cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in Sterol Composition during Greening of Etiolated Barley Shoots

The following sterols were identified in barley shoots: stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and cholesterol. The total sterol content of green and etiolated tissue was 2.84 and 3.20 milligrams per gram dry weight, respectively. The free sterols accounted for most of the difference in total sterol content. The sterol ester, sterol glycoside, and acylated sterol glycoside contents of green and etiolated barley shoots were essentially the same. Etiolated tissue had twice as much total β-sitosterol as stigmasterol, while green tissue had equal amounts of these two sterols. The campesterol and cholesterol content was the same in green and etiolated tissue. This same sterol composition pattern held true for the free, glycosidic, and acylated glycosidic sterols; however, the sterol ester fraction had a completely different composition pattern. The esterified stigmasterol content was quite low in green and etiolated tissue, and campesterol was the second largest esterfied sterol component in etiolated tissue. Etiolated barley seedlings exposed to light had a shift in the ratio of free stigmasterol to β-sitosterol in favor of stigmasterol; however, no correlation was observed between chlorophyll synthesis and shift in sterol composition.
Going Forward with Retromer

The retromer complex is well known to mediate retrograde transport from endosomes to the Golgi. In a recent issue of Neuron, Choy et al. (2014) identify a function for retromer in supporting fast, local delivery of neurotransmitter receptors from endosomes to the dendritic plasma membrane.
Effect of dizocilpine (MK-801) on analgesia and tolerance induced by U-50,488H, a κ-opioid receptor agonist, in the mouse

Abstract The effect of dizocilpine (MK-801), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on the analgesic response to U-50,488H, a κ-opioid receptor agonist, and tolerance to the analgesic effect of U-50,488H was determined in mice. The doses of MK-801 used were 0.03–0.30 mg/kg, whereas U-50,488H was administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of U-50,488H (25 mg/kg) produced analgesia as evidenced by the delay in the tail-flick latency in the mouse and lasted for a period of 240 min. MK-801 (0.03–0.30 mg/kg, i.p.) given 30 min prior to the injection of U-50,488H did not modify U-50,488H-induced analgesia. Twice daily administration of U-50,488H (25 mg/kg) for 9 days produced tolerance to its analgesic action. Administration of MK-801 (0.03 and 0.10 mg/kg) injected 30 min before each injection of U-50,488H prevented the development of tolerance to its analgesic effect. The higher dose, 0.3 mg/kg, of MK-801 had a minimal effect on U-50,488H tolerance. It is concluded that MK-801 in doses which do not affect U-50,488H-induced analgesia blocks the development of tolerance to its analgesic action in mice. These studies suggest that NMDA receptors play a crucial role in the development of tolerance to κ-opioid agonist in mice.
Mutations affecting transcription pausing in the Bacillus subtilis pyr operon

Pausing during transcription of the Bacillus subtilis pyr operon was proposed to play a role in its regulation by attenuation. Substitution mutations in the B. subtilis pyr DNA specifying the 3′-terminal nucleotides of the previously identified transcription pause sites substantially reduced pausing at these sites in vitro. This result confirms the general utility of this mutagenic strategy for studying transcriptional pausing. Pyrimidine-mediated repression in vivo of pyr-lacZ fusions containing some of these substitution mutations was substantially lower than those observed with the wild-type pyr-lacZ fusions. However, these defects in regulation were correlated with alterations in the stability of the terminator stem-loop specified by the attenuator, rather than with their effects on transcriptional pausing in vitro.
Ultra-early predictive assay for treatment failure using functional magnetic resonance imaging and clinical prognostic parameters in cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: The authors prospectively evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters quantifying heterogeneous perfusion pattern and residual tumor volume early during treatment in cervical cancer, and compared their predictive power for primary tumor recurrence and cancer death with the standard clinical prognostic factors. A novel approach of augmenting the predictive power of clinical prognostic factors with MRI parameters was assessed. METHODS: Sixty-two cervical cancer patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI before and during early radiation/chemotherapy (2-2.5 weeks into treatment). Heterogeneous tumor perfusion was analyzed by signal intensity (SI) of each tumor voxel. Poorly perfused tumor regions were quantified as lower 10th percentile of SI (SI[10%]). DCE-MRI and 3-dimensional (3D) tumor volumetry MRI parameters were assessed as predictors of recurrence and cancer death (median follow-up, 4.1 years). Their discriminating capacity was compared with clinical prognostic factors (stage, lymph node status, histology) using sensitivity/specificity and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: SI(10%) and 3D volume 2-2.5 weeks into therapy independently predicted disease recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.0-6.5 [P = .04] and HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5 [P = .03], respectively) and death (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.5 [P = .03] and HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9 [P = .01], respectively), and were superior to clinical prognostic factors. The addition of MRI parameters to clinical prognostic factors increased sensitivity and specificity of clinical prognostic factors from 71% and 51%, respectively, to 100% and 71%, respectively, for predicting recurrence, and from 79% and 54%, respectively, to 93% and 60%, respectively, for predicting death. CONCLUSIONS: MRI parameters reflecting heterogeneous tumor perfusion and subtle tumor volume change early during radiation/chemotherapy are independent and better predictors of tumor recurrence and death than clinical prognostic factors. The combination of clinical prognostic factors and MRI parameters further improves early prediction of treatment failure and may enable a window of opportunity to alter treatment strategy. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
When Did Mozart Become a Mozart? Neurophysiological Insight Into Behavioral Genetics

The prevailing concept in modern cognitive neuroscience is that cognitive functions are performed predominantly at the network level, whereas the role of individual neurons is unlikely to extend beyond forming the simple basic elements of these networks. Within this conceptual framework, individuals of outstanding cognitive abilities appear as a result of a favorable configuration of the microarchitecture of the cognitive-implicated networks, whose final formation in ontogenesis may occur in a relatively random way. Here I suggest an alternative concept, which is based on neurological data and on data from human behavioral genetics. I hypothesize that cognitive functions are performed mainly at the intracellular, probably at the molecular level. Central to this hypothesis is the idea that the neurons forming the networks involved in cognitive processes are complex elements whose functions are not limited to generating electrical potentials and releasing neurotransmitters. According to this hypothesis, individuals of outstanding abilities are so due to a ‘lucky’ combination of specific genes that determine the intrinsic properties of neurons involved in cognitive functions of the brain.
Breath biomarkers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Preliminary observations

Breath biomarkers have the potential to offer information that is similar to conventional clinical tests or they are entirely unique. Preliminary data support the use of breath biomarkers in the study of liver disease, in particular non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It was evaluated whether breath ethanol, ethane, sulfur compounds and acetone would be associated with hepatic histopathology amongst morbidly obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery. Breath samples were collected during a preoperative visit and compared with liver biopsies obtained during the surgery. A Student's two-tailed t-test was used to compare differences between the two groups. Linear regression was used to analyse associations between the concentrations of breath molecules and independent predictor variables. It was found that breath ethanol, ethane and acetone can be useful biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. In particular, breath ethanol can be associated with hepatic steatosis, and breath acetone can be associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Comparison of night sky spectral radiance measurements with MODTRAN and LOWTRAN 7 predictions

Measurements of the night sky spectral radiance were made with a Fourier Transform spectrometer at angles between 1 degree(s) and 90 degree(s) elevation over the wavelength region from 2.5 to 10.0 micrometers . The LOWTRAN 7 and MODTRAN computer models were used to predict the path radiance from ground to space for the same angles as the measurements. The comparison between the measured and predicted path radiance is shown for both models.
Maligne Experimentaltumoren und Splendothelan

Es war nicht moglich durch unsere erganzenden Versuche, die den praventiyen und kurativen Wert des Splendothelans vonBraunstein gegen Experimentaltumoren bei Mausen, Meerschweinchen und Ratten prufen sollten (120 bzw. 22 und 20 Probetiere und eine grose Zahl von Kontrollen), irgendeine schutzende Wirkung dieses Produktes festzustellen, trotzdem es ohne Unterbrechung, schon 20 Tagen vor der Impfung, in taglichen Mengen von 0,25 g und 0,50 g pro Tier, gegeben wurde.
Participation in organized and unorganized protests and rebellions

Abstract The paper investigates the individual decision of whether to join and participate in a protest or rebellion. When the protest activity is unorganized and individuals join spontaneously without regard to the effect on the probability of success and failure and without regard for potential benefits, multiple equilibria can exist, which may in turn have consequences for government policies. I also consider the case where a protest or rebellion is coordinated by a leader. The broad conclusion is that institutional analysis is required to specify the environment within which a protest or rebellion takes place.
Crossover from a hexatic phase to a single first-order transition in a Laplacian-roughening model for two-dimensional melting.

We study the defect core-energy dependence of the two-dimensional melting transition by simulation of a modified Laplacian-roughening model. We determine the dependence of the hexatic phase width on core energy and use finite-size scaling to estimate bicritical exponents characterizing the crossover to first-order behavior.
RAPID DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS IN LUNG TISSUE USING A FIBER OPTIC BIOSENSOR

ABSTRACT There is no rapid diagnostic technique at medical examiners' offices to determine if a decedent is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Present diagnostic testing requires at least 1 month for results. The RAPTOR, a portable, automated fiber optic evanescent wave biosensor, was used as the platform to develop more rapid assays to detect M. tuberculosis from lung tissue. Positive biosensor detection was obtained 80% of the time at cell concentrations of 106 cells/mL, 96% of the time at 107 cells/mL, and 99% of the time at 108 cells/mL of live attenuated M. tuberculosis (ATCC 25177) suspended in phosphate-buffered saline with 0.1% Tween 20 (PBST). Live attenuated M. tuberculosis suspended in PBST and seeded into decedent lung tissue was tested using the RAPTOR. Positive detection was obtained 96% of the time at 107 cells/mL and 100% of the time at 108 cells/mL. Detection of M. tuberculosis in lung tissue homogenate was possible within 3 h. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Development of a rapid method to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis from lung tissue at autopsy would be a significant benefit to medical examiners' offices and pathologists worldwide. Rapid diagnosis would enable those possibly exposed to an infected decedent to be informed of M. tuberculosis infection in a timely manner. Biosensor assays on seeded lung tissue show it is possible to detect M. tuberculosis in 3 h using the RAPTOR biosensor, instead of 1 month using current, conventional tests, when there are 107 or more cells in the assay sample. Tuberculous cavities may contain 107–109 activelymultiplying organisms. Sample preparation and assay protocols involve common laboratory practices and could easily and quickly be learned and implemented by laboratory staff. The RAPTOR is user friendly and could be used by medical examiner staff at time of need. The biosensor assay may also have potential applications for use on biopsy tissue from living individuals who have heavy pulmonary or disseminated infections by M. tuberculosis.
Ground-based lidar and atmospheric studies

This review considers the requirements and possibilities for the development of a ground-based network for long-term observations of the atmosphere. This network would be specifically designed to provide early detection of changes in the composition and structure of the stratosphere. The species and parameters identified as being important and amenable to ground-based measurements are summarized, as are the currently available techniques capable of making the required measurements. Ultraviolet laser remote sensing is identified as the most promising technique for the measurement of ozone and temperature profiles which are considered to have the highest priority for network measurements. The laser techniques, and the research at JPL Table Mountain Observatory, to implement ozone and temperature measurements are discussed in greater detail.
Effect of processing on sphingolipid content in soybean products

Soybeans are believed to be a rich source of sphingolipids, a class of polar lipids that has received attention for their possible cancer-inhibiting activities. The effect of processing on the sphingolipid content of various soybean products has not been determined. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), the major sphingolipid type in soybeans, was measured in several processed soybean products to illustrate which product(s) GlcCer is partitioned into during processing and where it is lost. Whole soybeans were processed into full-fat flakes, from which crude oil was extracted. Crude oil was refined by conventional methods, and defatted soy flakes were further processed into alcohol-washed and acid-washed soy protein concentrates (SPC) and soy protein isolates (SPI) by laboratory-scale methods that simulated industrial practices. GlcCer was isolated from the samples by solvent extraction, solvent partition, and TLC and was quantified by HPLC. GlcCer remained mostly within the defatted soy flakes (91%) rather than in the oil (9%) after oil extraction. Only 52, 42, and 26% of GlcCer from defatted soy flakes was recovered in the acid-washed SPC, alcohol-washed SPC, and SPI products, respectively. All protein products had a similar GlcCer concentration of about 281 nmol/g (dry wt basis). The minor quantity of GlcCer in the crude oil was almost completely removed by water degumming.
The Raman spectrum of liquid dinitrogen tetroxide

Abstract The Raman spectrum of liquid N 2 O 4 at −10°C has been reinvestigated using the 4358 A Hg line for excitation. In addition to lines which had been reported earlier for the solid and liquid, one new line at 666 cm −1 was observed. This line was too weak to have its qualitative depolarization ratio determined, but such ratios have been obtained for the remaining Raman lines for the first time. Some conclusions on the assignment of the spectrum of N 2 O 4 are presented.
Inspecting the Hierarchy of Life Roles A Systematic Review of Role Salience Literature

Role salience is a reflection of the importance and value that people attribute to the roles central to their lives and identities. One pivotal aspect of role salience is individual responsibilitie...
Tailoring charge density and hydrogen bonding of imidazolium copolymers for efficient gene delivery.

Conventional free radical polymerization with subsequent postpolymerization modification afforded imidazolium copolymers with controlled charge density and side chain hydroxyl number. Novel imidazo...
Order–Disorder Structural Phase Transitions in Alkali Perchlorates

Abstract Order–disorder structural phase transitions in alkali perchlorates M ClO 4 ( M =Na, K, Rb, Cs) are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The potentials in the simulations are based on the Gordon–Kim modified electron gas formalism extended to molecular ions. The simulations yield first-order phase transitions in perchlorates from low temperature orthorhombic structures to high temperature cubic NaCl structures. The perchlorate ions are found to be orientational disordered in the high temperature phases.
Air Ingress Analysis: Computational Fluid Dynamics Models

Idaho National Laboratory (INL), under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is performing research and development that focuses on key phenomena important during potential scenarios that may occur in very high temperature reactors (VHTRs). Phenomena identification and ranking studies to date have ranked an air ingress event, following on the heels of a VHTR depressurization, as important with regard to core safety. Consequently, the development of advanced air-ingress-related models and verification and validation data are a very high priority. Following a loss of coolant and system depressurization incident, air will enter the core of the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor through the break, possibly causing oxidation of the core and reflector graphite structure. Simple core and plant models indicate that, under certain circumstances, the oxidation may proceed at an elevated rate with additional heat generated from the oxidation reaction itself. Under postulated conditions of fluid flow and temperature, excessive degradation of lower plenum graphite can lead to a loss of structural support. Excessive oxidation of core graphite can also lead to a release of fission products into the confinement, which could be detrimental to reactor safety. Computational fluid dynamics models developed in this study will improve our understanding of this phenomenon. This paper presents two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamic (CFD) results for the quantitative assessment of the air ingress phenomena. A portion of the results from density-driven stratified flow in the inlet pipe will be compared with the experimental results.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Secretion, surface localization, turnover, and steady state expression of protein disulfide isomerase in rat hepatocytes.

Protein disulfide isomerase in isolated rat hepatocytes was present at a concentration of 7 μg/mg cell protein, representing a ~2-fold enrichment compared to isolated hepatic non-parenchymal cells. Though localized mainly in microsomal fractions of hepatocytes, direct immunofluorescence and cell surface radioiodination followed by immunoprecipitation revealed the presence of Mr 57,000 disulfide isomerase at the cell surface. Electrostatic interaction of the protein with the cell surface was suggested by susceptibility to carbonate washing. Metabolic radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation studies also indicated that some of the newly synthesized Mr 57,000 disulfide isomerase was secreted. Treatment of cells with colchicine markedly reduced the recovery of disulfide isomerase from the media, indicating microtubular-directed secretion of the protein. Partial staphlococcal V8 proteolytic digestion of the secreted protein revealed a peptide pattern similar to that of the cellular protein. Immunoprecipitation with antibody specific to the -KDEL peptide retention sequence confirmed the presence of this sequence in the secreted protein. Studies of the turnover of disulfide isomerase revealed a half-life of approximately 96 h. Treatment of cells with tunicamycin or heat shock resulted in an increased recovery of newly synthesized disulfide isomerase from cell lysates but diminished recovery from the media. The secretion and cell surface distribution of disulfide isomerase in hepatocytes may be important for the pathogenesis of immune mediated liver injury.
A method of analysis of plates reinforced with discrete stiffeners

Abstract This paper attempts to demonstrate a new method for analyzing problems involving nonhomogeneous discretely reinforced plates. The paper shows that a uniform plate can be accurately synthesized by a structure made up entirely of simple beams and twisting elements. Using a second order approximation for the equations governing the bending elements it becomes possible to specify the distribution of some of the internal stresses. This additional flexibility makes it possible to independently specify bending and torsional stiffness as well as the distribution of the interaction moment. The model is shown to converge in the limit to the governing differential equation of a uniform plate. The equations for a discretely reinforced uniform plate are derived. The equations derived are applied to a uniformly loaded simply supported plate. The accuracy of the results for a 4 × 4 grid is superior to that obtained with finite difference procedure for the given internal stress distribution assumed.
Acute estrogen surge enhances inflammatory nociception without altering spinal Fos expression

Chronic pain is a major neurological disorder that can manifest differently between genders or sexes. The complex actions of sex hormones may underlie these differences; previous studies have suggested that elevated estrogen levels can enhance pain perception. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that acute, activational effects of estradiol (E2) increase persistent inflammatory nociception, and anatomically where this modulation occurs. Spinal expression of Fos is widely used as a marker of nociceptive activation. This study used formalin-evoked nociception in ovariectomized (OVX) adult female rats and measured late-phase hindlimb flinching and Fos expression in the spinal cord, and their modification by acute estrogen supplementation similar to a proestrus surge. Six days after ovariectomy, female rats were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) with 10μg/kg E2 or vehicle. Twenty-four hours later, 50μL of 1.25% or 100μL of 5% formalin was injected into the right hindpaw; hindlimb flinches were counted, and spinal cords removed 2h after formalin injection. The numbers of Fos-expressing neurons in sections of the lumbar spinal cord were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Formalin-induced inflammation produced a dose-dependent increase in late-phase hindlimb flinching, and E2 pretreatment increased flinching following 5%, but not 1.25% formalin injection. Despite the modification of behavior by E2, the number of spinal Fos-positive neurons was not altered by E2 pretreatment. These findings demonstrate that an acute proestrus-like surge in serum estrogen can produce a stimulus-intensity-dependent increase in inflammation-evoked nociceptive behavior. However, the lack of effect on spinal Fos expression suggests that this enhancement of nociceptive signaling by estrogen is independent of changes in peripheral activation of, expression of the immediate early gene Fos by, or signal throughput of spinal nociceptive neurons.
A Kinesin Mutant with an Atypical Bipolar Spindle Undergoes Normal Mitosis

Motor proteins have been implicated in various aspects of mitosis, including spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Here, we show that acentrosomal Arabidopsis cells that are mutant for the kinesin, ATK1, lack microtubule accumulation at the predicted spindle poles during prophase and have reduced spindle bipolarity during prometaphase. Nonetheless, all abnormalities are rectified by anaphase and chromosome segregation appears normal. We conclude that ATK1 is required for normal microtubule accumulation at the spindle poles during prophase and possibly functions in spindle assembly during prometaphase. Because aberrant spindle morphology in these mutants is resolved by anaphase, we postulate that mitotic plant cells contain an error-correcting mechanism. Moreover, ATK1 function seems to be dosage-dependent, because cells containing one wild-type allele take significantly longer to proceed to anaphase as compared with cells containing two wild-type alleles.
Numerical simulation of ECR microwave plasma stream

The authors have simulated an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma stream along a moderate gradient magnetic field. The magnetic flux density decreases gradually from the ECR region in the plasma chamber toward the specimen table. The simulation is kinetic; ions are assumed to flow collisionlessly along the field line, and electrons are considered collisional enough for the Boltzmann relation to be valid. A Monte Carlo description of the ion dynamics, coupled with Boltzmann electrons, is used to develop an iterative scheme for the Vlasov equation and quasi-neutrality. The effects of the mirror field on the electrostatic potential profile along the magnetic field line and the energy distribution of the ions incident on the specimen have been determined. >
Relative and Absolute Reliability of the KT-2000 Arthrometer for Uninjured Knees Testing at 67, 89, 134, and 178 N and Manual Maximum Forces

We assessed the reliability of the KT-2000 knee ar thrometer at 67, 89, 134, and 178 N and at manual maximum forces on 30 college students who were free from present or previous knee injuries. Two examiners tested all subjects on two occasions. Anterior laxity (P < 0.0001) and side-to-side difference (P < 0.05) sig nificantly increased as force increased. There was a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between testers for anterior laxity but not for side-to-side difference. We used intraclass correlation coefficients to estimate rel ative reliability. Anterior laxity intraclass correlation co efficients (2,1) between testers ranged from 0.81 to 0.86 and within tester correlations ranged from 0.92 to 0.95. Intraclass correlation coefficients for between testers for side-to-side differences ranged from 0.38 to 0.58 and within tester correlations ranged from 0.53 to 0.64. Subject-to-subject variability needs to be taken into account when interpreting intraclass correlation coefficient values. Our absolute re...
Closing the generation gap (4GLs in the power education curriculum)

The deep inroads made by computers into all aspects of electrical power systems are making greater demands on the power education curriculum. It is suggested that exposure to fourth-generation languages would enhance a student's programming capabilities. Features of fourth-generation languages in the context of power system software development are described. Ways of introducing the fourth-generation languages in power engineering education are outlined. A specific example of distribution system analysis software is presented. >
The Debye temperature of nanocrystalline β-Sn measured by x-ray diffraction

A nanocrystalline β–Sn film of 7 nm average grain size was prepared by inert gas condensation followed by ballistic consolidation, and was investigated by x-ray diffractometry at temperatures of 77 and 293 K. Although Sn normally undergoes a βα phase transformation at 286 K, this transformation was suppressed in the nanocrystalline film. Compared with large-grained β-Sn, a larger Debye–Waller factor and a lower Debye temperature were measured for nanocrystalline β-Sn; Θ D = 133 K for nanocrystalline material while Θ D = 161 K for large-grained material. The lower Debye temperature of the nanocrystalline β-Sn indicates that its vibrational entropy is increased by 0.6 k B /atom with respect to large-grained material.
The Role of Counterfactual Thinking in Reasoning

Counterfactual generation is an important part of reasoning. Both the judgment of events and affective reactions to those events depend not only on the events themselves, but on counterfactual alternatives to those events. Counterfactual thinking serves several positive functions. However, there are also dysfunctional aspects. First, judgments of general versus specific instances are often inconsistent, and this leads to problematic, irrational decisions. We explain these inconsistencies by suggesting that specific instances easily afford counterfactuals, and are judged in the context of these counterfactuals. Alternatively, general cases are evaluated in terms of quite different contrast cases, global expectations. Second, in assigning blame for the negative outcome of a chain of events, people assign too much causality to recent events. Our explanation is that these recent events are most accessible and are most likely to be mutated in the course of counterfactual generation. Such mutability is important in causal assignment. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lupus anticoagulant in children with thrombosis

Nineteen children who presented with thromboses over a 7-year period were found to have a lupus anticoagulant (LA). The initial thrombosis was proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in six children, central nervous system (CNS) in five, primary pulmonary in four, distal DVT in two, central venous in one, and proximal arterial in one. Five children were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including two children for whom thrombosis was the presenting sign of SLE. The remaining 14 children were diagnosed with the antiphospholipid antibody (APA) syndrome. The APA syndrome was manifest by venous or arterial thrombosis in association with a positive LA; positive anticardiolipin antibodies and a fine, speckled antinuclear antibody (ANA) pattern were additionally found in the majority of children. Approximately one-half of the children with SLE or the APA syndrome had a pulmonary embolus, and one-half developed recurrent thrombosis. Oral anticoagulation with coumadin to achieve an INR of > 2.0 prevented thrombosis recurrence. The recognition of a LA in children with thrombosis necessitates evaluation for SLE, APA, and other autoantibodies.
Phase retrieval with unknown sampling factors via the two-dimensional chirp z-transform

We derive the analytic gradient of a phase retrieval error metric with respect to the sampling factor or the f-number that produced the measured point-spread function. This allows us to efficiently optimize over the sampling factor, thereby improving the accuracy of the phase estimate. Computer simulation results show its effectiveness.
An automated, segmentation-based, rigid registration system for Cervigram/spl trade/ images utilizing simple clustering and active contour techniques

In this article, a technique for the automated registration of Cervigram/spl trade/ images will be introduced. The motivation for the development of such a technique is warranted by the fact that registration is often a first step to other, more sophisticated, algorithms useful in medical applications. Such algorithms are typically processes developed for the tracking and monitoring of patient health. The registration described in this article is segmentation-based and utilizes a combination of clustering- and active contour-based methodologies. The clustering algorithm is used to obtain an initial contour that will subsequently serve as initialization for an active contour. The active contour, in conjunction with various internal and external forces, should converge to a more precise segmentation of the region of interest which, in this application, is the cervix. Once the segmentations are completed, more traditional registration techniques, such as those of Fourier or correlation-based techniques, may be used to register the segmented images with more accuracy as the adverse effects stemming from the highly variable background features are no longer a source of error. For illustration purposes, the results from two patients are demonstrated at the end of this article.
Enhanced mineralization of organic compounds in nonaqueous-phase liquids

Biodegradation of phenanthrene, biphenyl, or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate initially present in a variety of nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs) was slow in samples of soil and aquifer solids. The NAPLs were hexadecane, dibutyl phthalate, 2, 2, 4 ,4, 6, 8, 8-heptamethylnonane, cyclohexane, commercial oils, crude oil, creosote, and kerosene. Slurrying the soil or aquifer solids markedly enhanced the rate and extent of mineralization of the test compounds initially in many of the NAPLs. Both the low rate and extent of mineralization of the three compounds initially in dibutyl phthalate in soil slurries and of di(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate in heptamethylnonane present in slurries of aquifer solids were increased by inoculation of acclimated microbial cultures. Increasing the NAPL volume decreased phenanthrene biodegradation in soil, but the effect of larger NAPL volume could be alleviated by slurrying and inoculation. The rate or extent of mineralization in aquifer slurries of di(2-ethylhexyi) phthalate initially in some NAPLs was increased by addition of N and P, and inoculation further enhanced the degradation.
Gravitational-wave spectroscopy of massive black holes with the space interferometer LISA

Newly formed black holes are expected to emit characteristic radiation in the form of quasinormal modes, called ringdown waves, with discrete frequencies. LISA should be able to detect the ringdown waves emitted by oscillating supermassive black holes throughout the observable Universe. We develop a multimode formalism, applicable to any interferometric detectors, for detecting ringdown signals, for estimating black-hole parameters from those signals, and for testing the no-hair theorem of general relativity. Focusing on LISA, we use current models of its sensitivity to compute the expected signal-to-noise ratio for ringdown events, the relative parameter estimation accuracy, and the resolvability of different modes. We also discuss the extent to which uncertainties on physical parameters, such as the black-hole spin and the energy emitted in each mode, will affect our ability to do black-hole spectroscopy.
THE RELATIONS BETWEEN PREPOTENTIAL, RESTING POTENTIAL, AND LATENT PERIOD IN FROG MUSCLE FIBERS

1. Prepotentials and action potentials were recorded from amphibian striated muscle fibers. Intracellular electrodes were used for stimulating and recording. The resting potential was varied from 55 to 120 mv. by alterations of the KCl concentration of the Ringer's fluid. The magnitude of the prepotential at the initiation of the spike potential was measured and compared to the resting potential and the latent period (time between stimulus "make" and excitation). The magnitude of this prepotential varied with the resting potential. 2. A large prepotential or cathodal depolarization was required to excite a fiber with a high resting potential. If a fiber with a high resting potential fired late (long latency), the adequate prepotential was larger than if the fiber fired early. Fibers with low resting potentials had smaller adequate prepotentials. Also, the adequate prepotential was independent of the latent period, in these depolarized fibers. 3. If the concentration of Ca++ was increased tenfold, the adequate prepotential of depolarized fibers became strongly dependent upon the latency. 4. Fibers with large or normal resting potentials were prone to respond repetitively during the passage of long duration shock, whereas depolarized and Ca++-treated fibers were not. 5. The so-called critical membrane potential (which is defined as the transmembrane potential at the point of excitation) was not independent of the resting potential.
H.263+: the new ITU-T Recommendation for video coding at low bit rates

H.263+ is a revision to the 1996 version of ITU-T Recommendation H.263 that brings incremental improvements to compression performance, better support for packet-based networks, expanded support for video formats as well as other new functionality. All the new capabilities can be negotiated individually or disabled for backwards compatibility with H.263. In this paper, we review all the major new features of H.263+.
AC sense technique for memristor crossbar

An alternate approach for sensing resistive memory based on a memristor is introduced. An AC input is used with the frequency domain response of a first-order filter formed by a memristor and a capacitor. This technique saves power by cutting down the DC current significantly and minimising the DC leakage current in a crossbar array of resistive memory bits.
No man's land: ‘gender and the geopolitics of mobility in west Belfast, northern Ireland

It is the intent of this article to deconstruct the practices of border crossers, whereby the political identities of women have been relegated to the domestic/private sphere rendering them political innocents. However in West Belfast, women's designation to the home is what facilitated their ability to not only to transcend the borders of West Belfast but also to transgress women's confinement to the home. By contrast, taxi drivers are perceived as unrespectable wild men, cowboys and societal misfits who have been tainted by their border crossings. Interestingly, these groups would never be considered political subjects, as would an IRA volunteer, or resistance protester. However by way of their everyday practices of shopping and driving a taxi, these individuals are not only destabilising the boundary lines of West Belfast but also those of the nation. To this end, the sociospatial practices of these border crossers, which constitutes the expansion and restriction of public and private space, raises the...
The Bystander Effect in Radiation Oncogenesis: I. Transformation in C3H 10T½ Cells In Vitro can be Initiated in the Unirradiated Neighbors of Irradiated Cells

Abstract Sawant, S. G., Randers-Pehrson, G., Geard, C. R., Brenner, D. J. and Hall, E. J. The Bystander Effect in Radiation Oncogenesis: I. Transformation in C3H 10T½ Cells In Vitro can be Initiated in the Unirradiated Neighbors of Irradiated Cells. It has long been accepted that radiation-induced genetic effects require that DNA be hit and damaged directly by the radiation. Recently, evidence has accumulated that in cell populations exposed to low doses of α particles, biological effects occur in a larger proportion of cells than are estimated to have been traversed by α particles. The end points observed include chromosome aberrations, mutations and gene expression. The development of a fast single-cell microbeam now makes it possible to expose a precisely known proportion of cells in a population to exactly defined numbers of α particles, and to assay for oncogenic transformation. The single-cell microbeam delivered no, one, two, four or eight α particles through the nuclei of all or just 10% of C3H 10...
COMPARATIVE GROWTH AND CONSUMPTION POTENTIAL OF RAINBOW TROUT AND HUMPBACK CHUB IN THE COLORADO RIVER, GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA, UNDER DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE SCENARIOS

We used bioenergetics models for humpback chub, Gila cypha, and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to examine how warmer water temperatures in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona, through a proposed selective withdrawal system (SWS) at Glen Canyon Dam, would affect growth, consumption, and predation rates. Consumption by the rainbow trout population was at least 10 times higher than by the smaller humpback chub population. Water temperature increases of 6uC during autumn increased growth of humpback chub and likely increased their survival by reducing the time vulnerable to predation. Water temperature increases caused by drought in 2005 did not alter humpback chub growth as much as the SWS. Increased temperatures might cause changes to the invertebrate community and the distribution and abundance of other warmwater nonnative fishes. The implications on the entire aquatic community need to be considered before any management action that includes increasing water temperatures is implemented. RESUMEN—Usamos modelos bioenergeticos para el cacho corcovado (Gila cypha) y la trucha arcoiris (Oncorhynchuys mykiss) para examinar como las aguas mas tibias del Ro ´o Colorado en el Gran Canon en Arizona, debido al sistema propuesto de sacar agua selectivamente (SWS) en la presa Glen Canyon, influiro ´an las tasas de crecimiento, consumo y depredacion. El consumo por la poblacion de la trucha arcoiris fue por lo menos 10 veces mayor que el por la poblacion menor del cacho corcovado. El aumento de la temperatura del agua de 6uC durante el otono aumentoel crecimiento del cacho corcovado y probablemente aumentosu supervivencia al reducir el tiempo en que estaba vulnerable a la depredacion. Los aumentos de la temperatura del agua causados por la sequo ´a en 2005 no cambiaron el crecimiento del cacho corcovado tanto como el SWS. Es posible que los aumentos de temperatura causen cambios a la comunidad invertebrada y tambien a la distribucion y abundancia de otros peces no nativos de aguas tibias. Se deben tomar en cuenta las repercusiones a la comunidad acuatica entera antes de implementar cualquier accion de manejo que incluya subir la temperatura del agua.
Automated gait and balance parameters diagnose and correlate with severity in Parkinson disease.

Abstract Objective To assess the suitability of instrumented gait and balance measures for diagnosis and estimation of disease severity in PD. Methods Each subject performed iTUG (instrumented Timed-Up-and-Go) and iSway (instrumented Sway) using the APDM ® Mobility Lab. MDS-UPDRS parts II and III, a postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) score, the mobility subscale of the PDQ-39, and Hoehn & Yahr stage were measured in the PD cohort. Two sets of gait and balance variables were defined by high correlation with diagnosis or disease severity and were evaluated using multiple linear and logistic regressions, ROC analyses, and t-tests. Results 135 PD subjects and 66 age-matched controls were evaluated in this prospective cohort study. We found that both iTUG and iSway variables differentiated PD subjects from controls (area under the ROC curve was 0.82 and 0.75 respectively) and correlated with all PD severity measures ( R 2 ranging from 0.18 to 0.61). Objective exam-based scores correlated more strongly with iTUG than iSway. The chosen set of iTUG variables was abnormal in very mild disease. Age and gender influenced gait and balance parameters and were therefore controlled in all analyses. Interpretation Our study identified sets of iTUG and iSway variables which correlate with PD severity measures and differentiate PD subjects from controls. These gait and balance measures could potentially serve as markers of PD progression and are under evaluation for this purpose in the ongoing NIH Parkinson Disease Biomarker Program.
Criminal Law In Antarctica: Law West Of The Pecos Revisited

In a criminal law matter, jurisdiction is often a minor consideration. That is, where the crime is committed determines who has the right to prosecute and what law applies. There may be some jurisdictional issues whether state law or federal law governs in the United States; but this is by and large resolved by one taking jurisdiction. The same would be normally true in the international law area where it was committed. That is, if a crime is committed in France or Germany, then the law where it was committed would prevail subject to other international issues such as diplomatic immunity which would prevent a sovereign from prosecuting. This is not the case in Antarctica because Antarctica belongs to no one particular nation. It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty. The Treaty is mindful of territorial claims and defers to a sector theory as to which criminal law applies. This means in this sovereign-less continent that one cannot tell specifically what criminal law, if any, exists to regulate activities. This has numerous ramifications other than the micro application in one particular case because from a macro point of view actions can occur for which there is no remedy. The analysis limits itself to criminal law issues, but much larger implications exist in the event of an environmental disaster, for example, where there may be no remedy against an offending party.
How are emergencies different from other medical situations

Three criteria are necessary for an event to be an emergency: (a) there must be an expectation of serious harm; (b) there must be an expectation that someone can do something to prevent or reduce that harm; and (c) there must be time pressure. Because emergencies are unique in having this set of criteria, standard moral principles, when applied to emergency situations, can require actions that are prohibited in other situations. This can give the impression that there are different moral principles at work in emergencies. This paper argues that this impression is illusory.
Assessing the Potential for the Reactions of Epoxides with Amines on Secondary Organic Aerosol Particles

Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used to study the kinetics and products of the reaction of a variety of epoxides with various amines under varying pH conditions. In agreement with a previous finding, the amine–epoxide reactions were found to be water-catalyzed and not directly dependent on the pH of the reaction environment. At pH values higher than the pKa of the particular amine, the amine–epoxide reactions were extremely efficient, outcompeting hydrolysis reactions even for conditions where water was the solvent and the amine was a relatively low-concentration solute. This finding was rationalized by measurements that showed that the relative nucleophilic strength of amines relative to water was on the order of 1000, while the nucleophilic strength of protonated amines (which are predominant when pH < pKa) was negligible. The epoxide carbon substitution environment was found to have a large effect on the measured rate constants (more substituted epoxides had slower rate constants), while the...
Hydrolysis of Amino Acid Amide Derivatives of 2-Aminofluorene, 4-Amino-biphenyl and 4, 4′-Diaminobiphenyl by Leucine Aminopeptidase.∗

SummaryAmino acid amide derivatives of the carcinogenic amines, 2-aminofluorene, 4-aminobiphenyl and 4,4′-diaminobiphenyl (benzidine) are hydrolyzed by highly purified leucine aminopeptidase of swine kidney. Because of the poor solubility of these compounds in water, the studies were performed in 60% methanol. The results are in general accord with the known specificity of the aminopeptidase.
Relationship of Autonomy Social Support to Quitting Motivation in Diverse Smokers.

Background: Research examining relationships between social support and smoking cessation has paid little attention to non-treatment seeking smokers and not considered the role of autonomy support ...