cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The medical aspects of water fluoridation.

Fluoridation of water is the process of adjusting the concentration of fluoride ion in fluoride-deficient water supplies to a level of about 1 ppm. Groups of children drinking fluoridated water have only about one-third as much dental caries as otherwise comparable groups receiving water deficient in flouride. These benefits should carry over into adult life, on the basis of evidence from communities in which the fluoride ion is found naturally in the water supply. Water fluoridation is universally accepted among reputable professional groups. Extensive American studies, made in areas with fluoridated water or with natural fluoride-bearing water having the same content of fluoride, have disclosed no harmful systemic effects to any individuals or groups in the population. No disfiguring dental fluorosis has been encountered among individuals drinking such water. On the contrary, the prevalence of nonspecific enamel hypoplasias has been reduced in such groups. No well-documented evidence or valid arguments have been presented by the vociferous groups opposed to fluoridation of water. Much confusion has been engendered by the failure of these groups to differentiate between the trace quantities of fluoride used in fluoridation and the vastly greater toxic quantities encountered in some mining and industrial operations and in laboratory investigations.
Rank tests for heterogeneous treatment effects with covariates

Employing the regression rankscore approach of Gutenbrunner and Jure ckov a (1992) we consider rank tests designed to detect heterogeneous treat- ment eects concentrated in the upper tail of the conditional response distribu- tion given other covariates. AMS 2000 subject classications: Primary 62G10; secondary 62J05.
Fifty Psychological and Psychiatric Terms to Avoid: A List of Inaccurate, Misleading, Misused, Ambiguous, and Logically Confused Words and Phrases

The goal of this article is to promote clear thinking and clear writing among students and teachers of psychological science by curbing terminological misinformation and confusion. To this end, we present a provisional list of 50 commonly used terms in psychology, psychiatry, and allied fields that should be avoided, or at most used sparingly and with explicit caveats. We provide corrective information for students, instructors, and researchers regarding these terms, which we organize for expository purposes into five categories: inaccurate or misleading terms, frequently misused terms, ambiguous terms, oxymorons, and pleonasms. For each term, we (a) explain why it is problematic, (b) delineate one or more examples of its misuse, and (c) when pertinent, offer recommendations for preferable terms. By being more judicious in their use of terminology, psychologists and psychiatrists can foster clearer thinking in their students and the field at large regarding mental phenomena.
Derivation of a discrete Fourier transform using higher order integration and prime factorization for application to conjugate gradient FFT methods (EM wave scattering)

It is shown how a conjugate gradient-fast Fourier transform (CG-FFT) method may be improved by a faster and/or more accurate specialized FFT using a piecewise Lagrange polynomial expansion. The formulas presented allow use of a prime-factor FFT and are more accurate than using a standard FFT by itself. >
Attitudes, Norms, and Self-Efficacy: A Model of Adolescents' HIV-Related Sexual Risk Behavior:

Using data from a cross-sectional, statewide survey of 1,720 Texas ninth graders in 13 school districts, a model of psychosocial predictors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual risk behavior was tested. Predictor variables in the model, based on variables from the Theory of Reasoned Action and Social Learning Theory, were attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions. Attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy predicted 36.4% of the variance in the intention to limit the number of sexual partners and the same variables plus intention predicted 24.6% of the variance in number of sexual partners in the past year. Attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy regarding condom use predicted 17.0% of the variance in condom use intentions; these variables plus intentions predicted 19.0% of the variance in condom use frequency. Attitudes, norms, and intentions were directly related to the number of sexual partners, while self-efficacy ad condom use intentions were directly related to frequency of condom use.
Interactions between SOX factors and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development and disease

The SOX family of transcription factors have emerged as modulators of canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in diverse development and disease contexts. There are over 20 SOX proteins encoded in the vertebrate genome and recent evidence suggests that many of these can physically interact with beta-catenin and modulate the transcription of Wnt-target genes. The precise mechanisms by which SOX proteins regulate beta-catenin/TCF activity are still being resolved and there is evidence to support a number of models including: protein-protein interactions, the binding of SOX factors to Wnt-target gene promoters, the recruitment of co-repressors or co-activators, modulation of protein stability, and nuclear translocation. In some contexts, Wnt signaling also regulates SOX expression resulting in feedback regulatory loops that fine-tune cellular responses to beta-catenin/TCF activity. In this review, we summarize the examples of Sox-Wnt interactions and examine the underlying mechanisms of this potentially widespread and underappreciated mode of Wnt-regulation.
Electrocardiographic measurements of regional atrial fibrillation cycle length.

Background: Differences in atrial fibrillation (AF) cycle length (CL) between the left (LA) and right (RA) atrium and coronary sinus (CS) may help separate paroxysmal from persistent AF and identify patients most likely to respond to pulmonary vein isolation, but has not been measured noninvasively. Methods and Results: We developed methods to estimate regional intraatrial AF CL from the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in 20 patients with persistent AF and 10 patients with paroxysmal AF prior to ablation. Intraatrial AF CL was measured near the LA appendage, mid-CS, and lateral RA. In simultaneous filtered ECG, AF CL was estimated using autocorrelation. The mean of ECG-derived AF CL in leads V5, I, and aVL was used to estimate LA CL; leads aVF, II, and III for CS CL; and V1, V2, and aVR for RA CL. ECG CL estimates for the LA, CS, and RA had R2 > 0.91 versus measured CL (all P 10 ms, the direction was accurately predicted in eight of 11 patients. The accuracy of AF CL estimates was not adversely affected by AF type or LA dilatation (≤40 or >40 mm). The ECG-estimated AF-CL showed high 5-minute temporal stability (P < 0.001 each chamber). Conclusions: Left and right atrial AF CL, and their gradients, can be accurately determined from the ECG using autocorrelation analysis. This approach may be a helpful guide prior to ablation procedures.
Can computer-generated speech have gender?: an experimental test of gender stereotype

The present study examines if and how the "gender" of computer-generated speech affects the user's perception of the computer and their conformity to the computer's recommendation. Presented with a series of social-dilemma situations, participants made a decision after listening to the computer's argument for one of the two choices in a 2 (TTS gender: male vs. female) by 2 (participant gender: male vs. female) experiment. Consistent with gender stereotypes, the male-voiced computer exerted greater influence on the user's decision than the female-voiced computer and was perceived to be more socially attractive and trustworthy. More strikingly, gendered synthesized speech triggered social identification processes, such that female subjects conformed more to the female-voiced computer, while males conformed more to the male-voiced computer (controlling for the main effect). Similar identification effects were found on social attractiveness and trustworthiness of the computer.
The high rate of suicide in older white men: A study testing ten hypotheses

A persistent finding in the epidemiology of suicide is the high rate in older white men in the U. S. A. The relationship of beliefs and behaviors to suicidal thoughts and attempts in 104 lower-class male psychiatric and medical patients, composed equally of blacks and whites, in the age range of high risk (45 to 64) was investigated, drawing upon ten hypotheses about suicide from sociological and neuropsychiatrie literature. Variables found associated with suicidal thoughts or acts in both black and white patients were then explored in a group of normal black and white males of the same ages and social class. When the hypothesized behaviors or attitudes were more frequent both in suicidal patients of both races and in the general sample of whites, we considered the hypothesis supported as a possible explanation for the excess suicides in older white men. Six variables were found both to describe suicidal as compared with non-suicidal patients and to distinguish normal white men as compared with black.
Control of hysteretic systems through inverse compensation

Inverse compensation is a fundamental technique in the control of systems with hysteresis. In this expository article, we present algorithms for constructing the inverse of the Preisach operator, a hysteresis model with application to magnetics, smart materials, terrestrial hydrology, and economics. Adaptive inverse control is discussed for cases where hysteresis parameters are not known precisely. To meet the demand of highly dynamic applications, an embedded inversion approach is presented that exploits the parallelism offered by FPGAs.
Differential susceptibility of mouse lymphocytes to an immunosuppressant from group A streptococci.

Abstract Cytoplasmic components (SF) of group A streptococcus have been shown to suppress the immune response. Lymphocytes exhibit a differential susceptibility to these components when several functional criteria are applied. PFC appear to be more susceptible than RFC suggesting that the long-lived, undifferentiated lymphocytes that form rosettes escape the effects of SF, but antibody-forming cells are suppressed. Similarly, thymic dependent functions such as PHA responsiveness, mixed lymphocye interaction, and synergism with bone marrow are unaffected. Bone marrow functions, such as hematopoiesis and the ability to synergize with normal thymus, however, are suppressed by SF pretreatment. SF, furthermore, causes a loss of lymphocytic cells from marrow, and a depression of in vitro proliferative capacity. These results indicate that SF is immunosuppressive due to a selective depression of bone marrow function.
Prodynorphin peptide immunocytochemistry in rhesus monkey brain

KHACHATURIAN, H., M. E. LEWIS, S. N. HABER, R. A. HOUGHTEN, H. AKIL AND S. J. WATSON. Prodynorphin peptide immunocytoehemistrv in rhesus monkey brain. PEPTIDES 6: Suppl. 2, 155-166, 1985. --The present study describes the immunocytochemical distribution of peptides derived from the prodynorphin precursor in the brain of the rhesus monkey (Macaea mulatta). Animals were treated with colchicine (intracerebroventricularly) prior to perfusion to enhance the observation of perikaryal immunoreactivity. antisera generated against dynorphin A(1-17), dynorphin B(1-13), and prodynorphin(186-208) (or bridge peptide), the anatomical distribution of dynorphin systems was mapped. The results indicate a widespread neuronal localization ofimmunoreactivity from the cerebral cortex to the caudal medulla. Anti-dynorphin B and anti-bridge peptide sera proved useful for the demonstration of neuronal perikarya, while the dynorphin A antiserum was best for localizing terminal projection fields. Immunoreactive perikarya are located in numerous brain loci, including the cingulate cortex, caudate nucleus, amygdala, hypothalamus (especially the magnocellular nuclei), thalamus, substantia grisea centralis, parabrachial nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarius, and other nuclei. In addition, fiber and terminal immunoreactivity are seen in varying densities in the striatum and pallidum, substantia innominata, hypothalamus, substantia nigra pars reticulata, parabrachial nucleus, spinal trigeminal nucleus, and other areas. The distribution of prodynorphin peptides in the brain of the monkey is similar to that described for the rat brain; however, significant differences also exist. Other interspecies differences in the anatomy of prodynorphin and proenkephalin neuronal systems in the monkey and human brain are further discussed.
Origin of the nonlinear second-order optical susceptibilities of organic systems

An all-valence-electron self-consistent-field linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals molecular-orbital procedure including configuration interactions for calculating the magnitude and sign of the nonlinear second-order molecular susceptibility components (hyperpolarizability) for substituted dipolar aromatic molecular systems is reported. Three fundamentally important examples, aniline, nitrobenzene, and $p$-nitroaniline, are considered. Analysis of the microscopic origin of their molecular second-order susceptibilities provides a direct means for understanding the macroscopic nonlinear optical response of organic molecular solids which have already been observed to possess exceptional nonlinear optical properties. The important excited states of aniline, nitrobenzene, and $p$-nitroaniline have been identified and examined in their relationship with the molecular second-order susceptibility-tensor components ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{ijk}}$. The detailed nature of the charge separation accompanying these states has been discussed in terms of both the configurations composing the excited states, and also the one-electron molecular orbitals which determine those configurations. These results demonstrate how the bond-additivity approximation is inappropriate for $p$-nitroaniline. Finally, the frequency dependence of the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{ijk}}$ components in each case shows that the Kleinman relations are valid approximations only at relatively low frequencies.
Steady Increment of Immature Platelet Fraction Is Suppressed by Irradiation in Single-Donor Platelet Components during Storage

Circulating immature platelet fraction (IPF) reflects real-time thrombopoiesis and correlates with platelet recovery from thrombocytopenic presentations. To understand the dynamics of IPF in platelet transfusions, we quantified the %-IPF in single-donor platelet components (SDP) during prolonged storage. %-IPF significantly increased from baseline by day 5 post-donation. Absolute IPF counts (A-IPC) had similar significant increments. However, gamma-irradiation suppressed the increments of %-IPF and A-IPC by >50%. Ultrastructural analysis of SDP units at day 10 showed well preserved morphology of immature platelets. Our findings suggest that IPF might actively expand ex-vivo and may have a longer shelf life than their mature counterparts. Closer study of IPF may be of critical clinical importance for transfusion practices.
The geometrization of biology

The twentieth century has witnessed a geometrization of physics, that is, a reduction of the basic concepts of physics to geometric concepts. The topological approach to biology, recently proposed and to some extent developed by the author, is a small step in the direction of geometrization of biology, but is unable to achieve the main purpose of such a geometrization of biology, namely, the reduction to geometric concepts of such purely biological concepts as ingestion, digestion, assimilation, etc. To achieve this purpose we must find geometric structures or spaces, in which different geometric properties stand to each other in the same formal logical relation, as the different concepts of biology stand to each other. If this were possible, then a set of geometric theorems could be “translated” by an appropriate “glossary” into a set of biological laws. While not offering a solution to this problem, the present paper illustrates the possibility of such an approach on several examples. Certain new types of topological spaces are introduced, which are used for illustration purposes only. It is shown, however, how from a theorem about such spaces a verifiable biological prediction could be made, if these spaces were to be taken seriously. A possible application to biology of E. Artin's theory of braids is outlined.
Compound semiconductor electro-optic modulators for microwave photonics applications

Compound semiconductor electro-optic modulators based on substrate-removal are described. Modulators with metal and buried electrodes in bulk GaAs have Vπ of 5 V and 0.3 V respectively. For both types bandwidths exceeding 35 GHz were also demonstrated.
From the Editor-in-Chief: A Look at 2014.

This letter from the Editor-in-Chief details the changes JMBE has made in 2014 and looks forward to upcoming journal initiatives.
Soil microbial activity, aggregation and nutrient responses to straw pulping liquor in corn cropping

The cereal and grass seed cropping systems of the Pacific northwestern USA generate a valuable fiber source for papermaking. Pulping straw with KOH produces black liquor, an organic waste effluent with potential as a K source and soil amendment. The objectives of this study were to determine if black liquor from wheat straw pulping with KOH improves soil quality including soil aggregation, microbial biomass and microbial activity, and corn yield. A 2-year field trial with a randomized complete block design was conducted with black liquor or KCl applied at 168 and 336 kg K ha−1 at two sites, respectively, planted to corn in Central Washington. Black liquor applied at rates of 168 and 336 kg K ha−1 slightly increased soil pH by 0.2 to 1.4 units and electrical conductivity by 0.0 to 0.8 dS m−1 at both sites, and significantly increased soil test K compared to the nonamended control by 199 to 368 mg K kg−1 soil in the top 5 cm at Paterson and by 44 to 200 mg K kg−1 soil in the top 5 cm at Prosser. Corn had no yield response to the application of either K sources, black liquor, or KCl applied at both rates at both sites. Generally, black liquor applied at these rates increased soil dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, and arylsulfatase activities, microbial biomass C, and soil wet stable macroaggregates in the top 5-cm soil at both sites. The results of this study suggest that the organic-rich waste liquor from wheat straw pulping with KOH may improve soil quality and soil test K without reducing crop productivity.
Anion deposition into ferritin.

Abstract When the iron core of equine spleen ferritin is reduced, anions in solution cross the protein shell and enter the ferritin interior as part of a charge balancing reaction. Anion sequestration inside ferritin during iron core reduction was monitored using ion selective electrodes, inductively coupled plasma emission, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The requirement for anion translocation to the ferritin interior occurs because upon iron core reduction, two OH − ions per iron are released or neutralized inside ferritin leaving a net positive charge. Halides and oxoanions were tested as anionic substrates for this reaction. A general trend for the halides showed that the smaller halides accumulated inside ferritin in greater abundance than larger halides, presumably because the protein channels restrict the transfer of the larger anionic species. In contrast, oxoanion accumulation inside ferritin did not show selectivity based on size or charge. Vanadate and molybdate accumulated to the highest concentrations and nitrate, phosphate and tungstate showed poor accumulation inside ferritin. Fe(II) remains stably sequestered inside ferritin, as shown by electron microscopy and by column chromatography. Upon oxidation of the iron core, the anions are expelled from ferritin, and OH − ions coordinate to the Fe(III) to form the original Fe(O)OH mineral. Anion transport across the ferritin protein shell represents an important mechanism by which ferritin maintains proper charge balance inside the protein cavity.
Gender and pregnancy effects on β-glucosidase activity toward pyridoxine-5′-β-D-glucoside in rats

Abstract Pyridoxine-5′-β-D-glucoside (PNG) has been shown to be poorly utilized in male rats and men; however, in pregnant rats, the utilization of PNG appears to be similar to that of pyridoxine (PN). This research was conducted to determine the effects of gender and pregnancy on β-glucosidase activity in catalyzing the hydrolysis of PNG to PN. In particular, the activity of β-glucosidase in the liver and small intestine of male, nonpregnant female and pregnant rats, as well as in fetal tissue, was measured. Enzyme activity was measured by the rate of disappearance of PNG. In the liver, enzyme activity in pregnant rats was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant female rats, while the enzyme activity in male rats was not detectable. In the small intestine, enzyme activity was again significantly higher in pregnant rats compared to that in nonpregnant rats, as well as male rats. β-glucosidase activity towards PNG was measurable in fetal tissue. The results of this study suggest that β-glucosidase activity towards PNG is greater in female rats which is enhanced during pregnancy.
Relating performance of thin-film composite forward osmosis membranes to support layer formation and structure

This publication is based on work supported in part by Award No. KUS-C1-018-02, made by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST); the WaterCAMPWS, a Science and Technology Center of Advanced Materials for the Purification of Water with Systems under the National Science Foundation Grant CTS-0120978; and Oasys Water Inc. We also acknowledge the NWRI-AMTA Fellowship for membrane technology (to Alberto Tiraferri) and a Graduate Fellowship (to Ngai Yin Yip) made by the Environment and Water Industrial Development Council of Singapore.
Dual Threats of Imperiled Native Agroecosystems and Climate Change to World Food Security: Genomic Perspectives

All of our crop plants originated in the Vavilovian centers of plant genetic diversity. Following domestication, crop plants went through a period of reduced diversity caused by a domestication bottleneck. The cultivation of crop plants in native habitats where crop plants and their wild relatives grew in close contact created native agroecosystems, which facilitated frequent genetic exchange between crop plants and their wild ancestors, thereby enriching the crop gene pool. These native agroecosystems even produced new crop plants, such as bread wheat. Humans traveled with their crop plants spanning the globe, and the enriched crop gene pools were adapted to diverse habitats, creating landraces that nourished preindustrial agriculture and human civilizations. Genomic research has shown that many of the genes that were exploited in the Green Revolution evolved recently by the active evolutionary processes made possible by functioning native agroecosystems and the selection pressure imposed by various abio...
Thermal acclimation in a complex life cycle: The effects of larval and adult thermal conditions on metabolic rate and heat resistance in Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

It has now been well established that insects can respond to variation in their environment via acclimation, yet the extent of the response varies among populations and environmental characteristics. One under-investigated theme which may contribute to this variation concerns acclimation effects across the life cycle. The present study explores how acclimation in the larval stage of Culex pipiens affects thermal relations in the adult stage. Mosquitoes were reared in a full factorial design at 18 or 26 °C as larvae and adults, then critical thermal maxima (CTmax) and metabolic rate-temperature relationships (MR-T) were determined for all 4 treatments. CTmax was positively affected by both larval and adult acclimation treatments. MR-T slope was significantly affected only by adult treatment: warm acclimated adults had on average shallower slopes and higher y-intercepts than cool acclimated ones. These results demonstrate that larval acclimation effects can alter adult phenotypes in a species whose life cycle includes two drastically different environments, an aquatic and a terrestrial stage. Studying insects with complex life cycles, especially those with aquatic or subterranean larval stages, can provide valuable information on the effects of thermal variability and predictability on phenotypic plasticity.
Powerful Pedagogy: Learning from and about Teaching in an Elementary Literacy Course.

Abstract Pedagogy is an important aspect of teacher education, and the teacher educator's pedagogy can help the preservice teacher understand the complexities inherent in teaching. This study examined one elementary literacy course in a master's level teacher education program. Data collection involved classroom observation and interviews with the professor and two students. In this course, the professor models good teaching and designs valuable projects and experiences for her students. Her thoughtful and continual consideration of pedagogy serves to make this an exemplary teacher education course and highlights the powerful role that pedagogy can play in teacher education.
Exodus - Distributed artificial intelligence for Shuttle firing rooms

This paper describes the Expert System for Operations Distributed Users (EXODUS), a knowledge-based artificial intelligence system developed for the four Firing Rooms at the Kennedy Space Center. EXODUS is used by the Shuttle engineers and test conductors to monitor and control the sequence of tasks required for processing and launching Shuttle vehicles. In this paper, attention is given to the goals and the design of EXODUS, the operational requirements, and the extensibility of the technology.
Multiple Conformational States of Proteins: A Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Myoglobin

A molecular dynamics simulation of myoglobin provides the first direct demonstration that the potential energy surface of a protein is characterized by a large number of thermally accessible minima in the neighborhood of the native structure (for example, approximately 2000 minima were sampled in a 300-picosecond trajectory). This is expected to have important consequences for the interpretation of the activity of transport proteins and enzymes. Different minima correspond to changes in the relative orientation of the helices coupled with side-chain rearrangements that preserve the close packing of the protein interior. The conformational space sampled by the simulation is similar to that found in the evolutionary development of the globins. Glasslike behavior is expected at low temperatures. The minima obtained from the trajectory do not satisfy certain criteria for ultrametricity.
Microprocessor-controlled laser scanning system for annealing of semiconductors

Abstract An apparatus for scanning the output radiation from a 5 W argon ion gas laser across a sample surface has been developed. A microprocessor was used to control the x and y axis reflectors. Laser scanning of a sample in six different patterns, and any combinations of these patterns, has been achieved. Scan rates of up to 33.6 degrees per second with a resolution of 0.034 degrees per step have been obtained. The benefits and limitations of such a system are discussed.
Mitochondrial Localization and Putative Signaling Function of Sucrose Synthase in Maize

In many organisms, an increasing number of proteins seem to play two or more unrelated roles. Here we report that maize sucrose synthase (SUS) is distributed in organelles not involved in sucrose metabolism and may have novel roles beyond sucrose degradation. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that among the three maize SUS isoforms, SH1 protein has a putative mitochondrial targeting peptide (mTP). We validated this prediction by the immunodetection of SUS in mitochondria. Analysis with isoform-specific antisera revealed that both SH1 and SUS1 are represented in mitochondria, although the latter lacks a canonical mTP. The SUS2 isoform is not detectable in mitochondria, despite its presence in the cytosol. In maize primary roots, the mitochondrion-associated SUS (mtSUS; which includes SH1 and SUS1) is present mostly in the root tip, indicating tissue-specific regulation of SUS compartmentation. Unlike the glycolytic enzymes that occur attached to the outside of mitochondria, SH1 and SUS1 are intramitochondrial. The low abundance of SUS in mitochondria, its high Km value for sucrose, and the lack of sucrose in mitochondria suggest that mtSUS plays a non-sucrolytic role. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicate that SUS interacts with the voltage-dependent anion channel in an isoform-specific and anoxia-enhanced manner and may be involved in the regulation of solute fluxes into and out of mitochondria. In several plant species, at least one of the SUS proteins possesses a putative mTP, indicating the conservation of the noncatalytic function across plant species. Taken together, these observations suggest that SUS has a novel noncatalytic function in plant cells.
CHEMICALLY IMPROVED LIMESTONES FOR FLUIDIZED BED COMBUSTION OF COAL

Preparation is made of a group of four new chemically improved limestones (SO2-sorbents) from reactants of 65% limestone, 25% fly ash, and 10% binder of either a ball clay or mixture of the clay wi...
Spatiotemporal patterns of extreme hurricanes impacting US coastal cities

US coastal cities are regularly subjected to destruction by tropical cyclones. The risk of tropical cyclone winds varies along the length of the coastline. We analyze landfalling North Atlantic basin tropical cyclones whose intensities are considered extreme relative to their landfall location. To be considered extreme, a tropical cyclone’s wind speed must exceed the 50-year return level for a given city. Of interest is the spatial and temporal patterns of these extreme hurricane wind events for fifteen coastal cities, which are organized into four coastal regions: Northeast Atlantic, Southeast Atlantic, Florida, and Gulf. Findings suggest that extreme hurricanes along the Florida and Atlantic coasts cluster in time, specifically decades, while there is no temporal clustering detected along the Gulf. Atlantic coast hurricane clusters are in part due to the likelihood of one intense hurricane impacting multiple coastal cities, which is unlikely to happen along the Gulf due to the alignment of the coast. It is also unlikely for an intense hurricane to impact multiple Florida cities as an extreme hurricane, suggesting a physical mechanism enables the temporal clustering seen here. The results of this work advocate for annual and decadal hurricane risk to include: (1) the likelihood of temporal clusters of extreme hurricanes along the Atlantic and Florida coasts and (2) extreme hurricanes impacting multiple cities along the Atlantic coast.
Hypothalamic-opticochiasmatic gliomas mimicking craniopharyngiomas.

The differential diagnosis of suprasellar masses in the pediatric age group includes craniopharyngiomas and hypothalamic-opticochiasmatic gliomas (HOCGs). These tumors frequently display unique features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We review two cases of pediatric suprasellar HOCGs with preoperative imaging characteristics resembling those of craniopharyngioma. HOCGs mimicking craniopharyngiomas represent a diagnostic and operative challenge to the pediatric neurosurgeon. Although an accurate leading pathologic diagnosis can frequently be made with preoperative neuroimaging, the neurosurgeon must be prepared for discovery of another tumor type and have plans to proceed accordingly.
Adaptive crystal bender for high-power synchrotron radiation beams

Perfect crystal monochromators cannot diffract x rays efficiently, nor transmit the high source brightness available at synchrotron radiation facilities, unless surface strains within the beam footprint are maintained within a few arcseconds. Insertion devices at existing synchrotron sources already produce x-ray power density levels that can induce surface slope errors of several arcseconds on silicon monochromator crystals at room temperature, no matter how well the crystal is cooled. The power density levels that will be produced by insertion devices at the third-generation sources will be as much as a factor of 100 higher still. One method of restoring ideal x-ray diffraction behavior, while coping with high power levels, involves adaptive compensation of the induced thermal strain field. The design and performance, using the X25 hybrid wiggler beam line at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS), of a silicon crystal bender constructed for this purpose are described.
New powerful approaches for family-based association tests with longitudinal measurements.

Summary We discuss several new powerful family-based approaches for testing genetic association when the traits are obtained from longitudinal or repeated measurement studies. The popular approach FBAT-PC is based on a linear combination of the individual traits. We propose a one-sided modification, FBAT-PCM, which has a closed-form expression and is always more powerful. We also present two approaches FBAT-LC and FBAT-LCC based on linear combination of the univariate test statistics. Furthermore, all three approaches are shown to be unified to a general form. Through simulation studies, we compare the power of these tests under different models of genetic effect sizes. Compared to original FBAT-PC, our modification achieves a power gain of up to 50%. In addition, all three new approaches gain substantial power compared to the ordinary approach of Bonferroni correction, with the relative performance depending upon the underlying model. Application of these approaches for testing an association between Body Mass Index and a previously reported candidate SNP confirms our results.
Relationship of hemolymph phenol oxidase and mosquito age in Aedes aegypti

Monophenol oxidase (MPO) and diphenol oxidase (DPO) activity in hemocytes and cell-free plasma perfused from 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-day-old Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were compared. A progressive decrease of enzyme activity was detected as mosquito age increased, and this decrease was significant in both hemocytes and cell-free plasma when mosquitoes were 28 days old as compared with that found in 7-day-old mosquitoes. There was no significant difference in total hemolymph protein as mosquito age increased. Although this decreased MPO and DPO activity might be partially responsible for the reduced immune response against filarial worms previously reported for older mosquitoes, other factors undoubtedly play a significant role.
Charge transport in PbSe nanocrystal arrays

We report electrical transport measurements of arrays of PbSe nanocrystals forming the channels of field-effect transistors. We measure the current in these devices as a function of source-drain voltage, gate voltage, and temperature. Annealing is necessary to observe measurable current, after which a simple model of hopping between intrinsic localized states describes the transport properties of the nanocrystal solid. We find that the majority carriers are holes, which are thermally released from acceptor states. At low source-drain voltages, the activation energy for the conductivity is given by the energy required to generate holes plus the activation over barriers resulting from site disorder. At high source-drain voltages, the activation energy is given by the former only. The thermal activation energy of the zero-bias conductance indicates that the Fermi energy is close to the highest-occupied valence level, the $1{S}_{h}$ state, and this is confirmed by field-effect measurements, which give a density of states of approximately 8 per nanocrystal as expected from the degeneracy of the $1{S}_{h}$ state.
A comparison of the phosphorylation potential and electrochemical proton gradient in mung bean mitochondria and phosphorylating sub-mitochondrial particles

The phosphorylation potential (delta Gp) and the electrochemical proton gradient (delta muH+) normally maintained during respiration or ATP hydrolysis by mung bean hypocotyl mitochondria and phosphorylating sub-mitochondrial particles have been investigated. Phosphorylation potential experiments using safranine and oxonol-VI, as membrane potential markers for mitochondria and sub-mitochondrial particles, respectively, suggest that the 'null point' delta Gp (i.e., the phosphorylation potential at which no change in optical signal occurred) corresponds to a value of 15.2 +/- 0.7 kcal/mol in mitochondria and 11.2 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol in sub-mitochondrial particles. The value of delta muH+ generated by the hydrolysis of ATP was estimated using ion distribution techniques. In each case a rapid centrifugation technique was used to separate the organelle from the suspending medium. The total delta muH+ generated in each case was approx. 200 mV being composed of both membrane potential and pH components. A comparison of delta muH+ with delta Gp indicates that the apparent H+/ATP ratio in mung bean mitochondria is 3.4 +/- 0.2 while in phosphorylating sub-mitochondrial particles it is 2.2 +/- 0.1.
Progression of the immune response to solubilized tumor antigens.

Local adoptive transfer assays (LATA) were used to analyze and compare the progression of the immune response in C3H/HeJ mice to irradiated tumor cell vaccine and to crude 3M KCl solubilized antigens extracted from a syngeneic methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma. Sequential LATA performed 2, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after soluble antigen pretreatment of spleen cell donors revealed a sinusoidal evolution of lymphoid cell activity. An initial brief period of potent tumor facilitation (days 6–9) was followed by a phase of tumor neutralization (days 9–12) which decayed by day 15. On the other hand, spleen cells from donors sensitized with irradiated tumor cells exhibited consistent tumor neutralization which was sustained throughout 15 days. Thus the tumor growth facilitation observed only in CSA-treated donors may represent a qualitative difference in the immune state induced by soluble, as opposed to cellular, forms of tumor antigen.
Weighted finite population sampling to maximize entropy

SUMMARY Attention is drawn to a method of sampling a finite population of N units with unequal probabilities and without replacement. The method was originally proposed by Stern & Cover (1989) as a model for lotteries. The method can be characterized as maximizing entropy given coverage probabilities 7Ci, or equivalently as having the probability of a selected sample proportional to the product of a set of 'weights' wi. We show the essential uniqueness of the wi given the 7i, and describe practical, geometrically convergent algorithms for computing the wi from the 7i. We present two methods for stepwise selection of sampling units, and corresponding schemes for removal of units that can be used in connection with sample rotation. Inclusion probabilities of any order can be written explicitly in closed form. Second-order inclusion probabilities 7rij satisfy the condition 0< ij < 7ic 7j, which guarantees Yates & Grundy's variance estimator to be unbiased, definable for all samples and always nonnegative for any sample size.
Improved multisensor approach to satellite‐retrieved near‐surface specific humidity observations

[1] A multisensor microwave retrieval of near-surface 10 m specific humidity (Qa) using satellite observations from the advanced microwave sounding unit-A (AMSU-A), the Special Sensor Microwave Temperature Sounder-2, and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager is improved upon in this study. Refinements to the regression formula, training data set, collocation procedure, and height adjustment to 10 m were used to improve retrievals from two different sensor combinations. Independent validation with the International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) indicates a lower overall bias of ∼0.3 g/kg and a smaller root-mean-square difference of ∼0.4 g/kg than with several previously published single-sensor Qa retrievals. A significant regional Qa wet bias of ∼3 g/kg in the summer over the North Pacific was found for all satellite retrievals, and a correction was developed using an inversion index defined using sea surface temperature and AMSU-A lower tropospheric temperature observations. An assessment of ICOADS ship and buoy validation data indicated uncertainties related to height adjustments of these in situ observations to be 0.2–0.4 g/kg, while hygrometer differences and solar heating effects had smaller uncertainties of less than 0.05 g/kg. Validation of the updated multisensor retrievals with ICOADS over an 8-year period from 1999 to 2006 revealed a reduced magnitude of the regional biases when compared to previously published retrievals. Regional Qa differences, particularly in the subtropical high regions, are shown to play a significant role in determination of surface latent heat flux.
Identification and characterization of an inherited mutation of PIG-A in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.

Analysis of the X-linked gene PIG-A from haemopoietic cells of a female PNH patient showed a homozygous C-55-T substitution that caused replacement of arginine with tryptophan at codon 19. AvaI restriction analysis of PIG-A cDNA demonstrated that the patient was homozygous for this mutation, whereas her mother was heterozygous and her father was hemizygous. Flow cytometry, however, showed normal expression of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol anchored proteins on blood cells of the patient’s mother and father. Therefore the C-55-T mutation is an inherited sequence variant that does not account for the PNH phenotype of this patient.
Comparison of the action of the stereoisomers of the psychostimulant 4-methylaminorex (4-MAX) on midbrain dopamine cells in the rat: an extracellular single unit study.

In this study, we examined and characterized the action of the stereoisomers of 2-amino-4-methyl-delta 2-5-phenyl-oxazoline (4-methylaminorex, 4-MAX) on spontaneously active dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC or A9) and ventral tegmental area (VTA or A10) in anesthetized male rats. This was accomplished using the technique of extracellular single unit recording. The intravenous (i.v.) administration of the stereoisomers of 4-MAX (0.1-6.4 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent suppression of the basal firing rate of A10 DA cells with the following rank order of potency: trans 4S,5S > cis 4R,5S approximately cis 4S,5R >> trans 4S,5S 4-MAX. The rank order of potency of the isomers of 4-MAX to suppress the firing of A9 DA cells was trans 4S,5S = cis 4R,5S = cis 4S,5R >> trans 4R,5R. The trans 4S,5S isomer was 5-fold more potent in suppressing DA cell firing in the A10 compared to the A9 area. The suppressant action of the isomers on A9 and A10 DA cells was reversed by the i.v. administration of haloperidol and the D2/D3 receptor antagonists (-)-sulpiride and (-)-eticlopride but not by the D1 receptor antagonists SCH 23390 and SCH 39166. In addition, the suppressant action of the trans 4S,5S isomer on A10 DA cells was not antagonized or reversed by the i.v. administration of the receptor antagonists granisetron (5-HT3), ritanserin (5-HT2A,C), idazoxan (alpha 2), phentolamine (peripheral alpha 1), (+/-)-pindolol (5-HT1A,B beta) or prazosin (alpha 1). The pretreatment of animals with either alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) or reserpine, but not p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), (+/-)-fluoxetine or tomoxetine, significantly attenuated the suppression of A10 DA cell firing produced by trans 4S,5S 4-MAX. Overall, our results suggest that the suppressant action of 4-MAX on midbrain DA cell firing may be mediated by the release of DA, which subsequently interacts with D2/D3 receptors.
The Discovery of Fossil Vertebrates on Missouri's Western Frontier

Fossil-bearing sites containing predominantly mastodon, Mammut americanum, remains were discovered west of the Mississippi River on the Osage River in Upper Louisiana only a few decades after the discovery by Longueuil of similar remains at Big Bone Lick in Kentucky. The first excavations were conducted in the 1790s by Pierre Chouteau, a fur trader and member of the founding family of St Louis. Chouteau's work was documented by several early travelers, including Georges-Henri-Victor Collot and later by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, among others. It was from Chouteau's excavation that the first mastodon molar from west of the Mississippi River reached Baron Georges Cuvier in Paris, having been sent from Philadelphia by Benjamin Smith Barton. Early nineteenth-century travelers continued to mention the Osage River locality and, by 1816, William Clark displayed fossil specimens in his St Louis Museum. By 1840 the indefatigable fossil collector and museum entrepreneur, Albert C. Koch, began extensive dig...
Experience with a computerized interactive protocol system using HELP.

Abstract A computerized, interactive audit and decisionmaking system based on the HELP system is proposed for non-physician providers in ambulatory health care. Four protocols were implemented: upper respiratory-ear, nose, and throat; urinary tract infection; chronic hypertension; and chronic diabetes. Two physicians' assistants used the system for 175 patient encounters. Data entry error rates (1%) were significantly less than those of paper protocols. For the upper respiratory, ear, nose, and throat protocol, 11 percent of the encounters resulted in physician referrals with one false-negative and four false-positive decisions. False-positive antibiotic therapy decisions by assistants were safely reduced. Patient acceptance of the automated self-history was good. No alienation of the assistants was noted. Less than two minutes per patient terminal time was required by the assistants.
Mitochondrial energetics of benthic and pelagic Antarctic teleosts

Antarctic fauna are highly adapted to the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean. This study describes the in vitro temperature sensitivity of oxygen consumption rates measured in liver mitochondria from the pelagic notothenioid Pleuragramma antarcticum between 5 and 35 °C. Oxygen fluxes were measured after the addition of millimolar levels of pyruvate, malate, succinate and glutamate (state II, LEAK) and saturating levels of ADP [state III, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)]. State III respiration significantly decreased above 18.7 °C. A comparison of the oxidative capacities among P. antarcticum and other notothenioids showed significant differences in state III respiration, where benthic species exhibited about 50 % lower rates than P. antarcticum. In addition, state III respiration rates normalized per milligram of mitochondrial protein of P. antarcticum were up to eight times higher than state III rates reported in the literature for other notothenioids. The comparatively high respiration rates measured in this study may be explained by our approach, which engaged both complexes I and II under conditions of oxidative phosphorylation. State III rates of independently activated complexes I and II were found to range from 42 to 100 % of rates obtained when both complexes were activated simultaneously in the same species. The remarkable tolerance of P. antarcticum OXPHOS toward warmer temperatures was unexpected for an Antarctic stenotherm and may indicate that thermal sensitivity of their mitochondria is not the driving force behind their stenothermy.