cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel small-molecule inhibitor reveals a possible role of kinesin-5 in anastral spindle-pole assembly

The tetrameric plus-end-directed motor, kinesin-5, is essential for bipolar spindle assembly. Small-molecule inhibitors of kinesin-5 have been important tools for investigating its function, and some are currently under evaluation as anti-cancer drugs. Most inhibitors reported to date are `non-competitive9 and bind to a specific site on the motor head, trapping the motor in an ADP-bound state in which it has a weak but non-zero affinity for microtubules. Here, we used a novel ATP-competitive inhibitor, FCPT, developed at Merck (USA). We found that it induced tight binding of kinesin-5 onto microtubules in vitro. Using Xenopus egg-extract spindles, we found that FCPT not only blocked poleward microtubule sliding but also selectively induced loss of microtubules at the poles of bipolar spindles (and not asters or monoasters). We also found that the spindle-pole proteins TPX2 and γ-tubulin became redistributed to the spindle equator, suggesting that proper kinesin-5 function is required for pole assembly.
RBF-vortex methods for the barotropic vorticity equation on a sphere

Vortex blob methods approximate a flow as a sum of many small vortices of Gaussian shape, and adaptively move the vortex centers with the current. Gaussian radial basis functions (RBFs) do exactly the same. However, RBFs solve an exact interpolation problem - expensive but accurate - while vortex methods sacrifice accuracy through quasi-interpolation for the absence of a matrix inversion. We show that vortex-RBF algorithms with spectral accuracy are stable for flows on the sphere. The version in Eulerian coordinates is fast; the fully-Lagrangian variant is much slower for a given basis size N, but is highly adaptive for advection-dominated flows. Both versions are excellent for small-to-medium-N problems - N up to 10,000, say, where N is the number of RBF grid points/vortex blobs. Neither is good for large N problems because the cost of the Eulerian model scales as N 2 per timestep while the Lagrangian vortex-RBF method scales as N 3 . The slow-Lagrangian scheme is unique among vortex methods in being genuinely (like its Eulerian sibling) a spectrally-accurate method: for laminar flows the error falls exponentially fast with N.
Increased susceptibility to SV40 transformation with development and in vitro aging

Abstract The incidence of most cancers increases with aging. To examine whether this increased risk might be related to a higher susceptibility of older cells to neoplastic transformation, we transfected rat fibroblasts aged in vivo and in vitro with origin-defective SV40 DNA and measured the number of transformed foci. Substantial increases in the number of transformed foci were observed in cells from adult rats when compared with those of cells from embryos or weanlings. Much higher numbers of foci were also obtained at late passage, when 68% or more of the in vitro lifespan had been completed, while no foci were produced from cells at early or middle passage. To control for changes with aging in uptake, integration, or expression of exogenous DNA, parallel cultures were transfected with a G418 resistance gene. The number of G418-resistant colonies did not increase with aging and, in fact, decreased in late passage embryonic cell cultures. Therefore, increased susceptibility to SV40 transformation appears to be a feature of development and in vitro aging in rat Cells.
The portable virtual simulator

The Virtual Simulator is a software tool for support and management of the geometric component of 3-dimensional radiotherapy treatment design. The Virtual Simulator is a software implementation of a physical simulator with additional functionality not currently available on physical simulators. Treatment of a virtual patient, derived from CT or other source, is simulated using the Virtual Simulator in the same way a physical simulator would be used. The intent of this approach is to provide the user with a familiar working environment for radiotherapy treatment design. Key features include an effective and efficient user interface, and the use of computing techniques and software standards which enhance portability to a variety of computer workstations. The Virtual Simulator is implemented in the C programming language using the X Window System, and has been written with the generic UNIX workstation in mind. It has been demonstrated that it can be installed and run without modification on workstations from a number of vendors.
Effects of stocking-up freshwater food webs

The establishment of exotic game fishes to enhance recreational fisheries through authorized and unauthorized stocking into freshwater systems is a global phenomenon. Stocked fishes are often top predators that either replace native top predators or increase the species richness of top predators. Many direct effects of stocking have been documented, but the ecosystem consequences are seldom quantified. New studies increasingly document how species and community shifts influence ecosystem processes. We discuss here how predator stocking might increase top-down effects, alter nutrient cycles and decrease links between aquatic and surrounding terrestrial ecosystems. As fisheries management moves beyond species-specific utilitarian objectives to incorporate ecosystem and conservation goals, ecologists must address how common management practices alter food-web structure and subsequent ecosystem-level effects.
Forming, losing, renewing, and replacing friendships: Applying temporal parameters to the assessment of children's friendship experiences.

Friendship formation and dissolution were tracked over time in a summer camp to examine whether such events are valid indicators of individual differences in children's friendship adjustment. Subjects were 216 children ages 8–15 years. Sociometric nominations were used to determine the identities of reciprocal friends. Loneliness at camp was also tracked over time. In addition, data on group acceptance, behavioral reputations, social competence, and behavioral problems were gathered from peers and counselors. Analyses suggested that friendship formation and duration were coherent, independent dimensions of individual differences and distinct from the overall extensivity of involvement in friendships. Regression analyses indicated that the temporal parameters of participation in friendship enhanced the prediction of changes in loneliness at camp. Age and sex differences in temporal parameters were explored, and 4 discrete trajectories for friendship involvement were identified. Children with different trajectories differed in their behavioral profiles from one another and from children who were chronically friendless.
Partially coherent X‐ray wavefront propagation simulations including grazing‐incidence focusing optics

X-ray beamlines in modern synchrotron radiation sources make extensive use of grazing-incidence reflective optics, in particular Kirkpatrick-Baez elliptical mirror systems. These systems can focus the incoming X-rays down to nanometer-scale spot sizes while maintaining relatively large acceptance apertures and high flux in the focused radiation spots. In low-emittance storage rings and in free-electron lasers such systems are used with partially or even nearly fully coherent X-ray beams and often target diffraction-limited resolution. Therefore, their accurate simulation and modeling has to be performed within the framework of wave optics. Here the implementation and benchmarking of a wave-optics method for the simulation of grazing-incidence mirrors based on the local stationary-phase approximation or, in other words, the local propagation of the radiation electric field along geometrical rays, is described. The proposed method is CPU-efficient and fully compatible with the numerical methods of Fourier optics. It has been implemented in the Synchrotron Radiation Workshop (SRW) computer code and extensively tested against the geometrical ray-tracing code SHADOW. The test simulations have been performed for cases without and with diffraction at mirror apertures, including cases where the grazing-incidence mirrors can be hardly approximated by ideal lenses. Good agreement between the SRW and SHADOW simulation results is observed in the cases without diffraction. The differences between the simulation results obtained by the two codes in diffraction-dominated cases for illumination with fully or partially coherent radiation are analyzed and interpreted. The application of the new method for the simulation of wavefront propagation through a high-resolution X-ray microspectroscopy beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA) is demonstrated.
Radioisotopes and Turbine Flow Measurement

Radioisotope techniques and equipment were developed at program completion to measure flow rates with a 2 σ error estimated to be ± 1.5%. In the five phase program, studies were made of injection equipment, pipe lengths necessary for satisfactory mixing, sampling equipment, radiation counting techniques, and probable errors in the method. The study included using radio-tracers in the velocity method and in various forms of the dilution method including integrated sample, constant rate injection, and total-count. The paper summarizes the conclusions of various phases of the program and the results of satisfactorily applying the three dilution techniques in measuring flow rates for two high-head powerplants in Phase V.
The functional morphometrics of the hip and thigh in leaping prosimians

Examination of the form of the hip and thigh through discriminant function analysis of a series of 15 osteometric indices taken upon 289 specimens of 20 sets of leaping prosimians distinguishes four groups. Around a centrally located group of the various species of Lemur are three separate rays: one containing the three indriid genera (Propithecus, Indri, and Avahi), a second including the galagines and Tarsius, and a third comprising the two species of Cheirogaleus and the genus Microcebus. The lemurine genus Lepilemur lies intermediately between the central group of lemurs and the indriids. The lemurine genus Hapalemur lies intermediately between, on the one hand, the centrally located group of lemurs, and on the other, each of the two groups, cheirogaleines and galagines-plus-tarsiers. The arrangements of the particular species within each of these last two groups separately is from those that leap least to those that leap most. Given that the structure of the hip and thigh is related to the biomechanical demands of leaping, the existence of these separate morphological groups implies the existence of different biomechanical modes of leaping. Such meager taxonomic and behavioral information as is available seems to support this idea, although it is not impossible that other aspects of the behaviors of the animals may also be associated. This information sets up a series of new behavioral hypotheses that might be tested by better field and laboratory studies aimed more precisely at locomotion. And this information may be useful in helping to make assessments of particular fossils and in helping determine how various prosimian locomotor modes may have evolved.
The Benzoquinone Ansamycin Geldanamycin Stimulates Proteolytic Degradation of Focal Adhesion Kinase

Abstract FAK is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase involved in adhesion-mediated signal transduction whose level of expression is related to the invasiveness of malignant tumors. In seeking strategies to downregulate FAK, we treated various cell lines in vitro with the benzoquinone ansamycin geldanamycin (GA) which was previously described as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but recently has been shown to exert its effects by interfering with the chaperone function of members of the hsp90 family of heat-shock proteins. We evaluated the effects of benzoquinone ansamycins on FAK steady-state protein level and FAK half-life in breast and prostate carcinoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and 3T3 fibroblasts. Our data demonstrate that GA stimulates the proteolytic degradation of FAK in all cell lines examined and markedly reduces the half-life of newly synthesized FAK protein without significantly altering the level of FAK mRNA. These data demonstrate FAK to be another tyrosine kinase sensitive to the destabilizing effects of benzoquinone ansamycins and further show that small molecule-mediated pharmacologic modulation of FAK protein level is a feasible approach to the interdiction of FAK function.
DNA Hybridization Enhancement in Microarrays Using AC-Electrothermal Flow

We present numerical and experimental results on an innovative method to enhance the hybridization process in the field of microarray based analytics. Hybridization reaction based on biochip approaches take several hours due to the fact that these reactions are diffusion limited. To monitor the binding of fluorescent labeled analyte molecules to the probe molecules on the chip surface we use a home made fluorescent detection system that allows continues monitoring of the reaction on chip. Mixing is the key to overcome the diffusion barrier and increase reaction rate. We present a novel mixing device that increases reaction time The AC-electrokinetic signal produces an electrothermal flow that enhances the DNA binding. We show an optimization of the AC-signal and the electrodes design based on numerical simulations to obtain highest efficiency in mixing of analyte solutions and we report experimental results on dephosphorylation experiment.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The smart petri dish: A nanostructured photonic crystal for real-time monitoring of living cells

The intensity of light scattered from a porous Si photonic crystal is used to monitor physiological changes in primary rat hepatocytes. The cells are seeded on the surface of a porous Si photonic crystal that has been filled with polystyrene and treated with an O2 plasma. Light resonant with the photonic crystal is scattered by the cell layer and detected as an optical peak with a charge-coupled-device spectrometer. It is demonstrated that exposure of hepatocytes to the toxins cadmium chloride or acetaminophen leads to morphology changes that cause a measurable increase in scattered intensity. The increase in signal occurs before traditional assays are able to detect a decrease in viability, demonstrating the potential of the technique as a complementary tool for cell viability studies. The scattering method presented here is noninvasive and can be performed in real time, representing a significant advantage compared to other techniques for in vitro monitoring of cell morphology.
A scintillating optical fiber track imaging detector

Abstract In this paper we describe a prototype of the scintillating optical fiber isotope experiment (SOFIE) and give results of a Bevalac calibration using iron nuclei to study the measurement precision in range and trajectory which can be obtained. We have measured the range of iron nuclei with approximate energy 500 MeV/amu entering the SOFIE instrument to a precision of 200–300 μm, and their transverse position coordinate to better than 35 μm. These results indicate that scintillating optical fibers are very useful as a range detector and as a high precision hodoscope for heavy nuclei.
Bar orientation in operant escape training

In operant escape training a rat is usually required to deflect a bar in a downward direction to terminate shock for a short interval of time. In the study described here, eight rats were conditioned with the bar mechanism modified to require a sideways deflection. The acquisition of escape responding with the bar in the modified position was inferior to the responding typically observed with the bar in the usual position. Sequences of successful escape responding were observed when the bar required a sideways deflection, but the response-reinforcement contingency was not adequate to maintain escape behavior.
JCV T-antigen interacts with the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene product in a transgenic mouse model of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

The human polyomavirus, JC virus, has recently been associated with several human CNS tumors, including medulloblastomas and a broad range of glial-origin tumors. This ubiquitous virus is the causative agent of the rare demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in immunocompromised individuals. Expression of the viral protein, T-antigen, which possesses the ability to transform cells of neural origin, has been detected in human CNS tumors. In an effort to further understand the transforming potential of JCV T-antigen, transgenic mice expressing JCV T-antigen under the control of the Mad-4 promoter were generated. As described previously, approximately 50% of the animals developed pituitary tumors by 1 year of age. However, a small subset of the animals developed solid masses arising from the soft tissues surrounding the salivary gland, the sciatic nerve, and along the extremities that histologically resemble malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, rare neoplasms that occur in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). JCV T-antigen was detected in tumor tissue by immunohistochemistry and immunoprecipitation/Western blotting, but not in normal tissues and was colocalized with NF2, the putative tumor suppressor protein associated with neurofibromatosis type 2, in the nucleus of some cells. In addition, T-antigen was co-precipitated with NF2, but not with NF1 protein, although NF1 was detectable in tumor tissue. Furthermore, precipitated immunocomplexes contained T-antigen, NF2, and p53, suggesting that these three proteins may form a ternary complex. The importance of these findings on mechanisms of T-antigen-mediated tumorigenesis and the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis are discussed.
An Overview of common non-Alzheimer dementias

Approximately 20% to 40% of dementia is caused by diseases other than Alzheimer's disease. This article reviews the major categories of non-Alzheimer dementia, including dementia associated with cerebrovascular disease, dementia associated with extrapyramidal features, and the frontotemporal dementias. Dementia associated with cerebrovascular disease is a heterogeneous condition the importance of which is often misunderstood. Dementia with Lewy bodies, the most common of the dementias associated with extrapyramidal disease, is becoming better recognized for its unique management issues. At least some of the frontotemporal dementias, which in this article encompass the progressive aphasias, have mutations in the tau gene that account for some of the phenotypic variations.
Development of an analytical unit for flame characterization in a microgravity environment using a tunable solid-state laser with direct UV pumping

Summary form only given. Tunable solid-state lasers with direct UV pumping based on d-f transitions of rare-earth ions incorporated in wide band-gap dielectric crystals, have been shown to be reliable sources of laser radiation that are suitable for excitation of combustion-related free radicals in laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) analytical flame characterization experiments. Here we report results of our continuing efforts aimed at devising an autonomous portable analytical unit for combustion studies under microgravity conditions for spaceborne and/or airborne scientific missions.
A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the pleasing fungus beetles (Coleoptera: Erotylidae): evolution of colour patterns, gregariousness and mycophagy

Phylogenetic relationships of Erotylidae (pleasing fungus beetles) were inferred based on DNA sequence data. Relationships of clades within Erotylidae were examined, as was the relationship of the entire family to Languriidae (lizard beetles). 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA were sequenced for sixty-one taxa repre- senting major erotylid lineages and outgroups. Phylogenetic analyses under vary- ing parameter settings using standard parsimony and likelihood techniques were performed. These data indicate a paraphyletic Erotylidae and Languriidae. Encaustinae (including Coptengis), Megalodacninae and Erotylinae are supported as monophyletic, whereas Dacninae and Tritominae are paraphyletic. Taxonomic and biological implications are discussed. Gregariousness has arisen at least three times in Erotylidae. The erotylid clade has experienced at least one evolutionary transition from mycophagy (on Aphyllophorales) to phytophagy, three transitions from Aphyllophorales hosts to Euagarics, and one transition from Euagarics hosts to Mucorales (Zygomycetes). There are no recognizable phylogenetic trends in coloration across higher-level erotylid lineages.
A new approach to modelling schistosomiasis transmission based on stratified worm burden

SUMMARY Background/Objective. Multiple factors affect schistosomiasis transmission in distributed meta-population systems including age, behaviour, and environment. The traditional approach to modelling macroparasite transmission often exploits the ‘mean worm burden’ (MWB) formulation for human hosts. However, typical worm distribution in humans is overdispersed, and classic models either ignore this characteristic or make ad hoc assumptions about its pattern (e.g., by assuming a negative binomial distribution). Such oversimplifications can give wrong predictions for the impact of control interventions. Methods. We propose a new modelling approach to macro-parasite transmission by stratifying human populations according to worm burden, and replacing MWB dynamics with that of ‘population strata’. We developed proper calibration procedures for such multi-component systems, based on typical epidemiological and demographic field data, and implemented them using Wolfram Mathematica. Results. Model programming and calibration proved to be straightforward. Our calibrated system provided good agreement with the individual level field data from the Msambweni region of eastern Kenya. Conclusion. The Stratified Worm Burden (SWB) approach offers many advantages, in that it accounts naturally for overdispersion and accommodates other important factors and measures of human infection and demographics. Future work will apply this model and methodology to evaluate innovative control intervention strategies, including expanded drug treatment programmes proposed by the World Health Organization and its partners.
Hapten-radioimmunoassay: A general procedure for the estimation of steroidal and other haptenic substances

Abstract Hapten-radioimmunoassay may be used for sensitive and specific quantitation of low molecular weight substances which can be made immunogenic by conjugation to a protein, This method, which involves radioiodination of the protein-portion of the conjugate, has been used for quantitation of non-conjugated estrogenic steroids.
Distal airway dysfunction in obese subjects corrects after bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Obesity is frequently associated with respiratory symptoms despite normal large airway function as assessed by spirometry. However, reduced functional residual capacity and expiratory reserve volume are common and might reflect distal airway dysfunction. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) might identify distal airway abnormalities not detected using routine spirometry screening. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that excess body weight will result in distal airway dysfunction detected by IOS that reverses after bariatric surgery. The setting was a university hospital. Methods A total of 342 subjects underwent spirometry, plethysmography, and IOS before bariatric surgery. Of these patients, 75 repeated the testing after the loss of 20% of the total body weight. The data from 47 subjects with normal baseline spirometry and complete pre- and postoperative data were analyzed. Results IOS detected preoperative distal airway dysfunction despite normal spirometry findings by an abnormal airway resistance at an oscillation frequency of 20 Hz (4.75 ± 1.2 cm H 2 O/L/s), frequency dependence of resistance from 5 to 20 Hz (2.20 ± 1.6 cm H 2 O/L/s), and reactance at 5 Hz (−3.47 ± 2.1 cm H 2 O/L/s). Postoperatively, the subjects demonstrated 57% ± 15% excess weight loss. The body mass index decreased (from 44 ± 6 to 32 ± 5 kg/m 2 , P P P P P P Conclusion The present study detected significant distal airway dysfunction despite normal preoperative spirometry findings. The effect of increased body weight was likely the main mechanism for these abnormalities. However, the inflammatory state of obesity or associated respiratory disease could also be invoked. These abnormalities improved significantly toward normal after weight loss. The results of the present study highlight the importance of bariatric surgery as an effective intervention in reversing these respiratory abnormalities.
THE UPPER CELL SURFACE: ITS INABILITY TO SUPPORT ACTIVE CELL MOVEMENT IN CULTURE

A variety of epithelial cells and fibroblasts fail to move over one another's upper surfaces in culture, resulting in monolayering. The failure of seeded fibroblasts to adhere to and spread on epithelial cell surfaces suggests that monolayering in culture is due to the lack of adhesion of the upper cell surface, at least of epithelial cells. Seeded fibroblasts and postmitotic, rounded fibroblasts likewise fail to spread on the upper surfaces of spread fibroblasts, suggesting that the inability of the upper cell surface to support spreading may be a general phenomenon. Inert particles and cell processes do not adhere directly to the upper cell surface. However, they can initiate adhesions to the surface at a cell's free margin, suggesting a variation of adhesive properties over a cell's surface.
Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms: Analyzing the State-of-the-Art

Solving optimization problems with multiple (often conflicting) objectives is, generally, a very difficult goal. Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) were initially extended and applied during the mid-eighties in an attempt to stochastically solve problems of this generic class. During the past decade, a variety of multiobjective EA (MOEA) techniques have been proposed and applied to many scientific and engineering applications. Our discussion's intent is to rigorously define multiobjective optimization problems and certain related concepts, present an MOEA classification scheme, and evaluate the variety of contemporary MOEAs. Current MOEA theoretical developments are evaluated; specific topics addressed include fitness functions, Pareto ranking, niching, fitness sharing, mating restriction, and secondary populations. Since the development and application of MOEAs is a dynamic and rapidly growing activity, we focus on key analytical insights based upon critical MOEA evaluation of current research and applications. Recommended MOEA designs are presented, along with conclusions and recommendations for future work.
TRUST IN THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY INTEREST GROUPS: THE VIEWS OF LEGISLATORS, ACTIVISTS, EXPERTS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC

The timely provision of information is crucial to the success of interest groups seeking to influence policymakers, the public and their own members. This paper examines the extent to which legislators, citizens, and policy area experts and activists trust the information provided by specific interests in the water resources managment area. It is shown that citizens and policy area activists are less trusting than are legislators and experts, and that they also discriminate more among information sources than either of those types of actors. On the individual level, multiple regression analysis is employed to investigate the extent to which partisanship, ideology, environmentalism and degree of informedness influence the level of trust accorded particular interest groups among citizens, legislators, activists, and experts.
IRS2 increases mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in a mouse model of Huntington disease

Aging is a major risk factor for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington disease (HD). Reduced neuronal IGF1 or Irs2 signaling have been shown to extend life span in mice. To determine whether Irs2 signaling modulates neurodegeneration in HD, we genetically modulated Irs2 concentrations in the R6/2 mouse model of HD. Increasing Irs2 levels in the brains of R6/2 mice significantly reduced life span and increased neuronal oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In contrast, reducing Irs2 levels throughout the body (except in β cells, where Irs2 expression is needed to prevent diabetes onset; R6/2•Irs2+/-•Irs2βtg mice) improved motor performance and extended life span. The slower progression of HD-like symptoms was associated with increased nuclear localization of the transcription factor FoxO1 and increased expression of FoxO1-dependent genes that promote autophagy, mitochondrial function, and resistance to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial function improved and the number of autophagosomes increased in R6/2•Irs2+/-•Irs2βtg mice, whereas aggregate formation and oxidative stress decreased. Thus, our study suggests that Irs2 signaling can modulate HD progression. Since we found the expression of Irs2 to be normal in grade II HD patients, our results suggest that decreasing IRS2 signaling could be part of a therapeutic approach to slow the progression of HD.
Performance of a self-aligning solar array tracking controller

Sandia's advanced SolarTrak control system provides Sun tracking, night and emergency stow, communication, and manual drive control functions, for one and two-axis solar trackers in a low-cost, user-friendly package. The author describes the hardware design features and sophisticated control algorithms, such as a six-degree self-alignment routine and a self-adjusting motor actuation time, that enhance SolarTrak's pointing accuracy and system reliability while at the same time reducing operation and maintenance requirements. Performance measurements taken on operating systems over the past year show that full-day pointing accuracies of better than +or-0.1 have been achieved. >
Nitrogen in ectomycorrhizal mat and non-mat soils of different-age douglas-fir forests

(Accepted 20 February 1993) Summary—In an attempt to determine how stand age and mat-forming fungi affect N chemistry in forest soils, soils with or without ectomycorrhizal mats were collected from five Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] forest stands, age 2-450 yr, in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. A number of chemical and biological variables were measured in these soils, including: soil organic matter (SOM), pH, total N, inorganic N, extractable NH4 and NO3, fungal hyphal length, numbers of bacteria, and labile C and N. Total soil N and labile N both were significantly greater in old-growth soils than in other soils, suggesting that forest soils become enriched in organic N with age. Labile C concentrations were higher in mat than in non-mat soils of all age classes but were significantly higher only in the older stands. This finding suggests that ectomycorrhizal mat communities affect soil N with age both by selectively removing organic N and by producing compounds with high C:N ratios.
Gaussian process models of spatial aggregation algorithms

Multi-level spatial aggregates are important for data mining in a variety of scientific and engineering applications, from analysis of weather data (aggregating temperature and pressure data into ridges and fronts) to performance analysis of wireless systems (aggregating simulation results into configuration space regions exhibiting particular performance characteristics). In many of these applications, data collection is expensive and time consuming, so effort must be focused on gathering samples at locations that will be most important for the analysis. This requires that we be able to functionally model a data mining algorithm in order to assess the impact of potential samples on the mining of suitable spatial aggregates. This paper describes a novel Gaussian process approach to modeling multi-layer spatial aggregation algorithms, and demonstrates the ability of the resulting models to capture the essential underlying qualitative behaviors of the algorithms. By helping cast classical spatial aggregation algorithms in a rigorous quantitative framework, the Gaussian process models support diverse uses such as directed sampling, characterizing the sensitivity of a mining algorithm to particular parameters, and understanding how variations in input data fields percolate up through a spatial aggregation hierarchy.
Evidence-based medicine: critical appraisal of the literature (critical appraisal tools)

1. Marc A. Raslich, MD* 2. Gary M. Onady, MD, PhD* 1. *Medicine-Pediatrics Program, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio Teaching the incorporation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) into clinical decision-making is the major goal of this series. The first article defined and introduced the process of EBM. (1) The second two articles in the series introduced the first two steps and tools used in the EBM process, which are to develop an answerable question (2) and then to conduct an evidence-based search. (3) Before integrating this knowledge into clinical decision-making, the found information must be tested for validity. This third step in the EBM process is referred to commonly as critical appraisal. Critical appraisal forms the bridge between finding relevant data and applying the information to clinical practice. How do we ensure that we have found the best answer to our clinical question? When using the medical literature to answer our questions, sometimes we can rely on others to do the background work for us. For example, a previous article in this series (3) refers to secondary sources, including synopses such as AAP Grand Rounds and syntheses such as the Cochrane Database . Secondary sources refer to publications that review research articles independently and appraise them for evidence. These resources can be useful but cannot be the sole source of information. Secondary resources do not always address specific clinical questions. Therefore, the ability to evaluate the medical literature personally and judge its value independent of assessments made by others is essential. Critical appraisal provides the skill for evaluating the literature and reaffirming the quality of the originally structured answerable question. (4) This process enables physicians to recognize potential problems with the evidence, allowing use of the results in making an informed decision or deciding that the data are of insufficient quality to draw any useful conclusions. (5) Thousands of studies are published each year. Given the sheer quantity of …
The influence of microstructure on the electrochromic properties of LixWO3 films: Part II. Limiting mechanisms in coloring and bleaching processes

Various factors affecting the coloring and bleaching processes of LixWO3 films have been studied. The rate of the coloring process is limited by the decreasing electromotive force in the LixWO3 film and by the components of the series circuit resistance, including the electrolyte resistance and the diffusion impedance within the film. The bleaching process in a thick film is limited by either the space charge or by the diffusion impedance, depending on the experimental conditions. A more complete and quantitative model of the coloring/bleaching process has been developed and shows good agreement with experimental results. Our analysis also indicates that the lithium concentration value of x near the LixWO3/electrolyte interface can greatly exceed its reversible limit during the coloring process, even though the average x value within the film remains much lower than the reversible limit. This phenomenon may introduce some irreversible structural changes in the film, which in turn may constitute one of the film’s degradation mechanisms.
Applying model based systems engineering to NASA's space communications networks

System engineering practices for complex systems and networks now require that requirement, architecture, and concept of operations product development teams, simultaneously harmonize their activities to provide timely, useful and cost-effective products. When dealing with complex systems of systems, traditional systems engineering methodology quickly falls short of achieving project objectives. This approach is encumbered by the use of a number of disparate hardware and software tools, spreadsheets and documents to grasp the concept of the network design and operation. In case of NASA's space communication networks, since the networks are geographically distributed, and so are its subject matter experts, the team is challenged to create a common language and tools to produce its products. Using Model Based Systems Engineering methods and tools allows for a unified representation of the system in a model that enables a highly related level of detail. To date, Program System Engineering (PSE) team has been able to model each network from their top-level operational activities and system functions down to the atomic level through relational modeling decomposition. These models allow for a better understanding of the relationships between NASA's stakeholders, internal organizations, and impacts to all related entities due to integration and sustainment of existing systems. Understanding the existing systems is essential to accurate and detailed study of integration options being considered. In this paper, we identify the challenges the PSE team faced in its quest to unify complex legacy space communications networks and their operational processes. We describe the initial approaches undertaken and the evolution toward model based system engineering applied to produce Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) PSE products. We will demonstrate the practice of Model Based System Engineering applied to integrating space communication networks and the summary of its results and impact. We will highlight the insights gained by applying the Model Based System Engineering and provide recommendations for its applications and improvements.
Viscous Compressible Flow in the Boundary Region of an Axial Corner

Laminar flow along a 90-deg corner, formed by the intersection of two semi-infinite flat plates, is analyzed, under the assumption of shock-free supersonic flow. The analysis is based on the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Numerical solutions are obtained for the streamwise self-similar corner flow, using the ADI method. Appropriate mapping functions are employed, so that the far-field boundary conditions are imposed at true infinity. Results are presented for subsonic and supersonic flows, with adiabatic as well as heat-transfer wall conditions. The effects of location of the far-field boundary and of the model-fluid assumption are assessed accurately. Effects of Prandtl number, viscosity law, and level of freestream temperature on the solutions are also studied. The numerical method developed is efficient and the optimization techniques implemented have wider applications. A numerical "compressibility-transformation" is also suggested for obtaining a suitable finite-difference grid for highly supersonic flows.
Cardiac autonomic neural remodeling and susceptibility to sudden cardiac death: effect of endurance exercise training.

Sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular tachyarrhythmias remains the leading cause of death in industrially developed countries, accounting for between 300,000 and 500,000 deaths each year ...
Offsetting effects of aerosols on Arctic and global climate in the late 20th century

Abstract. We examine the impacts of atmospheric aerosols on Arctic and global climate using a series of 20th century transient simulations from Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4). We focus on the response of surface air temperature to the direct radiative forcing driven by changes in sulfate and black carbon (BC) concentrations from 1975 to 2005 and we also examine the response to changes in sulfate, BC, and organic carbon (OC) aerosols collectively. The direct forcing from sulfate dominates the aerosol climate effect. Globally averaged, simultaneous changes in all three aerosols produce a cooling trend of 0.015 K decade−1 during the period 1975–2005. In the Arctic, surface air temperature has large spatial variations in response to changes in aerosol concentrations. Over the European Arctic, aerosols induce about 0.6 K decade−1 warming, which is about 1.8 K warming over the 30-year period. This warming is triggered mainly by the reduction in sulfate and BC emissions over Europe since the 1970s and is reinforced by sea ice loss and a strengthening in atmospheric northward heat transport. Changes in sulfate concentrations account for about two thirds of the warming and BC for the remaining one third. Over the Siberian and North American Arctic, surface air temperature is likely influenced by changes in aerosol concentrations over Asia. An increase in sulfate optical depth over Asia induces a large cooling while an increase in BC over Asia causes a significant warming.
Multiple Poliovirus Proteins Repress Cytoplasmic RNA Granules

We have previously shown that poliovirus (PV) infection induces stress granule (SG) formation early in infection and then inhibits the formation of SG and disperses processing bodies (PBs) by the mid-phase of infection. Loss of SG was linked to cleavage of G3BP1 by viral 3C proteinase (3C(pro)), however dispersal of PBs was not strongly linked to cleavage of specific factors by viral proteinases, suggesting other viral proteins may play roles in inhibition of SG or PB formation. Here we have screened all viral proteins for roles in inducing or inhibiting the formation of RNA granules by creating fusions with mCherry and expressing them individually in cells. Expression of viral proteins separately revealed that the capsid region P1, 2A(pro), 3A, 3C(pro), the protease precursor 3CD and 3D polymerase all affect RNA granules to varying extents, whereas 2BC does not. 2A(pro), which cleaves eIF4GI, induced SGs as expected, and entered novel foci containing the SG nucleating protein G3BP1. Of the two forms of G3BP, only G3BP1 is cleaved by a virus proteinase, 3C(pro), whereas G3BP2 is not cleaved by 3C(pro) or 2A(pro). Surprisingly, 3CD, which contains proteinase activity, differentially repressed PBs but not SGs. Further, both 2A(pro) and 3C(pro) expression dispersed PBs, however molecular targets were different since PB dispersal due to 2A(pro) and heat shock protein (Hsp)90 inhibition but not 3C(pro), could be rescued by application of oxidative stress to cells. The data indicate that PV repression of SGs and PBs is multifactorial, though protease function is dominant.
Is Dysphagia After Cardiac Operations a “Preexisting Condition”?

Background Controversy exists about the incidence of dysphagia after cardiac operations, and very little is known about the baseline risk in this patient population. This study evaluated the incidence of dysphagia both preoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing cardiac operations. Methods Patients undergoing cardiac operations were screened for dysphagia preoperatively using a 90-mL water swallow challenge protocol, a mini cognitive/speech screen, and a modified oral mechanism screen. The tests were repeated after extubation once the patient was alert and oriented. Patient characteristics were analyzed in conjunction with the results of the swallow screens to identify risk factors for dysphagia. Results Of 176 patients tested, 15 (8.5%) failed the swallow screen preoperatively. Age, gender, and comorbidities were compared. Patients who failed the swallow study preoperatively were slightly older (76.1 vs 73.3 years, p = 0.047) and had a higher incidence of chronic renal failure (13.3% v. 0.6%, p = 0.017), but gender and other comorbidities were not significantly different. Postoperatively, 38 patients failed the swallow screen (21.6%). Those who failed the postoperative screen were also older (75.6 vs 72.9 years, p = 0.012), but other factors (including chronic renal failure) were not significantly different. All of the patients who failed the swallow screen preoperatively also failed postoperatively. Conclusions Unrecognized dysphagia in patients who need cardiac operations is a common problem and accounts for a substantial portion of that seen postoperatively. Older patients are at increased risk of dysphagia, but gender and medical comorbidities are not useful predictors of this risk.
100 GHz RoF system based on two free running lasers and non-coherent receiver

A 100 GHz radio over fiber (RoF) system based on two free running distributed feed back (DFB) lasers at the transmitter and a non-coherent receiver is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Different modulation techniques such as QPSK, 16QAM and OOK for the data rate of more than 1 Gbps have been demonstrated for this RoF system. At the central station, one of the two modes is intensity modulated using external modulator and then the two modes propagate through single mode fiber to the base station. The millimeter wave at 100 GHz is produced by heterodyning of two optical modes at a pin photo-diode. At the receiver, an envelope detector (ED) has been used in order to down-convert data to intermediate frequency (IF). The experimental results show that the impact of phase and frequency instability of the system based on two free running lasers on Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) for the communication system based on non-coherent detection is completely vanished.
Morphology and Evolution of LMC Planetary Nebulae

The LMC is ideal for studying the co-evolution of planetary nebulae (PNe) and their central stars, in that the debilitating uncertainties of the Galactic PN distance scale and selection biases from attenuation by interstellar dust do not apply. We present images and analyze slit-less spectra which were obtained in a survey of Large Magellanic Cloud PNe. These data on 29 targets were obtained with HST using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. The data permit us to determine the nebular dimensions and morphology in the monochromatic light of several emission lines, including those that have traditionally been used for morphological studies in the Galaxy: H-alpha, [N II] 6583 and [O III] 5007, plus others of varying ionization, including [O I], He I, and [S II]. Together with the 31 resolved LMC PNe for which monochromatic images exist in the HST archive, these data show that the incidence of non-symmetric nebulae, including bipolar nebulae (which is an indicator of Population I ancestry in the Galaxy), is significantly higher than that reported for the Galaxy. The onset of asymmetric features appears even in very young nebulae (with dynamical ages of ~1400 yr), suggesting that at least the gross features of the nebular morphology may be more closely tied to PN formation, and that subsequent shaping of the expanding envelope by the radiation field and wind from the central star may play the lesser role of amplifying these gross features. There is some evidence of evolution between two morphological types, in the sense that bipolar core (BC) nebulae may evolve to pure bipolars late in the PN lifetime.
Calpain-1 and Calpain-2: The Yin and Yang of Synaptic Plasticity and Neurodegeneration

Many signaling pathways participate in both synaptic plasticity and neuronal degeneration. While calpains participate in these phenomena, very few studies have evaluated the respective roles of the two major calpain isoforms in the brain, calpain-1 and calpain-2. We review recent studies indicating that calpain-1 and calpain-2 exhibit opposite functions in both synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration. Calpain-1 activation is required for the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and is generally neuroprotective, while calpain-2 activation limits the extent of potentiation and is neurodegenerative. This duality of functions is related to their associations with different PDZ-binding proteins, resulting in differential subcellular localization, and offers new therapeutic opportunities for a number of indications in which these proteases have previously been implicated.