cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complex Worldline Instantons and Quantum Interference in Vacuum Pair Production

We describe in detail a physical situation in which instantons are necessarily complex, not just Wick rotations of classical solutions to Euclidean spacetime. These complex instantons arise in the semiclassical evaluation of vacuum pair production rates, based on Feynman's worldline path integral formulation. Even though the path integral is a sum over all real closed trajectories in spacetime, the semiclassical description of nonperturbative pair production is dominated by closed classical trajectories that are generically complex. These closed trajectories contain segments associated with nonperturbative instanton suppression factors as well as segments producing phase factors that incorporate quantum interference effects. For a class of time-dependent electric fields we implement this procedure and demonstrate excellent quantitative agreement with alternative methods.
Amperometric titration with two indicator electrodes and allied techniques

Abstract Amperometric and potentiometric titration techniques involving two metallic electrodes immersed directly in the solution to be titrated are of wide applicability. Such techniques are often sensitive at low concentrations and the electrode systems are both compact and simple. Their considerable value in the microchemical field is therefore likely to be extended.
A case of recurrent pericardial constriction presenting with severe pulmonary hypertension

Chronic constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a relatively rare condition in which the pericardium becomes fibrotic and noncompliant, eventually resulting in heart failure due to impaired ventricular filling. The only curative treatment is pericardiectomy. Classically, CP does not usually cause severe pulmonary hypertension. When attempting to differentiate CP from restrictive cardiomyopathy, the presence of severely elevated pulmonary arterial pressure is used as a diagnostic criterion ruling against CP. We present a case of proven recurrent pericardial constriction following pericardiectomy presenting with severe pulmonary hypertension.
Autonomous aerial observations to extend and complement the Earth Observing System: a science-driven systems-oriented approach

ABSTRACT The current Earth observing capability depends primarily on spacecraft missions and ground-based networks to providethe critical on-going observations necessary for improved understanding of the Earth system. Aircraft missions play animportant role in process studies but are limited to relatively short-duration flights. Suborbital observations havecontributed to global environmental knowledge by providing in-depth, high-resolution observations that space-based andin-situ systems are challenged to provide; however, the limitations of aerial platforms - e.g. , limited observing envelope,restrictions associated with crew safety and high cost of operations have restricted the suborbital program to a supportingrole. For over a decade, it has been recognized that autonomous aerial observations could potentially be important.Advances in several technologies now enable autonomous aerial observation systems (AAOS) that can providefundamentally new observational capability for Earth science and applications and thus lead scientists and engineers torethink how suborbital assets can best contribute to Earth system science. Properly developed and integrated, thesetechnologies will enable new Earth science and operational mission scenarios with long term persistence, higher-spatialand higher-temporal resolution at lower cost than space or ground based approaches. This paper presents the results of ascience driven, systems oriented study of broad Earth science measurement needs. These needs identify aerial missionscenarios that complement and extend the current Earth Observing System. These aerial missions are analogous to spacemissions in their complexity and potential for providing significant data sets for Earth scientists. Mission classes areidentified and presented based on science driven measurement needs in atmospheric, ocean and land studies. Alsopresented is a nominal concept of operations for an AAOS: an innovative set of suborbital assets that complements andaugments current and planned space-based observing systems.Keywords: remote sensing, UAV, earth science, earth observing system, suborbital, autonomous aerial observationsystem, airborne measurements, space measurements
Steam explosion of sugarcane bagasse as a pretreatment for conversion to ethanol

Abstract The State of Hawaii is interested in converting the large volume of agricultural residues, principally sugarcane bagasse, that is generated in the state into transportation fuels. One of the technologies that is currently being evaluated is steam explosion as a pretreatment for conversion of the bagasse into ethanol. In order to identify the optimum conditions of the steam explosion cycle, a range of operating temperatures (188–243°C) and residence times (0.5–44 min) were used to pretreat bagasse in a 10 l batch reactor. The analytical results were also used to evaluate the “reaction ordinate” concept. The exploded bagasse samples were examined as to total mass recovery, weight loss by water extraction, composition of water extracts, total sugar recovery, and conversion of the polysaccharide of the exploded biomass to monosaccharide by a cellulosic enzyme mixture. Steam explosion followed by enzymatic saccharification was found to be an effective pretreatment for converting biomass into monosaccharides. However, the total sugar recovery, and thus the ethanol “potential”, of the process was relatively insensitive to changes in reaction conditions due to the trade-off between xylose recovery and glucose recovery. Furthermore, it was found that the reaction ordinate concept was not universally valid for the variety of sample characteristics examined in this study.
Sensitivity Analysis of Land Unit Suitability for Conservation Using a Knowledge-Based System

The availability of spatially continuous data layers can have a strong impact on selection of land units for conservation purposes. The suitability of ecological conditions for sustaining the targets of conservation is an important consideration in evaluating candidate conservation sites. We constructed two fuzzy logic-based knowledge bases to determine the conservation suitability of land units in the interior Columbia River basin using NetWeaver software in the Ecosystem Management Decision Support application framework. Our objective was to assess the sensitivity of suitability ratings, derived from evaluating the knowledge bases, to fuzzy logic function parameters and to the removal of data layers (land use condition, road density, disturbance regime change index, vegetation change index, land unit size, cover type size, and cover type change index). The amount and geographic distribution of suitable land polygons was most strongly altered by the removal of land use condition, road density, and land polygon size. Removal of land use condition changed suitability primarily on private or intensively-used public land. Removal of either road density or land polygon size most strongly affected suitability on higher-elevation US Forest Service land containing small-area biophysical environments. Data layers with the greatest influence differed in rank between the two knowledge bases. Our results reinforce the importance of including both biophysical and socio-economic attributes to determine the suitability of land units for conservation. The sensitivity tests provided information about knowledge base structuring and parameterization as well as prioritization for future data needs.
Ambrosia pollen in Tulsa, Oklahoma: aerobiology, trends, and forecasting model development

Abstract Background Ambrosia pollen is an important aeroallergen in North America; the ability to predict daily pollen levels may provide an important benefit for sensitive individuals. Objective To analyze the long-term Ambrosia pollen counts and develop a forecasting model to predict the next day's pollen concentration. Methods Airborne pollen has been collected since December 1986 with a Burkard spore trap at the University of Tulsa. Summary statistics and season metrics were calculated for the 27 years of data. Concentration and previous-day meteorologic data from 1987 to 2011 were used to develop a multiple regression model to predict pollen levels for the following day. Model output was compared to 2012 and 2013 ragweed pollen data. Results The Tulsa ragweed season extends from the middle of August to late October. The mean start date is August 22, the mean peak date is September 10, and the mean end date is October 20. The mean cumulative season total is 11,599 pollen/m 3 , and the mean daily concentration is 197 pollen/m 3 . Previous-day meteorologic and phenologic data were positively related to pollen concentration ( P R = 0.7146, P R = 0.680, P Conclusion Multiple regression models may be useful in explaining the variability of Ambrosia pollen levels. Further testing of the modeling parameters in different geographical areas is needed.
Classically conditioned heart rate and blood pressure in rats based on either electric shock or ammonia fumes reinforcement.

Abstract An examination was made of the pattern of heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (BP) responses of separate groups of restrained rats receiving classical conditioning training with either an electric-shock or an ammonia-fumes US. The main findings were that, irrespective of the US, the CR consisted of a decrease in HR accompanied by a fall in BP, with the detailed characteristics of both responses being similar to the HR and BP orienting reactions (OR) occurring to the CS prior to conditioning. Correlation tests revealed that short-latency components of the HR and BP ORs and of the HR and BP URs were interrelated, but that the HR and BP CRs were not. The results supported a sensitization theory of cardiac conditioning that maintains that the CR is a modified version of the OR, rather than an imperfect copy of the UR.
Coherent molecular vibrational motion observed in the time domain through impulsive stimulated Raman scattering

Femtosecond time-resolved observations of coherent molecular vibrations are carried out through impulse-stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS). Individual cycles of vibrational oscillation, as well as vibrational dephasing, are time resolved. ISRS therefore provides a means through which time-resolved spectroscopy of vibrationally distorted molecules can be carried out. Several experimental configurations involving either crossed excitation pulses or a single excitation pulse are discussed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. >
Sustained-Yield Ground-Water Planning by Goal Programing

A method for determining a spatially distributed set of ground-water withdrawals that maintains a regionally “optimized” potentiometric surface is presented. A goal-programing approach, in its quadratic form, is used to minimize the sum of squares of differences between the optimized surface and a “target” potentiometric surface. Constraints on withdrawals and recharge, imposed through a two-dimensional ground-water flow equation, and bounds on drawdowns assure that the withdrawal strategy developed is realistic and physically feasible. Application is demonstrated using data from the Grand Prairie region of Arkansas.
Elective whole-lung irradiation in osteosarcoma treatment: appearance of bilateral breast cancer in two long-term survivors

The effect of “prophylactic” lung radiation in preventing pulmonary metastasis was studied in a subset of patients with osteosarcoma. Benefit was not noted. Thirteen of the irradiated patients in the treatment group were females; in 2 of the 13, bilateral breast cancer developed approximately 15 years later. Radiation administered to the breast of an adolescent female carries a considerable risk of causing breast cancer.
Evaluating Reading and Mathematics Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities A Synthesis of Observation Research

Systematically observing instruction for students with learning disabilities (LD) provides information regarding the quality of school-based interventions, allocation of instructional time, and oth...
Hydrodynamical constraints on cosmic-ray acceleration in relativistic shocks

A two-fluid hydrodynamical model governing the transport of cosmic rays in a relativistically moving background plasma is developed. The equations are used to discuss the time asymptotic structure of a relativistic, plane-parallel shock wave significantly modified by first-order Fermi acceleration of cosmic rays. The model allows for an anisotropic cosmic-ray pressure tensor with pressure components parallel and perpendicular to the shock normal. It is surmised that the well-known energy threshold problem for diffusive shock acceleration that downstream particles have a large enough velocity to overtake the shock and subsequently scatter in the upstream medium before returning to the downstream medium may be expressed hydrodynamically by the condition V less than V(cr), where V is the fluid velocity relative to the shock and V(cr) is the relativistic cosmic-ray sound speed. Astrophysical implications of the results are briefly discussed.
A relationship between size of trees and their number

Abstract It is known that stem diameter at crown base, Dc, has a closer relationship with crown size than diameter at breast height, D. Because number of trees per unit area, N, depends on crown size, it is likely that average Dc will be a better predictor of tree number than D. It is shown that if the relationship between the logarithms of N and Dc is linear, then a similar relationship between N and D is not. A new size-number relationship is proposed that attempts to reconstruct Dc using readily available variables, D and total tree height.
Analysis of heterogeneity and instability of stable mAb-expressing CHO cells

Screening and isolation of high expression mammalian cell lines for production of recombinant proteins for the clinic is a resource-intensive and time-consuming procedure due to the substantial variation in expression levels of recombinant protein expression amongst transfected cells. Several investigators have reported instability in expression titers early in cell line development and in cell banks. However, in most cases the exact molecular mechanisms of instability remain unknown. In this study we used a fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based mAb staining method to enable the detection and selective gating of cells with vastly different recombinant expression levels present in transfected pools. Expression diversity and changes within transfected populations were detected and isolated in real time during cell line development. Molecular genetic analysis on the isolated clones revealed an unsuspected rearrangement of the heavy chain in the non-expressing clones. Implications of the genetic rearrangements as well as the use of the FACS method as a tool to improve cell line development to detect expression heterogeneity in pools and to investigate root cause for the molecular genetics of expression instability will be discussed.
The end-cretaceous mass extinction in the marine realm: year 2000 assessment

Abstract The current database indicates that the terminal decline and extinction, or near extinction, of many groups commonly attributed to an asteroid or comet impact at the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary (e.g., ammonites, bivalves, planktic foraminifera) began during the last 500 k.y. of the Maastrichtian. By the time of the K–T boundary, extinction-prone tropical and subtropical marine faunas and floras were almost gone, or had severely reduced species populations struggling to survive. The K–T boundary kill-effect was largely restricted to these struggling tropical and subtropical populations that accounted for 2/3 of the species among planktic foraminifera, but less than 10% of the total foraminiferal population. No significant extinctions occurred among ecological generalists that dominated across latitudes. No single kill mechanism can account for this mass extinction pattern. The last 500 k.y. of the Maastrichtian were characterized by a series of rapid and extreme climate changes characterized by 3–4°C warming between 65.4 and 65.2 Ma , major volcanic activity between 65.4 and 65.2 Ma , a spherule-producing event between 65.3 and 65.2 Ma , and an impact at the K–T boundary ( 65.0 Ma ). All of these events caused major environmental perturbations and biotic stresses that resulted in severe reductions in species populations and extinctions that culminated at the K–T boundary. The mass extinction pattern, and the parallel environmental changes during the last 500 k.y. of the Maastrichtian, suggest that both long-term (climate, sea-level) and short-term (impact, volcanism) events contributed to the K–T boundary mass extinction.
Human Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) Is a Type III Enzyme Forming ω-NG-Monomethylated Arginine Residues

Full-length human protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli was initially found to generate only ω-NG-monomethylated arginine residues in small peptides, suggesting that it is a type III enzyme. A later study, however, characterized fusion proteins of PRMT7 expressed in bacterial and mammalian cells as a type II/type I enzyme, capable of producing symmetrically dimethylated arginine (type II activity) as well as small amounts of asymmetric dimethylarginine (type I activity). We have sought to clarify the enzymatic activity of human PRMT7. We analyzed the in vitro methylation products of a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-PRMT7 fusion protein with robust activity using a variety of arginine-containing synthetic peptides and protein substrates, including a GST fusion with the N-terminal domain of fibrillarin (GST-GAR), myelin basic protein, and recombinant human histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Regardless of the methylation reaction conditions (incubation time, reaction volume, and substrate concentration), we found that PRMT7 only produces ω-NG-monomethylarginine with these substrates. In control experiments, we showed that mammalian GST-PRMT1 and Myc-PRMT5 were, unlike PRMT7, able to dimethylate both peptide P-SmD3 and SmB/D3 to give the expected asymmetric and symmetric products, respectively. These experiments show that PRMT7 is indeed a type III human methyltransferase capable of forming only ω-NG-monomethylarginine, not asymmetric ω-NG,NG-dimethylarginine or symmetric ω-NG,NG′-dimethylarginine, under the conditions tested.
Stimulation of the microsomal alkylglycerol monooxygenase by catalase

Liver cytosol contains a heat-sensitive nondialyzable soluble factor necessary for maximal activity of the alkylglycerol monooxygenase present in rat liver microsomes. In this report, we demonstrate that the stimulatory component in rat liver supernatant is catalase. Catalase functions to protect the enzyme from inactivation by H2O2 in addition to its documented ability to retard the nonenzymatic oxidation of the pterin cofactor. The protective effect of catalase on alkylglycerol monooxygenase and on the aromatic amino acid hydroxylase systems indicates that H2O2 sensitivity is a general feature of pterin-dependent hydroxylases.
A Versatile Fail-Safe Trip Circuit for Reactor Safety Systems

A transistorized trip circuit is described which employs a simple self-testing technique to achieve a high degree of fail-safeness with a minimum number of components. It operates with d-c input currents in the range from 10 to 100 microamperes and can control up to 100 watts of load power. The trip differential for a load change from full power to zero power is less than 0.1 microampere; and the temperature stability of the trip point is better than 0.02 a/°C. This trip circuit may be used with either relay or solid-state logic and power switching circuits.
Reconditioning history: Adapting knowledge from the past into realities of the present: A Mexican‐American Graveyard

(1999). Reconditioning history: Adapting knowledge from the past into realities of the present: A Mexican‐American Graveyard. Rethinking History: Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 289-307.
Nano-engineering Silica Aerogel Structure to Determine the Property-Structure Relationship

We characterize mechanically strong nano/meso-porous cross-linked templated silica aerogels that were synthesized through the sol gel process and reinforced by nano casting a 4–10nm thick conformal layer of isocynate derived polymer. Tri-block co-polymer (pluronic P123) was used as a structure directing agent to produce ordered mesoporous walls while 1, 3, 5 trimethylbenzene (TMB) was added as micelle-swelling reagent to regulate the size of the pores. The shape and size of the micro and meso pores were nano engineered by varying the amount of chemical surfactant as well as the concentration of the cross-linking solution used to form the polymer nano layer. In so doing we manipulated the structure at the molecular level to develop an optimized structure that closely resembles the honeycomb structure found in nature. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test results established that the material had an α-grass transition temperature of about 130°C while quasi-static compression tests showed that the optimized nano-structured silica aerogel had a Young’s modulus of about 800MPa. We present the synthesis protocol as well as chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of cross-linked templated silica aerogel (CTSA). ). In addition, material point method (MPM) simulation results are highlighted.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Structural basis for distinct functions of the naturally occurring Cys mutants of human apolipoprotein A-I.

HDL removes cell cholesterol and protects against atherosclerosis. ApoA-I provides a flexible structural scaffold and an important functional ligand on the HDL surface. We propose structural models for apoA-IMilano (R173C) and apoA-IParis (R151C) mutants that show high cardioprotection despite low HDL levels. Previous studies established that two apoA-I molecules encircle HDL in an antiparallel, helical double-belt conformation. Recently, we solved the atomic structure of lipid-free Δ(185–243)apoA-I and proposed a conformational ensemble for apoA-IWT on HDL. Here we modify this ensemble to understand how intermolecular disulfides involving C173 or C151 influence protein conformation. The double-belt conformations are modified by belt rotation, main-chain unhinging around Gly, and Pro-induced helical bending, and they are verified by comparison with previous experimental studies and by molecular dynamics simulations of apoA-IMilano homodimer. In our models, the molecular termini repack on various-sized HDL, while packing around helix-5 in apoA-IWT, helix-6 in apoA-IParis, or helix-7 in apoA-IMilano homodimer is largely conserved. We propose how the disulfide-induced constraints alter the protein conformation and facilitate dissociation of the C-terminal segment from HDL to recruit additional lipid. Our models unify previous studies of apoA-IMilano and demonstrate how the mutational effects propagate to the molecular termini, altering their conformations, dynamics, and function.
A quantitative approach to benchmarking programmable logic architectures

Describes a set of metrics based on analytical methods which evaluate the efficiency of programmable logic architectures, whether programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or complex channeled PLD (CPLD). The metrics are easily derived and form an equable measure of architectural efficiency across any device. Further, the metrics provide a pragmatic approach to device selection by quantifying the demands of a circuit, and comparing this against the availability of resources within a programmable architecture. In addition, the author provides a tutorial on the use of the metrics while focusing on a quantitative approach to benchmarking. >
6‐Ketohendecanedioic Acid

6-Ketohendecanedioic acid reactant: 89.3 g. (0.5 mole) of δ-carbomethoxyvaleryl chloride product: 6-ketohendecanedioic acid reactant: 100 g. (0.63 mole) of redistilled commercial methyl hydrogen adipate Keywords: elimination, dehydrohalogenation; hydrolysis, miscellaneous; benzene; δ-carbomethoxyvaleryl chloride, preparation of; triethylamine
Heterogeneity and changes in inequality of malaria risk after introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets in Macha, Zambia

In 2007, the first free mass distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) occurred in southern Zambia. To determine the effect of ITNs on heterogeneity in biting rates, human DNA from Anopheles arabiensis blood meals was genotyped to determine the number of hosts that had contributed to the blood meals. The multiple feeding rate decreased from 18.9% pre-ITN to 9.1% post-ITN, suggesting that mosquito biting had focused onto a smaller fraction of the population. Pre-ITN, 20% of persons in a household provided 40% of blood meals, which increased to 59% post-ITN. To measure heterogeneity over a larger scale, mosquitoes were collected in 90 households in two village areas. Of these households, 25% contributed 78.1% of An. arabiensis, and households with high frequencies of An. arabiensis were significantly spatially clustered. The results indicate that substantial heterogeneity in malaria risk exists at local and household levels, and household-level heterogeneity may be influenced by interventions, such as ITNs.
American commitments in the Third World: theory vs. practice

Amidst their other differences, the defeats suffered by the United States in Vietnam, Iran, and Lebanon have a common explanation. In all three cases American strategy was based on “global commitments theory.” Interests were to be defended and global credibility strengthened by the making, maintaining, reinforcing, and sustaining of American commitments to Third World allies. However, the core assumptions on which the logic of global commitments theory rests are plagued with inherent fallacies. These fallacies can be identified analytically as patterns of dysfunction along four dimensions of foreign policy: decision-making, diplomacy, military strategy, and domestic politics. They also can be shown empirically to have recurred across the Vietnam, Iran, and Lebanon cases. The central theoretical conclusion questions the fundamental validity of global commitments theory as it applies to the exercise of power and influence in the Third World. Important prescriptive implications for future American foreign policy are also discussed.
Load-balancing for advance reservation connection rerouting

This paper studies rerouting in advance reservation networks. Namely, a novel load-balancing scheme is proposed to reroute admitted inactive reservations in order to lower blocking probability and improve future bandwidth utilization. Detailed algorithms are outlined in the form of pseudo-code, followed by analyses of related time and space complexities. Simulation results are then presented to compare the performance of the proposed solution versus existing advance reservation schemes.
Decreased neutrophils and megakaryocytes in anemic mice of genotype W/W.

The concentration of neutrophils and megakaryocytes was determined in the marrow of anemic mice of genotype W/Wv and their normal (+/+) litter mates. In all groups studied, the humerus of W/Wv mice contained significantly less neutrophils and megakaryocytes than did normal animals. Blood neutrophil concentration was less in all groups of W/Wv mice but in only one group which was the youngest group studied, did this value differ significantly from normal. The blood and marrow neutrophil response to endotoxin was similar in W/Wv and “+/+” animals. This suggests that the neutrophilic system of W/Wv mice responds to this stimulus in a relatively normal manner, much as their erythroid system responds to hypoxia, and androgens.
Overlay monitoring and repair in swarm-based peer-to-peer streaming

In Swarm-based Peer-to-Peer Streaming (SPS) mechanisms, participating peers form a randomly connected mesh over which they incorporate swarm-like content delivery. In practice, a subset of participating peers may form clusters in the overlay due to various reasons such as localization of connectivity within edge ISPs. Despite the commonly held assumptions, the appearance of such clusters could significantly degrade the delivered quality to participating peers in SPS mechanisms. This paper examines the effect of overlay clustering on the performance of SPS mechanisms for live content. Leveraging the notion of two-phase content delivery in SPS mechanisms, we illustrate the effect of overlay clustering on content delivery. We propose the Overlay Monitoring and Repair (OMR) mechanism as a distributed and scalable approach to maintain proper overlay connectivity in SPS mechanisms. The key idea is to use delivered quality to individual peers as an indication of poor connectivity from other regions of the overlay. OMR employs a probabilistic approach to ensure an adequate number of properly-positioned peers reacts to detected clustering in the overlay without any coordination. Reacting peers rewire a small number of carefully-selected connections in the overlay to significantly improve the performance of content delivery. Our preliminary evaluations demonstrate that OMR mechanism can achieve its goals.
To pump or not to pump: a comparison of machine perfusion vs cold storage for deceased donor kidney transplantation

Background A recent multicenter European trial has demonstrated reduced rates of delayed graft function when kidneys undergo machine perfusion before transplantation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of machine perfusion on early kidney transplant function in the United States. Study Design Retrospective review of United Network for Organ Sharing data from January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2011 was undertaken. Comparisons were made between kidneys that underwent machine perfusion (MP) vs cold storage (CS) alone in terms of delayed graft function (DGF). The analysis was performed in a cohort of MP and CS kidneys matched by propensity scoring, as well as in a cohort of paired kidneys from the same donor in which one underwent MP and the other underwent CS. Secondary end points analyzed included recipient length of stay after transplantation and graft survival. Results In the overall cohort, rates of DGF were similar for MP and CS kidneys (25.7% vs 25.0%; p = 0.082), likely due to preferential use of MP in marginal kidneys. In the propensity matched cohort, MP was associated with significantly lower rates of DGF compared with CS (21.1% vs 29.1%; p Conclusions Machine perfusion of deceased donor kidneys results in significantly decreased rates of DGF.
Update of trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis remains an extremely common infection despite the fact that rates of other treatable sexually transmitted diseases are declining. Newer diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are documenting higher rates of infection in heterosexual men than have been previously found with culture. Although data on the association of vaginal trichomoniasis with preterm birth are controversial, the association of trichomoniasis with HIV acquisition seems clear. Despite being a readily diagnosed and treated STD, trichomoniasis is not a reportable infection and control of the infection has received relatively little emphasis from public health STD control programmes. More recently, however, appreciation of high rates of disease and of associations of trichomoniasis in women with adverse outcomes of pregnancy and increased risk for HIV infection suggest a need for increased control efforts.
Nonlinear binary-mode interactions in a developing mixing layer

This paper presents the formulation and results of two-wave interactions in a spatially developing shear layer, directed at understanding and interpreting the physical mechanisms that underlie the results of quantitative observation. The study confirms the existence of Kelly's (1967) mechanism that augments the growth of a subharmonic disturbance by extracting energy from its fundamental or vice versa. This mechanism is shown to be strongest in the region where the fundamental begins to return energy to the mean flow and the two wave modes are of comparable energy levels. It is found that the initial conditions and, especially, the initial phase angle between the two disturbances play a very significant role in the modal development and that of the shear layer itself. A doubling of the shear-layer thickness is shown to take place; the two successive plateaux in its growth are attributed to the peaking in the energy production rates of the fundamental and subharmonic fluctuations.
Localization of health systems in low- and middle-income countries in response to long-term increases in energy prices

External challenges to health systems, such as those caused by global economic, social and environmental changes, have received little attention in recent debates on health systems’ performance in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). One such challenge in coming years will be increasing prices for petroleum-based products as production from conventional petroleum reserves peaks and demand steadily increases in rapidly-growing LMICs. Health systems are significant consumers of fossil fuels in the form of petroleum-based medical supplies; transportation of goods, personnel and patients; and fuel for lighting, heating, cooling and medical equipment. Long-term increases in petroleum prices in the global market will have potentially devastating effects on health sectors in LMICs who already struggle to deliver services to remote parts of their catchment areas. We propose the concept of “localization,” originating in the environmental sustainability literature, as one element of response to these challenges. Localization assigns people at the local level a greater role in the production of goods and services, thereby decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and other external inputs. Effective localization will require changes to governance structures within the health sector in LMICs, empowering local communities to participate in their own health in ways that have remained elusive since this goal was first put forth in the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care in 1978. Experiences with decentralization policies in the decades following Alma-Ata offer lessons on defining roles and responsibilities, building capacity at the local level, and designing appropriate policies to target inequities, all of which can guide health systems to adapt to a changing environmental and energy landscape.
Effects of acute angiotensin II on ischemia reperfusion injury following myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) induces cardiac remodeling. This may increase the susceptibility of the infarcted heart to subsequent ischemic events. While chronic angiotensin II blockade is cardioprotective post-MI, the acute effects of angiotensin II in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR) remains unclear. In the present study, we tested whether angiotensin II administration altered recovery of left ventricular (LV) function to IR in hearts from sham and MI rats. Echocardiography, LV pressure-volume relationships, and IR performance were established in subsets of sham (N = 27) and MI hearts (N = 41). IR was conducted in red-cell-perfused Langendorff hearts (60 minutes of low-flow ischemia; 30 minutes of reperfusion) during vehicle or angiotensin II infusions (10 –7 M). MI hearts were dilated and had reduced fractional shortening and blunted systolic elastance (p < 0.05). Despite systolic dysfunction in MI, functional recovery to IR was similar to sham. Angiotensin II significantly worsened IR performance in sham (p < 0.05), but not MI. The effect of angiotensin II on in vitro cardiomyocyte survival under various pH conditions was also tested. Acidosis increased cardiomyocyte death and angiotensin II potentiated this effect. We conclude that IR performance is similar between sham and MI hearts and that MI hearts are resistant to angiotensin II-induced cardiac dysfunction in response to IR.
Dual Actions of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate: Extracellular through the Gi-coupled Receptor Edg-1 and Intracellular to Regulate Proliferation and Survival

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP), a bioactive lipid, acts both intracellularly and extracellularly to cause pleiotropic biological responses. Recently, we identified SPP as a ligand for the G protein–coupled receptor Edg-1 (Lee, M.-J., J.R. Van Brocklyn, S. Thangada, C.H. Liu, A.R. Hand, R. Menzeleev, S. Spiegel, and T. Hla. 1998. Science. 279:1552–1555). Edg-1 binds SPP with remarkable specificity as only sphinganine-1-phosphate displaced radiolabeled SPP, while other sphingolipids did not. Binding of SPP to Edg-1 resulted in inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, in a pertussis toxin–sensitive manner. In contrast, two well-characterized biological responses of SPP, mitogenesis and prevention of apoptosis, were clearly unrelated to binding to Edg-1 and correlated with intracellular uptake. SPP also stimulated signal transduction pathways, including calcium mobilization, activation of phospholipase D, and tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK, independently of edg-1 expression. Moreover, DNA synthesis in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts was significantly and specifically increased by microinjection of SPP. Finally, SPP suppresses apoptosis of HL-60 and pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, which do not have specific SPP binding or expression of Edg-1 mRNA. Conversely, sphinganine-1-phosphate, which binds to and signals via Edg-1, does not have any significant cytoprotective effect. Thus, SPP is a prototype for a novel class of lipid mediators that act both extracellularly as ligands for cell surface receptors and intracellularly as second messengers.
Tear production and evaporation in the normal eye

The volume of tears in the eye depends on ihe rate of production and the rate of elimination by drainage and evaporation. A mechanism for the regulation of tear production mediated through changes in tear tonicity has been suggested. High evaporation of tears with a patent drainage system has been thought to be related to reduced tear volume, increased tonicily and an eventual stimulus to production. In this study no significant correlation was found between tear evaporation, measured by a modified evaporimeter system, and tear production, as measured by the turnover rate with a scanning fluorophotometer. This result suggests that regulation of tear production through the mechanism of tonicity change may not be the only, or principal, mechanism in the normal eye.
Prevention of DNA Double-Strand Breaks Induced by Radioiodide-131I in FRTL-5 Thyroid Cells

Radioiodine-131 released from nuclear reactor accidents has dramatically increased the incidence of papillary thyroid cancer in exposed individuals. The deposition of ionizing radiation in cells results in double-strand DNA breaks (DSB) at fragile sites, and this early event can generate oncogenic rearrangements that eventually cause cancer. The aims of this study were to develop a method to show DNA DSBs induced by (131)I in thyroid cells; to test monovalent anions that are transported by the sodium/iodide symporter to determine whether they prevent (131)I-induced DSB; and to test other radioprotective agents for their effect on irradiated thyroid cells. Rat FRTL-5 thyroid cells were incubated with (131)I. DSBs were measured by nuclear immunofluorescence using antibodies to p53-binding protein 1 or γH2AX. Incubation with 1-10 μCi (131)I per milliliter for 90 min resulted in a dose-related increase of DSBs; the number of DSBs increased from a baseline of 4-15% before radiation to 65-90% after radiation. GH3 or CHO cells that do not transport iodide did not develop DSBs when incubated with (131)I. Incubation with 20-100 μm iodide or thiocyanate markedly attenuated DSBs. Perchlorate was about 6 times more potent than iodide or thiocyanate(.) The effects of the anions were much greater when each was added 30-120 min before the (131)I. Two natural organic compounds recently shown to provide radiation protection partially prevented DSBs caused by (131)I and had an additive effect with perchlorate. In conclusion, we developed a thyroid cell model to quantify the mitogenic effect of (131)I. (131)I causes DNA DSBs in FRTL-5 cells and had no effect on cells that do not transport iodide. Perchlorate, iodide, and thiocyanate protect against DSBs induced by (131)I.
Effect of probucol on LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice.

Probucol is a powerful inhibitor of atherosclerosis in a number of animal models. However, it is unknown whether this is due to the strong antioxidant protection of low density lipoprotein (LDL), to antioxidant effects in the artery wall, or to cellular effects not shared by other antioxidants. To investigate whether murine models are suitable to study the antiatherogenic mechanisms of probucol, three experiments following different protocols were carried out in 135 male and female LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) mice. Treatment groups received a high (0.5%) or low (0.025%) dose of probucol, or low-dose probucol plus a high dose (0.1%) of vitamin E for periods ranging from 6 to 26 weeks. In all experiments, probucol strongly protected LDL against ex vivo oxidation (lag times exceeding 1400 min in 0.5% probucol-treated mice). Treatment with 0.5% probucol significantly lowered both HDL-cholesterol and plasma apolipoprotein (apo)A-I concentrations. In all three experiments, treatment with 0.5% probucol consistently increased the size of lesions in the aortic origin, from 1.3-fold (n.s.) to 2.9-fold (P < 0.05) in female mice and from 3.6- to 3.7-fold in males (P < 0.001). Even treatment with 0.025% probucol increased atherosclerosis 1.6-fold in male mice (P < 0.01). Addition of the high dose of vitamin E did not attenuate the pro-atherogenic effect of 0.025% probucol. In conclusion, probucol not only failed to decrease but actively increased atherogenesis in LDLR-/- mice in a dose-dependent manner, even though it provided a very strong antioxidant protection of LDL. This suggests that the reduction of atherosclerosis observed in other animal models is due to intracellular effects of probucol not found in mice, to differences in the metabolism of probucol, and/or to an overriding atherogenic effect of the decrease in HDL in murine models.
Emerging adult age status predicts poor buprenorphine treatment retention.

Emerging adults (18–25 years old) are often poorly retained in substance use disorder treatment. Office-based buprenorphine often enhances treatment retention among people with opioid dependence. In this study, we examined the records of a collaborative care buprenorphine treatment program to compare the treatment retention rates of emerging adults versus older adults. Subjects were 294 adults, 71 (24%) aged 18–25, followed in treatment with buprenorphine, nurse care management, and an intensive outpatient program followed by weekly psychosocial treatment. Compared to older adults, emerging adults remained in treatment at a significantly lower rate at 3 months (56% versus 78%) and 12 months (17% versus 45%), and were significantly more likely to test positive for illicit opioids, relapse, or drop out of treatment. Further research into factors associated with buprenorphine treatment retention among emerging adults is needed to improve treatment and long-term outcomes in this group.
Problems and prospects for microsecond pulsed power above ten megamperes

Systems, such as Shiva Star, Atlas, and magnetic-flux compression generators (MCGs), that can deliver several megajoules at currents above 10 MA offer the opportunity for many interesting experiments in controlled fusion technology and basic material dynamics. Typical current rise-times of a few microseconds result, even with low inductance (<20 nH) circuitry, because several megajoules are delivered at less than 200 kV. This means that conductor surfaces can move significantly relative to the skin-layer thickness, and surface plasmas can interfere with power flow. Success with such multimegampere technology, therefore, requires considerable attention to the detailed design of joints and conductor surfaces. This paper discusses these and other design considerations. It also describes opportunities enabled by operation above 10 MA.
Deciphering the Evolutionary History of Open and Closed Mitosis

The origin of the nucleus at the prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition represents one of the most important events in the evolution of cellular organization. The nuclear envelope encircles the chromosomes in interphase and is a selectively permeable barrier between the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm and an organizational scaffold for the nucleus. It remains intact in the ‘closed’ mitosis of some yeasts, but loses its integrity in the ‘open’ mitosis of mammals. Instances of both types of mitosis within two evolutionary clades indicate multiple evolutionary transitions between open and closed mitosis, although the underlying genetic changes that influenced these transitions remain unknown. A survey of the diversity of mitotic nuclei that fall between these extremes is the starting point from which to determine the physiologically relevant characteristics distinguishing open from closed mitosis and to understand how they evolved and why they are retained in present-day organisms. The field is now poised to begin addressing these issues by defining and documenting patterns of mitotic nuclear variation within and among species and mapping them onto a phylogenic tree. Deciphering the evolutionary history of open and closed mitosis will complement cell biological and genetic approaches aimed at deciphering the fundamental organizational principles of the nucleus.
Financial Perspective of the Balanced Scorecard: Strategies for Profitability

Financial perspective of the balanced scorecard: strategies for profitability DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v29i2_payne
Dexamethasone-regulated expression of pancreatic lipase and two related proteins in AR42J cells

The pancreas makes two pancreatic proteins [pancreatic lipase-related protein-1 (PLRP-1) and PLRP-2] with marked homology to pancreatic lipase (PL). To determine if a pancreatic acinar cell line, AR42J, also expresses PLRP-1 and PLRP-2, we examined the cells for the presence of PL, PLRP-1, and PLRP-2. RNA blot analysis with specific probes and immunoblot analysis with antipeptide antibodies demonstrated the presence of mRNA and protein for all three homologues in AR42J cells. Additionally, we showed that dexamethasone decreased PLRP-1 mRNA levels twofold and increased PLRP-2 mRNA 20-fold but had little effect on PL or colipase mRNA. Extracellular PLRP-2 protein levels increased threefold, and intracellular PLRP-2 protein levels increased about fourfold. The characteristics of the dexamethasone-induced increase in PLRP-2 mRNA, a rapid change requiring new protein synthesis independent of mRNA turnover, suggested that dexamethasone regulated transcription. We conclude that AR42J cells synthesize and secrete PL, PLRP-1, and PLRP-2 and that dexamethasone discoordinately regulates the expression of the three genes.