cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AFLPs support deep relationships among darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) consistent with morphological hypotheses.

Recent attention has focused on the efficacy of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) for resolving deep evolutionary relationships. Here we show that AFLPs provide resolution of deep relationships within the family Percidae that are more consistent with previous morphological hypotheses than are relationships proposed by previous molecular analyses. Despite in silico predictions, we were able to resolve relatively ancient divergences, estimated at >25 MA. We show that the most distantly related species share the fewest fragments, but suggest that large data sets and extensive taxon sampling are sufficient to overcome this obstacle of the AFLP technique for deep divergences. We compare genetic distances estimated from mitochondrial DNA with those from AFLPs and contrast traditional PAUP* Nei–Li AFLP genetic distances with a recently proposed method utilizing the Dice equation with constraining nucleotides.
Influence of ground cover on spider populations in a table grape vineyard

1. Cover crops and/or resident ground vegetation have been used in California vineyards to increase the number of predators and decrease the number of pestiferous herbivores. The most common resident predators in vineyards are spiders (Araneae). Several observational studies suggest that the addition of cover crops results in an increase in spider density and a decrease in insect pest densities. 2. To test experimentally the effects of cover crops and/or resident ground vegetation (hereafter collectively referred to as ground cover) on spider populations, a 3-year study was undertaken in a commercial vineyard. Large, replicated plots were established with and without ground cover during the growing season. Spider species diversity was analysed on the vines and on the ground cover. 3. On the vines, there was no significant difference in spider species richness or the total number of spiders in plots with and without ground cover. There were differences in the relative abundance of two spiders between treatments, with one species (Trachelas pacificus [Chamberlin & Ivie]) more abundant in plots with ground cover and another (Hololena nedra Chamberlin & Ivie) more common on vines in plots with no ground cover. Annual variation in spider abundance was greater than variation due to ground cover treatment. 4. On the ground cover, the spider species diversity was considerably different from that found on the vines above, suggesting that there is little movement of spiders between the ground cover and the vines. Enhancement of T. pacificus populations on vines with ground covers may be a result of prey species movement between the ground cover and the vines. Spider abundance was sparse on the bare ground. 5. The maintenance of ground cover increased spider species diversity in the vineyard as a whole (vine and ground cover). However, the relatively small changes in spider abundance on the vines indicate there are limitations in the use of ground covers for pest management with respect to generalist predators.
Gear selectivity and sample size effects on growth curve selection in shark age and growth studies

The effects of gear selectivity and sample size on growth model selection for shark length-at-age data was investigated using simulated data sets for dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) and Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) sharks. Simulated data sets were generated using four different individual growth functions (von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, logistic and Schnute) with five different sample sizes and seven different sampling gear selectivity functions. Five growth models were fit to each data set and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and AIC weights used to evaluate which fit best to the data. The accuracy of each of the fitting models was also determined and compared with estimates derived from AIC multi-model inference (MMI). The results demonstrated that no one growth model outperformed all other models in all situations, with the two-parameter von Bertalanffy model being selected most often by AIC. There were clear differences between the fitting models that were ranked the highest based on AIC selection or AIC weights and those based on models accuracy of length and growth parameter estimates. In most situations, the two-parameter von Bertalanffy model provided the least accuracy in parameter recovery, while the Schnute model was the most accurate individual model in most situations. The AIC MMI approach improved estimation accuracy over most individual models, except at very low sample sizes. These simulation results suggest that sample sizes of 200 are required to consistently achieve good accuracy for growth parameters, and that sampling gear selectivity has clear effects on which growth models fit best to the data. The use of the AIC MMI approach is recommended, as it provides the most robust estimates of growth parameters.
Doppler radar non-contact measurement of rotational movement in both macro- and micro- scales

In this paper, the Doppler radar non-contact motion sensing technology has been extended from detecting one-dimensional position change to detecting two-dimensional rotational movement. Simulations based on ray-tracing model have successfully demonstrated that Doppler radar can detect the speed of angular movement such as motor rotation. It has been shown that in non-contact rotational movement measurement, the baseband output will have a fundamental frequency that is twice the frequency of the rotation. This is a significant difference compared to the non-contact measurement of one-dimensional movement.
A new variational shape-from-orientation approach to correcting intensity inhomogeneities in magnetic resonance images

A new intensity inhomogeneity correction algorithm based on a variational shape-from-orientation formulation is presented. Unlike most previous methods, the proposed algorithm is fully automatic, widely applicable and very efficient. Since no prior classification knowledge about the image is assumed in the proposed algorithm, it can be applied to correct intensity inhomogeneities for a wide variety of medical images. In this paper, a finite-element method is used to model the smooth bias-field function. Orientation constraints for the bias-field function are computed at the nodal locations of the regular discretization grid away from the boundary between different class regions. The selection of reliable orientation constraints is facilitated by the goodness of fit of a first-order polynomial model to the neighborhood of each nodal location. The automatically selected orientation constraints are integrated in a regularization framework, which leads to minimization of a convex and quadratic energy function. This energy minimization is accomplished by solving a linear system with a large, sparse, symmetric and positive semi-definite stiffness matrix. We employ an adaptive preconditioned conjugate-gradient algorithm to solve the linear system very efficiently. Experimental results on a variety of magnetic resonance images are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Exploiting Heterogeneity in Mobile Opportunistic Networks: An Analytic Approach

Heterogeneity arises in a wide range of scenarios in mobile opportunistic networks and is one of key factors that govern the performance of packet forwarding algorithms. While the heterogeneity has been empirically investigated and exploited in the design of new forwarding algorithms, it has been typically ignored or marginalized when it comes to rigorous performance analysis of such algorithms. In this paper, we develop an analytical framework to \emph{quantify} the performance gain achievable by exploiting the heterogeneity in mobile nodes' contact dynamics. In particular, we derive a delay upper bound of a heterogeneity-aware forwarding policy per a given number of message copies and obtain its closed-form expression, which enables our quantitative study on the benefit of leveraging underlying heterogeneity structure in the design of forwarding algorithms. We then analytically show that less than 20\% of total (unlimited) message copies is only enough under various heterogeneous network settings to achieve the same delay as that obtained using the unlimited message copies when the networks become homogeneous. We also provide independent simulation results including real trace-driven evaluation to support our analytical results.
Roberto Esposito’s ‘Affirmative Biopolitics’ and the Gift

This article develops the affirmative biopolitics that Roberto Esposito intimates in his trilogy – Communitas, Immunitas and Bios. The key to this affirmative biopolitics lies in the relationship b...
Abstract 4739: Nutrient depletion caused by PKR induces phosphorylation of AMPK in lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA We have demonstrated that RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and its downstream protein p-eIF2α are independent prognostic markers for survival in lung cancer. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate PKR's specific role in lung cancer. We examined PKR and p-PKR protein expression in 60 frozen primary lung tumor tissues by Western blot analysis and analyzed the association between PKR/p-PKR expression and expression of 139 proteins examined previously by reverse phase protein array in tissue samples from the same 60 patients. We demonstrated several biomarkers that were either positively (p-AMPK) or negatively (IRS1, p-IGF1R, MRE11, ATRIP, telomerase, CHK1, and cyclin E1) correlated with PKR and p-PKR. We confirmed that induction of PKR or p-PKR with expression vectors in lung cancer cells caused phospholation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein; phospholation was independent of the LKB1, CaMKKβ, and TAK1 pathways. We observed that AMPK phosphorylation was caused by the elevated levels of AMP and decreased levels of ATP resulting from PKR-mediated nutrient depletion. Inhibition of AMPK expression by compound C or siRNA enhanced PKR-mediated cell death. We next investigated the combination of PKR and p-AMPK expression in non-small cell lung cancer patients; we observed that high expression of p-AMPK predicted worse prognosis in patients with high PKR expression but better prognosis in patients with low PKR expression. The p-AMPK may be required for cancer cell survival in patients with high PKR expression and may inhibit cancer cell growth in patients with low PKR expression. In summary, our data indicate that PKR-mediated nutrient depletion induces phosphorylation of AMPK, which is required for lung cancer cell survival. Citation Format: Apar Pataer, Chengcheng Guo, Ruping Shao, Arlene M. Correa, Carmen Behrens, Bingliang Fang, Jack A. Roth, Ignacio I. Wistuba, Stephen G. Swisher. Nutrient depletion caused by PKR induces phosphorylation of AMPK in lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4739. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4739
Progressing from risk factors to omics.

Many factors contribute to the development of clinical atherosclerotic disease in adults. Observational studies conducted from the late 1940s onward have helped us to identify cigarette smoking, cholesterol levels, diabetes, blood pressure, and other factors as important determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes.1,2 The effects are multiplicative. For example, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes each double the risk of a heart attack, and having all 3 factors can lead to a risk that was ≈8 times that of an adult of similar age and sex who did not have any of the factors.3 A major focus in the earlier population and clinical studies was identification of persons at increased risk before the clinical atherosclerotic event. Less attention has been directed toward other types of events, such as occurrence of a myocardial infarction in persons presenting with chest pain, recurrent CVD events, and long-term vascular disease complications such as cardiac failure. The determinants of these vascular events are likely to include some of the classical risk factors, but new factors will no doubt be important as well. Improvements in outpatient and inpatient care, diagnosis, and biomarker discovery have reshaped the landscape. It is possible to visualize subclinical CVD with modern atherosclerotic imaging techniques such as carotid intima-media thickness and arterial calcification assessments. Clinical chemists and geneticists identify new biomarkers that promise to help refine assessments of CVD risk, but it is not clear how such tests should be used for research or for clinical care. This article addresses several of the questions posed above and takes the perspective of research and care for clinical atherosclerotic disease, emphasizing the progress we have made from traditional risk factor assessment to the present time that includes newer assessment methods such as genomics, metabolomics, and predictive medicine. ### Traditional Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease The traditional risk factors include cholesterol, blood …
Constraints on topological order in mott insulators.

We point out certain symmetry induced constraints on topological order in Mott insulators (quantum magnets with an odd number of spin $\frac{1}{2}$ moments per unit cell). We show, for example, that the double-semion topological order is incompatible with time reversal and translation symmetry in Mott insulators. This sharpens the Hastings-Oshikawa-Lieb-Schultz-Mattis theorem for 2D quantum magnets, which guarantees that a fully symmetric gapped Mott insulator must be topologically ordered, but is silent about which topological order is permitted. Our result applies to the kagome lattice quantum antiferromagnet, where recent numerical calculations of the entanglement entropy indicate a ground state compatible with either toric code or double-semion topological order. Our result rules out the latter possibility.
Sarcoidosis of the larynx causing airway obstruction.

Sarcoidosis of the larynx is an uncommon manifestation but can be potentially life threatening when progressive obstruction of the upper airway develops. A patient presented with sarcoid infiltration involving successively the skin, palate, nose, lymph glands, bones and finally the larynx. Local irradiation was instrumental in relieving a progressive airway closure.
The Relationship Between Selected Body Composition Variables and Muscular Endurance in Women

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if muscular endurance is affected by referenced waist circumference groupings, independent of body mass and subcutaneous abdominal fat, in women. This study also explored whether selected body composition measures were associated with muscular endurance. Eighty-four women were measured for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and abdominal skinfold thickness (SFAB) and performed 60-s sit-ups (SU) and maximal push-ups (PU) tests. Mean differences in SU and PU scores were tested across three groups based on WC as follows: WCG1 or = 90 cm. There were no significant differences in SU and PU scores between WCG1 and WCG2. WCG3 had significantly lower SU and PU scores compared to the other groups. After adjusting for the influence of SFAB, BMI, and weight, the differences disappeared. The regression analysis revealed a two-variable (BMI and SFAB) model that accounted for the variation in SU performance. For PU, only BMI loaded into the regression model. The results of this study suggest that women with a WC > or = 90 cm have decreased muscular endurance compared to their lower WC counterparts. This difference is related to higher body masses.
Intensity perturbation in the B2Σ-X2Σ band system of SrF

Abstract The intensity anomaly of the B 2 Σ- X 2 Σ system of SrF was analyzed based on the interaction between the A 2 Π and B 2 Σ states. The theoretical relative intensity was calculated from overlap integrals and spectroscopic constants previously obtained. Comparison between theoretical and observed intensities showed that the electronic transition moment of the B - X system is the same order of magnitude as that of the A - X system.
Trace-fossil model for reconstruction of paleo-oxygenation in bottom waters

Recognition of fluctuations in the degree of paleo-oxygenation of bottom waters recorded in fine-grained pelagic strata is important for interpretation of paleoceanographic and paleoclimatologic conditions. General sedimentary fabric, composition of trace-fossil assemblages, and burrow size and crosscutting relationships have been incorporated into a trace-fossil tiering model that permits detailed reconstruction of changes in paleo-oxygenation of bottom waters. Applications of this model to the Miocene Monterey Formation (California) and the Cretaceous Niobrara Formation (Colorado) indicate that the ichnologic approach is more sensitive to both magnitude and rates of change in oxygenation levels compared to macrobenthic body-fossil information.
Fully reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing subsystem on a chip

We propose a single-chip-based module that provides the entire switching/monitoring/equalizing/shuffling functionality needed in 8-channel fully reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers. This subsystem on a chip includes an array of switches for adding/dropping individual channels, optical power taps and integrated photodetectors for power monitoring, variable optical attenuators for channel power equalization, and optical cross-connects for channel shuffling at the add and drop ports for full wavelength agility. The chip is based on a polymer-on-silicon platform that allows hybrid integration of passive and active elements. Waveguiding circuitry is built in an optical polymer, and it includes thermo-optic switches, variable optical attenuators, and power taps. Out-of-plane coupling mirrors are formed by ablation of 45° slopes in the polymer waveguides with an Excimer laser, followed by metalization. A self-aligning flipchip process is used to mount photodetector arrays on top of mirrors fabricated in tap waveguides for power monitoring. The worst-case fiber-to-fiber insertion loss for the proposed module, between 1528 and 1610 nm wavelength, is 1.2 dB from Input to Output (Express), including 4% tapped power, and 1.2 dB from Input to Drop and from Add to Output (4.1 dB with 8×8 shuffle cross-connects). The polarization dependent loss for any path is under 0.2 dB, and the polarization mode dispersion is under 0.05 ps. The channel-to-channel crosstalk is 50 dB, the switch extinction is 45 dB, and the return loss is 50 dB.
A preparatory and X-ray diffraction study of the SrCl2NdCl3 system

The SrCl/sub 2/-NdCl/sub 3/ system was examined over the full composition range by the Guinier powder X-ray diffraction technique. A solid solution, Sr/sub 1-x/Nd/sub x/Cl/sub 2+x/, was found for the composition region 0 < x < 0.18. Beyond the solid solution region two intermediate chloride phases were identified: Sr/sub 0.80/Nd/sub 0.20/Cl/sub 2.20/ (Sr/sub 4/DyCl/sub 11/) and Sr/sub 0.643/Nd/sub 0.357/Cl/sub 2.357/(Sr/sub 9/Nd/sub 5/Cl/sub 33/). Orthorhombic Sr/sub 4/NdCl/sub 11/ is isostructural with vernier-type Sr/sub 4/DyCl/sub 11/; lattice parameters are a = 7.230(5); b = 35.292(18), and c = 6.826(4) A. The phase Sr/sub 9/Nd/sub 5/Cl/sub 33/ exhibits hexagonal symmetry with lattice parameters a = 12.908(6) and c = 24.823(10) A and is isostructural with Nd/sub 14/Cl/sub 33/.
Atoms for peace: A non‐proliferation Primer?∗

(1980). Atoms for peace: A non‐proliferation Primer? Arms Control: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 199-231.
A new class of oxygen isotopic fractionation in photodissociation of carbon dioxide : Potential implications for atmospheres of Mars and Earth

Photodissociation of CO2 by ultraviolet light (λ = 185 nm) generates CO and O2, which are unusually enriched (more than 100‰) in 17O. The dissociation takes place through a spin forbidden process during transition from a singlet to a triplet state, the latter lying on a repulsive potential energy surface. The 17O isotopic enrichment is a primary process associated with this transition and could be due to near resonant spin-orbit coupling of the low energy vibrational levels of the 16O12C17O molecule in the singlet state with those of the triplet state near the zone of transition. In contrast, photodissociation at shorter wavelengths (λ < 160 nm) involves no spin violation and produces CO and O2 which are fractionated in a conventional mass dependent fashion. The proposed explanation is further supported using 13C enriched CO2; in this case the products are enriched in both heavy isotopes but about 100‰ more in 18O. The 17O enrichment in CO and O2 generated by CO2 photolysis in a range of UV wavelengths may be a useful tracer in delineating processes in the atmospheres of Earth and Mars.
A novel Escherichia coli mutant capable of DNA replication in the absence of protein synthesis.

Abstract An Escherichia coli mutant capable of continued DNA synthesis in the presence of chloramphenicol has been isolated by an autoradiographic technique. The DNA synthesis represents semiconservative replication of E. coli DNA. It can occur in the presence of chloramphenicol or in the absence of essential amino acids, but not in the presence of an RNA synthesis inhibitor, rifampin. The mutant, termed constitutive stable DNA replication (Sdrc) mutant, appears to grow normally at 37 °C with a slightly slower growth rate than that of the parental strain. DNA replication in the mutant occurs at a reduced rate after 60 minutes in the absence of protein synthesis and continues linearly for several hours thereafter. This distinct slowdown in the DNA replication rate is due to a reduced rate of DNA synthesis in all the cells in the population. Constitutive stable DNA replication appears to require the dnaA and dnaC gene products. The sdrc mutation has been mapped near the pro-lac region of the E. coli chromosome. The mutation is recessive. Autoradiographic experiments have ruled out the possibility of multiple initiations during a cell cycle. The implication of the above findings is discussed in terms of the regulation of chromosome replication in E. coli.
Complications of heparin administration in normal individuals

The incidence, severity, and pathogenic mechanism of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia with both bovine and porcine heparin administration were studied in forty normal males randomized to one of four treatment groups: beef lung heparin #1, beef lung heparin #2, porcine gut heparin, and saline control. All of the subjects receiving heparin developed a reversible increase in serum transaminases (SGOT, SGPT). However, other measurements of liver function were normal. Thirty-three percent of these heparinized normals had decreased platelet counts. The incidence of platelet count decrease was similar for both bovine and porcine heparins, but 4 of the 20 normals receiving bovine heparin had platelet counts less than 150,000/microliters. Immune pathogenesis was investigated by analyzing plasma from the volunteers for both platelet antibody and immune complexes. None of the men had increased platelet-associated IgG. Among the ten subjects with decreased platelet counts, IgG immune complexes were detected in three and C1q in seven. The heparin-associated thrombocytopenia appears not to be mediated by a platelet antibody. More probably it reflects a direct effect of the heparin on platelets.
Stable production of a human growth hormone antagonist from CHO cells adapted to serum-free suspension culture

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a polypeptide with 191 amino acids and a molecular mass of 22 kDa. An hGH analogue was created with a single amino acid substitution (glycine[G] 120 to arginine[R]) in the third alpha-helix of the hGH molecule. This hGH analogue, named hGHG120R, was found to be an hGH antagonist. It is a parenteral drug candidate for treating conditions in which hGH levels are abnormally high, as found in type I diabetics. Previously, a genetically engineered anchorage-dependent mouse L cell line was created that produced and secreted hGHG120R in culture media (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, DMEM) supplemented with 5% NuSerum IV. A multistep downstream process was developed to purify hGHG120R. The process consisted of cell clarification, salt precipitation, membrane ultrafiltration, size exclusion chromatography, reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, phase separation, and lyophilization. Here, we present the development of a superior eukaryotic system using a proper combination of genetic elements, cell line, and media formulation. This system is suitable for the large-scale production of the recombinant protein and is superior to the previously developed system in that it increases the specific production rate and at the same time eases the burden of the purification process, in both time and efficiency. Dihydrofolate reductase mutant (DHFR-) Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used that were stably transfected with an expression vector in which the hGHG120R gene is driven by the relatively strong human cytomegalovirus-early gene regulatory region. The hGHG120R tested to be biologically active. These cells were then adapted to grow in suspension in CHO-S-SFM (serum-free media). High cell densities, typically 2.0 x 10(6) cells/mL were obtained from spinner flask cultures. Partial purification of hGHG120R from CHO cell cultured media revealed that the level of impurities in SFM was significantly lower than the serum-supplemented DMEM. This suggests that the salt precipitation and the SEC step need not be employed in the purification of hGHG120R from SFM. This would result in a reduction of the operating time by 50 h and boost the recovery yield of hGHG120R to 75%.
A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF EMPOWERMENT AND SEXUAL DECISION MAKING IN HIV-POSITIVE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

Empowerment, defined as economic opportunity that lessens dependence, is a unique concept that may affect a woman's sexual decision making. In this analysis taken from a larger statewide study, 91 HIV-positive African-American women were administered a survey to assess factors of empowerment in association with sexual choices. Age, incarceration history, and alcohol use were associated with bartering with sex. Incarceration history and alcohol use were associated with having unprotected sex with someone of unknown serostatus.
College Students' Positivity Toward Teen Mothers

Although teen pregnancy and parenthood are more visible in society than in the past, teen mothers are often stereotyped and stigmatized. The study examined positivity toward teen mothers among college students (N = 316) at a midwestern university. Although students responded positively to some items regarding teen mothers, other statements showed endorsements of stereotypes. Positivity toward teen mothers was positively related to empathy and classification (freshman, sophomore, etc.). Those who did not report having a teen mother in their family had higher levels of positivity than those who reported having a teen mother in their family. Research should examine perceptions of teen mothers among social workers and interventionists as a moderator of intervention effectiveness.
Dissociation constants of sparingly soluble substances: Nonlogarithmic linear titration curves

Abstract A potentiometric method, employing nonlogarithmic linear titration curves, is proposed for the accurate determination of dissociation constants of acids and bases whose aqueous solubilities are less than 2 × 10 −4 mole/1. In this method the substance is allowed to precipitate, and pH measurements are made throughout the titration. An equation is derived to describe the titration of the unknown after precipitation. For a base, the pKa is calculated from the slope (equal to solubility/K a ) of the straight line obtained when the number of millimoles of unknown neutralized is plotted versus the hydrogen-ion concentration and the solubility, determined independently of the uncharged species. This method extends the ability to measure aqueous dissociation constants and can avoid the determination of pKa's in nonaqueous solvents. The applicability of the method was demonstrated with lidocaine and two structurally related, sparingly soluble, local anesthetic amines. The limitations of the existing and proposed methods are discussed.
Drug-induced dysimmune demyelinating neuropathies

Drug-induced peripheral neurotoxicity usually manifests as a length-dependent, "dying back" axonal, predominantly sensory polyneuropathy. Rarely, immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathies occur during initial or maintenance treatment with immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive or antineoplastic agents. Medication-induced immune perturbation presumably triggers a dysimmune attack directed at unidentified peripheral nerve myelin epitopes; true peripheral nerve toxicity (i.e., dependent on accumulative dose or serum level) plays no identified role. The mechanisms that underlie a paradoxical and unpredictable immune exacerbation are unclear, and may depend on patient age, drug dosage and schedule, time of treatment relative to disease course, and host genetic factors. Suspicion and recognition of a non-toxic, immune-mediated demyelinating process has management (targeted immunotherapy) and prognostic (mostly favorable) implications.
Cardiovascular Responses to Short-Term Fumonisin Exposure in Swine

Abstract The cardiovascular effects of the mycotoxin fumonisin were examined in male cross-bred pigs fed 20 mg/kg of fumonisin-containing culture material for 7 days. On Day 8, pigs were anesthetized with halothane and surgically catheterized. Cardiovascular measurements and blood gas analyses were obtained during halothane anesthesia and 18 hr after recovery from anesthesia. Pigs fed fumonisin had significant (p
Radiative Heat Transfer Properties of Electro-Controllable Fluids

Active control of radiation heat transfer in liquids can be accomplished with the use of a class of fluids referred to here as electro-controllable (EC) fluids. EC fluids in general consist of a colloidal suspension of polarizable, micron-size particles dispersed in a carrier fluid with an appropriate dielectric constant. When an electric field is applied, the particles redistribute in the fluid, changing from a uniformly dispersed configuration to a tightly organized chain formation that follows the lines of the electric field, thus causing a change in the thermal radiation transport. In an example application, experiments are conducted and models are developed for thermal radiation transmittance through a composite window featuring a central layer of EC fluid. The specific EC fluids of this study are made of micron-sized Zeolite particles suspended in a light Silicone oil carrier fluid of appropriate dielectric strength. The incident thermal radiation ranged in wavelength between 500 nm and 800 nm, and the strength of the applied electric field ranged from 100 V/mm to 500 V/mm. The models are applicable for both the dispersed organizational state and the field induced chained state
Feasibility of T-wave alternans testing in patients considered for a cardioverter-defibrillator implantation

Dear Sir, The contribution by Kraaier et al. published in this Journal and just listed in PubMed, deals with a very practical matter, i.e., that of the feasibility of T-wave alternans (TWA) testing in patients with cardiomyopathy considered for a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation [1]. The authors did a retrospective analysis of the records of 165 patients who had an ICD implanted for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, and found that 35% of them had one or more reasons to waiver TWA testing because of atrial fibrillation or flutter, pacemaker dependency, recent (cardiovascular) surgery (<1 month), and inability to exercise, and thus they concluded that TWA testing should be evaluated employing an alternative to the exercise method. In the recently published PREVENT-SCD study [2] a remarkably similar percentage (38%) of the 453 studied patients, i.e., 65 patients, could not undergo TWA testing for the same reasons as listed in the study by Kraaier et al [1]. Also the authors of the PREVENT-SCD reported a novel finding, i.e. that patients ineligible to undergo TWA testing had the highest risk for lethal ventricular arrhythmias at follow-up [2]. Consequently it will be important for Kraaier et al. to provide follow-up information on the outcome of their patients who were ineligible to undergo TWA testing.
Measured Gain Improvement Characteristics of a Space Diversity Antenna System

A two-element adaptively phased array withelement gains of 18 dB was assembled andevaluated at 136 MHz. The gain improvementof the system over that of a single element wasmeasured while tracking ATS-C. The measuredgain improvement fell within 0.5 dB ofthe theoretical maximum 90 percent of thetime, corresponding to a normalized improvementof 2.5 dB for the two-element array. Athorough analysis of the AGC weighting processused in the system was made with particularemphasis placed on the effects of gainand noise figure variations between arraychannels.
Making sense of approaches to moral education

This paper presents a metatheoretical analysis of ‘approaches’ to moral education and how we make sense of them. Such approaches are commonly analyzed with simple, binary category schemes, for example, being categorized as either ‘indirect’ or ‘direct’ in nature. This kind of minimal framework clearly oversimplifies the complex nature of any approach. Despite this, the moral education literature continues to suffer from a lack of appropriately complex, systematic, and robust analytic frameworks to help us understand the complexities of moral education and its study. Our analysis elaborates some basic challenges in making sense of approaches to moral education. We then develop a framework that can meet these challenges, and assist students, scholars and researchers in developing a critical understanding of the complex underpinnings of any approach to moral education, and the analyses of those approaches found in the moral education literature.
Nitric Oxide and Histamine Induce Neuronal Excitability by Blocking Background Currents in Neuron MCC of Aplysia

Nitric oxide (NO) and histamine are important neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. We investigated their ability to modulate the membrane ionic currents and excitability of the metacerebral cell (MCC) of Aplysia using voltage clamp techniques. MCC is a serotonergic modulator of the feeding neural circuit. It receives powerful long-lasting excitatory synaptic input mediated by NO and histamine. NO donors reduced a background outward current at and above the resting potential, associated with decreased membrane conductance. This produced a substantial steady-state inward current that was relatively insensitive to cesium or cobalt. The NO response appears to be due to the reduction of a background potassium current and a small increase in persistent inward sodium current. Treatment with 8-bromoguanosine-3'5'-cyclic monophosphate mimics this response, suggesting it is mediated primarily by the NO-guanylyl cyclase-cGMP pathway. In some MCCs, NO blocked an additional potassium current that resulted in current reversal near the potassium equilibrium potential in current-voltage plots. Histamine also reduced a background outward current at and above the resting potential. However, treatment with cobalt, which blocks calcium and calcium-dependent currents, blocked the histamine response, suggesting that histamine decreases calcium activated potassium currents. Although nifedipine (L-type calcium channel blocker) and tetraethylammonium reduced some calcium and calcium-dependent potassium currents, they had only a slight effect on the NO and histamine responses. Both NO and histamine decreased steady-state membrane currents, and thereby depolarized MCC and increased its excitability, but different ionic currents and second messenger pathways are involved, allowing complex state and time dependent modulation of MCC's activity.
Valence Changes and Structural Distortions in Charge Ordered Manganites Quantified by Atomic-Scale Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

We investigate the microscopic nature of the "charge ordering" modulation in mixed-valent manganites in real space using scanning transmission electron microscopy. The modulation in Bi0.5Sr0.4Ca0.1MnO3 has a uniform periodicity appearing as stripes in high angle annular dark field images. Geometric phase analysis shows the modulation to be a displacement wave with transverse amplitude (0.008+/-0.001)a and longitudinal amplitude (0.003+/-0.001)a. Series of energy loss spectra taken across the stripes show no periodic changes and place an upper bound of +/-0.04 on any valence changes of the Mn ions.
Control abstraction in parallel programming languages

Control abstraction is the process by which programmers define new control constructs, specifying a statement ordering separately from an implementation of that ordering. It is argued that control abstraction can and should play a central role in parallel programming. Control abstraction can be used to build new control constructs for the expression of parallelism. A control construct can have several implementations, representing the varying degrees of parallelism to be exploited on different architectures. Control abstraction also reduces the need for explicit synchronization, since it admits a precise specification of control flow. Several examples are used to illustrate the benefits of control abstraction. It is also shown that one can efficiently implement a parallel programming language based on control abstraction. It is argued that, because of the enormous benefits and reasonable costs of control abstraction, it should be included in explicitly parallel programming languages. >
Structural effects of hypermodified nucleosides in the Escherichia coli and human tRNALys anticodon loop: the effect of nucleosides s2U, mcm5U, mcm5s2U, mnm5s2U, t6A, and ms2t6A.

Previous nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of unmodified and ψ39-modified tRNALys anticodon stem loops (ASLs) show that significant structural rearrangements must occur to attain a canonical anticodon loop conformation. The Escherichia coli tRNALys modifications mnm5s2U34 and t6A37 have indeed been shown to remodel the anticodon loop, although significant dynamic flexibility remains within the weakly stacked U35 and U36 anticodon residues. The present study examines the individual effects of mnm5s2U34, s2U34, t6A37, and Mg2+ on tRNALys ASLs to decipher how the E. coli modifications accomplish the noncanonical to canonical structural transition. We also investigated the effects of the corresponding human tRNALys,3 versions of the E. coli modifications, using NMR to analyze tRNA ASLs containing the nucleosides mcm5U34, mcm5s2U34, and ms2t6A37. The human wobble modification has a less dramatic loop remodeling effect, presumably because of the absence of a positive charge on the mcm5 side chain. Nonspe...
Electromagnetic field enhancement in realistic transition metamaterials

We investigate the effect of anomalous field enhancement in lossy optical transition metamaterials and provide guidelines for optimizing the profile of the transition layer for maximum enhancement in these structures.
Three novel isograds in metamorphosed siliceous dolomites from the Ballachulish aureole, Scotland

Isograds were mapped in siliceous dolomites from the Ballachulish aureole on the basis of the formation of geikielite (MgTi03), baddeleyite (Zr02), and qandilite (Mg2Ti04) by the following model reactions: rutile + dolomite = geikielite + calcite + C02' zircon + 2 dolomite = baddeleyite + forsterite + 2 calcite + 2 C02' and geikielite + periclase = qandilite. The (T, Xco,) conditions of reaction inferred from (1) mineral equilibria in pelitic rocks, (2) calcite + dolomite thermometry, and (3) the diopside + dolomite + forsterite + calcite + tremolite and dolomite + periclase + calcite equilibria are: geikielite isograd (640-655 °C, 0.76-0.80); baddeleyite isograd (660-710 °C, 0.76-0.95); qandilite isograd (725-755 °C, <0.08). These T-Xco2 conditions for the geikielite and baddeleyite isograds are the same within error of those independently estimated from rutile + dolomite + geikielite + calcite and zircon + dolomite + baddeleyite + forsterite + calcite equilibria using Berman's thermodynamic data base. Rutile, zircon, geikielite, and baddeleyite are common in dolomites from at least two other contact aureoles in Scotland and Montana. Although the minerals occur in concentrations <0.01 %, they appear to have been in local equilibrium during metamorphism both with each other and with coexisting carbonates and silicates and are potentially useful but currently unexploited records of the physical conditions of metamorphism.
White Male Privilege A Conversation

White male privilege exploded in the classroom. One was terrified; the other forgot. In this article, two White bodies, one female and the other male, discuss this event in an interrupted conversation that moves between personal/local and subject/global.
Feedback EDF Scheduling of Real-Time Tasks Exploiting Dynamic Voltage Scaling

Many embedded systems are constrained by limits on power consumption, which are reflected in the design and implementation for conserving their energy utilization. Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) has become a promising method for embedded systems to exploit multiple voltage and frequency levels and to prolong their battery life. However, pure DVS techniques do not perform well for systems with dynamic workloads where the job execution times vary significantly. In this paper, we present a novel approach combining feedback control with DVS schemes targeting hard real-time systems with dynamic workloads. Our method relies strictly on operating system support by integrating a DVS scheduler and a feedback controller within the earliest-deadline-first (EDF) scheduling algorithm. Each task is divided into two portions. The objective within the first portion is to exploit frequency scaling for the average execution time. Static and dynamic slack is accumulated for each task with slack-passing and preemption handling schemes. The objective within the second portion is to meet the hard real-time deadline requirements up to the worst-case execution time following a last-chance approach. Feedback control techniques make the system capable of selecting the right frequency and voltage settings for the first portion, as well as guaranteeing hard real-time requirements for the overall task. A feedback control model is given to describe our feedback DVS scheduler, which is used to analyze the system's stability. Simulation experiments demonstrate the ability of our algorithm to save up to 29% more energy than previous work for task sets with different dynamic workload characteristics.
Affinity partitioning of vancomycin.

The use of the Flanagan and Barondes model14 describing affinity partitioning as an aid in designing separation systems is discussed. Experimental studies are described for affinity partitioning of vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, in a water–methoxypolyethylene glycol-dextran system using methoxypolyethylene glycol-dextran system using methoxypolyethylene glycol bound D-alanyl-Dalanyl-D-alanine or D-alanyl-D-alanine as the reversible affinity ligand. Even for this ideal case of 1:1 binding interaction, the model only qualitatively predicts the affinity effect when all model parameters are measured independently. The discrepancy between measured and predicted values can be attributed to a difference in exposed surface of the free antibiotic and ligand compared to that in the bound state. The effect of experimentally varying model parameters is also described. It was determined that a polymers-ligand which partitions more strongly to the top phase would provide the most significant enhancement to this affinity partitioning system. Such an improvement can be made by increasing the molecular weight of the hydrophobicity of the polymer-ligand. A process for vancomycin recovery from fermentation broth using D--alanyl-D-alanine sepharose as affinity ligand is described.
Risk, Outcomes, and Costs of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Among Patients With Head-and-Neck Malignancies

Purpose: To study the risk, outcomes, and costs of radiation-induced oral mucositis (OM) among patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) to head and neck primary cancers. Methods and Materials: A retrospective cohort consisting of 204 consecutive head-and-neck cancer patients who received RT with or without chemotherapy during 2002 was formed; their records were reviewed for clinical and resource use information. Patients who had received prior therapy, had second primary cancers, or received palliative radiation therapy were excluded. The risk of OM was analyzed by multiple variable logistic regression. The cost of care was computed from the provider’s perspective in 2006 U.S. dollars and compared among patients with and without OM. Results: Oral mucositis occurred in 91% of patients; in 66% it was severe (Grade 3–4). Oral mucositis was more common among patients with oral cavity or oropharynx primaries (odds ratio [OR], 44.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.2 to >100; p Conclusions: Head-and-neck RT causes OM in virtually all patients. Oral mucositis is associated with severe pain, significant weight loss, increased resource use, and excess cost. Preventive strategies are needed.
Ultrasonic gas body activation in Elodea leaves and the mechanical index

Abstract Membrane damage resulting from ultrasonic gas body activation was investigated in leaves of the aquatic plant Elodea using pulse-mode exposures from 0.745–15 MHz. The frequency response was similar to that previously observed for continuous exposures. Cell death thresholds were higher for the pulse modes; for example, at 6 MHz the threshold was 166 W/cm2 spatial-peak, pulse-average (SPPA) intensity for 1 μs pulses and 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) for 60 s exposures, compared to 12 W/cm2 for 60 ms continuous exposure. Increasing the PRF for 2.5 MHz, 3 μs pulses from 10 Hz to 5 kHz resulted in a gradual decrease in the threshold. Increasing the pulse duration from 1 μs to 30 μs and PRF from 33 Hz to 1 kHz only weakly influenced the threshold, for the constant 60 ms total on-time. Decreasing the pulse duration for single 6 MHz pulses increased the threshold up to 1,540 W/cm2 at 30 μs. The gas body activity was modeled with linear theory for oscillation of the gas channel walls, and intracellular shear stress, which causes lethal damage to the plasma membranes, was modeled with theory for acoustic microstreaming. Theory and observation indicate that the minimum shear stress threshold as a function of resonance frequency has essentially the same form as the Mechanical Index (MI) in the 0.5 to 20 MHz range. Specifically, for 3 μs pulses with 0.2-2 kHz PRF and 60 ms total on-time, the pressure-amplitude threshold divided by the square root of the frequency was approximately constant at 0.95 MPa/MHz 1 2 .
Early Hospital Discharge and the Timing Of Newborn Metabolic Screening

Cost containment measures have reduced dramatically the length of stay for normal newborns, in some cases jeopardizing the ability to obtain appropriate newborn screens. In our hospital, we found that an unacceptable number of patients had mistakenly been screened before 24 hours of age. As pressures to shorten hospitalization increase, health-care providers must examine the impact of such changes on their ability to obtain adequate newborn screens. Potential solutions include continued vigilance in gathering specimens after 24 hours of age, interpretation of time-sensitive tests in an age-adjusted manner, and repeating newborn screens after 24 hours of age.
FOUR DIMENSIONAL SUPERSTRING THEORIES IN ORBIFOLD-LIKE CONSTRUCTION

We present a construction of string theories based on the orbifold-like boundary condition on the world sheet fields in the NSR formalism. A simple model is given.