cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methylation of ribosomal proteins in HeLa cells.

Abstract The in vivo post-translational methylation of individual ribosomal proteins has been studied. Methylation was detected by: (1) 3 H labeling of cells incubated with a mixture of [ Me - 3 H]methionine plus [ 35 S]methionine, the incorporation of the 3 H-labeled amino acid methionine being corrected by the 35 S uptake, (2) 3 H incorporation from [ Me - 3 H]methionine during inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide, and (3) amino acid analysis. A minimum of seven methylated ribosomal proteins were detected. The levels of methylation differed among several proteins (and possibly between two sites of the same protein) in relationship to suppression of protein synthesis or ribosome formation. The methylation of some ribosomal proteins (most of Nos. 30, 62, 63 and part of 18 and 42) occurred on ribosomes that were being processed, i.e., it was inhibited when ribosome formation was suppressed with actinomycin D. The methylation of other ribosomal proteins occurred in mature ribosomes (protein No. 38 and apparently another site of 42), as it was not suppressed by actinomycin D. In another experiment cells were both pulsed with [ Me - 3 H]methionine and chased with an excess of non-radioactive methionine during suppression of protein synthesis (in the presence of cycloheximide); when protein synthesis was allowed to recover protein 18 was preferentially labeled (methylated), in the continued presence of an excess of non-radioactive methionine. The level of methylation of protein 30 as well as one site of protein 42, both apparently methylated during ribosome processing, seemed to increase in the absence of protein synthesis. The methylation of protein 42 in mature ribosomes did not appear to be affected by suppression of protein synthesis. In general, the ribosomal proteins which appeared to be methylated in nascent ribosomes contained methyllysine, while methylarginine was found in those methylated in mature ribosomes.
Accessibility of surface to gases diffusing inside macroporous media

A method for measuring flow porosity with values from 35 to 100% of the open porosity measured is described. The accuracy of electrical conductivity measurement to obtain net diffusibilities was verified for media containing at least 75% of pore volume with radii greater than five mean free paths. It is pointed out that long dead-end pores feeding into larger diameter flow pores can contribute to the effective diffusion coefficient inside porous media, and methods of estimating their length and maximum possible contribution to diffusion are described.
Approximating thermo-viscoelastic heating of largely strained solid rubber components

Abstract Mechanically induced viscoelastic dissipation is difficult to compute when the constitutive model is defined by history integrals. The computation of the viscous energy dissipated is in the form of a double convolution integral. In this study, we present a method to approximate the dissipation for constitutive models in history integral form that represent Maxwell-like materials. The dissipation is obtained without directly computing the double convolution integral. The approximation requires that the total stress can be separated into elastic and viscous components, and that the relaxation form of the constitutive law is defined with a Prony series. A numerical approach often taken to approximate a history integral involves interpolating the history integral’s kernel across a time step. Integration then yields finite difference equations for the evolution of the viscous stresses in time. In the case when the material is modeled with a Prony series, the form of these finite difference equations is similar to the form of the finite difference equations for a Maxwell solid. Since the dissipation rate in a Maxwell solid can be easily computed from knowledge of its viscous stress and the Prony series constants (spring-dashpot constants), we computationally investigated employing a Maxwell solid’s dissipation function to couple thermal and large strain history integral based finite element models of solid rubber components. Numerical data is provided to support this analogy and to help understand its limitations. A rubber cylinder with an imbedded steel disk is dynamically loaded, and the non-uniform heating within the cylinder is computed.
Monday returns and asset pricing

The seasonal patterns observed on Monday stock returns are still unexplained by different asset pricing models. We attempt to fill this gap in the finance literature by using the Fama-French (Journal of Financial Economics 33:3–56, 1993) risk factors to explain the Monday seasonal. The results in the study show that Monday returns are explained by risk factors such as the market return, the size of the firms, and the book-to-market ratios of firms.
Fundamental Aspects of Dilute Acid Hydrolysis/Fractionation Kinetics of Hardwood Carbohydrates. 1. Cellulose Hydrolysis

Previous kinetic modeling and bench-scale demonstration efforts using batch, percolation, or plug-flow reactors for the dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis of cellulose have concluded that glucose yields above 70% of theoretical were not possible. This has been explained to be a result of reactions involving glucose or the cellulose itself in a destructive manner, as well as hydrolyzed soluble oligomers which have been modified chemically so as not to release glucose. However, recently, we have demonstrated that near-quantitative yields of glucose from cellulose can indeed be obtained using a bench-scale shrinking-bed percolation reactor in which an internal spring compresses the biomass as the reaction progresses. The present study was initiated to gain a fundamental understanding of the kinetic sequences involved in these high yields. Three reactor configurations (batch, percolation, and shrinking-bed percolation) were studied using similar hydrolysis severities to begin addressing chemical, physical, and h...
Degenerative Changes in Masseter Muscle Following Injection of Lidocaine : A Histoehemical Study

Changes in suceinic dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase, and phosphorylase activities occurred in masseter muscle by 15 minutes following injeetion of 2% lidocaine. Abolishment of phosphorylase activity suggested an effect on the sarcoplasmic retieulum. Increased staining for succinic dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase activities suggested damage to mitochondria and myofibrils, respectively. Leucine aminopeptidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities appeared in macrophages.
Affective information processing and the assessment of anxiety.

A conceptualization of anxiety as comprising three loosely coupled response systems of overt behavior, verbal report, and physiological activation has proven useful in clinical and theoretical work. With this framework as a starting point, an information-processing approach to the study of emotion is described. Emotions are conceived as affective programs within the brain, with information coded as propositions organized into associative networks. Affective expression results when such a network is accessed and processed, which can occur when a sufficient number of propositions are activated by environmental stimuli and/or internal associations. It is hypothesized that information about the expressive physiology is an integral component of the associative structure, and that processing of the network accordingly results in measurable psychophysiological response. Data from studies of emotional imagery, as well as other areas of research, are reviewed in support of these theories. The utility of this approach for the assessment of anxiety disorders is discussed, and results of clinical studies are presented to suggest that individual differences in accessing and processing emotional information may bear significant implications for prognosis and treatment selection. It is speculated that differences among the anxiety disorders could be interpreted in terms of the degree of cognitive organization of the network, leading to potential refinement of current diagnostic categories. In conclusion, cognitive psychology paradigms are discussed in terms of their application to the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders.
45° slanted fibre Bragg grating design with prism coupled holographic exposure

A holographic technique for forming 45/spl deg/ tilted fibre gratings using two 45/spl deg/-90/spl deg/, -45/spl deg/ fused silica prisms is described. The technique reduces fringe distortion due to the lens effects of the fibre during exposure. Details of the experimental system and grating performance are given.
Mechanical ventilation in an obstetric population: Characteristics and delivery rates

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of obstetric patients who require mechanical ventilation. Study design: A review was conducted of obstetric patients who required mechanical ventilation and who received care at our institutions between 1990 and 1998. Data that were collected included maternal demographics, medical condition that necessitated ventilation, delivery status, duration of ventilation, onset of parturition while receiving ventilation, mode of delivery, and maternal and early neonatal morbidity or death. Results: Fifty-one women were identified; 43 women(84%) received care in the labor and delivery setting. The most common admission diagnoses were preeclampsia/eclampsia (44%), labor/preterm labor (14%), and pneumonia (12%). Forty-three women (86%) were undelivered on admission (mean gestational age, 31.6 weeks). Delivery occurred in 37 women (86%) during their admission; 24 women (65%) underwent cesarean delivery. Eleven women began labor while receiving ventilation; 6 were delivered vaginally. The maternal mortality rate was 14% (7/51 women), and the perinatal mortality rate was 11% (4/37 fetuses). Conclusion: A large number of obstetric patients who receive mechanical ventilation will require delivery because of their condition. Centers that care for such women should form a treatment strategy to coordinate obstetric and medical care for this unique population (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:·549-52.)
On the recent warming of the southeastern Bering Sea shelf

Abstract During the last decade, the southeastern Bering Sea shelf has undergone a warming of ∼3 °C that is closely associated with a marked decrease of sea ice over the area. This shift in the physical environment of the shelf can be attributed to a combination of mechanisms, including the presence over the eastern Bering Sea shelf of a relatively mild air mass during the winter, especially from 2000 to 2005; a shorter ice season caused by a later fall transition and/or an earlier spring transition; increased flow through Unimak Pass during winter, which introduces warm Gulf of Alaska water onto the southeastern shelf; and the feedback mechanism whereby warmer ocean temperatures during the summer delay the southward advection of sea ice during winter. While the relative importance of these four mechanisms is difficult to quantify, it is evident that for sea ice to form, cold arctic winds must cool the water column. Sea ice is then formed in the polynyas during periods of cold north winds, and this ice is advected southward over the eastern shelf. The other three mechanisms can modify ice formation and melt, and hence its extent. In combination, these four mechanisms have served to temporally and spatially limit ice during the 5-year period (2001–2005). Warming of the eastern Bering Sea shelf could have profound influences on the ecosystem of the Bering Sea—from modification of the timing of the spring phytoplankton bloom to the northward advance of subarctic species and the northward retreat of arctic species.
Wound repair after fractionated external beam radiation therapy and concomitant hyperthermia in an experimental rat model.

Background. Fractionated radiation therapy (RT) with adjuvant hyperthermia (HT) is being used in the treatment of cancer with noted clinical success. However, little information regarding wound repair in tissues receiving this combination therapy is available for comparison of surgical risk. Consequently, this study was undertaken to assess the effects of this combined therapy on wound healing by quantitatively evaluating wound repair using tensile strength measurements. Methods. Four treatment cohorts were designated: sham control, RT alone (600 cGy/d for 4 days), HT alone (water bath at 41.8 o C, subcutaneous temperature of 41.0±0.5 o C for 60 minutes on days 1 and 4), and combined RT and HT
Atomic data from the Iron Project LIV. Relativistic calculations for allowed and forbidden fine structure transitions in Fe XX

An extensive set of oscillator strengths (f), line strengths (S) and radiative decay rates (A) for dipole allowed, intercombination and forbidden transitions in Fe XX is presented. Results include 1792 bound fine structure levels of total angular momenta J = 1/2-19/2 of even and odd parities, with 2 ≤ n ≤ 10, 0 < l < 14, orbital angular momenta, 0 < L < 14, and total spin multiplicities 2S+1 = 2,4,6, yielding to about 3.8 x 10 5 allowed and 13,874 forbidden transitions in Fe XX. These results far exceed the available data in literature. The existing data compiled by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) are available for little over one hundred transitions, and the previously calculated data under the Opacity Project includes 75 590 LS multiplets. The present ab initio calculations are carried out in the close coupling approximation using the relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix method for allowed and intercombination E1 transitions. The wavefunction expansion includes 20 fine structure levels of configurations 2s 2 2p 2 , 2s2p 3 , and 2p 4 of the core ion Fe XXI. Computed energy levels are identified spectroscopically using a newly developed procedure based on quantum defects and channel contributions. All 55 observed levels have been identified and are in agreement to much less than 1% with most of the calculated values. Coefficients for radiative decays for the forbidden E2, E3, M1 transitions are obtained through atomic structure calculations including relativistic terms in the Breit-Pauli approximation using the code SUPERSTRUCTURE. The theoretical transition probabilities are compared with available values, with varying degree of agreement.
Adiabatic shear bands in a TI-6Al-4V titanium alloy

Dynamic (γ≈103⧹sec) torsional experiments were performed to investigate the process of initiation and formation of adiabatic shear bands in Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In this study, thin-wall tubular specimens were deformed dynamically in a torsional Kolsky bar (torsional split Hopkinson bar) . Through high-speed photography of a grid pattern previously printed on the specimens outer surface, the local strain and the local strain rate were found to be in the range of 75%–350% and 8.0×104⧹sec, respectively. The width of the shear bands ranged from 12–55 μm. In addition, an array of infrared detectors was employed to measure the local temperature rise during the deformation process. A peak temperature of 440–550°C was found in the various tests. The fracture surface of the shear band material was characterized by (1) regions of elongated dimples within which no second phase particles were observed, and (2) regions with a relatively flat and smeared appearance. There was no clear evidence based either on the appearance of the shear band in SEM or the measured temperature rise to suggest that the material within the shear band had undergone a phase transformation.
Potency enhancement of the κ-opioid receptor antagonist probe ML140 through sulfonamide constraint utilizing a tetrahydroisoquinoline motif

Optimization of the sulfonamide-based kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist probe molecule ML140 through constraint of the sulfonamide nitrogen within a tetrahydroisoquinoline moiety afforded a marked increase in potency. This strategy, when combined with additional structure-activity relationship exploration, has led to a compound only six-fold less potent than norBNI, a widely utilized KOR antagonist tool compound, but significantly more synthetically accessible. The new optimized probe is suitably potent for use as an in vivo tool to investigate the therapeutic potential of KOR antagonists.
Solubilization of beta-amyloid-(1-42)-peptide: reversing the beta-sheet conformation induced by aluminum with silicates.

Abstract Plaques are one of the two lesions found in the brain of patients with Alzheimer disease. Using a synthetic peptide corresponding to rat beta-amyloid-(1-42) (beta A4), circular dichroism (CD) analyses were performed to examine the effect of Na4SiO4 on the conformational state produced by Al3+. A previous study on fragments of neuronal proteins involved in tangle formation had shown a conformational transition from a beta-pleated sheet to a soluble random coil upon addition of Na4SiO4. In the present study, CD measurements showed that the beta-pleated sheet conformation of beta A4 induced by Al3+ was reversed to the random coil soluble form by the addition of Na4SiO4. The tight binding of SiO4(4-) with Al3+ provides the mechanism for this transition. These results provide insight into the role of aluminum in the Alzheimer diseased brain and suggests that investigation of the use of silicates as a therapeutic agent.
Reorganization free energies for long-range electron transfer in a porphyrin-binding four-helix bundle protein.

To explore the possibility of electron transport in a recently designed four-helix bundle protein (Cochran, F. V.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 1346), we have computed the reorganization free energy for (i) oxidation of a single Ru−porphyrin cofactor and (ii) electron self-exchange between two Ru−porphyrin cofactors binding to the solvated protein. Sampling the classical electrostatic energy gap for 20 ns, we find that the fluctuations are well described by Gaussian statistics and obtain reorganization free energies of 0.90 ± 0.04 eV for oxidation and 1.36 ± 0.08 eV for self-exchange. The latter is 0.1−0.2 eV higher than the experimental estimate for interprotein electron self-exchange in cytochrome b5. As in natural electron carriers, inner-sphere reorganization is very small, 88 meV for self-exchange between two model cofactors computed at the density functional level of theory. Decomposing the outer-sphere reorganization free energy, we find that the solvent (aqueous ionic solution) is the prima...
Study of neurovascular coupling in humans via simultaneous magnetoencephalography and diffuse optical imaging acquisition

Abstract By combining diffuse optical imaging (DOI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) we investigate neurovascular coupling non-invasively in human subjects using median-nerve stimulation. Previous fMRI studies have shown a habituation effect in the hemodynamic blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response for stimulation periods longer than 2 s. With DOI and MEG we can test whether this effect in hemodynamic response can be accounted for by a habituation effect in the neural response. Our experimental results show that the habituation effect in the hemodynamic response is stronger than that in the earliest cortical neural response (N20). Using a linear convolution model to predict hemodynamic responses we found that including late neural components (≥ 30 ms) improves the prediction of the hemoglobin response. This finding suggests that in addition to the initial evoked-response deflections related to the talamic afferent input, later cortical activity is needed to predict the hemodynamic response.
Neurological distribution of processing resources underlying language comprehension

Using a cross-modal lexical priming technique we provide an on-line examination of the ability of aphasic patients to construct syntactically licensed dependencies in real time. We show a distinct difference between Wernicke's and Broca's aphasic patients with respect to this form of syntactic processing: the Wernicke's patients link the elements of dependency relations in the same manner as do neurologically intact individuals; the Broca's patients show no evidence of such linkage. These findings indicate that the cerebral tissue implicated in Wernicke's aphasia is not crucial for recovering syntactically licensed structural dependencies, while that implicated in Broca's aphasia is. Moreover, additional considerations suggest that the latter region is not the locus of syntactic representations per se, but rather provides the resources that sustain the normal operating characteristics of the lexical processing system---characteristics that are, in turn, necessary for building syntactic representations in real time.
Plane wave diffraction from a small half-sphere mounted on a large conducting body

Using image theory and the scattering solution for a sphere, the plane wave scattering by a small, perfectly conducting half-sphere on a conducting plane is obtained first. The scattered field can then be identified as that radiated from a combination of electric and magnetic dipoles on the plane. Equating these dipole fields to the corresponding radiation dipoles, we can solve for the induced scattering dipole moments. These moments can now be used to obtain the scattering of a small half-sphere mounted, for example, on large cones spheres, cylinders etc., provided the simpler problem of radiation dipoles on the large bodies has been solved first.
The long-term down-regulation of dihydropyridine receptors by Bay K 8644 in PC12 cells

Treatment of PC12 cells with Bay K 8644 for 12 hr or more leads to an almost 80% decrease in the subsequent ability of Bay K 8644 to stimulate the uptake of radioactive calcium into the cells. This effect is a property of the S(-)isomer of Bay K 8644; pre-treatment with the R(+)isomer, now known to be a calcium channel blocker, has the opposite effect. This treatment is specific in that it does not interfere with the stimulation of calcium uptake by potassium, ATP, or nerve growth factor. Such treatment is accompanied by a 90% decrease in the ability of Bay K 8644 to stimulate the release of norepinephrine. The characteristics of the binding of [3H]isradipine to control and to treated cells indicates that the decrease in the effect of dihydropyridines is accompanied by a marked decrease in the number of dihydropyridine binding sites with no apparent change in the affinity of the remaining sites. The continued ability of depolarizing levels of potassium to stimulate calcium uptake and the induction of the protooncogene c-fos in Bay K 8644-treated cells indicates that the L-type calcium channels are still intact, but are simply unresponsive to dihydropyridine agonists.
Reconfigurable Functional Units for Scientific Superscalar Processors

As it becomes more difficult to increase single-threaded performance, focus on multi-core processor designs increases. However, individual core performance is still important, especially for long-executing applications such as in scientific computing. Based on scientific application needs as modeled by SPEC-FP and a set of applications from Sandia National Labs, we have created several different reconfigurable functional unit (RFU) designs for superscalar multi-processor supercomputers. This paper discusses the design process and evaluates the RFUs' ability to implement instruction dataflow graphs from scientific workloads. Our best-performing RFU design is able to implement 89% of the dataflow graphs in the benchmarks.
Effects of Amplifier Type (Single-Ended Vs. Differential) and Electrode Placement on Early Auditory Evoked Potentials

The effects of amplifier type (single-ended versus differential) and electrode location on early auditory evoked potentials were investigated in normally hearing subjects. Each subject was tested with six electrode combinations using 70 dB nHL clicks. One differential recording was made for each subject by placing the non-inverting (A+), inverting (A-), and common (C) electrodes on the vertex, ipsilateral neck, and contralateral neck, respectively. Five single-ended recordings were obtained from each subject. One electrode (positive) was situated on the vertex, whereas the second electrode (negative) was variously placed on (1) ipsilateral mastoid, (2) ipsilateral neck, (3) seventh cervical vertebra, (4) ipsilateral wrist, and (5) lower forehead. Because the vertex-lower forehead montage yielded identifiable responses in only one of 13 subjects, this condition was omitted from data analyses. No statistically significant latency or amplitude differences were observed among the remaining five electrode combinations for Waves I, III, or V. These data suggest that any of the five electrode combinations may be used for recording early auditory evoked potentials. Moreover, it is important to note that the single-ended recordings can yield auditory evoked potentials comparable to conventional differential recordings.
Make-Believe rituals: Reflections on the relationship between archaeology and education through the perspective of a group of children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Este ensayo reporta sobre investigaciones entre un grupo de ninos escolares brasilenos que fueron entrevistados para ver como ellos consideraban la arqueologia, como su conocimiento del pasado afecta su comprension del presente, y como su experiencia del presente les informa su vista del pasado.
The UNIVAC SHORT CODE

The UNIVAC SHORT CODE, the first example of a high level programming language actually intended to be used with an electronic computer was proposed by John W. Mauchly in July 1949. SHORT CODE was implemented as an interpreter by W.F. Schmitt and was first run on UNIVAC I Serial 1 in 1950. A revised version prepared in 1952 by A.B. Tonik and J.R. Logan still exists and is described with some examples. Some of Mauchly's thoughts on programming at that time are set forth in a previously unpublished fragment attached as an appendix.
Tolerance to physiological calcium by isolated myocytes from the adult rat heart; an improved cellular preparation.

Abstract The preparation of isolated adult rat heart myocytes able to tolerate physiological calcium concentrations is described. The use of tissue culture medium as the buffer for the enzymic perfusion and digestion of the heart and, subsequently, not exposing isolated myocytes to temperatures below room temperature, proved necessary for the preparation of isolated myocytes able to maintain integrity in the presence of 2 mM calcium. After 60 minutes, 85 percent of the myocytes incubated at 37° with 2 mM calcium exclude the dye trypan blue. Levels of ATP and related compounds, although depressed, were maintained for an extended period. Oxidation of glucose and pyruvate was greater and succinate oxidation lower in calcium-resistant mycoytes compared to myocytes not resistant to calcium. The two types of myocytes were equally rapid in converting succinate to malate. Oxygen utilization increased following the addition of calcium. Myocytes demonstrated both Pasteur and Randle effects and responded to plasma levels of insulin by increasing glucose oxidation. This is the first report of isolated adult rat heart myocytes able to tolerate millimolar calcium concentrations in physiologic medium.
Performance and iodine metabolism of dairy cattle with iodine131 irradiation injury.

Abstract Four mature cows and six growing heifers were given single oral doses of 160–220 μ c I 131 kilogram body weight after preliminary measurements of thyroid I 131 uptake, thyroid secretion rate, and metabolism of daily tracer levels of I 125 . Radiation doses to the thyroids were calculated as 12,000 to 27,000rad. One cow and the identical twins of the six heifers were used as controls. Within ten days, blood plasma I 125 concentrations of I 131 -treated heifers abruptly rose to three times control values, then dropped sharply. The elevated plasma I 125 levels, most likely from release by damaged thyroids of previously stored I 125 , were accompanied by increased urinary and fecal I 125 excretions. Thyroid activity six months later was reduced, as shown by average decreases of 64% in plasma protein-bound iodine, 80% in thyroid I 131 uptake, and 56% in thyroid secretion rate. Three cows calved 15, 123, and 136 days after each had received 100 mc of I 131 . The 15-day calf was a cretin, with no detectable thyroid activity, the 123-day calf died just after birth, and the 136-day calf was apparently normal. Surviving animals exhibited varying degrees of hypothyroidism six months after treatment. Low milk yields of the laetating cows and growth of the cretin calf were improved by feeding iodinated casein.
Experimental Pharmacodynamics and Analgesic Efficacy of Liposome-Encapsulated Hydromorphone in Dogs

The purpose of this study was to determine the experimental side effects of liposome-encapsulated hydromorphone (LE-Hydro) in beagles and to evaluate LE-Hydro analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomies (OVH). Beagles were injected subcutaneously with 1-3 mg/kg LE-Hydro or 0.1 mg/kg hydromorphone. Dogs were evaluated for sedation, temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate. OVH dogs were injected with 2 mg/kg LE-Hydro subcutaneously or 0.2 mg/kg morphine and 0.05 mg/kg acepromazine intramuscularly. Side effects of LE-Hydro were within clinically acceptable limits. The analgesic efficacy was superior in dogs administered LE-Hydro at 12 hr postsurgically. LE-Hydro provided adequate, durable analgesia in dogs undergoing OVH.
Relative alpha intensities of several actinide nuclides

Abstract The relative intensities of alpha groups in the decays of 233U, 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Am have been measured with a high-resolution semiconductor detector. Isotopically enriched and essentially massless sources, prepared by an electromagnetic isotope separator, were used in this investigation. All spectra were recorded at low geometries, in order to reduce distortions in alpha intensities due to alpha-electron coincidence summing and had resolutions (fwhm) of ∼13 keV. For all of the nuclides studied, intensities have been measured with higher accuracies than previously reported. The intensities of the 240Pu alpha groups obtained in this work are significantly different from the literature values. For other nuclides, our intensities agree with previous measurements.
Perturbative Treatment of Pairing Forces in Many-Fermion Systems

A noncanonical transformation that allows perturbative techniques to be applied to the pairing force problem is introduced. The lowest-order eigenvalue equation gives the standard results for both strong and weak coupling. (auh)
Modelling estuarine eutrophication in the context of hypoxia, nitrogen loadings, stratification and nutrient ratios

Abstract Estuarine eutrophication is a serious ecological and economic problem. Hypoxic waters resulting from decomposing phytoplankton in stratified bottom-waters are often associated with estuarine eutrophication, with the degree of the phytoplankton accumulation and subsequent decomposition corresponding to the phytoplankton's density in the overlying water. In general, high phytoplankton densities occur when nutrient availability is high enough to maintain the phytoplankton population. High nutrient availabilities generally result from high nutrient loads entering estuaries from their watersheds. Therefore, the co-occurrence of stratified bottom-waters and high nutrient loadings predisposes estuaries to developing hypoxic bottom-waters. This paper presents a multinominal logistic regression model that predicts the status of estuaries as normoxic, borderline hypoxic, hypoxic and severely hypoxic based on nitrogen loadings, salinity stratifications and «phosphorus to nitrogen» load ratios. The model was applied to 10 US Gulf of Mexico estuaries and it correctly assigned eight of the 10 estuaries to their correct eutrophication status. Summaries of each estuary's probabilities for being normoxic, borderline hypoxic, hypoxic or severely hypoxic are presented along with their modelled responses to changes in nutrient loadings. Other model results include nutrient loading reductions associated with moving hypoxic and severely hypoxic estuaries into the normoxic and borderline status. This estuarine eutrophication model follows previously developed eutrophication models for lakes which were based on similar premises and have been successfully used to develop management policies. The estuarine eutrophication modelling approach provides a platform for evaluating nutrient reduction management strategies in the context of an estuary's modelled response to proposed nutrient reductions. Therefore, the modelling approach presented here is offered in support of developing management policies concerning estuarine eutrophication.
A novel real‐time polymerase chain reaction method for high throughput quantification of small regulatory RNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are important players of both transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing networks. In order to investigate the functions of these small regulatory RNAs, a system with high sensitivity and specificity is desperately needed to quantitatively detect their expression levels in cells and tissues. However, their short length of 19-24 nucleotides and strong similarity between related species render most conventional expression analysis methods ineffective. Here we describe a novel primer for small RNA-specific reverse transcription and a new TaqMan technology-based real-time method for quantification of small RNAs. This method is capable of quantifying miRNA and siRNA in the femtomolar range, which is equivalent to ten copies per cell or fewer. The assay has a high dynamic range and provides linear readout of miRNA concentrations that span seven orders of magnitude and allows us to discriminate small RNAs that differ by as little as one nucleotide. Using the new method, we investigated the expression pattern of gma-miRMON1, a novel miRNA identified from soybean leaves. The results were consistent with our results obtained from Northern blot analysis of gma-miRMON1 and Affymetrix microarray analysis of the gma-miRMON1 precursor, suggesting that the new method can be used in transcription profiling.
Conducting a Teaching Experiment With a Gifted Student

In this study, the teaching experiment methodology is used to observe firsthand a gifted student’s mathematical learning and reasoning. A series of teaching experiments was conducted with 1 gifted and 1 average 7th-grade student to investigate how the gifted student’s mathematical concepts and operation constructions differed from those of the average student. The teaching experiment approach provides opportunities for gifted and average students to be challenged by immersion in various advanced mathematical topics. The data analysis provides evidence that the gifted student was more adept at applying mathematical ideas to unfamiliar problems. As a result of being able to see mathematical patterns and to think abstractly, the gifted student was able to use analytical, deductive, and inductive reasoning to solve problems in more flexible and creative ways than the average student.
Inflammation and Fibrosis during Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection Is Regulated by IL-1 and the NLRP3/ASC Inflammasome

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen associated with atypical pneumonia, and it has been suggested as a trigger or promoter of several chronic inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and atherosclerosis. The β form of IL-1 (IL-1β) is a proinflammatory cytokine released by many cell types and is an important mediator of inflammation during infection. IL-1β production is a tightly controlled process that includes regulation at multiple levels and typically requires two distinct signals for activation and release. In this study, we investigated the ability of C. pneumoniae to induce IL-1β secretion. We found that C. pneumoniae was unique among the other Chlamydia species tested in its ability to potently induce secretion of mature IL-1β from unprimed bone marrow-derived macrophages during a productive infection. TLR2 was required for induction of pro–IL-1β, whereas the NLRP3/ASC was required for caspase-1 activation and pro–IL-1β cleavage to produce mature IL-1β. Caspase-1 cleavage was independent of endogenous ATP release, but required potassium flux, lysosomal acidification, and cathepsin B release. We further investigated the role of IL-1 in host defense against C. pneumoniae-induced pneumonia using mice deficient in the type I IL-1R. Although the IL-1R−/− mice developed an inflammatory infiltrate, the number of infiltrating neutrophils was lower, whereas there was evidence of increased infiltrating fibroblasts and mesenchymal cells and more lung fibrosis. We conclude that C. pneumoniae directly activates the NLRP3/ASC inflammasome, leading to the release of biologically active IL-1β, and that concurrent IL-1 signaling is required for optimal host defense against acute bacterial pneumonia.
Analyzing multicomponent receptive fields from neural responses to natural stimuli

The challenge of building increasingly better models of neural responses to natural stimuli is to accurately estimate the multiple stimulus features that may jointly affect the neural spike probability. The selectivity for combinations of features is thought to be crucial for achieving classical properties of neural responses such as contrast invariance. The joint search for these multiple stimulus features is difficult because estimating spike probability as a multidimensional function of stimulus projections onto candidate relevant dimensions is subject to the curse of dimensionality. An attractive alternative is to search for relevant dimensions sequentially, as in projection pursuit regression. Here we demonstrate using analytic arguments and simulations of model cells that different types of sequential search strategies exhibit systematic biases when used with natural stimuli. Simulations show that joint optimization is feasible for up to three dimensions with current algorithms. When applied to the responses of V1 neurons to natural scenes, models based on three jointly optimized dimensions had better predictive power in a majority of cases compared to dimensions optimized sequentially, with different sequential methods yielding comparable results. Thus, although the curse of dimensionality remains, at least several relevant dimensions can be estimated by joint information maximization.
Zebrafish semaphorin Z1a collapses specific growth cones and alters their pathway in vivo

The semaphorin/collapsin gene family encodes secreted and transmembrane proteins several of which can repulse growth cones. Although the in vitro activity of Semaphorin III/D/Collapsin 1 is clear, recent analyses of two different strains of semaphorin III/D/collapsin 1 knockout mice have generated conflicting findings. In order to clarify the in vivo action of this molecule, we analyzed sema Z1a, a zebrafish homolog of semaphorin III/D/collapsin 1. The expression pattern of sema Z1a suggested that it delimited the pathway of the growth cones of a specific set of sensory neurons, the posterior ganglion of the lateral line, in zebrafish. To examine the in vivo action of this molecule, we analyzed (1) the pathways followed by lateral line growth cones in mutants in which the expression of sema Z1a is altered in an interesting way, (2) response of lateral line growth cones to exogenous Sema Z1a in living embryos, and (3) the pathway followed by lateral line growth cones when Sema Z1a is misexpressed by cells along their normal route. The results suggest that a repulsive action of Sema Z1a helps guide the growth cones of the lateral line along their normal pathway.
Complex Magnetic Permeability and Dielectric Permittivity of Ferrites in Millimeter Waves

We report a first-time study of complex magnetic permeability and dielectric permittivity of 99% pure powdered barium cobalt ferrite (Ba2Co2Fe12O22) and pure solid barium hexaferrite ceramics (BaFe12O19) in a broadband millimeter-wave frequency range. We performed transmittance measurements using a free-space quasi-optical millimeter-wave spectrometer, equipped with a set of high-power backward-wave oscillators as sources of tunable coherent radiation at each Q-, V-, and W-frequency band. We calculated frequency dependences of complex permittivity for both types of ferrites using analysis of recorded high-precision transmittance spectra and obtained frequency dependences of the magnetic permeability from Schlomann's equation for partially magnetized ferrites.
Automated programming for bioinformatics algorithm deployment

Summary: Many bioinformatics solutions suffer from the lack of usable interface/platform from which results can be analyzed and visualized. Overcoming this hurdle would allow for more widespread dissemination of bioinformatics algorithms within the biological and medical communities. The algorithms should be accessible without extensive technical support or programming knowledge. Here, we propose a dynamic wizard platform that provides users with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for most Java bioinformatics library toolkits. The application interface is generated in real-time based on the original source code. This platform lets developers focus on designing algorithms and biologists/physicians on testing hypotheses and analyzing results. Availability: The open source code can be downloaded from: http://bcl.med.harvard.edu/proteomics/proj/APBA/ Contact: [email protected]
Ecological Aesthetics Design: Presenting a Framework for Product Aesthetics

We have utilized the principles of ecological psychology in general, and its concept of “direct perception” (Gibson, 1966) in particular, to develop the Ecological Aesthetics Design (EAD) framework to explain how the ecology of a consumer influences his aesthetic judgment of a product. In the EAD framework, we have identified three ecologies (physical, socio-cultural and experience), which together, inform and influence a consumer's aesthetic judgment. Furthermore, based on findings from affective sciences, we show that aesthetic judgment itself is a form of direct perception, which actually is a nonconscious mode of gleaning a product's attributes (quality, function, etc.) through its appearance. The EAD approach provides a much needed framework for product designers to systematically determine the aesthetic requirements of a product for a specific group of consumers whose tastes, dispositions and attitudes are shaped by their ecology.
Preloaded guidewires to facilitate endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm using a physician-modified branched stent graft

Branched stent grafts have been widely applied to treat complex aortic aneurysms. The technique often requires brachial or axillary approach to provide antegrade access to directional branches, which are bridged to target visceral arteries by self-expandable stent grafts. Preloaded guidewire catheterization may facilitate access into directional branches, decreasing or eliminating catheter manipulations required during this step of the procedure. We describe the use of a physician-modified branched stent graft using preloaded guidewire catheterization to treat a patient with recurrent, type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The procedure was performed with no complications, and total operative time was 300 minutes, fluoroscopy time was 81 minutes, and iodinated contrast dose was 210 mL. Computed tomographic angiography revealed no endoleak and widely patent branches at 2 months.
Structural aspects of copper catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract Structural features of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with bidentate, tridentate and tetradentate nitrogen based ligands commonly used in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were extensively reviewed and discussed based on several spectroscopic techniques. Complexing ligands included 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4′-di(5-nonyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (dNbpy), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), N-propyl(2-pyridyl)methanimine (NPrPMI), 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tpy), 4,4′,4″-tris(5-nonyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tNtpy), N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA), N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)octylamine (BPMOA), 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (HMTETA), tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN), tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (TPMA) and 1,4,8,11-tetraaza-1,4,8,11-tetramethylcyclotetradecane (Me4CYCLAM). Additionally, structures of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (BPMA), tris[2-aminoethyl]amine (TREN) and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (CYCLAM) were discussed. The structures were found to depend on the complexing ligand, solvent and temperature.
Predicting Rime Ice Accretion on Airfoils

A method for predicting the droplet impingement and resulting rime ice accretion on airfoils in an incompressible, inviscid flowfield is presented. The governing equations for the water droplet trajectories are described briefly and the appropriate similarity parameters presented. Droplet impingement parameters are described for both monodisperse and arbitrary droplet size distributions. A time-stepping ice accretion process is presented where the flowfield and droplet impingement characteristics are updated periodically to model the time-dependent nature of the process. The method compares well to experimental results of both droplet impingement and rime ice shapes. The time stepping improves the accuracy of the ice shape predictions. Recommendations are given for further research.
The frequency dependence of Q in the Earth and implications for mantle rheology and Chandler wobble

For most solids the ‘high temperature background’ attenuation dominates at low frequencies and temperatures greater than about one-half the melting temperature. It is likely to be important in the mantle at seismic frequencies. The same mechanism also contributes to transient creep at low stresses and low total strains. A relaxation spectrum is found which satisfies the frequency dependence of laboratory Q and the time dependence of transient creep data. This makes it possible to provide a physical interpretation of the parameters in Jeffrey's modified Lomnitz creep function. Q is predicted to increase as ω^α in the lower Q regions of the mantle. At high and low frequencies Q should increase as ω and ω^(−1), respectively. The location of the ω^α band depends on temperature and therefore shifts with depth. At high temperatures, seismic waves are on the low-frequency side of the absorption band and Q decreases with frequency. Far from the melting point and at sufficiently high frequencies Q should increase linearly with frequency. We use Chandler wobble, tidal and free oscillation data to estimate that α is ∼ 1/5 to 1/3, consistent with laboratory measurements of transient creep and internal friction at high temperature. A preliminary attempt is made to estimate the transient creep response of the mantle from Q measurements. The inferred viscosity agrees well with direct measurements. The effect of anelasticity is to lengthen the calculated period of the Chandler wobble by 5-20 days, depending on the Chandler wobble Q. A Q of 300 for the wobble, which is within the experimental uncertainty of recent determinations, gives the observed period after correcting for the effect of the oceans.
Data Driven Patient Safety and Clinical Information Technology

Healthcare information technology has improved the business of healthcare with mixed results for its impact on the delivery of care itself. As industry and regulatory pressures to improve the quality and safety of care through the reduction of preventable harms, it becomes imperative to align information systems to (a) collect real-time clinical data with patient care workflows and (b) provide quality and patient safety teams (and other stakeholders) easy access to meaningful process and outcomes data. To accomplish this, hospitals and other healthcare organizations must adopt emerging practices from the science of high reliability organizations (HROs). In addition, they must employ and adapt clinical IT systems to facilitate real-time collection, analysis and feedback of performance (on multiple levels) with data directly from care. An example, Project Emerge, from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, is presented.