cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Auditory Perceptual Learning for Speech Perception Can be Enhanced by Audiovisual Training.

Speech perception under audiovisual conditions is well known to confer benefits to perception such as increased speed and accuracy. Here, we investigated how audiovisual training might benefit or impede auditory perceptual learning speech degraded by vocoding. In Experiments 1 and 3, participants learned paired associations between vocoded spoken nonsense words and nonsense pictures in a protocol with a fixed number of trials. In Experiment 1, paired-associates (PA) audiovisual (AV) training of one group of participants was compared with audio-only (AO) training of another group. When tested under AO conditions, the AV-trained group was significantly more accurate than the AO-trained group. In addition, pre- and post-training AO forced-choice consonant identification with untrained nonsense words showed that AV-trained participants had learned significantly more than AO participants. The pattern of results pointed to their having learned at the level of the auditory phonetic features of the vocoded stimuli. Experiment 2, a no-training control with testing and re-testing on the AO consonant identification, showed that the controls were as accurate as the AO-trained participants in Experiment 1 but less accurate than the AV-trained participants. In Experiment 3, PA training alternated AV and AO conditions on a list-by-list basis within participants, and training was to criterion (92% correct). PA training with AO stimuli was reliably more effective than training with AV stimuli. We explain these discrepant results in terms of the so-called "reverse hierarchy theory" of perceptual learning and in terms of the diverse multisensory and unisensory processing resources available to speech perception. We propose that early audiovisual speech integration can potentially impede auditory perceptual learning; but visual top-down access to relevant auditory features can promote auditory perceptual learning.
Factors impacting the efficacy of augmented reality virtual dressing room technology as a tool for online visual merchandising

Driven by advancements in technology and continuing improvements in the Internet, a transformation in the way consumers shop is taking place. Despite the shortcomings of remote shopping, web-based fashion sales continue to rise (Batista, 2013), and virtual dressing room (VDR) technology should contribute to this trend. Currently there are two technologies for delivering VDR online: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Important questions linger regarding how consumers will use these new technologies and how VDR will impact consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory, this paper proposes entertainment value, informativeness and web irritation, along with consumer innovativeness and economic motivation to shop online, as key factors influencing consumer use of VDR technology. Additionally, it is proposed that use of VDR will reduce consumers' perceived risks regarding buying apparel online and have a positive effect on consumer self-confidence, cus...
Scale biogenesis in Synurophycean protists: phylogenetic implications

Abstract The Synurophyceae is a class of golden-brown, freshwater, photosynthetic flagellates with a world-wide distribution. A well-developed taxonomy exists where genera and species are distinguished by colony or cell morphology or by the siliceous scales that cover the cells. However, phylogenetic relationships within the class are poorly understood, and incongruous taxonomic concepts occur. This study reviews scale morphology from field-collected samples and controlled culturing experiments as well as from studies of scale biogenesis. The information is used to identify homologous silicification surfaces among taxa and to document the diversity of the resulting scale structures. Thirty-two character states are coded into 11 characters in a cladistic analysis of 13 pivotal taxa. Colonial species are emphasized. One most-parsimonious phylogenetic tree is found (HI = 0, CI = 1). Synura lapponica is shown to be most closely related to Tessellaria volvocina. S. sphagnicola emerges at the base of the tree. ...
Sport, Drugs and Amateurism: Tracing the Real Cultural Origins of Anti-Doping Rules in International Sport

The historiography of doping has focused primarily on anti-doping efforts that followed in the wake of Knud Enemark Jensen's death in 1960 and culminated in the first Olympic anti-doping tests in 1968. Such focus has often led to the mistaken claim that prior to 1960, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had not banned doping, and, more importantly, ignores the cultural origins of anti-doping that took hold prior to the Second World War and which shaped the IOC's response to doping following Jensen's demise. By tracing early doping practices through turn-of-the-century horse racing and its concerns over gambling and the interwar efforts to ban doping in Olympic sports through the amateurism code, the authors examine the influences behind the IOC's decision to first ban doping in 1938. More importantly, it roots the post-Jensen anti-doping rhetoric and legislation in the early twentieth-century push to defend amateurism against the perceived nefarious forces of gambling, commercialism, professionalism...
Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. II. Impact on employment and social functioning

We designed a study to assess the specific contribution of cognitive dysfunction to multiple sclerosis patients9 problems in daily living. Based on the results of a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, we classified 100 MS patients as either cognitively intact (N = 52) or cognitively impaired (N = 48). In addition to a neurologic examination, MS patients completed questionnaires on mood and social functioning, underwent a comprehensive in‐home occupational therapy evaluation, and were rated by a close relative or friend regarding specific personality characteristics. While there were no significant differences between the two groups on measures of physical disability and illness duration, patients in the cognitively impaired group were less likely to be working, engaged in fewer social and avocational activities, reported more sexual dysfunction, experienced greater difficulty in performing routine household tasks, and exhibited more psychopathology than cognitively intact patients. These findings suggest that cognitive dysfunction is a major factor in determining the quality of life of patients with MS. NEUROLOGY 1991;41:692‐696
James Baldwin (1841-1925): A Man Who Loved Stories.

Abstract James Baldwin was one of the most prolific authors of school books for children at the end of the last century and the beginning of this. In addition to the Baldwin Readers (1897), he co‐authored the Harper Readers (1888) and the Expressive Readers (1911). He wrote over thirty books about famous people in history and retold classical stories. His publications numbered 54 volumes. It is estimated that 26 million copies of his works sold worldwide, including China and Indonesia. A self‐educated man, he became a school superintendent before working as an editor for Harper's and later for the American Book Company.
Energy transfer between carotenoids and bacteriochlorophylls in light-harvesting complex II of purple bacteria

In photosynthetic light-harvesting systems carotenoids and chlorophylls jointly absorb light and transform its energy within about a picosecond into electronic singlet excitations of the chlorophylls only. This paper investigates this process for the light-harvesting complex II of the purple bacterium Rhodospirillum molischianum, for which a structure and, hence, the exact arrangement of the participating bacteriochlorophylls and carotenoids have recently become known. Based on this structure and on CI expansions of the electronic states of individual chromophores ~bacteriochlorophylls and carotenoids! as well as on an exciton description of a circular aggregate of bacteriochlorophylls, the excitation transfer between carotenoids and bacteriochlorophylls is described by means of Fermi’s golden rule. The electronic coupling between the various electronic excitations is determined for all orders of multipoles ~Coulomb mechanism! and includes the electron exchange ~Dexter mechanism! term. The rates and efficiencies for different pathways of excitation transfer, e.g., 1 1 B u (carotenoid)!bacteriochlorophyll aggregate and 2 1 A g (carotenoid)! bacteriochlorophyll aggregate, are compared. The results show that in LH-II the Coulomb mechanism is dominant for the transfer of singlet excitations. The 1 1 B u !Qx pathway appears to be partially efficient, while the 2 1 A g !Qy pathway, in our description, which does not include vibrational levels, is inefficient. An improved treatment of the excitation transfer from the 2 1 Ag state is required to account for observed transfer rates. Exciton splitting of bacteriochlorophyll Qy excitations slightly accelerates the excitation transfer from the 2 1 Ag state, while it plays a crucial role in accelerating the transfer from the B800 BChl Qy state. Photoprotection of bacteriochlorophylls through triplet quenching is investigated, too. The results suggest that eight of the 16 B850 bacteriochlorophylls in LH-II of Rhodospirillum molischianumare protected well by eight carotenoids observed in the x-ray structure of the protein. The remaining eight B850 bacteriochlorophylls can transfer their triplet excitation energy efficiently to their neighboring protected bacteriochlorophylls. Eight B800 bacteriochlorophylls appear not to be protected well by the observed carotenoids. @S1063-651X~98!11007-3#
A Conserved Pre-Block Interaction Motif Regulates Potassium Channel Activation and N-Type Inactivation

N-type inactivation occurs when the N-terminus of a potassium channel binds into the open pore of the channel. This study examined the relationship between activation and steady state inactivation for mutations affecting the N-type inactivation properties of the Aplysia potassium channel AKv1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The results show that the traditional single-step model for N-type inactivation fails to properly account for the observed relationship between steady state channel activation and inactivation curves. We find that the midpoint of the steady state inactivation curve depends in part on a secondary interaction between the channel core and a region of the N-terminus just proximal to the pore blocking peptide that we call the Inactivation Proximal (IP) region. The IP interaction with the channel core produces a negative shift in the activation and inactivation curves, without blocking the pore. A tripeptide motif in the IP region was identified in a large number of different N-type inactivation domains most likely reflecting convergent evolution in addition to direct descent. Point mutating a conserved hydrophobic residue in this motif eliminates the gating voltage shift, accelerates recovery from inactivation and decreases the amount of pore block produced during inactivation. The IP interaction we have identified likely stabilizes the open state and positions the pore blocking region of the N-terminus at the internal opening to the transmembrane pore by forming a Pre-Block (P state) interaction with residues lining the side window vestibule of the channel.
Monte Carlo estimates of dosages of gases dispersing in the atmosphere

The location of industrial facilities is a matter of considerable public concern following recent well-publicized disasters. In future, any development decisions must take into account the likely impact on the surrounding environment of possible accident scenarios and the risks involved. For an atmospheric release of a toxic gas, the concentration level and the duration of exposure will be critical in assessing the potential hazards. One measure proposed for determining just such an assessment is the generalized dosage Dn. This paper describes a method for estimating the statistical properties of Dn, based on the fact that the concentration, Γ, of any gas released into the atmosphere is a random variable and is fully described by its associated probability density function (pdf). Two scenarios are discussed: a comparatively long term release from a continuous source of gas, in which the pdf is assumed to be statistically stationary, and an instantaneous release in which the pdf evolves with time. The effects of varying the response time of the body exposed to the gas are investigated. The emphasis is placed on simple modelling ideas, with an eye on possible predictive schemes in the future. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thoracic outlet syndrome: Diagnosisand treatment

Abstract Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a controversial subject, and although there is no clear agreement concerning thediagnosis of TOS, there are certain signs and symptoms suggesting the possibility of this disorder that should be kept in mind when examining a patient with upper-extremity complaints. These are reviewed along with commonly performed surgical procedures for this problem.
A novel distending laryngoscope: implications in transoral surgery

The objective is to describe an innovative laryngoscope developed to improve visualization, provide greater exposure, and enhance precision and success during transoral procedures. A retrospective review of 170 patients who underwent transoral surgery with a new distending laryngoscope was conducted. We compared and contrasted our exposure within the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx using the laryngoscope with that of currently available instrumentation. Specific mechanical dimensions of the laryngoscope along with the provided working field were calculated. Experience with the new laryngoscope afforded improved exposure over currently available instrumentation. This laryngoscope was manufactured using design elements from the Steiner, Weerda, and Lindholm laryngoscopes, including an anteriorly curved distal tip, distending capability, and lateral wings to protect against tongue herniation. The panoramic view was increased allowing for wider exposure of the supraglottis and pharynx. This design provided enhanced transoral visibility and working room for improved bimanual instrumentation. Direct laryngoscopic technique and instrumentation have continued to evolve. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant movement towards minimally invasive transoral surgical techniques fueling innovative concepts and advancement in laryngoscopic design and application. We present our experience with an innovative laryngoscope allowing for improved visualization, greater exposure, and enhanced proficiency with transoral technique.
Der Erfolg einer Verlagerung der Produktion in osteuropäische Reformstaaten

Die Frage, ob man die Produktion in Deutschland, in anderen westeuropaischen Nachbarlandern belassen oder in osteuropaische Reformstaaten verlagern soll, ist heute sehr aktuell. Zur Frage, unter welchen Bedingungen sich Produktionsverlagerungen in osteuropaische Lander als erfolgreich herausstellen, liegen bisher aber nur sparliche Informationen vor.
Morphometric index of the developing murine kidney

Mammalian kidney morphogenesis begins when the ureteric bud (UB) induces surrounding metanephric mesenchyme to differentiate into nephrons, the functional units of the mature organ. Although several genes required for this process have been identified, the mechanisms that control final nephron number and the localization of distinct tubular segments to cortical and medullary zones of the kidney remain poorly understood. This finding is due, in part, to the lack of quantitative studies describing the acquisition of mature renal structure. We have analyzed the following parameters of the developing murine kidney throughout embryogenesis: nephron and UB tip number, distance between UB branch points and total kidney, and cortical and medullary volume. Results of this morphometric analysis reveal previously unrecognized changes in the pattern of UB growth and rate of nephrogenesis. In addition, this morphometric index provides a much-needed reference for accurately describing renal patterning defects exhibited by genetically altered mice.
An inelastic mechanism for ion induced desorption of oxygen from titanium and iron

Abstract Measurements are reported of the cross sections for desorption or sputtering of oxygen from polycrystalline Ti, and Fe by H + , H 2 + and H 3 + in the energy range 20 to 200 keV. At low energies the desorption cross sections are a few times 10 −18 cm 2 and are believed due to a conventional sputtering mechanism involving kinematic transfer of energy. At energies above 40 keV proton for Fe and 80 keV proton for Ti the cross sections for desorption by molecular ions show a sharp rise indicating onset of some new inelastic desorption mechanism. We propose that this mechanism is electron stimulated desorption initiated by electrons stripped from the projectiles and having the same speed as the projectile.
The origins and early years of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology

In 1971 and 1973, Drs Strauss and Zaret published the seminal descriptions of stress radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging and of ECG-gated blood pool imaging, marking the beginning of what we know now as nuclear cardiology. In the later years (1975-1980), radionuclide cardiac imaging emerged as a distinct entity within the field of nuclear medicine. The publication by Dr Gould on pharmacologic stress perfusion imaging was also pivotal for the development of this field. Of relevance for later developments, it was predominantly cardiologists who investigated and introduced the use of nuclear medicine techniques for clinical imaging of the heart. At the national meetings of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), an increasing number of scientific sessions were devoted to clinical applications of radionuclide cardiac imaging. However, the daylong symposium on cardiovascular imaging at the annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) became the most important annual educational and scientific event for those involved in nuclear cardiac imaging. The increasing interest in Nuclear Cardiology led to the formation of the Cardiovascular (CV) Council of the SNM on November 12, 1985. Dr Elias Botvinick was the founder and the first president, who was joined by a small core group of mainly cardiologists. Subsequent presidents were all prominent investigators in the field of nuclear cardiology, and many of them were cardiologists (Table 1). With 1,012 members, the CV Council became the most dynamic and largest council of the SNM. Thirty-six percent of the members were nuclear physicians, 32% cardiologists, 22% technologists, and 10% representatives of industry. Nevertheless, cardiologists were the predominant forces within the CV Council with regard to educational and research activities. After several years of very successful and wellattended cardiovascular imaging symposia, many cardiac imaging investigators felt that nuclear cardiology should expand as a field on its own and become more widely inclusive to those physicians who were becoming interested in this area of medicine. Early attempts to develop this concept within the SNM were not very successful. The leadership of the SNM exercised their official power to limit the operation of the CV Council as a mainly educational activity for its own nuclear medicine community and obviously had no desire to initiate a separate and potentially independent professional society within its own ranks. To many of the members of the CV Council, it became increasingly clear that a more effective and likely independent representation might be needed to advance the field. It was also recognized that such an effort should include clear guidelines for clinical training and practice that would lead to more consistent quality of nuclear cardiology services. The lack of such standards and the perception that there was wide variation in the field of nuclear cardiology practice was felt to significantly harm its credibility.
Ecdysone and retinoid-X receptors of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus: cloning and their expression patterns in eyestalks and Y-organs during the molt cycle.

Crustacean molting is known to be regulated largely by ecdysteroids and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) neuropeptide family including molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) and CHH. The surge of 20-OH ecdysone and/or ponasterone A initiates the molting process through binding to its conserved heterodimeric nuclear receptor: Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle (USP)/Retinoid-X Receptor (RXR). To better understand the role of ecdysteroids in the molt regulation, the full-length cDNAs of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus EcR1 and RXR1 were isolated from the Y-organs and their expression levels were determined in both Y-organs and eyestalks at various molt stages. Y-organs show the expression of four putative isoforms of CasEcRs and CasRXRs which differ in the length of the open reading frame but share the same domain structures as in typical nuclear receptors: AF1, DBD, HR, LBD, and AF2. The putative CasEcR isoforms are derived from a 27-aa insert in the HR and a 49-aa residue substitution in the LBD. In contrast, an insertion of a 5-aa and/or a 45-aa in the DBD and LBD gives rise to CasRXR isoforms. The eyestalks and Y-organs show the co-expression of CasEcRs and CasRXRs but at the different levels. In the eyestalks, the expression levels of CasRXRs are 3–5 times higher than those of CasEcRs, while in Y-organs, CasRXRs are 2.5–4 times higher than CasEcRs. A tissue-specific response to the changes in the levels of hemolymphatic ecdysteroids indicates that these tissues may have differences in the sensitivity or responsiveness to ecdysteroids. The presence of upstream open reading frame and internal ribosome entry site in 5′ UTR sequences of C. sapidus and other arthropod EcR/RXR/USP analyzed by in silico indicates a plausible, strong control(s) of the translation of these receptors.
Integrated analysis tools for trade studies of spacecraft controller and sensor locations

The present investigation was conducted with the aim to evaluate the practicality and difficulties of modern control design methods for large space structure controls. The evaluation is used as a basis for the identification of useful computer-based analysis tools which would provide insight into control characteristics of a spacecraft concept. A description is presented of the wrap-rib antenna and its packaging concept. Attention is given to active control requirements, a mathematical model of structural dynamics, aspects of sensor and actuator location, the analysis approach, controllability, observability, the concept of balanced realization, transmission zeros, singular value plots, analysis results, model reduction, and an interactive computer program. It is pointed out that the application of selected control analysis tools to the wrap-rib antenna demonstrates several capabilities which can be useful during conceptual design.
Partitioned one-bit feedback for cooperative beamforming

Recently, it has been shown that a cooperative beamforming scheme can achieve considerable gain using node cooperation. Due to the distributed nature of cooperating nodes, it is necessary to obtain phase synchronization such that the common message transmitted from the different cooperating nodes can be added coherently at the receiver. In this paper, we present a phase synchronization algorithm which is a modified version of a previously proposed 1-bit feedback scheme. In the proposed algorithm, the total number of nodes are partitioned into subsets and each subset performs an independent 1-bit iterative process until it reaches the desired gain. We present simulation results which compare the convergence performance with the original 1-bit feedback algorithm and show that a 30% reduction in the number of iterations can be obtained when the total number of nodes are divided into 2 subsets. We also investigate the impact of the composite phase estimation of each subset on the achievable gain.
Heat pumps and combined heat and power a technology assessment

Abstract This paper utilizes a novel system boundary and methodological framework for comparing the technical, economic and institutional factors affecting the development of advanced heating technologies. The focus is on the USA where electric heat pump technology has recently gained widespread acceptance; parts of the centralized combined heat and power (CHP) industry are in a state of decline; and a rapidly changing regulatory environment is stimulating development of small decentralized gas-fired CHP systems.
A retrovirus inspired algorithm for virus detection & optimization

In the search for a robust and efficient algorithm to be used for computer virus detection, we have developed an artificial immune system genetic algorithm (REALGO) based on the human immune system's use of reverse transcription ribonucleic acid (RNA). The REALGO algorithm provides memory such that during a complex search the algorithm can revert back to and attempt to mutate in a different "direction" in order to escape local minima. In lieu of non-existing virus generic templates, validation is addressed by using an appropriate variety of function optimizations with landscapes believed to be similar to that of virus detection. It is empirically shown that the REALGO algorithm finds "better" solutions than other evolutionary strategies in four out of eight test functions and finds equally "good" solutions in the remaining four optimization problems.
How complexing with a small number of transition metal ions can prevent dye fading

In an earlier study of the effect of transition metal ions on the production of singlet oxygen by dyes it was found that four ions, namely Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Co3+ suppress singlet oxygen production altogether, provided the dyes are made ligands in coordination complexes of the ions. By this the fading half-life of the dyes is prolonged by at least 1000 times. This article is a mechanistic interpretation of the observed phenomena as well as an appreciation of their practical consequences. Enclosing the dyes together with the operative ions in coordination complexes circumnavigates the spin prohibition that separates the triplet excited state of the dye from its ground state. It does so by replacing the spin-forbidden step with two faster steps. The first is the transition of the highest energy electron of the excited state to a transient ionic state, the second is the transition from the ionic state to the ground state of the dye. The second transition is spin forbidden, but it is powerfully accelerated by the heavy-atom-effect of the ionic nucleus. This makes it possible to design colorants that are virtually fade-proof.
Irradiance attenuation coefficient in a stratified ocean: a local property of the medium

The influence of optically important constituents of water on the absorption (a) and scattering (b) coefficients and the backscattering probability is considered, with emphasis placed on measuring the volume scattering function (B/theta/). Two stratification models are examined; one in which the phase function (B(theta)/b) is depth independent and only b/c is allowed to vary with optical depth, and the other in which both b/c and the phase function depend on depth. The results demonstrate that Gordon's (1977) technique of estimating a and b is applicable without change to a stratified ocean.
HyflowCPP: A Distributed Transactional Memory Framework for C++

We present the first ever distributed transactional memory (DTM) framework for distributed concurrency control in C++, called HyflowCPP. HyflowCPP provides distributed atomic sections, and plug gable support for policies for concurrency control, directory lookup, contention management, and networking. While there exists other DTM frameworks, they mostly target VM-based languages (e.g., Java, Scala). Additionally, HyflowCPP provides uniquely distinguishing TM features including strong atomicity, closed and open nesting, and check pointing. Our experimental studies revealed that HyflowCPP achieves up to 6x performance improvement over state-of-the-art DTM frameworks.
Additional Specimens of the Miocene Turtle Emydoidea hutchisoni Holman 1995—New Temporal Occurrences, Taxonomic Characters, and Phylogenetic Inferences

Abstract New material of Emydoidea hutchisoni from Nebraska shows the species lived in the North American Miocene from medial Barstovian (approximately 14.5–13 million BP) to Clarendonian (approximately 11.5–9 million BP) times. Previously unknown plastra, limb girdle elements, and limbs of E. hutchisoni have provided new characters that have led to a revised diagnosis of the species. Derived characters shared by E. hutchisoni and Emydoidea blandingii include an elongated nuchal bone, ovoid plastral shape, short and broad femoral scute overlap, very wide xiphiplastral shelf, xiphiplastral striations, and an angular coracoidal border. But E. hutchisoni is distinct from E. blandingii in being smaller and having an akinetic shell with a shorter nuchal area, and it probably was more aquatic. The plastral lobes of a complete E. hutchisoni plastron are firmly fused together by dovetail sutures and a second, less complete plastron, has dovetail sutures on the anterior surface of the hypoplastron. Moreover, the p...
Inter-turn fault detection in PM synchronous machines by physics-based EMF estimation

Inter-turn short circuit fault (ISCF) detection, in permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) was developed using a physics-based back electromotive force (EMF) estimator. The electro-thermal saturation-dependent model of the machine was employed in the heart of the open loop estimator. The fault detection system works based on the difference between the estimated EMF and a reference EMF. A 0.8 (kW) PMSM machine was studied experimentally under different ISCF and operational contingencies. The results show acceptable performance in fault detection for wide speed range even in the presence of harmonic loads and dynamic eccentricities.
Multichannel seismic images of the oceanic crust's internal structure: Evidence for a magma chamber beneath the Mesozoic Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Near the base of the Mesozoic oceanic crust of the western North Atlantic we recognize a discontinuous, diffractive layer, Horizon R. Moho is a distinct, uniform, and more continuous horizon beneath. Variations in “seismic thickness” of the crust occur primarily through changes in the R-to-Moho layer, the maximum thickness occurring midway between fracture zones. We propose that Horizon R may mark the top of a layered cumulate sequence that formed on the floor of a relatively persistent crustal magma chamber. The crust having minimum thickness is spatially restricted to a small strip near fracture zones and comprises only the super-R unit. We further propose that this implies the sustained accretion of normal oceanic crust at the Mesozoic Mid-Atlantic Ridge required the presence of a magma chamber.
Analytical isolation of plasma membranes of intestinal epithelial cells: identification of Na, K-ATPase rich membranes and the distribution of enzyme activities.

A procedure was developed for the analytical isolation of brush border and basal lateral plasma membranes of intestinal epithelial cells. Brush border fragments were collected by low speed centrifugation, disrupted in hypertonic sorbitol, and subjected to density gradient centrifugation for separation of plasma membranes from nuclei and cole material. Sucrase specific activity in the purified brush border plasma membrane was increased fortyfold with respect to the initial homogenate. Basal lateral membrane were harvested from the low speed supernatant and resolved from other subcellular components by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. Recovery of Na, K-ATPase activity was 94%, and 61% of the recovered activity was present in a single symmetrical peak. The specific activity of Na, K-ATPase was increased twelvefold, and it was purified with respect to sucrase, succinic dehydrogenase, NADPH-cytochromec reductase, nonspecific esterase, β-glucoronidase, DNA, and RNA. The observed purification factors are comparable to results reported for other purification procedures, and the yield of Na, K-ATPase is greater by a factor of two than those reported for other procedures which produce no net increase in the Na, K-ATPase activity. Na, K-ATPase rich membranes are shown to originate from the basal lateral plasma membranes by the patterns of labeling that were produced when either isolated cells or everted gut sacs were incubated with the slowly permeating reagent35S-p-(diazonium)-benzenesulfonic acid. In the former case subsequently purified Na, K-ATPase rich and sucrase rich membranes are labeled to the same extent, while in the latter there is a tenfold excess of label in the sucrase rich membranes. The plasma membrane fractions were in both cases more heavily labeled than intracellular protein. Alkaline phosphatase and calcium-stimulated ATPase were present at comparable levels on the two aspects of the epithelial cell plasma membrane, and 25% of the acid phosphatase activity was present on the basal lateral membrane, while it was absent from the brush border membrane. Less than 6% of the total Na, K-ATPase was present in brush border membranes.
The thalamus and seizures.

It seems natural that the thalamus, with its strong reciprocal connections to all areas of the cortex and its inherent tendency to fire rhythmic bursts of action potentials, would form an important part of networks underlying epileptic seizures. A dialogue on the relative importance of the thalamus and cortex in the pathogenesis of seizures, which began in the 1800s with John Hughlings Jackson, has included such luminaries as Penfield, Lennox, and Jasper, and it continues today. EARLY CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS Based on careful observations of the marked symmetry of clinical findings and sudden loss of consciousness in patients undergoing petit mal and grand mal seizures, John Hughlings Jackson 1 wrote in
Electron microscope investigation of soft tissue ingrowth into Dacron® velour with dogs

Abstract Electron microscopic and light microscopic analyses were performed on Dacron® velour covered percutaneous devices implanted in the dorsum of canines for periods between 1 week and 9 months. The results indicated that although the capsular region around the implant was mature collagen after the 1st week of implantation, the tissue ingrowth region remained mostly immature collagen through 9 months of implantation. It appears that increasing the diameter of the fibres, which would decrease the chronic inflammatory response, and increasing the average distance between fibres should increase the amount of mature collagen between the velour fibres. In view of species differences between canines and humans, further investigations are needed before the relevancy of these findings can be extended to possible clinical applications with humans.
Predictive value of carotid 2-dimensional ultrasound.

Abstract Several pieces of evidence provide a rationale for an association between disease of the extracranial carotid arteries and incident coronary artery disease (CAD): (1) patients with transient ischemic attack are most likely to die from CAD; (2) atherosclerosis of the extracranial carotid arteries is correlated with that of the coronary arteries; (3) stenosis of the extracranial carotid arteries is associated with incident CAD; (4) risk factors for extracranial carotid atherosclerosis are also risk factors for CAD; and (5) there is an association between wall thickness of the extracranial carotid arteries (extracranial intimal medial thickness [IMT]) and prevalent CAD, as well as CAD and stroke. Accordingly, large population-based studies have demonstrated an association between IMT and incident CAD and stroke in younger (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, 45 to 65 years of age) as well as older (Cardiovascular Health Study, ≥65 years of age) samples. IMT, measured at 1 point in time, is likely to be an excellent reflection of an individual’s past exposure to risk factors. However, a single measure of IMT might bear an imperfect relation to incident events, because current risk may be influenced more by current risk factor burden than by past exposure. Longitudinal studies have shown an association of risk factors with IMT progression, and clinical trials have demonstrated that lipid-lowering therapy retards the rate of progression of disease. In addition, IMT progression has been shown to correlate with incident CAD. We therefore suggest that the best index of future CAD risk may be progression of IMT rather than IMT itself.
A role for cardiotrophin-like cytokine in the circadian control of mammalian locomotor activity

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) drives circadian rhythms of locomotor behavior by releasing factors that act on receptor sites near the third ventricle. Here we show that cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC) satisfies multiple criteria for a circadian regulator of locomotor activity. In the mouse, CLC is expressed in a subpopulation of SCN vasopressin neurons with a circadian rhythm that peaks during the daily period of locomotor quiescence. CLC receptors flank the third ventricle, and acute infusion of CLC into the third ventricle produced a transient blockade of locomotor activity without affecting the circadian clock. The hypothalamic infusion of neutralizing antibodies to the CLC receptor produced extra daily locomotor activity at the time when CLC is maximally expressed. These results suggest that CLC is probably an SCN output signal important for shaping daily rhythms of behavior; moreover, they indicate an unexpected role for a cytokine in adult brain function.
A Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer From Small Horizontal Cylinders at Near-Critical Pressures

A numerical investigation of laminar natural convection heat transfer from small horizontal wires at near-critical pressures has been carried out with carbon dioxide as the test fluid. The parameters varied are: (i) Pressure (P): 7.50–9.60 MPa, (ii) Bulk fluid temperature (Tb ): 5–50°C, (iii) Wall temperature (Tw ): 5.1–200°C, and (iv) Wire diameter (D): 25.4, 76.2 and 100 μm. The steady-state Navier-Stokes equations (low Mach number asymptotic form) are solved with variable properties. The results of the numerical simulations agree reasonably well with available experimental data. The dependence of heat transfer coefficient (h) on P, Tb , Tw and D were investigated. The results obtained are as follows: (i) For given P and D, h is strongly dependent on Tb and Tw . (ii) The heat transfer coefficient decreases with increasing values of P (P/Pc > 1). (i) For fixed P, Tw and Tb , the dependence of h on D varies from h ∝ D−0.47 to h ∝ D−0.29 as D increases. (iii) For a given P, the maximum heat transfer coefficient is obtained for conditions where Tb < Tpc < Tw , where Tpc denotes the pseudocritical temperature. Based on the analysis of the temperature and flow field once can qualitatively show that this peak in h when k, Cp and Pr in the fluid peak close to the heated surface.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Metal oxide thin films deposited from metal organic precursors in supercritical CO2 solutions

This work demonstrates a novel method for deposition of metal oxide thin films, including Al2O3, ZrO2, MnOx, and RuOx where the metal−organic precursors and oxidizing agents are delivered in liquid and supercritical CO2. A cyclic deposition process is presented where reactants are introduced sequentially to control surface adsorption and byproduct removal steps. Reactions are studied in a hot wall reactor at pressures ranging from 1600 to 3600 psi at 80−200 °C, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared transmission confirmed metal oxide formation. We show that hydrogen peroxide is a viable O source for oxide deposition, whereas tert-butyl peracetate, which is a good electron acceptor, is less suited for oxygen donation. Capacitance versus voltage analysis of resulting Al2O3 films show good dielectric properties after post-deposition anneal. We believe that the good solvation properties of supercritical CO2 can aid in the delivery of precursors and in the removal of byproducts for advanced low-temp...
Modulation of superoxide production in goldfish (Carassius auratus) exposed to and recovering from sublethal copper levels

Abstract The effects of copper and recovery from sublethal (100 μg/l) copper exposure were studied in three groups of goldfish (Carassius auratus) (1) control (2) copper (4–25 d) and (3) recovery (4 d exposure followed by 3–21 d recovery). The mean concentration of copper measured in the liver of the continuously exposed group was significantly higher than in the control and recovery groups by 11 and 18 days of exposure, respectively. In the posterior kidney, copper accumulation in the copper group was not significantly greater than the control and recovery groups until 18 days of exposure. The liver contained 4–5-fold higher concentrations of copper than the posterior kidney in all three treatment groups. Levels of copper in the posterior kidney correlated with those of the anterior kidney. There were no measurable differences in liver, kidney, or serum copper levels within or between the control and recovery groups at any time point. The production of superoxide (O2−) was compared between groups by measuring the reduction of NBT in anterior kidney phagocytes. In the copper group, production of O2−increased compared to controls in response to exposure periods lasting up to 11 days. O2−production in the recovery group also increased in response to 4 days of copper exposure. However, after 3 and 7 days of recovery, O2−production decreased below then increased above the control levels, respectively. By 18 days of copper exposure or 14 days of recovery, O2−production was no longer significantly different from control values. To determine if the decreased O2−production measured on recovery day 3 was mediated by a humoral factor, phagocytes from untreated fish were incubated with serum from control or 3 d recovery fish. Compared to the control serum,in vitroexposure to serum from copper-recovered animals resulted in a 29–34% decrease in O2−production. This was consistent with the 25% decrease measured in phagocytes from copper-recovered animals. It is concluded that the decrease in O2−production demonstrated in goldfish recovering 3 days from acute (4 d) sublethal copper exposure is not due to a direct effect of copper but to a factor(s) present in the serum of the recovering animals.
Site fidelity curbs sequential search and territory choice: a game theoretical approach

Summary Territory choice is likely to include sequential sampling at prospective sites, a decision rule for accepting a site, and, when available, use of prior experience. Here, I consider the threshold rule (Real 1990 American Naturalist, 138, 901–917) in which individuals choose the first option that exceeds a preset level of quality and ask how competition for sites limits the choosiness of individuals applying the threshold rule. I then investigate how the addition of site fidelity further influences the evolution of individual choosiness via a threshold rule. I develop an individual-based model that uses a genetic algorithm approach to search for the optimal threshold as an evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) and equilibrium population size. Territory quality (i.e. likelihood of reproductive success) is spatially heterogeneous. Individuals either use the acceptance threshold alone or together with site fidelity. In the latter strategy, successful breeders that survive remain at their former site as incumbents, whereas unsuccessful breeders move to a new site. Results indicate greater competition for sites increases the acceptance threshold and reduces choosiness even when individuals have perfect information from sampled sites. Incumbency, via site fidelity at successful territories, leads to the evolution of relatively unselective behaviour, the degree to which is influenced by the level of adult survival. Competition for sites and site pre-emption, rather than energetic or mortality costs, may drive the evolution of choosiness. The analysis also highlights the importance of considering coexisting strategies used by individuals and not simply the population. For instance, site fidelity, as a coexisting strategy, can result in an ESS acceptance threshold that is no better than random selection, and yet still safeguard populations from extinction.
Alternative to domain wall fermions

An alternative to commonly used domain wall fermions is presented. Some rigorous bounds on the condition number of the associated linear problem are derived. On the basis of these bounds and some experimentation it is argued that domain wall fermions will in general be associated with a condition number that is of the same order of magnitude as the product of the condition number of the linear problem in the physical dimensions by the inverse bare quark mass. Thus, the computational cost of implementing true domain wall fermions using a single conjugate gradient algorithm is of the same order of magnitude as that of implementing the overlap Dirac operator directly using two nested conjugate gradient algorithms. At a cost of about a factor of two in operation count it is possible to make the memory usage of direct implementations of the overlap Dirac operator independent of the accuracy of the approximation to the sign function and of the same order as that of standard Wilson fermions.
Recent advances in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Clues from human diabetic neuropathy

Recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy have been made in six areas. (1) There is support for the notion that a reduction in nerve free myoinositol may be responsible in part for the nerve conduction slowing in diabetic neuropathy. (2) There is further evidence of microvascular abnormalities, including morphometric evidence of multifocal fiber loss and of capillary changes in biopsied sural nerve. (3) There is evidence of endoneurial hypoxia, including the findings of reduced nerve blood flow and endoneurial oxygen tensions in chronic experimental diabetic neuropathy (EDN). (4) The major mechanisms of resistance to ischemic conduction failure (RICF) is the marked increase in nerve energy substrates. (5) Recent studies provide certain insights into clinical characteristics of human diabetic neuropathy (HDN), including the assymetric pattern of HDN, the paradox between liability to pressure palsies and RICF, and insulin-related acute painful neuropathy. (6) The suggested pathogenetic scheme incorporates the notion that once hypoxia is established, it may start a vicious cycle of further capillary damage and escalating hypoxia.
A needle in the 'cancer vaccine' haystack

Vaccines can prevent infections by several pathogens. Success, however, has been limited for other chronic diseases, reflecting a constraint for effectively manipulating the human immune system. The results from four studies describe a novel dendritic cell (DC) subset in humans that may be crucial for the design of vaccines against cancer and other chronic diseases.
Quantitative evaluation of carbon isotopic fractionation during reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The fractionation of 13C during low-performance preparative LC and high-performance LC is reported quantitatively for methyl palmitate and using high-precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IR-MS). For both preparative and high-performance analytical columns, 13C enrichment is about 7‰ greater than the parent starting material, drops sharply in the first section of the peak and then settles to a value about 1‰ below that of the starting material. Recycling over a single HPLC column did not induce greater fractionation. These results emphasize the importance of quantitative peak collection for high-precision IR-MS studies, particularly the first part of the peak where the isotope ratio changes rapidly.