cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Satellite Passive 37-GHz Scattering-based Method for Measuring Oceanic Rain Rates.

A combination of theory and measurement is used to develop a scattering-based method for quantitatively measuring rainfall over the ocean from Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) 37-GHz observations. This technique takes the observed scattering effects of precipitation on 37-GHz brightness temperatures and applies it to the oceanic environment. It requires an estimate of the effective radiating temperature of the cloudy portion of the atmosphere, and a brightness temperature measurement of the cloud-free ocean surface. These two measurements bound all possible combinations of clear and cloudy conditions within a footprint in terms of bipolarized brightness temperatures. Any satellite-observed brightness temperature T(B) lower than these values is assumed to reflect scattering, which at 37 GHz is only due to precipitation-size hydrometeors. Because the technique involves linear transformation between dual polarized brightness temperature and rain rate, there are no nonlinear 'footprint filling' effects and a unique footprint-averaged rain rate results. It is shown that these SMMR-derived rain rates for five cases of convection over the Gulf of Mexico are closely related to simultaneously derived radar rain rates, having a correlation of 0.90. This technique is then applied to a massive squall line over the Gulf of Mexico, and the resulting rain rate distribution reflects features found in cloud top heights and texture inferred from GOES infrared and visible imagery.
Theories of Adults' Understanding and Use of Irony and Sarcasm: Applications to and Evidence from Research with Children

Abstract An overview and synthesis of the literature relevant to the present understanding of children's developing ability to recognize ironic and sarcastic speech acts is the focus of this article. Several theoretical approaches to examining nonliteral language processing, outlined by linguists concerned with adults' use of discourse irony, are presented. This discussion is followed by a review of research pertaining to children's comprehension of irony and sarcasm. In the conclusion, claims made by speech act theorists and developmental researchers are integrated into a framework that can guide future investigations of pragmatic language understanding.
Distributed Cognition in Geriatric Telepsychiatry

We report on a geriatric telepsychiatry consultation service provided by a tertiary-care hospital to rural nursing homes located up to a few hours' drive away. Our case study analysis applies distributed cognition theory to highlight the interplay of social, structural, and temporal distribution of cognitive tasks associated with the telepsych service. Our findings yield a range of useful guidelines for the design of new telemedicine systems and other clinical collaboration tools.
A comparative study of continental vs. intraoceanic arc mantle melting: Experimentally determined phase relations of hydrous primitive melts

Abstract It is widely recognized that H 2 O and other volatile components play a crucial role in mantle melting in subduction zones in both continental and intraoceanic arc settings. Here we report the results of a study aimed at determining the H 2 O-undersaturated, near-liquidus phase relations for two primitive arc magma compositions with the goal of determining the P–T–H 2 O conditions of mantle melt segregation beneath an arc of each type. These samples, JR-28, a basaltic andesite (SiO 2 = 53.2 wt.%) from Volcan Jorullo, Mexico, and ID-16, a basalt (SiO 2 = 48.9 wt.%) from Okmok Volcano, Aleutian Islands, have compositions consistent with near-primary, mantle-derived origins. H 2 O-undersaturated (2–7 wt.% added H 2 O) piston-cylinder experiments have been carried out at upper mantle pressures and temperatures (1.0–2.0 GPa and 1100–1350 °C). The near-liquidus mineralogy of these compositions was mapped in P–T–H 2 O space to constrain the conditions under which these melts are multiply saturated with a mantle residue (lherzolite or harzburgite). Previous measurements of dissolved H 2 O in olivine-hosted melt inclusions suggest pre-eruptive H 2 O-contents for JR-28 of ≥ 5.5 wt.% H 2 O. Inverse and forced saturation experiments show JR-28 melts to be saturated with a harzburgite assemblage at ~ 1175 °C and ~ 1.2 GPa with 5 wt.% H 2 O and ~ 1150 °C and ~ 1.4 GPa with 7 wt.% H 2 O. The experimentally determined phase relations of ID-16 suggest equilibrium with a lherzolite residue with ~ 2 wt.% H 2 O at 1280 °C and 1.4 GPa. The presence of Ca-rich pyroxene in these latter experiments likely reflects the higher bulk CaO content of ID-16 (~ 10.7 wt.% CaO) relative to JR-28 (~ 8.3 wt.% CaO). The temperatures of melt–mantle equilibration for both samples are higher than those predicted by steady-state geodynamic models at the inferred equilibration depths. Our results thus support the hypothesis that ascent of melts from the hottest region of the mantle wedge perturbs the isotherms upward to create a hot region in the shallow mantle beneath the arc. We propose that final melt–mantle equilibration of primitive, H 2 O-undersaturated melts occurs in the shallow mantle prior to their ascent into the crust and that heterogeneities in uppermost mantle mineralogy therefore influence the compositions of erupted primitive melts. We suggest that basalt ID-16 last equilibrated with lherzolite, whereas the primitive basaltic andesite JR-28 formed by melting of a depleted source and last equilibrated with a harzburgite residue.
Modification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase to Target Cells with Elevated Cellular dNTP Concentrations

Retroviruses and DNA viruses utilize cellular dNTPs as substrates for their DNA polymerases during viral replication in infected cells. However, because of S phase-dependent dNTP biosynthesis, the availability of cellular dNTPs significantly varies among cell types (e.g. dividing versus nondividing cells and normal versus tumor cells). Here we tested whether alterations in the dNTP utilization efficiency and dNTP binding affinity of viral DNA polymerases can switch viral infection specificity to cell types with different dNTP concentrations. We employed an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) mutant (Q151N), which is catalytically active only at high dNTP concentrations because of its reduced dNTP binding affinity. Indeed, the modified HIV-1 vector harboring the Q151N mutant RT preferentially transduced tumor cells containing higher cellular dNTP concentrations than primary cells (e.g. human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) and human keratinocytes). Although the wild type HIV-1 vector transduced both HLFs and tumor cells, the Q151N vector failed to transduce HLFs and keratinocytes but efficiently transduced tumor cells. Pretreatment of HLFs with deoxynucleosides, which increase cellular dNTP pools, enabled the mutant vector to transduce HLFs, suggesting that the transduction failure of the RT mutant vector to primary cells is because of inefficient reverse transcription in low cellular dNTP environments. We also observed that the Q151N vector expressing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase renders tumor cells sensitive to gancyclovir. This study validates a novel strategy in which modifications of viral DNA polymerases in various vector systems allow the delivery of target genes exclusively to tumor cells exploiting elevated cellular dNTP concentration as a tumor cell-specific host factor.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ASSET LIQUIDITY RESERVES OF SMALL AND MEDIUM COMMERCIAL BANKS IN WISCONSIN

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE of this study was to see whether small and medium-sized Wisconsin commercial banks were managing their asset liquidity reserves in accordance with the concepts and principles generally proposed by writers in the field. The secondary purpose was to see whether the methods followed were leading to either inadequate or excessive liquidity. The approach utilized was an analysis of returns from questionnaires sent to a representative sample of banks in the state having less than $20 million of deposits. Data were received from 98 banks -a return rate of about 40 per cent-on the concepts and methods used in managing their funds. Returns from a second questionnaire were received from 51 of the same 98 banks, giving data on their assets and liabilities, plus other related financial data, for the years 1955-60; the data included year-end, month-end, and intramonthly information. Results indicate that most of the banks are following the presently accepted principles found in bank-management literature, although very few have formalized their methods. Significant numbers of the banks, however, ranging up to about 40 per cent in a few instances, use practices that are explicitly considered less desirable than others by most bank-management authorities. The liquidity positions of the banks at the end of 1960 were compared with needs that might occur in the future on the basis of past seasonal and cyclical bank experiences and other data. Results indicate that approximately three-fifths of the banks met the test assumptions, with the remainder about equally divided above and below. The banks generally held about equal amounts of U.S. government securities in each of the first four yearly maturity ranges, with holdings in the 4-5-year maturity category being slightly smaller than those in each of the earlier annual maturities; government bonds due after 5 years were usually quite small. Holdings of munic-
Supply boosting technique for designing very low-voltage mixed-signal circuits in standard CMOS

This paper presents a technique called supply boosting for designing sub-1V analog/mixed-signal circuits. Supply boosting technique (SBT) is suitable for sub-micron CMOS processes containing MOSFET transistors with threshold voltages comparable to the supply voltage. SBT is based on the idea that if current consumption of the circuit block is very low, in the order of nanoamper, supply voltage could be boosted locally to higher levels during a period that the processing of input signals is done. This technique is very suitable for very-low power clocked and continuous time circuits such as level shifters, operational amplifiers, and comparators. Design of a 10-bit supply boosted (SB) SAR ADC is presented as an example of the technique. SB-SAR ADC simulated using 0.5µm CMOS process that has high-V T NMOS and PMOS devices. Simulations show that the SB-SAR ADC achieves 0.24pJ/conv-step figure of merit (FOM) when operating ADC at 10KS/sec and 1.2V supply.
Skin decontamination: principles and perspectives

Skin decontamination is the primary intervention needed in chemical, biological and radiological exposures, involving immediate removal of the contaminant from the skin performed in the most efficient way. The most readily available decontamination system on a practical basis is washing with soap and water or water only. Timely use of flushing with copious amounts of water may physically remove the contaminant. However, this traditional method may not be completely effective, and contaminants left on the skin after traditional washing procedures can have toxic consequences. This article focuses on the principles and practices of skin decontamination.
Multivariate Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Model for the Reconstruction of Prehistoric Human Diet

Using a sample of published archaeological data, we expand on an earlier bivariate carbon model for diet reconstruction by adding bone collagen nitrogen stable isotope values (δ(15) N), which provide information on trophic level and consumption of terrestrial vs. marine protein. The bivariate carbon model (δ(13) C(apatite) vs. δ(13) C(collagen) ) provides detailed information on the isotopic signatures of whole diet and dietary protein, but is limited in its ability to distinguish between C(4) and marine protein. Here, using cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis, we generate a multivariate diet reconstruction model that incorporates δ(13) C(apatite) , δ(13) C(collagen) , and δ(15) N holistically. Inclusion of the δ(15) N data proves useful in resolving protein-related limitations of the bivariate carbon model, and splits the sample into five distinct dietary clusters. Two significant discriminant functions account for 98.8% of the sample variance, providing a multivariate model for diet reconstruction. Both carbon variables dominate the first function, while δ(15) N most strongly influences the second. Independent support for the functions' ability to accurately classify individuals according to diet comes from a small sample of experimental rats, which cluster as expected from their diets. The new model also provides a statistical basis for distinguishing between food sources with similar isotopic signatures, as in a previously analyzed archaeological population from Saipan (see Ambrose et al.: AJPA 104(1997) 343-361). Our model suggests that the Saipan islanders' (13) C-enriched signal derives mainly from sugarcane, not seaweed. Further development and application of this model can similarly improve dietary reconstructions in archaeological, paleontological, and primatological contexts.
Purification and Characterization of Nitrite Reductase from Cell Suspension Cultures of Paul's Scarlet Rose and its Cross Reactivity to Antiserum Prepared Against Pea Leaf Nitrite Reductase

Summary Nitrite reductase was isolated from nine day old rose cells cultured in NO3- and NH4+ medium. The purification procedure involved extraction with Tris-HCl buffer containing EDTA, absorption on DEAE-Cellulose, ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose and DEAE-Sephadex A-50, gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200 and followed by ferredoxin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. The purified preparation was apparently homogeneous as shown by non-denaturing and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The sub-unit molecular weight of the purified preparation was found to be 66,000. The Km value for nitrite was determined to be 0.79 mM. The enzyme activity from rose cells was precipitated by antiserum prepared against nitrite reductase from pea leaves and formed immunoprecipitin bands during immunodiffusion and rocket immunoelectrophoresis.
LOCOMOTE: A Simple Anchor-Free Localization Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper proposed a simple anchor-free localization scheme for wireless sensor networks. The scheme makes use of a moving mote (henceforth LOCOMOTE) to localize the deployed stationary sensor motes. This moving mote travels along the perimeter of the deployment area and broadcasts localization messages as it locomotes. The stationary sensor motes localized themselves in real time based on message timestamps or odometric reading received at each transient reference point created by the moving mote. Three simple distributed localization algorithms are proposed. Unlike most existing localization algorithms, the proposed algorithms determine the x and y coordinates independently. The negligible energy cost is O(2.m) where m is the number of messages received by a sensor mote. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed localization scheme can achieve average localization error of 2 meters with no more than 122 messages.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF A BRIEF PSYCHOTHERAPY RELATIONSHIP

The operant procedure TRACCOM was used to perform the experimental analysis of a brief psychotherapy relationship between a psychiatrist and his patient. Though the operant responding of both paralleled their subjective evaluations of the relationship, the therapist also showed dramatic changes in operant behavior following the suicide of a psychiatric resident supervisee.
Sac Decompression for Refractory Luetic Vertigo

Luetic hydrops can occur in both congenital and acquired lues and otologic manifestations may be indistinguishable from Meniere's disease. Eight endolymphatic sac decompression procedures were performed on 6 patients with refractory luetic vertigo. Of those, 3 had congenital and 3 acquired lues. All cases had received extensive anti-luetic medical therapy without any discernible improvement in the vertiginous attacks. In our 6 patients with luetic hydrops the main complaint was severe refractory vertigo, indeed, disabling in most cases. Postoperatively, all cases remained free from these severe attacks and the vertigo was controlled or eliminated in all cases. Although hearing was improved in one patient, hearing seemed not to improve, generally speaking, as a result of the long-term postoperative follow-up. We describe our method of sac decompression and drainage and suggest that this procedure might be considered for patients with uncontrollable luetic vertigo who have not benefited from adequate medica...
Effect of pulmonary artery angioplasty on exercise function after repair of tetralogy of Fallot

Background The slope of the minute ventilation versus CO 2 production relationship (VE/VCO 2 slope) is an index of gas exchange efficiency during exercise. In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), it correlates negatively with exercise capacity and is one of the best predictors of peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ). In these patients, the magnitude of the VE/VCO 2 slope is related to the severity of pulmonary blood flow maldistribution (PBFM). The purpose of this study was to determine whether, in patients with rTOF, improvements in PBFM after a successful balloon angioplasty procedure (BAP) result in improvements in peak VO 2 and gas exchange during exercise. Methods Seventeen patients with rTOF and residual pulmonary artery stenoses referred for BAP were recruited. Exercise tests were performed and PBFM determined before and after BAP. Results Nine patients (group 1) had a successful BAP (ie, improvement of >5 percentage points in PBFM); 8 did not (group 2). Patients in group 1 had significantly greater improvements in VE/VCO 2 slope, peak VO 2 , and peak oxygen pulse (an index of forward stroke volume at peak exercise) than did patients in group 2. A significant correlation existed between the improvement in PBFM and the decline in the VE/VCO 2 slope ( r = −0.70, P = .002). Changes in peak oxygen pulse accounted for 89% of the improvement in peak VO 2 . Conclusions In these patients, a successful BAP resulted in improved peak VO 2 and more efficient gas exchange during exercise. The improvement in peak VO 2 appeared to be mediated by an increase in forward stroke volume.
Positive and negative regulation of epicardial-mesenchymal transformation during avian heart development.

In the developing heart, the epicardium is essential for coronary vasculogenesis as it provides precursor cells that become coronary vascular smooth muscle and perivascular fibroblasts. These precursor cells are derived from the epicardium via epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). The factors that regulate epicardial EMT are unknown. Using a quantitative in vitro collagen gel assay, we show that serum, FGF-1, -2, and -7, VEGF, and EGF stimulate epicardial EMT. TGFbeta-1 stimulates EMT only weakly, while TGFbeta-2 and -3 do not stimulate EMT. TGFbeta-1, -2, or -3 strongly inhibits transformation of epicardial cells stimulated with FGF-2 or heart-conditioned medium. TGFbeta-3 does not block expression of vimentin, a mesenchymal marker, but appears to inhibit EMT by blocking epithelial cell dissociation and subsequent extracellular matrix invasion. Blocking antisera directed against FGF-1, -2, or -7 substantially inhibit conditioned medium-stimulated EMT in vitro, while antibodies to TGFbeta-1, -2, or -3 increase it. We confirmed FGF stimulation and TGFbeta inhibition of epicardial EMT in organ culture. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of FGF-1, -2, and -7 and TGFbeta-1, -2, and -3 in conditioned medium, and we localized these growth factors to the myocardium and epicardium of stage-appropriate embryos by immunofluorescence. Our results strongly support a model in which myocardially derived FGF-1, -2, or -7 promotes epicardial EMT, while TGFbeta-1, -2, or -3 restrains it. Epicardial EMT appears to be regulated through a different signaling pathway than endocardial EMT.
Decadal Variability in the North Pacific: The Eastern North Pacific Mode*

Abstract Decadal variability in the North Pacific is studied in a series of coupled global ocean–atmosphere simulations using coupled modeling surgery—a set of modeling approaches that can be used to identify the origins and causes of a specific variability mode in the coupled climate system. Both modeling and observational studies suggest two distinctive internal modes in the North Pacific: the North Pacific mode (NPM) and the eastern North Pacific mode (ENPM). The ENPM originates from atmospheric stochastic forcing through spatial resonance. Both local ocean–atmosphere coupling and remote tropical teleconnective forcing can enhance the ENPM, but none of them is a necessary precondition. The influence of the tropical forcing in the midlatitudes is dominated by atmospheric teleconnection, while the oceanic teleconnection is negligible. The upper-ocean heat budget reveals that SST anomalies in the central North Pacific and the eastern North Pacific are generated by anomalous Ekman advection and surface hea...
Noradrenergic control of the synthesis of two rat pineal proteins.

Abstract Pineal physiology is controlled by norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerves terminating in the gland. In the present study, the effect of norepinephrine on the labelling of specific proteins was investigated by incubating glands with [ 35 S]methionine and then resolving the proteins by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; the patterns were analyzed by computer-assisted image analysis. The most prominent effect of norepinephrine were distinct and consistent increases in the labelling of two proteins (37 kDa, pI = 6.0, 50 kDa, p I = 6.0), designated adrenergically induced protein (AIP 37/6 and AIP 50/6). In both cases, norepinephrine was effective at low concentrations ( EC 50 = 10 nM). Pharmacological studies indicated that the effects of norepinephrine on both proteins involved a β-adrenergic receptor, and that cyclic AMP was the second messenger. Pulse-chase labelling experiments revealed that these effects of norepinephrine did not involve post-translational modification of previously labelled precursor proteins, but depended upon de novo synthesis of protein. An inhibitor of mRNA synthesis, acitonomycin-D, was found to block the effects of norepinephrine on AIP 50/6 but not on AIP 37/6, suggesting that norepinephrine acted on AIP 50/6 via a transcriptional mechanism and on AIP 37/6 via a translational mechanism. These in vitro studies were extended into in vivo investigations by measuring silver-stained AIP 37/6 in the two-dimensional gels. Changes in the amount of AIP 37/6 in pineal glands were studied in response to treatments which block the adrenergic stimulation of the gland, including exposure to constant lighting or removal of the superior cervical ganglia. Both treatments reduced AIP 37/6 by 50–75% in 8 weeks. These observations, together with those from in vitro studies, suggest that the amount of AIP 37/6 in the pineal gland is regulated by norepinephrine; and futher, that norepinephrine acts through a β-adrenergic-cyclic AMP mechanism to control AIP 37/6 synthesis a translational level.
The voices of the embryo donors

Fertility patients considering donation of their excess frozen embryos to stem cell research are motivated by the desire not to waste their embryos, and often express a keen interest in stem cell research and a sincere hope that their embryos will contribute to improving human health.
High-energy X-ray observations of NGC 4151 with a balloon-borne telescope

3U 1207+39, the X-ray source identified with the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151, was observed on June 24, 1975, with a balloon-borne telescope. The photon number spectrum was relatively flat (power-law slope of about -1.6) and consistent with previous observations. Thermal-bremsstrahlung models provide poorer fits to the data.
Synthesis of a family of lithium iron double aryloxide precursors for production of LiFeO2 nanomaterials

Abstract Lithium iron double aryloxides ([Li2Fe(OAr)4]) were synthesized, characterized, and investigated for use as precursors to LiFeO2 nanomaterials. From the reaction of iron mesityl, two equivalents of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl) amide, and a series of monosubstituted [HOC6H4(R)-2 where R = CH3 (oMP), CH(CH3)2 (oPP), C(CH3)3 (oBP)] or disubstituted [HOC6H3(R)2-2,6 where R = CH3 (DMP), CH(CH3)2 (DIP), C(CH3)3 (DBP), C6H5 (DPhP)] aryl alcohols (H-OAr) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or pyridine (py) were isolated. The mixed-cation Li–Fe precursors that were successfully isolated from this reaction were crystallographically identified as the double aryloxides [Fe((μ-OAr)2Li(solv)2)2] (OAr = oPP: solv = THF (1), py (2); DMP/THF (3)) and the unusual salt [Li(THF)4][Fe(DBP)3] (4). For the other OAr/solvent systems investigated, previously published Li or Fe alkoxide compounds or oils were isolated. Compounds 1–4 were further characterized using a variety of analytical methods but the paramagnetic nature of the Fe prevented NMR analyses. The mixed-cation precursors were used for production of nanomaterials following a solvothermal route using dioxane (in place of THF) or pyridine as the solvent. The final materials generated were characterized as the substituted lithium iron oxide structure (LiFeO2; PDF 01-073-6306). Attempts to cycle the Li in these materials failed to demonstrate appreciable mobile capacity at reasonable potentials; however, a capacity of 87 mAh/g that quickly faded during cycling was observed at very low potentials (start: ∼0.6 V; end: 0.5 V versus Li).
Substance P promotes susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis in resistant mice: anti-inflammatory mediators downregulated.

Purpose Studies have shown that blocking substance P (SP) binding to neurokinin 1 receptor with spantide I prevents Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced corneal perforation in susceptible C57BL/6 mice. This study tested the effect of SP injection on the resistance response (cornea heals) of BALB/c mice. Methods The day before infection, mice were injected intraperitoneally with SP or PBS. Disease was graded by clinical score, slit lamp, plate count, real-time RT-PCR, and ELISA assays, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were quantitated using a myeloperoxidase assay. In additional experiments, BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) antagonist and similarly analyzed. Results Mice injected with SP exhibited worsened disease on days 1 to 7 after infection compared with controls. SP injection resulted in elevated PMN levels and viable bacterial counts in the cornea 3 and 5 days after infection. mRNA expression for NFkappaB and type 1 cytokines (e.g., IFN-gamma), as well as for TNF-alpha, MIP-2, IL-18, IL-6, and IL-1beta, were significantly elevated, whereas VIP and cytokines TGF-beta and IL-10 were significantly reduced. Differences in mRNA expression were selectively confirmed at the protein level by ELISA for NFkappaB, IL-1beta, and IL-10. VIP antagonist treatment also resulted in exacerbated disease scores, elevated proinflammatory mediators, and reduced anti-inflammatory mediators. Conclusions These data provide evidence that the neuropeptide SP, among its broad systemic effects, is a potent neuroimmunoregulator that promotes susceptibility in the resistant BALB/c mouse by overcoming the anti-inflammatory effects of VIP and IL-10 and that a balance between SP and VIP levels may be critical in disease resolution.
Results with sphincter pharyngoplasty and pharyngeal flap.

Abstract Objective : To evaluate speech outcomes and complications of sphincter pharyngoplasty and pharyngeal flap performed for management of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Design : Case series. Setting : Tertiary care children’s hospital. Patients : All patients who underwent pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty from 1990 to 1995. Methods : Perceptual speech analysis was used to assess severity of VPI, presence of nasal air emissions and quality of nasal resonance (hyper, hypo, or normal). Pre-operative measures of velopharyngeal function were based upon nasendoscopy and videofluoroscopic speech assessment. Recommendations for management were made by the attending surgeon. Complications of hyponasality and obstructive sleep symptoms (OSS) were noted. Patient characteristics were compared using univariate analysis. Results : Sixteen patients underwent sphincter pharyngoplasty and 18 patients underwent superiorly based pharyngeal flap. Patients were similar in terms of lateral pharyngeal wall medial motion and palatal elevation. The groups were also similar with regard to VPI severity, though there was a trend for more severe VPI in patients undergoing sphincter pharyngoplasty than pharyngeal flap (50 vs. 33.3%, respectively). Patients with pharyngoplasty had a higher rate of resolution of VPI than those who had pharyngeal flap (50 vs. 22.2%, respectively), although this was not statistically significant. Post-operative hyponasality and obstructive sleep symptoms were present in both groups. However, only patients who underwent PF and had postoperative OSS had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Conclusions : There were no detectable anatomic differences between treatment groups implying that treatment selection during the study period was not guided by strict anatomic criteria. Sphincter pharyngoplasty may have a higher success rate with a lower risk of OSS.
The remarkable Gent constitutive model for hyperelastic materials

Abstract In 1996, Alan Gent published a short paper that proposed the use of a very simple two parameter phenomenological constitutive model for hyperelastic isotropic incompressible materials. The model is empirical but has the advantages of mathematical simplicity, reflects the severe strain-stiffening at large strains observed experimentally, reduces to the classic neo-Hookean model for small strains and involves just two material parameters namely the shear modulus for infinitesimal deformations and a parameter that measures a maximum allowable value of strain. The model reflects the limiting chain extensibility characteristic of non-Gaussian molecular models for rubber. Here we review some of the numerous developments, extensions and widespread applications that have resulted from that groundbreaking paper not only in rubber elasticity but also in the area of biomechanics of soft biomaterials. The Gent model is remarkably robust: its mathematical simplicity combined with physical basis has ensured that it has reached status as a fundamental canonical phenomenological constitutive model for hyperelastic materials.
Time-Resolved Plasmid Counting by Way of Transcription Factor Sequestration

In contrast to the chromosome, genes expressed from plasmids exist in high copy number which changes continuously during the cell cycle. There are many models for how the control mechanisms associated with plasmid copy number dictate the cell-cycle dependent plasmid copy number, which have unique predictions for the dynamics of replication. We demonstrate a non-invasive method for dynamical quantification of plasmid copy number over the course of the cell cycle using the level of transcription from a reporter gene which shares a transcription factor with the plasmid. Using this method, we explore the cell-cycle dependent nature of plasmid replication for different origins of replication. Our method allows for discrimination of single-cell characteristics such as the single-cell division time and morphology and may permit discrimination of different replication mechanisms.
Tissue microarray analysis of cytoskeletal actin-associated biomarkers gelsolin and E-cadherin in urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Alterations of expression of the cytoskeletal proteins Gelsolin and E-cadherin have been implicated in urothelial carcinoma tumorigenesis. However, it is not clear how these altered expressions associate with tumor progression, nor is it clear how these protein markers provide prognostic value for urothelial carcinomas. METHODS Primary urothelial carcinoma tissue microarrays were constructed for 146 patients with urothelial carcinoma. Where available, four replicate tissue samples of invasive tumor, adjacent dysplastic and in situ lesions, and benign tumors were arrayed for each case, resulting in a total of 1208 tissue spots. Immunohistochemical staining for Gelsolin, E-cadherin, p53, and Ki67 (MIB-1) was performed on the arrays. For each marker, the maximum staining intensity (Max), the percentage of positive staining (Pos), and the product of both Max and Pos (MaxPos) were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the benign fields, the expression of both cytoskeletal proteins decreased in premalignant and malignant lesions. For Gelsolin, decreased MaxPos was seen in premalignant and preinvasive lesions. However, with an increase in tumor grade and stage, there was a gradual increase in Gelsolin (P < 0.05 for both). E-cadherin expression decreases mainly in high-grade lesions (carcinoma in situ and Grade 3 tumors). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that Gelsolin Max was a strong independent predictor for the probability of tumor recurrence and for early tumor recurrence in high-grade or high-stage tumors, as well as a strong indicator for tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS Gelsolin and E-cadherin have distinctive expression patterns. Gelsolin, but not E-cadherin, provides independent prognostic information for high-grade urothelial carcinomas. Cancer 2002;95:1247–57. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10823
Following the Pb: An Envirotechnical Approach to Lead-Acid Batteries in the United States

AbstractIf recycling is a harbinger of a more sustainable society, then the lead-acid battery industry offers an apparent model of success. In the United States, more than 97 percent of lead-acid b...
Update in Women's Health: Evidence Published in 2012

This Update summarizes studies published in 2012 that the authors consider highly relevant to the practice of women's health. Topics include reproductive health, menopause, prevention and screening...
Thiaminase I (42 kDa) heterogeneity, sequence refinement, and active site location from high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry

Thiaminase I (E.C. 2.5. 1.2) from Bacillus thiaminolyticus catalyzes the degradation of thiamin (vitamin B1). Unexpected mass heterogeneity (MW 42,127, 42,197, and 42,254; 1:2:1) in recombinant thiaminase I from Escherichia coli was detected by electrospray ionization Fourier-transform mass spectrometry, resolving power 7×104. Nozzle-skimmer fragmentation data reveal an extra Ala (+71.02; 71.04=theory) and GlyAla (+128.04; 128.06=theory) on the N-terminus, in addition to the fully processed enzyme. However, the fragment ion masses were consistent only with this sequence through 330 N-terminal residues; resequencing of the last 150 bps of the thiaminase I gene yields a sequence consistent with the molecular weight values and all 61 fragment ion masses. Covalently labeling the active site with a 108-Da pyrimidine moiety via mechanism-based inhibition produces a corresponding molecular weight increase in all three thiaminase I components, which indicates that they are all enzymatically active. Inspection of the fragment ions that do and do not increase by 108 Da indicates that the active site nucleophile is located between Pro79 and Thr177 in the 379 amino acid enzyme.
Dispersions in crystal nucleation and growth rates: Implications of fluctuation in supersaturation

Abstract Crystallization is one of the most commonly used and relatively well explored techniques in industries. Yet there are beleaguering issues towards fundamental understanding of this process. One of the curious observations is the appearance of unavoidable dispersions in nucleation and growth rates of crystalline materials grown under homogenous bulk conditions. These dispersions can contribute significantly towards polydispersity in crystalline products. The classical models such as Gibbs critical nucleation theory and Burton–Cabrera–Frank growth models primarily relate nucleation and growth to supersaturation. Therefore, the dispersions in nucleation and growth rates can be related to the local fluctuations in supersaturation. These local fluctuations are driven by the Brownian motion of solute molecules which affects the local concentration and temperature and hence supersaturation. This article presents a stochastic model to describe fluctuations in supersaturation and thereby dispersions in crystalline materials. The stochastic model is derived from the framework of density and temperature fluctuations. The resulting dispersions in size and shape of nuclei are obtained by multi-dimensional maximization of Gibbs free energy in morphology domain of potassium acid phthalate. The model predictions are validated with the experimental measurements of growth rate dispersions in potassium acid phthalate crystals. The proposed framework provides the first ab initio predictions for the observed dispersions in crystallization processes.
Communication in context

Dell Hymes. Foundations in Sociolinguistics: An Ethnographic Approach. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1974. x + 245 pp. Tables, diagrams, bibliography, and index. $5.95 (paper). Albert E. Scheflen. How Behavior Means: Exploring the Contexts of Speech and Meaning: Kinesics, Posture, Interaction, Setting, and Culture. Garden City, N.Y.: Anchor Press, 1974. xii + 222 pp. Figures, bibliography, and index. $2.50 (paper).
Optimisation of Gaussian mixture model for satellite image classification

A new methodology for classifying multidimensional satellite remote-sensing data is proposed. This technique is based on the Gaussian mixture modelling of the feature vectors extracted from the satellite image and the Bayesian approach to pattern recognition. The key contribution is the optimisation of the Gaussian mixture model for each class based on the training data. An array of techniques are employed for this purpose, including attribute learning vector quantisation, minimum description length model selection, semi-tied covariance matrices, minimum-classification-error learning, fusion of classifiers and the genetic algorithm. Contextual analysis is also developed for recognition. Experimental results on thematic mapper satellite image data demonstrate that the proposed technique outperforms various existing methods for pattern learning and classification.
Rethinking Rationality and Rebellion: Theories of Collective Action and Problems of Collective Dissent

This article rethinks the Rebel's Dilemma, or Collective Action (CA) problem in political dissent. The author argues that the marriage of CA theories and conflict studies has largely failed. To remedy this situation, a new typology of solutions to the CA problem is proposed. One set of solutions is based on the Market. Such solutions focus on changes in the parameters of the canonical model of CA. The other three sets of solutions are based on varying the context in which the baseline model is placed. Community solutions focus on how common belief systems solve Olson's problem, Contract solutions on how mutual agreements produce CA, and Hierarchy solutions on how authority structures CA. Approximately two dozen sets of solutions to the CA problem are placed within this four fold typology. The existence of so many potential solutions implies that it is relatively easy to solve the Rebel's Dilemma. Rather than trying to explain why rational people rebel, the focus should be on solutions as politics: the str...
Fear conditioning in virtual reality contexts: a new tool for the study of anxiety

Abstract Background Context conditioning has been suggested to model clinical anxiety, but context, as manipulated in animal models, has not been translated to human studies. A virtual environment might prove to be the ideal tool for innovative experimental paradigms to study explicitly cued fear and contextual anxiety in humans. Methods Subjects were guided through a virtual environment that consisted of two rooms connected by a street scene. In each of the rooms, a blue and a yellow panel on a wall served as explicit conditioned stimuli (CS). The panels were displayed several times. One of the panels (CS+) was associated with a shock in one of the rooms (shock room). No shock was administered in the other room (safe room). Acoustic startle stimuli were administered in the presence and in the absence of the panels to assess explicit cued conditioning to the CS and context conditioning to the rooms, respectively. Results Startle was potentiated by the CS+ in both rooms, which suggests generalization of fear across contexts. After acquisition, startle was potentiated in the shock room, compared with the safe room, in the absence of the CS+. Conclusions These results support the future use of virtual reality to design new conditioning experiments to study both fear and anxiety.
Introduction to detectors: possible status in 2010-2020

Both optical CCD detectors and infrared detector arrays have steadily evolved over the past 5 years, and have reached very satisfactory levels of quantum efficiency and dark current. Optical CMOS detector arrays have rapidly improved and are beginning to compete with CCD detectors. A new development of great relevance for future instrumentation is the integration of the readout electronics into an integrated circuit in close proximity to the detector, or, in the future, its vertical integration with the detector array and multiplexer. This paper reviews the present status of these technologies and identifies opportunities and risks for the next decade.
Ebb-tidal fronts in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina: Physical and biological characteristics

Surface accumulations of foam and flotsam as well as sharp salinity, density, turbidity gradients and regions of acoustic scatter were characteristic of ebb-tidal fronts in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Surface convergence velocities at these fronts averaged 0.06 m s−1 into the front at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the frontal axis, indicating along-front transport during the ebb. These fronts are tidally-induced, forming on the late flood and ebb along the interfaces of water masses. Horizontal and vertical measurements of density revealed that the upper harbor fronts form along the margin of a freshwater lens produced by riverine input. The hypothesis that these frontal zones have higher densities of phytoplankton and zooplankton than adjacent water masses was tested using chlorophylla measurements and net collections. The fronts did not demonstrate any significant accumulations of phytoplankton or zooplankton during the ebb tide. The results of this study suggest that the physical characteristics of ebb-tidal estuarine fronts in Charleston Harbor are periodic in nature and may indirectly affect plankton transport in this coastal plain estuary.
Computer Networks as a New Data Base

Because most communication on computer networks is stored on disk, a permanent record of all conversations can be reconstructed. Data collection and transcription, typically one of the most difficult problems in psychological and linguistic research, is greatly simplified. This record of communication provides a new data source for psychological, social, and linguistic research. This article outlines the features of computer communication that make networks a rich data base for research. Examples of findings are reported from three different studies of one computer network. These include the existence of a greater rate of response to personal event narratives than to more general descriptions, the effect of members' purposes and social roles on the style of communication, and a greater understanding of the needs of beginning teachers.
Sensitized photochemical reactions of some silyl-1,3-butadienes: Synthesis of 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-methylene-2-silabicyclo [2.1.1]Hexane

Abstract The photolysis of 2,4,4-trimethyl-4-sila-3-methylene-l,5-hexadiene yielded 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-methylene-2-silabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane as the only volatile photoproduct in high yield. However, 2,4,4-trimethyl-4-sila-3-methylene-1,6-heptadiene was found to be photochemically non-reactive under identical reaction conditions, and the 1-substituted butadienes (VI) and (VIII) underwent cis-trans isomerism on photolysis.
Occlusion of KNO3 and NH4NO3 in natural zeolites

The capacity of natural zeolites to occlude ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate by molten salt treatment has been determined, and the salt-occluded zeolites have been characterized. Molten salt treatment resulted in changes of overall and relative intensities of peaks in X-ray diffractograms of zeolites. The presence of occluded salt in zeolites was confirmed by a i.r. absorption band around 1,390 cm 1 , exothermic response at 280°C in DTA curve, and type-III nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms showing type-H3 hysteresis. The occluded nitrate contents of natural zeolites increased in the following order: erionite > clinoptilolite > chabazite > phillipsite with molten potassium nitrate treatment, and phillipsite > erionite ⩾ chabazite > clinoptilolite with molten ammonium nitrate treatment. The present study shows that the capacity of natural zeolites to store nutrients can be increased by salt occlusion and that these occluded zeolites are potential candidates as slow-release fertilizers.
SNFing for Clues to the Genetics of Autism

Unlike Gertrude Stein’s rose, autism is not autism is not autism—it is actually a spectrum of disorders characterized by varying degrees of language, social, and behavioral deficits. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the prevalence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as 1 in 68 children, and efforts to identify related genetic aberrations confirm that ASD can be caused by mutations in many different genes, with the most common causes explaining only ~1% of cases. Recently, Helsmoortel and colleagues identified mutations in a gene that explains another 0.1 to 0.2% of cases. Their study shows the power of combining patient cohorts for gene discovery in a complex disorder and highlights the importance of chromatin remodeling in normal brain development. Using whole-exome sequencing in 10 patient-parent trios, the authors identified a single patient with a de novo mutation in the ADNP gene, which encodes a chromatin-remodeling protein. Although there were two patients (of 2932 screened) in the literature with mutations in the same gene, the finding was not statistically significant. However, additional screening led to the identification of seven more patients with mutations in ADNP , for a total of 10 out of 5776 affected individuals from eight different cohorts. In nine of nine cases tested, the mutation was de novo rather than inherited, and all of the mutations clustered within a 1.5-kb region near the end of the last exon of ADNP . ADNP encodes a protein subunit of the BAF complex—a human equivalent of the yeast SWI/SNF complex—which is important for chromatin remodeling and the regulation of gene expression during neuronal development. Mutations in genes encoding six other subunits of the same complex cause intellectual disability syndromes, highlighting the importance of this complex for normal brain development. Notably, rare mutations in other chromatin remodeling genes have also been identified in ASD and related disorders. The next step will be to SNifF out the downstream effects caused by dysregulation of the BAF complex and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Although mutations in each SWI/SNF subunit are rare, perhaps a common molecular target holds promise for the treatment of a broader set of patients with disorders related to chromatin regulation. C. Helsmoortel et al ., A SWI/SNF-related autism syndrome caused by de novo mutations in ADNP . Nat. Genet . 46 , 380–384 (2014). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24531329