cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Event-Based and Emergent Timing: Synchronization, Continuation, and Phase Correction

It has been claimed that rhythmic tapping and circle drawing represent fundamentally different timing processes (event-based and emergent, respectively) and also that circle drawing is difficult to synchronize with a metronome and exhibits little phase correction. In the present study, musically trained participants tapped with their left hands, drew circles with their right (dominant) hands, and also performed both tasks simultaneously. In Experiment 1, they synchronized with a metronome and then continued on their own, whereas in Experiment 2, they synchronized with a metronome containing phase perturbations. Circle drawing generally exhibited reliable synchronization, although with greater variability than tapping, and also showed a clear phase-correction response that evolved gradually during the cycle immediately following a perturbation. When carried out simultaneously in synchrony, with or without a metronome, the two tasks affected each other in some ways but retained their distinctive timing characteristics. This shows that event-based and emergent timing can coexist in a dual-task situation. Furthermore, the authors argue that the two timing modes usually coexist in each individual task, although one mode is often dominant.
“Knock-Knock!”: ReVisioning Family and Home

In this article, we examine the iconic notions of nuclear family and home to problematize a pervasive clinical practice model in social work that reinforces and reproduces them. By conceptualizing home and family in new ways, de-centering social service delivery from its clinical base, and employing a truly fluid and radical understanding of multiple subjectivation, we propose guidelines for best practices in the delivery of social services for LGBTQ persons of color.
Neurotransmitter receptor binding in bovine cerebral microvessels

Purified preparations of microvessels from bovine cerebral cortex contain substantial levels of alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, and histamine 1 receptor binding sites but only negligible serotonin, muscarinic cholinergic, opiate, and benzodiazepine receptor binding. Norepinephrine and histamine may be endogenous regulators of the cerebral microcirculation at the observed receptors.
Sir2p exists in two nucleosome-binding complexes with distinct deacetylase activities

The absolute requirement for the histone deacetylase activity of Sir2p in silencing coupled with the conservation of Sir2p-like proteins in larger eukaryotes suggests that this molecule plays an important role in gene regulation in all organisms. Here we report the purification and characterization of two Sir2p-containing protein complexes; one of which contains Sir4p and the other Net1p. The Sir4p-containing complex has an NAD-dependent histone deacetylase activity, while the Net1p-containing complex possesses deacetylase activity but only weak NAD-dependent histone deacetylase activity. Finally, we demonstrate that the Sir2p-containing complexes bind nucleosomes efficiently and partially restrict accessibility of the linker DNA to enzymatic probes.
Structure, conductivity, and electron spin resonance of tetrathiafulvalene 11,11,12,12-tetracyanonaphtho-2, 6-quinodimethane (TTF)(TNAP)

Crystals of tetrathiafulvalene 11,11,12,12-tetracyanonaphtho-2, 6-quinodimethane (TTF)(TNAP), obtained via a slow diffusion process from acetonitrile solution are triclinic with uniform, segregated stacks of cation and anion radicals. The electrical conductivity near room temperature is 40 ${\mathrm{ohm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and shows little temperature dependence. At 185 K there is a sharp drop in conductivity and at lower temperatures the conductivity is activated with an energy 0.1 eV. The spin susceptibility and $g$ tensor show temperature dependences in relation to the transition similar to those exhibited by tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF)(TCNQ). No evidence for a Peierls distortion was obtained from x-ray diffraction studies at 150 K.
Estimation Methods for Delays in Non-regenerative Discrete-Event Systems

Many long-run delay characteristics of computer, communication, manufacturing, and transportation systems can be specified as time-average limits of sequences of delays in generalized semi-Markov processes (GSMPs). We consider sequences of delays that are determined from the state transitions of the GSMP using the method of start vectors. In this setting, time-average limits typically must be estimated using simulation. Previous work on estimation methods for delays has focused on GSMPs for which there exists a sequence of regeneration points. For such systems, it is often possible to find an explicit sequence of regeneration points or od-regeneration points for the sequence of delays, so that point estimates and confidence intervals for time-average limits can be obtained using the regenerative method for simulation output analysis or one of its variants. This paper is concerned with GSMPS for which this approach is not feasible, either because regeneration points for the GSMP cannot be identified or bec...
Tonic status epilepticus presenting as confusional state

A 17-year-old epileptic was admitted to the hospital in a confused state. Electroencephalography (EEG) with polygraphic recording revealed tonic status epilepticus. Therapy with phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid, and methylphenidate was unsuccessful. Intravenous diazepam exacerbated the seizures. EEG with polygraphic recording may detect clinically inapparent tonic seizures in epileptics with unexplained confusion, and when generalized paroxysmal fast activity occurs during EEG recording.
Management of tracheal obstruction from thyroid diseases.

Tracheal or laryngeal obstruction in thyroid disease is such a severe, though uncommon, threat that constant awareness of its occurrence and prevention should be the hallmark of the experienced thyroid surgeon. A high index of suspicion, thoughtful analysis of cases, willingness to accept that such a complication does not reflect on the surgeon's competence, and prophylactic elective use of tracheostomy in patients at high risk will afford safety to the patient and peace of mind to the surgeon.
The Early History of Congenital Heart Surgery: Closed Heart Operations

The history of cardiovascular surgery before the development of open heart techniques is presented. Emphasis is placed on the creativeness and boldness of the visionary pioneers whose skills and determination led to the modern era of the routine surgical treatment of heart disease.
Development and testing of a five-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the effectiveness of a 5-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in screening for depression in a frail community-dwelling older population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: A geriatric outpatient clinic at the Sepulveda VA Medical Center, Sepulveda, California. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 74 frail outpatients (98.6% male, mean age 74.6) enrolled in an ongoing trial. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects had a comprehensive geriatric assessment that included a structured clinical evaluation for depression with geropsychiatric consultation. A 5-item version of the GDS was created from the 15-item GDS by selecting the items with the highest Pearson x1 correlation with clinical diagnosis of depression. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for the 15-item GDS and the new 5-item scale. RESULTS: Subjects had a mean GDS score of 6.2 (range 0–15). Clinical evaluation found that 46% of subjects were depressed. The depressed and not depressed groups were similar with regard to demographics, mental status, educational level, and number of chronic medical conditions. Using clinical evaluation as the gold standard for depression, the 5-item GDS (compared with the 15-item GDS results shown in parentheses) had a sensitivity of. 97 (.94), specificity of. 85 (.83), positive predictive value of. 85 (.82), negative predictive value of. 97 (.94), and accuracy of. 90 (.88) for predicting depression. Significant agreement was found between depression diagnosis and the 5-item GDS (kappa = 0.81). Multiple other short forms were tested, and are discussed. The mean administration times for the 5- and 15-item GDS were. 9 and 2.7 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-item GDS was as effective as the 15-item GDS for depression screening in this population, with a marked reduction in administration time. If validated elsewhere, it may prove to be a preferred screening test for depression.
Volatility estimation for stock index options: A GARCH approach

Abstract The objective of this paper is to compare the mispricing of option valuation models when alternate techniques are applied to the volatility estimation. Akgiray (1989) shows that out-of-sample forecasts of return variances of stock indices based on a GARCH model are superior predictors of the actual ex-post variances in comparison to forecasts generated using standard rolling regression methods. A second objective of this study is to examine if Akgiray's results carry over to option valuation. Although we find that the implied volatility technique results in the least mispricing, within the class of forecasts using only historic returns data, the use of GARCH models will also significantly reduce model mispricing.
Shock-assisted synthesis of Ti5Si3 intermetallic compound

Synthesis of ultra-fine grained Ti5Si3 intermetallic compound has been investigated using shock-assisted reaction and transformation processes. In one case, shock-densified compacts of Ti and Si elemental powders are reacted in the solid-state, benefiting from defect-enhanced diffusion, to obtain fully reacted dense compacts of Ti5Si3 intermetallic with ∼3 μm grain size and microhardness of ∼800 kg mm−2. In another case, mechanically amorphized Ti–Si powders are dynamically densified and subsequently crystallized to produce a single-phase Ti5Si3 intermetallic with nanocrystalline structure and microhardness as high as 1400 kg mm−2. In this paper we will describe the characteristics of Ti5Si3 intermetallic produced by these two shock-assisted reaction and transformation processes.
Hydrothermal synthesis of iron and zinc double vanadium oxddes using the tetramethyl ammonium ion

There has been much effort recently to find more cost-effective oxide cathodes for advanced lithium batteries, to replace the technically excellent but expensive lithium cobalt oxide. The authors have studied the hydrothermal synthesis of tetramethyl ammonium vanadium oxides that contain an additional transition metal, such as iron or zinc, in order to stabilize the layered structure of vanadium oxide for electrochemical redox reactions with lithium. Addition of the lower cost iron and zinc is also beneficial for commercial application. Several new layered structures which contain double sheets of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} have been formed and characterized. The iron compound contains the TMA ion. Their structures and electrochemical behavior are reported.
Do Echo-Enhanced Needles Make a Difference in Sonographically Guided Vascular Access?

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare sonographically guided vascular access using standard and echo-enhanced needles in a variety of tissue-simulating vascular phantoms. Methods We conducted a prospective single-blinded observational study at an academic medical center. All participants performed real-time sonographically guided vascular access using both a standard 18-gauge needle and an echo-enhanced needle in both in-plane and out-of plane approaches on 3 different vascular access phantoms. The outcome measures included time to dye flash, first-pass success, visibility of the needle tip at the time of puncture, total number of attempts, number of redirections, and incidence of posterior wall penetration. Results A total of 408 sonographically guided cannulations were performed by 34 participants. The time from needle stick to dye flash, first-pass success, and the total number of attempts were not significantly different between the two needles (P> .05). The tip of the needle was seen at the time of puncture in 79% of attempts with the standard needle (95% confidence interval [CI], 68%–86%) and in 86% of attempts with the echo-enhanced needle (95% CI, 76%–92%), although this difference was not significant (P= .103). The posterior wall was penetrated with the standard needle in 14% of attempts (95% CI, 9.6%–20%) and in 6% of attempts with the echo-enhanced needle (95% CI, 3.5%–11%), and the difference was significant (P < .02). Conclusions Echo-enhanced needles decreased the incidence of posterior wall punctures when compared to standard needles during sonographically guided vascular access. However, there were no significant differences in other sonographically guided vascular access metrics.
On validating simulation models of missile systems

Simulation of missile systems is mainly used to pre dict missile flight and terminal miss distance and to study flight safety. Computer simulations of mis sile systems produce results that otherwise could only be obtained by actual tests and missile flights. The increasing cost of firings limits their number and hence reduces the amount of available flight-test data. Theil's inequality coefficients (TIC) and their geometric representations are the basis for a procedure which provides insight into the validity of a simulation and reduces the dependence of validation on flight-test data.
BTI recovery in 22nm tri-gate technology

BTI recovery in tri-gate devices matches data and model predictions from planar devices, indicating a consistent physical basis for the mechanism and no influence from transistor architecture features such as crystal orientation, confinement, and vertical sidewalls. This consistency enables extending existing models established on planar devices to capture temperature and voltage dependencies of recovery. A new experimental technique allows extraction of an effective activation energy for recovery. The observation of complete recovery demonstrates that no permanent damage occurs during stress.
Circadian rhythm in uptake of tritiated thymidine by kidney, parotid, and duodenum of isoproterenol-treated mice.

The total uptake of [3H]thymidine by the mouse parotid gland, kidney, and duodenum exhibits a circadian rhythm. A single injection of isoproterenol changes the phasing and amplitude of these rhythms. Depending on the organ, there are certain points in the circadian time structure when isoproterenol stimulates or inhibits the uptake of thymidine; at other time points there is no difference between the responses to isoproterenol and to saline.
Abstract 5436: The role of reactive oxygen species in (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in oral cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Recently, it has been reported to have cancer chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive effects. However, the mechanisms are incompletely understood. We found that EGCG induced both extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SCC-25 and SCC-9 human oral squamous carcinoma cells. Extracellular ROS was produced rapidly in the DMEM/F12 (1:1) cell culture medium, but was also quenched very rapidly (t1/2 = 1.7 h). By contrast, the level of intracellular ROS increased more slowly and was increasing even after EGCG could no longer be detected in either the cytosol or the cell culture medium. We observed that EGCG treatment decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential suggesting that EGCG induced dysfunction of electron transport chain in the mitochondria of treated cells. This may explain the continuous ROS production in the cells even after EGCG levels have dropped to below the limit of detection. EGCG treatment for 72 hr reduced cell viability significantly (IC50=127 µM in SCC-25 cells and IC50=83 µM in SCC-9 cells). Effects on cell viability were modulated by inclusion of N-acetylcysteine, a thiol-antioxidant, indicating a role for EGCG-induced ROS in the reduction of cell viability. EGCG treatment also arrested cell cycle progression in the G2/M phase of cell cycle, and induced apoptosis (increased TUNEL positivity and annexin V staining). Based on the present studies, it appears that EGCG-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a role in its anti-oral cancer effects in cell culture. Ongoing studies in our laboratory are focused on the mechanism by which EGCG induces mitochondrial dysfunction, and the relevance of this mechanism to oral cancer prevention in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5436. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5436
Relaxation in Greedy Approximation

We study greedy algorithms in a Banach space from the point of view of convergence and rate of convergence. There are two well-studied approximation methods: the Weak Chebyshev Greedy Algorithm (WCGA) and the Weak Relaxed Greedy Algorithm (WRGA). The WRGA is simpler than the WCGA in the sense of computational complexity. However, the WRGA has limited applicability. It converges only for elements of the closure of the convex hull of a dictionary. In this paper we study algorithms that combine good features of both algorithms, the WRGA and the WCGA. In the construction of such algorithms we use different forms of relaxation. First results on such algorithms have been obtained in a Hilbert space by A. Barron, A. Cohen, W. Dahmen, and R. DeVore. Their paper was a motivation for the research reported here.
Applications of nonstandard analysis to partial differential equations—I. the diffusion equation

Abstract This paper begins by developing a basis for using ∗ finite difference equations to model physical phenomena. Under appropriate conditions the solution F of a ∗ finite difference equation has S -continuous “finite difference derivatives” up to order r . In these circumstances we can show that the standard function ° F is a C r -function and satisfies the differential equation corresponding to the original finite difference equation. The second part of the paper illustrates these techniques by applying them to the heat equation. In particular, we obtain a very nice model of the heat equation with initial conditions corresponding to all the heat concentrated at a single point.
Induction of differentiation in murine neuroblastoma cells by mevinolin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.

Abstract Mevinolin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, stimulated outgrowth of neurites and increased acetylcholinesterase activity in C1300-N2A murine neuroblastoma cells cultured in medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. Changes in cell morphology and enzyme activity were concentration-dependent in the range of 0.25–25 μM mevinolin, and were accompanied by decreased incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA. The expression of differentiated characteristics induced by 25 μM mevinolin was blocked by simultaneous addition of 100 μM mevalonate to the culture medium. The data suggest that changes in intracellular levels of mevalonate or one of its isoprenoid derivatives may play a role in the regulation of cell differentiation.
Homoclinic twisting bifurcations and cusp horseshoe maps

Chaotic dynamics arises when the unstable manifold of a hyperbolic equilibrium point changes its twist type along a homoclinic orbit as some generic parameter is varied. Such bifurcation points occur naturally in singularly perturbed systems. Some quotient symbolic systems induced from the Bernoulli symbolic system on two symbols are proved to be characteristic for this new mechanism of chaos generation. Combination of geometrical and analytical methods is proved to be more fruitful.
High-Performance Organic Semiconductors: Asymmetric Linear Acenes Containing Sulphur

Two new linear acenes with fused thiophene units have been synthesized. These acenes have conjugation lengths between anthracene and pentacene. Thin films of these linear molecules were characterized by ultraviolet spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field-effect transistor measurements. Submonolayer AFM studies show growth that greatly resembles pentacene, while thin-film growth is dendritic. Mobilites as high as 0.47 cm2 V-1 s-1 have been found for the tetraceno[2,3-b]thiophene and are as high as 0.15 cm2 V-1 s-1 for anthra[2,3-b]thiophene.
Immediate free vascularized joint transfer from second toe to index finger proximal interphalangeal joint: A case report

The results of treatment of severe injuries to the proximal interphalangeal joint are unsatisfactory. The methods of joint reconstruction are discussed, including fusion, implant arthroplasty, perichondrial grafting and vascularized joint transfer. A patient is presented with a severe crush injury to the dorsum of the index finger with loss of skin and extensor tendon and proximal interphalangeal joint disruption. Immediate reconstruction of the finger is described using a composite free flap of skin, extensor tendon and proximal interphalangeal joint from the second toe. Follow-up at two years is described, demonstrating proximal interphalangeal motion and finger function.
Interactive eye tracking for gaze strategy modification

Atypical looking behaviors in neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are not only a reflection of inherently abnormal neuropsychological processes, but also suggest that future access to observational learning opportunities may be limited. The work presented in this paper uses interactive eye tracking as a first step towards the development of automated tools that can help toddlers and young children with atypical visual attention learn to attend to social information in a more typical fashion. In our study, we designed an automated visual strategy training system that would redirect a viewers' attention to locations highly salient to the normative control group when the viewer drifted from those locations for a significant period of time. We evaluated our experimental technique on typically-developing adults, obtaining results that suggest that looking patterns can be altered to be more similar to those evidenced by a normative group of young children. Furthermore, these alterations appear be retained in post-training sessions when considering new presentations of videos participants had been trained upon, and, on more sensitive outcome measures based on integrated scanpath probabilities (heatmaps), seemed to generalize presentations not trained upon as well. The development of these techniques may provide a new model for modifying attentional biases not only in toddlers with ASD, but also in children affected by other neuropsychiatric conditions, and may thus lead to new therapeutic interventions as well as more efficacious methods for identifying the patterns associated with abnormal, attention-driven experience.
Effects of rice protein hydrolysates prepared by microbial proteases and ultrafiltration on free radicals and meat lipid oxidation

Abstract This study was to evaluate whether rice protein hydrolysates with strong antioxidant activity can be used to prevent lipid oxidation and improve shelf-life of meat products. Rice proteins were hydrolysed by three microbial proteases and further separated by sequential ultrafiltration to 12 hydrolysate fractions. The resulting hydrolysates were first evaluated for free radical scavenging capacity. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of the fractions varied significantly ranging between 34.2 and 87.3 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g dry weight with two small peptide fractions: Val-F3 produced by Validase from Aspergillus oryzae and AP-F3 produced by alkaline protease from Bacillus licheniformis possessing the highest values. The hydrolysate fractions at 100 mg/mL scavenged 31.2–49.7% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH • ). The hydrolysates also exerted remarkable cation radical 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS +• ) scavenging activity (10.8 and 28.3 μmol TE/g dry weight). Val-F3 and AP-F3 were incorporated into ground beef to determine their effect on lipid oxidation during a 15-day storage period. Val-F3 treatment at 500 μg/g inhibited lipid oxidation by 19% and 15% at storage day 8 and 15, suggesting that rice protein hydrolysates could be further developed and used to improve shelf-life of meat products.
Evaluation of a Thiazide-Allopurinol Drug Interaction

Allopurinol toxicity has been associated with the use of this drug in patients with renal insufficiency, a situation where the half-life of oxipurinol, the major metabolite of allopurinol, is prolonged. Allopurinol toxicity has also been associated with the concomitant use of allopurinol and thiazide diuretics. In the present study, the effect of hydrochlorothiazide administration on the renal clearance and serum half-life of oxipurinol has been studied in eight normal volunteers to determine if thiazides delay the clearance of oxipurinol. Oxipurinol's renal clearance and serum half-life were measured in each volunteer during a control period and again while the volunteer was receiving 50 mg/day hydrochlorothiazide for 1 week. No change in renal oxipurinol clearance (21.1 +/- 5.9 vs. 20.4 +/- 8.7 ml/min) or serum oxipurinol half-life (23.7 +/- 4.2 vs. 23.4 +/- 4.4 hours) was noted with the addition of thiazides. The association previously noted between the use of thiazide diuretics and the development of allopurinol toxicity cannot be explained by alterations in oxipurinol pharmacokinetics.
LGR4 and Its Ligands, R-Spondin 1 and R-Spondin 3, Regulate Food Intake in the Hypothalamus of Male Rats

The hypothalamus plays a key role in the regulation of feeding behavior. Several hypothalamic nuclei, including the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular nucleus, and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), are involved in energy homeostasis. Analysis of microarray data derived from ARC revealed that leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is highly expressed. LGR4, LGR5, and LGR6 form a subfamily of closely related receptors. Recently, R-spondin (Rspo) family proteins were identified as ligands of the LGR4 subfamily. In the present study, we investigated the distribution and function of LGR4–LGR6 and Rspos (1–4) in the brain of male rat. In situ hybridization showed that LGR4 is expressed in the ARC, VMH, and median eminence of the hypothalamus. LGR4 colocalizes with neuropeptide Y, proopiomelanocortin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor neurons. LGR5 is not detectable with in situ hybridization; LGR6 is only expressed in the epithelial lining of the lower portion o...
Flux linkages of bipolar sunspot groups: A computer study

Past studies of the structure of solar magnetic fields have used magnetograph data to compute selected field lines for comparison with the morphology of structures seen in various spectral wavelengths. While those analyses examine one of the integral properties of magnetic fields (field lines), they are not complete since they fail to determine the other important integral property: the boundaries of the flux of field lines of given connectivity. In the present analysis we determine such a system of boundaries, called separatrices, for the current free field of two p-f spot pairs so as to exhibit the line of self-intersection, called the separator. The analysis is compared with previous analytical work. These computer results, confirming earlier studies carried out using iron fillings, show that the separatrix has the form of two intersecting ovoids, defining four flux cells. New features which have emerged from this study include the observation that the projections of the separatrix in a plane perpendicular to the separator at its highest point do not intersect at 90° as has been widely believed, but rather closer to 60° in the case studied. The separator is very nearly circular over most of its length. The two neutral points (B = 0) which appear at the photospheric ends of the separator have the mixed radial-hyperbolic form as expected, a feature requiring every field line lying on the separatrix to connect with at least one of the two neutral points. The rotation of line direction with height (shear) is graphically illustrated in the potential field case studied here. We also exhibit a magnetic arcade.
Coastal energy impact mitigation in the Gulf: The past reviewed and alternatives for the future

Abstract With the future of the Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP) in question and with oil and gas leasing and drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico expected to increase, the question arises as to how energy impacts are to be mitigated. It is concluded that CEIP has helped to mitigate coastal energy impacts. If it is left unfunded, an alternative would be to provide Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) royalties to states to be used for impact prevention and mitigation.
Scalar and Vector Partitions of the Probability Score: Part I. Two-State Situation

Abstract Scalar and vector partitions of the probability score (PS) in the two-state situation are described and compared. These partitions, which are based upon expressions for the PS in which probability forecasts are considered to be scalars and vectors, respectively, provide similar, but not equivalent (i.e., linearly related), measures of the reliability and resolution of the forecasts. Specifically, the reliability (resolution) of the forecasts according to the scalar partition is, in general, greater (less) than their reliability (resolution) according to the vector partition. A sample collection of forecasts is used to illustrate the differences between these partitions. Several questions related to the use of scalar and vector partitions of the PS in the two-state situation are discussed, including the interpretation of the results of previous forecast evaluation studies and the relative merits of these partitions. The discussions indicate that the partition most often used in such studies has be...
Light and Electron Microscopy of Metanophrys diminuta N. Sp.

. Metanophrys diminuta n. sp., a marine philasterine scuticociliate collected from the south Florida coast, was preserved for transmission electron microscopy using a mixed fixation technique. Rough endoplasmic reticulum profiles were found proximal to mitochondria and within mitochondrial fenestrations (or deep pockets). In longitudinal sections mitochondrial profiles appear to be very long, occupying almost the entire length of the cell. The micronucleus is roughly spherical to ovoid, semi-enclosed in the macronucleus. The oral polykinetid #1 is composed of two files of kinetosomes. The c segment of the oral dikinetid is composed of three to four kinetosomes. This species is the smallest within the genus Metanophrys.
Sharing the heritage of Kodiak Island with tourists: views from the hosts.

Alaska has become a popular destination for travelers to experience wilderness and possibly some of the last US places representing the western frontier. The foundation of Alaska's heritage is the great outdoors including wilderness and frontier experiences, rugged landscapes, and a plethora of outdoor recreation. Kodiak Island is an interesting case study to examine shifts in livelihood from commercial fishing to tourism and more recreation based businesses, and the related impacts on perceived community assets, including heritage assets, and attitudes toward tourism development and the economy. Studies of “hosts” or residents and businesses at two times revealed that hosts supported heritage preservation approaches over most conservation approaches and all exploitation approaches. Continuity of support for the types of economies hosts' prefer, particularly tourism based on preservation or conservation heritage, and consistency between host groups may be the needed ingredients to balance heritage preserv...
Outcome of bedside percutaneous tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance.

Objective: To determine the morbidity and mortality of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance when performed by medical intensivists. Design: A retrospective analysis. Setting : A tertiary care university hospital. Patients: Fifty consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous dilational tracheostomy for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Intervention : Bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance. Results : Seventeen women and 33 men with a mean age of 62 ± 17 years. Operative mortality was 0 with four (8%) operative complications. Complications included one posterior tracheal abrasion, one anterior tracheal laceration, one episode of endobronchial hemorrhage requiring bronchoscopy, and one pneumothorax. Thirty-day mortality was 28% and overall mortality was 40%. All deaths were related to the patients' underlying disease. Conclusions : Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance is a safe procedure when performed by experienced medical intensive care personnel in tertiary care institutions. Bronchoscopy helps to reduce the risk of major complications and aids in the management of minor complications.
Space policy responsiveness: The relationship between public opinion and NASA funding

Abstract Is the government responsive to public opinion of space policy? In 1995, Stimson et al. demonstrated that changes in domestic public policy were in response to changes in public opinion. Ten years later, Jacobs and Page demonstrated that foreign policy was not responsive to public opinion, and instead responds to the opinion of business leaders. This research builds off these seminal works to explore who influences space policy. Findings suggest that the public supports the idea of space exploration, while also feeling that spending on space exploration is “too high.” Therefore, the government appears to be giving the people exactly what they want in regards to NASA’s budget – more money each year – but at the same time a smaller percentage of the federal budget.
The effect of megestrol acetate on interleukin-1 activity

The current study investigates the effect of megestrol acetate, a synthetic progestin, on the activity of interleukin-1. Murine thymocytes were suspended in vitro and stimulated with varying concentrations of interleukin-1. [3H]Thymidine uptake was observed as an index of thymocyte proliferation. A dose-dependent increase in [3H]thymidine uptake was observed with increasing concentrations of interleukin-1. When megestrol acetate was added to the solution, a marked suppressive effect was observed. Higher doses of megestrol acetate had a greater suppressive effect on thymocyte proliferation. Additional investigation is required to further delineate the potential systemic effects of megestrol acetate.
Purification and characterization of hepatic steroid hydroxylases from untreated rainbow trout

Purification of cytochrome P450 from liver microsomes of untreated juvenile male rainbow trout yielded five fractions designated LMC1 to LMC5. All fractions, except LMC4 and LMC5, appeared homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and showed minimum molecular weights of 50,000 (LMC1), 54,000 (LMC2), 56,000 (LMC3), 58,000 (LMC4), and 59,000 (LMC5). Specific contents ranged from 2.8 (LMC3) to 14.9 (LMC5) nmol heme/mg protein. The catalytic activity of LMC1, LMC2, and LMC5 toward various substrates was examined. LMC2 exhibited the highest estradiol 2-hydroxylase activity and progesterone 16α-hydroxylase activity. LMC2 also was most active in the metabolic activation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In contrast, LMC5 was most active in catalyzing the 6β- and 16β-hydroxylation of testosterone and the 6β-hydroxylation of progesterone. LMC1 showed the highest lauric acid hydroxylase activity. The three isozymes tested had low activity (for LMC2 and LMC5) or no activity (for LMC1) toward benzphetamine or benzo[a]pyrene. Polyclonal antibodies to all five isozymes were raised in rabbits and the antibodies were used to examine the contribution of the P450s to microsomal enzyme activities. The results of microsomal enzyme inhibition studies with polyclonal antibodies showed that anti-LMC2 IgG significantly inhibited the oxidative metabolism of testosterone, lauric acid, AFB1, and benzphetamine. Anti-LMC5 IgG inhibited the oxidation of progesterone, estradiol, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzphetamine. Anti-LMC1 IgG slightly inhibited the microsomal hydroxylation of lauric acid. Anti-LMC3 and anti-LMC4 IgG did not inhibit any of the measured microsomal enzyme activities. These findings suggest that individual constitutive isozymes of trout cytochrome P450 have well-defined contributions to the microsomal metabolism of steroids, fatty acids, and xenobiotics.
Risk Factors for Late Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Institution, Nested Case-Controlled Study

Abstract We report on the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of late Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in a cohort of 709 adult and pediatric patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between September 1999 and December 2006. The SAB cases were identified by prospective surveillance and examination of a computerized database. Late SAB was defined as SAB occurring > 50 days post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A nested case-controlled study was conducted to identify predictors of late SAB. The incidence of late SAB was 6/100,000 patient-days. The median time from stem cell infusion to incident blood culture was 137 days (range, 55 to 581 days). Eighty-four percent of the cases were community acquired; 40% involved a focal infection. Bacteremia was persistent (>3 days) despite removal of endovascular access in > 50% of cases. Risk factors for late SAB were acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) flare, acute or chronic skin GVHD (cGVHD), corticosteroid use, liver dysfunction, and prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) post-HSCT. In multivariate models, skin GVHD (P = .002) and LOS (P = .02) remained significant. The median survival post-SAB was 135 days (range, 1 to 1765 days). Late SAB occurred mainly in the setting of GVHD or corticosteroid therapy. Clinical manifestations were highly variable. Multiple comorbidities, indicated by organ dysfunction and hospitalization, likely contributed to persistence and increased morbidity and mortality. We recommend a high index of suspicion and empiric antistaphylococcal treatment pending culture results in high-risk patients undergoing HSCT.
An Exact Characterization of Symmetric Functions in qAC0[2]

qAC0[2] is the class of languages computable by circuits of constant depth and quasi-polynomial (2logO(1) n) size with unbounded fan-in AND, OR, and PARITY gates. Symmetric functions are those functions that are invariant under permutations of the input variables. Thus a symmetric function fn : {0, 1}n → {0, 1} can also be seen as a function fn : {0, 1, ..., n} → {0, 1}. We give the following characterization of symmetric functions in qAC0[2], according to how fn(x) changes as x grows from 0 to n. A symmetric function f = (fn) is in qAC0[2] if and only if fn has period 2t(n) = logO(1) n except within both ends of length logO(1) n.
Cerebral metabolism of the remote area after epilepsy surgery

To clarify whether epilepsy surgery improves cerebral metabolism, pre- and postoperative positron emission tomography (PET) scans were performed, with special reference to hypometabolism outside the resected epileptogenic zones in nine patients (8 males, 1 female) with medically intractable complex partial seizures and multiple hypometabolic zones. Seven patients underwent unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy, one patient underwent selective amygdalohippocampectomy, and one patient underwent parieto-occipital cortical resection and anterior temporal lobectomy. PET scans were obtained at least 6 months after surgery. Eight patients became seizure-free, and one patient had fewer than three seizures per year. Four patients showed improved glucose metabolism in the formerly hypometabolic zones, which were remote to the surgical site and ipsilateral to the epileptogenic foci. Five patients, who showed bilateral temporal hypometabolism preoperatively, had contralateral temporal hypometabolism after surgery. The relative glucose uptake in four of these patients showed increased metabolism of the adjacent lobes ipsilateral to the surgical site. The lobes that showed increased glucose metabolism after surgery were mostly frontal. Hypometabolism is reversible in the ipsilateral remote area, and may be caused by inhibition via the intercortical pathway. Contralateral temporal hypometabolic zones that persist after surgery may be caused by a different mechanism, and neither indicate the presence of seizure foci nor affect the seizure outcome.
Sickle acute lung injury: role of prevention and early aggressive intervention strategies on outcome.

Acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease is a form of acute lung injury that may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment that have resulted in improved survival in sickle cell disease, acute chest syndrome remains the most common cause of death in this population. The current standards of treatment for acute chest syndrome have been reviewed. Biomedical research forms the basis for sound clinical decision making and implementation of interventions that target prevention, diagnosis, and effective treatment options. Although current clinical trials are ongoing to address several new potential therapeutic options, more research using preventative and interventional strategies in sickle acute lung injury is warranted.
Time-derivative adaptive silicon photoreceptor array

We designed and tested a two-dimensional silicon receptor array constructed from pixels that temporally high-pass filter the incident image. There are no surround interactions in the array; all pixels operate independently except for their correlation due to the input image. The high- pass output signal is computed by sampling the output of an adaptive, high-gain, logarithmic photoreceptor during the scanout of the array. After a pixel is sampled, the output of the pixel is reset to a fixed value. An interesting capacitive coupling mechanism results in a controllable high-pass filtering operation. The resulting array has very low offsets. The computation that the array performs may be useful for time-domain image processing, for example, motion computation.
Formalism of some paramagnets at very low temperatures

The present work is an extension and generalization of recent work on the very-low-temperature properties of antiferromagnetic, Ising-like, spin-1/2systems in their parallel magnetic field-configuration paramagnetic phase. Here, their perpendicular-field configuration will be explored together with the corresponding phase of partially isotropic exchange-coupled antiferromagnets which exhibit spin flopping in their ordered phase. Cooling to very low temperatures on adiabatic demagnetization of these perpendicular-field-configuration paramagnets will be shown to be less advantageous than that of parallel-field paramagnets. The formalism elaborated here might be submitted to experimental control through the investigation of hydrated cerium magnesium nitrate single crystals. Their Ce/sup 3 +/ magnetic-ion system was shown by us earlier to simulate and effective spin-1/2 Ising antiferromagnet in its ordered phase.
Evoked Potential Changes During Ethanol Withdrawal in Rats

We have recently observed an increase in central nervous system excitability during intoxication and alcohol withdrawal in alcoholics. Our present results demonstrate a similar phenomenon in rats. The hyper-excitability caused by ethanol withdrawal is still present subsequent to the overt behavioral symptoms of withdrawal.
Channel Instability in a Braided Sand Bed River

The Gila River of central Arizona is representative of braided, sand bed rivers in alluvial valleys that have inherent unstable behavior and destructive channel migration. The 112-year record of channel conditions along a portion of the Gila River provides data for the construction of locational probability maps for main flow channels. Zones of stability and hazardous instability alternate with each other at 3.2 km (2 mi) intervals. During the past century the overall sinuosity of the main flow channel has remained close to 1.18, despite numerous changes in actual location. Spatial and temporal variation of sinuosity have occurred in subreaches as a result of sedimentation behind a dam and fluctuations in the density of phreatophyte growth, which both affect the hydraulics of flood flows. Unstable zones of the channel correspond to the surface of the sediment wedge behind the dam and areas dense phreatophyte growth. Stable zones correspond to areas controlled by bedrock or man-made structures, as well as locations determined by these external factors plus the requirement to maintain a consistent sinuosity. Channels such as that of the Gila River do not meet most assumptions of equilibrium and are best understood through probabilistic approaches with an assumption of catastrophic adjustment.
Interactions of ecosystem processes with spatial heterogeneity in the puzzle of nitrogen limitation

We examined the potential effects of spatial heterogeneity and its development on the distribution, abundance, and functioning of nitrogen fixing and non-fixing components of a model ecosystem. CAECO, a spatially explicit individual based model approach, simulated the interactions between nitrogen fluxes and plant species community dynamics. Self-organized spatial patterns of nitrogen concentrations and plant occupancy were observed as the system approached an apparently meta-stable state. Nitrogen limitation was tested using chronic and gradient nitrogen amendments to the landscape. The dynamic arrangement of ecosystem components was sufficient to maintain indefinite nitrogen limitation at a local scale. However, landscape scale productivity was not similarly increased with nitrogen amendments. Landscape productivity was independent of nitrogen additions while fixers were present in the ecosystem. The probability of fixer loss from the system responded non-linearly to increasing nitrogen addition. The results of these model experiments suggest local and landscape constraints of primary productivity may be fundamentally distinct.
Biofilm Formation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Studies were performed in continuous-flow chambers to determine whether Neisseria gonorrhoeae could form a biofilm. Under these growth conditions, N. gonorrhoeae formed a biofilm with or without the addition of 10 microM sodium nitrite to the perfusion medium. Microscopic analysis of a 4-day growth of N. gonorrhoeae strain 1291 revealed evidence of a biofilm with organisms embedded in matrix, which was interlaced with water channels. N. gonorrhoeae strains MS11 and FA1090 were found to also form biofilms under the same growth conditions. Cryofield emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that organisms were embedded in a continuous matrix with membranous structures spanning the biofilm. These studies also demonstrated that N. gonorrhoeae has the capability to form a matrix in the presence and absence of CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac). Studies with monoclonal antibody 6B4 and the lectins soy bean agglutinin and Maackia amurensis indicated that the predominate terminal sugars in the biofilm matrix formed a lactosamine when the biofilm was grown in the absence of CMP-Neu5Ac and sialyllactosamine in the presence of CMP-Neu5Ac. N. gonorrhoeae strain 1291 formed a biofilm on primary urethral epithelial cells and cervical cells in culture without loss of viability of the epithelial cell layer. Our studies demonstrated that N. gonorrhoeae can form biofilms in continuous-flow chambers and on living cells. Studies of these biofilms may have implications for understanding asymptomatic gonococcal infection.