cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification from stochastic cell-to-cell variation: a genetic switch case study

Owing to the inherently random and discrete nature of genes, RNAs and proteins within living cells, there can be a wide range of variability both over time in a single cell and from cell to cell in a population of genetically identical cells. Different mechanisms and reaction rates help shape this variability in different ways, and the resulting cell-to-cell variability can be quantitatively measured using techniques such as time-lapse microscopy and fluorescence activated cell sorting (or flow cytometry). It has been shown that these measurements can help to constrain the parameters and mechanisms of stochastic gene regulatory models. In this work, finite state projection approaches are used to explore the possibility of identifying the parameters of a specific stochastic model for the genetic toggle switch consisting of mutually inhibiting proteins: LacI and λcI. This article explores the possibility of identifying the model parameters from different types of statistical information, such as mean expression levels, LacI protein distributions and LacI-λcI multivariate distributions. It is determined that although the toggle model parameters cannot be uniquely identified from measurements that track just the LacI variability, the parameters could be identified from measurements of the cell-to-cell variability in both regulatory proteins. Based upon the simulated data and the computational investigations of this study, experiments are proposed that could enable this identification.
Risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma in persons with prior cutaneous melanoma.

Background. Melanoma has been associated with an overall increase in actinic tumors, including actinic keratoses, as well as with noncutaneous malignancies. Objective. Determine the risk of developing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer in patients with prior cutaneous melanoma (actinic keratoses not encountered). Methods. This retrospective study included 1396 white patients with prior cutaneous melanoma followed at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in the period 1977–1978. The control group was the white population of the Detroit area in the same period (1977–1978). Results. A total of 25 patients (18 males, 7 females) developed 35 basal cell and/or squamous cell carcinomas: 18 developed basal cell carcinomas, 2 squamous cell carcinomas, and 5 both. The calculated odds ratio was 3.49 (males 3.67, females 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.52–8.00). No correlations were found with age, type, anatomic site, and length of follow-up of cutaneous melanoma. Conclusion. A history of cutaneous melanoma significantly increases the risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.
Mössbauer isomer shift in gold microcrystals

The M\"ossbauer isomer shift of ${\mathrm{Au}}^{197}$ has been measured in samples of gold microcrystals supported in gelatin. The experimental isomer shift can be correlated with the lattice contractions observed in these microcrystals.
Listeria in aquatic animals.

Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from seven leopard frogs (Rana pipiens pipiens), three bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), a painted turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), a leech (Placobdella hollensis) commonly found on turtles, and three species of snails (Physa sayii, Helisoma sp., Oxyloma retusa). Most Listeria isolations were made from leopard frogs collected from pond sites used frequently by deer, shortly after a period of heavy rain.
Signatures of relativistic neutrinos in CMB anisotropy and matter clustering

We present a detailed analytical study of ultrarelativistic neutrinos in cosmological perturbation theory and of the observable signatures of inhomogeneities in the cosmic neutrino background. We note that modification of perturbation variables that removes all the time derivatives of scalar gravitational potentials from the dynamical equations simplifies their solution notably. The used perturbations of particle number per coordinate, not proper, volume are generally constant on superhorizon scales. In real space the analytical approach can be extended beyond fluid models to neutrinos. The faster cosmological expansion due to the neutrino background affects the acoustic and damping angular scales of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). But we find that equivalent changes can be produced by varying other standard parameters, including the primordial helium abundance. The low-l integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect is also not sensitive to neutrinos. However, the gravity of neutrino perturbations suppresses the CMB acoustic peaks for the multipoles with $l\ensuremath{\gtrsim}200$ while it enhances the amplitude of matter fluctuations on these scales. In addition, the perturbations of relativistic neutrinos generate a unique phase shift of the CMB acoustic oscillations that, for adiabatic modes, cannot be caused by any other standard physics. The origin of the shift is traced to neutrino free-streaming velocity exceeding the sound speed of the photon-baryon plasma. We find that from a high-resolution, low-noise instrument such as CMBPOL the effective number of light neutrino species can be determined with an accuracy of $\ensuremath{\sigma}{(N}_{\ensuremath{\nu}})\ensuremath{\simeq}0.05--0.09,$ depending on the constraints on the helium abundance.
Addition of carbonyl fluoride to aliphatic nitriles: Formation of α,α-difluoroalkyl isocyanates

Abstract Carbonyl fluoride will add to alkane- and perfluoroalkanenitriles and alkanedinitriles in anhydrous acids to form the corresponding α,α-difluoroalkyl isocyanate, perfluoroalkyl isocyanate, or α,α,ω,ω,-tetrafluoro-α,ω-diisocyantoalkane. With acetonitrile the reaction proceeded slowly in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride or in the presence of anhydrous hydrogen chloride in benzene to yield a clear colorless liquid identified as α,α-difluoroethyl isocyanate. Increasing yields based on the lesser reactant were achieved by making the ratio of acetonitrile to carbonyl fluoride greater or less than one, having the optimum amount of anhydrous acid, the presence of an alkali metal fluoride and/or an increase in reaction time. The α,α-difluoroethyl isocyanate reacted with anhydrous ethyl alcohol to form the corresponding carbamate which slowly decomposed by splitting out hydrogen fluoride. The addition reaction proceeded more rapidly with propionitrile and less rapidly with trifluoroacetonitrile than with acetonitrile. Cyanamide yielded trifluoromethyl isocyanate and cyanuric acid. Adiponitrile produced 1,6-diisocyanato-1,1,6,6-tetrafluorohexane and 1-isocyanato-5-cyano-1,1-difluoropentane.
Flooding relief in a case of public transportation phobia

This paper describes a new treatment technique, flooding relief, in which adaptive responding is established and reinforced by the avoidance or escape of a situationally relevant aversive stimulus. The treatment was evaluated in a multiple baseline design across situations in a case of public transportation phobia due to an intense social fear involving a facial disfiguration. At the end of the treatment the client was able to ride public transportation without difficulty.
Estrogen binding proteins in rat pancreas.

Abstract Estrogen binding proteins (EBP) of pancreatic acinar cells of a number of species have been reported by us previously. This work examines the organ specificity of EBP. Microsomal fractions of pancreas. liver, parotid gland, kidney, lung, abdominal muscle and submaxillary gland were incubated with estra-diol (E2). After the microsomal pellets of each tissue had adsorbed E2, the pellets were washed twice by resuspension and recentrifugation and the last supernatant obtained was tested for E2 binding by sucrose density gradient. Over 80% of the E 2 was found in the bound form in the supernatant of the pancreatic microsomal pellet, whereas no bound E2 was found in the supernatants of the microsomal pellets of any of the other tissues tested. Organ specificity became also apparent by immunodiffusion tests of extracts of different tissue against antibodies to EBP. One strong and some weaker precipitin lines are produced by pancreatic extracts. Weaker precipitin lines were observed by extracts of submaxillary gland and liver. Precipitin lines were also visible from extracts of epididymis, prostate, testis, muscle, parotid gland, lymph nodes, and. maybe, a weak reaction with thyroid. No precipitin lines were observed with hypothalamus, uterus or ovaries. Organ specificity was made noticeable by Ouchterlony immuno-diffusion plates which showed that the strong precipitin line of pancreatic extracts is not shared with those of extracts from other tissues.
Comparison of PCR, BIO-PCR, DIA, ELISA and isolation on semiselective medium for detection of Xanthomonas albilineans, the causal agent of leaf scald of sugarcane

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and newly designed primers, XAF1/XAR1, were tested for selective detection of the causal agent of leaf scald of sugarcane, Xanthomonas albilineans. The efficiency and reliability of PCR were compared with dot immunobinding assay (DIA), ELISA and classical isolation techniques for detecting X. albilineans in suspensions of pure cells and extracts of field-collected stalk and leaf samples of sugarcane. In addition, classical PCR and BIO-PCR (biological amplification followed by PCR) were compared with isolation on a semiselective agar medium. Classical PCR and BIO-PCR techniques had the advantage of not requiring pathogenicity tests to confirm the identity of colonies tentatively identified as X. albilineans on modified semiselective XAM agar medium. The m-XAM medium and BIO-PCR techniques were the most sensitive; however, the former required seven days whereas the latter required only four days. The BIO-PCR technique was as sensitive as the semiselective medium technique and eliminated the need to conduct any additional tests to confirm the identification.
COEXISTENCE OF MALIGNANT STRUMA OVARII AND GRAVES' DISEASE

Objective: To report an unusual case of hyperthyroidism from Graves' disease that was coexistent with malignant struma ovarii. Methods: We summarize the clinical history, physical findings, laborat...
Three-dimensional image formation and restoration in an optical microscope with polarization aberrations

A major limiting factor in polarization microscopy is the rotation of the plane of polarization at oblique interfaces in the optical train, which leads to severe degradation of image quality. Polarization aberration theory has provided an effective framework for studying two- dimensional image formation and optical restoration in these systems. Here we extend the polarization aberration model to three dimensions. A model system is chosen in which polarization aberrations are optically corrected and image quality restored. Closed-form expressions for the aberrated and restored 3-D space-variant point spread functions are derived, and the contributions of the various kinds of polarization aberrations are described.
Developing a new regulatory paradigm to address the impacts of diffuse pollution attributable to agriculture

To control pollution attributable to livestock operations, the statutory and regulatory scheme of the US Clean Water Act focuses on implementing structural controls to contain animal waste. While the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is empowered only to regulate point sources, existing authority may be extended to regulate diffuse runoff associated with certain livestock facilities. Current water pollution abatement programs, however, have not responded to the differences inherent in diffuse pollution and the land management strategies necessary to control and abate its impacts. The Planned Intervention Micro-watershed Approach (PIMA) recognizes this distinction, offering a method of refining land management strategies while keeping existing point source pollution regulation and enforcement mechanisms in place. Within a limited time frame, producers have flexibility to develop and implement cost-effective management practices that achieve environmental goals. Planned intervention is integrated with a micro-watershed approach to watershed management which uses small, hydrologically discrete areas to target diffuse pollution sources and direct intervention efforts. This approach utilizes local stakeholder input and participation to create a bottom-up, community-based institutional framework for addressing diffuse pollution from agricultural sources that satisfies water quality objectives.
Lattice preferred orientations and microstructures of deformed Cordilleran marbles: correlation of shear indicators and determination of strain path

Marbles from nine Cordilleran deformation zones (the Raft River and Snake Ranges, the Ruby, Rincon and Riverside Mountains, the eastern Peninsular Ranges mylonite zone, and three sites in the Death Valley region) were sampled for microstructural analysis of thin and ultra-thin sections and pole figure measurements by X-ray diffraction to interpret their deformation history. Microstructural observations reveal various degrees of recrystallization. Fabrics are predominantly symmetric, but some samples display consistent asymmetries of the long grain axes (schistosity) and the macroscopic foliation plane defined by compositional layering. These asymmetric microstructures are most pronounced in non-recrystallized fabrics. Well-developed textures are found at all sites with c-axes perpendicular to the foliation and a-axes in a girdle in the foliation plane. The sense of shear derived from slightly asymmetric {1120} pole figures is consistent with the shear sense determined in the field and by S—C structures in adjacent gneisses. The magnitude of the obliquity of {1120} girdles suggests that the component of simple shear is relatively small even in samples with highly asymmetric microstructures. We conclude that the obliquity of the {1120} girdles is a reliable indicator of the strain path during the last substantial increment of strain and indicates that the carbonate rocks studied deformed dominantly in pure shear. This implied strain path for carbonate rocks may not necessarily reflect the regional strain path, because strain may be partitioned between rocks of different compositions, or between zones of predominantly pure and simple shear at all scales.
Studies on the energy metabolism of opossum (Didelphis virginiana) erythrocytes: V. Utilization of hypoxanthine for the synthesis of adenine and guanine nucleotides in vitro

High pressure liquid radiochromatography was used to test the ability of opossum erythrocytes to incorporate tracer amounts of [G-3H] hypoxanthine (Hy) into [3H] labelled triphosphates of adenine and guanine. In the presence of supraphysiologic (30 mM) phosphate which is optimal for PRPP synthesis, both ATP and GTP are extensively labelled. When physiologic (1 mM) medium phosphate is used, red cells incubated under an atmosphere of nitrogen accumulate [3H] ATP in a linear fashion suggesting ongoing PRPP synthesis in red cells whose hemoglobin is deoxygenated. In contrast, a lesser increase of labelled ATP is observed in cells incubated under oxygen, suggesting that conditions for purine nucleotide formation from ambient Hy are more favorable in the venous circulation.
The Costs of Benefits: Help-Refusals Highlight Key Trade-Offs of Social Life:

Social living provides opportunities for cooperative interdependence and concomitant opportunities to obtain help from others in times of need. Nevertheless, people frequently refuse help from others, even when it would be beneficial. Decisions to accept or reject aid offers may provide a window into the adaptive trade-offs recipients make between costs and benefits in different key domains of social life. Following from evolutionary and ecological perspectives, we consider how help-recipient decision making might reflect qualitatively different threats to goal attainment within six fundamental domains of social life (coalition formation, status, self-protection, mate acquisition, mate retention, and familial care). Accepting help from another person is likely to involve very different threats and opportunities depending on which domains are currently active. This approach can generate a variety of novel empirical predictions and suggest new implications for the delivery of aid.
NMR Measurements of Self-Diffusion in Lithium-Ammonia and Sodium-Ammonia Solutions

Self-diffusion coefficients of 7Li, 23Na and 1H have been measured in 1–20 MPM solutions of lithium—ammonia at 223° and 233 °K and in 2–15.5 MPM solutions of sodium—ammonia at 233 °K by the NMR spin echo pulsed magnetic gradient technique. In addition, the temperature dependences of the self-diffusion coefficients were measured for seven representative concentrations of lithium—ammonia below 240 °K. The data indicate that the lithium and sodium ions are solvated by four ammonia molecules over the time scale of molecular diffusion. The concentration dependence of the self-diffusion coefficients of the metal ion complexes and of the free ammonia molecules is found to be consistent, evaluated by the Stokes-Einstein relation, with the available viscosity data. The melting point self-diffusion coefficient and the temperature dependence of 20 MPM lithium-ammonia are fit to the Ascarelli-Paskin and Cohen-Turnbull diffusion models for a reasonable choice of packing fraction.
Oceanic eddy variability measured by GEOS 3 altimeter crossover differences

Eddy statistics of sea height variations associated with dynamic ocean currents, gathered by GEOS 3 altimetry (25 cm), are discussed. Time variable flow is noted to be measureable using altimeter height and orbit information by means of three techniques: collinear tracks, where rms variability can be determined for mesoscale phenomena measured along parallel tracks; mean surfaces, using a 3-dimensional mapping of the sea surface for an accurate representation of the surface undulations; and crossover differences, such as between data tracks from GEOS and Seasat which have reduced ephemeris error over scales of a few thousand km. Mesoscale energetics have been found suitable for tracing meandering ocean currents by the crossover method. Possible sources of error are considered, including altimeter noise, orbit error, short wavelength continental shelf tides, etc., and it is determined that observations of mesoscale sea height appear to be limited only by uncertainties in the altimetry, which for Seasat was 5 cm over 60% of the world's oceans.
Is pH Paper an Acceptable, Low-Cost Alternative to the Blood Gas Analyzer for Determining Pleural Fluid pH?

Background Our laboratory uses pH paper rather than a blood gas analyzer to measure pleural fluid pH to decrease cost and avoid analyzer malfunction due to viscous fluids. Methods To compare these two methods of determining pleural fluid pH, 42 patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic thoracentesis had two 1-mL aliquots of pleural fluid anaerobically collected in a heparinized syringe and placed on ice. pH measurements were made using litmus paper (pHydron Vivid 6–8 brand litmus paper; MicroEssential Labs; Brooklyn, NY) and the model 995-Hb blood gas analyzer (AVL Instruments; Roswell, GA) within 1 h of collection. Agreement analysis was performed in three ways: on the entire group; in subcategories of complicated or uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions ( 7.3); and in subcategories of poor prognosis or better prognosis malignant effusions( 7.3). Results pH measured with pH paper was significantly more variable (SD=0.55, coefficient of variation [CV] = 7.5%;) than was pH measured with the blood gas analyzer (SD=0.11, CV=1.5%;). There was no significant correlation between values obtained with the two techniques (r=— 0.26, SD of the differences=0.59). Using the pH subcategories, there was 72%; discordance in classification between litmus paper and arterial blood gas (ABG) determinations for patients with parapneumonic effusions. In patients with malignant effusions, there was 30%; discordance. The pH values obtained by the ABG analyzer predicted tube thoracostomy 72%; of the time, whereas the pH values obtained using pH paper were consistent only 36%; of the time. Conclusion Determination of pleural fluid pH using pH paper is unreliable and should not be considered an acceptable alternative to the blood gas analyzer. There is no need to determine pH on purulent samples. Hospital laboratories will be more likely to allow the use of the ABG analyzer on fluids other than blood if clinicians keep this in mind.
Positive Association between Dietetics Recommendations and Achievement of Enteral Nutrition Outcomes of Care

Abstract Objective to identify planned dietetics outcomes of care, dietitians' activities performed and recommendations made, and outcome achievement and its relationship to recommendations followed. Design A multisite, single-group prospective pilot study was conducted to describe the care provided by dietitians to patients receiving enteral nutrition care. Subjects/setting Participants were 172 patients (16 of whom died during hospitalization) receiving at least 75% of nutrient requirements from enteral nutrition products. Subjects were from six acute-care facilities and one rehabilitation facility in the Chicago metropolitan area. Main outcome measures Dietitians identified planned outcomes of care to be accomplished and documented activities performed during the provision of care. Data were collected to measure outcome achievement and to determine whether dietitians' recommendations were followed. Statistical analyses performed Descriptive data are reported as frequencies or means ± standard error. Odds ratios were constructed to estimate the association between dietitians' enteral care recommendations and the achievement of planned outcomes of care. Results Whether or not enteral nutrition outcomes of care were achieved was positively associated with dietitians' recommendations. The odds of patients' achieving the recommended energy intake goal ( P P P Applications Dietitians can identify and measure outcomes of dietetics-related care that demonstrate positive contributions to the interdisciplinary enteral nutrition care process. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:753-758.
Precipitation of lead sulphate from homogeneous solution by hydrolysis of sulphamic acid

Abstract The determination of lead as the sulphate is accomplished by generation of the sulphate ion homogeneously from the slow hydrolysis and oxidation of sulphamic acid in an aqueous-nitric acid solution. Samples containing 10–100 mg of lead from copper-base alloys or solutions containing varying amounts of aluminium(III), copper(II), iron(III), manganese(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) ions have been analysed successfully. Coarse, well-formed crystals are obtained, which filter easily.
Gamma-ray burst overview

Abstract Over 25 years since their discovery, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) remain an unsolved mystery. They occur about once a day, last from about 0.1 to 1000 seconds, and emit detectable radiation only at X-ray and gamma-ray energies. The spatial distribution of the sources is isotropic but inhomogeneous, inconsistent with any known galactic component. Two very different hypotheses are currently debated: either the bursts arise from an extended galactic halo, possibly populated by high velocity neutron stars, or they lie at cosmological distances and redshift effects are responsible for the apparant inhomogeneity. The current observational and theoretical status of the GRB problem will be discussed with emphasis on the central question of the distance to the sources.
A transient discrete-time queueing analysis of the ATM multiplexer

In this paper, we present a transient discrete-time queueing analysis of the ATM multiplexer whose arrival process consists of the superposition of the traffic generated by independent binary Markov sources. The functional equation describing the ATM multiplexer has been transformed into a mathematically tractable form. This allows derivation of the transient probability generating functions of the queue length and the number of active sources in the system. Then, application of the final value theorem results in the corresponding steady-state probability generating functions, as well as packet delay. We also present closed form expressions for the transient and steady-state moments of the queue length. The pure transform approach used in the present analysis is an extension of the well-known classical method used in the transient analysis of single server queues with uncorrelated arrivals. As a result, the analysis is relatively easy to follow and gives an alternative solution of the ATM multiplexer that does not involve matrix operations. The matrix solutions usually assume that the probability generating matrix of the system has distinct eigenvalues, where the solution presented here does not have such restrictions. The paper presents significant new simple results on the transient analysis of the ATM multiplexer.
Confirmed Recall and Perceived Effectiveness of Tobacco Countermarketing Media in Rural Youth

This study was the first to examine rural youth’s responses to ten television and radio tobacco countermarketing ads aired during a 13-week field campaign conducted in a U.S. Northern Plains state. A post-campaign survey of 391 girls and boys aged 12–17 years and including 58 American Indian youth provided information about their confirmed recall (CR) of the ads; and for recalled ads, their ratings of the ads’ perceived effectiveness (PE). Results were that controlling for age and smoking risk, both American Indian and white girls and boys had the highest CR for the television ad Artery and for the radio ad ABC. Artery shows fatty deposits being squeezed from a deceased smoker’s aorta, and ABC presents a former smoker speaking through his electro-larynx. Among the television ads, PE ratings were highest for the ad Artery in both boys and girls. Among the radio ads, boys rated ABC highest, whereas girls rated Joe DoBoer highest—an ad that discusses mouth lesions that developed from using smokeless tobacco. An analysis of race/ethnicity differences in PE for the ad Artery and ABC indicated American Indian and white youth considered these ads equally effective. These findings indicate certain TV and radio ads depicting graphic health harms from tobacco—especially the TV ad Artery and the radio ad ABC—are highly recalled and perceived as effective by both American Indian and white girls and boys from a rural region. Future research is needed to better understand which individual- and media-level factors increase the likelihood that anti-tobacco ads will be effective in reducing youth tobacco use.
Invasive carcinoma in clinically suspicious breast masses diagnosed as adenocarcinoma by fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of palpable breast masses along with clinical and radiologic findings can provide rapid distinction between benign and malignant lesions. A preoperative determination of invasive or in situ carcinoma assists in the planning of definitive treatment. Previous studies have concentrated on whether cytologic features adequately distinguish invasion, but to the authors' knowledge the predictive value of clinicopathologic correlation has not been investigated. The authors attempted to determine whether a malignant cytologic diagnosis for a palpable breast mass is sufficient for its definitive surgical management as an invasive neoplasm. METHODS The authors reviewed 351 FNAs from palpable breast lesions with a cytologic diagnosis of “adenocarcinoma.” The presence of invasive disease was determined by histologic demonstration of invasive carcinoma in the corresponding surgical specimen or by identifying metastatic carcinoma in the absence of another primary source. RESULTS Three hundred forty-three (97.7%) palpable tumors diagnosed as adenocarcinoma by FNA proved to be invasive adenocarcinoma. The remaining eight tumors contained high grade ductal carcinoma in situ, and two of these contained foci suggestive of microinvasion. CONCLUSIONS A palpable breast mass with an FNA diagnosis of adenocarcinoma usually represents invasive carcinoma. A definitive treatment plan therefore can be planned based on these clinical and FNA findings. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2000;90:96–101. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
The effect of low-concentration oxygen in sweep gas during pyrolysis of red oak using a fluidized bed reactor

Abstract Partial oxidative pyrolysis of red oak was studied in a laboratory-scale, continuous fluidized bed reactor. The concentration of oxygen in sweep gas was between 0.525% and 8.40% (v/v), corresponding to equivalence ratios of 0.034–0.539. The influence of oxygen on the distribution and properties of pyrolysis products was investigated using various analytical methods, including GC–MS/FID, IC, HPLC and FT-IR. It was found that total bio-oil yield was not affected by varying oxygen concentration (61.2–64.8 g/100 g biomass) although the water content of the bio-oil increased. The elemental carbon content of bio-oil and biochar decreased with increasing oxygen concentration, being converted to non-condensable gases mainly CO and CO 2 . As expected, the presence of high concentration of oxygen in the sweep gas stream had detrimental effects on the pyrolysis products, including increase in water and oxygen content. However, the results also revealed that a small amount of oxygen in the sweep gas (0.525–1.05%, v/v) improved the yield of hydrolyzable sugars and total yield of phenolic monomers. The bio-oil produced under oxidative pyrolysis also contained less acid and pyrolytic lignin. Oxygen increased the surface area of biochar. The results of this study suggest that carefully controlled partial oxidative pyrolysis can improve the quality of bio-oil from fast pyrolysis, increasing the content of sugars and phenolic monomers.
Effect of carbinol group placement on complementary reactions of dipyrromethane+bipyrrole species leading to corrole and/or an octaphyrin

Abstract Complementary reactions of a dipyrromethanedicarbinol+2,2′-bipyrrole and a 2,2′-bipyrroledicarbinol+a dipyrromethane were investigated to determine the effect of carbinol group placement on the product distribution and on the broader reaction course. Analytical-scale reactions were performed for both reactions to explore the interplay of acid catalyst, acid concentration, and solvent on the yield of corrole and an octaphyrin. The two reaction routes were further compared under representative conditions by assessing acid-catalyzed decomposition of the dicarbinol species affording benzaldehyde (TLC and GC–MS) and by performing time course experiments monitoring macrocycle yield (UV–vis), presence of benzaldehyde (TLC), and oligomer composition (LD-MS). The complementary reactions were generally found to be quite different. Key to this work was the refinement of a method for the acylation of 2,2′-bipyrrole.
ACCLIMATION TO HYPERSALINE WATER IN A CRAB.

Abstract 1. 1. Groups of the mud crab Hemigrapsus oregonensis which had been exposed for prolonged periods to high salinity demonstrated better osmotic regulation in concentrated sea water than groups freshly removed from approximately normal sea water. 2. 2. This phenomenon is attributed to physiological acclimation. 3. 3. Acclimation occurred in groups exposed either suddenly or gradually to high salinities. 4. 4. Detectable acclimation to high salinity required more than 5 days' exposure but strong acclimation was established after 22 days' immersion in concentrated sea water. 5. 5. Contrary to previous findings Hemigrapsus can osmoregulate in concentrated sea water even without a prolonged period of acclimation. However, this hyporegulatory process is labile and can be obliterated by improper maintenance in the laboratory or handling while collecting. 6. 6. Evidence that acclimation occurs in the field is presented.
Growth and characterization of rugged sodium potassium antimonide photocathodes for high brilliance photoinjector

Sodium potassium antimonide photocathodes with Quantum Efficiency (QE) in the range of few percent have been grown, and their photoemission properties are measured. We report the intrinsic emittance and response time of electron bunches extracted from this material. It is possible to recover the QE of an overheated cathode by simple potassium addition, and the cathode is rugged enough to deliver tens of mA of average current with no or minimal degradation.
Some “Facts” That Evaporate Upon Examination

As the mathematical community regains the flexibility and the pluralism that it showed over most of its history, every mood is entitled to be expressed. Thus, Steven G. Krantz is entitled to be heard, as long as he can be answered 9 My answer will not defend H.-O. Peitgen, P. H. Richter, and D 9 Saupe for having failed to write books they did not intend to write 9 Instead, I will counter the "facts" Krantz brings up to buttress his opinions concerning fractals. As I will show, these "facts," at first impressive, evaporate upon examination. The Brooks-Matelski reference. Krantz tells us "the 'Mandelbrot set' was not invented by Mandelbrot but occurs explicitly in the literature a couple of years before the term 'Mandelbrot set' was coined." As is well known, I " inven ted" that set in 1979-80 and fully publ ished it in 1980 (in a widely quoted paper in J Annals of the N Y Academy of Sciences). Indeed, this happened "a couple of years" before 1982, when the term was coined by A. Douady and J. H. Hubbard. But let us examine the paper by R. Brooks and J. P. Matelski, which appeared in 1981, and to which Krantz refers. Here are all the relevant fragments in extenso. A) "Fatou-Julia allow one to draw by ~ computer the 9 . . region of C defined by {C:z 2 + C has a stable periodic orbit}." [Note: This region is now denoted by M~ B) "We would like to thank Henry Laufer for suggesting and assisting us with the use of the computers." c) of M, bringing them close to something that was to prove special, but they gave no thought to the picture. In contrast, my thoughts "were provoked" over months and years, helped by long practice with analogous situations elsewhere. During 1979 and 1980, I lectured on M at Harvard, M.I.T., an A.M.S. summer meeting on W. Thurston's work, and (most important, perhaps) at Orsay (Paris-Sud) and Bures (I.H.E.S.). There I spent many hours and many meals describing M to Douady in as great detail as requested. Our discussion made him drop what he had been doing before, and he and Hubbard have made major contributions to iteration theory. Subsequently I spoke at D. Sullivan's CUNY Seminar and at Princeton to J. Milnor and W. Thurston. The set in question was not credited to anyone else at the time. A great recent paper by John Milnor lists several questions I had raised as having remained outstanding open problems. Eventually, all this has led to the est a b l i s h m e n t of the " G e o m e t r y S u p e r c o m p u t e r Project," of which I am a charter member, together w i t h . . . Douady, Hubbard, Milnor, and Thurston (to name but a few). Krantz now concedes that I am "good at dreaming up pretty questions," and allows that the work of the above mentioned men "is some of the best mathematics being done today." The Kadanoff quote. When read out of context, the text that L. P. Kadanoff published in the February 1986 Physics Today may sound like grounds for dismissing the contributions of the fractal point of view to
Application of magnetohydrodynamic disk wind solutions to planetary and protoplanetary nebulae

Winds from accretion disks have been proposed as the driving source for precessing jets and extreme bipolar morphologies in planetary nebulae (PNs) and proto-PNs (PPNs). Here we apply MHD disk wind models to PNs and PPNs by estimating separately the asymptotic MHD wind velocities and mass-loss rates. We discuss conditions that may occur in PN and PPN accretion disks that form via binary interactions. We show that the resulting winds can recover the observed momentum and energy input rates for PNs and PPNs. High accretion rates (Ma ≈ 10-4 M☉ yr-1) may be required in the latter case. We find that the observed total energy and momentum in PPNs can be recovered with disk wind models using existing disk formation scenarios. When combined with existing scenarios for accretion disk formation from disrupted stellar companions, our models may provide an explanation for the existence of high-speed polar knots (FLIERS) observed in some PNs.
On the stability of hybrid limit cycles and isolated equilibria in a genetic network with binary hysteresis

A mathematical model for a two-gene regulatory network is derived and several of its properties are analyzed. Due to the presence of continuous dynamics and binary hysteresis, we propose a hybrid system model. Binary hysteresis with different thresholds captures the interaction between the genes. We analyze properties of the solutions and asymptotic stability of equilibria in the system as a function of its parameters. Our analysis reveals the presence of limit cycles for a certain range of parameters, a behavior that is associated with the presence of binary hysteresis. The set of points defining the limit cycle is characterized and its asymptotic stability properties are studied. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate some of the results.
Skeletal Muscle and Cardiovascular Adaptations to Exercise Conditioning in Older Coronary Patients

Background Older coronary patients suffer from a low functional capacity and high rates of disability. Supervised exercise programs improve aerobic capacity in middle-aged coronary patients by improving both cardiac output and peripheral extraction of oxygen. Physiological adaptations to aerobic conditioning, however, have not been well studied in older coronary patients. Methods and Results The effect of a 3-month and a 1-year program of intense aerobic exercise was studied in 60 older coronary patients (mean age, 68±5 years) beginning 8±5 weeks after myocardial infarction or coronary bypass surgery. Outcome measures included peak aerobic capacity, cardiac output, arteriovenous oxygen difference, hyperemic calf blood flow, and skeletal muscle fiber morphometry, oxidative enzyme activity, and capillarity. Training results were compared with a sedentary, age- and diagnosis-matched control group (n=10). Peak aerobic capacity increased in the intervention group at 3 months and at 1 year by 16% and 20%, respe...
Does Water Play a Structural Role in the Folding of Small Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acid structure and dynamics are known to be closely coupled to local environmental conditions and, in particular, to the ionic character of the solvent. Here we consider what role the discrete properties of water and ions play in the collapse and folding of small nucleic acids. We study the folding of an experimentally well-characterized RNA hairpin-loop motif (sequence 59-GGGC(GCAA)GCCU-39) via ensemble molecular dynamics simulation and, with nearly 500 ms of aggregate simulation time using an explicit representation of the ionic solvent, report successful ensemble folding simulations with a predicted folding time of 8.8(62.0) ms, in agreement with experimental measurements of ;10 ms. Comparing our results to previous folding simulations using the GB/SA continuum solvent model shows that accounting for water-mediated interactions is necessary to accurately characterize the free energy surface and stochastic nature of folding. The formation of the secondary structure appears to be more rapid than the fastest ionic degrees of freedom, and counterions do not participate discretely in observed folding events. We find that hydrophobic collapse follows a predominantly expulsive mechanism in which a diffusion- search of early structural compaction is followed by the final formation of native structure that occurs in tandem with solvent evacuation.
An Integrative Approach to Thin Filament Cardiomyopathies: From Molecular and Computational Biophysics to Mice

In many ways, sarcomeric cardiomyopathies represent the most “biophysical” of disorders in that many of the known mutations, especially those linked to the components of the regulatory thin filament alter the biophysical properties of the sarcomere, leading to a complex and often severe human cardiomyopathy. Despite extensive research, developing robust mechanistic links between sarcomeric dysfunction caused by independent mutations and cardiac performance has proven surprisingly elusive. On the biophysical side of the question, newer approaches including computation and structural methodologies performed on fully reconstituted systems now provide more resolution into the inherently dynamic, allosteric effects of mutations on the sarcomeric machinery. On the clinical side, in recent years it has become clear that the lack of mechanistic insight is due, in part, to an oversimplification of the disease process as a static end state (e.g. “hypertrophy vs dilation”), where it is now clear that cardiac remodeling in sarcomeric cardiomyopathies is a complex, progressive process that includes an early “preclinical” stage prior to overt disease. It is this preclinical stage that defines or represents the biophysical basis of sarcomeric cardiomyopathies and where approaches to alter the natural history of this disorder are focusing. Developing these novel therapeutic approaches will require understanding of atom-level changes in sarcomeric dynamics coupled to precise in vitro methods to measure sarcomeric performance in biologically relevant complexes and, importantly, coherent animal models with which to study the progressive outcomes of molecular interventions at the whole organ level. In this talk the development and application of our integrative in silico-in vitro-in vivo approach to real-world clinical questions will be explored.
Mouse versus rat: Profound differences in meiotic regulation at the level of the isolated oocyte

Cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes (CEO), denuded oocytes (DO), or dissected follicles were obtained 44–48 hr after priming immature mice (20–23 days old) with 5 IU or immature rats (25–27 days old) with 12.5 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin, and exposed to a variety of culture conditions. Mouse oocytes were more effectively maintained in meiotic arrest by hypoxanthine, dbcAMP, IBMX, milrinone, and 8-Br-cGMP. Atrial natriuretic peptide, a guanylate cyclase activator, suppressed maturation in CEO from both species, but mycophenolic acid reversed IBMX-maintained meiotic arrest in mouse CEO with little activity in rat CEO. IBMX-arrested mouse, but not rat, CEO were induced to undergo germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB) by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and amphiregulin, while human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was ineffective in both species. Nevertheless, FSH and amphiregulin stimulated cumulus expansion in both species. FSH and hCG were both effective inducers of GVB in cultured mouse and rat follicles while amphiregulin was stimulatory only in mouse follicles. Changing the culture medium or altering macromolecular supplementation had no effect on FSH-induced maturation in rat CEO. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, AICAR, was a potent stimulator of maturation in mouse CEO and DO, but only marginally stimulatory in rat CEO and ineffective in rat DO. The AMPK inhibitor, compound C, blocked meiotic induction more effectively in hCG-treated mouse follicles and heat-treated mouse CEO. Both agents produced contrasting results on polar body formation in cultured CEO in the two species. Active AMPK was detected in germinal vesicles of immature mouse, but not rat, oocytes prior to hCG-induced maturation in vivo; it colocalized with chromatin after GVB in rat and mouse oocytes, but did not appear at the spindle poles in rat oocytes as it did in mouse oocytes. Finally, cultured mouse and rat CEO displayed disparate maturation responses to energy substrate manipulation. These data highlight significant differences in meiotic regulation between the two species, and demonstrate a greater potential in mice for control at the level of the cumulus CEO. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:778–794, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interference of delayed matching to sample in pigeons: Effects of interpolation at different periods within a trial and stimulus similarity

Delayed matching-to-sample performance by pigeons was interfered with by displaying a monochromatic annulus around the center (sample) pecking key. The wavelength of the annulus and its point of interpolation within a trial were varied to determine possible differential effects on matching accuracy. Experiment 1 showed that delayed matching was most disrupted when the interference stimulus (570 nm, 630 nm, or achromatic white) appeared during the delay interval of a trial. Little if any disruption occurred when the interference stimulus was present during the sample and choice periods. The spectral relationship between the chromatic interference stimuli (570 and 630 nm) and the sample stimuli (570 and 630 nm) did not consistently influence the degree to which matching accuracy was affected in any interpolation condition. Experiment 2 found a similar pattern of within-trial effects when the interference stimulus was simply a change from a white achromatic annulus to a chromatic one. This finding indicates that illumination changes, such as the popular houselight variation, are not necessary to produce interference in delayed matching to sample. Even with illumination held constant, however, performance was not differentially sensitive to the similarity between interference and sample stimulus wavelengths. It is suggested that other experiments showing similarity effects in interference of delayed matching to sample were conducted in such a way that subjects confused the interfering stimuli with the samples.
Apparent malfunction of demand pacemakers due to spurious potentials generated by contact between two endocardial electrodes.

Malfunction of both temporary and permanent demand transvenous pacemakers was caused by contact between the two endocardial electrodes. Contact between these electrodes created spurious potentials which resulted in irregular inhibition of both demand units. The potentials were demonstrated by recording from the temporary wire. there was no interference with either pacemaker in the fixed rate mode and malfunction ceased when the temporary wire was removed.
Polarimetric antenna for ground penetrating radar based on the resistive-vee dipole

A broadband antenna system has been developed to use polarization diversity for ground penetrating radar (GPR) applications. The antenna system uses four, crossed, resistive-vee dipole (RVD) antennas operating bistaticly to measure the transmission and reception of multiple polarizations. The RVD was selected because it has low self clutter, low radar cross section and wideband performance. The RVD is linearly polarized, but other polarizations can be synthesized through the use of two orthogonal RVDs to transmit or receive orthogonal field components. The antenna system is able to distinguish rotationally symmetric and linear targets with its ability to transmit right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) fields and receive both left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) and RHCP scattered fields. A target’s type can be identified by comparing the relative amplitudes of the received LHCP fields and RHCP fields. For example, the polarimetric antenna will be able to identify linear targets such as wires or pipes because linear targets scatter LHCP and RHCP fields in equal amounts. The configuration of the RVDs was optimized through simulation to achieve good circular polarization at close range and low coupling between the RVDs. Further simulations were performed which demonstrate that the polarimetric antenna provides sufficient information to identify linear targets from nonlinear ones, even at different target orientations. The polarimetric antenna was constructed and has been shown to also correctly detect and identify linear targets. Additional experiments revealed that the polarimetric antenna is effective for ground penetrating radar applications.