cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detomidine-propofol anesthesia for abdominal surgery in horses.

Objective— To evaluate propofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, after detomidine premedication, in horses undergoing abdominal surgery for creation of an experimental intestinal adhesion model. Study Design— Prospective study. Animals— Twelve horses (424 ± 81 kg) from 1 to 20 years of age (5 females, 7 males). Methods— Horses were premedicated with detomidine (0.015 mg/kg IV) 20 to 25 minutes before induction, and a propofol bolus (2 mg/kg IV) was administered for induction. Propofol infusion (0.2 mg/kg/min IV) was used to maintain anesthesia. The infusion rate was adjusted to maintain an acceptable anesthetic plane as determined by muscle relaxation, occular signs, response to surgery, and cardiopulmonary responses. Oxygen (15 L/min) was insufflated through an endotracheal tube as necessary to maintain the SpO2 greater than 90%. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP), and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures, heart rate (HR), electrocardiogram (ECG), respiratory rate (RR), SpO2 (via pulse oximetry), and nasal temperature were recorded at 15 minute intervals, before premedication and after induction of anesthesia. Arterial blood gas samples were collected at the same times. Objective data are reported as mean (±SD); subjective data are reported as medians (range). Results— Propofol (2.0 mg/kg IV) induced anesthesia (mean bolus time, 85 sec) within 24 sec (±22 sec) after the bolus was completed. Induction was good in 10 horses; 2 horses showed signs of excitement and these two inductions were not smooth. Propofol infusion (0.18 mg/kg/min ± 0.04) was used to maintain anesthesia for 61 ± 19 minutes with the horses in dorsal recumbency. Mean SAP, DAP, and MAP increased significantly over time from 131 to 148, 89 to 101, and 105 to 121 mm Hg, respectively. Mean HR varied over time from 43 to 45 beats/min, whereas mean RR increased significantly over anesthesia time from 4 to 6 breaths/min. Mean arterial pH decreased from a baseline of 7.41 ± 0.07 to 7.30 ± 0.05 at 15 minutes of anesthesia, then increased towards baseline values. Mean Paco2 values increased during anesthesia, ranging from 47 to 61 mm Hg whereas PaO2 values decreased from baseline (97 ± 20 mm Hg), ranging from 42 to 57 mm Hg. Muscle relaxation was good and no horses moved during surgery: Recovery was good in 9 horses and acceptable in 3; mean recovery time was 67 ± 29 minutes with 2.4 ± 2.4 attempts necessary for the horses to stand. Conclusions— Detomidine-propofol anesthesia in horses in dorsal recumbency was associated with little cardiovascular depression, but hypoxemia and respiratory depression occurred and some excitement was seen on induction. Clinical Relevance— Detomidine-propofol anesthesia is not recommended for surgical procedures in horses if dorsal recumbency is necessary and supplemental oxygen is not available (eg, field anesthesia).
An investigation of the adiabatic potential energy surface of a Pseudo-Jahn-Teller complex using X-ray diffraction

X-ray diffraction combined with theoretical results obtained for isolated molecules can reveal many topologic features of the adiabatic potential energy surface (APS) of pseudo-Jahn-Teller Cu(II) complexes. Single-crystal x-ray results of acetatobis (1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II) perchlorate from 10 to 351 K are presented. The observed Cu-O bond length changes of 0.26 and 0.38 A are rationalized in terms of a one-dimensional APS with two nonequivalent minima. The Silver and Getz model of vibronic coupling applied to the temperature variation of the Cu-O bond lengths is not obeyed. The actual structures of the conformers associated with the energy minima were determined from the x-ray data. A means of estimating the pseudo-Jahn-Teller radius using mean-square vibrational amplitudes along the Cu-O bonds is also discussed.
Physics basis for a reversed shear tokamak power plant

The reversed shear plasma configuration is examined as the basis for a tokamak fusion power plant. Analysis of plasma equilibrium and ideal MHD stability, bootstrap current and current drive, plasma vertical stability and position control, divertor physics and plasma power balance are used to determine the operating point parameters that maximize fusion power density and minimize the recirculating power fraction. The final plasma configuration for the ARIES-RS power plant obtains b of 4.96%, plasma driven current fraction of 91%, plasma current of 11.3 MA, toroidal field of 8.0 T and major and minor radius of 5.5 and 1.4 m. The current drive system utilizes fast wave, lower hybrid and high frequency fast wave current drive to obtain maximum current profile flexibility, requiring 5 80 MW of power. A divertor solution is found which employs neon impurity injection to enhance the radiation in the scrape-off layer (SOL) and divertor and results in a combined particle and heat load in the divertor of5 6M W m 2 . The plasma is driven with a Q of 25 and is at a thermally stable operating point. The plasma is assumed to be in an ELMy H-mode, with low amplitude and high frequency ELMs. © 1997 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
The Interaction of the Ferric Uptake Regulation Protein with DNA

Abstract The interaction of the Ferric Uptake Regulation (Fur) protein with the backbone of operator DNA was analyzed by hydroxyl radical footprinting and the ethylation interference assay. Comparison of the contacts made by Fur and those made by proteins containing the helix-turn-helix or related motifs shows that the mode of DNA binding by this repressor is unique. Ethylation interference experiments demonstrate that there are relatively few phosphate contacts of unique disposition while hydroxyl radical footprinting, demonstrates that Fur-operator contacts are segregated on one face of the helix and span nearly three successive major grooves.
Equine PSGL-1 modifications required for P-selectin binding

Abstract Equine PSGL-1 (ePSGL-1) is widely expressed on equine PBMC as a homodimer with sialylation (sLeX) modifications that contribute to P-selectin binding affinity. To investigate the role of other potential post-translational modifications required for high-affinity P-selectin binding, ePSGL-1 was transfected into CHO cells expressing equine FucT-VII and/or C2GnT. P-selectin–IgG chimera binding by ePSGL-1 transfected into CHO cells only occurred when both FucT-VII and C2GnT were expressed, establishing that fucosylation and core-2 branching are required as post-translational modifications for high-affinity P-selectin binding. However, enzymatic removal of N-glycans or site and/or point-mutation preventing N-glycan addition did not inhibit P-selectin binding, indicating that N-glycosylation is not required. Taken together, we hypothesized that sialylation, fucosylation, or core-2 branching must occur on O-glycans. The presence of numerous serine/threonine residues in the ePSGL-1 extracellular domain suggests several potential O-glycans attachment sites. P-selectin binding was also susceptible to OSGP cleavage, providing evidence for the existence of clustered, sialyated O-glycans on ePSGL-1. Because OSGP eliminated ePSGL-1 precipitation the P-selectin binding domain of ePSGL-1 must contain clustered, sialyated, fucosylated, and core-2 branched O-glycans. Using point-mutation deletion techniques, the binding domain was determined to reside between residues 48 and 100 of ePSGL-1. Sulfation, a critical modification for human PSGL-1 binding to P-selectin, was not necessary for equine P-selectin binding, while dimerization of ePSGL-1 was critical. These species-specific features of equine PSGL-1 provide new information that advances our understanding of high-affinity P-selectin binding mediated mononuclear cell trafficking.
Commercialization and Community Life: The Geography of Market Exchange in a Small‐Scale Philippine Society

Abstract Before World War II, indigenous trade networks integrated a group of village societies in the Buguias region of the Cordillera of northern Luzon, Philippines. Although such small-scale (or “tribal”) societies usually have non-commercial economies, here trade was conducted in a distinctly business-like manner. This linkage of a commercial economy with a village-level social structure was to mold subsequent socioeconomic development. After the war, villagers quickly abandoned their old economy to become vegetable farmers producing for the national market. But because of the mercantile tradition, postwar agricultural commercialization did not force a breakdown of indigenous communal institutions, as is usual elsewhere in the peripheries of the world economy. Redistributive prestige feasts, for example, are now much more vigorously celebrated in the vegetable districts than they are in neighboring regions that retain subsistence agriculture. These findings controvert several common conceptions of soc...
A New Hormonal Therapy for Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer

We postulate that the androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) may represent an innovative hormonal treatment for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptor–negative, but androgen receptor (AR)–positive breast cancers by inhibiting breast cancer cell growth through AR stimulation. Three ER,PR–negative breast cancer cell lines (HCC 1137, 1954, and 38), were treated with DHEAS. DHEAS-induced growth was measured by a methylthiotetrazole (MTT) proliferation assay and apoptosis by TUNEL fluorescence. Androgen receptor gene expression levels were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR). HCC cell lines 1954 and 1937 were positive for AR expression; HCC 38 was weakly positive. MTT analysis showed DHEAS-induced decreases in cell proliferation of 47% in HCC 1937, 27% in HCC 1954, and 0.4% in HCC 38. Ten days of culturing HCC 1954 cells after the removal of DHEAS resulted in a 3.5-fold increase in growth. Continuous treatment for the same duration induced a 2.8-fold decrease in growth. Parallel experiments showed no significant changes in HCC 38 cultures. TUNEL assays showed DHEAS-induced apoptosis fold increases of 2.8 in HCC 1937, 1.9 in HCC 1954, and no significant difference in HCC 38 cultures. Q-RT-PCR of HCC 1954 cells showed a 6-fold DHEAS-induced decrease in AR gene expression at 4 h. Co-treatment with Casodex nullified this effect. DHEAS inhibited growth of ER,PR–negative, AR–positive breast cancer cells. DHEAS was cytotoxic to these breast cancer cells via the apoptosis pathway. DHEAS may be an effective treatment for a population previously excluded from hormone therapy.
Polymeric contrast agent with targeting potential.

The Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) peptide sequence was conjugated to poly (lactid acid), (PLA), microcapsules. These hollow, biodegradable PLGA microcapsules were developed in our laboratory for use as ultrasound contrast agents. By modifying the surface of the agent with a targeting ligand, it can be targeted to a specific address within the body. This application is ideal for both targeted imaging and/or targeted drug delivery. Integrins are membrane-spanning proteins in cells that play a vital role in cell attachment and many other processes. The RGD peptide sequence targets integrins expressed during angiogenesis, αvβ3 and αvβ5. The integrins specific to angiogenesis are more active during cancer and can be used as receptors for the RGD-conjugated contrast agents. Although the generic RGD sequence is not specific to only αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins, it is an excellent candidate for proof of concepts studies such as described here. Preliminary in vitro results indicate that the modified capsules remain highly echogenic (maximum enhancement of 20 dB in vitro) and adhere specifically to a breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 in static experiments. However, no adherence is seen with either unmodified capsules (negative control), or when cells that have been pre-saturated with RGD ligand are contacted with modified capsules (positive control). Specific targeting of ultrasound contrast agents could lead the way to imaging as a method for discrimination of malignant from benign.
Abstract 5390: A serotype 5/3 adenovirus expressing MDA-7/IL-24 infects renal carcinoma cells and promotes toxicity of agents that increase ROS and ceramide levels

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL It recognized that agents that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) enhance MDA-7/IL-24 lethality. The present studies focused on clarifying how such agents enhanced MDA-7/IL-24 toxicity in renal cell carcinoma cells (RCCs). Infection of RCCs with a tropism-modified serotype 5/3 adenovirus expressing MDA-7/IL-24, Ad.5/3-mda-7, caused plasma membrane clustering of CD95 and CD95 association with pro-caspase 8, effects that were enhanced by combined exposure to 17AAG, As2O3 or 4HPR, and which correlated with enhanced cell killing. Knock down of CD95 or expression of c-FLIP-s blocked enhanced killing. Inhibition of ROS generation, elevated cytosolic Ca2+, or de novo ceramide synthesis blocked Ad.5/3-mda-7 +/- agent-induced CD95 activation and the enhancement of apoptosis.Ad.5/3-mda-7-increased ceramide levels in a PERK-dependent fashion that were responsible for elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels that promoted ROS generation; 17AAG did not further enhance cytokine-induced ceramide generation. In vivo, infection of RCC tumors with Ad.5/3-mda-7 suppressed the growth of infected tumors that was enhanced by exposure to 17AAG. Our data indicates that in RCCs Ad.5/3-mda-7-induced ceramide generation plays a central role in tumor cell killing and inhibition of multiple signaling pathways may have utility in promoting MDA-7/IL-24 lethality in renal cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5390. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5390
Neurotensin interacts with dopaminergic neurons in rat brain

Abstract Neurotensin (NT) injected intracerebroventricularly in rat increases dopamine (DA) turnover in the corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens. Significant increases in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels occurred within 15 minutes after injection with peak levels at 60 minutes. The effect on NT on DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) accumulation was dose-dependent at 3–100 μg. NT, like haloperidol, stimulated 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accumulation in striatal neurons, in the presence of DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, after injection of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). NT had a similar stimulatory effect on DOPA levels in the accumbens while haloperidol (0.25 mg·kg −1 ) had no significant effect in this brain region. NT did not block the inhibitory effect of apomorphine on DOPA accumulation in both the striatum and accumbens, while haloperidol inhibited apomorphine effect in both regions. NT also failed to displace 3 H-spiperone from DA receptors and the presence of NT in the binding assay did not alter the ability of DA to displace 3 H-spiperone in either brain region. These experiments demonstrate that NT increases DA turnover in both the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways.
Plasma diagnostics of hybrid magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition

Abstract This paper investigates the use of advanced triggering to synchronize a pulsed laser ablated plasma from a ceramic target with a pulsed DC sputtering plasma from a metal target for the purposes of depositing nanocomposite thin-films at low substrate temperatures. A digital oscilloscope and a programmable delay generator were used to prescribe the synchronization time of the two plasmas and frequency of discharge of the laser. Films were grown with different times of synchronization and subsequently characterized using X-ray diffraction and XPS. A multichannel analyzer was used to monitor the plasma emissions to determine spatial evolution of the synchronized pulsed plasma and a spectrometer was used to determine if additional spectra were generated through the interaction of the two plasmas. The studies did not show a clear presence of a new chemical compound formed in the hybrid plasma, but indicated an enhancement of the laser ablated plasma excitation in the presence of pulsed magnetron plasma process. This additional plasma excitation occurred at certain timing of the two pulsed plasma sources and was used to produce a Zr(Y)O 2 /Mo film containing crystalline ZrO 2 . Present results indicate that crystalline ceramic films can be deposited at low substrate temperature in which the film crystallinity is enhanced based on the synchronization timing.
From Millerism to Seventh-day Adventism: “Boundlessness to Consolidation”

In his comparative analysis of various millennial movements, anthropologist Kenelm Burridge constructs a formula for cultural change, which he defines as “old rules” to “no rules” to “new rules.” The first phase of these movements invariably involves a period of social unrest. Society deviates from the old rules as old formulas fail and institutions malfunction. People flout the political, religious, and social establishments with seemingly unpatriotic, blasphemous, and antisocial acts. In the next phase, society hangs between the old order and the new in an interim period in which neither the old standards nor the new hold sway. At that point, millennial movements often materialize in search of a new society. Burridge defines them as new cultures or social orders coming into being. Rather than “oddities” or “diseases in the body social,” they involve “the adoption of new assumptions, a new redemptive process, a new political-economic framework, a new mode of measuring the man, a new integrity, a new community: in short, a new man.” In the third and final phase, the new rules solidify as the new culture takes shape, which in time may represent the old rules and old order for a future prophetic movement. Millenarians cannot last as millenanans. They endure only as they scuttle or transform their millenarian outlook.
A methodology for organizing and quantifying the results of environmental scanning exercises

Abstract This paper presents a methodology for organizing and quantifying the results of environmental scanning exercises. The first step of the methodology is to develop a simple systems model whose components capture the essence of the problem context under study. Then, a scan identifies leads that affect one or more components. The impact a lead may have on a component is rated on a numerical scale for any number of time periods of interest. Lower and upper probabilities are estimated for each impact rating for each time period. Lower and upper expected impact scores are then calculated to provide a range of potential impacts over time. An exponential function is used to aggregate the lower and upper expected impact scores upon a component to produce lower and upper expected component changes. The methodology also allows changes in components to impact other components. The methodology was implemented to explore impacts of demographic and technological change upon the future of human and ecological health in the United States.
Human Placental NAD(P)H Oxidase: Solubilization and Properties

The NAD(P)H oxidase in the syncytiotrophoblast of the term human placenta, which had previously been identified only by cytochemical methods, has been solubilized and a number of its biochemical properties have been defined. It is a protein composed of a 58 kDa and a 33 kDa subunit, with properties that clearly distinguish it from the respiratory burst oxidase of transient neutrophils and macrophages. The enzyme activity is constitutive in the trophoblast and is a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the fetal-maternal interface.
A theoretical and experimental study of the percussive drilling of rock part III—experimental verification of the mathematical theory

Abstract Several series of experiments were conducted to verify the theoretical analysis discussed in Part I. Measured bit forces and displacements, and reflected stress waveforms, correspond closely with those predicted on the basis of the observed incident (i.e. impact) stress waveform and the measured force-penetration relationship for the appropriate bit-rock combination. Bit force-penetration curves calculated by analysis of measured stress waveforms were found to agree with those constructed form observed force-time and displacement-time traces. The force-penetration curves obtained from dynamic tests in which the rock was impacted via a (10-ft) long rod agreed closely with the static curves.
Nitroxyl analogs as inhibitors of aldehyde dehydrogenase: C-nitroso compounds

We previously postulated that the catalase-mediated oxidation of cyanamide leads to the formation of the unstable intermediate, N-hydroxycyanamide, which spontaneously decomposes to nitroxyl, the putative inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3; AlDH). Since it was not possible to provide direct evidence for the inhibition of AlDH by nitroxyl, we examined the activity of three representative substituted nitroxyls (C-nitroso compounds), viz. nitrosobenzene (NB), 1-nitrosoadamantane (NA), and 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP), as direct inhibitors of yeast AlDH in vitro. While NB and NA were highly effective inhibitors in this system exhibiting IC50 values of 2.5 and 8.6 microM, respectively, MNP was considerably less effective with an IC50 of 0.15 mM. When tested in vivo, NA did not show any inhibitory activity on the hepatic AlDH, possibly due to the lack of site-specific delivery of the active monomeric form of this compound. However, NB at a low dose did inhibit hepatic AlDH as reflected by an increase in blood acetaldehyde levels. These results attest to the abilities of NB and NA to act as direct inhibitors of AlDH analogous to nitroxyl itself.
Sequential Effects of Acute Meconium Obstruction on Pulmonary Function

Summary: The relationship between pulmonary function and the migration of meconium to distal airways was determined in 10 rabbits (mean weight 2.6 kg) after insufflation of a meconium-saline mixture (1-2 ml/kg). Animals were anesthetized, cannulated, intubated, and mechanically ventilated with 100% oxygen. Lung mechanical dysfunction was most severe during the early phase of meconium migration, 15 min postinsufflation. Substantial increases in inspiratory lung resistance (RI) and expiratory lung resistance (RE) suggest that the site of obstruction at 15 min was the large airways. A decrease in dynamic lung compliance with unchanged static compliance characterizes the obstruction as partial. At 15 min and throughout the migration process, RE was greater than RI, demonstrating a check-valve effect. This phenomenon was substantiated by an increased functional residual capacity (FRC) in all rabbits, presumably due to gas trapping. Secondary to these changes, marked hypoxemia, hypercapnea, and acidosis developed in spite of assisted ventilation with 100% oxygen. At 60 and 120 min postinsufflation, both RI and RE decreased as compared to 15 min. This suggests that the predominant site of obstruction shifted to medium and small airways concomitant with the migration of meconium. Widespread and uneven distribution of meconium still produced significant frequency dependence of lung compliance. Static compliance remained unchanged, indicating that meconium does not affect surface-active or tissue properties of the lung within 120 min postinsufflation. These data suggest that effective respiratory management after meconium aspiration is dependent on the degree of meconium migration, as reflected by pulmonary mechanics. Speculation: Significant effects of meconium aspiration on lung function are attributable to migrating obstructive phenomena, which result in a more severe lung dysfunction in earlier stages postinsufflation of meconium than in progressively later stages. It is appealing to speculate that noninvasive pulmonary function measurements made in newborn infants may quantitate the degree of mechanical obstruction and meconium migration in the airways. This information would provide guidelines for effective respiratory management of infants with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Based on the present animal model, elevated oxygen therapy should be employed early to offset the severe hypoxemia. In addition, the check-valve effect (RE > RI) indicates the use of a low I/E ratio in assisted ventilation. It has been shown that continuous positive airway pressure improves arterial oxygen tension in some newborns with MAS. However, in light of the mechanical dysfunction resulting in an increased FRC, caution is recommended in the use of end distending pressure within 2 hr after meconium aspiration.
Genome organization and restriction site map of the mitochondrial DNA of the housefly (Musca domestica).

A restriction map of the housefly mitochondrial DNA was constructed. The putative arrangement of the major coding regions was determined by two methods. In the first, Drosophila clones of known gen...
Tunneling Tip Protection for a Bulk Micromachined Accelerometer

Ultrasensitive accelerometers are needed by NASA for the measurement of orbital drag. We have designed an accelerometer capable of measuring 10-8. In this paper, a method for fabricating a bulk micromachined accelerometer which incorporates a tunneling tip is presented. To meet sensitivity sepcifications, a weak spring and large mass are needed. However, these represent a delicate mechanism and a method of protection is provided by electrostatically clamping the proof mass in a fixed position. The effectiveness of the electrostatic clamp has been measured. It is found that clamping against an acceleration of 200 g is possible with voltages as low as 30 volts.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Organic reactions at high pressure. The Diels-Alder reaction of p-benzoquinone with dienic esters

Abstract The Diels-Alder reaction of p -benzoquinone with substituted dienoic esters affords good yields of 4a,5,8,a-tetrahydro-1,4-naphthalenediones, free from the isomeric hydroquinone. The reactions were conducted at room temperature under 15 kbar (1.5 GPa) pressure in dichloromethane solutions.
A survey of provider experience with misoprostol to facilitate intrauterine device insertion in nulliparous women.

Abstract Background There is a significant need for research on treatments that provide pain relief during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Misoprostol is frequently used before IUD insertion but is not always necessary and its use may increase pain and side effects. This survey evaluated how providers who perform IUD insertion in nulliparous women report using misoprostol to facilitate the procedure. Study Design An anonymous Internet-based survey was distributed to members of three professional organizations with family planning providers. Results Of 2211 survey respondents, 1905 (86%) reported providing IUDs to nulliparous women. Of those providing IUDs to nulliparous women, 947/1905 (49.7%) reported using misoprostol, and 380 (40%) of 947 of misoprostol users reported using the treatment empirically with all nulliparous IUD insertions. There was wide variation reported in dose, route and timing of misoprostol administration. Providers most commonly reported learning of misoprostol use for IUD insertion by word of mouth rather than through the literature. Conclusions Despite conflicting published data, nearly half of survey respondents use misoprostol before IUD insertion. Considerable variation in the timing of misoprostol use may explain differences in perception of its effectiveness. Evidence-based information about misoprostol for IUD insertion in nulliparous women, including pharmacokinetics, efficacy and optimal dosing, is needed.
Application of common y-intercept regression parameters for log Kp vs 1/T for predicting gas-particle partitioning in the urban environment

Abstract Gas-particle partitioning is examined using a partitioning constant Kp = (F/TSP)/A, where F (ng m−3) and A (ng m−3) are the particulate-associated and gas-phase concentrations, respectively, and TSP is the total suspended particulate matter level (μg m−3). Compound-dependent values of Kp depend on temperature (T) according to Kp = mp/T + bp. Limitations in data quality can cause errors in estimates of mp and bp obtained by simple linear regression (SLR). However, within a group of similar compounds, the bp values will be similar. By pooling data, an improved set of mp and a single bp can be obtained by common y-intercept regression (CYIR). SLR estimates for mp and bp for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) sorbing to urban Osaka particulate matter are available (Yamasaki et al., 1982, Envir. Sci. Technol. 16, 189–194), as are CYIR estimates for the same particulate matter (Pankow, 1991, Atmospheric Environment 25A, 2229–2239). In this work, a comparison was conducted of the ability of these two sets of mp and bp to predict A/F ratios for PAHs based on measured T and TSP values for data obtained in other urban locations, specifically: (1) in and near the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel by Benner (1988, Ph.D thesis, University of Maryland) and Benner et al. (1989, Envir. Sci. Technol. 23, 1269–1278); and (2) in Chicago by Cotham (1990, Ph.D. thesis, University of South Carolina). In general, the CYIR estimates for mp and bp obtained for Osaka particulate matter were found to be at least as reliable, and for some compounds more reliable than their SLR counterparts in predicting gas-particle ratios for PAHs. This result provides further evidence of the utility of the CYIR approach in quantitating the dependence of log Kp values on 1/T.
Gait Modification via Verbal Instruction and an Active Feedback System to Reduce Peak Knee Adduction Moment

The purpose of this study was to introduce a simple gait training method using real-time gait modification to reduce the peak knee adduction moment during walking by producing a subtle weight bearing shift to the medial side of the foot. The hypothesis of this study was that this weight shift could be achieved via either verbal instruction or an active feedback system, and that the weight shift would result in a reduction in the first peak knee adduction moment compared with the control tests. Nine individuals were tested during walking using two intervention methods: verbal instruction and an active feedback system placed on the right shoe. The first peak of the knee adduction moment for each condition was assessed using a motion capture system and force plate. The active feedback system significantly reduced (14.2%) the peak knee adduction moment relative to the control. This study demonstrated that a subtle weight bearing shift to the medial side of the foot produced with an active feedback system during walking reduced the first peak of the knee adduction moment and suggests the potential application of this method to slow the rate of progression of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
Accelerated Evolution and Loss of a Domain of the Sperm–Egg–Binding Protein SED1 in Ancestral Primates

Proteins involved in sperm-egg binding have been shown to evolve rapidly in several groups of invertebrates and vertebrates. Mammalian SED1 (secreted protein containing N-terminal Notch-like type II epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats and C-terminal discoidin/F5/8 C domains) is a recently identified sperm surface protein that binds the egg zona pellucida and facilitates sperm-egg adhesion. SED1-null male mice are subfertile. Here we examine the SED1 gene from 11 mammalian species and provide evidence that it underwent accelerated evolution in ancestral primates, most likely driven by positive selection. Specifically, the intensity of the positive selection across various protein domains of SED1 was heterogeneous. Although one of the 2 Notch-like EGF domains, which mediate protein-protein binding, was lost in primate SED1, the second EGF domain evolved under strong positive selection favoring polar to nonpolar amino acid replacements. By contrast, the 2 discoidin/F5/8 type C domains, which are involved in protein-cell membrane binding, do not show definite signs of positive selection. The structural modification and occurrence of directional selection in ancestral primates but not any other lineage suggest that the function of SED1 may have changed during primate evolution. These results reveal a different evolutionary pattern of SED1 from that of many other sperm-egg-binding proteins, which often show diversifying selection occurring in multiple lineages.
Constraining tropospheric ozone column through data assimilation

[1] Global distributions of the tropospheric ozone column (TOC) and its error are estimated by assimilating satellite observations of total ozone column and stratospheric ozone profiles in a global chemistry-transport model. A quantitative comparison of the calculated TOC with collocated ozonesondes observations shows good agreement over a wide range of latitudes for the period studied (July–September 1992), even at the daily timescale. In most cases, the difference with the ozonesonde-based TOC is within the calculated error estimate. Comparison with the TOC distribution by Thompson and Hudson [1999] does not lead to any quantitative conclusion due to a mix of similarities and differences, even in the geographical distribution of the TOC. A positive TOC bias with respect to ozonesondes is found in this study over Hilo and Irene, probably due to a misrepresentation of the transport of ozone in a region of strong TOC gradients. In September 1992 the LIDAR observations from the TRACE-A campaign are also assimilated. This is shown to provide a constraint on the TOC that significantly propagates across the Atlantic Ocean, indicating the importance of point measurements of ozone for constraining its large-scale distribution.
Recent developments in DNA sequencing by capillary and microdevice electrophoresis

The present review covers papers published in the years 1997 and 1998 on DNA sequencing by capillary and microdevice electrophoresis. The article does not include other electrophoretic DNA applications such as analysis of oligonucleotides, genotyping, and mutational analysis. Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) is starting to become a viable competitor to slab gel electrophoresis for DNA sequencing. Commercially available multicapillary array sequencers are now entering sequencing facilities which to date have totally relied on traditional slab gel technology. CGE research on DNA sequencing therefore becomes increasingly concerned with the critical task of fine-tuning the operational parameters to create robust sequencing systems. Electrophoretic microdevices are being considered the next technological step in DNA sequencing by electrophoresis.
The QR algorithm for unitary Hessenberg matrices

Abstract Let H be an n × n unitary right Hessenberg matrix with positive subdiagonal elements. Using what we call the Schur parameterization of H , we show how one step of the shifted QR algorithm for H can be carried out in O( n ) arithmetic operations. Coupled with the shift strategy of Eberlein and Huang [3], this will permit computation of the spectrum of H , to machine precision, in O( n 2 ) operations. One potential application is the computation of Gauss-Szego quadrature formulas [12], given the associated Schur parameters [7]. The weights can also be computed, by direct analogy with [6].
An upper bound for the harmonious chromatic number of a graph

An upper bound for the harmonious chromatic number of a graph G is given. Three corollaries of the theorem are theorems or improvements of the theorems of Miller and Pritikin.
Thermochronometry Reveals Headward Propagation of Erosion in an Alpine Landscape

Glacial erosion of mountain ranges produces spectacular alpine landscapes and, by linking climate with tectonics, influences a broad array of geophysical phenomena. Although the resultant landforms are easily identified, the timing and spatial pattern of topographic adjustment to Pleistocene glaciations remain poorly known. We investigated topographic evolution in the archetypal glacial landscape of Fiordland, New Zealand, using (U-Th)/He thermochronometry. We find that erosion during the past 2 million years removed the entire pre-Pleistocene landscape and fundamentally reshaped the topography. Erosion focused on steep valley segments and propagated from trunk valleys toward the heads of drainage basins, a behavior expected if subglacial erosion rate depends on ice sliding velocity. The Fiordland landscape illustrates complex effects of climate on Earth's surface morphology.
Self-association of β-lactoglobulin c in acetate buffers

Abstract The self-association of β-lactoglobulin C at pH 4.65 (23° C) in acetate buffer has been studied at various temperatures, 10, 16, 20 and 25dg C, by a series of sedimentation equilibrium experiments. Two different buffers were used. Buffer I with an ionic strength of O.I consisted of 0.1M acetic acid and O.1M sodium acetate ; buffer II had 0.1M KCl in addiation so that its ionic strength was 0.2. The variation of the apparent weight average molecular weight, M a , with the total solute concentration, c , was characteristic of a self-association- In contrast to the behavior of β-lactoglobulin A in acetate buffer, the association of β-lactoglobulin C did not proceed beyond dimer. Furthermore, within the experimental error, the self-association of β-lactoglobulin C was independent of temperature and ionic strength; all experimental data could be put on the same M wa (or M 1 / M wa ) vs c plot! Several models were used to test the self-association, and a monomer—dimer association with K 2 = 2.10 × 10 3 dl/g and BM 1 = − 1.2 × 10 −2 dl/g seemed to give a good description of the M 1 /M wa vs c curve
Synergies between Middle Eastern Economic History and the Analytic Social Sciences

Over the past half century, the scholarly literature on Middle Eastern economic history has grown substantially. By mining the surviving records of states and towns, scholars steeped in the region's languages have produced detailed studies of waqfs, guilds, taxation, government expenditures, monetary trends, production, land use, charity, and court systems, among many other topics. In carrying out their work, Middle Eastern historians can now draw on abundant publications that describe economic life in particular places and periods.
Is the flight physician needed for helicopter emergency medical services

The question of whether physicians are cost effective in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport remains an unresolved issue. During a four-month study period, all physician-specific contributions to medical care were recorded by means of a questionnaire that was completed by the flight physician and the flight nurse after each flight. In the judgment of the nurse, the flight physician made a unique and important contribution to the care of the patient in 38 of 174 flights (22%) completed during the study. Judgment, the most common contribution, was cited on 29 flights (17%). Both skill and judgment were contributed on seven additional flights (4%), and skill alone on only two flights (1%). Judgment was exercised most frequently in making diagnoses, initiating critical medical treatments, and determining destination. The cost to this program of providing physicians is approximately $85,000 per year, or 7% of an annual budget of approximately $1.2 million. Flight physicians make a substantial and important contribution to patient care in HEMS operations, exercising critical judgment regarding diagnosis, medical treatment, and disposition in 22% of transports. The benefits of this contribution far outweigh the 7% program cost.
Inter-camera association of multi-target tracks by on-line learned appearance affinity models

We propose a novel system for associating multi-target tracks across multiple non-overlapping cameras by an on-line learned discriminative appearance affinity model. Collecting reliable training samples is a major challenge in on-line learning since supervised correspondence is not available at runtime. To alleviate the inevitable ambiguities in these samples, Multiple Instance Learning (MIL) is applied to learn an appearance affinity model which effectively combines three complementary image descriptors and their corresponding similarity measurements. Based on the spatial-temporal information and the proposed appearance affinity model, we present an improved inter-camera track association framework to solve the "target handover" problem across cameras. Our evaluations indicate that our method have higher discrimination between different targets than previous methods.
X-Efficiency, Its Critics, and a Reply

The literature on X-efficiency, both in its theoretical and empirical aspects, has been voluminous since Leibenstein’s 1966 article. In fact, between 1969–1980 his 1966 article was the third most frequently referenced article in the Social Science Citation Index.1 And, as work on X-efficiency has developed and grown, it has evoked different identifiable “schools” of criticisms. In this chapter I shall explore these criticisms, and provide a response. This discussion will be aided with the use of figure 35.
Impact of intercropping on epidemics of groundnut leaf spots: defining constraints and opportunities through a 7‐year field study

Plant diversity can have a profound impact on disease dynamics, with important applications for enhancing sustainability. Disease is often reduced by intercropping, but variability can be high. This study investigated integration of several management approaches to stabilize this variability for early leaf spot (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS) of groundnut, over seven seasons in three phases. In phase 1, monocrops and alternating row and strip intercrops with maize were artificially inoculated with ELS in an area with little groundnut production. Reductions in AUDPC of 37–73% in strip treatments compared to monocrops prompted testing of the efficacy of intercropping in intensive production areas for phases 2 and 3. Additional treatments included cotton strip intercrops, and integration of intercropping with reduced fungicide treatments and partial resistance to leaf spots. In phase 2, the use of cotton strip intercrops lowered natural ELS epidemics by 25–41% (AUDPC) through delayed disease onset, but maize had inconsistent effects. Intercropping was not effective against LLS, which dominated in phase 3. Reduced fungicide regimes and partial resistance lowered disease, and in one case interacted with intercropping to enhance disease suppression. Groundnut yields generally were inversely proportional to disease levels and not significantly reduced by intercropping. Separate studies to determine maize impacts on ELS infection implicated disruption of dispersal as the mechanism of disease reduction. This work demonstrates that intercropping may be most effective where low levels of ELS are present, using strip patterns with cotton, and combined with other tools such as resistance and reduced fungicide application.
Peaceful Mind: an open trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in persons with dementia.

Background: Anxiety has a high prevalence among individuals with dementia, and it has a significant negative impact on their functioning; yet intervention studies are lacking. We developed Peaceful Mind, a cognitive-behavioral intervention for persons with dementia. In this paper, we describe the intervention and results of an open trial evaluating the feasibility and utility of the intervention and assessment procedures.Methods: Peaceful Mind is implemented over a period of three months in the participant's home with involvement of a caregiver or “collateral.” Dyads are followed for an additional three months via telephone. An assortment of simplified skills is offered, including self-awareness, breathing, behavioral activation, calming thoughts, and sleep skills.Results: Nine participants were enrolled, eight completed the three-month assessment, and seven completed the six-month assessment. Overall, participants and collaterals were satisfied with the intervention and reported that they benefited in terms of anxiety, depression, and collateral distress.Conclusions: A randomized controlled trial would help determine whether this promising new treatment has a statistically significant impact on anxiety in this population.
Robust object pose estimation via statistical manifold modeling

We propose a novel statistical manifold modeling approach that is capable of classifying poses of object categories from video sequences by simultaneously minimizing the intra-class variability and maximizing inter-pose distance. Following the intuition that an object part based representation and a suitable part selection process may help achieve our purpose, we formulate the part selection problem from a statistical manifold modeling perspective and treat part selection as adjusting the manifold of the object (parameterized by pose) by means of the manifold “alignment” and “expansion” operations. We show that manifold alignment and expansion are equivalent to minimizing the intra-class distance given a pose while increasing the inter-pose distance given an object instance respectively. We formulate and solve this (otherwise intractable) part selection problem as a combinatorial optimization problem using graph analysis techniques. Quantitative and qualitative experimental analysis validates our theoretical claims.
Version Management for Scientific Databases

Scientific databases are used to accession objects representing the results of scientific inquiry, such as genes and DNA sequences. These objects must have stable identifiers that can be used as references in scientific papers and other databases. The requirement for stable object identifiers, however, conflicts with the tendency of scientific data to evolve over time. We present in this paper version management facilities that allow scientific databases to achieve a balance between stable object identifiers and evolving data.
Performance measurement for a wavelet transform-based video compression

A wavelet transform-based video compression algorithm consists of i) 3D wavelet transform ii) Quantization, and iii) Coding. Since wavelet analysis has similarities with characteristics of human visual system, it is desirable to use a quality metric that agrees with human perceptual evaluation. One of the widely used quality metric for the reconstructed image and video is the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR). The disadvantage of PSNR is that the result does not correlate very well with subjective or human evaluation of the perceived quality. The Structural Similarity (SSIM) is a quality metric that quantifies quality based on the changes on the structural information variation of the image due to error signal rather than the visibility of the error signal and performs better than PSNR in terms of perceptual correlation with human observer [17]. This paper describes an implementation of a 3D wavelet transform-based video compression model and a new video quality metric which is an extension of the SSIM to the third dimension. Experiments show that the new metric is perceptually more accurate than the PSNR for measuring video quality.
Interface Formation Between Silver and Pentacene: A Photoemission Spectroscopy Study

We report the interface formation between silver (Ag) and pentacene, an organic material used as an active material in organic thin-film transistors, using x-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (XPS and UPS). XPS results indicate that silver does not chemically react with pentacene regardless of the deposition order. We see that neither pentacene nor silver exhibited simple layer by layer growth when deposited on the other. UPS results show that a dipole forms as pentacene is deposited on silver.