cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPATIO-TEMPORAL DISPERSION OF KIN GROUPS OF THE RACCOON (PROCYON LOTOR)

Abstract In gregarious mammals, female philopatry promotes the formation of local lineage associations, but the extent of this effect is unclear for most solitary mammals, including raccoons. The current study examined 839 raccoons captured 1,870 times on a 13.8-km2 study area in southwestern Tennessee. The data did not support the prediction that closely related raccoons would remain geographically clustered over multiple years. The distance between the 71 pairs of full sibs detected by microsatellite analysis was 69 km for 7.1% of the pairs, with a mean of 7.0 km. Rarely did sib groups shift locations together, comprise more than three individuals, or remain intact in the same vicinity for more than a year. The spatial dispersion among closely related raccoons was greater in males than in females, in older adults than in younger adults, and during dry years than during wet years. These patterns of dispersion would not facilitate the development of gregariousness but cou...
Oxygen Concentration and Demand in Lake Erie Sediments

Regular ship-board monitoring of oxygen in the hypolimnion of Lake Erie has been established to monitor the status of the lake and determine if the water quality is meeting the terms of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). However, lake-wide monitoring is expensive and there is a difference of opinion on whether dissolved oxygen depletion rate is a good indicator of the condition of Lake Erie. One the most poorly known components of the Lake Erie oxygen budget is the sediment-oxygen demand (SOD). In this work, vertical oxygen concentration profiles in Lake Erie sediments are measured by incrementally inserting a micro-oxygen electrode. The SOD is the flux of oxygen across the sediment-water interface and is calculated from the oxygen profiles assuming Fickian diffusion at the sediment-water interface. Oxygen consumption was measured in sediments collected on four dates from 3, 13, and 5 stations in the western, central, and eastern basins, respectively. Oxygen concentration profiles in the sediment and the SOD are well described by a diffusion/reaction transport model where oxygen diffuses into the sediment and is consumed by reactions that follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The flux of oxygen into the sediment in the central basin in August 2002 was 1.03 ± 0.271 × 10−11 mol O2/cm2/sec, within about 30% of the hypolimnetic oxygen depletion rate derived from monitoring. These results suggest that modeling of oxygen profiles hold promise as an alternative technique to regular monitoring for determining hypolimnetic oxygen depletion rates.
Autophosphorylation of brain microtubule protein: evidence for endogenous protein kinase/phosphoprotein phosphatase cycling and multiple phosphorylation of a microtubule associated protein.

Abstract Brain microtubule protein, prepared by two types of recycling methods, undergoes “flash” phosphorylation in the presence of [γ-32p]ATP through sequential action of protein kinase and phosphoprotein phosphatase present in microtubule protein. SDS electrophoretic analysis indicates that MAP1, tau protein, and tubulin are poorly phosphorylated, and MAP2 is the major site of phosphorylation. To improve [32P]phosphoprotein stability in the presence of the kinase/phosphatase cycle, 3′,5′-cyclicAMP, orthophosphate, or fluoride ion may be added. After separation from tubulin by phosphocellulose chromatography, the MAP fraction exhibits autophosphorylation. Finally, the maximal extent of autophosphorylation is observed with an ATP regenerating system using ADP, [32P]acetyl-P, and bacterial acetate kinase; this results in the incorporation of 3–4 phosphoryl groups per MAP2 subunit.
Combined electroejaculation and in vitro fertilization in the evaluation and treatment of anejaculatory infertility

Seven couples underwent combined electroejaculation and in vitro fertilization for anejaculatory infertility after a failed regimen of electroejaculation and intrauterine insemination. Two pregnancies resulted, one proceeding to a term vaginal delivery and one ending in a 6-week spontaneous abortion. Poor sperm binding and no fertilization were seen in two of the couples. Fertilization of the oocytes but no subsequent pregnancy were seen in the other three couples. Combined in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer was performed in four of the couples. The combination of electroejaculation and in vitro fertilization offers the opportunity to evaluate the female pelvis, observe the sperm-oocyte interaction, and achieve a pregnancy in couples with anejaculatory infertility.
Prospects for probing the dark energy via supernova distance measurements

Distance measurements to type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) indicate that the Universe is accelerating and that two-thirds of the critical energy density exists in a dark-energy component with negative pressure. Distance measurements to SNe Ia can be used to distinguish between different possibilities for the dark energy, and if it is an evolving scalar field, to reconstruct the scalar-field potential. We derive the reconstruction equations and address the feasibility of this approach by Monte Carlo simulation. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Becoming a Nazi: A model for narrative networks☆

Abstract This article illustrates a strategy for representing and analyzing narratives as networks. The strategy that we use considers narrative sequences as networks. Elements are treated as nodes which are connected by narrative clauses, represented by arcs. By representing complex event sequences as networks, inducing ‘narrative networks’, it is possible to observe and measure new structural features of narratives. The narratives we focus on are autobiographical accounts of becoming, and being, a Nazi. The substantive idea that we develop in this article is that the observable narrative structure of life stories can provide insight into the process of identity formation. We illustrate our approach to narrative networks by analyzing a single story that, in conjunction with the analysis of other stories, yields a set of insights into becoming and being.
Endoscopic, endonasal resection of craniopharyngiomas: analysis of outcome including extent of resection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, return to preoperative productivity, and body mass index.

Background The endoscopic, endonasal, extended transsphenoidal approach is a minimal-access technique for managing craniopharyngiomas. Outcome measures such as return to employment and body mass index (BMI) have not been reported and are necessary for comparison with open transcranial approaches. Most prior reports of the endoscopic, endonasal approach have reported unacceptably high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates. Objective To assess the outcome of endoscopic, endonasal surgery in a consecutive series of craniopharyngiomas with special attention to extent of resection, CSF leak, return to employment, and BMI. Methods Twenty-six surgeries were performed on 24 patients at Weill Cornell Medical College-New York Presbyterian Hospital. Five patients had recurrent lesions. Gross-total resection (GTR) was attempted in 21 surgeries. Indications for intended subtotal resection were advanced age, medical comorbidities, preservation of pituitary function, and hypothalamic invasion. Results Mean tumor diameter was 2.9 cm. GTR (18 surgeries) or near-total (>95%) resection (2 surgeries) was achieved in 95% when GTR was the goal. Seven patients received postoperative radiation therapy. Mean follow-up was 35 months with no recurrences in GTR cases and stable disease in all patients at last follow-up. Vision improved in 77%. Diabetes insipidus and panhypopituitarism developed in 42% and 38%, respectively. A more than 9% increase in BMI occurred in 39%; 69% returned to their preoperative profession/schooling. The postoperative CSF leak rate was 3.8%. Conclusion Minimal-access, endoscopic, endonasal surgery for craniopharyngioma can achieve high rates of GTR with low rates of CSF leak. Return to employment and obesity rates are comparable to microscope-assisted transcranial and transsphenoidal reports.
NURBS representational strategies for tracking moving boundaries and topological changes during phase evolution

Abstract Nucleation, growth, coalescence and separation are topological and shape changing events common to many physical problems including those aimed at modeling microstructural phase evolution. The common computational approaches to these problems rely on implicitly representing the geometric boundary of microstructural phases through level-sets and phase fields since explicit geometrical representations necessitate rediscretization in mesh or grid based solution approaches. In this paper, we develop an isogeometric explicit boundary tracking procedure that utilizes Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) to model both topology and shape changing events such as phase nucleation, growth, separation, and dissolution. The computational algorithms developed in the paper rely on a Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG)-inspired representation of phases that permits parametric immersion of void/inclusion phase boundaries in the underlying matrix phase. The representation also enables dynamically capturing topological and shape-changing events without modifying the underlying discretizations. The developed procedure is demonstrated through multiphysics examples that capture phase coalescence and separation caused by interactions of electrical field and surface energy under a constraint on mass conservation.
The Diagnostic Utility of an Electronic Nose: Rhinologic Applications

Objective/Hypothesis The thesis explores the applicability of electronic nose technology in medical decision-making. Specifically, the studies undertaken in the thesis were designed to test the ability of the electronic nose to assist in diagnostic questions encountered in the field of rhinology. Study Design Three separate studies were undertaken. All involved analysis of specimens by the electronic nose, obtained either in vitro or in vivo: known matched sets of cerebrospinal fluid and serum, bacterial samples from known plated specimens, and culture swabs taken from patients suspected of having rhinosinusitis who also had a matched standard bacterial culture taken from the same site. The goal of analysis was to determine whether the electronic nose was able to identify or categorize specimens or groups of specimens. Methods Each specimen was tested using the organic semiconductor-based Cyranose 320 electronic nose. Data from the 32-element sensor array were subjected to principal-component analysis to depict differences in odorant patterns. Distinction of specimens was identified by calculation of Mahalanobis distance. Results The electronic nose was able to distinguish serum from cerebrospinal fluid in pure isolates as well as in isolates collected on small cottonoid pledgets at amounts of 0.2 mL or greater. It was also able to distinguish between control swabs and bacterial samples as well as among bacterial samples collected in vitro. Preliminary work suggests that it may be able to distinguish between presence and absence of bacterial infection in specimens collected on nasal swabs. Conclusions The electronic nose is able to distinguish reliably between cerebrospinal fluid and serum sampled in small amounts, may be able to identify presence and type of bacterial pathogen in vitro, and is able to identify presence or absence of bacteria on nasal swabs. Because this information is available immediately, the electronic nose may be a powerful new technology for diagnostic use, not only for rhinologic purposes but in many other aspects of medicine as well.
Spontaneous and electrically induced ventricular arrhythmias during acute ischemia superimposed on 2 week old canine myocardial infarction

The arrhythmogenic effect of acute reversible myocardial ischemia before and 2 weeks after experimental myocardial infarction was investigated in 37 dogs that underwent reversible 10 min occlusion of the first major marginal branch of the left circumflex coronary artery. Subsequently, 24 of the dogs underwent experimental myocardial infarction with permanent left anterior descending coronary ligation, and 13 dogs served as sham-operated controls. Two weeks later, an open chest programmed electrical stimulation was performed in the 13 sham-operated and 24 postinfarction dogs to determine its accuracy in predicting the ventricular arrhythmias that develop during a subsequent episode of acute reversible ischemia. After programmed electrical stimulation, the left circumflex marginal branch was reversibly occluded for 10 min at the same site. The incidence of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation during reversible left circumflex marginal coronary occlusion did not differ from the first to the second study in sham-operated dogs, whereas in the postinfarction dogs, it increased from 13% before infarction to 54% after infarction (p = 0.005). The outcome of programmed electrical stimulation predicted spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias during coronary occlusion in only 21% of the postinfarction dogs. The accuracy of programmed electrical stimulation was 42% and its predictive value was 47% in detecting the dogs with spontaneous ventricular fibrillation. Regional myocardial blood flow measurements by microsphere technique identified the severity of reversible ischemia in the infarct border and periinfarction zones as a correlate of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation during coronary occlusion. In contrast, total infarct size correlated with electrically induced but not with spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias.
Integration of strategic and tactical decisions for vendor selection under capacity constraints

We examine a generalized vendor selection problem of a multi-store firm where the goal is the simultaneous determination of (i) the set of vendors the firm should work with and (ii) how much each store should order from the selected vendors. In addition to the typical costs associated with vendor selection and delivery between the vendors and their assigned stores, we explicitly consider the inventory-related costs and decisions of the stores. We emphasize the relationship between facility location applications and the problem at hand, and we propose an integrated vendor selection and inventory optimization model. Also, arguing that our model creates a venue for precise incorporation of realistic capacity constraints, we model throughput and dispatch capacities, explicitly. The model is a challenging mixed integer nonlinear program for which we propose an efficient solution approach that relies on Generalized Benders Decomposition (GBD).
Cartilage Turnover in Embryonic Chick Tibial Explant Cultures

Growth plate cartilage regulates the rate of growth and ultimate length of several bones in the skeleton. Chondrocytes within the growth plate proliferate, differentiate, enlarge, and die. The extracellular matrix undergoes synthesis, reorganization, and eventually degradation. The majority of research in growth plate physiology has focused on the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes as well as proteins they produce for the extracellular matrix. However, little is known about the transition from hypertrophic to apoptotic chondrocytes or the regulation of terminal degradation of cartilage prior to bone formation. An explant culture has been developed to study cartilage differentiation using 12-d-old embryonic chick tibiae. We have modified the explant culture and are using it to further elucidate mechanisms involved in the regulation of growth plate cartilage turnover. In our cultures, chondrocytes mature and then die, completely degrading the cartilage in approximately 16 d. The matrix undergoes a predictable pattern of degradation in which proteoglycans followed by collagen are removed. Increases in matrix metalloproteinase activity and nitric oxide production are detected in cartilage concurrently with release of proteoglycans into media. Inhibitors of nitric oxide inhibit nitric oxide production and proteoglycan degradation, suggesting that nitric oxide, at least in part, regulates growth plate cartilage turnover in the explant culture. Information gained from using this explant culture will aid in understanding the regulation of growth plate cartilage turnover in vivo and potentially help determine the cause of bone growth diseases such as tibial dyschondroplasia.
Effect of Plasticizers on Ionic Association and Conductivity in the (PEO)9LiCF3SO3 System

Infrared spectroscopic studies of the effect of the plasticizers ethylene carbonate, tetraethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether on the (PEO) x LiCF 3 SO 3 system are reported. These data are augmented by measurements of the ionic conductivity. Relative concentrations of the various ionic species present have been determined as a function of plasticizer content. The plasticizers appear to preferentially interact with the crystalline PEO phase in the (PEO) x LiCF 3 SO 3 complexes, although the relative amount of the compound (PEO) 3 LiCF 3 SO 3 decreases with addition of plasticizer. The net effect of the addition of plasticizer is to create ionically-conducting pathways of amorphous PEO containing dissolved ionic species.
Demand Diversification Under Uncertainty and Market Power

This paper justifies theoretically and empirically the diversification behaviour of an importing firm when it chooses the mixture of potentially differentiated products of its major input under price uncertainty. The paper investigates an equilibrium relationship among three key explanatory variables, which are the expected price, the systematic risk of price, and monopolistic market power of the suppliers in the market. The theoretical section shows that there exists a conflict between the risk–diversification effect and the agent's preference over certain products when the importer chooses the vector of optimal quantity shares. The latter effect may disturb or even dominate the former, which can be represented in an equilibrium relationship similar to the framework of the CAPM. As an empirical application, the Chinese wheat import market is examined and analysed to answer the questions raised by the basic statistics. JEL classification: F12; F14; L22
Surface analytical studies of interfaces in organic semiconductor devices

Abstract Surface and interface analytical studies have generated critical insight of the fundamental processes at interfaces involving organic semiconductors. I will review surface analytical studies of interface formation of organic semiconductors with different materials. Metal/organic interface is a focus of both device engineering and basic science, since it is a key factor in nearly all important aspects of device performances, including operation voltages, degradation, and efficiency. I will discuss metal–organic interface dipole formation, charge transfer, chemical reaction, energy level alignment, in-diffusion, quenching of luminescence and possible recovery of it. The effect of the insertion of ultra-thin interlayers such as LiF and doping by alkali metals will also be discussed. In organic/organic interface, the energy offset between the two dissimilar organic materials is vitally important to efficient device operation of organic light emitting diodes (OLED), as well as change separation at donor–acceptor interface in organic photovoltaic devices (OPV). I will discuss the interface energy level alignment, band bending, Debye screening, and charge separation dynamics as observed in surface analytical studies, and the implications to OLED and OPV. The interfaces of OSCs with other inorganic materials are also important. For organic thin film transistors (OTFT), the electronic properties of the interface formed between the organic and the dielectric strongly influences the current–voltage characteristics, as the electronic activity has been shown to occur primarily at the interface between the dielectric and the organic materials. I will review the interface formation of OSCs with dielectric materials and with indium-tin-oxide (ITO), a material whose transparency and conductivity make it indispensable for a number of opto-electronic applications and whose electronic properties and energy level alignment with organics have proven dramatically altered by surface treatments.
Conjunctival Myxoma: A Synopsis of a Rare Ocular Tumor

Conjunctival myxoma is an exceptionally rare, slow-growing, benign neoplasm of primitive mesenchyme origin. Forty-one cases of conjunctival myxoma from a literature review, including the authors' case, are listed. The usual clinical history is a painless mass appearing during months to years. Grossly, the tumor is a well-circumscribed, cystlike, gelatinous, yellow-to-pink, translucent-to-solid mass. Microscopically, the hypocellular tumor contains stellate- and spindle-shaped cells in a mucoid stroma with abundant hyaluronic acid mucopolysaccharides. Vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin highlight the spindle and stellate cells. S100 protein and desmin are negative for the tumor cells. Treatment is complete surgical excision, with no recurrence reported in the follow-up period. Notably, conjunctival myxoma may be associated with Carney complex, an autosomal-dominant disorder associated with skin pigmentation, endocrine abnormalities, and myxoma of the heart and eye. Physicians should appreciate this unique o...
Labelling of benzodiazepine receptors in vivo

THE presence of benzodiazepine receptors has been demonstrated using isolated membrane preparations from the mammalian central nervous system1–3. Specific binding of 3H-diazepam to synaptosomal membranes is maximal at temperatures of 0–4 °C, but reduced by more than 95% at physiological temperatures4. Although the inhibition of 3H-diazepam binding by other benzodiazepines in vitro closely parallels their pharmacological potencies in vivo, failure to demonstrate specific binding in physiological conditions raises questions as to whether receptor binding occurs in vivo. We report here that benzodiazepine receptors can be demonstrated in the intact animal following intravenous administration of 3H-diazepam. The labelling of benzodiazepine receptors in vivo permits studies of receptor occupancy in various pharmacological and physiological conditions as well as autoradiographic localisation of the receptor in situ.
Short contact time catalytic partial oxidation of biogas – A comprehensive study on CO2 and N2 dilution

Abstract The short contact time catalytic partial oxidation of methane diluted with nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide to act as a surrogate for biogas conversion was carried out. Experiments were carried out under varying operating conditions to determine the possible use of the products in pyrolysis. Carbon dioxide has a larger effect on the product selectivities and back face temperature of the catalyst compared to nitrogen for equal dilutions. Carbon dioxide is consumed in the reactor whereas nitrogen is not. Since carbon dioxide likely takes part in endothermic reactions, the temperature of the catalyst is lower as is the conversion of methane and selectivity to carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The product stream is at an appropriate composition and temperature for subsequent use in a pyrolysis reactor. The presence of hydrogen and carbon monoxide will result in the removal of oxygen from bio-oils that are produced in the pyrolysis reactor.
Weighted flow time bounds for scheduling identical processors

Abstract We present two lower bounds for the identical parallel processor weighted flow time problem and identify theoretical properties regarding relationships among these and other bounds for the problem. The new bounds, along with other bounds from the literature, are evaluated in a computational study and are found to be among the top three in performance. Conditions favorable to each of the top three performing bounds are identified.
Rapid Notch1 Nuclear Translocation after Ligand Binding Depends on Presenilin-associated γ-Secretase Activity

Recent data suggest an intimate relationship between the familial Alzheimer disease gene presenilin 1 (PS1) and proteolytic processing of both the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the important cell signaling molecule, Notch1. We now show, using mammalian cells transfected with full-length Notch1, that the C terminal domain of Notch1 rapidly translocates to the nucleus upon stimulation with the physiologic ligand Delta and initiates a CBF1-dependent signal transduction cascade. Using this assay, we demonstrate that the same aspartate mutations in PS1 that block APP processing also prevent Notch1 cleavage and translocation to the nucleus. Moreover, we show that two APP gamma-secretase inhibitors also diminish Notch1 nuclear translocation in a dose-dependent fashion. However, Notch1 signaling, assessed by measuring the activity of CBF1, a downstream gene, was reduced but not completely abolished in the presence of either aspartate mutations or gamma-secretase inhibitors. Our results support the hypothesis that similar PS1-related enzymatic activity is necessary for both APP and Notch1 processing, yet suggest that Notch signaling may remain relatively preserved with moderate levels of gamma-secretase inhibition.
Imperfect memory and choice under risk

This paper presents a model of choice based on imperfect memory and self-deception. I assume that people have preferences over their own attributes (e.g., skill, knowledge, or competence) and can manipulate their memories. The model provides a prior-dependent theory of regret aversion and allows for prior-dependent information attitudes. It implies that behavior will converge to the one predicted by expected utility theory after a choice has been faced a sufficiently large number of times.
Densities and Imperfections of Single Crystals

The densities of Si, Al, Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, CsI, Ge, TlCl, TlBr, and Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ (quartz) have been computed from lattice constants and molecular weights obtained from International Atomic Weights, and compared with the densities as determined by hydrostatic weighing of large single crystals. The hydrostatic density of Ge proves too large by 0.00193. This discrepancy disappears when the mass-spectroscopic atomic weight is used for the density calculation. Also for Si, Al, and Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ a better agreement results with mass-spectroscopic atomic weights. Therefore, we conclude that the mass-spectroscopic atomic weights are more reliable than the officially accepted ones. From measured densities and lattice constants of Si, Al, Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, and Ge, Avogadro's number is obtained as 6.02368\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{23}$ ${\mathrm{mole}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (chemical scale). The relative density defects for our samples of Si, Al, Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, and Ge proves to be negligible within the limit of our measurements (5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$). We consider these crystals the most perfect that we have obtained up to the present time. A somewhat higher relative density defect in quartz (11\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$) may be caused by uncertainty of the data used for the computation of the density and that for CsI (13\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$) by Rb contamination. TlCl and TlBr show the greatest relative density defects, 43\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ and 40\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$, respectively. These crystals may contain vacancies or dislocations in the order of \ensuremath{\sim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ per cc, as is known also for the silver halides.
Immunological identification and characterization of a delayed rectifier K+ channel polypeptide in rat brain

Abstract Antibodies specific for the drk1 polypeptide were used to characterize the corresponding protein in rat brain. Recombinant and synthetic immunogens containing fragments of the drk1 polypeptide were produced. Antibodies raised to these immunogens display monospecific reactions with the same 130-kDa polypeptide on immunoblots of adult rat brain membranes. Immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled brain membranes identifies a 38-kDa peptide in tight association with the drk1 polypeptide. Immunohistochemical staining of sections of adult rat cortex shows that drk1 protein is restricted to neurons, where staining is present on dendrites and cell bodies but not on axons. These studies point to the value of such immunological reagents to the further characterization of the components of this delayed rectifier K+ channel in the mammalian central nervous system.
Land use change in New England: a reversal of the forest transition

New England has been a prime example of the idea of forest transition. Deforestation commenced in the early seventeenth century and intensified up until the late 1800s. Following abandonment of farmland, forest cover increased until recent years. In this article, we examine recent trends of forest change in New England. What does the continuation of forest transition look like? What are the drivers and characteristics of land change beyond the initial transition? Land use change, not including areas of forest harvest, was mapped across New England (Maine excluded) between 1990 and 2005 using satellite data. A total of 133,000 ha were deforested for use as residential or commercial development. The net forest loss was 129,000 ha (2.8% of the forest present in 1990). If the observed pattern is present elsewhere, we could be witnessing a secondary phase of forest transition that involves a loss of forest driven by urban growth rather than agricultural expansion. The accuracy of the forest change map was asse...
XMM-Newton Observations of HD 189733 During Planetary Transits

We report on two XMM-Newton observations of the planetary host star HD 189733. The system has a close in planet and it can potentially affect the coronal structure via interactions with the magnetosphere. We have obtained X-ray spectra and light curves from EPIC and the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on board XMM-Newton which we have analyzed and interpreted. We reduced X-ray data from the primary transit and secondary eclipse that occurred on 2007 April 17 and 2009 May 18, respectively. In the 2007 April observation, only variability due to weak flares is recognized. In 2009 HD 189733 exhibited an X-ray flux that was always larger than in the 2007 observation. The average flux in 2009 was higher than in the 2007 observation by a factor of 45%. During the 2009 secondary eclipse we observed a significant softening of the X-ray spectrum at a level of ~3σ. Furthermore, we observed the most intense flare recorded at either epoch. This flare occurred 3 ks after the end of the eclipse. The flare decay shows several minor ignitions perhaps linked to the main event and hinting at secondary loops that are triggered by the main loop. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations show that the magnetic interaction between planet and star enhances the density and the magnetic field in a region between the planet and the star because of their relative orbital/rotation motion. X-ray observations and model predictions are globally found in agreement, despite the quite simple MHD model and the lack of precise estimate of parameters including the alignment and the intensity of stellar and planetary magnetic fields. Future observations should confirm or disprove this hypothesis, by determining whether flares are systematically recurring in the light curve at the same planetary phase.
Some cholinergic themes related to Alzheimer's disease: Synaptology of the nucleus basalis, location of m2 receptors, interactions with amyloid metabolism, and perturbations of cortical plasticity

Abstract Cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) receive cholinergic, GABAergic and monoaminergic synapses. Only few of these neurons display the sort of intense m2 immunoreactivity that would be expected if they were expressing m2 as their presynaptic autoreceptor. The depletion of cortical m2 in Alzheimer's disease (AD) appears to reflect the loss of presynaptic autoreceptors located on incoming axons from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) and also the loss of postsynaptic receptors located on a novel group of nitric oxide producing interstitial neurons in the cerebral cortex. The defect of cholinergic transmission in AD may enhance the neurotoxicity of amyloid β, leading to a vicious cycle which can potentially accelerate the pathological process. Because acetylcholine plays a critical role in regulating axonal growth and synaptic remodeling, the cholinergic loss in AD can perturb cortical plasticity so as to undermine the already fragile compensatory reserve of the aging cerebral cortex.
Generation of sub-150-fs, 100 nJ pulses from a low-cost cavity-dumped Cr:LiSAF laser

We report a low-cost, cavity dumped Cr:LiSAF laser, generating 135-fs pulses at 825 nm, with 105 nJ pulse energies and ∼0.78 MW of peak power at 10 kHz, using only 600 mW of pump power.
AMINO-ACID SEQUENCES WITHIN THE FERRICHROME CYCLIC HEXAPEPTIDES.

AN earlier communication1 concerned with the structures of ferrichrome and ferrichrome A left open the particular arrangement of the 3 residues of neutral amino-acids and 3 residues of δ-N-hydroxyornithine2 within the cyclic hexapeptide moiety of the naturally occurring ferric trihydroxamates. The peptide portion of ferrichrome contains 3 residues each of glycine and δ-N-hydroxyornithine while, in ferrichrome A, 2 of the 3 glycine residues are replaced by serine residues. In the present report we propose that the sequence for ferrichrome is cyclo-triglcyl-tri-δ-N-hydroxyonithyl while that for ferrichrome A is most probably cyclo-diseryl-glycyl-tri-δ-N-hydroxyornithyl.
Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in survivors of childhood cancer

Background Data on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) status among survivors of childhood cancer are limited. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for 25-OH D insufficiency in a large, diverse population of cancer survivors being followed in a childhood cancer survivor clinic. Procedure Retrospective chart review in survivors seen for routine long-term follow-up, who underwent routine screening blood studies including 25-OH D levels. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 25-OH D <20 ng/ml. Results Four hundred eighty-four subjects (234 males) were evaluable for this analysis. Median age at 25-OH D testing was 12.3 years (2.05–36.4) and median age at cancer diagnosis was 3.9 years (0–18). Diagnoses included brain tumors (23.6%), neuroblastoma (21%), and leukemia (17.6%). Mean 25-OH D level was 25.2 ng/ml (SD = 10.37); 29% of subjects were 25-OH D insufficient. In univariate analysis, race, pubertal status, and age at cancer diagnosis were associated with 25-OH D insufficiency (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, a model including race and pubertal status provided a good fit for the data. Conclusions The prevalence of 25-OH D insufficiency in these cancer survivors was high but similar to what has been described in the general population. No cancer specific variables were associated with 25-OH D insufficiency. Since cancer survivors are at a higher risk for subsequent malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and low bone mineral density, all of which may be affected by 25-OH D levels, interventions to improve 25-OH D status in this vulnerable population are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1237–1239. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Empowering sustainable decision making: CoastalProtectSim in action

In this research project we attempt to refine and adapt an existing Simulation-Based Learning Environment (SBLE) to promote discussions and learning about coastal protection planning among local stakeholders and decision makers. The project involves both the refinement of the current SBLE and the refinement of facilitation plans to promote an evidence-based approach to decision and policy making, assessing the actual insights that participants develop during the experience.
More than the mean—A note on heterogeneity aspects in the assessment of water footprints

Water footprints for a crop produced in a specific country are often provided as mean values. However, mean values do not account for the spatial heterogeneity of water footprints within a country that is caused by heterogeneous climate conditions and production techniques. To sufficiently inform decision makers, the underlying heterogeneity should thus also be presented. We provide an illustrate example of seed cotton production in 19 regions in Brazil and China. Even though grey water footprints in Brazil are on average smaller, it also contains the highest possible grey water footprint across all regions. To avoid misleading inference on water footprint estimates, their spatial heterogeneity should be indicated. This will enable decision makers to consider trade-offs between average values and potential extremes.
Remote sensing of snow

The snow parameters affecting sensor responses at different wavelengths are discussed. The effects of snow depth and background radiation on gamma ray sensors and of crystal size, contaminants, snow depth, liquid water, and surface roughness on visible and near-infrared sensors are considered. The influence of temperature, crystal size, and liquid water on thermal infrared sensors and of liquid water, crystal size, water equivalent depth, stratification, snow surface roughness, density, temperature, and soil condition on microwave sensors are addressed.
To whom do the research findings apply

When a new intervention (drug, procedure or device) becomes mainstream care, one hopes that all groups of patients for whom this intervention is intended have been properly studied and, thus, are well defined. This ideal situation rarely applies. The clinical trials conducted to determine efficacy and safety of new interventions are typically designed to be feasible and time and cost efficient. As a consequence, trial populations are typically highly selected and may represent only a subset of the patients for whom the intervention is targeted. Thus, the applicability of the trial findings to other subpopulations has to be based on extrapolations. Some of these extrapolations are reasonable, while others are debatable. Five considerations often influence trial design1: the desire for a study population that (1) is aetiologically homogeneous, (2) is most likely to respond favourably to the intervention, (3) is least likely to suffer adverse events, (4) has no or limited co-morbidity, and (5) most likely will consist of good compliers. The inclusion and exclusion criteria in the trial protocol define those patients with a given condition who are eligible for trial participation or the so-called study population. In addition, all trial participants, by definition, must consent to participate in a research project. Those enrolled constitute the study sample. This article highlights the conflict between the needs of an optimal research design and a desire from the clinical perspective to determine if all patient groups stand to benefit from a new intervention. The outcome chosen for a clinical trial often influences the interpretation of results. The problem of application of research findings will be illustrated by examples from the literature. From the point of view of generalisability, the ideal trial would have no exclusion criteria, other than exclusions that reflect known contraindications to the study intervention. All other …
Quantitative Imaging of Rapidly Decaying Evanescent Fields Using Plasmonic Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy

Non-propagating evanescent fields play an important role in the development of nano-photonic devices. While detecting the evanescent fields in far-field can be accomplished by coupling it to the propagating waves, in practice they are measured in the presence of unwanted propagating background components. It leads to a poor signal-to-noise ratio and thus to errors in quantitative analysis of the local evanescent fields. Here we report on a plasmonic near-field scanning optical microscopy (p-NSOM) technique that incorporates a nanofocusing probe for adiabatic focusing of propagating surface plasmon polaritons at the probe apex, and for enhanced coupling of evanescent waves to the far-field. In addition, a harmonic demodulation technique is employed to suppress the contribution of the background. Our experimental results show strong evidence of background free near-field imaging using the new p-NSOM technique. Furthermore, we present measurements of surface plasmon cavity modes, and quantify their contributing sources using an analytical model.
Correlation of arterial blood pressure and compliance with left ventricular structure and function in the very elderly.

There are very little data on the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), arterial compliance and left ventricular structure and function, particularly left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the very elderly (>75 years). SBP and arterial stiffness increase with age, and the question is: which of the two is the main stimulus to LV hypertrophy? This is a cross-sectional study to compare blood pressure and arterial stiffness measures with regard to their correlations with echocardiographic parameters of LV structure and function, controlling for age and cardiovascular risk factors, in a very elderly population. Arterial stiffness was determined by radial pulse waveform using pulse contour analysis. LV dimensions were measured by transthoracic M-mode echocardiography, and diastolic function by tissue Doppler measurements of diastolic mitral annular velocities. There were 179 subjects, all male, with a mean age of 81.8 years. Using age-adjusted partial correlations, SBP, DBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were correlated with parameters of LV structure and function. Correlation coefficients were: SBP v. left ventricular mass index (LVMI), r = 0.246; SBP v. early diastolic mitral annular velocity (MAV), r = -0.179; DBP v. LVMI, r = 0.199; DBP v. MAV, r = -0.199; MAP v. LVMI r = 0.276; and MAP v. MAV, r = -.206, all with p<0.05. However, neither capacitative nor reflective arterial compliance was significantly correlated with any parameter of LV structure and function. After controlling for age and ten cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, the correlation between blood pressure and the measured LV parameters was substantially unchanged, as was the lack of correlation between indices of arterial compliance and the LV indices. Arterial blood pressure is correlated with LV structure and function in the very elderly, but arterial stiffness, as measured by diastolic pulse contour analysis, is not.
MRI of the achilles tendon: A comprehensive review of the anatomy, biomechanics, and imaging of overuse tendinopathies

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body; it plays an important role in the biomechanics of the lower extremity. It can withstand great forces, especially during sporting exercises and pivoting. The pathologies related to the Achilles tendon are diverse and many carry undesirable consequences. We retrospectively analyzed the images of patients who underwent examinations of the ankle/foot region to review the anatomy of the Achilles tendon and its surroundings and to search for pathologies consistent with overuse injuries. The anatomy of the tendon is described from origin to insertion. The imaging characteristics of the Achilles tendon including pitfalls are reviewed. We also describe the Achilles overuse injuries: paratenonitis, tendinosis, tendon tear, atypical tear, tendon re-tear, retrocalcaneal bursitis, retro-Achilles bursitis, Haglund's deformity, and tendon calcification. We present other entities like tendon ossification and failed transplanted Achilles tendon, with emphasis on MRI.
Genetic effects of a maximal harvest schedule

A mathematical method of maximizing the reproductive efficiency of captive populations is evaluated for its efficacy in very small breeding groups and for its effect on the loss of genetic variability. The evaluation consists of comparing reproductive performance of simulated populations having demographic characteristics similar to a small troop of rhesus kept at the Vilas Park Zoo in Madison, WI, under two age-specific removal strategies. It was found that a “maximal harvest schedule” (in which a portion of the animals reaching age 1, and all animals age 19, were removed) resulted in a higher rate of reproduction than did a “random harvest schedule” that removed a fixed proportion of all age classes. Little or no difference between the two removal strategies was found in between-locus variance calculated for 40 simulated genetic loci. From these results we conclude that a maximal harvest strategy may be an effective way to increase reproductive efficiency in small captive populations, and that such a strategy per se may not accelerate the loss of genetic variability.
Impact of Aircraft Engines Into Reinforced Concrete Walls

Major components of storage facilities and nuclear power plants are designed using reinforced concrete walls. Accidental or intentional impact of these structures by aircraft is a concern. The potential for penetration of these facilities by the aircraft or its components and the subsequent damage to the contents and release of toxic substances is a major concern. This paper focuses on analyzing the impact of jet engines into heavily reinforced concrete walls. These engines are among the stiffest and most massive components of an aircraft and the most likely to seriously damage and penetrate the reinforced concrete. We model both the engine and the reinforced concrete deformations using failure models for reinforced concrete and metals. Unlike many projectile impact problems, the impacting engine cannot be considered to be rigid. A large amount of energy is consumed in the plastic deformation and fracture of the engine components. The reinforced concrete is modeled using hexahedral elements for the concrete and beam elements for the rebar reinforcement. An advanced three invariant viscoplastic softening cap constitutive model describes the ductile and brittle rate-dependent characteristics of concrete. The rebar is modeled using a rate dependent, strain hardening von Mises formulation with failure controlled by fracture energy dissipation. A similar constitutive model is employed for the shell elements used to represent the engine components. These failure models are included in the FLEX large deformation finite element code which uses an explicit, central difference solution procedure with subcycling to solve the equations of motion. Element erosion using different criteria for concrete and metals is used to remove severely distorted and failed elements. Procedures used to mitigate the deleterious and unrealistic effects of hourglass control and viscoplasticity in the softening and failure regimes are discussed. The results from the computations are compared with experimental data generated by impacting a TF-30 engine into a two foot thick concrete wall.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Exploiting Polypeptide Motifs for the Design of Selective Cu(II) Ion Chemosensors

The production of fluorescent devices for the sensing and reporting of chemical events is currently of significant importance for both chemistry and biology. More specifically, sensors directed toward the detection and measurement divalent copper have enjoyed particular attention. Our focus has been on the production of robust, small-molecule chemosensors that exhibit reversible signaling and operate in aqueous solution at neutral pH, without the requirement for organic cosolvents. Because the intended use for such a sensor is ultimately for the measurement of environmental or biological samples, sufficient detection selectivity is of prime concern to ensure that a measurement in the appropriate concentration range can be made, even in the presence of elevated levels of competing divalent cations.