cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human and monkey trabecular meshwork accumulate alpha B-crystallin in response to heat shock and oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: Oxidative stress and other forms of injury to trabecular meshwork (TM) cells may contribute to changes seen with age and primary open-angle glaucoma. This study was designed to investigate if TM expresses alpha B-crystallin, a small heat-shock protein with chaperone activity, and whether it might be overexpressed under stress conditions. METHODS: The TM from human and monkey eyes, as well as organ and primary cell cultures derived from these eyes, were investigated for alpha B-crystallin by immunohistochemistry, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, Northern and Western blot analysis. The TM cell cultures were stressed by heat shock (44 degrees C for 15 minutes) or hydrogen peroxide (200 mumol for 1 hour). Semiquantitation of alpha B-crystallin messenger RNA (mRNA) or protein was obtained by densitometry. RESULTS: In both species, alpha B-crystallin could be detected in fresh and cultured TM by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in conjunction with Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry of fresh samples showed that alpha B-crystallin was expressed predominantly in the cribriform area. Protein expression was enhanced in 4- to 7-day organ cultures. Primary cultures from human TM cells expressed two sizes (approximately 0.8 and 1.1 kb) of alpha B-crystallin mRNA in Northern blots. In monkey TM cultures, a 0.8-kb band was observed, which comigrated with lens alpha B-crystallin. In both species, heat shock caused a significant increase in alpha B-crystallin mRNA with a peak after 4 hours. An increase in alpha B-crystallin mRNA also was observed after oxidative stress; however, the onset of mRNA induction was slower. After heat shock, but not after oxidative stress, a transient change in mRNA mobility was observed. Western dot blot analysis showed a 3.4-fold increase in protein 24 hours after heat shock and a 20-fold increase after 48 hours. No constitutive mRNA expression and only a minimal increase 4 hours after heat shock could be observed in simian virus 40 transformed cell lines from human TM. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of alpha B-crystallin might be an important mechanism for TM to prevent cellular damage associated with various stress conditions.
A new scheme of robust image watermarking: the double watermarking algorithm

This paper is an attempt to describe the concept of double watermarking. The latter term refers to a new watermarking algorithm based on embedding mark (signature) in both spatial and multi-resolution domain. For the purpose of increasing the image watermarking robustness against attacks of an image transmission, we encode with a turbo code an image-embedded mark. This new scheme of image watermarking is able to embed 2000 bits in medical images. Results of experiments carried out on a database of 30- 256x256 pixel-sized medical images show that watermarks are robust to Noises, Filter attacks, JPEG Compression and geometric distortion such as Cropping. Results demonstrate that fidelity can be improved by incorporating a codage that is shaped into the embedding process. Other advantages of the two embedding domains are to preserve intellectual features and to secure the mark in the image.The image degradation is measured by Relative Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (RPSNR). Experimental results show that this unit of measurement is the best distortion metric witch is correlated with Human Visual System (HVS); and therefore more suitable for digital watermarking.
Human breast cancer cell metastasis to long bone and soft organs of nude mice: a quantitative assay

Bone is a common metastatic site in human breast cancer (HBC). Since bone metastasis occurs very rarely from current spontaneous or experimental metastasis models of HBC cells in nude mice, an arterial seeding model involving the direct injection of the cells into the left ventricle has been developed to better understand the mechanisms involved in this process. We present here a sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to detect and quantitate bone and soft organ metastasis in nude mice which have been intracardially inoculated with Lac Z transduced HBC cells. Amplification of genomically incorporated Lac Z sequences in MDA-MB-231-BAG HBC cells enables us to specifically detect these cells in mouse organs and bones. We have also created a competitive template to use as an internal standard in the PCR reactions, allowing us to better quantitate levels of HBC metastasis. The results of this PCR detection method correlate well with cell culture detection from alternate long bones from the same mice, and are more sensitive than gross Lac Z staining with X-gal or routine histology. Comparable qualitative results were obtained with PCR and culture in a titration experiment in which mice were inoculated with increasing numbers of cells, but PCR is more quantifiable, less time consuming, and less expensive. This assay can be employed to study the molecular and cellular aspects of bone metastasis, and could easily be used in conjunction with RT-PCR-based analyses of gene products which may be involved with HBC metastasis.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Competition on the range: science vs. perception in a bison–cattle conflict in the western USA

Summary 1. Competition between livestock and wild ungulates is commonly perceived to occur on shared rangelands. In the Henry Mountains (HM) of Utah, a free-ranging population of bison Bison bison has raised concerns among ranchers holding grazing permits on these public lands. Bison are the most conspicuous potential competitors with cattle, but lagomorphs (mainly jackrabbits Lepus californicus) are also abundant in this area. The local ranching community is applying political pressure on state and federal agencies to resolve ‘the bison problem’, but the relative grazing impacts of bison, cattle and lagomorphs have not previously been quantified. 2. We constructed 40 grazing exclosures (each 5� 95 m 2 ) in the conflict area: 20 excluded bison + cattle (‘partial’) and 20 excluded bison + cattle + lagomorphs (‘full’). All exclosures, each with a paired open reference plot, were monitored for 1 year, and above-ground plant production was measured. GPS telemetry (bison) and scheduled grazing (cattle) allowed visitation to be quantified for each ungulate species based on the number of ‘animal days’ in the area. Rancher perceptions of wildlife–cattle interactions were recorded in a questionnaire survey. 3. Ranchers perceived bison as a high-level competitor with cattle, whereas lagomorphs were perceived as low-level competitors. 4. Grazed reference plots yielded an average (� SE) of 22� 7gm � 2 (� 5� 16) of grass, compared to 36� 5gm � 2 (� 7� 33) in the partial exclosures and 43� 7gm � 2 (� 7� 61) in the full exclosures. Exclusion of large herbivores thus resulted in a 13� 8gm � 2 increase in grass biomass relative to the reference plots (P =0 � 005), with the additional exclusion of lagomorphs resulting in a further 7� 18 g m � 2 increase (P =0 � 048). 5. Overall, lagomorphs accounted for 34� 1%, bison 13� 7% and cattle 52� 3% of the total grass biomass removed by all herbivores on the shared range. 6. Synthesis and applications. Cattle face a greater competitive challenge from lagomorphs than from bison in the study area. This case study illustrates the need for science-based management of social–ecological systems in which even long-term resource users might underestimate the complexities of trophic interactions. Attention should be redirected at the lagomorphs and their main predators, coyotes Canis latrans, which are currently subject to population control. To reduce negative perceptions among local ranchers, options should be explored to incorporate benefit-sharing into the management of the bison population.
Cross-bridge phosphorylation and regulation of latch state in smooth muscle

We have developed a minimum kinetic model for cross-bridge interactions with the thin filament in smooth muscle. The model hypothesizes two types of cross-bridge interactions: 1) cycling phosphorylated cross bridges and 2) noncycling dephosphorylated cross bridges ("latch bridges"). The major assumptions are that 1) Ca2+-dependent myosin phosphorylation is the only postulated regulatory mechanism, 2) each myosin head acts independently, and 3) latch bridges are formed by dephosphorylation of an attached cross bridge. Rate constants were resolved by fitting data on the time courses of myosin phosphorylation and stress development. Comparison of the rate constants indicates that latch-bridge detachment is the rate-limiting step. Model simulations predicted a hyperbolic dependence of steady-state stress on myosin phosphorylation, which corresponded with the experimental observation of high values of stress with low levels of phosphorylation in intact tissues. Model simulations also predicted the experimental observation that an initial phosphorylation transient only accelerates stress development, with no effect on the final steady-state levels of stress. Because the only Ca2+-dependent regulatory mechanism in this model was activation of myosin light chain kinase, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that myosin phosphorylation is both necessary and sufficient for the development of the latch state.
Adaptive cytoprotection in the small intestine: role of mucus

Gastric mucosal injury induced by strong irritants can be dramatically reduced by pretreating the mucosa with mild forms of the same irritant. This phenomenon has been termed "adaptive cytoprotection." The aim of the present study was to use in vivo and in vitro approaches to study adaptive cytoprotection in the small intestine using physiologically relevant concentrations of oleic acid. Anesthetized rats were instrumented for perfusion of the proximal jejunum with 10 or 40 mM oleic acid (in 20 mM sodium taurocholate). Mucosal epithelial integrity was continuously monitored by measuring the blood-to-lumen clearance of 51Cr-labeled EDTA. Perfusion of the lumen with 40 mM oleic acid produced a 10-fold increase in 51Cr-EDTA clearance, which was not affected by a previous perfusion with 10 mM oleic acid, i.e., no adaptive cytoprotection. In another series of experiments, oleic acid was placed in the lumen rather than perfused, and mucosal epithelial integrity was assessed histologically. Intraluminal placement of 10 mM oleic acid resulted in the generation of a mucus layer over the epithelium. Subsequent placement of 40 mM oleic acid did not produce significant epithelial cell injury, i.e., adaptive cytoprotection. In in vitro studies, mucin (1, 5, and 10 mg/ml) was layered over confluent monolayers of Caco-2 cells prior to addition of 2 mM oleic acid in 4 mM sodium taurocholate. The epithelial cell injury induced by oleic acid was inhibited by mucin in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies indicate that mucin does not prevent, but simply delays, the onset of cell injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Oil spills: A natural resource trustee's perspective

As recognition of increased pressure on coastal ecosystems and the value of the goods and services that these systems provide have grown, the US has enacted environmental laws to protect these sensitive resources from injury and depletion. To meet its responsibilities under these laws, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed and utilizes a science-based paradigm in response to spills of oil and other hazardous materials. The goals of this system are to reduce the injury to coastal resources and ecosystems (response) and enhance the recovery of any injured resources (restoration).
Spoken Dialog Challenge 2010

This paper describes the 2010 Spoken Dialog Challenge, a multi-site challenge to help investigate different spoken dialog system and evaluation techniques. The aim of the Challenge is to bring together multiple implementations of the same dialog task and deploy them in uncontrolled real user conditions and then make the results available for common evaluation techniques. This paper gives an overview of teh Challenge itself and the task, and presents the results for the “controlled task” part of the evaluation. The paper also discusses the infrastructure and organizational issues encountered and the solutions that made this challenge possible.
A review of toxoplasmosis in pigs

Toxoplasma gondii infection is highly prevalent in pigs in most countries, but little is known of its epizootiology. Transplacental infection appears to be less common than post-natal infection. Most pigs acquire subclinical infection. Clinical toxoplasmosis occurs mostly in young pigs. The frequency of oocyst- vs tissue cyst-acquired infections is unknown. Why clinical toxoplasmosis is more prevalent in Japan than in other countries is puzzling and needs investigation. In experimentally infected pigs, tissue cysts persist in edible organs for several months. They persist longer in the brain, heart and tongue than in other tissues.
Interactions of a vortex with an oscillating leading edge

This study adresses the detailed structure of the interaction of an incident vortex with a leading edge that is oscillating at the frequency of the incident vortex street. Instantaneous streamline patterns and vorticity distributions allow characterization of the mechanisms of interaction as a function of the timing, or phase shift, of the incident vortex relative to the motion of the edge.
Silicide formation by furnace annealing of thin Si films on large-grained Ni substrates

Si films with a thickness of approximately 250 nm have been electron-beam evaporated on thick, large-grained Ni substrates (grain size a few mm to 1 cm in diameter). An in situ sputter cleaning procedure has been used to clean the Ni surface before the Si deposition. Thermal annealings have been performed in a vacuum furnace. Ni2Si is the first phase that grows at temperatures between 240 °C and 300 °C as a laterally uniform interfacial layer with a diffusion-controlled kinetics. The layer thicknessx follows the growth lawx 2=kt, withk=k 0 exp(-E a k B T), wherek 0=6.3 × 10−4cm 2/s andE a=(1-1±0.1) eV. Because of the virtually infinite supply of Ni, annealing at 800 °C for 130min yields a Ni-based solid solution as the final phase. The results are compared with those reported in the literature on suicide formation by the reaction of a thin Ni film on Si substrates, as well as with those for interfacial phase formation in Ni/Zr bilayers.
Comparisons between drinking induced by water deprivation or chemical stimulation

In the rat, a comparison was made of the motivation to ingest water produced by 15 or 23 hr of water deprivation or by chemical injection of carbachol or angiotensin into the brain. Comparisons were made (a) of tolerance for quinine adulteration of the water, (b) of lick rate on a variable interval schedule, and (c) of bar-pressing rate on a variable interval schedule. When rats that had been water deprived and rats that had been chemically stimulated drank similar volumes of water, then they behaved similarly in other thirst-motivated tasks. Failure to equate the volume drunk in a similar consummatory situation probably accounts for previously reported differences in performance on other thirst-motivated tasks.
Boundary value problems for partial differential equations with exponential dichotomies

Abstract We are extending the notion of exponential dichotomies to partial differential evolution equations on the n -torus. This allows us to give some simple geometric criteria for the existence of solutions to certain nonlinear Dirichlet boundary value problems.
An Experimental Simulation of Flap Flow on Multielement Airfoils at High Reynolds Number

The design of the high lift system has a major impact on the performance of an aircraft yet our understanding of the physics of this flow is still weak. Flow features include interactions between the wakes shed from the upstream elements and the pressure gradients and boundary layers of the downstream elements. Interaction of the turbulent wake of the main element and the flap can cause (1) separation of the flap boundary layer or (2) 'bursting' of the main airfoil wake. Although the first factor is at least partially understood, even the qualitative aspects of (2) remain to be determined. In order to study these phenomena at Reynolds numbers approaching those of flight, a thick high Reynolds number wake is created using a 24 foot flat plate in the long rectangular test section of a 4 ft. by 6 ft subsonic wind tunnel. The design and construction of this test section, plate, and accompanying flap is described. Results obtained in a quarter-scale model were used for design purposes and are also described. Construction of the full scale facility is complete and preliminary results are presented.
Engineering Bulletins: Aids to the Development of Remedial Alternatives

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing a Superfund Treatability Initiative designed to promote the use of treatment approaches for the decontamination or destruction of contaminants at Superfund sites. The EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) has begun a series of activities to assist decision makers in selecting remedies that utilize permanent solutions. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) established a preference for remedial actions in which treatment significantly reduces the volume, toxicity, or mobility of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants. An overview of activities is described and a summary of information in the first ten Engineering Bulletins, which are a component of the initiative, is provided.
Differential cholinergic influences on the immobility response in various strains of domestic fowl

A series of five experiments examined the effects of two anticholinergic drugs, atropine and scopolamine, on the duration of tonic immobility (TI) and susceptibility to the TI response in both Production Red and White Leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus), in an attempt to resolve previous contradictory findings about the effects of cholinergic manipulations on tonic immobility. These two anticholinergic drugs significantly reduced the duration of TI and, therefore, supported the conclusion that cholinergic systems are involved with the immobility response. However, the effects of these drugs on TI differed depending on the age, strain, local population, and handling experience of the individual birds.
Efficiency of ASTM Method D4994-89 for Recovery of Enteric Viruses from Biosolids

The ASTM Method D4994-89 has been used in the United States for almost two decades to assess the virological quality of biosolids. However, the efficiency of this method for recovery of different enteric viruses has never been determined. The method was found to recover several different enteroviruses and adenovirus 2 with an efficiency ranging from 18.1 ± 5.5 to 24.6 ± 7.8%.
Science big in 1989 budget

The $1.09 trillion budget that President Reagan sent to Congress on February 18, 1988, calls for large increases in science and technology spending while staying close to but not always within the limits of the budget summit agreement reached by the White House and congressional leaders late in 1987. Big science was a big winner in the Fiscal Year (FY) 1989 spending plan, the last budget that the Reagan administration will bring to Congress. The Space Station and the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC), two multibillion dollar federal projects that received ambiguous financial support from the House and Senate last year, will be back again, with requests of nearly $1 billion for the Space Station and $363 million for the SSC. For FY 1988, Congress approved $25 million for the SSC and funded the Space Station at $425 million, less than half the amount the White House originally requested. Reagan's 1989 budget also requests appropriations for the Space Station totaling $6 billion through 1991
An experimental approach to the reduction of overactive behavior

Abstract An operant, differential reinforcement procedure (DRO) was employed in a playroom setting for the purpose of controlling overactivity. Six overactive, mentally retarded children, aged 8–13 yr were first observed individually for a period of 8 days in the playroom in order to obtain a baseline performance on a specially constructed check-list of hyperactive behavior. Following this, the conditioning phase began under a fixed schedule of reinforcement with tokens as the reinforcing agents (later to be exchanged for candy). A fading-out phase was instituted after the 30-day conditioning period in order to maintain resistance to extinction at a higher level. Post-conditioning observations were then made. It was conclusively shown that the disturbed, hyperactive behavior came under stimulus control with “grasshopper” play decreasing substantially during the latter part of conditioning and extinction periods.
Further statistical analysis for genome-wide expression evolution in primate brain/liver/fibroblast tissue

In spite of only a 1-2 per cent genomic DNA sequence difference, humans and chimpanzees differ considerably in behaviour and cognition. Affymetrix microarray technology provides a novel approach to addressing a long-term debate on whether the difference between humans and chimpanzees results from the alteration of gene expressions. Here, we used several statistical methods (distance method, two-sample t-tests, regularised t-tests, ANOVA and bootstrapping) to detect the differential expression pattern between humans and great apes. Our analysis shows that the pattern we observed before is robust against various statistical methods; that is, the pronounced expression changes occurred on the human lineage after the split from chimpanzees, and that the dramatic brain expression alterations in humans may be mainly driven by a set of genes with increased expression (up-regulated) rather than decreased expression (down-regulated).
Neuropeptide Y release in the paraventricular nucleus is decreased during transient hyperphagia induced by microinjection of colchicine into the ventromedial nucleus of rats

Disruption of neural signaling in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of rats by microinjection of the neurotoxin colchicine (COL) results in transient hyperphagia accompanied by enhanced weight gain. We tested the hypothesis that release of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a potent orexigenic signal is augmented within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of COL-treated hyperphagic rats. Adult male rats were microinjected bilaterally with either COL (4 μg/0.5 μl in saline) or saline in the VMN and a push-pull guide cannula aimed at the PVN was implanted for analysis of extra-cellular NPY. COL-injected rats gained 37.8±6.1 g while the saline-injected rats lost 9.3±3.4 g during the 4 days following surgery. On day 4, post-injection, the PVN of these rats was perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid via the push-pull cannula. NPY levels in perfusates collected at 10 min intervals from hyperphagic, COL-injected rats were markedly diminished. Cumulative NPY efflux over the 180 min sampling period was significantly less in COL-treated (27.7±6.0 pg) versus saline-injected control rats (110.6±32.2 pg; P<0.05). These results show that impairment of neural signaling in the VMN by COL suppressed NPY release in the PVN. These observations taken together with previous studies showing diminution in preproNPY mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and NPY levels in the PVN are in accordance with the thesis that the VMN normally exerts a facilitatory influence on NPYergic signaling in the ARC-PVN axis.
The determination of the pKa of histidine residues in proteins by Raman difference spectroscopy.

Abstract Sensitive Raman difference spectroscopy was used to monitor the protonation and deprotonation of histidine residues in apo-transferrin. We have shown previously that the behavior of small molecules and/or small molecular groups bound to proteins or other large macromolecules can be studied by Raman difference spectroscopy (Yue, K.T. et al. (1989) J. Raman Spectrosc. 20, 541–545). Using this method, we have measured the Raman difference spectra of human transrferin at different pH values with respect to pH 8.9, titrating its various histidine residues. About 12±2 of the 19 residues were titrated. The pH difference spectrum of transferrin obtained is very similar to that of histidine in solution, but with clear differences in the 1200–1400 cm −1 region. A titration curve with p K a of 6.08 ± 0.01 fit the data of histidine in solution and a value of 6.56 ± 0.02 was found for the average value of the 12 histidine residues inside transferrin. The technique has enough sensitivity at present to monitor a single histidine residue in a 130 kDa molecule and to determine the titration curve of one residue in a 40 kDa protein.
Relationship of Surface Area of pH-Dependent Suspensions and Water Retention

AbstractThe equilibrium water retention, MW/MS, of suspensions having a pH-dependent surface charge (carbonate-containing aluminum hydroxide and fumed silica) appears to be due to water adsorbed by the surface as well as water retained in pores. The water retained in pores has a lower limit determined by the closest packing porosity. Maximal water retention occurred when the pH was equal to the point of zero charge and attractive particle interactions predominated. The contribution of pore water to MW/MS can be minimized by selecting a pH significantly different from the point of zero charge. The water retention properties of the suspension under these conditions are believed to be due to adsorption and the closest packing porosity. Preliminary results indicate that this MW/MS can be related to the surface area of the suspended solid.
Vitrification of human blastocysts: an update

Transfer of blastocyst-stage embryos has been shown to increase pregnancy rates while allowing for improved selection of potentially viable embryos. At this late stage of development, lower numbers of embryos can be transferred, resulting in less high-order multiple pregnancies and increased implantation rates. Between January 2004 and February 2009, 8449 blastocysts from 2453 patients were vitrified. After 1398 vitrified embryo transfers (VET) of both day-5 and day-6 blastocysts with a mean patient age of 34.6 +/- 5.0 years, the study centre has seen a survival rate of 96.3% (2730/2835), an implantation rate of 29.4% and a clinical pregnancy rate per VET of 42.8% (599 pregnancies/1398 warmed embryo transfers). After more than 5 years of vitrifying blastocysts, the perinatal outcome was, from 348 deliveries with vitrified blastocysts, the births of 431 babies (202 boys and 229 girls). One of the benefits of blastocyst vitrification is that it can be undertaken on a more flexible basis by laboratory staff. Also, vitrification may allow individual blastocysts to be cryopreserved at their optimal stage of development and expansion.
The simulated patient in clinical teaching

Abstract A program, using simulated patients, was devised to provide junior medical students with clinical experience in sexual, social, and marital history-taking and in sexual problem-solving. The objective of the program was to stress interview techniques and attitudes in the doctor-patient relationship. Emphasis was placed more on process than on content. Drama students as simulated patients were used to provide controlled subjects who could give feedback concerning the interviews. Fourteen drama students participated in the project for a total of 51 interviews. The results of the program indicate a positive learning experience for both the medical students and the drama students.
Investigating Household State Dependence Effects across Categories

Brand choices over time are dictated not just by households’ intrinsic brand preferences, but also by marketing variables and state dependence effects. The authors examine brand choice behavior acr...
Evaluating chemical equilibrium in metamorphic rocks using major element and Sm–Nd isotopic age zoning in garnet, Townshend Dam, Vermont, USA

Abstract A quantitative assessment of metamorphic chemical equilibrium derived from correlation of spessartine content and garnet Sm–Nd ages suggests that major element matrix equilibrium was maintained (to a first order) throughout a ca. 40 cm-wide rock sample during garnet growth; however cm-scale Sm–Nd isotopic heterogeneity limits the Sm–Nd age precision required to evaluate more subtle age differences within individual garnet crystals. Central wafers from 1–3 cm diameter garnet grains within a 1.21 × 104 cm3 block of pelitic schist were used to document concentric growth zoning of major elements, with decreasing Mn and Ca and increasing Fe and Mg from cores to rims. Garnets also preserve growth zoning patterns for HREE and MREE and show evidence for resorption and partial recrystallization of the outermost rims. Similar garnet core compositions and identical garnet rim compositions for large like sized porphyroblasts throughout the sample suggest that garnet growth occurred at near equilibrium P–T–X conditions for major elements over the sample volume. Comparison of 28 rock Sm–Nd isotope values from the sample indicates substantial cm-scale heterogeneity, which precludes meaningful use of local garnet rock isotope pairs for isochron age calculation. Therefore, Sm–Nd isotopic compositions of thirty-eight concentric core to rim garnet segments from ten large (1–3 cm) garnets and two small (1–4 mm) bulk garnets, with narrow ranges of Mn content, are paired with sixteen matrix/whole-rock Sm–Nd isotopic compositions collected over the rock volume to define a range of isochron ages from 383.1 ± 6.8 Ma to 324.5 ± 3.3 Ma. Four of the garnets have anomalously young rims that likely result from post-growth alteration. Chlorite, quartz, and xenotime haloes around garnet suggest that anomalously young garnet rim ages reflect post-growth resorption/recrystallization effects. Excluding these young rims yields a range of ages from 383.1 ± 6.8 (oldest core) to 374.9 ± 1.8 Ma (youngest rim). Sm–Nd age precisions > 1.5 m.y. (and high MSWD) result primarily from isotopic heterogeneity in the finely layered metasedimentary rock matrix. However, garnet cores with high Mn (n = 7), mantles with intermediate Mn (n = 14), and rims with low Mn (n = 8; including the 2 smaller bulk garnet analyses), define three distinct multi-grain isochrons of 380.3 ± 2.0 Ma (n = 23, MSWD = 14), 377.3 ± 1.4 Ma (n = 30, MSWD = 18), and 376.5 ± 1.0 Ma (n = 24, MSWD = 18), respectively, yielding an average garnet growth duration of 3.8 ± 2.2 m.y. These three composite Mn-age zones define a Mn vs. age relationship that reflects depletion of Mn in the rock matrix as it is sequestered by growing garnet. Correlation of garnet major element compositions throughout the sample suggests that major element matrix equilibrium was generally maintained (to a first order) throughout the ca. 4 m.y. duration of garnet growth.
Cognitive function in early treated biotinidase deficiency: Follow-up of children detected by newborn screening

Introduction: Biotinidase deficiency, an inborn error of biotin recycling, is included in many newborn screening programs on the assumption that presymptomatic biotin therapy will prevent all of the complications of the disorder. These complications include cognitive delay. To assess this assumption, we have studied children found to have biotinidase deficiency through newborn screening and treated from early infancy. Methods: Biotinidase screening was performed on a component of the New England Regional Newborn Screening Program. Confirmation of biotinidase deficiency was determined by quantitative serum biotinidase assay. Developmental and cognitive assessment consisted of a battery of age-appropriate tests. Results: The study group consisted of six children with profound biotinidase deficiency (biotinidase activity <10% of normal) and two unaffected sibling controls. Bayley assessment of three affected children revealed developmental scores in the normal to high average range. Cognitive function in the three older children was in the average to superior range. No abnormalities in visual motor integration or in achievement scores were noted. The scores in two children in one family were comparable to those in their two unaffected siblings. Discussion: We found normal developmental or cognitive function in six early treated children with biotinidase deficiency identified by newborn screening. This indicates that early identification and treatment of biotinidase deficiency might preserve full cognitive potential as well as prevent other complications of this disorder.
Partial splenectomy and overwhelming infection in rats.

Susceptibility to overwhelming sepsis in rats was measured by intravenous Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge 5 weeks after removal of 25, 50, or 75% of the spleen, with sham splenectomy and total splenectomy groups included for comparison. The LD50 (given in organisms per animal) for total splenectomy was 1.02 × 103, for 75% splenectomy, 1.79 × 104, for 50% splenectomy, 4.69 × 104, for 25% splenectomy, 4.90 × 105, and for sham splenectomy, 8.04 × 106. All differences were significant at P < 0.05 except for that between 50 and 75% splenectomy. Thus sham, 25, 50, and 75% splenectomy were all associated with a higher LD50 than total splenectomy, and the LD50 increased in proportion to the size of the splenic remnant. No threshold for protection against overwhelming infection was noted, but a rapid fall in LD50 from 75% to total splenectomy may be indicative of a critical splenic mass within that range.
Multi-aspect hardware management in enterprise server consolidation

An autonomic manager for enterprise server hardware management, called AMP, is described. AMP is designed to handle multiple aspects of hardware management and to work in conjunction with other management components, in particular application managers, in a way that reduces energy waste, protects server health, and preserves a high degree of autonomy both for itself and for the managers with which it works. AMP interacts with other managers in two ways: (1) exchange of nominal control over individual servers; and (2) provision of a synthetic cost function giving AMP's assessment of relative desirability of using different servers. The high-level architecture of AMP is discussed, with particular focus on the way it effects a natural decomposition of the combined hardware-and-application management problem, and on initial versions of the algorithms it uses to manage server power states and determine the cost function. AMP's viability in practice is demonstrated via prototype implementation in which it operates on real servers in collaboration with a state-of-the-art application manager. The overall system behavior is investigated via simulation.
Feeding decisions by Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) : The utility of a logistic regression model for analyses of where, what, and with whom to eat

It is widely recognized that animal behavior is simultaneously affected by many variables. Both the study of interactions between these variables under naturalistic conditions and the proper statistical analysis of data derived from such studies remain particular problems for ethologists. In the present study we investigated choices by Steller’s jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) selecting between two feeding locations under a variety of conditions. A multifactor logistic regression analysis of our data showed that the jays’ behavior was simultaneously affected by several variables, including proximity of the feeding site to cover, food preferences, and the presence of conspecifics and other animals. We found that (1) jays strongly preferred an unoccupied feeder over one occupied by another jay or a sympatric mammal with the effect of squirrels being much greater than that of other jays, (2) contrary to our expectations, in the absence of a reason to prefer the other feeder, the jays generally selected the feeder that was further from nearest cover, and (3) the presence of sunflower seeds on one feeder but not on the other provided a reason to prefer the feeder offering sunflower seeds. The logistic regression analysis provided a more complete and integrated model of the birds’ behavior than more commonly used univariate methods. Our approach and results are also applicable to studies of other animals. While univariate analyses are useful in some instances, multifactor procedures reveal more details about the interactions of single factors and future experimental studies can take advantage of this additional knowledge.
Foreign Direct Investment in the Czech Republic

This paper evaluates foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Czech Republic and its regional development consequences after the collapse of state socialism. Two types of FDIs are identified: cross border export-oriented investments and market capture investments. The cross border export-oriented investments exploit low cost labor in the service of external markets and are typically concentrated in peripheral areas, mostly along the former West German border. This type of FDI is not likely to contribute to durable regional economies. The market capture investments involve both servicing the Czech market and integrating activities within a larger, multinational corporate network. This type of investment may create more durable sources of regional economic activity. A case study of the Volkswagen/Skoda joint venture is used to examine market capture investments and their consequences for regional development. This paper is based on interviews with plant managers and trade union leaders in companies with forei...
CRACKED MOSAIC MODEL OF WOVEN COMPOSITES WITH TRANSVERSE YARN CRACKING AND INTERFACE DEBONDING

A variational solution based on the principle of minimum complementary energy is presented for a cracked mosaic laminate model of woven fabric composites. Two damage modes, i.e., transverse yarn cracking and interface debonding, are considered. The stress components in the debonded segments of the laminate are obtained explicitly, while those in the perfectly bonded laminate segments are derived in terms of a perturbation function, which is governed by two fourth-order inhomogeneous ordinary differential equations. All possible expressions of this perturbation function are obtained in closed forms. The effective Young modulus and Poisson ratio of the damaged laminate are calculated using the determined stress field and the associated minimum complementary energy. Being applicable to the woven laminate in either the plane strain or the plane stress state, with the yarn materials either orthotropic or transversely isotropic, the current closed-form solution is very suitable for parametric studies. To demonstrate the application of the solution, a parametric study is conducted using a graphite fiber/epoxy yarn material, four transverse yarn crack densities and eleven debonded lengths.
Frequency Shift Transform

In signal processing we often perform time shifts. Considering the duality of time domain and frequency domain representations, we may also want to shift the spectrum of a signal. The frequency shift transform is such a process. It is equivalent to complex modulation or demodulation of a signal (Oppenheim, 1987). The FST applied to a spectrum S(f) is represented by S(f+f& where fOcan be positive or negative. Here, we should assume that S(f) is bandlimited so that we have free space along the frequency axis to shift the spectrum (see Figures la and lb). time domain signals with the same bandwidth corresponding to S(f) and S(f+fo) exhibit the same envelope, but different oscillations exist under the envelope. It is well known that the peak to sidelobe level of a correlated sweep depends on the bandwidth of the signal. In practical terms, the required bandwidth is often stated in octaves, e.g., 2-3 octaves are needed for a “good” correlation. It is not so well known that the envelope of the correlated sweep depends only on the absolute bandwidth Af and not the number of octaves of bandwidth. Therefore, the envelope of a sweep from 1000 Hz to 1500 Hz (less than one octave) has the same envelop as a sweep from 5 Hz to 505 Hz (over six octaves). The fact that the high frequency sweep is narrowband whereas the low frequency signal is wideband can be either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the application. One direct application of FST is to extract the envelope of a signal. In this case FST acts as demodulation. Another possible usage is to solve some aliasing problems. In this case we reduce the dominant frequency of a signal by shifting the spectrum to lower frequencies. Then we can use a larger interval when sampling this signal. This feature is specially useful for spatial aliasing because it is expensive or difficult to increase the spatial sampling rate. The FST is a linear time-variant transform, Therefore, when applying FST to signals with different timedelays, we find that these signals after FST exhibit phase distortion. Special efforts must be _ made to remove this distortion. It should be pointed out that the complex FST is reversible: when necessary we can take a reversed FST that restores the signal to the original style.
Maximum-likelihood estimation under bound restriction and order and uniform bound restrictions

Abstract This paper studies the maximization of a function over a closed convex set and applies the result to bound restricted, order and uniform bound restricted MLE problems. The dominance of restricted MLE over some other estimators is also discussed.
Passive Porosity with Free and Fixed Separation on a Tangent-Ogive Forebody

Despite the extensive experimental and computational data base in the literature on passive porosity, no clear explanation of the governing flow physics exists. It is theorized that the positive porosity concept modifies the external pressure loading by allowing communication between high- and low-pressure regions on the external surface. This study determines the dominant flow phenomena that govern the effectiveness of passive porosity. It aims to assess the contribution of each phenomenon as related to a porous slender axisymmetric forebody. To assess the influence of the mass transfer and pressure equalization phenomena on the effectiveness of passive porosity on slender axisymmetric forebodies, strakes were attached to the 5.0-caliber solid and porous forebodies to force crossflow separation. Longitudinal force and moment data were obtained at a Mach number of 0.1 over an angle-of-attack range of 0 to 55 deg.
Correlates of physical attractiveness and interpersonal attraction in the dating situation

The relationships between various indicators of physical attractiveness (objective, self perception, and date’s) and interpersonal attraction in the dating situation were examined in this study. Agreement between the various indicators of physical attractiveness was lower for males than for females. The most significant predictor of interpersonal attraction was the date’s rating of his (her) partner’s physical attractiveness.
Determinism and Mass-Media Portrayals of Genetics

Scholars have expressed concern that the introduction of substantial coverage of "medical genetics" in the mass media during the past 2 decades represents an increase in biological determinism in public discourse. To test this contention, we analyzed the contents of a randomly selected, structured sample of American public newspapers (n=250) and magazines (n=722) published during 1919-95. Three coders, using three measures, all with intercoder reliability >85%, were employed. Results indicate that the introduction of the discourse of medical genetics is correlated with both a statistically significant decrease in the degree to which articles attribute human characteristics to genetic causes (P<.001) and a statistically significant increase in the differentiation of attributions to genetic and other causes among various conditions or outcomes (P<. 016). There has been no statistically significant change in the relative proportions of physical phenomena attributed to genetic causes, but there has been a statistically significant decrease in the number of articles assigning genetic causes to mental (P<.002) and behavioral (P<.000) characteristics. These results suggest that the current discourse of medical genetics is not accurately described as more biologically deterministic than its antecedents.
Transmission properties of material with relative permittivity and permeability close to -1

J.B. Pendry has shown that a layer of material with relative permittivity and relative permeability both equal to -1 behaves as a perfect two-dimensional lens for an object closer than the thickness of the layer. We examine results for transmission through a material with relative constants close to -1. For a passive material, the imaginary parts of relative permittivity and permeability are negative (the engineer's convention). We treat the transmission of a delta-function line source through a layer. This source includes all spatial wave numbers. The longitudinal component kz of the propagation vector normal to the surface assumes values that are negative real and imaginary for the evanescent modes. Transmission in a medium that has both relative permittivity and permeability equal to -1 amplifies the imaginary kz terms and, thus, restores the evanescent waves and bypasses the usual diffraction limit of an ordinary lens. We show that small deviations from the perfect lens material cause a change from amplification to attenuation of these evanescent waves and thus limit the degree of improvement of an image.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Compliance with a standard for the emergency department management of epileptics who present after an uncomplicated convulsion

We conducted a retrospective chart review to determine whether the treatment of uncomplicated convulsions in emergency department patients with a history of epilepsy complied with a clinical standard and whether the degree of compliance with the standard was related to the treating physician's specialty or postgraduate year of training. The standard specified items to be included in the medical record and appropriate diagnostic tests. A medical record score was defined by the presence of seven essential and seven desirable items obtained from the history and the physical examination. Only anticonvulsant levels and a serum glucose, when not ordered as part of a chemistry profile, were considered appropriate for all patients when drawn. A computed tomography head scan was deemed appropriate for patients whose neurologic status deteriorated or failed to return to baseline within one hour or who had a recent history of significant head trauma. The appropriateness of all other tests was evaluated by review of the medical record. One hundred consecutive ED visits by adult epileptics for an uncomplicated convulsion were considered. Patients ranged in age from 18 to 88 years (median, 28 years). Medical record scores ranged from 7 to 82 (median, 43). ED time ranged from eight to 539 minutes (median, 174.5 minutes). Ancillary services charges ranged from $0 to $1,774 (median, $181.50). Only 27.4% of these charges were for tests deemed appropriate. There was a significant relationship between the ED time and ancillary services charges (Spearman correlation=.5152, P P = .0054). Median ancillary service charges did not significantly differ by resident postgraduate year of training (PGY 1 or 2, $213; PGY 3 or 4, $175; P = .1413). Results of the study were that physician documentation did not meet our expectations, there was an association of the use of diagnostic tests and ED time, there was a difference in the performance of resident physicians by specialty, with emergency physicians ordering fewer diagnostic tests, and there was no significant difference in the ordering of diagnostic tests by postgraduate year of resident training.