cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacillus subtilis tetA(L) gene expression: evidence for regulation by translational reinitiation

The tetA(L) gene of Bacillus subtilis encodes a transmembrane protein that can function as a Tc-metal/H+ antiporter, conferring low-level resistance to tetracycline. The TetA(L) coding sequence is preceded by a leader region that contains a 20-amino-acid open reading frame and an appropriately spaced ribosome binding site. Expression of the gene is induced by addition of tetracycline, which is thought to act by binding to ribosomes that translate the tetA(L) leader peptide coding sequence. Here we demonstrate that induction of tetA(L) expression includes minor transcriptional and major translational components. Deletion and point mutations of the tetA(L) leader region were constructed to probe the mechanism of translational induction. To account for the observed mutant phenotypes, we propose that tetA(L) expression is regulated by a translational reinitiation mechanism.
Collapsed chains as models for filler particles in a polymer melt

Abstract Simulations of dense melts of coarse-grained chains have been modified so that they contain filler particles. Since the filler particles and matrix chains are constructed from the same repeat unit, all of the intermolecular energetic interactions in the system (filler–filler, filler–matrix, matrix–matrix) are identical. The collapse of individual chains to form filler particles is achieved by a simple modification in the strength of the minimum in the Lennard–Jones potential governing pair-wise intramolecular interactions within a filler particle. Even when completely collapsed, the filler particles retain mobility in their internal degrees of freedom. Their centers of mass are also mobile. The filler particles can be collapsed completely to dense, impenetrable objects, but they can also be collapsed incompletely to produce permeable filler particles. There is no evidence for spontaneous aggregation of impermeable filler particles, but sufficiently permeable filler particles can aggregate. The parameters used in the simulations insure that the aggregation cannot be energetically driven. Matrix chains that fill space within a permeable filler particle have severe restrictions placed on their available conformations. The reduction in the conformational entropy of the matrix chains can be alleviated if the permeable filler particles interpenetrate, or aggregate. Then fewer matrix chains must enter the permeable filler particles in order to maintain the density of the system. The simulation detects no aggregation of impermeable filler particles because it is not necessary for matrix chains to enter completely collapsed particles.
SOLAR ABSORPTANCE AND HEMISPHERICAL EMITTANCE OF VARIOUS METALS AT SPACE CONDITIONS

Solar absorptance and hemispherical emmitance of metals at space conditions determined with cyclic incident radiation technique
Prediction of Wind Turbine Performance and Wake Losses using Analysis Methods of Incremental Complexity

This paper compares several methods for predicting wind turbine performance, as well as predicting wake interference in a wind farm. The analysis tools range from the full CFD calculations at the high complexity end to a traditional Blade Element Momentum based approach at the low complexity end. We perform full CFD calculations using the HELIOS (Helicopter Overset Simulations) code co-developed by the Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate at the NASA Ames Research Center and researchers at the University of Wyoming. HELIOS provides a novel meshing approach to CFD with body conforming unstructured grids near the solid walls and solution adaptive Cartesian grids away from the walls. This approach is particularly suited for vortex wake dominated flows such as those observed in wind turbine flow fields, where effective wake capturing depends to a large extent on numerical dissipation. All the lower complexity approaches that we utilize are developed in-house at the University of Wyoming. They are, in increasing order of computational time, a traditional Blade Element Momentum (BEM) code (WYOBEM), a BEM code with free-vortex wake approach for inflow (UWake), and an actuator disk based CFD method (DiskFloW). The different analytical methods are first applied to a model of the horizontal axis two-bladed rotor of the NREL Phase VI Unsteady Aerodynamic Experiment and then to a model of the 3-bladed turbines of the experimental Sexbierum wind farm. We further compare wake deficits behind an isolated turbine using the subset of methodologies that allow for probing of flow fields. Finally, we apply two of the chosen methodologies for studying performance losses caused by wake interference. In particular, we analyze the performance losses and nature of wind deficit when two turbines are operating, one behind the other, in pure axial flow conditions.
Thermochemistry and kinetics of the reaction of 1-methylallyl radicals with molecular oxygen

The kinetics of the reaction CH3CHCHCH2 + O2 ⇄ CH3CHCHCH2O2 has been studied using laser photolysis/photoionization mass spectrometry. Room-temperature decay constants of the CH3CHCHCH2 radical were determined in time-resolved experiments as a function of bath gas density ([He] = (3−24) × 1016 molecule cm-3. The rate constants are in the falloff region under the conditions of the experiments. Relaxation to equilibrium in the addition step of the reaction was monitored within the temperature range 345−390 K. Equilibrium constants were determined as a function of temperature and used to obtain the enthalpy of reaction 1. At high temperatures (600−700 K), no reaction of CH3CHCHCH2 with molecular oxygen could be observed and upper limits to the rate constants were determined (1 × 10-16 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 at 600 K and 2 × 10-16 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 at 700 K). Structures, vibrational frequencies, and energies of several conformations of CH3CHCHCH2, CH3CHCHCH2O2, and CH3CH(OO)CHCH2 were calculated using ab initio ...
Mechanical model for critical strain in mineralizing biological tissues : application to bone formation in biomaterials

A simple theoretical model for the role of strain energy density in the initial mineralization of soft tissues is presented and used to derive a limit of the allowable strain in tissue engineered biomaterials. The model incorporates the mechanical energy in calcified tissue due to time-varying loads into the more commonly used energetic arguments for mineralization. By using the Voight (equal-strain) and Reuss (equal-stress) composite material models to relate the volumetric density of calcified tissue to overall material modules, two models were developed to assess the effect of an imposed overall material strain on mineralization. A rate equation based on strain energy was used to model the kinetics of mineralization, and the stability of the rate equation was assessed, leading to a limit on overall material strain based on the specific energy for mineralization of soft tissues. The result depended on the stiffness of the material in series with the mineralizing tissue. Taking the stiffness of the material in series with the tissue as infinite lead to a prediction of critical strain for mineralization in the calcifying biological tissue which was the same on the Reuss and Voight models. The interaction of this theoretical model with biological factors and some clinical implications of the model are discussed.
A Patch in the Pectoral Position Lowers Defibrillation Threshold

Implantable pacemaker cardioverter defibrillators are now available with biphasic waveforms, which have been shown to markedly improve defibrillation thresholds (DFTs). However, in a number of patients the DFT remains high. Also, DFT may increase after implantation, especially if antiarrhythmic drugs are added. We report on the use of a subcutaneous patch in the pectoral position in 15 patients receiving a transvenous defibrillator as a method of easily reducing the DFT. A 660-mm2 patch electrode was placed beneath the generator in a pocket created on the pectoral fascia. The energy required for defibrillation was lowered by 56% on average, and the system impedance was lowered by a mean of 25%. This maneuver allowed all patients to undergo a successful implant with adequate safety margin.
Efficient computation of subset selection probabilities with application to Cox regression

SUMMARY An efficient method is presented to compute the probability of selection of a specified subset from the set of all subsets of a fixed size where the subsets are taken from a population whose units have varying individual probabilities of selection. The problem is motivated by the computation of the exact marginal likelihood for the Cox proportional hazards model.
A high frequency link multiport converter utility interface for renewable energy resources with integrated energy storage

The use of renewable energy resources for bulk energy generation brings a requirement for energy storage systems to support intermittent renewable resources. Energy storage has many uses on the electric grid, and in those capacities renewable energy resources can be combined with energy storage systems. The circuit topologies to connect them with the grid are similar. This paper follows up previous work investigating potential interface topologies and proposes a multiport converter interface with a high-frequency bus which can improve the conversion efficiency from the renewable resource to storage and to the grid by about 3∼4.5% over the separately-connected solution.
Clinical Sequelae of Thrombus in an Inferior Vena Cava Filter

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term clinical sequelae of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter thrombus and the effect of anticoagulation on filter thrombus. Of 1,718 patients who had IVC filters placed during 2001-2008, 598 (34.8%) had follow-up abdominal CT. Filter thrombus was seen in 111 of the 598 (18.6%). There were 44 men (39.6%). The mean age at filter placement was 64 years. The medical diseases included cancer in 64, trauma in 15, stroke in 12, and others in 20. The frequency of filter thrombus on CT and asymptomatic filter thrombus on CT was calculated. The frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with filter thrombus was calculated. The frequency of thrombus progression or regression (on CT, available in 56) was calculated. The effect of anticoagulation on filter thrombus regression/progression was evaluated using the Fisher exact test by comparing the group of patients who received anticoagulants versus those who did not. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. The overall frequency of filter thrombus was 18.6%. Total occlusion of the IVC filter was seen in 12 of 598 (2%). The filter thrombus was asymptomatic in 110 (18.3%). Filter thrombus was detected after a median of 35 days (range, 0-2082) following filter placement. Thrombus extended above the filter in 4 (3.6%); IVC thrombus below the filter was seen in 35(31.5%). Thrombus in the filter occluded <25% of the filter volume in 58 (52.3%), 25-50% in 21 (18.9%), and 50-75% in 20 (18%). Total IVC occlusion was seen in 12 (10.8%). Eighty-three patients received anticoagulation. Sixteen patients developed symptoms of PE. PE was confirmed on CT in 3 of 15 (2.7%). On follow-up, filter thrombus regressed completely in 19 (33.9%) after a median of 6 months. Filter thrombus decreased in size in 13 (23.2%) and it progressed without IVC occlusion in 7 (12.6%). In one (1.7%), filter thrombus progressed to IVC occlusion. Filter thrombus remained stable in 16 (28.6%). There was no significant difference in thrombus regression or progression rates whether or not the patients received anticoagulation for filter thrombus. In conclusion, asymptomatic thrombus in the filter is common and it rarely progresses to complete caval occlusion. Anticoagulation has little effect on the resolution of filter thrombosis and future occurrence of PE.
Spinning the Market: The Moral Alchemy of Everyday Talk in Postsocialist Russia

■ Ethnographies of postsocialist Europe and Eurasia have observed the moral resistance of post-communist communities in the face of an impinging capitalism, highlighting the continuity of such sentiment with both pre-communist and 20th-century ideologies of social justice. This article suggests that, valuable as these accounts have been, together they can leave the false impression that post-Soviet change is a confrontation between two separate, antagonistic forces: a local world of social embeddedness and moral obligation versus an exterior, supercultural, individualistic market logic. To challenge that notion, this article draws upon ethnographic observations in St Petersburg (1998—9, 2003) to treat the so-called `transition to capitalism' as a set of questions and moments of interpretation: junctures when people consider the multiple implications and valences of the practices in which they might engage. Such morally charged performance can have important and cumulative social effects, but cannot be ade...
Critical Comments About the Body and Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms in Collegiate Men

The goal of the current study was to examine the relationship between critical comments that men recall others making about their bodies and their current level of muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms. It was expected that higher levels of MD symptoms would be associated with remembering comments, severity of the comment, and negative emotions associated with the comment. Participants were 118 college men. Results indicated that no significant differences were found on MD symptoms between participants who recalled comments about their bodies and those who did not recall such comments. However, analyses revealed significant relationships between severity level of the comment and MD symptoms. Also, more negative reactions to the critical comment were associated with higher levels of MD symptoms.
Structure theorems for some circular-arc graphs

A proper circular-arc graph is a graph that has an intersection model formed by a family of overlapping arcs on some circle in which no arc contains another. A unit circular-arc graph is a graph that has an intersection model formed by a family of unit-length arcs on some circle. This paper gives structure theorems for proper circular-arc graphs and for unit circular-arc graphs.
Cobalt Chemistry with Mixed Aminotroponiminate Salicylaldiminate Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Nitric Oxide Reactivity

A new class of mixed aminotroponimine salicylaldimine ligands and their corresponding cobalt(II) complexes are reported. This work expands the family of cobalt(II) aminotroponiminato complexes to i...
Oxidative stress is the master operator of drug and chemically-induced programmed and unprogrammed cell death: Implications of natural antioxidants in vivo

ROS, RNS, BRIs and ROS-RNS hybrids are produced during drug or chemical metabolism in vivo. These reactive species are instrumental to the culmination of cellular oxidative stress (OS). OS, once turned on, does not spare any vital intracellular macromolecule, such as glutathione, DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, lipids and ATP. Since concentration gradients of such components are very delicately balanced for normal cellular functioning, a gross perturbation leads to cell injury and cell death. Abundant evidence now suggests that intracellular antioxidants keep OS in check and maintain homeostasis. Our laboratory has focused on the role of OS in orchestrating various forms of cell death during drug and chemically-induced target organ toxicity and their counteraction by various natural or synthetic antioxidants in in vivo models. Despite complexity of the in vivo models, results show that metabolism of xenobiotics are invariably associated with different degrees of OS and natural antioxidants such as grape seed extract, bitter melon extract (Momordica charantia) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which were very effective in counteracting organ toxicities by minimizing events linked to OS (lipid peroxidation and total glutathione), and CAD-mediated DNA fragmentation. Phytoextract exposure rescued cells from toxic assaults, protected genomic integrity, and minimized apoptotic, necrotic and apocrotic (oncotic necrosis) cell deaths. Pre-exposure mode was more effective than post-exposure route. Overall scenario suggests that OS may have been the prime modulator of death and/or survival programs, whereas, antioxidants may have imparted a dual role in either erasing death signals or reviving survival signals, and a combination of antioxidants may be more beneficial than a single entity to influence a number of intracellular events operating simultaneously to neutralize chaotic toxicological consequences.
Quantitation of cross-linked protein: an alternative to counting cornified envelopes as an index of keratinocyte differentiation.

Abstract Covalently cross-linked protein is the key feature of the cornified envelope, an important marker of squamous differentiation. Enumeration of cornified envelopes is widely used to assess keratinocyte differentiation, but is tedious and subjective. We report here a rapid, objective, sensitive, and quantitative assay that measures total cross-linked protein in keratinocytes. The method is based on the resistance of cross-linked protein to solubilization in boiling SDS-βME, separation of cross-linked from soluble protein by collection of cross-linked protein on sheets of regenerated cellulose, binding of Coomassie blue to protein, and quantitation by scanning laser densitometry. There is excellent correlation between the cross-linked protein measured by this assay and the number of cornified envelopes.
Is Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) the best way to estimate cost‐of‐equity for the lodging industry?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare traditional methods of estimating the cost‐of‐equity (capital asset pricing model and Fama and French three‐factor model) with a new approach, implied cost‐of‐equity method, to provide lodging analysts, investors, executives and researchers with a more reliable way to estimate cost‐of‐equity.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses data from publicly traded lodging firms in the USA that provide all necessary financial data for cost‐of‐equity estimation. The data range from 1976 to 2005.Findings – The study finds that the price‐to‐forward earnings (PFE), using the implied cost‐of‐equity (ICE), approach, estimates cost‐of‐equity of publicly‐traded lodging firms more reliably, compared with CAPM.Practical implications – The study recommends that lodging industry analysts, investors, executives and researchers adopt the ICE approach, especially using the PFE model, to estimate cost‐of‐equity of publicly‐traded lodging firms.Originality/value – The study at...
Social induction of malleability in ducklings : sensory basis and psychological mechanism

Abstract Abstract. At the organismic level, the first step in the pathway to evolutionary change is a deviation from species-typical behaviour. The present experiments examined how social rearing can foster species-atypical behaviour. Social rearing fosters such an extreme degree of malleability in mallard ducklings that when socially reared mallard ducklings are exposed to the chicken maternal call, they come to prefer it to the mallard maternal call in simultaneous auditory choice tests. Social isolates do not develop a preference for the chicken call. The present experiments were designed to elucidate the sensory features of the social situation that are essential to malleability and to determine what these sensory features do that creates a psychologically malleable state in the socially reared duckling. The experimental results indicate that tactile contact is the sensory basis of malleability and such contact is effective even if provided by stuffed ducklings. Tactile isolation, even in ducklings that can see and hear other ducklings, engenders such a high degree of arousal that malleability is absent when ducklings are tactually isolated from one another. Tactile contact affords an optimum low level of arousal that is essential to malleability.
Adnexal carcinomas of the skin. II: Extraocular sebaceous carcinomas

Extraocular sebaceous carcinomas are uncommonly seen neoplasms, and have been confused in the past with basal cell carcinomas showing sebaceous differentiation. In contrast to the latter tumors, however, sebaceous carcinomas have a distinct risk of aggressive behavior. This study presents clinicopathologic data on five cases of sebaceous carcinoma arising in cutaneous locations outside of the ocular adnexae. Four of five patients were men, and the average age at diagnosis was 63 years. Three tumors occurred on the face, one arose in the skin of the neck, and another occurred on the penis, an anatomic site that is extremely rare for sebaceous carcinoma. Three tumors metastasized, and two patients died of tumor or with residual tumor growth. In light of this behavior, the premise that extraocular sebaceous carcinomas rarely spread to distant sites may need reexamination.
Exposure to Genistein During Gestation and Lactation Demasculinizes the Reproductive System in Rats

ABSTRACTPurpose: Exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein (Indofine Chemical Co., Somerville, New Jersey) can disrupt normal male sexual differentiation. To determine if perinatal (that is gestation and lactation) genistein exposure at doses common in human diets alters masculinization we examined the development of the external genitalia, testes, wolffian ducts and sexual behavior in male rats exposed to genistein supplemented diets during early development.Materials and Methods: Female rats were fed a phytoestrogen-free diet supplemented with no genistein (free), a low genistein dose (low) or a high genistein dose (high) throughout gestation and lactation. Anogenital distance of male offspring was measured weekly from postnatal days 2 to 21. At puberty (postnatal day 40 to 45) preputial separation, and testis length and width of male offspring were measured. At age 70 days reproductive organ masses, plasma testosterone concentration, sperm counts and sexual behavior were assessed in male offspring.Result...
Effect of acute and daily neurotensin and enkephalin treatments on extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens

The injection of neurotensin or the enkephalin analog Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-MePhe-Gly(ol) (DAMGO) into the A10 region of rats produces a motor stimulant effect that is associated with an increase in the postmortem levels of dopamine metabolites in the nucleus accumbens. These behavioral and neurochemical effects are augmented following daily administration. In vivo dialysis in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats was used to determine if the acute and augmented behavioral responses following neurotensin or DAMGO administration are associated with an increase in extracellular dopamine concentrations. The acute injection of DAMGO produced a dose-dependent (0.03-3.3 nmol) elevation in extracellular dopamine and its metabolites in the nucleus accumbens. Neurotensin also produced a dose-related (0.1-3.3 nmol) increase in dopamine and its metabolites. The elevation in extracellular dopamine produced by DAMGO, but not by neurotensin, was positively correlated with the increase in motor activity. Following daily treatment of either neurotensin (1.0 nmol X 4 d) or DAMGO (0.03 nmol X 4 d), a significant elevation in extracellular dopamine levels occurred in the nucleus accumbens compared to an acute injection. The time course of the change in extracellular dopamine after daily injections was similar to the time course of the behavioral stimulation for both compounds. These data demonstrate that enhanced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens mediates the acute behavioral effect of DAMGO but does not entirely explain the motor effects of neurotensin. However, enhanced dopamine release may mediate the behavioral sensitization produced by daily injection of both peptides into the A10 region.
Diffusible and Extractable Growth Regulators in Normal and Dwarf Shoot Apices of Peach, Prunus persica Batsch

Brian and Hemming (1), upon educing genetic dwarfs to behave as normal plants by applications of gibberellic acid, proposed that dwarfism was hormonally regulated. Phinney and his co-workers (12) expanded this idea by proposing that dwarfism in corn (Zea mays) is controlled by nonallelic genes, each of which governs a different step in gibberellin biosynthesis. They found that in this species the dwarf character, when transmitted as a recessive factor, can be altered by successive application of GA so that the seedling develops, flowers, and fruits as a normal plant. However, seedlings which inherit the dwarfing character as a dominant factor do not respond to GA treatments. Similarly, dwarf peas (Pisum sativum) respond to GA applications but the normal seedlings do not (2, 8). In rice (Oryza sativa), both the dwarf and semidwarf cultivars respond to exogenous GA. In contrast to the above species, applications of GA to normal peach (Prunus persica) seedlings accelerate shoot growth and inhibit flower bud formation (3), whilt the same treatments to dwarf progenies evoke a meager growth response. Moreover, the dwarf character in this species is transmitted as a simple recessive Mendelian factor; hence, it is likely determined by an allele and a single gene. It appears that while the genetic heritability of dwarfism in peach is simple, the mechanism controlling this character is dissimilar to that of other sp:cies mentioned above. To explore this dwarfing mechanism in peach, the levels of "free" diffusible and extractable gibberellin-like substances, IAA and ABA, in the shoot apices of dwarf and normal seedlings were compared.
Stream-oriented robotics programming: The design of roshask

The decomposition of robotics software into a collection of loosely coupled processes has become a core design principle of virtually every large robotics software engineering effort over the past decade. Recently, the ROS software platform from Willow Garage has gained significant traction due to its adoption of sound design principles and significant software library contributions from Willow Garage itself. This paper describes a binding from the Haskell programming language to basic ROS interfaces. The novelty of these bindings is that they allow for, and encourage, a higher level of abstraction in writing programs for robots that treat streams of values as first-class citizens. This approach makes the fusing, transforming, and filtering of streams fully generic and compositional while maintaining full compatibility with the existing ROS ecosystem.
Role of osteopontin in cellular signaling and toxicant injury

Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycosylated phosphoprotein found in all body fluids and in the proteinaceous matrix of mineralized tissues. It can function both as a cell attachment protein and as a cytokine, delivering signals to cells via a number of receptors including several integrins and CD44. Expression of OPN is enhanced by a variety of toxicants, especially those that activate protein kinase C. In its capacity as a signaling molecule, OPN can modify gene expression and promote the migration of monocytes/macrophages up an OPN gradient. It has both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions. Some experiments suggest that it may inhibit apoptosis, possibly contributing to the survival of cells in response to toxicant injury. Elevated OPN expression often correlates with malignancy and has been shown to enhance the tumorigenic and/or metastatic phenotype of the cancer cell. Recent studies have revealed that OPN plays critical roles in bone remodeling and cell-mediated immunity.
Adaptation of a Beckman Spectraspan VI Spectrometer to a Plutonium Glove Box

The analytical chemistry group of the Los Alamos National Laboratory has modified a Spectraspan VI D-C plasma emission spectrometer for the analysis of nuclear material by adapting it to a plutonium glove box. The plasma source compartment of the spectrometer was enclosed in a specially designed glove box end plate on the end of a two-station containment box assembly. Very little modification of the spectrometer was necessary to mount the torch on the glove box wall. A quartz window was inserted in the glove box wall to provide an optical interface between the spectrometer and the source. There was no further modification of the optical path. To maintain optimum instrument performance, the distance between the plasma and the entrance slit was designed to remain the same as it was originally. The engineering changes to the jet assembly and glove box, the health and safety issues considered, and air flows through critical areas of the glove box are described.
Quality of life measures in the Miami HIV-1 infected drug abusers cohort: relationship to gender and disease status.

Purpose: This study examined activity, daily living, health, support, and outlook in HIV+ drug users. Methods: Using the physician-administered Spitzer Index, the study assessed 75 HIV-1 seropositi ...
Separation and comparison of primary structures of three formylmethionine tRNAs from E. coli K-12 MO.

Abstract Three chromatographically distinct tRNAsfMet from E. coli K-12 MO were separated by reversed-phase chromatography and designated tRNAAfMet, tRNABfMet, and tRNA3fMet. The tRNAAfMet corresponds to the published sequence for tRNAfMet ( E. coli ). The tRNABfMet differs from tRNAAfMet in that the 4-thiouridine in nucleotide position 8 has interacted with cytidine in position 13 to form a cross-linked product. The tRNA3fMet differs from tRNAAfMet in that 7-methyl-guanosine (in position 47) has been replaced by adenosine.
Parameterizations for the cross-sectional area and extinction of cirrus and stratiform ice cloud particles

Abstract This study presents observational data that are used to relate the cross-sectional area of an ice particle to its maximum diameter (D), for a number of individual particle habits and for natural mixed habit populations of ice particles in midlatitude, continental, synoptically generated cirrus clouds. The cross-sectional area is expressed in terms of the shape-sensitive parameter “area ratio” (Ar), which is the ratio of a particle's projected cross-sectional area to the area of a circle having the particle's maximum diameter. The Ar(D) relationships for particles of a specific habit are derived from several diverse datasets, including high-resolution Cloud Particle Imager (CPI), Particle Measuring System, Inc., 2D-C (cloud) and 2D-P (precipitation) probes and balloon-borne replicator in situ data in the temperature range −25°C to −65°C, ice particles collected at the surface, and ice particles grown in a wind tunnel. The Ar(D) relationships for cirrus clouds are derived from CPI, 2D-C, and 2D-P d...
Evaluation of vision-specific quality of life in albinism

Introduction Human albinism is a genetic condition associated with visual impairment that affects many aspects of daily life. Office measurements of visual acuity do not necessarily reflect daily visual function and health status. This study used the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) to determine the effect of albinism-associated ophthalmopathy on quality of life (QOL). Methods We administered the NEI-VFQ, which consists of 25 questions about QOL (VFQ-25) and 14 questions about well-being (VFQ-39), to 44 consenting participants with albinism older than the age of 18 years. Results Nineteen male and 25 female subjects completed the study. Median age was 30.5 years (range, 18–79 years). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 20/83 (range, 20/20 to 20/320). Forty-eight percent reported that they were currently able to drive with their condition. Participants perceived midscale problems with their general vision (median subscale score 60.0). Visual acuity correlated moderately with overall NEI-VFQ composite scores ( r s = 0.40, p = 0.01 for VFQ-25 and r s = 0.36, p = 0.02 for VFQ-39). Most notable impairment was recorded for distance acuity, vision-specific mental health, and vision-specific role difficulties (VFQ-39 median subscale scores 66.7, 70.0, and 75.0, respectively). Differences by sex were insignificant. Greater ceiling effects were noted for the VFQ-25 than for the VFQ-39. Conclusions The NEI-VFQ-39 is a method to evaluate self-reported effects of vision-related QOL in albinism and may be used as a baseline for evaluating outcomes in interventional studies in these patients.
Balancing target acquisition and target tracking in existing resource constrained stationary camera systems

Safety security concerns drive the need to visually monitor large, complex environments (such as college campuses and office parks). Operators use networks of cameras to surveil areas in a dual fashion: first, identify events or targets of interest and second, monitor newly identified events and targets until a determination of subsequent action is made. An intelligent camera motion algorithm can assist operators with surveilling large areas by leveraging the region of interest configuration. This article compares the usefulness of camera motion planning by minimizing the time a space goes unseen (time based) against minimizing the size of contiguous unviewable space (space based). In addition, an autonomous, multi-camera, cooperative surveillance algorithm that operates a network of pan---tilt---zoom cameras to monitor a region of interest is presented. Coverage is accomplished via a novel algorithm that combines both time and space-based heuristics without an exhaustive search for the optimal parameters. This approach not only cooperatively manages camera coverage, but introduces a mechanism for balancing resource assignment between coverage to acquire new targets and tracking of previously discovered targets. Other benefits include a user-interface mechanism and occlusion awareness for expansion to cluttered urban environments. Experimental results are presented and compared for target acquisition and tracking in a typical urban campus environment. Results show that average linear uncovered length (ALUL) better predicts target acquisition performance. In addition, the use of ALUL for selection of camera panning angles improves target tracking and surveillance performance for both static and dynamic surveillance systems.
Deformation identification and estimation of one-dimensional objects by using vision sensors

The use of vision sensors to study object deformation is discussed. The vision sensor is used to identify the deformation characteristic and estimate the deformation of flexible beams. First, a nonlinear equation describing the deformation of the beam is given. Then, cubic spline functions are used to approximate the contour of the deformed beam after the beam is detected by the vision sensor. Using the cubic spline approximation and Maclaurin's series expansion, a procedure for determining the deformation characteristic is formulated. To estimate the deformation of the beam, a numerical differential method for solving the nonlinear equation is used. The error of this numerical method can be controlled with the aid of the vision sensor. Experimental results are given to verify that the proposed methods are effective. >
Appendicitis and Benign Appendiceal Mucocele presenting as Large Bowel Obstruction

Introduction Appendiceal mucocele is most commonly encountered incidentally during appendectomy.
“Women Have No Tribe” Connecting Carework, Gender, and Migration in an Era of HIV/AIDS in Botswana

The country of Botswana currently has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. Government and international aid agencies have undertaken initiatives to address the rapidly growing epidemic, but few measures address the current crisis of care as a key element in that process. In this article, the author uses case study data to highlight how women in Northern Botswana are affected by the increasing burden of caregiving to children who are orphaned as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In particular, she describes how the role of women as caregivers in communities has been transformed as a result of the HIV/AIDS crisis. She suggests that the intersecting cultural patterns of migration and reproduction are central to understanding the spread of the disease in the current emerging crisis of care.
Race, Place, and Neighboring: Social Ties among Neighbors in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Contexts:

This study examined the relations between community type, race, and the types of neighboring behaviors in which residents engage, with a random sample of 1,367 participants from urban, suburban, and rural areas of a southeastern state. Analyses controlled for several variables that are believed to influence neighboring. The multivariate analyses indicated a main effect for the type of community. However, the effect was contingent on the type of neighboring and disappeared once the covariates were included in the model. Similarly, main effects of race were found with African Americans engaging in more surveillance and Caucasians engaging in more social neighboring. The implications of these findings framing additional research on race and community type are discussed.
Activation of Adenylyl Cyclase by Preincubation of Rat Cerebral‐Cortical Membranes Under Phosphorylating Conditions: Role of ATP, GTP, and Divalent Cations

The effects of preincubation under phosphorylating conditions on adenylyl cyclase activity were studied in preparations containing synaptic membranes from rat cerebral cortex. Preincubation of the membranes with 2 mM ATP and 10 mM MgCl2 resulted in a 50% increase of adenylyl cyclase activity which withstood sedimentation and washing. This activation was maximal after 5 min of preincubation, was reversed after longer preincubations, and paralleled the time course of endogenous phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of proteins observed under these conditions. The activation showed a critical requirement for Mg2+ ions and was dependent on ATP concentration. Similar activation was observed after preincubation of cerebral-cortical membranes with adenosine-5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) (ATP gamma S), but this activation was not reversed by prolonged preincubation times. The activation by ATP gamma S was potentiated severalfold by including synaptoplasm in the preincubation. Further experiments indicated that the activity of nucleoside diphosphokinase, which converts ATP gamma S to guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) (GTP gamma S), could account for this potentiation. Preincubation of washed membranes for 5 min with 10 microM GTP and 10 mM MgCl2 also produced a 50% activation of adenylyl cyclase which withstood sedimentation and washing and was reversed by longer preincubations. Endogenous phosphorylation of specific protein components in the membranes during the preincubation was examined by including radioactively labeled nucleoside thiophosphates in the preincubation medium. Incorporation of 35S from [35S]ATP gamma S into a protein component with apparent Mr of 54,000 daltons ( 54K ) correlated significantly with the activation of adenylyl cyclase by ATP gamma S. Thiophosphorylation of the 54K protein was potentiated by addition of GDP to reactions carried out with [35S]ATP gamma S. Endogenous activity utilizing [gamma-32P]GTP as a phosphate donor also preferentially phosphorylated the 54K protein band. These results support previous suggestions that protein phosphorylation plays a role in the regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity. Among the numerous membrane-bound phosphoproteins in rat brain, we have identified a specific protein component with an apparent Mr of 54,000 daltons as the most likely candidate for involvement in this mode of regulation. This 54K protein, which is a principal substrate for a GTP-preferring protein kinase activity in brain membranes, can now be at the focus of investigations attempting to demonstrate a direct role for protein phosphorylation in adenylyl cyclase regulation.
Chylous Ascites Following Aortic Reconstruction

Limited retroperitoneal and peritoneal lymph accumulations are undoubtedly common following abdominal aortic reconstruction. However, intractable and symptomatic chylous ascites is a fortunately uncommon occurrence in this setting, though probably not as rare as suggested by the presence of only six cases in the world literature. 1—6 A case of intractable chylous ascites following aorto-femoral reconstruction is presented with a review of the previous six cases in order to clarify the clinical presentation, course, and management aspects of post-operative chylous ascites, specifically in vascular patients with a synthetic graft in place.
Numerical modeling of a spiral-antenna GPR system

To better study the ground penetrating radar (GPR) problem, an important step is to develop an accurate simulation of the fields induced by the radiating antennas. In this work, a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) model of a spiral-antenna GPR system was developed and verified against measurements of a prototype system. The paper discusses difficulties in modeling the antenna elements and presents evidence that the model properly predicts the response of the antennas to scatterers in the presence of the ground.
Right-Sided Diverticulitis Mistaken for Appendicitis on Ultrasonography in a 21-Year-Old Man

Right-sided diverticulitis is a frequently misdiagnosed disease that can be mistaken for a number of other conditions. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common misdiagnoses because of its similar symptoms and imaging findings. We report a case in which right-sided diverticulitis was interpreted as appendicitis on ultrasonography.
SIMULTANEOUS AIRBLAST AND GROUND MOTION RESPONSE.

A single-degree-of-freedom approach is used to model structural response to superimposed airblast and ground vibration from conventional explosions. A method is used whereby the force applied to the structure by the airblast is combined with the force due to the ground motion into a single exciting force. The use of field data permits comparison of model response to actual measured structural response. Natural frequencies and damping values used in this study are typical values obtained for residential structures in other studies. The model response is similar to the actual response in frequency content, and the peak velocities are predicted within a factor of two.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, "Electrogram Analysis and Pacing Are Complimentary for Recognition of Abnormal Conduction and Far-Field Potentials During Substrate Mapping of Infarct-Related Ventricular Tachycardia".

We thank Sun et al1 for their interest in our work. We agree that the discrepancy between evidence of conduction delay during pacing (S-QRS interval) and electrogram (eg, late potentials) could be due, in part, to the difference between the field of view of a bipolar recording and the radius of the tissue directly depolarized (virtual electrode) by unipolar pacing at 10 mA. We agree that the characteristics of the catheter used, including electrode size and interelectrode spacing influence this relationship and warrants further study. The relation between electrogram characteristics and the distance of the tissue generating the electrogram cannot be …
Il dolce ruggito del tuono: per un'interpretazione di Purgatorio IX 144 e Paradiso XVII 44

In questo saggio si esplora il contesto storico-musicologico dell’organo inteso sia come strumento musicale sia come composizione polifonica, al fine di offrire un’interpretazione dei passi della Commedia in cui appare il lemma ‘organi’ / ’organo’ ( Purg. IX, 144 e Par. XVII, 44). Il saggio dimostra che nel primo caso, alle porte del purgatorio che si aprono, il poeta fa riferimento alle descrizioni formulaiche dei grandi organi medievali che producevano un suono potente e non privo di asperita dissonanti. Attingendo a fonti trattatistiche e monastiche, si documenta il contesto storico di Purg . IX e Par . XVII leggendo il primo come strumento musicale a canne e il secondo come musica polifonica. This essay explores the historico-musicological context of organum, both as musical instrument and polyphonic song. The essay thus proposes an interpretaion of two passages of the Commedia in which the term ‘organi’ / ’organo’ appears ( Purg. IX, 144 e Par. XVII, 44). The essay shows that Dante, in the Purgatorial passage, refers to formulaic descriptions of great church organs, which produced a powerful and disconcerting sound.Drawing from medieval treatises and monastic sources, the article interprets "organi" in Purg . IX as the pipe instrument and "organo" in Par . XVII as vocal polyphony.
Vision Based Feedback Control of a Carpal Wrist Joint

This paper presents the design and development of a vision based feedback control system to position and orient a plane of interest in a closed kinematic chain. A specialized version of the collinearity equations called the homography is used in this paper to obtain an estimate for the rigid body pose of the plane of interest. The estimate for the rigid body pose is subsequently used to implement a kinematics based feedback control law to orient the plate of interest. The passive vision based measurement system and the associated results are implemented on a novel carpal wrist joint developed by us at the SMART laboratory at the University at Buffalo. It is shown that, using a web-cam based solution, high precision estimates of the rigid body pose of the distal plate can be obtained using the methodology presented in the paper.
Novel high-throughput screen identifies an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action.

HIV-1 resistance to zidovudine [AZT (azidothymidine)] is associated with selection of the mutations M41L, D67N, K70R, L210W, T215F/Y and K219Q/E in RT (reverse transcriptase). These mutations decrease HIV-1 susceptibility to AZT by augmenting RT's ability to excise the chain-terminating AZT-MP (AZT-monophosphate) moiety from the chain-terminated DNA primer. Although AZT-MP excision occurs at the enzyme's polymerase active site, it is mechanistically distinct from the DNA polymerase reaction. Consequently, this activity represents a novel target for drug discovery, and inhibitors that target this activity may increase the efficacy of nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, and may help to delay the onset of drug resistance. In the present study, we have developed a FRET (Forster resonance energy transfer)-based high-throughput screening assay for the AZT-MP excision activity of RT. This assay is sensitive and robust, and demonstrates a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.3 and a Z' factor of 0.69. We screened three chemical libraries (7265 compounds) using this assay, and identified APEX57219 {3,3'-[(3-carboxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)methylene]bis[6-hydroxybenzoic acid]} as the most promising hit. APEX57219 displays a unique activity profile against wild-type and drug-resistant HIV-1 RT, and was found to inhibit virus replication at the level of reverse transcription. Mechanistic analyses revealed that APEX57219 blocked the interaction between RT and the nucleic acid substrate.
Concurrent Aircraft Design and Resource Allocation Under Uncertainty for On-Demand Air Transportation

The concept of a “System of Systems” (SoS) describes a large system of multiple systems – each capable of independent operation – that have been brought together to provide capabilities beyond those of each individual constituent system. Formulating and solving an SoS design problem has become increasingly important, particularly in the aerospace and defense industries, as customers have begun to ask contractors for broad capabilities and solutions rather than for specific individual systems. Part of an SoS design problem is determining the appropriate mix of both existing and yet-to-be-designed systems that are expected to operate in an uncertain environment. In this paper, the problem of a fractional aircraft management company wishing to investigate how a new, yet-to-be-designed aircraft will impact the fleet operating cost provides an example of a Systems of Systems problem. The daily route network of an ondemand air transportation provider changes every day and, as such, uncertainty becomes part of the problem formulation. A decomposition approach analogous to those of multidisciplinary optimization is applied to the problem and Monte Carlo simulation is performed to address the uncertainty aspects of the operations.