cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The appearance of bubbles in de sitter space

Abstract We give a discussion, based on the ideas of Coleman and de Luccia, of the geometry of bubbles of real vacuum as they appear in a der Sitter universe dominated by false-vacuum energy density. This geometry seems not to be uniquely determined, and it is difficult to find a physical basis for discriminating between the different types of bubble. We also calculate numerically the tunnelling action for bubbles, in the case where false and real vacua are separated by a small barrier. The action is rather small, and varies only in a weak logarithmic way with barrier height, a result which may cause problems for some varieties of the “new” inflationary universe.
Serum Neuron‐specific Enolase as a Predictor of Intracranial Lesions in Children with Head Trauma: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels in predicting intracranial lesions (ICL) in children with blunt head trauma (HT). METHODS A prospective pilot study was conducted of patients 0 to 18 years of age presenting to a children's hospital emergency department (ED) between December 1997 and October 1998. Children presenting within 24 hours of injury who required head computed tomography (CT) were eligible. Blood samples were obtained to measure serum NSE level. Data collected included patient demographics, historical information, Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS), physical examination, head CT results, and outcome. Patients were assigned to one of two groups based on the head CT results (PICL; presence of intracranial lesion, or NICL; no intracranial lesion). Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and chi-square. The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated when appropriate. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the NSE level that yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting ICL. RESULTS Fifty patients were enrolled; 22 (45%) had abnormal head CT. No difference in demographics or mechanism of injury was observed between those with abnormal or normal CT scans. The mean GCS level was 11.9 +/- 4.2 for PICL and 13.9 +/- 2.6 for NICL (p = 0.045; 95% CI = -0.05 to -3.9). The mean NSE level was 26.7 +/- 21.4 for PICL and 17.7 +/- 7.8 for NICL (p = 0.048; 95% CI = 0.1 to 17.9). An NSE level > or = 15.3 ng/mL yielded a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 52%, and a negative predictive value of 74%. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that serum NSE may be a useful screening tool for predicting ICL in children with blunt head trauma. However, the NSE alone was neither sensitive nor specific in predicting all patients with ICL.
Pretreatment of high-risk patients requiring radiographic contrast media studies

Abstract Pretreatment for 318 radiographic contrast media procedures in 284 patients with a prior anaphylactoid reaction to radiographic contrast media was associated with no adverse effects in 294 (92.5%) procedures. In 23 procedures (7.1%), mild or minimal reactions occurred that were of little or no consequence to the patient. One (0.3%) patient experienced transient hypotension, wheezing, and urticaria. The pretreatment program consisted of prednisone 50 mg orally every 6 hr for three doses ending 1 hr before the procedure and diphenhydramine 50 mg intramuscularly 1 hr before the procedure. Based on the cumulative results in the prospective series of 318 procedures, this regimen is appropriate prophylaxis for high-risk patients.
Sol-gel synthesis of mesoporous mixed oxides in the ZrO2-SiO2 system

Simple and convenient method was proposed for synthesis of mixed oxides in the system ZrO2-SiO2 (10–60 mol% zirconium dioxide). Starting substances were tetraethylorthosilicate and zirconium chloride octahydrate. The surface properties of the synthesized samples were studied and the degree of their homogeneity and the strength of acid centers were determined.
Solidarity of the profession

“Solidarity of the electrical engineering profession is a characteristic inherent in the profession itself,” according to M. D. Hooven, AIEE President. “Where a common purpose or a common effort is required… common participation is assured.” President Hooven tells of joint efforts in the profession, of individuals participating in more than one of the associations, and particularly of AIEE's relation to its affiliates.
Phase diagram of electroweak theory.

There is some controversy in the literature concerning the phase diagram of electroweak theory, particularly when {ital W}-boson condensation occurs. Problems with previous calculations are pointed out and the thermodynamic potential is recalculated. Limitations of current theoretical approaches are found and suggestions are made on how to improve the approximations, especially at high temperature and high density.
NGC 4258: A Compact Central Infrared Source Revealed

We present high-resolution (~06) near-infrared Keck observations that probe the optically obscured nucleus of NGC 4258 (M 106), which is believed to contain a 3.6 × 107 M☉ black hole. The images show a compact central source at K (2.21 μm) and H (1.65 μm). To determine the strength of the compact component against the stellar background, we normalized the J (1.25 μm) surface brightness profile, which is taken to be dominated by the bulge stars, to the K and H profiles at 200 pc and subtracted it out. The normalization constant in each case agrees well with the outer colors of highly inclined spirals. The compact source has a measured K flux of 4.5 mJy and an H flux of 1.1 mJy. After making reasonable assumptions about the intrinsic energy distribution of the central source based on optical polarimetry and X-ray measurements, we derive a reddening to the source of AV ~ 17 mag. When corrected for this extinction, the IR (1.5-3.5 μm) luminosity is ~2 × 107 L☉. The corresponding X-ray (2-10 keV) luminosity is ~107 L☉, while the central source has been estimated at ~102 L☉ in the radio. We suggest on the basis of the polarimetric evidence that the source of the near-infrared excess is nonthermal, although the possibility of thermal emission by dust grains in the inferred torus cannot be ruled out.
Allylamine cardiovascular toxicity: V. Tissue distribution and toxicokinetics after oral administration.

We studied the uptake, tissue distribution, toxicokinetics, and excretion of allylamine by giving rats [14C] allylamine (1.5 μCi/kg; 150 mg/kg) by gavage. Rats were killed at intervals up to 2 h, and multiple tissues were sampled. Aorta showed the highest counts of 14C-label at most times (5–10-fold higher than most other organs, 100-fold higher than blood), although a minority of aortas had very low counts. Coronary arteries dissected from the hearts showed consistently higher 14C-label than myocardium. Liver counts, which were high at 5 min, decreased rapidly; kidney counts slowly increased until 45 min, then decreased rapidly, consistent with an excretory function for this organ. Counts of 14C-label were lower in all other organs, including lung, skeletal, muscle, brain, testes, pancreas, adrenal, spleen, fat, and blood. Toxicokinetic study showed a very rapid absorption rate and short half-lives (less than 1 h) for those organs which reasonably fit a toxicokinetic one-compartment model. 14C-label was rapidly excreted in the urine; approximately 60% of the dose given was recovered by 24 h. No counts were found in feces. These studies indicate that allylamine - or its metabolite(s) - has a unique predilection for elastic and muscular arteries, such as aorta and coronary arteries. This relatively specific cardiovascular toxin acts as a highly polar, highly water soluble substance, which is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, has a short half-life in most tissues, and is rapidly excreted in the urine. The actual mechanisms by which allylamine injures tissue, especially in view of its rapid sequestration in vascular tissue, remain to be uncovered.
Water Absorption by Organics: Survey of Laboratory Evidence and Evaluation of UNIFAC for Estimating Water Activity

The composition of organic material in atmospheric particles and the influence of these organics on aggregate particle properties have remained less well characterized than that of the inorganic ionic fraction. While laboratory and atmospheric studies strive to quantify the formation rates and concentrations of water-soluble and other organic compounds in atmospheric particles, concerted efforts are being devoted by many scientists to develop models for simulating the formation and gas-particle distribution of condensible organics in the atmosphere. Within this research milieu, as a first step toward developing a capability to simulate the thermodynamics of aqueous, organic-containing submicron droplets under atmospheric conditions, in this paper we (i) synthesize published laboratory data to evaluate the water absorption behavior of multifunctional oxygenated organic compounds and (ii) test the reliability of the UNIFAC group contribution method (1) for estimating water activities of aqueous organic solu...
Carotenoid selectivity in blood and feathers of lesser (African), Chilean and greater (European) flamingos.

Abstract 1. 1. As was found earlier in individuals of three of the six known flamingo species, i.e. the American or West Indian, Phoeenicopterus ruber, and two from high Andean mountain lakes, Phoenicoparrus andinus and P. jamesi, the present work reports that specimensof the three other living species, namely the lesser or African bird, Phoeniconaias minor, and the Chilean and the greater or European ones, Phoenicopterus chilensis and P. antiquorum respectively, were found to carry, in their pigment-rich feathers and blood, canthaxanthin as the dominant carotenoid. 2. 2. P. minor feathers yielded canthaxanthin, phoenicoxanthin and astaxanthin, in respective proportions, and no other carotenoid save traces of unidentified material. 3. 3. Chilean and greater flamingo feathers carried not only the same trio of orange to red derivatives of β-carotene, but also the newly found and rare carotenoid phoenicopterone (4-keto-α-carotene). 4. 4. A sample of foot-web-skin from a wild African specimen (P. minor) yielded astaxanthin esters in overwhelming majority, accompanied by minor quantities of phoenicoxanthin, also mostly esterified. 5. 5. Blood of the African species, whether fresh from the wild or after several years in captivity, exhibited more than 80 per cent as canthaxanthin, minor levels of β-carotene, somewhat more but highly variable amounts of echinenone (4-keto-β-carotene), variable small amounts of phoenocoxanthin and only traces of astaxanthin. 6. 6. A similar qualitative assortment held true for P. chilensis and P. antiquorum blood, but with the arresting difference that therein echinenone was replaced by phoenicopterone, which constituted from one-sixth to one-fifth of the total blood carotenoids. 7. 7. The considerable variation in concentration of the several blood carotenoids would support the natural assumption that, rather than a static condition prevailing, there must be active metabolic progress toward the accumulation of a common carotenoid end-product, canthaxanthin, within the constantly changing blood stream.
Comparing semantically-blind and semantically-aware landscape similarity measures with application to query-by-content and regionalization

Abstract Local landscapes can be assessed for a degree of mutual similarity between their patterns using a methodology pioneered in the domain of Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR). They are represented by multivariate histograms of selected pattern features and their similarity is calculated as the similarity between those histograms. Potential similarity functions include semantically-blind measures — designed to compare only the patterns without taking into account intrinsic similarities between the features, and semantically-aware measures — that also take into account intrinsic (semantic) alikeness between landscape features. In this paper we compare the performance of these two types of landscape similarity measures. Two measures are evaluated, the semantically-blind Jensen–Shanon (JS) and the semantically-aware Earth Mover's Distance (EMD). The performance of these two measures is evaluated empirically by running tests pertaining to their potential practical applications: a query-by-content and regionalization into landscape types. Variants of the JS and EMD corresponding to 1D and 2D histograms are applied to the two test sites taken from the NLCD 2006. Each test site is divided into 400 3 × 3 km areal units serving as local landscapes. For each test site extensive query-by-content and regionalization calculations are run using different variants of JS and EMD. The results are compared using statistics and visual assessment. The EMD has been found to perform better than the JS, but the difference in performance is not pronounced, especially if a 1D histogram representation of landscapes is used. For the 2D histogram representation of landscapes the EMD consistently yields better results than the JS but suffers from high computational cost. The EMD also enables the comparison of landscapes having different legends.
Influence of interaural level differences on the speech recognition masking level difference

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of interaural level differences on the magnitude of the speech recognition masking level differences obtained from younger and older subjects with normal hearing and from subjects with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing losses. A ten-word subgroup of CID W-1 spondaic words having the largest masking-level differences was used. Masking level differences decreased systematically with increasing interaural level differences for all three groups. At interaural level differences of 36 and 42 dB, the masking level difference persisted for the younger and older normal subjects (1.6 and 1.9 dB, respectively); similar results were obtained from the subjects with hearing losses at a 24-dB interaural level difference. For all subject groups, the S0N0 thresholds were unaffected by changes in the interaural level difference, whereas the S pi N0 thresholds were inversely related to the interaural level difference.
Intra-limb coordination deficit in stroke survivors and response to treatment.

Abstract Purpose Purpose one was to characterize the consistency of intra-limb hip/knee (H/K) coordination according to a measure of average coefficient of correspondence (ACC) across strides. Purpose two was to investigate H/K ACC validity and ability to discriminate pre-/post-treatment change in stroke survivors. Methods Five healthy controls and 32 chronic (>12 mos) stroke survivors were enrolled, and H/K ACC was calculated for both groups. Comparison between controls and stroke was made using the Mann–Whitney Test. Convergent validity of H/K ACC was tested using the Pearson Correlation model with gait speed and the 6 min Walk Test (6MWT). Stroke survivors were randomized to either: (1) gait training with functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) using intramuscular (IM) electrodes or (2) gait training without FNS. Both groups had treatment 1.5 h/day, 5 days/week, for 12weeks, including .5 h coordination exercise, .5 h body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT), and .5 h over ground gait training. The FNS-IM group used FNS-IM for all treatment components; the No-FNS group did not. Pre-/post-treatment comparisons were made using ANOVA. Results H/K ACC detected a significant difference between controls versus stroke involved limb (p = .0001) and controls versus stroke uninvolved limb (p = .042). The H/K ACC measure was well-correlated with gait speed (r = .70) and 6MWT (r = .69). H/K ACC showed a significant treatment response to FNS-IM (p = .003), but not No-FNS (p = .747). Conclusions H/K ACC sensitively discriminated between controls versus stroke involved or uninvolved limbs. H/K ACC was valid, with significant correlations with both walking speed and 6MWT. FNS-IM produced a significant gain in H/K ACC, and No-FNS did not.
Central Sleep Apnea in Congestive Heart Failure: Prevalence, Mechanisms, Impact, and Therapeutic Options

Heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction is a prevalent syndrome and associated with morbidity, mortality, and huge economic cost. According to reports from several laboratories, a large number of patients with heart failure have central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea causes arousals and sleep disruption, alters blood gases, and increases sympathetic activity. The pathophysiological consequences of central sleep apnea could adversely affect left ventricular structure and functions and worsen prognosis of heart failure. Several treatment options, including use of nocturnal supplemental oxygen, positive airway pressure devices, and theophylline have been systematically studied and have been shown to improve central sleep apnea. Long-term studies, however, are necessary to determine the impact of therapy on natural history of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Factors that affect the uptake of ammonia by the brain: the blood-brain pH gradient

Abstract The brain uptake index (BUI) for [13N]ammonia was measured in 7 areas of the rat brain at 8 different pH values ranging from 6.58 to 7.73. When the regional BUI was plotted as a function of the pH of the test bolus, a significant linear correlation was found for each region (P
Core–shell morphology as a model for the study of gas permeation in composite systems

Structured latex particles prepared by emulsion polymerization were used as a model to simulate the interphase region between two phases. Multiphase polymer films comprised of high and low permeability polymers of various compositions were used. The model system consisted of a poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) matrix and a discontinuous phase with core and shell morphology. The structured particle had a PBMA core and a vinylidene chloride – n-butyl methacrylate (VDC–BMA) copolymer shell. The shell transport characteristics wer altered by changing the (VDC–BMA) copolymer molar ratio. The physical and transport properties for each individual component were measured. Nitrogen was the probe gas. Films used for permeation experiments were prepared by latex casting. The results showed that the morphology of a heterogeneous polymeric system and the transport characteristics of their components had a considerable effect on the magnitude of the transport properties. Experimental data also showed the dependence of the gas global permeability coefficient on the nature of the simulated interphase region, the shell, and the weight percentage of such interphase in the heterogeneous polymeric films. Upon increasing the VDC content in the VDC–BMA copolymer, the gas permeability decreased. The data were fitted to the electrical analogs of conductivity in composite systems. For the matrix filled with structured particles the overall permeability coefficient could best be described when the individual permeabilities were considered as the inverse resistances in parallel.
Iris Suture Fixation of Subluxated Intraocular Lenses

Purpose To assess the results of iris suture fixation of subluxated intraocular lenses. Design Retrospective study. Methods This was a nonrandomized chart review of eyes with subluxated intraocular lenses that underwent iris suture fixation at an academic institutional care center. Seventy-two eyes of 67 consecutive patients were included. The following cases were excluded: posterior dislocations necessitating pars plana vitrectomy; secondary implantations for aphakia; and iris suture fixation at primary cataract extraction. Main outcome measures included visual acuity improvement, surgically induced astigmatism, and postsurgical complications. Results The mean follow-up duration was 16.64 ± 24.37 months (median = 4.03 months). All patients had preoperative monocular diplopia or unstable vision attributable to the subluxated intraocular lenses, and 40.3% of them required aphakic correction. There was an overall improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from a mean preoperative logMAR 0.35 ± 0.32 (Snellen equivalent∼20/45) to logMAR 0.21 ± 0.25 (20/32, P = .001). There was no significant change in astigmatism secondary to the surgery. The mean difference in preoperative keratometry readings was 1.6 ± 1.07 diopter (D), whereas the mean postoperative manifest refraction astigmatic error (vertexed to the corneal surface) was 1.29 ± 0.92 D ( P Conclusions Iris suture fixation of subluxated intraocular lenses was efficacious for the eyes included in this study, and it led to long-term stability of the intraocular lenses in 93.55% of cases.
Effect of a zinc phosphate suspension of a long-acting somatostatin analog on postprandial plasma glucose, triglyceride and glucagon concentrations in alloxan diabetic dogs

Abstract The effects of a zinc phosphate suspension of a long-acting, reportedly selective somatostatin analog, Des-Ala 1 , Gly 2 [His 4,5 , D-Try]-somatostatin (100 μg/kg) on postprandial plasma glucose, glucagon, xylose and triglyceride levels were evaluated in alloxandiabetic dogs. Compared to the analog in aqueous solution, the zinc phosphate suspension had a more gradual onset of action in suppressing plasma glucose and xylose levels but a similar onset of action on suppression of plasma triglyceride and glucagon responses. On all these responses, the zinc suspension had a duration of action ( > 62;6 hrs) at least three times as long as the aqueous solution. We conclude that such a somatostatin analog in zinc phosphate suspension may have a sufficient duration of action to be useful as an adjunct to insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Budget constraints in logistics models

In application of operations research models in the area of logistics, important constraints are typically encountered in the form of limitations on the funds appropriated. A supply system must be operated within whatever budgeted funds are appropriated by Congress. In the present article, various possible types of budget constraints are discussed as well as their impact on certain types of operations research models. The possible misallocations that can result from the setting of specific budgets designated for particular purposes are discussed. The confusion existing in the literature concerning the type of constraints that are actually encountered versus those that are imposed upon the mathematical models is pointed out as well as the typical inconsistency of budget constraints and steady-state models. The difference between a steady-state budget and a transition-phase budget is clarified.
Completeness of the wave operators for perturbations of uniformly propagative systems

Many wave propagation phenomena of classical physics are governed by symmetric hyperbolic systems of the form E(x) Dtu+∑j=1nAjDju=0 (E(x) and Aj are Hermitian matrices, E(x) is positive definite, and the Aj are constant.) The solutions of (1) generate a group of unitary operators exp(−itΛ) on the Hilbert space H defined by the energy norm ∥u∥2 = ∝Rn u(x)∗ E(x) u(x) dx. (2) The group generator is a self-adjoint extension of the differential operator ∇=−iE(x)−1∑j=1n AjDj on H. If E(x) is replaced by a constant E0 the corresponding space and operator are denoted by H0 and Λ0. In this paper it is shown that the wave operators W±(∇,∇0;J)=s-limt→∞exp(it∇)Jexp(−it∇0)P0 exist and are complete if Λ0 is uniformly propagative (the roots λj(p) of det(λE0 − Σj = 1n Ajpj = 0 have constant multiplicity and constant algebraic sign for all real p ≠ 0), E(x) and DjE(x) are continuous and bounded (j = 1, 2,…,n), E(x) is uniformly positive definite, and ∝Rn (1 + ¦ x ¦2)μ ¦ E(x) − E0 ¦2 dx n2. (In (4), H0rarr;H is the identification map, Ju = u, and P0 is the orthogonal projection onto the absolutely continuous subspace for Λ0, W± are complete if the ranges of W± equal PH where P is the orthogonal projection onto the absolutely continuous subspace for Λ.)
In vitro pulsatility analysis of axial-flow and centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist devices.

Mechanical circulatory support is an important and increasingly prevalent therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are broadly distinguished as either volume-displacement (pulsatile-) or continuous-flow pumps. The advantages and disadvantages of pulsatile versus nonpulsatile blood flow have been chronicled and deliberated for decades [1,2]. However, the acceptance and increasing use of continuous-flow systems has come about by ongoing research demonstrating excellent recovery of failing end-organs and enhanced survival [3–5]. Rotary VADs have alleviated several concerns that earlier volume-displacement pumps experienced, including efficiency [6], anatomic fit [7], durability [8], hemolysis [9], and reliability [10]. Physically, the continuous-flow pumps have traded in a decrease in pulse pressure for a smaller sized device. With the lasting effects of chronic nonpulsatile flow unknown and the widespread and increasing use of these devices, examination of VAD responses to inherent fluctuations in preload and afterload and performance during moderate pulsatile-flow is clinically relevant. As the designs of CF-VADs continue to evolve, maintaining or producing pulsatile-flow is a sought-after positive feature. Quantifying the level of pulsatile-flow through a CF-VAD establishes a metric by which different devices can be compared. Pulsatility index (PI) is defined as a measurement for variability of the fluid flow rate. PI is calculated to relate devices to the level of pulsatile flow that is generated under a given condition. Some CF-VADs report PI on the system monitor and use it for speed control [11,12]. Even if PI is not reported, an estimated flow rate usually is, so it is possible to estimate PI as the amplitude in flow rate varies. We have observed clinically that various CF-VADs are capable of greater PI than others. To date, however, no reports exist that experimentally contrast multiple continuous-flow devices under pulsating-type, hence physiologic, conditions. Comparison of implanted devices involves too many variables for direct scientific analysis and if attempted would require a very large sample group to be statistically viable. A mock flow loop provides greater control over the parameters in the circulation than the in vivo situation. In vitro experiments designed to analyze VAD performance under pulsating pressure and flow will show how they compare to one another under physiologic conditions. Clinically, we are faced with real, important challenges in patient management based on both the loading (volume status) and unloading (hypertension) conditions of the ventricle. In this study we investigate the variations in in vitro pulsatility characteristics generated by four CF-VADs, two axial-flow type and two centrifugal- (or radial-) flow design.
On the cyclic homology of monomial relation algebras

Abstract A finite dimensional monomial relation algebra has finite global dimension if and only if the relative cyclic homology of its radical is equal to zero.
Generic and maximal Jordan types

For a finite group scheme G over a field k of characteristic p>0, we associate new invariants to a finite dimensional kG-module M. Namely, for each generic point of the projectivized cohomological variety $\text{Proj}\mathop{H}^{\bullet}(G,k)$ we exhibit a “generic Jordan type” of M. In the very special case in which G=E is an elementary abelian p-group, our construction specializes to the non-trivial observation that the Jordan type obtained by restricting M via a generic cyclic shifted subgroup does not depend upon a choice of generators for E. Furthermore, we construct the non-maximal support variety Γ(G) M , a closed subset of $\text{Proj}\mathop{H}^{\bullet}(G,k)$ which is proper even when the dimension of M is not divisible by p.
Student Assessment as a Political Construction: The Case of Uruguay

This article reveals the interplay between assessment policies in Uruguay and the nature of State-societal relations. The central State has been historically a staunch defender of public education and has championed the cause of equalizing opportunities for the most disadvantaged sectors of society. The national evaluation system of student performance has been constructed as an expression of this tradition. The Uruguayan government sought to build a wide level of consensus with respect to the assessment instruments by encouraging educators to participate and buy into the assessment initiative. Moreover, the national government shifted the focus of the national evaluation from measuring schooling outcomes to addressing the social wants that condition student learning. Hence, the national evaluation has come to symbolize an agreed-upon mechanism of social accountability by which the central government upholds its responsibility for educational provision as it intervenes on behalf of impoverished communities. (Note 1)
Late Twilight Glow of the Ash Stratum from the Eruption of Agung Volcano.

Observation of the height of the dust layer responsible for the onset of brilliant sunsets in the 30 ° N zone since September 1963 gives evidence that the ash has diffused from the eruption of the volcano Agung on Bali. A height of 22 km is derived for the top of the primary stratum.
The vector-electrocardiogram in acute coronary insufficiency and in acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract 1. 1. In twenty-seven patients with acute coronary insufficiency and in twenty-four patients with acute myocardial infarction, electrocardiograms and mean spatial vectors of QRS and T have been described and compared. 2. 2. Acute coronary insufficiency is a common clinical entity, at least half as common as acute transmural myocardial infarction. 3. 3. The diagnosis of acute coronary insufficiency may be made with reasonable accuracy and implies an area of subendocardial necrosis which is anterior in location three times as frequently as posterior. 4. 4. The mean spatial vector of QRS, being a composite figure, shows little change in myocardial infarction, and, of course, in coronary insufficiency. 5. 5. The mean spatial T-vector shift is greater in acute myocardial infarction than in acute coronary insufficiency. The maximum shift occurs earlier, on the third day in acute coronary insufficiency, and considerably later in myocardial infarction. 6. 6. In acute myocardial infarction, anterior in location, there is a close correlation between the degree of shift of the mean spatial T vector and the severity of the illness. Thus in this situation the degree of shift of the T vector appears to be a measure of the extent of myocardial injury. 7. 7. Complete electrocardiographic recovery occurs more frequently in acute coronary insufficiency; also the attainment of a stable electrocardiogram occurs earlier than in acute myocardial infarction. 8. 8. Vector-electrocardiography is of real value in acute coronary insufficiency and in acute myocardial infarction; it is a semiquantitative yardstick for the more detailed appraisal of the degree of myocardial injury and the amount of recovery.
Effect of ionic environment on BSA filtration and the properties of BSA deposits

Abstract Although many current applications of membrane filtration involve the removal, concentration, or exchange of electrolytes, there is still no fundamental understanding of the effects of ionic composition and concentration on the performance of these filtration processes. We have obtained experimental data for the effect of ionic species on the hydraulic permeability of bovine serum albumin deposits formed during filtration. The permeability of the protein deposits decreased with increasing solution ionic strength at pH both above and below the protein isoelectric point but was relatively independent of ionic strength at the isoelectric point. The permeability of the BSA deposits at neutral pH was markedly smaller when measured with solutions of divalent cations than with solutions of monovalent cations but was unaffected by the valence of the anions. This dependence on ionic strength and ion valence was consistent with a simple model in which the protein layer permeability is determined by the balance between the compressive pressure associated with the filtration and the electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged proteins in the deposit. These results were then combined with available data for the albumin diffusivity and osmotic pressure to examine the effects of solution ionic strength on the flux during protein filtration.
Demand response: A carbon-neutral resource?

Abstract Recent literature on demand response raises questions about the long-term capacity and carbon emissions impacts of expanding its deployment. To provide economy-wide insights into how demand response, capacity planning, and carbon emissions might interact in the future, we perform economic forecasts using a computational general equilibrium model based on the Energy Information Administration's National Energy Modeling System. We develop multiple scenarios of assumptions about the load-shifting and load reduction potential of demand response based on prior literature. The results of these scenarios suggest that demand response can defer large amounts of peak capacity construction. Contrary to expectations of increased carbon intensity, the results of our scenarios also suggest that demand response will have little impact on overall carbon emissions from electric power generation. This suggests that demand response can serve as a long-term, low-cost alternative for peak-hour load balancing without increasing carbon emissions.
A reinterpretation of the mathematical biophysics of the central nervous system in the light of neurophysiological findings

The fundamental equations for the interaction between neurons used in mathematical biophysics seem at first incompatible with the actual neurophysiological findings on the synaptic transmission. It is shown, however, that those equations may be readily interpreted in terms of accepted neurophysiological views. What has been termed “synapse” in mathematical biophysics must be regarded as a complicated network of internuncial neurons. It is shown that, under rather conditions, the number of those interneurons willstatistically vary with time according to the differential equation postulated for the excitatory and inhibitory factors. The latter are thus interpreted as the number of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons.
A NATIONAL UNDERGROUND SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Dramatic progress has been made in the last several years in our understanding of the properties of neutrinos with evidence for neutrino flavor transformation coming from measurements of atmospheric neutrinos by SuperKamiokande, of solar neutrinos by the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO), and of reactor neutrinos by KamLAND. These results are a step in the ongoing program of science that is carried out in underground laboratories. The potential for additional significant discoveries with new capabilities in underground laboratories exists and should be exploited. Discoveries are likely to be made not only in nuclear and particle physics, but also in astrophysics, geophysics, and geobiology. A concerted effort is now underway in the United States to create a National Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (NUSEL) that would provide the facilities and infrastructure necessary to capitalize on the opportunities presented by underground science.
Survival of plasmid-containing strains ofEscherichia coli in soil: Effect of plasmid size and nutrients on survival of hosts and maintenance of plasmids

Several strains ofEscherichia coli, containing plasmids that ranged in size from 3.9 to 96 kb, were inoculated into soil at 104–105 cells/g soil. The initial total bacterial population was approximately 5×107 cells/g soil, and the gram-negative bacterial population ranged from 105 to 106 cells/g soil. Changes in various populations were followed on selective media, and as few as 1 to 20 introduced colony forming units (CFU)/g soil could be detected. The introduced strains either remained at approximately 104 CFU/g soil or dropped to undetectable levels during a 28-day incubation, depending on the host strain but not on the type or size of the plasmid. The decline of plasmid-containing strains was less rapid than that of the plasmidless hosts in the two host (PRC487 and χ1666) and host-plasmid systems (PRC487[pACYC175] and χ1666[pESO19]) that were compared. The addition of nutrients, initially or during the incubation, resulted in an increase in all bacteria and decreased the rate of decline of introduced strains. Some plasmid-containing strains could not be recovered from soil by direct plating on selective media but could be recovered after transfer from nonselective isolation media to selective media. These laboratory-cultured strains apparently became so debilitated in soil that they could not grow directly on antibiotic-containing media without resuscitation on a less stressful medium. With the exception of the χ1666(pESO19) system, there appeared to be no loss of the plasmids in soil. These results indicated that the survival of some genetically engineered (i.e., plasmid-containing) bacteria in soil is primarily a function of the bacterial strain and not of the contained plasmid and is influenced by the nutritional state of the soil. No transfer of plasmids to indigenous bacteria was apparent in these studies.
Dayside thermal structure of Venus' upper atmosphere characterized by a global model

[1] Observations of Venus' dayside thermal structure are being conducted through ground based observatories. These temperature measurements, along with those from several instruments onboard the current Venus Express mission, are augmenting the previous thermal structure data from past missions (e.g., Veneras', Pioneer Venus Orbiter, Pioneer Venus Probes). These recent ground-based and VEx observations reveal the Venus dayside lower thermosphere to be considerably warmer and dynamically important than previously understood. In this study, a three dimensional general circulation model, the Venus Thermospheric General Circulation Model (VTGCM), is used to provide dayside temperature predictions for comparison to these recent ground based observations. Such a comparison serves to identify and quantify the underlying thermal processes responsible for the observed dayside temperature structure. The VTGCM reproduces the dayside temperatures observed near 110 km at noon from 40°S to 40°N very well. In addition, the global winds generated by these warm dayside temperatures are shown to give rise to dayside upwelling (divergence) and nightside subsidence (convergence) resulting in nightside warming near the anti-solar point at ∼104 km. Corresponding nightside temperatures reach ∼198 K, in accord with averaged measurements. This agreement implies (1) it is important for GCMs to include the updated radiative heating and cooling rates presented in Roldan et al. (2000) and (2) the current VTS3 and VIRA empirical models are in-sufficient in representing the warm regions observed in the thermal structure of the dayside lower thermosphere (∼100 to 130 km) and need to be updated.
A note on hashing functions and tabu search algorithms

Abstract Woodruff and Zemel present four effective functions that can be used for hashing within tabu search algorithms. However, the authors overlook one property that may affect the performance of algorithms that use the proposed functions. This paper clarifies the effects that the “birthday paradox” may have on algorithms using these functions.
Boron estrogens: Synthesis, biochemical and biological testing of estrone and estradiol-17β 3-carboranylmethyl ethers

Synthesis, biochemical and biological testing of the first carborane derivatives of estrogens are described. Estrone 3-carboranylmethyl ether was synthesized in two steps from estrone. Reduction of estrone 3-carboranylmethyl ether with sodium borohydride provided estradiol-17 beta 3-carboranylmethyl ether. Enzyme kinetic measurements showed that estrone 3-carboranylmethyl ether is a substrate for human placental 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with Km = 5 x 10(-6)M, and Vmax = 0.016 mumol min-1 microgram -1. The relative affinity constant of estradiol-17 beta 3-carboranylmethyl ether for rat uterine estrogen receptor was 0.5 (compared with a value of 100 for estradiol-17 beta). Consistent with its low affinity for estrogen receptor, the dose-dependent uterotropic response to estradiol-17 beta 3-carboranylmethyl ether in castrated female rats was one sixtieth that of estradiol-17 beta. None of the tested rats had a toxic reaction to estradiol-17 beta 3-carboranylmethyl ether. These results demonstrate that exceptionally stable carborane derivatives of estrogens can be synthesized with preservation of their biochemical and biological properties. Boron-containing estrogens may be useful for thermal neutron capture therapy of cancers with estrogen receptors to concentrate boron in the cell nucleus.
Investigation of Exhaust Conditions on Influencing Contaminant Transport for Indoor Environments

Indoor air quality is an important issue involved in a wide variety of industrial applications. In an indoor environment, different types of contaminants exist and have an inevitable potential to cause health problems for human beings and animals. In this study, the focus is on the contaminant contained in painting materials. While painting materials being sprayed to solid surfaces, pollutant plumes are formed near the painting area, which may enclose the body parts of the sprayers. Severe health problems are possible to occur if a significant amount of painting materials settles on the face of workers. By applying exhaust conditions (i.e. exhaust fan with outlet velocity), the flow convection in the room can be enhanced, which may alleviate the contaminant level on the human body. In such a case, the choice of exhaust condition becomes crucial. With the aid of computational fluid dynamics, an optimal exhaust condition can be determined. To simulate this kind of fluid/solid-particle multiphase flow, the current study employs a pure Eulerian or Euler-Euler type model. In the Euler-Euler approach, the properties of the contaminant particles are assumed to be continuous as those of fluids and all phases are computed in the Eulerian framework. Since the exhaust speed is moderately low and fully turbulent flow is not guaranteed in the room, the RNG k-e model is used as a low Reynolds number turbulent model. The current paper firstly investigated the scenario of sprayer self-contamination. Then, inter-contaminations among different workers will be studied.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Relationship of Tooth Position to Maxillary Ridge Anatomy

This study related the position of the anterior rugae to the maxillary canine teeth and the incisive papilla to the central incisors. Results indicated the rugae-canine correlation was not significant, but the incisive papilla-incisor relationship was highly significant and will aid the placement of denture teeth.
Glucose Transporter Type I Deficiency Causing Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial disorders are varied in their clinical presentation and pathogenesis. Diagnosis is usually made clinically and genetic defects are often not identified. We present a 6-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder secondary to complex I deficiency with seizures and developmental delay from infancy. Glucose transporter deficiency was suspected after a lumbar puncture showed hypoglycorrhachia. Her disorder was confirmed genetically as a mutation in her solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1 (SLCA2) gene. Delayed diagnosis led to delayed treatment, and neurologic sequelae may have been prevented by earlier recognition of this disorder.
Lipofection of cDNAs in the embryonic vertebrate central nervous system

Abstract Neurons from the embryonic brain of Xenopus were transfected in vivo with a vector expressing luciferase cDNA using a simple lipofection procedure. Luciferase activity was monitored quantitatively, and the protein was immunolocalized in whole-mount embryonic brains. Luciferase-expressing neurons were often intensely labeled, displaying a Golgi-like filling of their dendrites, axons, and growth cones. Luciferase expression could be targeted to the retina by simply removing the skin epidermis covering the area and exposing the whole embryo to the DNA-lipofectin mixture. Luciferase activity in transfected embryos rose to peak values during the first 48 hr posttransfection and was still detectable 28 days later. Cotransfection experiments in which embryonic nervous tissue was exposed simultaneously to two different genes, luciferase and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, showed that transfected cells coexpressed the two genes at an extremely high frequency (85%–100%). This offers the possibility of targeting functionally significant genes along with benign reporter genes in the developing CNS.
Myofascial Trigger Points: New Frontiers

(2005). Myofascial Trigger Points: New Frontiers. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 3-4.
Health Literacy: A New Area of Research With Links to Communication

The nascent but expanding field of health literacy research contributes to our understanding of the determinants of health. Over the past 10 years, health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers have been attentive to the links between a person's literacy skills and health outcomes, where lower literacy skills are most often associated with poorer health outcomes. However, there is growing attention to the substantial mismatch between existing literacy skills and the expectations of the health sector; this mismatch likely plays a part in such poor health outcomes. As researchers and practitioners in health literacy are examining efficacious actions, they are recognizing the need for collaborative work with those in education and in health communication. This article focuses on the developments in the field of health literacy studies and makes an argument for collaborative efforts among such professionals who have thus far charted relatively independent courses.
Finding a 'real' job

'Alternative' careers may be commonplace, but that doesn't mitigate a sense of failure, says Katherine Sixt.
Variation in the human lymphocyte sister-chromatid exchange frequency: Results of a long-term longitudinal study

The variation in lymphocyte sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency as a function of time was investigated in nonsmokers and smokers. The smokers were divided into 3 groups depending on their smoking status. The group termed 'smokers' participated in a program to stop smoking but did not reduce or eliminate their use of tobacco; 'smoke enders' successfully completed the smokending program and remained free of tobacco for the duration of the study, while the 'variable' group stopped smoking for a limited time but then resumed smoking. 8 or more blood samples per person were obtained over a period of at least 12 months. The SCE frequencies for each of these groups were compared with each other and with those of two previous longitudinal study groups from our laboratory. The proportion of high-frequency cells (HFCs) was also determined for each sample. The results confirm our previous finding that SCE frequencies and the proportion of HFCs observed in separate samples from the same individual are more likely to be different as the time between samples increases. We also show that smokers have significantly more SCEs and HFCs than do nonsmokers, that SCE frequencies in smokers do not decline for at least 12 months when smoking is stopped, and that among smokers, significant seasonal variation in the SCE frequency occurs. These results provide useful information concerning the effects of smoking upon SCE frequencies, and will be helpful in designing and interpreting the results of long-term human population cytogenetic studies.