cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TH‐A‐141‐03: High‐Sensitivity L‐Shell X‐Ray Fluorescence CT Imaging of Cisplatin

Purpose: To increase the sensitivity of x‐ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) imaging by excitation of low‐energy L‐shell x‐rays with higher interaction cross‐section compared to K‐shell x‐rays. Methods: XFCT images of a 2‐cm diameter acrylic phantom with 0.1–0.4% (or 1–4 mg/mL) Cisplatin solutions were simulated in a modified version of the EGSnrc/DOSXYZnrc Monte Carlo code. XFCT images were reconstructed based on platinum fluorescence x‐rays excited by 15, 30, and 80 keV x‐rays. Based on L‐edge and K‐edge energies of platinum, 15 and 30 keV XFCT images were reconstructed using L‐shell x‐rays (∼10 keV) and 80 keV images were reconstructed with K‐shell x‐rays (∼67 keV). XFCT images were reconstructed with simple filtered back‐projection (FBP), maximum‐likelihood expectation maximization (ML‐EM) without and with attenuation correction to account for the low energy 15 and 30 keV excitation x‐rays and L‐shell fluorescence x‐rays. Results: For a 2.5 mGy imaging dose, K‐shell XFCT images reconstructed with simple FBP resulted in Cisplatin imaging sensitivity limit of 740 μg/mL, which was defined by contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) value of 4. For the same dose, 15 keV L‐shell XFCT imaging sensitivity increased by a factor of 3.8 for objects at the periphery of the phantom. However, contrast in L‐shell images decreased drastically towards the center of the phantom due to attenuation of the excitation and fluorescence x‐rays. Our ML‐EM reconstruction algorithm with attenuation correction applied on the 15 keV L‐shell XFCT image 1) significantly increased CNR and resulted in 2) a uniform signal across the phantom, and 3) accurate quantification of Cisplatin concentration. Conclusion: We have shown that L‐shell XFCT imaging in connection with ML‐EM and attenuation correction reconstruction algorithm resulted high imaging sensitivity and accurate quantification of imaging contrast. A clinically relevant concentration of 6 μg/mL of Cisplatin can be accurately detected with a low imaging dose of 18 mGy.
Can We Measure Immigrants' Legal Status? Lessons from Two U.S. Surveys

This research note examines response and allocation rates for legal status questions asked in publicly available U.S. surveys to address worries that the legal status of immigrants cannot be reliably measured. Contrary to such notions, we find that immigrants' response rates to questions about legal status are typically not higher than response rates to other immigration-related questions, such as country of birth and year of immigration. Further exploration of two particular surveys - the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (LAFANS) and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) - reveals that these data sources produce profiles of the unauthorized immigrant population that compare favorably to independently estimated profiles. We also find in the case of the SIPP that the introduction of legal status questions does not appear to have an appreciable "chilling effect" on the subsequent survey participation of unauthorized immigrant respondents. Based on the results, we conclude that future data collection efforts should include questions about legal status in order to (a) improve models of immigrant incorporation and (b) better position assimilation research to inform policy discussions.
Multidisciplinary intervention decreases the use of opioid medication discharge packs from 2 urban EDs

Abstract Introduction Prescription opioid overdoses and deaths constitute a public health epidemic, and recent studies show that emergency department (ED) prescribers may contribute to this crisis. We hypothesized that a multidisciplinary educational intervention would decrease ED opioid packs dispensed at discharge. Methods This prospective study implemented a "bundle" of interdisciplinary educational modalities: lectures, journal clubs, case discussions, and an electronic medical record decision support tool. Implementation occurred in 2 urban EDs in the same health system at different times ("affiliate," September 2011; "primary," January 2012) to better distinguish its effects. The primary outcome was preintervention/postintervention change in opioid discharge packs dispensed to all patients treated and discharged through August 2012 and was assessed by 2-way analysis of variance. The secondary outcome was bivariate analysis (using Fisher exact test) of change in opioid dispensing among patients with known risk factors for prescription opioid dependence: age less than 65 years, history of substance abuse, chronic pain, or psychiatric disorders. Results A total of 71,512 and 45,746 patients were evaluated and discharged from primary and affiliate EDs, respectively. Orders for opioid discharge packs decreased from 13.9% to 8.4% and 4.7% to 1.9% at the primary and affiliate hospitals ( P Conclusions A staged, multidisciplinary intervention targeting nurses, residents, nurse practitioners, and attending physicians was associated with decreased orders for opioid discharge packs in 2 urban EDs. Opioid discharge pack orders decreased slightly more among patients with risk factors for prescription opioid dependence.
Biochemical characterization of soluble phospholipase A2 from rheumatoid synovial fluid.

RadiolabeledE. coli, Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC), were used to characterize the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in synovial fluid (SF) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Cell-free fractions of SF contain a PLA2 enzyme that preferentially releases [14C]oleic acid fromE. coli, requires calcium and is optimally active at neutral pH. Purified PE, but not PC is also readily degraded by the soluble enzyme. A cell-associated PLA2 present in sonicates of SF mononuclear cells and neutrophils preferentially releases [3H]AA fromE. coli. These studies suggest the presence of at least two different enzymes with activity of PLA2 in rheumatoid SF.
Calculation of divergent photon absorption in ultrathin films of a topological insulator

We perform linear and non-linear photon absorption calculations in topological insulator ultra-thin films on a substrate. Due to the unique band structure of the coupled topological surface states, novel features are observed for suitable photon frequencies, including a divergent edge singularity in one-photon absorption process and a significantly enhancement in two-photon absorption process. The resonanct frequencies can be controlled by tuning the energy difference and coupling of the top and bottom surface states. Such unique linear and nonlinear optical properties make ultra-thin films of topological insulators promising material building blocks for tunable high-efficiency nanophotonic devices.
Steady flow of a perfectly conducting incompressible fluid

Abstract Steady plane and axially symmetric flows of an inviscid, perfectly conducting incompressible fluid are considered for the three special cases for which the applied magnetic field has two zero components. Linearized analyses, valid for small disturbances to initially uniform flows, are derived, and, since the perturbation equations are linear, superposition is possible, so that linearized flow for an arbitrary magnetic field orientation may be obtained by superposing the solutions for the three special cases. Application is made to linearized flows past insulating walls and thin airfoils.
Influence of gender and experience on college students' stalking schemas.

Although stalking has been increasingly recognized as a serious social problem, surprisingly few studies have investigated perceptions of the specific behaviors that comprise stalking. The focus of this article, therefore, was to further delineate college students' stalking schemas and to examine the influence of gender and personal knowledge of stalking on their schemas. Participants judged whether or not a variety of behaviors were examples of stalking. Behaviors were designed to range from mild, somewhat ambiguous, examples of stalking to more severe examples. Results revealed an interaction between gender and experience on ratings of mild stalking behaviors. Men who had personal knowledge of stalking (by having been stalked themselves or knowing someone who had been stalked) were significantly more likely to rate mild stalking behaviors as stalking than men who had no experience. In contrast, experience did not affect women's perceptions of mild stalking, as no differences were found between women as a function of experience. Results are discussed in terms of overall relationship schemas. Language: en
Trajectory Planning for CubeSat Short-Time-Scale Proximity Operations

This paper considers motion planning for small satellites such as CubeSats performing proximity operations in a several meters range of a target object. The main goal is to develop a principled methodology for handling the coupled effects of orbital dynamics, rotational and translational rigid-body dynamics, underactuation and control bounds, and obstacle avoidance constraints. The proposed approach is based on constructing a reduced-order parameterization of the dynamics through dynamics inversion and differential flatness, and on efficient global optimization over a finite-dimensional reduced representation. Two simulated scenarios, a satellite reconfiguration maneuver and asteroid surface sampling, are developed to illustrate the approach. In addition, a simple two-dimensional experimental testbed consisting of an air-bearing table and two CubeSat engineering models is developed for partial testing and integration of the proposed methods.
Management Games and Simulations in Management Development: An Introduction

Management games arose on the scene in the late 1950s and were derived from World War II simulations. Since then, they have grown in use and can be found in most major companies and in most colleges or universities. They provide an experiential framework for learning and applying concepts learned, add interest and even excitement to the classroom and provide a risk free environment for learning.
Novel Soft X-Ray Diagnostics For Magnetically Confined Fusion Plasmas Using Layered Synthetic Microstructure (LSM) Coated Flat Surfaces And Gratings

Two novel soft X-ray diagnostics for magnetically confined plasma spectroscopy are proposed and discussed. Both will'use layered synthetic microstructure coated surfaces, including flat or curved gratings, as dispersive elements. The high near normal incidence reflectivities of these elements, enable the construction of near normal incidence soft X-ray spectrometers and narrow band filters for radiative power loss estimates and plasma fluctuation measurements in the hot central core of magnetically confined plasmas.© (1989) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
New heights and new insights in Himalayan research

Sherry Ortner. Sherpas Through Their Rituals. Cambridge University Pres$. New York and London, 1978. xxi + 195 pp. Preface; Notes, bibliography, index; photographs and figures. $15.95, cloth; $5.95, paper.
Floral anatomy of the Styracaceae, including observations on intra-ovarian trichomes

Abstract All eleven genera of the Styracaceae were examined with respect to floral morphology and anatomy. Floral structure and vascularization are described in detail. Flowers of the family exhibit different degrees and patterns of specialization. All Styracaceae show some degree of basal non-divergence of perianth members, forming a hypanthium that is adnate to the ovary wall to a lesser or greater extent. The extent of reduction and amplification in the number of sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels varies widely among genera, and generally the non-divergence, decrease, or increase in parts is not equally pronounced in the different whorls of the same sower. Genera cannot be readily aligned in an intergrading sequence of morphological advancement. Stamen form and anatomy is variable. A fibrous endothecium ranges from well-developed to weakly formed or absent. A nearly uniform feature of the styracaceous gynoccium is the presence of incompletely septate ovaries. The major points of variation in the floral vascular system relate to the number, mode of origin, and degree of independence of sepallary traces; degree of independence of the androecial vasculature; the level at which the common petal and petaladstamen or sepal and sepalad-stamen bundles separate to their component parts; organization of the ventral ovarian supply; and the occurrence of ventral bundles in the style. Floral vascularization provides evidence that the family was derived from an obdiplostemonous ancestor. A unitegmic ovule is predominant in the family and starch is present in the megagametophyte of some taxa. An unusual feature of the flowers of the Styracaceae is the occurrence of stellate and lignified intraovarian trichomes. Numerous similarities in floral morphology and anatomy between Styracaceae and Ericales are pointed out.
Conservation laws of turbulence models

Abstract The conservation of mass, momentum, energy, helicity, and enstrophy in fluid flow are important because these quantities organize a flow, and characterize change in the flow's structure over time. In turbulent flow, conservation laws remain important in the inertial range of wave numbers, where viscous effects are negligible. It is in the inertial range where energy, helicity (3d), and enstrophy (2d) must be accurately cascaded for a turbulence model to be qualitatively correct. A first and necessary step for an accurate cascade is conservation; however, many turbulent flow simulations are based on turbulence models whose conservation properties are little explored and might be very different from those of the Navier–Stokes equations. We explore conservation laws and approximate conservation laws satisfied by LES turbulence models. For the Leray, Leray deconvolution, Bardina, and N th order deconvolution models, we give exact or approximate laws for a model mass, momentum, energy, enstrophy and helicity. The possibility of cascades for model quantities is also discussed.
The role of lipophilicity in the inhibition of polymorphic cytochrome P450IID6 oxidation by beta-blocking agents in vitro.

Abstract The importance of lipophilicity as a determinant of the affinity of betaadrenoceptor blocking agents for a specific human hepatic monooxygenase — cytochrome P450IID6 (responsible for the debrisoquine-type of oxidation polymorphism) — was investigated in vitro by estimating the inhibition constants of a series of compounds in a microsomal system with monitoring of the kinetics of dextromethorphan O-demethylation. Lipophilicity is a key predictor of the affinity of beta-blocking drugs for cytochrome P450IID6 and of their potential to cause specific competitive drug interactions, but more complex structural factors appear to be important as well. A high lipophilicity is also a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for these compounds to be metabolized by cytochrome P450IID6.
Seasonal and longer-term variations in middle atmosphere temperature from HALOE on UARS

[1] The 9.5-year temperature time series from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has been analyzed for 40°N, 30°N, 20°N, Tropics, 20°S, 30°S, and 40°S using multiple linear regression techniques at 12 pressure levels from 5 to 0.01 hPa. The HALOE sunset and sunrise temperature profiles have good vertical resolution and are representative of the variations of the zonal average state. Vertical profiles with latitude of the average sunset/sunrise differences agree qualitatively with that expected from the effects of tides. Periodic seasonal (annual and semiannual) terms are sampled well in the time series, and the seasonal cycle from HALOE at 40°N agrees well with the local variations reported from measurements with the ground-based Rayleigh lidar instrument at 44°N, 6°E. Significant quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO)-like variations occur at most latitudes of the upper stratosphere in the HALOE data, and their phases are nearly symmetric about the equator. There is also a clear subbiennial (688-day) cycle at Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitudes at those same pressure altitudes due to the interaction of the QBO and annual cycles. The solar cycle temperature term is in-phase with the UV flux forcing in the upper stratosphere but lags it by a year or so in the upper mesosphere at NH midlatitudes. There is also a significant cooling trend for the HALOE time series that is of order 1.0 to 1.6 K per decade in the midmesosphere at 20°N and at 1 hPa in the tropics. The seasonal terms may be combined with the constant and autoregressive (AR) terms (or annual average distribution that we provided) in order to generate the monthly zonal average HALOE “climatology” of middle atmosphere temperature for the decade of the 1990s. Comparisons between the HALOE and CIRA climatologies for the upper stratosphere suggest a cooling of order 2.5 K per decade from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. HALOE/CIRA differences for the mesosphere change sign with altitude, an indication of bias errors in one or both.
Electrical properties of the rabbit urinary bladder assessed using gramicidin D

Recently, antibiotics have enjoyed widespread usage as tools in studies of epithelial transport. In the present study we assess the usefulness of the pore-forming antibiotic gramicidin D as a means for probing the electrical properties of the tight epithelium rabbit urinary bladder. Addition of 50 μM gramicidin to the mucosal bath (either a NaCl or KCl Ringer's solution) led to a large irreversible increase in the transepithelial conductance (GT) within 800 sec.GT increased by approximately 1200% and 500% in KCl and NaCl Ringer's solutions, respectively. Microelectrode measurements of the resistance ration (the ration of apical membrane resitance to basolateral membrane resistance) showed that apical membrane resistance is dereased by the drug. Measurements of the basolateral membrane resistance (Rbl) and tight junctional resistance (Rj) using a new and independent method (based on the perturbation of basolateral membrane electrogenic Na+ pump) demonstrated thatRbl andRj were unaffected, suggesting that the effects of gramicidin are restricted to the apical membrane for periods of at least 2 hours after drug addition. The selectivity of the gramicidin-induced permeability in the apical membrane was calculated from measurements of the apical membrane potential after ion substitutions using a modified version of the constant field equation. The selectivity sequence for cations was Cs+>K+>Na+>Li+>choline. Unlike the commonly used polyene antibiotics nystatin and amphotericin B, gramicidin did not induce a significant Cl− permeability. In addition, the dose-response curve had a slope of 1. A method is described for calculating membrane resistances directly from transepithelial measurements under some conditions of gramicidin use, without requiring the use of microlectrode measurements.
Fast paint texture

We present a technique for simulating the physical appearance of paint strokes under lighting. This technique is easy-to-implement and very fast, yet produces realistic results. The system processes a painting composed of a list of brush strokes. A height map is assigned to each stroke, and a height field for the painting is produced by rendering the brush strokes textured with the height maps. The final painting is rendered by bump-mapping the painting's colors with the height map. The entire process takes only a few seconds on current hardware.
Theoretical Comparison of Grab and Composite Sampling Programs

A mathematical formula for determining the sampling frequency on the basis of the coefficients of variation of the various parameters of interest of water quality is developed. The uncertainty or the variability of each sampling program is expressed as a function of the sampling design variable in order to construct a performance index which will enable one to select the best sampling program. The notion of information content is used as a basis for the performance index. Under certain circumstances, the information content of a single composite is more than that of a single grab sample. However, the average of a series of grab samples provides more information than the average of a series of composite samples. This happens because the individual information content (entropy) of discrete portions of the composite sample are confounded in the average. It is shown that if the variability of the proportions is greater than the upper limit (provided in Table 2), the information content of the composite, where the volume of each discrete portion is collected in proportion to the rate of flow (or discharge) at the time it is collected, is much smaller than that of the same number of grab samples or composite samples collected at constant volume-constant time intervals. Time constant, volume proportional-to-flow since last sample composites have the same disadvantages.
Photodensitometric evaluation of osseous repair following Le Fort I osteotomy

This study evaluated photodensitometry as a noninvasive method for quantitating bone mineral content (BMC) and osseous repair after Le Fort I osteotomy. Le Fort I osteotomies were performed on 6 Macaca fasicularis monkeys; maxillas were either advanced (Group I, n = 3) or impacted and advanced (Group II, n = 3). Postoperative, standardized lateral cephalometric films were taken at weekly intervals up to 25 weeks and osteotomy site repair was studied using photodensitometry. Segment stability was also evaluated and correlated with measured densities. In both experimental groups, clinical stability occurred at about the same time (45.7 and 48.7 days postoperatively) despite large differences in the size of the initial surgical defects. The net rate (slope) of osteotomy site remineralization was significantly different (Group II greater than Group I), but the relative difference in film absorbance between the osteotomy site and adjacent bone at the time of clinical stability was the same. This difference can be extrapolated from early postoperative films and may constitute a useful parameter for predicting when clinical stability will be achieved.
Dynamics of infrastructure development: the role of metaphors, political will and sunk investment

This article explores how infrastructure networks get created in spite of the uncertainties in their development process. It focuses on the development of the Iowa Communications Network and North Carolina Information Highway which represent two very different models of state-wide networking. The experience with the Erie and Welland Canals provides the backdrop for the analysis. It offers insights into how metaphors provide the initial impetus, and how political will and sunk investments help sustain the effort for creating an infrastructure network.
Subjective social status and psychosocial and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study

Subjective social status has been shown to be inversely associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, independent of objective social status. However, few studies have examined this association among African Americans and the results have been mixed. Additionally, the influence of discrimination on this relationship has not been explored. Using baseline data (2000–2004) from the Jackson Heart Study, an African American cohort from the U.S. South (N = 5301), we quantified the association of subjective social status with selected cardiovascular risk factors: depressive symptoms, perceived stress, waist circumference, insulin resistance and prevalence of diabetes. We contrasted the strength of the associations of these outcomes with subjective versus objective social status and examined whether perceived discrimination confounded or modified these associations. Subjective social status was measured using two 10-rung "ladders," using the U.S. and the community as referent groups. Objective social status was measured using annual family income and years of schooling completed. Gender-specific multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to examine associations. Subjective and objective measures were weakly positively correlated. Independent of objective measures, subjective social status was significantly inversely associated with depressive symptoms (men and women) and insulin resistance (women). The associations of subjective social status with the outcomes were modest and generally similar to the objective measures. We did not find evidence that perceived racial discrimination strongly confounded or modified the association of subjective social status with the outcomes. Subjective social status was related to depressive symptoms but not consistently to stress or metabolic risk factors in African Americans.
Seasonal changes in entrainment cues for the circadian rhythm of the supratidal amphipod Talorchestia longicornis

The supratidal amphipod Talorchestia longicornis Say has a circadian rhythm in activity, in which it is active on the substrate surface at night and inactive in burrows during the day. The present study determined: (1) the circadian rhythms in individual versus groups of amphipods; (2) the range of temperature cycles that entrain the circadian rhythm; (3) entrainment by high-temperature cycles versus light : dark cycles, and (4) seasonal substrate temperature cycles. The circadian rhythm was determined by monitoring temporal changes in surface activity using a video system. Individual and groups of amphipods have similar circadian rhythms. Entrainment occurred only to temperature cycles that included temperatures below 20°C (10–20, 15–20, 17–19, 15–25°C) but not to temperatures above 20°C (20–25, 20–30°C), and required only a 2°C temperature cycle (17–19°C). Diel substrate temperatures were above 20°C in the summer and below 20°C during the winter. Upon simultaneous exposure to a diel high-temperature cyc...
Chronic epilepsy due to low grade temporal lobe tumors and due to hippocampal sclerosis: Do they differ in post-surgical outcome?

Chronic seizures as a presenting feature of low grade temporal lobe gliomas and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) are reported to have similar outcomes although the prognostic indicators may not be the same. This study seeks to identify the variables that are associated with poor surgical outcome in both conditions. A retrospective analysis from our epilepsy data base was performed. All low-grade temporal lobe gliomas were selected and relevant variables were compared to the same variables in HS patients. There were 34 tumors (out of 233 cases of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy = 14.6 %) with a mean age of onset of 19 years, and the preoperative duration was 12.3 years. When compared to 120 HS patients both of these factors were significantly different (p < 0.001). Age at the time of surgery for tumors was 31.08 (p = 0.5). Tumors were left sided in 20 patients. In tumor cases amygdala resection was complete in 75 %, for hippocampus 24 % were complete and 39 % partial. Astrocytoma, ganglioglioma and oligodendroglioma constituted 80 % of tumor cases. Good outcome (Engel’s Class I) was achieved in 88.2 % of tumor cases and 71 % of HS cases while poor outcome (Class III + IV) was seen in 5.9 and 16.7 % respectively. The follow up period for the two groups was not significantly different. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the groups differed significantly in preoperative delay (between diagnosis and surgery) and in epilepsy outcome. Chronic temporal lobe epilepsy due to low-grade tumors had significantly better surgical outcome with considerably less preoperative delay. The age of onset of seizures was younger in HS patients but a delay in surgical treatment was significantly longer. Given that the diagnosis of treatment-resistant TLE secondary to HS can be established after two failed AED trials at optimal doses, shortening the interval between diagnosis and surgery may improve epilepsy outcome.
The plant mitochondrial genome and its mutants

Organization and Structure Mitochondrial genomes of higher plants are substantially larger and more variable than those of other organisms. Among the score of plant species investigated, mitochondrial genomes range from 250 to 2500 kb. Within a single family, the cucurbits, 7 to 8 fold size diversity was demonstrated (muskmelon 1600 mdal, cucumber 1000 mdal, zucchini squash 560 mdal and watermelon 220 mdal; Ward et al., Cell 25, 793-803, 1981). These large genomes are composed chiefly of unique sequences (>90%). This remarkable variation is in marked contrast with other mitochondrial genomes (e.g., animals 15-l 8 kb, fungi 18-78 kb, protists 15-47 kb) and the chloroplast genomes of higher plants (120-l 80 kb). Why plant genomes are so large and variable is not understood. It is generally agreed that they may code for a few additional genes not found in other organisms but certainly nowhere near the number needed to account for the extra mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). “Selfish DNA” would not easily account for the large amounts of nonrepeated, high-complexity DNA encountered in plant mitochondria. It has also been suggested that the extra DNA could serve a “filler” function; however, as yet no mitochondrial functions have been associated with “filler” DNA (Ward et al., op. cit.). The organization of the mitochondrial genome of higher plants is puzzling. Electron microscopy studies characteristically reveal a majority of large linear molecules and lesser amounts of open circular and covalently closed circular molecules (Dale, In Mitochondrial Genes, Slonimski et al., eds., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, pp. 471-476, 1982). Generally, the frequency of the circular molecules is low, ranging from about 5% in maize and soybeans to upwards of 40% in tobacco cell cultures. Surprisingly, the circular molecules are most often heterogeneous in both size and relative abundance. For example, in maize at least seven discrete molecular size classes were observed that range from 1.8 kb to as much as 68 kb, and in abundance from 48% to less than 1% of the circles. Molecular heterogeneity appears widespread among plants, since equivalent variation is reported in potatoes, oenothera, Virginia creeper, tobacco, flax and sugar beets. Minicircles and/or minilinears (less than 2.5 kb) are prevalent and are commonly visualized by gel electrophoresis in many species, e.g., maize, tobacco, beans, teosinte. Multimeric series of plant mitochondrial DNAs are reported in several plant species, especially among the smaller size classes. That Minireviews
Counterpoint: Gravity is not the major factor determining the distribution of blood flow in the healthy human lung.

The gravitational hypothesis of blood flow distribution in the lung has been a cornerstone of pulmonary physiology, influencing both the interpretation and direction of studies related to pulmonary function for the past four decades. The model has been taught to generations of students because of
Liposome-based gene therapy

Abstract Gene therapy has demonstrated potential for the treatment of both acquired and inherited diseases. During the past decade, liposomal-gene delivery has progressed from the laboratory bench through to clinical trials, although low transfection efficiency continues to limit its application. An understanding of the mechanisms of the fundamental biophysical interactions permits further optimization of delivery strategies. Recent advances in negating cellular transfection barriers include condensation of plasmid into smaller particles, promotion of intracellular DNA-release from endosomes and the facilitation of plasmid nuclei-entry by nuclear localization signal. The extracellular environment, however, remains the major obstacle to in vivo administration, and characterization of the in vivo barriers will help in efforts to design a more efficient formulation that will achieve therapeutic effect.
Evaluation of the ability of indicator species ratios to determine the sensitivity of ozone to reductions in emissions of volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen in northern California

Abstract Six indicator ratios were evaluated for their regulatory application in California using three-dimensional (3-D) photochemical transport modeling output for an ozone episode during 31 July–2 August 2000. The evaluation was based on four criteria with increasing usefulness for 8-h ozone controls. The four criteria can be briefly described as: (1) smooth functional behavior between ozone benefits/disbenefits and the magnitude of the indicator ratio, (2) narrow separation between beneficial and detrimental regimes for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions controls, (3) narrow transition regime between where volatile organic compound controls are more beneficial than NOx controls and vice versa, and (4) invariance of these transition ranges in time and space. None of the indicator ratios met all criteria. We present results for five sub-regions in northern California. The transition regime for criteria (3) was found to be much wider than that for criteria (2) for all sub-regions. Hence, the indicator ratios may be of only limited usefulness in determining precursor limitations and might be more valuable in diagnosing if NOx controls are beneficial or detrimental.
Hemispheric consequences of success-related emotional states: roles of arousal and attention.

Abstract Three experiments employed a video game technique to investigate the influence of success-related emotional states on the detection of lateralized visual targets. Emotion was manipulated by means of success and failure feedback, while central and peripheral pretarget cues were used to assess arousal and attentional processes. Under neutral conditions involving no feedback, subjects showed a right visual field (RVF) advantage along with a phasic alerting effect (i.e., reaction times were faster to targets following cues at intermediate stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs)). When emotional value was added to the task, the RVF advantage increased following failure and decreased following success feedback. This effect peaked at intermediate SOAs, corresponding with the buildup of phasic arousal initiated by the cues. It was not influenced by the location of the pretarget cues, suggesting that attentional processes are not directly involved. These results are discussed in terms of recent models of hemispheric functioning during positive and negative emotional states.
Identification of germ plasm-associated transcripts by microarray analysis of Xenopus vegetal cortex RNA.

RNA localization is a common mechanism for regulating cell structure and function. Localized RNAs in Xenopus oocytes are critical for early development, including germline specification by the germ plasm. Despite the importance of these localized RNAs, only approximately 25 have been identified and fewer are functionally characterized. Using microarrays, we identified a large set of localized RNAs from the vegetal cortex. Overall, our results indicate a minimum of 275 localized RNAs in oocytes, or 2–3% of maternal transcripts, which are in general agreement with previous findings. We further validated vegetal localization for 24 candidates and further characterized three genes expressed in the germ plasm. We identified novel germ plasm expression for reticulon 3.1, exd2 (a novel exonuclease-domain encoding gene), and a putative noncoding RNA. Further analysis of these and other localized RNAs will likely identify new functions of germ plasm and facilitate the identification of cis-acting RNA localization elements. Developmental Dynamics 239:1838–1848, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Song and the Limbic Brain: A New Function for the Bird's Own Song

The neurobiological investigation of the avian song system has largely focused on the unique neural features of vocal control systems that contribute to learned motor patterns in songbirds. The role of emotion has been disregarded in developing a theory of song learning and performance. Here we review emerging evidence in support of Darwin's observation that vocal communication is emotional expression. We propose that neural pathways mediating emotional state remained integrated with the vocal control system as forebrain vocal control pathways evolved to support learned communication patterns. Vocalizations are therefore both a motor component of an emotional state and can influence emotional state via sensory feedback during vocal production. By acknowledging the importance of emotion in vocal communication, we are proposing that the song system and limbic brain are functionally linked in the production and reception of song.
Angiotensin-catecholamine interactions in the rabbit.

Abstract The effects of angiotensin and metaraminol on myocardial uptake of 3 H-norepinephrine in the isolated perfused heart and the in vivo effects of angiotensin on myocardial norepinephrine levels were studied. Inhibition of 3 H-norepinephrine uptake resulted with angiotensin and metaraminol administration. Immediately after the administration of angiotension in vivo , endogenous myocardial norepinephrine levels were transiently increased. This increase in myocardial norepinephrine content was inversely related to the dose of angiotensin administered and was abolished by acute bilateral adrenalectomy. Angiotensin-induced stimulation of catecholamine release was investigated in the isolated, retrograde perfused adrenal. Dose-dependent stimulation of adrenal catecholamine secretion was observed. The data substantiate the ability of angiotensin to modulate sympathoadrenal function.
Origin of small primary afferent substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the guinea-pig heart.

Abstract Primary afferent and substance P (SP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers of the guinea pig and rat heart were investigated by physiological and immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemistry revealed abundant SP-positive fibers in the guinea pig atria, with fewer in the ventricles. Only an occasional fiber was seen in the rat atrium or ventricle. Sectioning the vagus nerve did not noticeably influence the supply of SP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the guinea pig heart. When the atria or ventricles were stimulated, afferent nerve fiber activity was recorded from the second and third thoracic dorsal roots. In guinea pig atria 3 types of fibers were identified on the basis of conduction velocities: Aδ1, Aδ2 and C fibers. Only Aδ fibers were identified in the ventricle. By vagal recordings, Aδ fibers were demonstrated but a C fiber response could not be shown in this nerve. SP-immunoreactivity in primary afferent fibers was depleted by the neurotoxin capsaicin. Capsaicin treatment also caused a reduction in the conduction velocity of small diameter myelinated Aδ2 (by 29%) and unmyelinated C fibers (by 46%). In the rat heart, evidence for Aδ2 or C fibers was not found. These results indicate that primary afferent and SP-immunoreactive fibers are numerous in guinea pig heart, but few in the rat. It is concluded that most of these fibers have their cell bodies of origin in the dorsal root ganglia.
Ethylene Production from Linolenic Acid

Abstract : The possibility of linolenic acid serving as the precursor of ethylene in vivo was investigated. A comparison of the amount of linolenic acid present in plant tissues with the rates of ethylene production indicated that linolenic acid does not serve as the source of ethylene in plants.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) spiral notch torsion test (SNTT) system

he Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) spiral notch torsion test (SNTT) system measures the intrinsic fracture toughness (K Ic) of structural materials, overcomes many of the limitations inherent in traditional techniques, and introduces new possibilities for standardizing fracture toughness testing. The system is uniquely suited to test a wide variety of materials, such as metals and alloys, ceramics, composites, polymers, carbon foam, and concrete. The SNTT system operates by applying pure torsion to cylindrical secimens machined with a notch line that spirals around the specimen at a 45° pitch (Fig. 1). Results are obtained with the aid of TOR3D-KIC, a three-dimensional finite-element computer code developed at ORNL, which may be obtained by contacting the author.
Lateral Dominance, Directional Confusion, and Reading Disability

(1957). Lateral Dominance, Directional Confusion, and Reading Disability. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 283-294.
European post-socialist cities and their near hinterland in intra-urban geography literature

Over 180 articles concerning urban geography aspects of European post-socialist cities and their near hinterland, published between 1990-2012 in international journals, were selected for the analysis in this paper. Statistics of articles by journals, analysed cities (and their countries) and authors proves the preponderance of research on post-socialist Central European capitals, especially Berlin, Prague and Budapest, followed by Leipzig and Łodź, as well as Moscow and Tallinn. It also proves that the number of domestic authors and those who moved from post-socialist Europe to Western universities gradually increased, while the number of authors from the West decreased. The analysis of representations of article topics, their explanations and justifications were carried out in the second part of the paper. The most frequent article topics include 'social spatial structure of the city and its transformation', followed by 'urban planning and management in the city' and 'suburbanisation and urban sprawl in the near hinterland of the city'. A smaller number of articles refers to 'physical spatial structure of the city and its transformation', 'housing structure in urban neighbourhoods in connection with changes in housing policy and market' and 'functional spatial structure of the city and its transformation'. Indexes of the articles are part of this paper.
The effect of grain size on fatigue

Abstract Fatigue at long lives was studied in materials of different grain sizes. Alpha brass, copper and aluminum were tested in tension-compression at constant stress-amplitude over a life range of 104–107 cycles. Grain size, d, was varied by at least a factor of ten and beyond 105 cycles had no effect on life in copper and aluminum. In brass, however, an order of magnitude decrease in d increased life by about the same amount. The stress for a given life, σ, was found to be proportional to d −1 2 in brass. Cracks were examined in longitudinal sections, and the average crack depth, p, was proportional to d in brass. That dependence was the basis for concluding that the grain-size effect came from stage I cracking. The differences in behavior between brass, and copper and aluminum, were traced to the differences in slip character of these materials. Cross-slip is easy in copper and aluminum, and a dislocation cell structure is formed in fatigue. In brass, difficult cross-slip limits the structure to transgranular bands of dislocations. The cell structure acts to mask the grain boundaries so that the stage I crack is not affected by grain size. In brass, however, crack growth is impeded near grain boundaries. Increasing grain size in brass lowers the frequency with which the crack encounters boundaries; more rapid stage I crack growth and shortened life follow from this. The end of stage I cracking in all materials appears to occur under a critical value of σ 2 p , which is a measure of the crack driving force.
The Nature and Origin of za ≈ ze Absorption Lines in the Redshift 0.20 Quasar, PKS 2135–147

We use new UV and optical spectra and an archival Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (HST-WFPC2) image to study the za ? ze absorber in the ze ? 0.20 QSO PKS 2135-147. The UV spectra, obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph on HST, show strong za ? ze absorption lines of C IV, N V, O VI, Ly?, and Ly?. The za ? ze line profiles are resolved, with deconvolved FWHM of 270-450 km s-1. The Lyman decrement and the O VI and N V doublet ratios indicate that there are also narrower, optically thick line components, and there is evidence in the C IV and Ly? profiles for two blended components. Lower limits on the total column densities are of order 1015 cm-2 for all ions. The ~2:1 ratio of the C IV doublets suggests that the total C IV column density is near the lower limit. If the absorber is photoionized by the QSO and the derived relative columns in C IV and H I are roughly correct, then the metallicity must be at least solar. The location of the za ? ze absorber remains uncertain. The line redshifts indicate that the clouds have little radial motion (less than ?200 km s-1) with respect to the QSO. This small velocity shift could mean that the absorber is outside of the deep gravitational potential of the QSO and the host-galaxy nucleus. Two ~L* galaxies in a small cluster centered on PKS 2135-147 lie within 36 h-1 kpc projected distance and have redshifts consistent with causing or contributing to the za ? ze lines. The extensive halo of the QSO's host galaxy could also contribute. Calculations show that the QSO is bright enough to photoionize gas up to O VI in the low-density halos of the host and nearby cluster galaxies. Nonetheless, there is indirect evidence for absorption much nearer the QSO, namely (1) the derived high (albeit uncertain) metallicity; (2) the relatively strong N V absorption lines, which might be caused by a higher nitrogen abundance in the metal-rich gas; and (3) strong, lobe-dominated, steep-spectrum radio emission, which is known to correlate with a much higher incidence of (probably intrinsic) za ? ze lines. We propose that the C IV/N V/O VI line ratios can be used as a general diagnostic of intrinsic versus intervening absorption, as long as the line saturation effects are understood.
Metallic behavior and related phenomena in two dimensions

For about 20 years, it has been the prevailing view that there can be no metallic state or metal-insulator transition in two dimensions in zero magnetic field. In the last several years, however, unusual behavior suggestive of such a transition has been reported in a variety of dilute two-dimensional electron and hole systems. The physics behind these observations is at present not understood. The authors review and discuss the main experimental findings and suggested theoretical models.
Age-Related Abnormalities of Circulating Polyamines and Diamine Oxidase Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Heterozygotes and Homozygotes

Summary: Serum putrescine (Pu), spermidine (Sd), spermine (Sp), and plasma diamine oxidase activity (DAO) were determined in cystic fibrosis (CF) homozygotes and heterozygotes plus age-matched controls. Mean (±S.E.) levels of Pu (0.51 ± 0.06 nmoles/ml), Sd (0.63 ± 0.07nmoles/ml), and Sp (0.33 ± 0.08 nmoles/ml) were higher (P < 0.001) in 17 control children versus 16 healthy adults (Pu = 0.15 ± 0.04; Sd = 0.14 ± 0.03; Sp = 0 in all). All 4 CF adults tested, but only 3 of 24 CF children, had increased polyamines relative to age-matched controls. Pu (0.33 ± 0.04), Sd (0.33 ± 0.05) and Sp (0.16 ± 0.12) were increased (P < 0.001) in 11 adult heterozygotes; in turn, Pu (0.56 ± 0.11; P < 0.025) and Sd (0.86 ± 0.22; P < 0.005) were higher in the adult CF patients than in the heterozygotes. Plasma DAO was higher (P < 0.001) in 45 control children (9.3 ± 0.7 units/ml) versus 61 healthy adults (5.7 ± 0.07). Levels ≥ +2 S.D. for controls occurred in 8 (21%) of 39 CF patients. Plasma DAO (19 ± 4.8) was increased (P < 0.001) in 27 adult heterozygotes; 10 (37%) had values ≥ +2 S.D. for normal adults. One or more polyamines and/or DAO were increased in each of 11 heterozygotes in whom all parameters were measured. These composite abnormalities might be considered as a potential means for identification of asymptomatic CF heterozygotes. Speculation: Controversy has arisen as to whether an abnormality in polyamine metabolism is present in patients with cystic fibrosis. The present data suggest that altered levels of circulating polyamines do indeed exist and represent a failure of circulating polyamines to decrease with age in individuals homozygous and heterozygous for the cystic fibrosis gene(s). The resulting increase in circulating levels of one or more-of the 3 pnlyamines studied. plus increases in the amine-metabolizing enzyme diamine oxidase, might provide one useful index for identifying adult heterozygotes.