cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sectored-electrode IPMC actuator for bending and twisting motion

The development of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators with sectored electrodes for bending and twisting motion is discussed. The application of such IPMCs include highly-dexterous and efficient biorobotic systems and biomedical devices (e.g. , active catheters). The sectored-electrode pattern on the IPMC actuator is created using two techniques: masking and surface machining. The bending and twisting performance of a prototype actuator is evaluated and compared to a finite-element model. Experimental results demonstrate twisting angle exceeding 7 degrees for an IPMC actuator with four pairs of electrodes having dimensions 50 mm×25 mm×0.23 mm. Technical design challenges and performance limitations are also discussed.
Wavelet-distributed approximating functional method for solving the Navier-Stokes equation

The Navier-Stokes equations with both periodic and non-slip boundary conditions are solved using a new class of wavelets based on distributed approximating functionals (DAFs). Extremely high accuracy is found in our wavelet-DAF integration of the analytically solvable Taylor problem, using 32 grid points in each of the two spatial dimensions, for Reynolds numbers from Re = 20 to Re = ∞. The present approach is then applied to the lid-driven cavity problem with standard non-slip boundary conditions. Physically reasonable solutions are obtained for Reynolds numbers as high as 3200, using 63 grid points in each spatial dimension. Our results indicate that wavelet methods are readily applicable to those dynamical problems for which the existence of possible singularities demands highly accurate solution methods.
Identifying Retail Food Stores to Evaluate the Food Environment

Background The availability of food stores is the most frequently used measure of the food environment, but identifying them poses a technical challenge. Purpose This study evaluated eight administrative lists of retailers for identifying food stores in an urban community. Methods Lists of inspected food stores (IFS), cigarette retailers, liquor licenses, lottery retailers, gasoline retailers, farmers' markets, and authorized WIC (Program for Women, Infants, and Children) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers for Albany NY were obtained from government agencies. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were assessed, using ground-truthing as the validation measure. Stores were also grouped by the number of lists they were documented on, and the proportion of food stores in each group was obtained. Data were collected and analyzed in 2009. Results A total of 166 stores, including four from ground-truthing, were identified. Forty-three stores were disqualified, as a result of having no targeted foods (n=17); being in the access-restricted area of a building (n=15); and being out of business (n=11). Sensitivity was highest in IFS (87.0%), followed by the cigarette retailers' list (76.4%). PPV was highest in WIC and farmers' markets lists (100%), followed by SNAP (97.8%). None of the lists had both sensitivity and PPV greater than 90%. All stores that were listed by four or more lists were food stores. The proportion of food stores was lowest (33.3%) for stores listed by only one list. Conclusions Individual lists had limited utility for identifying food stores, but when they were combined, the likelihood of a retail store being a food store could be predicted by the number of lists the store was documented on. This information can be used to increase the efficiency of ground-truthing.
Specificity of α-Bungarotoxin binding to Torpedo californica electroplax

Abstract Binding of [ 125 I]α-Bungarotoxin to Triton X-100 extracts of Torpedo californica electroplax membranes has been studied. Major and minor binding components have been observed; these differ in their apparent Stokes radii and in their behaviour in sucrose density gradients. The concentrations of both toxin binding components agree with previous studies of cholinergic ligand binding to membrane particles of the related species Torpedo marmorata . Some physical parameters of the major binding component compare with those previously determined for a toxin-binding macromolecule from Electrophorus electricus .
Calibrating Ammeters above 100 MC

A survey is made of the progress to date in measuring current above 100 mc. The types of vacuum thermocouples available for ultra-high frequency current measurement are discussed and the several methods of calibration are reviewed. A calorimeter method and a thermistor bridge method are presented. The advantages and limitations of the calibrating methods are brought out. The electrodynamic method is particularly suited to large currents, the calorimeter method to medium currents, and the thermistor bridge method to small currents. The importance of obtaining agreement between methods that do not depend on the same principles is emphasized.
The politics of profit in Tunisia: Utility of the rentier paradigm?

Abstract The analysis of rent-seeking in developing countries has shed light on the nonproductive character of business classes and the parasitic nature of state elites in many settings. The “rentier paradigm” however, is problematic in assuming that all manifestations of state intervention and private cronyism are inherently subversive of efficient growth. Evidence from Tunisia suggests that government mediation of profits, and even extensive cronyism, can be compatible with productive investment and growth if appropriate political conditions prevail. The nature of state structure and the logic of the regime's sustaining political coalition will determine the developmental impact of state economic management.
High-Temperature-Series Study of Models Displaying Tricritical Behavior. II. A Nearest-Neighbor Ising Antiferromagnet with Next-Nearest-Neighbor Ferromagnetic Interactions

The nnn model is an Ising model with nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic interactions (${J}_{1}l0$) but also next-nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic exchange (${J}_{2}g0$). This model is analyzed in external magnetic field using the same techniques as applied to the meta model of Paper I. Again, the staggered susceptibility ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{st}}$ appears to diverge along the critical line in the $H\ensuremath{-}T$ plane with a constant exponent ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{st}}=\frac{5}{4}$, consistent with the universality hypothesis. However, in contrast to the meta model, it is found that the direct susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}$ diverges at the tricritical point with an exponent $\overline{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\simeq}\frac{1}{4}$. Implications of the scaling hypothesis at the tricritical point are discussed and the results for both the meta and nnn models are utilized to obtain the scaling power ${\overline{a}}_{2}$ corresponding to the "weak" direction (in the sense of Griffiths and Wheeler). Included in this discussion is the double-power-law form, predicted to hold within the crossover region by tricritical-point scaling.
γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Activity along the Small Intestine of Sheep: Potential Areas of Amino Acid and Peptide Transport

Abstract Total homogenates of small intestinal sections (10 cm) from 16 wethers and ewes were used to investigate the distribution of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity along the small intestine. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity was assayed per gram wet tissue, per milligram protein, and total units of enzyme activity per section. Additionally, glutathione was measured. The small intestine had areas of relatively high and low γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, regardless of activity expression (high/low ratio = 5) and corresponding glutathione. Variation of enzyme activity was related to intestinal mucosa, with higher activity resulting from more enzyme activity per milligram of mucosal microvillus-membrane. The comparison of all high γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity from all animals showed small intestine of sheep had a region with high activity closest to the pylorus and other high activity locations between 3.75 m and 12.5 m (upper- to mid-jejunum) and between 21 m and 25 m (terminal ileum) from the pylorus. The latter two areas of high activity correspond to areas previously identified as being active in amino acid absorption.
Audiovisual Gunshot Event Recognition

In this paper, we introduce a gunshot event recognition system based on audio and visual feature analysis. We model the gunshot event by a hierarchical probabilistic system. By incorporating gunshot sounds, human emotion and human activity analysis, we developed an effective semantic gunshot scene description from consumer video sequences. Moreover, our system also detects possible threatening scenes and wounded victim scenes which are closely related to real world gunshot scenes of violence. In addition to event modeling, we also employ optimized hierarchical audiovisual models in feature state detection to determine additional details including different types of guns, human emotions and human gesture of weapon discharge. Experimental results indicate the precision of gunshot event video content recognition is encouraging while the rate of false alarms is low. These favorable results arise from effectively capturing not only the event features themselves but also human responses inside the event. The effectiveness and flexibility of our system can benefit applications in the field of content-based video indexing, multimedia surveillance and human-computer interaction.
Planned EOS observations of the land, ocean and atmosphere

Abstract The Earth Observing System (EOS), the major NASA contribution to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, consists of: a series of satellites with sensors designed to measure the crucial variables to study processes and monitor changes on the land, ocean and atmosphere; a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) to distribute calibrated data and geophysical and biological products to investigators; and a scientific research program. EOSDIS began in 1991 with organization of existing data sets, with the goal of a useful, accessible system in 1994. The launch of the first EOS platform will occur in 1998, with launches every 18 to 24 months and replacements every 5 years to provide a 15-year series of reliable scientific products. The instruments that comprise the payloads will address the highest priority science and policy questions, as identified by the inter-agency Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Theoretical and experimental beam studies for the Michigan state university cyclotron

Abstract Numerical orbit studies using Michigan State University cyclotron fields have been performed to determine the validity of use of the separated longitudinal equations of motion under conditions obtained in actual cyclotron operation. These results have been applied in a systematic study of phase measurement procedures using frequency and trim coil detuning. Direct experimental measurements were performed to determine the phase and phase width of the beam, as well as the betatron oscillation frequencies v r and v z , as a function of radius. From the phase history data the radial dependence of the rf dee voltage has been obtained, and the nominal initial phase ϕ 0 has been determined to be +20° ± 1° for the MSU central region geometry. Use of necessary computer calculations with this result gives an rf starting time τ 0 of −28° ± 1° for maximum beam intensity. Results of experimental measurements are compared with pre-computed orbit behavior where possible.
Concurrent processing in nonlinear structural stability

A concurrent processing algorithm is developed for materially nonlinear stability analysis of imperfect columns with biaxial partial rotational end restraints. The algorithm for solving the governing nonlinear ordinary differential equations is implemented on a multiprocessor computer called the 'Finite Element Machine', developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. Numerical results are obtained on up to nine concurrent processors. A substantial computational gain is achieved in using the parallel processing approach.
A note on the power of majority gates and modular gates

Abstract Depth-two Boolean circuits consisting of a majority gate at the top and MODr gates at the bottom (where r is an arbitrary fixed integer) are considered. It is shown that if t has a prime factor that does not divide r, then such circuits that check if ∑i = 1n xi ≡ 0 mod t must have exponential size.
The Care Economy? Gender, Economic Restructuring, and Job Polarization in the U.S. Labor Market:

The U.S. job structure became increasingly polarized at the turn of the twenty-first century as high- and low-wage jobs grew strongly and many middle-wage jobs declined. Prior research on the sourc...
HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF DENTINE IN ESTROGEN-TREATED RATS.

Abstract In the present investigation, histologic sections of the teeth from control and estrogen-treated rats were stained by various histochemical methods in an effort to determine the influence of estrogenic hormones upon the calcification of dentine. The estrogen-treated dentine stained deep red with periodic acid-Schiff stain and exhibited an abundance of positive alcian blue material which was also metachromatic in nature. These staining reactions would indicate that there was an alteration in the ground substance. This situation produced an interference in the calcification of the dentine.
An irreversible tissue inhibitor of collagenase in human amniotic fluid: Characterization and separation from fibronectin

Abstract Soluble fibronectin isolated from human plasma and amniotic fluid by gelatin-Sepharose affinity chromatography was tested for inhibitory activity against specific collagenase secreted by human and rabbit fibroblasts. The fibronectin preparation derived from plasma showed little inhibition, but the one derived from amniotic fluid contained potent inhibitory activity against collagenase. This activity was separated from fibronectin on a DE-52 cellulose column and did not cross-react with antibodies to fibronectin. The inhitor was a glycoprotein that was partially purified from amniotic fluid by concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Inhibition was irreversible and enzyme activity was not recovered after reaction with latent or activated collagenase by either trypsin or organomercurial treatment.
The graphics teaching tool

To be a "literate" citizen one must increasingly be able to critically evaluate digital visual materials, make decisions using digital visual representations of data and ideas, and use computers to create effective visual communications. To be literate in this sense demands at least a basic understanding of computer graphics principles. Existing curricular resources, however, are chiefly aimed at students studying computer science and related fields. For the majority of students, who do not pursue technical degrees, there is virtually no recognition of the importance of basic graphics principles or even reference to their existence. To address the needs of this audience we have developed a novel interactive Graphics Teaching Tool (GTT). The GTT is a Java-based application (and applet) that offers 2D and 3D graphics in a single environment. It is expressly designed for teaching and uses a mental model-based pedagogical approach not found in commercial graphics software.
Liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer: assessing the risk of occult irresectable disease

Abstract Background: Liver resection is standard therapy for selected patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Extrahepatic metastases and inability to remove all hepatic disease usually preclude curative resection and are the most common contraindications. This study analyzes irresectability in patients considered to have resectable disease taken to operation for potentially curative hepatic resection. We describe preoperative factors associated with irresectability and propose a preoperative scoring system that identifies patients at particularly high risk for occult irresectable disease. Study Design: Patients considered to have resectable hepatic colorectal metastases were identified from a prospective database. Intraoperative findings that precluded liver resection were recorded. Demographic data, characteristics of the primary tumor, and characteristics of the hepatic metastases were recorded and analyzed. Results: From April 1992 through July 1997, 416 patients were explored with the intention of performing a potentially curative liver resection; 329 (79%) were resected. Eighty-seven patients (21%) had apparently resectable tumors on preoperative imaging but irresectable disease at laparotomy. Forty-four patients (51%) had irresectable disease limited to the liver; 32 had extensive bilobar disease not appreciated before surgery, and 12 were not resected for technical or other reasons unrelated to disease extent. Forty-three patients (49%) had extrahepatic disease, 31 of whom had resectable hepatic tumors. Of the several preoperative factors analyzed, only the estimated number of hepatic tumors was an independent predictor of irresectable findings at operation. This held true for patients with extrahepatic metastases and those with extensive hepatic disease. From these data, we devised a preoperative scoring system that estimates the probability of finding occult irresectable disease. Resectability ranged from 95% in patients with a score of 0 (solitary, unilobar) to 62% in those with a score of 3 (multiple, bilobar; p=0.0001). The predictive value of this scoring system was then validated by applying it prospectively to an additional group of 118 patients taken to surgery for resection; the results were similar. Conclusions: Standard preoperative investigations predicted resectability in 79% of patients with hepatic colorectal metastases. Unresectable disease limited to the liver and extrahepatic disease were seen with nearly equal frequency. The majority of patients with extrahepatic metastases had resectable hepatic disease (31 of 43, 72%). A preoperative scoring system is proposed that identifies patients at high risk for unrecognized irresectable disease and may help focus the use of additional diagnostic modalities such as laparoscopy and positron emission tomography (PET).
Thermal effects on the photoresist AZ1350J

An experimental study is reported on the various effects produced by the baking steps normally used in processing positive photoresists for application in microelectronics. The particular material investigated is AZ1350J, made by the Shipley Company, Inc. The thermal effects are studied in terms of a newly modified model that characterizes the exposure and development processes in photoresist. The changes in performance of the photoresist as a result of prebake, post-exposure bake, and post-development bake are discussed and are related to the parameters in the model that govern exposure and development. The model is derived from physical rather than chemical measurements.
Lactate imaging with Hadamard-encoded slice-selective multiple quantum coherence chemical-shift imaging

The ability to generate in vivo maps of lactate may have significant diagnostic utility in staging and treatment planning of a wide variety of cancers. The double selective multiple quantum filter technique (SelMQC) has been shown to be effective for non-localized detection of lactate with little or no interference from other signals. Here the SelMQC technique has been combined with longitudinal Hadamard slice selection and chemical shift imaging to yield slice selective images of lactate. The technique is shown to be effective in phantoms and in WSU-DLCL2 xenografts implanted in flanks of SCID mice. Tumors exhibited an annulus of elevated lactate concentration surrounding a necrotic tumor core.
Spatial patterns and temporal succession in soft-bottom macroinvertebrate assemblages surrounding an ocean outfall on the southern San Diego shelf: Relation to anthropogenic and natural events

Spatial patterns and temporal succession in soft-bottom macroinvertebrate assemblages are described for an area of the southern San Diego shelf which is influenced by both anthropogenic and natural events. The study transect covered 19 km along the 60 m-depth contour and spanned the terminus of the Point Loma wastewater outfall (32°40′N; 117°17′W). Ordination and classification analyses revealed that eight major benthic assemblages occurred in the study area from 1986–1990. These analyses further indicated that: (1) the impact of wastewater discharge on the benthos was asymmetric about the outfall, and (2) primary and secondary impact zones existed within the outfall footprint. The primary impact extended only 0.5 km south, but usually up to 1 km north, of the point of discharge, reflecting the prevailing northerly flow of currents along the San Diego coast. Stations within the primary impact zone usually supported similar faunal assemblages at any point in time. A lessened, or secondary, impact was apparent at stations 1 to 2 km south and 2 km north of the outfall. The two stations ≥9 km to the north appeared to be outside the outfall footprint. Assemblages in the three zones did not differ greatly in species composition, but did differ with respect to organismal density, relative abundances (dominance hierarchy) of component species, and temporal persistence. Biostimulation of the benthos, manifest as increased species richness and organismal abundance, was apparent in the primary impact zone from 1986–1988, although dominance was relatively low. Dominance increased at these sites during 1989 and 1990 due to large increases in populations of a few small species, such as the polychaete Myriochele sp. M and the ostracod Euphilomedes carcharodonta. Biomass was slightly elevated in the primary impact zone during 1986–1987; however, this trend was not sustained. Communities within the outfall footprint were much less persistent over time than those beyond it. The observed shifts in benthic assemblages within the outfall footprint corresponded to natural oceanographic cycles (i.e., the transition from El Nino to La Nina conditions) and anthropogenic changes (i.e., changes in wastewater output). These observations suggest that the Point Loma outfall has a localized effect on the stability of infaunal communities. Possible destabilization mechanisms are explored. Finally, comparisons with pre-discharge data taken during 1956–1957 revealed that about half of the species present prior to construction of the outfall were still common in 1990, after 27 yr of wastewater discharge, although large increases in species diversity and abundance seem to have occurred at all stations.
The stability and response of a flexible rod in a quick return mechanism

A quick return mechanism is analyzed for deflection and stability when the rod is considered an Euler-Bernoulli beam. The crank is assumed rigid and to be rotating at a constant angular velocity. The equations of motion and natural boundary conditions are obtained using Hamilton’s principle. Spatial dependence is suppressed using Galerkin’s method with time dependent pinned-pinned overhanging beam modes. Using a small crank length approximation, zones of parametric resonance are found using Hsu’s method. The accuracy of these is verified using a monodromy matrix technique. The technique is also used to explore the possibility of resonances not covered by Hsu’s (first order) method. A particular solution instability is found to exist using Hsu’s method and is verified by direct numerical integration. For a somewhat flexible configuration, all instabilities were found to lie outside the range of normal operating speeds. For stiffer configurations likely to be found in practice, this conclusion can be asserted even stronger, at least for small cranks.
Pediatric heart transplant waiting list mortality in the era of ventricular assist devices

Background Earlier reviews have reported unacceptably high incidence of pediatric heart transplant (PHT) waiting list mortality. An increase in ventricular assist devices (VAD) suggests a potential positive effect. This study evaluated PHT waiting list mortality in the era of pediatric VADs. Methods United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database from 1999 to 2012 showed 5,532 pediatric candidates (aged ≤ 18 years) actively listed for PHT: 2,191 were listed in 1999 to 2004 (Era 1) and 3,341 were listed in 2005 to 2012 (Era 2). Results Waiting list mortality was lower in Era 2 (8%) vs Era 1 (16%; p p p p Conclusions Despite an increase in the number of children listed as Status 1A, there was more than a 50% reduction in waiting list mortality in the new era. Irrespective of other factors, patients supported with a VAD were 4 times more likely to survive to transplant.
Evaluating knee replacement mechanics during ADL with PID-controlled dynamic finite element analysis.

Validated computational knee simulations are valuable tools for design phase development of knee replacement devices. Recently, a dynamic finite element (FE) model of the Kansas knee simulator was kinematically validated during gait and deep flexion cycles. In order to operate the computational simulator in the same manner as the experiment, a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller was interfaced with the FE model to control the quadriceps actuator excursion and produce a target flexion profile regardless of implant geometry or alignment conditions. The controller was also expanded to operate multiple actuators simultaneously in order to produce in vivo loading conditions at the joint during dynamic activities. Subsequently, the fidelity of the computational model was improved through additional muscle representation and inclusion of relative hip–ankle anterior–posterior (A–P) motion. The PID-controlled model was able to successfully recreate in vivo loading conditions (flexion angle, compressi...
Adenosine A1 receptor stimulation antagonizes the negative inotropic effects of the PKC activator dioctanoylglycerol

Abstract It has been suggested that adenosine cardioprotection occurs via adenosine A1receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, adenosine has well-known vasodilatory effects in the myocardium, whereas PKC is a vasoconstrictor. This study examined whether adenosine A1receptor activation alters the effects of the PKC activator, 1,2-dioctanoyl-s,n-glycerol (DOG) in isolated perfused rat hearts (left-ventricular developed pressure) and rat ventricular myocytes ([Ca2+]iand cell shortening). Exposure to DOG decreased left-ventricular developed pressure by 30%, an effect that was completely reversible. Pretreatment of isolated hearts with either the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine or the adenosine A1agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentlyadenosine (CCPA) attenuated the negative inotropic effects of DOG. In the isolated myocytes, DOG decreased [Ca2+]iand cell shortening by 25 and 28%, respectively, effects that were attenuated by both chelerythrine and CCPA. The CCPA attenuation of the DOG-induced decrease in [Ca2+]iand cell shortening was blocked by pretreating the myocytes with the adenosine A1antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). These results indicate that in rat ventricular myocardium, adenosine A1receptor activation attenuates the apparent PKC-dependent negative inotropic effects of DOG via preservation of [Ca2+]ilevels.
Open boundary conditions in the simulation of subsonic turbulent shear flows

Abstract Dealing with open boundaries in the computer simulation of unsteady subsonic shear flows presents challenging problems. In practice, only a portion of the flow can be investigated and we must ensure that the presence of artificial boundaries does not pollute the solution in a significant way. One difficulty is related to the basic solution of the physical flow equations and involves choosing appropriate nonlocal open boundary conditions at the outflow boundaries which will adequately bound the computational domain while providing information about the virtual flow behavior outside. A second difficulty is related to the discretized computational problem, for which additional numerical boundary conditions that are consistent with the unsteady flow equations at the boundaries are required for closure. Recent approaches based on characteristic analysis and their practical implementation are discussed. Specific examples are used to illustrate the implementation of state-of-the-art approaches to open boundary conditions and, in particular, the potential sensitivity of subsonic free shear flows to the actual choice of open boundary conditions. This sensitivity is an intrinsic feature of the flows being studied rather than an artifact of the computations. Ideal free shear flows do not exist; actual flow realizations are defined by the numerical or laboratory boundary conditions in the experiments.
EEC tariffs and U.S. direct investment

Abstract This paper empirically tests whether or not United States direct investment in the EEC follows a pattern consistent with the tariff discrimination hypothesis. To avoid obstacles to trade resulting from the imposition of a tariff, foreign investment is undertaken in a country to which it is difficult to export. Both a time-trend model and an investment demand model were estimated by least-squares regression analysis using time series data for the period 1952 through 1966. Regressions were estimated for U.S. direct investment to Canada, the EEC, and EFTA for total investments to these regions and also for direct investment in manufacturing only. Contrary to many of the past empirical studies, the authors' findings suggest that the tariff discrimination hypothesis is valid because the EEC's implementation of a common external tariff caused an increase in U.S. direct investment in the EEC relative to U.S. direct investments elsewhere; concomitantly, U.S. exports to the EEC relative to U.S. exports elsewhere decreased. These findings are consistent with the manner in which Canadian and Australian tariffs affect U.S. direct investment and exports.
Successful expansion of low vision rehabilitation services by collaboration with programs of optometry: Nepal and Jordan

Abstract Low vision rehabilitation programs in developing nations have been initiated with the help of international foundations and agencies working in conjunction with private organizations, government agencies, and medical institutions. One partner that has proved successful, for both clinical care and education, is an academic program of optometry, as exemplified by the Bachelor of Optometry program, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal and Low Vision Project Jordan, with Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. The World Council of Optometry provided fellowship support to both of these programs during its development.
Hypoxia-induced Protein Binding to O2-responsive Sequences on the Tyrosine Hydroxylase Gene

We reported recently that the gene that encodes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines, is regulated by hypoxia in the dopaminergic cells of the mammalian carotid body (Czyzyk-Krzeska, M. F., Bayliss, D. A., Lawson, E. E. & Millhorn, D. E. (1992) J. Neurochem. 58, 1538-1546) and in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells (Czyzyk-Krzeska, M. F., Furnari, B. A., Lawson, E. E. & Millhorn, D. E. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 760-764). Regulation of this gene during low O2 conditions occurs at both the level of transcription and RNA stability. Increased transcription during hypoxia is regulated by a region of the proximal promoter that extends from -284 to + 27 bases, relative to transcription start site. The present study was undertaken to further characterize the sequences that confer O2 responsiveness of the TH gene and to identify hypoxia-induced protein interactions with these sequences. Results from chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays identified a region between bases -284 and -150 that contains the essential sequences for O2 regulation. This region contains a number of regulatory elements including AP1, AP2, and HIF-1. Gel shift assays revealed enhanced protein interactions at the AP1 and HIF-1 elements of the native gene. Further investigations using supershift and shift-Western analysis showed that c-Fos and JunB bind to the AP1 element during hypoxia and that these protein levels are stimulated by hypoxia. Mutation of the AP1 sequence prevented stimulation of transcription of the TH-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene by hypoxia.
Ulnar nerve compression secondary to ulnar artery false aneurysm at the Guyon's canal

Ulnar nerve entrapment due to an aneurysm of the ulnar artery in the Guyon canal is rarely described in the literature. This article presents a case of ulnar nerve compression at the Guyon canal caused by a false aneurysm of the ulnar artery secondary to blunt trauma.
The association of solar radio bursts with auroral streams

Abstract Slow drift (Type II) radio bursts from the sun are believed to be caused by a primary disturbance moving outward through the solar atmosphere with a velocity of about 1000 km/sec. Analysis of the 2 years, 1956 October 1 through 1958 September 30, over the sunspot maximum shows that 45 per cent of these bursts are associated with the subsequent occurrence of terrestrial aurorae and magnetic storms. The mean delay between the radio bursts and the terrestrial disturbances is 33 hr, which is in good accord with the velocity for the disturbing source as deduced from the radio data. Investigation of the properties of the individual slow drift bursts and their association with other solar radio and optical phenomena reveals no completely conclusive criteria to explain why only 45 per cent of the bursts are geomagnetically important. The geomagnetic effects are enhanced, however, if the bursts occur near the equinoxes and if they are accompanied by a flare o'f importance 2 or 3, or by continuum (Type IV) radiation. In the reverse association, with radio data available for an average 14 hr daily, it is shown that at least 60 per cent of magnetic storms are preceded, within 4 days, by a slow drift burst.
S2SA preconditioning for the Sn equations with strictly nonnegative spatial discretization

Preconditioners based upon transport sweeps and diffusion-synthetic acceleration have been constructed and applied to the zeroth and first spatial moments of the 1-D S"n transport equation using a strictly nonnegative nonlinear spatial closure. Linear and nonlinear preconditioners have been derived and analyzed. The effectiveness of various combinations of these preconditioners are compared using the source iteration, matrix-free Picard Krylov, and nonlinear Krylov acceleration methods. In one dimension, preconditioning with a linear S"2SA diffusion equation is found to be essentially equivalent to using a nonlinear diffusion equation. The ability to use a linear diffusion equation has important implications for preconditioning the S"n equations with a strictly nonnegative spatial discretization in multiple dimensions.
Evidence for a supraspinal mechanism in the opioid-mediated antinociceptive effect of ketamine

Abstract Systemic ketamine (50 or 160 mg/kg, i.p.) produced an antinociceptive effect in rats on the tail flick test. This effect of ketamine was inhibited by injection of naloxone (27 nmol) into the lateral ventricle. Intrathecal ketamine (3 μm) produced a slight but significant antinociceptive effect on the tail flick test, which was not affected by injection of naloxone (27 nmol) into the lateral ventricle. Antinociception was not produced by injection of ketamine into the lateral ventricle (3 μm) or the rostral ventromedial medulla RVM (30 nmol). The role played by spinal and supraspinal opioid receptors in ketamine-induced antinociception is discussed.
Medical liability reform crisis 2008.

The crisis of medical liability has resulted in drastic increases in insurance premiums and reduced access for patients to specialty care, particularly in areas such as obstetrics/gynecology, neurosurgery, and orthopaedic surgery. The current liability environment neither effectively compensates persons injured from medical negligence nor encourages addressing system errors to improve patient safety. The author reviews trends across the nation and reports on the efforts of an organization called “Doctors for Medical Liability Reform” to educate the public and lawmakers on the need for solutions to the chaotic process of adjudicating medical malpractice claims in the United States.
A Vision and Guidelines for Better Quantitative Studies in the Social Sciences

What Is Wrong with Quantitative Social Science Research? During the last two decades, the limitations of the ritualized use of linear regression models and statistical signifi cance tests for scientifi c progress have received increasing recognition (Schwab and Starbuck 2009; Starbuck 2006). However, many social scientists remain unaware of these debates. Taagepera off ers another vivid description of the aforementioned limitations. His unique contributions, however, are his straightforward and hands-on recommendations—recommendations that are grounded in his own quantitative research experiences with electoral systems. Specifi cally, the author advocates the development of predictive models, which are theory-based, more parsimonious, consider multiplicative eff ects, and avoid predicting absurdities. Empirical tests of these predictive models should determine whether the size of a causal eff ect is large enough to matter. Rein Taagepera, Making Social Sciences More Scientifi c: Th e Need for Predictive Models (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008). 254 pp. $99.00 (cloth), ISBN: 9780199534661.
Health and civil rights.

It is hard to talk about race. Discussions about race in general and racial discrimination in particular are potentially unnerving, which explains in large measure why such conversations are so few and far between. All too frequently, these discussions take place only after a horrific incident that draws public attention to race, such as the brutal dragging death of James Byrd Jr. in Jasper, Texas, or the Good Ol Boy Roundup in Tennessee, or the white supremacist in Los Angeles who went on a racially motivated crime wave and murdered an Asian-American postal worker and shot at young children in a Jewish day care center. In the health context, discussions about race are particularly rare. But that is beginning to change. Over the past year, widespread attention has been focused on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health. President Clinton and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala have committed the nation to the ambitious yet reachable goal of eliminating racial and ethnic disparities by 2010 in six areas of health status while continuing the progress we have made in improving the overall health of the American people.1 The six areas of focus are infant mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and immunization.
On the observation and origin of kinetic isotope effects in exchange dephasing: motional collapse of vibrational structure for SF6 isolated in a xe

Abstract High-resolution infrared spectra of SF 6 in a xenon matrix give evidence for dynamic exchange among trapping sites on the IR time scale. A 32 S- 34 S kinetic isotope effect has been observed and attributed to differences in the dephasing mode frequencies and the resulting disparity in coupling to the phonon bath.
Increased gluconeogenesis in youth with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis The role of increased gluconeogenesis as an important contributor to fasting hyperglycaemia at diabetes onset is not known. We evaluated the contribution of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis to fasting hyperglycaemia in newly diagnosed youths with type 2 diabetes following an overnight fast.
Accelerating object-oriented applications using method lookup caches and register windowing

Abstract Architectural support for accelerating applications written in alternate programming paradigms have been well explored in the past. We focus on architectural support for object-oriented languages. We first describe the various run-time structures required by a typical implementation of an object-oriented language and identify areas that can benefit from dedicated architectural support. The ability to quickly bind a logical reference to a method and to quickly allocate a context for the invoked method is critical to the performance of dynamically bound object-oriented applications. In this paper we examine how a method lookup cache (MLC) and a register windowing mechanism can be easily incorporated in a contemporary scalar pipeline (the “base machine”) to speed up method binding and context allocation. Our study departs from previous studies along similar lines in its use of a more contemporary pipeline and the consideration of efficient pipelining with the inclusion of these artifacts for acceleration. A detailed register level simulation of the proposed scheme, for a range of parameters for the MLC and the register windowing mechanism, driven by a set of fairly intensive object-oriented applications was done. The simulation results indicate that a relatively small method lookup cache with only 64 or 128 entries reduces the average execution time of the applications by about 50%. The inclusion of a register windowing mechanism with four register windows in the register file also accelerates method invocation as expected. The use of register windowing without a MLC results in a 72% reduction in the execution time with respect to the base machine. Together, the register windowing and the MLC, results in the reduction of execution time by 76%–87% with respect to the base machine for the programs we have used.
Characterization of the glyphosate selection of carrot suspension cultures resulting in gene amplification

Abstract When Daucus carota L. (carrot) suspension cultures, which had been under gradual selection for increased glyphosate resistance, whre plated in glyphosate-containing medium, the populations became gradually more resistant with I 50 values about equal to the final selection concentration used in the liquid medium. Wild type cells did not grow on plates with 2 mM glyphosate, but some colonies formed after 90 days. Cells in these colonies, after growth away for the inhibitor to obtain sufficient cells, had increased glyphosate resistance and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) activity and usually had amplified EPSPS genes. One step selection in liquid or solidified medium with 10 mM glyphosate was not successful. However, in liquid medium with 2 mM glyphosate, the cell viability decreased to about 30% by 30 days and then increased as growth became evident. Kinetic analysis indicates that at least 0.8% of the cells grow. The growth rate seen when the cells are subjected to a gradual selection scheme, where glyphosate was about doubled at each step, also indicates that a high proportion of the original population survives to form the new population. These results indicate that the gene amplification which causes the glyphosate tolerance in carrot cell cultures is a gradual and relatively stable process that occurs in a relatively high proportion of the cell population.
Kinetics of atropine inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated H+, electrolyte, and pepsin secretion in the dog.

The effects of atropine on pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion of water, H, Cl, Na, K, and pepsin were determined by kinetic analysis of dose-response studies in 5 dogs with esophagostomy and gastric cannula. First a dose-response study was done using 7 doses of pentagastrin (1-6 mug/kg hr), each dose given by I.V. infusion for 4 hr at a separate time. The same series of doses was used with atropine sulfate 10 mug/kg hr as background. Atropine inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated secretion competively with a dose ratio change of 20. In a third set of studies pentagastrin was infused alone for 4 hrs in the dose of 1.5 mug/kg hr and then with each of 7 doses of atropine (0.625-40 mug/kg hr), each dose used separately. Atropine competitively inhibited water, H, Cl, and K secretion, with Ki (dose of atropine giving 50% inhibition) of 1.0 mug/kg hr. Pepsin secretion was much more strongly inhibited than acid secretion by atropine with Ki 0.27 mug/kg hr and the inhibition was uncompetitive. Calculated maximal inhibition of H+ secretion by atropine was 89% and of pepsin 95%. Furthermore the shape of the response to pentagastrin was altered by atropine so that the peak response was delayed to the third and fourth hour of pentagastrin infusion.
Linguistic relativity in psychotherapy

Abstract It is postulated that language as an instrument for exploration of experience in psychotherapy can become therapeutic when words with regard to their meaning are used tentatively. Such tentative use of words is likely to invalidate language-bound defenses. In connection with theoretical speculation regarding nonverbal and verbal systems of thought and early language development, the concept of “linguistic fixation” as a universal human, not only neurotic, epiphenomenon of language acquisition is postulated. Support for the existence of such a fixation is found in the phenomena of bilingualism and linguistic relativity. In linguistic fixation, too, the concept of tentativeness can be applied to language and is likely to bring about facilitation of exploration of experiential data and awareness of feelings. Such linguistic flexibility seems most likely to occur when anxiety is decreased and when a word for tentative is available in a language.
Management of Unbled Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Study

Incidence In the Cooperative Study of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, still the largest such series to date, symptomatic AVMs were found in 549 of 6,368 cases, representing an incidence of 8.6% of subarachnoid hemorrhages.1 Since subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for roughly 10% of strokes, AVMs make up approximately 1% of all stroke, 1.8% in an eligible population of 100,000 studied over a period of 3 years%2
Wa Grotesque: Headhunting Theme Parks and the Chinese Nostalgia for Primitive Contemporaries

ABSTRACTThe Wa people have long occupied a special place in the state-directed political spectacle of minority nationalities, in both China and Burma. This fascination builds on older views of the Wa as dangerous barbarians, and closely evokes other primitivisms from around the world. In China and in neighbouring countries, state policy has recently combined with commercial entrepreneurism to cultivate a new, selective nostalgia for ‘primitive-exotic’ peoples like the Wa. In this paper, I discuss mainly China, and how the ‘wild’ Wa headhunting paraphernalia prohibited by the Chinese in the 1950s now reappear as kitsch. Some Wa of older generations see such revivals as dangerous, but younger people may embrace the revival. I discuss the new Chinese repackaging of primitive violence and the different Wa understandings of these staged exoticizations of their culture, including ways the staged representations are taken up in Wa attempts to revive aspects of their cultural past.