cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide. Novel biology with clinical relevance

OBJECTIVE: The author provides the reader with a view of the regulation and function of nitric oxide (NO), based on the three distinct enzyme isoforms that synthesize NO. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Nitric oxide is a short-lived molecule exhibiting functions as diverse as neurotransmission and microbial killing. Recent advances in the characterization of the enzymes responsible for NO synthesis and in the understanding of how NO interacts with targets have led to new insights into the many facets of this diverse molecule. METHODS: Nitric oxide is produced by one of three enzyme isoforms of NO synthesis. These enzymes vary considerably in their distribution, regulation, and function. Accordingly, the NO synthesis or lack of NO production will have consequences unique to that isoform. Therefore, this review summarizes the regulation and function of NO generated by each of the three isoforms. RESULTS: Nitric oxide exhibits many unique characteristics that allow this molecule to perform so many functions. The amount, duration, and location of the NO synthesis will depend on the isoform of NO synthase expressed. For each isoform, there probably are disease processes in which deficiency states exist. For induced NO synthesis, states of overexpression exist. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the regulation and function of the enzymes that produce NO and the unique characteristics of each enzyme isoform is likely to lead to therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat a number of diseases.
Joint distributions of counts of strings in finite Bernoulli sequences

An infinite sequence ( Y 1 , Y 2 ,…) of independent Bernoulli random variables with P( Y i = 1) = a / ( a + b + i - 1), i = 1, 2,…, where a > 0 and b ≥ 0, will be called a Bern( a , b ) sequence. Consider the counts Z 1 , Z 2 , Z 3 ,… of occurrences of patterns or strings of the form {11}, {101}, {1001},…, respectively, in this sequence. The joint distribution of the counts Z 1 , Z 2 ,… in the infinite Bern( a , b ) sequence has been studied extensively. The counts from the initial finite sequence ( Y 1 , Y 2 ,…, Y n ) have been studied by Holst (2007), (2008b), who obtained the joint factorial moments for Bern( a , 0) and the factorial moments of Z 1 , the count of the string {1, 1}, for a general Bern( a , b ). We consider stopping the Bernoulli sequence at a random time and describe the joint distribution of counts, which extends Holst's results. We show that the joint distribution of counts from a class of randomly stopped Bernoulli sequences possesses the mixture of independent Poissons property: there is a random vector conditioned on which the counts are independent Poissons. To obtain these results, we extend the conditional marked Poisson process technique introduced in Huffer, Sethuraman and Sethuraman (2009). Our results avoid previous combinatorial and induction methods which generally only yield factorial moments.
Analysis of two recent tests of T-invariance

Inequality of the rates for K0 → π+e− υ− and K0 → π−e+ν transitions, reported by CPLEAR, and an asymmetry in the distribution of the dihedral angle between the π+π− and e+e− planes in KL → π+π−e+e− decays, found by KTeV, have been announced as demonstrations of T-noninvariance. These results are critically interpreted and compared as proofs of the failure of reciprocity.
Routines that ease the pain: the information world of a dialysis clinic

Patients with kidney failure who receive hemodialysis must spend 12 hours per week in a clinic setting to stay alive. We conducted an ethnographic study in a dialysis clinic in a Midwestern state that included 51 hours of observation and in-depth interviews with 9 clinic patients. Using Chatman's--Theory of Life in the Round", we examined how staff and patients in the dialysis clinic exchanged information about the disease. Information exchanged in this world was oriented towards making illness and treatment tolerable. Through immersion, staff and patients demonstrated how to live on dialysis, often with the aid of escapism and gentle banter. They also developed a taken-for-granted worldview marked by psychological acceptance and a local, everyday focus. This worldview was supported by the establishment and repetition of routines that reinforced the taken-for-granted quality of dialysis. Informational routines in the clinic also helped to convey this worldview, while systematically informing patients about how to live on dialysis. Patients generally stepped outside of this information world only if they received a kidney transplant, experienced a new health crisis, or came to distrust their health care providers. Implications for information behavior theory and clinic-based information services are discussed.
Kearns-Sayre syndrome presenting as 2-oxoadipic aciduria.

A patient with 2-oxoadipic aciduria and 2-aminoadipic aciduria presented at 2 years of age with manifestations typical of organic acidemia, episodes of ketosis and acidosis, progressive to coma. This resolved and the key metabolites disappeared from the urine and blood. At 9 years of age she developed typical Kearns-Sayre syndrome with complete heart block, retinopathy, and ophthalmoplegia. Southern blot revealed a deletion in the mitochondrial genome.
Symmetry of the quadratic Zeeman effect for hydrogen

The $O(4)$ symmetry of the hydrogen-atom degeneracy is exploited to obtain an exact separation of the quadratic Zeeman interaction on the Fock hypersphere in momentum space, and hence a complete classification of levels in the weak-field limit. The separation constant includes a double-minimum potential, and levels below the top of the barrier have an approximate $O(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}O(2)$ symmetry and vibrational structure. Levels above the top of the barrier have an approximate $O(3)$ symmetry, and a structure similar to that of an oblate symmetric top. The crossover between the two types of levels becomes sharper at high $n$, and is related to two different types of collective coupling of angular momentum and the Runge-Lenz vector.
Interrelatinoship between alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists and histamine in canine airways

Abstract To determine the interrelationship between adrenergic receptors in airway smooth muscle and histamine-induced airway constriction, we studied the responses of 26 parasympathectomized dogs to selective and mixed alpha- and beta-adrenergic stimulation in situ by means of an isometric tracheal smoth-muscle preparation. Intra-arterial (IA) phenylephrine (PE) caused dose-related tracheal contraction beginning at 10 −8 mol; maximal active tension was 9.47 ± 2.2 gm F/cm (mean ± SD) at 10 −5 mol. Pretreatment with propranolol augmented tracheal contraction to PE (maximum 35.5 ± 3.2 gm F/cm). The contractile resposne to PE was blocked with a dose of phentolamine (200 μg/kg IA), which did not alter the respionse to acetylcholine. Isoproterenol (ISO) caused dose-related tarcheal relaxation beginning at 4.2 × 10 −11 mol (maximum 43.2 ± 19.6 gm F/cm). Norepinephrine (NE) also caused tracheal relaxation beginning at 1.2 × 10 −6 mol, which was less than relaxation caused by ISO. Prestimulation with histamine did not augment the contractile response to PE but reduced maximal tracheal relaxation to NE (p not augment alpha-adrenergic contraction as previously suggested but causes physiologic antagonism of beta-adrenergic relaxation of tracheal muscle.
Genres of Jain history

L'A. etudie la conception jaine de l'histoire qui se divise en deux categories: 1) l'histoire jaine universelle, 2) des histoires jaines localisees. L'A. examine les differents genres de l'historiographie indienne de la tradition Svetāmbara par comparaison avec les theories occidentales de l'histoire developpees par H. White, P. Ricoeur et R. Barthes
On the structure of decentralized controllers in networked MDPs

This work considers the problem of constructing optimal decentralized controllers for networked Markov Decision Processes (MDPs). A number of subsystems, each modeled as an MDP, are dynamically coupled through a network and affect one another with delay. Each subsystem has a corresponding controller which has perfect knowledge of the local state and may communicate its state to the other controllers over a noise-free channel with fixed delay. The problem is framed in terms of a coordinator with access to the shared information of the controllers, leading to a dynamic programming problem to calculate optimal policies. Further, under the criteria of partial nestedness the dynamic program exhibits additional factored structure, leading to more efficient synthesis of the optimal policy.
A Framework Describing the Relationships among Social Technologies and Social Capital Formation in Electronic Entrepreneurial Networking

E-commerce technologiesâ€”including online exchangesâ€”focus heavily on transaction support. They are designed primarily to reduce transaction costs between suppliers, producers, distributors, and customers. Entrepreneurs however are not likely to realize the full business potential of e-commerce unless the transaction technologies are simultaneously supported by technology-enabled social learning networks used to stimulate the formation of social capital in its three primary manifestations. Toward that end this article argues that a number of Internet-based social technologies (e.g., email, chat, blogs, wikis, podcasts, etc.) can be used more effectively when it is understood that each technology offers different characteristics in support of the formation of different dimensions of social capital. This article presents a conceptual framework describing the capacities of various social technologies for supporting the formation of social capital. A primary thrust of the article is that alignment of a social technology infrastructure with the social capital requirements in entrepreneurial communities will facilitate the formation of electronic learning networks, enabling more collaborative and therefore more successful entrepreneurial communities.
Open boundary conditions for obliquely propagating nonlinear shallow-water waves in a wave channel

Abstract This paper describes the development of open boundary conditions (OBC) for the simulation of nonlinear periodic shallow-water waves propagating through an open channel. A set of generalized Boussinesq equations is adopted as the mathematical model. Euler's predictor-corrector finite-difference algorithm is applied for numerical computation. The performance of various open boundary conditions for obliquely incident cnoidal waves is studied. A newly developed two-dimensional OBC is demonstrated to be a very effective boundary condition for propagating waves out of the domain, even for waves with large incident angle. The performance of open boundary conditions is further verified by comparing model results with laboratory data for oblique wave reflection from a vertical wall.
Blink‐saccade synkinesis

We studied two patients who could make saccades of normal velocity and amplitude only in association with a simultaneous blink. In one patient, the initiation of saccades was also facilitated by blinks. Both patients had signs of cerebellar or brainstem dysfunction, suggesting a posterior fossa localization for blink facilitation of saccadic velocity and amplitude.
Storage Options and Sizing for Utility Scale Integration of Wind Energy Plants

Electric energy storage has been discussed as an option for increasing the marketability of wind energy facilities by reducing output variation. Utility scale wind plants face economic exposure to tariff charges for output variation as well as depending on volatile market prices for success. Wind speed variability and associated changes in wind plant output raise specific challenges to design engineers sizing electric energy storage systems. Evaluation of prospective Wind/Storage applications depends on the characteristics of individual wind plant output and the choice of storage technology. Energy storage options range from traditional lead acid batteries and pumped hydro storage to recently commercialized electrochemical flow battery systems. Selection and sizing of energy storage for wind plants vary with the time frame for each application. Different time frames correspond with the utility definitions of regulation, load shaping and load factoring. Results from a storage system model are presented that differentiate appropriate storage system sizes for these applications.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Predictive model of the cost of extreme-ultraviolet lithography masks

A model has been developed to predict the cost of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) masks. The mask blank for EUVL consists of a low thermal expansion material substrate having a square photomask form factor and is coated with reflective Mo/Si multilayers. Absorber layers are deposited on the multilayer and patterned. EUVL mask patterning will use evolutionary improvements in mask patterning and repair equipment. One of the challenges in implementing EUVL is to economically fabricate multilayer-coated mask blanks with no printable defects. The model of mask cost assigns yield and time required for each of the steps in fabricating EUVL masks from purchase of a polished substrate to shipment of a patterned mask. Data from present multilayer coating processes and present mask patterning processes are used to estimate the future cost of EUVL masks. Several of the parameters that significantly influence predicted mask cost are discussed in detail. Future cost reduction of mask blanks is expected from learning on substrate fabrication, improvements in low defect multilayer coating to consistently obtain <0.005 defects cm-2, and demonstration of multilayer smoothing which reduces the printability of substrate defects. The model predicts that the price range for EUVL masks in production will be S30-40K, which is comparable to the price of complex phase shift masks needed to use optical lithography for 70 nm critical dimension patterning.
Dynamic linear model analysis of optical imaging data acquired from the human neocortex.

The amount of light absorbed and scattered by neocortical tissue is altered by neuronal activity. Imaging of intrinsic optical signals (ImIOS), a technique for mapping these activity-evoked optical changes with an imaging detector, has the potential to be useful for both clinical and experimental investigations of the human neocortex. However, its usefulness for human studies is currently limited because intraoperatively acquired ImIOS data is noisy. To improve the reliability and usefulness of ImIOS for human studies, it is desirable to find appropriate methods for the removal of noise artifacts and its statistical analysis. Here we develop a Bayesian, dynamic linear modeling approach that appears to address these problems. A dynamic linear model (DLM) was constructed that included cyclic components to model the heartbeat and respiration artifacts, and a local linear component to model the activity-evoked response. The robustness of the model was tested on a set of ImIOS data acquired from the exposed cortices of six human subjects illuminated with either 535 nm or 660 nm light. The DLM adequately reduced noise artifacts in these data while reliably preserving their activity-evoked optical responses. To demonstrate how these methods might be used for intraoperative neurosurgical mapping, optical data acquired from a single human subject during direct electrical stimulation of the cortex were quantitatively analyzed. This example showed that the DLM can be used to provide quantitative information about human ImIOS data that is not available through qualitative analysis alone.
Calculus GPA and Math Identification as Moderators of Stereotype Threat in Highly Persistent Women

The present research tested whether the effect of stereotype threat on calculus performance was moderated by calculus GPA and math identification in advanced undergraduate women majoring in science, technology, and engineering (STEM) fields. Women (n = 102) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions—stereotype threat, gender equivalence, or no mention (of gender). Confirming stereotype threat theory, at high levels of calculus GPA and math identification, women performed the worst in the stereotype threat condition, intermediate in the gender equivalence condition, and best in the no mention condition. Strategies to counter the inimical effects of stereotype threat are discussed
Durable and Regenerable Antimicrobial Textiles: Chlorine Transfer among Halamine Structures

An intermolecular chlorine transfer reaction has been considered as a possible cause for improved durability and power of biocidal functions on cotton fabrics containing a mixture of amine, amide, ...
Intramolecular electron transfer within a covalent, fixed-distance donor-acceptor molecule in an ionic liquid

Intramolecular photoinduced charge separation and recombination within the donor−acceptor molecule 4-(N-pyrrolidino)naphthalene-1,8-imide-pyromellitimide, 5ANI−PI, are studied using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy in the room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide [EMIM][Tf2N]. The rate constants of both photoinduced charge separation and charge recombination for 5ANI−PI in [EMIM][Tf2N] are comparable to those observed in pyridine, which has a static dielectric constant similar to that of [EMIM][Tf2N] but a viscosity that is nearly 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of [EMIM][Tf2N]. The electron-transfer dynamics of 5ANI−PI in [EMIM][Tf2N] are compared to those in pyridine as a function of temperature and are discussed in the context of recently reported ionic liquid solvation studies.
An examination of adapted communication in young children

In Study 1, children ranging in age from 2 to 6 years were asked to describe one and two object referent sets to one listener who could see the objects and one listener who could not see the objects. The results indicated that all the children gave more information when describing two object referent sets, and that the five- and six-year-olds provided more information (in the form of modifiers) to the listener who could not see the objects than to the listener who could see the objects. In Study 2, children ranging in age from 2 to 4 were asked to describe one object referent set to one listener who could see the objects and one listener who could not, both before and after a questioning session. The questioning session, which was designed to sensitize the children to the range of describable object attributes, clearly led to more informative object descriptions; furthermore, after the questioning session, the three- and four-year-olds manifested a tendency to give more information to the listener who cou...
Design And Construction Of Unconventional Interference Filters

A brief outline will be given of several different numerical methods for the synthesis of interference filters with rather complicated spectral characteristics. With these it is possible now to design coatings having almost any desired transmittance curve. Unfortunately, the practical realization of such multilayer systems is often not easy. Frequently the thicknesses of the various layers of the coating assume different values. This necessitates the use of special thickness monitoring techniques during the construction of the filter. Also, the designs often call for refractive indices that are intermediate to those of known materials. Ways must be found to simulate materials with such indices. Other complications arise when the resulting multilayer filter is to be used in unusual environmental circumstances. Apparatus and methods will be described which are used at the NRCC for the construction of such filters.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structure, Dynamics, and Specificity of Endoglucanase D from Clostridium cellulovorans

The enzymatic degradation of cellulose is a critical step in the biological conversion of plant biomass into an abundant renewable energy source. An understanding of the structural and dynamic features that cellulases utilize to bind a single strand of crystalline cellulose and hydrolyze the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds of cellulose to produce fermentable sugars would greatly facilitate the engineering of improved cellulases for the large-scale conversion of plant biomass. Endoglucanase D (EngD) from Clostridium cellulovorans is a modular enzyme comprising an N-terminal catalytic domain and a C-terminal carbohydrate-binding module, which is attached via a flexible linker. Here, we present the 2.1-A-resolution crystal structures of full-length EngD with and without cellotriose bound, solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of the full-length enzyme, the characterization of the active cleft glucose binding subsites, and substrate specificity of EngD on soluble and insoluble polymeric carbohydrates. SAXS data support a model in which the linker is flexible, allowing EngD to adopt an extended conformation in solution. The cellotriose-bound EngD structure revealed an extended active-site cleft that contains seven glucose-binding subsites, but unlike the majority of structurally determined endocellulases, the active-site cleft of EngD is partially enclosed by Trp162 and Tyr232. EngD variants, which lack Trp162, showed a significant reduction in activity and an alteration in the distribution of cellohexaose degradation products, suggesting that Trp162 plays a direct role in substrate binding.
Assessing Bradykinesia in Parkinsonian Disorders

Objective: Bradykinesia is one of the clinical hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical Parkinsonian syndromes. Clinical ratings scales and technology based assessments have been developed to measure bradykinesia. We review the different tools that exist for measurement of bradykinesia and analyze their reliability and applicability to PD and atypical Parkinsonian syndromes. Methods: We summarize data on the factor structure of the two primary scales used to assess PD, the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Movement Disorder Society revision of the UPDRS, the MDS-UPDRS. We review how these scales have been used in atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Finally, we report on the different technology based tools being used to assess bradykinesia. Results: The UPDRS is a useful measure of PD function and disability with 6 clinically distinct factors, 3 of which pertain to bradykinesia. The MDS-UPDRS has shown high internal consistency and correlation with the original UPDRS. Factor analysis of the UPDRS in PSP reveals 5 clinically distinct factors, 2 of which are independent bradykinesia factors. Thus the UPDRS and MDS-UPDRS are reliable and applicable scales for PD and the UPDRS can be used to assess bradykinesia in PSP. Technology based tools for measuring bradykinesia include gyrosensors, Coordination Ability Test System, Brain Test, quantitative digitography, Motus motion analysis system, PRIMAS, and the At-Home Testing Device. These tools have been compared to the UPDRS motor subscale and are effective in assessing bradykinesia. Conclusion: The UPDRS and MDS-UPDRS are well-established measures of bradykinesia that are applicable and useful in PD. The UPDRS is also been shown to be applicable to PSP. Different technologies exist to measure bradykinesia, though further work is needed to validate these assessment tools and bring them to clinical practice.
Computation of gas-liquid equilibria in high-saline geothermal fluids

A computer-assisted chemical modeling study of equilibria in flowing brine systems has been undertaken. Equilibria between liquid and volatile components of two-phase fluids have profound effects on such important phenomena as corrosion, scale formation, environmental quality, and the economics of energy extraction. The principal reactions considered are those involving volatiles naturally present in the fluid, including NH/sub 3/, H/sub 2/S and CO/sub 2/. A computer code is described which performs stepwise equilibrium computations at 1/sup 0/C intervals for a unit mass of fluid, between reservoir and reinjection temperatures. The data base used is the quality-temperature function for the brine, the chemical composition, and equilibrium constants for the solubility reactions of gases and dissociation of their aqueous species. Chemical changes that take place during cooling and expansion are illustrated by distribution diagrams. Although the computations were developed for application to the high-saline resource, they are not fluid or system-specific, and should be of general usefulness where a chemical composition and temperature history can be specified.
Overview of herpesvirus latency

Abstract This review represents a historical and comparative treatment of herpesvirus latency, with an emphasis on herpes simplex and Epstein-Barr viruses. In these systems, through the application of contemporary molecular biological tools, descriptive features concerning the role of virus and cell in establishment, maintenance and reactivation of the latent state are reasonably clear. The mechanisms responsible, however, are not so clear.
Reliability analysis of “sibling” components

Engineering systems often contain some identical components (parts), the so-called "siblings". In the case of an automobile, these would be engine spark plugs, light bulbs, wheels, etc. These sibling components are typically coded with the same part number. When field (warranty) data are analyzed, a dilemma arises as to how to interpret a recurrent replacement of a sibling component belonging to a given system: as a secondary failure of the component that has already been replaced once, or as the first failure of the component's sibling(s)? From the stand point of root-cause analysis, the task is to understand whether recurrent failures are related to 1) a particular sibling, which might be operating in inauspicious conditions relative to other siblings, or 2) to any other siblings on the vehicle. One could attribute Scenario 1) to a system- level (e.g., system interaction) problem, and Scenario 2) to a component-level (supplier quality) problem. This is also critical in selecting an appropriate probabilistic model for predicting the reliability of sibling components. In this paper, we propose a statistical approach that helps to resolve the above formulated dilemma.
Optimal error estimates of mixed finite element methods for a fourth-order nonlinear elliptic problem

Abstract A mixed finite element method is developed for a nonlinear fourth-order elliptic problem. Optimal L 2 error estimates are proved by using a special interpolation operator on the standard tensor-product finite elements of order k ⩾ 1 . Then two iterative schemes are presented and proved to keep the same optimal error estimates. Three numerical examples are provided to support the theoretical analysis.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor from Japanese quail intestine: Kinetic studies

Abstract The cytosolic receptor from Japanese quail intestine has been partially purified and selected kinetic properties of the receptor preparation have been characterized. The receptor-chromatin complex technique developed by Haussler and his associates for separation of the bound from free 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] was used with modifications. Examination of the conditions for incubation of the receptor-chromatin complex with tritiated 1,25-(OH)2D3 led to the selection of 25° for 25 min at pH 7.4. Under these conditions the following kinetic characteristics prevailed. Speck binding was greater than 90% and the affinity of the receptor for 1,25-(OH)2D3 was 100 times greater than that for 25-(OH)D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 and 1.0 × 105 times greater than that for vitamin D3. Scatchard analysis revealed an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.1 nM. Determination of rate constants yielded an association rate constant (ka) of 4.2 × 107 M−1 min− and a dissociation rate constant (kd) of 4.1 × 10−2 min−1. The equilibrium dissociation constant, calculated from the ratio k d k a , is 1.0 nM. When used as a radioreceptor assay the preparation has a sensitivity of 5 pg of 1,25-(OH)2D3 per tube and a working range of 5 to 80 pg per tube.
Intensity-demodulated fiber-ring laser sensor system for acoustic emission detection

We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a fiber-optic ultrasonic sensor system based on a fiber-ring laser whose cavity consisting of a regular fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a tunable optical band-pass filter (TOBPF). The FBG is the sensing element and the TOBPF is used to set the lasing wavelength at a point on the spectral slope of the FBG. The ultrasonic signal is detected by the variations of the laser output intensity in response to the cold-cavity loss modulations from the ultrasonically-induced FBG spectral shift. The system demonstrated here has a simple structure and low cost, making it attractive for acoustic emission detection in structure health monitoring.
A kinetic study of indium nitride formation from indium oxide powders

Abstract Indium oxide powders were reacted in flowing ammonia at various temperatures and times to form indium nitride (InN), and the kinetics of the oxide- to- nitride reaction was quantitatively determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The quantity of the InN phase formed increased expectedly at higher temperatures and longer times showing a stretched-out exponential dependence. The reaction rate constant at a given temperature was determined using the Avrami equation. The activation energy for the reaction was calculated to be 164.5 KJ mol −1 in the temperature range of 580–650 °C and the Avrami constant varied between 1.56 and 2.8.
Sensitization and association in alpha blocking "conditioning".

Abstract 1. 1. The main purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the typical alpha blocking “conditioned” response is a response which requires pairing of stimuli in a precise relationship or a form of sensitization. This was accomplished by combining a delayed “conditioning” with a simple discrimination design, and measuring changes in alpha activity at different periods during the presentation of the stimulus. Changes due to contiguity and sensitization were measured against a group receiving continuous habituation. 2. 2. Pairing of tone and light produced increments in the number of alpha blocking responses which were not present in non-paired conditions. These increments were manifested primarily in the tone interval closest to the light, after a small number of presentations, and decreased with the accumulation of trials. 3. 3. Alpha blocking responses attributed to pairing seem to be superimposed upon a background of responses due to sensitization (produced by introduction of light) and incomplete habituation. 4. 4. It was suggested that differences in the number of alpha blocking responses between O1P3, O2P4 and O2Cz were probably related to intrinsic cerebral factors (subjects') since no interactions between derivations and the other variables were obtained. 5. 5. Responses attributed to pairing were labelled “contingent responses” and those attributed to other circumstances; i.e., non-paired light, “sensitization responses” even though the contribution of associative and non-associative factors was not entirely clarified, particularly for the latter. 6. 6. It was argued that contingent and sensitization alpha blocking responses could not explained simply in terms of “a return of the adapted out orienting reflex” on the basis of the evidence presented.
Large High Energy Density Pulse Discharge Capacitor Characterization

The energy density of film capacitors continues to increase. This paper discusses the performance issues of limited life pulsed discharge capacitors operating at better than 2 J/cc (2 MJ/m3) in the 5 kV to 20 kV range. Self-healing metallized electrodes have been utilized in these designs to provide graceful aging at electric fields greater than 500 MV/m. A variety of polymer films have been evaluated for use in these capacitors. The pulse rise times where the capacitors find application are in the range of microseconds to milliseconds. Life tests have been performed with the goal of achieving at least 1000 charge/discharge cycles at maximum energy density. Failure modes in normal charge/discharge pulse service, and short- circuit fault conditions have been evaluated. Design modifications to increase life and energy density were made based on those analyses. Capacitors delivering greater than 100 kJ above 2 J/cc have been built, tested, and shipped.
Genetic control of chlorophyll biosynthesis in chlamydomonas: Analysis of a mutant affecting synthesis of δ-aminolevulinic acid

Abstract A Mendellan mutation, r -1, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been isolated which elevates protoporphyrin accumulation of the Mendelian protoporphyrin mutants br 5 -1 and br c -1 more than 20 fold. This increased protoporphyrin accumulation is shown to result from increased δ-aminolevulinic acid synthesis in the double mutants br 5 -1 r -1 and br c -1 r -1 over that of br 5 -1 and br c -1 alone. By itself, the r -1 mutation has no detectable protoporphyrin accumulation and has reduced levels of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthesizing activity, chlorophyll, protoheme, and cytochrome oxidase activity. The low levels of chlorophyll and protoheme in r -1 can be increased by feeding δ-aminolevulinic acid. We hypothesize that r -1 may be a mutation of the gene coding for the δ-aminolevulinic acid synthesizing enzyme which reduces the sensitivity of this enzyme to feedback inhibition by protoporphyrin or heme as well as reducing the overall activity of the enzyme. Evidence is also presented for a single δ-aminolevulinic acid synthesizing enzyme serving both chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis.
The turtle still wins the rabbit

bacteraemia requires rigorous exclusion of colonic neoplasia and endocarditis. Q J Med 1985;56:439–50. [19] Statistics New Zealand. Infoshare. Accessed 8th May 2012 at http://www.stats. govt.nz/infoshare. [20] Day LW, Walter LC, Velayos F. Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in the elderly patient. Am J Gastroenterol 2011;106:1197–206. [21] Day LW, Kwon A, Inadomi JM, et al. Adverse events in older patients undergoing colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastrointest Endosc 2011;74:885–96. [22] Coats AJS, Shewan LG. Statement on authorship and publishing ethics in the International Journal of Cardiology. Int J Cardiol 2011;153:239–40.
Regional air quality impacts of increased natural gas production and use in Texas.

Natural gas use in electricity generation in Texas was estimated, for gas prices ranging from $1.89 to $7.74 per MMBTU, using an optimal power flow model. Hourly estimates of electricity generation, for individual electricity generation units, from the model were used to estimate spatially resolved hourly emissions from electricity generation. Emissions from natural gas production activities in the Barnett Shale region were also estimated, with emissions scaled up or down to match demand in electricity generation as natural gas prices changed. As natural gas use increased, emissions decreased from electricity generation and increased from natural gas production. Overall, NOx and SO2 emissions decreased, while VOC emissions increased as natural gas use increased. To assess the effects of these changes in emissions on ozone and particulate matter concentrations, spatially and temporally resolved emissions were used in a month-long photochemical modeling episode. Over the month-long photochemical modeling ep...
Cardiogenic small molecules that enhance myocardial repair by stem cells

The clinical success of stem cell therapy for myocardial repair hinges on a better understanding of cardiac fate mechanisms. We have identified small molecules involved in cardiac fate by screening a chemical library for activators of the signature gene Nkx2.5, using a luciferase knockin bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) in mouse P19CL6 pluripotent stem cells. We describe a family of sulfonyl-hydrazone (Shz) small molecules that can trigger cardiac mRNA and protein expression in a variety of embryonic and adult stem/progenitor cells, including human mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (M-PBMCs). Small-molecule-enhanced M-PBMCs engrafted into the rat heart in proximity to an experimental injury improved cardiac function better than control cells. Recovery of cardiac function correlated with persistence of viable human cells, expressing human-specific cardiac mRNAs and proteins. Shz small molecules are promising starting points for drugs to promote myocardial repair/regeneration by activating cardiac differentiation in M-PBMCs.
A simple additivity test for conditionally heteroscedastic nonlinear autoregression

In this article, we propose a test for the additivity of a nonlinear conditionally heteroscedastic autoregressive model. The test is based on the unequal variance unbalanced design ANOVA scheme. An asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is derived and the test performance in finite samples is studied using simulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first additivity test for a conditionally heteroscedastic time series model.
Organized Religion in a Voluntaristic Society

L'A. analyse la situation des religions au sein de la societe americaine qui tend a prendre un caractere volontariste. Il envisage la pratique religieuse individuelle dans ce pays. Il examine l'organisation des communautes religieuses. Il evoque les pratiques sociales organisees liees a la religion que l'on peut observer aux Etats-Unis
Fully scalable video transmission using the SSM adaptation framework

Recently a methodology for representation and adaptation of arbitrary scalable bit-streams in a fully content non-specific manner has been proposed on the basis of a universal model for all scalable bit-streams called Scalable Structured Meta-formats (SSM). According to this model, elementary scalable bit-streams are naturally organized in a symmetric multi-dimensional logical structure. The model parameters for a specific bit-stream along with information guiding decision-making among possible adaptation choices are represented in a binary or XML descriptor to accompany the bit-stream flowing downstream. The capabilities and preferences of receiving terminals flow upstream and are also specified in binary or XML form to represent constraints that guide adaptation. By interpreting the descriptor and the constraint specifications, a universal adaptation engine sitting on a network node can adapt the content appropriately to suit the specified needs and preferences of recipients, without knowledge of the specifics of the content, its encoding and/or encryption. In this framework, different adaptation infrastructures are no longer needed for different types of scalable media. In this work, we show how this framework can be used to adapt fully scalable video bit-streams, specifically ones obtained by the fully scalable MC-EZBC video coding system. MC-EZBC uses a 3-D subband/wavelet transform that exploits correlation by filtering along motion trajectories, to obtain a 3-dimensional scalable bit-stream combining temporal, spatial and SNR scalability in a compact bit-stream. Several adaptation use cases are presented to demonstrate the flexibility and advantages of a fully scalable video bit-stream when used in conjunction with a network adaptation engine for transmission.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam versus cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of patients hospitalized with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections

The efficacy and tolerability of ampicillin/sulbactam versus cefuroxime axetil administered intravenously in the treatment of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections in patients requiring hospitalization were assessed in a randomized study. A total of 103 adult patients were enrolled, with 49 receiving ampicillin/sulbactam and 54 receiving cefuroxime. Twenty-five of the 49 patients in the ampicillin/sulbactam group and 22 of the 54 patients in the cefuroxime axetil group were included in the statistical analyses. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to demographics or clinical, radiologic, and bacteriologic response rates. There was no apparent difference in the incidence of adverse effects.
The structure of the polycrystalline silver-aqueous interface

Resultats de l'etude de l'interface electrode d'argent-electrolyte, prevus a partir des modeles simules par l'ordinateur de la surface de l'electrode polycristalline d'argent, a l'aide des modeles de Damaskin et des donnees relatives a l'interface d'un monocristal de Valette et de Hamelin (ibid., 1973, 45, 301)
Comment on ‘‘Proposed Aharonov-Casher effect: Another example of an Aharonov-Bohm effect arising from a classical lag’’

A classical model of a neutron as a current loop is examined. The importance of the mechanical structure (which was overlooked by Boyer) for the dynamical equations is elaborated. It is shown that the current loop has the same behavior in an external static electric field as was obtained for the neutron by Aharonov and Casher from the Dirac equation.
Acute transsynaptic regulation of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase activity in the rat superior cervical ganglion: Evidence for both cholinergic and noncholinergic mechanisms

Abstract The rate of dopa synthesis in the rat superior cervical ganglion was increased 4- to 6-fold during continuous electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic trunk at 10 Hz for 30 min. This increase was only partially blocked by 3 mM hexamethonium and was not significantly affected by 6 microM atropine. In the presence of both hexamethonium and atropine, nerve stimulation still produced a 2- to 4-fold increase in dopa synthesis. Physostigmine increased dopa synthesis in both control and stimulated ganglia. This effect of physostigmine was completely blocked by hexamethonium and atropine. Dopa synthesis was also significantly increased when ganglia were incubated in a medium containing an elevated concentration of K+ (55 mM). This stimulatory effect of high K+ was totally dependent on the presence of Ca2+ in the medium, was decreased by 60% by prior decentralization of the ganglion, and was unaffected by hexamethonium and atropine. The data demonstrate that tyrosine hydroxylase activity is rapidly increased after preganglionic nerve stimulation and suggest that this increase is mediated in part by acetylcholine and in part by a second (noncholinergic) transmitter. The effects of an elevated K+ concentration may be mediated both by the release of a noncholinergic transmitter from the preganglionic nerve terminals and by direct depolarization of the ganglionic neurons.
Violacein, an Antibiotic Pigment Produced by Chromobacterium Violaceum

During the past several years renewed interest in the organism Chromobacterium violaceum has been aroused by the isolation of this germ from a fatal human infection by Black and Shahant in 1937. Two further reports of definite clinical infection with Chr. violaceum followed, one by Soule2 in 1939 and the other by Schattenberg and Harris3 in 1941. The pigmentation surrounding the "anthrax-like" lesions of the skin and the relative absence of contaminating organisms in the lesions suggested the possibility that some metabolic product of this organism might possess an inhibitory action against certain forms of bacteria, particularly those found abundantly in the normal flora of the skin. A search of the literature revealed no
Longspurs and snow buntings: phylogeny and biogeography of a high-latitude clade (Calcarius)

Using complete cytochrome b sequence data, we determined that the genus Calcarius, as presently recognized, is paraphyletic. Calcarius plus Plectrophenax form a highly supported clade composed of two subclades, a "snow bunting" clade comprised of Plectrophenax plus Calcarius mccownii (formerly in the monotypic genus Rhynchophanes), and a "collared" longspur clade of Calcarius lapponicus, ornatus, and pictus. Contrary to conventional thought, Calcarius is not phylogenetically close to either Calamospiza or Emberiza. Unlike these two genera, the taxonomic affinities of Calcarius appear to lie outside of the sparrow (tribe Emberizini) assemblage. Calcarius appears to be a relatively old songbird lineage, originating between 4.2 and 6.2 million years ago. Within Calcarius, pictus and ornatus form a closely related sister pair (2.9% divergent), as do Calcarius nivalis and hyperboreus (0.18% divergent). The group (Calcarius, sensu lato) is inferred to have its origins at relatively high latitudes in the New World.
Regulation of mouse stomach development and Barx1 expression by specific microRNAs

Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are postulated to fine-tune many developmental processes, their relationships with specific targets and tissues remain largely undefined. The mesenchymal transcription factor Barx1 controls spleen and stomach morphogenesis and is required to specify stomach-specific epithelium in adjacent endoderm. Barx1 expression is precisely regulated in space and time, with a sharp drop in stomach levels after epithelial specification. We tested the hypothesis that specific miRNAs mediate this marked decline in Barx1 levels. Depletion of the miRNA-processing enzyme Dicer in cultured stomach mesenchyme and conditional Dicer gene deletion in mice significantly increased Barx1 levels, disrupted stomach and intestine development and caused spleen agenesis. Computational and experimental studies identified miR-7a and miR-203 as candidate miRNAs that regulate Barx1 and are expressed in inverse proportion to it in the fetal mouse stomach. Through specific interactions with cognate sequences in the Barx1 3′ untranslated region, miR-7a and miR-203 repress Barx1 expression in stomach mesenchymal cells and its function in inducing gastric epithelium. These results indicate that miRNAs are required for proper digestive tract organogenesis and that miR-7a and miR-203 control expression of the stomach homeotic regulator Barx1.
A comparison of the output characteristics of several implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Background Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are effective for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. However, despite wide clinical use, there are no generally accepted standardized protocols to characterize and report the output capabilities of ICDs. Objective The objective of this study was to measure and compare the output characteristics of standard-output and high-output ICDs from several manufacturers under a common set of conditions. Methods The output characteristics of ICDs randomly selected from hospital stock were measured. The energy delivered for each shock to a range of fixed loads (25–75 Ω) was computed from the voltage waveform and the corresponding load. Results Delivered energy varied by ∼4 J over the range of loads tested and varied between devices (high-output 33.8–35 J; standard-output 26.7–28.6 J, at 50 Ω). Leading-edge voltage varied by ∼6% over the range of loads tested and varied between devices (high-output 738–792 V; standard-output 593–797 V, at 50 Ω). Pulse width varied by a factor of ∼3 over the range of loads tested and varied between devices (high-output 10–14.5 ms; standard-output 9–12.2 ms, at 50 Ω). Observed variations between devices and with load were significant ( P Conclusions Potentially important differences in output characteristics of different ICD systems exist and merit further clinical investigation. The reporting of ICD output characteristics should be standardized. Additionally, it is recommended that manufacturers report output characteristics as a function of load over the typical range of patient loads clinically encountered.