cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave spectroscopy measurements of the gas-phase structure of cyclopentadienyltungsten tricarbonyl hydride

High-resolution microwave spectra for 1 3 C isotopomers of cyclopentadienyltungsten tricarbonyl hydride were measured using a pulsed-beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometer system. The new rotational constants for the 1 3 C isotopomers are combined with the previously obtained rotational constants for normal and deuterium isotopomers to obtain the gas-phase structure of cyclopentadienyltungsten tricarbonyl hydride. The new frequencies for the five unique 1 3 C isotopomers were measured in the 5-7 GHz range for C 5 H 5 W(CO) 3 H. Kraitchman analysis and least-squares structure-fitting procedures were used to determine the structural parameters. The results from the structural fit yielded the W-H bond length, r 0 (W-H) = 1.79(2) A, which agrees very well with the previously reported value, r s (W-H) = 1.79(4) A, obtained with a much smaller data set. The present study also yielded the distance from tungsten to the C 5 H 5 ring, r(W-Cp) = 2.03(1) A, which corresponds to an average W-C (of Cp) bond length of 2.37(2) A. The experimental ring radius for Cp of r(Cp) = 1.20(2) A corresponds to an average cyclopentadienyl C-C bond length of 1.423(4) A. Deviations of near 0.02 A from C 5 symmetry for the W-C bond lengths for the Cp ligand and smaller deviations for the C-C bond lengths were obtained from the DFT calculations, and incorporating these deviations into the least-squares fit improved the standard deviation by a factor of 5. The average bond length from tungsten to the carbonyl carbons is r(W-CO) = 1.97(2) A. Results obtained from the structural fit are in very close agreement with the experimental, Kraitchman analysis values. Results from new DFT calculations are given, with heavy-atom coordinates in very good agreement with experimental values, and a slightly shorter calculated W-H bond length, r e (W-H) = 1.73 A.
Irrelevant relations and the active search for pattern structure in rat serial pattern learning

Hersh (Mem Cogn 2:771–774, 1974) investigated the role of irrelevant relations in college students’ pattern learning and performance for letter series completion problems. He created irrelevant relations in sequences by inserting items to make pattern structure ambiguous such that it was open to multiple interpretations during initial pattern processing. He reported irrelevant relations impaired humans’ performance more when placed at the beginning of patterns than at the end. However, once pattern structure was induced, irrelevant relations were not impairing. Here, we examined the impact on rat serial pattern learning of irrelevant relations positioned at the beginning or end of a serial pattern. Rats pressed levers in a circular array according to the same structured serial pattern, 123 234 345 456 567, where digits indicated the clockwise position of the correct lever. This structured serial pattern was interleaved with repeating responses on lever 2 to produce irrelevant relations at the beginning of the pattern (Beginning: 122232 223242 324252 425262 526272), on lever 6 to produce irrelevant relations at the end of the pattern (End: 162636 263646 364656 465666 566676), or on lever 8 to produce no irrelevant relations (No Irrelevant Relations: 182838 283848 384858 485868 586878. Irrelevant relations significantly retarded learning regardless of their placement within the pattern. However, irrelevant relations retarded learning significantly more when placed at the pattern beginning versus end. The results indicate that rats, like humans, process patterns from beginning to end.
Effects of lesions in the basal ganglia on the retention of two-way active avoidance performance

The effects of lesions in the globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and the parafascicular nuclei of the thalamus on the retention of an active avoidance task were studied. The role of these basal ganglia and thalamic nuclei in the speed of initiating an avoidance response was assessed. Lesions of the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus severely hindered retention performance of a two-way active avoidance response. Parafascicular lesions impaired performance to a lesser degree.
Imaging the subcellular structure of human coronary atherosclerosis using micro–optical coherence tomography

Progress in understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been hindered by our inability to observe cells and extracellular components associated with human coronary atherosclerosis in situ. The current standards for microstructural investigation, histology and electron microscopy are destructive and prone to artifacts. The highest-resolution intracoronary imaging modality, optical coherence tomography (OCT), has a resolution of ~10 μm, which is too coarse for visualizing most cells. Here we report a new form of OCT, termed micro-optical coherence tomography (μOCT), whose resolution is improved by an order of magnitude. We show that μOCT images of cadaver coronary arteries provide clear pictures of cellular and subcellular features associated with atherogenesis, thrombosis and responses to interventional therapy. These results suggest that μOCT can complement existing diagnostic techniques for investigating atherosclerotic specimens, and that μOCT may eventually become a useful tool for cellular and subcellular characterization of the human coronary wall in vivo.
Effective design and new measuring method of small size MO coil

This paper presents the new MO coil design scheme and the new measuring method for the magnetic field intensity of the MO coil
Pollen—pistil interactions during pollen-tube growth

Plant sexual reproduction relies on intimate interactions between the pollen and the pistil. These largely extracellular interactions lead to cellular activities within the pollen, enabling the transport of the male gametes by the pollen-tube growth process to the ovules for fertilization. Recent analyses of pollen surface molecules and extracellular matrix molecules along the pollen-tube growth pathway have produced insights into the molecular and biochemical bases of some of these interactions. These studies, together with the genetic analysis of sexual reproduction, are elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying pollination and fertilization.
Composition of size-fractionated aerosol in Charleston, West Virginia

Atmospheric aerosols were collected for 21 days in summer 1976 at Charleston, West Virginia, using five dichotomous virtual impactor samplers simultaneously. The samplers fractionated the aerosol into two aerodynamic size ranges, a fine ( 3.5 μm) fraction. Physical and chemical composition of the aerosol in each size range was measured by filter weighing (total mass), proton induced gamma-ray analysis (carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur), X-ray fluorescence (elements heavier than magnesium), ion chromatography (sulfate, nitrate and sodium), and ion selective electrode (ammonium). Fine particle sulfur was found to be in the form of sulfate. Less than 1% of fine nitrogen was in the form of nitrate; more than 99% was present as ammonium ion. The high correlation between fine sulfur and nitrogen (r = 0.92) and fine sulfate and ammonium (r = 0.98) and the presence of sulfate and ammonium in the stoichiometric ratio for ammonium sulfate strongly suggest that ammonium sulfate was the main chemical form of fine sulfur and nitrogen. A detailed mass composition was determined for each particle size range, identifying 69 and 60% of the fine and coarse mass, respectively. Ammonium sulfate was the largest single chemical component (411%) of the fine aerosol mass. Carbon was also a large component of both fine and coarse particle mass constituting 16 and 12% respectively. Factor analysis indicated that four factors were sufficient to satisfactorily represent the variance of 26 measured parameters. The factors are characteristic of crustal material, ammonium sulfate, automotive emissions, and an unidentified anthropogenic source or set of sources.
Risperidone pre-treatment reduces the euphoric effects of experimentally administered cocaine

Pre-clinical research implicates dopaminergic neurotransmission as critical in producing the effects of stimulants. Previous stimulant challenge studies using volunteers treated with dopaminergic antagonists have generally failed to demonstrate reduction of subjective effects. We performed this study to determine whether repeated dosing with risperidone reduced the subjective effects of experimentally administered cocaine. Nine non-treatment seeking hospitalized cocaine-dependent volunteers received 40 mg cocaine IV before and following 5 days of treatment with risperidone, 2 mg per day. Risperidone pre-treatment reduced the self-rated 'high' produced by cocaine. Repeated, rather than single, dosing with a D2 antagonist may be necessary to reduce the subjective effects produced by cocaine. The degree of D2 receptor blockade produced by risperidone appears to be greater than the reduction in euphoric effects produced by cocaine, suggesting that mechanisms other than those involving D2 receptors may be important in drug-induced euphoria.
Three new β-carbolines from the bermudian tunicate Eudistoma olivaceum

Abstract Refined separation procedures have facilitated not only the purification of the known eudistomins G, H, I and P, but also the isolation and identification of three new β-carbolines, eudistomins R, S, and T. Excellent resolution of the closely related eudistomins was achieved by use of an amino bonded phase HPLC column structure elucidation was accomplished by spectroanalytical methods.
Composition and Sources of Sand in the Wahiba Sand Sea, Sultanate of Oman

The Wahiba Sand Sea in the Sultanate of Oman is composed of two physiographic units that can be roughly divided into northern and southern regions. The Northern Wahiba is predominantly a large megaridge system, whereas the Southern Wahiba mostly comprises linear dunes, sand sheets, and nabkha fields. Although the dunes of the two regions are of different ages, it has previously been hypothesized that their sands were derived primarily from the same source, namely coastal sands. However, mineralogical, geochemical, and grain–size data in this study suggest that the two regions have different sources. The Northern Wahiba sands have a high composition of mafic minerals and came primarily from local wadis that drain the adjacent Hajar Mountains. One of the prominent wadi sources is presently buried under sands of the Southern Wahiba, eliminating it as a current source of the Northern Wahiba. The Southern Wahiba sands have a more mineralogically mature, quartz–rich composition and are derived from separate sou...
Ionic dependence of bumetanide binding to the rabbit parotid Na/K/Cl cotransporter

The Na/K/Cl-dependent component of the binding of the loop diuretic bumetanide to basolateral membrane vesicles from the rabbit parotid is studied. A Scatchard analysis indicates that this binding is due to a single high-affinity site withK D =3.2±0.3 μm (n=9) at 100mm sodium, 100mm potassium and 5mm chloride. When KCl-dependent22Na transport and tracer [3H]-bumetanide binding are monitored simultaneously as a function of (unlabeled) bumetanide concentration it is found that theK 0.5 for bumetanide inhibition of both processes are identical indicating that the high-affinity bumetanide binding site studied here is identical with a bumetanide-inhibitory site on the Na/K/Cl cotransport system previously identified in this preparation (R.J. Turner, J.N. George and B.J. Baum,J. Membrane Biol. 94:143–152, 1986). High-affinity bumetanide binding exhibits a hyperbolic dependence on both [Na] and [K] consistent with Na/bumetanide and K/bumetanide binding stoichiometries of 1∶1 andK 0.5 values of approximately 33mm for sodium and 23mm for potassium. In contrast, the dependence on [Cl] is biphasic, with bumetanide binding increasing from 0 to 5mm chloride and decreasing toward baseline levels thereafter. Scatchard analysis of this latter inhibitory effect of chloride indicates a competitive interaction with bumetanide in agreement with earlier indications that bumetanide inhibits Na/K/Cl cotransport at a chloride site. However, studies of the effects of various anions on bumetanide binding and22Na transport show a poor correlation between the specificities of these two processes, suggesting that the inhibitory chloride site is not a chloride transport site.
Determination of shallow core level spectra in selected compound semiconductors

Abstract Core level spectra of the M shells of Ga, Ge, As, and Se and of the L shell of S have been obtained from X-ray photoemission measurements on GaAs, GeSe, and GeS. Broadening contributions from the achromatic source, the analyzer momentum window, and the extrinsic losses experienced by the photoemitted electrons in traversing the solid, as well as satellite lines due to K α 3,4 emission, are removed by deconvolution of the data with a measured electron backscatter spectrum convoluted with a source function. The results are compared with theory where available.
Role of extracellular calcium in anoxic injury of mammalian central white matter.

Abstract White matter (WM) of the mammalian brain is susceptible to anoxic injury, but little is known about the pathophysiology of this process. We studied the mechanisms of anoxic injury in WM using the isolated rat optic nerve, a typical central nervous system WM tract. Optic nerve function, measured as the area under the compound action potential, rapidly failed when exposed to anoxia and recovered to 28.5% of control after a standard 60-min period of anoxia. Irreversible anoxic injury was critically dependent on the molar concentration of extracellular calcium [( Ca2+]o); maintaining the tissue in Ca2(+)-free solution throughout the anoxic period resulted in 100% compound action potential recovery. Increasing perfusion [Ca2+] during anoxia from zero to 4 mM resulted in progressively less recovery. As the introduction of the Ca2(+)-free solution was progressively delayed with respect to the onset of anoxia, a graded decrease in recovery of function was observed, suggesting that in WM the deleterious effects of Ca2+ accumulate slowly during anoxia. At the time of reoxygenation, an additional stepwise increase in injury was observed that was also Ca2(+)-dependent. Mammalian WM, which is relatively resistant to anoxic injury compared with gray matter, is damaged by anoxia in a manner that appears to depend on the gradual accumulation of Ca2+ in a cytoplasmic compartment.
The reaction of cyanogen bromide with S-methylcysteine: Fragmentation of the peptide 14–29 of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A

Summary The S-methylated peptide 14–29 of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A is cleaved by cyanogen bromide with the formation of the expected fragments in 88% yield based on the conversion of S-methylcysteine.
Dynamic physical and economic modelling of riparian restoration options

A dynamic simulation framework is used to compare benefit-cost ratios of riparian restoration investment strategies to pursue ecosystem service benefits. The model is meant to be adaptable to generic restoration planning applications, with the Middle Rio Grande riparian corridor in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. presented here as the illustrating case. Model inputs include ecosystem service values from an original choice experiment, values from regional benefit transfer studies, and information from land managers. The model includes three control variable modules: forest management, river restoration, and recreation infrastructure. Investment influences these modules, which in turn affect ecosystem service flows for the region. The model is exercised to compare a ''No-Action'' alternative with ''Optimal Benefit-Cost Ratio'' restoration funding. An extended sensitivity analysis explores a range of both physical and economic assumptions. The analysis has two major outcomes. The first is that directed restoration funding yields significant gains as compared with No-Action for all scenarios tested. The second major finding is that although optimized benefit-cost ratios are above unity for all ''states of the world'' tested, the ratio itself and funding patterns varied widely. These sensitivities underscore the need for a transparent adaptive management decision process supported by tools aimed not at deterministic prediction, but rather at structuring dialogue and inquiry into issues that defy simple intuition.
Endometriosis: medical and surgical intervention

Pregnancy rates with endometriosis-associated infertility may be improved by laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy for moderate to severe disease. Surgery for minimal to mild disease does not increase pregnancy rates. Medical treatment has not been shown to increase fecundity for any stage of the disease. Pregnancy rates with assisted reproductive technology for endometriosis appear to be comparable with those for tubal disease that are also treated with assisted reproductive technology. Medical and surgical treatments for pelvic pain with endometriosis are both effective, but surgery avoids the side-effects associated with drugs and may result in a lower recurrence rate.
948 GENERATION OF CONCANAVALIN A (Con-A)-INDUCIBLE SUPPRESSIVE FACTORS IN ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (ALL)

Leukemic blasts (LB) obtained at diagnosis from 6 non-T, non-B, and 2 T-cell patients with ALL were studied for their ability to suppress or enhance the proliferative capacity of normal allogeneic peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). LB or control lymphocytes (Ly), preincubated at 37°C for 48 hrs with 100 μg/ml Con-A (Ca) or without Con-A (Co), were treated with mitomycin-C. One hundred thousand Ca- or Co-treated LB or Ly were added to 1 × 105 PBL and cultured with or without supernatants of preincubated cultures in the presence of phytohemagglutinin, Con-A, and pokeweed mitogen. The response of PBL in the presence of supernatants from LB or Ly was markedly suppressed for all stimulations (P = <.001). However, in the absence of supernatants, 2 patients with non-T, non-B ALL and 1 T-cell ALL suppressed the PBL response for all mitogens (% suppression range 10-73.9; control range 19.3-81.1). One T cell and 4 non-T, non-B ALL showed enhancement (range 11.6-232.0). We conclude that T-cell factors are bifunctional molecules recognizing the stimulant by one end, selecting the cell type by the other end, leading to suppression or augmentation with their restriction specificity.
Mass transfer in AC electrolysis: extension of a film model to turbulent flow on a rotating hemisphere

Turbulent mass transfer to a rotating hemisphere during AC electrolysis was examined with a film model. The analytical results for the limiting AC current density were compared to the experimental data obtained with sinusoidal, square and triangular wave AC. The limiting AC current density in turbulent flow was found to depend on both the Reynolds number as a dimensionless AC frequency K = (ω/Ω)Sc1/3. The prediction by the film model agreed with the experimental data to within ±15%. For a given root-mean-square of applied AC, the periodic concentration overpotential decreased in the order of quare, sinusoidal, and triangular AC. The phase shift between the applied AC and the concentration overpotential wave decreased with increasing Reynolds number in turbulent flow.
Susceptibility of Isolates of Bacteroides to the Bactericidal Activity of Normal Human Serum

Seventy-one strains of species from the Bacteroides fragilis group, including 46 isolates of B. fragilis, were tested for susceptibility to the bactericidal effect of serum from healthy subjects. Twenty-seven (38%) of the isolates were killed by serum. Isolates from feces were significantly more sensitive to serum than were isolates from patients with clinical infections. Killing of bacteria required heat-labile serum components and was an exponential function of serum concentration. Among the various species tested, B. fragilis was clearly the most resistant to bactericidal activity of serum. These observations may be important to the understanding of infections caused by the B. fragilis group, which contains the anaerobes of greatest clinical importance.
Metanephric development in serum-free organ culture

A new mouse metanephric organ culture system has been developed to study mammalian renal development. The system permits in vitro organotypic differentiation in a serum-free, hormone supplemented medium consisting of Dulbecco’s minimal essential medium (MEM) and Ham’s F12 medium supplemented with insulin, 5 µg/ml; PGE1, 25 ng/ml; T3, 3.2 pg/ml; hydrocortisone, 5 µg/ml; and transferrin, 5 µg/ml. In this system, metanephric development continues morphologically beyond the S-shaped tubule stage. A well differentiated proximal tubule forms with a well defined brush border, specialized intercellular connections, and an apical endocytic network. In addition, a unique devascularized glomerulus, with highly differentiated podocytes surrounding areas of basement membrane, forms entirely from epithelial elements.
Impact of back-gate biasing on ultra-thin silicon-on-insulator-based nanoribbon sensors

In this study, we demonstrated that electrolytes in contact with SOI-based back-gated sensors are complexely coupled to applied back gate biases. Because to this, the liquid voltage modulates the top channel and controls the operating point of the device. This dual gating behavior has strong implications on the performance of both nanoribbon and nanowire sensors.
Conditioning effect of prior reputation on perception of corporate giving

Prior corporate reputation, one responsibility of a public relations department, affects public perceptions toward corporate philanthropic messages and ultimately affects public attitudes toward the company. Using an experiment that emulates the sort of news consumption individuals normally undertake, participants inferred corporate charitable giving as a mutually beneficial activity when a company had a good reputation (H1a). Participants inferred corporate charitable giving as a self-interested activity when the company had a bad reputation (H1b). Also, public inference (suspicion) successfully mediated corporate prior reputation on public attitude toward the company (H2). Participants showed positive attitude toward the company when they inferred the company had an altruistic motive for charitable giving (H3a). However, participants showed negative attitude toward the company when they inferred the company had a self-interested motive for charitable giving (H3b).
Analysis of Site-Specific Folding of Helix-Turn-Helix Proteins with Statistical-Mechanical Models

Isotopically-edited IR spectroscopy can provide detailed site-specific information about the protein folding mechanism. Our equilibrium unfolding studies of two simple helix-turn-helix (hth) proteins revealed complex, heterogeneous processes, which involve structurally diverse ensembles of partially folded intermediates. In order to obtain a consistent picture of the folding mechanism, and insights into its physical origins, it is necessary to connect the sets of site-specific experimental data within a framework of a model, which can explain the observations in terms of the structural and energetic properties of the protein. We have analyzed the experimental data, circular dichroism (CD) and infrared (IR) which included spectra of multiple 13C isotopically labeled variants, for both model hth proteins using Ising-like statistical-mechanical models. We implemented the Munoz-Eaton (ME) model, which can be enumerated exactly using efficient transfer matrix methods, and Galzitskaya-Finkelstein (GF) model in double- and triple-sequence approximation. Model parameters were optimized by simultaneously fitting the complete set of data for each protein. With a single parameter for the contact energy, neither variant was capable of simultaneously fitting all the experimental data. However, with Miyazawa-Jernigan residue-specific potentials the GF models closely reproduced the site-specific unfolding, as well as the CD. The ME model, on the other hand, did not improve. For both model proteins, the results are consistent with the proposed folding mechanism and demonstrate that simple, Ising-like statistical mechanical model for protein folding is capable of correctly reproducing multiple site-specific sets of folding experimental data.
Dyslipidemia in insulin resistance: clinical challenges and adipocentric therapeutic frontiers.

The ever-increasing rates of obesity and diabetes worldwide have the potential to further fuel the epidemic of cardiovascular disease that we are experiencing today. To slow this epidemic successfully, insulin resistance and associated lipid abnormalities that frequently accompany it are key clinical targets. Yet, we are still challenged to reach the mandated clinical goals for lipids that would minimize the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Adoption of a comprehensive approach by clinicians, in line with recent recommendations for stricter treatment goals for the at-risk patient, is essential to achieving cardiovascular risk reduction. The challenge for clinicians is integrating strategies, approaches and treatments that address the multiple metabolic defects in patients with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. New perspectives can help effectively meet this ongoing challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that adipose tissue is intimately involved in the inter-relationships between in...
Intracranial ependymomas: results of treatment with partial or whole brain irradiation without spinal irradiation.

Abstract Twenty patients with intracranial ependymoma (16) or anaplastic ependymoma (4) received post-operative radiation therapy at the University of California, San Francisco from 1959 through 1981. No patient received prophylactic spinal irradiation. The actuarial survival at 5, 10, and 15 years for 15 patients with ependymoma who received greater than 45 Gy was 67, 57, and 46%, respectively. Only one patient (7%) developed clinically recognized spinal metastases; this patient was eventually shown to have tumor at the primary site, within the irradiated volume. Six of 11 patients treated with partial brain irradiation had an intracranial recurrence, versus 1 of 4 patients treated with whole brain irradiation. Three patients were autopsied after failing partial brain irradiation for an ependymoma and the site of failure was within the irradiated volume of each patient. Partial brain irradiation was used to treat 4 patients with anaplastic ependymoma. One developed a local recurrence within the irradiated volume. The other three survived longer than 10 years. At UCSF, most patients with low grade epeadymmmms are presently treated with partial brain irradiation, but whole brain plus spinal irradiation is used for anaplastic tumors.
NEW LIGHTWEIGHT PARACHUTE FABRICS OF KEVLAR" ARAMID FIBER

A 1.1 oz/yd2 parachute fabric has been developed based on a new 55 denier Kevlar** aramid fiber. This fabric, Style 172, has 3X the strength of nylon at the same weight and thickness and is nonmelting. Fabric construction is a 72x72, 2x2 twill weave and air permeability is adjustable from 50 to 150 CFM/FT depending on end-use. Yarn twist, fabric construction, and finishing are all critical in meeting weight, thickness, and air permeability requirements. The primary application under development is nonmelting cockpit ejection chutes for the Navy and Air Force to reduce death and injuries from fireball situations. Laboratory flammability testy show that 5-172 fabric exposed to the 2 cal/cm sec heat flux generated in a jet fuel fireball retains sufficient strength after at least
Analysis of signature change patterns

Software continually changes due to performance improvements, new requirements, bug fixes, and adaptation to a changing operational environment. Common changes include modifications to data definitions, control flow, method/function signatures, and class/file relationships. Signature changes are notable because they require changes at all sites calling the modified function, and hence as a class they have more impact than other change kinds.We performed signature change analysis over software project histories to reveal multiple properties of signature changes, including their kind, frequency, and evolution patterns. These signature properties can be used to alleviate the impact of signature changes. In this paper we introduce a taxonomy of signature change kinds to categorize observed changes. We report multiple properties of signature changes based on an analysis of eight prominent open source projects including the Apache HTTP server, GCC, and Linux 2.5 kernel.
Monte Carlo simulation of photon migration in a cloud computing environment with MapReduce

Monte Carlo simulation is considered the most reliable method for modeling photon migration in heterogeneous media. However, its widespread use is hindered by the high computational cost. The purpose of this work is to report on our implementation of a simple MapReduce method for performing fault-tolerant Monte Carlo computations in a massively-parallel cloud computing environment. We ported the MC321 Monte Carlo package to Hadoop, an open-source MapReduce framework. In this implementation, Map tasks compute photon histories in parallel while a Reduce task scores photon absorption. The distributed implementation was evaluated on a commercial compute cloud. The simulation time was found to be linearly dependent on the number of photons and inversely proportional to the number of nodes. For a cluster size of 240 nodes, the simulation of 100 billion photon histories took 22 min, a 1258 × speed-up compared to the single-threaded Monte Carlo program. The overall computational throughput was 85,178 photon histories per node per second, with a latency of 100 s. The distributed simulation produced the same output as the original implementation and was resilient to hardware failure: the correctness of the simulation was unaffected by the shutdown of 50% of the nodes.
The double chain markov model

In the class of discrete time Markovian processes, two models are widely used, the Markov chain and the hidden Markov model. A major difference between these two models lies in the relation between successive outputs of the observed variable. In a visible Markov chain, these are directly correlated while in hidden models they are not. However, in some situations it is possible to observe both a hidden Markov chain and a direct relation between successive observed outputs. Unfortunately, the use of either a visible or a hidden model implies the suppression of one of these hypothesis. This paper prsents a Markovian model under random environment called the Double Chain Markov Model which takes into account the maijn features of both visible and hidden models. Its main purpose is the modeling of non-homogeneous time-series. It is very flexible and can be estimated with traditional methods. The model is applied on a sequence of wind speeds and it appears to model data more successfully than both the usual Mar...
The effect of enzymes on extracellular connective tissue components in the developing chick aorta.

The fine structure of developing connective tissue components of the chick embryo aorta of eight and nine days incubation ages was studied after treatment with one of seven enzymes (α-amylase, α-chymotrypsin, collagenase, elastase, β-glucuronidase, hyaluronidase, and trypsin). Both tissue pieces and thin sections of aldehyde-fixed aorta and great vessels were utilized. All preparations were mounted on stainless steel grids and stained with silver metalloporphyrin, uranyl acetate, and lead citrate. The homogeneous component of elastic fibers (elastin) responded only to elastase, indicating that it was well characterized early in its development. Eight-day elastin was less susceptible to digestion than nine-day elastin. Microfibrils were only slightly responsive to the actions of α-amylase and trypsin, while α-chymotrypsin completely eliminated them. Of the three connective tissue components, unit collagenous fibrils showed the greatest response. Complete or nearly complete digestions were effected by α-amylase, α-chymotrypsin, collagenase, and trypsin. Less extensive effects were produced by β-glucuronidase and hyaluronidase.
Comparison of the morphologic changes after selective laser trabeculoplasty and argon laser trabeculoplasty in human eye bank eyes.

Abstract Objective To compare the histopathologic changes in the human trabecular meshwork (TM) after argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) with a Q-switched, frequency-doubled, neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser. Design Human “in vitro” experimental study. Tissue and controls Eight human autopsy eyes were obtained within 18 hours of death from persons aged 71 to 78 years. Methods The anterior segment of autopsy eyes was isolated, and one half of each trabecular meshwork underwent SLT and the other half ALT. Specimens were evaluated with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Main outcome measures Structural changes in the TM were detected by scanning electron microscopy, and cellular or intracellular changes were seen with transmission electron microscopy. Results Evaluation of the TM after ALT revealed crater formation in the uveal meshwork at the junction of the pigmented and nonpigmented TM. Coagulative damage was evident at the base and along the edge of craters, with disruption of the collagen beams, fibrinous exudate, lysis of endothelial cells, and nuclear and cytoplasmic debris. Evaluation of the TM after SLT revealed no evidence of coagulative damage or disruption of the corneoscleral or uveal trabecular beam structure. Minimal evidence of mechanical damage was present after SLT, and the only ultrastructural evidence of laser tissue interaction was cracking of intracytoplasmic pigment granules and disruption of trabecular endothelial cells. Conclusions SLT applied “in vitro” to the TM of human eye bank eyes seemed to cause no coagulative damage and less structural damage to the human TM when compared with ALT and, therefore, may be a safer and more repeatable procedure.
Formal Organizational Initiatives and Informal Workplace Practices: Links to Work-Family Conflict and Job-Related Outcomes

Many organizations have implemented a variety of initiatives to address work-family conflict issues. This study investigates the impact of formal and informal work-family practices on both work-to-family and family-to-work conflict (WFC, FWC) and a broad set of job-related outcomes. We utilized structural equation modeling to analyze data from the 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). Results showed that negative career consequences and lack of managerial support were significantly related to work-to-family conflict. These were significant predictors of conflict even when accounting for the effects of work schedule flexibility. Work-to-family conflict was linked to job dissatisfaction, turnover intentions and stress, while family-to-work conflict was linked to stress and absenteeism. There were no apparent differences between women and men in terms of the observed relationships.
The Utilization of Satellite Images to Identify Trees Endangering Transmission Lines

This paper introduces an innovative concept for the use of multispectral stereo pair of satellite images to identify dangerous trees and plants along overhead transmission rights of way. Multispectral satellite images of the right of way are scanned automatically and the color (wavelength) of each pixel is analyzed. This scanning identifies healthy vegetation which may contain trees that endanger the line. Using multispectral stereo images, the height of each pixel is determined and the distance from the conductor is calculated. When this distance is less than the danger zone surrounding the conductors, the identified object or tree is assumed to endanger the line. Case studies using satellite images in the vicinity of Scottsdale, AZ and San Diego, CA demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Details are given for prototype software development for satellite image scanning to determine tree interference with overhead transmission lines.
Short-term saccadic adaptation in the macaque monkey: a binocular mechanism

Saccadic eye movements are rapid transfers of gaze between objects of interest. Their duration is too short for the visual system to be able to follow their progress in time. Adaptive mechanisms constantly recalibrate the saccadic responses by detecting how close the landings are to the selected targets. The double-step saccadic paradigm is a common method to simulate alterations in saccadic gain. While the subject is responding to a first target shift, a second shift is introduced in the middle of this movement, which masks it from visual detection. The error in landing introduced by the second shift is interpreted by the brain as an error in the programming of the initial response, with gradual gain changes aimed at compensating the apparent sensorimotor mismatch. A second shift applied dichoptically to only one eye introduces disconjugate landing errors between the two eyes. A monocular adaptive system would independently modify only the gain of the eye exposed to the second shift in order to reestablish binocular alignment. Our results support a binocular mechanism. A version-based saccadic adaptive process detects postsaccadic version errors and generates compensatory conjugate gain alterations. A vergence-based saccadic adaptive process detects postsaccadic disparity errors and generates corrective nonvisual disparity signals that are sent to the vergence system to regain binocularity. This results in striking dynamical similarities between visually driven combined saccade-vergence gaze transfers, where the disparity is given by the visual targets, and the double-step adaptive disconjugate responses, where an adaptive disparity signal is generated internally by the saccadic system.
Faster MT Decoding Through Pervasive Laziness

Syntax-based MT systems have proven effective---the models are compelling and show good room for improvement. However, decoding involves a slow search. We present a new lazy-search method that obtains significant speedups over a strong baseline, with no loss in Bleu.
Fluctuating asymmetry in red junglefowl

Fluctuating asymmetry, the random deviation from perfect bilateral symmetry, has recently attracted considerable attention. Levels of asymmetry have been shown to correlate with measures of individual quality. We measured asymmetry in a variety of ornamental and non-ornamental traits in red junglefowl, Gallus gallus and examined the patterns of asymmetry among different traits within an individual. All ornamental traits had significantly higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry than did non-ornamental traits. However, inter-trait correlations of asymmetry were low for both ornamental and non-ornamental traits. We then correlated measures of asymmetry with several potential indicators of male quality, including comb size, body size, and body condition. We found little evidence that asymmetry in any measured trait reflected male quality. We measured asymmetry in ornamental traits at several stages of development and found no relationship between male condition and changes in asymmetry over time. Our results indicate that it is necessary to employ caution when choosing traits to be measured in studies of fluctuating asymmetry and that a relationship between asymmetry and individual quality cannot be assumed.
Hematogones in the Peripheral Blood of a 5½-month-old Boy With Cyclic Neutropenia Due to Heterozygous, Novel ELANE Gene Mutation p.Q97P, c.290 A>C

We have identified a novel point mutation in the ELANE gene of a 5.5-month-old boy with severe cyclic neutropenia, and we are reporting for the first time, to our knowledge, the presence of hematogones in the peripheral blood of an infant. The novel point mutation occurred at base number 290 in codon 97, where adenine was replaced with cytosine. The mutation caused the replacement of amino acid glutamine with amino acid proline in the activation domain of the elastase 2 enzyme. The heterozygous mutation generated severe cyclic neutropenia, granulocytic maturation arrest, an increased number of hematogones (26% of marrow cells) in the bone marrow, an absence of neutrophils, and the presence of stage 3 (mature) hematogones in the peripheral blood. The percentage of hematogones in the peripheral blood was inversely proportional to the absolute number of neutrophils. Leukemic number of blast-like cells (hematogones) in the bone marrow, blast-like cells in the peripheral blood, marked neutropenia, and the arrest of granulopoiesis might suggest an acute leukemia. However, the finding of characteristic flow cytometric features of hematogones should help to avoid a wrong diagnosis.
A minimum chi-square method for developing a common metric in item response theory

The t scale in item response theory has arbitrary unit and origin. When a group of items is calibrated twice, estimates from one calibration must be transformed to the metric of the other. A new method is presented for doing so. It is simpler than an earlier method based on test characteristic curves, and makes more complete use of available information. The metric of the 0 scale in item response theory (IRT) is arbitrary. In applications such as equating and bias analysis, a test or subtest is calibrated separately in two samples. It is necessary to transform one set of estimates to the metric of the other. Stocking and Lord (1983) have presented two methods for doing so. The objective of this article is to present a new procedure that combines the desirable features of their methods, and is simpler than the one they recommended.
Relating Position Uncertainty to Maximum Conjunction Probability

The effects of positional uncertainty on the Gaussian probability computation for orbit conjunction are examined and an upper bound determined. Relative motion between two objects is assumed linear for a given encounter with time-invariant position covariance. A method is developed to assess the maximum probability for various satellite sizes, encounter geometries, and covariance sizes and shapes. The associated standard deviation then defines the boundary of probability dilution. The assertion is made that orbit positions should be sufficiently accurate to avoid this dilution region. This work shows how to calculate the upper bounds of probability by assuming worst-case covariance orientation and size. Power series approximations are developed for aspect ratios ranging from 1 to 50 to capture 99% of all conjunction possibilities. An analytical approximation is also given for an infinite aspect ratio to capture all possibilities. These expressions can be used as a simple pre-filter or to determine worst-case scenarios. Although desired, the actual covariances are not needed. What is needed is the ratio of major-to-minor axes of the projected combined covariance ellipse, the object sizes, and the relative distance at the point of closest approach.
Epigenetic regulation of miRNA genes and their role in human melanomas

Melanoma is a leading cause of death from cancers in the USA. While exposure to UV radiation has long been identified as a primary risk factor for melanoma, molecular mechanisms directly linking UV radiation to the development of melanoma, especially metastatic melanoma, are poorly understood. Besides abnormality in several signal transduction pathways important for normal melanocyte development, a number of ncRNAs, including miRNAs, are emerging as important causal factors to melanoma initiation and progression. The recent discovery of altered patterns of epigenetic regulation in ncRNA genes adds further complexity. Since miRNA precursor genes are usually nested within other protein-coding genes, the abnormal regulation of these protein-coding genes by epigenetic mechanisms is expected to cause aberrant regulation of the miRNA target genes. We discuss recent findings that link epigenetic regulation of ncRNA genes to melanoma, and speculate on a possible connection between UV irradiation and epigenetic regulation that might be important for this disease.
Deflection of a CO 2 -Laser Beam in an Absorbing Gas*

We have investigated, theoretically and experimentally, the effects of thermal focusing on a CO2-laser beam being deflected through an absorbing gas. Quantitative data are presented for beam deflections and peak intensities as a function of angular velocity and absorption coefficient. These data agree, to within a factor of 2, with eikonal-theory predictions.
Life Cycle of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae): Timing of Developmental Processes Under Field and Laboratory Conditions

The developmental timing of Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls, the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in the far-western United States, was determined under field and laboratory conditions. During their seasonal peaks of abundance, each of the three parasitic stages of I. pacificus, both fed and unfed, was placed inside silk-screen packets. These packets were apportioned between four topographic exposures of two hilltop sites in northwestern California. The sites differed in vegetational composition and elevation: the first (elevation 390 m) was dominated by woodland-grass, the second (elevation 914 m) by chaparral. The timing of oviposition, larval eclosion, molting, and mortality were recorded in the field every 2—3 wk for 2.5 yr. Microenvironmental temperatures were measured on all four exposures at both sites. Accelerated developmental rates of all three stages were correlated with warmer soil temperatures and the time of placement in the field. In the laboratory, replete female I. pacificus maintained under uniform environmental conditions sustained constant preovipositional and pre- hatch periods independent of date-of-feeding. In the field, all unfed stages survived through one active feeding season with most larvae and nymphs remaining in behavioral diapause between late summer and early spring. No life stage survived through two active feeding periods which suggests that cohorts do not overlap. We concluded that I. pacificus takes a minimum of 3 yr to complete its life cycle in northwestern California.
Limited use of surveillance imaging following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the utilization of follow-up imaging after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in nationally representative data. Patients and methods Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results data linked to Medicare records, we identified patients with RCC who received nephrectomy from 1991 to 2007. Patients were stratified by tumor stage. Postoperative chest and abdominal imaging (including chest x-ray, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging; abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging) was assessed. Observed surveillance imaging frequency was compared to published protocols. Predictors of initial and continued yearly surveillance imaging were identified. Results Agreement between observed imaging frequency and evidence-based surveillance protocols was low, particularly for patients with T2–T4 disease. For patients who were not censored before 13 months, initial abdominal and chest surveillance imaging was obtained in 69% and 78% of patients, respectively. By year 5, 28% and 39% of patients with high-risk disease (T3 or T4), as compared to 21% and 25% of patients with low to moderate risk disease (T1 and T2), received yearly surveillance abdominal and chest imaging, respectively. High-risk disease was predictive of initial chest (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38) and abdominal (OR = 1.6) imaging, as well as continued yearly chest (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.73) and abdominal (HR = 0.74) imaging surveillance. For abdominal imaging, more contemporary year of surgery was predictive of initial (1997–2001, OR = 1.6; 2002–2007, OR = 2.4) and continued yearly surveillance (1997–2001, HR = 0.82; 2002–2007; HR = 0.67). Conclusions In the Medicare population, surveillance imaging is performed in a limited number of patients following nephrectomy for RCC. However, increasing tumor stage is predictive of both increased chest and abdominal imaging surveillance.