cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Malamud's Revisions to “The Magic Barrel”

(1989). Malamud's Revisions to “The Magic Barrel”. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 252-260.
PROTEIN BINDING OF CALCIUM USING 45Ca WITH EGTA BUFFERS AND MYOSIN AS A MODEL

The various anomalies which occur using 45Ca, with ~~a~EGTA binding, led us to examine the properties of this isotope relative to complexing with the protein, myosin. Normal isotope dilution procedures [ 11, where the unlabeled ligand acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to the labeled ligand, can be used with 45Ca t C therefore 45Ca in the dialysate does not represent free Ca and ihus the isotope dilution method which is based on the binding of free Ca [ 1 J cannot be used accurately with the 45Ca + 40Ca/EGTA system. Second, binding in such a system is based on the assumption that the specific activity of the free Ca pool is equal to that of the total Ca pool. This assumption is incorrect because the affinity constant of 45Ca . EGTA is greater than that of “eCa . EGTA, due to the isotope effect of 45Ca [2-41. Third, the possibility exists that chelators could bind to proteins, such as myosin [5], and thus not allow the protein to express true binding characteristics because of subsequent incorrect Ca values. It is concluded that analyses of mol Ca bound/ mol of protein, using the 45Ca t 40Ca/EGTA system can be more correctly assessed using tracer techniques
Comments on “spectral albedos of mid-latitude snowpacks”

Abstract Choudhury (1982) has found that small amounts of soot added to a thin snow layer could increase the snowpack albedo in his computer model. This result is physically unrealistic; the effect of adding soot to snow is to darken it, not to brighten it. An explanation for the error in Choudhury's model is that in his single-scattering computation he has apparently exaggerated the extinction cross-section of soot by eight orders of magnitude.
Lengthening the nose: a lesson from craniofacial surgery applied to posttraumatic and congenital deformities.

Various methods of nasal lengthening presented in the literature are discussed, including extensive skin undermining, provision of extra skin by forehead flaps, bone grafts, cartilage grafts to the nasal tip, extensive dissection ofnasal lining, and buccal flaps to provide additional nasal lining. This paper describes a method that entails a nasofrontal osteotomy and mobilization of previous fractures in posttraumatic foreshortened noses and a perinasal osteotomy (Le Fort II minus Le Fort I) in congenitally short noses such as seen in Binder's syndrome. Nine posttraumatic and two congenital short noses have been treated in this manner without complication
What do animat models model

The practice of modelling behaviour using animats has met recent criticism. Since animats bear little structural resemblance to biological systems, it isn't clear what animat models are models of. In this paper I identify and defend a central epistemic presupposition behind animat research; the claim that modellers can acquire new knowledge about biological systems without modelling their specific underlying mechanisms. I cast the critiques of animat research offered by Webb and Bechtel as forms of a general skeptical challenge to this presupposition and show how it could be met by an appeal to multiply-realisable behaviour types. I then outline a means of specifying such types dynamically.
Primary production control of methane emission from wetlands

Based on simultaneous measurements of CO2 and CH4 exchange in wetlands extending from subarctic peatlands to subtropical marshes, a positive correlation between CH4 emission and net ecosystem production is reported. It is suggested that net ecosystem production is a master variable integrating many factors which control CH4 emission in vegetated wetlands. It is found that about 3 percent of the daily net ecosystem production is emitted back to the atmosphere as CH4. With projected stimulation of primary production and soil microbial activity in wetlands associated with elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, the potential for increasing CH4 emission from inundated wetlands, further enhancing the greenhouse effect, is examined.
Multiscale study of dynamic void collapse in single crystals

Abstract Molecular dynamics calculations were performed using embedded atom method (EAM) potentials to study the localization of inelastic flow and crack initiation in fcc single crystal copper and nickel. We compared the atomic scale anisotropic inelastic response of the copper single crystals from EAM to the results of [Philos. Mag. 78(5) (1998) 1151] (experiments and finite element results using single crystal plasticity). Hollow circular cylinders of single crystals were loaded radially with a constant average velocity at a strain rate of 109s−1, inducing the collapse of the cylinder. Various initial orientations of the lattice are examined to study the localization of flow and crack initiation. Comparisons between EAM, experiments, and finite element simulations were in good agreement with each other illustrating that kinematic and localization effects are invariant to extremely large spatial and temporal regimes. Finally, similar dislocation nucleation patterns, localization sites, and crack initiation sites were observed when comparing copper to nickel.
Noninvasive determination of small vessel distensibility in man

The present study describes and illustrates a noninvasive method for computing extensibility of the 'resistance vessels', from an experimentally obtained resistance vs transmural pressure plot, in a maximally dilated vascular bed of man. Limb blood flow was measured plethysmographically following 10 min of arterial occlusion, and blood pressure was measured by the arm cuff method. A ratio of two resistance values taken 30 mm Hg apart was used to compute percent change in radius and the extensibility, E. The computed values of E were 0.71 mm Hg-1 for normal hand and 0.13, 0.22 and 0.69 for the hypertensive forearm, hand and finger respectively. These results indicate that the method may prove useful in the understanding and management of diseases such as hypertension or other small vessel diseases.
A U6 snRNA gene with an internal promoter is juxtaposed to an snRNP protein sequence within an intron of a human G protein gene

Abstract A complex locus on human chromosome 1 brings together sequences homologous to a G protein and two components of the RNA processing machinery of eukaryotic cells. Specifically, the seventh intron of the human Gi3 alpha gene contains a fusion of a partial snRNP E protein pseudogene to a variant U6 snRNA gene. The novel U6 sequence contains nine point mutations and a one nucleotide deletion relative to the major U6 genes from humans. Unlike all other vertebrate U6 genes characterized to date, the variant U6 gene is efficiently transcribed by RNA polymerase III even in the absence of all natural flanking sequences. The union of elements from the signal transduction pathway and the RNA processing machinery suggests the possibility of functional interplay.
The Effect of a Nonuniform Planetary Albedo on the Interpretation of Earth Radiation Budget Observations

The flux density measured at satellite altitude with a fixed field of view radiometer differs from the true flux density reflected by the earth-atmosphere system within the field of view of the radiometer. This difference is due to angular response characteristics of the radiometer, solid angle effects due to geometry, and angular reflectance effects of the earth-atmosphere system. All of these effects lead to uncertainties in the interpretation of instantaneous earth radiation budget measurements. The differences between the true flux density and the measured flux density are shown to be significant when the field of view of the radiometer is large and when the atmosphere has a nonuniform, or spatially dependent, reflectance (albedo). A simulation experiment is described whereby the scene within the field of view of a nadir looking sensor is divided into a large number of equal area elements, each of which reflects radiation with one of two different reflectance models (corresponding to cloud-free and cloudy areas). The conditional mean values of the measured flux density, given values of the true flux density, are shown to differ significantly from the conditional means of the inverse problem, that of finding the mean value of the true flux density given a value for the measured flux density. The differences between the true flux density and the measured flux density are examined as a function of satellite altitude, field of view of the radiometer and solar zenith angle (including the effects of a terminator within the field of view) for both Lambertian and non-Lambertian reflectance models.
Mel'nikov analysis of numerically induced chaos in the nonlinear Schro¨dinger equation

Abstract Certain Hamiltonian discretizations of the periodic focusing Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation (NLS) have been shown to be responsible for the generation of numerical instabilities and chaos. In this paper we undertake a dynamical systems type of approach to modeling the observed irregular behavior of a conservative discretization of the NLS. Using heuristic Mel'nikov methods, the existence of a pair of isolated homoclinic orbits is indicated for the perturbed system. The structure of the persistent homoclinic orbits that are predicted by the Mel'nikov theory possesses the same features as the wave form observed numerically in the perturbed system after the onset of chaotic behavior and appears to be the main structurally stable feature of this type of chaos. The Mel'nikov analysis implemented in the pde context appears to provide relevant qualitative information about the behavior of the pde in agreement with the numerical experiments. In a neighborhood of the persistent homoclinic orbits, the existence of a horseshoe is investigated and related with the onset of chaos in the numerical study.
Nonlinear instability of elementary stratified flows at large Richardson number.

Elementary stably stratified flows with linear instability at all large Richardson numbers have been introduced recently by the authors [J. Fluid Mech. 376, 319–350 (1998)]. These elementary stratified flows have spatially constant but time varying gradients for velocity and density. Here the nonlinear stability of such flows in two space dimensions is studied through a combination of numerical simulations and theory. The elementary flows that are linearly unstable at large Richardson numbers are purely vortical flows; here it is established that from random initial data, linearized instability spontaneously generates local shears on buoyancy time scales near a specific angle of inclination that nonlinearly saturates into localized regions of strong mixing with density overturning resembling Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. It is also established here that the phase of these unstable waves does not satisfy the dispersion relation of linear gravity waves. The vortical flows are one family of stably stratified flows with uniform shear layers at the other extreme and elementary stably stratified flows with a mixture of vorticity and strain exhibiting behavior between these two extremes. The concept of effective shear is introduced for these general elementary flows; for each large Richardson number there is a critical effective shear with strong nonlinear instability, density overturning, and mixing for elementary flows with effective shear below this critical value. The analysis is facilitated by rewriting the equations for nonlinear perturbations in vorticity-stream form in a mean Lagrangian reference frame.
Globalisation and cluster-based economic strategy

Given changes in the global environment, businesses and countries are changing the way they compete. These changes are characterised by the ability of multi-national corporations to locate their investment – production plants, RD nor are they sufficient to foster economic development in the host country. A way to accomplish both objectives, as is examined in this paper, is to design a cluster-based economic strategy. This strategy implies a new way of thinking about economic development, competition, and innovation. The world's successful experience with clusters, as is discussed in this paper, permits an increase in productivity and efficiency, the stimulation and enabling of innovation, and enhanced competitiveness. Such clusters come to constitute the engine of economic development for the site of the cluster, including the particular city, country and/or region.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR WATER TRANSPORTATION IN THE OHIO RIVER BASIN

The question of elasticity was raised to a high level in the Upper Mississippi-Illinois Waterway River Navigation study undertaken by the Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1994. That study, in contrast to earlier works, assumed that every shipment was sensitive to price. National Academy of Sciences reviewers supported the idea of using barge demand functions that were responsive to price but were critical of assuming this distribution rather than measuring it empirically. A study to provide information on shipper willingness to pay for barge transportation was conducted. Interviews of barge transportation providers and users regarding shipper willingness to pay are summarized, and factors affecting demand are discussed. An early attempt to estimate barge price elasticities and the problems inherent in this type of analysis are also discussed. Significant interview findings were that shippers on the Ohio River Basin navigable streams made a decision to locate there and that they ...
Properties of the large N phase transition

Reduced large N gauge theories have a transition between phases with unbroken and broken center symmetry. The phase with unbroken symmetry is associated with the zero temperature, infinite volume, infinite N theory. Measurements of the scalling properties of the latent heat test the hypothesis that the phase in which the symmetry is broken in just one spatial direction is the reduction of the high temperature, infinite volume, infinite N theory. While substantial finite spacing effects are observed, physical scaling for the latent heat at smaller lattice spacing is a viable possibility.
COMPETITIVE EQUILIBRIA WITH INFINITELY MANY COMMODITIES1

In this paper we state and prove five theorems concerning the existence of competitive equilibria in production economies with finitely many “agents” and infinitely many commodities. The first theorem is an extension of a theorem of K. Arrow and G. Debreu ([l], Theorem I, p. 272). The second and third are extensions of a theorem of T. Bewley (cf. [2], Theorem 1 and 3, pp. 13 and 19). The last two are extensions of theorems of G. Debreu (cf. [3], Theorems 6.3, 6.4, pp. 94-95). Similar theorems for exchange economies were established in [7]. The need to prove theorems such as Theorems l-5 below arise in the study of resource allocation in economies which operate over infinitely many periods and in economies which operate over finitely many periods in an uncertain world in which one of a denumerable infinity of states of nature might occur. To simlify our notation we will argue as if the economies we consider are faced with the problem of allocating resources over infinitely many periods in a world of perfect certainty with respect to the state of nature. To state our results we must first introduce a lot of symbols. Let R” be the set of all n-dimensional real vectors: let
Effects of anisotropy on elastic moduli measured by nanoindentation in human tibial cortical bone

Many biological materials are known to be anisotropic. In particular, microstructural components of biological materials may grow in a preferred direction, giving rise to anisotropy in the microstructure. Nanoindentation has been shown to be an effective technique for determining the mechanical properties of microstructures as small as a few microns. However, the effects of anisotropy on the properties measured by nanoindentation have not been fully addressed. This study presents a method to account for the effects of anisotropy on elastic properties measured by nanoindentation. This method is used to correlate elastic properties determined from earlier nanoindentation experiments and from earlier ultrasonic velocity measurements in human tibial cortical bone. Also presented is a procedure to determine anisotropic elastic moduli from indentation measurements in multiple directions.
The model law on HIV in Southern Africa: Third World approaches to international law insights into a human rights-based approach

Legislating in response to the HIV epidemic is a core element of the global HIV strategy. A human rights-based approach is essential in order to comply with international law as well as to ensure effectiveness. This stands in contrast to punitive measures and criminalisation provisions within HIV legislation. Third World states are entitled to be cautious about a purportedly human rights-based approach and an explicit conformity with international law that have their institutional origins in advancing Western hegemonic interests. The insights of Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) are important in harnessing international human rights law as a necessarily transformative framework that is effective in meeting its globally equitable and social justice character. This is especially so for the Southern African model law on HIV. TWAIL provide critical guidance relating to context and strategy for Southern African states in this regard and the model law, in turn, offers important opportunities in advancing TWAIL objectives in its counter-hegemonic struggle for global equity and justice. The Southern African model law on HIV is strongly compliant with international human rights principles and obligations and relevant to effectively address the nature of the HIV epidemic in the region. The domestic adoption of the model law across Southern African states has the potential to fulfil a strategically crucial transformative role in advancing Third World resistance.
Ultrasonographic measurement of stallion accessory sex glands and excurrent ducts during seminal emission and ejaculation.

Accessory sex gland and excurrent duct activity of 10 stallions was visualized with transrectal ultrasonography during seminal emission and ejaculation. First and last penile urethral contractions were defined as the start (0 sec) and end of ejaculation, respectively. Duration of ejaculation (n = 63 ejaculations) averaged 6.15 - 2.98 sec. Penile urethral contractions occurred an average of 6.2 2.2 times per ejaculation. Right bulbourethral glands (n = 19 ejaculations) alternated repeatedly from ovoid to flattened, irregular shapes during ejaculation. Cross-sectional area of right bulbourethral glands did not change (p > 0.40) between 3 sec before ejaculation and the end of ejaculation. Cross-sectional area of right prostatic lobes (n = 17 ejaculations) decreased (p < 0.01) between 3 sec before ejaculation and the end of ejaculation, with decreases (p < 0.05) at 2, 1, and 0 sec before ejaculation and at the time of the second penile urethral contraction. Excurrent ducts of ampullae (n = 17 ejaculations) first appeared to dilate with fluid at 2.60 0.23 sec before ejaculation and subsequently dilated an average of 3.4 ± 0.3 times between 3 sec before ejaculation and the end of ejaculation. Fifty-three of 58 (93%) ampullar duct dilations occurred prior to the start of ejaculation. During each dilation of ampullar ducts, fluid remained visible for 0.23 ± 0.04 sec. Fluid was detected within the lumina of vesicular gland excurrent ducts during the 6 of 17 monitored ejaculations that produced detectable gel. First and last dilations of vesicular gland ducts began at 1.31 0.58 and 5.12 + 0.96 sec, respectively, and a total of 4.3 0.7 dilations occurred between 3 sec before ejaculation and the end of ejaculation. During each dilation of vesicular gland ducts, fluid remained visible for 0.73 ± 0.21 sec.
Regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump expression and its relevance to cardiac muscle physiology and pathology

Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2a) plays a central role in myocardial contractility. SERCA2a actively transports Ca(2+) into the SR and regulates cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, SR Ca(2+) load, and the rate of contraction and relaxation of the heart. In the heart, SERCA pump activity is regulated by two small molecular weight proteins: phospholamban (PLB) and sarcolipin (SLN). Decreases in the expression levels of SERCA2a have been observed in a variety of pathological conditions. In addition, altered expression of PLB and SLN has been reported in many cardiac diseases. Thus, SERCA2a is a major regulator of intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, and changes in the expression and activity of the SERCA pump contribute to the decreased SR Ca(2+) content and cardiac dysfunction during pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms controlling SERCA pump expression and activity both during normal physiology and under pathological states.
Proving programs robust

We present a program analysis for verifying quantitative robustness properties of programs, stated generally as: "If the inputs of a program are perturbed by an arbitrary amount epsilon, then its outputs change at most by (K . epsilon), where K can depend on the size of the input but not its value." Robustness properties generalize the analytic notion of continuity---e.g., while the function ex is continuous, it is not robust. Our problem is to verify the robustness of a function P that is coded as an imperative program, and can use diverse data types and features such as branches and loops.Our approach to the problem soundly decomposes it into two subproblems: (a) verifying that the smallest possible perturbations to the inputs of P do not change the corresponding outputs significantly, even if control now flows along a different control path; and (b) verifying the robustness of the computation along each control-flow path of P. To solve the former subproblem, we build on an existing method for verifying that a program encodes a continuous function [5]. The latter is solved using a static analysis that bounds the magnitude of the slope of any function computed by a control flow path of P. The outcome is a sound program analysis for robustness that uses proof obligations which do not refer to epsilon-changes and can often be fully automated using off-the-shelf SMT-solvers.We identify three application domains for our analysis. First, our analysis can be used to guarantee the predictable execution of embedded control software, whose inputs come from physical sources and can suffer from error and uncertainty. A guarantee of robustness ensures that the system does not react disproportionately to such uncertainty. Second, our analysis is directly applicable to approximate computation, and can be used to provide foundations for a recently-proposed program approximation scheme called {loop perforation}. A third application is in database privacy: proofs of robustness of queries are essential to differential privacy, the most popular notion of privacy for statistical databases.
Supporting wilderness search and rescue using a camera‐equipped mini UAV

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WiSAR) entails searching over large regions in often rugged remote areas. Because of the large regions and potentially limited mobility of ground searchers, WiSAR is an ideal application for using small (human-packable) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide aerial imagery of the search region. This paper presents a brief analysis of the WiSAR problem with emphasis on practical aspects of visual-based aerial search. As part of this analysis, we present and analyze a generalized contour search algorithm, and relate this search to existing coverage searches. Extending beyond laboratory analysis, lessons from field trials with search and rescue personnel indicated the immediate need to improve two aspects of UAV-enabled search: How video information is presented to searchers and how UAV technology is integrated into existing WiSAR teams. In response to the first need, three computer vision algorithms for improving video display presentation are compared; results indicate that constructing temporally localized image mosaics is more useful than stabilizing video imagery. In response to the second need, a goal-directed task analysis of the WiSAR domain was conducted and combined with field observations to identify operational paradigms and field tactics for coordinating the UAV operator, the payload operator, the mission manager, and ground searchers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling enzymes Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) and Brahma (BRM) are dispensable in multiple models of postnatal angiogenesis but are required for vascular integrity in infant mice.

Background Mammalian SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable (SWI/SNF) adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent chromatin‐remodeling complexes play important roles in embryonic vascular development by modulating transcription of specific target genes. We sought to determine whether SWI/SNF complexes likewise impact postnatal physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Methods and Results Brahma‐related gene 1 (BRG1) and Brahma gene (BRM) are ATPases within mammalian SWI/SNF complexes and are essential for the complexes to function. Using mice with vascular‐specific mutations in Brg1 or with a global mutation in Brm , we employed 3 models to test the role of these ATPases in postnatal angiogenesis. We analyzed neonatal retinal angiogenesis, exercise‐induced angiogenesis in adult quadriceps muscles, and tumor angiogenesis in control and mutant animals. We found no evidence of defective angiogenesis in Brg1 or Brm mutants using these 3 models. Brg1/Brm double mutants likewise show no evidence of vascular defects in the neonatal retina or tumor angiogenesis models. However, 100% of Brg1/Brm ‐double mutants in which Brg1 deletion is induced at postnatal day 3 (P3) die by P19 with hemorrhaging in the small intestine and heart. Conclusions Despite their important roles in embryonic vascular development, SWI/SNF chromatin‐remodeling complexes display a surprising lack of participation in the 3 models of postnatal angiogenesis we analyzed. However, these complexes are essential for maintaining vascular integrity in specific tissue beds before weaning. These findings highlight the temporal and spatial specificity of SWI/SNF activities in the vasculature and may indicate that other chromatin‐remodeling complexes play redundant or more essential roles during physiological and pathological postnatal vascular development.
Instruction of airway management skills during anesthesiology residency training

Abstract Background Difficult airway management is a critical aspect of anesthesiology training and practice. A survey was conducted of American anesthesia residency programs to determine the prevalence of a specific airway rotation and its curriculum. Methods A questionnaire was sent by both e-mail and fax to all 132 directors of American anesthesiology residency programs. Results Of the 132 programs surveyed, 79 (60%) responded. Of the responders, 26 programs (33%) have a difficult airway rotation. The rotation was offered throughout the years of clinical training in 13 (49%) of the programs and was of 1-week duration in 16 (61%) of these programs who had a rotation. Formal instruction was administered before the rotation in 18 (69%) of the programs. Instruction was usually performed on surgical patients in 22 (85%) of the program, ASA status I and II patients in 20 (77%) of the programs, and taught by selected faculty in 20 (78%) of the programs. There was a 2- to 5-minute time limitation or a number of maximum attempts when using any of these devices in 16 (62%) programs. There was a case number requirement regarding the use of the devices in 5 (19%) of the programs. Residents were evaluated by both skills testing and written evaluation in 63% of these programs. Discussion Of the programs with an airway rotation, the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and the laryngeal mask airway represent the most frequently used devices, excluding the standard laryngoscopes. There is minimum emphasis on more invasive techniques. Traditional methods of instruction continue to be utilized more frequently than nontraditional methods.
Superior Frontal Cortex Cholinergic Axon Density in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer Disease

Background Loss of cortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity contributes to end-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia. In general, ChAT activity levels are stable in the neocortex in mild to moderate AD (mAD) and there is a selective up-regulation in the superior frontal cortex (SFC) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), indicating a transient, region-specific cholinergic neuroplastic response. Objective To assess whether a proliferation of cholinergic axons underlies increased ChAT activity levels in the SFC in subjects with MCI. Design Stereologic principles were applied to assess the density of ChAT-immunoreactive fibers and axon varicosities in SFC tissue obtained postmortem from subjects with no cognitive impairment, MCI, and mAD. Subjects Thirty-six subjects enrolled in the Religious Orders Study, with records of annual clinical evaluation for frontal lobe specific and global cognitive functions. Results Compared with the group with no cognitive impairment, SFC ChAT-immunoreactive fiber and axon varicosity densities were not altered in the MCI group but were significantly reduced in the group with mAD and correlated with impaired frontal lobe and global cognitive function. Conclusions The lack of an increase in cholinergic axonal innervation of the SFC in MCI suggests that structural reorganization of cholinergic profiles is not the mechanism underlying the transient cholinergic plasticity reported in this region. Furthermore, the stability of cholinergic enzyme activity in mAD is likely the result of a biochemical up-regulation of ChAT protein or enzyme activity levels in the SFC, compensating for decreased regional cholinergic fibers and axon varicosities.
Host age response in the parasitoid wasp Spalangia cameroni (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Female Spalangia cameroni produced more offspring from younger house fly pupae, both when given a choice of host ages and when not given a choice. Host age did not affect offspring survivorship. Offspring were larger when they had developed on younger hosts and the effect was independent of offspring sex. Having previously parasitized old hosts versus young hosts did not reduce a female's production of offspring in subsequent hosts. Females distinguished between young and old hosts both in the light and in the dark. Females did not distinguish between host ages prior to physical contact with the host but could distinguish by the time they first began exploring a host by tapping it with their antennae; thus, they could distinguish before drilling into a host.
Aspirin and Antiplatelet Agents in the Prevention of Complications of Coronary Artery Disease

If not for the arterial thrombus, atherosclerosis—the principal cause of mortality in industrialized nations—might be an essentially benign disease. Even though the relationship between atherosclerosis and thrombosis was recognized as early as 1852 by von Rokitansky (1), not until recently has its fundamental role been appreciated. Today, the disruption of an atherosclerotic plaque with resultant intracoronary thrombus formation has been consistently demonstrated to be central to the pathophysiological process underlying unstable angina (UA), acute myocardial infarction (MI), and sudden cardiac death (2–5). There is also increasing evidence that asymptomatic plaque fissuring with associated nonocclusive thrombus is the etiology of atherosclerotic plaque progression (6–9). Furthermore, the level of platelet activity has been shown to be associated with the risk of future cardiac events (10–12). These findings suggest that antithrombotic therapy, and in particular antiplatelet therapy, is central to the prevention of intracoronary thrombosis and the prevention of the complications of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Finite element modeling of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers

Transducers based on piezoelectric crystals dominate the biomedical ultrasonic imaging field. However, fabrication difficulties for piezoelectric transducers limit their usage for complex imaging modalities such as 2D imaging, high frequency imaging, and forward looking intravascular imaging. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have been proposed to overcome these limitations and they offer competitive advantages in terms of bandwidth and dynamic range. Further, the ease of fabrication enables manufacturing of complex array geometries. A CMUT transducer is composed of many electrostatically actuated membranes. Earlier analysis of these devices concentrated on an equivalent circuit approach, which assumed the motion of the membrane was approximated by a parallel plate capacitor. Finite element analysis is required for more accurate results. In this paper, we present the finite element model developed to evaluate the performance of the CMUTs. The model is composed of a membrane radiating into immersion medium. Electrostatic actuation is added on using electromechanical elements. Symmetry boundary conditions are imposed around the sidewalls of the finite element mesh, so that the model reflects the properties of a cell driven with the same phase as its neighboring membranes in an infinitely large array. Absorbing boundaries are implemented one wavelength away from the membrane to avoid reflections from the end of the finite element mesh. Using the model, we optimized the membrane radius, membrane thickness and gap height. Our optimized designed yielded a center frequency of 13 MHz with hundred percent bandwidth. A maximum output pressure of 20 kPascal per volt was obtained.
Effect of inhaled cigarette smoke on production of peptic ulcer in the dog.

Conclusion(1) The daily inhalation of cigarette smoke failed to produce peptic ulcers in dogs. (2) Cigarette smoke abets the ulcerogenic effect of histamine in beeswax; this is believed to be a nicotine effect. (3) Cigarette smoke does not stimulate gastric secretion in dogs.
On the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Philippine Islands: II. The genus Forelophilus KUTTER, 1931

Two new ant species from the Philippines, Forelophilus stefanschoedli sp. nov. and Forelophilus philippinensis sp. nov., are described, illustrated and compared with the type species, Forelophilus overbecki Kutter, 1931 from Java, Indonesia, hitherto the only species described in the genus. Forelophilus stefanschoedli sp. nov. is known from minor and major workers. The latter morph was previously unknown in Forelophilus Kutter, 1931 and allows a better comparison of Forelophilus, Camponotus Mayr, 1861, and Overbeckia Viehmeyer, 1916. A minor worker of F. overbecki is designated as lectotype. Records of F. stefanschoedli sp. nov. are from the islands of Luzon, Leyte, and Mindanao, those of F. philippinensis sp. nov. from Luzon, Bayagnan, and Mindanao.
Unbinding Assertion and Aggression in Research and Clinical Practice

This paper documents widespread failure of the clinical and research literature to differentiate assertiveness from coercive aggressive behavior. Confusion with aggression is tied to early theoretical models, semantic errors, and differential value judgments. Recent concepts and research bearing upon the differentiation of assertion and aggression are reviewed. Standard self-report and behavioral measures of assertion are evaluated in terms of (a) confounding with aggression, and (b) failure to provide separate assessment of aggression. Adequate evidence of discriminant validity (in this case, the ability to discriminate between the constructs of assertion and aggression) is lacking for all measures reviewed. However, particular instruments have considerable promise. Recommendations are made for improving discriminant validity of self-report and behavioral methods of assessing assertion.
Optimization models for energy reallocation in a smart grid

When a malfunction occurs in a Smart Grid electricity provisioning system, it is vitally important to quickly diagnose the problem and take corrective action. The self-healing problem refers to the need to take action in near real time to reallocate power to minimize the disruption. To address this need, we present a collection of integer linear programming (ILP) models designed to identify optimal combinations of supply sources, demand sites for them to serve, and the pathways along which the reallocated power should flow. The models explicitly support the uncertainty associated with alternative sources such as wind power. A simulator configured with multiple intelligent distributed software agents has been developed to support the evaluation of the model solutions.
A linear algorithm for computing the phase portraits of oriented textures

Phase portraits are a powerful mathematical model for describing oriented textures. An isotangent-based approach is presented which is a linear formulation to the problem, to locate the critical points and compute the parameter sets of this model for the nonsingular two-dimensional first-order phase portraits. The authors classify flow patterns by Jordan canonical forms of the characteristic matrix made up of the estimated parameters. For these systems, they prove that all the isotangent curves are straight lines which intersect at a critical point. They also apply least median of squares (LMS) estimators to find the isotangent lines and locate the critical point. A linear regression technique is used to estimate the parameters of the two-dimensional first-order phase portrait of a given flow pattern. Results of applying the algorithm to synthetic and real images are presented. >
Controlled comparative evaluation of BacT/Alert FAN and ESP 80A aerobic media as means for detecting bacteremia and fungemia

During a one-year period, a total of 6,305 blood cultures were processed in a tertiary-care teaching hospital; 6 to 12 ml of blood was inoculated into both a BacT/Alert Fan aerobic bottle and an ESP 80A aerobic bottle. The FAN aerobic bottle contains an antimicrobial-absorbing material; the 80A aerobic bottle does not. Bottles were processed on their respective continuous-monitoring blood culture instruments for up to five days of incubation. Four hundred thirty-three cultures (6.9%) representing 301 septic episodes in 235 different patients yielded 490 bacteria or yeasts thought to be clinically significant. Two hundred seventy-five of the 433 presumed clinically significant positive cultures (63.5%) representing 195 septic episodes and yielding 301 isolates were positive in both FAN and 80A bottles. One hundred nine significant positive cultures (25.2%) (i.e., cultures positive with an organism judged to be of probable clinical significance) from 70 septic episodes yielded 126 isolates only in FAN bottles. Conversely, the 80A bottle was exclusively positive in 49 instances (11.3%), representing 36 septic episodes and yielding 63 isolates. The higher rates of significant positive blood cultures, numbers of septic episodes documented, and numbers of isolates recovered in FAN bottles versus 80A bottles were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). Enhanced rates of detection of presumed clinically significant isolates in FAN bottles were largely accounted for by Staphylococcus aureus, members of the Enterobacteriaceae, and non-Pseudomonas aeruginosa miscellaneous gram-negative bacilli from patients receiving antimicrobial therapy at the time blood cultures were obtained. Enhanced recovery of one organism group, the β-hemolytic streptococci, occurred in 80A. With one exception, detection times were essentially equivalent in the two systems. The single exception pertained to streptococci and enterococci, which were recovered significantly faster in 80A bottles. Three hundred thirty-eight of the 6,305 blood cultures evaluated in this study (5.4%) were judged likely to be contaminated. The percentages of probable contaminated cultures were as follows: 26.6% FAN and 80A; 42.3% FAN only; 31.1% 80A only (P < 0.05). Finally, the instrument false-positive rates for the two systems were 0.7% with FAN and 3.0% with 80A (P < 0.05). We conclude that while contamination rates were slightly higher with FAN than with 80A, use of FAN aerobic bottles in conjunction with the BacT/Alert system will yield significantly higher numbers of clinically significant blood culture isolates than 80A bottles and the ESP system. Furthermore, this enhanced detection is most conspicuous in patients receiving antimicrobial therapy at the time blood cultures are performed, probably due to the presence of an antimicrobial-absorbing material in FAN aerobic bottles.
A172: Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia, Ectodermal Dysplasia, Short Stature, Hypergammaglobulinemia, and Spontaneous Inflammation Without Infections in an Extended Family Due to Mutation in NFKB1A

Background/Purpose: Autoinflammatory disorders are characterized by chronic inflammation and a variety of systemic complaints. Defects in the NF-kB essential modifier pathway, or NEMO, are associated with an immune deficiency characterized by ectodermal dysplasia. We investigated an extended family with features of both chronic inflammation and NEMO following an autosomal dominant inheritance. Methods: Eight individuals from one family were evaluated. The proband, a male patient age 12 with known hypohydrosis, presented to our rheumatology clinic for chronic articular pain with bony hypertrophy of wrists, knees, and ankles. Plain radiographs and standard labs were obtained including ESR, CRP, CBC, and immunoglobulins for all affected individuals. Films were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. The proband underwent a proximal tibial bone biopsy, as well as genetic testing for known autoinflammatory disorders and mutations in NF-kB pathway. The Tolllike Receptor (TLR) assay was used to evaluate NF-kB function. Results: The proband, his father age 30, two brothers age 7 and 9, and his 2-year-old sister were all found to have ectodermal dysplasia, short stature and failure to thrive, chronic inflammation, elevated WBC, and hypergammaglobulinemia (Figure 1). Radiographs of proband displayed sclerotic lesions of the metaphyses of distal radius/ulna, distal femora, and proximal and distal tibia/fibula (Figure 2). The patient's father was evaluated as a child for bone issues, and radiographs demonstrate widened metaphyses of distal ulna and tibia. Bone biopsy of the proband was consistent with metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. Genetic testing for known autoinflammatory disorders was negative while testing of the NFKB1A gene demonstrated a heterozygous mutation (W11X). TLR responses were normal in two affected individuals indicating intact NF-kB signaling. No infections were noted in the family. Figure 1. Family pedigree. Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 2. Proband radiographs. Download figure to PowerPoint Conclusion: This series demonstrates the clinical variability that can occur due to mutations in NFKB1A. Infections were not prevalent in this family, but spontaneous inflammation was common. In addition, this is the first report of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia as a complication of NEMO or related disorders.
Hume on suicide.

Anyone interested in the morality of suicide reads David Hume's essay on the subject even today. There are numerous reasons for this, but the central one is that it sets up the starting point for contemporary debate about the morality of suicide, namely, the debate about whether some condition of life could present one with a morally acceptable reason for autonomously deciding to end one's life. We shall only be able to have this debate if we think that at least some acts of suicide can be moral, and we shall only be able to think this if we give up the blanket condemnation of suicide that theology has put in place. I look at this strategy of argument in the context of the wider eighteenth-century attempt to develop a non-theologically based ethic. The result in Hume's case is a very modern tract on suicide, with voluntariness and autonomy to the fore and with reflection on the condition of one's life and one's desire to carry on living a life in that condition the motivating circumstance.
Transcriptional Regulation by p53 through Intrinsic DNA/Chromatin Binding and Site-Directed Cofactor Recruitment

Abstract The tumor suppressor protein, p53, plays a critical role in mediating cellular response to stress signals by regulating genes involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. p53 is believed to be inactive for DNA binding unless its C terminus is modified or structurally altered. We show that unmodified p53 actively binds to two sites at −1.4 and −2.3 kb within the chromatin-assembled p21 promoter and requires the C terminus and the histone acetyltransferase, p300, for transcription. Acetylation of the C terminus by p300 is not necessary for binding or promoter activation. Instead, p300 acetylates p53-bound nucleosomes in the p21 promoter with spreading to the TATA box. Thus, p53 is an active DNA and chromatin binding protein that may selectively regulate its target genes by recruitment of specific cofactors to structurally distinct binding sites.
Dynorphin opioids present in dentate granule cells may function as retrograde inhibitory neurotransmitters

The granule cell population response to perforant path stimulation decreased significantly within seconds following release of endogenous dynorphin from dentate granule cells. The depression was blocked by the opioid receptor antagonists naloxone and norbinaltorphimine, suggesting that the effect was mediated by dynorphin activation of kappa 1 type opioid receptors. Pharmacological application of dynorphin B in the molecular layer was effective at reducing excitatory synaptic transmission from the perforant path, but application in the hilus had no significant effect. These results suggest that endogenous dynorphin peptides may be released from a local source within the dentate molecular layer. By light microscopy, dynorphin-like immunoreactivity (dynorphin-LI) was primarily found in granule cell axons in the hilus and stratum lucidum with only a few scattered fibers evident in the molecular layer. At the extreme ventral pole of the hippocampus, a diffuse band of varicose processes was also seen in the molecular layer, but this band was not present in more dorsal sections similar to those used for the electrophysiological studies. Electron microscopic analysis of the molecular layer midway along the septotemporal axis revealed that dynorphin-LI was present in dense-core vesicles in both spiny dendrites and unmyelinated axons with the majority (74%) of the dynorphin-LI-containing dense-core vesicles found in dendrites. Neuronal processes containing dynorphin-LI were observed throughout the molecular layer. The results suggest that dynorphin release from granule cell processes in the molecular layer regulates excitatory inputs entering the hippocampus from cerebral cortex, thus potentially counteracting such excitation-induced phenomena as epileptogenesis or long-term potentiation.