cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Covariate-based linkage analysis: application of a propensity score as the single covariate consistently improves power to detect linkage

Successful identification of genetic risk loci for complex diseases has relied on the ability to minimize disease and genetic heterogeneity to increase the power to detect linkage. One means to account for disease heterogeneity is by incorporating covariate data. However, the inclusion of each covariate will add one degree of freedom to the allele sharing based linkage test, which may in fact decrease power. We explore the application of a propensity score, which is typically used in causal inference to combine multiple covariates into a single variable, as a means of allowing for multiple covariates with the addition of only one degree of freedom. In this study, binary trait data, simulated under various models involving genetic and environmental effects, were analyzed using a nonparametric linkage statistic implemented in LODPAL. Power and type I error rates were evaluated. Results suggest that the use of the propensity score to combine multiple covariates as a single covariate consistently improves the power compared to an analysis including no covariates, each covariate individually, or all covariates simultaneously. Type I error rates were inflated for analyses with covariates and increased with increasing number of covariates, but reduced to nominal rates with sample sizes of 1000 families. Therefore, we recommend using the propensity score as a single covariate in the linkage analysis of a trait suspected to be influenced by multiple covariates because of its potential to increase the power to detect linkage, while controlling for the increase in the type I error.
Cell Death–associated ADAMTS4 and Versican Degradation in Vascular Tissue

High blood flow through baboon polytetrafluorethylene aorto-iliac grafts increases neointimal vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) death, neointimal atrophy, and cleavage of versican to generate the DPEAAE neoepitope, a marker of ADAMTS-mediated proteolysis. In this study, we have determined the effect of high blood flow on transcript abundance in the neointima for ADAMTS1, -4, -5, -8, -9, -15, and -20. We found that after 24 hr of flow, the mRNA for ADAMTS4 was significantly increased, whereas that for the other family members was unchanged. Because vascular SMC death is markedly increased in the graft after 24 hr of high flow, we next examined the possibility that the ADAMTS4 induction and the cell death are causally related. The addition of Fas ligand to SMC cultures increased both ADAMTS4 mRNA and cell death approximately 5-fold, consistent with the idea that ADAMTS4-dependent cleavage of versican may be partly responsible for cell death and tissue atrophy under these conditions.
Use of business machines for load forecasting

PUNCHED-CARD ACCOUNTING EQUIPMENT is used by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in the calculation and tabulation of load forecasts.
A research note compressive stress-strain relationships of agglomerated instant coffee

Shallow beds (3–9 mm) of two commercial agglomerated spray dried instant coffees were compressed using a Universal testing machine. the stress-stress relationships had the sigmoid shape characteristic of cellular solids and could be described by a four parameter model originally developed for solid foams. the magnitude of the model parameters was less sensitive to the relative humidity level at storage in the range of 11–65% than to the bed's thickness. the jaggedness of the stress-strain relationship is a manifestation of the particles brittleness and crumbliness and it is considerably reduced when they are plasticized, as a result of moisture uptake, for example. the degree of jaggedness, determined in the normalized (dimensionless) stress-strain relationships, could be qualified and compared in terms of an apparent (“natural”) fractal dimension. It was calculated from the linear region of the corresponding Richardson plots using the “blanket” algorithm. This apparent fractal dimension, however, was only a relative measure of jaggedness, since both the scales and resolution of the mechanical signatures were arbitrarily selected. the jaggedness of the individual agglomerates signatures could not be directly inferred from those of their assemblies, primarily because the effects of averaging and the bed's cushioning could not be separated.
Impaired plasma catecholamine response to submaximal treadmill exercise in obese women

Abstract After an overnight fast, blood samples were obtained from seven obese women (50% ± 3% body fat) and from seven control women (25% ± 1% body fat) before, during, and after 10 minutes of treadmill exercise at 70% of each individual's maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max). During exercise, peak plasma epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and glucagon concentrations in the control group significantly exceeded corresponding peak values in the obese group by 1.4-fold to twofold, whereas lactate responses did not differ. After 5 minutes of rest, peak plasma glucose, free fatty acid (FFA), and growth hormone (GH) concentrations in the control group also were significantly higher than in the obese women, but the plasma cortisol responses were comparable. Although plasma insulin concentrations decreased during exercise and rose to maximum values at 5-minute recovery in all individuals, levels were more than 3.5-fold higher in the obese group throughout the study. We conclude that the combination of heightened plasma insulin and diminished catecholamine and other counterregulatory hormone responses may account for subnormal plasma substrate increments that distinguish obese from non-obese women during exercise at comparable work intensities.
Observational study of humidified high-flow nasal cannula compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Objectives To conduct an in vitro evaluation of a humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) system at different flows, cannula sizes, and air leaks and also an in vivo analysis of mean end-expiratory esophageal pressure (EEEP) from nasal continuous positive airway pressure at 6 cm H 2 O (NCPAP+6) versus HFNC. Study design In the in vitro study, we measured HFNC system pressure and flow, with varying degrees of leak and with and without the use of a pressure-limiting valve. In the in vivo study, we measured EEEP in 15 newborns on NCPAP+6 and then on HFNC at 6 L/minute, with flow decreased by 1 L/minute every 30 minutes. Heart rate, respiratory rate, fraction of inspired oxygen, arterial oxygen saturation, respiratory distress syndrome score, and EEEP were recorded for each intervention. Data analysis was done using repeated-measures analysis of variance and linear regression. Results In the in vitro study, in the absence of leaks, the pressures were limited by the pressure-limiting valve only at flows ≥ 2 L/minute. With leaks of 30% and 50%, delivered pressures were always 2 O. In the in vivo study, respiratory rate increased from baseline (NCPAP+6) as flow decreased ( P Conclusions A pressure-limiting valve is necessary in a HFNC system. Although mean EEEP levels were similar in NCPAP+6 and HFNC, tachypnea developed as flow diminished. This system apparently cannot predict EEEP, because of interpatient and intrapatient variation.
Comparisons of midgut, fat body, and cuticular enzymes from Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) and Heliothis virescens (F.) responsible for the hydrolysis of permethrin and fenvalerate

Abstract The activity of enzymes from the midgut, fat body, and cuticular tissues of Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) and Heliothis virescens (F.) toward cis- and trans-permethrin and fenvalerate was monitored in last-instar larvae. The responses of these enzymes to 10−4 M concentrations of a representative organophosphate (paraoxon), a sulfhydryl group reagent (Hg2+) and a chelator (diphenylthiocarbazone) were also monitored in last-instar larvae. The midgut of P. includens was the most active tissue toward all three pyrethroids, followed by the fat body and the cuticle. The midgut and fat body of H. virescens were about equally effective in hydrolyzing trans-permethrin, but the midgut was more effective in hydrolyzing cis-permethrin and fenvalerate, compared with the cuticle, trans-Permethrin was hydrolyzed by both insect species most rapidly, followed by fenvalerate and cis-permethrin for all three tissues. All three classes of inhibitors inhibited hydrolysis of the three pyrethroids examined by more than 90% at 10−4 M, with the exception of paraoxon and Hg2+ on fenvalerate hydrolysis by H. virescens fat bodies, and diphenylthiocarbazone on cis-permethrin hydrolysis by H. virescens midguts and fat bodies. Additional investigation of the midgut enzymes of P. includens by gel filtration chromatography and isoelectric focusing indicated that the enzymes responsible for cis- and trans-permethrin hydrolysis were the same enzyme or closely related enzyme forms (molecular weight of ca. 80,000 and pI range of 4.6–5.0). This enzyme had a uniform linear response to the three inhibitors when log inhibitor concentration was plotted against percentage inhibition. However, fenvalerate hydrolysis was apparently due to four different enzymes (all with a molecular weight of ca. 60,000 and pI values of 4.4–4.7, 4.7–5.0, 6.2–6.5, and 6.5–6.8), which were different from those enzymes responsible for permethrin hydrolysis. A biphasic response to the inhibitors was also demonstrated, suggesting that the enzymes responsible for fenvalerate hydrolysis have varying susceptibility to the inhibitors tested.
The Effects of Clouds on Aerosol and Chemical Species Production and Distribution. Part III: Aerosol Model Description and Sensitivity Analysis.

A modeling study of the effects of clouds on the evolution and redistribution of aerosol particles in the troposphere is presented. A two-mode, two-moment aerosol evolution model is coupled with a two-dimensional, mixed-phase, two-moment microphysics, Eulerian cloud model and a sulfate cloud chemistry model. The coupled model is used to simulate evolution of a convective cloud with different assumptions about the initial chemical and aerosol fields. In the simulations, SO is convectively transported to the mid- to upper troposphere, where it is oxidized to gas-phase H 2 SO 4 . After cloud processing, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) particles are removed by precipitation and graupel to form a CCN-depleted region above cloud top and in the cold and humidified cloud outflow region. These conditions are favorable for binary homogeneous nucleation of ultrafine sulfuric acid particles to take place. The new particle formation in the mid- and upper troposphere interacts with cloud processing and transport of aerosol particles and produces a peak of small particle concentration in the outflow region. Sensitivity tests varying initial aerosol composition and mass mixing ratio, initial H 2 SO 4 mass mixing ratio, assumed OH. profile, and nucleation rate factor are discussed. The small particie concentration in the upper troposphere is most sensitive to initial aerosol composition and assumed OH. profile. When the nucleation rate factor is increased, the critical H 2 SO 4 (g) concentration is lowered, and the nucleation rare adjusts to changes in environmental variables more quickly. The model results suggest that both aerosols and aerosol precursors can be transported into the mid- and upper troposphere by convective clouds, affecting vertical profiles of aerosol concentrations.
Risk of limb deficiency defects associated with NAT1, NAT2, GSTT1, GSTM1, and NOS3 genetic variants, maternal smoking, and vitamin supplement intake

Increasing epidemiologic evidence suggests that genetic susceptibilities contribute to birth defects risks, especially in combination with other environmental exposures. This analysis examines the association of risk of limb deficiency defects with infant genotypes for N-acetyltranferases (NAT1, NAT2), glutathione-S-tranferases (GSTT1, GSTM1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3). The combined effects of infant genotype with maternal smoking and supplement intake were also examined. The authors genotyped 92 cases and 201 non-malformed controls from a California population-based case-control study (1987–1988 birth cohort). Several of the infant genotypes were associated with an at least 1.5-fold increased risk for limb deficiency defects: homozygosity for the NAT11088 and 1095 polymorphisms, heterozygosity and homozygosity for the NOS3A(−922)G polymorphism, and heterozygosity (but not homozygosity) for the NOS3G894T polymorphism. The authors hypothesized that the effects of selected variant genotypes in the presence of maternal smoking, or in the absence of supplement intake, may exceed effects of any of these factors alone. A few observations suggested that risks were greatest among infants with variant genotypes, whose mothers also smoked or did not take supplements, but most did not, and risk estimates were imprecise. Further studies exploring genetic susceptibility and combined gene-environment effects with respect to limb development will be important to continued improvement of our understanding of the etiology of limb anomalies. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Building Adaptive Basis Functions with a Continuous Self-OrganizingMap

This paper introduces CSOM, a continuous version of the Self-Organizing Map (SOM). The CSOM network generates maps similar to those created with the original SOM algorithm but, due to the continuous nature of the mapping, CSOM outperforms the SOM on function approximation tasks. CSOM integrates self-organization and smooth prediction into a single process. This is a departure from previous work that required two training phases, one to self-organize a map using the SOM algorithm, and another to learn a smooth approximation of a function. System performance is illustrated with three examples.
When Harry Met Salafi: Literature Review of Homegrown Jihadi Terrorism

Homegrown jihadi terrorism is a salient threat to the West. This study reviews the state of the literature on homegrown jihadi terrorism, including the role of radicalization, religion, culture, the Internet, and Al-Qaeda on recruitment. The crisis of culture is particularly relevant, causing second and third generation Muslim immigrants to search for a true identity and sense of belonging. The role of religion and Al-Qaeda in the radicalization of the West are the most contested areas of discussion within the literature. Recommendations for stemming the jihadi radicalization are discussed, and the article concludes with suggestions for future research.
Absorption by a hydrogenic series of overlapping lorentzian lines

Abstract An expression suitable for rapid numerical calculation is derived for the evaluation of the infinite sum describing the absorption due to a hydrogenic series of Lorentzian lines.
Interhospital transfer of critically ill and injured children: an evaluation of transfer patterns, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To describe patterns of transfer, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes associated with interhospital transfer of critically ill and injured children. DESIGN Secondary analysis of administrative claims data. PARTICIPANTS Children 0 to 18 years in the Michigan Medicaid program who underwent interhospital transfer for intensive care from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004. The 3 sources of transfer from referring hospitals were: emergency department (ED), ward, or intensive care unit (ICU). MEASUREMENTS Mortality and duration of hospital stay at the receiving hospitals. RESULTS Of 1643 interhospital transfer admissions to intensive care at receiving hospitals, 62%, 31%, and 7% were from the ED, ward, and ICU of referring hospitals, respectively. Nineteen percent had comorbid illness, while 11% had organ dysfunction at the referring hospital. After controlling for comorbid illness, patient age, and pretransfer organ dysfunction; compared with ED transfers, mortality in the receiving hospital was higher for ward transfers (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–3.03) but not for ICU transfers. Also, compared with ED transfers, hospital stay was longer by 1.5 days for ward transfers and by 13.5 days for ICU transfers. CONCLUSION In this multiyear, statewide sample, mortality and resource utilization were higher among children who underwent interhospital transfer to intensive care after initial hospitalization, compared with those transferred directly from emergency to intensive care. Decision-making underlying initial triage and subsequent interhospital transfer of critically ill children warrants further study. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:164–170. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Reduction of Malposition in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters With Tip Location System

Abstract Catheter malposition is a common occurrence with the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital (SRMH) in Santa Rosa, California, trialed and implemented a new tip location device to evaluate whether malposition rates could be reduced. This article compares 6 months of data. Three of these months were compiled before using the tip locator device. The right atrial malposition rate remained consistent at 18% with or without the use of the tip locator device. All other malpositions were 13.4% without use of the tip locator. The overall malposition rate was 2.5% with the use of the tip locator device. By using this technology, supply and labor costs were reduced, as were referrals to interventional radiology and delays in treatment. Overall staff satisfaction improved.
Long-term follow-up of extremely low birth weight infants with neonatal renal failure

The long-term outcome of 20 preterm infants with extremely low birth weight and acute renal failure in the neonatal period was studied retrospectively over an 18-year period. Those with progressive renal disease are compared with those with normal renal function. Current mean age is 7.5+/-4.6 years (range 3.2-18.5 years). Nine patients showed deterioration in renal function (low GFR group). Increasing proteinuria, as determined by random urine protein/creatinine ratio (Up/c), correlated with deterioration in renal function ( r=0.8, P 0.6 at 1 year of age [100% sensitivity, 75% positive predictive value (PPV), P 0.6 mg/dl at 1 year of age (75% sensitivity, 80% PPV, P 85th percentile (89% sensitivity, PPV 67%, P=0.03). Loss of renal mass and nephrocalcinosis were not prognostic indicators. This report begins to identify important clinical parameters that should lead to closer surveillance and potential treatment interventions for preservation of renal function in a growing population of surviving low birth weight individuals.
SU‐FF‐T‐217: Reference Electron Beam Dosimetry Data Set: A Preliminary Analysis

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of developing a set of standard percent depth dose (PDD) curves for electron beams to be used when providing quality assurance (QA) checks on machines. Method and Materials: A database of PDD data collected on more than 900 machines was used as a source of central axis PDD data. The database consists of curves from Varian (62%), Siemens (26%), Elekta/Philips (8%), Mitsubishi (2%) and GE/CGR (1%) machines. For this study the data was restricted to modern Varian and Siemens machines with data for 5–6 electron energies each. PDD data for each beam was extracted for 10×10 or 15×15 cm cones. The data were fitted to a six‐order polynomial to predict PDD from depth of 0.2 cm to approximately 20% of maximum dose providing excellent fits for all data (R2 >−0.99). The curves were compared for shape and location on the depth scale for each beam for each machine model. Selected PDD data were validated by TLD QA measurements at 2 depths in a fixed geometry system. Results: The curves were stratified by machine model and nominal energy and agreement was found to be ± 1 mm of the mean curve for all depths between 100% and 20% of maximum dose. Average curves developed were found to depend little on manufacturer. Conclusion: With the large database of PDD data measured independently by many physicists on many machines the information is available to develop standards for common machine models with a high degree of accuracy. The standards can be used to review PDD data for QA and to provide information on curve shape when data provided by physicists for QA is sparse. This work was supported by PHS grant CA 10953 awarded by the NCI, DHHS and Radiation Dosimetry Services.
Other Transitions: Multiple Economies of Moscow Households in the 1990s

Abstract This article examines survival strategies of urban households in post-socialist cities during the transition from the Soviet system to a market economy. The article links the outcomes of systemic transformation to the daily lives of households and connects urban change induced by mass privatization to class and gender processes inside the households. These “other transitions” in everyday class and gender processes are consistently overlooked by macroeconomic approaches that dominate among transition theorists and policy consultants. The focus is on households in a Moscow neighborhood who attempt to meet the competing demands of earning income, fulfilling domestic responsibilities, and securing child care in a rapidly changing urban context. The diverse formal and informal economic practices of households are analyzed using the model of “multiple economies” that include paid work, informal work for cash, unpaid domestic labor, and help in kind, labor, and cash from networks of extended family, fri...
APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

At the University of South Florida (USF) we have had almost twenty years of experience with internships in training practicing anthropologists at the master's level and nearly ten years of similar experience in our doctoral program. By the summer of 1992, the applied anthropology programs had produced 148 master's graduates and 10 doctoral graduates. In this issue of Practicing Anthropology we share some of what we have learned by highlighting the internship and subsequent professional experiences of a few of these graduates.
High hopes but even higher expectations: The retreat from marriage among low-income couples.

This study examines why low-income, unmarried parents who say that they plan to marry at the time their child is born do not follow through on their plans. We use data from a nationally representative birth cohort survey—the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N =3,710)—combined with data from an embedded qualitative study—Time, Love, Cash, Caring, and Children (n =47)—to explore the reasons behind this apparent discrepancy. We find that some of the difference between parents’ expectations and behavior may be because of the overstatement of intentions at the time of the birth. Most of the discrepancy, however, results from parents’ perceived social and economic barriers to marriage. Specifically, unmarried parents have a long list of financial and relationship prerequisites they believe must be met in order for them to wed. Combined with other factors, these standards lead to an indeterminate delay in marriage.
How Australian hospitality operations view water consumption and water conservation: an exploratory study.

ABSTRACT Yearlong droughts and water shortages have affected several Australian areas and industries, highlighting old concerns about the future of water provisions. While these issues represent a potential difficulty for many enterprises, to date little is known about the views on water consumption and water conservation of business owners and managers, particularly hospitality operators. This study explores these dimensions from a sample of 158 predominantly small and medium enterprises located in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, Australia. The findings indicate that while operators are clearly aware of the importance of water for their businesses, for the most part it is not among their main current concerns. Operators' written comments emphasize the contentious nature of water usage in the hospitality industry, with many accepting sacrifices in monetary and initiative terms, while many others oppose any government intervention in encouraging operators to save water, or increasing water prices.
The valves and anastomoses of the hemorrhoidal and related veins

Abstract 1. 1. The dog shows both competent and incompetent valves in the portal venous system. Two of the three bodies examined had competent valves in the superior hemorrhoidal vein. 2. 2. The hemorrhoidal plexus in the macaque rhesus monkey resembles that in the human. No valves were found in the larger tributaries of the portal system. 3. 3. The newborn infant has valves in the smaller portal tributaries of the gastric and colic regions. The sites of atrophic valves were noted at the mouths of the superior hemorrhoidal veins. The middle and inferior hemorrhoidal veins were protected by competent valves. The degree of anastomosis between the caval and portal systems is slight. 4. 4. The adult has less numerous valves in the portal system. In one body there was a well developed valve in the superior hemorrhoidal vein. The central ends of the middle and inferior hemorrhoidal veins were protected by competent valves. 5. 5. The degree of anastomosis between the portal and caval systems increases with age and is more marked in bodies showing well developed hemorrhoids. 6. 6. The chief site of anastomosis is between the superior and middle hemorrhoidal veins and occurs in the rectal submucosa well above the anorectal line. 7. 7. In cases of portal obstruction varix formation occurs in these veins in the rectal mucosa and these varices are visible on proctoscopic examination.
Difference in Cryptococcus neoformans cellular and capsule size in sequential pulmonary and meningeal infection: a postmortem study

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that primarily causes a life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunosuppressed individuals especially those with HIV/AIDS. Its main virulence factor is its polysaccharide capsule which interferes with complement-mediated phagocytosis. C. neoformans infections ensue following inhalation of small desiccated less encapsulated propagules leading to pulmonary pneumonia or colonization of the host's respiratory tract. Numerous murine experimental studies have shown major discrepancies in cryptococcal cell and capsule enlargement between the lung and brain. In this report, we describe a nonmurine experimental model of the striking variability between cryptococcal cell and capsule size diameters in histology sections of postmortem lung and brain in a fatal cryptococcal infection in a heart transplant recipient.
Oral hydromorphone extended-release.

OBJECTIVE: To review the chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, tolerability, dosing, and role of the Osmotic-controlled Release Oral delivery System (OROS) hydromorphone extended-release (ER) tablets. DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE/PUBMED search (1986-August 2010) was conducted to identify studies in the English language, with additional references being obtained from their bibliographies. STUDY SELECTION: All studies of hydromorphone ER were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: This is the second long-acting hydromorphone formulation to receive approval by the Food and Drug Administration (a twice-daily formulation was approved in September 2004, but was subsequently withdrawn in July 2005). Hydromorphone is a semi-synthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist structurally similar to morphine, hydrocodone, and oxymorphone. OROS ER technology allows once-daily dosing. Clinical trials have focused on the convertibility of (an) other opioid(s) to hydromorphone ER in chronic malignant and nonmalignant pain. This product displays the expected opioid side effects, being comparable to oxycodone controlled-release. Coadministration with ethanol does not produce the degree of "dose-dumping" seen with the former hydromorphone twice-daily product or oxymorphone ER. Hydromorphone ER is indicated for the management of moderate-to-severe pain in opioidtolerant patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesia for an extended period of time. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) and moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30-60 mL/min). CONCLUSION: Hydromorphone ER is the newest oral opioid to enter a crowded marketplace now totaling 15 different Schedule 2 opioids (including tapentadol), and tramadol, available in oral, parenteral, rectal, transdermal, transmucosal, and intranasal formulations. It does not appear to have any unique assets or liabilities and should be considered as one of many oral opioids available for the management of persistent pain of moderate-to-severe intensity.
Relative Chargeability of Nanostructured and Conventional Particles by Tribocharging

The relative chargeability of particles composed of aggregates of nanoparticles by tribocharging was measured and compared with that of conventional particles. Particles were dispersed through a Te...
Isotherms for r species adsorbed at linear polymers with nearest neighbor cooperative interaction.

The equation of the cooperative specific isotherm is derived for the general case ofr species interacting cooperatively at nearest neighboring sites. Explicit expressions for the special casesr=2–5 are given.
Recent developments in colchicum alkaloids

Abstract Partial synthesis of a variety of minor Colchicum alkaloids, including demecolcine, cornigerine, colchifoline, and phenolic congeners has been accomplished. An X-ray analysis of biologically ‘active' and ‘inactive' representatives showed that they were differently hydrogen-bonded in the solid state, and that for structure-activity studies monomeric presentations might not reveal the most important structural features in these molecules. Affinity labelled colchicine which binds well to tubulin has been prepared and is potentially useful for mapping the colchicine binding site on tubulin.
Transformation and regeneration of Nicotiana edwardsonii

Several previously developed media for regeneration of Nicotiana species were evaluated for their ability to regenerate shoots of Nicotiana edwardsonii, a fertile amphidiploid of N. glutinosa × N. clevelandii. Two media were superior to the others, producing shoots within 3–4 weeks. Roots were easily regenerated on a simple rooting medium. Ti plasmid-Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated DNA transfer was used to genetically transform N. edwardsonii with gene VI of strains D4 and CM1841 of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and strain Sc3 of figwort mosaic virus (FMV). When using gene vectors with the neomycin phosphotransferase type II gene and antibiotics kanamycin or G418, a related antibiotic, in a positive selection procedure, a marked inhibition of shoot formation was observed. Consequently, it was necessary to use much lower concentrations of the antibiotics in the selection media to obtain transgenic plants than are used for other species such as N. tabacum and Datura innoxia. Insertion of the desired caulimoviral genes was demonstrated by the presence of the appropriate DNA sequences and the corresponding protein products. The level of expression of the inserted genes is briefly compared to D. innoxia transformed with the same genes. The authors believe this to be a first report of the transformation and regeneration of N. edwardsonii, a widely used host of plant viruses.
Three-dimensional deformation and strain induced by municipal pumping, Part 2: Numerical analysis

Summary Field measurements consisting of water levels from a municipal well and three-dimensional surface deformations and strains from high-precision GPS measurements at various radial distances from the well were collected as part of a 62-day controlled aquifer test at Mesquite, NV. These measurements were used as observations in several numerical models and a parameter estimation code to characterize and constrain hydraulic and mechanical properties of a 400 m thick basin-fill aquifer. A parsimonious approach was used in conceptualizing the aquifer system. Nonetheless, results from the calibrated deformation and flow models accurately reproduced the observed head and deformations during the first 20 days of pumping, the time at which a new equilibrium was achieved. Surface deformations were shown to reflect hydraulic anisotropy and direction of principal conductivity. In addition, the radius of influence and cone of depression from pumping was approximated in spite of the fact that no monitoring well data existed at the site. Sensitivity analysis indicates that cyclical head values are most sensitive to changes in horizontal hydraulic conductivity, while time-dependent vertical deformations are most sensitive to changes in skeletal specific storage. This investigation shows that GPS monitoring can be used in place of costly monitoring wells to characterize aquifers for water-management purposes where skeletal deformation tends to be elastic.
EPR experiments with free-flowing liquid jets

Les experiences en RPE sur des radicaux transitoires produits par radiolyse ont ete genees par un tres fort bruit de fond du aux centres paramagnetiques produits simultanement dans les tubes Suprasil. On decrit une methode pour reduire ce bruit de fond en eliminant le tube et en utilisant un jet liquide a l'interieur de la cavite RPE
Activation of submucosal but not myenteric plexus of the gastrointestinal tract accompanies reduction of food intake by camostat.

Abstract It has been shown in the rat that endogenous cholecystokinin (CCK), released in response to the non-nutrient trypsin inhibitor camostat, reduces food intake at meals and increases Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI; a marker for neuronal activation) in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the hindbrain but not the myenteric plexus of the duodenum and jejunum. Experiment 1: We examined Fos-LI in the myenteric and the submucosal plexuses of the gut in response to orogastric gavage of camostat in rats. As we reported previously, camostat failed to increase Fos-LI in the myenteric plexus. We show here that camostat increased Fos-LI in the submucosal plexus of the duodenum and jejunum. Camostat also increased Fos-LI in the DVC. Experiment 2: Pretreatment with devazepide, a specific CCK1 receptor antagonist abolished camostat-induced Fos-LI in the submucosal plexus and the DVC. Experiment 3: Bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy reduced camostat-induced Fos-LI in the submucosal plexus approximately 40% and abolished it in the DVC. Conclusions: Activation of the submucosal plexus by cholecystokinin at the CCK1 receptor accompanies stimulation of the dorsal vagal complex of the hindbrain and inhibition of food intake. Unlike the submucosal plexus, activation of the myenteric plexus is not necessary for cholecystokinin's influence on the dorsal vagal complex and food intake. The lack of activation in the myenteric plexus after camostat stimulation, in contrast to nutrient releasers of CCK such as oleate, suggests that intestinal stimulants can either release different amounts of CCK or cause release of CCK from I cells with different molecular forms of CCK. This would suggest that CCK-8 is released by camostat and is not able to travel to the myenteric plexus while a more stable form of CCK such as CCK-58 can travel to this site that is further away from the I cell.
Heme and hemoproteins in streptozotocin-diabetic female rats

Abstract Alterations in heme biosynthetic and degradative capabilities and in the activities of several heme-containing enzymes were examined in hepatic tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic female Sprague-Dawley rats. Activities were measured 10, 30 and 90 days following the administration of STZ (65 mg/kg, i.v.). The activities of the key enzymes involved in heme synthesis, δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase, ALA dehydratase, and uroporphyrinogen synthase, were decreased markedly in STZ-diabetic rats as compared to sham-operated animals. Furthermore, the catabolism of heme which occurs via microsomal heme oxygenase (MHO) remained unaltered in these animals. Microsomal content of heme and cytochrome P-450, and the activities of tryptophan pyrrolase and the drugmetabolizing enzymes benzo[a]pyrene (BP) hydroxylase and aniline hydroxylase, were increased in the livers of diabetic rats. By contrast, the activity of the heme-containing enzyme catalase was decreased in these animals. Cobalt chloride produced a marked increase in MHO with a concomitant decrease in microsomal content of cytochrome P-450 and its associated BP hydroxylase activity in normal as well as chronically diabetic rats. It was of interest, however, that the increase in ALA synthase that is normally produced by this metal was not seen in chronic diabetic animals. Thus, chronic diabetes produced subtle and important disruptions in cellular metabolism, which may have been the result of long-term alterations in key enzymes involved in heme synthesis.
Influence of indentation crack configuration on strength and fatigue behaviour of soda-lime silicate glass

Abstract Depending on the conditions under which an indentation is performed or indented specimen stored, different crack configurations can be obtained. In this work, the influence of these different configurations on the failure process, strength and fatigue behaviour of soda-lime silicate glass, was investigated. To obtain the different crack geometries, indentations were performed in moist air and deionized water with two different dwell times. In this way, typical “half-penny” and deeper “circular” cracks were obtained. Both as-indented and annealed samples were studied. An extensive fractographical analysis revealed a strong “pinning” effect of lateral cracks on the radial crack propagation for indentations obtained in air with short dwell times. Strength measured both in inert and active environments was shown to be lower for indentations obtained in water with longer dwell times. An analogous trend was observed for the lifetime results obtained in static fatigue. Some discrepancies were observed in time-to-failure predictions for “half-penny” indentation cracks and these were related to the interaction between the lateral and radial cracks.
The need for an integrated noninvasive approach to valvular heart disease.

Abstract The need for cardiac catheterization and angiography in all patients with suspected valvular heart disease (VHD) prior to surgery remains a topic of much debate. 1–9 At issue is whether curretly available noninvasive methods for assessing the presence and severity of VHD are reliable enough to safely and appropriately allow operation without catheterization. Over the past decade, technological advances in echocardiography have allowed highly detailed assessment of intracardiac structures. Unfortunately, this technique alone has not been able to adequately characterize the severity of VHD in many patients, especially in those with fixed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or regurgitant lesions. In an attempt to increase the clinical utility of noninvasive cardiac testing, the anatomic information acquired from ultrasound imaging can be combined with data available from external pulse recordings, systolic time intervals, phonocardiography, Doppler echocardiography, and clinical history to form a comprehensive noninvasive approach to cardiac pathophysiology. 1,10 These data can then be used to more confidently approach the process of clinical decision making. The following summarizes our laboratory's noninvasive approach to valvular lesions which are potentially amenable to surgical treatment without cardiac catheterization.
Apoptosis is the mode of cell death caused by carcinogenic chromium

The role of apoptosis in the mechanism of toxicity of hexavalent chromium, a human carcinogen, was investigated. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were treated with 150 or 300 microM sodium chromate for 2 hr, doses which decreased colony-forming efficiency to 53 and 5% of control, respectively. Cell growth was inhibited at least up to Day 8 after treatment. DNA synthesis was inhibited to 30 and 19% of control at 1 hr after treatment, and did not begin to recover until Day 4 after treatment. Protein synthesis was inhibited by 52 and 60% in 150 and 300 microM treated cells, respectively, 1 h after treatment, and recovered to 142 and 93%, respectively, at 24 hr. Incubation of cells with nontoxic doses of cycloheximide for 24 hr after treatment produced synergistic toxicity with chromate in colony-forming efficiency assays. Ion gradients persisted to Day 2 as revealed by exclusion of trypan blue dye in 97% of treated cells. Fluorescence microscopy of acridine orange-stained cells revealed morphological features of apoptosis including nuclear fragmentation in more than 90% of detached nonadherent cells and up to 22% of adherent cells by Day 2 after treatment. Untreated cells remained morphologically normal. Transmission electron microscopy of chromate treated cells showed characteristic features of apoptosis including chromatin margination and fragmentation, and cytoplasmic condensation with intact membrane and organelle structure. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation (IDF) was delayed for at least 24 hr, whereafter it was detected in both adherent and nonadherent cells through Day 5 after treatment. These results indicate apoptosis as the mode of cell death caused by chromium and imply that apoptosis must be considered as a component of chromium-induced multistage carcinogenesis.
Characteristics of the two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of helices from approximate simulations and analytic models

Abstract The characteristics of the two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) rephasing, non-rephasing, absorptive and dispersive spectra of model helical polypeptides in the amide-I region are examined by simulation in the frequency domain, based on a vibrational exciton Hamiltonian matrix approach. Analytical models and solutions of the exciton band structure, the density of states, and the allowed IR transitions for the simplest cases are presented and compared with simulations. The through space and through bond vibrational anharmonic coupling energies between pair-wise amide units are evaluated by using ab initio density functional theory calculations on glycine di-, tri- and tetrapeptides, and by using the transition charge–transition charge interactions including charge-fluxes. A contour diagram at 5° interval of the nearest neighbor coupling energies for the right-handed helices in the region of −25° to −70° for both φ and ψ dihedral angles is provided. The static diagonal disorder is introduced into the Hamiltonian diagonal frequency through statistical models and is used to account for localizations of the excitations and the inhomogeneous broadening associated with the conformational fluctuations and local interactions with solvent. The role of the anharmonicity in constructing the 2D-IR spectra is described qualitatively, and the manifestations of the given anharmonicity in the 2D-IR spectra under various line broadening conditions are examined. The absorptive and dispersive 2D-IR spectra under several experimental polarization conditions have been examined, and spectral features for the 3 10 -and α-helices have been illustrated.
Energy Security Under Conditions of Uncertainty: Simulating a Comparative Bureaucratic Politics Approach

For those who must import oil to maintain their economies and quality of life, any disruption in the delivery of imported oil is a highly threatening prospect. How would U.S. policymakers react to such a threat in the contemporary era? We examine the potential policymaking roles and impacts of bureaucratic actors operating at the intersection of energy and security issues. To do so, we explore a comparative approach using an original simulation that envisions an energy supply “crisis” in the United States due to events in a hypothetical state somewhat inspired by Hugo Chavez's Venezuela. The simulation is run at three very different universities in three different courses, yet the results are surprisingly similar. Despite the obvious security implications of an oil shortage during a time of war, we find more engaged roles for those representing nonmilitary bureaucracies, a greater reliance on diplomatic and economic tools to respond to the crisis, less reliance on military policy instruments than might ha...
Quantitative 3D Fluorescence Technique for the Analysis of En Face Preparations of Arterial Walls Using Quantum Dot Nanocrystals and Two-Photon Excitation Laser Scanning Microscopy

Traditional imaging with one-photon confocal microscopy and organic fluorophores poses several challenges for the visualization of vascular tissue, including autofluorescence, fluorophore crosstalk...
Roller-Raceway Slip Simulations of Wind Turbine Gearbox Bearings Using Dynamic Bearing Model

A six degree of freedom dynamic bearing model (DBM) has been used to simulate roller-raceway slip for a cylindrical roller bearing used in an intermediate shaft location of a wind turbine gearbox. The DBM simulates the motion of bearing components such as an inner raceway, a cage, and cylindrical rollers. Radial internal clearance and operating conditions such as load and speed were varied in order to identify the most critical parameters governing roller-raceway slip. The results indicate that significant slip occurs during rapid transient accelerations and decelerations, but these high slip conditions decay to a much lower level of slip at steady state. The results also demonstrate that extreme slip occurs for low load and high speed conditions because of concomitant contact area reduction and traction loss at the roller-raceway interfaces.© 2010 ASME
New Directions in British Art History of the Eighteenth Century

This essay examines new developments in the history of eighteenth-century British art since the publication of David Solkin's Painting for Money: The Visual Arts and the Public Sphere in Eighteenth-Century England in 1993. While Solkin's account of an urban professional class recasting a civic humanist ideology in its own polite and commercial image continues to hold tremendous sway in the field, this state of the field article identifies three major trends that have tempered and challenged that account. Recent scholarship dealing with gender, space, and empire has subtly reoriented the field towards a more inclusive notion of artistic agency and reception, a more synchronic and spatial approach, and an increasingly global perspective.
Analytical solution for an infinite elastic power-law hardening plate containing an elastic circular inhomogeneity and subjected to equi-biaxial tension

This paper presents an clasto-plastic analytical solution for the plane stress inclusion problem of an elastic power-law hardening plate containing an elastic circular inhomogeneity and subjected to equi-biaxial far-field tension. Hencky's deformation theory (for compressible materials) and von Mises' yield criterion are applied, and infinitesimal deformations are assumed. The solution is derived by using a stress formulation and with the help of a modified Nadai's auxiliary-variable method and the extended Michell theorem. All expressions for the stress, strain and displacement components are derived in explicit forms in terms of an auxiliary variable and four constant parameters, which are determined from the given boundary conditions. Three specific solutions of practical interest are presented as limiting cases, one of which is the closed-form solution for the plate containing a traction-free circular hole. Numerical results are also provided to demonstrate quantitatively applications of the solution in the opening and reinforcement design of spherical pressure vessels.
Variable-reluctance motors for electric vehicle propulsion

This paper discusses the design, operation, and expected performance of a 60-kW variable-reluctance motor and inverter-designed for electric vehicle propulsion. To substantiate the performance of this system, experimental data obtained with a prototype 3.8-kW motor and inverter are provided.