cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Information Available on Fire and Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States

Wildland managers need detailed information about the responses of invasive species to fire and the conditions that increase site invasibility in order to effectively manage fire without introducing or increasing populations of invasive plants. Literature reviews and syntheses of original research are important sources of this information, but the usefulness of a review is limited by the quantity, quality, and geographic coverage of information available when it is written. This study analyzed the information available for 61 syntheses published in the Fire Effects Information System ( www.fs.fed.us/database/feis ) between 2008 and 2011, covering 74 species of invasive plants in the eastern United States. The study focused especially on the origin of information available in source documents, particularly whether or not it was based on actual observations. We found that observation-based information available on fire and eastern invasive species was sparse, typically came from a small portion of the species’ North American range, and had many other limitations. Nine of the 61 reviews contained no observation-based information on fire at all. Observations of postfire abundance of invasive species were constrained by inconsistent metrics and short postfire time frames, making it difficult for reviewers to assess patterns or evaluate the relevance of the research to long-term fire effects and land management strategies. More high-quality information is needed for fire managers to avoid exacerbating problems with invasive plant species. Long-term studies are needed that compare burned and unburned sites, evaluate postfire changes in plant communities, and report burning conditions and fire parameters. Reviews and syntheses of research can be improved by not only identifying patterns and knowledge gaps, but also by reporting the geographic areas represented by studies cited and hedging information so that readers can assess its quality and applicability to local management issues. Managers need to recognize the limitations of scientific information, monitor results of their management programs for consistency with reports in the literature, and adapt plans for future work based on an integration of science-based knowledge and experience.
Design and evaluation of a versatile single board computer for embedded applications in scientific instrumentation

Abstract A single board computer has been developed for embedded applications in scientific instrumentation. The single board computer developed can be used for various purposes in scientific laboratories for instrument control and data acquisition. An application of the single board computer to a photodiode array detector system for liquid chromatography is described.
Visible light and x-ray ray tracing of generalized cylinders

Abstract A new algorithm for ray tracing generalized cylinders whose axis is an arbitrary three-dimensional space curve and whose cross-sectional contour can be varied according to a general sweeping rule is presented. The main restriction placed on the class of generalized cylinders that can be ray-traced is that the sweeping rule of the generalized cylinder must be invertible. This algorithm handles a broader class of generalized cylinders than any other reported ray tracer. It has been integrated into a general geometric modeling system that can render objects utilizing visible light as well as simulated X rays. Generalized cylinders are often used in modeling systems because they compactly represent objects. Many commonly occurring objects including snakes, horses, airplanes, flower vases, and organs of the human abdomen such as the stomach and liver can be described naturally and conveniently in terms of one or more generalized cylinder primitives. By extending the class of generalized cylinders that can be conveniently modeled, the presented algorithm enhances the utility of modeling systems based on generalized cylinders. X-ray images of the internal bone structure of a knee joint and a visible light image of a fan blade assembly are presented.
Comparison of successful and failed alcohol septal ablations for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This report describes 2 patients who underwent alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In 1 patient, the procedural outcome was excellent; in the other, it was poor due to injection of the wrong septal perforator branch. Echocardiography demonstrated the results of successful and failed alcohol septal ablation on ventricular septal anatomy and outflow tract gradient. ••• We compared successful alcohol septal ablation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to a failed procedure in which the midportion of the ventricular septum was infarcted without relief of the dynamic outflow tract gradient. These 2 cases emphasize the importance of using myocardial contrast echocardiography to properly identify the site of septal ablation
STARS OF SMALL MASS IN THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE SUN

A few years ago, van de Kamp made a list of all known stars within five parsecs of the sun.1 This list contained 42 single, double, and multiple systems composed altogether of 60 individual stars, including the sun and five unseen companions. One of the five has since been directly observed (Ross 614[B]).2 Since the immediate neighborhood of the sun provides the most complete data for intrinsically faint stars, it is of interest to make use of this list for a statistical study. Indeed, several conclusions can be thus derived from this list as we shall see presently. In Table I we give the numbers of stars of different types counted directly from van de Kamp's list, which is believed to be nearly complete down to visual absolute magnitude 17. The stars
Effects of esophageal pressure monitoring on sleep architecture.

Esophageal pressure (Pes) monitoring can be performed during polysomnography with a thin, water-filled catheter connected to a transducer. The resulting quantitative assessment of respiratory effort aids in the diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders, but little is known about the potential effect of the procedure on sleep architecture. We monitored Pes during polysomnography in 155 patients and compared their sleep architecture with that of 155 matched patients who slept without esophageal catheters. Cases were matched for age, sex, and severity of respiratory disturbance during sleep. Esophageal manometry was associated with small but statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrements in total recording time, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, percent Stage 2 sleep, and percent rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, and with increases in latency to REM sleep, latency to persistent sleep, and percent Stage 3/4 sleep. The differences were of such small magnitude that their clinical significance is doubtful....
Glycoproteins released by Leishmania donovani: immunologic relationships with host and bacterial antigens and preliminary biochemical analysis.

SYNOPSIS. The antigenically active glycoproteins (AAGP) released by Leishmania donovani strain 3S promastigotes into growth media and by amastigotes of this strain into the tissues, e.g. blood, of infected hamsters was found to consist of 6 to 7 antigenically distinct components. The antigenic activity of these glycoproteins was resistant to freeze-thawing, protease treatment, and purification by column chromatography using Sephadex G-100. This activity, however, was destroyed by Na periodate and altered by boiling; AAGP adhered firmly to Amicon filter (UM2). The antigenically active substances absorbed UV at 230, 260, 280 nm and gave positive Folin phenol, phenol sulfuric acid, and orcinol reactions. By gel diffusion, the component glycoproteins were found to form lines with concanavalin A and to give reactions of identity and partial identity with human red cells and Mycobacterium butyricum. The possible involvement of the antigenically active glycoproteins in pathogensis of kala azar is discussed.
Lateral Stability Simulation of a Rail Truck on Roller Rig

The development of experimental facilities for rail vehicle testing is being complemented by analytic studies. The purpose of this effort has been to gain insight into the dynamics of rail vehicles in order to guide development of the Roller Rigs and to establish an analytic framework for the design and interpretation of tests to be conducted on Roller Rigs. The work described here represents initial efforts towards meeting these objectives. Generic linear models were developed of a freight car (with a characteristic North American three-piece truck) on tangent track. The models were developed using the generalized multi body dynamics software MEDYNA. Predictions were made of the theoretical linear model hunting (lateral stability) characteristics of the freight car, i. e., the critical speeds and frequencies, for five different configurations: (a) freight car on track, (b) the freight car's front truck on the roller stand and its rear truck on track, (c) freight car on the roller rig, (d) a single truck on track, and (e) single truck on the roller stand. These were compared with the Association of American Railroads' field test data for an 80-ton hopper car equipped with A-3 ride control trucks. Agreement was reached among all the analytical models, with all models indicating a range of hunting speeds of 2% from the highest to lowest. The largest discrepancy, approximately 6%, was indicated between the models and the field test data. Parametric study results using linear model of freight truck on the roller rig show that (a) increasing roller radius increases critical speed (b) increasing the wheel initial cone angle will decrease the hunting speed (c) increasing the roller cant increases hunting speed (d) decrowning of the wheelset on the rollers will not effect the hunting speed but induces longitudinal destabilizing horizontal forces at the contact and (e) lozenging of wheelset on the rollers induces a yaw moment and the hunting speed decreases with increasing wheelset yaw angle.
Virtual in vivo biopsy map of early prostate neoplasm in TRAMP mice by MRI.

BACKGROUND The noninvasive, early detection of Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN), a precancerous neoplasia of the prostate, would be highly desirable. In our experiments, we used TRAMP mice to model PIN in the range of grade 1 through grade 4. METHODS Contrast enhanced pixel-by-pixel R1 mapping of the prostate was used to detect areas with the different prostate neoplasia grades. After anesthesia, Gd(ABE-DTTA) was injected I.V. A series of MRI images with varying TI were then acquired to create R1 maps in a 2 mm transversal tomographic slice that included the prostate. After euthanasia and the excision of the prostate, a 2 mm slice, corresponding to the tomographic slice, was selected and prepared for histological analysis. The microscopic sections of this slice were scanned and analyzed along with the R1 maps. The R1 values were normalized to that measured in muscle tissue in each individual mouse to account for possible variations among the mice in contrast agent uptake (R1norm). The R1norm values and the histological grades in the corresponding areas were correlated. RESULTS A significant difference was found between the R1norm values measured in areas with grade 1–2 versus those observed in areas with grades 3–4. Also, a significant correlation was found between the area size of the ROIs differentiated by MRI, and those determined by histology. CONCLUSION This method has the potential for early noninvasive detection of developing prostate cancer. Prostate 69:449–458, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization and use of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to examine β-amyloid exchange in the blood-brain barrier

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by excessive cerebrovascular deposition of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). The investigation of Aβ transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been hindered by inherent limitations in the cellular systems currently used to model the BBB, such as insufficient barrier properties and poor reproducibility. In addition, many of the existing models are not of human or brain origin and are often arduous to establish and maintain. Thus, we characterized an in vitro model of the BBB employing human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) and evaluated its utility to investigate Aβ exchange at the blood-brain interface. Our HBMEC model offers an ease of culture compared with primary isolated or coculture BBB models and is more representative of the human brain endothelium than many of the cell lines currently used to study the BBB. In our studies, the HBMEC model exhibited barrier properties comparable to existing BBB models as evidenced by the restricted permeability of a known paracellular marker. In addition, using a simple and rapid fluormetric assay, we showed that antagonism of key Aβ transport proteins significantly altered the bi-directional transcytosis of fluorescein-Aβ (1–42) across the HBMEC model. Moreover, the magnitude of these effects was consistent with reports in the literature using the same ligands in existing in vitro models of the BBB. These studies establish the HBMEC as a representative in vitro model of the BBB and offer a rapid fluorometric method of assessing Aβ exchange between the periphery and the brain.
Order reduction via balancing and suboptimal control of a fuel cell – Reformer system

Abstract In this paper we first perform system balancing of an eighth-order mathematical model of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) dynamic coupled with a tenth-order mathematical model of a hydrogen gas reformer. Based on that information we determine reduced-order mathematical models of the original eighteen-order model by eliminating state variables that have negligible contribution to the model dynamics. Having obtained the reduced-order models, we study their step and impulse responses, and compare them to those of the original full-order model. In addition, we design corresponding suboptimal feedback controllers based on the reduced-order models. Comparing the obtained suboptimal controllers (that require a reduced number (only six or even five) of feedback loops making them easy for implementation) we find that their suboptimal performances are very close to the optimal performance of the full-state optimal feedback controller. It is important to emphasize that the full-order state feedback controller requires the same number of the feedback loops as the dimension of the original full-order state space model (in this case eighteen), which makes it complex and sometimes impractical to implement.
Effects of Pt on the elastic properties of B2 NiAl: A combined first-principles and experimental study

Abstract First-principles calculations were performed to investigate the effects of Pt addition on the elastic properties of B2 NiAl. By correlating single-crystal elastic constants with point defect concentrations in the context of the Wagner–Schottky model, a general equation is proposed to calculate elastic properties of ternary B2 NiAl–Pt alloys as a function of alloy composition, in which the defect formation parameters were obtained from first-principles supercell calculations. At constant Al content, the calculations showed that the addition of Pt to B2 NiAl will increase its bulk modulus B but decrease both its shear moduli C′ and C44. Results from the model calculations were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements on polycrystalline samples, as well as direct first-principles calculations on special quasirandom structures.
Arts and Craft: Implementing an Arts-Based Development Strategy in a “Controlled Growth” County

This study examines the partnership between local growth machines and the arts. Specifically, it focuses on the nine-year struggle over the construction of a performing arts/hotel resort complex on a large tract of central California coastal property. Through interviews with key persons connected with the project, and through analyses of campaign literature and other archival sources, this case study attempts to provide empirical evidence for the thesis that construction of arts facilities in commercial real estate projects is used to blunt opposition to development. Implications of the findings are discussed in light of recent work on the arts/growth machine alliance, neighborhood mobilization against development, and the symbolic politics of land-use disputes.
Characterizing Pulmonary Surfactant Peptide and Lipid Interactions with Various Spectroscopic Techniques

In vitro studies of pulmonary surfactant peptides in vesicles of mixed lipid composition are examined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. As KL4, a 21 residue mimetic of surfactant protein B (SP-B), has been used to restore lung compliance and promote gaseous exchange in premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); and has served as a model in elucidating the mechanism by which lipids are trafficked to and from the air-fluid interface of alveoli. Here we utilize a pyrene phospholipid analog to investigate the effect of KL4 on lipid organization and acyl chain dynamics by monitoring changes in excimer-to-monomer (Ie/Im) ratio. This experiment probes the environment of the hydrophobic core of DPPC/POPG and POPC/POPG liposomes. An average decrease of ∼27-40% and ∼0-10% in Ie/Im was observed in the DPPC/POPG and POPC/POPG LUVs, respectively, with increasing peptide concentration (0.5 to 5 mol%). This decrease is directly proportional to a lowered probability of excimer formation, which is highly dependent on proximal interactions of an excited monomer with a pyrene moiety at ground state. The ability of the peptide to modify membrane fluidity properties was studied via anisotropy measurements of a rhodamine-labeled phospholipid. A steady increase in the order was observed in the DPPC/POPG liposomes with relatively constant fluorescence intensity, while collisional quenching was observed in the POPC/POPG liposomes. Further studies were performed on the SP-B N and C-terminal constructs for correlation with NMR and EPR observations, and proposed mechanisms of peptide-mediated lipid trafficking.
The 3-phase oscilloscope as an harmonic analyzer

The distinguishing feature of the 3-phase oscilloscope is its deflection system which provides deflections along three axes separated 120 degrees in space. When sinusoidal 3-phase currents flow in such a deflection system a rotating flux field of constant magnitude and constant angular velocity is produced as in a 3-phase induction motor. The flux field intensity is proportional to the maximum instantaneous current and the rate of revolution is equal to the frequency. This rotating magnetic field causes the beam spot of the cathode-ray tube to describe a circle having a diameter proportional to the current magnitude.
Relationship Between California Mastitis Test Reaction and Leucocyte Count, Catalase Activity, and A-esterase Activity of Milk from Opposite Quarters

Abstract Relationships between the California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores and leucocyte count, catalase activity, and A-esterase activity of milk samples taken from opposite quarters of the same udder were compared. A total of 1,122 comparisons was made, in which the opposite quarters either differed or were the same in CMT reaction. The difference between paired values showed that as the severity of the CMT reaction increased, the leucocyte count, catalase activity, and A-esterase activity also increased. These differences suggest that all positive CMT scores should be considered as evidence of abnormal milk. The arithmetic average leucocyte count per ml of samples showing the various CMT reactions were negative, 64,700; trace, 113,300; one, 394,000; two, 1,700,000; and three, 7,000,000. The average catalase activity (% O 2 ) was negative, 8.7%; trace, 12%; one, 25.9%; two, 55.1%; and three, 82.9%. Average A-esterase activity values were negative, 60.9; trace, 60.9; one, 66.9; two, 85.9; and three, 145.6.
Creating a market for reduced carbon monoxide emissions from mobile sources

Abstract Marginal cost curves are developed for carbon monoxide abatement from mobile sources through the use of a hypothetical incentive program. Highway toll discounts are provided to drivers who install abatement devices beyond those required to comply with state emissions standards. With participation rates and toll demand derived from data on the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey, marginal costs would be $78 per ton CO to abate emissions from current stationary sources, and would require a toll discount of $0.015 per toll. Marginal costs increase due to the inelastic demand for transportation services (tolls) from the Parkway.
What Influences Offenders’ Willingness to Serve Alternative Sanctions?:

Previous research has revealed gender and racial differences in offenders’ perceptions of the severity of prison compared to alternative sanctions. This research extends that literature by examining the relative impact of demographic, correctional experience, and attitudinal indicators on the amount of probation, community service, and boot camp that male and female prison inmates will endure to avoid 1 year of actual imprisonment. Results highlight differences in perceptions of the relative severity of alternative sanctions among prisoners and identify factors that contribute to these differences. Implications for correctional policy and practice are discussed.
Genetic interactions in induction of endogenous murine leukemia virus from low leukemic mice

Abstract The frequency of ecotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV) production in cells induced with halogenated pyrimidines has been investigated in several low leukemic strains of mice. Very few BALB/c or C57BL/6 (B6) induced embryo cells produce MuLV; this low frequency increases 10 to 50 fold in cells of the BALB/c × B6 F1 hybrid. Data from back-crosses of the F1 hybrid to each parent and from BALB/c × B6 recombinant inbred strains indicate that the phenotype of enhanced MuLV production results from interaction of two unlinked loci, dominant (+/+) alleles of which are carried by either parent. Genetic tests with BALB/c × B6 recombinant inbred strains confirm this two-locus model. The loci are designated Inc-1 and Inb-1 to signify their phenotypic detection by induction and the BALB/c or B6 strain of origin, respectively. Examination of hybrids of BALB/c and of B6 with other strains indicates that strains related in pedigree to BALB/c carry Inc-1 , whereas those related to B6 carry Inb-1 . Identification of genetic loci that specifically interact to enhance MuLV production after exposure to halogenated pyrimidines indicates the existence of mechanisms that regulate the induction or intracellular expression of endogenous MuLV.
Cytokine deposition alters leukocyte morphology and initial recruitment of monocytes and γδT cells after corneal injury.

Purpose. An in vivo mouse model reproducibly induces recurrent epithelial erosions in wild-type mice spontaneously 2 weeks after a single 1.5-mm corneal debridement wound made with a dulled blade. When 1.5-mm wounds are made by a rotating burr so that the corneal epithelial basement membrane is removed, corneas heal without developing erosions. Here, we characterize differences in cytokine deposition and changes in leukocytes between 0 and 6 hours after dulled-blade and rotating-burr wounding.
Modes of Solution Used by Children in Concept-Identification Problems

87 nursery school children were exposed to a concept-identification problem in which the salient dimension was either also a relevant or nonrelevant dimension, depending on the condition. Responses to 2 of the stimulus pairs were followed by reinforcement while responses to the remaining 2 pairs were not. After acquisition or overtraining the reversal shift was introduced. Nonoutcome trial behavior was taken to indicate whether a conceptual solution, utilizing only values of the relevant dimension, or a nonconceptual solution, incorporating both the relevant and nonrelevant dimension, was attained. While not having any clear-cut effect on over-all performance, dimensional salience and relevance both affected the proportions of subjects solving conceptually and nonconceptually.
Implementing price increases in turbulent economies: Pricing approaches for reducing perceptions of price unfairness☆

Abstract Consumer frustration over having less money in their pockets and, at the same time facing higher prices for products and services in the marketplace, arises during turbulent economic times (e.g., post-2007). Sellers suffer increased costs and pass along increases by raising prices to consumers. The current article discusses trends in the pricing literature and in practice that sellers utilize in limiting perceptions of price unfairness, particularly when increasing price in turbulent economic times. Specifically, engaging in transparency in pricing by revealing information about price changes to the consumer during poor economic times potentially reduces perceptions of price unfairness. Using industry-common price-setting practices, shrinking product volume, providing automatic rebates promotions, or offering price-matching promotions also likely reduces perceptions of price unfairness.
Global survey of lunar regolith depths from LROC images

Abstract We performed the first global survey of lunar regolith depths using Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) data and the crater morphology method for determining regolith depth. We find that on both the lunar farside and in the nearside, non-mare regions, the regolith depth is twice as deep as it is within the lunar maria. Our data compare favorably with previous studies where such data exist. We also find that regolith depth correlates well with density of large craters (>20 km diameter). This result is consistent with the gradual formation of regolith by rock fracture during impact events.
The Human Metapneumovirus Small Hydrophobic Protein Has Properties Consistent with Those of a Viroporin and Can Modulate Viral Fusogenic Activity

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) encodes three glycoproteins: the glycoprotein, which plays a role in glycosaminoglycan binding, the fusion (F) protein, which is necessary and sufficient for both viral binding to the target cell and fusion between the cellular plasma membrane and the viral membrane, and the small hydrophobic (SH) protein, whose function is unclear. The SH protein of the closely related respiratory syncytial virus has been suggested to function as a viroporin, as it forms oligomeric structures consistent with a pore and alters membrane permeability. Our analysis indicates that both the full-length HMPV SH protein and the isolated SH protein transmembrane domain can associate into higher-order oligomers. In addition, HMPV SH expression resulted in increases in permeability to hygromycin B and alteration of subcellular localization of a fluorescent dye, indicating that SH affects membrane permeability. These results suggest that the HMPV SH protein has several characteristics consistent with a putative viroporin. Interestingly, we also report that expression of the HMPV SH protein can significantly decrease HMPV F protein-promoted membrane fusion activity, with the SH extracellular domain and transmembrane domain playing a key role in this inhibition. These results suggest that the HMPV SH protein could regulate both membrane permeability and fusion protein function during viral infection. IMPORTANCE Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), first identified in 2001, is a causative agent of severe respiratory tract disease worldwide. The small hydrophobic (SH) protein is one of three glycoproteins encoded by all strains of HMPV, but the function of the HMPV SH protein is unknown. We have determined that the HMPV SH protein can alter the permeability of cellular membranes, suggesting that HMPV SH is a member of a class of proteins termed viroporins, which modulate membrane permeability to facilitate critical steps in a viral life cycle. We also demonstrated that HMPV SH can inhibit the membrane fusion function of the HMPV fusion protein. This work suggests that the HMPV SH protein has several functions, though the steps in the HMPV life cycle impacted by these functions remain to be clarified.
Phosphorylation of the cAMP Response Element-binding Protein and Activation of Transcription by α1 Adrenergic Receptors

Activation of α1 adrenergic receptors not only stimulates smooth muscle contraction but also modifies gene expression. We wondered if α1 adrenergic receptors could activate transcription of genes regulated by the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Using Rat1 cells stably transfected with each of the three cloned human α1adrenergic receptor subtypes, norepinephrine strongly stimulated CREB phosphorylation in α1A and α1B but more weakly in α1D-transfected cells. Norepinephrine increased the activity of a somatostatin cAMP-regulated enhancer-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter in these cells. α1 adrenergic receptors are known to activate protein kinase C (PKC) and increase [Ca2+]i. Nonetheless, neither GF109203X, a PKC inhibitor, nor BAPTA-AM, a calcium chelator, blocked phosphorylation of CREB induced by norepinephrine. In addition, α1adrenergic receptor-induced CREB phosphorylation was not mediated via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway because norepinephrine did not stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in these cells. Activation of α1 adrenergic receptors increased cAMP accumulation in these cells. Norepinephrine-induced cAMP-regulated enhancer-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity was inhibited either by expression of the PKA inhibitory peptide or a dominant negative PKA regulatory subunit mutant. These results demonstrate that α1 adrenergic receptors activate the transcription factor CREB by a PKA-dependent pathway.
Complications related to feeding tube placement.

Purpose of reviewBlind placement of a feeding tube can result in serious complications. Given the widespread use of tube feedings, even a small percentage of such problems can affect a significant number of people. The purpose of this review is to describe recent reports of feeding tube placement pr
Interaction of Impaired Coronary Flow Reserve and Cardiomyocyte Injury on Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Without Overt Coronary Artery Disease

Background—Minimally elevated serum cardiac troponin reflects myocardial injury and is associated with increased mortality, even absent coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to investigate the r...
The effects of norepinephrine on myocardial biology: Implications for the therapy of heart failure

Increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in patients with heart failure may help to support cardiovascular function. However, increased SNS activity, particularly if prolonged, may exert deleterious effects on cardiovascular structure and function by stimulating pathologic myocardial remodeling. In vitro, norepinephrine mimics many features of myocardial remodeling, including hypertrophy of individual myocytes and reinduction of fetal genes. Furthermore, stimulation of the beta-adrenergic pathway has been shown to stimulate apoptosis of cardiac myocytes in vitro, in rats infused with isoproterenol, and in mice that overexpress the stimulatory G-protein, Gs. Thus, increased SNS activity, acting via beta-adrenergic receptors, may play an important role in the progression of myocardial failure by acting directly on myocytes and other cell types in the heart to regulate fundamental biologic properties such as growth, apoptosis, and the composition of the extracellular matrix. This thesis provides a mechanism by which beta-adrenergic antagonists may inhibit or reverse pathologic remodeling, improve myocardial structure and function, and prolong patient survival.
GLOBAL VARIATION IN THE DIVERSIFICATION RATE OF PASSERINE BIRDS

Net diversification rates were estimated for samples of primarily tribe-to-family-level clades of passerine birds, taking into account extinction as well as speciation. Two samples were used. The first consisted of 37 clades of primarily temperate North American and primarily tropical South American passerines; the second comprised a global set of 90 clades, each distributed within one or more zoogeographic regions. Circumscription and ages of clades were taken from Sibley and Ahlquist's phylogeny based on DNA hybridization, with updates from more recent sequence analysis. Under a homogeneous speciation (rate = lamda) and extinction (rate = mu) process, the expected number of species (N) after t units of time can be described by the expression, N(t)= [exp(lamda(1 - kappa) t - kappa]/(1 - kappa), where kappa = mu/lamda. A nonlinear least-squares regression for the temperate and tropical American clades with more than one species estimated kappa = 0.938 +/- 0.076 (mean +/- SE), suggesting a high rate of turnover of lineages within clades. Because of the broad confidence limits in kappa, I used values ranging from 0.80 to 0.98 to calculate speciation rates in subsequent analyses, assuming that kappa is uniform among clades and does not vary with latitude. Speciation rate among South American clades exceeded that among North American clades for all kappa, whether monophyletic lineages were included or not. The estimated speciation rate was negatively related to clade age, suggesting that proliferation within clades slows with time. In the global data set, rate of speciation decreased with clade age and increased with the area of the region or regions within which a clade is distributed, and for any given value of kappa the speciation rate was significantly higher in tropical than in temperate regions. Relaxing the assumption of latitude independence in kappa, larger clade size in the tropics could be achieved by various combinations of relative speciation and extinction rates that obscure the underlying causes of global biodiversity patterns. Nonetheless, the results of this analysis clearly indicate that a higher rate of diversification in the tropics contributes to the pervasive latitudinal gradient in diversity observed in passerine birds.
Dispersion and damping of a surface plasmon polariton on a one-dimensional randomly rough metal surface

Abstract By the use of the reduced Rayleigh equation for the amplitude of a surface plasmon polariton on a one-dimensional randomly rough metal surface that is in contact with vacuum, we calculate the dispersion and damping of the surface electromagnetic wave to the lowest nonzero order in the rms height of the surface. It is found that the frequency of the surface plasmon polariton is depressed by the surface roughness. The attenuation of the surface plasmon polariton in the long wavelength limit is due primarily to its scattering into other surface plasmon polaritons, while in the short wavelength limit it is due primarily to its roughness-induced scattering into volume electromagnetic waves in the vacuum. The energy mean free path of the surface plasmon polariton is shorter on a randomly rough metal surface than it is on a lossy planar metal surface, and the surface plasmon polariton is more tightly bound to a rough surface than to a planar one.
Apparent modifiability of receptive fields during accommodation and convergence and a model for size constancy

Abstract The size of Ricco's summation area can be altered by changing accommodation and convergence (A-C). For foveal stimuli of fixed retinal size, the change in Ricco's area is approximately the same as the change in apparent size induced by the A-C factors. As distance from the foveola increases, the A-C effect becomes smaller. However, size constancy is also rapidly lost outside the fovea. Therefore, the changes in Ricco's area and size constancy seem to be correlated for at least two parameters, namely A-C factors and retinal position. Assuming that the Ricco area reflects receptive field size, the effects of retinal position and A-C factors on the Ricco area suggest a model for size constancy.
The Trojan War: A New History – By Barry Strauss

According to the publisher's announcement, this book is the first full military history of the Trojan War, a striking claim for a topic that was long thought to belong to a “fabulous age of Greece ...
Apolipoprotein-E ε-4 is associated with increased neurofibrillary pathology in the Lewy body variant of Alzheimer's disease

Brains from demented patients with both Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and brainstem and neocortical Lewy bodies have fewer neurofibrillary tangles than pure AD, but share with AD an increased apolipoprotein-E epsilon-4 (APOE4) allelic frequency. We applied the Braak and Braak AD neuropathology staging protocol, based on entorhinal and neocortical neurofibrillary pathology, to 40 such Lewy body variants of AD (LBV) and 97 cases of pure AD and compared the results in APOE4 positive and APOE4 negative subgroups. APOE4 was associated with more severe neurofibrillary pathology in LBV but not in pure AD, where a ceiling effect appears to be operative.
Blinded study determination of high sensitivity and specificity microchip electrophoresis-SSCP/HA to detect mutations in the p53 gene.

Knowledge of the genetic changes that lead to disease has grown and continues to grow at a rapid pace. However, there is a need for clinical devices that can be used routinely to translate this knowledge into the treatment of patients. Use in a clinical setting requires high sensitivity and specificity (>97%) in order to prevent misdiagnoses. Single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis (HA) are two DNA-based, complementary methods for mutation detection that are inexpensive and relatively easy to implement. However, both methods are most commonly detected by slab gel electrophoresis, which can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often the methods are unable to produce high sensitivity and specificity without the use of multiple analysis conditions. Here we demonstrate the first blinded study using microchip electrophoresis-SSCP/HA. We demonstrate the ability of microchip electrophoresis-SSCP/HA to detect with 98% sensitivity and specificity >100 samples from the p53 gene exons 5–9 in a blinded study in an analysis time of less than 10 minutes.
Duplication of the bacteriophage lambda cohesive end site: genetic studies.

Abstract A derivative of bacteriophage λ has been isolated that contains a duplication of the cohesive end site. To support this conclusion, the duplicated region has bean recovered by segregation from a lysogen of the duplication strain, and a derivative of the duplication strain was constructed that is heterozygous for the λ genes R and A, which bracket the cohesive end site. Duplication strains show no instability during lysogenization, suggesting that the virus particles each contain a single DNA molecule. During lytic growth, however, the strain is unstable and the duplication is frequently lost, even in the absence of all known recombination systems. Loss of the duplication is ascribed to cleavage of both cohesive end sites by the chromosome maturation system. Thus both cohesive end sites are functional, i.e. capable of being cleaved. No transfer of the duplicated region occurs in the absence of the known recombination systems. Thus, during λ chromosome maturation, cleavage of DNA molecules occurs but rejoining of cleaved molecules does not.
Microscopic imaging with electrogenerated chemiluminescence.

The use of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) at microelectrodes as a light source for scanning optical microscopy is demonstrated. Cone-shaped microelectrodes were constructed by flame etching carbon fibers to a fine point. ECL generated in solution at such electrodes was forced to the apex of the conducting surface by using high-frequency (20-kHz) potential pulses and high concentrations of ECL reagents in the solution. ECL arose from the reaction of 9,10-diphenylanthracene radical cation with the radical anion of benzonitrile, the solvent. The electrode/light source was raster-scanned a finite distance above the sample surface, and images were generated with standard scanning probe software by collecting the transmitted light with a microscope objective. These images compared favorably to optical images of the same sample. A resolution of ∼600 nm was achieved with this arrangement even though a feedback loop was not employed to control the tip distance from the sample. The source was sufficiently...
Introduction: Social Cognition, Psychodynamic Psychology, and the Representation and Processing of Emotionally Significant Information

ABSTRACT This special issue examines two perspectives on how people comprehend and respond to significant features of their lives: psychoanalytic psychology and social cognition. The articles included present new empirical findings relevant to die overlap of psychoanalysis and social-cognitive psychology, as well as commentaries from each perspective. This introduction summarizes important conceptual and methodological challenges in the integration of two such distinct approaches to emotionally significant information.
Habituation of Nystagmus and Sensation ofx Motion After Rotation

The habituation effect of repeated rotatory stimulation on normal young adults was studied. A total of 20 identical rotatory stimulations were applied and the postrotatory nystagmus was registered ...
A note on a method for summarizing unclassified FTE positions and unclassified dollars

A methodology is presented in this paper for summarizing university tenure commitments in terms of faculty positions and unclassified dollars by department or school.
Grain shape, grain boundary mobility and the Herring relation

Abstract Motivated by recent experiments on grain boundary migration in Al, we examine the question: does interface mobility depend on the nature of the driving force? We investigate this question in the Ising model and conclude that the answer is “no.” This conclusion highlights the importance of including the second derivative of the interface energy with respect to inclination γ ′′ in the Herring relation in order to correctly describe the motion of grain boundaries driven by capillarity. The importance of this term can be traced to the entropic part of γ ′′ , which can be highly anisotropic, such that the reduced mobility (i.e., the product of interface stiffness γ + γ ′′ and mobility) can be nearly isotropic even though the mobility itself is highly anisotropic. The cancellation of these two anisotropies (associated with stiffness and mobility) originates in the Ising model from the fact that the number of geometrically necessary kinks, and hence the kink configurational entropy, varies rapidly with inclination near low-energy/low mobility, but slowly near high-energy/high-mobility interfaces, where the kink density is high. This implies that the stiffness is high where the mobility is low and vice versa. Consequently, the grain shape can appear isotropic or highly anisotropic depending on whether its motion is driven by curvature or an external field, respectively, but the mobility itself is independent of driving force. We discuss the implications of these results for interpreting experimental observations and computer simulations of microstructural evolution, where γ ′′ is routinely neglected.
GRID-RELATIONSHIP SCORING USED WITH A REP TEST MODIFICATION

convenience of Personal Constructs should be more se~~ously considered by investigators. A method for eliciting information abouc range of convenience on the grid form of the Rcle Construct Repertory Tesc (Rep Test) is presented, together with a method tor ascertaining relationships among constructs, inferred from grid rating patterns. Questions are raised about other approaches to conceptual organization, within the range of convenience of Personal Construct Theory, in which investigators try to avoid the problem of range of convenience. A modification of the grid form of the Role Construct Repertory Test (Rep Test) was suggested by Kelly (p. 271) in the following statement: 'The assumption which is specific to the grid form of the test is that all the figures fall within the range of convenience of all the constructs. . . . This may not be a good assumption in all cases; it may be that the client has left a void at a certain intersect simply because the construct does not seem to apply, one way or the other."
Experimental determinations of Mueller scattering matrices for nonspherical particles

Measurements have been made to determine all sixteen elements of the Mueller scattering matrix for two types of nonspherical particles. Rounded particles of ammonium sulfate and nearly cubic particles of sodium chloride in the 0.1–1.0-μm size range have been prepared by nebulizing salt water solutions and drying the droplets. Scanning electron micrographs are used to determine size distributions used in Mie calculations of all matrix elements. The expected symmetry of the scattering matrices across the diagonal was confirmed, and the expected eight of the sixteen elements were found to be zero within measurement accuracy. The rounded particles were found accurately to obey Mie theory, while the cubic particles were poorly described by Mie theory for some matrix elements and some angles. Total intensity and linear polarization measurements are presented also for a series of increasing sizes of rounded and cubic particles. A discussion of the effect of nonsphericity on the various matrix elements is given, and applications of these results are given to analysis of particle properties in the laboratory, the clouds of Venus, reflection nebulae, the zodiacal light, and atmospheric particulates.
Sigmoidally Constrained Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Quantal Bioassay

Abstract In quantal bioassay, doses x 1, …, xk of a test substance are administered to n 1, …, nk animal subjects. Let II(x) denote the probability that an arbitrary subject responds in a specified way to a dose x. In this article we consider maximum likelihood estimation of II(x 1), …, II(xk ) subject to the constraint that II is sigmoid. Of particular interest is the nature of II at very small x. Upper confidence bounds for II(x), x ≤ x 1, are discussed. These confidence bounds depend on an inequality that holds when II is convex on [0, x 1]. A test of concavity against the alternative under sigmoidicity, and related tests are discussed. Rejecting concavity requires evidence that II is convex on [0, x 1].
The fine structure of regenerating notochord in anuran tadpoles

Because normal growth as well as successful regeneration of the anuran tadpole tail depend upon outgrowth of the notochord, this process has been studied at the fine structure level to determine the mode of elongation of the regenerating notochord. The present work shows that in Rana pipiens cells at the apical region of the notochord send out numerous filopodia containing microtubules and microfibrils which may align with or attach to fibrillar bundles in the matrix of the fin. These apical cells adhere to each other at “primitive attachment sites” whereas the notochord cells at more anterior levels adhere more closely and show other specialized attachments; desmosomes, intermediate junctions and junctions of the gap or nexus type. A basement membrane is present near the tip, but is not continuous over the apical region. These findings suggest cell motility at the apex and possibly guidance by the fibrillar elements of the matrix. Therefore, the collagen fibers of the fin were examined by light microscopy after a number of fixation and staining procedures. No clearcut evidence of a regular antero-posterior orientation of fibrils in the matrix of the fin which could guide outgrowth was found. Results are considered in connection with experiments on notochord regeneration.