cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated approach to the analysis and modeling of protein sequences and structures. I. Protein structural alignment and a quantitative measure for protein structural distance.

Abstract We have devised and implemented in PrISM (protein informatics system for modeling) a new measure of protein structural relationships, the protein structural distance (PSD). The PSD is designed to describe relationships between protein structures in quantitative rather than descriptive terms and is applicable both when two structures are very similar, and when they are very different. It is calculated with a structural alignment procedure that uses double dynamic programming to align secondary structure elements and an iterative rigid body superposition that minimizes the root-mean-square deviation of C α atoms. The alignment algorithm, as implemented on a modest workstation, is computationally efficient, allowing for large-scale structural comparisons. PSD scores for more than one and a half million pairs of proteins were calculated and compared to the discrete classification of proteins in the SCOP database. The PSD scores, which were obtained automatically, are in large part consistent with the manually derived classifications in SCOP. Discrepancies do arise, however, due, in part, to the fact that SCOP uses criteria other than structural similarity to derive classifications while the PrISM procedure is exclusively structure based. Analysis of PSD scores suggests that there is a continuous aspect of protein conformation space, even though various classification schemes are extremely useful. The use of a continuous measure for structural distance between all pairs of proteins allows us, as described in the two accompanying papers to derive sequence/structure relationships in a more quantitative way than has previously been possible. An important strength of the approach implemented in PrISM is its ability to address many different kinds of queries interactively, making its structural comparison procedure a convenient computational tool that complements structural classification databases such as SCOP and CATH.
Archival precipitation data set for the Mississippi river basin: development of a GIS-based data browser

To aid in modeling studies over the Mississippi River Basin, we have developed an archival precipitation data set for the GEWEX Continental-Scale International Project. The data set spans from 1996-2000, a 5-year continuous period of record. Inputs for the data set are the National Reflectivity Composite that we obtained in Hierarchical Data Format. The size of the input data is 40 GB. In order to significantly reduce the size of the data set, we have developed an efficient data formal that can be read from a disc faster than the input Hierarchical Data Format. We have also developed browsing tools for users of the data set. The data browser allows for fast and efficient viewing of the precipitation data and was produced using a common Geographic Information System software. Peripheral data are also included in the browser as an aid to the user.
UV and Near-IR Triggered Release from Polymeric Nanoparticles

A new light-sensitive polymer containing multiple light-sensitive triggering groups along the backbone and incorporating a quinone-methide self-immolative moiety was developed and formulated into nanoparticles encapsulating a model pharmaceutical Nile Red. Triggered burst release of the payload upon irradiation and subsequent degradation of the nanoparticles were observed. This system is designed to be versatile where the triggering group can be sensitive to a number of wavelengths.
Screening for Trichomonas vaginalis in High-risk Adolescent Females with a New Transcription-mediated Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): Associations with Ethnicity, Symptoms, and Prior and Current STIs

Abstract Purpose The importance of diagnosing trichomoniasis is highlighted by its strong association with HIV acquisition and viral shedding. The low sensitivity of wet preparation and often asymptomatic nature of trichomoniasis results in failure to recognize and treat this sexually transmitted infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of screening high-risk adolescent females using a new highly sensitive and specific NAAT assay. Methods We enrolled a consecutive, clinical sample of 144 sexually active females, aged 13 through 21. Subjects completed a questionnaire on sexual history and current vaginal symptoms, and provided two self- or physician-collected vaginal swabs and urine. A wet preparation test was performed with one swab and the APTIMA Trichomonas vaginalis (ATV) assay (Gen-Probe, Inc.) was performed with the other and with urine. Results Mean age was 18 ± 1.6 years; 55% Hispanic and 35% black. A three-fold higher prevalence of trichomoniasis (6.3%) was detected by ATV than by wet preparation (2.1%) with 100% concordance between vaginal swab and urine. Prevalence of chlamydia by APTIMA was 11%; no gonorrhea was detected. Subjects with trichomoniasis were more likely than those without to be black (P Conclusion Three times as many cases of trichomoniasis were identified with ATV compared to wet preparation and identical results were obtained with vaginal swabs and urine. No symptoms were associated with trichomoniasis. These findings highlight the imperative and feasibility of screening and treating at-risk populations.
Calibration of liquid argon and neon detectors with $^{83}Kr^m$

We report results from tests of $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}$${}^{m}$ as a calibration source in liquid argon and liquid neon. $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}$${}^{m}$ atoms are produced in the decay of $^{83}\mathrm{Rb}$, and a clear $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}$${}^{m}$ scintillation peak at $41.5$ keV appears in both liquids when filling our detector through zeolite coated with $^{83}\mathrm{Rb}$. Based on this scintillation peak, we observe 6.0 photoelectrons/keV in liquid argon with a resolution of $8.2%$ ($\ensuremath{\sigma}/E$) and $3.0$ photoelectrons/keV in liquid neon with a resolution of $19%$ ($\ensuremath{\sigma}/E$). The observed peak intensity subsequently decays with the $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}$${}^{m}$ half-life after stopping the fill, and we find evidence that the spatial location of $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}$${}^{m}$ atoms in the chamber can be resolved. $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}$${}^{m}$ will be a useful calibration source for liquid argon, neon dark matter, and solar neutrino detectors.
Robust Estimates of the ED50

Abstract To explore the possibility that robust estimators of location can be adapted to the problem of estimating the ED50 in binary-response bioassay, 10 estimators are compared. A Monte Carlo study is conducted to determine the mean squared errors (MSE) of the estimators. Taking into account the MSE for a variety of symmetric tolerance distributions, the sensitivity of the estimator to an anomalous response, and the possibility that the estimator is incalculable, the trimmed Spearman-Karber estimator is especially reliable. Adjusting the response proportions before calculating the ED50 significantly reduces the MSE of the minimum logit chi-squared estimator.
Verification of algebra step problems: A chronometric study of human problem solving ☆

Abstract A class of simple problem solving tasks requiring fast accurate solutions is introduced. In an experiment subjects memorized a mapping rule represented by lists of words labeled by cue words and made true/false decisions about conjunctions of propositions of the form “ Y is in the list labeled by X ”, written “ X → Y ”. Response times are analyzed using a “stage modeling” technique where problem solving algorithms are composed using a small set of psychological operations that have real time characteristics specified parametrically. The theoretical analysis shows that response time performance is adequately described in terms of the sequential application of elementary psychological operations. Unexpectedly, it was found that the proposition “ X → Y and X → Z ” was verified as quickly as the apparently simpler “ X → Y ”. A case is presented for the modeling technique as applied to memory and problem solving tasks in terms of theoretical parsimony, statistical simplicity, and flexibility in investigative empirical research. Suggestions are made as to possible theoretical relations among fast problem solving, more complex and slower problem solving, and research in fundamental memory processes.
2-BENZOYLBENZOIC ACID : A PHOTOLABILE MASK FOR ALCOHOLS AND THIOLS

Photolysis of 2-benzoylbenzoate esters of primary and secondary alcohols 1 in the presence of a hydrogen donor (2-isopropanol) or an electron donor (primary amines) produces the corresponding alcohol in high yield. The fate of the benzoate is dependent on the conditions used for the photoreaction. In 2-propanol, the ketyl radical that derives from photoreduction dimerizes, to afford the benzpinacol product 3,3‘-diphenylbiphthalidyl, 5. In the presence of amines the product is 3-phenylphthalide, 6, a benzhydrol derivative which is the result of simple reduction of the ketone followed by lactonization. While the photoproduct of the benzoate−2-propanol reaction results from anticipated free radical chemistry, the amine-promoted reaction appears to result from a second, “dark”, electron transfer process. We conclude that 2-benzoylbenzoic acid is an effective photolabile protecting group for primary and secondary alcohols, and preliminary studies indicate that thiols can be protected in an analogous way. Studi...
Multilocus population genetics: relative importance of selection and recombination.

Abstract Difficulties of the exact analysis of multilocus systems lead to a feeling that a radical change of point of view should be attempted. The questions one asks about the behavior of a multilocus system should differ from the usual questions we ask when analyzing low-dimensional dynamical systems. We show in this paper that the likelihood for selection to prevail over recombination grows with the number of loci involved. In other words, the average fitness will in “most cases” behave as if the system were in complete linkage equilibrium.
Arsenate-induced expression of a class III chitinase in the dwarf sunflower Helianthus annuus

Abstract Dwarf sunflower cultivars of Helianthus annuus were exposed to 30 mg/L As alone and in combination with other toxic metals (30 mg/L each of Cd, Cr, and Ni). Total uptake of metals at the end of a 17-day exposure cycle showed variable sequestration of the metals in roots, leaves, and stems with metal concentrations highest in roots and lowest in leaves. The presence of other metals appeared to have little effect on the uptake of As. Proteins were extracted from leaves of plants exposed to arsenic alone or in combination with other metals and size-fractionated by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Several polypeptides, with molecular masses ranging from less than 10 to over 45 kDa appeared to be unique in extracts obtained from leaves of plants in response to arsenic stress. One polypeptide was induced strongly. It had an approximate molecular mass of 32 kDa and was recovered from gels and analyzed using LC–MS/MS. It was identified as a class III chitinase, whose gene appeared to be induced at the transcription level when As was present.
Lasing without inversion with a fluctuating pump: Gain dependence on pump noise and frequency.

Recently it was reported that replacing an incoherent pumping mechanism by a spectrally colored (partially coherent) pump can lead to significant gain enhancement in lasing without inversion schemes [Phys. Rev. A 48, R4055 (1993)]. We extend that study further by considering the effects of the noise parameters (strength and bandwidth) of the pump on the gain in two types of three-level atomic energy-level schemes---the ladder and the \ensuremath{\Lambda} models. The calculations presented in this paper show a way to continuously ``tune'' the bandwidth of the pump and make a direct comparison between the gain obtained for coherent, incoherent, and partially coherent pumping. We find that for a given set of atom-field parameters, the gain for coherent pumping is larger than for incoherent pumping, and that maximum gain is obtained for a partially coherent pump. Increasing the strength of the noise also leads to an increase in the gain. The frequency of the colored pump plays a critical role in determining the maximum gain that can be obtained.
Effect of gravity on nonlinear oscillations of a horizontal, immovable-end beam

A critical problem in designing large structures for space applications, such as space stations and parabolic antennas, is the limitation of testing these structures and their substructures on earth. These structures will exhibit very high flexibilities due to the small loads expected to be encountered in orbit. It has been reported in the literature that the gravitational sag effect under dead weight is of extreme importance during ground tests of space-station structural components [1–4]. An investigation of a horizontal, pinned-pinned beam with complete axial restraint and undergoing large-amplitude oscillations about the statically deflected position is presented here. This paper presents a solution for the frequency-amplitude relationship of the nonlinear free oscillations of a horizontal, immovable-end beam under the influence of gravity.
Dielectric Heterogeneity in the Cytochrome B6F Complex

Electron transfer in the dimeric cytochrome b6f complex, which includes four b-type hemes organized as two pairs in symmetric monomers, was studied by simultaneous measurement of the kinetics of heme reduction by dithionite and an associated amplitude increase of Soret band split circular dichroism (CD) spectra diagnostic of heme-heme exciton interactions, for which similar kinetics were determined. Based on inter-heme distances and orientations from crystal structures of the complex, the increase in the split CD signal is dominated by interaction between the two intra-monomer b-hemes, located on the electrochemically negative and positive sides of the complex, whose midpoint oxidation-reduction potentials, Em, determined by titrations of isolated complex, differ by 75-100 mV. Kinetics are fit best by preferential reduction of the intra-monomer heme pair. Equilibration of transferred electrons would, however, predict preferential reduction of the two higher potential hemes, one in each monomer. Heterogeneity of the dielectric constant is implied, a consequence of structure inhomogeneity, and/or dielectric reorganization in response to electron transfer. The largest dielectric constant exists between the intra-monomer b-hemes, resulting in a lower energy state of the reduced intra-monomer heme pair relative to any other heme pair.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
The Global and the Multicultural: Opportunities, Challenges, and Suggestions for Teacher Education

Most teacher education programs today include at least a minimal component of multicultural education. Higher educational institutions are also engaging more broadly in global education in a variety of forms. Though there is significant overlap in the aims of these two fields, they are often not used in complementary ways, or may even be seen as competing fields of study. This article outlines ways in which global perspectives can inform several multicultural concepts used in teacher education. It then explicates the challenges and limitations to this approach, which are not trivial. Finally, it suggests a number of ways in which teacher education programs and institutions can minimize the challenges of a global approach to multicultural education, while simultaneously moving toward institutionally transformative goals of multicultural education.
Development of an air-borne stabilized camera mount

DURING flight tests at Goodyear Aircraft Corporation it was necessary to ascertain the exact location of the airplane with respect to its plotted course. For this purpose a camera was so mounted in the airplane that it was stabilized with respect to earth co-ordinates in three axes while the airplane was undergoing turns and random maneuvers. Two types of servo (stabilization systems) were considered, a motor-and-gear drive system, and a rate gyro system. The motor-and-gear system proved the more suitable. A torque source drive system is presently being investigated. A prototype has been built, and testing has begun.
Analysis of the B1πu→X1Σg+ band system of 7Li2 molecule excited by the 4545- and 5287-Å visible lines of the argon ion laser

Abstract Two new fluorescence series have been excited by the two lines at the extreme ends of the range of visible Ar+ transitions, 4545 and 5287 A. In each case the B1Πu electronic state of 7Li2 is excited, to levels v′ = 12, J′ = 13 (4545 A ) and v′ = 2, J′ = 58 (5287 A ) . Fluorescence to the ground state can be detected in the range 2 ≤ v″ ≤ 23 and 0 ≤ v″ ≤ 8, respectively. Measured relative intensities agree well with calculated radiative transition probabilities reported herein.
Isolation of the Zebrafish Homologues for the tie-1 and tie-2 Endothelium-Specific Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

Several characteristics of the zebrafish embryo make it an attractive model in which to study the development of the cardiovas- cular system. The utility of the zebrafish as a model of mammalian vascular development will depend on the conservation of molecular and morphogenetic mechanisms of vessel growth. Here, we report the cloning of the zebrafish homo- logues of the endothelium-specific receptor tyro- sine kinases tie-1 and tie-2. The Z tie-2 clone represents the first report of a full-length ze- brafish endothelium-specific gene. The zebrafish tie family members have significant structural homology with their murine and human counter- parts. In addition, like the murine tie-1 and tie-2 genes, expression was found predominantly in endothelial cells. At 24-hr postfertilization (HPF), Z tie-1 was expressed in all observed populations of endothelial cells. Interestingly, Z tie-2 exhib- ited a similar, although slightly more restricted, expression pattern. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that mechanisms of vascular devel- opment are highly conserved across species and that zebrafish will continue to be a useful model for the investigation of vertebrate embryonic vascular development. Dev. Dyn. 1998;212:133-140.
Destruction of Bacillus anthracis strain Sterne 34F2 spores in postal envelopes by exposure to electron beam irradiation.

Aims: To determine the irradiation dose necessary to reduce the populations of Bacillus anthracis spores in a dry medium in postal envelopes. Methods and Results:Bacillus anthracis Sterne 34F2 spores were dispersed in non-fat dry milk and then placed into standard business postal envelopes. The spores were treated with a sequence of irradiation doses to determine the decimal reduction value (D10) in kiloGrays (kGy). The average D10 value was 3·35 ± 0·02 kGy. Conclusions: An irradiation dose of 40·2 kGy would be required to result in a process equivalent to the thermal canning process (12 D10 reduction) to eliminate Clostridium botulinum spores. Significance and Impact of the Study: Irradiation is an effective means of reducing or eliminating B. anthracis spores in a dry medium in postal envelopes.
Evidence-Based Assessment of Compulsive Skin Picking, Chronic Tic Disorders and Trichotillomania in Children

Body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) is an umbrella term for debilitating, repetitive behaviors that target one or more body regions. Despite regularly occurring in youth, there has been limited investigation of BFRBs in pediatric populations. One reason for this may be that there are few reliable and valid assessments available to evaluate the presence, severity and impairment of BFRBs in youth. Given the shift toward evidence-based assessment in mental health, the development and utilization of evidence-based measures of BFRBs warrants increasing attention. This paper examines the available evidence-base for assessments in youth across three BFRB-related disorders: compulsive skin picking, chronic tic disorders and trichotillomania. Based upon present empirical support in samples of youth, recommendations are made for an evidence-based assessment of each condition.
Sequence-specific recognition and cooperative dimerization of N-terminal aromatic peptides in aqueous solution by a synthetic host.

This article describes the selective recognition and noncovalent dimerization of N-terminal aromatic peptides in aqueous solution by the synthetic host compound, cucurbit[8]uril (Q8). Q8 is known to bind two aromatic guests simultaneously and, in the presence of methyl viologen, to recognize N-terminal tryptophan over internal and C-terminal sequence isomers. Here, the binding of Q8 to aromatic peptides in the absence of methyl viologen was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), 1H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The peptides studied were of sequence X-Gly-Gly, Gly-X-Gly, and Gly-Gly-X (X = Trp, Phe, Tyr, and His). Q8 selectively binds and dimerizes Trp-Gly-Gly (1) and Phe-Gly-Gly (4) with high affinity (ternary K = 109−1011 M-2); binding constants for the other 10 peptides were too small to be measured by ITC. Both peptides bound in a stepwise manner, and peptide 4 bound with positive cooperativity. Crystal structures of Q8·1 and Q8·42 reveal the basis for selective recognition a...
Continuum and atomistic models of strongly coupled diffusion, stress, and solute concentration

Poor cyclic performance of electrodes in lithium-ion rechargeable cell batteries is calling for efforts to develop continuum models of diffusion under very large stresses and high solute concentrations. The present work is aimed to develop such a model based on input from atomistic simulations. We consider four fundamental features of highly nonlinear behavior associated with diffusion at high solute concentrations. First, the effect of solute-induced stresses on the activation energy of solute diffusion could be important. Second, the solute concentration may be subject to an upper limit if there exists a stoichiometric maximum concentration. Third, the strong influence of the change in local chemical environment on the interaction energy between solute and host atoms could play a significant role. Fourth, we include the effect of the solute concentration on the Young's modulus of the host material. A continuum model is developed and validated based on atomistic simulations of hydrogen diffusion in nickel. The influences of each feature above are clearly discussed through parametric studies. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Strong X-Ray Burst from the Low-Mass X-Ray Binary EXO 0748–676

We have observed an unusually strong X-ray burst as a part of our regular eclipse timing observations of the low-mass binary system EXO 0748-676. The burst peak flux was 5.2 × 10-8 ergs cm-2s-1, approximately 5 times the normal peak X-ray burst flux observed from this source by RXTE. Spectral fits to the data strongly suggest that photospheric radius expansion occurred during the burst. In this paper we examine the properties of this X-ray burst, which is the first example of a radius expansion burst from EXO 0748-676 observed by RXTE. We find no evidence for coherent burst oscillations. Assuming that the peak burst luminosity is the Eddington luminosity for a 1.4 M☉ neutron star, we derive a distance to EXO 0748-676 of 7.7 kpc for a helium-dominated burst photosphere and 5.9 kpc for a hydrogen-dominated burst photosphere.
The V-VO phase system

A phase diagram is proposed for the V-VO system based on melting point determinations, differential thermal analyses, metallographic observations, and X-ray parametric measurements. A eutectic reaction occurs at 1640°C and 29 at. pct O. The intermediate phases V9O and V2O form peritectoidally at 510° and 1185°C, respectively, while V4O forms by a peritectic reaction at 1665°C. The VO phase melts congruently at 1790°C. The terminal solubility of oxygen in vanadium increases from 3.2 at. pct at room temperature to a maximum of 17.0 at. pct at the peritectic temperature. There is also extensive solid solubility associated with each of the intermediate phases. Two martensite-like phases form in alloys in the composition range 6 to 9 at. pct O upon quenching from above the 510°C peritectoid horizontal.
Influence of wet-aging on bloom development in the longissimus thoracis.

Abstract The longissimus thoracis (LT) from USDA Select beef carcasses was used to test the effect of aging period (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, or 35 d) on bloom development ( n = 10/aging period). After aging, two 2.54-cm-thick, non-adjacent steaks were cut and instrumental color of the LT was measured at 10-min intervals for 2 h. All instrumental color parameters increased ( P P ⩾ 0.05) affect the values where color development plateaued, rate of oxymyoglobin formation tended to be the slowest ( P = 0.06) in LT steaks aged 7 d compared to steaks aged 0, 14, 28 and 35 d. Results indicated that as much as 90% of the total increase ( P
Blockade of Peroxynitrite-Induced Neural Stem Cell Death in the Acutely Injured Spinal Cord by Drug-Releasing Polymer†‡

Therapeutic impact of neural stem cells (NSCs) for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) has been limited by the rapid loss of donor cells. Neuroinflammation is likely the cause. As there are close temporal-spatial correlations between the inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression and the donor NSC death after neurotrauma, we reasoned that NO-associated radical species might be the inflammatory effectors which eliminate NSC grafts and kill host neurons. To test this hypothesis, human NSCs (hNSCs: 5 x 10(4) to 2 x 10(6) per milliliter) were treated in vitro with "plain" medium, 20 microM glutamate, or donors of NO and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-); 100 and 400 microM of spermine or DETA NONOate, and SIN-1, respectively). hNSC apoptosis primarily resulted from SIN-1 treatment, showing ONOO(-)-triggered protein nitration and the activation of p38 MAPK, cytochrome c release, and caspases. Therefore, cell death following post-SCI (p.i.) NO surge may be mediated through conversion of NO into ONOO(-). We subsequently examined such causal relationship in a rat model of dual penetrating SCI using a retrievable design of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold seeded with hNSCs that was shielded by drug-releasing polymer. Besides confirming the ONOO(-)-induced cell death signaling, we demonstrated that cotransplantation of PLGA film embedded with ONOO(-) scavenger, manganese (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin, or uric acid (1 micromol per film), markedly protected hNSCs 24 hours p.i. (total: n = 10). Our findings may provide a bioengineering approach for investigating mechanisms underlying the host microenvironment and donor NSC interaction and help formulate strategies for enhancing graft and host cell survival after SCI.
Selective alteration of Ca+ -dependent and Ca2+ -independent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in rat cerebral cortex by cyclic nucleotides and their analogs

Abstract The effects of various cyclic nucleotides and cyclic nucleotide analogs on the activity of Ca2+ -independent and Ca2+ -dependent phosphodiesterases purified from rat cerebral cortex were examined. The order of potency for inhibition of the Ca2+ -dependent enzyme by the various agents was the same using either cAMP or cGMP as substrate with 2′-O-monobutyryl cGMP, clMP and 2-deoxy cGMP being the most potent. The inhibition by deoxy cGMP using cAMP or cGMP as substrate was competitive, with Ki values of 11 and 13 μM, respectively. In marked contrast, hydrolysis of cAMP or cGMP by the Ca2+ -independent enzyme was stimulated 50–75% by cIMP, deoxy cGMP and N 2-monobutyryl cGMP with EC50 values of 7, 20 and 30 μM, respectively, cGMP (EC50, 1.5 μ M) produced quantitatively the same degree of stimulation of cAMP hydrolysis by the Ca2+ -independent phosphodiesterase and the activation was not additive with that of deoxy cGMP. Of the other derivatives examined, 2′-O-monobutyryl cAMP and 2′-deoxy cAMP were the most potent inhibitors of cAMP hydrolysis by tbe Ca2+ -independent enzyme and were 30–60-times more effective in inhibiting cAMP hydrolysis as compared to cGMP hydrolysis. The specificity of K+ in inhibiting the activity of the Ca2+ -dependent phosphodiesterase and deoxy cAMP in inhibiting the Ca2+ -independent enzyme may provide convenient means to examine specifically these activities in crude extracts from rat cerebral cortex.
Climate change drives warming in the Hudson River Estuary, New York (USA)

Estuaries may be subject to warming due to global climate change but few studies have considered the drivers or seasonality of warming empirically. We analyzed temperature trends and rates of temperature change over time for the Hudson River estuary using long-term data, mainly from daily measures taken at the Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Facility. This temperature record is among the longest in the world for a river or estuary. The Hudson River has warmed 0.945 °C since 1946. Many of the warmest years in the record occurred in the last 16 years. A seasonal analysis of trends indicated significant warming for the months of April through August. The warming of the Hudson is primarily related to increasing air temperature. Increasing freshwater discharge into the estuary has not mitigated the warming trend.
Regeneration of Amine in Catalytic Inhibition of Oxidation

Kinetic and mechanistic investigations of decomposition of O-sec-hexadecyl- and O-3-heptyl-4,4′-dioctyldiphenylhydroxylamines showed that at 120 and 140°C these compounds rapidly decompose to yield 4,4′-dioctyldiphenylamine. These results suggest that in the catalytic inhibition of oxidation by aromatic secondary amines or corresponding nitroxide radicals at elevated temperatures the decomposition of O-sec-alkyldiarylhydroxylamines leads to regeneration of the parent aromatic secondary amine.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis: diagnostic, pathogenetic, clinical and treatment perspectives

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was recently described in multiple sclerosis patients. CCSVI is characterized by impaired brain venous drainage due to outflow obstruction in the extracranial venous system, mostly related to anomalies in the internal jugular and azygos veins. The current CCSVI diagnosis is based on Doppler sonography of extracranial and transcranial venous hemodynamics criteria. To date, prevalence estimates of CCSVI, provided by different groups using various imaging methods of assessment, vary widely from none to 100%. There is an urgent need to define and validate the spectrum of cranial/extracranial venous anomalies and to establish reliable, diagnostic gold-standard test(s). The potential usefulness of endovascular treatment for CCSVI in multiple sclerosis patients is still unknown.
Indications for medical treatment of ocular hypertension and the initial use of pilocarpine

Ocular hypertension is defined. The decision to initiate treatment depends on the estimate of the benefit to injury ratio with a given treatment and the risk without treatment. Factors that determine our perception of the former are discussed. The key to the latter is the identification and evaluation of the ocular and systemic risk factors for the development of glaucomatous visual field loss. Discussion of these risk factors in the author's clinical practice is presented; overall, approximately 5% of his patients with ocular hypertension are treated. A review of his four-and-a-half year study on uniocular pilocarpine treatment in 59 ocular hypertensive patients is presented. The results suggest that one should be conservative in prescribing pilocarpine.
Control analysis of an ion thruster with programed thrust

Results of an analysis and a digital computer simulation of various control loops for ion thruster control are presented. The concept considered for controlling the thrust of an ion thruster over a 2-to-l range in output power is to vary the propellant flowrate as both the specific impulse and propellant utilization are maintained at constant values. Thrusters employing oxide cathodes and utilizing mercury as propellant are analyzed extensively with a detailed digital computer simulation. It was necessary to use nonoptimum efficiency thruster to obtain a stable system when a propellant flow rate meter is not used. The use of a propellant flow rate meter makes higher thruster efficiencies usable in a stable configuration.
Tracing finite rays through a Fresnel lens.

In this study we show that with minor modifications it is possible to adapt an existing optical design program to trace finite rays through a system containing Fresnel surfaces. Practical examples are given to illustrate the validity of our rather simple approach to this problem.
Mild cold exposure increases survival in rats with medial preoptic lesions

High mortality rate in rats with large medial preoptic lesions discourage their use in studies of brain function. However, virtually all such animals (six out of seven) survived indefinitely if kept at an ambient temperature of 15 degrees C for 2 hours before and 10 to 12 hours after the lesions were made. Although these rats appeared otherwise healthy, they could not maintain normal both temperatures in short-term cold tests. In contrast, five of the nine rats kept at 25 degrees C died within 10 hours after the operation, and three more died within 5 days. Rats kept at 25 degrees C had a much higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmias than did rats kept at 15 degrees C, which may be responsible for their higher moratlity rates.
Effect of knee flexion angle on ground reaction forces, knee moments and muscle co-contraction during an impact-like deceleration landing: Implications for the non-contact mechanism of ACL injury

Investigating landing kinetics and neuromuscular control strategies during rapid deceleration movements is a prerequisite to understanding the non-contact mechanism of ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of knee flexion angle on ground reaction forces, net knee joint moments, muscle co-contraction and lower extremity muscles during an impact-like, deceleration task. Ground reaction forces and knee joint moments were determined from video and force plate records of 10 healthy male subjects performing rapid deceleration single leg landings from a 10.5 cm height with different degrees of knee flexion at landing. Muscle co-contraction was based on muscle moments calculated from an EMG-to-moment processing model. Ground reaction forces and co-contraction indices decreased while knee extensor moments increased significantly with increased degrees of knee flexion at landing (all p<0.005). Higher ground reaction forces when landing in an extended knee position suggests they are a contributing factor in non-contact ACL injuries. Increased knee extensor moments and less co-contraction with flexed knee landings suggest that quadriceps overload may not be the primary cause of non-contact ACL injuries. The results bring into question the counterbalancing role of the hamstrings during dynamic movements. The soleus may be a valuable synergist stabilizing the tibia against anterior translation at landing. Movement strategies that lessen the propagation of reaction forces up the kinetic chain may help prevent non-contact ACL injuries. The relative interaction of all involved thigh and lower leg muscles, not just the quadriceps and hamstrings should be considered when interpreting non-contact ACL injury mechanisms.
Doing by saying: Toward a theory of perlocution

Taking J. L. Austin's preliminary treatment of perlocution as its starting point, this essay provides an analysis of perlocutionary acts into five types, subsumes those type under two covering genera, then proposes a set of conditions as necessary and sufficient for the consummation of any perlocutionary act.
Relation of Transformer Design to Fire Protection [includes discussion]

This contribution to the discussion of the fire risks of transformers is limited to tests on the materials which enter the apparatus and their probable behavior. Comparisons are made regarding flammability of the solid insulations, as well as the gases evolved from them. These gases are analyzed for chemical composition and volume, and calculations made regarding their probable action in a transformer. The flammability characteristics of the various classes are shown to overlap to a considerable degree, especially for the insulation classes B and H. This emphasizes the fact that insulation classes are intended to define temperature limitations as regards aging, but do not necessarily classify flammability.
A semi-empirical model for heat transfer and flame spreading in slotted rocket motors

This paper presents analytical and experimental results for the cold-flow aerothermodynamics of the head-end star slot region of the Space Shuttle solid rocket motor (SRM). Particular attention is paid to the determination of the heat transfer from the developing igniter flow to the propellant grain (slot wall). Igniter geometries considered include a single port configuration with flow along the axis of the motor (present Shuttle configuration) and a multiport 45-deg canted nozzle configuration which is similar (but not identical) to the proposed ASRM igniter geometry.
Finding a voice: Abortion claim-making during Portuguese democratization

Synopis In the mid 1970s, illegal abortions in Portugal were estimated at about one to two hundred thousand per year and were one of the main causes of death among women of childbearing age. When the authoritarian regime was overthrown in 1974, abortion reform emerged as a grievance of women's organizations. The process of abortion claim-making was influenced by the previous legal and social history of illegal abortion, the rise of women's collective agency, the democratic transition, and the abortion trials. Using theories of political opportunities and mobilizing structures in the study of social movements, I show how the process of claim-making is shaped by opportunities and constraints offered by a revolutionary democratic process and by the context of increasing women's mobilization. I use content analysis of newspaper articles, interviews, and archival data to reconstruct the contentious process of abortion claim-making. The findings suggest that the process of abortion claim-making was contentious and that abortion claims were framed largely as a social justice issue affecting poor, working class women rather than understood as a gendered process.
Neuroendocrinology and ECT: A review of recent developments

Abstract The experience of more than four decades finds that the repeated and spaced induction of seizures (convulsive therapy) relieves the symptoms of severe depressive mood disorders, particularly those accompanied by vegetative symptoms. Neuroendocrine abnormalities characterize patients with primary depression (melancholia) and these abnormalities are reversed by convulsive therapy. Tests of neuroendocrine functions provide criteria for the classification of such cases, and probably will become useful in identifying patients suitable for convulsive therapy. We postulate that the antidepressant efficacy of convulsive therapy results from the increased release and more widespread cerebral distribution of hypothalamic peptides with behavioral effects. Such a hypothesis provides a basis for clinical trials of centrally active peptides in cases of primary depression; for the study of neuroendocrine functions as predictors of outcome and of the duration of a course of convulsive therapy; and for the search for a biochemical substitute for convulsive therapy.
Mixed sediment deposition in a retro-arc foreland basin: Lower Ellis Group (M. Jurassic), Wyoming and Montana, U.S.A.

Abstract The “lower” Ellis Group (M. Jurassic) of northern Wyoming and southern Montana affords an excellent opportunity to examine the influence of tectonics, sea-level change, and incipient topography on facies dynamics and the evolution of mixed sediment ramp deposits. The Sawtooth, Piper, and Gypsum Spring formations (Bajocian to Callovian) represent sedimentation along the forebulge of a retro-arc foreland basin. The “lower” Ellis Group records deposition during two transgressive–regressive cycles, (1) a Bajocian-age cycle dominated by evaporites and red shales, and (2) a Bathonian-age cycle characterized by carbonates, evaporites, and red shales. These cycles are capped by a Callovian-age cycle distinguished by carbonates and red shales that is represented by the “lower” Sundance and Rierdon Formations. Transgressive episodes favored intensified chemical sediment production resulting in thick units deposited in subtidal to peritidal environments. Regressive periods are characterized by supratidal redbed progradation and subsequent shallowing–upward cycles. The depositional cycles in the lower Ellis Group developed due the interplay between sea-level change and tectonic subsidence related to the evolution of a retro-arc foreland basin. Differential subsidence before, during, and after deposition created paleohighs that locally influenced accommodation space and, thereby, complicated depositional and erosional patterns. This paper provides a regional framework for further analysis of the depositional history of the lower Ellis Group by addressing the stratigraphic relationships between the Sawtooth, Piper, and Gypsum Spring Formations.
The Effect of Drying and Various Diluents on Spermatozoa of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Honey bee semen air dried 3, 6, and 9 minutes contained respectively 60%, 10%, and less than 1% motile spermatozoa after being stimulated with saline solution. Spermatozoa in semen diluted with several different saline solutions and stored at 35° C. in fine glass capillary tubes remained alive for 5 to 10 days. The stored semen was adversely affected by drying and bacterial growth. Undiluted semen kept at 35° C. in flame-sealed capillary tubes contained many actively motile spermatozoa after 22 days and a few motile spermatozoa after 34 days. A saline solution was found necessary to restore activity to the spermatozoa which, shortly after ejaculation, assumed a passive condition indistinguishable from death.
Dynamic V/sub t/ SRAM: a leakage tolerant cache memory for low voltage microprocessors

This paper presents a Dynamic V/sub t/ SRAM (DTSRAM) architecture to reduce the subthreshold leakage in cache memories. The V/sub t/ of each cache line is controlled separately by means of body biasing. In order to minimize the energy and delay overhead, a cache line is switched to high V/sub t/ only when it is not likely to be accessed anymore. Simulation results from the SimpleScalar framework show that even after considering the energy overhead, the DTSRAM can save 72% of the cache leakage with a performance loss less than 1%. Layout of the DTSRAM shows that the area penalty is minimal.
Kirchhoff migration using eikonal-based computation of traveltime source derivatives

ABSTRACTThe computational efficiency of Kirchhoff-type migration can be enhanced by using accurate traveltime interpolation algorithms. We addressed the problem of interpolating between a sparse source sampling by using the derivative of traveltime with respect to the source location. We adopted a first-order partial differential equation that originates from differentiating the eikonal equation to compute the traveltime source derivatives efficiently and conveniently. Unlike methods that rely on finite-difference estimations, the accuracy of the eikonal-based derivative did not depend on input source sampling. For smooth velocity models, the first-order traveltime source derivatives enabled a cubic Hermite traveltime interpolation that took into consideration the curvatures of local wavefronts and can be straightforwardly incorporated into Kirchhoff antialiasing schemes. We provided an implementation of the proposed method to first-arrival traveltimes by modifying the fast-marching eikonal solver. Severa...
A fully integrated Q-enhanced LC filter with 6 dB noise figure at 2.5 GHz in SOI

Q-enhanced LC filter technology offers a promising approach to remove the off-chip preselect filter still required in current transceivers. To date, previous designs fail to meet the stringent system specifications such as dynamic range and noise figure for existing wireless receivers. This paper presents an innovative prototype design targeted at Bluetooth in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process. Drawing 5 mA from a 3 V supply, it achieves 17 dB voltage gain, approximately 6 dB noise figure, 153 dB 1-dB compression point dynamic range relative to 1 Hz bandwidth, and 70 MHz bandwidth at 2.5 GHz, suitable for industry applications.
Enhanced competitiveness of tomato bushy stunt virus defective interfering RNAs by segment duplication or nucleotide insertion.

Abstract We have analyzed atypical tomato bushy stunt virus defective interfering (DI) RNA species which accumulated during a passage series in protoplasts. We present a rationale for the order of appearance of these molecules and show, using competition assays, that either segment duplication or single nucleotide insertion can enhance DI RNA competitiveness. Possible mechanisms for the introduction of the modifications observed in these DI RNAs are discussed.
Outlier Detection with the Kernelized Spatial Depth Function

Statistical depth functions provide from the deepest point a center-outward ordering of multidimensional data. In this sense, depth functions can measure the extremeness or outlyingness of a data point with respect to a given data set. Hence, they can detect outliers observations that appear extreme relative to the rest of the observations. Of the various statistical depths, the spatial depth is especially appealing because of its computational efficiency and mathematical tractability. In this article, we propose a novel statistical depth, the kernelized spatial depth (KSD), which generalizes the spatial depth via positive definite kernels. By choosing a proper kernel, the KSD can capture the local structure of a data set while the spatial depth fails. We demonstrate this by the half-moon data and the ring-shaped data. Based on the KSD, we propose a novel outlier detection algorithm, by which an observation with a depth value less than a threshold is declared as an outlier. The proposed algorithm is simple in structure: the threshold is the only one parameter for a given kernel. It applies to a one-class learning setting, in which normal observations are given as the training data, as well as to a missing label scenario, where the training set consists of a mixture of normal observations and outliers with unknown labels. We give upper bounds on the false alarm probability of a depth-based detector. These upper bounds can be used to determine the threshold. We perform extensive experiments on synthetic data and data sets from real applications. The proposed outlier detector is compared with existing methods. The KSD outlier detector demonstrates a competitive performance.