cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reaction of superoxide and hydroperoxide with a series of manganese complexes

Abstract Manganese(II) and manganese(III) complexes of polydentate Schiff base ligands have been reacted with superoxide and hydroperoxide ion. With linear pentadentate ligands, manganese(III) appears to be reduced to a 'Mn 2+ -O 2 ° species on reaction with superoxide. Evidence is presented in support of this formulation. No observable reaction is obtained with tetradentate ligands. All manganese(III) complexes are reduced to manganese(II) hydrated ion with hydroperoxide.
Prediction of the off-axis point spread function for large field of view astronomical adaptive optics images

Atmospheric turbulence corrupts astronomical images formed by ground-based telescopes. Adaptive optics (AO) systems allow the effects of turbulence-induced aberrations to be reduced for a narrow field of view (FOV) corresponding approximately to the isoplanatic angle θ 0 . For field angles larger than θ 0 , the point spread function (PSF) gradually degrades as the field angle increases. Knowledge of the space-varying PSF is essential for image reconstruction. In this paper, we present a technique to predict the PSF as function of the field angle. The results are validated by mean of simulations. The predicted PSF is compared to the simulated PSF and we obtain a mean square (MS) error of 4.3% between the predicted and the simulated PSF in the worse case.
The enterococcus—A versatile pathogen

Enterococci have gained a measure of notoriety in recent years which could not have been reliably predicted a generation ago. They have proven to be unusually versatile pathogens which are well-suited for survival in the antibiotic era. This is particularly remarkable because enterococci are not especially virulent organisms.1 Until the 1970s, enterococci were grouped taxonomically with streptococci. However, even though these organisms look morphologically like true streptococci, they are so different they have been accorded their own genus which now contains more than a dozen species.1 Nonetheless , only a few species of enterococci , particularly Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, account for the majority of infections caused by these organisms in humans. Of human infections caused by enterococci, urinary tract infections are by far the most frequent. These organisms are often involved in peritonitis, pelvic sepsis, and surgical wound infections, but in this setting their pathogenic significance is difficult to assess because they are usually part of a mixed flora. Bacteremia may arise from a gastrointestinal, pelvic, or urinary tract source, or may be related to colonized or infected intervascular lines. Endocarditis and meningitis are serious, but relatively rare infections caused by enterococci. Enterococci seem incapable of colonizing or infecting the respiratory tract of normal individuals and rarely if ever cause primary skin and skin structure infections in immunocompetent humans. These organisms do not possess significant virulence factors. They do not contain enzymes which aid in tissue invasion nor do they produce potent exotoxins such as those produced by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It is true that certain strains of enterococci do produce hemolysins, but the role that these enzymes play in pathogenesis remains to be firmly delineated.l,2 Given the above, it is somewhat surprising at first glance that enterococci have steadily moved up in the ranks of causes of nosocomial infections. Indeed in recent studies carried out by the National Nosocomial Infections Survey
Electrophysiologic effects of isoproterenol in patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia treated with flecainide

Abstract The electrophysiologic effects of isoproterenol in patients treated with flecainide for atrioventricular (AV) reentrant tachycardia were studied to evaluate the mechanism of tachycardia inducibility after isoproterenol and the value of isoproterenol challenge as a predictor of spontaneous arrhythmia recurrence. Seventeen patients underwent electrophysiologic study before and after oral flecainide administration and after the addition of isoproterenol to flecainide. No patient had inducible sustained supraventricular tachycardia after flecainide alone. Two patients had inducible sustained and six had inducible nonsustained tachycardia after isoproterenol was added to flecainide. The patients were then followed up on the same flecainide dose they received at the time of the electrophysiologic study. Findings:1) Flecainide treatment prolonged HV and VA intervals, and the addition of isoproterenol did not affect these variables. 2) Isoproterenol shortened anterograde and retrograde block cycle length and the refractory period of the accessory pathway and the AV node. It also decreased the tachycardia cycle length, an effect that was due solely to shortening of AV node conduction time. 3) Flecainide treatment prevented tachycardia induction by affecting retrograde conduction over the accessory pathway. Isoproterenol allowed for tachycardia induction and for more sustained episodes of tachycardia by reversing the effect of flecainide on retrograde accessory pathway conduction. 4) Tachycardia recurred during follow-up in all three patients in whom tachycardia of ≥ 10 s duration was induced after isoprottrenol but in no patient who had no or shorter episodes of induced tachyrardia (and who did not have a change in medical regimen). Conclusions:1) Isoproterenol reverses flecainide-induced prolongation of block cycle length and refractory periods of the accessory pathway and AV node. 2) Isoproterenol reverses flecainide-induced prevention of tachycardia induction through reversal of the effects of flecainide on the retrograde accessory pathway. 3) The addition of isoproterenol during flecainide restudy is valuable in predicting long-term drug efficacy.
Why a two pass front end

Compilers for some programming languages are traditionally considered to be best implemented with a front end (lexical analysis, semantic analysis and intermediate code generation phases) that makes only one pass over the source program. A FORTRAN compiler was converted from such a design to one that uses two passes for the benefit of obtaining a front end that is easier to understand and maintain. The details of which language features motivated this conversion are presented. Performance results are also presented that show there was only a 4% increase in compile time after the conversion.
Somatic embryogenesis and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a rhizomatous species belonging to the Zingiberaceae and known both for its culinary and medicinal uses. Based on an efficient tissue culture and somatic embryogenesis system that we established, we have developed a reliable Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for this species. Calli derived from turmeric inflorescences were used as source tissues for transformation. Factors affecting transformation and regeneration efficiency were evaluated, including callus induction and culture conditions, Agrobacterium strains, co-cultivation conditions, selection agent sensitivity and bacterial elimination, and transformant selection. Optimized transformation conditions were identified, including: use of Agrobacterium strain EHA105 with plasmid pBISN1 for infection; a modified B5 medium system for callus induction, subculture, co-culture and selection; and MS media for transformant regeneration. Transgenic plants and their vegetative (clonal) progeny stably expressed the transgene as indicated by GUS assay, PCR and Southern blot analysis. In addition, a transient gene expression system was developed that involves Agrobacterium infiltration of young turmeric leaves followed by in vitro regeneration of plantlets. This approach established that a MADS-box-GFP fusion protein was localized to the nucleus of turmeric cells. The stable transformation and transient expression systems described herein offer opportunities for assaying gene function in turmeric and for improving turmeric properties.
Rod-cone interaction: Reconciliation with flamant and stiles

Abstract Rod thresholds were measured at a 5 eccentricity with flashes of 490 nm light entering the periphery of the pupil, while the excitation of rods and cones were independently varied by manipulating the wavelength and troland value of a 10 2 background. Interactions between rods and cones, revealed by unequal rod thresholds against backgrounds of equal scotopic troland value, depended upon the wavelength and troland value of the background, but not upon the size or duration of the test flash. Such interactions were not observed under the conditions of Flamant and Stiles (1948) unless the background troland value was greater than what they used. Thus, these findings resolve an apparent conflict in the literature.
The Fate of Pentachlorophenol in the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario

Unfiltered water, surface film, sediment, and biota samples were collected from the Bay of Quinte between May and September 1978 and analyzed for chlorophenols (CPs). Sectioned sediment cores were dated using 210Pb and 137Cs analyses. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was found at high concentrations adjacent to a point source and was detected in all compartments examined throughout the bay (a bioaccumulation factor of 104 was observed for PCP in fish). The ratio of 2,3,4,6- and 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenols (TTCPs) to PCP increased with distance from the source in the water column and surface film. Photochemical reduction was proposed to account for the phenomenon. CP concentrations in sectioned cores suggested that settling particles adsorb CPs in similar proportion to that observed in the water column and little further change occurs after burial.
Optical and thermo-optical properties of space durable polymer/carbon nanotube films: experimental results and empirical equations

Abstract The incorporation of purified high-pressure carbon monoxide prepared single-walled carbon nanotubes (HiPco SWNTs) into the bulk of space environmentally durable polymers at loading levels ≥0.05 wt% has afforded thin films with surface and volume resistivities sufficient for electrostatic charge mitigation. However, the optical transparency at 500 nm decreased and the solar absorptivity increased with increased SWNT loading. Besides showing a loading dependency, these properties were also dependent upon film thickness. The absorbance of the films at 500 nm as a function of SWNT loading and film thickness was determined to follow the classic Beer–Lambert law. Based on these results, a simple empirical relationship was derived to provide a predictive approximation of these properties. The molar absorptivity determined for the purified HiPco SWNTs dispersed in the polymer by this simple treatment was of the same order of magnitude to reported solution determined values for HiPco SWNTs.
Predictors of oncological outcome after resection of locally recurrent renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Local renal cell carcinoma recurrence is rare after radical nephrectomy with curative intent. We examined our experience to describe the natural history of isolated local recurrence and characterize important prognostic factors that predict the outcome in patients treated with aggressive resection.Materials and Methods: In an institutional database of 4,800 patients with renal cell carcinoma, of whom 2,945 underwent radical nephrectomy with curative intent, 54 were subsequently found to have isolated local recurrence in the renal fossa, ipsilateral adrenal gland or ipsilateral retroperitoneal lymph nodes, which was managed by surgical resection. In 69% of patients perioperative systemic therapy was done as an adjunct to surgical resection of local recurrence.Results: Estimated median recurrence-free and cancer specific survival was 11 and 61 months, respectively. A positive surgical margin after resection of local recurrence, recurrent tumor size, sarcomatoid features in the recurrence specimen, ...
Comparison of short-and long-term outcomes following either insertion of self-expanding metallic stents or emergency surgery in malignant large bowel obstruction

Background Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are now regarded as a safe and effective treatment for an acute obstructing colorectal cancer. SEMS insertion is an invasive procedure that could potentially worsen prognosis. This study assessed the short-and long-term outcomes in patients stented for acute large bowel obstruction and in patients who underwent primary emergency surgery.
Investigating the formation of dialkyl carbonates using high speed ball milling

We investigated the synthesis of dialkyl carbonates under solvent-free high speed ball milling conditions. We converted various metal carbonates with the assistance of metal complexing reagents into a variety of dialkyl carbonates. We also observed the increased reactivity of urea under similar reaction conditions.
SUBJECTIVE STRESS AND INTERNAL-EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL

Lester2 reported that self-reported stress was greater for individuals who had an external locus of control. The present scudy sought to explore this relationship in more depth using Levenson's (1974) modified internal-external locus of control scale. A questionnaire was given anonymously to 42 investigatory and administrative state police officers at headquarters (M,,, = 39.7, SD = 6.6). Included in the questionnaire was Levenson's I-E scale which measured control by powerful others, self, and chance, and stress scales which measured life events, overload, self-confidence, and Type A behavior (Girdano & Everly, 1979). Of the four stress measures, only one (self-confidence) correlated significantly with scores on the I-E scale. Belief in control by powerful others was associated with low self-confidence (r = -0.40, one tailed .p = 0.004), as was belief in chance control (r = -0.26, p = 0.05) while belief in self-control was associated with high self-confidence (r = 0.47, p = 0.001). It appears that belief in an internal locus of control is related to only some aspects of subjectively perceived stress.
Analysis of predictive value of four risk models in medicaid recipients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Texas

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of 4 risk models when applied to Medicaid recipients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Texas. Methods: Four risk models were used to predict future medical costs: Diagnostic Cost Group (DCG) Inpatient + RxGroups Commercial, DCG All-Encounter + RxGroups Commercial, DCG All-Encounter + RxCost Medicaid, and prior cost. Diagnostic codes, National Drug Code categories, and 2001 total health care costs were input into the risk models. The study included Texas Medicaid recipients aged 40 to 2 , and predictions of high-cost cases were analyzed using the positive predictive value (PPV) of the top 5% of high-cost patients. Results: Information from 7967 patients was used in this analysis. The R 2 values were 0.11, 0.08, 0.05, and 0.04 with the DCG Inpatient + RxGroups Commercial, DCG All-Encounter + RxGroups Commercial, DCG All-Encounter + RxCost Medicaid, and prior cost models, respectively. In the top 5% of high-cost patients, the corresponding PPVs were 26% (105/399), 23% (90/399), 18% (72/399), and 28% (112/399). Conclusions: The DCG Inpatient + RxGroups Commercial model was the best predictor of future costs as measured using R 2 . However, diagnosis-based risk-adjustment models may not be as useful as prior cost data when attempting to identify future high-cost cases among Texas Medicaid recipients with COPD. A combination of diagnosis-based risk adjustment models and prior cost data may prove to be the most effective way to use claims data to identify COPD candidates for case management.
Word frequency and age of acquisition as determiners of picture-naming latency

In multiple-regression analysis of picture-naming latencies from an experiment modelled on Oldfield and Wingfield's (1965), with 94 stimuli and 37 adult subjects, two word frequency measures had insignificant beta weights, while two measures estimating age at which the word was learned had highly significant weights. Objects whose names were learned early were named faster. This result may have important implications for the interpretation of studies using word frequency as a critical variable. It is suggested that word retrieval may be a one-stage process that depends upon the age at which a word was learned.
Adenosine inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 secretion by the osteoblastic cell line MG-63.

Adenosine is known to inhibit inflammatory responses in many cell systems via a family of purine receptors termed “P1.” The P1 family consists of the adenosine receptors (ADORA) of subtypes A1, A2a, A2b, and A3. In order to assess whether adenosine has anti-inflammatory actions in osteoblastic cells, we investigated its effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin 6 (IL-6) release in an in vitro inflammatory functional response model. We showed that the osteoblastic cell line MG-63 expresses ADORA1, A2a, and A2b but not A3. Treatment of MG-63 cells with adenosine and pharmacological ADORA agonist 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine or 2–[4-(2-p-carboxyethyl)phenylamino]-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680) inhibits LPS-induced IL-6 release. This inhibition was protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent and mimicked by treatment with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin. Treatment of MG-63 with the ADORA2a-specific antagonist ZM241385 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of ADORA stimulation on LPS-induced IL-6 release. Overall, these data suggest that ADORA2a is involved in the regulation of LPS-induced IL-6 release, thus illustrating a regulatory role for adenosine receptors in the control of inflammation and potentially osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.
Unusual rainfall in Australia explains global sea level drop in 2011

Since 1993, global mean sea level has been rising by about 3 millimeters per year on average, with some year-to-year variations. However, from mid-2010 through 2011, the sea level unexpectedly dropped by 7 millimeters relative to this background trend. To investigate the cause of the unusual sea level drop, Fasullo et al. examined data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite, which can determine water content on land and sea through gravity variations, as well as altimetry data, reanalyses of other previously collected data, global precipitation data, and data on continental river discharge rates.
Directed evolution: Creating biocatalysts for the future

Abstract An effective approach to engineering new enzymes is to direct their evolution in vitro . By mimicking key processes of Darwinian evolution in the test tube, the functions of enzymes can be explored free from the constraints of function within a living system. Efficient strategies for engineering new enzymes by multiple generations of random mutagenesis and recombination coupled with screening for improved variants have been developed. Our results with industrially important biocatalysts underscore the advantages of this ‘evolutionary’ approach to protein engineering. (From a talk presented at the first National Academy of Engineering “Frontiers of Engineering” Symposium, 21 September 1995.)
MR-visible coatings for endovascular device visualization.

Purpose To investigate the potential utility of magnetic resonance (MR)-visible coatings for passive visualization of therapeutic endovascular devices such as catheters and guidewires. Materials and Methods Using a multistep coating process, gadolinium-based coatings were applied to commercially available off-the-shelf catheters and guidewires. These coated devices were imaged in phantoms made of fat-free yogurt, saline, and whole blood and also in live canine aorta on a 1.5-T cardiovascular MR scanner using T1-weighted two-dimensional radiofrequency (RF)-spoiled gradient-recalled echo, two-dimensional spin echo, and three-dimensional RF-spoiled gradient-recalled echo techniques. Results Commercially available off-the shelf catheters (4, 5, and 6 French) and guidewires (0.038 inch) were clearly visualized in all phantoms and canine aorta and the coatings proved to be durable and imageable without degradation in signal intensity up to 24 hours. MR-visible coatings address some of the shortcomings that have previously limited the role of MR as a guidance tool. Conclusion Both in vitro and in vivo visualization of therapeutic endovascular devices coated with MR-visible coatings are found to be clinically viable. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of dual wavelength SOA based fiber laser

We propose an inexpensive, SOA-based, dual-wavelength tunable fiber laser. Dual-wavelength selectivity and wavelength difference (Δλ) tunability are accomplished over the C-band. Optical power and wavelength stability are measured at 0.33 dB and 0.014 nm, respectively.
Parameter extraction from fabricated silicon photonic devices

Three sets of devices were simulated, designed, and laid out for fabrication in the EuroPractice shuttle program and then measured in-house after fabrication. A combination of analytical and numerical modeling is used to extract the dispersion curves that define the effective index of refraction as a function of wavelength for three different classes of silicon photonic devices, namely, micro-ring resonators, racetrack resonators, and directional couplers. The results of this phenomenological study are made plausible by the linearity of the extracted dispersion curves with wavelength over the wavelength regime of interest (S and C bands) and the use of the determined effective indices to reconstruct the measured transmission as a function of wavelength curves in close agreement with experiment. The extracted effective indices can be used to place limits on the actual fabricated values of waveguide widths, thicknesses, radii of curvature, and coupling gaps.
CONGESTED PUBLIC GOODS: THE CASE OF FIRE PROTECTION

Abstract This paper uses a fire protection measure based on a community's fire insurance rating to estimate the strength of congestion effects for fire protection services. The empirical results show that the congestion properties of fire protection are much like those of a pure public good. In addition, the paper introduces a new notion of returns to scale for public goods and estimates the relevant parameters for the fire protection case.
Spectral Energetics of the General Circulation and Time Spectra of Transient Waves during the FGGE Year

Abstract The spectral energetics of the general circulation are presented for the entire FGGE year based on the GFDL analyses of FGGE observations. The global energy balance and those of the Northern and Southern hemispheres show a reasonable agreement. However, examining the energy flow in the wavenumber domain reveals a marked contrast between the two hemispheres in both energy and energy transformations. The annual variations of energy variables are large, and there are also pronounced differences of seasonal characteristics between the hemispheres. With the one-year time series of energy variables, time spectra of transient waves are examined at 500 and 100 mb in order to evaluate their contribution to the time-averaged kinetic energy and baroclinic conversion. Characteristic distributions of power spectra for kinetic energy and available potential energy are described for the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In cyclone-scale disturbance almost the entire baroclinc conversion is supported by transie...
The Physical and Biological Characterization of a Frail Mouse Model

Background. The development of animal models that approximate human frailty is necessary to facilitate etiologic and treatment-focused frailty research. The genetically altered IL-10 tm/tm mouse does not express the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) and is, like frail humans, more susceptible to inflammatory pathway activation. We hypothesized that with increasing age, IL-10 tm/tm mice would develop physical and biological characteristics similar to those of human frailty as compared to C57BL/6J control mice. Methods. Strength, activity, serum IL-6, and skeletal muscle gene expression were compared between age-matched and gender-matched IL-10 tm/tm mice on C57BL/6J background and C57BL/6J control mice using a longitudinal design for physical characteristics and cross-sectional design for biological characteristics. Results. Strength levels declined significantly faster in IL-10 tm/tm compared to control mice with increasing age. Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in older compared to younger IL-10 tm/tm mice and were significantly higher in older IL-10 tm/tm compared to age- and gender-matched C57BL/6J control mice. One hundred twenty-five genes, many related to mitochondrial biology and apoptosis, were differentially expressed in skeletal muscle between 50-week-old IL-10 tm/tm and 50-week-old C57BL/6J mice. No expression differences between IL-10 tm/tm age groups were identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion. These physical and biological findings suggest that the IL-10 tm/tm mouse develops inflammation and strength decline consistent with human frailty at an earlier age compared to C57BL/6J control type mice. This finding provides rationale for the further development and utilization of the IL-10 tm/tm mouse to study the biological basis
Physician specialty and variations in the cost of treating patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding is a frequent cause of hospitalization. The goal of this study was to assess whether the cost of treating patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding varies among surgeons, internists, and gastroenterologists. METHODS: A retrospective study of 124 patients admitted with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was performed. Patients were stratified into three groups based on a validated risk score; length of stay and hospital costs were compared among patients primarily cared for by internists, surgeons, and gastroenterologists. RESULTS: The median length of stay (2 days) for patients admitted to the gastroenterology service was significantly shorter than for patients admitted under the care of other physicians (P CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted to an urban teaching hospital directly under the care of a gastroenterologist had shorter hospital stays that were significantly less costly than patients under the primary care of internists or surgeons. The difference in length of stay reflects the time interval between endoscopy and discharge. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1443-8)
Moisture Content, Thickness, and Lesions of Sole Horn Associated with Thin Soles in Dairy Cattle

Thin soles and resulting lameness are often associated with increased culling rates in large dairy operations. The moisture content of the sole horn may cause the horn to be softer, thus predisposing it to an increased rate of wear. For that reason, the first objective of this study was to determine the moisture content of the sole horn of thin-soled cows. The second objective was to document physical changes of the claw associated with thin soles. Twenty-six adult Holstein cows showing signs of thin soles, and 16 normal cows were used in the study. Selection criteria for thin-soled cows included a dorsal wall length of less than 7.5 cm and the following clinical signs: painful gait, arched back, and specific leg lameness. Sixteen normal adult cows with dorsal wall length in excess of 7.5 cm were randomly selected. For thin-soled cows, the moisture contents of sole horn were 37.1 +/- 0.7% for front claws and 40.5 +/- 0.7% for rear claws. These values were significantly different from each other. Moisture contents of sole horn from normal cows were 31.08 +/- 0.93% for front claws and 33.1 +/- 0.9% for rear claws, which were significantly different from each other and different from thin-soled cows. Rear claws had higher moisture contents than front claws. Mean sole horn thickness was 4.23 +/- 0.18 mm for the rear lateral claws and 5.15 +/- 0.18 mm for the rear medial claws. The average dorsal wall lengths were 66.8 +/- 3.94 mm for rear lateral claws and 69.1 +/- 7.25 mm for rear medial claws. Thirty percent of rear feet with thin soles had pathological claw horn lesions including sole/white line separation (72%) and sole ulcers (28%). Of the affected claws, 13% had more than one lesion. Seventy-seven percent of claw lesions occurred in the lateral claw.
PARALLEL SIMULATION OF VISCOUS INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOWS

This article deals with the formulation, implementation, and application of parallel numerical algorithms for the simulation of incompressible viscous fluid flows.
Modeling Future Conservation of Hawaiian Honeycreepers by Mosquito Management and Translocation of Disease-Tolerant Amakihi

Avian malaria is an important cause of the decline of endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers. Because of the complexity of this disease system we used a computer model of avian malaria in forest birds to evaluate how two proposed conservation strategies: 1) reduction of habitat for mosquito larvae and 2) establishment of a low-elevation, malaria-tolerant honeycreeper (Hawaii Amakihi) to mid-elevation forests would affect native Hawaiian honeycreeper populations. We evaluated these approaches in mid-elevation forests, where malaria transmission is seasonal and control strategies are more likely to work. Our model suggests the potential benefit of larval habitat reduction depends on the level of malaria transmission, abundance of larval cavities, and the ability to substantially reduce these cavities. Permanent reduction in larval habitat of >80% may be needed to control abundance of infectious mosquitoes and benefit bird populations. Establishment of malaria-tolerant Amakihi in mid-elevation forests increases Amakihi abundance, creates a larger disease reservoir, and increases the abundance of infectious mosquitoes which may negatively impact other honeycreepers. For mid-elevation sites where bird populations are severely affected by avian malaria, malaria-tolerant Amakihi had little impact on other honeycreepers. Both management strategies may benefit native Hawaiian honeycreepers, but benefits depend on specific forest characteristics, the amount of reduction in larval habitat that can be achieved, and how malaria transmission is affected by temperature.
Electrically pumped subwavelength metallo-dielectric laser with low threshold gain

An electrically pumped subwavelength metallo-dielectric laser with a low threshold gain is demonstrated. To achieve low threshold gain, we selectively etch InP electrical channel diameter. Lasing operation is observed for temperatures up to 180 K.
Matching music: clustering versus distinguishing records in a large database

Purpose – Describing musical pieces, whether sound recordings, scores, librettos, videos, has always involved cataloger interpretation and judgment. There is considerable variation in records created for exactly the same item. And there is never “proof” that two records which seem to describe the same item actually do. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes some of the challenges encountered in developing software for matching music records, and some approaches to making the software reliable.Findings – The paper finds that matching can be used successfully to create GLIMIR clusters in the WorldCat database. Work is needed in several areas to complete the implementation, but intermediate results are promising.Originality/value – This implementation will allow end‐user applications to collocate resources, to improve discovery and delivery in a complex bibliographic universe
Dissecting “Lithiotis” Bivalves: Implications for the Early Jurassic Reef Eclipse

Abstract Following extensive Late Triassic coral-constructed reefs and the aftermath of the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, Early Jurassic buildups are rare and constructed primarily by bivalves. The Pliensbachian exhibits a radiation of aberrant pterioid bivalves, the “Lithiotis” bivalves, which include: Lithiotis problematica, Cochlearites loppianus, Gervilleioperna sp., Mytiloperna sp., and Lithioperna scutata. These large bivalves are ubiquitous in shallow, nearshore tropical waters and restricted to the Early Jurassic recovery interval. Field and thin-section observations indicate a strong zonation of “Lithiotis” bivalves in shallow nearshore environments. Gervilleioperna and Mytiloperna are restricted to tidal-flat and inner-platform facies. Lithioperna scutata is found throughout the lagoonal subtidal facies and even in some low-oxygen environments. Lithiotis and Cochlearites construct buildups in subtidal facies, and both taxa exhibit discordant valves—one valve is converted into a pedestal, th...
Energy and Angular Distributions of Electrons from Ion Impact on Atomic and Molecular Hydrogen. IV. 28-114-keV He + + H Collisions

Absolute ionization cross sections for 28{endash}114-keV helium ion impact on atomic hydrogen, differential in energy and angle of the ejected electrons, have been obtained from crossed-beam measurements and previously measured cross sections for molecular hydrogen targets. A radio frequency discharge source produced a mixed atomic and molecular target with a typical dissociation fraction of 74{percent}. Energy spectra were measured from 1.5 to 130 eV by an electrostatic analyzer with a resolution of 5{percent}. The angular range was 15{degree}{endash}160{degree}. Results are compared with calculations based on the first Born, continuum-distorted-wave{endash}eikonal-initial-state, and classical trajectory Monte Carlo methods. Total electron yields are obtained by combining calculations that are separately performed for liberating the target and projectile electrons. Model potentials are used to represent the interparticle-separation-dependent screening of the nuclear charges experienced by the electrons. Though projectile electron emission is a negligible component of the total ionization cross section for the present collision energies, its contribution is significant for particular regions of the spectrum of ejected electrons. Through comparison with our proton-impact data [Kerby {ital et} {ital al}., Phys. Rev. A {bold 51}, 2256 (1995)], differences and similarities are demonstrated owing to the common asymptotic charge of these two projectiles but differing nuclear charges more » and the electron carried by the He{sup +} ion. Comparisons are also made illustrating the differences between atomic and molecular hydrogen targets. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.} « less
Early versus late postural tachycardia: a re-evaluation of a syndrome.

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) involves an HR-rise within 10 minutes of head-up tilt. Hypokinetic circulation, older age, and ACE-inhibitor or Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers were associated with “Late” POTS (after 10 minutes of tilt) versus “Early” POTS (within 10 minutes of tilt).
Simplified Design Techniques for Distributed Power Amplifiers for Synchrotron and Cyclotron Driver Applications

Design of distributed power amplifiers has been simplified through the use of a set of design charts and simplifying circuit techniques. A circuit in which the anode and grid lines are built from bridge-T constant-resistance networks seems to be best. These lines have an image impedance that is resistive and of constant value for all frequencies, and therefore do not require terminating half sections. For a given characteristic impedance and shunt capacitance, the bridge-T lines have about twice the bandwidth of the constant-K lines. The design of the ferrite transformers for matching the anode and grid lines to standard line impedances has been simplified by means of design charts and tables. These amplifiers are simple to build and very stable. A 3.5-kW amplifier which operates from 1.0 to 70 MHz is used to illustrate the technique.
Activation-dependent stabilization of the human thromboxane receptor: role of reactive oxygen species

Thromboxane A2 (TxA2), the principle product of platelet COX-1-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism, directs multiple pro-atherogenic processes via its receptor, TP. Oxidative challenge offsets TP degradation, a key component in limiting TxA2's actions. Following TP activation, we observed cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation coincident with increased TP expression. We examined the link between TP-evoked ROS and TP regulation. TP expression was augmented in TPα-transfected cells treated with a TxA2 analog [1S-1α,2β(5Z),3α(1E,3R*),4α]]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(4′-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (IBOP). This was reduced with a cellular antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, or two distinct NADPH oxidase inhibitors, diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin. Homologous upregulation of the native TP was also reduced in apocynin-treated aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and was absent in ASMCs lacking an NADPH oxidase subunit (p47−/−). TP transcription was not increased in IBOP-treated cells, indicating a posttranscriptional mechanism. IBOP induced translocation of TPα to the Golgi and reduced degradation of the immature form of the receptor. These data are consistent with a ROS-dependent mechanism whereby TP activation enhanced TP stability early in posttranscriptional biogenesis. Given the significant role played by TP and ROS in perturbed cardiovascular function, the convergence of TP on ROS-generating pathways for regulation of TxA2-dependent events may be critical for cardiovascular disease.
Characterization of an E2-type colicin and its application to treat alfalfa seeds to reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7

Several outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections have been associated with contaminated alfalfa seeds. A recently isolated E. coli strain Hu194 was capable of inhibiting 22 strains of E. coli O157:H7 and this inhibition was mediated by the production of a colicin named Hu194. The objectives of this study were to test the efficacy of treating alfalfa seeds with colicin Hu194 against E. coli O157:H7 strains, and to characterize this antimicrobial protein. Significant reductions (approximately 5 log CFU ml-1) in the viable cell counts of strains 43890 and 43895 were observed after 1-day incubation with semi-crude colicin, and after 2 days for strain 3081. Strain 43890 was successfully eliminated (5 log CFU g-1) from inoculated alfalfa seeds after soaking in a colicin suspension at a concentration of 10,000 AU/g. Treatment of alfalfa seeds inoculated with strains 43895 and 3081 required 20-fold higher concentrations of colicin Hu194 to achieve as much as 3 log CFU g-1 reductions. The genes encoding the colicin Hu194 operon were located on a 6 kb plasmid, and the sequence analysis revealed that this colicin was an E-type DNAse. From the sequence data, the estimated molecular masses of colicin Hu194, its immunity protein and lysis protein were 61.3, 10.0 and 4.8 kDa, respectively. Based on DNA and protein sequence comparisons with other E-type colicin, colicin Hu194 belonged to the type E2-colicin cluster. However, cross-immunity tests between E-group colicins suggested that Hu194 colicin was divergent from the previously characterized E2 colicins.
Changes in synoptic weather patterns and Greenland precipitation in the 20th and 21st centuries: 2. Analysis of 21st century atmospheric changes using self‐organizing maps

[1] Using a three-model ensemble, predictions of increasing Greenland precipitation over the 21st century are analyzed using self-organizing maps (SOMs). The models that make up the three-model ensemble (CCCMA-CGCM3.1(T63), MIROC3.2(hires), and MPI-ECHAM5), which are all atmosphere-ocean global circulation models used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report, were chosen due to their ability to best reproduce North Atlantic surface synoptic climatology and Greenland precipitation from ERA-40. Daily sea level pressure and precipitation data from model simulations for years 1961-1999, 2046-2065, and 2081-2100 are compared, where future simulations are based on the SRES A1B emissions scenario. Results indicate that the North Atlantic storm track is predicted to shift northward through the 21 st century and Greenland precipitation is predicted to increase from 35.8 cm yr -1 to 45.8 cm yr -1 by the end of the 21st century, a 27.8% increase. The precipitation change is attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation, which are due to changes in synoptic pattern frequency of occurrence, and changes in the amount of precipitation that occurs when a given synoptic circulation pattern occurs, termed intrapattern variability, during the future time periods. The northward shift in storm track results in less precipitation being produced dynamically over the southeast coast of Greenland, but an increase in precipitation over the remainder of the ice sheet, with largest increases over the southwest coast of Greenland and the eastern region. Intrapattern variability changes, however, dominate the future precipitation changes, accounting for 82.5% of the total change. This is due to an increase in precipitable water in the atmosphere in response to rising temperatures. Changes in sea ice and ocean temperature are also thought to contribute to this change.
Multiple plaque morphologies in a single coronary artery: insights from volumetric intravascular ultrasound.

Intravascular ultrasound provides detailed information on vessel wall and plaque morphology. This report illustrates the use of three-dimensional volumetric IVUS reconstruction images to characterize different patterns of plaque morphology, including vulnerable and ruptured plaques, within a single coronary artery in a patient with unstable angina. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:376–380. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development of the Time Dependence of the Nuclear (E1) HEMP Electric Field

The early time (E1) nuclear high altitude electromagnetic pulse electric field calculated with the code CHAP is compared with the field given by an integral solution of Maxwell's equations, also known as the Jefimenko equation, to aid our current understanding on the factors that affect the time dependence of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP). For a fair comparison the CHAP current density is used as a source in the Jefimenko equation. At first, the comparison is simplified by neglecting the conduction current and replacing the standard atmosphere with a constant density air slab. The simplicity of the resultant current density aids in determining the factors that affect the rise, peak and tail of the EMP electric field versus time. The explicit 3-D approach of the Jefimenko equation confirms the importance, as described in the high-frequency approximation, of sources off the line-of-sight and the time dependence of the time derivative of the current density in shaping the EMP electric field time dependence. This conclusion also holds when the conduction current and the standard atmosphere are properly accounted for. Comparison of the CHAP electric field with the Jefimenko electric field is also another way to validate the equations developed under the high-frequency/outgoing wave approximation.
The internal organization of mycobacterial partition assembly: does the DNA wrap a protein core?

Before cell division in many bacteria, the ParBs spread on a large segment of DNA encompassing the origin-proximal parS site(s) to form the partition assembly that participates in chromosome segregation. Little is known about the structural organization of chromosomal partition assembly. We report solution X-ray and neutron scattering data characterizing the size parameters and internal organization of a nucleoprotein assembly formed by the mycobacterial chromosomal ParB and a 120-meric DNA containing a parS-encompassing region from the mycobacterial genome. The cross-sectional radii of gyration and linear mass density describing the rod-like ParB-DNA assembly were determined from solution scattering. A “DNA outside, protein inside” mode of partition assembly organization consistent with the neutron scattering hydrogen/deuterium contrast variation data is discussed. In this organization, the high scattering DNA is positioned towards the outer region of the partition assembly. The new results presented here provide a basis for understanding how ParBs organize the parS-proximal chromosome, thus setting the stage for further interactions with the DNA condensins, the origin tethering factors and the ParA.
The relationships among adaptive behaviors of children with autism, family support, parenting stress, and coping.

Background: As the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, resources must be available to support parents of children with autism and their families. Parents need help as they assess their unique situations, reach out for help in their communities, and work to decrease their stress levels by using appropriate coping strategies that will benefit their entire family.Methods: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 parents/primary caregivers of children with autism. Using the McCubbin and Patterson model of family behavior, adaptive behaviors of children with autism, family support networks, parenting stress, and parent coping were measured. Findings and Conclusions: An association between low adaptive functioning in children with autism and increased parenting stress creates a need for additional family support as parents search for different coping strategies to assist the family with ongoing and new challenges. Professionals should have up-to-date know...
Formation and interaction of self-guided optical beams in a pre-engineered soft-matter system

We demonstrate stable beam self-trapping in soft-matter systems with artificial saturable self-focusing nonlinearities. Our experiments reveal optical beam interactions that can vary from attractive to repulsive as well as an energy exchange.
An Anatomy of Wittgenstein’s Picture Theory

The idea of deconstruction is just fine, but it has been given a bad name by the soi-disant deconstructionists. There are plenty of Humpty-Dumpty ideas in philosophy and its history, that is, ideas which not only have several distinguishable ingredients but which are such that they cannot be put together any longer once the difference between the different factors is discovered and recognized. There is an abundance of such concepts and conceptions ripe to be deconstructed which are incomparably more important philosophically than the notions with which Derrida and his ilk have occupied themselves. What I shall do in this paper is to present a case study in the kind of deconstructive method I just indicated.
Discriminative duration modeling for speech recognition with segmental conditional random fields

This paper describes a new approach to modeling duration for LVCSR using SCARF, a toolkit for speech recognition with segmental conditional random fields. We utilize SCARF's ability to integrate long-span, segment-level features to design and test duration models that help discriminate between correct and incorrect word hypotheses. We show that the duration distributions of correct and incorrect word hypotheses differ. Given a word hypothesis in the lattice and its duration, conditional length probabilities are integrated to the SCARF system as duration features. We evaluate three kinds of duration features on Broadcast News: word, pre- and post-pausal durations, and word span confusions. Adding the duration features to SCARF results in an up to 0.3% improvement over a state-of-the-art discriminatively trained baseline of 15.3% WER on a Broadcast News task.