cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing ancestor-descendant lineages from serially-sampled data: a comparison study

The recent accumulation of serially-sampled viral sequences in public databases attests to the need for development of algorithms that infer phylogenetic relationships among such data with the goal of elucidating patterns and processes of viral evolution. Phylogenetic methods are typically applied to contemporaneous taxa, and result in the taxa being placed at the tips or leaves of the tree. In a serial sampling scenario an evolutionary framework may offer a more meaningful alternative in which the rise, persistence, and extinction of different viral lineages is readily observable. Recently, algorithms have been developed to study such data. We evaluate the performance of 5 different methods in correctly inferring ancestor-descendant relationships by using empirical and simulated sequence data. Our results suggest that for inferring ancestor-descendant relationships among serially-sampled taxa, the MinPD program is an accurate and efficient method, and that traditional ML methods, while marginally more accurate, are far less efficient.
A new subfossil bulbul (Aves: Passerines: Pycnonotidae) from Rodrigues Island, Mascarenes, south-western Indian Ocean

The Hypsipetes bulbuls (Pycnonotidae) occur on Madagascar and oceanic islands throughout the Indian Ocean, as well as continental Asia. Endemic species are found on the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and Reunion, but the genus was purportedly never reported from Rodrigues, the smallest and most isolated of the Mascarene group, which was somewhat anomalous considering present avian biogeography. Based on recently discovered subfossil remains, this paper describes a new Hypsipetes bulbul from Rodrigues Island, which presumably became extinct historically, thus filling in the biogeographical gap. This discovery further emphasises the need for palaeontological surveys in situations in which unexpected bird species distribution patterns occur, before robust biogeographical conclusions can be ascertained.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D979AC29-B662-4A39-B4CA-984E04EB6B65
Fishtail deformity — a delayed complication of distal humeral fractures in children

Concavity in the central portion of the distal humerus is referred to as fishtail deformity. This entity is a rare complication of distal humeral fractures in children. The purpose of this study is to describe imaging features of post-traumatic fishtail deformity and discuss the pathophysiology. We conducted a retrospective analysis of seven cases of fishtail deformity after distal humeral fractures. Seven children ages 7–14 years (five boys, two girls) presented with elbow pain and history of distal humeral fracture. Four of the seven children had limited range of motion. Five children had prior grade 3 supracondylar fracture treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. One child had a medial condylar fracture and another had a lateral condylar fracture; both had been treated with conservative casting. All children had radiographs, five had CT and three had MRI. All children had a concave central defect in the distal humerus. Other imaging features included joint space narrowing with osteophytes and subchondral cystic changes in four children, synovitis in one, hypertrophy or subluxation of the radial head in three and proximal migration of the ulna in two. Fishtail deformity of the distal humerus is a rare complication of distal humeral fractures in children. This entity is infrequently reported in the radiology literature. Awareness of the classic imaging features can result in earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Effects of carbogen plus fractionated irradiation on KHT tumor oxygenation

Abstract Background and purpose : Numerous studies have demonstrated improvements in the oxygenation of tumor cells following both irradiation and carbogen breathing. The current studies were initiated to measure the combined effects of carbogen inhalation plus single and multi-dose irradiation on tumor oxygen availability, to better define the underlying physiological relationships. Materials and methods : Using KHT murine sarcomas, radiation was delivered to the tumor-bearing legs of non-anesthetized mice. Tumors were quick-frozen prior to or following single or multifraction irradiation and carbogen breathing, and intravascular HbO 2 saturation profiles were determined cryospectrophotometrically. Results : HbO 2 levels for blood vessels located near the tumor surface initially decreased following 10 Gy irradiation, then increased and remained elevated. Interior HbO 2 levels remained unchanged. Following 2.5 Gy, HbO 2 changes were minimal. At 24 h following 10 Gy, HbO 2 levels were significantly increased compared to non-irradiated controls, and carbogen breathing produced no additional benefit. At 24 h following five fractions of 2 Gy, HbO 2 levels throughout the tumor volume were significantly higher in carbogen breathing animals than in air breathing controls. Conclusions : Although peripheral blood vessels demonstrated substantial improvements in oxygenation following irradiation, oxygen availability nearer the tumor center remained at very low levels. The utility of carbogen in enhancing tumor oxygen availability was maintained following five clinically relevant fractions. At higher doses, radiation-induced enhancements in HbO 2 levels overshadowed the carbogen effect. For either air or carbogen breathing, a decrease in the percentage of vessels with very low oxygen content did not appear to be a major factor in the reoxygenation of the KHT tumor.
Image analysis using modulated light sources

With the development of high-speed CMOS imagers, it is possible to acquire and process multiple images within the imager, prior output. We refer to an imaging architecture that acquires a collection of images and produces a single result as multiple capture single image (MCSI). In this paper we describe some applications of the MCSI architecture using a monochrome sensor and modulation light sources. By using active light sources. By using active light sources, it is possible to measure object information in a manner that is independent of the passive illuminant. To study this architecture, we have implemented a test system using a monochrome e CMOS sensor and several arrays of color LEDs whose temporal modulation can be precisely controlled. First, we report on experimental measurement that evaluate how well the active and passive illuminant can be separated as a function of experimental variables, including passive illuminant intensity, temporal sampling rate and modulation amplitude. Second, we describe two applications of this technique: (a) creating a color image from a monochrome sensor, and (b) measuring the spatial distribution of the passive illuminant.
Molecular and biochemical characterization of the jasmonic acid methyltransferase gene from black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)

Methyl jasmonate is a metabolite known to be produced by many plants and has roles in diverse biological processes. It is biosynthesized by the action of S-adenosyl-l-methionine:jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (JMT), which belongs to the SABATH family of methyltransferases. Herein is reported the isolation and biochemical characterization of a JMT gene from black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). The genome of P. trichocarpa contains 28 SABATH genes (PtSABATH1 to PtSABATH28). Recombinant PtSABATH3 expressed in Escherichia coli showed the highest level of activity with jasmonic acid (JA) among carboxylic acids tested. It was therefore renamed PtJMT1. PtJMT1 also displayed activity with benzoic acid (BA), with which the activity was about 22% of that with JA. PtSABATH2 and PtSABATH4 were most similar to PtJMT1 among all PtSABATHs. However, neither of them had activity with JA. The apparent Km values of PtJMT1 using JA and BA as substrate were 175μM and 341μM, respectively. Mutation of Ser-153 and Asn-361, two residues in the active site of PtJMT1, to Tyr and Ser respectively, led to higher specific activity with BA than with JA. Homology-based structural modeling indicated that substrate alignment, in which Asn-361 is involved, plays a role in determining the substrate specificity of PtJMT1. In the leaves of young seedlings of black cottonwood, the expression of PtJMT1 was induced by plant defense signal molecules methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid and a fungal elicitor alamethicin, suggesting that PtJMT1 may have a role in plant defense against biotic stresses. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that PtJMT1 shares a common ancestor with the Arabidopsis JMT, and functional divergence of these two apparent JMT orthologs has occurred since the split of poplar and Arabidopsis lineages.
An experimental study of neutron radiative capture in 60Ni and Fe in the thermal to low keV range

Abstract The spectrum of γ-rays given off following radiative neutron capture in 60 Ni and Fe has been studied as a function of neutron energy. The RPI LINAC provided the pulsed neutron source and the neutron energy was determined by the time-of-flight method using a lithium-drifted germanium [Ge(Li)]detector. The intensities of prominent γ-rays in the capture spectra were measured as a function of neutron energy from thermal to low keV neutron energies and the partial capture cross sections for these prominent γ-rays were measured in the low eV to low keV neutron energy range.
Adjustable tuning for planar millimeter-wave circuits

At millimeter wavelengths uncontrollable parasitics are of ten large enough to significantly degrade circuit performance when they are not compensated by adjustable elements. It is difficult to add adjustable elements to planar millimeter-wave circuits without increasing their size, weight, and cost. In this paper we investigate three adjustable elements, all involving movement of a short along a section of coplanar waveguide (CPW). These tuners are incorporated in a planar detector circuit for purposes of demonstration and characterization. Their losses are determined. The precision with which they can be adjusted is also considered. Of the three, a tuner based on the laser-assisted etching of molybdenum is shown to have the highest performance at millimeter wavelengths. This tuner employs laser direct write etching1 with a recently developed photochemical reaction for trimming molybdenum.
Patterns in Beaver Herbivory in South-Central Kansas Riparian Woodlands

Beaver (Castor canadensis) herbivory can strongly affect the physiognomy and successional dynamics of forests and woodlands near bodies of water. In the central and southern Great Plains, the riparian zones that occur in a grassland / cropland matrix are foci of biodiversity and beaver activity, but little is known about patterns of beaver damage in these areas. We conducted a regional survey of beaver girdling of trees in riparian woodlands in south-central Kansas to determine 1) how the frequency of girdling was related to distance from streams, 2) whether there were differences among tree species in the frequency of girdling and, if so, which species were damaged most and 3) how the probability of beaver girdling varied with tree diameter. The frequency of girdling of trees declined more rapidly with distance from water (< 10 m) than in most northern ecosystems where beaver foraging patterns often have been quantified. Damage occurred significantly more frequently on Celtis occidentalis, Morus rubra an...
Optimal control of a co-rotating vortex pair: averaging and impulsive control

Abstract The problem of controlling the position of a pair of point vortices using a strain field or a field of a single source/sink is considered. The problem dimension is reduced by averaging over the fast rotation of vortices around the center of vorticity. Control is assumed to be function of rotation phase only. For the case of the strain field actuation, optimal control problem is posed in three different settings: control input whose integral over a cycle of vortex rotation is bounded, bounded control input and mixed problem where both integral over a cycle and control magnitude are bounded. It is shown that optimal solutions in integral setting are impulsive—they consist of Dirac delta functions applied at optimal phases during the cycle of vortex rotation. If a bound on the control magnitude is added to the constraints (the “mixed” problem), a solution is obtained for which control is at the maximum amplitude except possibly for intervals during which it is zero. These results are obtained by “direct” optimization. For the case of a source/sink field, we pose the optimal control problem of the averaged equations through the use of the Pontryagin maximum principle. An obtained solution is a set of Dirac delta pulses at optimal phases of the vortex rotation cycle. A discussion of these results in the context of vortex merger control is given. Impulsive control arises here naturally as an optimal control design once averaging method is used.
`Real Presences' Meaning as Living Movement in a Participatory World

In our talk of meanings, we are used to thinking of them as working in terms of mental representations, and to thinking of such representations as passive objects of thought requiring interpretatio...
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Turnover

This study indicates that the nationwide CEO turnover rate is lower than many people estimate but was still, in 1987, an uncomfortable 22 percent on average. Some of this turnover may help some hospitals, for example, those with incompetent administrators. Some turnover may be natural in that some CEOs may have retired or died. Other turnover is controlled, such as that in the investor-owned sector where planned movement is expected. The analysis of the data in this study indicates that smaller hospitals experience higher turnover rates than do their larger counterparts. In 1987 Sun Belt and western hospitals experienced greater turnover than upper midwestern and eastern hospitals. As a group, however, the investor-owned sector led in turnover rates among hospital CEO turnover rates.
Architecture of a level 1 track trigger for the CMS experiment

The luminosity goal for the Super-LHC is 1035/cm2/s. At this luminosity the number of proton-proton interactions in each beam crossing will be in the hundreds. This will stress many components of the CMS detector. One system that has to be upgraded is the trigger system. To keep the rate at which the level 1 trigger fires manageable, information from the tracker has to be integrated into the level 1 trigger. Current design proposals foresee tracking detectors that perform on-detector filtering to reject hits from low-momentum particles. In order to build a trigger system, the filtered hit data from different layers and sectors of the tracker will have to be transmitted off the detector and brought together in a logic processor that generates trigger tracks within the time window allowed by the level 1 trigger latency. This paper describes a possible architecture for the off-detector logic that accomplishes this goal.
Testing the cosmic coincidence problem and the nature of dark energy

Dark energy models which alter the relative scaling behavior of dark energy and matter could provide a natural solution to the cosmic coincidence problem-why the densities of dark energy and dark matter are comparable today. A generalized class of dark energy models is introduced which allows noncanonical scaling of the ratio of dark matter and dark energy with the Robertson-Walker scale factor a(t). We show that determining whether there is a coincidence problem, and the extent of cosmic coincidence, can be addressed by several forthcoming experiments.
Extraordinary phase separation and segregation in vent fluids from the southern East Pacific Rise

Abstract The discovery of Brandon vent on the southern East Pacific Rise is providing new insights into the controls on mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal vent fluid chemistry. The physical conditions at the time of sampling (287 bar and 405°C) place the Brandon fluids very close to the critical point of seawater (298 bar and 407°C). This permits in situ study of the effects of near critical phenomena, which are interpreted to be the primary cause of enhanced transition metal transport in these fluids. Of the five orifices on Brandon sampled, three were venting fluids with less than seawater chlorinity, and two were venting fluids with greater than seawater chlorinity. The liquid phase orifices contain 1.6–1.9 times the chloride content of the vapors. Most other elements, excluding the gases, have this same ratio demonstrating the conservative nature of phase separation and the lack of subsequent water–rock interaction. The vapor and liquid phases vent at the same time from orifices within meters of each other on the Brandon structure. Variations in fluid compositions occur on a time scale of minutes. Our interpretation is that phase separation and segregation must be occurring ‘real time’ within the sulfide structure itself. Fluids from Brandon therefore provide an unique opportunity to understand in situ phase separation without the overprinting of continued water–rock interaction with the oceanic crust, as well as critical phenomena.
Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Excerpt To the editor: In their recent article, Ettinger and colleagues (1) state that 9.0% of untreated women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and 10.5% of women given calcium supplements had mean...
The metabolic response to norepinephrine in normal versus diabetic man

Norepinephrine was infused for 60 minutes in high physiological concentration (0.08 μg/ kg/min) into seven insulin dependent diabetic subjects with no demonstrable endogenous insulin secretion and into seven normal subjects. Insulin dependent diabetic subjects had a stable, free insulin concentration of 23±5 μU/ml which was unaffected by norepinephrine infusion. In the normal subjects, norepinephrine induced an initial inhibition of insulin secretion which lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Norepinephrine infusion caused a rapid increase in both ketone body and glucose concentrations but this response did not differ between the two groups. In contrast, plasma nonesterified fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations were increased significantly more in the normal than in the diabetic subjects. The increase in plasma glucagon concentrations was similar in the two groups of subjects. The cause of the differential metabolic response to norepinephrine between the normal and diabetic groups was not resolved, but may be related, at least in part, to suppression of endogenous insulin secretion in the normal subjects.
Religion and human capital

Abstract Evidence indicates that education is positively associated with religious activity. However, it is not necessarily the case that education increases religious activity. The results in this study suggest that education is not an exogenous determinant of attendance at weekly religious services and religious contributions. Furthermore, no causal effect of education on religious activity is found when education is treated as endogenous.
Vital Hemisection of a Mandibular Second Molar: A Case Report

A case of a molar on which a vital hemisection was performed a year before extraction, and which remained clinically asymptomatic during that time, illustrates the regenerative powers of the pulp.
Electrical Forces Affecting Soil and Substrate in the Detergency Process—Zeta Potential:

Electrokinetic forces are of considerable importance in the mechanism of soil removal and redeposition. One electrokinetic measurement is that of the difference in potential between the immovable l...
Energy System and Thermoeconomic Analysis of Combined Heat and Power High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems for Light Commercial Buildings

The United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE)’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is spearheading a program with industry to deploy and independently monitor five kilowatt-electric (kWe) combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell systems (FCSs) in light commercial buildings. This publication discusses results from PNNL’s research efforts to independently evaluate manufacturer-stated engineering, economic, and environmental performance of these CHP FCSs at installation sites. The analysis was done by developing parameters for economic comparison of CHP installations. Key thermodynamic terms are first defined, followed by an economic analysis using both a standard accounting approach and a management accounting approach. Key economic and environmental performance parameters are evaluated, including (1) the average per unit cost of the CHP FCSs per unit of power, (2) the average per unit cost of the CHP FCSs per unit of energy, (3) the change in greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollution emissions with a switch from conventional power plants and furnaces to CHP FCSs; (4) the change in GHG mitigation costs from the switch; and (5) the change in human health costs related to air pollution. From the power perspective, the average per unit cost per unit of electrical power is estimated to span amore » range from $15–19,000/ kilowatt-electric (kWe) (depending on site-specific changes in installation, fuel, and other costs), while the average per unit cost of electrical and heat recovery power varies between $7,000 and $9,000/kW. From the energy perspective, the average per unit cost per unit of electrical energy ranges from $0.38 to $0.46/kilowatt-hour-electric (kWhe), while the average per unit cost per unit of electrical and heat recovery energy varies from $0.18 to $0.23/kWh. These values are calculated from engineering and economic performance data provided by the manufacturer (not independently measured data). The GHG emissions were estimated to decrease by one-third by shifting from a conventional energy system to a CHP FCS system. The GHG mitigation costs were also proportional to the changes in the GHG gas emissions. Human health costs were estimated to decrease significantly with a switch from a conventional system to a CHP FCS system.« less
Extremal functions of integral functionals in H^\omega \lbrack a,b \rbrack

In this paper we give a solution of the discrete and continuous versions of the problem where is the class of absolutely continuous functions on with common majorizing modulus of continuity . We also discuss applications of the results obtained to mathematical economics (the Kantorovich-Monge mass transfer problem), approximation theory and numerical differentiation (Chebyshev -polynomials and splines), the constructive theory of functions (inequalities for -rearrangements), graph theory (graphs of rearrangements), and optimal control theory (the theory of total control and the Fel'dbaum-Bushaw problem).
Membrane Transport of Nucleoside Analogues in Mammalian Cells

Abstract This paper attempts to summarize what is known, from rapid kinetic studies of cell membrane transport, about the mechanism by which nucleoside analogues permeate the plasma membrane of mammalian cells.
Elucidation of biphasic alterations on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and membrane fluidity in the structure-functional effects of tetracaine on AChE-associated membrane vesicles.

Abstract Tetracaine-induced biphasic structure–functional alterations were investigated in acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-associated membrane vesicles from the electric organ of Torpedo californica. Enzyme assays showed that tetracaine exhibits a biphasic effect on the activity of membrane-bound AChE: increasing it at low concentrations ( 12 mM). Fluorescence-polarization experiments demonstrated that tetracaine affects the fluidity of lipid hydrocarbon chains of these membranes in a biphasic manner: increasing it at 20 mM. This small molecule also alters the fluidity of the negatively charged lipid head group: increasing it at 13 mM. The positively charged lipid head group is unaffected. Contrasting effects on AChE activity with changes in membrane fluidity showed that [tetracaine] for AChE activity is comparable to that for the fluidity of the negatively charged lipid head group (12 mM versus 13 mM), but lower than that for a biphasic effect on the fluidity of lipid hydrocarbon chains (12 mM versus 20 mM). Differential scanning microcalorimetry showed that, due to membrane protein–lipid interaction, the lipid-phase transition temperature ( t ml ) is higher for AChE-associated membrane vesicles than for isolated lipids from these membranes. An overall disordering of the membranes by tetracaine, as inferred from the lowering of t ml , was also demonstrated. These findings suggested that binding of tetracaine to the lipid polar head group and membrane protein–lipid interaction may contribute to a higher [tetracaine] in inducing a comparable biphasic effect on membrane fluidity. At high [tetracaine], charge interactions between the tetracaine cation and the negatively charged lipid head group may result in a new lipid phase in the membranes, which could reverse the increase in membrane fluidity, resulting in the observed biphasic effect. Although both tetracaine and alcohol are amphiphilic species, they exhibit distinctive structure–functional effects on the membranes, as shown by comparing the results obtained on tetracaine with those previously reported for alcohol. The present observations may have significant physiological implications and may be of importance in understanding the biochemical effects of tetracaine in correlation with its physiological impact.
The synthesis, characterization and biocompatibility of poly(ester urethane)/polyhedral oligomeric silesquioxane nanocomposites

Abstract The primary goal of this study is to develop a facile and inexpensive synthesis method for a new biodegradable and biocompatible poly(ester urethane) (PEU)/polyhedral oligomeric silesquioxanes (POSS) nanocomposite via in situ homogeneous solution polymerization reaction into prescribed macromolecular structure and properties including improved biocompatibility, thermal and hydrolytic stability, and stiffness and strength. Cell culture studies, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis measurements were used to confirm the structure and property improvements. The results show that the targeted PEU/POSS nanocomposites (which are remarkably different from conventional polymers, polymer nanocomposites and microcomposites) have significant improvements in mechanical properties and degradation resistance at small POSS concentrations (≤6 wt%). The nanocomposites exhibited excellent support for cell growth without any toxicity. POSS concentration did not affect cell adhesion or cell growth, but it significantly changed the surface structure of the PEU into a 3-dimensional matrix with regular pores that may allow cells to better access the growth factors/nutrients, waste exchange, and tissue remodeling. The PEU/POSS nanocomposites were resistant to degradation over a period of six months when exposed to a buffer solution. These desirable characteristics suggest that the nanocomposites may hold great promise for future high-end uses such as in biomedical devices, especially at cardiovascular interfaces.
Legal preparedness for obesity prevention and control: a framework for action.

The Proceedings of the National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control is based on a two-part conceptual framework composed of public health and legal perspectives. The public health perspective comprises the six target areas and intervention settings that are the focus of the obesity prevention and control efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This paper presents the legal perspective. Legal preparedness in public health is the underpinning of the framework for the four “assessment” papers and the four “action” papers that are integral to the application of public health law to any particular health issue. In addition, this paper gives real-world grounding to the legal framework through examples that illustrate the four core elements of legal preparedness in public health that are at work in obesity prevention and control.
Flexibility and regularity properties of the asymptotically ideal production model

This paper uses simulations to investigate the ability of the Asymptotically Ideal Model(AIM) to approximate unknown technologies. AIM was proposed by Barnett and Jonas (1983) as an expansion which could approximate any indirect utility or cost function arbitrarily well at all prices. By applying AIM to simulated data, we fmd a significant improvement in prediction by higher orders of AIM relative to the generalized Leontief and the translog. The largest error in approximating some CES technologies with AIM is 125 times smaller than that of the generalized Leontief and we find a translog approximation error 1000 times that of AIM in others. We also fmd that non-negativity constraints used by Barnett, Geweke, and Wolfe (1991) to impose concavity on the model greatly restrict the flexibility of AIM, even when all the inputs are substitutes.
Road sign detection by clustering the EMD based interest points

This paper addresses an important issue — automatic road traffic signs detection and recognition in natural scenes, which is accomplished in the three following stages: interest points detection, clustering of those points and similarity search. At the first stage, good discriminative, rotation and scale invariant interest points are selected from the image edges based on the 1-D empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Then stable local features related to the brightness and color are extracted using Gabor filter and the detected points are clustered to find the possible candidate road signs or the region of interests (ROIs). We propose a two-step unsupervised clustering technique, which is adaptive. Finally, a fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (JTC) technique is used for matching the unknown signs with the existing known reference road signs in the database. The presented framework provides a novel way to retrieve a road sign from the natural scenes.
Identification of β-endorphin-(6–17) as the principal metabolite of des-tyrosine-γ-endorphin (DTγE) in vitro and assessment of its activity in neurotransmitter receptor binding assays

Abstract Des-tyrosine-γ-endorphin (β-endorphin-(2–17); DTγE) lacks direct in vitro activity at dopaminergic receptors, but does inhibit in vivo [ 3 H]spiperone binding in various rat brain areas. The principal objective of these studies was to test the hypothesis that DTγE may exert its selective, neuroleptic-like activity through an active metabolite. Accordingly, DTγE was incubated at 37°C in a whole rat brain homogenate of neutral pH after which samples were prepared for HPLC analysis. The major, heat-stable metabolite of DTγE was identified as the clinically active, β-endorphin related fragment, β-endorphin-(6–17). The β-endorphin sequences 4–17, 5–17, 10–17, 12–17 and 2–16 were also present but in minor amounts. Identical results were obtained studying DTγE metabolism using rat striatal tissue slices. Neurotransmitter receptor binding experiments showed that β-endorphin-(6–17) was inactive at central dopaminergic, serotonergic, muscarinic, benzodiazepine and opiate receptors measured in vitro. Thus, like DTγE, β-endorphin-(6–17) differs from classical neuroleptics in that it does not inhibit in vitro [ 3 H]spiperone binding in the corpus striatum, frontal cortex or mesolimbic areas of the rat brain. It may be that DTγE and β-endorphin-(6–17) exert their selective neuroleptic-like activity through an indirect inhibition of central dopaminergic activity, possibly in combination with an in vivo antagonism of the postsynaptic dopamine receptor.
Induction of acute corneal allograft rejection by alpha-2 interferon

A 38-year-old man who underwent corneal transplantation in 1973 for treatment of a keratoconus is described. In 1982, hairy cell leukemia was diagnosed and he was treated with splenectomy followed by chlorambucil and androgen therapy. In April 1984, treatment with alpha-2 interferon was begun, and two weeks later, evidence of acute corneal allograft rejection developed. The allograft rejection responded to temporary discontinuation of alpha-interferon and the administration of topical corticosteroid. Treatment with interferon was resumed, and he has subsequently had no clinical evidence of rejection. Although the mechanism of antineoplastic activity of alpha-interferon in hairy cell leukemia is unknown, the observations described in this report suggest that clinically important immune phenomena may occur in patients undergoing interferon therapy.
Traction-induced fracture of a central venous pressure catheter.

Abstract This report cites an instance of fracture of a central venous pressure catheter induced by forceful traction on the external portion. Using the pervenous snare technique, the resultant catheter embolus was recovered under fluoroscopic guidance.
Pulmonary diffusing capacity, membrane diffusing capacity, and capillary blood volume in children with intractable asthma with and without chronic overinflation of the lungs

Abstract Regression equations for pulmonary diffusing capacity (D LCO ) were computed from data obtained on sixty-nine normal boys and fifty-seven normal girls, between the ages of 6 and 15. Similarly, equations were computed for pulmonary membrane diffusing capacity (D MCO ) and capillary blood volume (Vc) from data obtained on forty-five normal boys and thirty-one normal girls. Ten children with intractable asthma with chronic overinflation had an increased pulmonary diffusing capacity and a markedly increased membrane diffusing capacity. These changes from the normal are statistically significant. The capillary blood volume is less than predicted but the difference is not statistically significant. Increased pulmonary diffusing capacity is a summation of a moderate increase in pulmonary surface area due to overinflation and a greater decrease in membrane thickness. Six children with intermittent overinflation had higher than predicted values for diffusing capacity and membrane diffusing capacity which were not significantly different, while the values for capillary blood volume were the same as the predicted. Ten children without overinflation had values the same as the predicted for diffusing capacity, membrane diffusing capacity, and capillary blood volume. Overinflation with increased surface area and thinner membranes does not appear to be affected by treatment with steroid drugs.
TRUCK PERFORMANCE CURVES REFLECTIVE OF TRUCK AND PAVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

The paper utilizes a linearly increasing variable power vehicle dynamics model to develop the TRUCKSIM software for the modeling of truck acceleration behavior along grade sections. The TRUCKSIM software is demonstrated to produce truck performance curves that are consistent with the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) procedures for a 120kg/kW(200lb/hp) truck equipped with radial tires traveling on a fair asphalt surface (Pavement Serviceability Index between 1.5 and 3.0). Using the software, the sensitivity of truck performance curves to roadway and truck characteristics are quantified. Subsequently, truck performance curves that are reflective of in-field truck characteristics are developed. These truck performance curves are intended to enhance the HCM procedures in locating truck climbing lanes.
Computing with prepositions: Fuzzy semantics

Following the Computing With Words, in its wider sense, this paper examines the treatment of prepositions with fuzzy logic. In particular, the paper looks at the treatment of two prepositions, in and on, from both the theoretical perspective and that of a text sample analysis. We have shown that the fuzzy analysis of prepositional meaning is helpful for its formal and computational representation, while skirting the thorny issue of the cognitivist metaphorization of abstract meanings of prepositions.
Mechanisms of tetracycline and rifampicin resistance inBacteroides fragilis mutants obtained by ionizing radiation

Based on a dose-survival curve, a radiation dose of 3.99 C/kg was used to induce antibiotic-resistant mutants inBacteroides fragilis. Escherichia coli B/r membrane fragments were employed as a reducing agent. Antibiotic-resistant mutants ofB. fragilis were utilized to study the mechanism by which these organisms become resistant to selected chemotherapeutic agents. Decreased accumulation of tetracycline by resistant mutants ofB. fragilis suggests that the resistance to this antibiotic is associated with the outer membrane permeability. There is a marked difference in the inhibitory action of rifampicin on RNA polymerase activity in rifampicin-sensitive and-resistant strains ofB. fragilis. This enzyme is, therefore, the likely target for inhibition of bacterial growth in this anaerobe by rifampicin.
The WPA Guides: Mapping America

In 1935 the FDR administration put 40,000 unemployed artists to work in four federal arts projects. The main contribution of one unit, the Federal Writers Project, was the American Guide Series, a collectively composed set of guidebooks to every state, most regions, and many cities, towns, and villages across the United States. The WPA arts projects were poised on the cusp of the modern bureaucratization of culture. They occurred at a moment when the federal government was extending its reach into citizens' daily lives. The 400 guidebooks the teams produced have been widely celebrated as icons of American democracy and diversity. Clumped together, they manifest a lofty role for the project and a heavy responsibility for its teams of writers. The guides assumed the authority of conceptualizing the national identity. In The WPA Guides: Mapping America Christine Bold closely examines this publicized view of the guides and reveals its flaws. Her research in archival materials reveals the negotiations and conflicts between the central editors in Washington and the local people in the states. Race, region, and gender are taken as important categories within which difference and conflict appear. She looks at the guidebook for each of five distinctively different locations -- Idaho, New York City, North Carolina, Missouri, and U.S. One and the Oregon Trail--to assess the editorial plotting of such issues as gender, race, ethnicity, and class. As regionalists jostled with federal officialdom, the faultlines of the project gaped open. Spotlighting the controversies between federal and state bureaucracies, Bold concludes that the image of America that the WPA fostered is closer to fabrication than to actuality. Christine Bold is director of the Centre for Cultural Studies and an associate professor of English at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario.
Sleep disorders and associated medical comorbidities in active duty military personnel

STUDY OBJECTIVES Describe the prevalence of sleep disorders in military personnel referred for polysomnography and identify relationships between demographic characteristics, comorbid diagnoses, and specific sleep disorders. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING Military medical treatment facility. PARTICIPANTS Active duty military personnel with diagnostic polysomnogram in 2010. MEASUREMENTS Primary sleep disorder rendered by review of polysomnogram and medical record by a board certified sleep medicine physician. Demographic characteristics and conditions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), anxiety, depression, and pain syndromes determined by medical record review. RESULTS Primary sleep diagnoses (n = 725) included: mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 207 (27.2%); insomnia, 188 (24.7%); moderate-to-severe OSA, 183 (24.0 %); and paradoxical insomnia,39 (5.1%); behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome, 68 (8.9%) and snoring, 40 (5.3%) comprised our control group. Short sleep duration (< 5 h) was reported by 41.8%. Overall 85.2% had deployed, with 58.1% having one or more comorbid diagnoses. Characteristics associated with moderate-to-severe OSA were age (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.03 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.0-1.05], sex (male) (adjusted OR, 19.97 [95% CI, 2.66-150.05], anxiety (adjusted OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.34-0.99]), and body mass index, BMI (adjusted OR 1.19 [95% CI, 1.13-1.25]; for insomnia, characteristics included PTSD (adjusted OR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.31-3.44]), pain syndromes (adjusted OR, 1.48 [95%CI, 1.01-2.12]), sex (female) (adjusted OR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.12-0.41]) and lower BMI (adjusted OR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87, 0.95]). CONCLUSIONS Service-related illnesses are prevalent in military personnel who undergo polysomnography with significant associations between PTSD, pain syndromes, and insomnia. Despite having sleep disorders, almost half reported short sleep duration. Multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of military personnel with sleep disorders and service-related illnesses are required. CITATION Mysliwiec V; McGraw L; Pierce R; Smith P; Trapp B; Roth BJ. Sleep disorders and associated medical comorbidities in active duty military personnel. SLEEP 2013;36(2):167-174.
Prevalence of vocal fry in young adult male American English speakers.

Summary The purpose of this study was to assess possible gender differences in the prevalence of vocal fry in the voices of young male college students. Results were compared with previously published findings derived from a matched sample of female speakers. Thirty-four male college students, native American English speakers, produced speech samples in two speaking conditions: (1) sustained isolated vowel /a/ and (2) reading task. Data analyses included perceptual evaluations by two licensed speech-language pathologists. Results showed that vocal fry was perceived significantly more frequently in sentences than in isolated vowel productions. When vocal fry occurred in sentences, it was detected significantly more often in sentence-final position than in initial- and/or mid-sentence position. Furthermore, the prevalence of vocal fry in sentences was significantly lower for male speakers than has previously been reported for female speakers. Possible physiological and sociolinguistic explanations are discussed.
Cellular mechanisms underlying growth asymmetry during stem gravitropism.

Plant stems respond to gravitropic stimulation with a rapid, local and reversible change in cell growth rate (elongation), generally on both the upper and lower sides of the stem. The cellular and biochemical mechanisms for this differential growth are reviewed. Considerable evidence implicates an asymmetry in wall pH in the growth response. The strengths and weaknesses of the wall "loosening enzyme" concept are reviewed and the possibility of expansin involvement in the bending response of stems is considered. Also discussed is the possibility that wall stiffening processes, e.g. phenolic coupling driven by oxidative bursts or altered orientation of newly deposited cellulose, might mediate the growth responses during gravitropism.
Notes and lectotypification of some type specimens of Sisyrinchium (Iridaceae)

Type specimens of Hydastylus borealis, H. brachypus, Olsynium inflatum, Sisyrinchium inalatum, and S. sarmentosum have been located and are discussed; lectotypes are selected.
A population balance framework for nucleation, growth, and aggregation

Abstract Nucleation, growth, and aggregation for particulate systems are explored by distribution kinetics and population balances to build a new framework for understanding a range of natural and manufacturing phenomena. Nucleation is assumed to follow classical homogeneous theory or to be caused by heterogeneous nuclei added to the solution. Growth due to monomer addition from solution to clusters, and aggregation between clusters are both represented by integrals of the cluster distribution. When growth and aggregation rate coefficients are independent of cluster size, the population balance equations are readily solved by the moment method. Equations for steady-state well-mixed flow and unsteady-state closed (batch) vessels have relatively straightforward solutions. By incorporating solute (monomer) depletion, the results afford reasonable behavior for the cluster number and mass concentration. The monomer addition terms are shown to be consistent with (and a generalization of) conventional differential growth and growth dispersion expressions.
Anti-inflammatory dose doxycycline for the treatment of rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial condition that has traditionally been treated with topical therapies, oral antibiotics or both. The use of oral antibiotics at conventional doses can lead to antimicrobial resistance, alterations in the balance of normal microflora and potentially serious side effects. Anti-inflammatory dose doxycycline is a novel approach to the treatment of rosacea that separates the anti-inflammatory effects of doxycycline from its antimicrobial properties by limiting plasma concentrations to a range below the minimal inhibitory concentrations of susceptible bacteria. This review describes the evidence supporting the use of anti-inflammatory dose doxycycline in the treatment of rosacea, explores its mechanism of action and considers its place in therapy.
Dehydrogenation of n-alkanes catalyzed by iridium 'pincer' complexes: Regioselective formation of α-olefins

The development of methods for the functionalization of alkanes is of cardinal importance in catalytic chemistry. A specific functionalization of particularly great potential value is the conversion of n-alkanes to the corresponding 1-alkenes ({alpha}-olefins) since these serve as precursors for a wide range of commodity-scale chemicals (>2 {times} 10{sup 9} kg/yr). Such a conversion is also an intriguing challenge as viewed from a fundamental perspective. n-Alkanes are the simplest organic molecules with the potential to undergo regioselective transformations; {alpha}-olefins are the thermodynamically least stable of the corresponding double-bond isomers and any mechanism for their formation must presumably involve activation of the strongest bond (primary C-{single_bond}H) in the molecule.
Political Power and Health Inequalities in Vieques, Puerto Rico

The relationship between political power and the various pathways to health inequalities in Vieques, Puerto Rico, is explored. The U.S. Navy used the island for 62 years for bombing and other military exercises. The article focuses on the resulting changes to the island's socioeconomic positioning and the health inequalities over six decades. Secondary data analysis of census data using a revised World Health Organization model is used to examine the relationships of political power, labor markets, employment, material deprivation, social and family networks, and health inequalities. Findings are interpreted through a social justice lens and implications suggest the use of political advocacy for social change.
Autonomous segmentation of human action for behaviour analysis

To correctly understand human actions, it is necessary to segment a continuous series of movements into units that can be associated with meaningful goals and subgoals. Recent research in cognitive science and machine vision has explored the perceptual and conceptual factors that (a) determine the segment boundaries that human observers place in a range of actions, and (b) allow successful discrimination among different action-types. In this project we investigated the degree to which specific movements effectively predict key sub-events in a broad range of actions in which a human model interacts with objects. In addition, we aimed to create an accessible tool to track human actions for use in a wide range of machine vision and cognitive science applications. Results from our analysis suggest that a set of basic movement cues can successfully predict key sub-events such as hand-to-object contact, across a wide range of specific tasks, and we specify parameters under which this prediction might be maximized.