cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ventricular Performance in Diabetic Rabbits with Norepinephrine Cardiomyopathy

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of norepinephrine cardiomyopathy (NE-CM) on left ventricular (LV) performance in diabetic rabbits. Diabetes mellitus was produced in 11 rabbits by giving them alloxan monohydrate, 120 mg/kg. Cardiomyopathy was produced in five animals by a 90-min infusion of norepinephrine (2 micrograms/min/kg). Left ventricular contractility and pump function (VF) were examined 2 days later. The effects of hypercapnia and inotropic responsiveness to NE were also determined. VF was assessed by means of left ventricular function curves obtained with constant mean aortic pressure and heart rate and quantified by determining stroke volume (SV) at a left ventricular pressure of 10 cm H2O (SV10). Mean SV10 was 1.22 +/- 0.08 ml in control diabetics but averaged only 0.95 +/- 0.08 ml in diabetics with NE-CM (P less than 0.05). NE-CM markedly reduced LV dP/dt max responses to NE infusion but the increments in SV10 did not differ. Hypercapnia caused significantly greater ventricular depression in NE-CM than in control diabetic rabbits (P less than 0.001). The depressive effect of hypercapnia can be countered in part by the administration of NE in both groups, but differential depression in VF to hypercapnia was persistent between the two groups.
Gravitational Inconsistency in the Lunar Theory: Numerical Determination

Preliminary numerical integrations of the lunar motion indicate that defects in the lunar ephemeris, due to omissions in the revised Brown lunar theory, produce errors of the order of several hundred meters in the coordinates at certain times. Such errors are large enough to affect adversely analyses of data from spacecraft, as well as determination of ephemeris time. Distinct planetary periodicities seem to appear in the residuals.
Insulin inhibits surfactant protein A and B gene expression in the H441 cell line.

Abstract Fetuses of mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and are frequently hyperinsulinemic, thus it has been proposed that high levels of insulin delay fetal lung maturation. We have shown previously that insulin inhibits the accumulation of mRNA for the surfactant-associated proteins A and B (SP-A and SP-B) in human fetal lung explants maintained in vitro. To test the hypothesis that the inhibitory effects of insulin on the surfactant proteins are the result of a direct action of insulin on the lung epithelial cell, we evaluated the effects of insulin in the H441 cell line, a human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell line that expresses SP-A and SP-B mRNA. We observed that insulin treatment for 48 h decreased SP-A mRNA and protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner when compared to controls. The inhibitory effect of insulin on SP-A mRNA levels was apparent as early as after 4 h of exposure. SP-B mRNA levels were also significantly decreased by insulin in a concentration-dependent manner. Insulin, at 2.5 μg/ml, inhibited SP-A gene transcription by approx. 67%, and inhibited SP-B gene transcription by about 32%. There was no significant effect of insulin on SP-A or SP-B mRNA stability. Thus, we have observed a pattern of insulin inhibition of SP-A and SP-B gene expression in the H441 lung epithelial cell line similar to that previously observed in human fetal lung explants, which are comprised of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Our findings provide further evidence that insulin may delay fetal lung maturation by inhibiting SP-A and SP-B gene expression. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of insulin are, at least partially, the result of a direct action on the lung epithelial cell.
Cultural relativism and comparative criminology

The recent spate of comparative studies of crime is long overdue as a potential palliative to the traditional ethnocentrism of American criminology. But their comparative method is uncritically taken from two incompatible propositions derived from Durkheimian empiricism. As such, the generalizations about criminal behavior that these studies advance should be treated more with caution than optimism. This essay discusses the alleged advances over Durkheimian empiricism made by two distinct forms of cultural relativism. If what every man believes as a result of perception is indeed to be true for him; if, just as no one is to be a better judge of what another experiences, so no one is better entitled to consider what another thinks is true or false... then, my friend, where is the wisdom of Protagoras, to justify his setting up to teach others and to be handsomely paid for it? Socrates, in Plato'sTheaetetus
Molecular analysis of kdr-like resistance in a permethrin-resistant strain of Colorado potato beetle.

Abstract Resistance to the rapid paralytic effects of pyrethroids in the permethrin-resistant (PE-R) strain of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is phenotypically similar to that of the kdr trait of the house fly, which is caused by a single amino acid substitution (L1014F) in the Vssc1 voltage-sensitive sodium channel gene of that species. To test the hypothesis that the kdr -like trait of the PE-R strain of the CPB is caused by a similar mechanism, we amplified a 370-bp segment of the CPB ortholog of the house fly Vssc1 gene and employed that segment as a hybridization probe in a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the linkage between this CPB sodium channel gene and the kdr -like resistance trait. These experiments identified an Eco RI RFLP that was specifically associated with the resistance trait when present, but this analysis was confounded by the absence of the diagnostic Eco RI fragments in all analyzed individuals of either the PE-R or the susceptible (SS) strain and by the presence in some individuals of an additional Eco RI polymorphism that was not correlated with resistance. To identify sodium channel sequence polymorphisms associated with the kdr -like resistance trait, we determined the sequence of cDNA clones comprising a 3262-bp segment of the CPB sodium channel gene that included five sites at which resistance-associated polymorphisms have been identified in other insect species. Sequence analyses of individual CPB sodium channel cDNAs revealed a single amino acid substitution in the PE-R strain corresponding to the L1014F mutation in the house fly Vssc1 sodium channel. Direct comparison of cDNA and genomic DNA sequences from individual insects showed that whereas some SS individuals carried both resistant and susceptible alleles, only the wildtype allele was detectably transcribed. These results imply that a mutation in the CPB sodium channel gene corresponding to the L1014F mutation found in kdr house flies is the cause of the kdr -like resistance trait in the PE-R strain.
Serendipitous growth of single crystals with silicon incorporation

The self-flux method for crystal growth is a highly versatile technique which can be used to grow single crystals of congruently melting, incongruently melting, and even metastable phases. However, the growth of a single phase using the self-flux technique can be challenging yet rewarding, especially when one compound in a phase space is considerably more stable than the others. Herein, the synthesis, structure and properties of two competing metal silicide phases, Ru23(Al,Si)97 and CeRu4(Al,Si)15.58, and two competing polymorphs of CeAg y Si x Ga2- x-y , are discussed to provide an insight into the methods which can be used to target a single phase using the self-flux technique.
Effect of Allotype on Activation of Neutrophils by FcγRIIIB Cross-Linking

Abstract Human neutrophils constitutively synthesize two receptors for the constant region of IgG, FcγRII, and FcγRIIIB. Fluo-3-loaded neutrophils were treated with biotinylated Fab fragments of anti-FcγR antibodies and cross-linked with streptavidin, and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+] i ) was monitored by flow cytometry. Polymerization of filamentous actin was quantitated by NBD–phallacidin using flow cytometry. Cross-linking of FcγRII by monoclonal antibody (mAb) IV.3 induces an increase in [Ca2+] i , superoxide generation, and the polymerization of actin. [Ca2+] i responses from cross-linking of FcγRIIIB by mAb 3G8 varied from minimal to no release. To determine whether discrepancies in 3G8-induced [Ca2+] i release were due to allotype variation, we selected five donors who were homozygous for the NA1 allotype of FcγRIIIB and five who were either heterozygous or homozygous for the NA2 allotype and compared their [Ca2+] i response and actin polymerization induced by FcγRIIIB cross-linking. Cross-linking of FcγRIIIB by 3G8 produced minimal [Ca2+] i release and polymerization of actin irrespective of donor allotype.
Anesthetic management in reconstructive surgery of the mandible

Abstract 1. 1. Some of the problems in anesthesia occasioned by reconstructive surgery of the mandible are discussed. 2. 2. Sixty-seven cases of bone grafting to the mandible form the basis for this discussion. Thirty-nine were anesthetized with nitrous oxide-oxygen anesthesia aided by curare; fourteen with ether-nitrous oxide sequence; ten with ether, nitrous oxide, followed by scopolamine in the postoperative period; and four with pentothal (cocaine topical). All were intratracheal.
Acyclic stereoselection. 21. Synthesis of an ionophore synthon having four asymmetric carbons by sequential aldol addition, claisen rearrangement and hydroboration

Abstract Allylic alcohol 7, obtained by a synthesis involving stereoselective aldol addition to an unsaturated aldehyde, is transformed by the Ireland variant of the Claisen rearrangement into unsaturated acid 9. Subsequent elaboration of this material gives homoallylic alcohols 13 and 14, which are hydroborated to obtain primarily 3 and 4. It is shown that the hydroboration is intermolecular, rather than intramolecular.
2-Substituted adenosine derivatives: affinity and efficacy at four subtypes of human adenosine receptors

The affinity and efficacy at four subtypes (A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3)) of human adenosine receptors (ARs) of a wide range of 2-substituted adenosine derivatives were evaluated using radioligand binding assays and a cyclic AMP functional assay in intact CHO cells stably expressing these receptors. Similar to previous studies of the N(6)-position, several 2-substituents were found to be critical structural determinants for the A(3)AR activation. The following adenosine 2-ethers were moderately potent partial agonists (K(i), nM): benzyl (117), 3-chlorobenzyl (72), 2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethyl (41), and 2-(2-naphthyl)ethyl (130). The following adenosine 2-ethers were A(3)AR antagonists: 2,2-diphenylethyl, 2-(2-norbornan)ethyl, R- and S-2-phenylbutyl, and 2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl. 2-(S-2-Phenylbutyloxy)adenosine as an A(3)AR antagonist right-shifted the concentration-response curve for the inhibition by NECA of cyclic AMP accumulation with a K(B) value of 212 nM, which is similar to its binding affinity (K(i) = 175 nM). These 2-substituted adenosine derivatives were generally less potent at the A(1)AR in comparison to the A(3)AR, but fully efficacious, with binding K(i) values over 100 nM. The 2-phenylethyl moiety resulted in higher A(3)AR affinity (K(i) in nM) when linked to the 2-position of adenosine through an ether group (54), than when linked through an amine (310) or thioether (1960). 2-[2-(l-Naphthyl)ethyloxy]adenosine (K(i) = 3.8 nM) was found to be the most potent and selective (>50-fold) A(2A) agonist in this series. Mixed A(2A)/A(3)AR agonists have been identified. Interestingly, although most of these compounds were extremely weak at the A(2B)AR, 2-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethyloxy]adenosine (EC(50) = 1.4 microM) and 2-[2-(2-thienyl)-ethyloxy]adenosine (EC(50) = 1.8 microM) were found to be relatively potent A(2B) agonists, although less potent than NECA (EC(50) = 140 nM).
NUCA-L1: A Non-Uniform Access Latency Level-1 Cache Architecture for Multicores Operating at Near-Threshold Voltages

Research has shown that operating in the near-threshold region is expected to provide up to 10× energy efficiency for future processors. However, reliable operation below a minimum voltage (Vccmin) cannot be guaranteed due to process variations. Because SRAM margins can easily be violated at near-threshold voltages, their bit-cell failure rates are expected to rise steeply. Multicore processors rely on fast private L1 caches to exploit data locality and achieve high performance. In the presence of high bit-cell fault rates, traditionally an L1 cache either sacrifices capacity or incurs additional latency to correct the faults. We observe that L1 cache sensitivity to hit latency offers a design trade-off between capacity and latency. When fault rate is high at extreme Vccmin, it is beneficial to recover L1 cache capacity, even if it comes at the cost of additional latency. However, at low fault rates, the additional constant latency to recover cache capacity degrades performance. With this trade-off in mind, we propose a Non-Uniform Cache Access L1 architecture (NUCA-L1) that avoids additional latency on accesses to fault-free cache lines. To mitigate the capacity bottleneck, it deploys a correction mechanism to recover capacity at the cost of additional latency. Using extensive simulations of a 64-core multicore, we demonstrate that at various bit-cell fault rates, our proposed private NUCA-L1 cache architecture performs better than state-of-the-art schemes, along with a significant reduction in energy consumption.
Damping impact on dynamic analysis of LLC resonant converter

In this paper, the small-signal model of LLC resonant converter is derived using extended describing function (EDF) methodology and the dynamics of the LLC resonant converter are studied based on the small signal model taking into account the circuit parasitic resistance. When designing the controller, this damping effect induced by the parasitic resistance is usually neglected. While it will be shown in this paper that for large transformer turns ratio, the secondary side parasitic resistance introduces significant damping in the resonant tank. A controller is designed for an example LLC circuit. It is shown that the control loop phase margin and the cross over frequency are highly dependent on the damping factor, which should be considered in the control loop design to have the desired transient performance. The experimental verification is provided as well.
Ion beam deposition of β-SiC layers onto α-SiC substrates

Abstract Thin films of β-SiC have been grown epitaxically on 6H α-SiC substrates by direct deposition of alternating layers of 13 C + and 30 Si + . The carbon and silicon ions were obtained from an ion implanter by decelerating mass-analyzed ion beams down to 40 eV. The substrate was held at 700°C during growth. Rutherford backscattering and high resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques have been used to determine the composition and structure of the resulting β-SiC layer and the nature of the interface. This is the first reported use of the ion beam deposition technique to grow β-SiC films and demonstrates the capability of using alternating beam deposition to prepare compound structures.
N 14 -N 15 Hyperfine Anomaly

The optical transmission of an optically oriented sodium vapor in spin-exchange equilibrium with atomic nitrogen has been used to measure the zero-field hyperfine splitting of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$. The ground state of atomic nitrogen is $^{4}S_{\frac{3}{2}}$. For ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$, which has $I=1$, $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\frac{5}{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\frac{3}{2}}=26.12721\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00018 \mathrm{Mc}/sec,$ $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\frac{3}{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\frac{1}{2}}=15.67646\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00012 \mathrm{Mc}/sec.$ For ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$, which has $I=\frac{1}{2}$, $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=29.29136\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00016 \mathrm{Mc}/sec.$
Historical perspective of metal implantation

Abstract The process of ion implantation was introduced about 30 years ago for the doping of silicon crystals. A few years later, around 1970, there began the first systematic investigations of the modification of metals and alloys in order to improve their resistance to wear and corrosion. It was shown to be possible to take advantage of the low temperature, non-equilibrium nature of the process and to exceed normal solubility limits. Some of the research programs exploited the versatility of ion implantation in order to prepare specimens for comparative studies of their oxidation or corrosion behavior, thus using it as a valuable research tool. By 1975, it was possible to initiate a program aimed at the industrial application of a non-analyzed beam of nitrogen ions, and the first implanter designed to this purpose was constructed in 1976. Progress to a much larger (2.6 m) facility took place in 1985, and it became possible to demonstrate the economic benefits of scale-up. Developments of much more powerful ion sources have further extended the potential for industrial applications of gaseous and metallic ion beams. The combination of coating and ion implantation for ion beam assisted deposition and diamond-like carbon deposition has provided additional versatility. Future trends and prospects will be discussed, including the opportunities for plasma-based methods of ion implantation.
A Simplification of the Classic Large-Sample Standard Error of a Function of Multinomial Proportions

Abstract Simple as it is, the classic large-sample standard error of a function of multinomial proportions simplifies even further for a wide class of functions used in practice, thanks to a result provable using simple calculus.
Ethical issues in dermatopathology

Some of the most contentious and relevant ethical issues in dermatopathology include client billing, the practice of dermatopathology by physicians without board certification in dermatopathology, and the practice of including recommendations regarding further surgery in dermatopathology reports. Client billing is a system in which clinicians directly compensate laboratories for pathology services and directly bill patients and/or third-party payers. Although proponents argue that this system can reduce health care costs and increase efficiency, others have argued that it creates an environment that fosters unethical, and potentially illegal, behavior. The development of various types of laboratory models, commonly referred to as "contractual joint ventures," has served to expand client billing. Although the field of dermatopathology is considered a subspecialty of both clinical dermatology and anatomic pathology, dermatopathology is commonly practiced by clinical dermatologists and general anatomic pathologists who are not board certified in dermatopathology. Although these physicians are legally entitled to practice dermatopathology, some have questioned the ethics of this situation, especially when board-certified dermatopathologists are available. Finally, dermatopathology reports, on occasion, include suggestions regarding the need for additional surgery or other clinical courses of action. Although established guidelines do not fully endorse or discourage this practice, various opinions exist regarding its affect on patient care.
Physical Activity and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in developed countries around the world despite the documented success of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. This illustrates the multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis and the use of novel inflammatory markers as an adjunct to risk factor reduction strategies. As evidence continues to accumulate that inflammation is involved in all stages of the development and progression of atherosclerosis, markers of inflammation such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) may provide additional information regarding the biological status of the atherosclerotic lesion. Recent investigations suggest that physical activity reduces CRP levels. Higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are consistently associated with 6-35% lower CRP levels. Longitudinal training studies that have demonstrated reductions in CRP concentrations range from 16% to 41%, an effect that may be independent of baseline levels of CRP, body composition or weight loss. The average change in CRP associated with physical activity appears to be at least as good, if not better, than currently prescribed pharmacological interventions in similar populations. The primary purpose of this review will be to present evidence from both cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations that physical activity lowers CRP levels in a dose-response manner. Finally, this review will examine factors such as body composition, sex, blood sample timing, diet and smoking, which may influence the CRP response to physical activity.
Taking the Time to Improve the Validity of Low-Stakes Tests: The Effort-Monitoring CBT.

The attractiveness of computer-based tests (CBTs) is due largely to their capability to expand the ways we conduct testing. A relatively unexplored application, however, is actively using the computer to reduce construct-irrelevant variance while a test is being administered. This investigation introduces the effort-monitoring CBT, in which the computer monitors examinee effort (based on item response time) in a low-stakes test and displays warning messages to those exhibiting rapid-guessing behavior. The results of an experimental study are presented, which showed that an effort-monitoring CBT increased examinee effort and yielded more valid test scores than a conventional CBT. Thus, unlike previous research that has focused on identifying rapid-guessing behavior after it has occurred, the effort-monitoring CBT proactively attempts to suppress rapid-guessing behavior. This innovative testing procedure extends the capabilities of measurement practitioners to manage the psychometric challenges posed by unmotivated examinees.
Kuwaiti Aid to Africa

The economic aid programmes of Kuwait should be viewed within the context of that country's economic status, which cannot be described as either ‘developing’ or ‘developed’. Indeed, such simple classifications fail to allow for a situation in which a nation might be developed in certain aspects yet be ‘under-developed’ in others. Criteria which generally indicate a developed economy include a high income per capita, a high rate of economic growth and a sound external financial situation. The Kuwaiti economy fulfils these requirements. In 1964 the income per capita reached $2,161 for Sweden. An average annual growth rate reaching eight per cent can be claimed, which is about double that of the highly industrialised world powers. The Kuwaiti balance of payments is most favourable if compared with that of many ‘developed’ nations. Furthermore, it spends over 20 per cent of its national income on economic aid programmes.
Estimation of Soybean Yields at County and State Levels Using GLYCIM: A Case Study for Iowa

Global climate change could have a significant impact on important food crops such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. To assess the impact of these environmental changes, estimates of crop yields are needed, with special reference to regional responses in key production areas. The objective of this study was to examine the performance of the GLYCIM soybean crop model in modeling regional soybean yields in Iowa at the state and county level, over a 20-yr period. The GLYCIM model has been extended to run for multiple years and combined with aggregations of soil and weather data to provide simulation over large areas. Soils data were aggregated to the soil association level in 18 sample counties so as to provide two-county data sets in each Crop Reporting District (CRD). Weather files for each CRD spanning the period 1972 to 1991 were used to provide current climate information. Simulation runs were made for each year and county. Statewide yields were estimated as an average of county yields. Statistical measures of simulation success indicated that, using aggregated characteristics, the model was best able to simulate the 20-yr mean yield at the state and county level, as well as long-term yield variability. Poorer results of modeling yields in particular years were obtained. This validation establishes the model's ability to simulate long-term yield averages under current conditions, and lays the groundwork for future simulations using altered climate scenarios.
Proton NMR spectroscopy of solvent-saturable resonances: A new approach to study pH effects in Situ

It is shown that the effect of pH changes can be measured in proton NMR spectra through the pH sensitivity of the signal intensities of metabolite protons exchanging with water. To observe this phenomenon, pulse sequences must be used that can sensitively observe these exchangeable protons under physiological conditions, which is achieved by avoiding magnetization transfer signal losses due to water saturation for solvent suppression purposes. These methods provide an order-of-magnitude enhancement of many signals between 5 and 10 ppm, containing both N-bound protons as well as aromatic C-H protons coupled to them, the intensity of which is influenced by exchange-relayed saturation. As a first application, the effects of pH change on these resonances are studied ex vivo (perfused cells) and in vivo (cat brain).
Psycholinguistic Contexts for First-Language Pedagogy

(1973). Psycholinguistic Contexts for First-Language Pedagogy. Australian Journal of Human Communication Disorders: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 6-12.
Age-dependent pupillary light reflex parameters in children

Pupillary light reflex (PLR) refers to the phenomenon where pupil size changes in response to stimulation with a flash of light. It is a simple functional test that can reveal dysfunctions associated with the PLR pathway. Although abnormal PLR responses have been reported in many neurological disorders, few studies investigated neurodevelopmental effects on PLR parameters. We studied the effect of age on PLR in a group of 6 to 17 year old children with typical development. A significant and consistent age effect was found on PLR latency in children younger than 10 years old. Age effects were also observed in resting pupil diameter and constriction amplitude. However such age related trends were not observed in children with neurodevelopment disorders. These results suggest that PLR has the potential to be used as a simple noninvasive tool for monitoring neurodevelopment in children.
Differential regulation of STAT family members by glycogen synthase kinase-3.

Excessive neuroinflammation contributes to many neurological disorders and is poorly controlled therapeutically. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors has a central role in inflammatory reactions, being stimulated by multiple cytokines and interferons and regulating the expression of many proteins involved in inflammation. We found that STAT3 activation is highly dependent on glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). Inhibitors of GSK3 greatly reduced (>75%) the activating STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse primary astrocytes, microglia, and macrophage-derived RAW264.7 cells induced by interferon-γ (IFNγ), IFNα, interleukin-6, or insulin. GSK3 inhibitors blocked STAT3 DNA binding activity and the expression of STAT3-induced GFAP and Bcl-3. GSK3 dependence was selective for activation of STAT3 and STAT5, whereas STAT1 and STAT6 activation were GSK3-independent. Knockdown of the two GSK3 isoforms showed STAT3 and STAT5 activation were dependent on GSK3β, but not GSK3α. The regulatory mechanism involved GSK3β binding STAT3 and promoting its association with the IFNγ receptor-associated intracellular signaling complex responsible for activating STAT3. Furthermore, GSK3β associated with the IFNγ receptor and was activated by stimulation with IFNγ. Thus, inhibitors of GSK3 reduce the activation of STAT3 and STAT5, providing a mechanism to differentially regulate STATs to modulate the inflammatory response.
Usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography to accurately diagnose recoarctation of the aorta after the Norwood procedure.

Recoarctation of the aorta (RCoA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after the Norwood procedure. We sought to identify transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) indexes associated with RCoA and to develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic score for accurate diagnosis. All subjects who underwent a Norwood procedure from December 2005 to December 2009 were identified. Subjects were excluded if they did not undergo a TTE within 1 month of an outcome-defining event (cardiac catheterization, autopsy, or surgery). RCoA was defined as arch intervention at catheterization or surgery or findings of RCoA at autopsy. Of 113 subjects included for analysis, RCoA occurred in 19 (17%). All TTE indexes were significantly associated with RCoA in univariate testing. In the final multivariate model, peak isthmus velocity >2.5 m/s (p 2.5 m/s (2 points), coarctation index
Triple helices formed by polyuridylic acid with some adenosine derivatives

We have prepared a variety of derivatives of adenosine which, at neutral pH's, carry protonated amine functions. These derivatives form stable helical structures with polyuridylic acid, but the melting points are not substantially higher than those of helical complexes formed by adenosine derivatives lacking cationic groups.
Effect of chewing xylitol chewing gum on salivary flow rate and the acidogenic potential of dental plaque.

Ten adults participated in the study which consisted of four experimental periods each lasting 2 weeks, during each of which subjects were assigned to one of four gum-chewing regimens: no gum, sucrose
Virulence genotypes and phylogenetic background of fluoroquinolone-resistant and susceptible Escherichia coli urine isolates from dogs with urinary tract infection.

Abstract The origins and virulence potential of fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ-R) Escherichia coli from dogs with urinary tract infection (UTI) are undefined. Therefore, fluoroquinolone-resistant ( n = 38) or susceptible ( n = 62) E. coli urine isolates from dogs with UTI were characterized for phylogenetic group (A, B1, B2, D) and 61 virulence-associated genes by multiplex PCR, then were compared according to these characteristics. Compared with fluoroquinolone-susceptible (FQ-S) isolates, the fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates exhibited significantly lower prevalences for most virulence genes studied (albeit higher prevalences for several, including iutA : aerobactin receptor), significantly fewer virulence genes per isolate, and shifts away from virulence-associated group B2. Nonetheless, 26% of fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates qualified as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), suggesting possible human virulence potential. The findings call into question whether the fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli encountered in dogs arise through conversion of fluoroquinolone-susceptible canine resident strains to resistance, or instead are imported from an external source. They also identify dogs as a possible reservoir of drug-resistant ExPEC for transmission to other pets and humans.
FOREST LIEU SELECTIONS IN THE SAND HILLS OF NEBRASKA

ABSTRACT The Forest Lieu Act of 1897, which permitted the exchange of privately owned land in forest reserves for “in lieu'’selections elsewhere, helped cattlemen in the Sand Hills of Nebraska gain control of water and wet hay valleys before settlement of the area was accelerated with the 640-acre homesteads established by the Kinkaid Act of 1904. The cattlemen chose locations they desired for selectors to patent “in lieu'’of forest land, and then purchased the patented land from the selectors. The land which remained to be homesteaded was predominantly upland dune topography unsuitable for cultivation. Most of the Kinkaiders failed, and their land was taken over by ranchers.
Reversible and Irreversible Protein Glutathionylation: Biological and Clinical Aspects

Introduction: Depending in part on the glutathione:glutathione disulfide ratio, reversible protein glutathionylation to a mixed disulfide may occur. Reversible glutathionylation is important in protecting proteins against oxidative stress, guiding correct protein folding, regulating protein activity and modulating proteins critical to redox signaling. The potential also exists for irreversible protein glutathionylation via Michael addition of an -SH group to a dehydroalanyl residue, resulting in formation of a stable, non-reducible thioether linkage. Areas covered: This article reviews factors contributing to reversible and irreversible protein glutathionylation and their biomedical implications. It also examines the possibility that certain drugs such as busulfan may be toxic by promoting irreversible glutathionylation. The reader will gain an appreciation of the protective nature and control of function resulting from reversible protein glutathionylation. The reader is also introduced to the recently id...
Dynamic Data Driven Sensor Array Fusion for Target Detection and Classification

Target detection and classification using unattended ground sensors (UGS) has been addressed in literature. Various techniques have been proposed for target detection, but target classification is a challenging task to accomplish using the limited processing power on each sensor module. The major hindrance in using these sensors reliably is, that, the sensor observations are significantly affected by external conditions, which are referred to as context. When the context is slowly time-varying (e.g., day-night cycling and seasonal variations) the usage of the same classifier may not be a good way to perform target classification. In this paper, a new framework is proposed as a Dynamic Data Driven Application System (DDDAS) to dynamically extract and use the knowledge of context as feedback in order to adaptively choose the appropriate classifiers and thereby enhance the target classification performance. The features are extracted by symbolic dynamic filtering (SDF) from the time series of sensors in an array and spatio-temporal aggregation of these features represents the context. Then, a context evolution model is constructed as a deterministic finite state automata (DFSA) and, for every context state in this DFSA, an event classifier is trained to classify the targets. The proposed technique of detection and classification has been compared with a traditional method of training classifiers without using any contextual information.
Including Spatial Correlations in the Statistical MIMO Radar Target Model

Previous studies of statistical MIMO radar detection performance have used a target model that consists of a large number of point scatterers located within a rectangular target area. These point scatterers have scattering amplitudes that are complex random variables and are spatially uncorrelated, so that the target is a white noise process in space. Spatial correlations are introduced into the target model in this paper, and the impact of these correlations on MIMO radar system detection performance is analyzed.
Event-based versus process-based informed consent to address scientific evidence and uncertainties in ionising medical imaging.

Inappropriate ionising medical imaging has been escalating in the last decades. This trend leads to potential damage to health and has been associated to bioethical and legal issues of patient autonomy. While the doctrine underlines the importance of using informed consent to improve patient autonomy and physician-patient communication, some researchers have argued that it often falls short of this aim. There are basically two different informed consent practices. The first — the so-called “event-based model” — regards informed consent as a passive signature of a standard unreadable template, performed only once in each medical pathway. The second — the so-called “process-based model” — integrates information into the continuing dialogue between physician and patient, vital for diagnosis and treatment. Current medical behaviour often embraces the event-based model, which is considered ineffective and contributes to inappropriateness. We sought, in this review, to analyse from juridical and communication standpoints whether process-based informed consent can deal with scientific uncertainties in radiological decision-making. The informed consent is still a distinctive process in defence of both patients’ and physicians’ health and dignity in rule-of-law states and consequently in curtailing the abuse of ionising medical radiation. • Inappropriate ionising medical imaging is widespread and increasing worldwide. • This trend leads to noteworthy damage to health and is linked to the issue of patient autonomy. • Some authors have argued that informed consent often falls short of improving patient autonomy. • Process-based informed consent can deal with scientific uncertainties to contrast inappropriateness. • Informed consent is still a distinctive process in defence of both patients and physicians.
High Temperature Transport Probe for Thermopower and Resistmty Measurements

We have recently developed a device to measure resistivity and Seebeck values of a material as a function of temperature over a range of 80K < T < 700K. These measurements overlap in temperature with our existing apparatus (4K < T < 320K). These measurements are necessary for the investigation of potential thermoelectric materials at elevated temperatures, where power generation applications are important. The probe design allows for various types of samples to be evaluated from needle like samples ( L ≈ 2mm, D ≈ 50μm ) to larger pressed pellet samples ( ≈ 2mm × 2mm × 10mm). Separate high temperature cartridge heaters are used to stabilize both the absolute temperature, T, as well as the temperature difference, ΔT. Thermocouples measuring T+ΔT/2 and T-ΔT/2 are also employed to measure sample voltages for resistance and thermoelectric power. Design details and measurement specifics will be discussed. Data taken on standards a well as some research samples will be presented.
Analyzing Response Feasibility for Bioemergencies

Public health officials have a mandate to protect and treat the public in the case of biological emergencies imposing the need to form mitigation plans in the case of such contingencies. These plans necessitate the analysis of available spacial and demographic data in order to evaluate the feasibility of the emergency procedure. Points of dispension are selected, which define catchment areas. Methodology has been developed to overcome the challenges posed by analyzing response plans based on confidential data and incomplete traffic data.
In Vitro Phospholipid Synthesis in Normal and Atheromatous Rabbit Aortas

The incorporation of P 32 -phosphate and C 14 -choline into normal and atherosclerotic rabbit aortas was studied extensively in vitro . The same results as observed in vivo were found, namely an enhanced synthesis of phospholipids by the atheromatous aorta, localized primarily in the intima. Aortic intimal phospholipids incorporated more choline than phosphate. Tests with cyanide and fluoride showed that the higher incorporation of choline could not be attributed to exchange with preformed aortic phospholipid but presumably was due to differences in intermediate metabolic pools. The difference in distribution of P 32 between the two most active phospholipid classes, phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl inositol, of normal and atherosclerotic aortas was similar in vivo and in vitro . In the normal aorta, phosphatidyl inositol had a higher percentage of P 32 than phosphatidyl choline; in the atheromatous aorta, these percentages were reversed. The studies in vitro were used as evidence to show that the enhanced synthesis observed in vivo was probably not mediated by neural factors or stretch of the aorta, and that synthesis in situ could account for the higher amounts of phospholipid present in the atheromatous aorta.
Parametric UWB radar target modeling using Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper uses the particle swarm optimization for parametrically modeling the impulse response of radar targets segment by segment. Parametric modeling of UWB radar signatures has been used for target recognition [Carriere and Moses, 1992 and 1988]. The performance of the modeling techniques used in this paper is comparable to traditional modeling schemes such as the Prony method, but makes no assumptions about signal statistics, and most importantly does not require a priori knowledge of model order (number of scatterers) but adaptively converges to the proper order.
The Good and the Bad of Antibiotics

Bactericidal antibiotics with diverse mechanisms of action induce generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in mammalian cells (Kalghatgi et al., this issue).
Validation of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Introduction Fatigue is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, a multidimensional scale that measures the impact of fatigue on functioning has yet to be validated in this population. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), a self-report measure that assesses the effects of fatigue on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, in a sample of nondemented PD patients. Methods PD patients ( N = 100) completed the MFIS, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-X), and several additional measures of psychosocial, cognitive, and motor functioning. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and item analysis using Cronbach's alpha were conducted to determine structural validity and internal consistency of the MFIS. Correlational analyses were performed between the MFIS and the PANAS-X fatigue subscale to evaluate convergent validity and between the MFIS and measures of depression, anxiety, apathy, and disease-related symptoms to determine divergent validity. Results The PCA identified two viable MFIS subscales: a cognitive subscale and a combination of the original scale's physical and psychosocial subscales as one factor. Item analysis revealed high internal consistency of all 21 items and the items within the two subscales. The MFIS had strong convergent validity with the PANAS-X fatigue subscale and adequate divergent validity with measures of disease stage, motor function, and cognition. Conclusion Overall, this study demonstrates that the MFIS is a valid multidimensional measure that can be used to evaluate the impact of fatigue on cognitive and physical/social functioning in PD patients without dementia.
Optimal gate sizing for coupling-noise reduction

Coupling-noise reduction has emerged as a critical design problem with VLSI feature sizes shrinking rapidly and with the use of more aggressive and less noise-immune circuits. Since coupling-noise on a net depends on driving gate-sizes of the net itself and all nets coupled to it, gate-sizing emerges as an effective approach to coupling-noise reduction. It is an attractive approach since re-routing is not required. In this paper, we propose an iterative gate-sizing algorithm to determine optimal gate-sizes for coupling-noise reduction. We consider gate-sizing as a fixpoint computation on a complete lattice and the beauty of the iterative gate-sizing algorithm lies in its ability to guarantee the optimal solution, provided it exists. The effectiveness of the algorithm is validated experimentally by simulations on multiple large circuits.
The FtsZ protein of Bacillus subtilis is localized at the division site and has GTPase activity that is dependent upon FtsZ concentration

Summary The ftsZ gene is essential for cell division in both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In E. coli FtsZ forms a cytokinetic ring at the division site whose formation is under cell-cycle control. In addition, the FtsZ from E. coli has a GTPase activity that shows an unusual lag in vitro. In this study we show that FtsZ in Bacillus subtilis forms a ring that is at the tip of the invaginating septum. The FtsZ ring is dynamic since it is formed as division is initiated, changes diameter during septation, and disperses upon completion of septation. In vitro the purified FtsZ from B. subtilis exhibits a GTPase activity without a demonstrable lag, but the GTPase activity is markedly dependent upon the FtsZ concentration, suggesting that the FtsZ protein must oligomerize to express the GTPase activity.
Surface-Mediated Protein Unfolding as a Search Process for Denaturing Sites

Surface-induced protein denaturation has important implications for the development of materials that are resistant and/or innocuous to biomolecules. Here, we studied the mechanism of lysozyme (T4L) unfolding on fused silica (FS) using single-molecule methods that provided direct insight into the cause of denaturation. Unfolding of T4L was monitored by Forster resonance energy transfer while simultaneously tracking the adsorption, diffusion, and desorption of individual molecules at the solid–solution interface. Results of high-throughput single-molecule analysis suggested that the unfolding of T4L on FS was mediated by surface diffusion and occurred on isolated nanoscale sites, which were relatively rare and distinct from the majority of the surface. These observations suggest that surface-mediated protein unfolding is a search process that is based on the exploration for denaturing sites by the protein. Ultimately, these findings have important implications for the design of protein-compatible surfaces.
ESTIMATING ANIMAL ABUNDANCE USING NONINVASIVE DNA SAMPLING: PROMISE AND PITFALLS

Advances in molecular biology offer promise to the study of demographic characteristics of rare or hard-to-capture species, because individuals can now be identified through noninvasive sampling such as fecal collection or hair snags. However, individual genotyping using such methods currently leads to a novel problem that we call a ''shadow effect,'' because some animals not captured previously are believed to be recaptures due to their DNA profile being an indistinguishable shadow of previously captured animals. We evaluate the impact of the shadow effect on the two methods most commonly used in applied population ecology to estimate the size of closed populations: Lincoln-Petersen and multiple-recapture estimators in program CAPTURE. We find that the shadow effect can cause a negative bias in the estimates of both the number of different animals and the number of different genotypes. Furthermore, with Lincoln-Petersen estimators, the shadow effect can cause estimated confidence intervals to decrease even as bias increases. Because the bias arises from heterogeneity in apparent ''capture'' probabilities for animals with genetic shadows vs. those without, a model in program CAPTURE that is robust to capture heterogeneity (M h-jackknife) does not underestimate the number of genotypes in the population and only slightly underestimates the total number of individuals. As the shadow effect increases, CAPTURE is better able to correctly identify heterogeneity in capture probability and to pick Mh-jackknife, so that the higher levels of shadow effect have less bias than medium levels. The shadow effect will occur in all estimates of demographic rates (including sur- vival) that use DNA sampling to determine individual identity, but it can be minimized by increasing the number of individual loci sampled.