cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enumeration and characterization of BTEX-degrading bacteria from hypoxic environments functional with mixed electron acceptors☆

Our work developed oat of an interest in the behaviour of bacteria resident in benzene-, toluene-, ethylbenzeneand xylene(s)-(Le., BTEX)-contamihated aquifers. We observed that such environments are oxygen-limited, yet continueus monitoring over extended periods suggested that BTEX contaminants were disappearing and the contaminant plume may be diminished. Such observations suggested that significant microbial populations were active in situ. Moreover, laboratory studies with microcosms suggested the ascendancy of bacterial populations under hypoxic (i.e., oxygen-limited) conditions whose growth and BTEX-degrading activities were associated with the reduction of nitrate , nder conditions whereby oxygen concentrations were less t ban twenty percent of saturation.
Analogues of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2. Effects of 5-Deazaaminopterin, 5,10-Dideazaaminopterin, and Analogues on Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Twenty-six compounds derived from the 5-deaza- and 5,10-dideazaaminopterin series of aminopterin analogues were evaluated for antiarthritic activity in the mouse type II collagen model. New compounds in the 5-deaza series were prepared by alkylation of an appropriate N-substituted (4-aminobenzoyl)-L-glutamic acid dialkyl ester or N-(5-amino-2-thenoyl)-L-glutamate diester with a 2,4-diamino-5-alkyl-6-(bromomethyl)-5-deazapteridine. The resultant 5-deazaaminopterin diesters were saponified to provide the target 5-deaza analogues. 5,10-Dideazaaminopterins were synthesized by similar alkylation of the carbanions of appropriate 4-carboxyphenylacetic, (5-carboxy-2-thienyl)acetic, or (5-carboxy-2-pyridyl)acetic acid dimethyl esters. The diesters of the 2,4-diamino-4-deoxy-10-carboxy-5,10-dideazapteroic acid types so obtained were saponified and then readily decarboxylated by heating in Me2SO solution to provide the 2,4-diamino-5,10-dideazapteroic acid-type intermediates. Peptide coupling with diethyl L-glutamate followed by ester hydrolysis at room temperature afforded the new 5,10-dideazaaminopterin analogues. 5-Deazaaminopterins bearing an alkyl substituent at the 5-position were generally quite effective as antiinflammatory agents. Thus 5-propyl-5-deazaaminopterin, 5-methyl-10-propargyl-5-deazaaminopterin, 5-methyl-10-allyl-5-deazaaminopterin, 5-ethyl-5-deazamethotrexate, and 2,5-disubstituted thiophene analogue of 5-methyl-5-deazaaminopterin showed potencies greater than methotrexate by intraperitoneal or oral administration and were active over a considerably broader dose range. Useful activity in the 5,10-dideaza series was only observed for 5,10-dideazaaminopterin and its 10-methyl analogue. Alkyl substitution at C-5 or C-10 was generally detrimental to antiinflammatory activity in this series.
Automatic computation of exponentials, logarithms, ratios and square roots

It is shown how a relatively simple device can evaluate exponentials, logarithms, ratios and square roots for fraction arguments, employing only shifts, adds, high-speed table lookups, and bit counting. The scheme is based on the cotransformation of a number pair (x, y) such that the F (x, y) = f(x0) is invariant; when x is driven towards a known value xω, y is driven towards the result. For an N-bit fraction about N/4 iterations are required, each involving two or three adds; then a termination algorithm, based on an add and an abbreviated multiply, completes the process, for a total cost of about one conventional multiply time. Convergence, errors and simulation using APL are discussed.
Review of Hierarchical Multiscale Modeling to Describe the Mechanical Behavior of Amorphous Polymers

Modern computational methods have proved invaluable for the design and analysis of structural components using lightweight materials. The challenge of optimizing lightweight materials in the design of industrial components relates to incorporating structure-property relationships within the computational strategy to incur robust designs. One effective methodology of incorporating structure-property relationships within a simulation-based design framework is to employ a hierarchical multiscale modeling strategy. This paper reviews techniques of multiscale modeling to predict the mechanical behavior of amorphous polymers. Hierarchical multiscale methods bridge nanoscale mechanisms to the macroscale/continuum by introducing a set of structure-property relationships. This review discusses the current state of the art and challenges for three distinct scales: quantum, atomistic/coarse graining, and continuum mechanics. For each scale, we review the modeling techniques and tools, as well as discuss important recent contributions. To help focus the review, we have mainly considered research devoted to amorphous polymers.
Segmental dilatation of the ileum in a healthy adolescent.

Segmental intestinal dilatation is a rare entity presenting overwhelmingly in infants and young children with congenital malformations, anemia, or history of gastrointestinal pathology, characterized by a focally distended segment of bowel with abrupt transition points without an obstructing barrier. We present a 16-year-old girl with no significant medical history who presented with bowel obstruction clinically. Segmental dilatation of the ileum was evident on a CT scan and small bowel series. Following surgical resection, pathologic examination of the segment revealed the presence of heterotopic gastric mucosa. The girl’s symptoms resolved after surgery. Awareness of the imaging presentation of this entity can inform the evaluation of older children with nonspecific symptoms mimicking bowel obstruction.
Actuation model for control of a long range Lorentz force magnetic levitation device

This paper describes control system development for a large motion range Lorentz force magnetic levitation device designed as a haptic interface device to be grasped by the hand. Due to the 50 mm translation and 60 degree rotation motion ranges of the desktop-sized device, the transformation between the vector of coil currents and the actuation forces and torques generated on the levitated body varies significantly throughout its motion range. To improve the dynamic performance of the device, the current to force and torque transformation can be recalculated at each control update as the levitated body moves about its workspace, rather than using a constant transformation calculated from the unrotated and centered position of the levitated body. The design of the device is presented and the new methods used to calculate coil current to force and torque transformations for levitation are described. Long-range trajectory following feedback control motion results are shown.
The Hydrolysis of Al(III) in NaCl solutions: A Model for M(II), M(III), and M(IV) Ions

Understanding the identity and stability of the hydrolysis products of metals is required in order to predict their behavior in natural aquatic systems. Despite this need, the hydrolysis constants of many metals are only known over a limited range of temperature and ionic strengths. In this paper, we show that the hydrolysis constants of 31 metals [i.e. Mn(II), Cr(III), U(IV), Pu(IV)] are nearly linearly related to the values for Al(III) over a wide range of temperatures and ionic strengths. These linear correlations allow one to make reasonable estimates for the hydrolysis constants of +2, +3, and +4 metals from 0 to 300°C in dilute solutions and 0 to 100°C to 5 m in NaCl solutions. These correlations in pure water are related to the differences between the free energies of the free ion and complexes being almost equal $$ \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}^{3 + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{{\left( {3 - j} \right)}} } \right) \cong \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}^{n + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{{\left( {n - j} \right)}} } \right) $$ The correlation at higher temperatures is a result of a similar relationship between the enthalpies of the free ions and complexes $$ \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}^{3 + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{3 - j} } \right) \cong \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}^{n + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{n - j} } \right) $$ The correlations at higher ionic strengths are the result of the ratio of the activity coefficients for Al(III) being almost equal to that of the metal. $$ \gamma \left( {{\text{M}}^{n + } } \right)/\gamma \left( {{\text{M}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{n - j} } \right) \cong \gamma \left( {{\text{Al}}^{3 + } } \right)/\gamma \left( {{\text{Al}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{3 - j} } \right) $$ The results of this study should be useful in examining the speciation of metals as a function of pH in natural waters (e.g. hydrothermal fresh waters and NaCl brines).
A review of the pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability of recently approved and upcoming oral antipsychotics: an evidence-based medicine approach.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a broad concept, but the key elements include the incorporation of clinical judgment (which requires clinical experience) together with relevant scientific evidence while remaining mindful of the individual patient’s values and preferences. Using the framework and philosophy of EBM, this systematic review summarizes the pharmacology, efficacy, and tolerability of newly approved oral antipsychotics, including iloperidone, asenapine, and lurasidone, and outlines what is known about agents that are in late-stage clinical development, such as cariprazine, brexpiprazole, zicronapine, bitopertin, and EVP-6124. Potential advantages and disadvantages of these agents over existing antipsychotics are outlined, centered on clinically relevant issues such as the potential for weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, potential association with somnolence/sedation, extra-pyramidal side effects, akathisia, and prolongation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) QT interval, as well as practical issues regarding dosing instructions, titration requirements, and drug–drug interactions. Lurasidone appears to be best in class in terms of minimizing untoward alterations in body weight and metabolic variables. However, iloperidone, asenapine, lurasidone, and cariprazine differ among themselves in terms of on-label dosing frequency (once daily for lurasidone and, presumably, cariprazine versus twice daily for iloperidone and asenapine), the need for initial titration to a therapeutic dose for iloperidone and possibly cariprazine, requirement to be taken sublingually for asenapine, requirement for administration with food for lurasidone, lengthening of the ECG QT interval (greater for iloperidone than for asenapine and no effect observed with lurasidone), and adverse effects such as akathisia (seen with cariprazine, lurasidone, and asenapine but not with iloperidone) and sedation (most notable with asenapine).
Evaluation of the Synthesis of Sialic Acid-PAMAM Glycodendrimers without the Use of Sugar Protecting Groups, and the Anti-HIV-1 Properties of These Compounds

A study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of synthesizing six sialic acid-PAMAM glycodendrimers using unprotected sialic acid in as few as 1–4 steps using two different reaction pathways, and to assess the sulfated derivatives for anti-HIV activity. The syntheses were accomplished through either the direct attachment of the sialic acid carboxyl group to amine-terminated PAMAM (a divergent-like approach) using BOP coupling, or by first reacting sialic acid with a polar bifunctional spacer molecule, attaching the sugar-linker to carboxy-terminated PAMAM (a convergent-like approach), and again using BOP-mediated coupling reactions. It was hypothesized that the latter approach would be the most successful method, as any steric congestion between the sialic acid and the PAMAM would be minimized using an intervening polar linker. However, the divergent-like synthesis proved to be the superior method, resulting in 11.4%, 14%, and 28% of the fully substituted generations 0, 1, and 2 sialic acid-PAMAM con...
The Canon is el Boom, et. al., or the Hispanic Difference

In his article, Gene H. Bell-Villada's "The Canon is el Boom, et. al., or the Hispanic Difference," argues that the rich, globally acclaimed, foundational yet contestatory prose literature produced in Latin America allows teachers and scholars of Spanish to teach what is essentially the "canon" via work that is still fresh, yet historically provocative. Bell-Villada argues that in a time of reconsidering the importance of literature in literature programs, programs of Spanish language and culture should continue to teach this rich cultural legacy. The average U. S. student's condescension toward Spanish and Latin American culture can be transformed to respect after an encounter with writers like Garcia Marquez, Borges, and similar writers of acclaim and when students encounter Nobel Prize winning authors in a course on Latin America their understanding of the region moves beyond the "Taco Bell" stereotype. Focusing courses on the "great works" of literature also allows students to rediscover the pleasure in the text making course material accessible and appealing. Further, Bell-Villada suggests that these texts allow us to include material on such topics as U.S. imperialism, race issues, political oppression, and world-system structures of power. For these reasons alone, literature is essential to a project dedicated to teaching students the ways that Hispanic culture is both different and intellectually valuable. Gene H. Bell-Villada, "The Canon is el Boom, et. al., or the Hispanic Difference" page 2 of 5 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 4.2 (2002):
Do the 2010 Haiti and Chile earthquakes and tsunamis indicate increasing trends

Recent analysis of historical data shows that four of the top ten most deadly earthquakes and tsunamis since 1701 occurred in the last decade, including the 2004 Indian Ocean (Sumatra) and 2010 Hai...
Supergranular line profile variation of Mg i λ2852

The chromospheric network is barely visible in the Mg i λ2852 line. Unlike in plages, where it shows well-defined self-reversed emission structure in the core, the line is an unreversed absorption feature in the network boundaries, exhibiting only a small blue asymmetry. In the network cell interiors, the line is unreversed and symmetrical.
Immunological evaluation of the mycotoxin patulin in female B6C3F1 mice.

Abstract Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by many fungal species of the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus and Bryssochamys. Previous literature reports have suggested that patulin is toxic to the immune system. The studies presented were conducted to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of patulin on the immune system. Unlike previous reports, the doses of patulin used (0.08, 0.16, 0.32, 0.64, 1.28 and 2.56 mg/kg) were based on predicted human exposure levels. Female B6C3F1 mice were exposed orally to patulin for 28 days. Effects were not observed on final body weight or body weight gain. Relative weight of the liver, spleen, thymus, kidneys with adrenals, and lungs was not affected. Peripheral blood leucocyte and lymphocyte counts were decreased by approximately 30% in the two highest dose groups. The leucocyte differential was not altered. Total spleen cell, total T-cell (CD3+), helper T-cell (CD4+CD8−), B-cell (surface immunoglobulin+) and monocyte (MAC-3+) counts were not changed. Cytotoxic T-cell (CD8+CD4−) counts were increased 50% only by the highest dose. Natural killer cell (NK1.1+CD3−) and monocyte (MAC-1+) counts were increased 30% and 24%, respectively, only in the 0.08 mg/kg group. Humoral immune function as assessed by antibody-forming cell response and serum IgM titre to sheep erythrocytes, and cell-mediated immune function evaluated utilizing natural killer cell activity and the mixed lymphocyte reaction were not altered. Oral exposure to patulin for 28 days did not alter the ability of female B6C3F1 mice to mount either a cell-mediated or humoral immune response.
Association of lysosomal activity with aleurone grains in plant seeds

Abstract Cotyledonary tissue of ungerminated cottonseed has been found to contain alcohol dehydrogenase, acid proteinase, and acid phosphatase activities. A large part of the acid phosphatase activity observed in situ was associated with aleurone grains (protein bodies). These subcellular organelles have been isolated in glycerol from homogenized cotyledons by differential centrifugation, and were found to contain 77% of the acid phosphatase activity, 100% of the acid proteinase activity, and 75% of the protein which were recovered from the homogenized tissue. Alcohol dehydrogenase, a “soluble” cytoplasmic marker, was not associated with aleurone grains. Thus aleurone grains are principal sites for at least two types of acid hydrolases.
Myosin at the heart of the problem.

In humans, myosins comprise a superfamily of more than 30 individual proteins. Structurally, myosin contains a highly conserved globular head, which, in turn, contains the ATPase and actin-binding sites, and a rod-like tail that modulates assembly and protein–protein interactions. Although the role of myosin as the molecular motor that drives striated-muscle contraction is well understood, myosins are also found in virtually all eukaryotic cells, where they are involved in a broad range of intracellular functions, including organelle transport, endocytosis, cytokinesis, and cytoskeletal support. In the past 10 years, research in a number of fields has revealed many of the underlying . . .
High-dose retinoic acid modulates rat calvarial osteoblast biology.

Retinoic acid has been shown to adversely affect craniofacial development. Cleft palate and craniosynostosis are two examples of craniofacial defects associated with prenatal exposure to this agent. Although the effects of retinoic acid on cephalic neural crest-derived tissues have previously been studied, the specific effects of retinoic acid on the cellular biology of osteoblasts remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze in detail the effects of pharmacologic doses of retinoic acid on the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts derived from an intramembranous source. Primary rat calvarial osteoblasts were established in culture and treated with 1 or 10 μM all-trans-retinoic acid. Retinoic acid treatment markedly increased expression of osteopontin up to 48 h after stimulation. Consistent with this early stage of differentiation, both mRNA and protein analysis of FGF receptor isoforms demonstrated a switch in predominance from fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (fgfr2) to fgfr1. Analysis of PCNA protein confirmed inhibition of proliferation by retinoic acid. To determine whether these alterations in osteoblast biology would lead to increased differentiation, we examined short term [alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity] and long term (von Kossa staining) surrogates of bone formation in vitro. These assays confirmed that retinoic acid increased osteogenesis, with a 4-fold increase in bone nodule formation in cells treated with 10 μM retinoic acid after 28 days. Overall, our results demonstrated that pharmacologic doses of all-trans-retinoic acid decreased osteoblast proliferation and increased differentiation, suggesting that retinoic acid may effect craniofacial development by pathologically enhancing osteogenesis. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Milling and baking quality attributes of soft red winter wheat bulk populations and derived lines

Little information is available concerning relationships between milling and baking quality of soft red winter (SRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) bulk populations and quality of lines derived in subsequent generations. Experiments were conducted to determine if quality evaluation of F 4 bulk populations could provide useful information on quality potential of F 5 lines (.)
The Structure of Extended Real-valued Metric Spaces

An extended metric on a set X is a distance function that satisfies the usual properties of a metric except that it can assume values of infinity, in addition to nonnegative real values. Given a metrizable space we exhibit a universal space for all extended metric spaces compatible with the topology. Defining a set in an extended metric space to be bounded if it is contained in a finite union of open balls, we characterize those bornologies on X that can be realized as bornologies of metrically bounded sets. We also consider a second possible definition of bounded set in this setting.
On the strength of electric currents and zonal magnetic fields at the top of the Earth's core: Methodology and preliminary estimates

Abstract A new method is described for estimating: (a) the meridional electric current density, jθ, (b) the vertical growth rate of the zonal magnetic field, ∂Bφ/∂r, or its scale-height, Bφ/∂Bφ/∂r) and (c) the vertical growth rate of the vertical current density, ∂jr/∂r, at a few isolated points on the top surface of the Earth's core from observations of the internal geomagnetic field at the Earth's surface. The theoretical technique rests on combining unaccelerated, gravitationally-driven Boussinesq fluid dynamics of the core with frozen-flux electromagnetism, the mantle being treated as a spherically symmetric insulator. Insertion into this theory of main field models for epochs 1965, 1975 leads to preliminary values for these quantities of magnitude: (a) jθ ∼ 1 A/m2, (b) ∂Bφ/∂r ∼ 10−6 T/m or Bφ/(∂Bφ/∂r) ∼ 10 m, (c) ∂jr/∂r ∼ 10−6 A/m3. Some geophysical implications of these estimates are discussed.
Towards a model of wine event loyalty.

The current research investigated factors that motivate attendance and produce loyalty to the UNLVino™ wine tasting event in Las Vegas. A model was developed to explain how attendance motivators, event satisfaction and emotional commitment contribute to wine event loyalty. Models were constructed for three behavioral loyalty indices: revisit intention, recommendation, and willingness-to-pay. Three factors were found to be primary attendance motivators: wine experience, enjoyment and social recognition. The importance of these factors did not differ between first-time and repeat visitors. The results showed that emotional commitment was the strongest predictor of behavioral loyalty, and served as a mediating variable for attendance motivated by the wine experience. Attendance motivated by enjoyment influenced loyalty directly and through its impact on satisfaction. The findings suggest that festival and event planners should seek ways to build emotional commitment and increase social capital among constitu...
Ion Conductivity of Comb Polysiloxane Polyelectrolytes Containing Oligoether and Perfluoroether Sidechains

The ion conductivity has been studied in comb polyelectrolytes consisting of a polysiloxane backbone with oligoether and lithium-sulfonate terminating perfluoroether sidechains. The room-temperature conductivity was found to reach a maximum of 2.5 X 10 -6 S/cm at 33 etheric oxygens per lithium ion. The cation mobility is coupled to the polymer segmental motion and is described by the Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) equation. The mechanisms behind ion mobility are studied by means of the VTF parameters σ 0 , B, and T 0 . In particular, the number of charge carriers as reflected in the parameter σ 0 is shown to strongly correlate with the conductivity maxima as a function of lithium ion concentration.
Reliability and predictive utility of a dual component model of acceptance in chronic pain

s The Journal of Pain S95 (476) Reliability and predictive utility of a dual component model of acceptance in chronic pain M McEntee, K Vowles, and L McCracken; University of New Mexico,
Three-dimensional structure of a double apoptosome formed by the drosophila Apaf-1 related killer

The Drosophila Apaf-1 related killer (Dark) forms an apoptosome that activates Dronc, an apical procaspase in the intrinsic cell death pathway. To study this process, we assembled a large Dark complex in the presence of dATP. Remarkably, we found that cytochrome c was not required for assembly and when added, cytochrome c did not bind to the Dark complex. We then determined a 3D structure of the Dark complex at 18.8 A resolution using electron cryo-microscopy and single particle methods. In the structure, eight Dark subunits form a wheel-like particle and two of these rings associate face-to-face. In contrast, Apaf-1 forms a single ring that is comprised of seven subunits and each Apaf-1 binds a molecule of cytochrome c. We then used relevant crystal structures to model the Dark complex. This analysis shows that a single Dark ring and the Apaf-1 apoptosome share many key features. When taken together, the data suggest that a single ring in the Dark complex may represent the Drosophila apoptosome. Thus, our analysis provides a domain model of this complex and gives insights into its function.
Rarefied Background Flow in a Vacuum Chamber Equipped with One-Sided Pumps

Spacecraft propulsion systems, such as Hall thrusters, are designed and tested in large vacuum chambers. The pumping capacity of modern facilities makes it possible to maintain pressures as low as 10 −3 ‐10 −4 Pa with thrusters in operation. For these vacuum chambers, a fundamental concern is the facility effects on the chamber performance. Several free molecular models are proposed to analyze the rarefied background flow inside a vacuum chamber equipped with one-sided vacuum pumps located at one chamber end. These models lead to various sets of analytical expressions linking several facility effects, such as pump sticking coefficient, pump area, and wall effects. These expressions can be used to estimate the pump sticking coefficient, to evaluate performance of vacuum chambers, and to aid constructing proper background flow for particle simulations. About 70 numerical simulations of background flows inside a vacuum chamber validate these models. These numerical simulations and analytical results indicate that these models are capable of predicting average background pressure and flow velocities. Depending on specific parameters, the background flow can have a significant nonzero mean velocity and cannot be considered to follow a Maxwellian velocity distribution.
[3H]Batrachotoxinin A-20-α-benzoate Binding in Synaptosomes from Susceptible and kdr-Type Resistant German Cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.)

Abstract Synaptosomal binding of [ 3 H]batrachotoxinin A-20-α-benzoate ([ 3 H]BTX-B), a potent sodium channel toxin, was measured in kdr -type resistant (Ectiban-R) and susceptible (CSMA) German cockroaches. Previous studies indicated that the Ectiban-R strain was 8.7-fold cross-resistant to batrachotoxin. Scatchard analysis of [ 3 H]BTX-B binding demonstrated that the resistant and susceptible strains have similar binding affinities ( K D values 230 and 252 n M ) and binding site densities ( B max values, 6.0 and 7.6 pmol/mg protein). Batrachotoxin, aconitine, and veratridine displaced [ 3 H]BTX-B binding in both strains with IC 50 values of 1.0-1.2, 18-19, and 73-77 μ M , respectively. The dihydropyrazole insecticide RH 3421 displaced [ 3 H]BTX-B binding by 13% only at 10 μ M , the highest concentration examined. The pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin had no effect on [ 3 H]BTX-B binding in either strain. Our results indicate that the binding of site 2 neurotoxins to cockroach sodium channels is not altered in the kdr -type resistant strain. Possible molecular mechanisms of kdr -type resistance are discussed.
A mouse model of severe von Willebrand disease: defects in hemostasis and thrombosis.

von Willebrand factor (vWf) deficiency causes severe von Willebrand disease in humans. We generated a mouse model for this disease by using gene targeting. vWf-deficient mice appeared normal at birth; they were viable and fertile. Neither vWf nor vWf propolypeptide (von Willebrand antigen II) were detectable in plasma, platelets, or endothelial cells of the homozygous mutant mice. The mutant mice exhibited defects in hemostasis with a highly prolonged bleeding time and spontaneous bleeding events in ≈10% of neonates. As in the human disease, the factor VIII level in these mice was reduced strongly as a result of the lack of protection provided by vWf. Defective thrombosis in mutant mice was also evident in an in vivo model of vascular injury. In this model, the exteriorized mesentery was superfused with ferric chloride and the accumulation of fluorescently labeled platelets was observed by intravital microscopy. We conclude that these mice very closely mimic severe human von Willebrand disease and will be very useful for investigating the role of vWf in normal physiology and in disease models.
The ultrasonic nonlinearity parameter of biological media and its dependence on tissue structure

Abstract The magnitude of the nonlinearity parameter depends on the macromolecular content of tissue and BA is greater for an intact organ, which has structural integrity, than for the same organ which has been macerated. The nonlinearity parameter has not been measured in vivo . Finite amplitude distortion of ultrasonic waves from medical equipment has been observed in human calf muscle (Starritt et al. , 1985). A principal effect of the nonlinearity of tissues is the generation of higher harmonics, which can increase the heating effect.
von Willebrand disease and other disorders of hemostasis in the patient with menorrhagia.

Separately, von Willebrand disease and menorrhagia are two relatively common conditions; in combination they occur at a prevalence of approximately 11–16%. Such patients exhibit a reduced quality of life and can incur a relatively high rate of gynecologic interventions; for example dilatation and curettage, endometrial ablation and hysterectomy. Initial evaluation involves a focused history for the following bleeding symptoms: menorrhagia since menarche, easy bruising of greater than 5 cm 1–2 times/month, frequent gum bleeding when flossing or brushing teeth or epistaxis 1–2 times/month. In addition, for those who have already undergone invasive interventions with the subsequent risk for hemorrhage, inquiry should be made regarding excessive bleeding with childbirth, dental tooth extraction and/or surgery. Step-wise testing includes a complete blood cell count and an assessment of the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, iron profile, serum creatinine and thyroid-stimulating hormone le...
Prosody on the hands and face: Evidence from American Sign Language

The analysis in this paper deals with the prosodic cues that were present in a one-hour lecture by a native signer of American Sign Language (ASL). Special attention is paid to the interaction of the dominant hand (H1) and the nondominant hand (H2), as well as to facial expressions articulated on the lower face. In our corpus, we found that H1 and H2 interact in several prosodic contexts; we analyze four of them here: Single Prosodic Word, Multiple Prosodic Words in an Intermediate Phrase, Parenthetical, and Forward- Referencing. Our main finding is that, while the spread of the nondominant hand (H2-Spread) is an important redundant cue to prosodic structure, the primary cue is on the lower face. Our findings also confirmed positional cues and domain effects of H2-Spread in Prosodic Words and Phonological Phrases that were previously found in Israeli Sign Language.
Liouville-type theorems for some complex hypoelliptic operators

It is shown that the natural analogue of Liouville's theorem holds for the well-known hypoelliptic operators Lα (for ¦α¦ < n) introduced and studied by Folland and Stein on the Heisenberg group Hn. Since these operators are non-real for α ≠ 0, the usual methods of potential theory fail and are replaced by an explicit use of the fundamental solution.
Natural product biomarkers as indicators of sources and transport of sedimentary organic matter in a subtropical river

Abstract The sources and transformations of sedimentary organic matter along the Harney River, a representative subtropical river of the Florida Everglades, were assessed using a natural product biomarker approach. Sediment samples were collected from the headwaters to the Continental Shelf, with characteristic vegetation dominated by freshwater marsh species, mangrove (middle to lower estuary), and seagrass as the marine end-member. A peat sample was collected inland. All sample extracts were analyzed by GC–MS as underivatized and as silylated compounds. With these total extract analyses, major compound classes can be defined: n-alkanols, n-alkanoic acids, methyl alkanoates, methyl α- and ω-hydroxyalkanoates, triterpenoids, phytosterols and saccharides, with traces of hydrocarbons. In general, the peat sample extract has a different overall composition compared to the sediment extracts. The major differences include distinct carbon number maxima for the lipid series (e.g., Cmax = 28 for n-alkanols) probably from sawgrass and periphyton biomass, and predominance of phytosterols (sitosterol and stigmasterol) from higher plant detritus. In contrast, river sediment extracts contain biomarkers predominantly from mangrove-derived organic matter, such as the triterpenoids taraxerol and myricadiol. Significant amounts of saccharides and ω-hydroxyalkanoates are also found. Generally, compound concentrations decrease downstream due to dilution, and alteration of organic compounds from plant waxes and coastal vegetation is obvious in both peat and sediment samples. This is confirmed by the significant low abundance of n-alkanes and n-alkenoic acids due to biodegradation, oxidation of α-tocopherol to homophytanic acid γ-lactone, and presence of traces of dihydrolacunosic acid, a photochemical alteration product of taraxerol.
Fiber bundles in transceivers to mitigate scintillation effects on free-space optical networks

Accuracy of alignment is a key factor for successfully establishing and maintaining connections in networks of freespace optical links, and is particularly critical when one or both of the transceivers are moving. Scintillation and other atmospheric effects create beam deflections that further complicate the alignment process. This paper studies the use of a fiber-optic bundle at the transmitter and receiver to mitigate the atmospheric effects on the link up-time. The bundle at the transmitter allows fast, non-mechanical steering of the optical beam to track and correct for relative motion. The bundle at the receiver allows for a significant improvement in misalignment tolerance, particularly to angular misalignment. Laboratory experiments and theoretical analyses were conducted on a free-space link to determine the inter-relationship between spacing of the fibers within the bundle, the focal lengths of the transceiver lenses, the beam deflection angle, and the misalignment tolerance for varying atmospheric conditions. A shorter focal length lens at the transmitter provides greater coverage, while a moderate focal length lens at the receiver reduces the bundle size required to improve misalignment tolerance. A smaller overall system size is possible, provided that sufficient power is used to overcome the greater spatial spreading and subsequent loss of peak power at the receiver.
Long-term studies of crayfish-invaded lakes reveal limited potential for macrophyte recovery from the seed bank

AbstractIn situ seed banks are a promising avenue for restoration of plant communities damaged by anthropogenic changes. The invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) has had well documented effects on macrophytes in north temperate lakes. To understand mechanisms of macrophyte recovery from the seed bank, we examined seed banks from lakes with different durations of exposure to O. rusticus and compared these findings to long-term macrophyte surveys. We cored littoral-zone sediments at sediment depths of 0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm to test whether deeper layers hold viable seeds that can be used to restore macrophytes. The seed bank in uninvaded lakes contained a higher number and richness of viable seeds than did the seed bank in invaded lakes. Number and richness of viable seeds decreased with sediment depth in all lake categories, and most seeds were found in the top 10 cm. Among all lakes, at most, 33% of the species recorded in field surveys of standing vegetation were represented in the seed bank. W...
Internodal Distance Distribution and Power Control for Coexisting Radio Networks

In cognitive radio networks, we assume that primary and secondary nodes form a bivariate spatial Poisson point process. In this paper, we derive the probability distribution and some statistics of the internodal distances between nodes of different types. When the number of primary and secondary nodes are weakly correlated, we devise two power control strategies with (i) constant power levels and (ii) power levels decreasing/ increasing with distance, which assure satisfaction of interference constraint at the primary nodes with some given probability. For the second strategy, it is sufficient for the nth secondary neighbor of a primary node to know n in order to satisfy the interference constraint. Furthermore, n can be found if secondary nodes exchange their relative positional information and can be assumed fixed if the rate of change in relative nodal positions, due to mobility of nodes, is slower than the minimum time required for power control.
The territorial foundations of human property

Many animal species have morphological and cognitive adaptations for fighting with others to gain resources, but it remains unclear how humans make fighting decisions. Non-human animals adaptively calibrate fighting behavior to ecological variables such as resource quantity and resource distribution. Also, many species reduce fighting costs by resolving disputes based on power asymmetries or conventions. Here we show that humans apply an ownership convention in response to the problem of costly fighting. We designed a virtual environment where participants, acting as avatars, could forage and fight for electronic food items (convertible to cash). In two experimental conditions, resources were distributed uniformly or clustered in patches. In the patchy condition, we observed an ownership convention — the avatar who arrives first is more likely to win — but in the uniform condition, where costly fights are rare, the ownership convention is absent.
Multicenter study of in vitro susceptibility of the Bacteroides fragilis group, 1995 to 1996, with comparison of resistance trends from 1990 to 1996.

Antimicrobial resistance, including plasmid-mediated resistance, among the species of the Bacteroides fragilis group is well documented. An analysis of the in vitro susceptibility of B. fragilis group species referred between 1995 and 1996 as well as during a 7-year (1990 to 1996), prospective, multicenter survey of over 4,000 clinical isolates of B. fragilis group species was undertaken to review trends in the percent resistance to and geometric mean MICs of the antibiotics tested. There was a trend toward a decrease in the geometric mean MICs of most β-lactam antibiotics, while the percent resistance to most agents was less affected. Within the species B. fragilis, the geometric mean MICs showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases for piperacillin-tazobactam, ticarcillin-clavulanate, piperacillin, ticarcillin, ceftizoxime, cefotetan, and cefmetazole; a significant increase was observed for clindamycin and cefoxitin. For the non-B. fragilis species, a significant decrease in the geometric mean MICs was observed for meropenem, ampicillin-sulbactam, ticarcillin-clavulanate, piperacillin, ticarcillin, ceftizoxime, and cefmetazole; a significant increase was observed for cefoxitin. Significant increases in percent resistance were observed within the B. fragilis strains for ticarcillin and ceftizoxime and within the non-B. fragilis isolates for cefotetan. Significant increases in percent resistance among all B. fragilis group species were observed for clindamycin, while imipenem showed no significant change in resistance trends. The trend analysis for trovafloxacin was limited to 3 years, since the quinolone was tested only in 1994, 1995, and 1996. During the 7 years analyzed, there was no resistance to metronidazole or chloramphenicol observed. The data demonstrate that resistance among the B. fragilis group species has decreased in the past several years, the major exception being clindamycin. The majority of the resistance decrease has been for the β-lactams in B. fragilis, compared to other species. The reasons for these changes are not readily apparent.
Detecting and localizing large-scale router failures using active probes

Detecting the occurrence of large-scale router failures and localizing the failed routers are critical to enhancing network reliability. We propose a two-phase approach for detecting and localizing large-scale router failures using traceroute-like active probes. To detect large-scale router failures, the detection phase is periodically invoked to probe all routers. When detecting large-scale router failures, the localization phase is triggered to identify the failed routers.We reduce the probing cost by avoiding three types of useless probes. For the routers whose status cannot be identified by probes, we develop a distance based method to estimate their failure probability. Experimental results based on ISP topologies show that the accuracy of our approach is higher than 96.5%, even when only 10% of routers are connected by end systems for probing. Compared with prior works, the proposed approach achieves much higher accuracy with lower probing cost.
Early choline research and the aftermath.

The paper I presented at the Federation meetings in Boston (1) in 1942 was, surprisingly, one of those often cited, particularly the details as published later (2). This method for choline analysis was published in “Methods of Biochemical Analysis” through several editions. My interest in choline had been generated by the exhibit of Wendell H. Griffith at the Federation Meetings in New Orleans in 1940. A search for proteins of low methionine content (a choline sparer) led to the use of methanolextracted peanut meal, a decision that led to interesting implications later in choline-deficiency studies. Fatal choline deficiency could regularly be produced in weanling rats fed the extracted peanut meal diet (3). The severe demand (100% fatality) was particularly apparent in rats of the Alabama Experiment Station (AES) strain,’ less so in the Sprague-Dawley strain. Within the AES strain, the susceptibility to choline deficiency was evident in the second generation when the most susceptible were compared with the least susceptible (4).
Service quality and attrition: an examination of a pediatric obesity program

Objective. To examine the demographic, illness, and quality of care determinants of service attrition in a pediatric obesity program, and to elucidate factors that may promote families’ return to care. Design. Cross-sectional survey with semi-structured interviews. Setting. A regional children’s hospital in the United States. Study participants. Caregivers of 163 patients, consecutively enrolled in a pediatric obesity treatment program between January 1998 and September 2000, were contacted by telephone and offered participation in a survey of clinical care experiences. A total of 120 (74%) families participated. Main outcome measures. Service attrition as defined as premature discontinuation of treatment before completing phase I of a multi-phase treatment program. Results. Multivariate results indicated that service attrition was associated with both insurance status and perceived quality of care. Patients with government-subsidized insurance were more likely to defect from services than those with commercial insurance. Perceived quality of care was highly associated with attrition after controlling for demographic and health parameters. Caregiver-reported reasons for service attrition included difficulty with adequate insurance coverage (53%), the child’s desire to leave the program (50%), and the program taking too much time (32%). The most frequent suggestions to facilitate families’ return to the program were: (i) assistance with insurance coverage; (ii) following up with families; and (iii) increasing engagement with the child. Conclusions. This study found few demographic differences between patients completing the program and those defecting from services. Both families completing the program and those discontinuing prematurely rated the overall quality of the program as high. However, lower quality of care was related to increased service attrition even after controlling for the effects of demographic and health parameters. Although a considerable number of patients discontinued services, very few reported that they would not return to the program. The results provide further support for ongoing audit and examination of families’ care perceptions in preventing attrition and promoting service recovery.
Comparison of spectral analysis methods for characterizing brain oscillations

Spectral analysis methods are now routinely used in electrophysiological studies of human and animal cognition. Although a wide variety of spectral methods has been used, the ways in which these methods differ are not generally understood. Here we use simulation methods to characterize the similarities and differences between three spectral analysis methods: wavelets, multitapers and P(episode). P(episode) is a novel method that quantifies the fraction of time that oscillations exceed amplitude and duration thresholds. We show that wavelets and P(episode) used side-by-side helps to disentangle length and amplitude of a signal. P(episode) is especially sensitive to fluctuations around its thresholds, puts frequencies on a more equal footing, and is sensitive to long but low-amplitude signals. In contrast, multitaper methods are less sensitive to weak signals, but are very frequency-specific. If frequency specificity is not essential, then wavelets and P(episode) are recommended.