cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical experiences of bixalomer usage at our hospital.

In 2012, bixalomer was launched as new non-calcium (Ca) containing phosphorus (P) binder, increasing the choices available for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia. In this study, among the maintenance dialysis patients at our hospital, we newly administered bixalomer to 21 patients who were not receiving any P binders, and switched to bixalomer for 13 patients who had been receiving sevelamer hydrochloride and 23 patients who had been receiving lanthanum carbonate. The initial dosage of bixalomer was set as 1500 mg/day for new administration patients and dosage equivalent to that of the previously-used P binder for patients who were switched to bixalomer. The dosage of bixalomer was increased if the effects were insufficient. The serum P, Ca and intact parathyroid hormone concentrations as well as serum pH, HCO3 concentration and base excess were evaluated prior to administering bixalomer, 3 months and 6 months after administering bixalomer. For the group who were newly administered bixalomer, significant reductions in serum P concentrations were seen (P < 0.01) and no significant changes were seen in clinical test items that serve as indices for acidosis. For the group who were switched from sevelamer hydrochloride to bixalomer, significant reductions in serum P concentrations were seen (P < 0.01) together with significant improvements in acidosis (P < 0.01). For the group who were switched from lanthanum carbonate to bixalomer, by increasing the dosage of bixalomer to approximately three times the dosage of lanthanum carbonate, it was possible to maintain post-switch serum P concentrations at almost the same levels as before the switch. Furthermore, there were minor, yet significant improvements in acidosis (P < 0.01). From these results, it was shown that bixalomer can be useful treatment alternative in dialysis patients for whom it is necessary to change the P binder due to insufficient management of serum P concentrations or development of acidosis.
Frequency and time domain analysis of an aeroelastic wing multiple component structure

A multiple component structure consisting of two Euler-Bernoulli beams connected to a rigid mass is used to model the heave dynamics of a wing micro air vehicle. In the time domain, the attainment of a C 0-semigroup in the context of sesquilinear forms is demonstrated. In addition, the closed loop system is demonstrated to generate an exponentially stable C 0-semigroup. In the frequency domain, the infinite dimensional transfer function is determined and used to examine several properties of the system. Finally, an optimal control is used to morph the wings to a desired shape, and simulation results are demonstrated.
When I've packed it in and they send me something...: information boundaries in professional home offices

Home offices are fused living and working spaces that lie at the intersection of the personal and the professional, blurring traditional divisions between these two domains. This poster reapproaches findings from a previous Masters thesis (Thomson, 2010)---which investigated information management in professional home offices---with an aim to highlight ways in which home office users negotiate and maintain 'information boundaries' in their hybrid, often unbounded, environments. Data was ethnographically gathered from four professional home offices via tours, interviews, and observation. Analysis suggests that professional home office users are far from passive subjects in their spaces, continuously answerable to all imaginable demands, needs, and whims arising in both their domestic and vocational lives. Rather, they constantly make decisions about the permeability of their spaces and often actively (even if not consciously) preside over 'information boundaries,' choosing where (with a physical boundary), when (with a temporal boundary), and why (with a psychological boundary) to integrate or separate the personal and the professional. This poster contributes an in-depth portrait of how four individuals deliberately design their unique environments and, in so doing, influence what information interactions they do and do not have.
Managing a security program in a cloud computing environment

With the advent of cloud computing more and more information is leaving the confines of an organization and is being migrated to third party vendors. The migration could mean a loss of control of data once it has left the owner's own servers and is sent into a cloud computing environment. Even with this loss, data security is a chief concern facing many organizations. Fortunately data security is relatively easy to maintain and can even be enhanced by the move. By knowing what data is to be moved, what special requirements surround the data, what interface is to be used and proper planning, data security in a cloud environment can be easily, efficiently and affordably achieved. In most cases the data is actually more secure and harder to corrupt than in other site-specific storage situations. Through careful management, training, and planning data security in the cloud is easy to obtain while only enhancing the organization's bottom line.
Current Status of Perisurgical Erythropoietin Therapy

SUMMARY Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) therapy has been approved for use in patients undergoing autologous blood donation (ABD) in Japan, the European Union, and Canada since 1993,1994, and 1996 respectively, and is now approved for perisurgical adjuvant therapy in Canada, Australia, the U.S. and the European Union (Table 1)1. Emerging strategies to improve the dose-response relationship between erythropoietin therapy and red cell production include low dose EPO and intravenous iron therapy, to be addressed in this discussion.
Observations of large transient magnetospheric electric fields

Transient electric field events were observed with the long, double probe instrumentation carried by the IMP-6 satellite. Nine, clearly defined, exceptionally large amplitude events are presented here. The events are observed in the midnight sector at geocentric distances 3.5 to .5.5 R sub e at middle latitudes within a magnetic L-shell range of 4.8 to 7.5. They usually have a total duration of one to several minutes, with peak power spectra amplitudes occurring at a frequency of about 0.3 Hz. The events occur under magnetically disturbed conditions, and in most cases they can be associated with negative dH/dt excursions at magnetic observatories located near the foot of the magnetic field line intersecting IMP-6. The magnetospheric motions calculated for these electric fields indicated a quasi-stochastical diffusive process rather than the general inward magnetospheric collapsing motion expected during the expansive phases of auroral substorm activity.
Ring-opening cross metathesis of 1,3-cyclopentadiene-heterodienophile cycloadducts to produce cyclic hydrazines and hydroxylamines

Abstract The combination of a hetero-Diels–Alder reaction of a N–N or N–O heterodienophile and 1,3-cyclopentadiene with ruthenium catalyzed ring-opening cross metathesis (ROCM) produces new functionalized heterocyclic five-membered rings. The cycloadduct of 1,3-cyclopentadiene and diethyl azidodicarboxylate underwent ROCM to give a 2.5:1 (E:Z) mixture of diastereomeric cyclic hydrazines. This substrate also appears to be a suitable precursor for ring-opening polymerization. The cycloadduct of 1,3-cyclopentadiene and an acyl nitroso compound underwent ROCM to give a mixture of four cyclic hydroxylamines. These results represent the first examples of ROCM on strained cyclic substrates containing multiple heteroatoms.
Simulation of local material properties based on moving-window GMC

Abstract When analyzing the behavior of composite materials under various loading conditions, the assumption is generally made that the behavior due to randomness in the material can be represented by a homogenized, or effective, set of material properties. This assumption may be valid when considering displacement, average strain, or even average stress of structures much larger than the inclusion size. The approach is less valid, however, when considering either behavior of structures of size at the scale of the inclusions or local stress of structures in general. In this paper, Monte Carlo simulation is used to assess the effects of microstructural randomness on the local stress response of composite materials. In order to achieve these stochastic simulations, the mean, variance and spectral density functions describing the randomly varying elastic properties are required as input. These are obtained here by using a technique known as moving-window generalized method of cells (moving-window GMC). This method characterizes a digitized composite material microstructure by developing fields of local effective material properties. Once these fields are generated, it is straightforward to obtain estimates of the associated probabilistic parameters required for simulation. Based on the simulated property fields, a series of local stress fields, associated with the random material sample under uniaxial tension, is calculated using finite element analysis. An estimation of the variability in the local stress response for the given random composite is obtained from consideration of these simulations.
Cylindrical cell model for the hydrodynamics of particle assemblages at intermediate reynolds numbers

The spherical cell model for transport in assemblages of spheres, which stems from the low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, has a serious physical limitation when extended to the range of intermediate Reynolds numbers. Spherical symmetry cannot persist around a sphere, given a definite direction of convection. The boundary conditions of the spherical cell model are inappropriate and a cubic cell model would best represent the system. However, in order to avoid undue mathematical difficulties peculiar to three-dimensional problems, a cylindrical cell model is proposed. A numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations expressed in vorticity-stream function variables has been performed in conjunction with the cylindrical cell model for various values of porosity and Reynolds number. A much better agreement of the drag coefficient with experimental results is obtained by the cylindrical cell model than by the spherical cell model.
Conditioned meal initiation in young children

Abstract In two experiments the conditioning of meal initiation was investigated. Preschool children ate snacks repeatedly in the presence of visual and auditory cues (CS+). On other days, other visual and auditory cues (CS−) were presented in the absence of food. In the second experiment, location also served as a CS. To test for conditioned meal initiation, children were first fed a snack to ensure that they were sated. Immediately following this, on different days, food was presented in the presence of the CS+ or the CS− cues. Data on latency to eating and total consumption revealed evidence for conditioning, at least for children who could correctly identify which cues had and had not been paired with the presentation of food.
New Methodology for Laboratory Generation of Solitary Waves

Traditionally, solitary waves are generated in the laboratory setups using the Goring’s methodology that considers a wave of permanent form during the generation process. In this study, we propose a new methodology for solitary wave generation using piston-type wavemakers by considering the evolving nature of the wave during the generation process. This proposed methodology is tested by conducting a series of experiments in a wave tank. In the experiments, generation of solitary wave profiles predicted by Boussinesq’s and Rayleigh’s theoretical solutions are accomplished using both the New and Goring methodologies. Waves generated using the Goring methodology served as a benchmark to assess the performance of the proposed New methodology. Comparisons of experimental observations and theoretical solutions for various wave characteristics have shown that the New methodology is capable of generating more accurate solitary waves with less attenuation as waves propagate compared to the Goring methodology. Prop...
The questionable kinetics of kaolin dehydroxylation

Georgia Kaolin, an accepted “standard” kaolin, evolves carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when heated to 4–500 °C. While the total amount is small, it is evolved more readily than the water and with a different temperature dependence than the water. Weight loss data are not satisfactory for studying the early stages of the dehydroxylation. Separate measurement of the water is necessary.
Malignant memories: Post-traumatic changes in memory in adults after a school shooting

The study explores changes in retrospective reports of experiences after a man-made disaster. Six and 18 months after a school shooting, 12 school personnel recalled in identical self-report questionnaires their proximity to the site, and emotional, including life threat, and sensory experiences the day of the incident. All changed some aspect of their recall on retest. Those close to the shooting increased and those far decreased their reported proximity to the site; and most respondents both enlarged and diminished at the same time reports of specific emotional, life threat, and sensory experiences. Enlargement on retest appeared associated with PTSD symptoms, while diminishment with lessening of anxiety and depression and increase in self confidence. The authors offer these preliminary findings for further inquiry into the biopsychological basis of post-traumatic memory.
Caribbean Exchanges: Slavery and the Transformation of English Society, 1640–1700

Susan Dwyer Amussen, Caribbean Exchanges: Slavery and the Transformation of English Society, 1640–1700 (2007), 320 (University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, $59.95, paperback $22.50). In th...
Inhibition of host cell protein synthesis in poliovirus-infected cells

Abstract Poliovirus infection of HeLa cells in culture causes rapid inhibition of host cell protein synthesis, while viral proteins are synthesized at high levels. This inhibition correlates with the inactivation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF-4F), by proteolytic cleavage of its γ-subunit, p220. eIF-4F is required for the translation of capped mRNAs. Poliovirus RNA is uncapped and is translated by a cap independent mechanism. The poliovirus protease, 2A pro , is required for p220 cleavage, but induces this cleavage indirectly by activating a host protease that catalyzes p220 cleavage. Eukaryotic initiation factor 3 is also required for p220 cleavage, but its role in the cleavage reaction is unknown.
Our responsibility to trauma

school and he occupied tha t post for 13 years. Dur ing this period, he was chief of t r a u m a service at New York City's Beckman-Downtown Hospital a model for t r a u m a services for many years. The original work he did as the result of a na t ional survey of fracture sp l in t ing in ambulances first recognized the problem of t ranspor t ing the injured in this country. His life has been dedicated to tha t and other aspects of t r auma care.
Functional capacity of Fcγ receptor III (CD16) on human neutrophils

Receptors for the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) are a structurally diverse group of molecules. Within the three FcγR families (FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII), the presence of distinct genes and alternative splicing variants leads to a variety of receptor isoforms that are most strikingly different in the transmembrane and intracellular regions. An obvious example of structural variation in the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains is observed in the FcγRIII family. FcγRIIIB, which is nearly identical to FcγRIIIA in the extracellular domains, lacks both transmembrane and cytoplasmic protein domains and is anchored to the cell through a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol anchor. Analysis of FcγRIII function presents a considerable challenge in understanding the role of different FcγR receptors in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function. While one hypothesis for the role of FcγRIII in serves as a binding molecule which focuses the IgG ligand for more efficient recognition and intracellular signaling by FcγRII, recent observations from a number of laboratories suggest that FcγRIII on PMN can transduce signals across the membrane independent of ligand-dependent engagement of FcγRII. We will review these data and present recent data which suggest that the role of FcγRIII extends beyond direct initiation of functions to a more complex role of synergistic receptor interactions. These findings will be reviewed in the context of the experimental approaches that thave been used to examine the roles of FcγRII and FcγRIII on PMN function.
Articulating a pharmacophore driven synthetic strategy: Discovery of a potent substance P antagonist

Abstract We now reveal (2β, 3β, 3αβ, 6αβ)-(±)-octahydro-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-2-phenylcyclopenta[b]pyrrol-3-amine (2) as potent SP antagonist; the discovery of 2 resulted from the pharmacophore driven synthetic strategy. Furthermore we find that for 1 and 2 the spatial disposition of the C-2 phenyl group and the two nitrogen atoms as indicated by molecular modeling are similar. The discovery and synthesis of 2 as a potent substance P antagonist is described; the synthesis was accomplished via a pharmacophore-driven synthetic strategy.
Magellan and beyond

As Magellan leaves Earth behind on its 15-month journey to Venus, scientists and NASA officials are beginning to draw up plans for exploration of the Solar System into the next century that will probably not include a return mission to the planet most like Earth. NASA's first planetary mission in 11 years will allow a breathtaking look at Venus. But because no detailed understanding of the planet's interior or atmosphere will be gained, major questions may remain unanswered for many years. A long-term agenda to supplement the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications' strategic plan is described by one planetary scientist as a balance between the spirit of discovery and the need to pursue a basic science program. What really drives the debate, however, is money and politics; budget crunches have shaped Magellan and other missions, and a short supply of space policy may make future strategies vulnerable to sudden initiatives from the administration.
Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments With Branching and Nested Factors

In many experiments, some of the factors exist only within the level of another factor. Such factors are often called nested factors. A factor within which other factors are nested is called a branching factor. Suppose, for example, that we want to experiment with two processing methods. The factors involved in these two methods can be different. Thus in this experiment, the processing method is a branching factor, and the other factors are nested within the branching factor. The design and analysis of experiments with branching and nested factors are challenging and have not received much attention in the literature. Motivated by a computer experiment in a machining process, we have developed optimal Latin hypercube designs and kriging methods that can accommodate branching and nested factors. Through the application of the proposed methods, optimal machining conditions and tool edge geometry are attained, which resulted in a remarkable improvement in the machining process.
Production and hydrolysis of cyclic ADP-ribose at the outer surface of human erythrocytes.

Abstract Hemoglobin-free membranes from human etythrocytes are able to convert β-NAD + to cyclic ADP-ribose, a calcium mobilizer as potent as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Identification of cyclic ADP-ribose was based on HPLC analyses and its Ca 2+ mobilizing activity on sea urchin egg microsomes. Erythrocyte membranes also hydrolyze cyclic ADP-ribose to ADP-ribose. By comparing the cyclic ADP-ribose-synthesizing and-hydrolyzing activities on unsealed and right-side-out resealed ghosts, it can be concluded that both are localized at the extracellular side of the membrane. This is confirmed by the demonstration of both enzyme activities on the surface of intact human red cells. Identification of the two enzymes involved in cyclic ADP-ribose metabolism might suggest some physiological role of this nucleotide in red cells.
Genetic Analyses of Male Fertility Restoration in Wheat: IV. Fertile Line without Major Rf Genes

Substitution of the common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nucleus into T. timopheevii Zhuk. cytoplasm results in cytoplasmic male-sterility. Two partially dominant Rf1 and Rf4 genes on chromosomes 1A and 6B, respectively, restore fertility. But lines with individual RflRfl or Rf4Rf4 genes are known to have unidentified recessive gene(s) that complement fertility restoration. In this study, expression of recessive genes was examined in the absence of major Rf genes. The procedure involved crossing male-sterile ‘Chris’ monosomic 1A (cms-Chris mono-1A) to a RflRfl rf4rf4 line, backcrossing cytologically identified F1 mono-lA to euploid Chris (rf1rf1 rf4rf4), selfing fertile backcross F1 mono-lA, and selecting fertile disomics in the selfed progeny. Thus, Rf1 was replaced by rf1 of Chris. Similarly, rf4 replaced Rf4 in monosomics of a second cross: cms-Chris mono-6B/rf1rf1 Rf4Rf4 line, F1 mono-6B//Chris. In the latter backcross progeny, monosomics were male steriles, but some mono-lA were fertile in the former backcross progeny. In their selfed progeny fertile disomics were selected. Thus, a true-breeding fertile line with T. timopheevii cytoplasm, but without the major Rf genes was obtained
Nitrogen speciation of polar petroleum compounds by compound class separation and on‐line liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)

Chromatography on Attapulgus clay and on silicic acid has been used to isolate ‘neutral’ and ‘basic’ nitrogen fractions from the 650–1050 °F distillate of an off-shore Californian crude oil. These polar compounds were subjected to on-line liquid chromatography – mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis using low voltage electron-impact ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (LVEI HRMS) and deuterated ammonia chemical ionization (ND3 Cl) to determine the molecules' elemental composition and number of exchangeable hydrogen atoms. On-line separation of heavy oils into saturated, 1–4 ring aromatic, and polar compounds was performed by normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a dinitroanilinopropyl (DNAP) silica column.
State-space approach to factorization of lossless transfer functions and structured matrices☆

Abstract The concept of J-lossless triangular state-space models is reviewed, and its relation to Lyapunov equations and to matrices with a displacement structure is characterized in detail. A new recursive procedure for cascade synthesis of such state-space models is introduced. In contrast to previous state-space-based techniques for cascade decomposition (factorization) of J-lossless transfer functions, which require conversion of a given state-space representation into an equivalent balanced form, our new procedure recursively determines a sequence of unbalancedJ-lossless state-space models. The cascade decomposition of a given J-lossless transfer function obtained by the new procedure is the same as the one obtained by the previous techniques, but the attendant computational requirements are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the final computational formulation of our procedure subsumes many previous methods for efficient triangular factorization of structured matrices—the so-called “generalized Schur” or “generalized fast Cholesky” algorithms.
CCD operation using the high-speed imager test station

The use of a high-speed (up to 100 MHz.) programmable pattern generator and special clock driver/translator circuits for clocking solid-state multiple output imagers is discussed. A specific example of clocking a developmental 256 x 512 two-port CCD is illustrated. Reference to a prior report of clocking an eight-port CCD is included. Future use in clocking a CID imager is discussed.
Characterizing and Modeling Plastic Strain Inhomogeneity in Thin Metallic Sheets

Using a newly developed plastic strain measurement technique based on digital image correlation, surface plastic deformation of polycrystalline aluminum alloys in a thin sheet form has been experimentally characterized at a length scale comparable to that of the thickness of the aluminum sheets but much larger than the average size of individual grains. Both static and dynamic local straining patterns in these aluminum alloys have been observed and these strain patterns can not be simulated using the conventional plasticity models. The texture clustering of grains may contribute to the static local plastic strain patterns detected in an Al-Mg alloy. Two distinctive dynamic straining behaviors resulted from the dynamic strain aging of dislocations due to the alloying elements have been experimentally established for 5XXX and 6XXX alloys, respectively. First observation of dynamic strain inhomogeneity is also made in a sheet metal specimen deforming predominately in a plane strain state.
Markers of bone turnover are associated with growth and development in young subjects with sickle cell anemia.

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have low bone mass though bone turnover has not been well described. In this study, growth and pubertal development were assessed twice, 1 year apart, in 80 young subjects with type-SS SCA, while whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and density where measured in a subset (n = 46). Markers of bone turnover were measured at the second visit. Bone formation (alkaline phosphatase) was elevated, whereas bone resorption (deoxypryidinoline) was decreased compared to published data in healthy children. Markers of bone turnover correlated with growth velocity and pubertal development but not with changes in bone mass.
Metabolic Syndrome Exacerbates Short-term Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Results of a Pilot Study

Objective The authors tested the hypothesis that patients with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop short-term cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Design A prospective study. Setting Veterans Affairs medical center. Participants Fifty-six age- and education-balanced patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (28 patients with and without metabolic syndrome in two separate groups) and 28 nonsurgical controls were enrolled. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Recent verbal and nonverbal memory and executive functions were assessed using a psychometric test battery before and 1 week after cardiac surgery or at 1-week intervals in nonsurgical controls. Neurocognitive scores under the baseline condition were at least 1 z score (1 standard deviation) worse in surgical patients with compared without metabolic syndrome in all 3 cognitive areas (nonverbal and verbal recent memory and executive functions). Neurocognitive performance further deteriorated after surgery by at least 1 z score on 3 tests in the verbal memory modality (Immediate and Delayed Story Recall and Delayed Word List Recall). Overall cognitive performance (composite z score) after surgery was significantly (p = 0.03) worse in metabolic syndrome patients compared with those who did not have the disorder. Conclusions The results indicate that short-term cognitive functions were more profoundly impaired in patients with metabolic syndrome undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass compared with their healthier counterparts.
Recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer for the potential therapy of adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immune deficiency.

Abstract Severe combined immune deficiency due to adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a rare, potentially fatal pediatric disease, which results from mutations within the ADA gene, leading to metabolic abnormalities and ultimately profound immunologic and nonimmunologic defects. In this study, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors based on serotypes 1 and 9 were used to deliver a secretory version of the human ADA (hADA) gene to various tissues to promote immune reconstitution following enzyme expression in a mouse model of ADA deficiency. Here, we report that a single-stranded rAAV vector, pTR2-CB-Igκ-hADA, (1) facilitated successful gene delivery to multiple tissues, including heart, skeletal muscle, and kidney, (2) promoted ectopic expression of hADA, and (3) allowed enhanced serum-based enzyme activity over time. Moreover, the rAAV-hADA vector packaged in serotype 9 capsid drove partial, prolonged, and progressive immune reconstitution in ADA-deficient mice.Overview Summary Gene therap...
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following jugular bulb decompression

A 7-year-old boy was found to have hearing loss on the left side on school screening. On otolaryngology examination he was noted to have a vascular mass behind the tympanic membrane, located inferiorly. Computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a dehiscent high jugular bulb. He underwent surgical decompression of the jugular bulb. Two weeks after surgery, he complained of headache and diplopia and was noted to have papilledema and a sixth nerve palsy without visual loss. Cranial MRI scan revealed thrombosis of the left internal jugular vein, transverse and sigmoid sinus. There was no cerebral venous infarct. He was treated with oral acetazolamide and anticoagulation. Two months later he was symptomatically better, neurologically intact with resolved sixth nerve palsy and markedly improved optic disc edema. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of venous thrombosis following jugular bulb surgery in the English language ophthalmologic literature.
Two Examples of Planetary Boundary Layer Modification Over the Great Lakes

Abstract Aircraft measurements of sensible and latent heat fluxes, surface and air temperature, mean wind and humidity were used to examine the boundary layer structure over the Great Lakes for two cases in late fall when the water was warmer than the air above. The sensible and latent vertical turbulent heat fluxes at the surface were in the range 5–10 mW em−2, and 6–15 mW em−3, respectively. Estimates of the mean vertical velocity at the interface between the mixed layer (where the equivalent potential temperature lapse rate was ∼1C km−1 and the mixing ratio was effectively constant) and the stable air above were obtained from the equations for the rate of change of sensible plus latent heat and of water vapor in the boundary layer. The values obtained by this method appear to be reasonable when compared with estimates obtained from the wind field. Using this mean vertical velocity, the vertical fluxes of latent and sensible heat and liquid water in the cloud layer just below the top of the mixed layer ...
Sugammadex: the first selective binding reversal agent for neuromuscular block

Sugammadex is a novel cyclodextrin, the first in a new class of selective binding reversal agents that terminates neuromuscular block (NMB) with the steroidal nondepolarizing agents, rocuronium and vecuronium. Sugammadex can reverse a moderate or deep NMB. The dose required depends on the level of NMB that needs to be reversed. Smaller doses are sufficient for a moderate versus deep NMB. In October 2007, a new drug application for sugammadex was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA issued a not-approvable letter in July 2008. The manufacturer continues clinical trials.
Cu(In,Ga)Se2 film formation from selenization of mixed metal/metal–selenide precursors

Abstract For Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films made by the selenization of metallic precursors, Ga accumulation near the back contact prevents the achievement of high-voltage solar cells. In this work, selenization of mixed metal/metal–selenide precursors has been evaluated with respect to the composition distribution in the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 film and device performance. Four types of precursors consisting of electrodeposited and evaporated Cu–Se/Ga/In and (In,Ga)–Se/Cu were reacted in hydrogen selenide at 450 °C for 5, 15, and 90 min with metallic Cu0.8Ga0.2/In precursors as a control. Ga accumulation near the back contact in the selenized films was generally observed except for one precursor with a Cu–Se/Ga/In structure and excess Se in the Cu–Se layer, which had the maximum Ga concentration in the middle of the film. Enhanced Ga incorporation into the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 is shown by X-ray diffraction for the precursors made from electrochemically deposited Cu–Se and changes in the bandgap were observed in the device behaviors.
Weighted contrast metric for imaging system performance

There have been significant improvements in the image quality metrics used in the NVESD model suite in recent years. The introduction of the Targeting Task Performance (TTP) metric to replace the Johnson criteria yielded significantly more accurate predictions for under-sampled imaging systems in particular. However, there are certain cases which cause the TTP metric to predict optimistic performance. In this paper a new metric for predicting performance of imaging systems is described. This new weighted contrast metric is characterized as a hybrid of the TTP metric and Johnson criteria. Results from a number of historical perception studies are presented to compare the performance of the TTP metric and Johnson criteria to the newly proposed metric.
The Rural Mystique and Tourism Development: Data from Pennsylvania

Elements of popular culture, as exemplified in television, radio, books, and magazines, present images of rurality as wholesome and desirable. The extent to which these positive images are subscribed to by the general population was assessed using data from a statewide Pennsylvania sample. There was widespread acceptance of the mystique of rurality, with rural residents, older citizens and those with lower incomes and education somewhat more likely to endorse these images than their opposites. Moreover, belief in the rural mystique was related to various behavioral and consumer choices. The possible implications of these ideas for rural development strategies, especially rural tourism, are discussed.
Growth and development of Atlantic mud crab larvae fed natural zooplankton prey

Abstract Atlantic mud crab larvae ( Panopeus herbstii H. Milne Edwards) were fed either brine-shrimp nauplii or natural Zooplankton in the laboratory and in large, field-deployed enclosures. Larvae developed fastest in 1440-1, field-deployed enclosures. By 9 days post hatching, more than 90% of the enclosure larvae had reached zoea Stage IV compared to only 50% of the larvae that were fed brine shrimp in small bowls. Larvae fed natural Zooplankton in either 40-1 tanks developed more slowly and were still in zoea Stage II after 9 days. Larvae that were fed natural Zooplankton in small bowls lost weight during the course of the experiment. Even though larvae developed most rapidly in field-deployed enclosures, there was no significant difference between the rate of dry-weight growth of larvae fed brine shrimp in 50-ml bowls and larvae fed natural zooplankton in enclosures. The greater stage-specific dry weight of larvae fed brine shrimp may have been related to the relative energy content of the two diets, while differences in the rates of development may have been related to the respective spatial scales of the different culture techniques. Diel cycles in temperature within the enclosures may have also had an effect on the rate of development.
New Method For The Experimental Determination Of The Detective Quantum Efficiency Of X-Ray Screens

We have developed a new experimental method to determine the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of any given x-ray screen for different x-ray energies. This method employs fast (10 ns) counting and coincidence techniques to directly measure the number, m, of photons emitted from the screen per absorbed x ray, and to determine both the statistical distribution and average value of m. These experimental data have been obtained for a calcium tungstate and a rare earth oxysulfide screen with quasi-monoenergetic x-ray beams in the region from approximately 15 to 70 keV. Examples of the experimental DQE values obtained from these measure-ments for pairs of the two types of screens respectively are 0.86 and 0.75 at an x-ray energy of 18 keV, and 0.20 and 0.41 at an x-ray energy of 69 keV. These results indicate a reversal in the relative capabilities of the screens to transfer image information such that there would be a preference for the calcium tungstate screen at 18 keV and the rare earth oxysulfide screen at 69 keV.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of crystal plasticity on materials loaded at high pressures and strain rates

Abstract A crystal plasticity model is used to examine the effects of grain microstructure on the local deformation of metals subjected to high pressure and high strain rate loading characteristic of ballistic impact, explosive loading and laser ablation. The crystal elastic moduli are pressure dependent to capture the large volume strains properly and to enable evolution of shocks from steep pressure gradients. Results are obtained for a normal incidence pressure wave and a pressure wave traveling parallel to the metal surface. The results show that regions of nonuniform strain, characterized by patchy bands, can develop in the wake of the pressure wave. The magnitude and extent of the bands depends on the grain structure and the width of the zone over which the pressure rises. A steep pressure gradient produces a small process zone and leaves little chance for strain redistribution.
CRT-722 All Degrees of Mitral Regurgitation Found During Invasive Ventriculography are Associated with All-Cause Mortality

Using a large data base of patients who underwent coronary angiography for clinical reason, we evaluated association between reported degrees of mitral regurgitation (MR) with all-cause mortality. Using retrospective angiographic data of 1771 patients between 1993 to 1997 from the VA Long Beach
GEOGRAPHY, GEOMETRY, AND EXPLANATION*

ABSTRACT The contention that geography is a “spatial'’discipline is often interpreted to mean that a set of laws are uniquely geographic in their structure. From the viewpoint of the structure of scientific explanations, such a suggestion is unwarranted and ill-advised. With trivial exceptions, all explanations, except those of synthetic geometry, can answer aspects of geographic questions.
Effect of protease inhibitors and substrates on deoxycorticosterone binding to its receptor in dog MDCK kidney cells.

THE dog kidney MDCK cell line contains a protein in its cytosol that specifically binds deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and can concentrate DOC in its nuclei. A Scatchard analysis of 3H-DOC binding shows that the Kd is about 8 × 10−8 (refs 1, 2). We describe here a study of the effects of various protease inhibitors on DOC binding to its receptors. The DOC receptor in MDCK cells may contain a specific structure which recognises protease inhibitors.
Toxicity of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Cationic and Anionic Side Chains

The structure and properties of gold nanoparticles make them useful for a wide array of biological application. Toxicity, however, has been observed at high concentrations using these systems. MTT, hemolysis, and bacterial viability assays were used to explore differential toxicity among the cell types used, using 2 nm core particles. These studies show that cationic particles are moderately toxic, whereas anionic particles are quite nontoxic. Concentration-dependent lysis mediated by initial electrostatic binding was observed in dye release studies using lipid vesicles, providing the probable mechanism for observed toxicity with the cationic MMPCs.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Newborn and Carrier Screening

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 live births. The disease is characterized by progressive symmetric muscle weakness resulting from the degeneration and loss of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and brainstem nuclei. The management of SMA involves supportive and preventive strategies. New treatments based on increasing the expression of full-length SMN protein levels from the SMN2 gene are being investigated and may be dependent on early detection of the disorder, before the irreversible loss of motor neurons. This article focuses on the prevention of SMA through population carrier screening and newborn screening as a means of ensuring early intervention for SMA.
Degree of Emotional Expressiveness as a Function of Face-Needs, Gender, and Interpersonal Relationship.

A face‐needs model of emotional expressiveness is used to explain and predict the degree to which an emotion will be expressed or understated. This model proposes a three‐part hierarchy for emotional disclosures: non‐face‐threatening, mixed‐face‐value, and face‐threatening. The hierarchy was confirmed for both males and females and generally was supported across two relationship types: best friends and acquaintances. The possibility that relationship level may influence the face‐value of some emotional disclosures is explored. Females reported greater disclosure than males, and emotions are disclosed more fully to best friends than to acquaintances.
Aging of physiological systems

Abstract Aging and disease are not synonymous. Aging is a normal part of the life span characterized by slowly progressing impairments in the performance of most organ systems. Age decrements in performance range from zero in some characteristics, such as fasting blood glucose levels, to as much as 60% in the ability to perform heavy muscular work. The ability to adapt to stress also diminishes with age. There is mounting evidence to support the premise that aging in humans may be more than simply the summation of changes that take place at the cellular, tissue, or organ level. The essence of survival is the proper integration of responses of different organ systems to adapt to the stresses of daily living. Impaired effectiveness of these coordinating mechanisms may be the primary factor involved in aging.
In vitro replication potential of serially passaged mammary parenchyma from mice with different reproductive histories.

Abstract Growth properties of multicellular units (organoids) of mouse mammary parenchyma have been analyzed. These intact units grew differently in collagen-matrix cultures than did dispersed cells prepared from them. The latter actively migrated in the collagen matrix and reorganized themselves into multicellular structures before producing three-dimensional protuberances in gel. Terminal unit (end-bud/alveoli)-enriched fractions grew more extensively than did ducts, as predicted from growth patterns in vivo . To assess the growth potential and the relationships between replication history in vivo and replication potential in vitro in mammary parenchyma, intact terminal units from mammary glands of mice of different ages and with different reproductive histories were isolated and their growth characteristics compared. Terminal-unit organoids were cultured in collagen gel matrix and passaged weekly for up to 5 weeks. Morphology, growth rates, and growth fractions were compared among organoids from young virgin, old virgin, monoparous, and multiparous mice. Morphologies observed in various passages of organoids from the groups of mice were similar. Organoids from old virgin and multiparous mice declined in growth rate for four passages and then growth rate increased again during the fifth passage. (However, fifth-passage organoids failed to form tumors if implanted in syngeneic mice in vivo .) Growth of organoids from either old or young virgin mice was less at any given passage than tissue from multiparous mice of similar age. Growth fractions of organoids from old parous mice were the same as those from old virgin mice but reached the same maximum fraction faster. Later passage organoids from the different mouse groups responded morphologically to the hormone combination of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and cortisone but did not respond to cholera toxin. These results suggest that an animal's hormonal history (altered profoundly by pregnancy and lactation) may be as important as chronological age in determining subsequent growth potentials of mammary epithelium.
Brain uptake and organ distribution of 11C from 11C-labeled glucose.

The time course of the distribution of carbon-11 (11C, t1/2 = 20.4 min) in brain after the i.v. administration of 11C-labeled glucose [( 11C]glucose) was studied in an effort to understand and explore its behavior in relation to the known factors concerning the catabolic fate of glucose carbon in the brain. The biodistribution of 11C from [11C]glucose was studied in rats using organ dissection. Human radiation doses were estimated from rat biodistribution data. All the rat organs except the brain cleared with a half time of 30-60 min. The brain showed delayed uptake that plateaued from 20 to 60 min. The 11C distribution in normal, non-ischemic, brain 30 min after intravenously administered [11C]glucose is due to labeled carbon incorporation into amino acids associated with tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. External imaging with the Massachusetts General Hospital positron camera, PC I, was performed in dogs and humans and the time course of 11C incorporation was similar to the rat brain results. Regional uptake paralleled known metabolic differences between grey and white matter in normal human volunteers. A patient with progressive dementia had less uptake in an area of decreased perfusion as demonstrated angiographically, suggesting that the image obtained 20 min after tracer administration could be used to detect abnormalities in cerebral metabolism due to pathology.
Law in Everyday Japan: Sex, Sumo, Suicide, and Statutes – By Mark D. West

With this book, law professor Mark D. West joins a small circle of legal scholars at American universities who have been revolutionizing our understanding of law and its application in modern Japan...