cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thymine Dimer Photoreversal in Purine-Containing Trinucleotides

Cyclobutane–pyrimidine dimer yields in UV-irradiated DNA are controlled by the equilibrium between forward and reverse photoreactions. Past studies have shown that dimer yields are suppressed at sites adjacent to a purine base, but the underlying causes are unclear. In order to investigate whether this suppression is the result of repair by electron transfer from a neighboring nucleobase, the yields and dynamics of the reverse reaction were studied using trinucleotides containing a cis–syn dimer (T T) flanked on the 5′ or the 3′ side by adenine or guanine. The probability of forming an excited state on T T or on the purine base was varied by tuning the irradiation wavelength between 240 and 280 nm. Cleavage quantum yields decrease by an order of magnitude over this wavelength range and are less than 1% at 280 nm, a wavelength that excites the purine base with more than 95% probability. Conditional quantum yields of cleavage for the trinucleotides given excitation of T T are similar in magnitude to the ...
Sound environment of the fetal sheep

The internal sound pressure levels within the intact amnion of pregnant ewes surgically implanted with a hydrophone was determined during conditions of quiet and during sound field exposures to broadband and octave-band noise. Measurements were made of sound pressures outside and inside the ewe, and sound attenuation through maternal tissues and fluids was calculated. Sound pressures generated by low frequencies (
Steady, balanced rates of uplift and erosion of the Santa Monica Mountains, California

Topographic change in regions of active deformation is a function of rates of uplift and denudation. The rate of topographic development and change of an actively uplifting mountain range, the Santa Monica Mountains, southern California, was assessed using landscape attributes of the present topography, uplift rates and denudation rates. Landscape features were characterized through analysis of a digital elevation model (DEM). Uplift rates at time scales ranging from 104 to 106 years were constrained with geological cross-sections and published estimates. Denudation rate was determined from sediment yield data from debris basins in southern California and from the relief of rivers set into geomorphic surfaces of known age. First-order morphology of the Santa Monica Mountains is set by large-scale alongstrike variations in structural geometry. Drainage spacing, drainage geometry and to a lesser extent relief are controlled by bedrock strength. Dissection of the range flanks and position of the principal drainage divide are modulated by structural asymmetry and diVerences in structural relief across the range. Topographic and catchment-scale relief are #300‐900 m. Mean denudation rate derived from the sediment yield data and river incision is 0.5±0.3 mm yr’1. Uplift rate across the south flank of the range is #0.5±0.4 mm yr’1 and across the north flank is 0.24±0.12 mm yr’1. At least 1.6‐2.7 Myr is required to create either the present topographic or the catchment-scale relief based on either the mean rates of denudation or uplift. Although the landscape has had suYcient time to achieve a steady-state form, comparison of the time-scale of uplift and denudation rate variation with probable landscape response times implies the present topography does not represent the steady-state form.
Marginal Mark Regression Analysis of Recurrent Marked Point Process Data

Longitudinal studies typically collect information on the timing of key clinical events and on specific characteristics that describe those events. Random variables that measure qualitative or quantitative aspects associated with the occurrence of an event are known as marks. Recurrent marked point process data consist of possibly recurrent events, with the mark (and possibly exposure) measured if and only if an event occurs. Analysis choices depend on which aspect of the data is of primary scientific interest. First, factors that influence the occurrence or timing of the event may be characterized using recurrent event analysis methods. Second, if there is more than one event per subject, then the association between exposure and the mark may be quantified using repeated measures regression methods. We detail assumptions required of any time-dependent exposure process and the event time process to ensure that linear or generalized linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations provide valid estimates. We provide theoretical and empirical evidence that if these conditions are not satisfied, then an independence estimating equation should be used for consistent estimation of association. We conclude with the recommendation that analysts carefully explore both the exposure and event time processes prior to implementing a repeated measures analysis of recurrent marked point process data.
Sendai virus infection of normal and protein malnourished mice: response of airway leukocytes to infection

Abstract We examined the cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during the course of respiratory infection caused by Sendai virus in normal (20% protein diet) and malnourished (2% protein diet) mice. As in our previous experiments, mortality in normal mice was 32% in comparison with 87% in the malnourished group. Virus was isolated until the 5th day in normally fed mice and until the 9th day in the malnourished group. BAL fluids contained 97% macrophages before infection in both groups. During infection there was a progressive lymphocyte response, reaching a peak of 60–70% on day 5 in the normal mice and on days 7–9 in the malnourished group. Subtyping of BAL cells by flow cytometry indicated that in uninfected animals lymphocytes were largely CD4-bearing. On days 3 and 5 post-infection most mononuclear cells were Thy 1.2-positive, but lacked both CD4 and CD8 markers and were therefore probably natural killer cells. Beginning on day 5, in both diet groups CD8-positive cells rose to become the predominant subset. In the 20% protein diet group, CD8-positive cells reached a maximum of 60% on day 7, whereas in the 2% protein diet group this level was not reached until day 9. These results were consistent in three separate experiments. In malnourished mice the delayed appearance of CD8-bearing cells in the airway may contribute to the higher mortality and delayed virus clearance during Sendai virus infection.
Optimizing tradeoffs among housing sustainability objectives

Abstract The sustainability of housing units can be improved by integrating green building equipment and systems such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, building envelopes, water heaters, appliances, and water-efficient fixtures. The use of these green building measures often improves the environmental and social performances of housing units; however they can increase their initial cost and life cycle cost. This paper presents a multi-objective optimization model that is capable of optimizing housing design and construction decisions in order to generate optimal/near-optimal tradeoffs among the three sustainability objectives of maximizing the operational environmental performance of housing units, maximizing the social quality of life for their residents, and minimizing their life cycle cost. The model is designed as a multi-objective genetic algorithm to provide the capability of optimizing multiple housing objectives and criteria that include minimizing carbon footprint and water usage during housing operational phase, maximizing thermal comfort, enhancing indoor air and lighting quality, improving neighborhood quality, and minimizing life cycle cost. An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the developed model and evaluate its performance. The results of this analysis illustrate the novel capabilities of the model in generating 210 near-optimal tradeoff solutions for the analyzed housing example, where each represents an optimal/near-optimal and unique tradeoff among the aforementioned three sustainability optimization objectives of maximizing the operational environmental performance of housing units, maximizing the social quality of life for their residents, and minimizing their life cycle cost. These novel capabilities of the developed model are expected to improve the design and construction of housing units and maximize their overall sustainability.
Maltreatment of handicapped children: A critical review.

Despite increased interest in child abuse and neglect in the past decade, little research attention has been focused on maltreatment in handicapped populations. This is surprising given that many handicapped children display characteristics (e.g., chronic and pervasive behavioral disturbances, decreased social initiations with caregivers) that are associated with high risk for assault and neglect in nonhandicapped children. Numerous investigations have found an overrepresentation of handicapped children in maltreated samples, and results of more recent efforts reveal a high incidence of abuse and neglect in handicapped populations. Although these data underscore the high risk for maltreatment in handicapped children, a number of important issues warrant further empirical examination. Moreover, generalizations and interpretations of findings from previous research have been obfuscated by methodological shortcomings. The present paper reviews the literature concerning abuse and neglect of handicapped children. Research strategies and issues are delineated and current problems in this field are discussed. Suggestions for directions future research might take are offered.
Fite stain positivity in Rhodococcus equi: yet another acid-fast organism in respiratory cytology--a case report.

Rhodococcus equi is an aerobic Gram-positive and acid-fast coccobacillus that may cause cavitary pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts such as HIV-infected patients. Numerous Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS)-positive organisms were initially noted on the direct smear; a minor number of acid-fast organisms were seen in the Thin-Prep slide. Since the abundant mucous material with the attached organisms seen in conventional smears may be lost in liquid-based preparations, more sensitive stains such as Fite, as well as a more diligent search for organisms, is needed. This case illustrates the importance of careful selection and evaluation of special stains in sputum specimens.
Magnetic field gradients and their uses in the study of the earth's magnetic field

Magnetic field gradients are discussed from the standpoint of their usefulness in modeling crustal magnetizations. The fact that gradients enhance shorter wavelength features helps reduce both the core signal and the signal from external fields in comparison with the crustal signal. If the gradient device can be oriented, then directions of lineation can be determined from single profiles, and anomalies caused by unlineated sources can be identified.
Abstract 5263: An RNAi screen of the protein kinome identifiesCHEK1as a therapeutic target in neuroblastoma

Background High-risk neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer that is often fatal despite intense multimodality therapy associated with significant late effects for those who survive. Therefore, patients will benefit from treatment strategies that rationally exploit signaling pathways for which a tumor cell is selectively dependent. In an effort to identify novel therapeutic targets, we performed a comprehensive loss of function screen of the protein kinome in neuroblastoma cell models. Methods Using a validated siRNA library which targets the human protein kinome, we transiently transfected individual kinase siRNAs into four neuroblastoma cell lines and measured substrate adherent growth. We then ranked the top 100 most potent kinase siRNAs per cell line and integrated the lists to identify kinases with inhibition in multiple lines. Results Thirty targets emerged as potent in at least three of the four neuroblastoma cell lines. They were enriched for kinases involved in the cell cycle and mitosis. This select group was tested with an independent set of more specific siRNA pools in an expanded panel of eight neuroblastoma cell lines. The strikingly most potent to emerge from the secondary screen was the cell cycle checkpoint kinase CHEK1. CHEK1 knockdown appeared cytotoxic, often by 24 hours, coinciding with complete CHEK1 protein knockdown and an emergence of a substantial apoptotic fraction. As further validation of the siRNA results, pharmacologic inhibition with SB21807, a relatively specific CHEK1 inhibitor, showed cytotoxicity in 7 of 8 neuroblastoma cell lines with a median IC50 of 430 nM (range 62-677 nM), while the non-neuroblastoma lines RPE-1, DOAY and MCF7 cells were resistant with a median IC50 of 2609 nM (1066 - 2898 nM). The mechanism of selective inhibition in neuroblastoma is unclear as we did not identify mutations in the coding exons of CHEK1. Western blotting revealed, however, that CHEK1 is constitutively phosphorylated at the Ser 296 residue in 8/8 neuroblastoma cell lines and 10/16 primary tumors samples, but not in controls. Conclusion We have identified CHEK1 as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma and are currently extending our work to understand the mechanism of this tumor9s apparent selective sensitivity to CHEK1 inhibition. As CHEK1 inhibitors are currently in phase I/II clinical trials as chemosensitizers, we are also focused on determining the in vivo efficacy of combination CHEK1 inhibition with chemotherapy in neuroblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5263.
Morphogenetic interactions between rotated skin cuffs and underlying stump tissues in regenerating axolotl forelimbs.

Rotation of skin cuffs 180° around the longitudinal axis of the underlying tissues in the axolotl forelimb results in a high percentage of multiple regenerates after amputation through the rotated skin. Similar results occur after rotation of only the anteroposterior (A-P) axis of the skin. Rotation of only the proximodistal (Pr-Ds) axis of the skin results in normal regenerates whereas dorsoventral (D-V) axial skin rotation results in single regenerates with some disturbances in symmetry. Rotation of anterior or posterior half cuffs of skin produces results similar to those obtained after A-P rotation of full skin cuffs, and rotation of dorsal or ventral skin halves duplicates the results obtained by rotating full skin cuffs about the D-V axis. Skin cuffs rotated for periods from 6 months to over 2 years before amputation are also capable of causing multiple regenerates to form. No significant difference in the percentage of multiple regenerates was seen after skin rotation and limb amputation through shoulder, upper arm, and forearm levels. X-Radiation (4000 r) of either the skin or underlying tissues before skin rotation resulted in single regenerates after amputation. If a strip of normal skin was turned perpendicularly to the long axis of the irradiated underlying stump tissues, the regenerative response was blocked. In some of the above experiments, regenerates with longitudinally duplicated upper arm and forearm segments appeared. It is postulated that normally both the skin and the underlying limb tissues can influence morphogenesis during regeneration and that they work in harmony. In contrast, rotated skin and the underlying tissues each exert a morphogenetic influence upon the regenerating limb, and the regenerate is not able to integrate these disharmonious influences. This is reflected in the highly abnormal morphology of the regenerates. The nature of the morphogenetic influence disrupted by skin rotation is not yet known.
Boundary trajectories of systems with unbounded controls

For a nonsmooth control system, with possibly unbounded sets of velocities and controls, we give a first-order necessary condition for the problem of reaching the boundary of the attainable set. The condition is a relaxed version of the maximum principle. We give an example which demonstrates that, in some cases, the theorem proved in this paper is stronger than all other versions of the maximum principle.
Exponential secrecy against unbounded adversary using joint encryption and privacy amplification

In this paper without tailoring to any presumed condition on communication channel or any restriction on adversary's resources we design a secrecy scheme with information leakage that decays at an exponential rate. The only requirement for such an exponentially secure system is existence of a common key source between legitimate users that is partially known by Eve. A key extractor based on a sampler and a Renyi extractor derives secret keys with the required entropy from this source. A general cipher uses this key to ensure the required equivocation for the plaintext and to establish the first layer of secrecy. Using privacy amplification on top of this cipher based on inverse universal2 hashing constitutes the second layer of secrecy for highly confidential message transmission with information leakage that is exponentially decreasing. We provide exponent analysis and optimization to minimize information leakage in terms of Eve's distinguishability based on L1 norm distance from uniformity. The required key rate is characterized for different source entropies in order to guarantee the secrecy that is demanded in terms of secrecy exponent for the second layer and Eve's error rate for the first layer.
Comparison of Homogenization by Blending or Stomaching on the Recovery of Listeria monocytogenes from Beef Tissues

Homogenization by blending or stomaching was compared for the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes from inoculated intact beef tissue. There were no differences in numbers of recovered bacteria (P>0.10) attributable to either homogenization time or method. Fewer viable bacteria (P<0.05) were recovered in phosphate buffer than either buffered peptone water or 2% trisodium citrate buffer. Tween 80 increased the numbers of bacteria recovered from fat tissue (P<0.05). Stomaching is an acceptable method for homogenizing samples for Listeria analysis.
Professor Goes Gaga: Teaching Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame.

This paper presents an account of the conditions and consequences of a university-level teaching experience in the sociology of fame centered on the case of Lady Gaga. When the course “Lady Gaga and the Sociology of the Fame” at the University of South Carolina was announced in the autumn of 2010, it became the number-one Lady Gaga news story, reported and discussed in a wide variety of internet sources and media outlets across the world. The unprecedented attention devoted to the course placed its instructor in an unexpected and unique position to experience various dimensions of contemporary celebrity culture while teaching on that very subject matter. This paper offers a sociological autobiography to discuss this experience as a manifestation of the reflexivity of social knowledge and the interplay between sociology and society.
A theoretical basis for spinodal decomposition in ordered alloys

Abstract A previous paper [10] has described experimental aspects of spinodal decomposition in thin foils of β-brass. This paper presents a theoretical justification of these results and a general consideration of spinodal decomposition in ordered alloys. The chemical and coherent spinodal curves have been derived analytically using a Bragg-Williams model and an analysis based on a harmonic approximation. The basic free energy expression is expanded using Taylor and Fourier methods. Despite simplifying assumptions in developing the theory, several important results have been derived: 1. there is no spinodal decomposition at the equiatomic composition, c = 0.5; 2. the spinodal curve is coincident with the order-disorder curve at low solute contents, c ∼- 0; 3. the concentration waves on the two sublattices differ in phase by 180° although the wave vectors are the same. Previous work by Alien and Cahn [9] for the regime S ∼- 0 (S is the order parameter) shows that the chemical spinodal is coincident with the continuous ordering curve. Khachaturyan [7,12], on the other hand, considered the case S ∼- 1 and derived an equation for the chemical spinodal analogous to that for secondary ordering. In the present work, a general expression for the chemical and coherent spinodal in the ordered B2 phase is obtained for the equilibrium state of order and which allows for both of these cases ( S = 0 and S = 1).
Rose Bengal-decorated silica nanoparticles as photosensitizers for inactivation of gram-positive bacteria

A new type of photosensitizer, made from Rose Bengal (RB)-decorated silica (SiO2–NH2–RB) nanoparticles, was developed to inactivate gram-positive bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with high efficiency through photodynamic action. The nanoparticles were characterized microscopically and spectroscopically to confirm their structures. The characterization of singlet oxygen generated by RB, both free and immobilized on a nanoparticle surface, was performed in the presence of anthracene-9,10-dipropionic acid. The capability of SiO2–NH2–RB nanoparticles to inactivate bacteria was tested in vitro on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that RB-decorated silica nanoparticles can inactivate MRSA and Staphylococcus epidermidis (both gram-positive) very effectively (up to eight-orders-of-magnitude reduction). Photosensitizers of such design should have good potential as antibacterial agents through a photodynamic mechanism.
The hopf algebra rep $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_\infty $$

We define the Hopf algebra structure on the Grothendieck group of finite-dimensional polynomial representations of $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_N $$ in the limitN→∞. The resulting Hopf algebra Rep $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_\infty $$ is a tensor product of its Hopf subalgebras Repa $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_\infty $$ ,a ∈ ℂ×/q2ℤ. Whenq is generic (resp.,q 2 is a primitive root of unity of orderl), we construct an isomorphism between the Hopf algebra Rep a $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_\infty $$ and the algebra of regular functions on the prounipotent proalgebraic group $$\widetilde{SL}\overline {_\infty } $$ (resp., $$\widetilde{GL}\overline {_l } $$ ). Whenq is a root of unity, this isomorphism identifies the Hopf subalgebra of Rep a $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_\infty $$ spanned by the modules obtained by pullback with respect to the Frobenius homomorphism with the algebra generated by the coefficients of the determinant of an element of $$\widetilde{GL}\overline {_l } $$ considered as anl×l matrix over the Taylor series. This gives us an explicit formula for the Frobenius pullbacks of the fundamental representations. In addition, we construct a natural action of the Hall algebra associated to the infinite linear quiver (resp., the cyclic quiver withl vertices) on Rep a $$U_q \widehat{\mathfrak{g}\mathfrak{l}}_\infty $$ and describe the span of tensor products of evaluation representations taken at fixed points as a module over this Hall algebra.
Fracture Resistance of Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Dental Implant Abutments

Purpose: An in vitro study was performed to assess the effect of different degrees of clinical reduction of zirconia abutments on the failure load of clinical assemblies. Materials and Methods: Zirconia abutments (Y-TZP Ceramic Abutment, Astra Tech) were prepared with 0, 0.5, or 1 mm of external axial reduction starting 1 mm above the height-of-contour. Abutments (n = 10) were attached to implant analogs (25 Ncm torque) embedded in a stainless steel cylinder using Field's metal. Fracture loads (N) were determined when assemblies were loaded at 60° off-axis until failure (Instron, CHS = 0.1 mm/min). Groups were statistically compared using ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Fracture loads for all assemblies displayed large variations within groups. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) among different abutment groups with a mean fracture load of 429 N (±140) for the control group, 576 N (±120) for 0.5-mm margins, and 547 (±139) for 1.0-mm margins. All fractures occurred at the interface where the abutment was connected to the analog. Conclusion: In this in vitro study of simulated ultimate assembly strength, the preparation of zirconia abutments did not significantly impair the fracture resistance of simulated implant assemblies. All implant abutments fractured at rates higher than the maximum incisal forces (90–370 N) estimated to occur in the anterior region of the mouth.
The implications of anatomical and functional changes of the aging kidney: with an emphasis on the glomeruli

Aging is both a natural and inevitable biological process. With advancing age, the kidneys undergo anatomical and physiological changes that are not only the consequences of normal organ senescence but also of specific diseases (such as atherosclerosis or diabetes) that occur with greater frequency in older individuals. Disentangling these two processes, one pathologic and the other physiologic, is difficult. In this review we concentrate on the glomerular structural and functional alterations that accompany natural aging. We also analyze how these changes affect the identification of individuals of advancing age as having chronic kidney disease (CKD) and how these changes can influence prognosis for adverse outcomes, including all-cause mortality, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular events and mortality, and acute kidney injury. This review describes important shortcomings and deficiencies with our current approach and understanding of CKD in the older and elderly adult.
Globalization and Postmodern Values

As countries become more industrialized, they find no direct correlation between financial prowess and emotional well‐being. While the modern world prioritized economic‐led growth, the postmodern society will place more value on environmental protection and cultural identity.
No Harm, No Foul? Justifying Bans On Safe Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Scholars such as Simon (2007; 2004) and Loland (2002) as well as the authors of the World Anti-Doping Code (2001) argue that using performance-enhancing substances is unhealthy and unfairly coercive for other athletes. Critics of the anti-doping position such as Hoberman (1995), Miah et al. (2005) and Tamburrini (2007) are quick to argue that such prohibitions, even though well-intended, constitute an unjustifiable form of paternalism. However, advocates for both of these positions assume that preserving good health and, conversely, avoiding health-related harms, lie at the centre of the debate. Given the apparent stalemate in the debate over the validity of health concerns on performance-enhancing drugs, in this essay, I investigate ethical issues of ‘harm-free’ pharmaceutical performance enhancement. Beginning with the hypothesis that a harm-free performance-enhancing drug may be produced in the future, I ask if there would still be compelling reasons for prohibiting such a drug. I address this question...
Comparison of neural network models for fault diagnosis of power systems

Abstract This paper compares the performance of two neural network (ANN) models for fault diagnosis of power systems. Radial basis function and back-propagation networks are compared with reference to generalization, training time and number of training patterns needed for each model.
EFFECT OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE (NO) AND pH ON PULMONARY VASCULAR RESISTANCE(PVR) IN THROMBOXANE INDUCED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION. 1974

EFFECT OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE (NO) AND pH ON PULMONARY VASCULAR RESISTANCE(PVR) IN THROMBOXANE INDUCED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION. 1974
Differential effect of estradiol and bisphenol A on Set8 and Sirt1 expression in prostate cancer

Exposure to estrogenic compounds has been shown to epigenetically reprogram the prostate and may contribute to prostate cancer. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of physiological doses of estradiol and bisphenol A (BPA) on the expression of histone modifying enzymes (HMEs) in prostate cancer. Using two human prostate cancer cell lines we examined the expression of Set8, a histone methyltransferase, and Sirt1, a histone deacetylase, after exposure to estrogen or BPA. These experiments were carried out in the presence of natural hormones to understand the impact of additional exposure to estrogen or BPA on HME expression. We found differential expression of the HMEs in the different models and between the different compounds. Further, we determined that the changes in gene expression occurred via estrogen receptor signaling using the ER antagonist, ICI 182,780 (fulvestrant). Interestingly we found that the combination of ICI with estrogen or BPA greatly affected the expression of Set8, even when the hormone alone had no effect. This study demonstrates that the effects of estrogen and BPA on HME expression vary and that the presence of both the estrogen receptor and androgen receptor may be important for therapeutic intervention.
35 Adverse Event Rates for Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Procedures: Identification of High-Risk Populations

Background: We sought to determine the rate of adverse events in pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures and determine patient and procedural characteristics predictive of events. Methods: A prospective database was created to record patient and procedural characteristics and adverse events. Procedures were grouped into 5 categories based on anticipated risk. Results: In 9 months, 791 procedures were performed and most involved at least one intervention (81%). Ages at procedures were: 3 yrs (66%). Procedures were electively scheduled in 78%. An indicator of vulnerable hemodynamics was present in 38% of cases including elevated pulmonary or right ventricular pressures > systemic, cyanosis (saturation 3yrs, p<0.001) and in those with an indicator of physiologic vulnerability (33% vs 14%, p <0.001). Adverse events were less common in outpatient procedures than inpatient and emergent procedures (8% vs 25% and 33%, p <0.001). Interventional procedures (25% vs 15%, p = 0.01) and higher procedural risk group were associated with increasing complication rates (11% in 1, 26% in 2, 39% in 3, 50% in 4, 44% in 5, p <0.001). Conclusion: These data provide current estimates of adverse event rates in pediatric catheterization and identify high risk patient and procedural characteristics.
Diesel vehicle performance on unaltered waste soybean oil blended with petroleum fuels

Abstract Interest in using unaltered vegetable oil as a fuel in diesel engines has experienced an increase due to uncertainty in the crude oil market supply and the detrimental effects petroleum fuels have on the environment. Unaltered vegetable oil blended with petroleum fuels is less expensive, uses less energy to produce and is more environmentally friendly compared to petroleum diesel or biodiesel. Here we investigate the engine performance of unaltered waste soybean oil blended with petroleum diesel and kerosene for three vehicles. Five biofuel blends ranging from 15% to 50% oil by volume were tested on a 2006 Jeep Liberty CRD, a 1999 Mercedes E300 and a 1984 Mercedes 300TD. A DynoJet 224x chassis dynamometer was used to test vehicle engine performance for horsepower and torque through a range of RPMs. Results for the Jeep showed a modest decrease in horsepower and torque compared to petroleum diesel ranging from 0.9% for the 15% oil blend to 5.0% lower for the 50% oil blend. However, a 30% oil blend showed statistically better performance (P
Rituximab: complementary mechanisms of action

Approximately 200 000 patients have been treated with rituximab, yet the debate over the relative importance of various potential mechanisms of action for this antibody continues. In this issue, Cragg and colleagues (page [1045][1]) report on complement-mediated cytotoxicity induced by various
Primisulfuron herbicide-resistant tobacco plants: mutant selection in vitro by adventitious shoot formation from culturéd leaf discs

Abstract A simple procedure has been developed for the rapid and direct selection of herbicide-resistant mutant plants. The procedure uses adventitious shoot formation from suitable explants, such as leaf discs, on a shoot-inducing culture medium containing a toxic herbicide concentration. Resistant green shoots were thus isolated from tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaf explants cultured on medium containing 100 μg 1 −1 primisulfuron, a new sulfonylurea herbicide. Resistant shoots were recovered from both haploid and diploid explants after UV mutagenesis, as well as without mutagenic treatment. Three mutant plants of separate origin were further analyzed biochemically and genetically. Their acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) enzyme activity was less inhibited by sulfonylurea herbicides than that of unselected, sensitive wild type plants. The extent of inhibition of the AHAS enzyme among the three mutants was different for different sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides suggesting different sites were affected by each mutation. Herbicide tolerance was scored for germinating seedling populations and was found to be inherited as a single dominant nuclear gene. Adventitious shoot formation from cultured leaf discs was used to determine the cross tolerance of mutant plants to various herbicidal AHAS inhibitors. The usefulness of this rapid and direct scheme for mutant selection based on adventitious shoot formation or embryogenesis is discussed.
Lateral diffusion in planar lipid bilayers: a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching investigation of its modulation by lipid composition, cholesterol, or alamethicin content and divalent cations

In spite of the fact that planar lipid bilayers are still the best-suited artificial membrane system for the study of reconstituted ion channels and receptors, data dealing with their physical characterization, especially as regards dynamics, are scanty. A combined electrical and optical chamber was designed and allowed fluorescence recovery after photobleaching recovery curves to be recorded from stable virtually solvent-free bilayers. D, the lateral diffusion coefficient of N-(7-nitrobenzoyl-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, was found to be relatively insensitive to the phospholipid composition (headgroup, chain unsaturation, etc.), whereas inclusion of 33–50% cholesterol in the membrane reduced D by a factor of 2. Divalent cations significantly reduced D of negatively charged bilayers. These results compare well with data gathered on other model and natural systems. In addition, the incorporation of the voltage-dependent pore-former alamethicin did slightly reduce lipid lateral mobility. This study demonstrates the feasibility of such experiments with planar bilayers, which are amenable to physical constraints, and thus offers new opportunities for systematic studies of structure-function relationships in membrane-associating molecules.
The Impact of United States Recreational Fisheries on Marine Fish Populations

We evaluated the commercial and recreational fishery landings over the past 22 years, first at the national level, then for populations of concern (those that are overfished or experiencing overfishing), and finally by region. Recreational landings in 2002 account for 4% of total marine fish landed in the United States. With large industrial fisheries excluded (e.g., menhaden and pollock), the recreational component rises to 10%. Among populations of concern, recreational landings in 2002 account for 23% of the total nationwide, rising to 38% in the South Atlantic and 64% in the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, it affects many of the most-valued overfished species-including red drum, bocaccio, and red snapper-all of which are taken primarily in the recreational fishery.
Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors

Several advances in high-detection-efficiency superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) including multi-layer optical structures and multi-element geometries make them uniquely suited to applications in the short-wave infrared.
The IBM Enterprise System/900 Type 9121 air-cooled processor

The IBM Enterprise System/9000™ Type 9121 air-cooled processor achieves, with the same or reduced physical floor space and power levels, a performance level equal to or greater than those of previous IBM processors. This performance level was attained by a combination of design innovations: a new air-cooled thermal conduction module (TCM), integration of bipolar and CMOS technology in this TCM, the design and implementation of a differential current switch bipolar circuit family, integrated programmable memory subsystem design, and extensive use of VLSI technology. The result of these innovations was a 15-ns-cycle air-cooled machine. The salient features and an overview of the machine design are presented.
Modeling users' mobility among WiFi access points

Modeling movements of users is important for simulating wireless networks, but current models often do not reflect real movements. Using real mobility traces, we can build a mobility model that reflects reality. In building a mobility model, it is important to note that while the number of handheld wireless devices is constantly increasing, laptops are still the majority in most cases. As a laptop is often disconnected from the network while a user is moving, it is not feasible to extract the exact path of the user from network messages. Thus, instead of modeling individual user's movements, we model movements in terms of the influx and outflux of users between access points (APs). We first counted the hourly visits to APs in the syslog messages recorded at APs. We found that the number of hourly visits has a periodic repetition of 24 hours. Based on this observation, we aggregated multiple days into a single day by adding the number of visits of the same hour in different days. We then clustered APs based on the different peak hour of visits. We found that this approach of clustering is effective; we ended up with four distinct clusters and a cluster of stable APs. We then computed the average arrival rate and the distribution of the daily arrivals for each cluster. Using a standard method (such as thinning) for generating non-homogeneous Poisson processes, synthetic traces can be generated from our model.
Inhibition of Gastric Motility by Duodenal Contents in Turkeys

Abstract Twenty young turkeys were prepared with two fistulas in the duodenum, one at the flexure and a second in the distal duodenum. Pressures were measured and recorded in the glandular and muscular stomachs and in the duodenal flexure by means of open-tipped polyethylene tubes connected to pressure transducers. Several stimuli were applied to the mucosa of the distal duodenum while recording. Corn oil, mineral oil, hypertonic and isotonic solutions, and dilute HCl were injected, and balloons were inflated, within the distal duodenum. Inhibition of gastric motility was evident within seconds after injection of 4 to 10 ml. of 0.1N HCl and 6 to 12 ml. of 1600 mOsM NaCl solutions or after balloon inflation. Within minutes after an injection of 6–12 ml. of corn oil the frequency of gastric contractions was slowed. Mineral oil (10 ml.) did not inhibit motility. Sufficiently large quantities of neutral isotonic saline (>30 ml.) slightly depressed normal gastric motility. Recorded pressure changes characteristic of intestinal refluxes were observed frequently during most of the responses to these stimuli. It is hypothesized that the inhibition of gastric motility which occurs within seconds after application of an intraduodenal stimulus may be the result of a neural mechanism while that caused by the injection of corn oil may be humorally mediated.
A mathematical model for estimating muscle tension in vivo during esophageal bolus transport.

We present a model of esophageal wall muscle mechanics during bolus transport with which the active and "passive" components of circular muscle tension are separately extracted from concurrent manometric and videofluoroscopic data. Local differential equations of motion are integrated across the esophageal wall to yield global equations of equilibrium which relate total tension within the esophageal wall to intraluminal pressure and wall geometry. To quantify the "passive" (i.e. inactive) length-tension relationships, the model equations are applied to a region of the esophagus in which active muscle contraction is physiologically inhibited. Combining the global equations with space-time-resolved intraluminal pressure measured manometrically and videofluoroscopic geometry data, the passive model is used to separate active and "passive" components of esophageal muscle tension during bolus transport. The model is of general applicability to probe basic muscle mechanics including the space-time stimulation of circular muscle, the relationship between longitudinal muscle tension and longitudinal muscle shortening, and the contribution of the collagen matrix surrounding muscle fibers to passive tension during normal human esophageal bolus transport and in pathology. Example calculations of normal esophageal function are given where active tone is found to extend only over a short intrabolus segment near the bolus tail and segmental regions of active muscle squeeze are demonstrated.
Male-female differences in the setting and construction of violence among people with severe mental illness

Data from a sample of severely and persistently mentally ill involuntary patients indicated that differences in violence between males and females in the 4 months prior to hospital admission depended on the measure. In the bivariate analysis, males had a greater prevalence of violence on the two indicators which separated more serious violence from lesser and no violence; but there was no gender difference on the more inclusive measure which incorporated threats and fights not involving weapons or injuries. In multivariate analysis when other relevant predictors were controlled, gender was significant in predicting only the most inclusive indicator of violence and only in interaction with substance abuse problems.
Synthesis of tritium labeled 1-amidino-3-(P-nitro-phenyl)urea: A potential antimalarial agent

SUMMARY Five steps were required to synthesize the title compound. This involved a catalytic exchange reaction, nitration, hydrolysis, and condensation. The overall radiochemical yield was 28.87% and the specific activity was 12.4 mCi/mmol, with a radiochemical purity of more than 95.7%
Implications of a Hierarchical Relationship Among Channel Form, Instream Habitat, and Stream Communities for Restoration of Channelized Streams

Hierarchy theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding the influence of differently scaled processes on the structure of stream communities. Channel form, instream habitat, and stream communities appear to be hierarchically related, but the strength of the relationships among all components of this hypothesized hierarchy have not been examined. We sampled channel form, instream habitat, fishes, and macroinvertebrates in a channelized stream in Mississippi and Alabama to examine the hypothesis that a hierarchical relationship exists among channel form, instream habitat, and stream communities. Instream habitat, fishes, and macroinvertebrates were sampled in May, July, and September 2000. Measurements of channel form were obtained in July 2000. Mantel tests, multiple regressions, and correlation analyses were used to assess strength of the relationships among channel form, instream habitat, and stream communities. Positive correlations were observed between channel form and instream habitat, and correlations observed between these factors were the greatest observed in our study. Overall, fish and macroinvertebrate communities exhibited stronger relationships with instream habitat than with channel form. Species richness, evenness, and abundance tended to exhibit greater correlations with instream habitat, while species composition had greater correlations with channel form. We concluded that channel form, instream habitat, and stream communities were hierarchically related.
Assembly of RNP granules in stressed and aging oocytes requires nucleoporins and is coordinated with nuclear membrane blebbing

Protective cellular responses to stress and aging in the germline are essential for perpetuation of a species; however, relatively few studies have focused on how germ cells respond to stress and aging. We have previously shown that large ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes assemble in oocytes of Caenorhabditis during extended meiotic arrest or after environmental stress. Here we explore the regulation of these dynamic RNPs and demonstrate their assembly is coordinated with dramatic, nuclear membrane blebbing in oocytes. Our ultrastructural analyses reveal distinct changes in the endoplasmic reticulum, and the first evidence for the assembly of stacked annulate lamellae in Caenorhabditis. We further show several nucleoporins are required for the complete assembly of RNP granules, and a disruption in RNP granule assembly coupled with a low frequency of nuclear blebbing in arrested oocytes negatively impacts embryonic viability. Our observations support a model where nuclear membrane blebbing is required to increase the trafficking of nucleoporins to the cell cortex in stressed or meiotically arrested cells and to facilitate the recruitment of RNA and protein components of RNPs into large complexes. These new insights may have general implications for better understanding how germ cells preserve their integrity when fertilization is delayed and how cells respond to stress.
MIL-STD-220A versus Classical Measurement of Filter Insertion Loss in a 50-ΩSystem

Discrepancies have been observed in the data obtained from measurement of insertion loss using MIL-STD-220A and other classical and more traditional techniques. This situation has resulted in confusion for designers of interference-suppression components, raising doubts regarding the validity of MIL-STD-220A and correctness of the test procedures specified therein. In this paper, a complete analysis of the test circuit described by MIL-STD-220A is performed. Using the circuit characteristics of the matched isolation attenuators, an equation is derived for the filter insertion loss. It is shown that, for large values of attenuation provided by matched isolation attenuators, the values of insertion loss obtained become nearly equal to the values obtained from the classical equation of the insertion loss, which agree with experimental results.
The Continuing Significance of Race in the Occupational Attainment of Whites and Blacks: A Segmented Labor Market Analysis*

In this article we posit that racial discrimination is not uniform across the U.S. labor market. While it is likely that patterns of racial discrimination occur in some types of jobs more than others, little empirical research has examined the effect of race across segmented labor markets. Incorporating two decades of comparable General Social Survey data, this article revisits William J. Wilson's hypothesis that the significance of race in determining labor market outcomes is declining. We examine the effect of race within two dissimilar labor segments over time, dividing the labor market into technique-versus social-skills-oriented segments. Using this theoretically useful dichotomy, we examine if the net effect of race (African American and white men) on occupational prestige has declined from the 1970s to the 1990s. Our multivariate analysis shows that the net effect of race is different in each labor market. This suggests that racial discrimination against African Americans is not uniform across the entire labor market, but instead is differentiately manifested within various labor market segments. Overall, our findings partially support Wilson's thesis indicating that while the effect of race is no longer a significant indicator of occupational prestige by the 1990s in a technique-oriented job segment, it remains a significant predictive variable within a social-skills-oriented job segment, even when controlling for a range of social class and structural variables.