure to nicotine has been shown to produce postnatal up-regulation of central nervous system nicotinic receptors and to alter subsequent differentiation of neural tissues. In the current study, pregnant rats received nicotine infusions of 6 mg/kg/day throughout gestation, administered by osmotic minipump implants; the postnatal development of cholinergic receptor reactivity was examined through measurements of the ability of acute nicotine administration to stimulate midbrain + brainstem ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, a key regulatory enzyme in neural cell differentiation and growth. In control rats, the ODC response to nicotine was absent at birth and developed during the second postnatal week in parallel with the known ontogenetic rise of nicotinic receptors. Offspring of the nicotine-infused dams exhibited hyper-reactivity of ODC to postnatal acute nicotine challenge: the response developed earlier than in controls and subsequently the magnitude of the effect was 2–3 times greater. Since the development of cholinergic transmission influences differentiation of target cells, alterations in cholinergic nicotinic receptor mediated responses likely explain the delayed appearance of abnormal cell differentiation associated with prenatal nicotine.
Two-Phase Calorimetry. II. Studies on the Thermodynamics of Cesium and Strontium Extraction by Mixtures of H+CCD− and PEG-400 in FS-13

Abstract Thermochemical characterization of the partitioning of cesium and strontium from nitric acid solutions into mixtures of the acid form of chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide (H+CCD−) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) in FS-13 diluent has been completed using isothermal titration microcalorimetry and radiotracer distribution methods. The phase transfer reaction for Cs+ is a straightforward (H+ for Cs+) cation exchange reaction. In contrast, the extraction of Sr2+ does not proceed in the absence of the co-solvent molecule PEG-400. This molecule is believed to facilitate the dehydration of the Sr2+ aquo cation to overcome its resistance to partitioning. The phase transfer reactions for both Cs+ and Sr2+ are enthalpy driven (exothermic), but partially compensated by an unfavorable entropy. The results of the calorimetry studies suggest that the PEG-400 functions as a stoichiometric phase transfer reagent rather than acting simply as a phase transfer catalyst or phase modifier. The calorimetry results also...
Analysis of high-field RF coils using the method of lines

The method of lines is described as a novel and powerful way to analyze radio frequency (RF) coils for high-field magnetic resonance imaging. Originally developed for optical and microwave circuits, this method enables a full-wave solution to Maxwell's field equations without the computational burden of pure finite element or finite difference methods. Because only two of the three geometric dimensions are discretized, while seeking an analytic solution in the remaining space dimension, an efficient solution can be obtained at reasonable geometric restrictions. After outlining the theoretical formulation and the computer implementation of this technique, we will apply it to the modeling of microstrip RF transverse electromagnetic resonator coils at 200 and 400 MHz as well as a high-pass shielded birdcage resonator and a single-loop surface coil. With single-frequency solutions obtainable within 5-10 s on a personal computer, the approach proves highly suitable as a design tool and for rapid prototyping.
Phosphorylation of the myosin phosphatase targeting subunit and CPI-17 during Ca2+ sensitization in rabbit smooth muscle.

Myosin phosphatase (MLCP) plays a critical regulatory role in the Ca2+ sensitivity of myosin phosphorylation and smooth muscle contraction. It has been suggested that phosphorylation at Thr695 of the MLCP regulatory subunit (MYPT1) and at Thr38 of the MLCP inhibitor protein CPI-17 results in inhibition of MLCP activity. We have previously demonstrated that CPI-17 Thr38 phosphorylation plays an important role in G-protein-mediated inhibition of MLCP in tonic arterial smooth muscle. Here, we attempted to evaluate the function of MYPT1 in phasic rabbit portal vein (PV) and vas deferens (VD) smooth muscles. Using site- and phospho-specific antibodies, phosphorylation of MYPT1 Thr695 and CPI-17 Thr38 was examined along with MYPT1 Thr850, which is a non-inhibitory Rho-kinase site. We found that both CPI-17 Thr38 and MYPT1 Thr850 were phosphorylated in response to agonists or GTPγS concurrently with contraction and myosin phosphorylation in α-toxin-permeabilized PV tissues. In contrast, phosphorylation of MYPT1 Thr695 did not increase. Comparable results were also obtained in both permeabilized and intact VD. The Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X suppressed phosphorylation of MYPT1 Thr850 and CPI-17 Thr38, respectively, in intact VD while MYPT1 Thr695 phosphorylation was insensitive to both inhibitors. These results indicate that phosphorylation of MYPT1 Thr695 is independent of stimulation of G-proteins, Rho-kinase or PKC. In the phasic PV, phosphorylation of CPI-17 Thr38 may contribute towards inhibition of MLCP while the phasic visceral VD, which has a low CPI-17 concentration, probably utilizes other Ca2+ sensitizing mechanisms for inhibiting MLCP besides phosphorylation of MYPT1 and CPI-17.
Why is Canada's Price Level so Predictable?

One of the pioneers of inflation targeting (IT), the Bank of Canada is now considering a possibility of switching to price-level-path targeting (PLPT), where past deviations of inflation from the target would have to be offset in the future, bringing the price level back to a predetermined path. This paper draws attention to the fact that the price level in Canada has strayed little from the path implied by the two percent inflation target since its introduction in December 1994, and has tended to revert to that path after temporary deviations. Econometric analysis using Bayesian estimation suggests that a low probability can be assigned to explaining this behavior by sheer luck manifesting itself in mutually offsetting shocks. Much more plausible is the assumption that inflation expectations and interest rates are determined in a way that is consistent with an element of PLPT. This suggests that the difference between IT as it is actually practiced (or perceived) and PLPT may be less stark than what pure theoretical constructs posit, and that the transition to a full fledged PLPT regime will likely be considerably easier than what was previously thought. The paper also shows that inflation expectations are a major driver of actual inflation in Canada, which makes it easier to keep inflation close to the target without large output costs.
Effects of computer-assisted explicit instruction on map-reading skills for students with autism

Abstract Educational reform for students with disabilities, including autism, has a history of focusing solely on the content areas of reading, mathematics, and science. To date, few empirical studies examining social studies have been published. This study investigated the effects of a computer-assisted explicit instruction package to teach map-reading skills to three elementary school students with autism. A multiple probe across participants design was used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention package. While results did not show a functional relationship, all three students’ data indicated a change in level and two students’ data showed a change in trend. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
9.4.1 Risk Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

This paper presents a common industry approach to risk analysis, points out problems and pitfalls with it, and suggests ways to ameliorate them. Then it summarizes the main risks associated with incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into an existing commercial electric power grid. Finally, the paper explains the reason for frequency and severity normalization, presents the results of a sensitivity analysis and shows some possible unintended consequences of incorporating solar PV systems.
Analysis of sphingosine kinase activity in single natural killer cells from peripheral blood

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid second messenger formed upon phosphorylation of sphingosine by sphingosine kinase (SK), plays a crucial role in natural killer (NK) cell proliferation, migration, and cytotoxicity. Dysregulation of the S1P pathway has been linked to a number of immune system disorders and therapeutic manipulation of the pathway has been proposed as a method of disease intervention. However, peripheral blood NK cells, as identified by surface markers (CD56+CD45+CD3−CD16) consist of a highly diverse population with distinct phenotypes and functions and it is unknown whether the S1P pathway is similarly diverse across peripheral blood NK cells. In this work, we measured the phosphorylation of sphingosine–fluorescein (SF) and subsequent metabolism of S1P fluorescein (S1PF) to form hexadecanoic acid fluorescein (HAF) in 111 single NK cells obtained from the peripheral blood of four healthy human subjects. The percentage of SF converted to S1PF or HAF was highly variable amongst the cells ranging from 0% to 100% (S1PF) and 0% to 97% (HAF). Subpopulations of cells with varying levels of S1PF formation and metabolism were readily identified. Across all subjects, the average percentage of SF converted to S1PF or HAF was 37 ± 36% and 12 ± 19%, respectively. NK cell metabolism of SF by the different subjects was also distinct with hierarchical clustering suggesting two possible phenotypes: low ( 50%) producers of S1PF. The heterogeneity of SK and downstream enzyme activity in NK cells may enable NK cells to respond effectively to a diverse array of pathogens as well as incipient tumor cells. NK cells from two subjects were also loaded with S1PF to assess the activity of S1P phosphatase (S1PP), which converts S1P to sphingosine. No NK cells (n = 41) formed sphingosine, suggesting that S1PP was minimally active in peripheral blood NK cells. In contrast to the SK activity, S1PP activity was homogeneous across the peripheral blood NK cells, suggesting a bias in the SK pathway towards proliferation and migration, activities supported by S1P.
The NPC-Transporter, A Ghost in the Machine

Yeast FG nucleoporins are intrinsically disordered proteins that contain cohesive molten globular regions and repulsive extended-coil regions. When placed along the central axis of the NPC, FG nups may self-assemble to create a novel transport channel that provides a series of docking sites for karyopherin-cargo complexes (Yamada et al., 2010).
SAMPLE SIZE CALCULATION FOR A PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY

Sample size calculation is vital for a confirmatory clinical trial since the regulatory agencies require the probability of making Type I error to be significantly small, usually less than 0.05 or 0.025. However, the importance of the sample size calculation for studies conducted by a pharmaceutical company for internal decision making, e.g., a proof of concept (PoC) study, has not received enough attention. This article introduces a Bayesian method that identifies the information required for planning a PoC and the process of sample size calculation. The results will be presented in terms of the relationships between the regulatory requirements, the probability of reaching the regulatory requirements, the goalpost for PoC, and the sample size used for PoC.
4DoF drift free navigation using inertial cues and optical flow

In this paper, we describe a novel approach in fusing optical flow with inertial cues (3D acceleration and 3D angular velocities) in order to navigate a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) drift free in 4DoF and metric velocity. Our approach only requires two consecutive images with a minimum of three feature matches. It does not require any (point) map nor any type of feature history. Thus it is an inherently failsafe approach that is immune to map and feature-track failures. With these minimal requirements we show in real experiments that the system is able to navigate drift free in all angles including yaw, in one metric position axis, and in 3D metric velocity. Furthermore, it is a power-on-and-go system able to online self-calibrate the inertial biases, the visual scale and the full 6DoF extrinsic transformation parameters between camera and IMU.
Decoding position, velocity, or goal: does it matter for brain-machine interfaces?

Arm end-point position, end-point velocity, and the intended final location or 'goal' of a reach have all been decoded from cortical signals for use in brain–machine interface (BMI) applications. These different aspects of arm movement can be decoded from the brain and used directly to control the position, velocity, or movement goal of a device. However, these decoded parameters can also be remapped to control different aspects of movement, such as using the decoded position of the hand to control the velocity of a device. People easily learn to use the position of a joystick to control the velocity of an object in a videogame. Similarly, in BMI systems, the position, velocity, or goal of a movement could be decoded from the brain and remapped to control some other aspect of device movement. This study evaluates how easily people make transformations between position, velocity, and reach goal in BMI systems. It also evaluates how different amounts of decoding error impact on device control with and without these transformations. Results suggest some remapping options can significantly improve BMI control. This study provides guidance on what remapping options to use when various amounts of decoding error are present.
Effects of apolipoprotein E genotype on dietary-induced changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in obese postmenopausal women.

Lipid responses to a dietary intervention are highly variable between individuals. Part of this variation may be accounted for by individual differences in lipid-regulating genes that interact with diet to induce changes in lipoprotein metabolism. This study determined whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype affects lipid responses to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet in obese, postmenopausal women. Body weight and lipoprotein lipid responses to a 10-week, dietary intervention (American Heart Association [AHA] Step I) were compared in 61 women with the APOE 2/3 and APOE 3/3 genotype (APOE4-) and 18 women with the APOE 3/4 genotype (APOE4+) of a similar age, body composition, and maximal aerobic capacity. Body weight decreased by 2% in both groups, but changes in body weight correlated only with changes in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (r =.27, P <.05). The dietary intervention decreased total cholesterol and LDL-C to a similar degree in both genotype groups. However, APOE4- women decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) by 17% +/- 11% and increased triglycerides by 20% +/- 41% in response to the diet, while APOE4+ women had a smaller decrease in HDL-C (-8% +/- 12%) and no change in plasma triglyceride. These group differences were significant for HDL-C (P <.01) and approached significance for triglycerides (P =.08). Moreover, APOE4- women decreased HDL(2)-C by 32% +/- 45%, while APOE4+ women increased HDL(2)-C by 12% +/- 62% (P <.01 between groups). It may be prudent to genotype older women before initiating low-fat diet therapy, as those with the APOE4 allele benefit the most, while the lipid profile could worsen in women without the APOE4 allele.
ALTERATIONS IN CELL CYCLE REGULATION IN MOUSE SKIN TUMORS

The connection between cell cycle and cancer has become obvious in as much as it is considered that dysregulated cellular proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. In many studies, the dysregulation of the cyclin-cdk-cki network has been reported in experimental animal and human tumors, but to our knowledge a complete profile of alterations in regulatory molecules in any tumor model system is lacking. In this study, we assessed the expression of various cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases, and cyclin kinase inhibitors in chemically induced squamous papillomas in SENCAR mouse skin. Western blot analysis data showed a significant upregulation of cyclins (31, 6, 19, and 12 folds elevation for cyclin-D1, D2, E, and A, respectively) in tumors compared to the normal skin. The protein expression of the cdk (1, 2, and 4) was also found to be elevated in tumors compared to normal skin (33 fold for cdk1, 14 fold for cdk2, and 9 fold for cdk4). In tumors, compared to the normal skin, a significant increase in the level of protein expression of p27 and p57 (4 and 3 fold, respectively) was evident. In normal skin, p16 and p21 were not detectable but significant expression of these proteins was detected in tumors. Taken together, these data provide evidence that cell cycle deregulation in G1-phase is a critical event during the course of two stage skin carcinogenesis. This may have relevance to epithelial cancers in general.
Relaxed-lattice model of isolated and paired isoelectronic traps in GaP

A simple model of isolated and paired isoelectronic substitutional traps in GaP is presented that successfully explains the anomalous monotonic-in-n ordering of the nth nearest-neighbor (NN${)}_{\mathit{n}}$-pair levels, with pair energies that vary as the inverse cube of the N-N separation. The model is a multiband deep-level theory that includes the effects of lattice relaxation around the impurities. It is predicted that (Bi,Bi${)}_{\mathit{n}}$ pairs will not exhibit the monotonic-in-n ordering of ${\mathrm{NN}}_{\mathit{n}}$ pairs, that (Bi,Bi${)}_{1}$ and (Bi,Bi${)}_{2}$ will be resonant with the valence band, and that hydrostatic pressure can drive the Bi trap into the valence band.
Solid-Phase Extraction and Capillary Gas Chromatographic Determination of Triazine Herbicides in Water

Abstract A facile and efficient method is described for the determination of trace quantities of triazine herbicides, terbutryn, prometryn and ametryn in water. The procedure involved preconcentration of water samples by sorption on chromatographic grade silica gel particles with chemically modified surface, being covalently bonded with a nonofunctional C8H17 group. This was followed by solvent desorption with 2-propanol. The determinative step was achieved by capillary gas chromatography on Supelcowax-10 fused silica column using a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The limit of detection was 0.1 μg-10 μgL−1.
Distress and expression of natural killer receptors on lymphocytes.

Abstract Chronic distress has been associated with alterations in natural killer (NK) cell and T cell percentages and function. NK cells express inhibitory and stimulatory receptors that regulate cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. T cells and T cells expressing CD56 (NKT cells) also express these NK-associated receptors, which are thought to serve the same function. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between distress and expression of NK-associated receptors on NK cells, T cells, and NKT cells. Using multicolor flow cytometry and validated questionnaires, we studied twenty-nine healthy adults with a bimodal age spread. Whereas distress was related to significantly lower percentages of CD3 + T cells, it was related to significantly higher percentages of NKT cells. Distress was associated with significantly higher percentages of T cells expressing NK-associated receptors including CD94 and KIR. In contrast, distress was associated with significantly lower percentages of NK cells bearing KIR (GL183) receptors. Our findings suggest a possible role for NK-associated receptors in distress-related alterations in lymphocyte maturation, trafficking, or activity.
Using a validated transmission model for the optimization of bundled fiber optic displacement sensors

A variety of intensity-modulated optical displacement sensor architectures have been proposed for use in noncontacting sensing applications, with one of the most widely implemented architectures being the bundled displacement sensor. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the arrangement of measurement fibers in previously reported bundled displacement sensors has not been configured with the use of a validated optical transmission model. Such a model has utility in accurately describing the sensor’s performance a priori and thereby guides the arrangement of the fibers within the bundle to meet application-specific performance needs. In this paper, a recently validated transmission model is used for these purposes, and an optimization approach that employs a genetic algorithm efficiently explores the design space of the proposed bundle sensor architecture. From the converged output of the optimization routine, a bundled displacement sensor configuration is designed and experimentally tested, offering linear performance with a sensitivity of −0.066 μm−1 and displacement measurement error of 223 μm over the axial displacement range of 6–8 mm. It is shown that this optimization approach may be generalized to determine optimized bundle configurations that offer high-sensitivity performance, with an acceptable error level, over a variety of axial displacement ranges. This document has been approved by Los Alamos National Laboratory for unlimited public release (LA-UR 11-03413).
Plasma and aortic lipids in experimental canine atherosclerosis

Abstract Twenty-four dogs were split into three equal groups for an experimental period of 1 year. Group A was fed a semisynthetic diet containing 5% cholesterol and 16% hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). Another eight dogs were fed diet B which differed from diet A only in that one-quarter of the HCO was replaced by safflower oil. Group C ate a controlled diet of meat and kibble. Diet A contained no essential fatty acids while diets B and C contained sufficient amounts of linoleic acid to satisfy established nutritional requirements. Severe aortic, coronary, and cerebral atherosclerosis was present at autopsy in group A dogs but no lesions were observed in any of the dogs fed diets B and C. All dogs of group A had profound elevations in plasma lipid concentrations when compared with dogs of control group C. Dogs of group B had more moderate increases. The largest elevation occurred in the cholesteryl esters of group A. The predominant ester in the plasma of group A dogs was cholesteryl oleate. In contrast, the major plasma cholesteryl ester in dogs of groups B and C was linoleate. Intima-media samples from atherosclerotic aortic segments showed large increases in lipid concentrations. The bulk of the increases was due to the accumulation of cholesteryl esters and the major cholesteryl ester within the lesion was oleate. The predominant cholesteryl ester in the normal intima-media of groups B and C was cholesteryl linoleate. Fatty acid analyses suggested that much of the lesion cholesteryl ester could have been derived directly from plasma, but the preferential accumulation of cholesteryl oleate and eicosatrienoate suggested that there was also considerable local cholesteryl ester synthesis. Phospholipid eicosatrienoate:arachidonate ratios in excess of 0.4, indicative of essential fatty acid deficiency, were found consistently in the plasma and aortic tissue of group A dogs but not in dogs of group B or C. Essential fatty acid deficiency appeared to be most severe within atherosclerotic intimal plaques.