cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensory modality and method of item information presentation in memory.

Abstract Investigated were differences in paired-associate learning for auditory versus visual modalities and within each modality the anticipation and study test methods of item presentation were compared. Extant reports re these two sensory modalities and of the two learning methods had been inconsistent. In this study of 40 university students, the learning of CVC-CVC nonsense syllable pairs was significantly better with the visual than with the auditory modality. The study-test method was significantly superior to the anticipation method in the visual mode. With auditory presentations, however, acquisition levels for both methods were the same. Significant interactions were observed between sensory modalities and methods of presentation. At present the retention interval theory (Izawa 1972–1979b) appears to account best for the varied findings with respect to the two methods of presentation.
Vegetative propagation of Porphyra perforata

Porphyra cultivation is a major aquacultural enterprise in the Orient. The common practice for cultivation of this crop plant necessitates the propagation of two phases of the life cycle of the plants. The conchocelis phase of Porphyra is grown on shells maintained in running seawater under subdued light in special warehouses. In the fall the conchocelis releases conchospores. These spores are made to attach to nets which are subsequently suspended in the sea. The familiar ‘nori’ crop is the second phase of growth. It develops from the conchospores and is harvested from the suspended nets.
The Functional Significance of Primate Mandibular Form

A stress analysis of the primate mandible suggests that vertically deep jaws in the molar region are usually an adaptation to counter increased sagittal bending stress about the balancing-side mandibular corpus during unilateral mastication. This increased bending stress about the balancing side is caused by an increase in the amount of balancing-side muscle force. Furthermore, this increased muscle force will also cause an increase in dorso-ventral shear stress along the mandibular symphysis. Since increased symphyseal stress can be countered by symphyseal fusion and as increased bending stress can be countered by a deeper jaw, deep jaws and symphyseal fusion are often part of the same functional pattern. In some primates (e.g., Cercocebus albigena), deep jaws are an adaptation to counter bending in the sagittal plane during powerful incisor biting, rather than during unilateral mastication. The stress analysis of the primate mandible also suggests that jaws which are transversely thick in the molar region are an adaptation to counter increased torsion about the long axis of the working-side mandibular corpus during unilateral mastication. Increased torsion of the mandibular corpus can be caused by an increase in masticatory muscle force, an increase in the transverse component of the postcanine bite force and/or an increase in premolar use during mastication. Patterns of masticatory muscle force were estimated for galagos and macaques, demonstrating that the ratio of working-side muscle force to balancing-side muscle force is approximately 1.5:1 in macaques and 3.5:1 in galagos during unilateral isometric molar biting. These data support the hypothesis that mandibular symphyseal fusion is an adaptative response to maximize unilateral molar bite force by utilizing a greater percentage of balancing-side muscle force.
Sputtering of sulfur by kiloelectronvolt ions: Application to the magnetospheric plasma interaction with Io

Accurate measurements of the yields, mass spectra, and energy spectra of ejected sulfur are presented based on vapor deposits of sulfur at temperatures and ion energies relevant to the plasma interaction with the surface of Io. The measured sputtering yields are much lower than previous estimates for room temperature sulfur films, but are comparable to previous measurements of low-temperature keV ion sputtering of SO2. Results suggest that if ions reach the surface of Io its atmosphere will have a nonnegligible sulfur component which is primarily S2. Comparison of injection rates determined for sulfur with those for SO2 indicates that injection from sulfur deposits contributes 13 percent to the total mass injection rate of about 2-3 x 10 to the 29th amu/sec.
Cost comparison of radical prostatectomy and transperineal brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer

Abstract Objectives. To compare perioperative costs associated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) to transperineal brachytherapy (BXRT) with iodine-125 ( 125 I) seeds in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Methods. Actual costs per case for the perioperative period were compiled prospectively for 583 consecutive patients undergoing RRP or BXRT between January 1, 1997 and October 30, 1998 using a hospital-wide cost accounting system. The total cost per case included both technical and professional components. The technical costs included those incurred for anesthesiology, laboratory medicine, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, radiology, 125 I seeds, and BXRT technicians. Professional costs included fees from anesthesiology, laboratory, medicine, urology, radiation oncology, and physics. Cases were divided into three groups for analysis: group 1, RRP (n = 404); group 2, BXRT with planning ultrasound performed in the office setting before implantation (n = 107); and group 3, BXRT with planning ultrasound performed in the operating room at the time of implantation (n = 72). Results are reported as relative cost ratios, with RRP assigned a relative cost of 1.0. Results. The total relative perioperative cost for BXRT exceeded that for RRP by 85% to 105%. Technical cost, exclusive of 125 I seeds, was substantially lower for BXRT (relative cost 0.36 to 0.42) but was more than offset by the cost of the seeds when comparing total cost with RRP. Performance of the planning ultrasound in the operating room (group 3) increased the total cost by 20%. The categorical technical costs for both BXRT groups were significantly lower for anesthesiology, laboratory medicine, medicine, pharmacy, and nursing but were significantly higher for radiology. The total professional costs were similar for all groups. Conclusions. Perioperative costs of BXRT with 125 I seeds are substantially higher than RRP in the treatment of localized prostate cancer, primarily because of the cost of the seeds.
Reduction of fatty acids to alcohols in roe of gourami (Trichogaster cosby)

Reduction of fatty acids to alcohols in gourami roe homogenates and fractions thereof was studied. The reducing activity is associated with the microsomal fraction. Activation of the acid and NADPH as reducing cofactor are required. The optimal pH for reduction is between 6.5 and 7.5. Reduction rates were highest for palmitic acid and were about half of that for oleic and linoleic acids. In contrast to the equal reduction rates of the latter acids in vitro, the percentages of oleyl and linoleyl alcohols in wax esters are greatly different in vivo. Very small amounts of aldehyde are found during the reduction and some substrate label is incorporated into the phospholipids. The traces of triacylglycerols in roe lipids are not markedly labelled. In homogenates, newly formed as well as added substrate alcohol is efficiently incorporated into wax esters. Roe homogenate is capable also of oxidizing fatty alcohol to acid. In contrast to reduction, oxidation proceeds with either NADP+ or NAD+ as cofactor. Only a small portion of the newly formed acid is esterified.
Growth hormone synergizes with serum growth factors in inducing c-fos transcription in 3T3-F442A cells.

GH is a major regulator of growth and metabolism, but cellular effects of GH alone have been difficult to demonstrate. Accordingly, suggestions have arisen that GH works in conjunction with other agents in producing its characteristic long term biological effects. In 3T3-F442A cells, in addition to eliciting long term changes, GH rapidly increases the transcription of c-fos. The present study uses this rapid response to examine whether GH interacts with other factors early in its action, and whether such interactions lead to changes in gene expression. The induction of c-fos mRNA in response to the combination of GH (2.2 nM) and 10% calf serum or fetal calf serum was more than 3 times the additive effects of GH and either of the sera alone, indicating synergism between GH and serum. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), which also induces c-fos, had an effect with GH that was greater than the additive responses to the two agents. Nuclear run-off experiments indicated that the synergism between GH and IGF-...
Effect of soybean phosphatide on blood coagulation defect following total body x-irradiation in the dog.

SummaryThrombocytopenia, prolonged whole blood clotting time, and markedly impaired clot retraction and prothrombin utilization were induced in dogs by 150 r total body x-irradiation. A marked increase in prothrombin utilization was found after the addition of a soybean phosphatide solution to the blood in vitro. A temporary decrease in the clotting time and an increase in prothrombin utilization, without change in the platelet count or clot retraction, was induced by the intravenous administration of 20 to 100 ml of a 2.5% solution of the soybean phosphatide.
Simple separation of tritiated water and [3H]deoxyuridine from [5-3H]deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate in the thymidylate synthase assay.

A simple micromethod was developed for the accurate measurement of the activity of dTMP synthase in rat liver crude extracts. The reaction product of dTMP synthase activity assay, i.e., tritiated water, generated by the release of tritium from carbon-5 of [5-3H]deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate (dUMP), was separated simply by 100% KOH absorption from [5-3H]deoxyuridine (dUrd), which is the side-product by dephosphorylation of [5-3H]deoxyuridine (dUrd), which is the side-product by dephosphorylation of [5-3H]dUMP during the enzyme reaction. Tritiated water was trapped in three droplets of 100% KOH deposited on the underside of the vessels' lids, while [3H]dUrd remained in the bottom of vessels after absorption of the substrate, [5-3H]dUMP, from the reaction mixture by charcoal treatment. Under standard assay conditions in the crude extract of rat liver, the specific activities of dTMP synthase and dUMP phosphatase were 0.092 +/- 0.002 and 0.351 +/- 0.013 nmol/h/mg protein, respectively. This method was also adapted for dTMP synthase assay in crude extracts of rat hepatoma 3924A. The major advantages of this procedure are the elimination of the phosphatase activity which interferes with the estimation of dTMP synthase activity in crude extracts, one-step separation of 3H2O, high sensitivity (with a limit of detection of 10 pmol of 3H2O production), high reproducibility (less than +/- 4.3%), and capability to measure activity in small amounts of sample (30-45 micrograms protein).
Factors Influencing Pain Associated with Amniocentesis Before 25 Weeks Gestation

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to the variability in the perception of pain associated with amniocentesis before 25 weeks gestation. Three hundred twenty-two women having one successful attempt at amniocentesis completed a visual analog scale (0-5) before the procedure indicating apprehension, and after the procedure indicating the pain experienced. Apprehension, age, gestational age, parity, indication, location of the needle puncture, ease of the procedure, and use of local anesthetic were the factors analyzed.A significant positive correlation was found between apprehension and pain scores. Higher pain scores after amniocentesis occurred with peripheral compared to more central location, a more “difficult” procedure, and the following indications: 1) previous genetic abnormality or anomaly and 2) abnormal maternal alpha-fetoprotein. No difference was found in pain scores with the use of local anesthetic, and no correlation was found between pain scores and gestatio...
Dynamic Analysis and Design of Spheroidal Underwater Robots for Precision Multidirectional Maneuvering

In this paper, we present an optimized body shape and thruster layout design for a class of jet-propelled underwater robots. Spheroidal robots with no rudders and appendages are highly maneuverable and capable of accessing complex underwater structures for inspection and surveillance. These robots are hydrodynamically unstable, but can make rapid turns and move in multiple directions. This paper describes a control-theoretical design methodology, examining the controllability of surge, sway, and yaw motion in relation to an aspect ratio of the body shape and the direction and location of each propulsion jet. A design with angled jets combined with a body aspect ratio of $\hbox{1.2-1.8}$ is controllable and exhibits good performance. A prototype robot with an optimized body shape and jet arrangement has been built and tested. Experimental results illustrate the superb multiaxis maneuverability of this design.
Monetary and fiscal policies under two alternative types of rules

Abstract This paper considers the relative advantage of two types of monetary and fiscal feedback rules. When the private agents have full current information, the appropriate combination of monetary and fiscal feedback on past disturbances dominates the contemporaneous feedback in stabilizing the real output and the price level. This dominancy, however, disappears when the exchange rate stability is included in the objective function or when the currently observable variables are limited. In general, there exist some tradeoffs among feedback parameters. Some of the policy coefficients can be set arbitrarily, enabling the optimal policy rules to be specified in many equivalent ways.
Testicular tissue extraction in a young male with 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome: potential strategy for preservation of fertility.

Abstract Objective: To describe a case involving the cryopreservation of testis tissue retrieved from a 15-year-old male teenager with Klinefelter's syndrome. Design: Case report. Setting: An academic medical center. Patient(s): A 15-year-old boy with Klinefelter's syndrome. Intervention(s): Microsurgical testis sperm extraction with cryopreservation of harvested tissue. Main Outcome Measure(s): Spermatozoa within testis tissue. Result(s): Successful extraction and cryopreservation of three vials of sperm-containing testis tissue. No effect on subsequent testosterone levels. Conclusion(s): Testis tissue extraction in the adequately virilized but azoospermic young male with 47, XXY Klinefelter's syndrome may be a strategy to preserve future biological paternity.
An Experimental Transverse-Current Traveling-Wave Tube

A transverse current traveling-wave tube employing a flat helix and a skew beam has been built and tested both as a forward wave amplifier and as a backward wave oscillator. The tube operates as an amplifier over the frequency range from 1 to 2 kmc with a power output of the order of 30 milliwatts. Tests on the tube indicated a gain vs voltage characteristic markedly different from that obtained with a conventional traveling-wave tube, particularly with respect to the wide range of current and voltage over which a large amount of attenuation in excess of the cold insertion loss of the circuit was observed. The general shapes of the curves of gain vs current and the gain and saturation power level vs frequency are as predicted from theory and display significant differences from calculated curves for an equivalent conventional tube. The nonlinear behavior of the tube, as a function of input signal level, follows the general pattern predicted from qualitative arguments. The output power is constant to within 0.05 db over an input power range of 20 to 30 db. With two signals of different frequencies supplied to the input of the tube, a region of operation was observed in which, with the input amplitude of one signal fixed, the output amplitudes of both signals were independent of the amplitude of the other (variable) input signal.
The effects of single L-amino acid substitutions on the lethal potencies of the microcystins.

Abstract R. D. Stoner , W. H. Adams , D. N. Slatkin and H. W. Siegelman . The effects of single l -amino acid substitutions on the lethal potencies of the microcystins. Toxicon27, 825–828, 1989.—Microcystin-LR and -LA are more toxic than microcystin-LY and -RR in adult mice. They induce different degrees of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, and the lethalities of their binary and ternary mixtures are additive. Postnatal mice are resistant to doses of microcystin-LR that are lethal to adults but they are susceptible to higher doses. Substitution of a single l -amino acid for another in a microcystin markedly affects the dosimetric potency, but not the pathophysiology of its toxicity.
Chloroplasts are the Subcellular Location of Both Soluble and Membrane-associated Homoserine Kinases in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Leaves

Summary Pea leaf homoserine kinase was associated with intact chloroplasts, but not with naked thylakoids (broken chloroplasts), on sucrose density gradients, however, when isolated intact chloroplasts were lysed in the presence of a protective media, both soluble and thylakoid-associated activities were found. The thylakoid-associated homoserine kinase activity exhibited apparent Km values of 1.2 and 4.7 mM for homoserine and ATP, respectively. The inhibition of the thylakoid-associated homoserine kinase activity by added amino acids was similar to that of the soluble pea leaf homoserine kinase (Thoen et al., Plant Sci. Let. 13, 103-112, 1978), with the exception of S-adenosylmethionine, which when present at 7.5 mM, inhibits the soluble enzyme by 92%, but only inhibited the thylakoid-associated enzyme by 57%. The possible relationship between the soluble and thylakoid forms of the enzyme is discussed.
Increased Disease Resistance and Enzyme Activity Induced by Ethylene and Ethylene Production of Black Rot Infected Sweet Potato Tissue

Exposure of root tissue from a susceptible variety of sweet potato to low concentrations of ethylene induced a resistance to infection by Ceratocystis fimbriata and an increase in the activity of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase in the tissue. Susceptible tissue that was inoculated with a pathogenic strain of C. fimbriata or a nonpathogenic strain that can induce resistance liberated more ethylene into closed chambers than tissue inoculated with strains that did not induce resistance. It is suggested that ethylene may be a stimulus that diffuses from infected areas into adjoining tissue to initiate metabolic changes which may lead to disease resistance. Polyphenol oxidase but not peroxidase activity was increased in slices of potato tubers and parsnip roots treated with ethylene. The activity of these enzymes in root tissue of carrot, radish or turnip was not altered by ethylene treatment.
Effects of Crimp and Cross-Sectional Area on the Mechanical Properties of Wool Fibers

Force-extension data for a large number of wool fibers of various types have been analyzed in detail by statistical methods in order to determine the effects of fiber crimp and cross-sectional area...
Quantification of Persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Contrasting Soils

Persistence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 in the environment is a major concern to vegetable and fruit growers where farms and livestock production are in close proximity. The objectives were to determine the effects of preplant fumigation treatment on the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in two soils and the effects of indigenous bacterial populations on the survival of this pathogen. Real-time PCR and plate counts were used to quantify the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in two contrasting soils after fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr) and methyl iodide (MeI). Ten days after fumigation, E. coli O157:H7 counts were significantly lower (P = .0001) in fumigated soils than in the non-fumigated. Direct comparison between MeBr and MeI within each soil indicated that these two fumigants showed similar impacts on E. coli O157:H7 survival. Microbial species diversity as determined by DGGE was significantly higher in clay soil than sandy soil and this resulted in higher initial decline in population in clay soil than in sandy soil. This study shows that if soil is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, fumigation alone may not eliminate the pathogen, but may cause decrease in microbial diversity which may enhance the survival of the pathogen.
Bound states in twisted Aharonov-Bohm tubes

Abstract We study bound and scattering states of the Schrodinger equation in bent and twisted tubes of constant normal cross section threaded by whiskers of magnetic flux.
Lifting three-dimensional wings in transonic flow

The far field of a lifting three-dimensional wing in transonic flow is analysed. The boundary-value problem governing the flow far from the wing is derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The main result is to show that corrections which are second order in the near field make a first-order contribution to the far field. The present study corrects and simplifies the work of Cheng and Hafez (1975) and Barnwell (1975).
The Anti-Candida Vaccine Based on the Recombinant N-Terminal Domain of Als1p Is Broadly Active against Disseminated Candidiasis

We have previously shown that vaccination with a vaccine based on the recombinant N-terminal domain of Als1p (rAls1p-N) protected BALB/c mice against disseminated infection caused by a single strain of Candida albicans (A. S. Ibrahim, B. J. Spellberg, V. Avenissian, Y. Fu, S. G. Filler, and J. E. Edwards, Jr., Infect. Immun. 73:999-1005, 2005, and B. J. Spellberg, A. S. Ibrahim, V. Avenissian, S. G. Filler, C. Myers, Y. Fu, and J. E. Edwards, Jr., Infect. Immun. 73:6191-6193, 2005). Here we show that the rAls1p-N vaccine also improves survival of outbred mice from disseminated candidiasis and that it is active against multiple virulent strains of C. albicans and non-C. albicans spp.
Equivalence of Liouville Theory and 2-D Quantum Gravity

The equivalence of 2-dimensional quantum gravity and Liouville theory quantized with the standard translation invariant measure, is shown to hold to all orders in perturbation theory. Also, an explicit equation for the Liouville effective action as a function of the effective potential is derived from Weyl Ward identities. We speculate on some of the non-perturbative aspects of the theory.
Feasibility of IMRT to cover pelvic nodes while escalating the dose to the prostate gland: dosimetric data on 35 consecutive patients.

Abstract Utilizing available dosimetric and acute toxicity data, we confirm the feasibility of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to include treatment of the pelvic nodes (PN) while escalating the dose to the prostate. Data were obtained from 35 consecutive patients with prostate cancer with ≥15% risk of PN involvement. Patients received an initial boost to the prostate, delivering 16 Gy over 8 fractions using a 6-field conformal technique, followed by an 8-field coplanar inverse planning IMRT technique delivering an additional 60 Gy over 30 fractions to the prostate (76 Gy total) and 54 Gy over 30 fractions to the seminal vesicles (SV) and PN. Dose-volume histogram analysis was performed for planning target volumes and organs at risk. Acute toxicity (RTOG/EORTC scale) was prospectively and independently scored weekly for each patient. The maximum, mean, minimum dose, and D95 to each planning target volume is provided: prostate (82.2, 78.2, 72.6, 75.2 Gy), SV (79.0, 72.5, 56.9, 61.1 Gy), and PN (80.4, 59.7, 46.5, 53.3 Gy), respectively. The percent volume receiving a dose at or above “x” Gy (Vx) was recorded for V75, V70, V65, V60, and V50 as: bladder (14%, 24%, 32%, 39%, and 54%) and rectum (3%, 18%, 26%, 34%, and 51%), respectively. Acute toxicity was as follows: 54% grade 2+ GI (n = 19), 25% grade 2+ GU (n = 9). IMRT enables treatment of pelvic nodes while escalating dose to the prostate and is clinically feasible with acute toxicity within expected ranges.
Linking Outcomes from Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Forms Using Item Response Models.

Purpose The present work describes how vocabulary ability as assessed by 3 different forms of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT; Dunn & Dunn, 1997) can be placed on a common latent metric t...
Human anionic trypsinogen: Properties of autocatalytic activation and degradation and implications in pancreatic diseases

Human pancreatic secretions contain two major trypsinogen isoforms, cationic and anionic trypsinogen, normally at a ratio of 2 : 1. Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and chronic alcoholism lead to a characteristic reversal of the isoform ratio, and anionic trypsinogen becomes the predominant zymogen secreted. To understand the biochemical consequences of these alterations, we recombinantly expressed and purified both human trypsinogens and documented characteristics of autoactivation, autocatalytic degradation and Ca2+-dependence. Even though the two trypsinogens are ≈ 90% identical in their primary structure, we found that human anionic trypsinogen and trypsin exhibited a significantly increased (10–20-fold) propensity for autocatalytic degradation, relative to cationic trypsinogen and trypsin. Furthermore, in contrast to the characteristic stimulation of the cationic proenzyme, acidic pH inhibited autoactivation of anionic trypsinogen. In mixtures of cationic and anionic trypsinogen, an increase in the proportion of the anionic proenzyme had no significant effect on the levels of trypsin generated by autoactivation or by enterokinase at pH 8.0 in 1 mm Ca2+– conditions that were characteristic of the pancreatic juice. In contrast, rates of trypsinogen activation were markedly reduced with increasing ratios of anionic trypsinogen under conditions that were typical of potential sites of pathological intra-acinar trypsinogen activation. Thus, at low Ca2+ concentrations at pH 8.0, selective degradation of anionic trypsinogen and trypsin caused diminished trypsin production; while at pH 5.0, inhibition of anionic trypsinogen activation resulted in lower trypsin yields. Taken together, the observations indicate that up-regulation of anionic trypsinogen in pancreatic diseases does not affect physiological trypsinogen activation, but significantly limits trypsin generation under potential pathological conditions.
Determination of zinc dialkyldithiocarbamates in latex condoms

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay is developed for measuring zinc dialkyldithiocarbamate (DTC) levels in latex condoms. After extraction of 14 different brands of latex condoms in acetonitrile, aliquots of the extracts are subjected to a preliminary screening assay by treatment with cobalt chloride and measurement of UV absorption at 320 nm, which results in the identification of 6 DTC-containing samples. Prior to analysis by HPLC, zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (ZDMC) or zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) is added to the extracts in order to block transmetalation reactions with the analytes of interest. A reversed-phase C(18) column, with gradient elution and UV detection at 260 nm, is used to measure the zinc DTCs. The limits of detection for ZDEC and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC) are 5 and 10 micro g/mL. Levels of ZDBC and ZDEC range from not detectable to 3.31 and 1.79 mg/condom, respectively. Total protein and latex allergenic protein levels are determined and range from 98 to 776 and 0.01 to 14.04 micro g/unit, respectively, but are not related to the level of ZDBC or ZDEC. This methodology provides both screening and specific tools for the determination of unstable zinc DTC complexes in latex products.
Polarimetric optical fiber refractometer

An optical fiber refractometer based on a photometric return-path birefringence sensor is proposed. For measuring the refractive index, the phase shift between polarization components on total internal reflection inside a refractometric prism is used. Several kinds of refractometric prism are described. It is shown that a refractive-index sensitivity of 0.0001 and higher for a wide range of index values is attainable.
Temporal cross-over points for renewable energy technology project investment with consideration for energy pricing, carbon tax credits, and implied socio-political value

This study explores the technological, economic and socio-political conditions surrounding the world's first installation of a wind-hydro-diesel hybrid electrical generating system on the Island of el Hierro, Spain. A modified levelized cost of energy (LCOE) model is presented for both existing diesel energy systems and the renewable energy hybrid closed-loop system to determine the economic crossover point of project selection. By comparing the projected economic cross over point against the oil price at which the decision to build the hybrid system was made, the socio-economic value of risk avoidance can be quantified. It can also be used to represent the system's ability to hedge against future petroleum price rises and mitigate the effects of climate change. This inference has the unique advantage that it can be used to illustrate an inherent value of the system that can be difficult to quantify otherwise. The economic cross-over analysis also represents a method for comparing multiple energy options in discounted and non-discounted cash flow scenarios that indicate potential socio-political value applied to projects that are initiated at an input energy cost point well below their equilibrium economic cross-over point. A graduate student spent time on site to collect data for the cost build up models presented in this paper.
Alterations in left ventricular torsion in tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Objective: Left ventricular torsion reduces transmural systolic gradients of fiber strain, and torsional recoil in early diastole is thought to enhance left ventricular filling. Left ventricular remodeling in dilated cardiomyopathy may result in changes in torsion dynamics, but these effects are not yet characterized. Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is accompanied by systolic and diastolic heart failure and left ventricular remodeling. We hypothesized that cardiomyopathy would alter systolic and diastolic left ventricular torsion mechanics, and this hypothesis was tested by studying sheep before and after the development of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Methods: Implanted miniature radiopaque markers were used in 8 sheep to measure left ventricular geometry and function, maximal torsional deformation, and early diastolic recoil before and after rapid ventricular pacing was used to create tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Results: All animals had significant heart failure with ventricular dilatation and remodeling. With tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, maximum torsion relative to control conditions decreased (1.69° ± 0.61° vs 4.25° ± 2.33°), and early diastolic recoil was completely abolished (0.53° ± 1.19° vs -1.17° ± 0.94°). Conclusions: Cardiomyopathy is accompanied by decreased and delayed systolic left ventricular torsional deformation and loss of early diastolic recoil, which may contribute to left ventricular dysfunction by increasing systolic transmural strain gradients and impairing diastolic filling. Analysis of left ventricular torsion with radiofrequency-tagging magnetic resonance imaging should be explored to elucidate the role of torsion in patients with cardiomyopathy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;124:43-9
Effects of glycerol on turkey sperm cell viability and fertilizing capacity.

Abstract To test the cryoprotective action of glycerol, intravaginal (I.V.A.I.) and intramagnal (I.M.A.I.) artificial inseminations were performed on 100 turkey hens using semen treated with glycerol; treated with glycerol then diluted and centrifuged; treated with glycerol and frozenthawed: treated with glycerol, frozen-thawed then diluted and centrifuged; and untreated control. With I.V.A.I. no progeny were obtained from any turkeys within the treated group. I.V.A.I. subsequent to semen dilution and centrifugation to lower the glycerol level yielded only two poults from one of the 36 hens inseminated. When I.M.A.I. was used, many poults were hatched from eggs produced by hens in the four treated groups. To study the cause of glycerol’s antifertility action, histological sections of uterovaginal junction (UVJ) and infundibular (INF) tissues were observed. Following I.V.A.I., no sperm cells were found in either the UVJ or INF regions except in the controls where they were readily seen in the UVJ region. Conversely with I.M.A.I., sperm cells were seen in the INF region in all treatment groups while in the controls, sperm cells were also found in the UVJ region.
Cigarette smoking and second-hand smoking exposure in adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a study from the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium

Background. Smoking and second-hand smoking [SHS] cause significant cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In healthy individuals and adults with chronic kidney disease [CKD], cigarette smoking is associated with albuminuria, increased risk for CKD, increased graft loss and progression of renal insufficiency. In children, SHS has been associated with higher blood pressure variability, blood pressure load, elevated C-reactive protein and decreased cognitive function. Using a survey document and urine cotinine, we sought to investigate prevalence of cigarette use and SHS in adolescents with CKD. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which adolescents aged 13 to 18 years with CKD were asked to complete a single anonymous self-administered survey. In addition, a single freshly voided urine sample for cotinine measurement was obtained from eligible subjects. Results. Of 182 subjects, 60 (34%), 25 (14%) and 93 (52%) were transplant recipients, were dialysis dependent and had a glomerulopathy, respectively. Renal status was lacking in four. Twenty-four per cent (24%) had smoked at some point in their lives, and 13% had smoked within the last 30 days of taking the survey. Fifty-two per cent (52%) of all respondents reported living with an adult who smoked, and 54% reported having friends that smoked. Forty-seven per cent (47%) and 44% of those who had never smoked lived with an adult and had friends that smoked, respectively. There was a discrepancy rate of 7% between self-reported non-smokers and urine cotinine, suggesting smoking rates were higher. The highest cotinine/creatinine levels among the non-smokers were observed in those who lived with a smoker and had friends that smoked. Conclusion. Among adolescents with CKD, cigarette smoking and SHS exposure are prevalent and may be important variables to consider when evaluating renal and cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes in children with CKD.
LINES, COMPUTERS, AND HUMAN FRAILTIES*

ABSTRACT Geographers and cartographers, in their rush to implement computer cartographic systems, have tended to overlook problems of human error. Psychological, physiological, and logical errors seriously affect representations of naturally occurring lines such as rivers and coasts. Attempts must be made to understand and eliminate or reduce such errors because the man-machine interface will continue in the foreseeable future.
Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Comparison of Preoperative and Early Postoperative Manometric Findings

Preoperative and early postoperative studies of esophageal manometry were performed in 16 patients who underwent a Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux. All had immediate relief of reflux and the amplitude and length of the inferior esophageal sphincter increased from a mean of 5.2 cm of water ± 1.3 to 15.2 cm of water and 3.0 cm ± 0.4 to 5.0 cm ± 0.4 respectively.
The KEEP ON GOING Protein of Arabidopsis Regulates Intracellular Protein Trafficking and Is Degraded during Fungal Infection

In plants, the trans-Golgi network and early endosomes (TGN/EE) function as the central junction for major endomembrane trafficking events, including endocytosis and secretion. Here, we demonstrate that the KEEP ON GOING (KEG) protein of Arabidopsis thaliana localizes to the TGN/EE and plays an essential role in multiple intracellular trafficking processes. Loss-of-function keg mutants exhibited severe defects in cell expansion, which correlated with defects in vacuole morphology. Confocal microscopy revealed that KEG is required for targeting of plasma membrane proteins to the vacuole. This targeting process appeared to be blocked at the step of multivesicular body (MVB) fusion with the vacuolar membrane as the MVB-associated small GTPase ARA6 was also blocked in vacuolar delivery. In addition, loss of KEG function blocked secretion of apoplastic defense proteins, indicating that KEG plays a role in plant immunity. Significantly, KEG was degraded specifically in cells infected by the fungus Golovinomyces cichoracearum, suggesting that this pathogen may target KEG to manipulate the host secretory system as a virulence strategy. Taking these results together, we conclude that KEG is a key component of TGN/EE that regulates multiple post-Golgi trafficking events in plants, including vacuole biogenesis, targeting of membrane-associated proteins to the vacuole, and secretion of apoplastic proteins.
California shrugged: fountainhead of the Great Recession

California was the epicentre of the current Great Recession. Due to its economic structure, open economy, political institutions and other factors, it has a starring role in the four-fold US crisis underway—housing, urban, industrial and fiscal. First, California was a disproportionately large player in US mortgage markets and its banks engaged in the worst excesses of the housing bubble. Second, California exhibited disproportionate activity in the housing sector among the 50 states and had the most unaffordable housing, making borrowers susceptible to mortgage overreach. Third, the state is the country’s largest subeconomy at the forefront of technological innovation, but it manifests troubling elements of industrial decline. And fourth, its fiscal crisis is among the worst of any state.
Therapeutic Potential for Protein Kinase C Inhibitor in Vascular Restenosis

Vascular restenosis, an overreaction of biological response to injury, is initialized by thrombosis and inflammation. This response is characterized by increased smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. Available pharmacological treatments include anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, immunosuppressants and antiproliferation agents. Protein kinase C (PKC), a large family of serine/threonine kinases, has been shown to participate in various pathological stages of restenosis. Consequently, PKC inhibitors are expected to exert a wide range of pharmacological activities therapeutically beneficial for restenosis. In this review, the roles of PKC isozymes in platelets, leukocytes, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are discussed, with emphasis given to smooth muscle cells. We will describe cellular and animal studies assessing prevention of restenosis with PKC inhibitors, particularly targeting -alpha, -beta, -delta and -zeta isozymes. The delivery strategy, efficacy and safety of such PKC regulators will also be discussed.
FROM GOD TO INFINITY, OR HOW SCIENCE RAIDED RELIGION'S PATENT ON MYSTERY

. The efforts of theologians in the last few decades to adapt their discipline to the methodological constraints of the “empirical sciences” have become obsolete. Just as many theologians have reached a tentative rapproachment with the “secular” mentality, the elements of mystery hitherto shepherded by religious thinkers have been appropriated in the cosmological models of the “new physics.” The paper explores revolutionary developments over the last ten years within quantum physics. It points to an imminent convergence between scientific and religious concepts within a larger framework of speculation termed synholism (from Friedrich von Weizsacher), and examines theoretical implications of such hypotheses in high-energy physics as a “cosmic consciousness” and “multiple universes.”
InP HBT integrated circuit technology with selectively implanted subcollector and regrown device layers

We describe a quasi-planar HBT process using a patterned implanted subcollector with a regrown MBE device layer. Using this process we have demonstrated discrete SHBT with f/sub t/ > 250 GHz and DHBT with f/sub t/ > 230 GHz. The process eliminates the need to trade base resistance for extrinsic base/collector capacitance. The low proportion of extrinsic base/collector capacitance enables further vertical scaling of the collector even in deep submicron emitters thus allowing for higher current density operation. Demonstration ring oscillators fabricated with this process had excellent uniformity and yield with gate delay as low as 7 ps and power dissipation of 6 mW/CML gate. At lower bias current the power delay product was as low as 20 fJ. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of high performance HBTs and integrated circuits using a patterned implant on InP.
Electronic Evaluation Systems for Radiology Residency and Fellowship

Electronic evaluation systems are becoming more commonplace in radiology residencies. This article describes the authors' experience in the development of such a system and a method that a residency program or graduate medical education office could use to evaluate commercially available programs.
X-ray scattering: Liquid metal/vapor interfaces

We will review the principal x-ray scattering measurements that have been carried out on the free surface of liquid metals over the past two decades. For metals such as K, Ga, In Sn, Bi etc the surface induces well-defined layering with atomic spacing 'd' that penetrates into the bulk a distance of the order of the bulk liquid correlation length. As a consequence the angular dependence of the surface struc- ture factor observed by x-ray reflectivity displays a broad peak at wavevector transfer ∼ 2π/d with a half width that is comparable to the width of the bulk liquid structure factor. Quantitative measure- ment of this surface structure factor requires correction for a singular Debye-Waller like effect arising from thermally excited capillary waves. For liquid metal alloys the layering is accompanied by chemical segrega- tion (i.e. Gibbs absorption) that can be characterized from the energy dependence of the reflectivity. Particularly interesting are the temper- ature dependence and elasticity of the two-dimensional surface frozen phases that form on the surface of the Au82Si18 liquid eutectic. Surface freezing, although not observed near the eutectic points of alloys such as Au-Ge, Pd-Ge and Pd-Si, has been observed at the free surface of the glass forming alloy Au49Ag5.5Pd2.3Cu26.9Si16.3.
Mechanism for the increase in plasma triacylglycerol concentrations after consumption of short-term, high-carbohydrate diets.

BACKGROUND High-carbohydrate (HC) diets are recommended for lowering the risk of coronary heart disease because they decrease plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations. However, an unfavorable effect of HC diets is an increase in plasma triacylglycerol concentrations. The underlying mechanisms of this effect are still unclear. OBJECTIVE We examined the effect of diet composition on VLDL-triacylglycerol metabolism using in vivo isotopically labeled VLDL-triacylglycerol tracers. DESIGN Six healthy subjects were studied on 2 occasions: after 2 wk of an HC diet (75% carbohydrates, 10% fat, and 15% protein) and after 2 wk of an isoenergetic high-fat (HF) diet (30% carbohydrates, 55% fat, and 15% protein). RESULTS The plasma VLDL-triacylglycerol concentration was higher after the HC diet than after the HF diet (690 +/- 186 compared with 287 +/- 104 micromol/L; P < 0.05) because of higher rates of VLDL-triacylglycerol production (0.76 +/- 0.12 compared with 0.45 +/- 0.15 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1); P < 0.05) rather than diminished VLDL-triacylglycerol clearance (1.5 +/- 0.5 compared with 1.7 +/- 0.5 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) after the HC diet than after the HF diet, respectively). The increase in VLDL-triacylglycerol production was probably mediated by a decrease in hepatic fatty acid oxidation after the HC diet (0.13 +/- 0.02 compared with 0.69 +/- 0.24 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1); P < 0.05), which presumably increased hepatic fatty acid availability for triacylglycerol synthesis. CONCLUSIONS The increase in fasting plasma triacylglycerol concentrations in response to short-term HC diets is due to accelerated VLDL-triacylglycerol secretion. Increased hepatic fatty acid availability, resulting from reduced hepatic fatty acid oxidation, is most likely responsible for the observed increase in VLDL-triacylglycerol secretion.
Recent Advances in Cardiac β2-Adrenergic Signal Transduction

Recent studies have added complexities to the conceptual framework of cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) signal transduction. Whereas the classical linear G(s)-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade has been corroborated for beta(1)-AR stimulation, the beta(2)-AR signaling pathway bifurcates at the very first postreceptor step, the G protein level. In addition to G(s), beta(2)-AR couples to pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i) proteins, G(i2) and G(i3). The coupling of beta(2)-AR to G(i) proteins mediates, to a large extent, the differential actions of the beta-AR subtypes on cardiac Ca(2+) handling, contractility, cAMP accumulation, and PKA-mediated protein phosphorylation. The extent of G(i) coupling in ventricular myocytes appears to be the basis of the substantial species-to-species diversity in beta(2)-AR-mediated cardiac responses. There is an apparent dissociation of beta(2)-AR-induced augmentations of the intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(i)) transient and contractility from cAMP production and PKA-dependent cytoplasmic protein phosphorylation. This can be largely explained by G(i)-dependent functional compartmentalization of the beta(2)-AR-directed cAMP/PKA signaling to the sarcolemmal microdomain. This compartmentalization allows the common second messenger, cAMP, to perform selective functions during beta-AR subtype stimulation. Emerging evidence also points to distinctly different roles of these beta-AR subtypes in modulating noncontractile cellular processes. These recent findings not only reveal the diversity and specificity of beta-AR and G protein interactions but also provide new insights for understanding the differential regulation and functionality of beta-AR subtypes in healthy and diseased hearts.