cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Fungal Prion HET-s(218-289) Induces Formation of a Generic Amyloid Fold

The prion-forming domain of the fungal prion protein HET-s, HET-s(218-289), is known from solid-state NMR studies to have a β-solenoidal structure; the β-solenoid has the cross-β structure characteristic of all amyloids, but is inherently more complex than the generic stacked β-sheets found in studies of small synthetic peptides. At low pH HET-s(218-289) has also been reported to form an alternative structure, which has not been characterized. We have confirmed by x-ray fiber diffraction that HET-s(218-289) adopts a β-solenoidal structure at neutral pH, and shown that at low pH, it forms either a β-solenoid or a stacked β-sheet structure, depending on the integrity of the protein and the conditions of fibrillization. The low pH stacked-sheet structure is usually formed only by proteolyzed HET-s(218-289), but intact HET-s(218-289) can form stacked sheets when seeded with proteolyzed stacked-sheet HET-s(218-289). The polymorphism of HET-s parallels the structural differences between the infectious brain-derived and the much less infectious recombinant mammalian prion protein PrP. Taken together, these observations suggest that the functional or pathological forms of amyloid proteins are more complex than the simple generic stacked-sheet amyloids commonly formed by short peptides.
Red-cell abnormalities in HEMPAS (hereditary erythroblastic multinuclearity with a positive acidified-serum test).

Summary. Abnormalities of the membrane of HEMPAS red cells have been demonstrated by certain serological tests and in freeze-etch electron micrographs. There is also a marked increase in the activity of certain red-cell enzymes. The positive acidified-serum lysis test has proved useful in distinguishing HEMPAS from other kinds of hereditary dyserythropoietic anaemia. The greatly increased reactivity with anti-i (although characteristic of HEMPAS) is a less specific finding, since enhancement of the i antigen is found in other dyserythropoietic anaemias, hereditary and acquired. Although the lysis of HEMPAS cells by acidified serum at first suggested that their membrane defect was similar to that present in PNH, further investigation showed that the mechanism of activation of complement is different in the two conditions. Lysis of HEMPAS cells depends on the binding of complement by a naturally-occurring, cold antibody (“anti-HEMPAS”) specific for an antigen present on HEMPAS cells, but not detectable on PNH or normal cells. Unlike PNH cells, HEMPAS cells are not lysed by complement in the absence of antibody. As judged by tests with anti-I and human complement, PNH cells have a true increase in sensitivity to complement in that the binding of only a small number of complement sequences is sufficient to effect lysis. The increased lysis of HEMPAS cells by anti-I appears to be due to the binding by antibody of many more complement sequences than are bound to PNH or normal cells. With some examples of anti-I, an increased uptake of antibody by HEMPAS cells also contributes to their increased lysis.
Rapid prediction of composition and flavor quality of cheddar cheese using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.

ABSTRACT: Multiple methods are required for analysis of cheese flavor quality and composition. Chromatography and sensory analyses are accurate but laborious, expensive, and time consuming. A rapid and simple instrumental method based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was developed for simultaneous analysis of Cheddar cheese composition and flavor quality. Twelve different Cheddar cheese samples ripened for 67 d were obtained from a commercial cheese manufacturer along with their moisture, pH, salt, fat content, and sensory flavor quality data. Water-soluble components were extracted from the cheese, dried on zinc selenide FTIR crystal and scanned (4000 to 700 cm−1). Infrared spectra of the samples were correlated with their composition and flavor quality data to develop multivariate statistical regression and classification models. The models were validated using an independent set of ten 67-d-old test samples. The infrared spectra of the samples were well defined, highly consistent within each sample and distinct from other samples. The regression models showed excellent fit (r > 0.92) and could accurately determine moisture, pH, salt, and fat contents as well as the flavor quality rating in less than 20 min. Furthermore, cheeses could also be classified based on their flavor quality (slight acid, whey taint, good cheddar, and so on). The discrimination of the samples was due to organic acids, amino acids, and short chain fatty acids (1800 to 900 cm−1), which are known to contribute significantly to cheese flavor. The results show that this technique can be a rapid, inexpensive, and simple tool for predicting composition and flavor quality of cheese.
Increased upwelling off Portugal during the last glaciation: Diatom evidence

Abstract Quantitative studies have been carried out on opaline microfossils and diatom assemblage composition and preservation in two latest Quarternary (⋍ 100 ka to P.D.) cores from the continental slope of Portugal. The sites are located in an area of modern summer coastal upwelling created by northerly trade winds. The spatial patterns and intensity of this upwelling system are accurately recorded by the diatom abundances and taxonomic composition in the surface sediments. The diatom record in these sequences indicates that coastal upwelling intensity was similar to present day during late Holocene, interglacial Stage 3 and late Stage 5; higher during Stage 2; and lower in the early Holocene. Paleoproductivity estimates are consistent with the diatom accumulation rates from Stage 3 to the Recent. This indicates that both the diatom and the organic carbon content of the sediments mainly reflect the biological productivity in the euphotic zone.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR MENISCAL TEARS IN DOGS AFFECTED WITH NATURALLY OCCURING CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE

A stifle magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol was developed based on the appearance of the cruciate ligaments and menisci in normal dogs. Proton density images were subjectively considered to have the highest likelihood of detecting a meniscal lesion. Following this initial evaluation, the accuracy of high-field MR imaging to detect meniscal tears in dogs was evaluated in 11 dogs suffering from naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Dogs underwent MR imaging of the affected stifle before surgery. MR imaging and surgical findings were assessed independently, and then compared. Five tears of the medial meniscus were correctly diagnosed with MR imaging and 19 normal menisci were accurately characterized as such, based on MR images. In one medial meniscus, changes consistent with meniscal degeneration were seen on MR images but this was not seen at surgery. With regard to the lateral meniscus, one false positive diagnosis of a tear was made and this likely represented a normal variation. One other lateral meniscus had changes consistent with meniscal degeneration but, as with the similar lesion seen in the medial meniscus, this was not confirmed surgically. The global sensitivity of MR imaging for the diagnosis of a meniscal tear was 100% and the specificity was 94%. High-field MR imaging is a reliable method to diagnose meniscal tears preoperatively and this may be useful in selecting the surgical approach to clinically abnormal joints and may decrease the need for arthrotomy.
Transport properties of magnetic field/liquid assisted textured YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ tape-cast films

Textured YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ films (thickness=250 /spl mu/m) were fabricated by tape casting in an applied magnetic field (H=6 T). Platinum (1 wt%) was incorporated to induce liquid phase-assisted densification in films fired on silver (Ag) foil to 942/spl deg/C under reduced pO2(g) conditions. The transport critical current densities (J/sub ct/) of such films exhibited nearly field insensitive behavior between H=0-3 T (H/spl par/c-axis) at 77 K, with J/sub ct/>1000 A/cm/sup 2/ at H=3 T.
Buckling analysis of anisotropic variable-curvature panels and shells

Abstract A buckling formulation for anisotropic variable-curvature panels is presented in this paper. The variable-curvature panel is assumed to consist of two or more panels of constant curvature where each panel may have a different curvature. Bezier functions are used as Ritz functions. Displacement ( C 0 ), and slope ( C 1 ) continuities between segments are imposed by manipulation of the Bezier control points. A first-order shear-deformation theory is used in the buckling formulation. Results obtained from the present formulation are compared with those from finite element simulations and are found to be in good agreement.
COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR HIGH-ENERGY LASER-CUTTING PROCESS

A computational model for the simulation of a laser-cutting process has been developed using a finite element method. A transient heat transfer model is considered that deals with the material-cutting process using a Gaussian continuous wave laser beam. Numerical experimentation is carried out for mesh refinements and the rate of convergence in terms of groove shape and temperature. Results are also presented for the prediction of groove depth with different moving speeds.
Collisional narrowing of HF fundamental band spectral lines by neon and argon

Abstract Collisional narrowing is observed for high J transitions in the fundamental absorption band of HF in the presence of neon and argon buffer gases, with neon providing the most pronounced Doppler width reduction. Detailed line profiles are measured using a high-resolution tunable laser difference-frequency spectrometer in order to test various collisional lineshape models. The measured lineshapes and the pressure dependence of the widths are least-squares fit in the limits of strong and weak velocity-changing collisions. Though both limits qualitatively explain the data, the systematic discrepancies indicate that an intermediate collision model would be more appropriate. In the case of HF/argon collisions, the resulting line profiles have a slight, but definite, asymmetry, implying a correlation between the velocity- and state-changing collisions.
Db-binding peptides from influenza virus: effect of non-anchor residues on stability and immunodominance.

Abstract Relative affinities were determined for the interaction of H-2D b with all the peptides from the A/PR/8/34 strain of influenza virus that contained the D b -binding motif. The results indicated that, even though 23 peptides with the appropriate motif were identified and analysed, binding of only five of them could be detected at peptide concentrations lower than 10 −7 M. Of these five, only one, TGICNQNII, bound with better affinity than the nucleoprotein-derived natural epitope, ASNENMETM. The origin of the higher binding peptide was the influenza neuraminidase, a protein for which little cytosolic processing would be expected since it is a surface glycoprotein. To establish why many of the influenza-derived peptides did not bind, the role of non-anchor residues on D b -peptide interactions was analysed, using a scheme where QDIENEEKI, a non-binding peptide from the influenza virus polymerase 1, was sequentially converted to ASNENMETI, which binds to D b with an affinity similar to that of ASNENMETM. Although all positions examined influenced peptide binding, peptide residue no. 2 (P2) was of particular importance. Therefore, each of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids were inserted at this position to investigate their effects on peptide-MHC interaction. The results indicated that amino acids having side chains with charged or ring structures were deleterious, while non-polar and polar residues were either neutral or facilitated binding to different degrees. Our data also indicated that every residue of the peptide contributes to the stability of the MHC-peptide complex, and the final affinity is dependent on the nature of the amino acids at each position, not just on those at a small number of anchor positions. The results also suggested that increased stability, as indicated by the half-life of the peptide-MHC class I complex, might play an important role in selecting the immunodominant epitope.
Transition matrix and generalized matrix exponential via the Peano-Baker series

We give a closed form for the unique solution to the n × n regressive time varying linear dynamic system of the form via use of a newly developed generalized form of the Peano-Baker series. We develop a power series representation for the generalized time scale matrix exponential when the matrix A(t) ≡ A is a constant matrix. We also introduce a finite series representation of the matrix exponential using the Laplace transform for time scales, as well as a theorem which allows us to write the matrix exponential as a series of (n − 1) terms of scalar functions multiplied by powers of the system matrix A.
Theology Lectures as Lexical Environments: A Case Study of Technical Vocabulary Use

Abstract This article presents a descriptive case study on the use of technical vocabulary in the lectures of a first-year graduate theology course in Canada. It first contextualizes this research by noting four kinds of English vocabulary and the study of classrooms as lexical environments. Next it outlines the study’s methodology, including the observation of 23 classes over one semester, the transcription of 34 h of audiotaped lectures, and the use of computer programs VocabProfile and MonoConc Pro to analyze the files of the lecture transcripts. Data analysis addresses two research questions: 1) What kind of lexical environments are these lectures (and what is the specific frequency and distribution of vocabulary within them)? 2) How are representative technical theological terms used, in oral and written form, during these lectures? Quantitative results are presented on the frequency of each of four types of vocabulary, and sample transcript, handout, and whiteboard extracts offer examples and a qualitative description of the use of specialized theological vocabulary within the lectures observed. The final section discusses possible implications for specialized vocabulary learning, suggesting that academic lectures may offer a rich lexical environment for ESL students trained to observe and acquire technical vocabulary in context.
Identification of Raman-active phonon modes in oriented platelets of InN and polycrystalline InN

Abstract We report on micro-Raman studies on both randomly oriented polycrystals and groups of oriented, faceted platelets of indium nitride grown from the melt at subatmospheric pressures. Phonon modes were assigned as A 1 TO =445, E 1 TO =472, E 2 (2) =488, and A 1 LO =588 cm −1 . The FWHM of the E 2 (2) peak of 2.5 cm−1 is the narrowest reported to date for InN. The measured TO phonon frequencies were compared to those calculated from first principles and excellent agreement was found. The results are discussed in the context of previously reported Raman experiments on heteroepitaxial, and hence strained, layers of InN.
A basis for the Y 1 subspace of diagonal harmonic polynomials

Abstract The space DHn of Sn diagonal harmonics is the collection of polynomials P(x, y) = P(x1,…,xn,y1,…,yn) which satisfy the differential equations ∑ i=1 n ∂ x i r ∂ y i s , P(x, y) = 0 for all r,s ⩾ 0 (with r + s > 0). Computer explorations by Haiman have revealed that DHn has a number of remarkable combinatorial properties. In particular DHn is an Sn module whose conjectured representation, graded by degree in y, is a sign twisted version of the action of Sn on the parking function module. This conjecture predicts the character of each of the y-homogeneous subspaces Yj of DHn. The space Y0 of diagonal harmonics with no y dependence is known in the classical theory. In this article we construct a basis for the subspace Y1 of diagonal harmonics linear in y. Using this basis we prove that the Y 1 specialization of the Parking function conjecture is correct, and we provide a formula for the character of Y1 graded by degree in x. This last formula matches the Y1 specialization of a master conjecture of Garsia and Haiman which expresses the bigraded character of DHn.
Photoinduced Electron-Transfer Processes of Tetrathiafulvalene-(Spacer)-(Naphthalenediimide)-(Spacer)-Tertrathiafulvalene Triads in Solution

Intramolecular photoinduced charge-separation and charge-recombination processes of tetrathiafulvalene-(spacer)-naphthalenediimide-(spacer)-tertrathiafulvalenetriads (TTF-(sp)-NIm-(sp)-TTF), which have been designed to change the length and kind of the spacers, have been investigated in various solvents by time-resolved absorption and fluorescence techniques. The fluorescence lifetimes of the NIm moiety considerably decreased compared with that of the NIm molecule, suggesting the photoinduced intramolecular charge-separation via the singlet excited state of the NIm moiety. From the observed short fluorescence lifetimes, the charge-separation rate constants (kCS) and quantum yields (ΦCS) of TTF-(sp)-NIm-(sp)-TTF have been evaluated; the kCS values for the triads with the rigid cyclohexyl spacers are larger than that with long flexible alkyl chain spacers. In the nanosecond transient spectra in PhCN, the absorption bands were observed at 480 and 760 nm, which were attributed to the radical anion of NIm (NIm...
Nitrogen-fixing characteristics of alfalfa cultivars nodulated by representatives of an indigenousRhizobium meliloti serogroup

Studies were conducted to evaluate whether field-grown cultivars of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) nodulate differentially with members of a soil population ofRhizobium meliloti, and to determine the influence of the dominant nodule occupants on N2-dependent growth of the same cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Nodules were sampled from four replicate plots of ‘Vernal’, ‘Anchor’, and ‘Saranac’ alfalfa, and the isolates analysed serologically. Results from agglutination tests identified serogroup 31 as a dominant nodule occupant. A significant cultivar effect was observed, with a greater and more consistent occupancy rate by serogroup 31 across the replicates on Vernal (60%) compared to Anchor (24%) or Saranac (36%). The symbiotic effectiveness of the parent isolate of serogroup 31 was evaluated on each cultivar over four successive harvests in a greenhouse study. Significant cultivar x N source interactions for herbage dry weight resulted following the second harvest. Of the three cultivars, only inoculated Vernal responded with an increase in shoot dry weight and N2 assimilated relative to N supplemented plants between harvests two and three. In separate greenhouse experiments, field isolates of serogroup 31 from nodules on Vernal produced homogeneous, effective responses both on Vernal and Anchor. In contrast, serogroup 31 field isolates from Anchor nodules were highly heterogeneous in effectiveness on the parent host, with poorly effective isolates being substantially more effective on Vernal. The data indicate that attention should be given to the potential impact of the indigenousR. meliloti population upon cultivar ranking at specific field locations, and also to strain-cultivar idiosyncracies when carrying out physiological sutidies of regrowth characteristics.
Everywhere/nowhere: Gender mainstreaming in development agencies

Everywhere/nowhere: Gender mainstreaming in development agencies, by Rebecca Tiessen, Bloomfield, Kumarian Press, 2007, 217 pp., including notes, US$24.95/15.95 (paperback), ISBN-13: 978-1-56549-23...
Lipid absorption defects in intestine-specific microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-deficient mice.

We have previously described apolipoprotein B (apoB)-dependent and -independent cholesterol absorption pathways and the role of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in these pathways. To assess the contribution of these pathways to cholesterol absorption and to determine whether there are other pathways, we generated mice that lack MTP and ABCA1, individually and in combination, in the intestine. Intestinal deletions of Mttp and Abca1 decreased plasma cholesterol concentrations by 45 and 24%, respectively, whereas their combined deletion reduced it by 59%. Acute cholesterol absorption was reduced by 28% in the absence of ABCA1, and it was reduced by 92–95% when MTP was deleted in the intestine alone or together with ABCA1. MTP deficiency significantly reduced triglyceride absorption, although ABCA1 deficiency had no effect. ABCA1 deficiency did not affect cellular lipids, but Mttp deficiency significantly increased intestinal levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids. Accumulation of intestinal free fatty acids, but not triglycerides, in Mttp-deficient intestines was prevented when mice were also deficient in intestinal ABCA1. Combined deficiency of these genes increased intestinal fatty acid oxidation as a consequence of increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α). These studies show that intestinal MTP and ABCA1 are critical for lipid absorption and are the main determinants of plasma and intestinal lipid levels. Reducing their activities might lower plasma lipid concentrations. Background: The combined roles of intestinal MTP and ABCA1 in tissue and plasma lipid homeostasis are unknown. Results: Intestine-specific ablation of MTP and ABCA1 severely impairs acute fat and cholesterol absorption. Conclusion: MTP and ABCA1 are critical for lipid absorption. Significance: Reducing both intestinal MTP and ABCA1 might reduce plasma lipid concentrations.
Triassic fungus from Antarctica with possible ascomycetous affinities

Hyphae, sporocarps, and structures which appear to represent arthroconidia are described from silicified peat deposits of Triassic age from Antarctica. Sporocarps with a single ostiole possess a multilayered wall with internally produced aseptate appendages that ornament the sporocarp surface. The primitive features exhibited by this fungus, together with previously described sporocarps, provide evidence for the existence of a group of fungi that may be ancestral to modern Ascomycotina. CURRENT IDEAS about the origin and subsequent evolution of the fungi are based principally on comparative studies of extant organisms. There are several reasons for this including the belief that because of their relatively delicate organization fungi were not well represented in the fossil record. Moreover, fossil fungi are generally disarticulated and lack sufficient morphological characters that can be used to identify major groups. Because of these factors and the paucity of paleobotanists sufficiently trained in mycology, we know relatively little about the diversity and biology of fungi through time.
Design and Implementation of Minimum Hop Routing Algorithm with Reliability Assurance for WSN

Design of wireless sensor network routing protocol is still a problem that should be solved quickly. Although there are many achievements in this field, they all focus on single one property of WSN( Wireless Sensor Network) such as delay, hop count, energy consumption and so on. Dealing with the distinctive features of wireless channel, a routing strategy named MHRR( Minimum Hop Routing algorithm with Reliability assurance) based on AODV is proposed. Firstly, this paper provides a method which preserves multiple optimum routes by broadcasting and responding data frame; secondly, a routing filter mechanism is proposed to enhance the reliability of the network. At last, the optimum route can be chosen by specific factor in different situations. Experiments show that MHRR strategy is competent to deal with dynamic and bandwidth constrained WSN in reliability and delay.
The Effects of Unequal Size: Costs and Benefits of Unilateral Action in the Development of MERCOSUR

We argue that successful economic integration requires a regionally preponderant country that acts as a provider of goods. However, when a large member acts in a costly unilateral manner, regional integration suffers because of the asymmetric effects on smaller members. In contrast, when smaller members act in a costly unilateral manner, the preponderant power is likely to absorb costs. We propose to test these hypotheses by using the case of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) during three crises: the attempted military coup in Paraguay in 1996, the 1999 devaluation of the Brazilian real, and the 2002 devaluation of the Argentine peso. Evidence shows that economic integration declined with costly Brazilian unilateral actions but improved when Brazil provided goods.
Pulmonary edema in malaria.

A 33-year-old Australian woman, who had been stationed in Liberia for 4 months, flew to New York City for vacation. Several days later, she developed fever, rigors, lower back pain, and headache. On the third day of symptoms, she was acutely ill and was admitted to The New York Hospital where a peripheral blood smear showed characteristic ring forms of Pfalciparum (Figure 1). She had discontinued chloroquine and proguanil prophylaxis due to gastrointestinal intolerance 10 weeks before admission. Initial laboratory studies included white blood cell (WBC) count of 4800/mm3; hemoglobin, 11.9 g/dL; hematocrit, 34%; platelet count, 43,000/mm3; lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), 399 IU; prothrombin time (PT), 14.7 seconds (control 12.0 s); and partial thromboplastin time m, 35.1 seconds (control 38 s). Admission chest examination and roentgenogram were normal (Figure 2, A). After 18 hours of treatment with oral quinine and doxycycline, parasitemia was reduced from 2. IL to 1.2%. However, 12 hours later, the patient developed acute respiratory distress with severe hypoxemia (arterial PO, 38 mmHg breathing room air). Bronchial breath sounds and rales were heard over both lower lung fields. Fever to 39°C persisted, although parasitemia was less than 0.1%. The patient developed evidence suggesting coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIG) with a further increase in PT to15.4 seconds and a positive D-dimer test. Repeat chest x-ray was consistent with
Techniques of Absence in Participatory Budgeting: Space, Difference and Governmentality across Buenos Aires

Techniques of absence describe some of the potentially anti-deliberative practices that haunt recently widespread participation-based governance schemes. Techniques of absence remove certain kinds of people – on a spatialised basis – from crucial ‘democratic’ conversations. To illustrate these, I use ethnographic accounts from the implementation of a citywide participatory budgeting programme in three neighbourhoods across Buenos Aires, Argentina, modelled after the vaunted budgeting process pioneered in Porto Alegre, Brazil since 1989. I position absencing as part of an emergent urban governmentality related to participation. This allows for an analysis of the Buenos Aires participatory budget across very different areas of the city: Puerto Madero, Abasto, and La Boca. Discussion centres on dynamics of participation and non-participation observed during extensive fieldwork in 2004 and 2005. The research aimed to establish intense co-presence through participant-observation, yet instead yielded an ethnography of absences, entailing analysis of how, why and with what consequences there was lacking participation in this participatory experiment. The phenomenon of absencing points to an emergent governmentality that enables ironically pernicious, territorialised regulation of difference, which must be countered to fulfil the promise of such widespread experiments.
A new series of trpE vectors that enable high expression of nonfusion proteins in bacteria.

Abstract Expression of recombinant proteins in bacteria has facilitated the characterization of many gene products. However, the biochemical characterization of recombinant proteins is limited since the bacterially expressed proteins are often synthesized as fusion polypeptides. The presence of bacterial sequences in fusion proteins further limits the use of these proteins for generating antibodies since the bacterial sequences are also antigenic. We describe two new bacterial expression vectors based on the pATH series of plasmids. These vectors were made by precisely deleting all of the trpE coding sequences found in pATH. The new vectors have enabled us to express eukaryotic genes as nonfusion polypeptides. These altered plasmids can be used to insert any DNA sequence of interest through a multiple cloning site located just 3′ of an ATG start codon. Protein expression is still under the control of the trp operon and is carried out at great efficiency when the bacteria are tryptophan deprived. Studies presented here test the expression system with neurofilament subunits, NF-L and NF-H. Large amounts of recombinant nonfusion proteins were produced. Also, a time course of induction shows that the production of the nonfusion proteins was under the control of the trp operon which is readily inducible after tryptophan starvation and addition of indoleacrylic acid. These vectors may be useful for the overexpression of many proteins in a form closely approximating their native state.
Total-body calcium estimated by delayed gamma neutron activation analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Total body calcium (TBCa) in 270 black and white women age 21–79 years was measured concurrently by delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (DGNA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The mean value for TBCa calculated from DXA was 933 g compared with 730 g for DGNA. By regression, TBCaDXA(g)= 1.35 × TBCaDGNA(g)−54 (r= 0.90, r 2= 81.4%, SEE = 66.9 g). This remarkable difference of 203 g suggests that one or both these methods is not accurate. Adjustment of the regression of DXA versus DGNA for body mass index or trunk thickness explained 8.5–10% of the variability between methods. The unadjusted slope for the DXA values regressed against the DGNA values was 1.35, indicating significant discordance between the methods. There is greater agreement between the two DGNA facilities (Brookhaven National Laboratory and Baylor College of Medicine) and between the various DXA instruments. Either DGNA underestimates TBCa or DXA overestimates total-body bone mineral content. Resolution of these disparate results may possibly be achieved by concurrent measurement of whole human cadavers of different sizes with chemical determination of the calcium content of the ash. In the interim, cross-calibration equations between DGNA and standardized values for DXA for total-body bone mineral content may be used, which will permit reporting of consistent values for TBCa from the two technologies.
Singular value decomposition-based regression identifies activation of endogenous signaling pathways in vivo

The ability to detect activation of signaling pathways based solely on gene expression data represents an important goal in biological research. We tested the sensitivity of singular value decomposition-based regression by focusing on functional interactions between the Ras and transforming growth factor beta signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrate that this approach is sufficiently sensitive to detect the secondary activation of endogenous signaling pathways as it occurs through crosstalk following ectopic activation of a primary pathway.
Application of a Firearm Seizure Law Aimed at Dangerous Persons: Outcomes From the First Two Years

Objectives: In 2005, in response to the shooting death of a police officer by a paranoid man, Indiana passed a law authorizing police to seize firearms without a warrant if they believe the person owning the firearm is dangerous because the person has a mental illness and is noncompliant with psychiatric medication or if the person has a propensity for violent or unstable conduct. This study sought to determine the use of this law in Indianapolis. Methods: All Indianapolis firearm seizure cases that had a final hearing in 2006 and 2007 were identified; demographic information, seizure circumstances, and hearing outcome were recorded. Results: A total of 55 cases were heard in 2006, and 78 were heard in 2007. The defendants were predominantly white (83%) and male (81%). Risk of suicide was the leading reason for confiscation (56% in 2006 and 71% in 2007), followed by substance abuse (29% and 27%, respectively), risk of violence (22% and 13%, respectively), and domestic disturbance (24% and 8%, respectively). Psychosis was a factor in only 11% and 9% of cases, respectively. A large majority of cases resulted in immediate detention (69% and 78%, respectively). In 2006, 95% of cases resulted in involuntary or voluntary surrender of the seized weapons to the court, but in 2007, only 22% of cases resulted in involuntary or voluntary surrender. However, in 2007 68% of cases resulted in court-ordered retention because of failure to appear (26%) or inability to be served (42%). Conclusions: Firearm seizure by police was rarely a result of psychosis; instead, risk of suicide was the leading reason. The application of the law by both police and the court changed over the first two years of its use. (Psychiatric Services 61:478–482, 2010)
The Institution of Residential Investment in Seventeenth-Century London

Little has been written about urban property investment in seventeenth-century London. Market norms for investors were developed in a relatively unregulated environment, and in response to surging urban growth. “Pattern books” (manuals of design, measuring, and building) provided information to investors, helping them to evaluate an assorted set of properties. While the methods of investment described in these books were initially rudimentary, there is evidence of increased sophistication in the latter part of the century. The gradual institutionalizing of real estate practices helped to attract the necessary capital to finance London's remarkable physical growth.
The economic impact of Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on California avocado production

In 1996, Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) invaded California avocado orchards and moved pest management practices that relied almost exclusively on biological control to strategies dependent on insecticides to maintain thrips densities below economically damaging levels. By 1998, average losses due to thrips feeding damage in untreated infested groves reduced industry revenues by 12%. Producer costs increased by about 4.5% when S. perseae populations required management. In the short run (i.e., the time period during which the industry adapts to managing a new pest), producers cannot fully adapt to increases in production costs and the annualcost of S. perseae to producers with a thrips infestation is estimated to be $8.65 million (US). In the long run (i.e., the time period after which the industry has fully adapted to the effects of a new pest), producers are able to fully reallocate resources to their most efficient use and the annual cost of S. perseae is calculated to be $5.22 million (US) per year. For the entire USA avocado industry, the annual short-run loss attributable to S. perseae in California is calculated to be $8.51 million (US) and $4.45 million (US) in the long run. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Asian Crisis and the IMF: New Problems, Old Solutions?

The IMF's policies for dealing with balance of payments disequilibria are based on theoretical models that emphasize the role of government policies that increase spending and lead to a deficit in the current account. The Fund, therefore, recommends reductions in fiscal deficits and a contractionary monetary policy to deal with balance of payments crises. However, the Asian crisis of 1997 took place because of financial speculation and short-term capital outflows, and the IMF was criticized for recommending inappropriate policies. Since the Asian crisis, a number of proposals have been advanced to prevent or mitigate such crises. These include increased regulation of domestic financial markets, controls on international capital flows, new institutional facilities and enhanced lending capabilities for the IMF.
Comparison of dietary mercury exposure in two sympatric top predator fishes, largemouth bass and northern pike: a bioenergetics modeling approach

Physical and ecologicalfactors, including lake temperature, fishphysiology, and diet, influence methylmercury(MeHg) exposure in fish. We employedbioenergetics modeling to compare dietary MeHgexposure in sympatric top predators, largemouthbass (Micropterus salmoides) and northernpike (Esox lucius). We comparedsimulations using field data to hypotheticalsimulations with (1) ± 25% change in meandaily lake temperature for juvenile and adultbass and pike; (2) ± 25% change inlong-term growth rate of pike; (3) adult bassdiet shift from generalist predator to strictpiscivore. Bass and pike MeHg exposures weresimilar in baseline simulations and reflectedpatterns in field tissue concentrations. Thisoccurred despite the fact that bass consumedhighly contaminated benthic invertebrates,while pike exclusively consumed lesscontaminated fish prey. Higher temperaturesincreased adult bass and pike MeHg exposures by35% and 27%, respectively. Shifting adultbass diets to 100% fish resulted in a 54%decrease in exposure, while increasing pikegrowth rates resulted in a 24% decrease. Bioenergetics modeling proved useful inunderstanding the influence of temperature,prey-base, and predator growth on differencesin Hg exposure across fish species.
Statistical estimation of leakage current considering inter- and intra-die process variation

We develop a method to estimate the variation of leakage current due to both intra-die and inter-die gate length process variability. We derive an analytical expression to estimate the probability density function (PDF) of the leakage current for stacked devices found in CMOS gates. These distributions of individual gate leakage currents are then combined to obtain the mean and variance of the leakage current for an entire circuit. We also present an approach to account for both the inter- and intra-die gate length variations to ensure that the circuit leakage PDF correctly models both types of variation. The proposed methods were implemented and tested on a number of benchmark circuits. Comparison to Monte-Carlo simulation validates the accuracy of the proposed method and demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed analysis method. Comparison with traditional deterministic leakage current analysis demonstrates the need for statistical methods for leakage current analysis.
Comprehensive modeling for simultaneous position and force control of deformable manipulators

The authors present comprehensive dynamic modeling of a deformable manipulator by using the Hamiltonian principle. The model is formulated by considering the deformable arm as a Timoshenko beam model. Hence, the shear, bending, and rotational inertia effect of the manipulator are all taken into account in the dynamic formulation. To obtain a comprehensive dynamic model, the gravitational effect, which is missing in most deformable manipulator dynamic models, is also included in the formulation. Then, an efficient motion and force controller design method utilizing root contour analysis is proposed. With the proposed method the multi-controller gains of the position/force controller for the deformable manipulator can be chosen analytically, as opposed to the method of trial and error used conventionally for selecting manipulator controller gains. The tuning process of these controllers' gains proves the simplicity of gain selection. The motion/force simulation results verify the effectiveness of the controllers. The simulation results also show that the derived control scheme, which is based on a linear control system analysis, can drive the highly nonlinear deformable arm to achieve the desired position and force satisfactorily. >
The polyelectrolytic nature of cellulose gels in alkali solutions

The swelling of cellulose in alkali solutions has been the subject of numerous investigations in the past. However, there still exists a controversy as to whether the reaction with alkali yields a true alcoholate or an addition compound without ionization of the cellulose. This study presents experimental data on swelling pressures that develop when water-swollen cellulose is exposed to alkali solutions while its volume is kept constant. The measurements are carried out on extensively extracted and conditioned regenerated cellulose gels with the use of a previously described gel osmometer. It is shown that these pressures can be quite well described using the simple Donnan equilibrium theory put forward originally by Neale in 1929. In this theory, the cellulose is considered as a weak polyacid. From the wet weights and the Na+ ion concentrations inside and outside the cellulose gel, we find the acidic ionization constant to be Ka = 0.52 × 10−14. From free swelling measurements and the corresponding alkali contents, the same value is found. It is shown that the value 1.84 × 10−14 given by Neale is in error, largely due to a nonpermissible approximation in his computations. In the polyelectrolyte model used, the maximum in the free swelling as well as the maximum in the swelling pressure derive directly from the ionization equilibrium. On the basis of ideal behavior, these maxima will occur at a degree of ionization of approximately 0.6, which in the case of our cellulose gels corresponds to a 13.5% NaOH solution outside the gel. Although at higher concentrations the ionization will proceed further, the effect on the unequal Na+ ion distribution becomes less pronounced, thus leading to a decrease in swelling and swelling pressure. In a critical appraisal of earlier work, it is pointed out that the concept of bound alkali and excess alkali in the cellulose gel is unnecessary. On thermodynamic ground, it is also shown that the determination of the bound alkali by pressing excess alkali out of the gel is unreliable. Although admittedly based upon an oversimplified model, the Donnan equilibrium theory provides an explanation for the most salient points in the swelling behavior of cellulose and has in the past been unjustifiably discarded by several authors.
Autonomy and Sensor Webs: The Evolution of Mission Operations

Demonstration of these sensor web capabilities will enable fast responding science campaigns that combine spaceborne, airborne, and ground assets. Sensor webs will also require new operations paradigms. These sensor webs will be operated directly by scientists using science goals to control their instruments. We will explore these new operations architectures through a study of existing sensor web prototypes.
Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Maxillary Sinus

The clinical course and pathologic features of a 72 year old female who presented with epistaxis are presented. Radiographic findings were notable for a large, soft tissue lesion filling the maxillary sinus with significant bony erosion and expansion. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) and underwent endoscopic resection. She has no evidence of local, regional or distant recurrence 14 months post-surgery. The rarity of this neoplasm, the unusual anatomic location and non-specific symptoms present diagnostic and management challenges. Epithelioid vascular tumors encompass a spectrum of benign and malignant tumors. EHE itself is thought to have an intermediate malignant behavior pattern, though cases with indolent behavior have been reported. Differentiation of EHE from other lesions has historically based on histopathology. Additionally, recent studies have described a recurrent genetic fusion WWTR1–CAMTA1 in EHE, involving t(1;3) (p36;q25). This represents the second reported case of EHE arising in a paranasal sinus. The histopathologic findings of this lesion are reviewed.
Social Identity Complexity and Outgroup Tolerance

Social identity complexity refers to the way in which individuals subjectively represent the relationships among their multiple ingroup memberships. More specifically, individuals with low social identity complexity see their ingroups as highly overlapping and convergent, whereas those with high complexity see their different ingroups as distinct and cross-cutting membership groups. The present study tested the hypothesis that perceived overlap among ingroup memberships would be negatively related to ingroup inclusiveness and tolerance for outgroups, such that individuals with high overlap (low complexity) would be less tolerant and accepting of outgroups in general than those with low overlap (high complexity). Results from a telephone interview survey of adult residents of the state of Ohio supported this hypothesis. Individual differences in complexity of perception of their national, religious, occupational, political, and recreational social identities were systematically related to their attitudes t...
Variability in childhood allergy and asthma across ethnicity, language, and residency duration in El Paso, Texas: a cross-sectional study

We evaluated the impact of migration to the USA-Mexico border city of El Paso, Texas (USA), parental language preference, and Hispanic ethnicity on childhood asthma to differentiate between its social and environmental determinants. Allergy and asthma prevalence was surveyed among 9797 fourth and fifth grade children enrolled in the El Paso Independent School District. Parents completed a respiratory health questionnaire, in either English or Spanish, and a sub-sample of children received spirometry testing at their school. Here we report asthma and allergy outcomes across ethnicity and El Paso residency duration. Asthma and allergy prevalence increased with longer duration of El Paso residency independent of ethnicity and preferred language. Compared with immigrants who arrived in El Paso after entering first grade (18%), lifelong El Paso residents (68%) had more prevalent allergy (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.32 - 2.24), prevalent asthma (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.24 - 2.46), and current asthma (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.37 - 2.95). Spirometric measurements (FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75) also declined with increasing duration of El Paso residency (0.16% and 0.35% annual reduction, respectively). These findings suggest that a community-wide environmental exposure in El Paso, delayed pulmonary development, or increased health of immigrants may be associated with allergy and asthma development in children raised there.