cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
House Fumigation with Calcium Cyanide

This paper embodies the results of 18 fumigations with calcium cyanide for house- hold insects, covering a period of two years. After six more or less preliminary tests with different forms of the cyanide, various dosages, and methods of application, it was decided that two pounds of calcium cyanide granules, or “G grade” to 1000 cubic feet of space applied by spreading thinly on dry papers in tightly closed rooms, and left for twenty-four hours, should give satisfactory results. Temperatures and humidities were recorded. Usually some insects in vials closed with one thickness of cheese cloth were used as checks. In only two fumigations out of the 18 were the results unsatisfactory, and one of these is not regarded as being significant because of special conditions involved. Tarnishing of metals, discoloration of walls and spotting of bath room equipment occurred in four fumigations in various degrees. In three cases it was probably due to an unfavorable secondary reaction resulting from an excess of moisture used; in the fourth it might have been due to the high humidity prevailing. An exact knowledge of the chemical reaction with water of the product is needed. It costs about one-third less to fumigate with calcium cyanide than with sodium cyanide; it is a simpler process, and less dangerous to the one doing the work. The odor in the houses lasting for from one to five days or more is objectionable. It is concluded that calcium cyanide is a promising substitute for sodium cyanide for house fumigation.
Expression of Tetrahymena histone H4 in yeast.

Abstract Histone H4 is one of the most conserved proteins known. The very low rate of nonsynonymous substitution in H4 suggests that it fulfills an essential function in virtually all eukaryotes. While the majority of histone H4 sequences differ only slightly from the general consensus H4 sequence, yeast and Tetrahymena sequences diverge substantially from both the consensus and from each other. This study demonstrates that despite this divergence, when Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are forced to use the Tetrahymena thermophila histone H4 protein, they are viable although they have a reduced growth rate, are temperature-sensitive relative to wild-type, have a lengthened G2 phase, and show a dramatic repression of mating. An amino acid replacement at position 33 in the protein improves the growth rate of these cells growing at temperatures above 28°C. This replacement changes a proline to a serine and is a further divergence from both the Tetrahymena thermophila and Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone H4 sequences. Thus, the replacement and expression of a non wild-type histone H4 in yeast offers measurable effects on cell growth, identifying amino acids required for optimal yeast functioning.
DYNAMICS AND EIGENVALUE ANALYSIS OF A RECTANGULAR PLATE WITH STOCHASTIC PROPERTIES

Determination of the mean and variance of eigenvalues of simply supported rectangular plates with stochastic properties is presented by applying the random perturbation techniques of Boyce. Then, determination of the mean and variance of the displacement of a simply supported uniform rectangular plate with uniformly distributed viscous damping having a random value to a distributed random excitation is studied. The technique of Boyce is extended to the inhomogeneous equation for the plate in the latter case. It was found that for free vibration, the distribution of the variance of natural frequency is obtained in exponential form for the given exponential correlation functions of the material properties.
Milestones in emergency medicine

Abstract Milestones are the most recent development in evaluating resident performance. Each specialty has developed milestones appropriate for the unique specialty. The development of milestones for emergency medicine has been a careful, deliberate and well considered process to better define the work of an emergency physician and the progress of an emergency physician in training.
Advance Directives, Competency Evaluation, and Surrogate Management in Elderly Patients

As patients age, their capacities for memory, judgment, reasoning, planning, and decision-making may erode. Preparing for the time when these losses occur involves three important strategies: advance directives, competency evaluation, and surrogate management. Advance directives allow currently competent patients to record the kind of medical procedures they desire if they become incompetent in the future. Competency evaluations determine the mental competence of a patient and require special training for the physician. The need for surrogate management increases as a patient's cognitive deficits worsen and often requires involvement of the legal system. This paper addresses these important strategies in detail.
STIM proteins: dynamic calcium signal transducers

Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins function in cells as dynamic coordinators of cellular calcium (Ca2+) signals. Spanning the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, they sense tiny changes in the levels of Ca2+ stored within the ER lumen. As ER Ca2+ is released to generate primary Ca2+ signals, STIM proteins undergo an intricate activation reaction and rapidly translocate into junctions formed between the ER and the plasma membrane. There, STIM proteins tether and activate the highly Ca2+-selective Orai channels to mediate finely controlled Ca2+ signals and to homeostatically balance cellular Ca2+. Details are emerging on the remarkable organization within these STIM-induced junctional microdomains and the identification of new regulators and alternative target proteins for STIM.
Experimental investigation of the relationship between subjective telepresence and performance in hand-eye tasks

In this quantitative investigation of telepresence human test subjects performed a 2 dof manual task, similar to a Fitts task, and then responded to questions about the experience after each trial. The task involved using a position input device to manipulate a virtual object on a computer screen. The experimental arrangement made it possible to modify the relationship between what the subject's hand did and what his/her eyes saw. Three different control/sensory transformations were investigated: time delay, rotation, and linear scaling. The subject's responses were used as the basis for measuring the degree of subjective telepresence (equal to the probability that the human operator will detect the transformation). Subjects also made a direct subjective rating of the transformation in one experiment. Task time served as the measure of task performance. No general relationship between subjective telepresence and task performance was discovered.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surgical management of ameloblastoma. Current status of the literature.

To date, surgical management of ameloblastoma has been a controversial subject. Numerous excellent reviews have addressed this topic) -7 The debate stems from confusion in the literature regarding histologic type of the tumor and from lack of standardization of definitions for "conservat ive" and " radica l" surgical approaches. The objective of this article is to clarify this confusion and to assist surgeons to develop a rational approach to the surgical management of ameloblastoma through assessment and evaluation of the literature.
Molecular Mechanism of an Oncogenic Mutation that Alters Membrane Targeting: Glu17Lys Modifies the PIP Lipid Specificity of AKT1 PH Domain

The protein kinase AKT1 regulates multiple signaling pathways essential for cell function. Its N-terminal PH domain (AKT1 PH) binds the rare signaling phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3], resulting in plasma membrane targeting and phosphoactivation of AKT1 by a membrane-bound kinase. Recently it was discovered that the Glu17Lys mutation in the AKT1 PH domain is associated with multiple human cancers. This mutation constitutively targets AKT1 PH domain to plasma membrane by an unknown mechanism, thereby promoting PI(3,4,5)P3-independent activation of AKT1 and oncogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying constitutive plasma membrane targeting, the present work compares the membrane docking reactions of the isolated wild type and E17K AKT1 PH domains. In vitro studies reveal that the E17K mutation dramatically increases the affinity for the constitutive plasma membrane lipid PI(4,5)P2. The resulting PI(4,5)P2 equilibrium affinity is indistinguishable from that of the standard PI(4,5)P2 sensor, PLCδ1 PH domain. Kinetic studies indicate that the effects of E17K on PIP lipid binding arise largely from electrostatic modulation of the dissociation rate. Membrane targeting analysis in live cells confirms that the constitutive targeting of E17K AKT1 PH to plasma membrane, like PLCδ1 PH, stems from PI(4,5)P2 binding. Overall, the evidence indicates that the molecular mechanism underlying E17K oncogenesis is a broadened target lipid selectivity that allows high affinity binding to PI(4,5)P2. Moreover, the findings strongly implicate the native Glu17 side chain as a key element of PIP lipid specificity in the wild type AKT1 PH domain. Other PH domains may employ an analogous anionic residue to control PIP specificity.
Product strategies of European and Japanese multinational firms in the US market: an empirical investigation

A survey of US‐based European and Japanese multinational firms, examining: the similarities and differences in product strategies used by these firms, and the relationship of their product strategies to a product’s sales growth rate in the US market. Shows that Japanese multinational firms used a higher level of specific assets, transaction frequency, process innovation, and crucial component sourcing internally than their European competitors. Furthermore, a product’s sales growth rate was positively related to the degree of product innovation, process innovation, and crucial component sourcing internally.
Small Satellite Formations via Higher Velocity Deployment

Small satellites can be constructed at a fraction of the cost of a full-size satellite. One full-size satellite can be replaced with a multitude of small satellites, which offers a benefit in covering more area at the same time, achievable through formations. However, the shortcoming to the smaller size is usually a lack of thrusting capabilities. Furthermore, current designs for small satellite deployment mechanisms are only capable of low deployment velocities (on the order of meters per second). Prior research in using a pneumatic launcher shows that it is possible to achieve higher deployment velocities (75–125 m/s). This is beneficial in that it opens the possibility for limited but useful orbit placement and small satellite formations. Achieving a formation is done by reformulating the classical orbital mechanics equations to find the required deployment velocity vectors that yield the desired formation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
On David Dreman's Contrarian Investment Strategies: The Psychological Edge

In an exciting new book, David Dreman explains the conflict between the efficient market and the behavioral view of the financial world and provides clear-cut investment strategies for investors. T...
The risks of free copper in the body and the development of useful anticopper drugs.

Purpose of reviewTo review the toxicity and risks of free copper in Wilson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, other disease of neurodegeneration, and cognitive loss in the general population. We will also review the anticopper drugs and how lowering free copper levels with an anticopper drug inhibits f
Quantification of the organophosphorus nerve agent soman by competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibody

The organophosphorus compound soman (methylphosphonofluoridic acid 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl ester) is a potent cholinesterase inhibitor [1,2] and a chemical warfare agent. The rapid identification and characterization of nerve agents such as soman would facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of poisoned humans, and provide a more useful means of environmental surveillance. Presently, soman is routinely identified by physicochemical techniques such as gas chromatography [3-51. Though sensitive and specific, these techniques are time consuming and require expensive equipment and highly trained operators. Here, we discuss the production of a mouse monoclonal antibody that binds to soman and further describe the use of this antibody in a competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay (CIEIA) capable of quantifying levels of soman as low as 1.0 x 10v6M (200ppb). The specificity of this antibody is demonstrated by its ability to distinguish between soman and the structurally similar organophosphorus nerve agent sarin (methylphosphonofluoridic acid, l-isopropyl ester). hemocyanin from giant keyhole limpets (KLH) was purchased from Schwarz-Mann (Orangeberg NY). Soman and sarin (>95% pure) were obtained from Chemical Systems Labs. (Aberdeen Proving Ground MD). All other chemicals were reagent grade and obtained commercially.
Textiles and Clothing Business Professionals for the Twenty-First Century: Moving Toward Diversity

Textile and clothing programs of the future, including instruction, extension, and research, will be influenced to some extent by the needs of national and international fashion-related business and industry as well as by the customerlclients whose needs are served by those businesses and industries. By identifying some possible futures of the textile and clothing industries/businesses and their clients, we will be able to project the possible roles of textile and clothing business specialists, both nationally and internationally. It is almost certain that textile and clothing specialists of the future will find their roles increasingly diversified and having international implications.
Room temperature polariton lasing from GaN nanowire array in a dielectric microcavity

Polariton lasing from epitaxially grown GaN nanowire array embedded in a dielectric microcavity is demonstrated at room temperature under optical excitation. Simulations of cavity mode and polariton emission characteristics of the device are presented.
Development of gelatinous (reaction) fibers in stems of Gnetum gnemon (Gnetales)

In extraxylary tissues of the stem Gnetum gnemon produces gelatinous fibers that can also function as reaction or tension fibers. These gelatinous fibers occur in all axes in the outer cortex and in displaced axes progressively in the middle and inner cortex and finally in the secondary phloem. Early cell differentiation in the cortex produces initials of laticifers that are unique in gymnosperms. Subsequently narrow fibers differentiate from cells that undergo both extensive passive elongation, as a result of internodal elongation, together with their active apical intrusive growth. Outer fibers always complete secondary wall development and become an important mechanical component of stems. Differentiation of fiber initials continues in the middle and inner cortex, but secondary wall formation can only be determined by a gravimorphic stimulus that produces eccentric development of fibers. Further eccentric development of fibers then continues in the outer secondary phloem from dedifferentiated phloem parenchyma cells that initially undergo extensive intrusive growth. All such cells have characteristic features of tension fibers of angiosperms. They exhibit a pronounced purely cellulosic innermost layer of the secondary wall (Sg layer). In addition, fiber initials are coenocytic, including up to eight nuclei that become distributed uniformly throughout the length of the cell. Mature macerated fibers are markedly brittle, making accurate length measurements difficult. Although cytologically uniform, these fibers thus originate from two kinds of initial (primary and secondary). They also differ in their response to a gravimorphic stimulus determined by their times of inception and their eccentric location. These cells show a suite of positional and gravimorphic responses that illustrate the complexity of plant cell differentiation.
U.S. strategy: Assisting Pakistan's transformation

If Pakistan is to become a moderate, peaceful Muslim state, its political process must be reformed indigenously. Washington should concentrate its assistance on safeguarding Pakistan's nuclear estate and restoring democracy as part of a grand bargain with Islamabad.
Back-propagation and counter-propagation neural networks for phylogenetic classification of ribosomal RNA sequences

Abstract A neural network system has been developed for rapid and accurate classification of ribosomal RNA sequences according to phylogenetic relationship. The molecular sequences are encoded into neural input vectors using an n-gram hashing method. A SVD (singular value decomposition) method is used to compress and reduce the size of long and sparse n-gram input vectors. The neural networks used are three-layered, feed-forward networks that employ supervised learning paradigms, including the back-propagation algorithm and a modified counter-propagation algorithm. A pedagogical pattern selection strategy is used to reduce the training time. After trained with ribosomal RNA sequences of the RDP (Ribosomal Database Project) database, the system can classify query sequences into more than one hundred phylogenetic classes with a 100% accuracy at a rate of less than 0.3 CPU second per sequence on a workstation. When compared to other sequence similarity search methods, including Similarity Rank, Blast and Fasta, the neural network method has a higher classification accuracy at a speed of about an order of magnitude faster. The software tool will be made available to the biology community, and the system may be extended into a gene identification system for classifying indiscriminately sequenced DNA fragments.
Coronary artery-coronary sinus fistula.

Abstract Two cases of coronary artery-coronary sinus fistula are reported. A review of the literature is presented, and the data of the reported cases are analyzed. A continuous murmur has been described in most of the cases, and factors that may modify the character of the murmur are discussed. Cardiac X-ray films usually show a prominent main pulmonary artery, left or right ventricular enlargement and increased or normal pulmonary vascularity depending on the degree of the shunt. The electrocardiogram usually shows left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemia or incomplete right bundle branch block. Cardiac catheterization shows a step-up of oxygen content at the atrial level, and dye-dilution curves are diagnostic of left to right shunt. The only accurate methods for diagnosis are aortography and selective coronary arteriography. The treatment of choice is surgical correction of the anomaly at the time of the diagnosis.
Obstetrics and gynecology medical student outcomes: Longitudinal multispecialty clerkship versus traditional block rotations

Objective To evaluate outcomes of students in a longitudinal clerkship. Study design Clerkship grades, written examination scores, and clinical evaluations were compared between students participating in a longitudinal clerkship and students in block rotations. The percent of students pursuing an obstetrics and gynecology residency from each group was evaluated. Results There was no difference in clerkship grade (3.3 versus 3.5, P =.158). Longitudinal and block students received similar clinical evaluations with no significant difference in any category. The average written examination score was lower for students in the longitudinal clerkship (76.9% versus 80.0%, P = .008). A higher percent of students in the longitudinal program chose an obstetrics and gynecology residency, 12.5% versus 6.17% (odds ratio=2.17, 95% confidence interval 0.57-6.89, P =.18). Conclusions Longitudinally trained students received similar clinical evaluations to their colleagues but may need assistance in acquiring the knowledge needed for the written examination. This program should be examined closely for factors influencing a higher percent of students to pursue a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
Taylor coefficients of functions in Fock spaces

Abstract Analogues of the Hausdorff–Young and Hardy–Littlewood theorems are proved for functions in Fock spaces. Estimates of Taylor coefficients are shown to be sharp in the sense of Duren–Taylor.
Carbon export mediated by mesopelagic fishes in the northeast Pacific Ocean

The role of fishes in the global carbon cycle is poorly known and often neglected. We show that the biomass of mesopelagic fishes off the continental USA west to longitude 141W is positively related to annual net primary productivity, and averages 17 g m � 2 . We estimate the export of carbon out of the epipelagic ocean mediated by mesopelagic fishes (‘‘fish-mediated export’’; FME) with individual-based metabolic modeling using the catch from 77 mesopelagic trawls distributed over the study area. FME was 15– 17% (22–24 mg C m � 2 d � 1 ) of the total carbon exported in the study area (144 mg C m � 2 d � 1 ), as estimated from satellite data. FME varies spatially in both magnitude and relative importance. Although the magnitude of FME increases with increasing total export, the ratio of FME to total export decreases. FME exceeds 40% of the total carbon export in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, but forms <10% of the total export in the most productive waters of the California Current. Because the daytime residence depth of these fishes is below the depths where most remineralization of sinking particles occurs, FME is approximately equal to the passive transport at a depth of 400 m. The active transport of carbon by mesopelagic fishes and zooplankton is similar in magnitude to the gap between estimates of carbon export obtained with sediment traps and by other methods. FME should be considered in models of the global carbon cycle.
‘Nothing is, but what is not’: Utopias as practical political philosophy

(2000). ‘Nothing is, but what is not’: Utopias as practical political philosophy. Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy: Vol. 3, The Philosophy of Utopia, pp. 9-24.
Reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density in HIV-associated sensory neuropathy.

Objective: To explore the relationship between intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density in HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) to measurements of neuropathy severity and progression of HIV disease. Background: SN affects 30% of individuals with AIDS, and treatment is often ineffective. Recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) has been proposed as a trophic factor for unmyelinated nerve fibers injured in HIV-SN, and a clinical trial has recently concluded. Skin biopsy with IENF density determination has emerged as a diagnostic test for patients with small-fiber sensory neuropathy. Methods: Sixty-two of the 270 patients with HIV-SN who participated in the trial of rhNGF were included in a substudy examining epidermal nerve fibers. IENF density was compared with neuropathic pain intensity (measured with the Gracely Pain Scale), patient and physician global pain assessments, quantitative sensory testing, CD4 counts, and plasma HIV RNA levels both at baseline and at conclusion of the placebo-controlled phase. Results: IENF density was inversely correlated with neuropathic pain as measured by patient (p = 0.004) and physician (p = 0.05) global pain assessments, but not using the Gracely Pain Scale. Decreased IENF density at the distal leg was associated with lower CD4 counts and higher plasma HIV RNA levels. IENF density measurements were stable over time. Conclusions: IENF loss at the distal leg is associated with increased neuropathic pain, lower CD4 counts, and higher plasma viral load in HIV-SN. The robustness of the longitudinal measurement of IENF density supports its use in future longitudinal studies and clinical trials.
Recent Antarctic sea ice trends in the context of Southern Ocean surface climate variations since 1950

This study compares the distribution of surface climate trends over the Southern Ocean in austral summer between 1979–2011 and 1950–1978, using a wide variety of data sets including uninterpolated gridded marine archives, land station data, reanalysis, and satellite products. Apart from the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent regions, sea surface temperatures and surface air temperatures decreased during 1979–2011, consistent with the expansion of Antarctic sea ice. In contrast, the Southern Ocean and coastal Antarctica warmed during 1950–1978. Sea level pressure (SLP) and zonal wind trends provide additional evidence for a sign reversal between the two periods, with cooling (warming) accompanied by stronger (weaker) westerlies and lower (higher) SLP at polar latitudes in the early (late) period. Such physically consistent trends across a range of independently measured parameters provide robust evidence for multidecadal climate variability over the Southern Ocean and place the recent Antarctic sea ice trends into a broader context.
Response of a Large Stratified Estuary to Wind Events: Observations, Simulations, and Theory for Long Island Sound

AbstractThe response to wind events in the Long Island Sound (LIS), a large macrotidal estuary influenced by rotation and stratification, is studied using long-term ferry-based current observations near the mouth, unstratified and stratified numerical simulations forced with along-estuary winds, and analytic solutions based on linear barotropic theory. The observed wind-event velocity anomalies for down-estuary winds have surface-intensified downwind flows flanking a deeper central upwind flow. Response to up-estuary wind events has a weaker magnitude and a broader and thicker downwind flow. The downwind and upwind flows are more laterally aligned than vertically layered, as determined by a newly defined dimensionless lateral alignment index. Simulation results and analytic solutions share the gross spatial patterns of the observed response, though statistical measures indicate weak agreement. Along-estuary variations in the simulation results and analytic solutions follow similar trends and are strongly ...
An efficient algorithm for computing a minimum node cutset from a vertex-disjoint path set for timing optimization

Finding a minimum node cutsef in a delay network is a very itnportanl operarion in Ihe litnitig oplimizarion pime Of (3 number of synfhesis systems. The simplest version of this problem can be described as: Given a network (directed acyclic graph), N = (V, E), with two dislinct vertices s and I (s and L are not connecled by any edge), find a ntinitnwn cardinalily subset of V, V’, such that any path from s lo t uses at 1en~I one member of V’. V’ ti called a tttinimutn node cutset. In this paper, an efficient algorithm for finding a tninitnwn node cutset from a vertex-disjoint path set is proposed. The time complexiry of the algorithm is bounded by 0 (n + e ).
Pre-Treatment of Recombinant Mouse MFG-E8 Downregulates LPS-Induced TNF-α Production in Macrophages via STAT3-Mediated SOCS3 Activation

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor factor 8 (MFG-E8) regulates innate immune function by modulating cellular signaling, which is less understood. Herein, we aimed to investigate the direct anti-inflammatory role of MFG-E8 in macrophages by pre-treatment with recombinant murine MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8) followed by stimulation with LPS in RAW264.7 cells and in peritoneal macrophages, isolated from wild-type (WT) or MFG-E8−/− mice. RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages treated with rmMFG-E8 significantly downregulated LPS-induced TNF-α mRNA by 25% and 24%, and protein levels by 29% and 23%, respectively (P<0.05). Conversely, peritoneal macrophages isolated from MFG-E8−/− mice produced 28% higher levels of TNF-α, as compared to WT mice when treated with LPS. In in vivo, endotoxemia induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (5 mg/kg BW), at 4 h after induction, serum level of TNF-α was significantly higher in MFG-E8−/− mice (837 pg/mL) than that of WT (570 pg/mL, P<0.05). To elucidate the direct anti-inflammatory effect of MFG-E8, we examined STAT3 and its target gene, SOCS3. Treatment with rmMGF-E8 significantly induced pSTAT3 and SOCS3 in macrophages. Similar results were observed in in vivo treatment of rmMFG-E8 in peritoneal cells and splenic tissues. Pre-treatment with rmMFG-E8 significantly reduced LPS-induced NF-κB p65 contents. These data clearly indicated that rmMFG-E8 upregulated SOCS3 which in turn interacted with NF-κB p65, facilitating negative regulation of TLR4 signaling for LPS-induced TNF-α production. Our findings strongly suggest that MFG-E8 is a direct anti-inflammatory molecule, and that it could be developed as a therapy in attenuating inflammation and tissue injury.
Leveraging APOBEC3 proteins to alter the HIV mutation rate and combat AIDS.

At least two human APOBEC3 proteins – APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G – are capable of inhibiting HIV-1 replication by mutation of the viral cDNA. HIV-1 averts lethal restriction through its accessory protein Vif, which targets these APOBEC3 proteins for proteasomal degradation. The life-or-death interaction between human APOBEC3 proteins and HIV-1 Vif has stimulated much interest in developing novel therapeutics aimed at altering the deaminase activity of the APOBEC3s, thus changing the virus’ mutation rate to either lethal or suboptimal levels. The current state of mechanistic information is reviewed and the possible risks and benefits of increasing (via hypermutation) or decreasing (via hypomutation) the HIV-1 mutation rate through APOBEC3 proteins are discussed.
1764 CHANGES IN PULMONARY MECHANICS WITH GROWTH IN INFANTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE (CLD)

Lung Compliance (CL ), Conductance (GL ), and Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) were determined serially in 37 preterm infants with CLD (X± SD;BW,1180±430g;GA,30.4±2.5 wks) at 1,6,12, 18,24 and 36 mos. of life. All received mechanical ventilation at birth, supplemental 02 for > 4 wks, and had persistent radiographic findings consistent with CLD. 27 normal infants, 1 to 4 years of age, were studied as controls. Tidal volume was measured by pneumotachography, esophageal pressure with a water filled feeding tube, and FRC by N2 washout. Because infants with CLD had a slower growth pattern, results could not be compared chronologically. FRC was therefore related to weight by linear regression analysis. This correlation was very good and nearly identical for both groups,(r=0.94 in CLD;0.98 in controls) suggesting normal growth of lung volume in CLD. FRC was therefore used as independent variable and CL and GL were related to FRC by linear regression analysis. CL was closely correlated to FRC in both groups,(r=0.93 in CLD;0.96 in controls) with an intercept that was nearly identical. The slopes however were different indicating a lower specific CL in CLD than in the controls (60 vs 75 ml/cmH2O/FRC). GL was also closely related to FRC (r=0.77 in CLD;0.91 in controls). The slopes were nearly identical, but the intercept in infants with CLD was only half of that in the normal controls. This indicates that infants with CLD have a reduced GL in the newborn period that gradually increases with growth and approaches normal values by age 3 years.
In situ compatibilization of PP/EPDM blends during ultrasound aided extrusion

Abstract Blends of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and uncured ethylene–propylene diene rubber (EPDM) of various concentrations were treated by high power ultrasonic waves during extrusion. Die pressure and power consumption were measured. The effects of different gap sizes, blend ratios and number of ultrasonic horns were investigated. The rheological properties, morphology and mechanical properties of the blends with and without ultrasonic treatment were studied. In situ compatibilization of the blends was observed as evident by their more stable morphology after annealing, improved mechanical properties and IR spectra. The obtained results indicated that ultrasonic treatment induced the thermo-mechanical degradations and led to the possibility of enhanced molecular transport and chemical reactions at the interfaces. Processing conditions were established for enhanced in situ compatibilization of the PP/EPDM blends.
Nuclear receptor coregulators are new players in nervous system development and function.

Steroid/thyroid hormones and their cognate nuclear receptors (NRs) play important roles in nervous system development and function. The spatial and temporal gene expression that is regulated by NRs in the nervous system requires transcriptional intermediary coregualtors, designated as coactivators and corepressors. These coregulators enhance or repress transcriptional activity of NRs and modulate their target gene transcription. Recent progress has largely advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which NR coregulators function in the nervous system. This article summarizes our current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms, expression patterns, and biological functions of NR coactivators, such as the p160 steroid receptor coactivator family, CBP, p300, BRG1, TRAP220, PGC-1α, ERAP140, NIX1, and E6-AP, as well as corepressors such as NCoR and SMRT. Accumulated findings suggest that the functional spectrum of NR coregulators is much broader than was initially speculated, and these coregulators likely contribute to many physiological aspects of nervous system development and function.
Electronic properties of stoichiometric Ba and O overlayers adsorbed on W(001).

In order to understand better the mechanisms responsible for the lowering of the work function that is observed when surface layers containing barium and oxygen are adsorbed on refractory metals such as tungsten, we have initiated a series of full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (FLAPW) electronic-structure calculations on well-defined model systems representing the Ba/O/W interface. We report here our initial results for models in which c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) monolayers of barium and oxygen have been positioned on both sides of a five-layer W(001) film, with the adsorbate atoms being placed above the fourfold-hollow sites of the tungsten surface. Two different adsorbate configurations have been investigated: ``tilted,'' where the adsorbed monolayers have been arranged so that the barium and oxygen atoms each cover a different fourfold-hollow site in the c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) unit cell, and ``upright,'' where the overlayers are aligned vertically so that both adsorbates lie above the same site. We have minimized the total energy of the system to determine the optimal adsorbate positions within this set of configurations. We find that the calculated work function of the clean five-layer tungsten slab (4.65 eV) is lowered by approximately 2 eV by the adsorption of the barium and oxygen surface layers in either configuration, but the tilted structure has a significantly lower energy than does the upright. In addition, the position of the oxygen 2s state, which is very sensitive to the adsorbate geometry, strongly favors the tilted model. In both cases we find evidence of significant bonding between the d-like surface states of the tungsten substrate and both the Ba d and the oxygen 2p adsorbate levels. As a result, multiple dipoles are formed at the interface, and the competition between these polarized charge distributions leads to a net lowering of the work function.
Ethanol Inhibition of a T‐Type Ca2+ Channel Through Activity of Protein Kinase C

Background T-type calcium channels are widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system, where they mediate calcium entry and regulate the intrinsic excitability of neurons. T-channels are dysregulated in response to alcohol administration and withdrawal. We therefore investigated acute ethanol effects and the underlying mechanism of action in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cell lines, as well as effects on native currents recorded from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons cultured from Long-Evans Rats.
“DEFINING MACHISMO, NO ES SIEMPRE LO MISMO”: LATINO SEXUAL MINORITIES’ MACHOFLEXIBLE IDENTITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Seven gay Latino undergraduates offer their individual definitions of machismo and speak to the ways in which they construct their own masculine identities on the college campus. Through a grounded theory analysis of in-depth interviews, photographs, and personal reflections, I identify three prominent themes that capture the complex interplay of gender and sexuality and the construction of seemingly progressive gendered sexual identities in a process I term machoflexibility. The forging of these machoflexible identities is made possible through the students’ individual definitions of machismo, their reconstructions of a fluid masculinity spectrum, and finally their understanding of socially acceptable masculine performances that enhance their identities as men and downplay their sexual orientations. In dissociating themselves from more effeminate gay men and identifying themselves as real men, the participants ultimately fail to challenge the pervasive gender norms in their social environment, positioning masculinity as hierarchically superior to femininity and consequently reproducing heteronormativity.
Diffusional relaxation around a second phase particle

Abstract The elastic field and stress concentration around a second phase particle have been discussed in the unrelaxed and relaxed states. The relaxed state is defined as that minimizing the free energy. The diffusion along the matrix-particle interface is responsible for the relaxation to occur. It has been shown that a second phase particle under hydrostatic stress in the relaxed state is elastically equivalent to an incoherent particle. It has been pointed out that a flat shaped particle behaves, as if it were a shear crack, in the relaxed state. The kinetics of the interface diffusional relaxation has been formulated for spherical and cylindrical particles. The relaxation time for the process is proportional to the cubic power of the particle size.
Minimum-Fuel Feedback Control Systems: Second-Order Case

The control u(t), |u(t)| ?1, is determined for the control of a linear plant G(s) from an initial state to a terminal state such that the fuel F = ? o tf |u(t)|dt is minimum. The maximum principle is used to prove that the optimal u(t) is necessarily piecewise constant and that u(t) = + 1, 0, or ?1. The optimal feedback control function is derived for the plants G(s) = 1/s2 and G(s)= 1/(s+1)(s+2) using the concept of the iso-fuel curves. The phase plane is divided into three regions of operation such that to each region corresponds a value for the control u(t).
Reproductive Biology of Pseudococcus maritimus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

This study characterized several parameters associated with reproductive behaviors of a Californian population of the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn). Experiments with caged adults confirmed that females from this population could not reproduce parthenogenetically. Both sexes were capable of mating multiple times on the same day and on sequential days. Median times between copulations were short (<10 min) on the first day that males were presented with females, but tended to increase with sequential copulation events. Unmated females lived for up to 19 wk, whereas mating and oviposition resulted in reduced longevity. We hypothesized that constant exposure to pheromone might stimulate males to leave their cocoons sooner and increase their activity levels compared with males that were not exposed to pheromone, resulting in shortened life-spans. However, whereas exposure to pheromone did stimulate males to emerge slightly sooner than control males, pheromone exposure had no effect on the longevity of males. The implications of the results of these experiments for pheromone-based methods of detection and control of mealybugs are discussed.
Flow Near Self-Excited and Forced Vibrating Circular Cylinders

Many studies of flow-bluff body interactions have been undertaken because of the practical need to know the fluid forces acting on a body immersed in a flowing stream. Experiments were performed to investigate the interaction process between the vibrating cylinder and the wake flow for free-stream Reynolds numbers between 550 and 900 in the irregular range. Two circular cylinders of equal diameter were used for experimentation—one was tuned to self-excite under the influence of lift forces and another was a rigid cylinder mounted in a shaker and forced to vibrate sinusoidally perpendicular to the mean flow direction under conditions that duplicated the Reynolds number, Strouhal number, motion amplitude, and relative frequency of the tuned cylinder. Experimental results for the two means of vibration and the mechanics of the wake formation are discussed in terms of the fluid dynamical parameters that influence the vibrations. One finds the wake formation process to be similar for both cylinders under the same conditions of flow, and the amplitude and distribution of near wake velocity fluctuations also to be the same. A phase shift of ninety deg is observed between eighty and one hundred and ten percent of the peak self-excited resonance condition, with the phase angle between the velocity fluctuation and cylinder motion signals being equal for both means of excitation. The critical relative frequency that corresponds to peak resonant conditions is less than unity. The independent parameters that govern the vibrations are not the same for the two means of excitation, and the bounds for the forced and self-excited motions are discussed in terms of the present results and those reported in the literature.
Effective conductivity of a hexagonal network

The hexagonal network is an important optimal composite structure. The thermal diffusion (mass diffusion, electric conduction) through a hexagonal network of finite thickness is analyzed for the first time. We assume the network has finite conductivity, but the inclusions enclosed by the network are either insulating or perfectly conducting. Using eigenfunction expansions and matching three different subregions, the temperature profiles and the effective conductivity are found. The special case of circular inclusions agrees with the existing literature. Junction effects, which introduce additional resistances to the simple electric circuit analogy, are determined.
High Density of an SAR-Associated Motif Differentiates Heterochromatin From Euchromatin

Abstract Heterochromatin is an important component of eukaryotic chromosomes, comprising a significant portion of the total DNA in genomes. Despite its prevalence, long-standing cytological descriptions, and predominant composition of tandemly repeated DNA, no general theory unites heterochromatic structure with its functions. In an attempt to identify heterochromatic sequence tags, we have analysed heterochromatic sequences from Drosophila melanogaster for the presence of motifs that are known to define regions that anchor the chromosomal DNA to the scaffold (scaffold attachment regions or SARs). The SARs of Drosophila melanogaster are characterized by the presence of a small conserved sequence (the A-box) that is clustered in overall A + T-rich regions. In comparing heterochromatic and euchromatic sequences we find that heterochromatic regions are several-fold enriched for these operationally defined SARs. This high density of SAR-associated sequences not only serves as a molecular tag for heterochromatin but also suggests a hypothesis for its special properties.
Intracardiac tumor in a neonate causing complete tricuspid valve obstruction

] l ~ HABDOMYOMA is the most common intracardiac tumor 1 " ~ in childhood and is frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis. These tumors are often multiple and may cause significant hemodynamic disturbances because of outflow obstruction or arrhythmias. The detection of rhabdomyoma has been improved by fetal sonography, but successful resection of such tumors is rare, t and the descriptions of intraoperative monitoiing have been limited. A case of a neonate with right atrial outflow obstruction who underwent successful tumor resection with the aid of biplane transesophageai echocardiogra: phy (TEE) is reported.
Aldosterone blockade in chronic kidney disease: can it improve outcome?

Purpose of this review The purpose of this review is to explain the rationale and limitations for use of mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (MRBs) for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications. Recent findings Recent studies in animal models of CKD demonstrate that blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor using spironolactone or eplerenone decreases inflammation, oxidative stress, proteinuria and glomerular and tubular injury. Patients with CKD are at very high risk for progression of kidney disease and major cardiovascular events. Recent studies in patients with CKD demonstrate that administration of low doses of MRBs added onto an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-based regimen reduces proteinuria--a risk marker for both progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular events. However, incident hyperkalemia, an unwanted side effect, dampened enthusiasm for this approach. There are no large-scale, long-term outcome trials examining whether MRB can slow progression of kidney disease or prevent cardiovascular events. Summary At this time it is unknown whether mineralocorticoid receptor blockade can improve outcomes in patients with CKD. To move this field forward and determine whether these agents can improve the lives of patients with kidney disease, novel strategies to prevent or ameliorate hyperkalemia are needed.
The vulnerability of global cities to climate hazards

This paper examines the vulnerabilities of three global coastal cities — Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai — to climate hazards. The paper highlights system characteristics that, in unique combinations, create place-based vulnerabilities to climate hazards. It describes these vulnerabilities then discusses the implications of the results for city planners and managers. A concluding section assesses some of the political obstacles to better disaster preparedness.
Characterizing antivirus workload execution

Despite the pervasive use of anti-virus (AV) software, there has not been a systematic study of the characteristics of the execution of this workload. In this paper we present a characterization of four commonly used anti-virus software packages. Using the Virtutech Simics toolset, we profile the behavior of four popular anti-virus packages as run on an Intel PentiumIV platform running Microsoft Windows-XP.In our study, we focus on the overhead introduced by the anti-virus software during on-access execution. The overhead associated with anti-virus execution can dominate overall performance. The AV-Test group has already reported that this overhead can range from 23-129% on live systems running on-access experiments [3]. 1 The performance impact of the anti-virus execution is clearly an important issue, and we present the first quantitative study of the characteristics of this workload. Our study includes the impact of both operating system execution and system call execution.