cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
L-Type Calcium Channels Mediate Mechanically Induced Bone Formation In Vivo†

Cell and tissue culture studies suggest that the long-lasting (L-type) voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) play a role in the signaling cascade in bone cells after mechanical loading. We investigated whether the L-type VSCC mediates mechanically induced bone formation in vivo using two L-type VSCC antagonists verapamil and nifedipine. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control group (Veh), two verapamil-treated groups (20 mg/kg, Vera-L; 100 mg/kg, Vera-H), and two nifedipine-treated groups (20 mg/kg, Nife-L; 100 mg/kg, Nife-H). One bout of mechanical loading was applied to the right tibia 90 minutes after oral administration of verapamil or 30 minutes after oral administration of nifedipine. Mechanical loading increased mineralizing surface (MS/bone surface [BS]), mineral apposition rate (MAR), and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) on the endocortical surface in loaded tibias of control animals compared with nonloaded (left) tibias. Verapamil and nifedipine suppressed the load-induced increase in BFR/BS observed in vehicle-treated controls by 56-61% (p < 0.01) and 56-74% (p < 0.01), respectively. Yet, significant differences in MS/BS and BFR/BS between right and left limbs were found in verapamil- and nifedipine-treated animals, indicating that the treatments did not completely abolish load-induced bone formation. This study shows that blocking the L-type calcium channel in vivo substantially suppresses the mechanically induced increase in bone formation that normally would occur and suggests that the L-type calcium channel mediates mechanically induced bone adaptation in vivo.
Performance characteristics of 14 nm near threshold MCML circuits

Near threshold circuits (NTC) are an attractive and promising technology that provides significant power savings with some delay penalty. The feasibility of NTC technology with MOS Current Mode Logic (MCML) based on a 14 nm FinFET process node is examined in this paper. A 32 bit Kogge Stone adder is chosen as a demonstration vehicle for simulation and feasibility analysis. MCML yields enhanced power efficiency when operated with a 100% activity factor above 1 GHz as compared to CMOS. Standard CMOS does not achieve frequencies above 9 GHz without a dramatic increase in power consumption. MCML is most efficient beyond 9 GHz over a wide range of activity factors. MCML also exhibits significantly lower noise levels as compared to standard CMOS. The results of the analysis demonstrate that pairing NTC and MCML is efficient when operating at high frequencies and activity factors.
The chemical composition of atmospheric ultrafine particles

Atmospheric ultrafine particles (with diameter less than 0.1 μm) may be responsible for some of the adverse health effects observed due to air–pollutant exposure. To date, little is known about the chemical composition of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere of cities. Ultrafine particle samples collected by inertial separation on the lower stages of cascade impactors can be analysed to determine a material balance on the chemical composition of such samples. Measurements of ultrafine particle mass concentration made in seven Southern California cities show that ultrafine particle concentrations in the size range 0.056–0.1 μm aerodynamic diameter average 0.55–1.16 μg m −3 . The chemical composition of these ultrafine particle samples averages 50% organic compounds, 14% trace metal oxides , 8.7% elemental carbon, 8.2% sulphate, 6.8% nitrate, 3.7% ammonium ion (excluding one outlier), 0.6% sodium and 0.5% chloride. The most abundant catalytic metals measured in the ultrafine particles are Fe, Ti, Cr, Zn, with Ce also present. A source emissions inventory constructed for the South Coast Air Basin that surrounds Los Angeles shows a primary ultrafine particle emissions rate of 13 tonnes per day. Those ultrafine particle primary emissions arise principally from mobile and stationary fuel combustion sources and are estimated to consist of 65% organic compounds, 7% elemental carbon, 7% sulphate, 4% trace elements, with very small quantities of sodium, chloride and nitrate. This information should assist the community of inhalation toxicologists in the design of realistic exposure studies involving ultrafine particles.
Multi-criteria calibration of a conceptual runoff model using a genetic algorithm

Abstract. Abstract: Calibration of a model against more than one output variable is important for reliable simulations of internal processes. In this study, a genetic algorithm combined with local optimisation was proposed for automatic single- and multi-criteria calibration of the HBV model, a conceptual runoff model. The model and the optimisation algorithm were applied in two catchments with different geology where, in addition to observed runoff, time series of groundwater level data were available. For a theoretical, error-free test case with synthetic data, the optimisation algorithm was usually able to find the true parameter values. For the real-world case, parameter values varied considerably when calibrating against runoff only. However, parameter values were constrained significantly when calibrating against both runoff and groundwater levels. Furthermore, for one of the catchments, the results of the multi-criteria calibration motivated a modification of the model structure. Keywords: Multi-criteria calibration; genetic algorithm; parameter uncertainty; conceptual runoff models; HBV model; groundwater levels
Sea ice drift and its relationship to altimetry‐derived ocean currents in the Labrador Sea

[1] Low frequency sea ice drift variability and its oceanic and atmospheric forcing are investigated for the Labrador Sea over the period 1979–2002. Our objective is to separate the ocean forced component of ice drift in order to corroborate the changes in the subpolar gyre circulation found by Hakkinen and Rhines (2004). The atmospheric and oceanic forcing components can be approximately separated by comparing the time series resulting from an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of sea ice motion with local sea level pressure gradients and altimetry-derived oceanic velocities. The first ice motion EOF is found to be associated with wind driven ice drift. The second mode is associated with oceanic forcing, because its time series is similar in its fluctuations to the oceanic velocities derived from altimetry. These two data sets confirm a major weakening of the subpolar ocean circulation between the early 1990s and the latter 1990s.
Recent advances in brain tumor therapy: local intracerebral drug delivery by polymers.

New approaches to malignant glioma are being actively investigated. Local drug delivery directly to the site of the tumor is one novel approach that has been approved by the US FDA and other regulatory agencies worldwide. This agent, Gliadel®, delivers the chemotherapeutic drug carmustine (BCNU) from a biodegradable polymer placed in the resection cavity after brain tumor surgery. Gliadel® represents the first clinical application of polymer delivery for brain tumors, but the potential for this new methodology is far greater. In this review, we will briefly summarize the development of Gliadel® from a laboratory idea to its current role as an approved treatment for gliomas. Then we will present the most recent work being done to expand the potential benefits of polymeric delivery for brain tumors. This work includes trials for its use as the initial therapy for gliomas, as well as its use against metastasis. Further clinical trials exploring the maximum-tolerated dose and the combination of Gliadel® with systemic chemotherapeutic treatments such as temozolamide and O 6–benzylguanine will be reviewed. Finally, we will present preclinical work on the efficacy of polymeric methods for delivering other chemotherapeutic agents, and a variety of novel compounds that modify brain tumor biology. This latter work represents potential future clinical applications of local polymeric drug delivery to the brain and other sites where cancers can occur.
Thiamine deficiency secondary to anorexia nervosa: an uncommon cause of peripheral neuropathy and Wernicke encephalopathy in adolescence.

Abstract Introduction We present a developmentally appropriate adolescent boy who presented with upper and lower extremity glove-and-stocking paresthesias, distal weakness, vertigo, high-pitched voice, inattention, ataxia, and binocular diplopia after a voluntary 59-kg weight loss over 5 months. Clinical Investigations Extensive investigations revealed serum thiamine levels 2 prolongation of the mammillary bodies. Nerve conduction studies were consistent with axonal, length-dependent polyneuropathy. Together, these findings were diagnostic for peripheral polyneuropathy and Wernicke encephalopathy secondary to thiamine deficiency. Conclusion This patient illustrates that eating disorders can be an uncommon cause of rapidly progressive paresthesias, weakness, and neurological decline due to thiamine deficiency.
The crystal structures and physical properties of polymeric (BEDT-TTF)-metallothiocyanates

The crystal structures of two new ET metallothiocyanates [ET or BEDT-TTF: bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene] with polymeric anions are presented: (ET)Cu2(SCN)3 and (ET)Agx(SCN)2 (x = ⋍ 1.6). The former is a second, semiconducting, phase in the ETCuSCN system which also yields superconducting κ-(ET)2Cu(NCS)2 (Tc = 10.4 K).
Coping behaviors among sexual minority female youth.

This article summarizes data from a qualitative study investigating the ways in which female youth perceive and respond to challenges related to the interplay of late adolescence and a minority sexual orientation. Fifteen sexual minority females in late adolescence were interviewed individually and in focus groups. The interviews focused on participants’ perceptions of challenges, the impact those stressors have in their lives, and methods they utilize to cope with them. The most common negative experiences reported were isolation, lack of acceptance, harassment, and violence. Sub-themes include: hearing negative messages about gender and sexual orientation, pressures to conform to a variety of cultural norms including gender norms, fears of future violence, and pressure to identify sexual orientation. Collectively, the participants described these negative consequences of experiences of heterosexism, sexism, and racism as their most difficult experiences. The most common responses to these stressors repo...
Duodenoscopic sphincterotomy in the treatment of the "sump syndrome".

The “sump syndrome” is recognized as a complication of a choledochoenterostomy (choledochoduodenostomy or choledochojejunostomy) performed for recurrent stone disease. A sump (a pit or well) develops in the distal, nonfunctioning limb of the common bile duct where lithogenic bile, gastrointestinal contents, and debris accumulate. This results in obstruction of the enterostomy stoma producing either cholangitis, pancreatitis pain, and/or cholestasis. It is thought that dysfunction of the sphincter mechanism contributes to the development of this syndrome. Filling defects in the bile duct are appreciated on gastrointestinal series when barium refluxes into the biliary tree through the patent stoma. Threatment has largely been surgical, but, more recently, the availability of ERCP has enabled the endoscopist to make a major contribution to the management of this syndrome. A nonsurgical alternative to treatment is duodenoscopic sphincterotomy which has been performed in 11 patients presenting with the sump syndrome. There have been no recurrences of stones in 1o patients while stones were found in one patient with an open sphincterotomy. In follow-ups of 3–30 months, there was satisfactory relief of symptoms in all patients. Because of these results, duodenoscopic sphincterotomy is recommended as a primary treatment modality in the sump syndrome.
Neutron detection and analysis using a scintillation bubble chamber

Abstract The construction and operation of a scintillation bubble chamber system is described and an experimental application to the detection and analysis of high energy neutrons is reported. It is shown that neutron-induced events confined to the bubble chamber fluid can be correlated electronically with external scattering interactions detected by scintillation counters. Application to high-energy neutron polarization analysis is discussed.
Nanosecond laser photolysis of rhodopsin and isorhodopsin.

Kinetic and spectral measurements have been carried out on the primary intermediate in the photolysis of rhodopsin and isorhodopsin, initiated by a 457 nm, 6 ns (FWHM) laser pulse. In rhodopsin the kinetic decay of bathorhodopsin was found to be 140 ± 15 ns at 20°C. The decay of bathorhodopsin to lumirhodopsin has an activation energy of 51 ± 4 kJ/mol (12.2 ± 1 kcal/mol). The decay kinetics of bathorhodopsin were found to be the same for rhodopsin in membrane and detergent solubilized suspensions. The kinetic decay of the batho product in the photolysis of isorhodopsin was found to be the same as rhodopsin. The corrected transient spectrum 50 ns following excitation in rhodopsin has two peaks near 560 and 440 nm. A peak was also observed in isorhodopsin near 550 nm at 50 ns following excitation but no transient was observed in the blue. The 550 nm peak in isorhodopsin has an intensity similar to that in rhodopsin indicating that the quantum yields for the formation of batho products of rhodopsin and isorhodopsin are similar under the irradiation conditions used here. Transient spectra for rhodopsin and isorhodopsin 1 μs following excitation are also different. In isorhodopsin the corrected transient spectrum has a peak at 500 nm, similar to low temperature steady state irradiation spectra. The 1 μs transient spectrum in rhodopsin is more intense than in isorhodopsin and shows a peak at 475 nm.
Response to steroid therapy in autism secondary to autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

We report a child who developed autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) secondary to a heterozygous dominant negative mutation in the death domain of the Fas receptor. Previously developmentally normal, he had symptoms of autism with rapid regression in developmental milestones coincident with the onset of lymphoproliferation and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Low-dose steroid therapy induced early and complete remission in the ALPS phenotype. There was subjective improvement, followed by objective improvement in speech and developmental milestones. We propose that autism may be part of the autoimmune disease spectrum of ALPS in this child, and this case represents a novel manifestation and target organ involvement in this disease.
Growth of graded sweetgum 3 years after root and shoot pruning

Nursery grown 1–0 bareroot sweetgum seedlings were lifted and graded into two diameter classes (12–16 and 4–8 mm) during the dormant season. Large and small grades were top and/or root pruned and then outplanted on two sites in the lower Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Seedling shoots were pruned to 50% of tree height, a 5 cm stump, or no pruning. Seedling roots were pruned to a 15 cm length or left unpruned. Site affected survival but not growth. Smaller, top pruned seedlings performed worse on one site, probably due to greater weed competition. Large seedlings increased survival and growth which increased 3 year average plot volumes by 89%. Top pruning stimulated height growth, but reduced diameter growth and decreased third year seedling volumes. Root pruning did not affect seedling growth. Diameter growth may better indicate treatment impact that height, which has been most commonly used in previous studies.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic glycosylation: novel saccharide linkages in unexpected places

Abstract In contrast to all other known forms of protein glycosylation, certain recently described protein-saccharide structures are highly localized to the nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic compartments of the cell. The presence of these novel saccharides on proteins of the nuclear pore, chromatin and cytoskeleton poses fascinating questions concerning their possible functions, modes of biosynthesis, and potential roles in intracellular transport.
Heavy ions from the Galilean satellites and the centrifugal distortion of the Jovian magnetosphere

The Galilean satellites constitute a potentially significant source of plasma to the Jovian atmosphere. The paper examines the distortion of the Jovian magnetosphere that would result from injection of ions at the Galilean satellites. The magnetic distortion produced is a localized perturbation near the equatorial plane, in contrast to the large-scale distortion produced by Jovian atmospheric ions. The study estimates the relative perturbation currents resulting from the two sources in terms of the unknown ion production rate at the satellites. It is found that the two perturbations would be of comparable magnitudes if the ion source flux at all of the Galilean satellites were comparable to the photo-ion escape flux from Jupiter's atmosphere. More specifically, ions produced by the Galilean satellites should be confined near the equatorial plane of Jupiter's magnetosphere in a sheet whose thickness is determined by a centrifugal scale height given essentially by the ion thermal speed divided by the corotation frequency.
Arriving on a fast track: Perceptions of teachers from an alternative licensing program about their first four years in the classroom

Abstract In a 4‐year study of new teachers who completed the MINT (Massachusetts Institute for New Teachers) alternative teacher‐licensing program, we found that this particular fast‐track model recruited a group of highly committed new teachers. However, these new teachers expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of their teacher education program. Many of the teachers tended to use traditional teaching methods. Some regarded their professional development and mentoring experiences as insufficient. Some believed their potential for school leadership was not being fully realized. A similar set of perceptions were reported by a group of new teachers who had completed college‐based teacher preparation programs, although the college program‐prepared teachers tended to give higher ratings to their teacher preparation program and to use a wider variety of teaching strategies in the classroom.
The path and surviving tail of a comet that fell into the sun

A satisfactory orbital solution for Comet Howard-Koomen-Michels 1979 XI is found on the assumption that the comet's line of apsides coincided with that of the Kreutz sungrazing comet group. The derived perihelion distance then shows that this is the first known case of a comet falling into the sun. A dust tail that survived the comet is studied as a particle flow phenomenon controlled by no force other than solar gravity and solar radiation pressure. The tail's outline is interpreted in terms of an onset of dust production, a peak repulsive force on the particles, and a circumsolar dustfree zone due to particle sublimation. It is shown that the surviving debris consisted mostly of absorbing, submicron size particles in hyperbolic trajectories convex to the sun and curving toward the earth. The tail width may be a product of the interaction of charged dust in the tail with a complicated structure of the coronal magnetic field.
Interplay of Strain, Growth Kinetics and Surface Bonding in Growth Modes and Dislocation Generation in Strained Heteroepitaxy

In this paper we examine the role of strain and growth kinetics on the growth modes in pseudomorphic growth. Regimes below critical thickness and above critical thickness are examined. Based on atomistic modelling and in-situ RHEED and STM studies we show that a competition between surface chemical energy and strain energy is shown to lead to 3-dimensional blend mode for high strain pseudomorphy. Consequences for dislocation generation are discussed.
Contesting Benevolence: Market Orientations among Muslim Aid Providers in Egypt

This paper studies the pro-market and communitarian tendencies among Egypt’s khayr (benevolence) organizations based on interviews with and observation of managers, staff and volunteers. Can the conflicting market and community orientations in the field of benevolence be interpreted as an instance of the “double movement” of marketization and protection against the market? The analyses demonstrate a growing tendency of marketization and only weak tendencies to transform established communitarian ways of giving into more systematic ways of non-marketized giving. Due to an emergent state-business-civil society nexus, market-oriented voluntary associations hold the potential to undermine or absorb the actually more entrenched communitarian associations. Potentials for a double movement in the era of neoliberalism seem to be weaker than in the classical liberal era because of the deeper permeation of society by market ethics.
Theoretical investigation of collisions of aligned atoms: Ca(4s4f 1F)+He.

Cross sections for inelastic collisions of aligned, excited atoms are calculated using [ital ab] [ital initio] molecular potential curves and couplings and a fully quantum mechanical scattering treatment. Agreement with currently available data is reasonable. The cross sections for specific transitions exhibit strong, energy-dependent oscillations, which are attributed to an interference effect.
Dynamics of semigroup actions of linear fractional transformations

Positive continued fractions are viewed as the orbit of 1 under the action of the semigroup of functions generated by r(x) = 1/x and s(x) = x + 1. The fixed points of the elements of this semigroup contain purely periodic continued fractions (which are the reduced surds by Lagrange's theorem on continued fractions). In this article, we study the fixed points of the elements of semigroups generated by general pairs of linear fractional transformations and show that topological transitivity of a non-commutative semigroup action implies that the fixed point set is dense. We also prove a similar result for two-generator semigroups of affine transformations on the real line.
Our Cultural Approach to Water Rightsa

The United States has developed numerous water rights systems with variations from state to state reflecting water environments, especially the relative abundance of water; the cultural background of settlers; and communication of ideas developed in other regions. A few high points in the long history of development of water rights are presented.
Scaling of entanglement entropy in point-contact, free-fermion systems

The scaling of entanglement entropy is computationally studied in several ($1\ensuremath{\le}d\ensuremath{\le}2$)-dimensional free-fermion systems that are connected by one or more point contacts (PCs). For both the $k$-leg Bethe lattice $(d=1)$ and $d=2$ rectangular lattices with a subsystem of ${L}^{d}$ sites, the entanglement entropy associated with a single PC is found to be generically $S\ensuremath{\sim}L$. We argue that the $O(L)$ entropy is an expression of the subdominant $O(L)$ entropy of the bulk entropy-area law. For $d=2$ (square) lattices connected by $m$ PCs, the area law is found to be $S\ensuremath{\sim}a{L}^{d\ensuremath{-}1}+bm\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}logL$ and is thus consistent with the anomalous area law for free fermions ($S\ensuremath{\sim}L\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}logL$) as $m\ensuremath{\rightarrow}L$. For the Bethe lattice, the relevance of this result to density-matrix renormalization-group schemes for interacting fermions is discussed.
Application of a stochastic distributed delay simulation model to financial analysis of respiratory disease in Michigan dairy cattle

Abstract A stochastic, distributed delay simulation model was developed to conduct economic analysis of respiratory disease in Michigan dairy cattle. This economic analysis employed non-traditional methods for estimation of the cost of disease. These include (1) a stochastic distributed delay simulation model, (2) inclusion of the reduction in feed costs due to disease, (3) measurement of the effect of risk factors on disease costs, and (4) incorporation of disease data from a randomly sampled, prospectively-monitored population of herds. This approach resulted in an increase in the estimated cost of respiratory disease to $4604 yr−1 from $ 1490 yr−1 (as previously reported in the same herds) by considering the effects of disease on growth, milk production, lost genetic potential, and replacement costs. It is hoped that this model or some of these modelling approaches may be useful to others attempting to estimate the cost of disease and the effect of intervention strategies.
Specific organ gene transfer in vivo by regional organ perfusion with herpes viral amplicon vectors: Implications for local gene therapy

Abstract Background. Many gene therapy strategies would benefit from efficient, regional organ delivery of therapeutic genes. Methods. Regional perfusions of lung, liver, or bladder were performed to determine if rapid and efficient gene transfer can be accomplished in vivo, and to determine if in vivo gene transfer can be limited to the organ of interest. In addition, herpes simplex virus tumor necrosis factor (HSVtnf), carrying the human tumor necrosis factorα gene was used as a treatment for methylcholanthrene sarcoma in a syngeneic lung metastases model in Fisher rats. Results. A 20-minute perfusion using HSV carrying β-galactosidase (HSVlac) produced significant expression of this marker gene isolated to the target organs, without organ-specific tissue injury or inflammation. Regional perfusion of organs with HSV carrying the cytokine gene tumor necrosis factor α also resulted in high-level local organ production of this cytokine (2851 ± 53 pg/g tissue in perfused lung versus 0 for the contralateral lung). For the current vector construct, expression of the gene of interest peaked between 2 and 4 days and was undetectable by 2 weeks after perfusion. In animals undergoing perfusion as treatment for pulmonary sarcoma, there was no difference between tumor counts in lungs perfused with HSVlac (17 ± 6) or HSVtnf (22 ± 8), but either treatment resulted in lower tumor counts than controls (111 ± 24 nodules per lung, P Conclusions. Regional organ perfusion using herpes viral vectors is an effective and well-tolerated in vivo method of transiently delivering potentially toxic gene products to target organs in directing gene therapy. Regional lung perfusion with HSV amplicons reduces tumor burden in a rat model of pulmonary metastases, though HSVtnf cannot be demonstrated to augment the cytopathic effect of the HSV amplicon alone in the current model. (Surgery 2001;129:324-34.)
Acid pH decreases OmpF and OmpC channel size in vivo.

Abstract To be effective against gram-negative organisms, β-lactam antibiotics must be able to penetrate the outer membrane. For Escherichia coli, these compounds generally cross this barrier through non-specific channels in porins OmpF and OmpC. In vitro studies have shown that increased pH induces a switch in the structure of OmpF and OmpC from a small channel conformation to a set of larger-sized channel conformations. In this study, the permeability of two cephalosporins into cells producing either OmpC or OmpF was examined at various pHs. The results suggest that the pH-induced switch in channel size observed in vitro also occurs in vivo.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis induced by Nateglinide

Meglitinides, a class of drug used in type 2 diabetes mellitus, includes repaglinide and nateglinide and is associated with hypoglycemia, nausea, diarrhea and peripheral edema. We report a unique adverse reaction to nateglinide. A 55-year-old Caucasian male presented with a diffuse rash on his skin which started on his ankles bilaterally 3 weeks before presentation. Examination revealed a diffuse patchy maculo-papular rash, with some patches having pustules, purpura and eschar. Skin biopsy showed areas of fibrinoid deposition with wall thickening in superficial dermal blood vessels. The patient was recently started on nateglinide three months prior to admission at dose of 120 mg three times a day. During hospitalization, his nateglinide was stopped and started on oral prednisone 60 mg daily. His lesions improved over the next one week
Providing an escape option reduces retaliatory aggression

The purpose of this study was to examine whether providing an explicit means to escape future attacks by a provocative fictitious participant reduces retaliatory aggression. Using a laboratory measure of aggression (the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm), 25 participants were given the opportunity to earn points with monetary value on a fixed ratio (FR) 100 schedule, and to subtract points from a fictitious participant on an FR 10 schedule. Aggressive responding was defined as the number of point subtraction responses by the participant. Aggressive responding also produced intervals free from further attack by the fictitious participant. Provocation was manipulated by having the fictitious person subtract points from the participant. Each participant next completed the same task with an explicit FR 10 escape response option added. The escape option produced intervals free from attack identical to the aggressive option, but without taking points away from the fictitious participant. Results indicate that the availability of an escape response attenuated aggressive behavior in response to provocation.
Spectral estimation of short duration signals using time domain extrapolation

Time domain extrapolation is investigated to enhance the resolution of spectral estimators. When extrapolation is used the resolution of spectral peaks is enhanced, provided that the time series can be predicted. Backward and forward linear prediction is used to obtain the extrapolation. The prediction coefficients are estimated using the modified covariance methods or the modified forward-backward linear prediction technique. This allows a fairly robust time domain extrapolation that is less sensitive to model order matching than the standard parametric spectral estimators. Classical spectral analysis (periodogram) is performed on the extrapolated time series, providing improved resolution. >
A novel single amino acid deletion caspase-8 mutant in cancer cells that lost proapoptotic activity.

Caspase-8 is an important initiation caspase that activates the caspase cascade during death receptor-mediated apoptosis. We here report a novel caspase-8 mutant with a naturally occurring deletion of leucine 62 (ΔLeu62casp-8). ΔLeu62casp-8 has a shorter half-life than its wild-type counterpart. Unlike wild-type caspase-8, ΔLeu62casp-8 failed to interact with wild-type caspase-8 or with the adaptor protein FADD. ΔLeu62casp-8 lost its proapoptotic activity in mammalian cells. The leucine 62 therefore is critical for caspase-8 function, and the mutation may be one of the mechanisms through which some types of cancer cells escape from programmed cell death.
Reported Concussion Rates for Three Division I Football Programs: An Evaluation of the New NCAA Concussion Policy.

BACKGROUND: There has been increased interest in the number of concussions occurring in college football over the past year. In April 2010, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) published new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of concussions in student athletes. PURPOSE: To determine the number of concussions that occurred on 3 collegiate Division I military academy football teams prior to and following recent changes in the NCAA concussion management policy. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Injury reports were reviewed from 3 Division I military academy football teams. The number of concussions that occurred over the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons, including those sustained in practice and game situations, was determined for each team. Incidence rates were compared using the exact binomial method. RESULTS: The combined concussion incidence rate doubled from 0.57 per 1000 athlete exposures in the 2009-2010 season to 1.16 per 1000 athlete exposures in the 2010-2011 season (incidence rate ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.2-3.55; P = 0.01). The combined numbers of concussions for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons were 23 (40,481 exposures) and 42 (36,228), respectively. CONCLUSION: The combined incidence rate of concussions for the 2010-2011 season doubled from the previous season after the implementation of new NCAA policies on concussion management. While the institution of a more formalized concussion plan on the part of medical staff is one possible factor, another may have been the increased recognition and reporting on the part of players and coaches after the rule change. KW: American football Language: en
The mirror and ion cyclotron anisotropy instabilities

The linear dispersion equation for fully electromagnetic waves and instabilities at arbitrary directions of propagation relative to a background magnetic field B(0) in a homogeneous Vlasov plasma is solved numerically for bi-Maxwellian particle distributions. For isotropic plasmas the dispersion and damping of the three modes below the proton cyclotron frequency are studied as functions of Beta(i) and T(e)/T(i). The transport ratios of helicity, cross-helicity, Alfven ratio, compressibility, and parallel compressibility are defined. Under the condition that the proton temperature perpendicular to B(0) is greater than the parallel temperature, the growth rates and transport ratios of the mirror instability and the ion cyclotron anisotropy instability are examined and compared. Both the proton parallel compressibility and the proton Alfven ratio are significantly different for the two growing modes.
On the Theory of the Thermal Diffusion Coefficient for Isotopes. II

The temperature dependence of the thermal diffusion constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ of a mixture of isotopes is determined for the 9,5 Lennard-Jones model of intermolecular forces by the use of the Chapman-Enskog theory of transport phenomena in gases. The treatments of the Sutherland model and the special Lennard-Jones model given in the first paper of this series were subject to the drastic restriction that the depth $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ of the potential energy minimum must be small compared with $\mathrm{kT}$. The present treatment of the 9,5 model is valid to all orders of $\frac{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}{\mathrm{kT}}$; this advantage is gained, however, at the expense of substituting laborious numerical methods for the analytical methods that were used in the previous paper. The results indicate that the thermal diffusion constant first increases slightly as the temperature decreases, and then decreases rapidly, passing through zero and becoming negative at a temperature about 1.5 times the critical temperature. The constant becomes strongly negative as the temperature decreases still further, and then approaches zero as the absolute temperature approaches zero. When the theoretical results are modified to account for the fact that the neon molecule is much harder than is indicated by a repulsive force index of 9, a quantitative agreement is obtained with Nier's experimental data on mixtures of the neon isotopes. Fair agreement is obtained with the data of Atkins, Bastick, and Ibbs on mixtures of the noble gases. An approximate method is presented which permits one to obtain from the results for the inverse power model, the first two terms of the series development of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ in powers of $\frac{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}{\mathrm{kT}}$ for the general Lennard-Jones model of intermolecular forces.
The Prescribed Amount of Physical Activity in Randomized Clinical Trials in Older Adults

Purpose: Over the past two decades, a consensus has formed that increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior in older adults are important for physical and cognitive health. Although there is strong evidence that regular physical activity can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases, a major concern is ensuring that older adults take part in adequate levels of physical activity. Design and Methods: This article describes the amount of physical activity prescribed between 1980 and 2005 to sedentary older adults enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using MEDLINE, Health and Psychological Instruments, EBM Reviews, CI-NAHL, ERIC, Psychlnfo, and Social Science Abstracts with the key words "exercise," "physical activity," and "older adult." More than 13,502 research abstracts were reviewed, and 160 RCTs 1 2 weeks or more in duration with documented outcomes of physical activity were synthesized. Results: The average prescribed dose of aerobic activity provided by interventions for older adults was less than the recommended amount of 150 min or more per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. In interpreting the results of RCTs, there is an insufficient body of evidence on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive health. However, studies indicated that moderate-intensity physical activity had a positive effect on cognitive health. Implications: Given the broad consensus of a dose―response relationship between aerobic activity and a variety of health outcomes, the RCT literature appears to have underestimated the benefit of physical activity for previously sedentary older adults because the prescribed dosages are not consistent with those recommended.
Reduction of membrane protein hydrophobicity by site-directed mutagenesis: introduction of multiple polar residues in helix D of bacteriorhodopsin.

Introduction of polar and charged residues on the lipid-exposed face of transmembrane proteins using site-directed mutagenesis represents a novel approach to render membrane proteins more soluble in aqueous solution. We have sequentially introduced as many as five polar and charged amino acids onto the lipid-exposed face of helix D of bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarium. The most polar mutant (Q4D) has four glutamine residues at positions 113, 116, 120 and 124 and an aspartate at position 117. In combination with wild-type residues Gln105, Thr107, Thr121 and Thr128, the Q4D mutant has a nearly uninterrupted stripe of polar residues on the surface of helix D. All of the mutants refold, bind retinal and the resulting pigments exhibit light- and dark-adapted UV and visible spectroscopic properties that are similar to the wild-type pigment, indicating that the secondary, tertiary and active site structures are similar to the wild-type protein. These results demonstrate that micelle-solubilized bacteriorhodopsin can tolerate multiple non-conservative substitution of amino acids that face the non-polar portion of the lipid bilayer in vivo, thus lending credence to the notion of partial or complete solubilization of integral membrane proteins by site-directed mutagenesis.
CIRCUMVENTING THE VOLUME AND CONTACT CONSTRAINTS IN MULTIPHYSICS FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATIONS

We consider two multiphysics problems in geomechanics with constraints. The first involves coupled solid deformation–fluid diffusion subject to a volume constraint in the limit of no-flow. The second is the classic contact problem subject to a no-interprenetration constraint. Both problems are known to generate unphysical oscillation in the pressure field when some combinations of displacement and pressure finite element interpolations are employed. We trace the problem to the non-satisfaction of the LBB condition and utilize a stabilization technique based on polynomial pressure projection to circumvent the unpreferable pressure oscillation.
Frequency hopping evanescent mode filter

This paper describes a novel high speed varactor tuned evanescent (EV) mode hopping filter operating at C-Band. The 6 /spl mu/sec tuning speed is compatible with military frequency-hopping applications. Loss compensation is provided by variable gain MMIC amplifiers between 3-pole filter sections.
Amphotericin forms an extramembranous and fungicidal sterol sponge

For over 50 years, amphotericin has remained the powerful but highly toxic last line of defense in treating life-threatening fungal infections in humans with minimal development of microbial resistance. Understanding how this small molecule kills yeast is thus critical for guiding development of derivatives with an improved therapeutic index and other resistance-refractory antimicrobial agents. In the widely accepted ion channel model for its mechanism of cytocidal action, amphotericin forms aggregates inside lipid bilayers that permeabilize and kill cells. In contrast, we report that amphotericin exists primarily in the form of large, extramembranous aggregates that kill yeast by extracting ergosterol from lipid bilayers. These findings reveal that extraction of a polyfunctional lipid underlies the resistance-refractory antimicrobial action of amphotericin and suggests a roadmap for separating its cytocidal and membrane-permeabilizing activities. This new mechanistic understanding is also guiding development of what are to our knowledge the first derivatives of amphotericin that kill yeast but not human cells.
Applying mathematical sketching to sketch-based physics tutoring software

We present a prototype sketch-based physics tutoring system that combines mathematical sketching, an interaction paradigm that supports construction of dynamic illustrations using the association of handwritten mathematical expressions with drawings to govern animation behavior, and a custom physics engine. We highlight key features of our core system that focus on correcting approximately drawn sketches and maintaining the correspondence between imprecise handwritten drawings and precise mathematical specifications. We describe the behavior and design of the system in detail and finally, present two example scenarios illustrating its possible uses in an educational setting.
MODELLING ASYMMETRICAL GROWTH CURVES THAT RISE AND THEN FALL : APPLICATIONS TO FOLIAGE DYNAMICS OF SUGAR BEET (BETA VULGARIS L.)

Abstract This paper discusses the derivation and fitting of three empirical models with turning points for describing the growth of plant components, such as shoot weight, leaf area and root length, that typically rise and then fall during the course of the growing season. The models (Models I, II and III) have analytical solutions and may be viewed as extensions of the Gompertz, Richards and Chanter growth equations. They differ by having an additional parameter which, following a sigmoidal rise of the dependent variable, determines subsequent net rate of decline. The models were fitted to sequential measures of foliage cover of sugar beet crops grown in the UK during 1980–1991. It was important that this could be done with relative ease using standard statistical procedures. Partial linear transformations of two of the models, with one non-linear parameter remaining, are described; these were useful for estimating initial values for the parameters. All three models described the data well, although the fitting of Model II invariably failed to converge. For Models I and III common and separate parameters, amongst years, were estimated relating to date of emergence, initial relative growth rate, maximum cover attained and rate of late season decline of foliage cover. The reduction in the residual mean square on fitting separate, rather than common, parameters was usually significant. The models accommodate several biological processes that yield similar shapes. This is demonstrated for Model I, in relation to its formulation and to effects of small perturbations in the values of the parameters on the shape of the curves. Model I, the simplest of the three models tested, has good fitting properties, and in practice was best suited to describing foliage cover dynamics of sugar beet.
INESTABILIDAD ECONÓMICA EN ESTADOS UNIDOS EN LAS DECADAS DE 1930 Y 1970: Un ensayo de homología histórica *

En la decada de 1930, el rendimiento de la economia norteamericana fue notablemente similar al de la decada de 1970. En ambos periodos, la tasa de crecimiento del PIB cayo tras varios anos de fuerte aumento. Las tasas de desempleo alcanzaron unos niveles sin precedentes y la inestabilidad resultante fue duradera mas que transitoria. Al comienzo de cada una de estas decadas, profundas perturbaciones exogenas iniciaron las dificultades posteriores. Y, en ambos casos, enormes obstaculos politicos e intelectuales postedieron la adopcion y la puesta en practica de politicas contraciclicas adecuadas. ?Son estas similitudes una mera coincidencia? ?Demuestran simplemente un isomorfismo, o son la expresion de relaciones homologas mas profundas? Estos interrogantes constituyen el nucleo de este ensayo.
Window-aware load shedding for aggregation queries over data streams

Data stream management systems may be subject to higher input rates than their resources can handle. When overloaded, the system must shed load in order to maintain low-latency query results. In this paper, we describe a load shedding technique for queries consisting of one or more aggregate operators with sliding windows. We introduce a new type of drop operator, called a "Window Drop". This operator is aware of the window properties (i.e., window size and window slide) of its downstream aggregate operators in the query plan. Accordingly, it logically divides the input stream into windows and probabilistically decides which windows to drop. This decision is further encoded into tuples by marking the ones that are disallowed from starting new windows. Unlike earlier approaches, our approach preserves integrity of windows throughout a query plan, and always delivers subsets of original query answers with minimal degradation in result quality.
Design and construction of a bobsled driver training simulator

A bobsled simulator has been designed and fabricated which consists of three primary subsystems: a graphics workstation, a motion control system, and an enclosed bobsled cockpit. The simulated track surface shape is obtained from construction specifications and approximated by a bicubic spline. A graphics workstation integrates the equations of motion in response to measured driver steering signals and calculates the trajectory of the bobsled in real time. A graphical representation of the driver’s view of the track is displayed on a cockpit-mounted monitor. Roll angle and steering force feedback are calculated and a motion control system rolls the simulator cockpit in synchronisation with the monitor graphics and provides force feedback through the steering system. This simulator serves dual purposes: first, to aid in training the United States Bobsled Team, and second, to serve as a tourist attraction/ride to generate interest in the sport.
Internal Friction of Simple Alkali Silicate Glasses Containing Alkaline‐Earth Oxides: II, Interpretation and Discussion

The results of internal friction measurements on simple three-component glasses that were reported in Part I of this paper are discussed. From a consideration of the basic equations governing internal friction and examination of the results of other investigators, a basis of interpretation is developed. It is shown that changes in peak-temperature position can be explained by changes in the activation energy of the process causing the peak. A change in peak height not accompanied by a change in the shape of the peak is shown to be due to a change in the concentration of the relaxation mechanisms. Using this information the changes in the peaks due to composition variations are explained on a structural basis. A mechanism is also suggested to explain the new high-temperature peak. A critical examination of the measurements on alkali-free and phosphate glasses leads to the conclusion that it may be necessary to re-evaluate some of the concepts concerning the low-temperature peak in alkali silicate glasses.
Metallic Hydrogen at High Pressures and Temperatures in Jupiter

Electrical conductivities of hydrogen were measured recently at 93–180 GPa (0.93–1.8 Mbar), 0.28–0.36 mol cm−3, and 2000–4000 K. Shock temperatures were measured up to values of 5200 K at 0.83 Mbar. The conductivities indicate a continuous transition from a semiconducting to metallic fluid at 140 GPa and 3000 K. The results indicate that hydrogen becomes metallic much closer to the surface of Jupiter than thought previously and that Jupiter has no core–mantle boundary.