cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary history and metabolic insights of ancient mammalian uricases

Uricase is an enzyme involved in purine catabolism and is found in all three domains of life. Curiously, uricase is not functional in some organisms despite its role in converting highly insoluble uric acid into 5-hydroxyisourate. Of particular interest is the observation that apes, including humans, cannot oxidize uric acid, and it appears that multiple, independent evolutionary events led to the silencing or pseudogenization of the uricase gene in ancestral apes. Various arguments have been made to suggest why natural selection would allow the accumulation of uric acid despite the physiological consequences of crystallized monosodium urate acutely causing liver/kidney damage or chronically causing gout. We have applied evolutionary models to understand the history of primate uricases by resurrecting ancestral mammalian intermediates before the pseudogenization events of this gene family. Resurrected proteins reveal that ancestral uricases have steadily decreased in activity since the last common ancestor of mammals gave rise to descendent primate lineages. We were also able to determine the 3D distribution of amino acid replacements as they accumulated during evolutionary history by crystallizing a mammalian uricase protein. Further, ancient and modern uricases were stably transfected into HepG2 liver cells to test one hypothesis that uricase pseudogenization allowed ancient frugivorous apes to rapidly convert fructose into fat. Finally, pharmacokinetics of an ancient uricase injected in rodents suggest that our integrated approach provides the foundation for an evolutionarily-engineered enzyme capable of treating gout and preventing tumor lysis syndrome in human patients.
A Spinning Mirror Auto-Stereoscopic Display

AbstractA simple device for producing an autostereoscopic visual computer display is described.A true three -dimensional image is generated which may be viewed from a wide variety ofobserver positions. The device consists of a rotating mirror which reflects the face ofa CRT display into a volume of space.IntroductionFor many applications it is useful to have a three -dimensional computer display device.A number of methods have been tried such as stereoscopic views and psychophysical tricksin which two -dimensional images simulate rotation to create the illusion of threedimensions but none of these has been completely satisfactory. The method to be describedhere produces a true three -dimensional image which can be viewed without optical aids ofany kind and from a wide variety of observer positions. It is, in fact, truly three -dimensional. Paradoxically, it cannot be satisfactorily photographed (except with astereoscopic camera) without losing its three -dimensional character, but neither can anythree -dimensional object.In 1969 one of the authors published a technique(1) of producing a three -dimensionaldisplay by reflecting an image of the fac of a cathode ray tube in a rotating mirror.(For source related techniques, see also
Marek's disease virus-encoded Meq gene is involved in transformation of lymphocytes but is dispensable for replication

Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes an acute lymphoproliferative disease in chickens, resulting in T cell lymphomas in visceral organs and peripheral nerves. Earlier studies have determined that the repeat regions of oncogenic serotype 1 MDV encode a basic leucine zipper protein, Meq, which structurally resembles the Jun/Fos family of transcriptional activators. Meq is consistently expressed in MDV-induced tumor cells and has been suggested as the MDV-associated oncogene. To study the function of Meq, we have generated an rMd5DeltaMeq virus by deleting both copies of the meq gene from the genome of a very virulent strain of MDV. Growth curves in cultured fibroblasts indicated that Meq is dispensable for in vitro virus replication. In vivo replication in lymphoid organs and feather follicular epithelium was also not impaired, suggesting that Meq is dispensable for lytic infection in chickens. Reactivation of the rMd5DeltaMeq virus from peripheral blood lymphocytes was reduced, suggesting that Meq is involved but not essential for latency. Pathogenesis experiments showed that the rMd5DeltaMeq virus was fully attenuated in chickens because none of the infected chickens developed Marek's disease-associated lymphomas, suggesting that Meq is involved in lymphocyte transformation. A revertant virus that restored the expression of the meq gene, showed properties similar to those of the parental virus, confirming that Meq is involved in transformation but not in lytic replication in chickens.
A DETERMINISTIC FATIGUE ANALYSIS FOR OFFSHORE PLATFORMS

As platforms are placed in deeper water, they will exhibit dynamic amplification of wave-induced response. The resulting dynamic loads will have a significant effect on the cyclic stresses used in a fatigue analysis. In this paper, an algorithm is developed for addressing the problems of dynamic response and fatigue. A multidegree-of-freedom, lumped-mass mathematical model is used to represent the structure, and finite-length, synthetic-wave profiles are used to represent various sea states making up a given location's environment. An example platform is analyzed. (AUTHOR)
A Preliminary Study of Black American Security Executives

This paper discusses the responses (n = 61) from a survey that was sent to members of an organization comprised primarily of black Americans employed in executive positions within the security profession. The questionnaire explored the reasons why they had entered the security field, and their level of satisfaction with their job and the profession. The responses revealed that most were quite satisfied with both their job and the private security field. Yet even with their high level of job satisfaction, nearly half felt that their race had had a negative impact on their career. Even with this serious concern, the data clearly show that the security profession is one with vast opportunities for talented black Americans.
Selective inhibition of plasmid DNA production in Bacillusmegaterium by 6-(p-hydroxy-phenylazo)-uracil: Evidence for multiple maintenance systems

Summary The substituted pyrimidine analog 6-(p-hydroxy-phenylazo)-uracil, a specific inhibitor of DNA replication in Gram-positive bacteria, inhibits incorporation of radioactive nucleotides into DNA, but not RNA, of Bacillus megaterium at sub-bacteriocidal levels. Incorporation into chromosomal DNA is much more severely inhibited than into the polydisperse circular DNA of unknown function produced by the organism. The effect on the circular fraction appears to be primarily on the larger molecules, since incorporation into the two smallest plasmids appears insensitive to the drug. These results suggest that at least two maintenance systems are involved in the production of this complex array of plasmid molecules.
Consumer responses towards home energy financial incentives: A survey-based study

Abstract Residential energy-efficient and renewable energy (EERE) products play an important role in energy conservation and carbon emissions reduction. Various financial incentive programs have been developed to promote the adoption of these products. However, their effectiveness in attracting consumers is not very well understood. In this study, we investigated impacts of financial incentives on homeowner's decision making towards six EERE products. Two forms of incentives, tax credits and interest-free loans, were examined through a household mailing survey in Florida, the United States. Results showed that, although half of the respondents were interested in EERE products, the high investment cost was a major concern that hindered their purchase activities. Homeowners were attracted to financial incentives and valued tax credits much higher than interest-free loans. The current federal home energy tax credit levels were found to attract only 2–12 percent of homeowners to buy EERE products. The willingness of participation was especially low for the costly products (such as solar panels). The participation rate was also very low for lower income (i.e., annual household income below $50,000) families living in older residences. This study contributes to the understanding of economic and social aspects of consumer decision making on energy efficiency and alternative energy.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: 2012 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management

Disease Overview: The myelodysplastic (MDS) are a very heterogeneous group of myeloid disorders characterized by peripheral blood cytopenias and increased risk of transformation to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). MDS occurs more frequently in older male and in individuals with prior exposure to cytotoxic therapy. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of MDS is based on morphological evidence of dysplasia upon visual examination of a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy. Information obtained from additional studies such as karyotype, flow cytometry or molecular genetics is complementary but not diagnostic. Risk-stratification: Prognosis of patients with MDS can be calculated using a number of scoring systems. In general, all these scoring systems include analysis of peripheral cytopenias, percentage of blasts in the bone marrow and cytogenetic characteristics. The most commonly used system is the International Prognostic Scoring System. IPSS is likely to be replaced by a new revised score (IPSS-R) and by the incorporation of new molecular markers recently described. Risk-adapted therapy: Therapy is selected based on risk, transfusion needs, percent of bone marrow blasts, and, more recently, cytogenetic profile. Goals of therapy are different in lower risk patients than in higher risk. In lower risk, the goal is to decrease transfusion needs and transformation to higher risk disease or AML. In higher risk, the goal is to prolong survival. Current available therapies include growth factor support, lenalidomide, hypomethylating agents, intensive chemotherapy, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The use of lenalidomide has significant clinical activity in patients with lower risk disease, anemia and a chromosome 5 alteration. 5-azacitidine and decitabine have activity in higher risk MDS. 5-azacitidine has been shown to improve survival in higher risk MDS. A number of new molecular lesions have been described in MDS that may serve as new therapeutic targets or aid in the selection of currently available agents. Additional supportive care measures may include the use of prophylactic antibiotics and iron chelation. Management of progressive or refractory disease: At the present time there are no approved interventions for patients with progressive or refractory disease particularly after hypomethylating based therapy. Options include cytarabine based therapy, transplantation and participation on a clinical trial. Am. J. Hematol. 87:692–701, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of β-ecdysone and juvenile hormone on the Na+/K+-dependent ATPase in imaginal disks of Drosophila melanogaster

The evagination of imaginal disks of Drosophila melanogaster is induced in vitro by β-ecdysone and inhibited by juvenile hormone. The possibility that these hormones act by changing intracellular Na+ and K+ levels was investigated by studying their effects on the sodium-potassium dependent adenosinetriphosphatase (NaK ATPase), an enzyme with a major role in regulating Na+ and K+ levels in cells. We find that β-ecdysone has no effect on this enzyme and can induce evagination even when intracellular Na+ concentrations are increased 2 to 3 fold by ouabain. Juvenile hormone stimulates the enzyme, but still acts to inhibit evagination when NaK ATPase activity is inhibited by ouabain. We conclude that the actions of β-ecdysone and juvenile hormone on imaginal disk evagination do not directly involve the NaK ATPase or require specific changes in Na+ and K+ concentrations.
Role of Type I Interferon Receptor Signaling on NK Cell Development and Functions

Type I interferons (IFN) are unique cytokines transcribed from intronless genes. They have been extensively studied because of their anti-viral functions. The anti-viral effects of type I IFN are mediated in part by natural killer (NK) cells. However, the exact contribution of type I IFN on NK cell development, maturation and activation has been somewhat difficult to assess. In this study, we used a variety of approaches to define the consequences of the lack of type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) signaling on NK cells. Using IFNAR deficient mice, we found that type I IFN affect NK cell development at the pre-pro NK stage. We also found that systemic absence of IFNAR signaling impacts NK cell maturation with a significant increase in the CD27+CD11b+ double positive (DP) compartment in all organs. However, there is tissue specificity, and only in liver and bone marrow is the maturation defect strictly dependent on cell intrinsic IFNAR signaling. Finally, using adoptive transfer and mixed bone marrow approaches, we also show that cell intrinsic IFNAR signaling is not required for NK cell IFN-γ production in the context of MCMV infection. Taken together, our studies provide novel insights on how type I IFN receptor signaling regulates NK cell development and functions.
Interplanetary laser communications and precision ranging

Future interplanetary missions, including robotic probes and human travel, will require significantly enhanced communications bandwidth that will be difficult to realize with current radio/microwave frequency links. Besides satisfying this requirement, optical (laser) communications has the potential for substantially lowering mass, power, and volume burden on the host spacecraft; is free from spectrum allocation issues; and can potentially support tracking functions resulting in improved spacecraft navigation. Primary challenges of optical communications include precision laser beam pointing over the huge planetary range, inefficiency of laser transmitters, quantum noise limited detection, especially in presence of additive background during periods of near Sun pointing, atmospheric degradation due to attenuation and turbulence and weather outages. This paper will briefly review the status of technologies that have been devised to meet these challenges and system-level developments for bi-directional telecommunications and ranging to distant probes.
FDA: Evidentiary Standards for Drug Development and Approval

The United States Food and Drug Administration is charged with approving drug treatments that have been shown to be safe and effective. Relevant statutes and regulations provide a legal framework for establishing safety and effectiveness that is sufficiently flexible to ensure that appropriate scientific data are collected for specific treatments targeted to particular diseases. Nonetheless, all clinical trials proposed to establish effectiveness must incorporate common elements in order for the appropriate legal and scientific standards of drug approval to be met. This article will discuss the relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the current effectiveness standard and will discuss the most important clinical trial design elements currently considered acceptable for applications for treatments of neurologic and psychiatric illness.
An Analytic Method for Uncertainty Analysis of Nonlinear Output Functions, with Applications to Fault-Tree Analysis

An analytic method for uncertainty analysis of the output of a complex model is described. It is assumed that model inputs are s-independent random variables and that model output is given as an analytic though possibly nonlinear function of the inputs. Using conditional s-expectations as a tool, a theoretical basis is developed for a method of partitioning the variance of the output among contributing causes. Such a partitioning helps the system analyst to identify the most important contributors to output uncertainty and, hence, to find effective ways of reducing that uncertainty. The method is illustrated by application to the uncertainty analysis of fault trees. There is no reason, in principle, why the method should not be applied to large computer codes where output cannot be represented as an analytic function of input. However, the evaluation of the required conditional s-expectations in such cases would be likely to involve considerable computation. It would be very desirable to extend the method to handle the case of s-correlated input variables. However, the partitioning of output variance in the presence of s-dependent inputs is difficult. The difficulties involved have not yet been resolved except in simple cases of s-dependence which can be reduced to the s-independent case by transformations of variables or other devices.
Chronic ulcerative colitis, colonic adenocarcinoma and hypoglycemia.

This report documents the association of metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma and hypoglycemia occurring in a 40-year-old female with long-standing ulcerative colitis. Although there was extensive replacement of liver parenchyma by metastases, minimal impairment of liver-cell function and the sequence of clinical events indicated that the hypoglycemia was primarily due to the widespread neoplasm and not to hepatic insufficiency. Tumor analysis by the radioimmunoassay method failed to identify the presence of insulin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of chronic ulcerative colitis, colonic adenocarcinoma and hypoglycemia.
Revivification of confinement resonances in the photoionization of A @ C 60 endohedral atoms far above thresholds

It is discovered theoretically that significant confinement resonances in an $nl$ photoionization of a multielectron atom $A$ encaged in carbon fullerenes $A@{\text{C}}_{60}$ may reappear and be strong at photon energies far exceeding the $nl$ ionization threshold, as a general phenomenon. The reasons for this phenomenon are unraveled. The $\text{Ne}\text{ }2p$ photoionization of the endohedral anion $\text{Ne}@\text{C}_{60}{}^{5\ensuremath{-}}$ in the photon energy region of about a thousand eV above the $2p$ threshold is chosen as a case study.
Entertainment history museums in virtual worlds: video game and music preservation in second life

This research explores and demonstrates the use of Second Life (the popular 3D virtual world) for the purpose of digitally preserving various aspects of video game and music history. Physical game interfaces like joysticks, advertisements used for games, and famous game characters and cultural icons over the history are displayed and preserved in multiple video game exhibits for different eras. Selected game characters are digitally recreated in 3D format as Second Life avatar appearances. Historical changes of musical instruments, musicians, and genres are displayed and preserved likewise. Selected musical instruments are digitally recreated as 3D models playing their real sounds. Some of them will be available for the visitors to play in basic ways.
Dose uniformity in a planar interstitial implant system.

Abstract Purpose: This work makes of a volume-ratio technique to examine dose uniformity in a planar interstitial implant system based entirely on geometrical constraints. The rationale for determining an upper limit for acceptable dose variation is examined and discussed. Variation of ribbon spacing and interplanar separation is evaluated in terms of its effect on dose homogeneity. Methods and Materials: Volume-dose were generated for a range of planar implant dimensions. The volume inside the target region and enclosed between the reference isodose and a higher isodose surface was calculated as a measure of dose uniformity. Studies of homogeneity, target coverage, and external tissue irradiation were carried out to evaluate the importance of flexible interplanar spacing in optimizing implants. New dose tables were generated to accomodate the frequent clinical need to minimize the number of cathether insertions. Results: Implants carried out in accordance with specified geometric constraints were found also to provide optimal dose homogeneity as determined using the volume ratio method with a flexible high dose limit. For two-plane implants, the interplanar spacing should be determined specifically in each case to ensure accurate target coverage. Calculations for specific cases showed that the tissue volume treated to unnecessarily high dose levels can be reduced by a large factor by careful positioning of the implant planes. A smaller ribbon and seed spacing will, in general, lead to better dose uniformity when this is evaluated in terms of the volumes treated to very high dose levels. Conclusions: Our studies showed that implants carried out using simple and useful geometric guidelines will also provide an acceptably uniform dose distrbution. For double plane implants, the separation of the implant planes should be optimized for each target thickness.
Multi-Organizational Fields and Social Movement Organization Frame Content: The Religious Fro-Choice Movement*

As an explanatory method in studies of social movements, analyses of collective action frames have generally focused on the variable efficacy of the frames of social movement organizations (SMOs)in the mobilization of potential participants. However, this work has for practical reasons used the acknowledged analytic simplification that SMOs only target potential participants - and not opponents, elite decision makers, or the media - when constructing their frames. To incorporate multiple targets into future studies of SMO frame construction, this paper expands on the idea of a multi-organizational field. The author proposes that the characteristics of the targets in the field and the social structural and cognitive boundaries between them determine SMO frames. This perspective is demonstrated by analyzing changes in the collective action frames of SMOs in the religious pro-choice movement from 1967 to 1992. He argues that this perspective may explain findings where a frame fails to resonate with potential participants - the frame may not have been created with them in mind
Comparing noninvasive dense array and intracranial electroencephalography for localization of seizures.

Objective To compare the localization of the seizure onset zone estimated from ictal recordings with high spatial resolution, 256-channel scalp dense array electroencephalographic video long-term monitoring (LTM) with the aid of source analysis with that obtained from subsequent intracranial ictal recordings. Methods Ten patients with medically refractory epilepsy, all surgical candidates, underwent intracranial LTM after standard noninvasive evaluation failed to provide adequate localizing information regarding ictal origins. Before invasive studies, all patients underwent dense array electroencephalographic LTM in which habitual clinical seizures were recorded for each patient. Source analysis was applied to ictal onsets. Intracranial electrode placement followed conventional guidelines, although the neurosurgeon was aware of the dense array electroencephalographic results. Patients ranged in age from 10 to 49 years (mean age, 24 y); 7 were male. Identified risk factors included closed head injury in 1 patient and childhood meningitis in another. No focal neurological signs were found in any patient. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal in 6 patients; 1 patient had cerebellar hypoplasia, 1 had right frontoparietal dysplasia, 1 had bilateral nonspecific white matter abnormalities, and 1 had bilateral cavernous angiomas. Results Ictal onsets, based on invasive recordings, were in the mesiotemporal lobe (3 patients), lateroparietal (2 patients), mesioparietal (1 patient), laterofrontal (1 patient), superolateral frontocentral (1 patient), frontopolar (1 patient), and posteroinferior temporo-occipital neocortex (1 patient). Dense array electroencephalography localized ictal onsets to the same region as intracranial monitoring in 8 of 10 cases; invasive studies disclosed an additional ictal focus in 2 of these patients. Surgical resections were based only on intracranial electroencephalographic findings. Conclusion Dense array electroencephalography has the potential to assist in the noninvasive localization of epileptic seizures and to guide the placement of invasive electrodes for localizing seizure onset.
Methane oxidation on Pd–Ceria: A DFT study of the mechanism over PdxCe1−xO2, Pd, and PdO

Abstract Palladium/ceria exhibits unique catalytic activity for hydrocarbon oxidation; however, the chemical and structural properties of active sites on the palladium–ceria surface are difficult to characterize. Strong interactions between palladium and the ceria support stabilize oxidized Pdδ+ species, which may contribute to the significant activity of Pd/ceria for methane oxidation. We present a density functional theory (DFT + U) investigation into methane oxidation over Pd/ceria and quantify the activity of the PdxCe1−xO2(1 1 1) mixed oxide surface in comparison with the PdO(1 0 0) and Pd(1 1 1) surfaces. The methane activation barrier is lowest over the PdxCe1−xO2(1 1 1) surface, even lower than over the Pd(1 1 1) surface or low coordinated stepped or kinked Pd sites. Subsequent reaction steps in complete oxidation, including product desorption and vacancy refilling, are considered to substantiate that methane activation remains the rate-limiting step despite the low barrier over PdxCe1−xO2(1 1 1). The low barrier over the PdxCe1−xO2(1 1 1) surface demonstrates that mixed ceria-noble metal oxides offer the potential for improved hydrocarbon oxidation performance with respect to dispersed noble metal particles on ceria.
Neutron angular and energy distributions from 710-MeV alphas stopping in water, carbon, steel, and lead, and 640-MeV alphas stopping in lead

We measured neutron angular and energy distributions from 710-MeV alphas stopping in targets of water, carbon, steel, and lead for neutron energies from 3 MeV to above 300 MeV. We also measured neutron spectra from 640-MeV alphas stopping in lead. These spectra are similar to the 710-MeV spectra but are reduced in magnitude by about 20 percent. The angular distributions are forward peaked and have a broad bump at about 120 MeV in the 0- and 6-degree spectra. The 710-MeV integrated yields above 10 MeV are about 0.5 neutron per incident alpha, independent of the target. The measured spectra from the water target are consistent with the calculations of an intranuclear cascade model at the forward angles, but are larger than the calculations at the backward angles.NUCLEAR REACTIONS ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, C, steel, Pb($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,$\mathrm{xn}$), $E=710$ MeV; Pb($\ensuremath{\alpha}$,$\mathrm{xn}$), $E=640$ MeV. Measured unidirectional spectra and yields from thick targets. Deduced total integrated neutron yields above 10 MeV. Compared spectra with intranuclear-cascade model.
Mixed-Lineage Kinase 1 and Mixed-Lineage Kinase 3 Subtype-Selective Dihydronaphthyl[3,4-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-5-ones: Optimization, Mixed-Lineage Kinase 1 Crystallography, and Oral in Vivo Activity in 1-Methyl-4-phenyltetrahydropyridine Models

The optimization of the dihydronaphthyl[3,4-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-5-one R(2) and R(12) positions led to the identification of the first MLK1 and MLK3 subtype-selective inhibitors within the MLK family. Compounds 14 (CEP-5104) and 16 (CEP-6331) displayed good potency for MLK1 and MLK3 inhibition with a greater than 30- to 100-fold selectivity for related family members MLK2 and DLK. Compounds 14 and 16 were orally active in vivo in a mouse MPTP biochemical efficacy model that was comparable to the first-generation pan-MLK inhibitor 1 (CEP-1347). The MLK1 structure-activity relationships were supported by the first-reported X-ray crystal structure of MLK1 bound with 16.
Can a model of overlapping gestures account for scanning speech patterns

A simple acoustic model of overlapping, sliding gestures was used to evaluate whether coproduction was reduced for neurologic speakers with scanning speech patterns. F2 onset frequency was used as ...
Bifurcation of quasiperiodic and nonstationary patterns under external forcing.

Application au champ de temperature bidimensionnel dans le plan horizontal d'une couche de fluide de Boussinesq en presence de convection thermique
Magnitude production and magnitude estimation of taste intensity

Magnitude productions of sodium chloride (salty), quinine hydrochloride (bitter), and sucrose (sweet) yielded steeper psychophysical functions than those obtained with magnitude estimation. Hydrochloric acid (sour) produced the opposite effect. The results are discussed with respect to previous findings in taste intensity scaling and to general psychophysical considerations.
It Isn't the Size, but the Fit

The very structure and control that formed the reason for developing treatment manuals have now become their most frequently criticized characteristic. Carroll and Nuro (this issue) continue this critique and rightly call for ways to increase the flexibility in the processes used to develop treatment manuals. But it is insufficient to be flexible during the process of developing the manual. It is also necessary to find ways to increase the flexibility of selecting and applying the treatment procedures themselves. Offering therapists options in the selection and use of techniques can be accomplished by focusing more on the principles of therapeutic change than on theories of psychotherapy or the applications of techniques. This paper announces a Presidential Initiative from the Society for Clinical Psychology (Division 1 2) of the American Psychological Association (APA), which is designed to identify integrative and crosscutting principles of therapeutic change. It is hoped that this initiative will further foster the development of flexibility without sacrificing the basis of sound empirical support.
Composition- and Phase-Controlled High-Magnetic-Moment Fe $_{1 - {\rm x}}$ Co $_{\rm x}$ Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

Fe-Co alloy nanoparticles are studied in this work of different composition condition. Fe1-xCox nanoparticles were synthesized by a physical method with well-developed crystal structure, uniform size, and high saturation magnetization. Their magnetic property is found to be a function of composition, which indicates successful control of the synthesis process. Exchange bias was found for Fe1-xCox core-oxide shell particles after natural oxidization in air. It was a result of interfacial coupling between Fe/Co and their oxides. The property of the surface oxide varies with composition and so does the coupling strength. Oxidation and interparticle interactions lead to much different magnetic response of nanoparticles compared to un-oxidized, non-interacting ones.
Ocular Findings in Patients with Neutrophil Dysfunction

Of 32 patients (19 females and 13 males, ranging in age from 2 to 44 years), nine had ocular problems related to neutrophil dysfunction. Four patients had blepharokeratoconjunctivitis and pannus formation. In one of these, severe visual loss secondary to corneal thinning and scarring occurred. Five patients had inactive chorioretinal scars without visual loss. Although some of the other 23 patients had minor ocular abnormalities, we could not demonstrate that they were related to the neutrophil dysfunction. However, none of the control subjects (20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 20 randomly selected eye clinic patients) had lesions resembling those of the patients with neutrophil dysfunction. Fisher's exact test (one-tailed) gave the following values: P Abnormal neutrophil function probably interferes with the control of normal eyelid flora and predisposes the eye to the development of marginal keratitis. Eyelid hygiene and topical administration of antibiotics and corticosteroids during inflammatory episodes may prevent the progression of corneal vascularization. The chorioretinal scars do not appear to be progressive.
Integration of visna virus DNA occurs and may be necessary for productive infection.

Proviral integration is thought to be an obligate step of the retroviral replication cycle but the lentivirus visna has been reported to replicate in sheep choroid plexus (SCP) cultures in the absence of proviral integration. Because of new evidence that visna virus has a functional integrase, we reexamined visna virus infection of SCP cultures and found that proviral integration does indeed occur in this setting. While the majority of viral DNA remains unintegrated, integrated proviruses arise early in infection and accumulate over time. The sequences of the resulting host-virus DNA junctions show that, like other retroviruses, visna loses terminal nucleotides from its DNA upon integration. However, unlike other retroviruses, in over half the host-U3 junctions analyzed only a single nucleotide was lost such that the universally conserved CA dinucleotide, two nucleotides from the end of unintegrated viral DNA, did not directly abut host sequences in the provirus. We analyzed the role of integration in visna replication by introducing a series of five mutations into the integrase gene of molecularly cloned visna virus LV1-1KS1. Each mutation abolished viral replication, suggesting that integration may be an obligatory step in replication. We also documented productive infection of SCP cultures in which cell division had been blocked by g-irradiation. The ability of visna to integrate and to replicate in nondividing cells points to the possible utility of visna-based vectors for gene transfer into differentiated cells.
Antigen-specific precursor frequency impacts T cell proliferation, differentiation, and requirement for costimulation

After a brief period of antigenic stimulation, T cells become committed to a program of autonomous expansion and differentiation. We investigated the role of antigen-specific T cell precursor frequency as a possible cell-extrinsic factor impacting T cell programming in a model of allogeneic tissue transplantation. Using an adoptive transfer system to incrementally raise the precursor frequency of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, we found that donor-reactive T cells primed at low frequency exhibited increased cellular division, decreased development of multifunctional effector activity, and an increased requirement for CD28- and CD154-mediated costimulation relative to those primed at high frequency. The results demonstrated that recipients with low CD4+ and CD8+ donor-reactive T cell frequencies exhibited long-term skin graft survival upon CD28/CD154 blockade, whereas simultaneously raising the frequency of CD4+ T cells to ∼0.5% and CD8+ T cells to ∼5% precipitated graft rejection despite CD28/CD154 blockade. Antigenic rechallenge of equal numbers of cells stimulated at high or low frequency revealed that cells retained an imprint of the frequency at which they were primed. These results demonstrate a critical role for initial precursor frequency in determining the CD8+ T cell requirement for CD28- and CD154-mediated costimulatory signals during graft rejection.
Non-Gaussian series and series with non-zero means: Practical implications for time series analysis

Abstract This paper presents a discussion of the relationship between the distribution of the input and the distribution of the output of linear filters. The purpose of the discussion is to focus attention on several fundamental aspects of developing ARIMA models which seem to be overlooked routinely in practice. The authors discuss the implications of non-normally distributed time series realizations and examine the effect of failure to estimate the constant parameter in developing ARIMA models.
Research Spotlight: Oscillation of the locations of Saturn's auroral ovals

[1] Using images from the Hubble Space Telescope, Nichols et al. observed oscillations in the locations of Saturn's northern and southern auroral ovals. Both auroral ovals' positions oscillate 1°–2° between dawn and dusk. While the southern auroral oval oscillation had been previously observed, the present observation, made during Saturn's 2009 equinox, is the first one that indicates that the location of the northern auroral oval oscillates with similar amplitude. The researchers also found that the locations of the auroral ovals oscillate with periods close to the rotation periods of radio emissions known as Saturn kilometric radiation (SKR). In a related paper, Gurnett et al. (Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L24101, doi:10.1029/2010GL045796, 2010) observed changes in the rotational modulation rate of the SKR that could be controlled by changes in the planet's magnetosphere. Magnetosphere effects could cause shifting of the auroral ovals as well. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL045818, 2010)
Improved performance of maternal-fetal medicine staff after maternal cardiac arrest simulation-based training

Objective To determine the impact of simulation-based maternal cardiac arrest training on performance, knowledge, and confidence among Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff. Study Design Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff (n = 19) participated in a maternal arrest simulation program. Based on evaluation of performance during initial simulations, an intervention was designed including: basic life support course, advanced cardiac life suppport pregnancy modification lecture, and simulation practice. Postintervention evaluative simulations were performed. All simulations included a knowledge test, confidence survey, and debriefing. A checklist with 9 pregnancy modification (maternal) and 16 critical care (25 total) tasks was used for scoring. Results Postintervention scores reflected statistically significant improvement. Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff demonstrated statistically significant improvement in timely initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (120 vs 32 seconds, P = .042) and cesarean delivery (240 vs 159 seconds, P = .017). Conclusion Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation and pregnancy modifications application are critical in maternal and fetal survival during cardiac arrest. Simulation is a useful tool for Maternal-Fetal Medicine staff to improve skills, knowledge, and confidence in the management of this catastrophic event.
Survival of cryopreservation and thawing with all blastomeres intact identifies multicell embryos with superior frozen embryo transfer outcome.

Abstract Objective: To assess the impact of survival of cryopreservation and thawing with all blastomeres intact on the outcome of multicell frozen ET. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Academic assisted reproductive technology program. Patient(s): One hundred sixteen exclusively multicell frozen ETs in 78 patients. Intervention(s): Frozen ET. Main Outcome Measure(s): Relation of embryonic blastomere survival to the outcome of frozen ET (i.e., pregnancy). Result(s): When at least one embryo survived with all blastomeres intact, the total pregnancy rate (biochemical, clinical, or delivered) was 37.7%, the clinical pregnancy rate was 24.6%, and the delivered pregnancy rate was 18.8%. When no embryo survived with all blastomeres intact, the corresponding rates were 10.6%, 8.5%, and 6.4%. The differences in the total pregnancy rate and the clinical pregnancy rate were statistically significant. The delivered pregnancy rates approached statistical significance. Conclusion(s): Multicell embryonic survival of cryopreservation and thawing with all blastomeres intact identifies embryos with superior developmental potential.
A micromechanical model for the analysis of Z-fiber reinforcement

A micromechanical model for the determination of the stress and displacement fields that are in and around Z-fiber reinforcement is presented. The model consists of nested cylinders that are homogeneous, transversely isotropic and axisymmetric. The modeling assumptions are identified and the governing equations are formulated. A general solution procedure is discussed. The model is useful for analyzing the behavior of Z-fiber designs that are subjected to mechanical and thermal loads. (Author)
Maximum benefit from a minimal HTM

A minimal, bounded hardware transactional memory implementation significantly improves synchronization performance when used in an operating system kernel. We add HTM to Linux 2.4, a kernel with a simple, coarse-grained synchronization structure. The transactional Linux 2.4 kernel can improve performance of user programs by as much as 40% over the non-transactional 2.4 kernel. It closes 68% of the performance gap with the Linux 2.6 kernel, which has had significant engineering effort applied to improve scalability.We then extend our minimal HTM to a fast, unbounded transactional memory with a novel technique for coordinating hardware transactions and software synchronization. Overflowed transactions run in software, with only a minimal coupling between hardware and software systems. There is no performance penalty for overflow rates of less than 1%. In one instance, at 16 processors and an overflow rate of 4%, performance degrades from an ideal 4.3x to 3.6x.
Noble-transition metal nanoparticle breathing in a reactive gas atmosphere.

In situ high-energy X-ray diffraction coupled to atomic pair distribution function analysis is used to obtain fundamental insight into the effect of the reactive gas environment on the atomic-scale structure of metallic particles less than 10 nm in size. To substantiate our recent discovery we investigate a wide range of noble-transition metal nanoparticles and confirm that they expand and contract radially when treated in oxidizing (O2) and reducing (H2) atmospheres, respectively. The results are confirmed by supplementary XAFS experiments. Using computer simulations guided by the experimental diffraction data we quantify the effect in terms of both relative lattice strain and absolute atomic displacements. In particular, we show that the effect leads to a small percent of extra surface strain corresponding to several tenths of Angstrom displacements of the atoms at the outmost layer of the particles. The effect then gradually decays to zero within 4 atomic layers inside the particles. We also show that, reminiscent of a breathing type structural transformation, the effect is reproducible and reversible. We argue that because of its significance and widespread occurrence the effect should be taken into account in nanoparticle research.
The Literature on Tetrahymena: Its History, Growth, and Recent Trends

The literature involving the genus Tetrahymena has become so voluminous in recent years that some consolidation of it appears advisable. Through 1953 well over 500 papers, scattered through more than 100 scientific journals, have been devoted in whole or in part to studies in which species and strains of this genus, under a variety of names, have been employed as one of the experimental animals. Nearly half of these works are cited directly in the present paper. The major areas of research in which these ciliates have been used to advantage include physiology and biochemistry, containing nearly 60% of all the papers, cytology and taxonomy, and three smaller fields arbitrarily designated as cytogenetics, morphogenesis, and parasitism. Tetrahymena's sustained popularity as an object of research may be considered as due primarily to its ability to thrive axenically in a chemically defined nutrient medium and secondarily to such factors as its ubiquity in nature, its ready adaptability to a variety of ecological situations (including endoparasitism), its possession of a relatively primitive and fundamental type of buccal ciliature of considerable phylogenetic significance, and its exhibition of the sexual phenomena of conjugation and autogamy.
Models of the geomorphology, hydrology, and development of domed peat bodies

Because peat accumulates only beneath the water table, the shape of a peat body should reflect the shape of its water table and thus the hydrology of the peat body. Three different models successfully reproduce the observed peat dome morphology, including a central bog plain. In the first model, the bog plain develops because peat accumulation is limited by anaerobic decay of peat beneath the water table. With certain simplifying assumptions, an analytic solution for this model can be obtained. The other two models are more easily investigated numerically. In the first model, the initial peat accumulation rate is limited only by plant growth and decay and is the maximum rate observed during peat dome development. As a peat dome expands laterally, peat accumulation slows because the water table ceases to rise fast enough to preserve all the available plant material. Eventually, anaerobic decay beneath the water table matches the rate of peat addition to the top of the peat body, and net peat accumulation ceases. 17 refs., 2 tabs.
Adrenergic, insulin, and work interactions with adenosine's effects on in situ myocardial glucose uptake

We have demonstrated that adenosine enhances insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake in situ. In the present study we determined the role of adrenergic influences and myocardial work on insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake while varying intracoronary adenosine concentrations. Under pentobarbital anesthesia we instrumented mongrel dogs to obtain blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial and coronary sinus blood samples for measuring oxygen and glucose concentrations. An electromagnetic blood flow probe around the circumflex coronary artery allowed determinations of blood flow, and calculation of myocardial oxygen (MVO2) and glucose (MGU) uptakes. Somatostatin was infused i.v. (0.8 μ g/kg · min−1) along with 10 mU/kg · min−1 regular insulin, and variable quantities of glucose to maintain euglycemia. Adenosine was infused at logarithmic incremental rates (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 μ moles · min−1) for 30 min each into the main left coronary arteries. Adrenergic blockade was achieved with i.v. propranolol (70 μ g/kg bolus followed by 5 μ g/kg-min−1 infusion), and phentolamine (95 μ g/kg bolus followed by 9.5 μ g/kg·min−1 infusion). Insulin infusion significantly increased MGU. Adenosine increased the maximal value for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Adrenergic blockade alone did not alter insulin-stimulated MGU, but reduced heart rate and MVO2. When evaluated relative to MVO2 1.0 μ moles/ml adenosine infusion increased MGU independent of work-related changes in the presence or absence of adrenergic blockade. With an adenosine infusion rate of 10 μ moles/ml myocardial glucose uptake returned to baseline. These data also support our earlier speculation that the MGU response to adenosine may be biphasic. These results suggest that antagonism of adrenergic effects by adenosine cannot account for adenosine's ability to enhance insulin's effects on glucose uptake in the heart, but that work-related influences should be accounted for in interpreting results of this kind.
The effect of competition on trade: Evidence from the collapse of international cartels

How do changes in competitive intensity affect trade patterns? Some cartels may find it advantageous to eliminate cross-hauling and divide markets geographically. We exploit a quasi-natural experiment associated with increased antitrust enforcement to determine if market division strategies were used in seven recently-prosecuted international cartels. Since antitrust activity is unlikely to affect spatial patterns of demand and supply (other than through its effect on the competitive environment), enforcement-induced changes are ideally suited to study the effect of competition on trade patterns. Analyzing the cartels individually and as a group, we find no significant change in spatial patterns of trade following cartel breakup; in particular, there is no systematic change in the effect of distance on trade. These results suggest that cross-hauling is not uncommon under collusion and hence that the existence of cross-hauling by itself does not provide evidence of effective competition.
Pain in Clinical and Laboratory Contexts

Subjects served as their own control when tooth pulp shock was delivered in laboratory and clinical situations. Significantly heightened pain was observed in the clinical dental setting. The dental setting proved more anxiety-provoking and associated with reduced tolerance for pain, suggesting that cognitive contexts of a dental setting may elicit heightened subjective pain responses.