cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of μ -Mesonic Molecules in H-D Mixtures

Experimental data are reported which allow a determiration of reaction rates involved in the catalysis of nuclear reactions by mu mesons. The chain of events believed to lead to catalysis at low deuterium concentrations is depicted. It was found that the number of regenerations per muon were nearly equal to that found by Alvarez et al. at saturation. There were found large discrepancies when the calculated and experimental values were compared. Analyses indicate that for H - (> 1%) D mixtures all absorption of mu by protons will be from a (p mu -d) molecule, while for H-(< 1%) D, it is not at present possible to know the states from which muons are captured. The work presented is being extended for lesser hydrogen concentrations, which should allow more precise determinations. (B.O.G.)
Pipelined communications on optical busses

The architecture of Array Processors with Pipelined Busses (APPB) has recently been proposed as a new hybrid optical-electronic parallel computer architecture which uses messagepipelined optical busses for interprocessor communications. In this paper we show how pipelined messages can be interleaved and overlapped so that the communication capacity of a pipelined optical bus is fully utilized. We also show how to align communicating processors in twodimensional APPB so that only one bus cycle is needed for routing messages between any two communicating processors in a given communication structure. Finally a comparison of the cornmunication bandwidth of a pipelined bus with that of an exclusive access bus is given which shows that the pipelined bus achieves an asymptotically linear in number of processors on the bus improvement over the exclusive access bus.
The abundance and distribution of diamondoids in biodegraded oils from the San Joaquin Valley: Implications for biodegradation of diamondoids in petroleum reservoirs

Abstract The biodegradability of diamondoids was investigated using a collection of crude oil samples from the San Joaquin Valley, California, that had been biodegraded to varying extent in the reservoir. Our results show that diamondoids are subjected to biodegradation, which is selective as well as stepwise. Adamantanes are generally more susceptible to biodegradation than other diamondoids, such as diamantanes and triamantanes. We report a possible pathway for the microbial degradation of adamantane. This cage hydrocarbon possibly breaks down to a metabolic intermediate through the action of microbes at higher levels of biodegradation in petroleum reservoirs. Microbial alteration has only a minor effect on diamondoid abundance in oil at low levels of biodegradation. Our results suggest that most diamondoids (with the exception of adamantane) are resistant to biodegradation, like the polycyclic terpanes (e.g. C19–C24 tricyclic terpanes, hopanes, gammacerane, oleananes, Ts, Tm, C29 Ts), steranes and diasteranes. Microbial alteration of diamondoids has a negligible impact on the quantification of oil cracking achieved using the diamondoid–biomarker method.
Activity-dependent competition regulates motor neuron axon pathfinding via PlexinA3

The role of electrical activity in axon guidance has been extensively studied in vitro. To better understand its role in the intact nervous system, we imaged intracellular Ca2+ in zebrafish primary motor neurons (PMN) during axon pathfinding in vivo. We found that PMN generate specific patterns of Ca2+ spikes at different developmental stages. Spikes arose in the distal axon of PMN and were propagated to the cell body. Suppression of Ca2+ spiking activity in single PMN led to stereotyped errors, but silencing all electrical activity had no effect on axon guidance, indicating that an activity-based competition rule regulates this process. This competition was not mediated by synaptic transmission. Combination of PlexinA3 knockdown with suppression of Ca2+ activity in single PMN produced a synergistic increase in the incidence of pathfinding errors. However, expression of PlexinA3 transcripts was not regulated by activity. Our results provide an in vivo demonstration of the intersection of spontaneous electrical activity with the PlexinA3 guidance molecule receptor in regulation of axon pathfinding.
Effects of δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on cat spinal motoneurons

The influence of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (δ9-THC) on cat spinal motoneurons was investigated with intracellular recording techniques in order to identify possible mechanisms of action of the drug's central excitatory and depressant properties. δ9-THC increased the amplitude of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and decreased the amplitude of the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs); these excitatory effects do not appear to be the result of changes in the afferent input. However, an observed increase in membrane resistance may account for, or contribute to, the enhanced EPSPs. The cannabinoid also concomitantly caused depression, as evidenced by a rise in the firing threshold for the motoneuron action potential. The responses of the motoneuron to the drug suggest synaptic sites and mechanisms of action.
Which traditional measures should be used in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials

It is standard practice to use multiple outcome measures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials. Because of this, multiple testing is usually done, and there is confusion in the interpretation of the results. It is not clear which measures are the most sensitive to detecting improvement and which provide independent information. To address these questions, we conducted an analysis of pooled raw data from 3 placebo-controlled RA trials: one of methotrexate, another of oral and injectable gold, and the third of low-dose and high-dose D-penicillamine. The results show that the joint tenderness count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, grip strength, and physician assessment of disease activity perform best in RA clinical trials and cover the domain of change measured by traditional outcome measures. Other clinical measures may provide little additional useful information for a standard therapeutic trial of up to 6 months duration, and some measures, such as the proximal interphalangeal joint circumference, hemoglobin level, and 50-foot walking time, can be eliminated from such trials.
A Study of the Mechanisms of Slow Religation to Sickle Cell Hemoglobin Polymers Following Laser Photolysis

Time-resolved linear dichroism (TRLD) measurements are conducted on gels of sickle cell hemoglobin following laser photolysis of the carbonyl adduct to monitor religation kinetics to hemoglobin S polymers. The return of the polymer phase to its equilibrium ligation state has been found to be about 1000 times slower than that of the solution phase hemoglobin tetramers. Several mechanisms describing this slow religation to the polymer were proposed: (1) religation occurs through a biomolecular process involving all polymer hemes, (2) religation occurs through a bimolecular process in which only hemoglobin molecules at the polymer ends can participate, and (3) religation occurs through the exchange of ligated hemoglobin molecules in the monomer phase with unligated ones in the polymer phase. To test these mechanisms, measurements are performed on gels having different domain sizes. The results show no relation between domain size and religation kinetics. The independence of religation kinetics and domain size is most consistent with the first of the three mechanisms described above (bimolecular recombination involving all polymer hemes). This result is discussed in terms of a model in which diffusion of the ligand is inhibited in the polymer phase. An understanding of the ligand binding kinetics of sickle hemoglobin polymers could have pathophysiological significance in its relevance to polymer formation and melting during red blood cell circulation.
Myocardial Infarction After Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction

Objective/Hypothesis Microvascular flap transfer is a popular method for immediate reconstruction of defects in the head and neck resulting after the treatment of head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer occurs most commonly in elderly patients with a high prevalence of heavy smoking. Surgery in this patient population is frequently prolonged and is associated with significant intraoperative blood loss. The present study seeks to identify factors contributing to perioperative myocardial infarction and to determine the best course of management. Study Design Retrospective analysis of 193 consecutive free flap surgeries. Methods A series of 193 microvascular free flaps performed over a 5-year period for reconstruction of defects in the head and neck was retrospectively analyzed to identify the incidence, management, and outcome of perioperative myocardial infarction in this patient population. Results Myocardial infarctions occurred in seven patients, for an overall incidence of 3.6%. Statistical analysis using logistic regression failed to demonstrate any significant relationship between age, sex, total operative time, operative blood loss, net intraoperative fluid shifts, tumor stage, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) preoperative classification, type of free flap, and the occurrence of perioperative myocardial infarction. Hemodynamic instability manifested by hypotension occurred in four patients who had perioperative myocardial infarction. Three of these patients underwent urgent coronary artery bypass surgery, whereas one patient underwent urgent endovascular therapy with subsequent stabilization of the hemodynamic instability. All free flaps survived despite myocardial infarction and hemodynamic instability. Two patients (29%) died after postoperative intervals of 74 and 99 days, never having left the hospital. Conclusions Systemic hypotension is a well-recognized risk factor for free flap failure. Our experience suggests that aggressive intervention to reverse coronary ischemia associated with hemodynamic instability has a favorable outcome on free flap survival, and free flap thrombosis is not an inevitable outcome of the low-flow state associated with perioperative cardiopulmonary bypass. Although the overall incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction in patients undergoing microvascular head and neck reconstruction is low, patient mortality is high, so emphasis should be placed on preoperative identification of patients with coronary artery disease.
Patellar tendon rupture: an ultrasound case report

This article discusses a case in which ultrasound was the primary modality for diagnosis of traumatic patellar tendon rupture. Traditionally, this diagnosis has been made using MRI. This case highlights the growing need for emergency medicine physicians to become facile with bedside ultrasound and its indications as a supplement to traditional musculoskeletal examination. Normal and pathological patellar tendon examinations with ultrasound are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the advantages of ultrasound over the more traditional imaging modalities of x-ray and MRI in cases where tendon rupture is suspected are discussed.
Inhibition of the methionine cycle enzymes

Abstract Inhibition of the enzymes involved in the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and the subsequent salvage of methionine from 5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA) was studied. Possible product inhibition of ACC synthase, which converts S -adenosylmethionine (SAM) to ACC and MTA, and MTA nucleosidase, which hydrolyses MTA to 5-methylthioribose (MTR) and adenine, was investigated. ACC synthase was weakly inhibited by MTA ( K i = 0.2mM). MTA nucleosidase was inhibited by adenine competitively ( K i = 40μM), but not by MTR. Some analogues of the enzymes' substrates were inhibitory. ACC synthase was strongly and competitively inhibited by sinefungin, a SAM analogue ( K i = 2μM); MTA nucleosidase was inhibited by various MTA analogues, including 5′-chloroformycin, 5′-chloroadenosine, and 5′-ethylthioadenosine. The conversion of MTR to methionine in avocado extract was inhibited by the MTR analogues 5-chlororibose and 5-ethylthioribose, which exert their inhibitory effects by inhibiting MTR kinase. The capacity to convert MTR to methionine in ripening apple tissue appears to be ample; thus, this conversion does not appear to be a limiting factor of ethylene production.
Parent-Child Relations and Orientations Toward Sport.

Same-sex (mother-daughter, father-son) and cross-sex (mother-son, father-daughter) parent-child relationships were examined with regard to whether these social interactions were differentially related to children's orientations toward sport. “Winning” and “achievement” were defined as traditional male sport orientations while “fair play” and “everyone participates” were viewed as traditional female sport orientations. The theory of parent-child interaction developed suggested that parents as a result of their own sex-role socialization transmit their own sex-value orientations to their same-sex children, but nonsex-linked sport orientations to their cross-sex children. Comparisons were made among 898 male and 800 female adolescents who participated in a nationally sponsored youth sports program. The analysis revealed that mother-son relationships were associated with more traditional female sport orientations in boys; contrary to expectation, father-daughter relationships were also related to stronger female sport orientations in girls. Explanations for why both parents may reinforce traditional sex-linked orientations in their daughters, but not their sons, are discussed.
A spectroscopic study of the rotational equilibria in fumaryl chloride, fumaryl fluoride and maleoyl fluoride

Abstract The rotational equilibria in fumaryl chloride, fumaryl fluoride and maleoyl fluoride have been studied by spectroscopic techniques. The fumaryl chloride and fumaryl fluoride vibrational data can be interpreted in terms of at least two isomers having C 3 , and C 2h symmetries. In dilute CS 2 solutions their relative energies appear to be about equal. There is evidence for only a C 2h species in the crystalline solids near −196°C. The relative energies of the three isomers possible for each compound can be arranged in six ways. The fumaryl fluoride and maleoyl fluoride NMR data are consistent with only two of these arrangements. In solution the ordering of the energies are either cis-trans, trans-trans, cis-cis or the forms cis-cis, trans-trans, cis-trans, where cis and trans refer to the conformation of the double bonds about the single bonds.
The concept of need: Proposal for a working definition

Abstract The centrality of the definition of need as the major determinant of both substance and strategy in the conduct of needs assessments in community is highlighted. A definition of need is proposed as a working definition for needs assessment undertakings, and consequently as a foundation for social practice. Need is defined as: the measurable discrepancy existing between a present state of affairs and a desired state of affairs as asserted either by an “owner” of need or ail “authority” on need. In the former instance, need is described as a motivational need; in the latter instance, need is described as a prescriptive need. The definition is fully elaborated from the perspective of community development and adult education. Some implications for practice flowing from (1) the definition of need as discrepancy, and (2) the delineation of need types as either motivational or prescriptive are discussed.
Evidence for storm-dominated early progradation of Castle Neck barrier, Massachusetts, USA

Abstract Washovers, dune scarps and flattened beach profiles with concentrations of coarse-grained sediment or heavy minerals are the diagnostic geological signatures of large storms on barriers today. It is clear that storms are a major force driving transgressive barriers onshore, but what is not as well understood is the role these powerful erosive events play in the evolution of prograding barriers. Application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and a combination of coring techniques have significantly improved our ability to image barrier architecture. Results of these studies reveal a more complex evolution than previously recognized. It is now possible to precisely locate and map storm deposits within prograded barrier lithosomes. A comprehensive study of northern Castle Neck, Massachusetts was performed using 15 km of GPR surveys, a 120-m-long seismic line, 11 cores, and several radiocarbon dates. Storm-related layers are the most prominent horizons contained in the barrier stratigraphy. The geometry and sedimentology of these layers closely resembles those of a present-day post-storm beach. Twenty closely spaced, curvilinear heavy mineral layers imaged in the landward portion of the barrier suggest that the Castle Neck barrier was heavily influenced by storms during its initial phase of progradation beginning ∼4000 years BP. Approximately 1800 years BP, two intense storms impacted the coast depositing two extensive coarse-grained units. These layers mimic the flat-lying sand and gravel deposits that occur in front of a nearby eroding till outcrop following major storms. The great number of storm deposits in the early history of Castle Neck is related to either a period of greater storm activity and/or a slow rate of barrier progradation. The occurrence and preservation of these earlier storm layers are likely a product of the exposure of nearby drumlins resulting in greater availability of iron oxide and ferromagnesian sands. The supply of heavy-mineral sands has gradually diminished as the barrier prograded and the proximal drumlin source was buried by beach and dune sands.
Vulvar Paget's disease: The need to exclude an invasive lesion

Nineteen patients with intraepithelial Paget's disease of the vulva were treated surgically. Of these patients, five also had invasive Paget's disease of the vulva, two with only minimally invasive lesions. The latter two patients and one patient with a grossly invasive lesion progressed from intraepithelial Paget's disease. One patient had an associated carcinoma of the periurethral glands and an invasive Paget's lesion of the vagina. Since 5 of 19 patients (26%) had an associated noncontiguous carcinoma, the recommended initial workup included sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, mammogram, and colposcopy. Koilocytosis was found in 67% of patients. Exclusion of an invasive lesion from intra-epithelial Paget's disease was determined to be necessary because (1) the incidence of minimally invasive Paget's lesions may be significant; (2) intraepithelial Paget's disease has the capacity to become invasive; (3) the rate of associated invasive Paget's disease and/or underlying adnexal malignancies may exceed 20%; (4) grossly invasive lesions may be occult; and (5) the survival rate for grossly invasive lesions is low. Simple vulvectomy at a depth of at least 0.5 cm of subcutaneous tissue is recommended as optimal treatment for intraepithelial Paget's disease.
Detection of oxidized and reduced glutathione with a recycling postcolumn reaction.

Abstract A rapid, sensitive, and selective method for the quantitation of both oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) glutathione in biological materials is described. Oxidized and reduced glutathione are resolved by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography and detected with an in-line, recycling postcolumn reaction. The recycling reaction specifically amplifies the response to oxidized and reduced glutathione 20–100 times over that obtained with a stoichiometric reaction, permitting the detection of 2 pmol glutathione. Oxidized and reduced glutathione levels were measured in rat liver and in dog heart mitochondria. Special precautions are necessary to avoid artifacts which lead to either underestimation or overestimation of GSSG levels. GSH GSSG ratios of approximately 100–300 were observed in samples prepared from rapidly frozen rat liver. Somewhat higher GSH GSSG ratios were observed in isolated dog heart mitochondria.
Managing the successful multinational of the 21st century: Impact of global competition

Abstract Contemporary global competitive pressures are causing the internal management of multinationals to give top priority to strategic planning. It is no longer a luxury. Since each business unit in a multinational has its own strategy requirements, the corporations must institute new forms of organization to plan and manage strategy. Jacques Manardo, of BDA Deloitte and Touche, Paris, uses case studies from Olivetti and Deloitte Ross Tohmatsu International to demonstrate how successful corporations should organise themselves to manage strategic imperatives in the 21st century.
Symptomatic Pulmonary Hypertension in a Child with Sickle Cell Disease

Pulmonary hypertension is a survival-limiting complication in adults with homozygous sickle cell disease (SS), but little is known about the development, course, or best treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children with SS. We report the clinical course and treatment of a child with SS-associated, hemolysis-driven pulmonary hypertension.
The course of major depression in diabetes

The course of depression in patients with comorbid medical illness is poorly understood. We report a 5-year follow-up study of 25 diabetic patients who had participated in an 8-week depression treatment trial. When a patient completed the trial, primary physicians were informed of patient outcomes and advised to monitor for relapse and treat those with ongoing depression. At the 5-year reevaluation depression was assessed using DSM-III-R criteria, and a depression severity scale was formed that reflected the presence, severity, frequency, and duration of depression episodes as well as a global assessment of functioning. Recurrence or persistence of depression occurred in 23 (92%) of the patients with an average of 4.8 depression episodes over the 5-year follow-up period. The duration of the longest episode averaged 16 +/- 4 months. Reversion to major depression occurred frequently and rapidly also in the subset that remitted during the treatment trial: 58.3% were depressed again within the first year. At the time of the follow-up interview, major depression was evident in 16 (64%) of the subjects, and glycemic control was significantly worse in this group compared with those without depression (gHb: 13.3% +/- 2.6% vs 11.1% +/- 1.9%, P = 0.03). Severity of depression over follow-up was related to the presence of neuropathy at entry and to incomplete remission during the initial treatment trial. Nineteen patients (82.6% of those who relapsed) received additional courses of antidepressant therapy, but none was treated continuously for depression prophylaxis. In this diabetic sample, depression was a recurrent condition in the vast majority of cases, and initial treatment response did not confer lasting euthymia. Whether maintenance antidepressant medication would be useful in preventing depression recurrence and promoting better glycemic control in diabetes remains to be studied.
The Flavonoid Biosynthetic Enzyme Chalcone Isomerase Modulates Terpenoid Production in Glandular Trichomes of Tomato

Flavonoids and terpenoids are derived from distinct metabolic pathways but nevertheless serve complementary roles in mediating plant interactions with the environment. Here, we show that glandular trichomes of the anthocyanin free (af) mutant of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fail to accumulate both flavonoids and terpenoids. This pleiotropic metabolic deficiency was associated with loss of resistance to native populations of coleopteran herbivores under field conditions. We demonstrate that Af encodes an isoform (SlCHI1) of the flavonoid biosynthetic enzyme chalcone isomerase (CHI), which catalyzes the conversion of naringenin chalcone to naringenin and is strictly required for flavonoid production in multiple tissues of tomato. Expression of the wild-type SlCHI1 gene from its native promoter complemented the anthocyanin deficiency in af. Unexpectedly, the SlCHI1 transgene also complemented the defect in terpenoid production in glandular trichomes. Our results establish a key role for SlCHI1 in flavonoid production in tomato and reveal a link between CHI1 and terpenoid production. Metabolic coordination of the flavonoid and terpenoid pathways may serve to optimize the function of trichome glands in dynamic environments.
On the Use of Pseudo Shadow Prices in a Multiperiod Formulation of the Production Planning Problem

A multiperiod linear programming model of the production planning problem is used to argue for a different costing, profit and resource-evaluation procedure in manufacturing. This procedure is based on the concept of ‘pseudo shadow prices’, and it avoids many of the pitfalls associated with the more traditional accounting methodologies. Conclusions are drawn which question the profit objectives used by many firms, as well as by those in academia.
Accumulation and dose-response of hepatic DNA adducts in English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) exposed to a gradient of contaminated sediments

Abstract Levels of hepatic DNA adducts and concentrations of fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs) in bile were measured in English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) exposed for up to 5 weeks to a reference sediment amended with a sediment containing high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) from Eagle Harbor, Puget Sound, WA. Levels of hepatic DNA adducts increased linearly with both concentration of sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and length of exposure, whereas concentrations of biliary FACs were dose-responsive to levels of sediment PAHs but attained steady-state concentrations after 2 weeks of exposure. The levels of DNA adducts and concentrations of biliary FACs in fish exposed to the reference sediment remained at baseline levels throughout the exposure. Formation of PAC-DNA adducts was observed in liver of English sole injected with an extract of Eagle Harbor sediment (EHSE) and in English sole hepatocytes incubated with EHSE or the neutral fraction of EHSE containing predominantly PACs. In addition, DNA adduct and biliary FAC levels measured in feral English sole captured from Eagle Harbor, when compared with levels measured in fish from the laboratory sediment exposure study, also suggested accumulation of DNA adducts in the fish captured from Eagle Harbor. These findings, in conjunction with previous studies showing PAC-DNA adducts are persistent in fish, suggest that a substantial proportion of PAC-induced DNA damage was not readily repaired in English sole, and thus, measurement of hepatic DNA adducts can be used as an indicator of cumulative exposure to genotoxic PACs.
Resonance anomalous surface X-ray scattering

Abstract Resonance anomalous surface X-ray scattering (RASXS) technique was applied to electrochemical interface studies. It was used to determine the chemical states of electrochemically formed anodic oxide monolayers on platinum surface. It is shown that RASXS exhibits strong polarization dependence when the surface is significantly modified. The polarization dependence is demonstrated for three examples; anodic oxide formation, sulfate adsorption, and CO adsorption on platinum surfaces. σ- and π-polarization RASXS data were simulated with the latest version of ab initio multiple-scattering calculations (FEFF8.2). Elementary theoretical considerations are also presented for the origin of the polarization dependence in RASXS.
Letter by Madias Regarding Article, “Relationship Between Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia After Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome and Sudden Cardiac Death: Observations From the Metabolic Efficiency With Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 36 (MERLIN-TIMI 36) Randomized Controlled Trial”

To the Editor: I read with great interest the important study by Scirica et al,1 published in the August 3, 2010 issue of Circulation , that reported on a possible role of 4- to 7-beat or ≥8-beat nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) episodes from ambulatory continuous electrocardiogram recordings (cECG) of 7 days in duration after the randomization of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome in predicting 1-year sudden cardiac death (SCD), using the database of Metabolic Efficiency With Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 36 (MERLIN-TIMI 36). This …
Operation of a high-purity germanium crystal in liquid argon as a Compton-suppressed radiation spectrometer

A high-purity germanium (HPGe) crystal was operated in liquid argon (LAr) as a Compton-suppressed radiation spectrometer. Spectroscopic quality resolution of less than 1% of the full-width half-maximum of full energy deposition peaks was demonstrated. The construction of the small apparatus used to obtain these results is reported. The design concept is to use the LAr bath to both cool the germanium crystal to operating temperatures and act as a scintillating veto. The scintillation light from the LAr can veto cosmic rays, external primordial radiation, and gamma radiation that does not fully deposit within the germanium crystal. This technique was investigated for its potential impact on ultra-low-background gamma-ray spectroscopy. This work is based on a concept initially developed for future germanium-based neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments.
Mass Dependence of Vacuum Energy

Abstract The regularized vacuum energy (or energy density) of a quantum field subjected to static external conditions is shown to satisfy a certain partial differential equation with respect to two variables, the mass and the “time” (ultraviolet cutoff parameter). The equation is solved to provide integral expressions for the regularized energy (more precisely, the cylinder kernel) at positive mass in terms of that for zero mass. Alternatively, for fixed positive mass all coefficients in the short-time asymptotics of the regularized energy can be obtained recursively from the first nontrivial coefficient, which is the renormalized vacuum energy.
Individual identification based on facial dynamics during expressions using active-appearance-based Hidden Markov Models

Determining identity of a person is a continually growing subfield of computational intelligence. Measurable biological characteristics, or biometrics, are used to quantify the physical features of an individual for use as a means of identification. There have been psychological studies recently that suggest a new biometric — facial dynamics. In this work, the hypothesis is that facial dynamics of an individual face could be used as an effective biometric for person identification. The method described here applies Stacked Active Shape Models for automated face detection and labeling, Active Appearance Models for feature extraction, and Hidden Markov Models for data analysis. Individual models are constructed for each person in this scenario and used to test identification with new video of facial expressions of the same individuals. Results confirm the hypothesis and demonstrate the efficacy of the potential approach.
Photoaffinity Labeling of Oxidosqualene Cyclase and Squalene Cyclase by a Benzophenone-Containing Inhibitor†

A new orally active oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase (OSLC) inhibitor (Ro48-8071; Morand, O. H. et al. (1997) J. Lipid Res. 38, 373−390) showed potent noncompetitive inhibition of bacterial squalene:hopene cyclase (SHC) from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius (IC50 = 9.0 nM, KI = 6.6 nM) and OSLC (IC50 = 40 nM, KI = 22 nM for homogeneous rat liver OSLC). A tritium-labeled isotopomer (18.8 Ci/mmol) of this nonterpenoid inhibitor, which possesses a benzophenone (BP) photophore, was chemically synthesized as a photoaffinity label. Specific, efficient covalent modification of both OSLC and SHC enzymes was observed after UV irradiation at 360 nm. Labeling of both OSLC and SHC by [3H]Ro48-8071 was competitively displaced by coincubation with a 1000-fold molar excess of 18-thia-2,3-oxidosqualene or the nonterpenoid inhibitor BIBX79. Displacement of labeling of OSLC was also achieved with the suicide substrate (3S)-29-methylidene-2,3-oxidosqualene. Thus, the nonsubstrate Ro48-8071 and both terpenoid and nonterpenoid...
Inhibitory effect of zinc(II) on free radical lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract New evidence in support of zinc's role as a membrane antioxidant is presented. Human erythrocyte membranes in buffered saline underwent catalase- and superoxide dismutase-inhibitable lipid peroxidation when incubated with xanthine oxidase, and FE(III). Free radical mediated peroxidation was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactivity and iodometric determination of lipid hydroperoxides. Whereas Ca(II) had relatively little effect on lipid peroxidation. Zn(II) strongly inhibited the reaction and suppressed peroxidation-dependent lysis of resealed membranes. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was essentially complete in the presence of 0.1 m M Zn(II), a concentration equivalent to that of added Fe(III). By contrast, Zn(II) had no effect on rose bengal-photosensitized lipid peroxidation, a predominantly nonradical, singlet oxygen-driven process. Zinc(II) also interfered with xanthine/xanthine oxidase/iron-induced peroxodation of Triton X-100-dispersed membranes, but had no effect if EDTA was present. Trivial reasons for inhibition, for example, inactivation of xanthine oxidase or complex formation with O2−, were ruled out by showing that the rate of reduction of cytochrome c by xanthine/ xanthine oxidase is not affected by Zn(II). We speculate that Zn(II) acts by interfering with the redox cycling of iron, possibly by competing with the latter for membrane binding sites.
Infrastructure for engineered emergence on sensor/actuator networks

The study of self-organizing systems has now reached the tool-building phase, in which a new discipline of self-managing systems engineering can begin to emerge. The next step is to refine the principles of self-organization into a system of composable parts suitable for engineering - much as components such as capacitors, transistors, and resistors capture electromagnetism principles for electronic engineering. We've begun the process of transforming the science into an engineering discipline in the domain of sensor/actuator network applications, observing that in many applications the deployed network approximates a physical space and that the space, rather than the network, is being programmed. This observation lets us use the amorphous medium abstraction to decouple self-management problems. So, global behavior descriptions in our Proto language can be compiled automatically into locally executed code that produces emergent phenomena matching the global description. We've experimentally verified our code both in simulation and (for small programs) on a network of sensor/actuator nodes called Mica2 motes.
Efficacy of on-farm use of ultraviolet light for inactivation of bacteria in milk for calves.

Abstract Ultraviolet light is being employed for bacterial inactivation in milk for calves; however, limited evidence is available to support the claim that UV light effectively inactivates bacteria found in milk. Thus, the objective of this observational study was to investigate the efficacy of on-farm UV light treatment in reducing bacteria populations in waste milk used for feeding calves. Samples of nonsaleable milk were collected from 9 Pennsylvania herds, twice daily for 15d, both before and after UV light treatment (n=60 samples per farm), and analyzed for standard plate count, coliforms, noncoliform, gram-negative bacteria, environmental and contagious streptococci, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus agalactiae , Staphylococcus aureus count, and total solids percentage, and log reduction and percentage log reduction were calculated. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure in SAS. In all bacteria types, samples collected after UV treatment contained significantly fewer bacteria compared with samples collected before UV treatment. Weighted least squares means for log reduction (percentage log reduction) were 1.34 (29%), 1.27 (58%), 1.48 (53%), 1.85 (55%), 1.37 (72%), 1.92 (63%), 1.07 (33%), and 1.67 (82%) for standard plate count, coliforms, noncoliform, gram-negative bacteria, environmental and contagious streptococci, Strep. agalactiae , coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Staph. aureus , respectively. A percentage log reduction greater than 50% was achieved in 6 of 8 bacteria types, and 43 and 94% of samples collected after UV treatment met recommended bacterial standards for milk for feeding calves. Based on these results, UV light treatment may be effective for some, but not all bacteria types found in nonsaleable waste milk. Thus, farmers should take into account the bacteria types that may need to be reduced when considering the purchase of a UV-treatment system.
The Family Risk Score for coronary heart disease: associations with lipids, lipoproteins, and body habitus in a middle-aged bi-racial cohort: The ARIC study.

Abstract PURPOSE: To examine the association between the Family Risk Score (FRS) for coronary heart disease (CHD) and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) protein [Lp(a)]. METHODS: FRS was computed from observed and expected CHD events using family data collected from 11467 black and white adults of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC). BMI, WHR, and lipids adjusted for study center, race, education, BMI (except BMI), WHR (except for BMI and WHR), cigarette smoking, alcohol, and Keys' score were compared among low (FRS 0.5) FRS using analysis of covariance. The association between FRS and these risk factors was compared to that for simpler estimates of family risk. RESULTS: Adjusted means of BMI, WHR, LDL, Lp(a), and triglycerides were positively associated with FRS, whereas HDL cholesterol was inversely associated with FRS. Of demographic and behavioral factors, cigarette smoking was most strongly associated with FRS. Based on additional comparisons of adjusted means, high vs. low levels of FRS appear to correlate better with CHD risk factors than do the simpler family history assessments. CONCLUSIONS: In situations where genetic or clinical information is not available, FRS may be a favorable measure of familial burden for CHD.
Growing the growth cone: remodeling the cytoskeleton to promote axon regeneration

Axon growth is driven by the movement of a growth cone, a specialized sensory motile structure located at the tip of a growing neurite. Although stalled retraction bulbs have long been recognized as hallmarks of regeneration failure, mechanisms that control the formation and migration of nerve endings are only beginning to be unraveled. Recent studies point to microtubules as key determinants for such processes, and emerging evidence suggests that regulators of actin and microtubule dynamics in the growth cone might serve as attractive targets for controlling both the speed and trajectory of regenerating axons. This review discusses the potential of and recent progress in direct modulation of the growth cone machinery as a novel strategy to promote axon regeneration in the nervous system after injury.
An ELISA for blood group specific exoglycosidases

Abstract An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for studying erythrocyte A, B and H epitope specific exoglycosidases is described. Human blood type B erythrocyte membranes and Coffea canephora α- d -galactosidase were used as a model. Membrane coated microtiter wells incubated with exoglycosidase, probed with IgM monoclonal antibody, and then with anti-murine μ chain specific alkaline phosphatase conjugate. The assay is useful for studying exoglycosidase modification of the A, B and H epitopes on human erythrocyte membranes as well as in screening prokaryotic and eukaryotic extracts for blood group active enzymes. Furthermore, this technique has the advantage of simplicity, sensitivity, and objectivity of data interpretation.
Model Evaluation and Multiple Strategies in Cognitive Diagnosis: An Analysis of Fraction Subtraction Data

This paper studies three models for cognitive diagnosis, each illustrated with an application to fraction subtraction data. The objective of each of these models is to classify examinees according to their mastery of skills assumed to be required for fraction subtraction. We consider the DINA model, the NIDA model, and a new model that extends the DINA model to allow for multiple strategies of problem solving. For each of these models the joint distribution of the indicators of skill mastery is modeled using a single continuous higher-order latent trait, to explain the dependence in the mastery of distinct skills. This approach stems from viewing the skills as the specific states of knowledge required for exam performance, and viewing these skills as arising from a broadly defined latent trait resembling the θ of item response models. We discuss several techniques for comparing models and assessing goodness of fit. We then implement these methods using the fraction subtraction data with the aim of selecting the best of the three models for this application. We employ Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms to fit the models, and we present simulation results to examine the performance of these algorithms.
Phase equilibria and thermodynamic limits for partitionless crystallization in the Al-La binary system

Abstract The thermodynamic properties and associated phase equilibria for the Al–La binary system are examined by combining first-principles calculations with a solution thermodynamics approach. In this analysis, the liquid phase is described using a three-species association model. The AlLa, Al 7 La 3 –C 23 , and low-temperature Al 11 La 3 -α phases are treated as stoichiometric compounds. All other phases are treated as solid solutions, where a single sublattice model is employed for terminal solids, and a two-sublattice model is employed for intermediate solids. The zero kelvin enthalpy of formation for each end-member phase is calculated from first principles. Model parameters are fitted using available experimental data, and the resulting phase diagram is reported over the full range of compositions in the binary system. Motivated by the potential thermodynamic implications related to the glass transition, particular attention is paid to the undercooled liquid, using a two-state model to describe the pure Al and La reference states. As an estimate of the partitionless limits for the crystallization process, the associated T 0 ( G S = G L ) curves are determined and compared with reports of amorphous phase formation from the melt.
Predictors of tertiary hyperparathyroidism: Who will benefit from parathyroidectomy?

Background Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (3°HPT) is hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcemia after renal transplantation. With unclear guidelines for parathyroidectomy (PTX), this study aims to determine which renal transplant patients develop 3°HPT and would benefit from PTX. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients who received a renal transplant between 1994 and 2013; 105 patients who underwent near total PTX (NTPTX) were compared with 180 renal transplant control patients who did not undergo NTPTX. Results Calcium and PTH varied significantly between groups ( P P P P P Conclusion Before and after renal transplantation, PTH and calcium levels can serve as predictors of 3°HPT.
Talking horses: Equine psychotherapy and intersubjectivity

Afterwards, he says, they always embrace. The animal digs his sweaty brow into his cheek …and they stand in the dark for an hour … Like a necking couple. And of all nonsensical things, I keep think...
Shifting frames: Inside the pathways and obstacles of two teachers’ literacy instruction

Abstract The dynamics of discourse in literacy classrooms offers a complex paradigm for describing the communication patterns that exist among the agents (teachers and students) involved. The discourse patterns that exist in classrooms contextualize the pathways individuals take to assume understanding. Through interviews and case studies of two teachers and their classrooms we consider how the multimodal informs English/language arts education.
Prospects and problems of wireless communication for underwater sensor networks

This paper reviews the physical fundamentals and engineering implementations for efficient information exchange via wireless communication using physical waves as the carrier among nodes in an underwater sensor network (UWSN). The physical waves under discussion include sound, radio, and light. We first present the fundamental physics of different waves; then we discuss and compare the pros and cons for adopting different communication carriers (acoustic, radio, and optical) based on the fundamental first principles of physics and engineering practice. The discussions are mainly targeted at underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) with densely deployed nodes. Based on the comparison study, we make recommendations for the selection of communication carriers for UWSNs with engineering countermeasures that can possibly enhance the communication efficiency in specified underwater environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiation-Hard CMOS/SOS Standard Cell Circuits

A new multiport silicon-gate, CMOS/SOS standard cell family that achieves transient upset and total dose hardness has been designed and evaluated. This radiation hardness was achieved by design and process procedures normally not considered in conventional CMOS/SOS circuits. To evaluate the cell family a test chip and arithmetic logic unit (ALU) integrated circuits were fabricated. The cell-family performance was characterized utilizing 60ns to l?s electron pulses from the LINAC and total dose gamma irradiation from the cobalt-60 source. The results show circuit upset at levels greater than 1011 rad (Si)/s for short (60ns) irradiation pulses. Total dose irradiations to 106 rad (Si) indicate a 20 percent reduction in circuit speed and a factor of 10 increase in chip leakage. Utilizing these standard cell building blocks, radiation hard, quick-turnaround, low-cost custom LSI arrays can be fabricated using design automation techniques.
Real functions for representation of rigid solids

A range of values of a real function $f$ : $E^{d} $\rightarrow \Re$ can be used to implicitly define a subset of Euclidean space $E^{d}$. Such `implicit functions'' have many uses in geometric and solid modeling. This paper focuses on the properties and construction of real functions for the representation of rigid solids (compact, semi-analytic, and regular subsets of $E^{d}$). We review some known facts about real functions defining compact semi-analytic sets, and their applications. The theory of $R$-functionsdeveloped in [Rva82] provides means for constructing real function representations of solids described by the standard (non-regularized) set operations. But solids are not closed under the standard set operations and such representations are rarely available in modern modeling systems. More generally, assuring that a real function $f$ represents a regular set may be difficult. Until now, the regularity has either been assumed, or treated in an ad hoc fashion. We show that topological and extremal properties of real functions can be used to test for regularity, and discuss procedures for constructing real functions with desired properties for arbitrary solids.