cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of vadose zone and saturated zone nitrate lag times using long-term groundwater monitoring data and statistical machine learning

Abstract. In this study, we explored the use of statistical machine learning and long-term groundwater nitrate monitoring data to estimate vadose-zone and saturated-zone lag times in an irrigated alluvial agricultural setting. Unlike most previous statistical machine learning studies that sought to predict groundwater nitrate concentrations within aquifers, the focus of this study was to leverage available groundwater nitrate concentrations and other environmental variable data to determine mean vertical velocities (transport rates) of water and solutes in the vadose zone and saturated zone (3.50 m/year and 3.75 m/year, respectively). Although a saturated-zone velocity that is greater than a vadose-zone velocity would be counterintuitive in most aquifer settings, the statistical machine learning results are consistent with two contrasting primary recharge processes in this aquifer: (1) diffuse recharge from irrigation and precipitation across the landscape, and (2) focused recharge from leaking irrigation conveyance canals. The vadose-zone mean velocity yielded a mean recharge rate (0.46 m/year) consistent with previous estimates from groundwater age-dating in shallow wells (0.38 m/year). The saturated zone mean velocity yielded a recharge rate (1.31 m/year) that was more consistent with focused recharge from leaky irrigation canals, as indicated by previous results of groundwater age-dating in intermediate-depth wells (1.22 m/year). Collectively, the statistical machine-learning model results are consistent with previous observations of relatively high-water fluxes and short transit times for water and nitrate in the aquifer. Partial dependence plots from the model indicate a sharp threshold where high groundwater nitrate concentrations are mostly associated with total travel times of seven years or less, possibly reflecting some combination of recent management practices and a tendency for nitrate concentrations to be higher in diffuse infiltration recharge than in canal leakage water. Limitations to the machine learning approach include potential non-uniqueness when comparing model performance for different transport rate combinations and highlight the need to corroborate statistical model results with a robust conceptual model and complementary information such as groundwater age.
Review of QCD, cosmological phase transitions, QGP, heavy quark meson production enhancement and suppression

This review of the quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the early universe cosmological phase transition from the quark–gluon plasma (QGP) to our present universe (QCDPT), relativistic heavy ion collisions (RHIC) which can produce the QGP, the possible detection of the QGP produced by the production of mixed hybrid heavy quark mesons. We also review the recent studies of the production of mixed heavy quark hybrids via RHIC and heavy quark meson suppression in p-Pb and Pb–Pb collisions.
Structures of inner consciousness: Brentano onward

For Brentano, an act of consciousness features a presentation of an object joined with an inner presentation – an ‘inner consciousness’ or inner awareness – of that object-presentation. On Mark Tex...
Articulatory Coordination for Speech Motor Tracking in Huntington Disease

Huntington Disease (HD) is a progressive disorder which often manifests in motor impairment. Motor severity (captured via motor score) is a key component in assessing overall HD severity. However, motor score evaluation involves in-clinic visits with a trained medical professional, which are expensive and not always accessible. Speech analysis provides an attractive avenue for tracking HD severity because speech is easy to collect remotely and provides insight into motor changes. HD speech is typically characterized as having irregular articulation. With this in mind, acoustic features that can capture vocal tract movement and articulatory coordination are particularly promising for characterizing motor symptom progression in HD. In this paper, we present an experiment that uses Vocal Tract Coordination (VTC) features extracted from read speech to estimate a motor score. When using an elastic-net regression model, we find that VTC features significantly outperform other acoustic features across varied-length audio segments, which highlights the effectiveness of these features for both short- and long-form reading tasks. Lastly, we analyze the F-value scores of VTC features to visualize which channels are most related to motor score. This work enables future research efforts to consider VTC features for acoustic analyses which target HD motor symptomatology tracking.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: A Missed Opportunity.

Background/Aims Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is pelvic pain for greater than 6 months with many potential causes one being pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). PCS is diagnosed by clinical symptoms, exclusion of other etiologies, and imaging. Given the complex nature and diagnosis of CPP, we examined ordering and referral patterns in our local population to understand how the imaging findings of PCS correlate with patient symptoms and referral and treatment. Materials and Methods After IRB approval, we searched all 18 to 70-year-old females with CT of the pelvis between March 2015 and March 2018 with the terms “pelvic” plus “congestion,” “varices,” or “vein dilation” in the dictation. Via electronic medical record and image review we collected data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, symptoms, imaging findings, ordering provider, and any follow-up/referrals or interventions regarding PCS. Results A total of 96 patients were included of the 197 studies, with an average age of 47 years and average body mass index of 19.3 (n = 93) at the time of imaging. The reason for imaging was often acute abdominal or flank pain (n = 22) with 38% of cases ordered from the emergency room. Only 72 patients had documentation of clinical evaluation for symptoms of PCS. Notably, only 20 were referred for their symptoms, and only two patients were referred to IR. Both patients underwent successful endovascular intervention. Conclusion CPP is a common cause of morbidity with PCS representing an underdiagnosed cause. We demonstrate that while imaging findings may be incidental, we are failing to capture and triage patients with clinical symptoms of PCS. Radiologists can play a key role in the care of these patients.
Inhibition of Electron Transfer in the Cytochrome b / f Complex By NQNO and DBMIB: Evidence for Two Quinone Binding Sites

The oxidation of plastoquinol by the cytochrome b/f complex is the slowest step in light-saturated photosynthetic electron transport. The reaction involves the removal of two electrons and two protons from plastoquinol by the one-electron acceptors of the cytochrome b/f complex: the FeS center, cytochrome f, and two b-cytochromes. A distinct feature of the process is the -transformation of redox free energy into the free energy of a proton electrochemical gradient. The energy transduction is a consequence of contributions from two reactions: One is the contribution to the transmembrane proton gradient from the release of protons into the thylakoid vesicle and the other is the contribution to the transmembrane electric field from the transfer of an uncompensated charge across the membrane. The mechanism of quinol oxidation by the cytochrome b/f complex has yet to be determined and is currently the topic of a considerable amount of research (reviewed in ref. 1). A major point of divergence among the proposed models is the stoichiometry of proton translocation to electron transport. Linear models predict one proton released inside the thylakoid vesicle for each electron transferred to photosystem I, while cyclic mechanisms predict two protons for each electron (2–6).
Functional characterization of cAMP-binding mutations in type I protein kinase

A mutant form of the type I regulatory subunit (RI) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase has been cloned and sequenced (Clegg, C. H., Correll, L. A., Cadd, G. C., and McKnight, G. S. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 13111-13119) which contains two point mutations in the site B cAMP-binding site, a Gly to Asp at position this report, the effect of each independent mutation on the rate of dissociation of cAMP from RI, the cAMP-mediated activation of holoenzyme and the inducibility of cAMP-responsive genes has been characterized. Dissociation of cAMP from either recombinant wild type RI or the B1 mutant demonstrated biphasic kinetics, indicating two sites with different affinities for cAMP. Dissociation from the B2 subunit, however, was monophasic and very rapid indicating that site B had been destroyed and that the rate of dissociation from site A was increased. The cAMP activation constants (Ka) of the wild type and B1 holoenzymes were 40 and 188 nM, respectively, and demonstrated positive cooperativity, with Hill coefficients of 1.61 for the wild type and 1.67 for B1. The B2 holoenzyme required much greater concentrations of cAMP, 4.7 microM, for half-maximal activation and did not display positive cooperativity. Constitutive expression in mouse AtT20 pituitary cells of the B1 mutant resulted in only a small shift in the Ka for kinase activation in these cells compared with B2 expression which increased the Ka by more than 100-fold. Transient expression of the B1 subunit in human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells inhibited forskolin activation of a cAMP-responsive promoter by 35% whereas similar expression of the B2 RI subunit inhibited the response by 90%. These results suggest that the Gly to Asp mutation at amino acid 324 completely blocks cAMP binding to site B whereas the Arg to His mutation at position 332 causes a more subtle alteration in cAMP binding. Expression of either mutant RI in animal cells results in a dominant repression of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity and cAMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated processes.
Photonically-enabled phase shift keying of 50 GHz bandwidth radio-frequency arbitrary waveforms

We experimentally realize phase shift keying of ultrabroadband radio-frequency arbitrary waveforms. BPSK, QPSK and 16-PSK modulation are demonstrated for 50-GHz-bandwidth spread spectrum RF waveforms.
Genetic diagnosis of PLP gene duplications/deletions in patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.

PMD is an X-linked recessive disorder due to a proteolipid protein (PLP) deficiency. Duplications of PLP gene were shown to be the principle cause of the disorder, accounting for an estimated 50-70% of cases. To define a simple and reliable method for genetic diagnosis of PMD, a group of 42 patients with clinical manifestation of PMD was analyzed by means of real-time quantitative PCR. Parallel fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed on the same group of patients. Real-time PCR found seventeen samples had increased gene dosage, whereas FISH detected sixteen duplicated samples. Both methods identified a sample with PLP gene deletion. Our results indicate that real-time PCR is a sensitive and reliable method for the detection of gene duplications/deletions. We further discussed the advantages and limitations of each method in clinical diagnosis of PMD.
The Purification and Properties of an Abnormal Prothrombin Protein Produced by Dicumarol-treated Cows A COMPARISON TO NORMAL PROTHROMBIN

A physiologically inactive prothrombin protein has been purified from the plasma of dicumarol-treated cows to a high level of purity. This protein gave 80% as much precipitation in an assay against bovine prothrombin antibody as did normal bovine prothrombin. This could be due to a difference in antigenicity, or it could be a reflection of nonhomogeneity of the preparation. It was very similar to normal prothrombin in its carbohydrate and amino acid composition, its ability to be activated by several nonphysiological prothrombin activators, and its molecular weight as judged by gel electrophoresis. Its disc gel electrophoretic pattern also showed little difference from that of normal prothrombin unless calcium was included in the gel buffers. Under these conditions it was apparent that the inactive prothrombin did not bind calcium to the same degree as the normal prothrombin. The other significant differences between these two proteins are their physiological activity and their adsorption onto barium citrate precipitates. In every case the abnormal prothrombin failed to have these properties. It appears that these three differences are due to the same property of prothrombin and that this is a result of vitamin K action. That is, vitamin K action is required in the metabolic step which is needed to produce the calcium-binding sites, and these are necessary for physiological activity and are responsible for barium citrate adsorption. These data suggest that vitamin K acts by chemically altering prothrombin in some unknown fashion, or in the attachment of a previously unrecognized prosthetic group.
Uncertainty About the Fundamentals and the Occurrence of Sudden Stops of Capital Flows: Theory and Empirics

We analyse the effect of the uncertainty about the fundamentals on the probability of sudden stops of capital flows from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Our model predicts that the probability of crises increases with the uncertainty, ie. the dispersion of private signals about the true value of the fundamentals. Using two datasets of Consensus and WES forecasts for 31 developed and developing countries for the time period from January 1990 until December 2001 we verify the theoretical prediction. We apply probit estimation controlling for time and country effects. Additionally, we show that the result is robust for numerous speci¯cations.
Alcohol differentially alters extracellular matrix and adhesion molecule expression in skeletal muscle and heart

Background The production of fibrosis in response to chronic alcohol abuse is well recognized in liver but has not been fully characterized in striated muscle and may contribute to functional impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use an unbiased discovery-based approach to determine the effect of chronic alcohol consumption on the expression profile of genes important for cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Methods Adult male rats were pair-fed an alcohol-containing liquid diet or control diet for 24 weeks, and skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) and heart were collected in the freely fed state. A pathway-focused gene expression polymerase chain reaction array was performed on these tissues to assess mRNA content for 84 ECM proteins, and selected proteins were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Results In gastrocnemius, alcohol feeding up-regulated the expression of 11 genes and down-regulated the expression of 1 gene. Alcohol increased fibrosis as indicated by increased mRNA and/or protein for collagens α1(I), α2(I), α1(III), and α2(IV) as well as hydroxyproline. Alcohol also increased α-smooth muscle actin protein, an index of myofibroblast activation, but no concomitant change in transforming growth factor-β was detected. The mRNA and protein content for other ECM components, such as integrin-α5, L-selectin, PECAM, SPARC, and ADAMTS2, were also increased by alcohol. Only laminin-α3 mRNA was decreased in gastrocnemius from alcohol-fed rats, while 66 ECM- or cell adhesion-related mRNAs were unchanged by alcohol. For heart, expression of 16 genes was up-regulated, expression of 3 genes was down-regulated, and 65 mRNAs were unchanged by alcohol; there were no common alcohol-induced gene expression changes between heart and skeletal muscle. Finally, alcohol increased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-12 mRNA in both skeletal and cardiac muscle, but IL-6 mRNA was increased and IL-10 mRNA decreased only in skeletal muscle. Conclusions These data demonstrate a fibrotic response in striated muscle from chronic alcohol-fed rats which is tissue specific in nature, suggesting different regulatory mechanisms.
An evolutionary and life history perspective on human male reproductive senescence

Unlike menopause, male reproductive senescence does not involve an acute drop in fertility. Men do, however, manifest distinct changes in somatic and gonadal function with age. Moreover, population variation in male reproductive senescence reveals phenotypic plasticity resulting from environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors. An evolutionary and life history perspective is vital for understanding male reproductive senescence because aging involves biological constraint as well as adjustments to reproductive strategies and the allocation of somatic resources. An awareness of life history-related tradeoffs between energetic and time constraints is especially useful because biological aspects of male senescence are products of environmental challenges and natural selection. This article reviews the adaptive significance of the evolutionary biology of human male senescence with particular attention to population variation. An evolutionary perspective cannot only shed light on the origins and biology of human male senescence but also provide insights into contemporary issues of male aging and health.
MAGNESIUM SULFATE IN OBSTETRICS. A STUDY OF MAGNESIUM IN PLASMA, URINE, AND MUSCLE.

Abstract 1. 1. The management of 166 patients with eclamptogenic toxemia indicates the efficiency of magnesium sulfate in controling and preventing convulsions. A dosage schedule based on body weight and the estimation of magnesium in plasma and urine has proved to be safe and efficient. The intramuscular route of therapy has proved to be satisfactory. 2. 2. Animal studies have confirmed the efficiency of the intravenous drip regimen and indicates that this method can be used as an adjunct when necessary to this or other intramuscular regimens of therapy for the first 6 to 8 hours. The intramuscular administration of magnesium sulfate caused a statistical increase in the concentration of this cation in the muscle of normal rabbits.
Correlation between Triglycerides and Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase in Men on High-Fat Diets

Of eight young men on high-fat diets (60% of caloric intake) for 42 days, four developed serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase concentrations greater than normal, while lactic dehydrogenase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, and alkaline and acid phosphatases were within the normal range. Serum triglyceride levels were also within the normal range, but significant correlations between serum triglycerides and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels were found in six of the eight subjects; the mean values for all eight subjects showed a correlation significant at the 99% level of confidence. SGPT levels may be of fundamental significance along with blood triglycerides in the evaluation of fatty livers and coronary artery disease.
Robust analog circuit design: a set theoretic approach

A set theoretic methodology for analog/RF circuit design is introduced that finds robust design parameters as a feasible solution meeting multiple constraints. The parametric design is determined so as to satisfy multiple requirements such as circuit power, device sizes, area, transistor bias conditions, small signal characteristics and other design requirements using the method of projections onto convex sets (POCS). A nested projection structure is utilized to project onto complicated, possibly non-convex constraints. The process variations are stochastically modelled and a further adjustment is proposed on sets to achieve robustness. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated by a partial design of a two stage operational amplifier.
In situ expression of nitrite‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation proteins by Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera co‐occurring with expressed anammox proteins in a contaminated aquifer

Deciphering the in situ activities of microorganisms is essential for understanding the biogeochemical processes occurring in complex environments. Here, we used environmental metaproteomics to obtain information about the identity of subsurface microbial populations in coal tar-contaminated groundwater and the metabolic processes they catalyze. Metaproteomic libraries (two shotgun and seven slices from one SDS-PAGE gel) were generated from replicate samples of microbial biomass. Peptide fragment analysis using nano-liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS of the three protein pools generated a total of 95,725 mass spectra. When analyzed using mascot v.2.3.02 and searched against the NCBInr bacterial database [confidence interval 99% (P < 0.01)], a total of 1,270 proteins had at least two peptide matches. Replication of identified proteins across the three libraries was low (3.3%); however, in each library, the most frequently identified protein host was Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera (15, 12 and 62 proteins for each shotgun and the gel-slice library respectively). Remarkably, eight of the nine proteins in the nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation pathway were found. Additionally, 39 proteins were matched to known anammox bacteria including hydroxylamine and hydrazine oxidase. Metaproteomics thus revealed a microbial population, closely related to Ca. Methylomirabilis oxyfera, actively engaged in nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation and likely competing for nitrite with anammox bacteria.
Cloning and characterization of the chlorophyll biosynthesis gene chlM from Synechocystis PCC 6803 by complementation of a bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis mutant of Rhodobacter capsulatus

A bacteriochlorophyll a biosynthesis mutant of the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus was functionally complemented with a cosmid genomic library from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The complemented R. capsulatus strain contains a defined mutation in the bchM gene that codes for Mg-protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase, the enzyme which converts Mg-protoporphyrin IX to Mg-protoporphyrin IX methylester using S-adenosyl-l-methionine as a cofactor. Since chlorophyll biosynthesis also requires the same methylation reaction, the Synechocystis genome should similarly code for a Mg-protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase. Sequence analysis of the complementing Synechocystis cosmid indicates that it contains an open reading frame exhibiting 29% sequence identity to BchM. In addition, expression of the Synechocystis gene in the R. capsulatus bchM mutant via the strong R. capsulatus puc promoter was shown to support nearly wild-type levels of bacteriochlorophyll a synthesis. To our knowledge, the Synechocystis sequence thus represents the first chlorophyll biosynthesis gene homolog of bchM. The complementing Synechocystis cosmid was also shown to code for a gene product that is a member of a highly conserved family of RNA binding proteins, the function of which in cyanobacteria remains undetermined.
Effects of Contact on the Abrasiveness of a Thin Boron Carbide Coating

Boron carbide (B4C) has been studied under dry sliding conditions for use as a potential finite-life run-in coating. Such a coating has been found to polish its mating surface during dry sliding wear, thereby providing fatigue resistance to the coated part. Employing such run-in coatings requires a complete understanding of the changes that occur in the coating abrasiveness during the polishing process. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the changes in the contact conditions of such a system needs to be obtained. This study presents the role that contact plays in changes of the overall coating abrasiveness. By performing sliding wear experiments using various contact conditions, i.e. ball-on-disc, pin-on-disc and cone-on-disc, we directly investigated the effects of macro-scale contact conditions on the coating abrasiveness. It was found that the rate at which the coating abrasiveness decreased was independent of the macro-scale contact conditions. These findings were further validated by investigating the coating abrasiveness results that were obtained by performing spiral track wear experiments. Through the use of a three-dimensional thermomechanical asperity contact model, it was found that the coating abrasiveness was controlled by the actual micro-scale contact conditions. This study supports the classic Greenwood–Williamson model, which states that the number of micro-scale contacts and the total actual area of contact remains constant for a given load.
Collision-induced and multiple light scattering by simple fluids

Most discussions of light scattering by simple (e.g. classical, atomic) fluids have treated only ‘first order’ processes, i.e. those where the incident light is scattered only once and the atomic polarizabilities are undistorted by interaction. Correspondingly the scattered intensity is related by Fourier transform to the time- and space- pair correlations. In this paper we describe instead the ‘second order’ processes of collision-induced scattering (c.i.s.), in which the incident light is scattered only once but the relevant polarizability is that of an interacting cluster of atoms, and multiple light scattering (m.l.s.), in which only undistorted polarizabilities are involved but the incident light is scattered more than once. In both cases the scattered intensity is determined by correlations involving more than two particles. In addition, the c.i.s. experiments provide information about the many-atom polarization while the m.l.s. studies offer new probes of large fluctuations in critical and nucleating fluids. We discuss in particular theoretical and experimental c.i.s. investigations of the two-body polarizability anisotropy induced by collision; it is concluded that the nature and origin of non-point-dipole behaviour has yet to be satisfactorily explained. Similarly, we consider how various depolarization m.l.s. studies suggest improved analyses of pair correlation properties in classical systems.
An equilibrium theory of queen production in honeybee colonies preparing to swarm

An equilibrium model is developed which seeks to explain the regulation of queen rearing in honeybee colonies preparing to swarm. The model postulates that there is a balance between nurse bees becoming inhibited from queen rearing and nurses losing their inhibition, and that whether a colony does or does not rear queens reflects the equilibrium percentage of inhibited nurses. This model leads to a quantitative prediction about the size of a conoly's nurse population at which queen rearing should start. Comparing the model's predictions with empirical observations pinpoints data needed for a more complete explanation of control of queen rearing. In particular, the model suggests a central regulatory role for density-dependent changes in the behaviors involved in queen substance dispersal.
Assays for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia

Tests for the presence of heparin-dependent antibodies (heparin-Ig) have evolved in parallel with improved understanding of the pathophysiology of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The first group of tests relied upon platelet aggregation or activation. Among tests in this group, the serotonin release assay has been reported to demonstrate the best performance characteristics. However, this test has not been widely adopted outside a few specialized laboratories owing to its complexity and need for radioactive materials. As a result, the less sensitive and specific platelet aggregation test is more commonly used for the diagnosis of heparin-Ig. The literature suggests that test sensitivity can be improved by the use of the patient’s own platelets, platelets from selected donors known to be reactive in the assay, or washed platelets. Test specificity has been enhanced by the use of two point assays that include neutralization of the reaction by a high dose of heparin. A second group of assays have focused on detection of heparin-dependent binding of immunoglobulins to the platelet membrane. Most of these tests are hampered by the fact that platelets in patients with suspected HIT and in conditions that are in the differential diagnosis of HIT frequently express high levels of platelet-associated immunoglobulin. The most recent tests for heparin-Ig are based on the recognition that patient antibodies are directed against the heparin-PF4 complex. This has led to the development of the PF4/heparin EIA assay. Because whole platelets are not used in this assay, problems related to under-reactivity or nonspecific reactivity are avoided. In addition, the ability of the test to predict clinical complications may be improved because the test can distinguish IgM from IgG heparin-Ig. Currently the laboratory diagnosis of heparin-Ig remains inexact. The sensitivity and specificity of laboratory assays cannot be firmly established. Much like the diagnosis of the phospholipid syndrome — where use of both the cardiolipin EIA and the lupus anticoagulant test offer overlapping advantages — the combination of the heparin-PF4 EIA plus either a test of platelet activation or a heparin-dependent antibody binding assay may prove to be a more sensitive and specific approach to the diagnosis of heparin-Ig. Despite the progress that has been made in the area of laboratory diagnosis of heparin-Ig, further improvement is needed. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is not rare and may be associated with devastating morbidity as well as mortality. Low-molecular-weight heparins usually cross-react with heparin-Ig. Therapy with Org 10172 appears to be the most promising alternative for patients with HIT. Because the clinical diagnosis is uncertain in sick hospitalized patients, further improvements in laboratory assays for heparin-Ig allowing earlier and more accurate diagnosis of patients at risk for HIT will be welcome.
Expression of human parainfluenza virus type 3 PD protein and intracellular localization in virus infected cells

The P gene of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV 3) encodes a multicistronic P mRNA that gives rise to four polypeptides. The P and C proteins are synthesized from two discrete overlapping AUG codons from the unedited P mRNA, while synthesis of two additional proteins, V and PD, presumably occurs via a unique transcriptional editing mechanism. However, the presence of V and PD proteins in HPIV 3 infected cells and their role in viral replication remains uncertain. Here, in vitro expression of full-length PD protein from an altered P mRNA and generation of a polyclonal antibody to the COOH-terminus of PD was achieved. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis following Leptomycin B (LMB) treatment revealed the presence of PD protein in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of HPIV 3 infected cells suggesting the involvement of a nuclear localization signal in this process. These initial results provide new impetus for further characterization of the role of PD in HPIV 3 infection.
Single variant orientational growth of YBa2Cu3O7−x on vicinal (011) SrTiO3 substrates observed by electron microscopy

Abstract The results of a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray microanalysis (EDS) study of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x (YBCO) films grown on vicinal (011) SrTiO 3 substrate are presented. The YBCO films tend to be single crystalline grown in single variant orientation with c -axis ≈45° from the surface. Cracks, second phase precipitates (CuO and Y 2 O 3 ), and a few small YBCO grains in other orientations were revealed in the films.
Some Reflections on Doing the Principalship

Whatever the issue, the principal is the pivotal player in facilitating change or maintaining the status quo. The importance of this role is support ed by experience and research.
Jet broadening in deeply inelastic scattering

In deeply inelastic lepton-nucleus scattering (DIS), the average jet transverse momentum is broadened because of the multiple scattering in the nuclear medium. The size of jet broadening is proportional to the multi-parton correlation functions inside nuclei. We show that at leading order, jet broadening in DIS and nulcear enhancement in di-jet momentum imbalance and Drell-Yan $ $ share the same four-parton correlation functions. We argue that jet broadening in DIS provide an indenpendent measurement of the four-parton correlation functions and a test of QCD treatment of multiple scattering.
Study of photooxidation of styrene-butadiene copolymers by surface pressure measurements at the air-water interface

Comportement des copolymeres sequences a l'interface air-eau. Proprietes d'oxydation des copolymeres sequences et statistiques ainsi que du polybutadiene en solution et a l'interface air-eau par des mesures de pression de surface. Influence de la composition du copolymere et de la microstructure du polybutadiene sur les reactions de photooxydation etudiees par spectroscopie FTIR et mesures force-surface
Mapping cortical morphology in youth with velocardiofacial (22q11.2 deletion) syndrome.

Objective Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS; 22q11.2 deletion syndrome) represents one of the highest known risk factors for schizophrenia. Insofar as up to 30% of individuals with this genetic disorder develop schizophrenia, VCFS constitutes a unique, etiologically homogeneous model for understanding the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Method Using a longitudinal, case-control design, anatomic magnetic resonance images were acquired to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal alterations in surface cortical morphology in a cohort of adolescents with VCFS and age-matched typical controls. All participants were scanned at two time points. Results Compared with controls, youth with VCFS exhibited alterations in inferior frontal, dorsal frontal, occipital, and cerebellar brain regions at both time points. Little change was observed over time in surface morphology of either study group. However, within the VCFS group only, worsening psychosocial functioning over time was associated with time 2 surface contractions in left middle and inferior temporal gyri. Further, prodromal symptoms at time 2 were associated with surface contractions in the left and right orbitofrontal, temporal, and cerebellar regions and surface protrusions of the supramarginal gyrus. Conclusions These findings advance the understanding of cortical disturbances in VCFS that produce vulnerability for psychosis in this high-risk population.
Some additional economic aspects of ground water resources and replacement flows in semi-arid agricultural areas

Abstract This article considers some aspects of the integrated model of the demand function for irrigation water with a hydrologic model of a one-cell-aquifer. A comparison between an optimal control and free market is carried out. The issue of the optimal time for introducing imported water to the aquifer is also considered. The results are empirically applied to the Pecos Basin in New Mexico.
Effect of postcardioplegia reperfusion rhythm or myocardial blood flow

Abstract This study compared myocardial blood flow during postcardioplegia reperfusion asystole and ventricular fibrillation. Pigs (n = 20) were placed on cardiopulmonaiy bypass and blood cardioplegic solution at 38°C was then infused, A preischemia microsphere injection was given in asystolic hearts. All animals then had 1 hour of hypothermie cardioplegic arrest and underwent reperfusion with high-dose (n = 10) or low-dose (n = 10) 38°C blood cardioplegia. At 30 seconds after reperfusion, all hearts were asystolic. The second microsphere injection was then given. At 3 and 6 minutes after leperfusion, the animals' hearts were either in asystole (n = 10) or ventricular fibrillation (n = 10), and the third and fourth microsphere injections were then given. At 10 minutes after reperfusion, all hearts were beating and the final (fifth) microsphere injection was given. There was an initial increase in the global myocardiat blood flow during reperfusion versus the prcischemic control value. However, later, during reperfusion (ie, at the third and fourth injections), there was a significant ( p or regional myocardial blood flow distribution to electromechanical activity (ie, ventricular fibrillation) for the third and fourth injections, suggesting that coronary autoregulation was abnormal. Postcardioplegia reperfusion ventricular fibrillation imposes metabolic demands that may cause reperfusion injury, especially in hearts affected by hypertrophy, ventricular distention, or coronary obstruction.
Evaluation of Natural Antioxidants in Frankfurters Containing Chicken and Pork

Three natural antioxidant systems, tocopherol, extract of rosemary, a tocopherol and rosemary combination, and BHA/BHT were evaluated in frankfurters prepared from chicken and pork. Thiobarbituric acid numbers of refrigerated bulk and vacuum packaged samples stored in darkness for up to 18 days indicated that natural tocopherols provided significantly more protection than controls containing no antioxidant and were as effective as BHA/BHT in retarding oxidation. All bulk-packaged frankfurters except those containing BHA/BHT and tocopherols were inedible after 18 days. Color values indicated no evidence that any treatment provided better color stability.
Ru(II)Bis(2,2′ Bipyridine)L Complexes as Photorelease Agents for Bioactive Molecules: Photothermal Studies of Ligand Release

The thermodynamics associated with small-protein interactions essentially define how drugs bind to target receptor proteins. As proteins are dynamic, it is of importance to understand the early time (sub-millisecond) thermodynamics and kinetics associated with small molecules binding. This time regime presents experimental challenges in both the measurement of the thermodynamics as well as in the introduction of the small molecule ligands on fast time scales. An attractive strategy is to ‘cage’ the protein ligand with a photochemically cleavable protecting grou which, upon photolysis, releases the ligand on nanosecond timescales allowing for the examination of fast time dynamics associated with ligand-protein interactions. Here, a new class of photocage is presented based upon the photophysics of Ru(II)bis(2,2′bipyridine)L2 type complexes. Specifically, we present the thermodynamics of ligand photodetachment from both Ru(II)bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(acetonitrile)2, Ru(II)bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), Ru(II)bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(seratonin)2 and Ru(II)bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(tyramine)2 complexes in aqueous solution using photoacousctic calorimetry (PAC) and density functional theory. Our results are consistent with N donation form the ligands to the metal dominating the interaction energies and positive reaction entahlpies. In addition, the relative small changes in molar volume change suggest the each complex is highly solvated in aqueous solutions.
Incorporation of hydroxyl in upper-mantle clinopyroxenes

Water (and hydroxyl, OH) plays an important part in determining the properties of minerals and melts in the Earth's upper mantle. The main hydroxyl-bearing phases found in rocks from the upper mantle, phlogopite and amphibole, are not believed to exist in significant quantities at depth. Some of the less abundant phases found in these rocks contain small amounts of hydrous components, but do not constitute an important reservoir for water. Traces of hydroxyl have been found in common mantle phases, but not at concentrations high enough to account for the amount of water thought to be present at depth. An exception is suggested by a report that the pyroxene (omphacite) in an eclogite nodule from the Roberts Victor kimberlite pipe contains up to 1,000 p.p.m. OH. Here we show that some of this hydroxyl is associated with cation vacancies in sodic clinopyroxene, and that these pyroxenes may be an important reservoir for hydrous components in the upper mantle.
DNA-binding and regulation mechanisms of the SIX family of retinal determination proteins.

The Six/sine oculis proteins are homeodomain transcription factors that are part of the Pax/Eya/Six/Dach retinal determination cascade involved in embryonic cell fate determination. There are six mammalian Six homologues, divided into three classes on the basis of sequence homology. In the present study we examined the DNA-binding specificity and mechanisms of Six2 and Six6 toward the Trex/MEF3 consensus sequence and the core tetranucleotide ATTA commonly recognized by homeodomain proteins. The results suggest that the Six homeodomain does not bind DNA owing to the absence of a key structural feature, the basic N-terminal arm, implicated in canonical homeodomain−DNA binding. Furthermore, the DNA-binding mechanisms and DNA sequence specificity differ among these Six proteins despite the complete conservation of predicted DNA-contacting residues in their homeodomains. Inclusion of 14 amino acid residues immediately C-terminal to the homeodomain of Six6 yields a protein construct able to bind both DNA sequen...
What is the fundamental group

Abstract For well-behaved topological spaces, there are several equivalent definitions for the fundamental group. For example, we could use equivalence classes of loops under homotopy, or deck translations of the universal covering. For badly-behaved spaces, these definitions diverge. A comprehensive definition (for connected, locally-connected spaces) is given using chains of open sets from an open cover, instead of loops. In the limit we get a localic group which classifies torsors over the space.
Coinhibitory receptor PD-1H preferentially suppresses CD4 + T cell–mediated immunity

T cell activation is regulated by the interactions of surface receptors with stimulatory and inhibitory ligands. Programmed death-1 homolog (PD-1H, also called VISTA) is a member of the CD28 family of proteins and has been shown to act as a coinhibitory ligand on APCs that suppress T cell responses. Here, we determined that PD-1H functions as a coinhibitory receptor for CD4⁺ T cells. CD4⁺ T cells in mice lacking PD-1H exhibited a dramatically increased response to antigen stimulation. Furthermore, delivery of a PD-1H-specific agonist mAb directly inhibited CD4⁺ T cell activation both in vitro and in vivo, validating a coinhibitory function of PD-1H. In a murine model of acute hepatitis, administration of a PD-1H agonist mAb suppressed CD4⁺ T cell-mediated acute inflammation. PD-1H-deficient animals were highly resistant to tumor induction in a murine brain glioma model, and depletion of CD4⁺ T cells, but not CD8⁺ T cells, promoted tumor formation. Together, our findings suggest that PD-1H has potential as a target of immune modulation in the treatment of human inflammation and malignancies.
Social influence: The role of self‐monitoring when making social comparisons

The self-monitoring construct (Snyder, 1987) may prove to be useful when examining who individuals choose when making social comparisons. In Study 1, the self-monitoring propensity of individuals who provide social comparison information and the self-monitoring propensity of individuals who use such information were examined. Results supported the hypothesis that high self-monitors have advisors (i.e., individuals to whom they first turn for advice) that are high in self-monitoring, whereas low self-monitors have advisors that are low in self-monitoring. In Study 2, high and low self-monitors identified their advisors as experts and generalists. Results supported the hypothesis that high self-monitors have more expert advisors than low self-monitors. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for consumer decision making. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of revision surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome.

Purpose To compare both validated patient-rated and objective outcomes of patients following revision cubital tunnel surgery to a similar group of patients who underwent primary surgery. Methods This case-control investigation enrolled 56 patients treated surgically for cubital tunnel syndrome (28 revision cases, 28 primary controls) at a tertiary center. Patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were eligible. All patients completed an in-office study evaluation. Revision participants represented 55% of potential patients in our practice and controls (treated only with primary surgery) were chosen at random from our practice to reach a 1:1 case to control ratio. Preoperative McGowan grading was confirmed similar between the groups. Outcome measures included validated patient outcome questionnaires (Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation, Levine-Katz questionnaire), symptoms, and physical examination findings. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the patient groups. Results Despite 79% of revision patients reporting symptomatic improvement, revision patients reported worse outcomes on all measured standardized questionnaires compared with primary patients. The Levine-Katz questionnaire indicated mild residual symptoms in the primary group (1.6) versus moderate remaining symptoms following revision surgery (2.3). The Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation also indicated superior results for the control group (9 ± 10) compared with the revision group (32 ± 22). Revision patients had a higher frequency of constant symptoms, elevated 2-point discrimination, and diminished pinch strength. McGowan grading improved after 25% of revision surgeries versus 64% of primary surgeries, and 21% of revision patients had deterioration of their McGowan grade. Conclusions Subjective and objective outcomes of revision patients in this cohort were inferior to outcomes of similar patients following primary surgery. Revision surgery can be offered in the setting of persistent or recurrent symptoms that are unexplained by an alternative diagnosis, but patients should be counseled that complete resolution of symptoms is unlikely. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
A meta-analysis of peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy for perforated necrotizing enterocolitis.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Both primary peritoneal drainage (PPD) and laparotomy (LAP) are used widely for treatment of perforated necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Published reports include only anecdotes and small series. The authors used techniques of meta-analysis to determine which treatment is most effective. Methods: The authors identified published studies reporting surgical treatment of NEC from January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1999; there were 10 studies (n = 475). The authors were contacted and all available raw patient data for use in meta-analysis (n = 190) were obtained. The authors used logistic regression to determine the relative survival rate after PPD and LAP, controlling for the effect of gestational age and institution. Results: The combined probability of survival in the 10 published studies did not show an advantage for PPD (55%) or LAP (67%; P =.27). When the authors corrected for the effect of birth weight on survival rate, they still did not observe a difference ( P =.67). A marked bias in treatment assignment was found with smaller babies undergoing PPD than LAP (931 g versus 1,615 g, respectively; P =.0004). Analysis of raw data showed an even greater bias in treatment assignment. The authors found increased survival rate for LAP versus PPD (62.3% v 35.6%; P =.0009). However, a logistic regression model could not overcome the bias in assignment of patients with a much higher expected mortaltiy rate to PPD. Conclusions: Using currently available data, it is not possible to determine whether PPD or LAP is superior. Bias in treatment assignment precludes conclusions regarding comparative survival. Only a randomized trial will determine which operation is best for the treatment of perforated NEC. J Pediatr Surg 36:1210-1213. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.