cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new ? -space formalism

The equations governing geometrical objects in ℋ space are written in terms of operators adapted to families of left shear-freeσ0= 0) cross sections of complexified null infinity (C I+). The concept of ℋ-conformai weight (HCW) is introduced, and a derivative operatorIa′, which is closely connected with the covariant derivative but which (unlike the covariant derivative) maps objects having well-defined HCW to other such objects, is defined. A function ℐ, derived from the Gaussian curvature of left shear-free slicings ofC I+ and having a well-defined HCW, is shown to contain all the curvature information for ℋ space.
Coccidiomycosis Thyroiditis in an Immunocompromised Host Post-Transplant: Case Report and Literature Review

Context: Acute infectious thyroiditis, particularly fungal thyroiditis, is rare and typically presents in immunocompromised individuals. Here we report the first case of coccidiomycosis thyroiditis occurring in an organ recipient as a consequence of likely allograft contamination and discuss the management strategies for thyroid masses in the setting of disseminated infection. Evidence Acquisition and Synthesis: In this clinical case seminar, we summarize the previously published cases of coccidiomycosis thyroiditis based on a MEDLINE search of all peer-reviewed publications (original articles and reviews) on this topic. We identified six other cases, five of which also occurred in immunocompromised hosts, although none occurred in organ recipients. Conclusion: A case of coccidiomycosis thyroiditis occurring in a post-liver transplant immunocompromised host is reported. Analysis of donor serum revealed the liver allograft as the likely infectious source, resulting in hematological spread to the thyroid. A...
SU-GG-T-260: Dicompyler: An Open Source Radiation Therapy Research Platform with a Plugin Architecture

Purpose: Currently no fully open sourcesoftware platform exists for research in medical physics and radiation therapy. In this study, we use open source technologies to develop a cross‐platform application, “dicompyler”, for evaluating radiation therapytreatment plans and to provide a research platform extensible via third party plugins. Method and Materials: Using the high level programming language, Python and open source tools, an environment was created to import DICOM / DICOM‐RT data that can be viewed, analyzed and modified. The application can import and display full treatment plans with the corresponding dose and structures and additionally display DVH data. A plugin model was developed so that the user can extend the software as needed. The platform was tested with anonymized data from various treatment planning systems using 3DCRT, IMRT, and brachytherapy plans. Additionally, in order to test the plugin system, a DICOM tree view and anonymization features were created. Results: Isodose curves and DVH values generated in dicompyler were successfully compared against the original planning system for various treatment plans. The plugin system was used to anonymize a radiation treatment plan in preparation for teaching purposes. The application ran successfully on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Conclusion: This work shows that an accessible research platform can be created using solely open source technologies and be compatible across operating systems. As DICOM is pervasive in radiation therapy, it is critical that a fully free, open source system be in place for individuals to analyze and understand the data that they work with. With an extensible system, future plugins such as treatment planning and image registration can be developed.
Seasonality in the supply of sediment to the deep Sargasso Sea and implications for the rapid transfer of matter to the deep ocean

Abstract The flux of particles approaching the sea floor near Bermuda has been sampled by sediment trap nearly continuously for more than two years. The trap was placed at a depth of 3200 m, 1000 m above the bottom, and samples were recovered at two-month intervals. All major components of the sediment (biogenic carbonate and silicate, and organic matter) and a minor, presumably aeolian, clay component, as well as all size fractions (after sieving) were delivered in seasonally fluctuating amounts. The flux variations appear closely tied to the annual cycle of primary production in the surface water, which in the Sargasso Sea peaks in early spring and reaches a low in late fall. The total particulate flux varied by a factor of three (20 to 60 mg m−2 d−1), but some components varied by more than an order of magnitude. The close synchroneity between surface production and deep-water arrival of even fine particles, which presumably sink as components of larger aggregates, indicates extremely rapid settling of the bulk of the sediment. The evidence that even the flux of inorganic particles varies in phase with the primary production cycle suggests that an efficient mechanism exists for rapid removal from the mixed layer and transfer to deep water of many chemicals, including pollutants, which are associated with, or scavenged by, biogenic and aeolian particles.
Explaining the Structure of the Archean Mass-Independent Sulfur Isotope Record

Sulfur isotopes in ancient sediments provide a record of past environmental conditions. The long-timescale variability and apparent asymmetry in the magnitude of minor sulfur isotope fractionation in Archean sediments remain unexplained. Using an integrated biogeochemical model of the Archean sulfur cycle, we find that the preservation of mass-independent sulfur is influenced by a variety of extra-atmospheric mechanisms including biological activity and continental crust formation. Preservation of atmospherically produced mass-independent sulfur implies limited metabolic sulfur cycling prior to ~2500 Ma; the asymmetry in the record requires that bacterial sulfate reduction was geochemically unimportant at this time. Our results suggest that the large-scale structure of the record reflects variability in the oxidation state of volcanic sulfur volatiles.
Fluconazole treatment of children with severe fungal infections not treatable with conventional agents.

Fluconazole was evaluated prospectively in 173 children aged between 4 months and 16 years in whom conventional antifungal therapy was ineffective or contraindicated. Children entered the study on an individual compassionate request basis for treatment of confirmed or presumed fungal infection or for prophylaxis of fungal infections. Sixty-two children had cancer, 40 had undergone transplantation, 14 had AIDS and 52 had other conditions. The mean fluconazole dosage was 3.4 mg/kg/day (range 0.16–11.1 mg/kg/day) and the mean duration of therapy was 36 days (range 1–340 days). Efficacy was evaluated in 63 children with confirmed fungal infection as documented by the presence of a fungal pathogen at baseline; clinical cure or improvement was achieved in 83 % (52/63), pathogen eradication in 73 % (43/59). All 173 children were assessed for safety. Related or possibly related adverse events occurred in 6 % (11/173) of patients; seven children were withdrawn from therapy because of adverse events. Results of this study demonstrate that the clinical efficacy and safety profile of fluconazole in the treatment of fungal infections in children are favorable, results being similar to those obtained in adults.
Formazan formation compared to phosphatase activity in human serum.

SummaryThe reduction of tetrazolium by serum is not a specific test for malignancy. It seems however to be correlated with the serum alkaline and acid phosphatase activity.
Modeling seafloor-spreading rates through time

A steady-state model of crust production and destruction for the past 180 m.y. was proposed by B. Parsons and advocated by D. Rowley. Such a model has serious implications for models of secular variations in, e.g., global sea level, global climate, and seawater chemistry. This paper presents an analysis of the steady-state model and then offers alternative extensions of that model that allow for non–steady-state production of ocean crust with time. Results suggest that the observed linear decrease in area versus age of ocean floor does not force a steady-state view of seafloor spreading.
The effect of mutation on ribonucleic acid, protein and ribonuclease formation in Neurospora crassa

Electrophoretic and biochemical analyses have been carried out to determine whether gene mutation in Neurospora crassa can elicit gross changes in nucleic acid or protein formation. Alterations in ribonucleic acid, ribonuclease and total protein formation which were observed during growth could not be specifically attributed to gene mutation. The ribonuclease of N. crassa resembles ribonucleases from other sources in many of its properties. However, the Neurospora enzyme can be completely inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
Intrauterine growth of full-term infants: impact of prenatal cocaine exposure.

Objective. The objectives of this study were to estimate the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on fetal growth and gestational age after controlling for exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana and other covariates; to evaluate whether prenatal cocaine exposure has a disproportionate adverse effect on head circumference compared with overall somatic growth; and to assess whether the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on fetal growth is mediated by cocaine's suspected effect on gestational age. Methods. The study population includes 476 neonates participating in the Miami Prenatal Cocaine Study, a longitudinal follow-up of in utero cocaine exposure. The sample, restricted to full-term neonates born to African-American inner-city mothers, included 253 infants exposed prenatally to cocaine (with or without alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana exposure) and 223 non-cocaine-exposed infants, of whom 147 were drug-free and 76 were exposed to varying combinations of alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana. Results. Evidence based on structural equations and multiple regression models supports a hypothesis of cocaine-associated fetal growth deficits (0.63 standard deviation) and an independent mild effect on gestational age (0.33 standard deviation). There was no evidence of a disproportionate adverse effect on birth head circumference once the impact on overall growth was estimated. There was evidence that some but not all of the cocaine effect on fetal growth was direct and some was indirect, acting via an intermediate influence of cocaine on gestational age. Conclusions. Cocaine-associated growth deficits, symmetrical and partially mediated by gestational age, were observed in this sample of inner-city African-American full-term infants prospectively enrolled at birth. Long-term implications will be the subject of future reports from this longitudinal investigation. Pediatrics 2001;108:1309-1319; cocaine, crack, prenatal, infant, growth.
Description of Complex Objects from Multiple Range Images Using an Inflating Balloon Model

We address the problem of constructing a complete surface model of an object using a set of registered range images. The construction of the surface description is carried out on the set of registered range images. Our approach is based on a dynamic balloon model represented by a triangulated mesh. The vertices in the mesh are linked to their neighboring vertices through springs to simulate the surface tension and to keep the shell smooth. Unlike other dynamic models proposed by previous researchers, our balloon model is driven only by an applied inflation force toward the object surface from inside the object, until the mesh elements reach the object surface. The system includes an adaptive local triangle mesh subdivision scheme that results in an evenly distributed mesh. Since our approach is not based on global minimization, it can handle complex, non-star-shaped objects without relying on a carefully selected initial state or encountering a local minimum problem. It also allows us to adapt the mesh surface to changes in local surface shapes and to handle boles present in the input data through adjusting certain system parameters adaptively. We present results on simple as well as complex, non-star-shaped objects from real range images.
Piezospectroscopic Study of the Raman Spectrum of α-Quartz

The effect of uniaxial stress on the Raman spectrum of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-quartz is investigated at liquid-helium temperatures using a quantitative stress cryostat. Stresses up to $\ensuremath{\sim}10$ kbar were employed. The $E(\mathrm{LO}+\mathrm{TO})$ doubly degenerate Raman lines with no observable LO-TO splitting, viz., the 128-, 263-, 695-, and 1160-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ lines, split into two components when the applied compressive force $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{F}}$ is along a direction other than the trigonal axis. The polarization features of the stress-induced components can be explained on the basis of the reduced symmetry of the crystal under uniaxial stress. The positions of the stress-induced components of the 128-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ line are linear with stress. Degenerate perturbation theory utilizing a deformation potential linear in strain permits the stress effects for $E(\mathrm{LO}+\mathrm{TO})$ lines in different crystallographic directions of $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{F}}$ to be correlated in terms of four deformation-potential constants; these have been determined for the 128-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ line to be $a=\ensuremath{-}218$, $b=\ensuremath{-}58$, $c=\ensuremath{\mp}174$, and $d=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}160$ in units of ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ per unit strain. The LO components of the LO-TO doublets at 393-400, 796-805, and 1064-1232 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ show a shift to higher frequencies, whereas the TO components remain at their zero-stress positions. The deformation-potential theory predicts a linear shift with stress for lines of ${A}_{1}$ symmetry, the shift being characterized by two deformation-potential constants. These constants have been determined to be $e=\ensuremath{-}814$ and $f=\ensuremath{-}1000$ in units of ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ per unit strain for the 205-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ line of ${A}_{1}$ symmetry. The shift of the other lines of ${A}_{1}$ symmetry, viz., the 354-, 464-, and 1081-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ lines, is less pronounced than that of the 205-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ line.
MECHANISTIC STUDIES IN COMBUSTION SYNTHESIS OF NI3AL AND NI3AL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

Nickel aluminides exhibit limited ductility and toughness at room temperature. One way to improve these characteristics is by adding ceramic reinforcements to the matrix. In this paper, we have studied the combustion synthesis of Ni 3 Al and Ni 3 Al-matrix composites, using the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) mode. First, studies of the Ni 3 Al synthesis were carried out by quenching the reaction during its progress, which revealed the mechanism of the synthesis. The influence of Al 2 O 3 and SiC whiskers or particulates, and B 4 C particulates added to the reaction mixture prior to combustion synthesis, was investigated next. It was found that, in general, reinforcements are heat sinks and limit the propagation of the reaction. Also, whiskers impede the flow of formed liquid to a larger extent than do particulates. Al 2 O 3 is inert and matrices reinforced with up to 2 wt. % Al 2 O 3 are composed essentially of Ni 3 Al grains. However, both B 4 C and SiC react with the Ni-Al matrix and lead to complex phases. In particular, B 4 C readily forms a Ni-Al-B liquid phase and disrupts dramatically the progress of the Ni 3 Al matrix synthesis.
Neurogenic vocal fold motion impairment after routine intubation for tonsillectomy in a pediatric patient.

Summary Objectives/Hypothesis Vocal fold motion impairment is a rare complication of general anesthesia and is more common in older patients undergoing longer duration of anesthesia. We present a case of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) axonotmesis in a 16-year-old patient undergoing general anesthesia for tonsillectomy. Study Design Case report. Methods The patient was intubated with a 6-0 oral RAE tube for routine tonsillectomy and was dysphonic postoperatively. Right vocal fold motion impairment was discovered on flexible laryngoscopy, and serial examinations with videostroboscopy were performed. She underwent laryngeal electromyography 3 months postoperatively. Results Initial videostroboscopy demonstrated findings consistent with right RLN injury. Laryngeal electromyography showed severe active denervation of the right thyroarytenoid muscle with signs of early reinnervation, consistent with axonotmesis. Complete recovery was achieved 4 months postoperatively. Conclusions This case demonstrates RLN axonotmesis after brief routine intubation. The presumed mechanism of injury is compression of the nerve between the thyroid cartilage and the arytenoid or cricoid cartilage. The use of an oral RAE endotracheal tube may have contributed to the injury owing to the short distance between the bend of the tube and the cuff, placing the cuff at a higher level within the airway.
Interaction of flavour components from an onion/garlic flavoured sour cream with high impact polystyrene

Permeation and sorption studies were performed on a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) container used to package onion/garlic flavoured sour cream. Permeation studies were carried out in a closed cell, while a gravimetric method was used for sorption analysis. Two probe compounds (dipropyl disulphide and dimethyl disulphide) were selected as representative flavour components in the sour cream. No permeation of probe compounds through the HIPS container was detected, although significant amounts of the probe compounds were sorbed within the polymeric package material. Partition coefficients were determined for the probe compounds between the package material, sour cream and package headspace. Values of the equilibrium partition coefficient favoured the association of the probe within the high impact polystyrene. This study also showed that the amount of probe compounds potentially to be sorbed by the packaging material, at storage temperatures of 5 °C, far exceeded the amounts initially present in the product.
Conserved tyrosine in the first transmembrane segment of solute:sodium symporters is involved in Na+-coupled substrate co-transport.

Solute:sodium symporters (SSSs) transport vital molecules across the plasma membrane of all living organisms. vSGLT, the Na+/galactose transporter of Vibrio parahemeolyticus, is the only SSS for which high resolution structural information is available, revealing a LeuT-like fold and a Na+-binding site analogous to the Na2 site of LeuT. Whereas the core transmembrane segments (TMs) of SSSs share high structural similarity with other transporters of LeuT-like fold, TM1 does not correspond to any TM in those structural homologs and was only resolved for the backbone atoms in the initial vSGLT structure (Protein Data Bank code 3DH4). To assess the role of TM1 in Na+-coupled substrate symport by the SSSs, here we have studied the role of a conserved residue in TM1 by computational modeling in conjunction with radiotracer transport and binding studies. Based on our sequence alignment and much topological data for homologous PutP, the Na+/proline transporter, we have simulated a series of vSGLT models with shifted TM1 residue assignments. We show that in two converged vSGLT models that retained the original TM1 backbone conformation, a conserved residue, Tyr-19, is associated with the Na+ binding interaction network. In silico and in vitro mutagenesis of homologous Tyr-14 in PutP revealed the involvement of this conserved residue in Na+-dependent substrate binding and transport. Thus, our combined computational and experimental data provide the first clues about the importance of a conserved residue in TM1, a unique TM in the proteins with LeuT-like fold, in the Na+-coupled symport mechanism of SSSs.
Scalable adaptive wireless powering of multiple electronic devices in an over-moded cavity

This paper presents a method for wireless powering of multiple electronic devices placed in an over-moded 2.2-GHz shielded microwave cavity using watt-level high-efficiency sources. Two transmitters based on a 77% efficient pHEMT PA to feed the cavity incoherently via strategically placed microstrip probes. The field patterns inside the cavity result from multiple excited modes ensuring a relatively uniform power density. Narrowband frequency modulation of the sources further improves uniformity. Each electronic device contains a rectenna, power management circuitry, and a rechargeable battery. A microcontroller performs power management and the available battery power is monitored using a low-power 900-MHz transceiver and communicated through a separate monopole probe and displayed external to the cavity. The approach is scalable in terms of power level, field profile, number of devices and overall size. Applications include personal electronics, powering of toys and powering of products in storage crates.
Electrode and Electrolyte Impedance in the Detection of Bacterial Growth

The growth of bacteria in culture was found to produce impedance changes between two metal electrodes which result from changes both in conductivity and electrode impedance. Predominant changes were found in the imaginary impedance component at low frequency. Linear ac impedance characteristics were found in the relation between real and imaginary impedance components before and during bacterial growth. This linear relation is consistent with characteristics of diffusion and electron exchange (oxidation-reduction) at the electrode. The measurement of impedance in this system was limited below 100 Hz by nonlinearity in the voltage-current relation. Bacterial growth was best detected with stainless steel electrodes at low frequency (100 Hz) and including the imaginary component of impedance.
Optimal synthesis of robot manipulators based on global dynamic parameters

The local nature of inertial, nonlinear, and coupling character istics of manipulators is an impediment to their optimal design. In this article, a method to represent and measure the global and po...
The effect of irradiation and reflectance variability on vegetation condition assessment

Surface reflectance and global irradiance variations across an imaged area determine the minimum signal difference from groups of pixels in different targets needed to discriminate them. The factors affecting such variations and their magnitudes are considered. The sensor output also depends upon the interaction of the spectral response of the sensor and the spectral upwelling radiance from the target. From a consideration of the spectral instrument responses of detectors in the Landsat multispectral scanners (MS), together with measured reflectance factors of a vegetative canopy stressed to different levels of severity, the feasibility of mapping and quantifying disease stress witlh Landsat vegetative indices (VINs) is demonstrated.
QUANTUM HALL EFFECT IN A MULTI-VALLEY TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRON SYSTEM

Two-dimensional electrons in an AlAs quantum well occupy multiple conduction-band minima at the X-points of the Brillouin zone. These valleys have large effective mass and g-factor compared to the standard GaAs electrons, and are highly anisotropic. With proper choice of well width and by applying symmetry-breaking strain in the plane, one can control the occupation of different valleys thus rendering a system with tuneable effective mass, g-factor, Fermi contour anisotropy, and valley degeneracy. Here we review some of the rich physics that this system has allowed us to explore.
Prenatal and infant exposure to acetaminophen and ibuprofen and the risk for wheeze and asthma in children

Background Several studies have reported an association between use of over-the-counter antipyretics during pregnancy or infancy and increased asthma risk. An important potential limitation of these observational studies is confounding by indication. Objectives We investigated the association of antipyretic intake during pregnancy and during the first year of life (infancy) with asthma-related outcomes before and after controlling for early-life respiratory tract infections. Methods We included 1490 mother-child pairs in Project Viva, a longitudinal prebirth cohort study. We categorized prenatal acetaminophen exposure as the maximum intake (never, 1-9 times, or ≥10 times) in early pregnancy or midpregnancy and ibuprofen intake as presence or absence in early pregnancy. We expressed intake of antipyretics in infancy as never, 1 to 5 times, 6 to 10 times, or more than 10 times. We examined the associations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen (per unit increase in exposure category) during pregnancy and infancy with wheeze, asthma, and allergen sensitization in early childhood (3-5 years of age, n = 1419) and midchildhood (7-10 years of age, n = 1220). Results Unadjusted models showed an increased asthma risk in early childhood for higher infant acetaminophen (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% CI 1.04-1.41) and ibuprofen (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.19-1.52) intake. Controlling for respiratory tract infections attenuated estimates for acetaminophen (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.88-1.22) and ibuprofen (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.36). Prenatal acetaminophen was associated with increased asthma (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.58) in early childhood but not midchildhood. Conclusions Adjustment for respiratory tract infections in early life substantially diminished associations between infant antipyretic use and early childhood asthma. Respiratory tract infections should be accounted for in studies of antipyretics and asthma to mitigate bias caused by confounding by indication.
A relation between dynamic strength and manual materials-handling strategy affected by knowledge of strength.

Objective We studied the relation between dynamic (isokinetic) strength and the batch-assorting strategy to initiate a manual materials-handling task and the effect of knowledge of strength on that relation. Background The debated, complex relationship between muscular strength and the risk of injury can be better understood from a behavioral perspective by examining performance strategies in physical acts such as lifting. Methods Thirty-two participants (16 men and 16 women) were first tested for their isokinetic strengths of trunk extension, knee extension, shoulder extension, and shoulder abduction. The participants were then divided into two groups, one provided with knowledge feedback of their strength testing results and the other not provided with such feedback. Participants subsequently performed the same load-handling task in which they carried batches of various weight plates while allowed to assort batches of more than one plate into any combination. Results Dynamic strength, as represented by a total isokinetic strength score, and knowledge feedback both had significant effects on measures quantifying the batch-assorting strategy. Conclusion Individuals with greater strength tended to adopt a strategy corresponding to a heavier load per carry and fewer carries per batch. Receiving knowledge feedback evoked a tendency toward handling a heavier load, and this tendency was more salient in the weaker individuals. Application Potential applications include the use of strength testing in worker selection and training as well as in job design to promote better strategies of balancing productivity and injury prevention.
pWalrus: Towards better integration of parallel file systems into cloud storage

Amazon S3-style storage is an attractive option for clouds that provides data access over HTTP/HTTPS. At the same time, parallel file systems are an essential component in privately owned clusters that enable highly scalable dataintensive computing. In this work, we take advantage of both of those storage options, and propose pWalrus, a storage service layer that integrates parallel file systems effectively into cloud storage. Essentially, it exposes the mapping between S3 objects and backing files stored in an underlying parallel file system, and allows users to selectively use the S3 interface and direct access to the files. We describe the architecture of pWalrus, and present preliminary results showing its potential to exploit the performance and scalability of parallel file systems.
On the Effective Generation of Set Elements Within Specified Ranges

A recursive functiong is augmenting ifg(n) ≥n for alln. Ag-constructor for a setA is a Turing machine that on inputn outputs some element ofA betweenn andg(n), inclusive, if such an element exists. Ag-generator forA outputs all elements ofA betweenn andg(n). Ag-detector merely determines whether there exist any elements in the given range. Total constructors (generators, detectors) always halt, and indicate whether or not any elements exist in the set in the given range; partial machines need not halt in the event that no such elements exist.
Functionalization of carbon nanotube AFM probes using tip-activated gases

Abstract Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) probe microscopy tips have been functionalized with gases, activated in a transient arc produced at the tip ends. Adhesion measurements between these tips and hydroxyl-terminated monolayers versus pH reveal that MWNT tips reacted in O 2 , H 2 and N 2 display acidic, pH-independent and basic properties, respectively. MWNT tips derivatized in O 2 /N 2 and H 2 /N 2 mixtures demonstrate the greater reactivity of carbon nanotubes towards O 2 and H 2 , respectively. Moreover, the chemical reactivity of tips functionalized in N 2 suggests termination in aromatic nitrogen heterocycles. Tip-activated gas functionalization of MWNTs provides facile generation of chemically sensitive nanoprobes.
The nuclear GTPase cycle: promoting peripheralization?

Abstract Numerous Ras-like GTPases function as molecular switches in the cytoplasm, but only one has been identified in the nucleus. This nuclear GTPase and its homologues are known in both yeasts and higher organisms and in all cases they are regulated by guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors. The ‘nuclear GTPase cycle’ created by these components is implicated in mRNA transport from and protein import to the nucleus, as well as in DNA replication, RNA processing and the regulation o f the cell cycle. In this article, Alan Tartako ff and Roger Schneiter propose that this GTPase cycle regulates dispersive functions in the nucleoplasm, an idea that explains many of the observed effects of disrupting the cycle.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus After Intravenous Contrast Medium Administration

Summary: Purpose: We describe a 52-year-old man with a glioblastoma multiforme who had a prolonged partial seizure immediately after undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head with intravenous contrast medium. Methods: Earlier computed tomography (CT) had demonstrated a ring-enhancing hypodense mass. The patient was treated with a regimen of intravenous Tirapazamine and brain irradiation. After CT scan performed on the day of his second hospitalization, the patient became aphasic. EEG showed continuous high-voltage semirhythmic sharp and slow waves in the left posterior temporal and parietal regions consistent with status epilepticus (SE). Intravenous lorazepam and a loading dose of phenytoin were administered. Results: On the next morning, the patient's condition had improved almost to baseline. He had no recurrent seizures. EEG at 2-month follow-up showed no epileptiform discharges. Conclusion: This appears to be the first reported case of contrast medium-induced status epilepticus.
Algorithm 735: Wavelet transform algorithms for finite-duration discrete-time signals

The algorithms split for the wavelet transform and merge for the inverse wavelet transform are presented for finite-duration discrete-time signals of arbitrary length not restricted to a power of 2. Alternative matrix- and vector-filter implementations of alternative truncated, circulant, and extended versions are discussed. Matrix- and vector-filter implementations yield identical results and enhance, respectively, didactic conceptualization and computational efficiency. Truncated, circulant, and extended versions produce the signal-end effects of, respectively, errors, periodization, and redundancy in the transform coefficients. The use of any one of these three versions avoids the signal-end effects associated with the other two versions. Additional alternatives that eliminate all signal-end effects (albeit at the cost of increased algorithmic complexity) are discussed briefly
The Total Gas and Dust Abundances in the Line of Sight to X Persei, Based on Chandra Spectroscopy

We have observed the high-mass X-ray binary X Persei/4U 0352+30 with the Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS) aboard the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. We fit the spectrum near the oxygen K-shell absorption edge to determine the total (gas+dust) abundance of oxygen along this line of sight. Comparison with UV gas-phase measurements along this same line of sight gives an abundance of grain-bound oxygen which is in general agreement with published grain model fits to the observed extinction. No evidence is found for a significant reservoir of oxygen in large, previously undetected grains. We also attempt to extract and fit the radial profile of a halo of scattered X-rays in the zero-order image, but our efforts are hampered by grating artifacts and high detector background. We do not obtain useful results using standard models for dust scattering.
Personality correlates of verbal and spatial ability

N = 175 undergraduate students took Cattell’s Sixteen Personality Factor questionnaire (16PF) and Thurston’s Primary Mental Abilities test (PMA). Participants were divided into the following 3 groups on the basis of their PMA subtest scores: A “high verbal-low spatial” group (HiV-LoS), an“intermediate” group, and a “high spatial-low verbal” group (HiS-LoV). On the basis of previous work with HiV-LoS and HiS-LoV participants, several personality differences between the two groups were hypothesized. Analyses of variance were conducted with personality factor scores as dependent variables and sex and ability patterns as independent variables. Results indicated that at least for male participants, the HIS-LoV and HiV-LoS groups differed significantly on certain personality variables involving response to social stimuli.
Asymptotically efficient parameter estimation using quantized output observations

This paper studies identification of systems in which only quantized output observations are available. An identification algorithm for system gains is introduced that employs empirical measures from multiple sensor thresholds and optimizes their convex combinations. Strong convergence of the algorithm is first derived. The algorithm is then extended to a scenario of system identification with communication constraints, in which the sensor output is transmitted through a noisy communication channel and observed after transmission. The main results of this paper demonstrate that these algorithms achieve the Cramer-Rao lower bounds asymptotically, and hence are asymptotically efficient algorithms. Furthermore, under some mild regularity conditions, these optimal algorithms achieve error bounds that approach optimal error bounds of linear sensors when the number of thresholds becomes large. These results are further extended to finite impulse response and rational transfer function models when the inputs are designed to be periodic and full rank.
Ultrafast subduction: the key to slab recycling efficiency and mantle differentiation?

Abstract Recycling of altered oceanic crust and sediment at subduction zones, probably the most important process leading to the development of mantle heterogeneities, is still extremely poorly understood. In an attempt to study some of the controls of volatile recycling efficiency, we evaluated the sensitivity of slab thermal structure to changing subduction velocity. Slab temperatures at a given depth of subduction decrease non-linearly with increasing slab velocity. The largest change in slab temperature occurs in the range of currently observed plate velocities (i.e., 3–12 cm/a). Above this range the rate of changes in slab temperature decreases with increasing slab velocity. Ultrafast plate velocities up to 20 cm/a are likely for the Cretaceous, for long periods in the Paleozoic and possibly in the early Earth. Colder slab temperatures during fast subduction velocities support the coherent transport of slab material deeper into the mantle. At a 30° subduction angle and subduction velocity of 3 cm/a the 600°C isotherm only penetrates to about 140 km depth and at 15 cm/a to 250 km. Increasing the slab angle changes the depth of penetration of a given isotherm, whereby the results along the slab trajectory remain essentially unchanged. Deeper penetration of brittle slab material into the mantle may alter the physical process of subduction and enhances downward circulation of slab and mantle materials. At ultrafast plate velocities ( > 12 cm/a), the temperatures in the lower crustal portion of the subducted slab are sufficiently low that hydrous magnesian silicates and other hydrous silicates may remain continuously stable well past the depth of slab penetration above which island arc volcanoes are formed. Therefore, fast and ultrafast subduction facilitates water subduction and, by virtue of the enhanced material transport into the mantle, allows for large quantities of water to be subducted during specific times of very fast subduction. Therefore, slab recycling is not linearly related to the volume of slab material that is subducted, but rather is highly accelerated during periods of fast spreading. It is suggested here that short periods of fast and ultrafast spreading, such as occurred during the Cretaceous, may catastrophically produce localized mantle chemical anomalies such as the DUPAL anomaly [1] or SOPITA [2]. Furthermore, enhanced volatile recycling during prolonged periods of rapid plate motion in the early history of Earth may have effectively influenced development of the early atmosphere and delayed mantle degassing and formation of the present-day ocean water masses.
Reflex Compensation for Variations in the Mechanical Properties of a Muscle

Soleus muscles of anesthetized cats were stretched and released by different amounts while their motor axons were stimulated. Muscle force increased, then gave way in response to large stretch. In the presence of active stretch reflexes in decerebrate cats, the give in force was absent. We demonstrate that autogenetic reflexes can compensate for variations in muscular stiffness revealed when responses to stretch and release are compared.
The comparative biochemistry of developing Ascaris eggs. VII. Malate oxidation and metabolism in unembryonated eggs.

Abstract 1. 1. Dialyzed homogenates of unembryonated Ascaris eggs were capable of oxidizing malate. 2. 2. Malate oxidation required the presence of added NAD and a hydrogen acceptor (phenazine methosulfate). 3. 3. Pyruvate and oxalacetate were the products of malate oxidation. 4. 4. Malate oxidation proceeded via the presence of malate dehydrogenase and also by a decarboxylation reaction possibly involving a malic enzyme. 5. 5. The homogenates were capable of reducing malate to succinate through fumarate reduction by NADH. 6. 6. In the absence of a Krebs cycle the results indicate a pathway in which CO2 fixation of pyruvate produces malate which is reduced to succinate as a major product in unembryonated eggs.
Measuring environmental quality: an index of pollution

Abstract This paper develops an index of pollution based on the epidemiological dose-response function associated with each pollutant, and the welfare losses due to exposure to pollution. The probability of damage is translated into welfare losses, which provides the common metric required for aggregation. Isopollution surfaces may then be used to compare environmental quality over time and space. An Air Pollution Index (API) is computed using 1997 data for the criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The results are compared with the EPA's Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). Two significant differences emerge: unlike the PSI, the API facilitates a detailed ranking of regions by air quality and API values may contradict PSI results. Some regions with PSI values of 100–200 are considered less polluted under the proposed methodology than those with PSI values between 50 and 100. The key reason for the difference is that PSI values are determined entirely by the gas with the highest relative concentration whereas the API value is based on the ambient concentrations of all pollutants.
Estimating stomatal diffusion resistance for Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine and white oak under light saturated conditions

Abstract Stomatal diffusion (leaf) resistance (rs) of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) and white oak (Quercus alba L.) in a variety of natural environments is described during conditions of light saturation as a function of the product of the predawn (base) xylem pressure potential of twigs (ψxb) or the soil water potential (ψs), and the saturation deficit of the atmosphere (δe). This general functional form was derived from an analysis based on an Ohm's law analog for water flow in the soil—plant—atmosphere system. The specific form used in each case was determined using regression analysis, where dependent variables considered were xylem pressure potential of the twigs or leaves (ψx) and air temperature (T) as well as δe and ψxb (or ψs). For three independent sets of Douglas-fir data, it is shown qualitatively that a single function describes the combined data as well as the functions derived for each of three data sets individually. The results imply that it may be possible to describe stomatal response of Douglas-fir, and perhaps other species, over a range of environmental conditions using the same model.
Interleukin-1 Enhances Pancreatic Islet Arachidonic Acid 12-Lipoxygenase Product Generation by Increasing Substrate Availability through a Nitric Oxide-dependent Mechanism

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) impairs insulin secretion from pancreatic islets and may contribute to the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. IL-1 increases islet expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and the resultant overproduction of NO participates in inhibition of insulin secretion because NO synthase inhibitors, e.g. NG-monomethyl-arginine (NMMA), prevent this inhibition. While exploring effects of IL-1 on islet arachidonic acid metabolism, we found that IL-1 increases islet production of the 12-lipoxygenase product 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid 12-(HETE). This effect requires NO production and is prevented by NMMA. Exploration of the mechanism of this effect indicates that it involves increased availabilty of the substrate arachidonic acid rather than enhanced expression of 12-lipoxygenase. Evidence supporting this conclusion includes the facts that IL-1 does not increase islet 12-lipoxygenase protein or mRNA levels and does not enhance islet conversion of exogenous arachidonate to 12-HETE. Mass spectrometric stereochemical analyses nonetheless indicate that 12-HETE produced by IL-1-treated islets consists only of the S-enantiomer and thus arises from enzyme action. IL-1 does enhance release of nonesterified arachidonate from islets, as measured by isotope dilution mass spectrometry, and this effect is suppressed by NMMA and mimicked by the NO-releasing compound 3-morpholinosydnonimine. Although IL-1 increases neither islet phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities nor mRNA levels for cytosolic or secretory PLA2, a suicide substrate which inhibits an islet Ca2+-independent PLA2 prevents enhancement of islet arachidonate release by IL-1. IL-1 also impairs esterification of [3H8]arachidonate into islet phospholipids, and this effect is prevented by NMMA and mimicked by the mitochondrial ATP-synthase inhibitor oligomycin. Experiments with exogenous substrates indicate that NMMA does not inhibit and that the NO-releasing compound does not activate islet 12-lipoxygenase or PLA2 activities. These results indicate that a novel action of NO is to increase levels of nonesterified arachidonic acid in islets.
Exogenous folate ameliorates ethanol-induced brain hyperhomocysteinemia and exogenous ethanol reduces taurine levels in chick embryos.

abstract Article history:Received 24 November 2008Received in revised form 26 March 2009Accepted 28 March 2009Available online 1 April 2009Keywords:EthanolHomocysteineS-adenosylmethionineS-adenosylhomocysteineFolateTaurine10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenaseChick The effects of exogenous ethanol and/or folic acid on endogenous homocysteine (HoCys) and SAM (S-adenosylmethionine)/SAH(S-adenosylhomocysteine)lev elsinchickbrainswerestudie dat11daysofdevelopment.EmbryonicEtOH(3.0mmol/kgegg)exposurecauseda1.6-foldincreaseinbrainHoCyslevelsanda9-folddecreaseinbrainSAM/SAHlevelsascomparedtocontrols( p≤0.05).BrainHoCysandSAM/SAHlevelsreturnedtocontrolvalueswhen injected with a mixture of EtOH and folic acid (3.0 mmol EtOH/kg egg and 34 μmol folic acid/kg egg). TheeffectsofexogenousEtOHontheremethylationpathway,asmeasuredby10-formyltetrahydrofolatedehydrogenase(10-FTHFDH)activities,andthetranssulfurationpathway,asmeasuredby taurine levels,were studiedat18daysofdevelopment.AsingledosageofEtOH(3.0mmol/kgegg; E
The system Ag-Fe-S: Phase equilibria and mineral assemblages

Phase relations in the Ag-Fe-S system were determined from 700 to 150 °C by quench experiments with the use of evacuated, sealed, silica tubes as reaction vessels; these data were then used to interpret various aspects of natural occurrences of Ag-Fe-S minerals (e.g. “argentiferous pyrite”). The assemblages Ag2S+Fe1−x S and Ag2S+FeS2 become stable, with decreasing temperature, at 622±2 ° and 607±2 °C, respectively; their establishments involve ternary invariant conditions. The three condensed phases Ag2S+Fe1−x S+FeS2 become stable together at 532±2 °C through a ternary eutectic reaction near Ag2S in composition. An invariant reaction at 248±8 °C results in the formation of the Ag+FeS2 pair from the Ag2S+Fe7S8 assemblage, which is stable at higher temperatures. The associations of native silver and pyrite are found in certain massive sulfide deposits, whereas natural coexistence of argentite and pyrrhotite has not been documented. Experiments demonstrate the feasibility of retrograde reequilibration in ores to produce the silver+pyrite pair from argentite+pyrrhotite. Less than 0.05 and 0.1 at. % Ag are soluble in FeS2 and Fe1−x S, respectively, at 600 °C and less than 0.8 at. % Fe in Ag2S at 500 °C. Silver does not measurably affect the d 10.2 values of Fe1−x S or the cell dimension of FeS2 (a 25 °C=5.4175±0.0001 A). This study also demonstrates that at low temperatures the binary fugacity data are applicable to ternary assemblages of the Ag-Fe-S system because of these very limited solubilities. The presence of Fe lowers the fcc ⇆ bcc inversion temperature of Ag2S more than 50 °C; the exact amount of lowering is dependent on the associated Ag-Fe-S phases. The bcc ⇆ mono. inversion temperature, however, is not measurably affected. No ternary solid phases were encountered above 150 °C. Heating of sternbergite and argentopyrite (both AgFe2S3) mineral samples shows instability at 152 °C (e.g. partial breakdown of sternbergite in 405 days); rate studies show that a 10 °C temperature increase results in approximately a 5-fold increase in breakdown rate.
Progress in eliminating oil-based and invert emulsion muds through glycol quantification

A calorimetric test procedure has been developed to measure polyglycol concentrations in drilling fluid filtrates up to 10 volume % polyglycol. The procedure is based on visual color matching using a {open_quotes}color wheel{close_quotes} and is reliable to {+-}0.5 volume %. A self-contained rig site test kit has also been developed based on the procedure and documentation on it`s use on 2 wells is presented.