cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Software for determining lower extremity muscle-tendon kinematics and moment arm lengths during flexion/extension movements

A computer program was developed to calculate lower extremity muscle-tendon (MT) kinematics and flexion/extension moment arm (MA) lengths for any subject performing movements constrained to occur in the sagittal plane. The program requires as input subject anthropometric and time series ankle, knee, and hip angle data. Using these data a lower extremity link-segment model is constructed for each time element. Muscle-tendon attachment data and a straight line muscle model are used to calculate MT and flexion/extension moment arm lengths. A finite difference technique is used to determine MT shortening velocity. The utility of this program is demonstrated by calculating MT kinematics and MA lengths for six muscles of a single subject both as a function of joint angles and during gait.
Growth characteristics, reproductive performance, and evaluation of their associative relationships in Brangus cattle managed in a Chihuahuan Desert production system

Balancing growth and reproductive performance in beef cattle managed in desert environments is challenging. Our objectives were to 1) evaluate trends in growth and reproductive traits, and 2) assess associative relationships between growth characteristics and reproductive performance in a Brangus herd managed in a Chihuahuan Desert production system from 1972 to 2006. Data were from bull (n = 597) and heifer calves (n = 585; 1988 to 2006) and cows (n = 525; repeated records of cows, n = 2,611; 1972 to 2006). Variables describing the growth curve of each cow were estimated using a nonlinear logistic function (each cow needed 6 yr of data). Mixed-effect models and logistic regression were used to analyze trends across years in growth and reproductive traits (both continuous and categorical). For continuous traits of calves, a slight cubic response (P < 0.01) described the dynamics of birth weight, 205-d BW, and 365-d BW across years. For categorical traits of females, positive linear trends (P < 0.05) across years were observed in percent pregnant as yearlings, calved at 2 yr of age, and first-calf heifer rebreeding (slopes ranged from 0.007 to 0.014%/yr). Autumn cow BW increased gradually until 1997 (509 kg +/- 8.8) and then decreased gradually by 0.6 kg/yr, whereas pregnancy percentage decreased gradually until 1995 (78.4% +/- 1.0) and then increased slightly by 0.2%/yr. A quadratic effect best described the dynamics of these 2 variables across years (P < 0.01) as well as estimates describing the growth curve of each cow. Specifically, asymptotic BW and age increased (P < 0.05) from 1972 to 1983 and 1990, respectively. Asymptotic age then decreased by 27% from 1983 to 1996 (P < 0.05). The maturing rate index was negatively correlated with age at first calving and calving interval (r = -0.42 and -0.18, P < 0.01), which suggested that early-maturing cows had enhanced fertility in this environment and production system. In summary, minimal changes were observed in measures of growth in bulls and heifers in a Brangus herd managed in the Chihuahuan Desert. Opposing relationships were observed among measures of cow size and fertility; as growth curves shifted toward earlier maturity, measures of reproductive performance suggested that fertility improved.
Gene expression in normal and disease states — identification of therapeutic targets

Analysis of gene-expression patterns derived from large expressed sequence tag (EST) databases has become a valuable tool in the discovery of therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers. Sequence data derived from a wide variety of cDNA libraries offer a wealth of information for identifying genes for pharmaceutical product development. Collecting, storing, organizing, analyzing and presenting cDNA expression data requires advanced bioinformatics methods and high-performance computational equipment. Comparison of expression patterns from normal and disease tissues enables inferences about gene function to be made, and medically relevant genes as candidates for therapeutics research and development programs to be identified.
A new species of Podapolipus (Acari:Podapolipidae) ectoparasitic on Alphitobius laevigatus (Tenebrionidae) from Trinidad

ABSTRACT Podapolipus pegazzanoae n. sp. is described from Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius) (Tenebrionidae) from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Relationships within the seven Podapolipus species described from tenebrionid beetles are discussed.
Neonatal Lacrimal System Anomalies

Abnormalities of the neonatal lacrimal system result from incomplete or abnormal embryologic formation of the structures that drain tears from the eye into the nose. The most common of these, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, often resolves spontaneously. Less common abnormalities, including neonatal dacryocystitis associated with nasolacrimal duct cysts, atresia of the lacrimal canaliculi and puncta, and lacrimal fistulae, usually require surgical intervention. The developmental origin, clinical signs and symptoms, and management of these entities are discussed.
An econometric model of Bangladesh and evaluation of the five-year development plan

We have developed a simple macroeconometric model of Bangladesh economy in order to evaluate the Five Year Development Plan. Although the model contains only five behavioral equations and two identities because of restrictions imposed by the availability of data, the sample period ex-post predictions are nearly as good as those of large scale econometric models of the US economy (OBE and WHARTON-EFU models). The consistency of the Five Year Plan was tested by comparing the plan target for major economic aggregates with projections of the same aggregates based on econometric model. Four scenarios were developed for projections. They are: ... ∞: Rapid restoration of business confidence with imports unrestricted, ... 0: Rapid restoration of business confidence with imports restricted, - ∞: Gradual restoration of business confidence with imports unrestricted, - 0: Gradual restoration of business confidence with imports unrestricted.
Further studies on the binding of DCCD to cytochrome B and subunit VIII of complex III isolated from beef heart mitochondria.

Complex III (the cytochromeb-c 1 complex) from beef heart mitochondria was incubated with [14C]DCCD for various periods of time. The polypeptide profile of the complex was compared in both stained gels and their autoradiograms when three different methods were used to terminate the reaction. Precipitation with ammonium sulfate resulted in the formation of a new band with an apparent molecular weight of 39,000 in both incubated samples and the zero time controls. Reisolation of the complex by centrifugation through 10% sucrose or by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid did not result in any changes in the appearance of the subunit peptides of the complex. Subunit III (cytochromeb) and subunit VIII were the only bands labeled after termination of the reaction by centrifugation through sucrose, while both ammonium sulfate and trichloroacetic precipitation resulted in nonspecific labeling of several other subunits of the complex and increased labeling of subunit VIII relative to subunit III. Preincubation of the complex with antimycin prior to treatment with [14C]DCCD resulted in a 50% decrease in the binding of DCCD to both chtochromeb and subunit VIII. Furthermore, treatment of the complex III with DCCD resulted in a change in the red shift observed after antimycin or myxothiazol addition to the dithionite-reduced complex resulting in a broad peak with no sharp maximum. These results provide further confirmation that DCCD binds preferentially to cytochromeb and subunit VIII of complex III from beef heart mitochondria and suggest that cytochromeb may play a role in proton translocation.
The impact of fatherhood on treatment response for men with co-occurring alcohol dependence and intimate partner violence

Objective: The role of fathers in the lives of children has gained increasing attention over the last several decades, however, studies that specifically examine the parenting role among men who are alcohol dependent and have co-occurring intimate partner violence (IPV) have been limited. This brief report is intended to highlight the need to develop and focus interventions for men with co-occurring substance abuse and IPV with an emphasis on their roles as fathers. Method: Sixty-nine men who participated in a randomized comparison study of a coordinated substance abuse and domestic violence treatment program (SADV) and Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF) provided information about whether they were fathers. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the impact of fatherhood on the outcomes of intimate partner violence and alcohol use during the 12 weeks of treatment. Results: There was a significant interaction between type of treatment (SADV vs. TSF) and fatherhood. SADV resulted in significantly less IPV and...
The genetic basis of quantitative variation: numbers of sensory bristles of Drosophila melanogaster as a model system

Abstract The numbers of sensory hairs of Drosophila melanogaster present an ideal model system to elucidate the genetic basis of morphological quantitative variation. Loci affecting bristle number can be identified and their properties studied by accumulating spontaneous mutations, by P element mutagenesis, by mapping factors causing divergence between selection lines and by the association of phenotypic variation with molecular variation at candidate neurogenic loci. The consensus emerging from the application of all approaches is that much of the mutational and segregating variation affecting bristle number is attributable to alleles with large phenotypic effects at a small number of candidate loci.
California’s Golden Road to Riches: Natural Resources and Regional Capitalism, 1848 – 1940

California presents an important case of regional capitalism grounded in the wealth of nature. It belies the received wisdom that natural resource extraction is an anachronistic and inferior road to economic development. Prior to World War II, California’s economy rested squarely on minerals, agriculture, timber, and fisheries, yet this was consonant with high income, capital accumulation, development of manufacturing, and a high rate of technical innovation. Indeed, the latter were crucial to an extraordinarily rapid rate of discovery and plunder of resources for over a century. With due regard to the gifts of nature, the secret of California’s success is to be found in its social relations of production, especially open property rights and a syncretic class system, rapid capital accumulation, and a redoubtable state based firmly on the capitalist society that crafted it.
HLA-D Antigens in the Japanese Population

A Japanese population was typed for HLA-D antigens for the first time using HLA-D homozygous typing cells Dw1 through Dw4 and the homozygous cells LD HO and LD AH, newly found in the Japanese population. Dw3 was absent from the Japanese population which also lacks B8. Dw1, Dw2 and Dw4 were found in this population, but these did not show significant linkage disequilibria with any alleles of the B or C loci. LD HO and LD AH were common in Japanese but absent in Caucasians. LD HO was found to be in strong linkage disequilibrium with Bw35. LD AH showed significant association with Bw22J.
Postcricoid pharyngeal carcinoma mimicking bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Bulbar weakness, including dysarthria, dysphagia, or progressive respiratory weakness, occurs as the presenting feature in approximately 25% of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Misdiagnosis of ALS in patients with progressive bulbar symptoms is uncommon. This report describes a 73-
Cultivation of India-Rubber

IN NATURE of January 15, in a note on p. 355, a statement is quoted, to the effect that some few attempts have been made to cultivate india-rubber, but as yet not very successfully. As, however, there are extensive flourishing plantations of Ficus elastica in Assam, a short account of their origin and present condition may prove interesting.
Community intervention with the elderly: A social network approach.

: A technique is described for using the advantages of a social systems approach when working with elderly persons in psychiatric distress. The technique is based on the assumption that the solution to a variety of human predicaments lies within the collective instrumental and affective resources of the client's social network. The vehicle for accomplishing this objective is the “Network Session” during which a mental health professional meets with the elderly person and members of his/her social network to help resolve the difficulty. A case report demonstrating use of the technique is included.
Dynamic range compensation in non-linear sensors

A common objective with active magnetic, radio frequency, and acoustic sensors is to detect and sense small signals in the presence of large magnitude clutter or interference signals. When the interference to signal-of-interest ratio is greater than the dynamic range of the linear system, the system response may become non-linear. In this paper an adaptive analog cancellation approach is proposed to track and cancel the interference signal. The circuit's linear property is then recovered, enabling detection of the small magnitude signals. The concept was realized in an active RF sensor which demonstrated the effectiveness of the strategy.
Medical editors, journal owners, and the sacking of George Lundberg.

On January 15, 1999, Dr. George Lundberg, Editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), was summarily fired by Dr. E. Ratcliffe Anderson, Executive Vice President of the American Medical Association (AMA). At his news conference announcing the action, Dr. Anderson said he sacked Dr. Lundberg because of a research article 1 about college students’ definition of “having sex,” which he asserted had been published in a hurry to coincide with the Clinton impeachment trial, “to extract political leverage” (G. Kolata. New York Times. January 16, 1999:A1). He also noted that “over time, however, I have lost confidence in Dr. Lundberg’s ability to preserve that high level of trust and credibility.”
Novel Heteroatom-Linked Analogues of Trityl Radicals: Diaryl(benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl Radical Dimers

The lithiation of diaryl(benzotriazol-1-yl)methanes followed by addition of iodine generates phenanthridines and dimers of hitherto unknown trityl analogues in which the radical center is directly attached to a heteroatom. These dimers differ from those of triarylmethyl radicals by not dissociating in solution, but variable temperature ESR measurements provided direct evidence for the formation of the corresponding diaryl(benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl radicals as intermediates in solution.
Effect of antigonadotrophic serum on post-irradiation changes in the reproductive system of female mice.

COMPLETE alteration of the microscopic appearance of the ovary follows exposure of the adult mouse to x-rays. Primitive ova disappear within a few days, and the more mature ova and the granulosa cells associated with them are gradually replaced by hypertrophied luteinized cells of considerable structural variability and of doubtful origin (1, 2). Subsequent gradual changes lead to the appearance of neoplastic growths of several kinds in 7 to 12 months (3, 4). It has been suggested that the impetus for this series of events is provided by increased secretion of gonadotrophic hormones which occurs as a consequence of diminished production of estrogen after irradiation (5, 6, 7).
Accurate ab Initio Quantum Chemical Determination of the Relative Energetics of Peptide Conformations and Assessment of Empirical Force Fields

Correlated ab initio calculations have been carried out with a parallel version of the PSGVB electronic structure code to obtain relative energetics of a number of conformations of the alanine tetrapeptide. The highest level of theory utilized, local MP2 with the cc-pVTZ(−f) correlation-consistent basis set, has previously been shown to provide accurate conformational energies in comparison with experiment for a data set of small molecules. Comparisons with published and new canonical MP2 calculations on the alanine dipeptide are made. Results for ten gas-phase tetrapeptide conformations and a β-sheet dipeptide dimer are compared with 20 different molecular mechanics force field parametrizations, providing the first assessment of the reliability of these models for systems larger than a dipeptide. Comparisons are made with the LMP2/cc-pVTZ(−f) results, which are taken as a benchmark for the tetrapeptides. Statistical summaries with regard to energetics and structure are produced for each force field, and ...
Phase formation, crystal chemistry, and properties in the system Bi2O3–Fe2O3–Nb2O5

Abstract Subsolidus phase relations have been determined for the Bi2O3–Fe2O3–Nb2O5 system in air (900–1075 °C). Three new ternary phases were observed—Bi3Fe0.5Nb1.5O9 with an Aurivillius-type structure, and two phases with approximate stoichiometries Bi17Fe2Nb31O106 and Bi17Fe3Nb30O105 that appear to be structurally related to Bi8Nb18O57. The fourth ternary phase found in this system is pyrochlore (A2B2O6O′), which forms an extensive solid solution region at Bi-deficient stoichiometries (relative to Bi2FeNbO7) suggesting that ≈4–15% of the A-sites are occupied by Fe3+. X-ray powder diffraction data confirmed that all Bi–Fe–Nb–O pyrochlores form with positional displacements, as found for analogous pyrochlores with Zn, Mn, or Co instead of Fe. A structural refinement of the pyrochlore 0.4400:0.2700:0.2900 Bi2O3:Fe2O3:Nb2O5 using neutron powder diffraction data is reported with the A cations displaced (0.43 A) to 96g sites and O′ displaced (0.29 A) to 32e sites (Bi1.721Fe0.190(Fe0.866Nb1.134)O7, Fd3¯m (#227), a = 10.508 ( 1 ) A ). This displacive model is somewhat different from that reported for Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92, which exhibits twice the concentration of small B-type cations on the A-sites as the Fe system. Bi–Fe–Nb–O pyrochlores exhibited overall paramagnetic behavior with large negative Curie–Weiss temperature intercepts, slight superparamagnetic effects, and depressed observed moments compared to high-spin, spin-only values. The single-phase pyrochlore with composition Bi1.657Fe1.092Nb1.150O7 exhibited low-temperature dielectric relaxation similar to that observed for Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92; at 1 MHz and 200 K the relative permittivity was 125, and above 350 K conductive effects were observed.
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and thrombophilia

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA- AION) is a common, visually disabling disorder occurring in the middle-aged and elderly, but no age group is immune to it—in two large series the youngest persons with NA- ION were 18 (1) and 13 (2) years old. NA-AION is a multifactorial disease; several risk factors play a role in its development, some acting as predisposing and others as precipitating risk factors, as discussed detail elsewhere (3- 6). Some studies have mentioned thrombophilia (7-12 )a s a risk factor, including one published in this issue of this journal (13). To place the role of thrombophilia in proper perspective, it is essential to discuss two basic issues, i.e., the pathogenesis of NA-AION and whether thrombophilia has any role in that or not. Pathogenesis of NA-AION One often hears and reads that the pathogenesis of NA-AION is unknown, but that is no longer true with our current knowledge of the subject. The pathogenesis of NA-AION is discussed at length elsewhere (4). NA-AION represents a multifactorial acute ischemic disorder of the optic nerve head (ONH) which is supplied by the posterior ciliary artery.
PERCEPTION OF DEPTH IN ROTATING OBJECTS: 6. EFFECTS OF FIXATION AND PURSUIT ON THE PHENOMENAL MOTION OF STEREOKINESIS

Sirn~mary.-Stereokinetic percepts, including fluctuations in the anchor point mechanism, occurred regardless of whether 0 fixated points before, at, or behind the center or to the side of the stimulus. Fixation of a point on the periphery of a coarsely textured circle rotating slowly in the frontal plane yielded percepts of the textural dots slowing down before they passed the fixation point and speeding up afterward. Pursuit at moderate speeds of one circle of a circle-pair as 3 cylinder was being perceived resulted in disruption of the cylinder without destroying the apparent depth. The non-pursued circle became blurred "pure" movement, but upon switching the pursuit to this circle, these positive afterimages instantly disappeared and reappeared in the other face. In the two preceding reports of chis series (Mefferd, 1968a, 1968b) several aspects of the motion percepts of objects rotating slowly in the frontoparallel plane, i.e., in stereokinesis, were described. One of these involved fluctuations in the apparent location of the axis of rotation from one to another of three positions-ac the center or toward (but not at) either end of the stimulus. Changes in apparent relative velocities of the ends of the stimulus accompanied these fluctuations. It has long been known that the apparent velocity of a moving object relative to its background is less when ic is pursued by the eyes than when the eyes are held still as the object moves past a fixated point (von Fleischl, 1882; Aubert, 1887; Brown, 1931; Cohen, 1962). The possibility that the stereokinetic motion effect described might be due to the Aubert-Fleischl paradox is examined here.
Dynamics of maternal morphogen gradients in Drosophila

The first direct studies of morphogen gradients were done in the end of 1980s, in the early Drosophila embryo, which is patterned under the action of four maternally determined morphogens. Since the early studies of maternal morphogens were done with fixed embryos, they were viewed as relatively static signals. Several recent studies analyze dynamics of the anterior, dorsoventral, and terminal patterning signals. The results of these quantitative studies provide critical tests of classical models and reveal new modes of morphogen regulation and readout in one of the most extensively studied patterning systems.
In Situ Dynamics of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Bacteria Capable of AH Metabolism in a Coal Tar Waste-Contaminated Field Site

Field experiments utilizing randomized block designs were implemented to assess the mobility of both coal tar-derived aromatic hydrocarbons and bacteria capable of metabolizing these substances at a contaminated field site. Arrays of sorbent materials wrapped in fiberglass mesh fabric were inserted into organic matter-rich freshwater sediments in order to intercept mobile chemicals and bacteria carried by the prevailing hydraulic gradient. Polyurethane foam plugs served as a sorbent for aqueous-phase coal tar components while sterile sand from the site served as a substrate for colonization by bacteria. Replicate sorbents were removed from the sediments at varying intervals and assessed for organic compounds (via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and for numbers of aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (via viable plate counts). Organic contaminants including naphthalene, methyl naphthalene, indenes, and substituted benzenes were detected in the foam sorbents. Contaminant concentrations reached a ma...
Contemporary identification of patients at high risk of early prostate cancer recurrence after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives. To develop a model that will identify a contemporary cohort of patients at high risk of early prostate cancer recurrence (greater than 50% at 36 months) after radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized disease. Data from this model will provide important information for patient selection and the design of prospective randomized trials of adjuvant therapies. Methods. Proportional hazards regression analysis was applied to two patient cohorts to develop and cross-validate a multifactorial predictive model to identify men with the highest risk of early prostate cancer recurrence. The model and validation cohorts contained 904 and 901 men, respectively, who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy at Johns Hopkins Hospital. This model was then externally validated using a cohort of patients from the Mayo Clinic. Results. A model for weighted risk of recurrence was developed: R W ′= lymph node involvement (0/1)×1.43+ surgical margin status (0/1)×1.15+ modified Gleason score (0 to 4)×0.71+ seminal vesicle involvement (0/1)×0.51. Men with an R W ′ greater than 2.84 (9%) demonstrated a 50% biochemical recurrence rate (prostrate-specific antigen level greater than 0.2 ng/mL) at 3 years and thus were placed in the high-risk group. Kaplan-Meier analyses of biochemical recurrence-free survival demonstrated rapid deviation of the curves based on the R W ′. This model was cross-validated in the second group of patients and performed with similar results. Furthermore, similar trends were apparent when the model was externally validated on patients treated at the Mayo Clinic. Conclusions. We have developed a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model that successfully stratifies patients on the basis of their risk of early prostate cancer recurrence.
Sources of calcium for embryonic development in eggs of the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina

Flexible-shelled eggs of snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were analyzed for calcium content at different times in incubation to determine sources of mineral for developing embryos and to characterize the pattern of its mobilization. Yolk and albumen of freshly laid eggs contained 11.70 and 0.16 mg of calcium, respectively. Almost all calcium was withdrawn from the yolk during incubation, but this calcium was not sufficient to satisfy requirements of embryos. Calcium contained within eggs increased to 27 mg between oviposition and hatching owing to mobilization of approximately 15 mg of calcium from the calcareous eggshell. Thus, embryonic snapping turtles obtain slightly more than half (56%) of the calcium required for development from the eggshell, with the remainder (44%) coming from stores present in the yolk at oviposition.
Microwave soil moisture estimation in humid and semiarid watersheds

Land surface hydrologic-atmospheric interactions in humid and semi-arid watersheds were investigated. Active and passive microwave sensors were used to estimate the spatial and temporal distribution of soil moisture at the catchment scale in four areas. Results are presented and discussed. The eventual use of this information in the analysis and prediction of associated hydrologic processes is examined.
Multimode precoding for MIMO wireless systems

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems obtain large diversity and capacity gains by employing multielement antenna arrays at both the transmitter and receiver. The theoretical performance benefits of MIMO systems, however, are irrelevant unless low error rate, spectrally efficient signaling techniques are found. This paper proposes a new method for designing high data-rate spatial signals with low error rates. The basic idea is to use transmitter channel information to adaptively vary the transmission scheme for a fixed data rate. This adaptation is done by varying the number of substreams and the rate of each substream in a precoded spatial multiplexing system. We show that these substreams can be designed to obtain full diversity and full rate gain using feedback from the receiver to transmitter. We model the feedback using a limited feedback scenario where only finite sets, or codebooks, of possible precoding configurations are known to both the transmitter and receiver. Monte Carlo simulations show substantial performance gains over beamforming and spatial multiplexing.
The Quranic Mushrikūn and the Resurrection (Part I)

This article examines the attitudes of the Quranic mushrikūn to the resurrection and the afterlife, focusing on those who doubted or denied the reality of both. The first part of the article argues that the doubters and deniers had grown up in a monotheist environment familiar with both concepts and that it was from within the monotheist tradition that they rejected them. The second part (published in a forthcoming issue of BSOAS) relates their thought to intellectual currents in Arabia and the Near East in general, arguing that the role of their pagan heritage in their denial is less direct than normally assumed. It is also noted that mutakallims such as Abū ʿĪsā al-Warrāq and al-Māturīdī anticipated the main conclusions reached in this paper.
Enhancing H2 Uptake by “Close‐Packing” Alignment of Open Copper Sites in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Inspired by close-packing of spheres, to strengthen the framework-H{sub 2} interaction in MOFs (metal-organic frameworks), a strategy is devised to increase the number of nearest neighboring open metal sites ofe ach H{sub 2}-hosting cage, and to align the open metal sites toward the H{sub 2} molecules. Two MOF polymorphs were made, one exhibiting a record high hydrogen uptake of 3.0 wt% at 1 bar and 77 k.
Exposure of Wildland Firefighters to Carbon Monoxide, Fine Particles, and Levoglucosan

2.5 and CO was higher when firefighters performed 'holding' tasks compared with 'lighting' duties, whereas exposures to CO and LG were higher when burns were in compartments with predominantly pine vegetation ( P < 0.05). Exposures to PM 2.5 (64-2068 µg m −3 ) and CO (0.02-8.2 p.p.m.) fell within the ranges observed in previous studies. some recommended shorter term exposure limits for CO were exceeded in a few instances. the very low LG:PM 2.5 ratios in some samples suggest that the exposures of wildland firefighters to pollutants at prescribed burns may be substantially impacted by non-woodsmoke sources. the association of the qualitative exposure estimation of the firefight - ers with actual PM 2.5 and CO measurements ( P < 0.01) indicates that qualitative estimation may be used to assess exposure in epidemiology studies.
Antibiotic Therapy and Early Onset Sepsis

Early onset sepsis in the newborn infant continues to be an important clinical problem for neonatologists everywhere in the world. Different routes of transmission, changes in causative agents, and potential antibiotic resistance all influence the choice of antibiotic therapy. Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli continue to be the major pathogens dictating antibiotic therapy in the United States. Ampicillin and gentamicin are the antibiotics used by most for empirical therapy; cephalosporins are used in certain clinical situations. In this review, we address the reasons for these choices while highlighting clinically relevant aspects of the antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of early onset sepsis in the newborn.
A Physics-Based Model Prior for Object-Oriented MDPs

One of the key challenges in using reinforcement learning in robotics is the need for models that capture natural world structure. There are methods that formalize multi-object dynamics using relational representations, but these methods are not sufficiently compact for real-world robotics. We present a physics-based approach that exploits modern simulation tools to efficiently parameterize physical dynamics. Our results show that this representation can result in much faster learning, by virtue of its strong but appropriate inductive bias in physical environments.
Triglyceride utilization by human HeLa and conjunctiva cells in tissue culture.

U NLIKE otimer niajor groups of nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids, and inorganic ions, lipids have thus far received relatively little attention in nutritional and biochemical studies employing cells maintained in continuous culture in vitro. It has been rather general procedure to avoid lipemic sera, often using fasted or at least preprandial donors. Toxic manifestations of unesterified fatty acids and their soaps are well known, and the surface activity of phosphatides, monoglycerides, and diglycerides has not favored their intentional inclusion in tissue culture media. In view of the fact, however, that most such media contain fresh or dialyzed serum, lipids at least in the form of lipoproteins are present. Recently, Cailleau ci al.,’ in a study of the reasons underlying the toxicity of certain sera, analyzed both “toxic” and nontoxic sera for their lipid concentrations and compositions. Their data revealed a higher lipid content for toxic sera and especially an elevation in free fatty acid content. Several investigators have included lipids in their media, especially where natural products such as serum have been omitted. A medium employed fairly extensively by Evans and associates2 contained three unsaturated fatty acids : methyl linoleate, methyl linolenate, amid methyl arachidonate.
Basal subtribes of the Nymphidiini (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae): phylogeny and myrmecophily

Abstract Three cladistic analyses, based predominantly on adult morphology, are presented for myrmecophilous riodinid butterflies in the tribe Nymphidiini. The first is a species-level analysis of all 22 species recognized here in Aricoris (=Audre auctt.) using 27 characters. The second is a species-level analysis of all 24 species recognized here in Synargis using 53 characters. The third is a generic-level analysis of all six genera (Aricoris, Ariconias n. gen., Lemonias, Thisbe, Juditha, and Synargis) recognized here as belonging in the basal clades of the Nymphidiini (=Lemoniadina auctt.) using 17 characters, with members of the Theopeina and Nymphidiina included with the ingroup to assess the monophyly of subtribes. Almost all characters are illustrated. The first analysis indicates that Aricoris consists of five monophyletic species groups, with the relationship ((constantius gr. + colchis gr.) + (chilensis gr. + (aurinia gr. + epulus gr.))), and contains the type species of Eiseleia and Audre, which are synonymized with Aricoris (n. syns.). The second analysis indicates that Synargis consists of four monophyletic species groups, with the relationship (phliasus gr. + (regulus gr. + (pittheus gr. + abaris gr.))), and contains the type species of Ematurgina and Thysanota, which are synonymized with Synargis (n. syns.). The third analysis indicates that the Lemoniadina, or basal clades of the Nymphidiini, are paraphyletic with respect to the Theopeina and Nymphidiina, with the generic relationship ((Aricoris + Ariconias) + (((Lemonias + Thisbe) + (Juditha + Synargis)) + (Theopeina + Nymphidiina))). We therefore restrict the Lemoniadina to include Lemonias, Thisbe, Juditha, and Synargis and provide the name Aricorina n. subtribe for Aricoris and Ariconias. All nymphidiine subtribes are characterized and a synonymic checklist for the Aricorina and Lemoniadina is presented. A “supertree” composed of the species-level phylogenies derived here for Aricoris and Synargis, and those derived elsewhere for Ariconias, Lemonias, Thisbe, and Juditha, is used to map the distribution of larval host plant and attending ant taxa and the occurrence of aphytophagy. Observed patterns are discussed.
Subcellular Localization of Proteins in the Anaerobic Sulfate Reducer Desulfovibrio vulgaris via SNAP-tag Labeling and Photoconversion

Subcellular localization of proteins in the anaerobic sulfate reducer Desulfovibrio vulgaris via SNAP-tag labeling and photoconversion. A. Gorur,* C.M. Leung,* D. Jorgens,* A. Tauscher,* J.P. Remis,* D.A. Ball,* S. Chhabra,* V. Fok,* J.T. Geller,* M.Singer* T.C. Hazen,* T.Juba,** D. Elias,** J.Wall,**, M. Biggin,* K.H. Downing,* and M. Auer* * Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley CA 94720 ** University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211 Systems Biology studies the temporal and spatial 3D distribution of macromolecular complexes with the aim that such knowledge will allow more accurate modeling of biological function and will allow mathematical prediction of cellular behavior. However, in order to accomplish accurate modeling precise knowledge of spatial 3D organization and distribution inside cells is necessary. And while a number of macromolecular complexes may be identified by its 3D structure and molecular characteristics alone, the overwhelming number of proteins will need to be localized using a reporter tag. GFP and its derivatives (XFPs) have been traditionally employed for subcelllar localization using photoconversion approaches, but this approach cannot be taken for obligate anaerobic bacteria, where the intolerance towards oxygen prevents XFP approaches. As part of the GTL-funded PCAP project (now ENIGMA) genetic tools have been developed for the anaerobe sulfate reducer Desulfovibrio vulgaris that allow the high-throughput generation of tagged- protein mutant strains, with a focus on the commercially available SNAP-tag cell system (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, MA), which is based on a modified O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) tag, that has a dead–end reaction with a modified O6-benzylguanine (BG) derivative and has been shown to function under anaerobic conditions [1]. After initial challenges with respect to variability, robustness and specificity of the labeling signal we have optimized the labeling. Over the last year, as a result of the optimized labeling protocol, we now obtain robust labeling of 20 out of 31 SNAP strains. Labeling for 13 strains were confirmed at least five times. We have also successfully performed photoconversion on 5 of these 13 strains, with distinct labeling patterns for different strains. For example, DsrC robustly localizes to the periplasmic portion of the inner membrane, where as a DNA-binding protein localizes to the center of the cell, where the chromosome is located. Two other proteins – Thiosulfate reductase and ATP binding protein were found to be cytoplasmically distributed, whereas a molybdenum transporter was found to locate to the cell periphery. We judge labeling outcome by 1) SDS gel electrophoresis, followed by direct fluorescence imaging of the gel to address specificity of labeling/confirm expected molecular weight, and subsequent Coomassie analysis to ensure comparable protein levels 2) fluorescence intensity of culture by plate
The Laron Mouse

Studies of GHR−/− mice have helped to reveal the role of GH in many physiological processes such as reproduction, growth, GH/IGF-1 feedback loops to the pituitary, insulin and glucose metabolism, longevity, and obesity. This mouse model has also been used to investigate in vivo intracellular signaling systems specific for the GH/GHR interaction. Additionally, these mice have been and continue to be used to study disease states in which GH has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease such as Type 1 diabetes and certain cancers. In the following sections, we will elaborate on these findings, and where possible, point out similarities/differences between results found in mice versus human LS individuals.
Quantum computation techniques for gauging reliability of interval and fuzzy data

In traditional interval computations, we assume that the interval data corresponds to guaranteed interval bounds, and that fuzzy estimates provided by experts are correct. In practice, measuring instruments are not 100% reliable, and experts are not 100% reliable, we may have estimates which are "way off", intervals which do not contain the actual values at all. Usually, we know the percentage of such outlier un-reliable measurements. However, it is desirable to check that the reliability of the actual data is indeed within the given percentage. The problem of checking (gauging) this reliability is, in general, NP-hard; in reasonable cases, there exist feasible algorithms for solving this problem. In this paper, we show that quantum computations techniques can drastically speed up the computation of reliability of given data.
NewsNetExplorer: automatic construction and exploration of news information networks

News data is one of the most abundant and familiar data sources. News data can be systematically utilized and ex- plored by database, data mining, NLP and information re- trieval researchers to demonstrate to the general public the power of advanced information technology. In our view, news data contains rich, inter-related and multi-typed data objects, forming one or a set of gigantic, interconnected, het- erogeneous information networks. Much knowledge can be derived and explored with such an information network if we systematically develop effective and scalable data-intensive information network analysis technologies. By further developing a set of information extraction, in- formation network construction, and information network mining methods, we extract types, topical hierarchies and other semantic structures from news data, construct a semi- structured news information network NewsNet. Further, we develop a set of news information network exploration and mining mechanisms that explore news in multi-dimensional space, which include (i) OLAP-based operations on the hierarchical dimensional and topical structures and rich-text, such as cell summary, single dimension analysis, and promo- tion analysis, (ii) a set of network-based operations, such as similarity search and ranking-based clustering, and (iii) a set of hybrid operations or network-OLAP operations, such as entity ranking at different granularity levels. These form the basis of our proposed NewsNetExplorer system. Although some of these functions have been studied in recent research, effective and scalable realization of such functions in large networks still poses multiple challenging research problems. Moreover, some functions are our on-going research tasks. By integrating these functions, NewsNetExplorer not only provides with us insightful recommendations in NewsNet exploration system but also helps us gain insight on how to perform effective information extraction, integration and mining in large unstructured datasets.
Breakdown Characteristics of Nitrogen under Unipolar Applied Voltages for Non-Uniform Field Configuration

This paper presents work on breakdown studies conducted in nitrogen at partial vacuum conditions for a point-to-plane electrode setup. The experiments are conducted under two different applied fields of 20 kHz unipolar pulsed square wave and 20 kHz unipolar sinusoid (DC shifted sinusoid). The applied square pulsed signal consists of a train of pulses at 20 kHz with 50% duty cycle and rise/fall times around 20 ns as well as the sinusoidal signal. The gas pressure is varied from 0.1 to 4.0 torr to observe breakdown voltage variation as a function of pressure and a Paschen like behavior is observed. Preliminary data of voltage and current waveforms, along with the light emission data collected by a PMT (photo multiplier tube) as a function of the time are presented. Also, the spectrum of the discharge listing the active transitions is presented.
EnviroSuite: An environmentally immersive programming framework for sensor networks

Sensor networks open a new frontier for embedded-distributed computing. Paradigms for sensor network programming-in-the-large have been identified as a significant challenge toward developing large-scale applications. Classical programming languages are too low-level. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of EnviroSuite, a programming framework that introduces a new paradigm, called environmentally immersive programming, to abstract distributed interactions with the environment. Environmentally immersive programming refers to an object-based programming model in which individual objects represent physical elements in the external environment. It allows the programmer to think directly in terms of environmental abstractions. EnviroSuite provides language primitives for environmentally immersive programming that map transparently into a support library of distributed algorithms for tracking and environmental monitoring. We show how nesC code of realistic applications is significantly simplified using EnviroSuite and demonstrate the resulting system performance on Mica2 and XSM platforms.
Exploring the Differential Impact of Public Interventions on Indigenous People: Lessons from Mexico's Conditional Cash Transfer Program

This paper uses experimental panel data for Mexico from 1997 to 2000 in order to test assumptions on the impact of a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program on child labor and school attendance, adding to the literature by emphasizing the differential impact on indigenous households. Using data from the CCT program, PROGRESA (later on known as OPORTUNIDADES), we investigate the interaction between child labor, education and indigenous households. While indigenous children had a greater probability of working before the intervention, this probability is reversed after treatment in the program. Indigenous monolingual children also had lower school attainment compared with Spanish-speaking or indigenous bilingual children. After the program, school attainment among indigenous children increased, reducing the gap. In terms of child labor, the larger reduction is in the group of bilingual children.
MAP3K1: Genomic Alterations in Cancer and Function in Promoting Cell Survival or Apoptosis

MAP3K1 is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family of serine/threonine kinases. MAP3K1 regulates JNK activation and is unique among human kinases in that it also encodes an E3 ligase domain that ubiquitylates c-Jun and ERK1/2. Full length MAP3K1 regulates cell migration and contributes to pro-survival signaling while its caspase 3-mediated cleavage generates a C-terminal kinase domain that promotes apoptosis. The critical function of MAP3K1 in cell fate decisions suggests that it may be a target for deregulation in cancer. Recent large-scale genomic studies have revealed that MAP3K1 copy number loss and somatic missense or nonsense mutations are observed in a significant number of different cancers, being most prominent in luminal breast cancer. The alteration of MAP3K1 in diverse cancer types demonstrates the importance of defining phenotypes for possible therapeutic targeting of tumor cell vulnerabilities created when MAP3K1 function is lost or gained.
Midwinter Suppression of the Pacific Storm Track Activity as Seen in Aircraft Observations

Abstract Unassimilated observational data, from the years 1979 to 1993, are analyzed and compared to the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data to confirm the magnitude of the seasonal cycle in Pacific storm track activity. Such a comparison is necessary since recent publications have indicated that the reanalysis data may contain biases and spurious jumps that may affect climate signals, and eddy variance/covariance statistics are particularly sensitive to model biases, as well as changes in data coverage and quality. High-pass-filtered variance in the 250-hPa meridional wind component is taken to be the indicator of upper-tropospheric storm track intensity. Rawinsonde observations located mainly over the land masses, and aircraft observations over the oceans, both display seasonal cycles very similar to that seen in the reanalysis data. Both the midwinter suppression in Pacific storm track activity, as well as the more recent finding that the Pacific storm track is significantly stronger during the late 1980s and ea...