cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diverse Regulators of Human Ribosome Biogenesis Discovered by Changes in Nucleolar Number

Ribosome biogenesis is a highly regulated, essential cellular process. Although studies in yeast have established some of the biological principles of ribosome biogenesis, many of the intricacies of its regulation in higher eukaryotes remain unknown. To understand how ribosome biogenesis is globally integrated in human cells, we conducted a genome-wide siRNA screen for regulators of nucleolar number. We found 139 proteins whose depletion changed the number of nucleoli per nucleus from 2-3 to only 1 in human MCF10A cells. Follow-up analyses on 20 hits found many (90%) to be essential for the nucleolar functions of rDNA transcription (7), pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing (16), and/or global protein synthesis (14). This genome-wide analysis exploits the relationship between nucleolar number and function to discover diverse cellular pathways that regulate the making of ribosomes and paves the way for further exploration of the links between ribosome biogenesis and human disease.
Bounded suboptimal search: a direct approach using inadmissible estimates

Bounded suboptimal search algorithms offer shorter solving times by sacrificing optimality and instead guaranteeing solution costs within a desired factor of optimal. Typically these algorithms use a single admissible heuristic both for guiding search and bounding solution cost. In this paper, we present a new approach to bounded suboptimal search, Explicit Estimation Search, that separates these roles, consulting potentially inadmissible information to determine search order and using admissible information to guarantee the cost bound. Unlike previous proposals, it successfully combines estimates of solution length and solution cost to predict which node will lead most quickly to a solution within the suboptimality bound. An empirical evaluation across six diverse benchmark domains shows that Explicit Estimation Search is competitive with the previous state of the art in domains with unit-cost actions and substantially outperforms previously proposed techniques for domains in which solution cost and length can differ.
Prostatic Cancer: An Age-Old Problem

During this year there will be approximately 30 thousand deaths due to prostatic cancer in the United States (1). This mortality rate makes prostatic cancer the second commonest fatal tumor in males of all ages in America (1). Besides a high annual mortality rate, prostatic cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in males of all ages in the United States (1). These high annual incidence rates translate into the human reality that one of every 11 American white male will eventually develop clinical prostatic cancer during their lifetime (2). Rates for American black males are even higher such that the lifetime risk for cancer is one out of every 10 (3). In addition, the annual incidence rate of clinical prostatic cancer has increased steadily since 1930’s to the present time (4).
Role of Impurities in Precipitation of Potassium from Supersaturated KCl: K Systems

Experiments are described which add evidence to the hypothesis that impurities introduced from the ambient atmosphere are necessary for the nucleation of the precipitation of the excess metal in superstaturated solutions of alkali halides. Potassium chloride single crystals were used, and the effects of impurities on X- and F-center formation are examined.
Efficient Distance Calculations Between Genomes Using Mathematical Approximation

Clustering biological samples allows us to define populations within groups (for example of species or cells), which permits us to answer questions about the processes occuring in those groups. Distance calculations between DNA sequences have been used to build clusters of samples. However, distance calculations for genome-scale data are limited to a small number of samples due to the size of genomic data. For example, a human genome sequenced at 10X coverage is approximately 30Gb in size. Thus, to understand biological samples it is necessary to develop efficient, accurate methods to calculate distances among many genomes. This will allow us to see similarities and differences between DNA sequences, examine their mutational patterns, and better understand evolution. In this project, we calculated cosine distances among human genome samples based on k-mer frequencies. We used publicly available Illumina reads from human genome samples from five populations. We calculated k-mer frequencies for multiple values of k in each genome sample using Jellyfish, a tool for fast, memory-efficient counting of k-mers in DNA. We calculated cosine distances between human genome k-mer profiles based on the frequency of each k-mer. We used these distances to build dendrograms of samples and infer clustering. For k-mers where k
5G Waveform Competition: Performance Comparison and Analysis of OFDM and FBMC in Slow Fading and Fast Fading Channels

An analysis of an emerging physical layer multicarrier (MC), waveform Filter Bank Multi Carrier (FBMC) with Orthogonal frequency division Multiplexing (OFDM) waveform under variety of channels has been performed. Filter banks are the advanced form of MC sub band processing and promise to deliver better results than OFDM. These filter banks exploit the shortcomings arising due to the usage of Fast Fourier transforms (FFT) at the trade-off of adding complexity to the systems i.e. Poly-Phase Filter Networks (PPN). We investigate transceivers design, out of band Emission (OOB), Power Spectral Density (PSD), Bit Error Probability (BEP) for these waveform. We validate our analyses through simulations ascertaining FBMC’s performance better than OFDM which makes it an ideal candidate for 5G physical layer.
Identification of Molecular Determinants of Resistance to Pyrethroid Insecticides in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations in California, USA

The first breeding populations of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) were identified in California in 2013, and have since been detected in 13 counties. Recent studies suggest two introductions likely occurred, with genetically distinct populations in the central and southern regions of the state. Given the threat of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus transmission, it is imperative to understand if these populations harbor genes that could confer resistance to pyrethrin-based insecticides, known as pyrethroids, the most commonly used class of adulticides in the state. In 2017, the California Department of Public Health initiated a pesticide resistance screening program for Ae. aegypti to assess the presence of specific mutations on the sodium channel gene (V1016I and F1534C) associated with knockdown resistance to pyrethroids. Mosquitoes collected between 2015 and 2017 from 11 counties were screened for mutations using real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Results revealed distinctly different resistance profiles between the central and southern regions. The central population displayed nearly fixed resistant mutations at both loci, whereas the southern population was more variable. The relative proportion of resistant alleles observed in sampled mosquitoes collected in southern California increased each year from 2015 through 2017, indicating potential increases in resistance across this region. The presence of these mutations indicates that these mosquitoes may be predisposed to surviving pyrethroid treatments. Additional biological and biochemical assays will help better elucidate the mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in California Ae. aegypti and prompt the use of pesticides that are most effective at controlling these mosquitoes.
Gastrointestinal Infections and Clostridium difficile Infection

In recent years, extensive research and newer therapeutic strategies have remarkably reduced the number of acute and chronic rejections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and have significantly improved the survival of transplant recipients. On the other hand, transplant recipients are more vulnerable to a wide range of infections as immunosuppressive therapies not only suppress host T-cell response but also destroy other rapidly dividing cells resulting in neutropenia and hypogammaglobulinemia. In the first 6 months following transplantation, gastrointestinal infections due to cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, or Candida albicans are common. But, with prolonged and frequent hospital stay, long waiting times, advanced age, hypogammaglobulinemia, and systemic diseases like diabetes and renal insufficiency, the incidence of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections (CDI) is on the rise and is the most commonly identified cause of enteric infections in liver transplant recipients. The changes in the incidence and severity of infection due to emergence of a hypervirulent strain of C. difficile bacteria and the associated healthcare cost represent a significant healthcare facility-associated public health problem. However, simple procedures such as environmental disinfection, hand hygiene, and other enteric precautions are very effective in minimizing the incidence of CDI. In this chapter, we present an overview of CDI as early diagnosis and prompt treatment strategies with newer drugs can help reduce morbidity and mortality due to CDI and eventually organ rejection and GVHD in this special population.
Applications of CGO solutions to coupled-physics inverse problems

This paper surveys inverse problems arising in several coupled-physics imaging modalities for both medical and geophysical purposes. These include Photo-acoustic Tomography (PAT), Thermo-acoustic Tomography (TAT), Electro-Seismic Conversion, Transient Elastrography (TE) and Acousto-Electric Tomography (AET). These inverse problems typically consists of multiple inverse steps, each of which corresponds to one of the wave propagations involved. The review focuses on those steps known as the inverse problems with internal data, in which the complex geometrical optics (CGO) solutions to the underlying equations turn out to be useful in showing the uniqueness and stability in determining the desired information.
Ethics Expertise Demystified: Using the Brummett/Salter Taxonomy

Abram Brummett and Erica Salter (2019) offer a welcome addition to discussions of ethics expertise. The literature on this subject is still relatively small, but it is growing, and there is much co...
Mapping the SQL Learning Process in Introductory Database Courses

The Structured Query Language (SQL) is powerful, prevalent across many problem domains, and challenging to master. Sophisticated information requests require programmers to set aside familiar procedural and functional modes of thought. Instead, programmers must learn how to apply unfamiliar set-based relational manipulation rules. This paper analyzes the student learning process in an introductory database course. We do this using detailed analysis of problem-solving attempts by 114 students related to 116 SQL lab exercises assigned over a five-week period. We measure student success rates in mastering these SQL concepts, as well as effort expended by students in solving information retrieval problems.
Release of unwanted flat-bodied fish from a horizontal-bar grid system as revealed through comparative fishing trials and underwater video observations

Abstract Grid systems separate fish species primarily through physical means: fish size and body shape. On Georges Bank off the northeast USA, many species of flounders are overfished, and their catch needs to be reduced. Flat-bodied skates are also often discarded. We tested a European style horizontal-bar grid system to reduce these flat-bodied low quota species in a trawl targeting the haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whose population is robust. The grid system consisted of 4 grid sections, two on each side, with horizontal bars 70 mm apart. The alternating tow method was used to compare the catch characteristics between a trawl with a grid section and the same trawl without a grid section. A video camera was used to observe fish escape in the grid section. The results indicate that the grid system reduced the flounder catch rate (mainly winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus) by 51.3%, and skates (mainly winter skate, Leucoraja ocellata and little skate, Leucoraja erinacea) by 29.4%, while there were no differences in the catch of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). While haddock was reduced by 37% by weight, the reduction was primarily small undersized individuals. There was no reduction in large haddock greater than 50 cm. Video observations indicates that flounders and cod mainly escaped from the bottom half of the grid while haddock were from the top half. These finding suggest that this system reduced low quota flounders, as well as discarded skates and small haddock, while retaining Atlantic cod and large size haddock. Underwater observations indicate that differential spacing (narrower on the top and wider on the bottom) may improve the system performance by releasing more flat-bodied fish, that were observed to escape from the bottom part of the grid, while retaining more haddock, which typically escape from the top part of the grid.
Trends in Use of Hypofractionated Whole Breast Radiation in Breast Cancer: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database

Purpose Use of hypofractionated radiation (HR) as a component of breast-conserving treatment (BCT) in breast cancer is relatively low in the United States despite studies demonstrating its efficacy and guidelines supporting its use from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in 2011 and 2018. Little is known regarding national trends in uptake and factors associated with uptake of HR in the US since the 2011 ASTRO guidelines. Methods and Materials We performed a retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (2012-2016) on patients undergoing BCT. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify relationships between patient, hospital, and tumor factors with the use of HR or traditional radiation (TR). Results A total of 259,342 cases of BCT were identified with 60% (n = 155,447) undergoing TR and 40% (n = 103,895) undergoing HR. There was an increase in use among patients meeting 2011 ASTRO criteria from 26.2% in 2012 to 67.0% in 2016. The odds of use of HR increased with year of diagnosis, patient age, higher median income, private insurance, treatment at an academic center, travel distance to treatment >20 miles, smaller tumors, lymph node–negative disease, and without use of chemotherapy (P values Table 1 ). Conclusion Guidelines supporting the use of HR in BCT have been associated with a dramatic increase in use of HR in the US. However, there are substantial, identifiable disparities in the uptake of HR at patient and facility levels. By understanding which patient populations are at risk of not receiving the benefit of this therapy, we can improve our use of HR in the US, potentially leading to reduced health care costs and increased patient satisfaction.
New GFR-estimating equations for children and young adults in North America and Europe

For application to general populations, estimating equations for glomerular filtration rate should be developed and validated in diverse populations, including a wide range of age, race-ethnicity, and clinical conditions. This issue includes reports on the development of new equations by 2 research groups to improve glomerular filtration rate estimation in children and young adults. Both equations performed better than guideline-recommended equations, but both require further evaluation of generalizability, and neither fulfills the goal of development in a diverse population.
The Impact of Dance-Specific Neuromuscular Conditioning and Injury Prevention Training on Motor Control, Stability, Balance, Function and Injury in Professional Ballet Dancers: A Mixed-Methods Quasi-Experimental Study.

# Background Professional ballet dancers suffer high injury rates and are less likely than other athletes to specifically train to improve muscular strength, coordination, agility, speed and motor control because of heavy training demands, aesthetic appearances and financial barriers. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a supplemental conditioning program on professional and pre-professional contemporary ballet dancers. The authors hypothesized that those participating in a training program would reduce injury rate by improving their motor control, stability, balance and physical function. The authors aimed to observe the feasibility and qualitative phenomena related to a conditioning program from the dancer’s perspective. # Study Design A mixed-methods study; within subject quasi-experimental design and qualitative interviews. # Methods Six professional classical and contemporary ballet dancers completed the five-week conditioning and injury prevention training program. Non-parametric analysis of baseline, posttest and four-month follow-up physical performance measures, subjective outcomes, and qualitative follow-up interviews, were reported. # Results Significant post-test improvements included: The Dance Functional Outcome Survey (Z= -2.2, *p*= 0.04), composite Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (Z= -2.2, *p*= 0.03 bilaterally), Single Leg Hop for Distance (Z= -2.02, *p*= 0.04), and Upper Extremity Closed Kinetic Chain Test (Z=-2.03, *p*= 0.04). Significant changes from baseline to the four-month follow up remained for: (1) Dance Functional Outcome Survey (Z= -2.2, *p*= 0.03), (2) Single Leg Hop for Distance (Z= -2.2, *p*= 0.03), and (3) Modified Star Excursion Balance Test composite maximum reach for the left lower extremity (Z= -2.2, *p*= 0.03). # Conclusion Completing a conditioning and prevention program for professional ballet dancers was related to improved function, balance, hop distance/stability and upper extremity stability. Dancers found the program beneficial, identified barriers to participation, and elucidated factors making the program feasible and successful. More research is necessary to determine the effect of such programs on injury incidence. # Level of evidence 3b
Exploring the Role of the Central Carbide of the Nitrogenase Active-Site FeMo-cofactor through Targeted 13 C Labeling and ENDOR Spectroscopy

Mo-dependent nitrogenase is a major contributor to global biological N2 reduction, which sustains life on Earth. Its multi-metallic active-site FeMo-cofactor (Fe7MoS9C-homocitrate) contains a carbide (C4-) centered within a trigonal prismatic CFe6 core resembling the structural motif of the iron carbide, cementite. The role of the carbide in FeMo-cofactor binding and activation of substrates and inhibitors is unknown. To explore this role, the carbide has been in effect selectively enriched with 13C, which enables its detailed examination by ENDOR/ESEEM spectroscopies. 13C-carbide ENDOR of the S = 3/2 resting state (E0) is remarkable, with an extremely small isotropic hyperfine coupling constant, Ca = +0.86 MHz. Turnover under high CO partial pressure generates the S = 1/2 hi-CO state, with two CO molecules bound to FeMo-cofactor. This conversion surprisingly leaves the small magnitude of the 13C carbide isotropic hyperfine-coupling constant essentially unchanged, Ca = -1.30 MHz. This indicates that both the E0 and hi-CO states exhibit an exchange-coupling scheme with nearly cancelling contributions to Ca from three spin-up and three spin-down carbide-bound Fe ions. In contrast, the anisotropic hyperfine coupling constant undergoes a symmetry change upon conversion of E0 to hi-CO that may be associated with bonding and coordination changes at Fe ions. In combination with the negligible difference between CFe6 core structures of E0 and hi-CO, these results suggest that in CO-inhibited hi-CO the dominant role of the FeMo-cofactor carbide is to maintain the core structure, rather than to facilitate inhibitor binding through changes in Fe-carbide covalency or stretching/breaking of carbide-Fe bonds.
Color, activity period, and eye structure in four lineages of ants: pale, nocturnal species have evolved larger eyes and larger facets than their dark, diurnal congeners

The eyes of insects display an incredible diversity of adaptations to enhance vision across the gamut of light levels that they experience. One commonly studied contrast is the difference in eye structure between nocturnal and diurnal species, with nocturnal species typically having features that enhance eye sensitivity such as larger eyes, larger eye facets, and larger ocelli. In this study, we compared eye structure between workers of closely related nocturnal and diurnal above ground foraging ant species (family Formicidae) in four genera (Myrmecocystus, Aphaenogaster, Temnothorax, Veromessor). In all four genera, nocturnal species tend to have little cuticular pigment (pale), while diurnal species are fully pigmented (dark), hence we could use cuticle coloration as a surrogate for activity pattern. Across three genera (Myrmecocystus, Aphaenogaster, Temnothorax), pale species, as expected for nocturnally active animals had larger eyes, larger facet diameters, and larger visual spans compared to their dark, more day active congeners. This same pattern occurred for one pale species of Veromessor, but not the other. There were no consistent differences between nocturnal and diurnal species in interommatidial angles and eye parameters both within and among genera. Hence, the evolution of eye features that enhance sensitivity in low light levels do not appear to have consistent correlated effects on features related to visual acuity. A survey across several additional ant genera found numerous other pale species with enlarged eyes, suggesting these traits evolved multiple times within and across genera. We also compared size of the anterior ocellus in workers of pale versus dark species of Myrmecocystus. In species with larger workers, the anterior ocellus was smaller in pale than in dark species, but this difference mostly disappeared for species with smaller workers. Presence of the anterior ocellus also was size-dependent in the two largest pale species.
Selective Control of Synaptically-Connected Circuit Elements by All-Optical Synapses

Understanding percepts, engrams and actions requires methods for selectively modulating synaptic communication between specific subsets of interconnected cells. Here, we develop an approach to control synaptically connected elements using bioluminescent light: Luciferase-generated light, originating from a presynaptic axon terminal, modulates an opsin in its postsynaptic target. Vesicular-localized luciferase is released into the synaptic cleft in response to presynaptic activity, creating a real-time Optical Synapse. Light production is under experimenter-control by introduction of the small molecule luciferin. Signal transmission across this optical synapse is temporally defined by the presence of both the luciferin and presynaptic activity. We validate synaptic Interluminescence by multi-electrode recording in cultured neurons and in mice in vivo. Interluminescence represents a powerful approach to achieve synapse-specific and activity-dependent circuit control during behavior in vivo.
Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Design in the Twenty First Century

It is argued that the conventional descriptions of chemical bonds as covalent, ionic, metallic, and Van der Waals are compromising the usefulness of quantum mechanics in the synthesis and design of new molecules and materials. Parallels are drawn between the state of chemistry now and when the idea that phlogiston was an element impeded the development of chemistry. Overcoming the current obstacles will require new methods to describe molecular structure and bonding, just as new concepts were needed before the phlogiston theory could be set aside.
A reinterpretation of the stabilization of tryptophan pyrrolase by its substrate.

Abstract The loss of activity of the liver tryptophan pyrrolase when it is incubated without tryptophan can be reversed. Crude tryptophan pyrrolase preparations, in general, are slowly activated by incubation with tryptophan, methemoglobin, and ascorbate, during which conjugation of the apoenzyme and its reduction to the active, reduced holoenzyme occurs. Aerobic incubation without tryptophan inactivates without unconjugating the enzyme, apparently by forming the reversibly inactivated, oxidized holoenzyme. It can be reactivated by prior incubation with tryptophan and ascorbate.
The Author's Rights in Literary and Artistic Works

This paper suggests that authorship and creativity, which necessarily precedes the production of literary and artistic works, are products of authentic human expression that the law must encourage in order for works, contributing to the progress of science and the useful arts, to be produced. While the commercial market for literary and artistic works encourages the creation of diverse works to meet popular consumer demand, encouraging the production of works for the commercial market may however result in works, which may lack social, educational and cultural value or utility. Natural law philosophy, which advocates a natural order for society and the actions of men, has a lot to teach about the copyright system as a larger ethical and moral institution to promote the progress of society through the process of authentic authorship. The unique nature of creative works as quasi-public goods, which are not rivaled in consumption and generally non-excludable, requires the grant of exclusive rights to facilitate public dissemination of these works but the special role individual authorship and creativity plays in the production of these works render the rights of an author in the product of their creation as larger, and more encompassing, than the statutory economic incentives to publicly disseminate work. The author's reasons for creating a work may differ remarkably from his incentive to publicly distribute the work. While economic incentives offer authors market rewards that may facilitate the creation and dissemination of literary and artistic works, economic rights represent only a portion of rights, which the copyright system should recognize in the author. This paper makes the case for the recognition of property rights in the author's creation, which originating from an author undertaking of the act of creativity and authorship, is a right to the author's literary and artistic creation that is good against the world, and, which, if protected, will result in authentic expressions of greater significance upon the progress of science and the useful arts in society.
Next Generation Trace Explosives Detection Systems

Trace-based explosives detection (ETD) systems currently in use have limitations in selectivity, sensitivity, size, and certainly cost (approximately $25,000 – $100,000+). Miniaturization of systems to bench top or even handheld levels has great potential, but these systems will still be limited in operation and perhaps only a quarter of the price of present day systems. The use of electronic-based sensors, based on microelectromechanical systems, MEMS, and even further in the future, nanotechnology based systems (or nano-electromechanical systems, NEMS), shows promise for large improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, improved alarm rates, size and cost (from approximately $1,000 to $25 each unit). With current events and emphasis in antiterrorism, there is a need to quickly develop and deploy systems to all airports, along with numerous other transportation modes, protection of government facilities, public facilities, schools, etc. This could be realized with low cost miniaturized electronic chemical detection systems, with the capability of detecting trace explosives, but also could include chemical and biological agent detection systems, as well as, hazardous chemical detection systems. This paper will provide an emphasis on the analytical challenges of trace explosives detection, including contamination studies, sample collection, preconcentration, and sensors for low level detection. ETD systems operate via the collection of small residues of particles and/or vapours that indicate larger quantities of explosives present in the object or environment. To appropriately analyze for traces of explosives, improvised explosive devices (IED) are fabricated in various manners and the contamination spread from these IEDs are measured by trace analytical instruments. This assists in establishing our specification or threshold levels, while at the same time permits the development of trace standards which simulate real IEDs in particle composition and calibrated levels. The current types of trace detection techniques presently deployed include ion mobility spectrometry, chemiluminescence and canines. Strengths and weaknesses of these ‘systems’ provide directional guides for future development of electronic sensors.
Photoaffinity labeling of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activase with ATP gamma-benzophenone. Identification of the ATP gamma-phosphate binding domain

The phosphate-binding domain of the ATP-binding site of tobacco Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) activase was elucidated by photo-affinity labeling with a monoanhydride of ADP with N-(4-(benzoyl)phenylmethyl)phosphoramide ([gamma-32P]ATP gamma BP). Covalent incorporation of [gamma-32P]ATP gamma BP into the 42-kDa Rubisco activase subunit was dependent upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Photolabelling of Rubisco activase with ATP gamma BP exhibited saturation kinetics; the apparent Kd for photolabeling was 5 microM. Two lines of evidence showed that ATP gamma BP modified Rubisco activase at the ATP-binding domain. First, physiological concentrations of ATP and ADP afforded complete protection against photolabeling of Rubisco activase by ATP gamma BP. Second, photolysis of Rubisco activase in the presence of ATP gamma BP decreased both the ATPase and the Rubisco activating activities. Inactivation of enzyme activity was dependent on ATP gamma BP concentration and could be prevented by including ADP during photolabeling. The region of Rubisco activase that was modified by ATP gamma BP was identified by isolating photolabeled peptides. Sequence analysis showed that ATP gamma BP modified Rubisco activase in two distinct regions; one region, S117-A136, is adjacent to the P-loop and the other region, V223-T234, exhibits homology to a region of adenylate kinase that ligates the essential metal ion. Photolabeling of these two regions of Rubisco activase was consistent with modification of the ATP gamma-phosphate-binding domain of Rubisco activase with ATP gamma BP.
The Identification of Prereplicative Bacteriophage T4 Proteins

Abstract Amber and deletion mutants of bacteriophage T4 were used to identify prereplicative T4 proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide gels. The molecular weights of 25 identified T4 proteins are given.
Particle Physics in the Early Universe

Perhaps the most striking illustration of the true unity of science is the development of the interdisciplinary field of “particle cosmology.” Particle physics examines nature on the smallest scales, while cosmology studies the universe on the largest scales. Although the two fields are separated by the scales of the objects they study, they are unified because it is impossible to understand the origin and evolution of large-scale structures in the universe without understanding the “initial conditions” that led to the structures. The initial data was set in the very early universe when the fundamental particles and forces acted to produce the perturbations in the cosmic density field. A complete understanding of the present structure of the universe will also be impossible without accounting for the dark component in the density field. The most likely possibility is that this ubiquitous dark component is an elementary particle relic from the early universe.
A singular-value method for reconstruction of nonradial and lossy objects

Efficient inverse scattering algorithms for nonradial lossy objects are presented using singular-value decomposition to form reduced-rank representations of the scattering operator. These algorithms extend eigenfunction methods that are not applicable to nonradial lossy scattering objects because the scattering operators for these objects do not have orthonormal eigenfunction decompositions. A method of local reconstruction by segregation of scattering contributions from different local regions is also presented. Scattering from each region is isolated by forming a reduced-rank representation of the scattering operator that has domain and range spaces comprised of far-field patterns with retransmitted fields that focus on the local region. Methods for the estimation of the boundary, average sound speed, and average attenuation slope of the scattering object are also given. These methods yielded approximations of scattering objects that were sufficiently accurate to allow residual variations to be reconstructed in a single iteration. Calculated scattering from a lossy elliptical object with a random background, internal features, and white noise is used to evaluate the proposed methods. Local reconstruction yielded images with spatial resolution that is finer than a half wavelength of the center frequency and reproduces sound speed and attenuation slope with relative root-meansquare errors of 1.09% and 11.45%, respectively.
Treatment of mouse brain cytosol with dextran-coated charcoal and high salt does not reveal a new glucocorticoid binder.

Abstract Incubation of steroid-free whole mouse brain cytosol from adrenalectomized-overiectomized mice with saturating concentrations of tritiated dexamethasone was found to label all Type I as well as all Type II adrenocorticosteroid receptors. The quantitative and brain regional distribution of residual dexamethasone binding in cytosols pre-treated with dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) and 300 mM KCl was indistinguishable from that for tritiated aldosterone-Type I receptor complexes under the same conditions. We therefore conclude that the dexamethasone binding sites remaining after DCC and KCl treatment of steroid-free brain cytosol are due to the presence of Type I receptors. The differential sensitivity of Type I and Type II receptors to the DCC/KCl treatment paradigm may be useful in the purification of Type I receptors.
Retina contains guanine nucleotide sensitive and insensitive classes of dopamine receptors

Abstract Calf retina contains high affinity, stereospecific and saturable binding sites, characterized as dopaminergic, for 3 H-spiropheridol (B max from Scatchard analysis = 38 ± 4 fmoles/mg protein) and for 3 H-ADTN (2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene). The 3 H-ADTN sites include a discrete and saturable sub-set of sites sensitive to guanine nucleotide inhibition (B max = 50 ± 6 fmoles/mg protein) and a separate saturable sub-set of sites insensitive to guanine nucleotides (B max = 63 ± 7 fmoles/mg protein). The binding of agonists to 3 H-spiroperidol sites is also inhibited by guanine nucleotides.
Complex Formation by Electrostatic Interaction between Carboxyl-Terminated Dendrimers and Oppositely Charged Polyelectrolytes†

Complex formation between a carboxyl-terminated cascade polymer (generation 3) and several cationic polyelectrolytes of varying linear charge density was studied as a function of ionic strength, by turbidimetric titration and dynamic light scattering. Tetramethylammonium chloride was used to adjust the ionic strength in order to avoid sodium counterion binding to dendrimer carboxyl groups. Complex formation occurred abruptly at a critical pH, as signaled by a sudden change in either the turbidity or the apparent Stokes radius from dynamic light scattering. The pHc of incipient complex formation was converted to the critical surface charge density σc. Under conditions of low or moderate ionic strength (I), it was confirmed that σc is roughly proportional to κ/ξ, where κ ∼ I1/2 is the Debye−Huckel parameter and ξ is the linear charge density of the polyelectrolyte.
Gibbs ensemble simulation of phase equilibrium in the hard core two-Yukawa fluid model for the Lennard-Jones fluid

We report Gibbs ensemble simulations of the coexistence region of the hard core two-Yukawa fluid with Yukawa parameters chosen to mimic the Lennard-Jones fluid. The phase envelope of the Lennard-Jones fluid is found to be well approximated by that of the Yukawa fluid. The results suggest that theoretical approaches to the hard core two-Yukawa fluid (such as integral equations and perturbation theory) could provide an analytic basis for predicting the physical properties of the Lennard-Jones fluid.
Semiclassical structure of Hamiltonians.

The structure of few-body Hamiltonian matrices is studied in thesemiclassical regime. Given(/ital A/cflx ///sub 1/(/bold q/cflx //,/bold p/cflx //),/ital A/cflx ///sub 2/(/bold q/cflx //,/bold p/cflx //)), a pair of operators,it can be shown that, underquite general conditions, /ital A/cflx ///sub 2/ takes the form of a banded matrixin the ordered eigenrepresentation of /ital A/cflx ///sub 1/. Moreover, thebandwidth depends only on /h bar/ and certain generalized microcanonicalaverages. In particular, if /ital H/=/ital H//sub 0/+epsilonV, this implies that theperturbed Hamiltonian is banded in the appropriately ordered unperturbed basis.
Stimulation of food intake in horses by diazepam and promazine.

Abstract In two adult horses doses of 0.02–0.03 mg/kg diazepam, intravenously, increased 1 hr intake 54–75% above control levels. Intake was stimulated when the diet was a high grain, calorically dense one and also when the diet was a high fiber, calorically dilute one. Two young rapidly growing weanling horses showed an even more pronounced stimulation of intake. Following diazepam 1 hr intake was increased 105–240% above control levels. Promazine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg also stimulated intake in adult horses, but not as markedly as did diazepam. A tranquilizer and a neuroleptic appear to have a stimulatory effect upon short-term intake in horses.
Nanomechanical Biosensor Using Polymer Membranes

In recent years several surface stress sensors based on microcantilevers have been developed for biosensing [1–4]. Since these sensors are made using standard microfabrication processes, they can be easily made in an array format, making them suitable for high-throughput multiplexed analysis. Specific reactions occurring on one surface (enabled by selective modification of the surface a priori) of the sensor element change the surface stress, which in turn causes the sensor to deflect. The magnitude and the rate of deflection are then used to study the reaction. The microcantilevers in these sensors are usually fabricated using material like silicon and its oxides or nitrides. The high elasticity modulus of these materials places limitations on the sensitivity and sensor geometry. Alternately polymers, which have a much lower elastic modulus when compared to silicon or its derivatives, offers greater design flexibility, i.e. allow the exploration of innovative sensor configurations that can have higher sensitivity and at the same time are suitable for integration with microfluidics and electrical detection systems.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Healthcare Utilization and Clinical Outcomes after Catheter Ablation of Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter ablation is associated with a high rate of acute procedural success and symptom improvement. The relationship between ablation and other clinical outcomes has been limited to small studies primarily conducted at academic centers. We sought to determine if catheter ablation of atrial flutter is associated with reductions in healthcare utilization, atrial fibrillation, or stroke in a large, real world population. California Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases were used to identify patients undergoing atrial flutter ablation between 2005 and 2009. The adjusted association between atrial flutter ablation and healthcare utilization, atrial fibrillation, or stroke was investigated using Cox proportional hazards models. Among 33,004 patients with a diagnosis of atrial flutter observed for a median of 2.1 years, 2,733 (8.2%) underwent catheter ablation. Atrial flutter ablation significantly lowered the adjusted risk of inpatient hospitalization (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.92, p<0.001), emergency department visits (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.54–0.65, p<0.001), and overall hospital-based healthcare utilization (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.98, p = 0.001). Atrial flutter ablation was also associated with a statistically significant 11% reduction in the adjusted hazard of atrial fibrillation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.97, p = 0.01). Risk of acute stroke was not significantly reduced after ablation (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.81–1.45, p = 0.57). In a large, real world population, atrial flutter ablation was associated with significant reductions in hospital-based healthcare utilization and a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation. These findings support the early use of catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial flutter.
Cyst(e)ine imbalance and its effect on methionine precursor utilization in chicks.

Five 9- or 12-d chick growth bioassays were done in batteries using 2 Met-deficient diets: a purified AA-based diet containing (by analysis, as-fed) 20.3% CP, 0.12% Met, and 0.05% cyst(e)ine; and an AA-fortified corn-peanut meal diet containing (by analysis, as-fed) 19.0% CP, 0.22% Met, and 0.23% cyst(e) ine. Feed-grade DL-Met (DL-M; 99%) was compared with feed-grade DL-OH-Met, Ca (OH-M; 84%). When the purified diet was modified to contain 0.12% Met and 0.20% or greater cyst(e)ine, slope-ratio assays involving graded dosing of DL-M (0, 404, 808, and 1,212 mg of DL-M/kg) or isosulfurous levels of OH-M resulted in linear (P 0.10). Assays 4 and 5 used the corn-peanut meal basal diet containing 0.22% total Met and 0.23% total cyst(e)ine. In both assays, addition of either 465 mg of DL-M/kg or 554 mg of OH-M/kg resulted in increased (P < 0.01) BW gain and G:F, regardless of dietary cyst(e)ine concentration. In the absence of excess cyst(e)ine, BW gain responses to DL-M and OH-M were similar, but when 0.10% excess cyst(e)ine was provided as L-cystine or feather meal, DL-M responses tended to exceed those of OH-M. Moreover, this small excess of dietary cyst(e)ine, regardless of source, depressed (P < 0.01) feed intake and BW gain when added to the basal diet. Overall, these results suggest that excess dietary cyst(e)ine, when included in Met-deficient diets, has the potential to be both anorexigenic and pernicious to OH-M utilization.
A study of change and depression among Havik Brahmin women in a south Indian village.

The author has gathered data from Havik Brahmin women on depression. Cultural factors predisposing to depression are especially salient to this analysis. Beck's triad of negative self image, negative interpretation of life events, and negative view of the future is regarded as the cultural ideal for older women. With cultural changes including an increased marriage age, increased educational level, and increased decision-making for women Beck's triad is no longer culturally sanctioned. Although these cultural changes are recent and the sample is too small for a statistical analysis, the article concludes that there is a possible association between depression and cultural factors such as early marriage. Additional possible associations with depression reviewed in this paper are separation from important people. support systems, loss of parent at an early age, poor marital relationship, and the perception of helplessness.
A Class of Exponent-Sum Two Equations Over Groups

In this paper, relative pictures are used to analyze a certain family of exponent-sum two equations over groups.
Effect of dysprosium on the spin-lattice relaxation time of cytochrome c and cytochrome a.

Summary The progressive power saturation of the electron paramagnetic resonance of horse heart cytochrome c and solubilized bovine heart cytochrome oxidase has been monitored at low temperature in the presence of the relaxing agent, dysprosium. The saturation of the EPR signal of cytochrome c is relieved even at 6 K. With increasing temperature the effect is enhanced as the relaxation time of the dysprosium becomes shorter; however, the intrinsic spin-lattice relaxation time, T 1 , for cytochrome c decreases even more rapidly with increasing temperature. T 1 for cytochrome c can be described by an intrinsic component, a component which is proportional to the concentration of dysprosium and a third component due to local binding which is independent of dysprosium concentration. The cytochrome a component of cytochrome oxidase is also affected by dysprosium. In the presence of cytochrome oxidase, T 1 for cytochrome c is almost unaffected by dysprosium, indicating that access to the cytochrome c heme is blocked by the binding of c to oxidase. Based on the concentration-dependent effect of dysprosium on the lifetime of cytochrome c , it is possible to make distance estimates from the EPR active center to Dy 3+ . Dysprosium is therefore useful for determining the spatial relationships among paramagnetic enzyme components in a quantitative way.
Mean interpolation of entire functions

Abstract We study the characterization of an entire function from its “means,” that is, a combination of the function's averages on concentric circles and its derivatives at the center. It is shown that a large class of entire functions is uniquely determined from this combination. Given a sequence { r n } of nonnegative radii which are restricted in growth and a sequence of complex numbers { λ n }, which depends on { r n }, a unique entire function f is found such that λ n is the “mean” of f on the circle ¦z¦ = r n , solving a mean interpolation problem. Consequently, a series representation for a given entire function is constructed from its “means.”
Peak flow rate and recession-curve characteristics of a karst spring in the Inner Bluegrass, central Kentucky

Abstract The flow rate at the terminal spring of a 1929 ha karst ground-water catchment has been continuously monitored for 2 years, and 108 identifiable events were analyzed. The peak flow rates followed a beta frequency distribution with parameters α = 0.365 and γ = 1.135. Events were separated into high-flow and low-flow. High-flow events had characteristics attributable to pipe flow. Correlation and stepwise regression were used to develop peak flow rate prediction equations for the combined 108 events and for the 81 low-flow events. The portion of the recession curve identified as pipe flow was a watershed constant and time invariant. The base flow was seasonal, increasing in the winter to approximately 0.071 m3s−1 and decreasing in the summer to approximately 0.014 m3s−1.
Fire History of a Rimrock Pine Forest at New River Gorge National River, West Virginia

ABSTRACT: The fire history of a rimrock pine forest at the New River Gorge National River, West Virginia, was studied using 21 fire-scarred Pinus virginiana Mill. (Virginia pine) cross-sections. Fire frequency and the goodness-of-fit between the fire interval distribution and the normal and Weibull distributions were evaluated with the FHX2® program. A 107-year fire chronology (1898–2005) was constructed from 53 fire scars. Fire intervals ranged from 1 to 8 years. The Weibull median interval was approximately 3 years using liberal (one or more trees scarred during a single year) or conservative (two or more trees scarred during a single year) criteria. Similar to other mixed forest stands in the Central Hardwood Region, fires in the 20th century were likely ignited from coal mining activities and steam-driven locomotives near the study site. Anthropogenic fires may have caused an artificial increase in rimrock pine forests or allowed pines to persist in greater numbers than would be possible in the absenc...