cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Debt-equity swaps, regulation K, and bank stock returns

Abstract Since the early 1980s, the financial health of several highly levered LDCs has become increasingly precarious. Their financial problems, in turn, imply potentially serious financial problems for their creditors, foremost among whom are some of the largest banks in the American financial system. In order to relieve some of the pressure on the lending firms, the Board of Governors has recently amended Regulation K, which provides guidelines for international banking operations, to allow for unrestricted investment in foreign nationalized firms through the mechanism of the debt-equity swap. This paper examines the capital market reaction to the regulatory change and we find that (1) investors, on average, viewed the change as a wealth-increasing event, (2) the magnitude of the market reaction was significant and positively related to the level of foreign lending exposure, and (3) among LDC lenders, the capital market reaction differed significantly between money-center and non-money-center banks.
Unexpected selectivity in electrophilic attack on (PNP)RuN

Abstract Protonation of (PNP)RuN, where PNP is (tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N, with HCl occurs at the amide nitrogen, with coordination of chloride to RuIV, while triflic acid protonates the same nitrogen, but has triflate anion hydrogen-bonded to the proton on the PNP amide nitrogen, not triflate coordinated to the metal. Methyl triflate however alkylates the nitride nitrogen, to give a C2v symmetric product. DFT calculations show that the thermodyamic preference is for proton on amide nitrogen while alkyl favors nitride alkylation, even without the need for a hydrogen bond to reverse the H vs. alkyl preference. Alkylation at the amide nitrogen leads to nearly complete loss of the PN(R)P Ru/N bond in this unobserved isomer. These preferences among nucleophilic sites on (PNP)RuN are rationalized based on the frontier orbitals of this molecule.
VRID: a design model and methodology for developing virtual reality interfaces

Compared to conventional interfaces, Virtual reality (VR) interfaces contain a richer variety and more complex types of objects, behaviors, interactions and communications. Therefore, designers of VR interfaces face significant conceptual and methodological challenges in: a) thinking comprehensively about the overall design of the VR interface; b) decomposing the design task into smaller, conceptually distinct, and easier tasks; and c) communicating the structure of the design to software developers. To help designers to deal with these challenges, we propose a Virtual Reality Interface Design (VRID) Model, and an associated VRID methodology.
Plasma membrane oxidoreductases

Physiological roles have been proposed for several of these enzymes which include a hormone controlled transmembrane WADH oxidase, an iron chelate reductase, nitrate reductase, cyt b 5 reductase and peroxidase. The auxin stimulated oxidase has been proposed to be involved in control of cell elongation or proliferation and the iron chelate reductase in iron uptake. The peroxidase may be important in defense against pathogens
The pleasures of sex: An empirical investigation

This study examined associations between the pleasurability of various sexual activities and behavioural experience with these activities. Participants were 145 female and 78 male undergraduates. Participants rated the pleasurability of various sexual activities (vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, receiving oral sex, performing oral sex, masturbation by a partner, and self-masturbation) and answered questions about their experience with these sexual activities. Vaginal intercourse, receiving oral sex, and being masturbated by a partner received the highest,pleasure ratings. For behaviours other than vaginal intercourse and receiving oral sex, pleasure ratings were significantly higher among respondents who had engaged in the activity. Pleasure ratings for several different sexual behaviours were intercorrelated. Participants who scored high on a pleasure index were more sexually experienced, engaged in more frequent sexual activity, and reported having more sex partners. Results are interpreted within...
Simulation of the autonomic neural control of insulin secretion

Abstract A seventh order, nonlinear, highly isomorphic, dynamic systems model of insulin secretion was used to test specific mechanistic hypotheses about the sites of action of sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic neural input on glucose-induced insulin secretion. The application of neural input was modeled by changing only those specific model parameters that correspond to the hypotheses under study as a function of the input magnitude. The results of these simulations suggest that sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs modify glucose-induced insulin secretion by decreasing the maximal rate of calcium uptake and increasing the affinity of calcium uptake to glucose, respectively.
Intramolecular vibrational state mixing in glyoxal by stimulated emission pumping spectroscopy

Abstract Stimulated emission pumping spectra of glyoxal in a supersonic jet were recorded up to 7000 cm −1 above the ground vibrational state employing X( 1 A g ) ← A( 1 A u )2 1 0 vibronic transitions. At low energies, only isolated states were observed. However, at high energies, clumps of eigenstates were observed, which suggests extensive vibrational state mixing with dense bath states.
End-to-End Reference QoS Architecture for 802.11 WLAN

With the big success of 802.11 wireless networks, there have been many proposals addressing end-to-end QoS guarantees in 802.11 WLAN. However, we have found that current end-to-end QoS architectures lack of one or more important properties such as cross-layer interaction, end-to-end integration, reconfigurability and modularity. In this work, we present an end-to-end reference QoS architecture for 802.11 WLAN that encapsulates in an unifying fashion software-based QoS components (mechanisms, algorithms, services), proposed in the literature. To show the usefulness and correctness of the reference architecture, we present three case studies of end-to-end QoS architectures addressing different QoS requirements such as bandwidth and delay with different approaches such as differentiated services and integrated services. We will give an architectural comparison and performance evaluation of these architectures. We believe the reference QoS architectures can help QoS designers to understand the importance and the complexity of various QoS components during the design phase and thus choose these QoS components appropriately.
Sediment storage and transport in Pancho Rico Valley during and after the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, Coast Ranges of central California (Monterey County)

Factors influencing sediment transport and storage within the 156·6 km2 drainage basin of Pancho Rico Creek (PRC), and sediment transport from the PRC drainage basin to its c. 11 000 km2 mainstem drainage (Salinas River) are investigated. Numeric age estimates are determined by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on quartz grains from three sediment samples collected from a ‘quaternary terrace a (Qta)’ PRC terrace/PRC-tributary fan sequence, which consists dominantly of debris flow deposits overlying fluvial sediments. OSL dating results, morphometric analyses of topography, and field results indicate that the stormy climate of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition caused intense debris-flow erosion of PRC-tributary valleys. However, during that time, the PRC channel was backfilled by Qta sediment, which indicates that there was insufficient discharge in PRC to transport the sediment load produced by tributary-valley denudation. Locally, Salinas Valley alluvial stratigraphy lacks any record of hillslope erosion occurring during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, in that the alluvial fan formed where PRC enters the Salinas Valley lacks lobes correlative to Qta. This indicates that sediment stripped from PRC tributaries was mostly trapped in Pancho Rico Valley despite the relatively moist climate of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Incision into Qta did not occur until PRC enlarged its drainage basin by c. 50% through capture of the upper part of San Lorenzo Creek, which occurred some time after the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. During the relatively dry Holocene, PRC incision through Qta and into bedrock, as well as delivery of sediment to the San Ardo Fan, were facilitated by the discharge increase associated with stream-capture. The influence of multiple mechanisms on sediment storage and transport in the Pancho Rico Valley-Salinas Valley system exemplifies the complexity that (in some instances) must be recognized in order to correctly interpret terrestrial sedimentary sequences in tectonically active areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic oiling of marine birds in California by natural petroleum seeps, shipwrecks, and other sources

Abstract We assessed temporal and spatial patterns of chronic oiling of seabirds in California during 2005–2010, using data on: (1) live oiled birds reported to the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) from throughout the state, and (2) dead oiled birds found during systematic monthly beached-bird surveys in central California. A mean of 245 (±141 SD) live miscellaneous oiled birds (not associated with known oil spills) were reported to the OWCN per year, and 0.1 oiled dead birds km−1 per month were found on beach surveys in central California. Chemical fingerprinting of oiled feathers from a subset of these birds (n = 101) indicated that 89% of samples tested were likely from natural petroleum seeps off southern and central California. There was a pronounced peak during late winter in the number of oiled birds reported in southern California, which we theorize may be related to large storm waves disturbing underwater seeps.
An Isotropic Chemical Shift-Chemical Shift Anisotropic Correlation Experiment Using Discrete Magic Angle Turning

An isotropic-anisotropic shift 2D correlation spectroscopy is introduced that combines the advantages of both magic angle turning (MAT) and magic angle hopping (MAH) technologies. In this new approach, denoted DMAT for "discrete magic angle turning", the sample rotates clockwise followed by an anticlockwise rotation of exactly the same amount with each rotation less or equal than 360 degrees but greater than 240 degrees, with the rotation speed being constant only for times related to the evolution dimension. This back and forth rotation is repeated and synchronized with a special radio frequency (RF) pulse sequence to produce an isotropic-anisotropic shift 2D correlation spectrum. For any spin-interaction of rank-2 such as chemical shift anisotropy, isotropic magnetic susceptibility interaction, and residual homonuclear dipolar interaction in biological fluid samples, the projection along the isotropic dimension is a high resolution spectrum. Since a less than 360 degrees sample rotation is involved, the design potentially allows for in situ control over physical parameters such as pressure, flow conditions, feed compositions, and temperature so that true in-situ NMR investigations can be carried out.
Acidic pH enhances the invasive behavior of human melanoma cells.

As a consequence of poor perfusion and elevated acid production, the extracellular pH (pHex) of tumors is generally acidic. Despite this, most in vitro experiments are still performed at the relatively alkaline pHex of 7.4. This is significant, because slight changes in pHex can have profound effects on cell phenotype. In this study we examined the effects of mildly acidic conditions on the in vitro invasive potential of two human melanoma cell lines: the highly invasive C8161, and poorly invasive A375P. We observed that culturing of either cell line at acidic pH (6.8) caused dramatic increases in both migration and invasion, as measured with the Membrane Invasion Culture System (MICS). This was not due to a direct effect of pH on the invasive machinery, since cells cultured at normal pH (7.4) and tested at acidic pH did not exhibit increased invasive potential. Similarly, cells cultured at acidic pH were more aggressive than control cells when tested at the same medium pH. These data indicate that culturing of cells at mildly acidic pH induces them to become more invasive. Since acid pH will affect the intracellular pH (pHin) and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]in), we examined the effect of these parameters on invasion. While changes in [Ca2+]inwere not consistent with invasive potential, the changes in pHin were. While these conditions decrease the overall amount of gelatinases A and B secreted by these cells, there is a consistent and significant increase in the proportion of the activated form of gelatinase B.
Ethanol potentiation of glycine receptors expressed in Xenopus Oocytes antagonized by increased atmospheric pressure

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and biochemical studies indicate that exposure to 12 times normal atmospheric pressure (12 ATA) of helium-oxygen gas (heliox) is a direct, selective ethanol antagonist. The current study begins to test the hypothesis that ethanol acts by a common mechanism on ligand-gated ion channels by expanding previous hyperbaric investigations on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) at the biochemical level to alpha(1)glycine (GlyRs) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. METHODS: Oocytes expressing wild-type alpha(1) homomeric GlyRs were voltage-clamped (-70 mV) and tested in the presence of glycine (EC(2)) +/- ethanol (50-200 mM) under 1 ATA control and 3 to 12 ATA heliox conditions. Glycine concentration response curves, strychnine/glycine interactions, and zinc (Zn2+) modulation of GlyR function was also tested. RESULTS: Pressure reversibly antagonized the action of ethanol. The degree of antagonism increased as pressure increased. Pressure did not significantly alter the effects of glycine, strychnine, or Zn2+, indicating that ethanol antagonism by pressure cannot be attributed to alterations by pressure of normal GlyR function. The antagonism did not reflect tolerance to ethanol, receptor desensitization, or receptor rundown. CONCLUSION: This is the first use of hyperbarics to investigate the mechanism of action of ethanol in recombinant receptors. The findings indicate that pressure directly and selectively antagonizes ethanol potentiation of alpha(1)GlyR function in a reversible and concentration- and pressure-dependent manner. The sensitivity of ethanol potentiation of GlyR function to pressure antagonism indicates that ethanol acts by a common, pressure-antagonism-sensitive mechanism in GlyRs and GABA(A)Rs. The findings also support the hypothesis that ethanol potentiation of GlyR function plays a role in mediating the sedative-hypnotic effects of ethanol.
Is lung transplantation survival better in infants? Analysis of over 80 infants.

Background There have been >1,600 pediatric lung transplantations (LTx) performed worldwide with a trend toward improved outcomes over the last 25 years. The majority of these LTxs have been in older children and adolescents. Less than 4 infant (defined as≤12 months of age) LTxs per year have been performed over the past 20 years, mostly in the USA. However, infant LTx outcomes have not been well documented in a multi-institutional longitudinal fashion. Methods The United Network of Organ Sharing database was queried from October 1987 to July 2011. Of the 1,003 pediatric LTxs reported, 84 (8%) were infants. All combined transplantations were excluded. Results Eighty-one infants received 84 LTxs, of which 95% had a bilateral LTx. Median age and weight at LTx was 4 months (range 0 to 11 months) and 5.3 kg (2.7 to 11.8 kg), respectively. Median ischemic time was 5.2 hours (2.0 to 10.8 hours). Overall Kaplan–Meier graft survival was similar for infants compared with other pediatric age group (OPA: >1 to 18 years) LTx recipients (half-life 4.0 years vs 3.4 years, p = 0.7). Conditional 1-year graft survival for infants was significantly higher than OPA (half-life 7.4 years vs 5.0 years, p = 0.024). Early (1987 to 2000, n = 46) and late (2001 to 2011, n = 38) era graft survival was not significantly different. Graft survival in pre-LTx ventilated infants was significantly better than pre-LTx ventilated OPA (half-life 6.1 years vs 0.9 year, p = 0.004) and was not statistically different from pre-LTx infants not on ventilatory support (half-life 6.1 years vs 2.2 years, p = 0.152). Cox regression of 5 variables (weight, donor arterial PO 2 , pre-Tx ventilator, organ ischemic time, center experience) showed that survival was associated with increased center experience ( p = 0.03). Conclusion Infants undergoing LTx have outcomes similar to those of all other pediatric LTx patients.
On One-For-One-Ordering Inventory Policies with State-Dependent Leadtimes

This paper describes several one-for-one-ordering [continuous-review s, S policies, where s = S-1] inventory models in which the time required for order replenishment, or leadtime, depends on the number of orders outstanding. Demand is assumed to be a Poisson random variable with a constant mean λ, and leadtime is assumed to be state dependent in either one of two ways: 1 the portion of the leadtime that corresponds to the actual filling of orders i.e., the service time is an exponentially-distributed random variable with distribution function BTmt = 1-e-µmt, where m is the number of outstanding orders just after the previous order has been filled viz., an imbedded-Markov-chain approach; and 2 the instantaneous probability at an arbitrary point in time of an order being filled i.e., a service completed in an infinitesimal interval of time Δt is µnΔt + 0Δt, where n is the number of outstanding orders viz., a birth-death approach. Several models are investigated for each type. The orders placed are assumed to go into a single-server queue, and queuing theory results are used to obtain the expected inventory costs as a function of S in order to obtain an optimal value of S. Some of the models are expanded to include costs dependent on a service-rate parameter and are then optimized with respect to both S and the service-rate parameter.
Electronic Location of Interference Fringes

A device is described which determines a zero reference position in terms of interference fringes and measures any shift to a small fraction of a fringe. It can be used with static or slowly moving fringes, and is based on the principle of superposition of two images of the fringe pattern in polarized light on the single slit of a photomultiplier tube. By means of a rotating Polaroid as optical shutter an alternating signal is produced of which the amplitude and phase are a function of the displacement.
RECOMBINANT GLYCOPROTEIN (GP)IIIa OLIGOPEPTIDES REACT WITH PLATELET AUTOANTIBODIES. ▴ 897

RECOMBINANT GLYCOPROTEIN (GP)IIIa OLIGOPEPTIDES REACT WITH PLATELET AUTOANTIBODIES. ▴ 897
A Library Network Model.

The performance of an interlibrary loan network is characterized by the probability of satisfying a request, delay in satisfying a request, total and unit costs, and processing load on each network member. In this article, a distributed queueing network is used to model this situation. The general structure can be specialized to a ring structure or a centralized structure. A hypothetical network situation is used to discuss the effects of network dispersion and distribution of resources on several policy issues. These issues include request routing, reimbursement and possible investments in computer technology.
Water Quality, Exposure and Health: Purpose and Goals

As the first volume of the Journal of Water Quality, Exposure and Health starts with this issue it may be important to review the current state of affairs in this vibrant research field and also identify the purpose and the goals of this journal.
Government Programs for Commercial Redevelopment in Poor Neighborhoods: The Cases of Spitalfields in East London and Downtown Brooklyn, NY

Since the economic crisis of the mid-1970s, urban governments in the United States and Great Britain have used programs to stimulate office development as their main vehicle for encouraging economi...
Spectral Analysis of Variations in Force during a Bar-Pressing Time Discrimination

The ability of rats to perform correctly a bar-pressing response that meets a specific duration criterion is related through spectral analysis to systematic variations in response force. It is suggested that these oscillations are representative of sensory feedback which aids in making the required temporal discrimination.
Constraining the North Atlantic circulation between 4.5°S and 39.5°N with transient tracer observations

[1] A1 � horizontal resolution North Atlantic general circulation model (GCM) in the latitude band 4.5� S to 39.5� N is compared to, and then combined with, chlorofluorocarbon and tritium transient tracer data. The method of Lagrange multipliers (adjoint) is used. Tracer distribution within the model ocean interior is primarily sensitive to the flux through the open northern boundary. This flux is determined by the estimation method and is found to deviate from the initial estimate significantly for all tracers. An attempt to carry the model domain to 78.5� N showed the GCM inadequacy, believed to be primarily a problem of spatial resolution, to compute the convective injection of tracer into the deep ocean. Any such errors persist throughout the tracer integration and corrupt all further tracer concentrations. In general, and consistent with earlier much simpler computations, uncertainties in surface and northern boundary conditions dominate the computed tracer concentrations. The final results here are improved estimates of the three-dimensional time histories of the tritium and CFCs and their boundary conditions over the model domain, with very little information available to constrain the GCM itself in the latitude band. INDEX TERMS: 4532 Oceanography: Physical: General circulation; 4842 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Modeling; 4255 Oceanography: General: Numerical modeling; 4271 Oceanography: General: Physical and chemical properties of seawater; KEYWORDS: transient tracer, state estimation, adjoint model
Treatment of myofascial pain

SUMMARY The objective of this article was to perform a narrative review regarding the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and to provide clinicians with treatment recommendations. This paper reviews the efficacy of various myofascial pain syndrome treatment modalities, including pharmacological therapy, injection-based therapies and physical therapy interventions. Outcomes evaluated included pain (visual analog scale), pain pressure threshold and range of motion. The evidence found significant benefit with multiple treatments, including diclofenac patch, thiocolchicoside and lidocaine patches. Trigger point injections, ischemic compression therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, spray and stretch, and myofascial release were also efficacious. The authors recommend focusing on treating underlying pathologies, including spinal conditions, postural abnormalities and underlying behavioral issues. To achieve maximum pain reduction and improve function, we recommend physicians approach myofascia...
p53 regulates Period2 expression and the circadian clock

The mechanistic interconnectivity between circadian regulation and the genotoxic stress response remains poorly understood. Here we show that the expression of Period 2 (Per2), a circadian regulator, is directly regulated by p53 binding to a response element in the Per2 promoter. This p53 response element is evolutionarily conserved and overlaps with the E-Box element critical for BMAL1/CLOCK binding and its transcriptional activation of Per2 expression. Our studies reveal that p53 blocks BMAL1/CLOCK binding to the Per2 promoter, leading to repression of Per2 expression. In the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), p53 expression and its binding to the Per2 promoter are under circadian control. Per2 expression in the SCN is altered by p53 deficiency or stabilization of p53 by Nutlin-3. Behaviourally, p53⁻/⁻ mice have a shorter period length that lacks stability, and they exhibit impaired photo-entrainment to a light pulse under a free-running state. Our studies demonstrate that p53 modulates mouse circadian behaviour.
An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of the Lubricant Viscosity and Additives on Gear Wear

The influence of lubricant viscosity and additives on the average wear rate of spur gear pairs was investigated experimentally. The gear specimens of a comprehensive gear durability test program that made use of seven lubricants covering a range of viscosities were examined to measure gear tooth wear. The measured wear was related to the as-manufactured surface roughness, the elastohydrodynamic film thickness, and the experimentally determined contact fatigue lives of the same specimens. In general, the wear rate was found to be inversely proportional to the viscosity of the lubricant and to the lambda ratio (also sometimes called the specific film thickness). The data also show an exponential trend between the average wear rates and the surface fatigue lives. Lubricants with similar viscosities but differing additives and compositions had somewhat differing gear surface fatigue lives and wear rates.
Small bowel obstruction from potato and broccoli phytobezoar mimicking mesenteric ischemia.

Abstract Background Bezoars are concretions of undigested foreign material that form in the gastrointestinal tract. Rare in humans, they are nonetheless a well-documented cause of intraluminal bowel obstruction. Objectives The objectives of this case report include describing an unusual presentation of small bowel obstruction due to phytobezoar, which mimicked mesenteric ischemia, and highlighting the risk factors, presentation, and management of bezoars, in addition to covering historical beliefs regarding bezoars. Case Report Here we report a 64-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain, vomiting, and hypotension. Initial work-up was directed at ruling out cardiac causes and aortic catastrophe such as aortic dissection or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography angiography of the chest and abdomen showed findings suggestive of mesenteric ischemia and small bowel obstruction. However, exploratory laparotomy revealed intraluminal small bowel obstruction from a phytobezoar consisting of undigested chunks of potato, brussels sprouts, and broccoli. Conclusions Although rare in humans, bezoars are a documented cause of small bowel obstruction, and should be considered when intraluminal bowel obstruction occurs. Bezoars causing small bowel obstruction require surgical treatment.
Calcium antagonists and myocardial protection

Abstract Painful and asymptomatic ischemia has been associated with left ventricular dysfunction, an important variable related to survival in patients with coronary artery disease. The treatment of patients with coronary artery disease with agents such as calcium channel blockers has been directed at reducing ischemia by restoring the balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, which ultimately serves to protect against myocardial dysfunction. Once ischemia has occurred, calcium channel blockers may protect myocardial cellular integrity and function. By reducing intracellular calcium overload during ischemia, mitochondrial function is preserved and adenosine tri phosphate stores are maintained. Numerous in vitro and isolated heart preparations have shown that ischemia in the presence of calcium blockade is associated with less cellular dysfunction than in the situation of ischemia in the absence of calcium channel blockade.
Human Milk and Colostrum Exposures Modify Locomotive Responses of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ♦ 817

Human Milk and Colostrum Exposures Modify Locomotive Responses of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ♦ 817
Abstract 5132: Targeting hypoxia-mediated gene transcription with a novel polyamide drug designed to disrupt the HIF1α/β heterodimer binding overcomes resistance to hypoxia in myeloma cell lines

Despite recent advancements in therapy, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable. While the reasons for this are unclear, it is felt that the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment may confer protective advantages to MM. The BM is known to be hypoxic compared to other tissues, and while oxygen stress can kill tumor cells, it is also known that hypoxia promotes tumor progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy. This suggests that hypoxic conditions in the BM may contribute to MM resistance, and therefore targeting the hypoxia response may be of therapeutic benefit. The adaptive response to hypoxia is mediated by a constitutively expressed β-subunit (HIF-1β), which forms a heterodimer with the inducible α-subunit (HIF-1α), although HIF-1α is frequently found to be constitutively expressed in some MM cell lines. In order to target the hypoxic response in MM, we blocked HIF-mediated gene transcription using a novel class of DNA-binding pyrrole-imidazole (Py-Im) polyamide (PA) drugs that are designed to target and disrupt the HIF1α/β heterodimer from binding to its cognate DNA sequence. Using a hypoxia chamber, we cultured MM cell lines (OPM-2, 8226, U266, MM1.S) under normoxia (22% O2, 5% CO2) or hypoxia (0.1% O2, 5% CO2) for 72 hours and assayed for apoptosis. We found that 8226 and U266 cell lines were relatively resistant to hypoxia-mediated apoptosis (∼15-20% apoptosis), but that OPM-2 was much more sensitive (>50% apoptosis), whilst MM1.S was intermediate in sensitivity (∼25% apoptosis). Using immunoblots, we found that cell lines with constitutive expression of HIF-1α were resistance to hypoxia, suggesting that constitutive HIF activity predicts MM resistance to hypoxia. We then tested whether treatment with our novel PA drug could overcome resistance to hypoxia-induced apoptosis. After confirming the ability of the PA inhibitor to specifically block HIF-mediated transcription using MM cells with a HIF-response element-reporter construct, as well as inhibition of VEGF mRNA expression, we next assayed the effect of PA (0.1-10 μM) treatment in MM cells as described above. PA was only mildly cytotoxic to MM cells under normoxia, but we observed a significant synergistic induction of apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. These effects were further potentiated when PA treatment was combined with rapamycin (0.1-100 nM). Our data suggests that the HIF-mediated hypoxic response plays an important role in MM sensitivity to hypoxia, likely through the induction of specific survival genes. In conclusion, our preliminary data shows that targeting the hypoxic response in MM with a specific polyamide drug that targets the HIF-response, alone or in combination with mTOR inhibitors, may provide an effective and novel treatment in the hypoxic BM microenvironment.
Response to antidepressant treatment in a community mental health center.

This study examines anti-depressant response after 6 months of treatment in 75 depressed patients in a community mental health clinic. Symptomatic and functional outcome measures were administered. A pharmacotherapy algorithm was followed.Many patients presented with chronic depressive disorders complicated by psychosocial problems and co-morbidity with substance use and other psychiatric and medical conditions. Level of functioning was seriously impaired. Attrition rate after 6 months was high (49%). Response rate after 6 months of treatment was 24%. Conclusions: Research studies cannot predict the response potential in the real world because of numerous complicating factors in the presentation and treatment of depression in the community.
Manufacturing Islamophobia: Rightwing Pseudo-Documentaries and the Paranoid Style

Rightwing organizations in the United States have produced and circulated a number of videos which exaggerate the threat Islamic militants pose to ordinary citizens in the West. These videos owe a ...
The alkali-catalysed self-condensation of isophorone

Abstract The self-condensation of isophorone in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide under reflux conditions yields the hydroxyketone (Ib) and a yellow compound (C 27 H 38 O) which may result from the condensation of three moles of isophorone less two moles of water. A chemical proof is given for the different hydrogenation products of ketol Ib.
Modelling production of migratory catfish larvae (Pimelodidae) on the basis of regional hydro- climatology features of the Madre de Dios Basin in southeastern Peru

A simple stochastic model is presented to describe the influence of the natural flow regime of the Madre de Dios River (southeastern Peru) on the presence and downstream transportation of catfish larvae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae), an important migratory species in commercial fisheries in the Peruvian Amazon region. One year of daily river stage records were related to weekly larval catches to determine the association between floods and spawning events, and based on the hydro-climatologic characteristics of Andean-Amazon regions, available long-term historical rainfall records were used to determine the inter-annual variability of floods within the Madre de Dios Basin. Major larval drift occurred during the high water season, specifically in association with stages of over 5 m, which served as an indicator triggering spawning responses of these species, termed a ‘biologically significant event’ (BSE). Timing of these BSEs, estimated from the historical rainfall records, described a uniform distribution during the wet season, and their inter-arrival times were exponentially distributed. These observations provided the basis of the stochastic model describing the likelihood of larvae releases from this headwater region to the lowland Amazon. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One-dimensional optoacoustic receive array employing parallel detection and video-rate acquisition

Optical techniques are a promising technology to realize high frequency ultrasound arrays. High sensitivity and broad bandwidth have been demonstrated with thin film etalon sensors. Etalon arrays usually involve synthetic aperture techniques, where a single probe laser beam or photodiode is scanned over the sensing region. True parallel detection suitable for video-rate B-mode imaging remains a challenge. We demonstrate a 256-element one-dimensional receive array employing true parallel detection. The optoacoustic sensor is a thin film etalon consisting of a photoresist layer with gold coatings on a glass substrate. A fiber coupled 785 nm diode laser is brought to a line focus (3.6 mm length) on the etalon. The line focus is imaged with a one-to-one lens relay onto a 512 element line scan CCD camera with a 14 × 14 μm pixel size. The etalon array is tested with a 25 MHz f/2 transducer. Both the transducer and probe laser are modulated with a frequency sweep from 10 MHz to 40 MHz within a 14 ms time window. The CCD camera acquires 1200 lines with an exposure time of 10 μs per line. The frequency domain data are processed off-line, where each frame involves background subtraction, spectral apodization, zero padding, and an inverse Fourier transform. The reconstructed time-domain wavefield data for the entire array spans 16 μs. Both the measured pulse duration (60 ns) and main lobe width (154 μm) agree well with the expected values from a 25 MHz f/2 transducer. Although the camera has 512 pixels, only 256 were illuminated with the line focus. A swept frequency acquisition is easily adapted for higher frequency (i.e. 75 MHz) signals. Each B-mode data frame was acquired in less than 15 ms, which approaches the speed necessary for video-rate acquisition. We believe these results suggest the potential of optoacoustic arrays for video-rate ultrasound biomicroscopy.
Accuracy assessment and validation of remotely sensed and other spatial information

Today, validation or accuracy assessment is an integral component of most mapping projects incorporating remotely sensed data. Other spatial information may not be so stringently evaluated, but at least requires meta-data that documents how the information was generated. This emphasis on data quality was not always the case. In the 1970s only a few brave scientists and researchers dared ask the question, 'How good is this map derived from Landsat MSS imagery?' In the 1980s, the use of the error matrix became a common tool for representing the accuracy of individual map categories. By the 1990s, most maps derived from remotely sensed imagery were required to meet some minimum accuracy standard. A similar progression can be outlined for other spatial information. However, this progression is about 5 years behind the validation of remotely sensed data. This paper presents a series of steps moving towards better assessment and validation of spatial information and asks the reader to evaluate where they are in this series and to move forward.
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS THROUGH COUNTERS OF PETRI NET MODELS

Petri nets are a powerful technique widely used in the modeling and analysis of complex manufacturing systems and processes. Due to their capability in modeling the dynamics of the systems, Petri nets have been combined with fault tree analysis techniques to determine the average rate of occurrence of system failures. Current methods in combining Petri nets with fault trees for system failure analysis compute the average rate of occurrence of system failures by tracking the markings of the Petri net models. The limitations of these methods are that tracking the markings of a Petri net represented by a reachability tree can be very complicated as the size of the system grows. Therefore, these methods offer less flexibility in analyzing sequential failures in the system. To overcome the limitations of the current methods in applying Petri nets for system failure assessment, this paper expands and extends the concept of counters used in Petri net simulation to perform the failure and reliability analysis of complex systems. The presented method allows the system failures to be modeled using general Petri nets with inhibitor arcs and loops, which employs fewer variables than existing marking-based methods and substantially accelerates the computations. It can be applied to real system failure analysis where basic events can have different failure rates. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Derivation and Analysis of Basic Computational Operations of Thalamocortical Circuits

Shared anatomical and physiological features of primary, secondary, tertiary, polysensory, and associational neocortical areas are used to formulate a novel extended hypothesis of thalamocortical circuit operation. A simplified anatomically based model of topographically and nontopographically projecting (''core'' and ''matrix'') thalamic nuclei, and their differential connections with superficial, middle, and deep neocortical laminae, is described. Synapses in the model are activated and potentiated according to physiologically based rules. Features incorporated into the models include differential time courses of excitatory versus inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, differential axonal arborization of pyramidal cells versus interneurons, and different laminar afferent and projection patterns. Observation of the model's responses to static and time-varying inputs indicates that topographic ''core'' circuits operate to organize stored memories into natural similarity-based hierarchies, whereas diffuse ''matrix'' circuits give rise to efficient storage of time-varying input into retrievable sequence chains. Examination of these operations shows their relationships with well-studied algorithms for related functions, including categorization via hierarchical clustering, and sequential storage via hash- or scatter-storage. Analysis demonstrates that the derived thalamocortical algorithms exhibit desirable efficiency, scaling, and space and time cost characteristics. Implications of the hypotheses for central issues of perceptual reaction times and memory capacity are discussed. It is conjectured that the derived functions are fundamental building blocks recurrent throughout the neocortex, which, through combination, gives rise to powerful perceptual, motor, and cognitive mechanisms.
Assessment of the possibility of a midair collision during an ultra closely spaced parallel approach

In this era of increasing delays in air travel, all means of increasing the capacity of both airports and airspace are receiving intense consideration. In anticipation of future high precision guidance, navigation, and data link systems being implemented by the FAA, procedures once deemed unsafe are again being scrutinized for feasibility. The procedure addressed in this paper is simultaneous approaches into an airport with parallel runways spaced less than 1500 ft apart. The goal of this work is to determine the necessary technological components for reducing the runway spacing to less than 1500 ft. To assess the probability of collision during any one particular approach, variables such as navigation sensor error, flight technical error, relative longitudinal spacing, relative airspeeds, and data link delay time must all be modeled as probabilistic parameters. This research used Monte Carlo simulations in order to assess the probability of collision. The analysis shows that with a GPS-based Local Area Augmentation System installed and a reliable data link transmitting full state information between aircraft, runway spacing may be safely reduced to less than 1500 ft.
An Analytic Design Method for Microstrip Tunable Filters

This paper describes an analytic design procedure for microstrip tunable filters. Step-impedance resonators are employed and loaded with varactors for achieving agility in the filter response. Fixed lumped capacitors are utilized as admittance inverters in order to minimize the number of varactors in the filter. An analytic approach for filter design makes it possible to achieve a tunable filter showing the same frequency response when the center frequency is adjusted. A two-pole microstrip tunable filter whose center frequency can be adjusted from 1.1 to 1.5 GHz is designed to demonstrate the validity of design theory. A prototype tunable filter operating from 2.1 to 2.7 GHz is also designed and measured. A good agreement between the measured and simulated results is shown. Finally, three- and four-pole tunable filters are designed to show straightforward application of the presented design method to higher order tunable filter design.
Pay more and resolve cases? The value issue in court mediation

Jeff Kichaven, of Los Angeles, looks at how market forces and mediation processes affect the results in court programs, and how they support a competitive compensation structure for court mediators, rather than volunteer programs.
Biologic Variation of a Novel Cardiac Troponin I Assay

To the Editor: Cardiac troponin is the marker of choice for evaluating myocardial injury (1). High-sensitivity assays improve analytical detection limits, thereby allowing concentrations to be measured in the majority of healthy individuals. This capability allows an assessment of biologic variation (BV)1 to determine what constitutes a clinically important change in the cardiac troponin concentration, a critical metric for identifying acute events. Such an event is often a myocardial infarction, but any acute cardiac injury can cause increasing and/or decreasing values (1). Accordingly, we evaluated BV for a recently developed high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay (2) from Beckman Coulter. We performed this study with the same cohort used to define BV for the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay (3) and according to a protocol approved by our institutional review board. For assessment of short-term BV, we collected blood into serum separator tubes (Becton Dickinson) at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h, centrifuged the tubes, and stored the serum samples immediately at −70 °C. …
A novel approach for miniaturization of slot antennas

With the virtual enforcement of the required boundary condition (BC) at the end of a slot antenna, the area occupied by the resonant antenna can be reduced. To achieve the required virtual BC, the two short circuits at the end of the resonant slot are replaced by some reactive BC, including inductive or capacitive loadings. The application of these loads is shown to reduce the size of the resonant slot antenna for a given resonant frequency without imposing any stringent condition on the impedance matching of the antenna. A procedure for designing this class of slot antennas for any arbitrary size is presented. The procedure is based on an equivalent circuit model for the antenna and its feed structure. The corresponding equivalent circuit parameters are extracted using a full-wave forward model in conjunction with a genetic algorithm optimizer. These parameters are employed to find a proper matching network so that a perfect match to a 50 /spl Omega/ line is obtained. For a prototype slot antenna with approximate dimensions of 0.05/spl lambda//sub 0//spl times/0.05/spl lambda//sub 0/ the impedance match is obtained, with a fairly high gain of -3dBi, for a very small ground plane (/spl ap/0.20/spl lambda//sub 0/). Since there are neither polarization nor mismatch losses, the antenna efficiency is limited only by the dielectric and ohmic losses.
The Semantic Development of Negation: A Cross-Linguistic Longitudinal Study.

Negative utterances were collected longitudinally from two English-, five French- and four Korean-speaking children between 1;7 and 3;4. An analysis focusing on both non-verbal context and linguistic form led to the distinction of nine semantic/pragmatic categories which could capture cognitive and linguistic development in some detail: non-existence, prohibition, rejection, failure, denial, inability, epis-temic negation, normative and inferential negation. The nine categories were found in all three languages and their developmental order was similar across the languages. Different patterns were shown concerning the form-function relationship for different categories; for some categories, the distinct form emerged gradually after the function was acquired, while for others, the distinct form emerged simultaneously with the new function. Thus new forms emerged to subdivide an old category or to express a new function. This pattern was most typical for categories developed at later periods. It is suggested that whereas cognitive development precedes language development at an early period, at later periods cognitive and language development interact with each other.
The transversely adjusted gap laser for optical communication systems

If a laser's energy gap is adjusted spatially so that it varies with position in a plane transverse to the direction of light propagation then each position in the transverse plane will amplify a different part of the spectrum. A simple optical technique is shown for dispersing an optical beam so that each frequency component passes through the appropriate part of a transversely adjusted gap (TAG) laser. A TAG laser can be constructed by subjecting a GaAs injection laser to a transverse thermal gradient. Calculations indicate that such a device would have a bandwidth of 20 \times 10^{12} Hz for a 25-fold increase compared to a conventional GaAs injection laser. An analysis of optical ray angle and spatial-dispersion alignment tolerances is presented. Two TAG-laser subsystems-a multiplex modulator and an amplifier-are proposed and discussed to indicate how the TAG laser's larger bandwidth and spatial dispersion may simplify optical communication systems. A preliminary-test TAG-laser oscillator has been constructed and tested. It verified the basic concept and exhibited a bandwidth of 2.45 \times 10^{12} Hz as predicted by the model.