cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oceanic drift of gourds-experimental observations.

THE WHITE-FLOWERED GOURD, Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Stand. is generally considered to be a native of the Old World, possibly Africa. However, like the cultivated species of Cutcurbita, there are no records of its having been found in the truly wild state. There is much solid archaeological evidence to indicate that it was present in the Americas in pre-Columbian times. Perhaps the earliest recorded occurrence of this species in the New World is that from Huaca Prieta, Peru (Whitaker and Bird, 1949). Bird (1948) estimates the age of this site at about 3000 B.C. If it be conceded that Lagenaria is an Old World species, the method and time of transportation to the New World are problems of first importance for plant geographers, ethnobotanists, archaeologists, and others. At least one aspect of the problem is subject to experimental attack. If it can be shown that the gourds are capable of floating for prolonged periods of time in sea water, with the seeds remaining viable, there exists the possibility that fruits of Lagenaria may have been transported to the New World by oceanic currents. This possibility has been suggested by Towle (1952), and she cites certain pieces of evidence from the literature to support this idea. Very little is known about the distribution of plants through the agency of oceanic currents, and there has been no thorough investigation of this important subject in recent years. Guppy's (1917) work, a classic in this field, still remains the only source of reliable information about the oceanic drift of plant materials. Although Guppy made some extensive observations on the drift of the calabash gourd (Crescentia cujete), Lagenaria is mentioned only incidentally and, except as noted below. his observations are for the most part not pertinent to our problem. According to Guppy, gourds have been familiar to naturalists of Scandinavian countries since the eighteenth century as a constituent of the foreign plant drift cast up on their shores by the Gulf Stream. These gourds have been referred in most cases to Lagenaria. Guppy regards this as an error. He thinks it highly probable that some if not all of the gourds and calabashes recorded from Scandi-
Vorinostat synergizes with ridaforolimus and abrogates the ridaforolimus-induced activation of AKT in synovial sarcoma cells

Curative treatments for patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma (SS) do not exist, and such patients have a poor prognosis. We explored combinations of molecularly-targeted and cytotoxic agents to identify synergistic treatment combinations in SS cells. Two SS cell lines (HS-SY-II and SYO-I) were treated with single agents or combinations of molecularly targeted therapies (HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat; mTOR inhibitor, ridaforolimus) and cytotoxic agents. After 72 hours, cell viability was measured using the MTS cell proliferation assay. Combination Indices (CI) were calculated to determine whether each combination was synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. Western Blot analysis assessed alterations in total and phospho-AKT protein levels in response to drug treatment. We determined the single-agent IC50 for ridaforolimus, vorinostat, doxorubicin, and melphalan in HS-SY-II and SYO-I. Synergism was apparent in cells co-treated with ridaforolimus and vorinostat: CI was 0.28 and 0.63 in HS-SY-II and SYO-I, respectively. Ridaforolimus/doxorubicin and ridaforolimus/melphalan exhibited synergism in both cell lines. An additive effect was observed with combination of vorinostat/doxorubicin in both cell lines. Vorinostat/melphalan was synergistic in HS-SY-II and additive in SYO-I. Western blot analysis demonstrated that ridaforolimus increased pAKT-ser473 levels; this effect was abrogated by vorinostat co-treatment. The combination of ridaforolimus and vorinostat demonstrates in vitro synergism in SS. Addition of vorinostat abrogated ridaforolimus-induced AKT activation. Since AKT activation is a possible mechanism of resistance to mTOR inhibitors, adding vorinostat (or another HDAC inhibitor) may be a route to circumvent AKT-mediated resistance to mTOR inhibitors.
Adolescent suicide attempts: outcomes at follow-up

Adolescents seen in a general hospital emergency department or psychiatrically hospitalized were followed up at one month and three months following a suicide attempt. Findings included substantial drop-out rates for psychotherapy and high rates of repeated suicide attempts by three months. Implications for disposition planning and care of such adolescents are discussed.
887 INTRANASAL DDAVP IN PATIENTS WITH VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE AND HEMOPHILIA A

The effect of a single intranasal dose (200 ugm) of 1-deamino-9-D-Arginine Vasopressin (DDAVP) was studied in 12 individuals with von Willebrand's disease (vWD) and 2 with moderate hemophilia A. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of VIII:RAg demonstrated normal electrophoretic mobility in each of the vWD subjects. Components of the factor VIII system (VIII:C, VIII:RAg,VIII:R Cof) were assayed pre- and 90 and 180 minutes post-DDAVP. Each of 11 subjects with mild or moderate vWD had an increase in VIII:C activity (avg. 2X increase), 8 of 11 had an increase in VIII R: Cof, and 9 of 11 had an increase in VIII:RAg. The twelfth vWD subject, who had severe vWD, had no rise in any of these components. Of 4 vWD subjects who had pre- and post-DDAVP template bleeding times (BT) performed, the only one who had a prolonged baseline BT showed a normal BT 90 minutes post-DDAVP. One vWD subject who had demonstrated an increase in all F VIII components after DDAVP, later underwent dental extractions 90 minutes after DDAVP. No excessive bleeding was noted. Two individuals with moderate hemophilia A (baseline VIII:C values of 0.02 u/ml and 0.07 u/ml) were also studied. One had a rise in all components of the factor VIII system post-DDAVP while the other did not. We conclude that DDAVP results in transient improvement in selected individuals with vWD or moderate hemophilia A. This drug thus warrants further study as an alternative to blood components in the management of vWD and mild hemophilia.
Prior exposure to footshock induced naloxone hyperalgesia.

Abstract The incidence of squeaking and jumping elicited by 5 minutes of intermittent footshock was studied in rats during two successive tests separated by 1 week. The mean number of occurrences of each behavior was the same in each test. Naloxone, 5 mg/kg i.p., which was without effect when administered prior to the first test, significantly increased the number of squeaks but not jumps when administered prior to the second test. It is suggested that prior shock treatment can induce naloxone hyperalgesia depending upon the behavior used as the measure of pain response.
Sex-specific effects of ACE I/D and AGT-M235T on pulse pressure: the HyperGEN Study

Evidence shows that an elevated pulse pressure (PP) may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is also evidence that PP is a sexually dimorphic trait, and that genetic factors influence inter-individual variation in PP. The aim of this project was to assess the genotype-by-sex interaction on PP in a sample of mostly hypertensive African American and White participants using candidate genes involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Subjects were participants in the HyperGEN Study, including men (43%) and women (57%) over the age of 55 years (mean age = 65). Candidate gene polymorphisms used were ACE insertion/deletion (1,789 subjects genotyped) and AGT-M235T (1,800 subjects genotyped). We employed linear regression methods to assess the genotype-by-sex interaction. For ACE, genotype-by-sex interaction on PP was detected (P = 0.04): the "D/D" genotype predicted a 2.2 mmHg higher pulse pressure among women, but a 1.2 mmHg lower PP among men, compared to those with an "I" allele, after adjusting for age, weight, height, ethnicity, and antihypertension medication use. A similar interaction was found for systolic blood pressure. The genotype-by-sex interaction was consistent across ethnicity. The interaction was evident among those on antihypertensive medications (P = 0.05), but not among those not taking such medications (P = 0.55). In our analysis of AGT, no evidence of a genotype-by-sex interaction affecting PP, SBP, or DBP was detected. This evidence for a genotype-by-sex interaction helps our understanding of the complex genetic underpinnings of blood pressure phenotypes.
Culturing Selenastrum capricornutum (Chlorophyta) in a synthetic algal nutrient medium with defined mineral particulates

Algal nutrient studies in chemically-defined media typically employ a synthetic chelator to prevent iron hydroxide precipitation. Micronutrient-particulate interactions may, however, significantly affect chemical speciation and hence biovailability of these nutrients in natural waters. A technique is described by which Selenastrum capricornutum Printz (Chlorophyta) may be cultured in a medium where trace metal speciation (except iron) is controlled, not by organic chelation, but by sorption onto titanium dioxide. Application of this culturing protocol in conjunction with results from sorption studies of nutrient ions on mineral particles provides a means of studying biological impacts of sorptive processes in aquatic environments.
Crystallography of some lunar plagioclases.

Apollo 11 lunar rock plagioclases crystallography, obtaining single crystal X ray diffraction patterns by Buerger precession method
Capping Speculative Traces to Improve Performance in Simultaneous Multi-threading CPUs

Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) improves the overall performance of superscalar CPUs by allowing concurrent execution of multiple independent threads with sharing of key data path components in order to better utilize the resources. Speculative executions help modern processors to exploit more Instruction-Level Parallelism. However, the performance penalty from a miss speculation is much more prominent in an SMT environment than a traditional multi-threading system due to the resulted waste of shared resources at clock-cycle level, versus thread level. In this paper, we show that instructions fetched due to incorrect prediction can be more than 30% of all instructions, which results in a huge waste of resources that could have been better used by other non-speculative threads. To minimize this waste of resources, a technique is proposed in this paper to control the amount of speculative instructions dispatched into Issue Queue (IQ), the most critically shared resource in the SMT pipeline. Simulation result shows the proposed technique can reduce the waste of resource due to miss-speculated traces by 38% and improve overall throughput by up to 17% in IPC.
Education: Heavy readers are heavy hitters: A survey of 3000 RCA engineers not only reveals how they keep abreast, but correlates their information-retrieval habits with achievement

How do you see yourself? Would you classify yourself as a high or low achiever? And does your self-image correspond with what you want to be and what you'll actually do to attain that goal?
Magnetic properties of materials

A number of interactions between magnetic fields and matter is reviewed. The resulting forces range in magnitude from the very large, obtained in high-energy fields, to the weak ones caused by the magnetostriction of ferromagnets. The fundamentals of these interactions are highlighted, and the examples discussed are forces on dipoles, particle alignment, magnetostrictive forces, magnetic forming, magnetic stirring, levitation melting, and magnetic pulsing of tool steels.
SO, WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

This paper presents a reply to the preceding methodological note [6]. Additional comparative analyses are presented which at least partially answer some of the criticisms raised. The implications for future theory development and empirical field research are also discussed.
Structural studies on stabilized microbubbles: development of a novel contrast agent for diagnostic ultrasound

Abstract Ultrasound is a noninvasive tool with which the physician can gain insight into the state of the internal organs of the body. A contrast agent is a substance which, when injected into the body improves the resolution of an image. The use of diagnostic ultrasound is limited without development of such an agent. This paper describes the development of a new class of contrast agent. The agent consists of microbubbles generated in a solution by sonication, and stabilized by a layer of nonionic surfactant molecules. A single surfactant type alone does not produce stable bubbles, and only certain combinations of surfactants, one with a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) greater than 10.5 and the other with an HLB less than 9, are successful. An agent prepared from Span60® and Tween80® is described in detail. A Coulter analysis revealed that 90% of the bubbles were less than 10 μm in diameter. This is essential if the agent is to pass the pulmonary capillary bed. B-mode imaging of a sample of microbubbles indicated that these bubbles were highly echogenic (that is they produced a strong contrast). A Langmuir trough study of the molecular arrangement of the surfactant molecules inside the microbubble skin suggested that there are 1.7 molecules of Span to each Tween molecule. Detailed analysis of the pressure-area curves and area per molecule data lead to the hypothesis that the correct proportion of Span molecules can substantially reduce the head group repulsion found in the all-Tween situation, and this results in the generation of stable microbubbles. A molecular arrangement of these surfactant molecules around the microbubble is proposed.
Commitment of mentally disordered criminal offenders in the State of Maryland, USA: Future dangerousness versus treatment amenability

Abstract The author critically reviews the diagnostic and commitment procedures at Maryland's Patuxent Institution from 1955 to the present. During this period, the institution operated under the authority of two quite different statutes. The intent of both was to provide confinement and treatment for offenders who are legally sane, but mentally disordered. Under the original law, offenders predicted to be dangerous were involuntarily subject to court commitments for indeterminate periods. Under the second law, offenders predicted to be amenable to treatment are confined on a voluntary basis only for as long as their original criminal sentences allow.
The effects of sex differences on the perception and management of superior—subordinate conflict: An exploratory study

Abstract This study examined the impact of an employee's sex on the management of superior—subordinate conflict and how behavior during such interaction affected perceptions of the constructive use of disagreement and performance on the job. Male ( n = 55) and female ( n = 40) management personnel described how they dealt with differences and disagreements involving their immediate supervisor and how he/she responded to such conflict. Significant differences emerged between the perceptions of males and females reporting to males concerning the behavior of their supervisors. Preliminary analyses suggested that the sex of a supervisor was unrelated to female subordinates' perceptions of conflict management. No differences were observed between the likelihood with which male and female subordinates would use various methods to deal with disagreement. The manner in which the subordinate dealt with conflict was significantly related to perceptions of the constructive use of disagreement in the female sample but not in the male sample. None of the five methods of managing conflict examined in the study were related to supervisor evaluations of either the subordinate's performance or effort on the job.
Chemistry and mineralogy of ochreous sediments in a constructed mine drainage wetland

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the mineralogy and geochemical stability of ochreous sediments accumulated in a compost wetland constructed in 1990 for acid mine drainage treatment. Intact sediment cores were collected in 1996 and 2000 from an area that had accumulated 33 cm of ochre. Solids and pore waters were subsequently separated by centrifugation and analyzed using conventional methods, including X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and wet chemical techniques. The solid phase had an average Fe content of 585 g/kg and was predominantly schwertmannite [Fe 8O8(OH)4.8(SO4)1.6] in the upper portion of the sediment column, but transformed to goethite (α-FeOOH) with depth. The rate of transformation was calculated to be 30 mol/m3/yr in the initial 6 yr of sedimentation as compared to 10 mol/m3/yr for the 4-yr period from 1996 to 2000. Pore water composition was affected by this mineral transformation through production of acidity and the release of Fe and SO4. These results demonstrate that the sediment column was not a static environment. In addition, the transformation of schwertmannite to goethite, which has been observed under laboratory conditions, also occurs in natural systems.
Price Forecasting with State-Space Models of Nonstationary Time Series: Case of the Japanese Salmon Market

Abstract The paper compares four state-space methods for modeling nonstationary vector-valued time series. An estimation of covariance model parameters based on the Kung-Vaccaro method is introduced, and the least squares solution to the vector of initial states is derived. Assuming stochastic nonstationarities, a two-step state-space procedure based on the cointegration representation is compared to the procedure based on the error correction representation. Assuming deterministic nonstationarities, the method of adding a regression equation to the innovations model is compared to a new technique that replaces the structural model by an impulse response model. The procedures are compared by generating short term forecasts of salmon wholesale prices in Japan.
GDNF induces branching and increased cell proliferation in the ureter of the mouse.

The secreted signaling molecule GDNF is expressed in the metanephric mesenchyme and has recently been implicated as a factor necessary for development of the metanephric kidney. We have examined the effects of GDNF on mouse kidney explants. We show that GDNF increases cell proliferation in ureter tips. There is an increase in the number of ureter tips and expansion and fusion of adjacent tips and some tips appear to grow toward the source of GDNF. These events are accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of several genes localized to the tips, including its own receptor, c-ret, the transcription factor Sox9, and the signal Wnt-11. These results support a model in which GDNF supplied by the mesenchyme regulates growth and branching in the metanephric kidney through the local regulation of ureter tip-specific factors.
Determination of highly accurate orbits for altimeter satellites over limited geographic areas

Accurate orbits are necessary for altimeter satellites for operational computation of sea surface heights and for the determination of any bias in the altimeter measurement. These satellites require high accuracy throughout the orbit, in general a difficult task due to gravity model, solar radiation pressure, and atmospheric drag effects. Extensive analysis has reduced such errors for Seasat only to the 50 cm level. For calibration purposes the use of such an orbit would require a very large number of tracks to reduce the error to the sub-10 cm level even if all passes had only random errors. Since altimeter calibration orbits require high accuracy only over a limited geographical area, the use of a ranging station, such as a laser tracker in the calibration area can provide the required accuracy. The Bermuda laser provided such orbits for Seasat, with satellite-station height accuracy estimated to be at the sub-3 cm level. Because the station height is accurately known, such orbits can also be used to test global orbit accuracies.
Lumbosacral Epiduroscopy Findings Predict Treatment Outcome

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of diagnostic markers obtained through epiduroscopy by evaluating the accuracy of outcome prediction after treatment of epidural pathology using epiduroscopy. Design A prospective observational study of 139 patients was performed. Patients with chronic low back and leg pain were included. Of the 150 patients who underwent epiduroscopy in the year 2008 at a US hospital, 139 were available for evaluation at 1 month. Study Outcome of treatment was predicted based on direct visual information (hyperemia, vascularity, and fibrosis) and mechanical information (pain to touch, contrast spread, and patency) obtained through epiduroscopy. Main Outcome Measures Outcome of treatment was measured at 1 month. Accuracy of prediction of outcome was calculated using contingency tables and odds ratios. Results A prediction of outcome was made in 114 of 139 patients (82%). This prediction was correct in 89 of these 114 patients (accuracy of 78%). The sensitivity and specificity of epiduroscopy with respect to the prediction of outcome were 75% and 82%, respectively. These results were statistically significant (P < 0.01). In 25 of the 139 patients (18%), discrete epidural pathology was not observed. Nine of these 25 patients reported good relief after epiduroscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of epiduroscopy in the diagnosis of epidural pathology were 91% and 39%, respectively. These results were not statistically different (P > 0.1). Conclusion Our results show that lumbosacral epiduroscopy predicts outcome of treatment accurately in the majority of patients. This suggests that information obtained through epiduroscopy may carry significant diagnostic and prognostic value.
Optical Gain and Laser Characteristics of InGaN Quantum Wells on Ternary InGaN Substrates

The optical gain and threshold characteristics of InGaN quantum wells (QWs) on ternary InGaN substrate emitting in green and yellow spectral regimes are analyzed. By employing the ternary substrates, the material gains were found as ~ 3-5 times higher than that of conventional method with reduced wavelength shift. The threshold carrier density is reduced by ~ 15%-50% from the use of ternary substrate method for green- and yellow-emitting lasers.
Case-Control study of dopamine transporter-1, monoamine oxidase-B, and catechol-O-methyl transferase polymorphisms in Parkinson's disease

We investigated the association of Parkinson's disease (PD) with dopamine transporter-1 (DAT1), monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms. Overall, we observed no significant association of PD with the DAT1-3'-variable numbers of tandem repeats, the MAO-B-(GT)(n), and the COMT-Val108Met gene polymorphisms in a sample of 319 unrelated PD cases and 196 control subjects. Analyses stratified by sex, age at examination, family history of PD, and ethnic origin also yielded negative findings, with three exceptions. We found statistically significant associations of PD with MAO-B polymorphisms in older patients and with a COMT polymorphism in younger subjects and in women. These significant differences at the two-tailed alpha level of 0.05 and restricted to subgroup analyses may have a biological basis or may be chance findings.
Asymptotic analysis of digital modulations in κ–μ, η–μ and α–μ fading channels

This study derives several new and simple closed-form approximations for the average symbol error rate (ASER) and outage probability performance metrics of digital communication systems (with/without diversity receivers) impaired by additive white Gaussian noise and fading. These approximations utilise the coefficients of the Poincare series expansion for the probability density function (PDF) of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) random variable in conjunction with Mellin transform of the conditional error probability and/or its auxiliary functions to generalise some of the known asymptotic ASER/outage probability expressions to a wider range of modulation schemes and different types of propagation environments (including κ–μ, η–μ and α–μ fading channels). A new class of asymptotic approximations for the ASER/outage probability is also derived (based on a normalised asymptotic PDF of SNR) that is considerably better than the conventional high-SNR approximation although both techniques need only the first non-zero term of the Maclaurin (if exists) or the Poincare series expansion of the channel PDF. The authors’ also investigate the utility/efficacy of Welch–Satterthwaite and Moschopoulos approximations for yielding accurate predictions of the ASER in the low-SNR regime for different fading environments. Closed-form approximations for the ergodic (average) channel capacities of different types of fading channels with/without diversity reception are also derived.
Fine specificity of the murine antibody response to HIV-1 gp160 determined by synthetic peptides which define selected epitopes.

Abstract In this report, we assess the humoral immune response in inbred strains of mice immunized with baculovirus-derived recombinant HIV-1 gp160 (rgp160). Six inbred strains of mice were each immunized with two different concns (5 and 50 μg) of rgp 160, and the antibody response to rgp160 and synthetic peptides which define distinct gp160 epitopes was examined. Within a given inbred strain of mice, no significant difference in antibody titers to gp160 was observed in those groups receiving either 5 or 50 μg of rgp160 per injection. Following three immunizations with rgp160, differences in anti-gp160 titers were observed among the various inbred strains; however, these differences became less apparent after additional injections with rgp160. In addition, each mouse strain exhibited a unique reactivity pattern to seven gp160 epitopes defined by synthetic peptides. Multiple injections with rpg160 were required to induce responses to certain gp160 epitopes. The observed differences in the fine specificity of the humoral immune response to distinct gp160 epitopes among the six inbred strains suggest a genetic basis for regulating the antibody response to these epitopes. This apparent regulation can be overcome by multiple injections with rgp160.
Redox-dependent structural reorganization in putidaredoxin, a vertebrate-type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin from Pseudomonas putida.

Putidaredoxin (Pdx), a vertebrate-type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin from Pseudomonas putida, transfers electrons from NADH-putidaredoxin reductase to cytochrome P450cam. Pdx exhibits redox-dependent binding affinities for P450cam and is thought to play an effector role in the monooxygenase reaction catalyzed by this hemoprotein. To understand how the reduced form of Pdx is stabilized and how reduction of the [2Fe-2S] cluster affects molecular properties of the iron-sulfur protein, crystal structures of reduced C73S and C73S/C85S Pdx were solved to 1.45 A and 1.84 A resolution, respectively, and compared to the corresponding 2.0 A and 2.03 A X-ray models of the oxidized mutants. To prevent photoreduction, the latter models were determined using in-house radiation source and the X-ray dose received by Pdx crystals was significantly decreased. Structural analysis showed that in reduced Pdx the Cys45-Ala46 peptide bond flip initiates readjustment of hydrogen bonding interactions between the [2Fe-2S] cluster, the Sγ atoms of the cysteinyl ligands, and the backbone amide nitrogen atoms that results in tightening of the Cys39-Cys48 metal cluster binding loop around the prosthetic group and shifting of the metal center toward the Cys45-Thr47 peptide. From the metal center binding loop, the redox changes are transmitted to the linked Ile32-Asp38 peptide triggering structural rearrangement between the Tyr33-Asp34, Ser7-Asp9 and Pro102-Asp103 fragments of Pdx. The newly established hydrogen bonding interactions between Ser7, Asp9, Tyr33, Asp34, and Pro102, in turn, not only stabilize the tightened conformation of the [2Fe-2S] cluster binding loop but also assist in formation of a specific structural patch on the surface of Pdx that can be recognized by P450cam. This redox-linked change in surface properties is likely to be responsible for different binding affinity of oxidized and reduced Pdx to the hemoprotein.
Effect of 30 mg of Morphine Alone or With Promethazine or Prochlorperazine on the Exercise Capacity of Patients With COPD

Objective We have shown that the administration of 0.8 mg/kg of morphine (M) to patients with COPD resulted in a 20% increase in the maximum oxygen consumption ( V ˙ o 2 max ) but was associated with significant drowsiness and euphoria. The objective of the present study was to ascertain whether lower doses of M alone or in combination with prochlorperazine (PC) or promethazine (P) could elicit significant increases in exercise tolerance. Design The exercise capacity, psychological status, and reaction times were assessed before and 60 min after the patients received placebo (PLAC), 30 mg M orally, 30 mg M plus 10 mg PC (M-PC), or 30 mg M plus 25 mg P (M-P) in a randomized double-blind crossover study. In a secondary study, nine patients were tested on three separate days before and after receiving PLAC, 25 mg P, or 30 mg M plus 25 mg P. Patients Seven COPD patients (FEV 1 =0.99 ±0.30 L, V ˙ o 2 max max=990±315 mL/min) who were ventilatory-limited. Setting Veterans Affairs medical center. Results After the patients ingested M-P, the increase in the V ˙ o 2 max max (129.0±104 mL/min), the workload (10.0 ±6.5 W) and the maximum minute ventilation (4.0±3.9 L/min) were significantly greater (p Conclusions We conclude that the administration of 30 mg of M plus 25 mg of P significantly improves the exercise tolerance of patients with COPD, without significantly impairing the mental capabilities of the subjects. The utility of this regimen over longer time periods needs to be evaluated.
Redefining the target: Viewing the wave energy resource from a power take-off perspective

We consider the implications for the wave energy resource when viewed from the perspective of the power take-off mechanism. While globally the majority of wave energy is concentrated in low frequency swells, the dependence of power production on acceleration and velocity means an energy-harvesting device gathers more power from higher frequency waves.
Using SysML to model complex systems for security

As security systems integrate more Information Technology the design of these systems has tended to become more complex. Some of the most difficult issues in designing Complex Security Systems (CSS) are: ● Capturing Requirements ● Defining Hardware Interfaces ● Defining Software Interfaces ● Integrating Technologies ○ Radio Systems ○ Voice Over IP Systems ○ Situational Awareness Systems
CFD Simulations of Coupled, Countercurrent Combustor/Reformer Microdevices for Hydrogen Production

Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to study spatially segregated, multifunctional, microchemical devices for hydrogen production. In particular, coupling between homogeneous propane combustion and catalytic ammonia decomposition on a Ru catalyst is studied in a microdevice consisting of alternating combustion and decomposition channels as a function of flow rate and materials conductivity in the countercurrent flow configuration. It is found that the high temperatures generated via homogeneous combustion lead to high conversions in short contact times and thus to compact devices. Different performance measures are evaluated to assess the operability of the device. Sufficiently high ammonia flow rates serve a dual purpose by lowering device temperatures and enabling the production of larger flow rates of hydrogen. Finally, it is shown that device operation is limited only to high-conductivity materials and fast ammonia flows.
Extinction efficiencies of large latex spheres

The extinction efficiency K of polyvinyl toluene latex spheres was measured over an effective particle size range which includes the first three principal extinction maxima (circumference/wavelength, α = 11.2–43.4). Spheres of diameters 3.49 μ and 2.051 μ were suspended in water and water-glycerol solutions to achieve relative refractive indices of about 1.19 and 1.11, respectively, and were illuminated with light of wavelengths 350–803 mμ. The experimental K-values are within about 3%-6% of those predicted by the Mie equations. Probable experimental sources of the differences are evaluated.
From the editors' desk: Hippocrates and patient-centered medicine.

Hippocrates opened a medical school in Cos around 400 BCE, with a focus on the four humors of the body and biologic causation, informed by the most cutting-edge medical science of the time. His focus was not just on the empirical treatment of patients. His school also identified a moral and personal code of conduct that put the patient’s needs first. Centuries later, Galen’s advanced surgical techniques similarly blended empiricism with philosophy—diagnostically distinguishing “this patient” from the instance of disease exhibited by the individual. While many of Galen’s philosophical writings have been lost, like the early Greek physicians before him, his code of conduct and respect for the individual likely instilled a sense of trust in their patients, seen only later in Islamic medieval medicine. Although medicine has evolved substantially since Hippocrates, Galen, and Ibn Sina, modern day practitioners continue to be inspired by the commitment of these historical icons to the principle of beneficence—doing what is best for the individual patient. Beneficence as a bioethical principle has lost some of its luster, overshadowed by the principle of autonomy and by recent emphasis on protecting the medical commons. Yet as a key component of patient-centeredness, beneficence is unlikely to dissolve into the shadows. This month in JGIM, we explore aspects of patient-centered care through the lens of communication, health literacy, and autonomy. For instance, Rothberg et al. studied an aspect of patient-physician communication—time spent communicating with inpatients by hospitalists. While physicians averaged 5 min per patient, he found no correlation between patient satisfaction and time spent—perhaps indicating that other factors, such as the quality of the interaction, superseded time alone as a driver of patient satisfaction. Several additional articles explore a different aspect of patient-centered medicine with a specific focus on health literacy. Kiser et al, examine patients’ ability to understand and participate in their own medical care in her study of the effect of a health literacy-sensitive intervention to improve inhaler use among patients with COPD. Lindquist et al. report on the impact of health literacy on intentional and unintentional medication errors, and Jeppesen et al. validate a tool to assess diabetes health literacy in patients. Barg et al. describe the experiences of peer coaches—patients with well-controlled medical disease—as they enhance communication and understanding with other patients who are in need of additional support. Lastly, Barrett explores the values and ethics of guideline-driven care—and its impact on patient autonomy and informed choice. Our era of biomedically oriented medicine is evolving to incorporate and empower the patient and public in their own health care. We hope that our medical forefathers would find this expanded line of medical inquiry consistent with their principles of empiricism and practice of professionalism.
Development of a new transformation-competent artificial chromosome (TAC) vector and construction of tomato and rice TAC libraries

Recent research has shown that BIBAC (binary bacterial artificial chromosome) and TAC (transformation-competent artificial chromosome) vector systems are very useful tools for map-based cloning of agronomically important genes in plant species. We have developed a new TAC vector that is suitable for both dicot and monocot transformation. Using this new TAC vector, we constructed large-insert genomic libraries of tomato and rice. The tomato library contains 96,996 clones (28.3-38.5 kb insert size) and has 3.18 haploid genome equivalents. The rice TAC library has 32.7 kb average insert size and has 9.24 haploid genome equivalents. The quality of these two libraries was tested using PCR to verify genome coverage. Individual clones were characterized to confirm insert integrity by Southern analysis, end sequencing and genetic mapping. To investigate the potential application of these TAC libraries in map-based cloning, TAC constructs containing a 45 kb fragment were introduced into the rice genome via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Molecular analysis indicates that the 45 kb fragment was successfully transferred into the rice genome. Although rearrangements of the introduced DNA were detected, 50% of regenerated plants contained at least one intact copy of the 45 kb clone and associated vector sequences. These libraries provide us with a valuable resource to rapidly isolate important genes in tomato and rice.
Temperature dependent study of rayleigh wing scattering in liquid acetonitrile

Abstract The results of a study on the temperature dependence of the Rayleigh wing scattering in liquid acetonitrile are presented. It was found that the relaxation times increase with rising temperature, a result which is in contradiction to the internal viscosity picture, which has been used to explain the high frequency wing scattering. However, a calculation utilizing a simple cell model of liquids produces results that are in reasonable agreement with experiment.
Lateral Load Path and Capacity of Exterior Decks

AbstractExterior decks must be designed to resist all applicable load cases. Vertical (gravity) loads are well defined, but less is known about designing decks for lateral loading. The focus of this study was to better understand the ultimate strength and load paths of two common deck constructions subjected to monotonic lateral loading. A portion of a conventional light-frame wood-floor diaphragm was built, to which the decks were attached. One deck was constructed with a lateral hold-down tension connector and the other deck had no hold-down tension connector. The lateral resistance and load path of each deck were investigated by applying a monotonic force through the centroid of the deck surface. The ledger board was connected to the house rim board with lag screws. Forces in each lag screw and hold-down connecting the deck to the diaphragm were recorded. Preliminary tests revealed a weakness in the deck joist–to–deck ledger connection; this was resolved by using joist hangers that featured a perpendic...
Estimating fluid pressure below intrusive salt sheets; the factors causing uncertainty

In the Gulf of Mexico, uncertainties in salt sheet thickness, lateral salt speed, sub-sea floor depth of salt top, and lithology underlying salt all contribute to the uncertainty in assessing excess pressure development to be expected when drilling through a salt mass. In an example, the mean excess pressure is around 170 atm with + or -30atm uncertainty. The uncertainty in the estimate of excess pressure is shown to be dominated (58-65%) by uncertainties in salt sheet thickness, with salt speed and lithology of lesser importance, each contributing around 10-25% to the excess pressure uncertainty, depending on the case considered. The cumulative probability of obtaining an excess pressure greater than a specified magnitude at any depth is investigated, as is the volatility of estimates on mean pressure. The calculations provide information on which uncertainties-in salt thickness, salt speed or sub-salt lithology-need to be improved first in any attempt to narrow the range of uncertainty of predicted pressure.
Dynamin Regulates Focal Exocytosis in Phagocytosing Macrophages

Phagocytosis in macrophages is thought to involve insertion of cytoplasmic vesicles at sites of membrane expansion before particle ingestion (“focal” exocytosis). Capacitance (Cm) measurements of cell surface area were biphasic, with an initial rise indicative of exocytosis followed by a fall upon phagocytosis. Unlike other types of regulated exocytosis, the Cm rise was insensitive to intracellular Ca2+, but was inhibited by guanosine 5′-O-(2-thio)diphosphate. Particle uptake, but not Cm rise, was affected by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors. Inhibition of actin polymerization eliminated the Cm rise, suggesting possible coordination between actin polymerization and focal exocytosis. Introduction of anti-pan-dynamin IgG blocked Cm changes, suggesting that dynamin controls focal exocytosis and thereby phagocytosis. Similarly, recombinant glutathione S-transferase•amphiphysin-SH3 domain, but not a mutated form that cannot bind to dynamin, inhibited both focal exocytosis and phagocytosis. Immunochemical analysis of endogenous dynamin distribution in macrophages revealed a substantial particulate pool, some of which localized to a presumptive endosomal compartment. Expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein•dynamin-2 showed a motile dynamin pool, a fraction of which migrated toward and within the phagosomal cup. These results suggest that dynamin is involved in the production and/or movement of vesicles from an intracellular organelle to the cell surface to support membrane expansion around the engulfed particle.
Computational explanation in neuroscience

Accordingtosomephilosophers,computationalexplanationisproprietary to psychology—it does not belong in neuroscience. But neuroscientists routinely offer computational explanations of cognitive phenomena. In fact, computational explana- tion was initially imported from computability theory into the science of mind by neuroscientists, who justified this move on neurophysiological grounds. Establishing the legitimacy and importance of computational explanation in neuroscience is one thing; shedding light on it is another. I raise some philosophical questions pertain- ing to computational explanation and outline some promising answers that are being developed by a number of authors.
PAIM: Peer-Based Automobile Identity Management in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network

The emerging Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET) technology will enable many exciting applications such as vehicular safety assistance and mobile entertainment. One of the key challenges toward successful roll-out of VANET applications is to provide security and privacy preserving mechanisms for users. Existing efforts on this topic rely heavily on infrastructure like road-side units which however are not available everywhere. To minimize the dependence on infrastructure, we propose a novel Peer-based Automobile Identity Management (PAIM) Framework which is mainly based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication. PAIM supports dynamic event-based moving zones formed by vehicles sharing common interest. PAIM achieves the level of privacy desired by vehicles and traceability required by law enforcement authorities, in addition to satisfying fundamental security requirements including authentication, non-repudiation, message integrity and confidentiality. A prototype of PAIM is built and tested and the results demonstrate the efficiency and feasibility of our approach.
Vehicle Routing and Scheduling with Full Truckloads

Truckload carriers are constantly faced with the problem of shipping full truckloads of goods at minimum cost between pairs of cities or customers, using a fleet of trucks located at one or more depots. In this paper, a new branch-and-bound algorithm for solving an integer-programming formulation of this vehicle-routing problem (VRP) with full truckloads is developed. The algorithm also takes into consideration the time-window constraints and waiting costs. The resulting efficiency, validated by computational tests on random problems, is due to a column-generation scheme that exploits the special structure of the problem to solve the linear-programming relaxation problems that arise at the nodes.
Small firm growth as a function of both learning orientation and entrepreneurial orientation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between learning orientation (LO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and firm growth in small- and medium-sized ﬁrms (SMEs). The authors theoretically argue for a mediation effect of EO on the relationship between LO and growth. The study considered how companies that value learning enact actions to affect firm outcomes. This is particularly important for small firms that may not be capable of withstanding significant shocks in the marketplace. Design/methodology/approach – The research design employed the survey method for data gathering and resulted in 105 completed responses from CEOs/presidents of SMEs. To examine the construct validity of the measurement dimensions the authors used a multistage process. Additionally, the authors employed a competing models analytic design to determine the presence and strength of mediating effects of the EO construct. Findings – The findings empirically demonstrate the notion that firm cultural va...
The Red clover necrotic mosaic virus capsid as a multifunctional cell targeting plant viral nanoparticle.

Multifunctional nanoparticles hold promise as the next generation of therapeutic delivery and imaging agents. Nanoparticles comprising many types of materials are being tested for this purpose, including plant viral capsids. It has been found that Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) can be loaded with significant amounts of therapeutic molecules with molecular weights of 600 or even greater. Formulation of RCNMV into a plant viral nanoparticle (PVN) involves the loading of cargo and attachment of peptides. In this study, we show that targeting peptides (less than 16 amino acids) can be conjugated to the capsid using the heterobifunctional chemical linker sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC). The uptake of both native RCNMV capsids and peptide-conjugated RCNMV was tested in the HeLa cell line for peptides with and without fluorescent labels. Uptake of RCNMV conjugate with a CD46 targeting peptide was monitored by flow cytometry. When formulated PVNs loaded with...
Investigating the applicability of Petri nets for rule-based system verification

It is suggested that as rule-based system (RBS) technology gains wider acceptance, the need to create and maintain large knowledge bases will assume greater importance. Demonstrating a rule base to be free from error remains one of the obstacles to the adoption of this technology. An approach to RBS verification in which the system is modeled as a Petri net on which error detection is performed is presented. A set of propositions is formulated to locate errors of redundancy, conflict, circularity, and gaps in domain knowledge. Rigorous proofs of these propositions are provided. Difficulties in implementing a Petri net-based verifier and the potential restrictions of the applicability of this approach are discussed. >
Protection of gastric epithelial cell monolayers from a human cell line by omeprazole in vitro.

Omeprazole has an anti-ulcerogenic effect and protects rat gastric mucosa against drug-induced damage in vivo. We have evaluated omeprazole protection against damage induced by sodium taurocholate to gastric epithelial cell monolayers, an experimental model that completely excludes the influence of systemic factors. Furthermore, since our model consists of mucus-producing cells, the acid inhibitory effect of the drug in any protection is negligible. The role of prostaglandin and sulfhydryls in any such protection has also been evaluated. Monolayers of gastric cells from a well-differentiated human cell line were studied. A chromium-51 release assay was used to assess cell damage. Sodium taurocholate damaged cells dose-dependently (r = 0.97, p < 0.01). Pretreatment with omeprazole significantly reduced the amount of cell damage brought about by sodium taurocholate (p < 0.001). Indomethacin did not prevent the protection afforded by omeprazole, nor did incubation with omeprazole increase the amount of prost...