cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective attachment of F-actin with controlled length for developing an intelligent nanodevice.

Abstract Development of the nanodevice that myosin-coated beads “walk” on actin filaments (F-actin) tracks for in vitro nanotransportation was hindered due to the difficulty of assembling large-area well-orientated F-actin tracks on the surface. In this work, we present a selective attachment of F-actin with controlled length on a patterned surface by employing biotinylated capped protein gelsolin as intermediate anchoring bridge. A patterned streptavidin layer was formed via coupling with a biotin layer that photo-actively attached to an amine-functionalized glass surface. The patterned film was found stable and homogenous compared to that obtained by microcontact printing method, according to the profiling with fluorescence microscopy. By a secondary blocking process, non-specific binding of F-actin to the patterned surface through electrostatic adsorption can be resisted. The length variation of F-actin as a function of gelsolin concentration was also investigated, implying that F-actin is appropriately of 2.5 μm in average length once F-actin/gelsolin molar ratio is 4:1. Finally, the selective attachment of F-actin was well characterized with quantifying the number of attached F-actin per unit area in the patterned areas over that in blocked areas. The density of F-actin was estimated at c.a. 2 μm 2 per actin filament molecule so that the distance between one another actin filament is estimated as c.a. 1.41–1.97 μm. The unique properties of F-actin, e.g. well flexibility or electrical conductivity, make it feasible to lay them down and form unidirectional aligned tracks by fluidic flow or electrical field. This may open a possibility for the long-distant movement of myosin-coated beads, offering a novel discipline for the development of micro-biochip in vitro .
Planetary science. A new model Moon.

The most sophisticated simulations yet of the Moon's birth show that it could have been created from an impact of a large body with a fully formed, rather than half-formed, Earth.
Low Temperature Thermodynamics of Fermi Fluids

In this report we shall show how the temperature coefficients in the low temperature expansions of thermodynamic quantities for a normal Fermi fluid can be determined from Landau’s phenomenological theory.
Chiroptical rhythmicity, part 3: implications on the activity of the functional cell-surface receptor model

Abstract The effect of ligand-induced rhythmical structural changes of the artificial receptor 1 on its capacity to mediate ion transport across lipid bilayer membranes was studied. The changes of the intravesicular pH of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine-small unilamellar vesicles (EYPC-SUVs) after application of a transmembrane proton gradient were measured by double-channel fluorescence kinetics in the presence of 1 at various concentrations of the extravesicular ligand l -His. Comparison with negative control experiments using d -His indicated that increasing concentrations of l -His affect the activity of 1 in a presumably rhythmical manner. Compared to the extent of structural rhythmicity, the functional rhythmicity of 1 appeared, however, less significant. The need for refined assay systems to fully delineate the importance of rhythmical activity of 1 with respect to biological rhythmicity is briefly discussed.
Potential value of operationally available and spatially distributed ensemble soil water estimates for agriculture

Summary The focus of this paper is to develop a methodology to answer the question: do the spatially distributed soil water estimates produced by operational distributed hydrologic models provide potential benefits for agriculture? The formulation quantifies the potential value through a cost–loss analysis, whereby cost for the farmer is associated with the decision to irrigate the field and loss is associated with the decision not to irrigate while damaging soil water deficits occur. Farmer decisions are made in view of the likelihood of damaging events as estimated by the ensemble distributed model simulations of soil water deficit. The ensemble simulations account for parametric and radar rainfall uncertainty. The application area for the economic value analysis is the farmland of the Illinois River watershed in northwestern Arkansas (mainly) and eastern Oklahoma, for which operational-quality distributed model input is available. The land is used to produce hay for feed. The analysis indicates that there is substantial potential economic value in using the ensemble soil water estimates to make decisions regarding irrigation within the watershed for the months of July, August and September, when severe soil water deficits may occur. The benefits are higher for lower cost–loss ratios and for higher yield plants. They exhibit considerable spatial variability within the watershed in agreement with the spatial variability of the incidence of soil water deficits and with the spatial variability of the ability of the ensemble model simulations to reproduce this variability. The results of this study warrant additional analysis of the economic value of distributed model simulations in other regions, different distributed models and for other types of crops. Consideration of forecasts in addition to simulations is also an important next step.
Sideroblastic anemia following congenital erythroid hypoplasia

1. Drash, A., Sherman, F., Hartmann, W. H., and Blizzard, R. M.: A syndrome of pseudohermaphroditism, Wilms' tumor, hypertension, and degenerative renal disease, J. P~DIAT. 76: 585, 1970. 2. Frasier, S. D., Bashore, R. A., and Mosier, H. D.: Gonadoblastoma associated with pure gonadaI dysgenesis in monozygous twins, J. PEDIAT. 64: 740, 1964. 3, Grupe, W. E., Cuppage, F. E., and Iteymann, W.: Congenital nephrotic syndrome with interstitial nephritis, Amer. J. Dis. Child. 111: 482, 1966. 4. Denys, P., Malvaux, P., Van Den Berghe, H., Tanghe, W., and Proesmans, W.: De pseudohermaphrodisme masculin, d'une tumeur de Wilms, d'une nephropathle parenchymateuse et d'un mosaicisme XX/XY, Arch. Franc. Pediat. 24: 729, 1967. 5. Raubltschek, H.: l~ber eine b~isartlge Nieren gesehwulst bei einem kindlichen Hermaphroditen, Frankfurt Z. Path. 10: 206, 1912. 6. Stump, T. A., and Garrett, R. A.: Bilateral Wilms' tumor in a male pseudohermaphrodite, J. Urol. 72: 1146, 1954. 7. AngstrSm, T.: Nephroblastoma in a case of agonadism, Cancer 18: 857, 1965. 8. Di George, A. M., and Harley, R. D.: The association of aniridia, Witms' tumor and genital abnormalities, Arch. Ophthal. 75: 796, 1966. 9. Smith, N. J.: Glomerulonephritis, Wilms' tumor and horseshoe kidney in an infant, Arch. Path. 42: 549, 1946. 10. Zunin, C., and Soave, F.: Association of nephrotic syndrome and nephroblastoma in siblings, Ann. Paediat, 203: 29, 1964. 11. Lines, D. R.: Nephrotic syndrome and nephroblastoma. Report of a case, J. P~DIAT. 72: 264, 1968. 12. Gilbert, J. B.: Studies in malignant testis tumors. VIII. Tumors in pseudohermaphrodites: Review of sixty cases and a case report, J. Urol. 48: 665, 1942. 13. Scully, R. E.: Gonadoblastoma. A review of 74 cases, Cancer 25: 1340, 1970.
Daughters of Aquarius: women of the Sixties counterculture

by Gretchen Lemke‐Santangelo, Lawrence, KS, University Press of Kansas, 2009, 234 pp., $24.95 (cloth), ISBN‐10: 0700616330 Lemke‐Santangelo’s new account of hippy women is a welcome contribution to...
Project Match treatment participation and outcome by self-reported ethnicity.

Background: There is a lively ongoing debate concerning the need for culturally congruent alcohol treatment, with the assumption that such treatment would meaningfully address treatment outcome disparities among ethnic minorities. Although valid on the face of it, no randomized clinical trials have yet prospectively investigated and documented whether, in fact, different ethnic groups actually fare better or worse from one another when offered mainstream, culturally “incongruent” treatment. The purpose of this study was to contrast Hispanic, black, and white client treatment engagement and outcome in an effort to identify potential health disparities related to client ethnicity. Methods: The Project Match outpatient (N= 952) and aftercare (N= 774) samples were divided according to self-reported ethnicity: Hispanic (n= 141; 8%), black (n= 168; 10%), and white (n= 1380; 80%). Controlling for socioeconomic status using the Hollingshead Occupational scale, the three ethnic groups were contrasted on pretreatment characteristics, rates of treatment attendance, three scales of therapeutic alliance, satisfaction with treatment, and drinking outcomes for the 12 months after treatment. Results: Ethnic differences in rates of therapy attendance were not robust and dissipated after controlling for socioeconomic status. No mean ethnic differences in ratings of therapeutic bonding and agreement with therapy goals were obtained, but blacks and Hispanics reported higher agreement on the value of therapeutic tasks relative to whites. Nevertheless, whites reported significantly higher global satisfaction with treatment relative to Hispanics and blacks. No ethnic main effect was found in drinking intensity during the 12-month follow-up. In contrast and only in the outpatient sample, blacks (n= 51) reported significantly higher rates of monthly abstinence relative to whites (n= 679). Conclusions: Pretreatment characteristics predictive of positive treatment outcome favored white clients relative to Hispanic and black clients, but Hispanic and black clients fared at least as well as white clients during the 12-month follow-up, at least on two measures of drinking behavior. The absence, then, of poorer drinking outcomes for the ethnic minorities suggests that they may mobilize (1) different behavior change strategies and/or (2) additional social resources to achieve comparable drinking outcomes with white clients. Specific recommendations for future research are made.
Dusky dolphin foraging habitat: overlap with aquaculture in New Zealand

Marine farms have the potential to affect dolphin foraging in the coastal environment, yet this issue has been largely omitted from aquaculture management models. Data on the subject are minimal. This study was conducted to examine potential overlap between dusky dolphin habitat use and New Zealand's growing green-lipped mussel farming industry. Data on dusky dolphin occurrence, distribution, abundance, and behaviour were collected from small vessels over five successive winters in the Marlborough Sounds, the centre of New Zealand's mussel farming industry. Locations and movements of dolphin groups were recorded at 2 min intervals with a global positioning system receiver to examine the overlap of dusky dolphin use of coastal areas with existing and proposed marine farms. All cases of dolphins entering the boundaries of mussel farms and total time spent in farms were recorded. Over 8500 dolphin dorsal fin photographs were analysed to develop a catalogue of 421 marked individuals utilizing the area. All instances of dolphin feeding were noted, and focal group behaviour was recorded at 2 min intervals for groups observed ⩾1 h. Within the Marlborough Sounds, dusky dolphins were most often encountered during the winter in Admiralty Bay, the area with the greatest density of proposed farming activity in the region. Mark-recapture data indicate that more than 1000 dusky dolphins used Admiralty Bay over the course of the 5 year study, with an average of 220 individuals inhabiting the bay on any given week during the winters of 1998–2002. As many as 55% of individuals returned to Admiralty Bay in consecutive winters. Overlap of dusky dolphin habitat use with proposed marine farms is high, and dolphins rarely used areas within the existing farms. If dusky dolphin distribution with respect to farms were random, an expected 18plusmn1;0.5 of 436 groups would be encountered in existing inner Admiralty Bay farms; however, no dolphin groups were first encountered in farms. In 5 years, only eight of 621 dusky dolphin groups monitored in Admiralty Bay were observed to enter the boundaries of mussel farms at any point. Dolphins entering mussel farms moved rapidly up the lanes between rows of lines and floats. Dolphins were observed a total of 14.2 min inside farms versus 147.5 h outside of farms in Admiralty Bay. Correcting for area, dolphins were observed spending significantly less time per survey inside than outside of farms. Most dusky dolphin groups in Admiralty Bay were observed feeding on small schooling fish, often associated with seabirds and/or fur seals. Movement and diving patterns indicate much foraging when not actively feeding. Regular seasonal migration of dusky dolphins and frequent feeding associations with other apex predators make management of marine farming a wider socio-economic and ecological issue. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors affecting assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy rates: a multivariate analysis

Purpose : To determine factors instrumental in achieving a clinical pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology (ART) patients. Methods : This study included 205 women undergoing their first ART cycle. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for patient demographics, in vitro production data, and factors associated with embryo transfer. Odds ratios (OR) were performed where appropriate. Results : Our analyses indicated that age (OR: 0.879), specific year in which the cycle was performed (OR: 2.959), and use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (OR: 2.867) altered potential pregnancy rate. In addition, percent fertilization (OR: 1.028), number of embryos transferred (OR: 1.842), type of catheter used to transfer the embryos (OR: 0.377), presence of blood on the catheter (OR .414), and embryologist (OR: 2.338) also altered pregnancy rate. Conclusions : Our data indicate patients' age, use of the Cook catheter, and presence of blood on the catheter reduce pregnancy rates. Performing ART in 1999, using ICSI, increasing fertilization rate, increasing number of embryos transferred (albeit less desirable when the chance of multiple gestation may occur), and transferring embryos via a particular embryologist, improve pregnancy rates.
Raman spectra of the linear dicyanides

Abstract The Raman spectra of aqueous solutions of LiAg(CN) 2 , LiAu(CN) 2 , and Hg(CN) 2 have been studied. The symmetric metal-carbon stretching frequency, v 2 , for Au(CN) 2 − , was observed as a very broad and weak band at the position predicted (450 cm −1 ) from infrared studies. Concentrated solutions of LiAg(CN) 2 and LiAu(CN) 2 exhibit new Raman shifts indicating interaction of the M(CN) 2 − ions with Li + ions. Hg(CN) 2 in aqueous solution shows Raman shifts of 167 and 148 cm −1 , in addition to the three fundamentals of the Hg(CN) 2 molecule. These low frequency vibrations most likely arise from Hg(CN) 2 OH − ions. For the symmetric CN stretching vibration of Au(CN) 2 −1 the intensity and depolarization ratio were both appreciably larger than for Ag(CN) 2 − and Hg(CN) 2 . This is shown to be in accord with greater metal-ligand π bonding in Au(CN) 2 − than in the other two species.
Scanning tunneling spectroscopy of carbon nanotubes

Calculations predict that carbon nanotubes may exist as either semimetals or semiconductors, depending on diameter and degree of helicity. This communication presents experimental evidence supporting the calculations. Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM-S) data taken in air on nanotubes with outer diameters from 17 to 90 A show evidence of one-dimensional behavior; the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics are consistent with a density of states containing Van Hove type singularities for which the energies vary linearly with inverse nanotube diameter.
Study of CO2 laser smoothing of surface roughness in fused silica

Small micrometer-sized roughness on optical surfaces, caused by laser damage and/or redeposition of laser ablated material, can cause local electric field intensification which may lead to damage initiation both on the optics and/or downstream. We examined the smoothing of etched periodic surface structures on SiO{sub 2} substrate with 10.6 {micro}m CO{sub 2} laser using atomic force microscopy. The characteristic surface tension driven mass flow of the glass under different laser parameters were simulated using computational fluid dynamics and correlated with experimental results. We found that during CO{sub 2} laser polishing the estimate viscosity of the silica glass appears to be higher than typical literature values measured at a temperature similar to the laser heating conditions. This discrepancy can be explained by the observation that at high temperature, a significant portion of the hydroxyl content in the layer of heated silica glass can diffuse out resulting in a much stiffer glass.
General lower bounds for resonances in one dimension

Lower bounds are derived for the magnitude of the imaginary parts of the resonance eigenvalues of a Schrodinger operator $$ - \frac{{d^2 }}{{dx^2 }} + V(x)$$ on the line, depending only on the support and bounds ofV and on the real part of the resonance eigenvalue. For example, if the resonance eigenvalue is denotedE +iɛ, then there existC and l0 depending only on ‖E‖∞ andE such that if the support ofV is contained in an interval of length l > l0, then $$\left| \varepsilon \right| > \frac{{m^3 \sqrt E }}{{(m + \sqrt E )^2 }}\exp ( - m\ell )(1 - C\ell ^{ - 1} ),$$ wherem‖V(x)−E−∞1/2.
A model of auditory deviance detection

A key component in computational analysis of the auditory environment is the detection of novel sounds in the scene. Deviance detection aids in the segmentation of auditory objects and is also the basis of bottom-up auditory saliency, which is crucial in directing attention to relevant events. There is growing evidence that deviance detection is executed in the brain through mapping of the temporal regularities in the acoustic scene. The violation of these regularities is reflected as mismatch negativity (MMN), a signature electrical response observed using electro-encephalograpy (EEG) or magneto-encephalograpy (MEG). While numerous experimental results have quantified the properties of this MMN response, there have been few attempts at developing general computational frameworks of MMN that can be integrated in comprehensive models of scene analysis. In this work, we interpret the underlying mechanism of the MMN response as a Kalman-filter formulation that provides a recursive prediction of sound features based on the past sensory information; eliciting an MMN when predictions are violated. The model operates in a high-dimensional space, mimicking the rich set of features that underlie sound encoding up the level of auditory cortex. We test the proposed scheme on a variety of simple oddball paradigms adapted to various features of sounds: Pitch, intensity, direction, and inter-stimulus interval. Our model successfully finds the deviant onset times when the deviant varies from the standard in one or more of the calculated dimensions. Our results not only lay a foundation for modeling more complex elicitations of MMN, but also provide a versatile and robust mechanism for outlier detection in temporal signals and ultimately parsing of auditory scenes.
The effect of thalidomide on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and metabolites in advanced solid tumor patients

Purpose Irinotecan and thalidomide are commonly administered antineoplastic drugs. Combination treatment may potentiate their antitumor effect and protect against irinotecan’s intestinal toxicity. We investigated whether thalidomide can modulate the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and metabolites.
Computational identification of potential multitarget treatments for ameliorating the adverse effects of amyloid-β on synaptic plasticity

The leading hypothesis on Alzheimer Disease (AD) is that it is caused by buildup of the peptide amyloid-beta (Abeta), which initially causes dysregulation of synaptic plasticity and eventually causes destruction of synapses and neurons. Pharmacological efforts to limit Abeta buildup have proven ineffective, and this raises the twin challenges of understanding the adverse effects of Abeta on synapses and of suggesting pharmacological means to prevent it. The purpose of this paper is to initiate a computational approach to understanding the dysregulation by Abeta of synaptic plasticity and to offer suggestions whereby combinations of various chemical compounds could be arrayed against it. This data-driven approach confronts the complexity of synaptic plasticity by representing findings from the literature in a course-grained manner, and focuses on understanding the aggregate behavior of many molecular interactions. The same set of interactions is modeled by two different computer programs, each written using a different programming modality: one imperative, the other declarative. Both programs compute the same results over an extensive test battery, providing an essential crosscheck. Then the imperative program is used for the computationally intensive purpose of determining the effects on the model of every combination of ten different compounds, while the declarative program is used to analyze model behavior using temporal logic. Together these two model implementations offer new insights into the mechanisms by which Abeta dysregulates synaptic plasticity and suggest many drug combinations that potentially may reduce or prevent it.
Rate-dependent mechanical properties of dry blended pharmaceutical powder formulations for tabletting applications

Abstract Pharmaceutical tablets are formed using formulations consisting of ingredients such as filler, binder, disintegrant, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. In the present study, these formulations were tested to determine mechanical properties at low to medium pressure regime using a medium pressure (
Cardiac Health: Primary Prevention of Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women. Although 450,000 women die annually from heart disease, this fact is unknown to many women. Because heart disease is frequently preventable, increasing awareness of personal risk and preventative measures is a key element of health care for women. Nurse clinicians can evaluate, educate, and counsel women regarding their risk for this pervasive disease and promote behavior changes that will decrease that risk. Research evidence supports that lifestyle behaviors are the cornerstone of heart disease prevention. This article presents current evidence for the prevention of heart disease related to dietary intake, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and lipid management. Guidelines for implementing findings in clinical practice are discussed.
Synthesis of 1-acyl-2-[3H]acetyl-SN-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a structural analog of platelet activating factor, by vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS) were challenged with thrombin in the presence of [3H]acetate to stimulate the production of radiolabeled platelet activating factor (PAF, 1- O -alkyl-2-[3H]acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1- O -alkyl-2-[3H]acetyl-GPC). The 3H-product was isolated by thin-layer chromatography, and 1-radyl-2[3H],3-diacetylglycerols were prepared by phospholipase C digestion and subsequent acetylation at the sn -3 position. When the 1-radyl-2[3H],3-diacetylglycerols were analyzed by zonal thin-layer chromatography, 96–97% of the radiolabeled derivative migrated with 1-acyl-2,3-diacetylglycerol standard. Only minor amounts (3–4%) of 1-alkyl-2[3H],3-diacetylglycerol were observed, demonstrating that the predominant acetylated product synthesized by thrombin-stimulated HUVECS was 1-acyl-2-[3H]acetyl-GPC. This relative abundance of 1-acyl-2-[3H]-acetyl-GPC was not significantly affected by thrombin dose, incubation time, or cell passage, and was also observed in HUVECS challenged with ionophore A23187. In addition, the acetylated product from ionophore A23187- or bradykinin-stimulated bovine aortic endothelial cells contained 90% 1-acyl-2-[3H]acetyl-GPC, suggesting that the synthesis of the 1-acyl PAF analog is not unique to HUVECS. These findings demonstrate that PAF is a minor synthetic component of HUVECS and bovine aortic endothelial cells. In light of the integral role which the vascular endothelial cell plays in the regulation of thrombosis, these findings also suggest that the production of 1-acyl-2-acetyl-GPC may be biologically important.
Treatment Refusal, Noncompliance, and Substance Abuse in Pregnancy: Legal and Ethical Issues

: Prenatal caregivers often note that the behavior of pregnant patients creates the risk of fetal harm. Three such cases are reviewed, together with care providers' responses and relevant law. Pregnant womens' rights to disregard medical advice are increasingly being overridden in courtrooms and bedside hearings. To preserve the patient-provider relationship, and to avoid coercive actions that may have little legal basis, emphasis should be on helping the woman act in her own best interest and that of her fetus, rather than on the law or the courts as a means of directly or indirectly controlling her behavior.
The viscosity of a moderately dense, polydisperse suspension of spherical particles

Abstract A recently developed formalism for computing the low-frequency, Newtonian viscosity of moderately dense monodisperse suspensions is extended to include polydisperse suspensions. In the form presented here this general theory is applicable to spherical solute particles suspended in a Newtonian solvent. Explicit formulas are obtained for the viscosity virial coefficients associated with first and second order terms in powers of the solute volume fraction. It is proved that the second order term in the viscosity virial series for a polydisperse suspension of solute particles is fully characterized by a single, dimensionless function b2(λ), with 0⩽λ⩽1. Numerical values are presented for the second order (Huggins) coefficient specific to hard-sphere particles with general stick-slip solute–solvent boundary conditions and for “spherical surfactant particles” as well. Calculations are included also for suspensions with log-normal particle-size distributions.
Anticipate your surroundings: Predictive collision detection between dynamic obstacles and planned robot trajectories on the GPU

Proactive collision detection enables robots to efficiently execute tasks in shared human-robot-workspaces by avoiding collision-prone situations. Our work connects motion prediction of RGB-D flow algorithms with motion primitive planning via an efficient voxel Swept-Volume-based collision detection. The approach can handle scenarios with varying contents as we use the same techniques to predict single moving objects but also articulated bodies. Our process chain consists of highly parallel GPU algorithms that allow a full 3D representation of planned trajectories and predictions from live pointclouds in high resolution, while still being online capable. We demonstrated our achievements in two scenarios with different motion granularity.
The U.S. Export Credit Insurance Program in Transition: FCIA and the International Marketing Executive

Both Washington and American business are concerned about U.S. international trade performance and various export‐finance and related support undertakings. This paper examines the significant transition in the government’s export‐credit insurance program in terms of a major alteration of the relationship between the Export‐Import Bank and Foreign Credit Insurance Association. The result is a case study of how level and delivery of export‐credit support must be carefully evaluated by marketing executives operating in today’s global business environment.
Tests for dominant-lethal effects of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) in male and female mice☆

DBCP was studied for dominant-lethal effects in male and female mice and for total reproductive effects in females. In males it was administered either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously while in females it was given only by the former route. No DBCP-related response was observed in either males or females indicating its ineffectiveness in inducing chromosomal aberrations or cytotoxicity in mouse germ cells. These findings differ markedly from the observations made in rats by other investigators. Thus, the probable existence of a species difference in germ cell response to DBCP has been strengthened by the availability of the present results. It should be noted, however, that only two stocks of male mice have been studied so far for dominant-lethal and germ cell cytotoxicity effects.
Clock Jitter Compensation in High-Rate ADC Circuits

Clock timing jitter refers to random perturbations in the sampling time in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The perturbations are caused by circuit imperfections in the sampling clock. This paper analyzes the effect of sampling clock jitter on the acquired samples in the midst of random noise. We propose low-complexity digital signal processing methods for estimating the jitter in real-time for direct downconversion receivers at high sampling rates. We also propose adaptive compensation methods for the jitter and analyze the performance of the proposed techniques in some detail as well as through simulations.
The molecular biology of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

The molecular cloning of genes encoding neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) has made possible a better understanding of the pharmacology and toxicology of cholinergic compounds. Neuronal nAChRs are related in structure to the nAChRs present at the neuromuscular junction. They are composed of multiple subunits designated either alpha and beta. Eight alpha and three beta subunit genes have been cloned. The alpha subunits contain the ligand binding sites, whereas beta subunits are structural subunits that contribute to the function of the receptor. A large number of nAChRs can be formed from different combinations of alpha and beta subunits. Different combinations of alpha and beta subunits can produce receptors in vitro with distinct ion conducting properties. Each subunit gene is expressed in a distinct pattern in the nervous system. The expression of at least some of the nAChR subunit genes is regulated during development and by cell-cell interactions. Each neuronal nAChR subtype has a distinct pharmacology. Both alpha and beta subunits contribute to the pharmacological properties of each subtype. The expression of multiple nAChR subtypes may allow for precise control of neurotransmission mediated by acetylcholine in diverse populations of neurons.
Inherited Memory in Birds

SOME interesting communications have lately appeared in NATURE on this subject, accounting for the wonderful knowledge of routes and localities displayed by birds in their migrations, by the theory that the impressions made on the brains of the parents are transmitted to their offspring, and that which we call vaguely instinct is often inherited memory.
Alteration in glucose tolerance produced by irradiation of the pelvis.

Cancer of the cervix patients receiving pelvic radiation exhibit an increased tolerance for glucose given orally and a diminished tolerance for glucose given intravenously. There is a return toward normal several months after the conclusion of radiotherapy. (auth)
Tristhiolatomolybdenum Nitrides, (RS)3Mo⋮N Where R = iPr and tBu, Preparation, Characterization and Comparisons with Related Trialkoxymolybdenumnitrides

The addition of thiols to (tBuO)3Mo⋮N in toluene leads to the formation of (RS)3Mo⋮N compounds as yellow, air-sensitive compounds, where R = iPr and tBu. The single-crystal structure of (tBuS)3Mo⋮N reveals a weakly associated dimeric structure where two (tBuS)3Mo⋮N units (MoN = 1.61 A, MoS = 2.31 A (av)) are linked via thiolate sulfur bridges with long 3.03 A (av) Mo−S interactions. Density functional theory calculations employing Gaussian 98 B3LYP (LANL2DZ for Mo and 6-31G* for N, O, S, and H) have been carried out for model compounds (HE)3Mo⋮N and (HE)3MoNO, where E = O and S. A comparison of the structure and bonding within the related series (tBuE)3Mo⋮N and (tBuE)3MoNO is made for E = O and S. In the thiolate compounds, the highest energy orbitals are sulfur lone-pair combinations. In the alkoxides, the HOMO is the N 2p lone-pair which has MN σ and MO π* character for the nitride. As a result of greater O pπ to Mo π interactions, the MN π orbitals of the MoN triple bond are destabilized with respect t...
Flow simulation in the human upper respiratory tract.

Computer simulations of airflow patterns within the human upper respiratory tract (URT) are presented. The URT model includes airways of the head (nasal and oral), throat (pharyngeal and laryngeal), and lungs (trachea and main bronchi). The head and throat morphology was based on a cast of a medical school teaching model; tracheobronchial airways were defined mathematically. A body-fitted three-dimensional curvilinear grid system and a multiblock method were employed to graphically represent the surface geometries of the respective airways and to generate the corresponding mesh for computational fluid dynamics simulations. Our results suggest that for a prescribed phase of breath (i.e., inspiration or expiration), convective respiratory airflow patterns are highly dependent on flow rate values. Moreover, velocity profiles were quite different during inhalation and exhalation, both in terms of the sizes, strengths, and locations of localized features such as recirculation zones and air jets. Pressure losses during inhalation were 30-35% higher than for exhalation and were proportional to the square of the flow rate. Because particles are entrained and transported within airstreams, these results may have important applications to the targeted delivery of inhaled drugs.
Weakly bonded Lewis base adducts of plumbocene and stannocene: A synthetic and calculational study

The coordination of [(η-Cp)2Pb] and [(η-Cp)2Sn] by bidentate Lewis-base ligands gives the first examples of adducts of neutral p-block metallocenes. Ab initio MO calculations of [(η-Cp)2Pb·TMEDA] (1) (TMEDA = (Me2NCH2)2), [Cp2Pb·4,4‘-Me2bipy] (2) (4,4‘-Me2bipy = 4,4‘-dimethylbipyridine), and the new complex [(η-Cp)2Sn·TMEDA] (3) confirm that despite the presence of longer Pb−N and Sn−N bonds in the solid-state structures of the TMEDA adducts, the association of TMEDA with the metallocenes is more favorable than with 4,4‘-Me2bipy. This finding is a consequence of the greater reorganization energy of 4,4‘-Me2bipy compared to TMEDA. The low association energies of these species can be rationalized in terms of metal lone pair/ligand lone pair repulsion.
Warfarin Pharmacogenetics: CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Genotypes Predict Different Sensitivity and Resistance Frequencies in the Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewish Populations

Warfarin is a widely used anticoagulant that has a narrow therapeutic range because of both genetic and environmental factors. CYP2C9∗2 (p.R144C), CYP2C9∗3 (p.I359L), and the VKORC1 promoter (g.-1639G→A) polymorphisms occur frequently in patients who are warfarin “sensitive” and require lower doses, whereas patients with VKORC1 missense mutations are warfarin “resistant” and require higher doses. To compare the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 allele and genotype frequencies among 260 Ashkenazi (AJ) and 80 Sephardi Jewish (SJ) individuals, we genotyped six CYP2C9 and eight VKORC1 alleles by using the Tag-It Mutation Detection Kit and PCR-RFLP assays. The “sensitive” CYP2C9∗2 and ∗3 alleles had significantly higher frequencies in SJ than in AJ individuals, 0.194 and 0.144 versus 0.127 and 0.081, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, the VKORC1 p.D36Y mutation, which predicts warfarin “resistance,” had a significantly higher frequency in AJ than in SJ individuals, 0.043 versus 0.006, respectively (p ≤ 0.025). Of note, 11.3% of AJ individuals predicted to be CYP2C9 extensive metabolizers and 8.7% of those predicted to be intermediate and poor metabolizers were VKORC1 p.D36Y carriers who require markedly higher warfarin doses. Thus, ∼10% of all AJ individuals would be misclassified when only genotyping CYP2C9∗2, ∗3, and VKORC1 g.-1639G→A, underscoring the importance of screening for p.D36Y prior to initiating warfarin anticoagulation in AJ individuals. Taken together, our findings show that ∼85% of AJ and ∼90% of SJ individuals have at least one “sensitive” (CYP2C9∗2, ∗3, VKORC1 g.-1639G→A) or “resistant” (VKORC1 p.D36Y) allele, indicating that each group has different warfarin pharmacogenetics and would benefit from genotype-based dose predictions.
Processing of N-linked oligosaccharides in soybean cultured cells

Abstract Evidence, based on both in vivo and in vitro studies with suspension-cultured soybean cells, is presented to demonstrate the processing of the oligosaccharide chain of plant N-linked glycoproteins. Following a 1-h incubation of soybean cells with [2-3H]mannose, the predominant glycopeptide obtained by pronase digestion of the membrane fraction was a Man7- or Man8GlcNAc2-Asn (GlcNAc, N-acetylglucosamine). However, the major oligosaccharide isolated from the lipid-linked oligosaccharides of these cells was a Glc2- or Glc3Man9GlcNAc2. Soybean cells were incubated with [2-3H]mannose and the incorporation of mannose into Pronase-released glycopeptides was followed during a 2-h chase. During the first 10 min of labeling, the radioactivity was mostly in a large-sized glycopeptide that appeared to be a Glc1Man9GlcNAc2-peptide. During the next 60 to 90 min of chase, this radioactivity was shifted to smaller and smaller-sized glycopeptides indicating that removal of sugars (i.e., processing) had occurred. Both glucosidase and mannosidase activity was detected in membrane preparations of soybean cells. Nine different glycopeptides were isolated from Pronase digests of soybean cell membrane fractions. These glycopeptides were purified by repeated gel filtration on columns of Bio-Gel P-4. Partial characterization of these glycopeptides by endoglucosaminidase H and α-mannosidase digestion, and by analysis of the products, suggested the following glycopeptides: Glc1Man9GlcNAc2-Asn, Man8GlcNAc2-Asn, Man7GlcNAc2-Asn, Man6GlcNAc2-Asn, and Man5GlcNAc2-Asn.
Dynamic and distributed properties of many-neuron ensembles in the ventral posterior medial thalamus of awake rats.

Abstract The traditional view that the map of the face in the ventral posterior medial thalamus (VPM) is static and highly discrete was derived largely from qualitative studies that reported only small, robust, and nonoverlapping receptive fields (RFs). Here, by using more quantitative techniques, we have provided evidence for an alternative hypothesis: the RFs in the VPM are large and overlapping and tend to shift as a function of post-stimulus time. These results were obtained through simultaneous recordings of up to 23 single neurons across the whisker representation in the VPM of rats. Under both awake and anesthetized conditions, these neurons responded robustly at short (4-6 ms) and/or long (15-25 ms) latencies to discrete vibromechanical stimulation of single facial whiskers. Computer graphics were used to construct three-dimensional plots depicting the magnitudes of neuronal responses to stimulation of each of several whiskers as a function of post-stimulus time. These "spatiotemporal RFs" demonstrated that (i) the RFs of VPM neurons are quite large, covering up to 20 whiskers and (ii) the spatial locations of these RFs may shift dramatically over the first 35 ms of post-stimulus time, especially from the caudal-most to the rostral-most whiskers on the face. These results suggest that the VPM contains a dynamic and distributed representation of the face, in which stimulus information is coded in both spatial and temporal domains.
Genotyping from saliva with a one-step microdevice

This paper presents a disposable microfluidic device for on-chip lysing, PCR, and analysis in one continuous-flow process. Male-female sex determination was performed with human saliva in less than 20 min from spit to finish, and requiring only seconds of manual sample handling. This genetic analysis was based on the amplification and detection of the DYZ1 repeat region unique to the Y-chromosome. The flow-through microfluidic chip consisted of a single serpentine channel designed to guide samples through 42 heating and cooling cycles. Cycling was performed by matching the local channel geometry to a steady-state temperature gradient established across the microfluidic chip. 38 channel segments were designed for rapid low volume PCR, and four were optimized for spatial DNA melting analysis. Fluorescence detection was used to monitor the amplification and to capture the melting signature of the amplicon was performed with a basic 8-bit CCD camera. The microfluidic device itself was fabricated from microscope slides and a double-sided tape. The simplicity of the system and its robust performance combine in an elegant solution for lab-on-a-chip genetic analysis.
Linear programming with spheres and hemispheres of objective vectors

Given a linear program with a boundedp-dimensional feasible region let the objective vector range over ans-sphere, that is, ans-dimensional sphere centered at the origin wheres does not exceedpź1. If the feasible region and the sphere are in general position with respect to each other, then the corresponding set of all optimal solutions is a topologicals-sphere. Similar results are developed for unbounded feasible regions and hemispheres of objective vectors.
Resonant photoemission at the 5p and 4f thresholds of mercury

Abstract Resonances in the photoemission intensities of the mercury 5d orbitals have been observed for thin films of mercury for incident photon energies near the 5 p 3 2 , 4 f 7 2 and 4 f 5 2 thresholds. The results indicate that interband transitions from the 5p and 4f levels to the 5d orbitals can occur for solid Hg, though such interband transitions are forbidden for the free isolated Hg atom. The resonances are attributed to the formation of a solid state band structure incorporating new itinerant mercury electronic states.
Monopoly exploitation of an exhaustible resource

Abstract The popular notion that a monopolist will exhaust a nonrenewable natural resource at a slower than socially optimal rate is examined. Contrary to the prevailing belief, instances do exist for which the monopolist uses the resource faster than the social maximizer. This is demonstrated first by finding conditions for which the expected result—a monopoly rate which is slower than optimal-will always hold, and second, by showing that for situations where these conditions are violated the result may be reversed.
Combination of Topical 5-Fluorouracil with Cryotherapy for Treatment of Actinic Keratoses

. A method which achieves the desirable results of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy, but shortens the duration of treatment is described. Existing actinic keratoses are first identified by use of 5-FU. Liquid nitrogen spray is then used to freeze the involved sites.
Financial management attitudes and behaviour of husbands and wives

In spite of recent economic events which suggest that families are having much difficulty managing their financial resources, little research has focused on spouses' attitudes and behaviour regarding family financial management. This study addressed three questions: (1) What are spouses' attitudes toward and behaviour regarding family financial management? (2) To what degree do husbands and wives agree in their attitudes and report similar behaviour regarding financial management? and (3) What factors effect the attitudes and behaviour of spouses regarding management of their financial resources? While spouses' attitudes were generally supportive of family resource management principles and philosophy regarding financial management, their reported behaviour indicated relatively few families acted on their beliefs. Correlations between husbands' and wives' attitudinal and behavioural scores were positive and statistically significant; however, the modest coefficients indicated much room for disagreement between spouses regarding family management. The family characteristics which were the best predictors of positive financial management attitudes and effective behaviour included: number of years married; completion of a course in consumer education by a spouse; and occupational status of wives.
Cytochrome c oxidase as the receptor molecule for chemoaccumulation (chemotaxis) of Euglena toward oxygen

Chemoaccumulation of Euglena gracilis toward oxygen was selectively inhibited, without concomitant effects on cell motility, by cyanide (10(-6) to 10(-4) molar) and carbon monoxide (5 x 10(-5) to 5 x 10(-4) molar). Above these concentrations, motility of the cell was imparied and the chemosensory response was inhibited. Azide did not affect chemoaccumulation even at 5 x 10(-3) molar. It is concluded that cytochrome a3 serves as the chemoreceptor molecule for oxygen-mediated behavioral responses in Euglena.
Serum free thyroxine values in term, premature, and sick infants

Free thyroxine concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay in 96 infants within an intensive care nursery and in 32 healthy term infants. Sera for free T 4 levels were drawn simultaneously with the filter paper specimens for T 4 obtained to screen these infants for congenital hypothyroidism. The mean free T 4 level in 20 adults was 1.38±0.03 ng/dl (mean±SEM). The mean in the ICN infants was 3.48±0.18 ng/dl and in healthy term infants, 4.24±0.23 ng/dl. Like T 4 , free T 4 correlated positively with increasing gestational age and birth weight, and was lower in infants with RDS. Although 66% of the ICN infants had T 4 levels below the statistically selected screening level (fifth percentile), all of these infants had free T 4 levels greater than 0.8 ng/dl. Two additional infants with untreated congenital hypothyroidism had free T 4 levels of 0.3 and 0.4 ng/dl. The measurement of free T 4 appears to be an accurate indicator of thyroid function in these infants.
Two-dimensional packing in prolate granular materials

We investigate the two-dimensional packing of extremely prolate ~aspect ratio a5L/D.10) granular materials, comparing experiments with Monte Carlo simulations. The average packing fraction of particles with aspect ratio a512 is 0.6860.03. We quantify the orientational correlation of particles and find a correlation length of two particle lengths. The functional form of the orientational correlation is the same in both experiments and simulations which three orders of magnitude in aspect ratio, all decaying over a distance of two particle lengths. It is possible to identify voids in the pile with sizes ranging over two orders of magnitude. The experimental void distribution function is a power law with exponent 2b522.4360.08. Void distributions in simulated piles do not decay as a power law, but do show a broad tail. We extend the simulation to investigate the scaling at very large aspect ratios. A geometric argument predicts the pile number density to scale as a 22 . Simulations do indeed scale this way, but particle alignment complicates the picture, and the actual number densities are quite a bit larger than predicted.
Intensity of exercise recovery, blood lactate disappearance, and subsequent swimming performance

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the effects of active versus passive recovery on blood lactate disappearance and subsequent maximal performance in competitive swimmers. Fourteen male swimmers from the University of Virginia swim team (mean age 20.3 years, s = 4.1; stature 1.85 m, s = 2.2; body mass 81.1 kg, s = 5.6) completed a lactate profiling session during which the speed at the lactate threshold (VLT), the speed at 50% of the lactate threshold (VLT.5), and the speed at 150% of the lactate threshold (VLT1.5) were determined. Participants also completed four randomly assigned experimental sessions that consisted of a 200-yard maximal-effort swim followed by 10 min of recovery (passive, VLT.5, VLT, VLT1.5) and a subsequent 200-yard maximal effort swim. All active recovery sessions resulted in greater lactate disappearance than passive recovery (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons), with the greatest lactate disappearance associated with recovery at VLT (P = 0.006 and 0.007 vs. VLT.5 and VLT1.5 ...