cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Phosphate Analogs on Palytoxin-opened Na,K-ATPase Pump-channel

Na,K-ATPase pumps generate steep transmembrane Na and K gradients by behaving like ion channels with gates constrained to open and close alternately. Palytoxin binding disrupts this coupling between the gates, allowing both to sometimes be open, transforming pumps into ion channels. The gates of these pump-channels still respond to extracellular Na and K ions and to cytoplasmic nucleotides. Here we test phosphate mimics. Saturating, 50 nM, palytoxin induced large Na,K pump-channel currents in outside-out patches from Xenopus oocytes with 5 mM ATP in the pipette, and smaller currents with no ATP, but failed to induce any currents when pipettes contained BeFx (200 μM BeSO4 plus 5 mM NaF). In inside-out patches, with 100 nM palytoxin in the pipette, BeFx or AlFx (200 μM AlCl3 plus 5 mM NaF) strongly decreased (by at least 70%) the small pump-channel currents seen without ATP and severely impaired (by ∼90%) the large current increase by 1 mM ATP that reflects internal gate opening. Be ions alone (200 μM BeSO4) somewhat diminished pump-channel currents without ATP, but did not affect activation by ATP; however, gate closure upon ATP removal was markedly slowed (>100-fold). As subsequent BeFx application almost abolished activation by ATP, the effects of BeFx and of Be ions are distinct. Al ions alone (200 μM AlCl3) had similar effects to Be ions, though weaker. In contrast, MgFx (5 mM MgCl2 plus 5 mM NaF), or even just MgCl2, simply reversibly decreased pump-channel currents in the absence of ATP, without affecting activation by ATP. These results suggest that, despite the presence of palytoxin, phosphate mimics BeFx and AlFx stabilize an Na,K pump-channel conformation with the internal gate firmly shut, like that in X-ray crystal structures of E2-BeF3- SERCA ATPase. [HL36783]
High strain-rate shear-strain localization in f.c.c. crystalline materials: a perturbation analysis

Abstract A new perturbation formulation has been developed that is based on a rate-dependent crystalline plasticity constitutive formulation to investigate planar high strain-rate instabilities and shear-strain localization in face-centered cubic (f.c.c.) crystalline materials. This new formulation can account for strain-rate sensitivity values that range from rate-independent to highly rate-dependent values. Hence, accurate and detailed predictions of material instabilities and shear-strain localization can be obtained for high strain-rate deformations of crystalline materials that are rate-sensitive, such as f.c.c. materials. Critical instability parameters are obtained for deformation modes that account for the effects of strain-rate history, inertia, strain-hardening, wave number, and thermal and geometrical softening for applied strain-rates that range from 100 to 5000 s−1. Post-instability behavior and localization modes are monitored by tracking the rate of growth of stability parameters beyond the initial instability point. Results from these perturbation analyses are in good agreement with rate-independent limiting cases and high strain-rate experimental observations. The present study underscores the importance of characterizing material instabilities and shear-strain localization in terms of the competing softening and hardening mechanisms of the lattice structure.
Transformations of added and indigenous nitrogen in gnotobiotic soil: A comment on the priming effect

When 15N-labelled fertilizer is added to soil, it frequently appears that more indigenous soil-N is mineralized-a phenomenon called the “priming effect”. We have made an experimental study of the interaction of added and indigenous N during laboratory incubations with well-defined N concentrations, microbial populations and incubation conditions. Populations of a single species each of bacteria and amoebae were inoculated into propylene-oxide sterilized soil and their growth, respiration and N-mineralization were monitored for 34 days. In one experiment, bacterial numbers doubled (from 17.2 to 36.7 × 108 g−1) and respired C nearly doubled (from 966 to 1892 μg g−1) as added N (ammonium sulfate) increased from 0 to 70 μg g−1. In a second experiment, mineral-N following incubation increased from 2.6 to 55.9 μg g−1 and mineral-N of soil origin increased from 2.6 to 16.3 μg g−1 as added N increased from 0 to 100 μg g−1. However, in the same experiment, the amount of unlabelled soil-N required to dilute the 15N-labelled ammonium to the observed atom% 15N decreased from 72.1 to 41.2 μg g−1. Mineralization of soil-N was enhanced (an apparent priming effect) in spite of decreased interaction with unlabelled-N. This “priming effect” resulted from increased net N-mineralization that accompanied increased N-fertilization so long as mineral-N concentrations remained low enough to limit soil microbial activity.
Does Homeschooling or Private Schooling Promote Political Intolerance? Evidence from a Christian University.

Political tolerance is the willingness to extend civil liberties to people who hold views with which one disagrees. Some have claimed that private schooling and homeschooling are institutions that propagate political intolerance by fostering separatism and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints. I empirically test this claim by measuring the political tolerance levels of undergraduate students attending an evangelical Christian university. Using ordinary least squares regression analysis, I find that for these students, greater exposure to private schooling instead of traditional public schooling is not associated with any more or less political tolerance, and greater exposure to homeschooling is associated with more political tolerance.
Naturalistic Language Intervention in Inclusive Environments.

Reviews many of the factors affecting implementation of natural language instruction by the early childhood teacher for children with language disabilities in an inclusive environment
Vibrational thermodynamics: coupling of chemical order and size effects

The effects of chemical order on the vibrational entropy have been studied using first-principles and semi-empirical potential methods. Pseudopotential calculations on the Pd_3V system show that the vibrational entropy decreases by 0.07k_B upon disordering in the high-temperature limit. The decrease in entropy contradicts what would be expected from simple bonding arguments, but can be explained by the influence of size effects on the vibrations. In addition, the embedded-atom method is used to study the effects of local environments on the entropic contributions of individual Ni and Al atoms in Ni_3Al. It is found that increasing numbers of Al nearest neighbours decreases the vibrational entropy of an atom when relaxations are not included. When the system is relaxed, this effect disappears, and the local entropy is approximately uniform with increasing number of Al neighbours. These results are explained in terms of the large size mismatch between Ni and Al. In addition, a local cluster expansion is used to show how the relaxations increase the importance of long-range and multisite interactions.
Neuronal argyrophilia and phosphorylated neurofilament accumulation secondary to deafferentation.

This work tests the hypothesis that deafferentation caused by experimental brain lesions leads to the appearance of perikaryal argyrophilia and the accumulation of phosphorylated cytoskeletal proteins which are potential precursors for neurofibrillary tangle formation. Destructive lesions of the ventral tegmental area, the septum of the medial forebrain and the entorhinal cortex, when combined with systemic administration of a D-1 dopamine receptor antagonist, produced transsynaptic changes in neurons of the hippocampal formation and in the midbrain. Abnormally phosphorylated neurofilament protein was demonstrated immunohistochemically in the cytoplasm of mesencephalic pyramidal neurons, particularly in the red nucleus. These same neurons also developed cytoplasmic argyrophilia in Bielschowsky histologic preparations. Although distinct neurofibrillary tangles were not produced with this paradigm, both the protein immunoreactivity and argyrophilia were arranged in cytoplasmic linear arrays. The structural changes induced in this experimental model may be an important preliminary stage for neurofibrillary tangle formation.
CAHVOR camera model and its photogrammetric conversion for planetary applications

[1] CAHVOR is a camera model used in machine vision for three-dimensional measurements. It models the transformation from the object domain to the image domain using vectors C, A, H, and V and corrects radial lens distortions with a vector O and a triplet R. In photogrammetric mapping the camera model is usually represented by collinearity equations with interior and exterior orientation parameters. In NASA's planetary missions the CAHVOR model has been widely used for rover navigation and scientific exploration. On the other hand, a photogrammetric model is often needed in mapping and photogrammetric data processing systems. This paper presents a method for conversions between the CAHVOR model and the photogrammetry model. A numerical example is given to validate the conversion equations.
Heat capacities and transitions in n-perfluoroalkanes and poly(tetrafluoroethylene)

Abstract Heat capacities and transitions of perfluorododecane (C 12 F 26 ), perfluorotetradecane (C 14 F 30 ), perfluorohexadecane (C 16 F 34 ), perfluoroeicosane (C 20 F 42 ) and perfluorotetracosane (C 24 F 50 ) were measured by adiabatic calorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry from 5 K up to the melt. The heat capacities of the homologous series of perfluoroalkanes from n -octafluoropropane to poly(tetrafluoroethylene) in the solid state are analyzed using the Advanced THermal Analysis System (ATHAS) developed for linear macromolecules. All of the n -perfluoroalkanes show solid—mesophase transitions before the melting transition. The mesophases of short chain-length molecules can be identified as plastic crystalline (CF 4 to C 3 F 8 ). After a group of intermediate length (C 4 F 10 to C 12 F 26 ), the entropies of the solid—mesophase and isotropization transitions of the n -perfluoroalkanes approach the value of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) when expressed per mole of carbon atoms. Based on the measured heat capacities, it is possible to predict also the thermodynamic properties of the n -perfluoroalkanes not measured. Both disordering transition and isotropization temperature in the n -perfluoroalkanes with more than 12 carbon atoms can be expressed in functional form ( T d = 295( n −1.55)/( n + 7.55) and T i = 605( n −3.56)/( n + 2.75), both in kelvin).
Turn-on fluorescence in tetraphenylethylene-based metal-organic frameworks: An alternative to aggregation-induced emission

Coordinative immobilization of functionalized tetraphenylethylene within rigid porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) turns on fluorescence in the typically non-emissive tetraphenylethylene core. The matrix coordination-induced emission effect (MCIE) is complementary to aggregation-induced emission. Despite the large interchromophore distances imposed by coordination to metal ions, a carboxylate analogue of tetraphenylethylene anchored by Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions inside MOFs shows fluorescence lifetimes in line with those of close-packed molecular aggregates. Turn-on fluorescence by coordinative ligation in a porous matrix is a powerful approach that may lead to new materials made from chromophores with molecular rotors. The potential utility of MCIE toward building new sensing materials is demonstrated by tuning the fluorescence response of the porous MOFs as a function of adsorbed small analytes.
Overcoming single-thread performance hurdles in the core fusion reconfigurable multicore architecture

Though the prime target of multicore architectures is parallel and multithreaded workloads (which favors maximum core count), executing sequential code fast continues to remain critical (which benefits from maximum core size). This poses a difficult design trade-off. Core Fusion is a recently-proposed reconfigurable multicore architecture that attempts to circumvent this compromise by "fusing" groups of fundamentally independent cores into larger, more aggressive processors dynamically as needed. In this way, it accommodates highly parallel, partially parallel, multiprogrammed, and sequential codes with ease.However, the sequential performance of the original fused configuration falls quite short of an area-equivalent, monolithic, out-of-order processor. This paper effectively eliminates the fusion deficit for sequential codes by attacking two major sources of inefficiency: collective commit and instruction steering. We demonstrate in detail that these modifications allow Core Fusion to essentially match the performance of an area-equivalent monolithic out-of-order processor. The implication is that the inclusion of wide-issue cores in future multicore designs may be unnecessary.
Field Trapping of Subsurface Vapor Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Soil gas samples from intact soil cores were collected on adsorbents at a field site, then thermally desorbed and analyzed by laboratory gas chromatography (GC). Vertical concentration profiles of predominant vapor phase petroleum hydrocarbons under ambient conditions were obtained for the zone directly above the capillary fringe. Water and residual phase weathered aviation gasoline were present in this region of the profile. The sampling, trapping, and GC methodology was effective in most respects. Reproducibility, trapping, and desorption efficiency were generally satisfactory, and different sorbent tubes gave similar results. A minor shortcoming of the method occurred with the most volatile compound, 2,3-dimcthylbutane, which was poorly retained during several weeks of storage lime and was also poorly desorbed. Vapor phase concentrations of predominant hydrocarbon compounds all increased with depth at one sampling location. At a more highly contaminated location, concentrations of highly volatile compounds increased with depth while concentrations of less volatile compounds remained constant or decreased, possibly indicating distillation effects. Scatier in the data was attributed to heterogeneities in water and residual phase distribution.
Patient selection criteria for conservation surgery versus mastectomy: Memorial hospital breast service experience

Breast cancer remains the most common noncutaneous malignancy of women. Although the incidence of the disease continues to rise, most women now present with early (stage I or II) disease. Breast conservation has been demonstrated to be equal in efficacy to mastectomy in such patients in six modern-day randomized trials. The utilization of breast conservation has been slow throughout the United States. At Memorial Hospital the utilization of breast conservation almost equals that of modified mastectomy in the treatment of 950+annual primary operable cancers. Excellent local-regional control can be obtained with a defined surgical approach to the primary tumor and axillary nodes, radiotherapy to the breast with a boost to the primary site, and finally patient selection.
EXTENDING SHELF-LIFE OF FRESH SOYBEAN CURDS BY IN-PACKAGE MICROWAVE TREATMENTS

Soybean curds are very perishable. The shelf-life of fresh soybean curds varied with storage temperatures. In-package microwave heating treatment of fresh soybean curds effectively extended shelf-life. Storage at 4.5°C, soybean curds pretreated with microwave heating to 65°, 80° and 95°C have shelf-life of 16, 21 and 27 days, respectively, compared to 7 days in control. Decrease in pH, increase in titratable acidity, and viable counts in the soaking water accompanied decreases in quality of soybean curds.
Distribution and excretion of radiofluoride in the human.

One mg fluoride labeled with radiofluoride was ingested by each of 2 adult humans. Observations of renal clearance of fluoride, chlonide, and creatinine were made. Fluoride clearance always exceeded chloride clearance by many fold and increased with urine flow, but fluoride clearance was always less than creatinine clearance. Renal tubules in 2 individuals, reabsorbed respectively 5l and 63% of fluoride in the glomerular filtrate which indicates a net process of glomerular filtration with a variable amount of tubular reabsorption. Plasma contnined 72% of whole blood radiofluoride and radiofluoride concentration of plasma exceeded that of parotid gland saliva. Measurement of uptake and release of the radioisotope by soft tissues and by the skeleton showed characteristic differences of radiofluoride retention in these tissues. Skeletal tissues retained the isotope but soft tissues lost nearly all their activity within 4 hours after ingestion. (auth)
Transanal endoscopic surgery as a pathway to NOTES

Abstract At the vanguard of colorectal minimally invasive surgery is transanal natural orifice translumenal surgery (NOTES). Building on extensive pre-clinical research, transanal NOTES innovators have extended the capacity of established endorectal surgical platforms to achieve safe and efficacious endoscopic colorectal resection for both benign and malignant disease. Transanal TME (taTME) for rectal cancer is the fastest growing clinical application of transanal NOTES, with nearly 100 cases now reported. In addition to potentially minimizing the morbidity of transabdominal operations, taTME improves access to and visualization of the distal rectum during difficult pelvic dissections. This may be most advantageous in challenging patients with hostile anatomy and very low tumors who frequently experience suboptimal outcomes with standard TME. Current equipment limitations require laparoscopic assistance for safe visualization, splenic flexure takedown, and vascular control. However, two recent case reports of pure NOTES TME explore the potential for a totally transanal approach to proctectomy in the future. Preliminary oncologic results of taTME are promising but long term, a multicenter study is required. Continued research, technical innovation, and commitment to training and expertise are required for transanal NOTES to reach its potential.
Racism in U.S. Nursing

Although the problems of racism are being confronted in a number of venues, the word and the topic are taboo in American nursing. This article uses historical, personal, and anecdotal data to explore racism in American nursing. It examines how four attributes of nursing: (1) an emphasis on empathy; (2) an individual orientation; (3) a preference for homogeneity; and (4) a need to avoid conflict, provide a climate that allows nurses to avoid openly dealing with racism in the profession.
Accumulation and Retention of Metals in Mussels from Food and Water: A Comparison under Field and Laboratory Conditions

Mussels are used as bioindicator organisms to assess bioavailable contaminant concentrations in coastal waters. This study used radiotracer methodologies to examine the bioaccumulation and efflux rates of six metals (Ag, Am, Cd, inorganic Co, organic Co [as cobalamine], Pb, and Zn) in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, in which the dissolved phase and ingested phytoplankton food were compared quantitatively as sources. Mussels maintained in the laboratory in running seawater and caged in the field for up to 4 months generally displayed similar metal absorption efficiencies (AEs) and efflux rates from their soft parts. AEs from food were typically lower than radioisotope retention efficiencies from the dissolved phase and ranged from 4% for Am to about 60% for Pb; values were comparable to those reported for the common blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. Efflux rate constants from mussel soft parts (1−5% daily) were comparable to M. edulis values from short-term depurations; biological half-lives of all metals...
Assessment matters: Between the ideal and the practical: Using assessment to find the balance

Rishi Sriram, T. Laine Scales, and Meghan Oster share how the assessment efforts of Baylor University's Engaged Learning Groups have led to effective advocating for program improvement as well as increased administrative support.
Basics of the Differential Geometry of Surfaces

In this chapter we consider parametric curves, and we introduce two important invariants, curvature and torsion (in the case of a 3D curve).
Exponentiated Kumaraswamy-Dagum distribution with applications to income and lifetime data

A new family of distributions called exponentiated Kumaraswamy-Dagum (EKD) distribution is proposed and studied. This family includes several well known sub-models, such as Dagum (D), Burr III (BIII), Fisk or Log-logistic (F or LLog), and new sub-models, namely, Kumaraswamy-Dagum (KD), Kumaraswamy-Burr III (KBIII), Kumaraswamy-Fisk or Kumaraswamy-Log-logistic (KF or KLLog), exponentiated Kumaraswamy-Burr III (EKBIII), and exponentiated Kumaraswamy-Fisk or exponentiated Kumaraswamy-Log-logistic (EKF or EKLLog) distributions. Statistical properties including series representation of the probability density function, hazard and reverse hazard functions, moments, mean and median deviations, reliability, Bonferroni and Lorenz curves, as well as entropy measures for this class of distributions and the sub-models are presented. Maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters are obtained. Simulation studies are conducted. Examples and applications as well as comparisons of the EKD and its sub-distributions with other distributions are given.
Efficient Coding of Time-Relative Structure Using Spikes

Nonstationary acoustic features provide essential cues for many auditory tasks, including sound localization, auditory stream analysis, and speech recognition. These features can best be characterized relative to a precise point in time, such as the onset of a sound or the beginning of a harmonic periodicity. Extracting these types of features is a difficult problem. Part of the difficulty is that with standard block-based signal analysis methods, the representation is sensitive to the arbitrary alignment of the blocks with respect to the signal. Convolutional techniques such as shift-invariant transformations can reduce this sensitivity, but these do not yield a code that is efficient, that is, one that forms a nonredundant representation of the underlying structure. Here, we develop a non-block-based method for signal representation that is both time relative and efficient. Signals are represented using a linear superposition of time-shiftable kernel functions, each with an associated magnitude and temporal position. Signal decomposition in this method is a non-linear process that consists of optimizing the kernel function scaling coefficients and temporal positions to form an efficient, shift-invariant representation. We demonstrate the properties of this representation for the purpose of characterizing structure in various types of nonstationary acoustic signals. The computational problem investigated here has direct relevance to the neural coding at the auditory nerve and the more general issue of how to encode complex, time-varying signals with a population of spiking neurons.
Effects of Low-Dose Acarbose on Glycemia, Adiposity, and Cholesterolemia in Obese and Obese Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Corpulent Rats

To determine the effects of low-dose acarbose (ACB; BAY g 5421; 100 mg/kg diet) on modulation of adiposity, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, groups of congenic, pathogen-free male lean and obese LA/N-cp and of obese non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) SHR/N-cp rats were fed diets containing 54% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 14% fat, plus other essential nutrients or the same diet with ACB from 12 until 20 weeks of age.
Time to Recovery in Diabetes and Comorbidities Following Hurricane Katrina

Background: The impact of a natural disaster on self-care and health care delivery has been well documented. The objective of the study was to document the recovery pattern from the impact of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina on clinical and biochemical measures of diabetes and its comorbidities.Methods: Patients were selected from Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, and the Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans. Adults with diabetes and A1c measurement 6 months before (pre-K) Hurricane Katrina (February 28, 2005–August 27, 2005) and 6 to 16 months after (post-K) Katrina (March 1, 2006–December 31, 2006) were identified within the 3 facilities. Follow-up data (January 1, 2007–December 31, 2007) were 1 year after the first post-K visit. The outcome measures were hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and lipids (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], triglycerides).Results: Averaged across the 3 facilities, the parameters significantly different in the follow-up period compared with pre- and post-K were HbA1c (P = .04), HDL, and systolic and diastolic BP (P < .0001). Parameters with significantly different patterns of change in the 3 facilities over time were HbA1c, HDL, systolic and diastolic BP (P < .0001), and low-density lipoprotein (P < .01).Conclusions: Our results suggest that a variety of clinical and biochemical parameters related to diabetes and its comorbidities affected by natural disaster have varied the rate of recovery to predisaster levels.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:S33-S38)
The silent defense: Micro-RNA directed defense against HIV-1 replication

MicroRNAs play critical role in regulating gene expression. MicroRNA profile of particular cell type bears the signature of cell type specific gene expression. Given that viral pathogens replicate by evading host defenses, research is now focused on the miRNA-regulated genes that critically regulate HIV-1 propagation in human host cells.
W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, and Pan‐Africanism in Liberia, 1919–1924

(2004). W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, and Pan‐Africanism in Liberia, 1919–1924. The Historian: Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 19-44.
Inhibitory Role of IFN-γ-Inducible Lysosomal Thiol Reductase in T Cell Activation

IFN-γ-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) is a unique thiol reductase with optimal enzymatic activity at low pH. GILT plays a crucial role in unfolding the antigenic proteins in preparation for their proteolytic cleavage and presentation of resulting peptides by MHC class II. In this study, we demonstrate that GILT is expressed in T lymphocytes and that it has an APC-nonrelated role in the regulation of T cell activation. Surprisingly, comparison of wild-type and GILT-deficient T cell activation in vitro revealed stronger responsiveness in the absence of GILT. The effect of GILT in reducing the proliferative and cytotoxic responses was endogenous to T cells and resulted from decreased sensitivity at the individual cell level. Therefore, a molecule with primarily lysosomal localization suppresses T cell activation, a process characterized by signal transmission from plasma membrane to cytoplasm and nucleus.
Model Instantiation For Query Driven Simulation In Active KDL

The focus of this paper is on how Active KDL can be used to provide a very powerful simulation support environment. Active KDL (Knowledge/Data Language) is an object-oriented database programming language, which provides access to integrated model, knowledge, and data bases. Simulation inputs and outputs can be stored by Active KDL since it supports complex objects. More importantly, Active KDL also allows users to specify rules to capture heuristic knowledge and methods to specify procedural behavior. Finally, Active KDL provides a simple mechanism for specifying concurrent execution, namely tasks embedded in active objects. These facilities provide a powerful mechanism for building simulation models out of pre-existing model components. These capabilities provide a tight coupling between a SIMODULA-like simulation system and a knowledge/database system, supporting query driven simulation, where model instantiation is used for information generation.
Trends and directions in networking — Impact of virtualization and cloud

With the rise of virtualization and cloud computing, traditional networking models do not scale. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has been labeled a game-changing technology in the data center and is gaining market share in enterprise and service provider environments. In this talk, I will discuss why there is so much interest in SDN, and present different approaches to SDN, ranging from overlay virtual networks, to network switches that can be controlled by an external controller, to new forwarding engines that can better reflect the requirements of applications. We will look at the impact of emerging open source bodies such as OpenStack, OpenDaylight and Open Compute on networking and how companies such as IBM are building full-fledged Software Defined Environments for cloud deployments based on SDN. The talk will also cover the impact of these changes on semiconductor solutions.
Spectral and Fastness Properties of Benzothiazolylazo Dyes

A number of benzothiazolylazo dyes, containing one or two substituents in the benzo ring of the benzothiazole, have been prepared. Their absorption spectra and fastness properties are compared with those of analogous phenylazo dyes. The bathochromic shift of the absorption maxima, the increase in absorptivities, and the better fastness properties of the benzothiazolylazo dyes are reported.
Conceptual prototyping of scalable embedded DSP systems

This systematic process uses model-based architectural synthesis and verification to ensure that early stages of the design are efficient, economical, and meet user requirements. Using a scalable, plug-and-play, model year methodology, designers can conceptually prototype complex, embedded digital systems in weeks instead of months.
A Green Estate: Restoring Independence in Madagascar

A Green Estate: Restoring Independence in Madagascar. GILLIAN FEELEY-HARNIK. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1991. xxvii + 627 pp., figures, maps, plates, tables, appendixes, notes, glossary, references, index.
RELATION OF OXYGEN TENSION AND TEMPERATURE TO THE TIME OF REDUCTION OF CYTOCHROME

The time for the appearance of the cytochrome C absorption band after shaking a suspension of bakers' yeast with various O(2)-N(2) mixtures was determined at each of six temperatures. At each temperature a linear relation between this interval-called the reduction time-and O(2) tension was found. It was shown: 1. That under our experimental conditions, absorption bands of cytochrome were seen when the O(2) tension of the suspension was reduced to, or below, a certain pressure which was found to be specific for each temperature (this pressure is provisionally considered to be identical with or very near to the "critical O(2) tension" usually found in Q(O(O2) )-O(2)-tension relationships); 2. That the x-axis intercept obtained from the reduction time - O(2)-tension plot gives the value of the "critical" O(2) pressure at each temperature; 3. That the O(2) tension within the suspension is reduced by the respiratory activity of the yeast cells. An equation describing these observations is given and is used in calculating rates of O(2) consumption from measurements of reduction time of cytochrome. The average difference between the calculated values and the manometric measurements of Q(O(O2) ) was found to be 6.6 per cent. A rapid optical method of measuring rates of O(2) consumption based on the findings of these experiments is proposed for use with cytochrome-containing microorganisms.
Optical Scanning and Breast Cancer1

The incidence of breast cancer in women continues to rise: approximately 214,000 cases were reported in the U.S. during 2004, up nearly 18% from 2000 (1). Despite the increased incidence, the number of deaths over the same period remained at roughly 41,000 per year. This trend is generally attributed to improvements in screening diagnostics that facilitate the application of more potent therapies earlier in the course of the disease. According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, mammography screening every 12-33 months significantly reduces breast cancer mortality for women aged 50-69 (2). Early detection saves lives; however, the evidence of benefit is weaker for women who have high mammographic density. Overall, mammography has lower sensitivity in premenopausal women (3) and is not recommended for women under 35-40 years of age (4). In the 40to 50-year-old population there is uncertainty regarding its effectiveness. In practical terms, thousands of breast cancers per year in the U.S. are not discovered by x-ray mammography. Consequently, new detection technologies are urgently needed that can overcome the limitations of radiographic density. Optical methods, such as those described in two separate articles by Britton Chance et al (5) and X. Intes (6), et al in this issue, represent an important new approach that could have a practical impact on breast cancer patients. In an extraordinary career spanning more than 6 decades, Chance has consistently championed the development of new, quantitative methods for characterizing cell and tissue function (7). In their current paper, Chance et al. present clinical data obtained using a handheld optical probe that measures incremental changes in tumor biochemical composition. He suggests that functional con-
Influence of Fire on Black-tailed Prairie Dog Colony Expansion in Shortgrass Steppe

Factors influencing the distribution and abundance of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies are of interest to rangeland managers because of the significant influence prairie dogs can exert on both livestock and biodiversity. We examined the influence of 4 prescribed burns and one wildfire on the rate and direction of prairie dog colony expansion in shortgrass steppe of southeastern Colorado. Our study was conducted during 2 years with below-average precipitation, when prairie dog colonies were expanding throughout the study area. Under these dry conditions, the rate of black-tailed prairie dog colony expansion into burned grassland (X ¯ 5 2.6 ha ? 100-m perimeter 21 ? y 21 ; range 5 0.8–5.9 ha ? 100-m perimeter 21 ? y 21 ; N 5 5 colonies) was marginally greater than the expansion rate into unburned grassland (X ¯ 5 1.3 ha ? 100-m perimeter 21 ? y 21 ; range 5 0.2–4.9 ha ? 100-m perimeter 21 ? y 21 ; N 5 23 colonies; P 5 0.066). For 3 colonies that were burned on only a portion of their perimeter, we documented consistently high rates of expansion into the adjacent burned grassland (38%–42% of available burned habitat colonized) but variable expansion rates into the adjacent unburned grassland (2%–39% of available unburned habitat colonized). While our results provide evidence that burning can increase colony expansion rate even under conditions of low vegetative structure, this effect was minor at the scale of the overall colony complex because some unburned colonies were also able to expand at high rates. This result highlights the need to evaluate effects of fire on colony expansion during aboveaverage rainfall years, when expansion into unburned grassland may be considerably lower.
Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy: A Review

Importance Peripheral neuropathy is a highly prevalent and morbid condition affecting 2% to 7% of the population. Patients frequently experience pain and are at risk of falls, ulcerations, and amputations. We aimed to review recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances in distal symmetric polyneuropathy, the most common subtype of peripheral neuropathy. Observations Current evidence supports limited routine laboratory testing in patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Patients without a known cause should undergo a complete blood cell count, comprehensive metabolic panel, vitamin B 12 measurement, serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation, fasting glucose measurement, and glucose tolerance test. The presence of atypical features such as asymmetry, non–length dependence, motor predominance, acute or subacute onset, and prominent autonomic involvement should prompt a consultation with a neurologist or neuromuscular specialist. Electrodiagnostic tests and magnetic resonance imaging of the neuroaxis contribute substantial cost to the diagnostic evaluation, but evidence supporting their use is lacking. Strong evidence supports the use of tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and voltage-gated calcium channel ligands in the treatment of neuropathic pain. More intensive glucose control substantially reduces the incidence of distal symmetric polyneuropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes but not in those with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions and Relevance The opportunity exists to improve guideline-concordant testing in patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Moreover, the role of electrodiagnostic tests needs to be further defined, and interventions to reduce magnetic resonance imaging use in this population are needed. Even though several efficacious medications exist for neuropathic pain treatment, pain is still underrecognized and undertreated. New disease-modifying medications are needed to prevent and treat peripheral neuropathy, particularly in type 2 diabetes.
Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1976

Abstract The 1976 hurricane mason produced 111 “tropical systems”, of which 23 acquired the closed circulation of a depression. Over half of these (68) originated over the African Continent. These are the most African systems observed since our annual summary began in 1968. African seedlings initiated four of the eight named Atlantic storms, and all but one of the fourteen East Pacific storms.
HDL cholesterol/HDL particle ratio: a new measure of HDL function?

In this issue of the Journal , Qi et al. [(1)][1] describe a potentially important advance in cardiovascular biomarker testing related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the so called “good cholesterol.” The story of how cholesterol is causally related to cardiovascular disease (
Software review: Optimising the allocation of cross-selling resource while managing the customer relationship

There has been significant interest expressed in the software review in Vol. 9, No. 2 of this journal on the use of optimisation techniques in marketing (Communication optimisation — The new mantra of database marketing. Fad or fact), so this paper explores further how optimisation could be used to support the allocation of cross-selling resource in an imaginary bank, Intel Financial Services Ltd. (IFS)
Patterns of hydrologic connectivity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: a synthesis of 20 years of hydrologic data

Streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) of Antarctica moderate an important hydrologic and biogeochemical connection between upland alpine glaciers, valley-bottom soils, and lowland closed-basin lakes. Moreover, MDV streams are simple but dynamic systems ideal for studying interacting hydrologic and ecological dynamics. This work synthesizes 20 years of hydrologic data, collected as part of the MDVs Long-Term Ecological Research project, to assess spatial and temporal dynamics of hydrologic connectivity between glaciers, streams, and lakes. Long-term records of stream discharge (Q), specific electrical conductance (EC), and water temperature (T) from 18 streams were analysed in order to quantify the magnitude, duration, and frequency of hydrologic connections over daily, annual, and inter-annual timescales. At a daily timescale, we observe predictable diurnal variations in Q, EC, and T. At an annual timescale, we observe longer streams to be more intermittent, warmer, and have higher median EC values, compared to shorter streams. Longer streams also behave chemostatically with respect to EC, whereas shorter streams are more strongly characterized by dilution. Inter-annually, we observe significant variability in annual runoff volumes, likely because of climatic variability over the 20 record years considered. Hydrologic connections at all timescales are vital to stream ecosystem structure and function. This synthesis of hydrologic connectivity in the MDVs provides a useful end-member template for assessing hydrologic connectivity in more structurally complex temperate watersheds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistent Infection of Human Carcinoma and Primary Chick Embryo Cell Cultures with Simian Virus 40

SummaryContinued multiplication of SV-40 has been demonstrated in 2 continuous lines of human cancer cells, in HeLa for approximately 8 months and in HEp-2 cells for a period of 6 months. Infection of the HeLa cells and to a lesser extent the HEp-2 cells was accompanied by changes in the gross appearance of the cultures depending upon the concentration of SV-40 in the inocula. The concentration of SV-40 in the fluid from the human cell cultures was high and neoplasms were induced in hamsters by fluid from 2 different cultures. SV-40 was also shed into the nutrient fluid of CE cultures kept for 6 months. The infectivity titers were low as determined in CMK and hamsters injected with fluid from a 91-day-old infected CE culture failed to develop neoplasms within a 160-day period. It was determined that approximately 105.5 ID50 virus was necessary to induce neoplasms in hamsters within a period of 215 days.
THE 2010 JOSEPH A. CUSHMAN AWARD

ANDREW J. GOODAY The 2010 Joseph A. Cushman Award for Excellence in Foraminiferal Research was presented to Andrew J. Gooday on November 2, 2010 at the Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research Reception and Award Ceremony in Denver, Colorado. Andy Gooday began his career studying ostracodes. His M.S. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee was on Miocene benthic ostracodes and his Ph.D. from the University of Exeter (UK) was on Devonian ostracodes. The particular group that he studied in his dissertation, the entomozoids, is believed to have been plankton and so the logical next step was to work with the modern equivalents. This he did as a NERC Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences (Wormley, England), where he studied modern planktonic ostracodes under the direction of Dr. Martin V. Angel, the leading authority on this unusual group. As this fellowship was finishing, Dr. Tony Rice was starting a benthic biology working group at the same institution and Andy began working on the copious benthic foraminiferal material collected off northwestern Africa on a cruise in 1973. During this early stage of his career, Andy was employed …
Multifunctional combinatorial-designed nanoparticles for nucleic acid therapy

Recent advances in biomedical sciences, especially in the field of human genetics, is increasingly considered to facilitate a new frontier in development of novel disease-modifying therapeutics. One of major challenges in the development of nucleic acid therapeutics is efficient and specific delivery of the molecules to the target tissue and cell upon systemic administration. In this report, I discuss our strategy to develop combinatorial-designed multifunctional nanoparticle assemblies based on natural biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for nucleic acid delivery in: (1) overcoming tumor drug resistance and (2) genetic modulation of macrophage functional phenotype from M1 to M2 in treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Hyperleptinemia: an early sign of juvenile obesity. Relations to body fat depots and insulin concentrations.

Leptin, the OB gene product, is an adipocyte-derived circulating protein. In several rodent models of obesity, such as the db/db mice, fa/fa rats, and ventromedial hypothalamus-lesioned mice, as we...
Use of Language Sample Analysis by School-Based SLPs: Results of a Nationwide Survey

Purpose This article examines use of language sample analysis (LSA) by school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs), including characteristics of language samples, methods of transcription and analysis, barriers to LSA use, and factors affecting LSA use, such as American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification, number of years' experience, and caseload characteristics. Method School-based SLPs responded to an invitation to complete an electronic survey related to LSA. Results One third of respondents indicated they did not use LSA during the 2012–2013 school year. SLPs who served middle and high school students were less likely to use LSA. Most respondents reported using conversation to analyze fewer than 10 samples and transcribing in real time. Additional analyses revealed that SLPs who had 3 or fewer years of experience and who analyzed fewer than 20 language samples per year were statistically less likely to report using real-time transcription. The most frequently cited barrier to using...
Crafting R&D Project Portfolios

OVERVIEW:Uncertain, but promising, R&D projects should be treated as one of three types of real options, depending on their degree of technical and market uncertainty. Positioning options are designed to preserve a company's future right to compete in a highly uncertain technological arena. Scouting options are used to create information about customer needs and market conditions. Stepping-stone options provide a technological path forward for an organization's long-run technology strategy, while containing cost and risk as new knowledge is created. Corporations rarely distinguish between such options and product launches or line extensions, with the result that they are managed and valued inappropriately. The guidelines provided here can not only help determine the right category for individual R&D projects, but also enable designing a portfolio of projects that is consistent with a firm's technology strategy.
A Vapor Transport Method for Estimating Free Formaldehyde in Solutions of Textile Chemicals1

A method to determine the free formaldehyde contents of solutions of textile chemicals was investigated. The amount of free formaldehyde in various solutions could be estimated quantitatively by a vapor transport method. Previous studies on vapor transport of formaldehyde to and from cotton fabrics had suggested the promise of this technique for quantification. With proper control of conditions, a direct relationship exists between free formaldehyde in a solution and that transported to cotton. The new vapor transport method eliminates much of the interference that complicates or prohibits the use of current analytical methods with solutions containing complex mixtures of textile chemicals. The study gives a description of the method, representative data obtained and their statistical correlation, and an indication of further development needed for standardization of the method.
Synthetic biology: Synthetic gene networks that smell.

Bioengineers have endowed a consortium of human cells with an artificial sense of smell, enabling the cells to detect, quantify, and remember the presence of gaseous volatile compounds in their environment.
Upper lateral cartilage composite flap for closure of complicated septal perforations.

Objectives/Hypothesis To present a novel technique for the repair of large complicated nasal septal perforations using an upper lateral cartilage composite flap. Study Design This is a case series of five patients with large septal perforations seen at an academic tertiary care center, who have failed previous treatment measures and were selected to undergo this novel reconstruction for closure of their defects. Methods Patients were followed clinically to determine the success of the repair. Pre- and postoperative photographic documentation is presented, as well as a description of the surgical technique. Results All patients were found to have large septal perforations exceeding 2 × 3 cm in size. The reconstructed septal perforations remained closed for the duration of follow-up. There were no long-term complications related to this technique. Conclusions The composite upper lateral cartilage flap is an effective and reliable means of repairing large and complicated septal defects with respiratory mucosa recruited from the nasal cavity. It may be considered in revision cases prior to entertaining regional extranasal flaps or the use of septal buttons. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1767–1771, 2017