cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Estimate of H0 from Keck Spectroscopy of the Gravitational Lens System 0957+561

We present long-slit LRIS/Keck spectroscopic observations of the gravitational lens system 0957+561. Averaged over all of our data, the rest-frame velocity dispersion σv of the central lens galaxy G1 is σv = 279 ± 12 km s-1. However, there appears to be a significant decrease in σv as a function of distance from the center of G1 that is not typical of the brightest cluster galaxies. Within 02 of the center of G1, we find the average σv = 316 ± 14 km s-1, whereas for positions greater than 02 from the center of G1, we find the average σv = 266 ± 12 km s-1. A plausible explanation is that G1 contains a central massive dark object of mass MMDO ≈ 4 × 109 h -->−1100 M☉ (h100 = H0/100 km s-1 Mpc-1), which contributes to the central velocity dispersion, and that the outer value of σv is the appropriate measure of the depth of the potential well of G1. The determination of a luminosity-weighted estimate of σv is essential for a determination of H0 from Q0957+561; our accurate measurements remove one of the chief uncertainties in the assumed form of the mass distribution of the lens. Thus, with the recent apparent reduction in the uncertainty in the measurement of the time delay for the images A and B of Q0957+561, ΔτBA = 417 ± 3 days (Kundic et al.), we obtain an estimate for the Hubble constant: H0 = 62 ± 7 km s-1 Mpc-1. If for some reason the trend of σv with slit position is spurious and we should use the dispersion averaged along the slit, then the estimate of H0 increases to 67 ± 8 km s-1 Mpc-1. These standard errors, however, do not include any contribution from any errors in the assumed form of the mass distribution of the lens. In particular, we used the mass model described by Falco, Gorenstein, & Shapiro, as updated by Grogin & Narayan. The reduced χ2 of model fits to the available position and magnification data for this system is relatively high (~4), indicating that the estimate of H0 may have a significant contribution from model errors. Further observations, discussed herein, should allow such errors to be estimated reliably.
Daily course of activity and subcutaneous body temperature in hungry and thirsty rats

Abstract Subcutaneous temperatures and wheel running behavior of albino rats were monitored continuously during ad libitum, food deprivation and water deprivation conditions. Increased temperature was found to be associated with two activity factors, running in the dark and running in anticipation of daily food or water. Both activity factors are attributed to the temporally conditioned temperature cycle.
S7-6 Role of H2S and NO in Bacillus anthracis spore formation and virulence

Many prokaryotic species generate hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) enzymatically, from cysteine and arginine, respectively, in their natural environments. Both gases are small freely diffusible signaling molecules that are known to be involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes in mammals. However the biochemistry and physiological role of these gases in bacteria remains largely unknown. We have shown that inactivation of H2S producing enzymes (cystathionine beta-synthase, cystathionine gamma lyase, or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase) and NO-synthase in several Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria render them highly sensitive to different classes of antibiotics (Gusarov et al., Science 325 (2009) 1380–1384; Shatalin et al. Science 334 (2011) 986–990). We also presented evidence that Bacillus anthracis-derived NO is critical at the early stage of infection (Shatalin et al. PNAS 105 (2008) 1009–1013). Here we show that: (1) cbs/cse and nos mutations change Bacilli global gene transcription profile; (2) apore formation process in cbs/cse and nos mutants ofB. anthracis is affected; (3) virulence of cbs/cse and nos mutants of B. anthracis is diminished. These results demonstrate that bacterial H2S and NO are an important virulence factors, and that enzymes generated these gases may serve as an attractive target for antimicrobial therapy.
Observed, GIS, and self-reported environmental features and adolescent physical activity.

Abstract Purpose. Examine associations among observed, self-reported, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) environmental features and physical activity among adolescent males. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Boy Scout troops and neighborhoods in Houston, Texas. Subjects. Two hundred and ten 10- to 14-year-old Boy Scouts. Measures. Accelerometry to obtain minutes of sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous activity per day. GIS sources were used to identify the numbers of parks, gymnasiums, trails, bus stops, grocery stores, and restaurants within a 1-mile radius of participant residences as well as residential density, connectivity, and crime. Participants provided a self-report of their environment. Analysis. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the number of GIS and self-reported items. Four factors were previously obtained from direct observations of the neighborhoods. Correlations were conducted among factors and physical activity. Regression models were run in which minutes...
Human placental Ca2+-ATPase: in vitro inhibition by DDT homologs.

Abstract In vitro inhibition of Ca 2+ -ATPase by DDT homologs was studied using maternal brush-border membranes from human term placentas as an enzyme source. At 10 μM concentration many of the compounds tested inhibited this enzyme. The order of effectiveness of inhibition was as follows: p , p ′-DDE> p , p ′-DDD> p , p ′-DDT> methoxychlor(mec). Both p , p ′-DDOH and p , p ′-DDA did not inhibit the placental Ca 2+ -ATPase. Assays using varying concentrations (0.3 μM to 0.1 mM) of p , p ′-DDT were also performed. The inhibition of human placental Ca 2+ -ATPase ranged from 12% for 0.3 μM p,p p , p ′-DDT to 69% for 30 μM p , p ′-DDT. Higher concentrations of this pesticide failed to cause further enzyme inhibition.
Newborn infant and adult transcutaneous PO2 resistance: A comparison

The change in cutaneous O2 diffusion resistance with gestation age was measured in newborn infants utilizing simultaneous transcutaneous electrodes. Term infant and adult skin resistances were compared. Skin resistance was also measured repeatedly from four body regions of an individual determining the degree of measurement repeatability and regional variation.
Transvascular endomyocardial biopsy in infants and small children: Description of a new technique

Abstract A miniaturized technique for transcatheter endomyocardial biopsy has been developed in the belief that myocardial biopsy performed in infancy, when the disease process in cardiomyopathy may be most active, should yield important etiologic and nosologic information. To obtain six biopsy specimens, three from each ventricle, adds about 1 hour to a diagnostic right and left heart catheterization. A no. 4 or 5 French forceps with a modified soft shaft is guided to the site in the apical septum of the right and left ventricles through a previously molded to measure guide tube of ultrathin radiopaque Teflon. With biplane fluoroscopy the guide tube is introduced as a sheath over a matching catheter and the catheter is removed. Contrast medium is injected to verify position, the forceps is introduced and the biopsy specimen is taken. If the forceps is sharp and pressure on the endocardium is light, evidence of biopsy is not discernible on examination of the heart 1 week later. The method was developed in small dogs and proved safe and effective in rabbits weighing 3 kg. Biopsy has been performed safely in children aged 4 1 2 months to 5 1 2 years and weighing 4.5 to 19.6 kg.
Congenital pigmented and vascular lesions in newborn infants

The incidence of congenital cutaneous lesions was ascertained by a single dermatologist in each of 830 sequential newborn infants over a 3-month period at the Oklahoma Teaching Hospitals. Lesions were observed in 57% of infants (77% of blacks and 49% of nonblacks). Vascular lesions were the most frequent, occurring in 44% of neonates. Pigmented lesions other than mongolian spots were observed in 15.8% of blacks and in 1.6% of whites. Clinical criteria do not readily distinguish nevus cell nevi from other pigmented lesions. Wood's light examination did not enhance the identification of congenital lesions. Inadequate examination of infants and marked underreporting of congenital lesions in newborn infants are widespread.
Sex: How Malaria Parasites Get Turned On

The mechanisms underlying sexual stage switching in Plasmodium spp. have hitherto remained a mystery. However, two recent studies have revealed that an apicomplexan-specific DNA-binding protein is essential for the initiation of this cell fate decision, ultimately providing the malaria community with a novel and important tool in the battle to prevent malaria transmission.
The Cultural Economy of Cities

An increasingly important fraction of contemporary economic activity is devoted to the production of cultural outputs, i.e. goods and services with high levels of aesthetic or semiotic content. This kind of economic activity is especially, and increasingly, associated with a number of large cities scattered over the globe. A conceptual account of this phenomenon is provided on the basis of an exploration of the character of place-specific forms of culture generation and the agglomerative tendencies of many kinds of cultural products industries. The empirical cases of Los Angeles and Paris are briefly discussed. The dynamics of production, distribution and location of major cultural products industries are also examined. The paper ends with a brief allusion to the modalities of spatial differentiation of culture in contemporary capitalism and to a prospective cultural politics.
Evaluation of the antigenic relatedness and cross-protective immunity of the neuraminidase between human influenza A (H1N1) virus and highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

To determine the genetic and antigenic relatedness as well as the cross-protective immunity of human H1N1 and avian H5N1 influenza virus neuraminidase (NA), we immunized rabbits with either a baculovirus-expressed recombinant NA from A/Beijing/262/95 (BJ/262) H1N1 or A/Hong Kong/483/97 (HK/483) H5N1 virus. Cross-reactive antibody responses were evaluated by multiple serological assays and cross-protection against H5N1 virus challenge was evaluated in mice. In a neuraminidase inhibition (NI) test, the antisera exhibited substantial inhibition of NA activity of the homologous virus, but failed to inhibit the NA activity of heterologous virus. However, these antisera exhibited low levels of cross-reactivity measured by plaque size reduction, replication inhibition, single radial hemolysis, and ELISA assays. Passive immunization with HK/483 NA-specific antisera significantly reduced virus replication and disease, and afforded almost complete protection against lethal homologous virus challenge in mice. However, passive immunization with BJ/262 (H1N1) NA-specific antisera was ineffective at providing cross-protection against lethal H5N1 virus challenge and only slightly reduced weight loss. Substantial amino acid variation among the NA antigenic sites was observed between BJ/262 and HK/483 virus, which was consistent with the lack of cross-reactive NI activity by the antibody and limited cross-protective immunity in mice. These results show a strong correlation between the lack of cross-protective immunity and low structural similarities of NA from a human seasonal H1N1 virus and an avian H5N1 influenza virus.
A Tax Primer for Bed and Breakfasts

Abstract Owning and operating a B&B may entail tax benefits but only if the B&B owner is aware of the tax laws, maintains adequate records, and is familiar with common misunderstandings between business owners and the IRS.
Modeling and reconstruction of diffuse optical tomography using adjoint method

A new finite-element algorithm based on adjoint method is developed to solve the inverse problem of frequent-domain diffusion equation for soft tissues. With the analytical form of gradients, the adjoint method is expanded to complex domains for the reconstruction of optical parameters in diffuse optical tomography accurately and efficiently. Specific numerical simulations are carried out and compared to validate the proposed algorithm. The results demonstrate that the algorithm is stable and robust to reconstruct optical parameters. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The case for 8,5′-cyclopurine-2′-deoxynucleosides as endogenous DNA lesions that cause neurodegeneration in xeroderma pigmentosum

Patients with the genetic disease xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) lack the capacity to carry out a specific type of DNA repair process called nucleotide excision repair (NER). The NER pathway plays a critical role in the repair of DNA damage resulting from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A subset of XP patients develops a profound neurodegenerative condition known as XP neurological disease. Robbins and colleagues [Andrews A, Barrett S, Robbins J (1978) Xeroderma pigmentosum neurological abnormalities correlate with the colony forming ability after ultraviolet irradiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 75:1984-1988] hypothesized that since UV light cannot reach into the human brain, XP neurological disease results from some form of endogenous DNA damage that is normally repaired by the NER pathway. In the absence of NER, the damage accumulates, causing neuronal death by blocking transcription. In this manuscript, I consider the evidence that a particular class of oxidative DNA lesions, the 8,5'-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleosides, fulfills many of the criteria expected of neurodegenerative DNA lesions in XP. Specifically, these lesions are chemically stable, endogenous DNA lesions that are repaired by the NER pathway but not by any other known process, and strongly block transcription by RNA polymerase II in cells from XP patients. A similar set of criteria might be used to evaluate other candidate DNA lesions responsible for neurological diseases resulting from defects in other DNA repair mechanisms as well.
Further studies on a mutant mammalian cell line defective in mitosis

Abstract Experiments have been performed on a temperature-sensitive hamster cell line, ts-546. After the cells are switched to the non-permissive temperature, interphase cells continue through the cell cycle until the cells enter metaphase. Normal mitotic events then fail to occur. Metaphase chromosomes in the cells condense and coalesce into chromatin aggregates. Nuclear membrane re-forms around the aggregates resulting in the formation of mono-, bi- or multi-nucleate interphase-like cells. The conversion of mitotic cells to interphase-like states is completed within a few hours. The initial characterization of the mutant cell line was based on the observation that rounded-up cells accumulate in culture at the non-permissive temperature. The mitotic roundingup process may be utilized as a useful marker for selective isolation of mutant cell lines defective in mitosis.
Approximating k-generalized connectivity via collapsing HSTs

An instance of the k -generalized connectivity problem consists of an undirected graph G=(V,E), whose edges are associated with non-negative costs, and a collection ${\mathcal{D}}=\{(S_{1},T_{1}),\ldots,(S_{d},T_{d})\}$ of distinct demands, each of which comprises a pair of disjoint vertex sets. We say that a subgraph ??G connects a demand (S i ,T i ) when it contains a path with one endpoint in S i and the other in T i . Given an integer parameter k, the goal is to identify a minimum cost subgraph that connects at least k demands in ${\mathcal{D}}$ . Alon, Awerbuch, Azar, Buchbinder and Naor (SODA '04) seem to have been the first to consider the generalized connectivity paradigm as a unified machinery for incorporating multiple-choice decisions into network formation settings. Their main contribution in this context was to devise a multiplicative-update online algorithm for computing log-competitive fractional solutions, and to propose provably-good rounding procedures for important special cases. Nevertheless, approximating the generalized connectivity problem in its unconfined form, where one makes no structural assumptions about the underlying graph and collection of demands, has remained an open question up until a recent O(log?2 nlog?2 d) approximation due to Chekuri, Even, Gupta and Segev (SODA '08). Unfortunately, the latter result does not extend to connecting a pre-specified number of demands. Furthermore, even the simpler case of singleton demands has been established as a challenging computational task, when Hajiaghayi and Jain (SODA '06) related its inapproximability to that of dense k -subgraph. In this paper, we present the first non-trivial approximation algorithm for k-generalized connectivity, which is derived by synthesizing several techniques originating in probabilistic embeddings of finite metrics, network design, and randomization. Specifically, our algorithm constructs, with constant probability, a feasible subgraph whose cost is within a factor of O(n 2/3?polylog(n,k)) of optimal. We believe that the fundamental approach illustrated in the current writing is of independent interest, and may be applicable in other settings as well.
Postoperative respiratory complications in ex-premature infants after inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The duration of postoperative cardiorespiratory monitoring of premature infants after inguinal herniorrhaphy is uncertain. Prolonged observation requiring hospital admission may be unnecessary and increases costs. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of 191 inguinal herniorrhaphies performed between 1993 and 1996 at the Hermann Children's Hospital. The authors reviewed their experience to identify factors associated with postoperative apnea and bradycardia and determine a safe period of observation. Results: Among 191 elective inguinal herniorrhaphies performed, 57 (29.8%) were in expremature infants (≤60 weeks postconception). Five (8.8%) infants either failed extubation or were unable to extubate (group 1). The average age for this group was 41.0 ± 1.2 weeks compared with 47.2 ± 1.0 ( P = .06) for those who were successfully extubated (group II). Preoperative apnea-bradycardia was found in four (80%) infants in group I compared with 32 (61.5%) in group II ( P = 0.67). All group I and 21 (40.4%, P = .09) group II infants with a history of preoperative apnea required intubation for an average of 24.4 ± 7.8 days and 8.2 ± 2.4 days, respectively ( P = .04). American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) scores were 2.6 ± 0.4 for group I compared with 1.8 ± 0.1 for group II ( P = .01). The use of both intraoperative narcotics (three [60%] in group I v six [12%] in group II, P = .01]) and vecuronium (four [80%] in group I v 16 [31%] in group II, P = .03) were significantly more common in group I infants. Operating room time was 46.4 ± 4.1 minutes for group I compared with 60.6 ± 3.9 minutes for group II ( P = .27). Postoperative apnea-bradycardia occurred in all five group I infants and two (3.8%, P = .001) group II infants. Group II infants were treated successfully with supplemental oxygen. Conclusions: All instances of postoperative apnea-bradycardia and laryngospasm occurred within 4 hours after operation without significant differences between groups. The risk of postoperative cardiorespiratory distress requiring reintubation in premature infants who undergo inguinal herniorrhaphy is not insignificant (8.8%). The judicious use of narcotics and vecuronium, and limiting patient selection to those with ASA score of less than 3 may lessen the need for reintubation. When present cardiorespiratory distress occurs early; therefore we recommend outpatient inguinal herniorrhaphy as a safe and cost-effective choice.
Recoil effects in allowed beta decay: The elementary particle approach

Allowed beta decay is studied using the elementary particle approach including all second forbidden terms. Model independent forms are given for various spectrum and correlation effects with parent polarization and/or orientation and for delayed particle emission correlations. The restrictions due to various symmetry assumptions are analyzed, as well as the problem of Coulomb corrections. We comment on past and future experiments in this realm.
Synthesis and evaluation of radamide analogues, a chimera of radicicol and geldanamycin.

Previously, we reported the Hsp90 inhibitory activity of radamide, an open chain amide chimera of geldanamycin and radicicol. Attempts to further expand upon structure−activity relationships for this class of Hsp90 inhibitors led to the preparation of a series of radamide analogues focused on differing tether lengths and quinone mimics. In addition, the cup-shaped conformation adopted by the two natural products when bound to the Hsp90 N-terminal ATP binding pocket suggests that conformationally biased compounds may demonstrate improved binding and inhibition. The preparation and evaluation of radamide analogues with cis/trans α,β-unsaturated amides yielded compounds that exhibit improved antiproliferative activity. In addition, several analogues demonstrated the ability to induce degradation of Hsp90-dependent oncogenic signaling proteins in vitro, a hallmark of Hsp90 N-terminal inhibition.
Plastic deformation of chromium-modified L12 Al2 Ti. II. Weak-beam transmission electron microscopy study of dislocation structures

Abstract Superdislocations on the 〈110〉{111} system in single-crystal Al6 7Cr8Ti25 have been studied using weak-beam transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the superdislocations are dissociated into superlattice intrinsic stacking-fault-coupled ⅓〈112〉 superpartials at 77 K but into antiphase-boundary (APB)-coupled ½〈110〉 superpartials at 1028 K. This transition in dislocation structure suggests that the APB energy decreases with increasing temperature, as has been suggested by other investigators. The shape of the critical resolved shear stress vs. temperature curve, which sharply decreases with increasing temperature at low temperatures and is almost temperature independent at high temperatures, is also in agreement with this observation.
Effects of speed-accuracy instructions on oculomotor scanning and target recognition in a simulated baggage X-ray screening task.

Visual search tasks are often carried out under high levels of time stress. Transportation security screeners, for example, face demands to achieve high levels of accuracy while maintaining rapid passenger throughput. An experiment examined the strategies by which operators regulate visual search performance under such conditions. Observers performed a simulated baggage-screening task under instructions to emphasise either response speed or accuracy. Behavioural measures and eye movements were recorded. Observers made fewer and briefer fixations under emphasise-speed than under emphasise-accuracy instructions. Losses in accuracy were produced by more frequent failures to fixate on targets and a decrease in the detection rate of non-fixated targets. The likelihood with which observers detected a fixated target was similar across speed–accuracy instructions. Results will inform efforts to model visual search in naturalistic tasks, allowing more accurate prediction of response times and error rate and may ai...
A Study of the Internal Organization of a Bidding Cartel

This paper examines bidding in over 1,700 knockout auctions used by a bidding cartel (or ring) of stamp dealers in the 1990s. The knockout was conducted using a variant of the model studied by Daniel Graham, Robert Marshall, and Jean-Francois Richard (1990). Following a reduced form examination of these data, damages, induced inefficiency, and the ring's benefit from colluding are estimated using a structural model in the spirit of Emmanuel Guerre, Isabelle Perrigne, and Quang Vuong (2000). A notable finding is that nonring bidders suffered damages that were of the same order of magnitude as those of the sellers.
The impact of fragmentation on char conversion during pulverized coal combustion

Synthetic char particles with controlled macroporosity are used to study char fragmentation behavior during pulverized coal combustion. The chars are burned in an atmospheric laminar flow reactor that permits the control of gas temperature and composition. Char particles are extracted from the reactor at selected residence times and characterized for extent of mass loss and particle size distribution. Chars of 23% and 36% porosity are subjected to environments containing 12 mol % O2 at nominally 1500 K. Number distributions show a large increase in the numbers of small particles during devolatilization, the higher porosity char exhibiting the larger increase. Results show that char burn off increases with porosity at any given residence time, demonstrating an impact of fragmentation on char burn off. The data indicate that both particle diameter and apparent density decrease during burn off and support power-law relations between char particle mass, apparent density, and diameter. A particle population balance model is developed and used to characterize the type of fragmentation that occurs during char oxidation and to quantify the rates of fragmentation events. The model allows for attrition-type behavior (in which only fines are produced), breakage-type behavior (in which particles break into two or three smaller particles), and percolation-type behavior (in which particles fragment into a distribution of smaller-size particles). Calculations using the model indicate that fragmentation during burn off is percolative in nature and char burning rate parameters determined from mass loss, size, and temperature measurements are too high if account is not made for the effects of particle fragmentation. Calculations also suggest that fragmentation during develatilization is percolative in nature and the extent of fragmentation increases with coal volatile yield. Fragmentation rates during devolatilization are estimated to be as high as five times the fragmentation rates during char oxidation.
New pseudoguaianolides from gaillardia pulchella

Abstract In addition to pulchellin B and C previously isolated from a New Mexico race of Gaillardia pulchella Foug., the above-ground parts of an Arizona collection of this species furnished two new substances, pulchellin E and pulchellin F, whose structures have been established.
Glaucoma after Congenital Cataract Surgery

Objectives: To study eyes that manifested glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery and to identify factors that might lead to better diagnosis and treatment of such glaucoma. Design: A retrospective review of patients treated for glaucoma that developed after congenital cataract surgery. Results: Sixty-four eyes of 38 patients were studied. Open-angle glaucoma was the more frequent type of glaucoma (51 eyes, 79.7%). Glaucoma was diagnosed a mean interval of 12.2 years after cataract surgery, but it could occur at any time from months to decades after the cataract surgery. Medications alone were successful in intraocular pressure control in 21(63.6%) of 33 eyes, and additional surgical procedures resulted in successful intraocular pressure control in 11 of 14 eyes in which they were performed. Conclusion: The authors cannot predict in which eyes glaucoma will develop after surgery for congenital cataracts. Once detected, the glaucoma can be treated successfully in the majority of cases. Careful follow-up, including examinations with the patient sedated or anesthetized as needed, is required.
Environmental effect on flavonoid concentrations and profiles of red and lemon-yellow sorghum grains

Abstract Pigmented sorghum genotypes high in flavonoids have been developed in recent years. Flavonoid levels of seven sorghum genotypes grown in four locations in Texas, USA were evaluated to assess the relative genotype, environment and genotype × environment effects. Sorghums from Halfway were highly weathered which affected flavonoid levels. Two flavanones, four 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, and two flavones were detected and quantified. Weathered grains had the lowest flavanone levels (303 μg/g) and the highest 3-deoxyanthocyanidins levels (82 μg/g). Only genotype 99LGWO50 had high levels of flavones (255 μg/g). For all flavonoids there was a genotype × environment interaction effect (p
GMR behavior of nanostructured heterogeneous M-Co (M=Cu, Ag, Au) alloys

Abstract Heterogeneous M-Co alloys (M = Cu, Ag, Au) have been observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic properties and the GMR effect are compared with the evolution of the microstructure after preparation of the samples and after annealing. Limiting effects in TEM that prevent resolving ferromagnetic Co precipitates in Cu-Co or Ag-Co can be overcome by choosing the system Au-Co. Annealing causes a coarsening of the Co precipitates and an increase in the interparticle distance. Lorentz microscopy confirms single domain Co particles exist in as-quenched Au 71.6 Co 28.4 ribbons, and multidomain Co particles in annealed ribbons, respectively. The changes in the grain size and the formation of multidomain particles can be exactly correlated with magnetic measurements.
Effects of continued pentaerythritol tetranitrate administration on myocardial circulation and metabolism.

Die Untersuchungsergebnisse stutzen die Vorstellung, dass die gute Wirkung der prophylaktischen Anwendung von Pentaerythritol-tetranitrat bei Patienten mit Coronarinsuffizienz auf Abnahme der Herztatigkeit und Zunahme der Herzmuskelleistung, nicht aber auf eine Zunahme des Coronarkreislaufes zuruckzufuhren ist.
ARIES: NASA Langley's Airborne Research Facility

In 1994, the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) acquired a B-757-200 aircraft to replace the aging B-737 Transport Systems Research Vehicle (TSRV). The TSRV was a modified B-737-100, which served as a trailblazer in the development of glass cockpit technologies and other innovative aeronautical concepts. The mission for the B-757 is to continue the three-decade tradition of civil transport technology research begun by the TSRV. Since its arrival at Langley, this standard 757 aircraft has undergone extensive modifications to transform it into an aeronautical research "flying laboratory". With this transformation, the aircraft, which has been designated Airborne Research Integrated Experiments System (ARIES), has become a unique national asset which will continue to benefit the U.S. aviation industry and commercial airline customers for many generations to come. This paper will discuss the evolution of the modifications, detail the current capabilities of the research systems, and provide an overview of the research contributions already achieved.
Capture and separation of biomolecules using magnetic beads in a simple microfluidic channel without an external flow device.

The use of microfluidic devices and magnetic beads for applications in biotechnology has been extensively explored over the past decade. Many elaborate microfluidic chips have been used in efficient systems for biological assays. However most fail to achieve the ideal point of care (POC) status, as they require larger conventional external devices in conjunction with the microchip. This paper presents a simple technique to capture and separate biomolecules using magnetic bead movement on a microchip without the use of an external flow device. This microchip consisted of two well reservoirs (W1 and W2) connected via a tapered microchannel. Beads were dragged through the microchannel between the two wells at an equivalent speed to a permanent magnet that moved alongside the microchip. More than 95% of beads were transferred from W1 to W2 within 2 min at an average velocity of 0.7 mm s−1. Enzymatic reactions were employed to test our microchip. Specifically, three assays were performed using the streptavidin coated magnetic beads as a solid support to capture and transfer biomolecules: (1) non-specific adsorption of the substrate, 6-8-difluoro-4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (DiFMUP), (2) capture of the enzyme, biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (AP), and (3) separation of AP from DiFMUP. Our non-specific adsorption assay indicated that the microchip was capable of transferring the beads with less than 0.002% carryover of DiFMUP. Our capture assay indicated efficient capture and transfer of AP with beads to W2 containing DiFMUP, where the transferred AP converted 100% of DiFMUP to DiFMU within 15 minutes. Our separation assay showed effective separation of AP from DiFMUP and elucidated the binding capacity of the beads for AP. The leftover unbound AP in W1 converted 100% of DiFMUP within 10 minutes and samples with less than the full bead capacity of AP (i.e. all AP was transferred) did not convert any of the DiFMUP. The immobilization of AP on the bead surface resulted in 32% reduced enzymatic speed compared to that of free AP in solution, as a result of altered protein conformation and/or steric hindrance of the catalytic site. Overall, this microfluidic platform was established as a simple, efficient and effective approach for separating biomolecules without any flow apparatus.
A Requirement for ERK-Dependent Dicer Phosphorylation in Coordinating Oocyte-to-Embryo Transition in C. elegans

Signaling pathways and small RNAs direct diverse cellular events, but few examples are known of defined signaling pathways directly regulating small RNA biogenesis. We show that ERK phosphorylates Dicer on two conserved residues in its RNase IIIb and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding domains and that phosphorylation of these residues is necessary and sufficient to trigger Dicer's nuclear translocation in worms, mice, and human cells. Phosphorylation of Dicer on either site inhibits Dicer function in the female germline and dampens small RNA repertoire. Our data demonstrate that ERK phosphorylates and inhibits Dicer during meiosis I for oogenesis to proceed normally in Caenorhabditis elegans and that this inhibition is released before fertilization for embryogenesis to proceed normally. The conserved Dicer residues, their phosphorylation by ERK, and the consequences of the resulting modifications implicate an ERK-Dicer nexus as a fundamental component of the oocyte-to-embryo transition and an underlying mechanism coupling extracellular cues to small RNA production.
The Relationship between Leadership and Time Orientation

A number of authors have suggested that leaders and organizations have temporal orientations that influence the behavior of individuals within those organizations. However, this literature and empi...
Mechanisms of change in the ontogeny of black-tailed prairie dog time budgets

This study examines the behavioral mechanisms underlying changes in the time allocation patterns of black-tailed prairie dog (Sciuridae: Cynomys ludovicianus) pups. Previous analyses of time budgets had revealed substantial differences between pups (young of the year) and adults, and that pup time budgets changed significantly over time. This paper shows that these differences were due to two mechanisms: pups generally differed from adults in the frequency of performance of different behaviors; however, changes in pup behavior over time were due to changes in both bout frequencies and durations. Other influences on bout durations were also examined. Time of day dramatically affected the duration of most behaviors, with vigilance bouts longest in the morning and feeding bouts longest in the evening. The presence of a pup's mother above ground and the height of the vegetation a pup was in had much less influence on bout durations. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify other potential influences (e.g., weather and social conditions) on bout lengths. Of these, the distance of a pup from the nearest burrow produced the strongest relationships.
Plasma 99th Percentile Reference Limits for Cardiac Troponin and Creatine Kinase MB Mass for Use with European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology Consensus Recommendations

Background: The European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology (ESC/ACC) consensus document for definition of myocardial infarction (MI) is predicated on increased cardiac troponin or creatine kinase (CK) MB mass above the 99th percentile reference limit. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma (heparin) 99th percentile reference limits for the leading in vitro diagnostic cardiac troponin and CKMB mass assays. Methods: Blood (heparin plasma) was obtained from healthy adults (n = 696; age range, 18–84 years) stratified by gender and ethnicity. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) and CKMB mass concentrations were measured by eight assays. Reference limits were determined by nonparametric statistical analysis. Results: Two cTnI assays demonstrated at least a 1.2- to 2.5-fold higher 99th percentile for males vs females, with the mean concentrations significantly higher for males ( P <0.05). Two cTnI assays also demonstrated a 1.1- to 2.8-fold higher 99th percentile for blacks vs Caucasians, with the mean concentrations significantly higher for blacks ( P = 0.05). There was a 13-fold variance between the lowest measured 99th percentile (0.06 μg/L) and the highest (0.8 μg/L). All CKMB assays demonstrated a 1.2- to 2.6-fold higher 99th percentile for males vs females, with mean concentrations significantly higher for males ( P <0.0001). Four CKMB assays also showed significantly higher (1.2- to 2.7-fold) mean concentrations for blacks ( P <0.02) vs Caucasians. Conclusions: The heparin-plasma 99th percentile reference limits for cardiac troponin and CKMB mass provide an evidence base in support of the ESC, ACC, and American Heart Association guidelines for detection of myocardial injury. Selective gender and ethnic differences were demonstrated. These data allow clinicians, trialists, and epidemiologists a common point for operational use.
Mobile Direction Assisted Predictive Base Station Switching for Broadband Wireless Systems

Many broadband wireless access (BWA) systems, such as IEEE 802.16e, support high-mobility users traveling at vehicular speeds. BWA systems capable of high data rates and low bit-error rates typically require micro-cell or pico- cell deployments. High-mobility users usually need to perform frequent handovers in smaller cell structures, which could drastically increase system overhead and thus degrade the overall network performance. This paper presents a new handover decision algorithm for BWA systems, called predictive base station switching (PBSS). PBSS makes use of the mobile speed and direction information to reduce the number of handovers without degrading the received signal level. It is demonstrated via simulation results that PBSS performs better than existing algorithms based on signal levels and distance information, even when the mobile stations move randomly or when accurate direction and speed information is unavailable.
Biomass allocation, growth, and photosynthesis of genotypes from native and introduced ranges of the tropical shrub Clidemia hirta

We tested the hypothesis that the tropical shrub Clidemia hirta appears more shade tolerant and is more abundant in its introduced than native range because of genetic differences in resource acquisition, allocation, and phenotypic plasticity between native and introduced genotypes. We examined growth, biomass allocation, and photosynthetic parameters of C. hirta grown in a greenhouse from seed collected from four populations in part of its native range (Costa Rica) and four populations in part of its introduced range (Hawaiian Islands). Six-month-old seedlings were placed in high (10.3–13.9 mol m−2 day−1) or low (1.4–4.5 mol m−2 day−1) light treatments and grown for an additional 6 months. Our study provided little evidence that Hawaiian genotypes of C. hirta differed genetically from Costa Rican genotypes in ways that would contribute to differences in habitat distribution or abundance. Some of the genetic differences that were apparent, such as greater allocation to stems and leaf area relative to whole plant biomass in Costa Rican genotypes and greater allocation to roots in Hawaiian genotypes, were contrary to predictions that genotypes from the introduced range would allocate more biomass to growth and less to storage than those from the native range. Hawaiian and Costa Rican genotypes displayed no significant differences in relative growth rates, maximal photosynthetic rates, or specific leaf areas in either light treatment. In the high light environment, however, Hawaiian genotypes allocated more biomass to reproductive parts than Costa Rican genotypes. Phenotypic plasticity for only 1 of 12 morphological and photosynthetic variables was greater for Hawaiian than Costa Rican genotypes. We conclude that genetic shifts in resource use, resource allocation, or plasticity do not contribute to differences in habitat distribution and abundance between the native and introduced ranges of C. hirta.
The earliest known fisher (Mustelidae), a new species from the Rattlesnake Formation of Oregon

ABSTRACT Fishers are elusive carnivorans, with few occurrences in the fossil record. The origin and early evolution of fishers is unclear, but they likely originated in Asia. A new record of Pekania from the Rattlesnake Formation of Oregon represents the earliest known occurrence of a fisher, more than 5 million years earlier than other records in North America. This specimen has an unambiguous derived trait shared with other members of the genus, an external median rootlet on the upper carnassial The age of this new find is inferred to be between 7.05 and 7.3 Ma, through radiometric and magnetostratigraphic dating. This age is supported by the presence of specimens of a shrew, Sorex edwardsi, and a rhinoceros, cf. Teleoceras, found at the same locality, as well as a rabbit, Hypolagus cf. vetus, and a tapir nearby, all of which are well known from early Hemphillian deposits. This find indicates that fishers were in both North America and Asia in the late Miocene, around the time of their divergence from o...
EEG waveform analysis by means of dynamic time-warping.

Abstract The feasibility of using dynamic time-warping (DTW) to cluster EEG waveforms was studied. DTW compresses and extends the time axes of pairs of digitized waveforms to reduce the effects of minor differences in shape due to noise and normal, random shape fluctuations. The sum of the absolute amplitude differences that remain after time-warping can be used as a similarity index in a clustering procedure. Experiments with stimulated data revealed that DTW based clustering could distinguish between waves only slightly different in frequency, amplitude, peak location, or initial phase. DTW clustering was also applied to sharp waves and spikes taken from actual EEG data and compared with an approach based on features extracted from the waveforms, and one based on computing the peak-aligned difference between waveforms. The results indicated that the DTW approach yielded more homogeneous clusters than the other two methods.
An Alternate Mechanism for Porous Si Photoluminescence: Recombination in SiHx Complexes

Porous silicon layers have been formed which exhibit photoluminescence (PL) peaks that do not blueshift with increasing porosity. Hydrogen desorption experiments have been performed in vacuum under anneals between 230°C–390°C. Simultaneous, in-situ PL measurements show that the PL intensity decreases and disappears with decreasing hydrogen content. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) measurements also show loss of hydride species in the same temperature range. These results indicate that hydrogen is important in the PL process. We suggest that silicon hydrides are the source of PL in porous SI.
Extrauterine inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: A case report

•This is the first case report of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the literature to present with extrauterine disease.•A prompt work-up of symptoms may have precluded a tumor debulking procedure.
Biologically inspired design: process and products

Biologically inspired engineering design uses analogies to biological systems to develop solutions for engineering problems. We conducted a study of biologically inspired design in the context of an interdisciplinary introductory course on biologically inspired engineering design in Fall of 2006. The goals of this study were to understand the process of biologically inspired engineering design and to provide insight into biologically inspired design as a type of design activity. This paper provides a descriptive account of biologically inspired design processes and products, and summarizes our main observations: 1) designers use two distinct starting points for biologically inspired design; 2) regular patterns of practice emerge in biologically inspired design; and 3) certain errors occur regularly in the design process.
Common factors and our sacred models.

In this article we argue that much of what makes one treatment effective is common to other forms of effective treatment-both in psychotherapy generally and in marital and family therapy (MFT)specifically. Yet MFT has largely ignored the research on common factors. In this article we present a moderate view of common factors that, while repudiating the extreme position that there isno difference among treatment models, stresses that there are common factors and mechanisms of changethat undergird most forms of successful treatment. These common mechanisms of change should begiven more attention in our field, which has tended to emphasize the uniqueness of our sacred models. We delineate some of the major common factors, review the empirical evidence for them, and discussimplications of adapting a common factors informed approach to family therapy.
Apparent monomer activity of saturated fatty acids in micellar bile Salt solutions measured by a polyethylene partitioning system

Partitioning of saturated fatty acids between discs of polyethylene film and aqueous buffer has been characterized and subsequently used to measure monomer activities of fatty acids in micellar solutions of bile salt. Partitioning of fatty acids between polyethylene and buffer achieved equilibrium in about 24–48 hr. Partition coefficients for fatty acids 10:0 and 16:0 were essentially independent of concentration, as expected for true partitioning. Experiments with various pH buffers showed that only the protonated form of fatty acids 12:0 and 16:0 participated in partitioning, and the midpoints of the partition coefficients vs. pH curves were 4.5–5.0 and 6.5–7.0, respectively. Experimentally determined partition coefficients at pH 7.4 ranged from 2.03 ± 0.09 for 9:0 to 56,100 ± 13,850 for 17:0. The addition of each methylene group increased the partition coefficient by a factor of about 3.75, corresponding to an incremental free energy change for each methylene group of –3433 J·mole–1 (–820 cal·mole–1). Monomer activities of solutions of 14:0 and 16:0 dissolved in 20 mM taurodeoxycholate were linearly dependent on the total fatty acid concentration. 1 mM 14:0 and 16:0 in 20 mM taurodeoxycholate had monomer activities of 1.3 × 10–5 M and 5.6 × 10–7 M, respectively. Solutions prepared with a constant concentration ratio of fatty acid to taurodeoxycholate had essentially constant monomer activities between 8 and 20 mM taurodeoxycholate. These studies support the hypothesis that fatty acid interaction with bile acid micelles is similar to a phase distribution system, so that some measurable monomer activity of fatty acid exists in equilibrium with the mass of fatty acid contained in the micelle.
The Einstein Gyrovector Space

In this chapter we introduce scalar multiplication ⊗E in the Einstein gyrogroup (Vc,⊕E), obtaining the Einstein gyrovector space (Vc, ⊕E, ⊗E). This, in turn, results in the emergence of the hyperbolic analytic geometry of the Einstein gyrovector space, which turns out to be the familiar Beltrami ball model of hyperbolic geometry. The ball Vc is equipped with the coordinates it inherits from its real inner product space V, relative to which gyrovectors are represented. We close the chapter with the observation that the unique hyperbolic ‘straight line’ called a geodesic, passing through two given points a, b ∈ Vc is the set of all points $$a{{\oplus }_{E}}\left( {{\ominus }_{E}}a{{\oplus }_{E}}b \right){{\otimes }_{E}}t $$ of Vc, t ∈ ℝ, ⊖Ea = −a, which is analogous to its counterpart in Euclidean analytic geometry.