cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Not all prey are created equal: Invasive ascidian diet mediates sea star wasting in Henricia sanguinolenta

Abstract Disease outbreaks and mass mortality events in terrestrial and marine taxa are increasing as a result of human influence, pollution, and climate change. Sea Star Wasting has become more common on the west coast of the United States, with increasing numbers of asteroids affected since 2013. Rising temperatures have traditionally been linked to mass mortality events, but other factors such as the effect of diet on individual susceptibility to Sea Star Wasting have not been examined. Here, we use laboratory experiments to test the frequencies of SSW sign onset and death of a native sea star when exposed to diets of two invasive ascidians. We show that prey identity affects mortality rates of affected predators. Sea stars that consumed Diplosoma listerianum experienced SSW signs, but 0% mortality, whereas animals that consumed Botrylloides violaceus, or no prey experienced 41% mortality. We expect that invader induced shifts in community species composition will increase the frequency of these mass die offs on both the west and east coasts.
Black Workers and the Wiehahn Commission Reforms in Late Apartheid: Corporatism or Shop-Floor Power?

This paper offers a close examination of the Wiehahn Commission’s attempt to remake South African industrial relations during the late 1970s and early 1980s. As part of a concerted effort to blunt the emergence of independent Black trade unions, the Commisson of Inquiry into Labour Legislation (1977-1979) sought to eliminate what they called “dualism” in South African labour law. While this referred to the workplace racial divisions governed by apartheid, such dualism also pointed to a highly corporatist system of national-level bargaining for white workers and the restriction of Black worker organization to single enterprises. Using the records of the Wiehahn Commission, trade union documents, and cases heard by the newly instituted Industrial Court, this paper argues that the late apartheid state hoped to push organized black workers into corporatist structures that would dilute their potential militancy. For their part, Black workers and their newly formed unions in the Federation of South African Trade Unions (FOSATU) fought to preserve their power at the local level, where grass-roots organizing, democratic proceduralism, and a strong shop steward system gave them strength. The paper concludes that Afrikaner reformers successfully established an industrial relations system that, in the long run, weakened post-apartheid trade union shop-floor power. Recent turmoil in South African between centralized unions and workers’ shop-floor power indicates the re-emergence of this dualism.
The ontology of fast food facts: conceptualization of nutritional fast food data for consumers and semantic web applications.

BACKGROUND Fast food with its abundance and availability to consumers may have health consequences due to the high calorie intake which is a major contributor to life threatening diseases. Providing nutritional information has some impact on consumer decisions to self regulate and promote healthier diets, and thus, government regulations have mandated the publishing of nutritional content to assist consumers, including for fast food. However, fast food nutritional information is fragmented, and we realize a benefit to collate nutritional data to synthesize knowledge for individuals. METHODS We developed the ontology of fast food facts as an opportunity to standardize knowledge of fast food and link nutritional data that could be analyzed and aggregated for the information needs of consumers and experts. The ontology is based on metadata from 21 fast food establishment nutritional resources and authored in OWL2 using Protege. RESULTS Three evaluators reviewed the logical structure of the ontology through natural language translation of the axioms. While there is majority agreement (76.1% pairwise agreement) of the veracity of the ontology, we identified 103 out of the 430 statements that were erroneous. We revised the ontology and publicably published the initial release of the ontology. The ontology has 413 classes, 21 object properties, 13 data properties, and 494 logical axioms. CONCLUSION With the initial release of the ontology of fast food facts we discuss some future visions with the continued evolution of this knowledge base, and the challenges we plan to address, like the management and publication of voluminous amount of semantically linked fast food nutritional data.
Source radiation analysis based on spatial transformation of acoustic fields

The one-dimensional, standing wave field was investigated by using the one-microphone, sequential sampling method. Various acoustical variables including complex sound pressure, complex particle velocity, active intensity, reactive intensity, kinetic energy, and potential energy were theoretically calculated and measured. The same investigations were performed in case of both highly reactive and predominantly propagating waves. A detailed error analysis was carried out by comparing the experimental results and theoretical values. It was observed that phase and magnitude sampling mismatch was the primary contributing factor to the discrepancy. The effect of the sampling mismatch depended on the local field properties such as active intensity and potential energy density. In general, the phase sampling mismatch caused errors in velocity and active intensity, whereas the magnitude sampling mismatch caused errors in velocity and reactive intensity. Despite some errors occurring at a few field points, satisfactory agreement "was achieved between the theoretical and experimental values for all acoustical variables of interest.
Interstitial pericytes decrease in aged mouse kidneys

With increasing age, the kidney undergoes characteristic changes in the glomerular and tubulo-interstitial compartments, which are ultimately accompanied by reduced kidney function. Studies have shown age-related loss of peritubular vessels. Normal peritubular vessel tone, function and survival depend on neighboring pericytes. Pericyte detachment leads to vascular damage, which can be accompanied by their differentiation to fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, a state that favors matrix production. To better understand the fate of pericytes in the aged kidney, 27 month-old mice were studied. Compared to 3 month-old young adult mice, aged kidneys showed a substantial decrease in capillaries, identified by CD31 staining, in both cortex and medulla. This was accompanied by a marked decrease in surrounding NG2+/PDGFRs+ pericytes. This decrease was more pronounced in the medulla. Capillaries devoid of pericytes were typically dilated in aged mice. Aged kidneys were also characterized by interstitial fibrosis due to increased collagen-I and -III staining. This was accompanied by an increase in the number of pericytes that acquired a pro-fibrotic phenotype, identified by increased PDGFRs+/αSMA+ staining. These findings are consistent with the decline in kidney interstitial pericytes as a critical step in the development of changes to the peritubular vasculature with aging, and accompanying fibrosis.
Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Extraskeletal Complications: Predictor of Health Outcome or Marker of Health Status?

The relationship of vitamin D with extraskeletal complications, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmune disease, is of major interest considering its roles in key biological processes and the worldwide high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. However, the causal relationships between vitamin D and most extraskeletal complications are weak. Currently, a heated debate over vitamin D is being conducted according to two hypotheses. In this review, we first present the different arguments that suggest a major role of vitamin D in a very broad type of extraskeletal complications (hypothesis #1). We then present results from recent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials indicating a lack of association of vitamin D with major extraskeletal complications (hypothesis #2). We discuss different issues (e.g., causality, confounding, reverse causation, misclassification, and Mendelian randomization) that contribute to the favoring of one hypothesis over the other. While ultimately only one hypothesis is correct, we anticipate that the results from the ongoing randomized controlled trials will be unlikely to reconcile the divided experts.
A Control Structure for Parallel Processing

This paper describes a control structure for the control of parallel processors such that (1) at most one of the processors is engaged in its ‘critical section’ at any instant and (2) if a processor wants to enter a critical section it is eventually allowed to do so. The solution is described using APL programs and flowcharts. It does not assume the existence of ‘indivisible’ operations like ‘TS’ instruction of SYSTEM/360. It is observed that to control ‘N’ processors the number ‘M’ of ‘N-WAY’ switches required is given by: $$M \geqslant 2 + \frac{{Ln{\mathbf{ }}(n - 1)}}{{Ln{\mathbf{ }}2}}$$
High resolution integrative analysis reveals widespread genetic and epigenetic changes after chronic in-vitro acid and bile exposure in Barrett's epithelium cells.

Barrett's epithelium (BE) is a premalignant condition resulting from chronic gastroesophageal reflux that may progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Early intervention holds promise in preventing BE progression. However, identification of high-risk BE patients remains challenging due to inadequate biomarkers for early diagnosis. We investigated the effect of prolonged chronic acid and bile exposure on transcriptome, methylome, and mutatome of cells in an in-vitro BE carcinogenesis (BEC) model. Twenty weeks acid and bile exposed cells from the BEC model (BEC20w) were compared with their naive predecessors HiSeq Illumina based RNA sequencing was performed on RNA from both the cells for gene expression and mutational analysis. HELP Tagging Assay was performed for DNA methylation analysis. Ingenuity pathway, Gene Ontology, and KEGG PATHWAY analyses were then performed on datasets. Widespread aberrant genetic and epigenetic changes were observed in the BEC20w cells. Combinatorial analyses revealed 433 from a total of 863 downregulated genes had accompanying hypermethylation of promoters. Simultaneously, 690 genes from a total of 1,492 were upregulated with accompanying promoter hypomethylation. In addition, 763 mutations were identified on 637 genes. Ingenuity pathway analysis, Gene Ontology, and KEGG PATHWAY analyses associated the genetic and epigenetic changes in BEC20w cells with cellular and biological functions. Integration of high resolution comparative analyses of naive BAR-T and BEC20w cells revealed striking genetic and epigenetic changes induced by chronic acid and bile exposure that may disrupt normal cellular functions and promote carcinogenesis. This novel study reveals several potential targets for future biomarkers and therapeutic development.
Optimal routing algorithms for mesh-connected processor arrays (extended abstract)

We show that there is a randomized oblivious algorithm for routing any (partial) permutation on an n × n grid in 2n+O (log n) parallel communication steps. The queues will not grow larger than Θ(log n) with high probability. We then modify this to obtain a (non-oblivious) algorithm with the same running time such that the size of the queues is bounded by a constant with high probability. For permutations with locality, where each packet has to travel distance at most L in either the horizontal or the vertical direction, a generalization of the algorithm routes in time 3L+o(L), while the queue size remains bounded by Θ(log n) with high probability. Finally, we show that for a general class of oblivious deterministic routing strategies, Ω(n 2) time is required if we want to have constant size queues.
Urban groundwater, stream conditions, and homeowner perceptions

This research explored shallow urban groundwater systems relative to nutrient pollution and hydrological interactions by integrating biophysical and social data relative to each other. Monitoring data from 12 shallow wells associated with an urban tributary stream were examined for nutrient levels and flow direction. A survey of riparian homeowners was utilized to evaluate knowledge and beliefs regarding groundwater. Results suggest that groundwater flows from an adjacent neighborhood towards a small tributary stream while carrying concentrations of nutrients. Survey results identified a lack of understanding regarding shallow groundwater and pollutant movements into stream water and aquifers.
Immediate Healthcare Interventions: A Path to Prosperity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Public health is a perennial problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Extreme poverty and widespread conflict create poor conditions for maintaining human health. At the same time, disease and high mortality rates impede socioeconomic development. To end this negative feedback loop, foreign governments and organizations are pursuing a number of public health initiatives, broadly categorized into long-term interventions and immediate interventions. One striking trend over the past 15 years has been a dramatic shift towards immediate interventions. However, it is unclear whether this shift is the right strategy for solving the public health crisis. Here, I show that immediate interventions have indeed positively impacted socioeconomic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, initiating a previously uncharacterized positive feedback loop between good health and rising socioeconomic indicators. Using quantitative economic, health, and social indicators as well as case studies, I show that immediate interventions have distinct advantages over long-term interventions when considering ease of implementation. My research not only suggests that the current strategy is working, but also that future public health strategy should continue to focus primarily on immediate interventions to provide maximum, sustained socioeconomic gains while achieving maximum cost-effectiveness.
Additional Structure in Bond Graph Modeling

In this paper, we investigate additional structure that might be put on bond graphs in order that (1) all bond graphs have physical realization and (2) all physical realizations have bond graphs. In particular, restrictions are proposed for the allowed forms for the constitutive laws and the modulation of elements. This added structure is proposed to ensure the existence of a unique energy state function, passivity of sourceless models, ensure unique solutions to the model equations, and preserve the signal or information nature of modulation.
Feeding by Cassida rubiginosa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and the Effects of Defoliation on Growth of Musk Thistles

Plant response studies were conducted to determine the effects of feeding by Cassida rubiginosa Muller and mechanical defoliation on the growth and reproduction of musk thistle (Carduus thoermeri W...
Comparative Studies on the Pathways for Serine Biosynthesis in Animal Tissues

Abstract The pathways of serine biosynthesis utilizing either phosphorylated or nonphosphorylated intermediates have been investigated in a variety of tissues from different species of animals. The levels of activity of hydroxypyruvate phosphate:l-glutamate and hydroxypyruvate:l-alanine transaminases were determined, and their distribution was compared with that previously reported for d-glycerate 3-O-phosphate and d-glycerate dehydrogenases. Direct comparisons were made between the extent of the over-all conversion of d-glycerate to serine and of d-glycerate 3-O-phosphate to serine 3-O-phosphate catalyzed by liver preparations from six species. Additional studies were carried out on the specificity of the amino donor participating in transamination reactions with hydroxypyruvate in different tissues. The results indicate that although both pathways are functional in animal systems, the relative contribution by each pathway for the synthesis of serine is not the same for all tissues. For example, in dog and frog liver, the major pathway for the formation of this amino acid involves nonphosphorylated intermediates. In these two tissues, as well as in rabbit liver, it has been clearly shown that the amino donor for hydroxypyruvate transamination is alanine. Glutamine has been demonstrated to be the most effective amino donor for this reaction in rat kidney and liver. In contrast to these results, serine formation in beef and chicken liver has been shown to take place primarily by the phosphorylated pathway. In other tissues, e.g. pig liver and dog kidney, considerable serine biosynthesis occurs by both the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated routes.
Antioxidant Health Effects of Aged Garlic Extract

Oxidative modification of DNA, proteins and lipids by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a role in aging and disease, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases and cancer. Extracts of fresh garlic that are aged over a prolonged period to produce aged garlic extract (AGE) contain antioxidant phytochemicals that prevent oxidant damage. These include unique water-soluble organosulfur compounds, lipid-soluble organosulfur components and flavonoids, notably allixin and selenium. Long-term extraction of garlic (up to 20 mo) ages the extract, creating antioxidant properties by modifying unstable molecules with antioxidant activity, such as allicin, and increasing stable and highly bioavailable water-soluble organosulfur compounds, such as S-allylcysteine and S-allylmercaptocysteine. AGE exerts antioxidant action by scavenging ROS, enhancing the cellular antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and increasing glutathione in the cells. AGE inhibits lipid peroxidation, reducing ischemic/reperfusion damage and inhibiting oxidative modification of LDL, thus protecting endothelial cells from the injury by the oxidized molecules, which contributes to atherosclerosis. AGE inhibits the activation of the oxidant-induced transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, which has clinical significance in human immunodeficiency virus gene expression and atherogenesis. AGE protects DNA against free radical--mediated damage and mutations, inhibits multistep carcinogenesis and defends against ionizing radiation and UV-induced damage, including protection against some forms of UV-induced immunosuppression. AGE may have a role in protecting against loss of brain function in aging and possess other antiaging effects, as suggested by its ability to increase cognitive functions, memory and longevity in a senescence-accelerated mouse model. AGE has been shown to protect against the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin, an antineoplastic agent used in cancer therapy and against liver toxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (an industrial chemical) and acetaminophen, an analgesic. Substantial experimental evidence shows the ability of AGE to protect against oxidant-induced disease, acute damage from aging, radiation and chemical exposure, and long-term toxic damage. Although additional observations are warranted in humans, compelling evidence supports the beneficial health effects attributed to AGE, i.e., reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and aging, including the oxidant-mediated brain cell damage that is implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
Bridge Column Maximum Drift Estimation via Computer Vision

AbstractThis paper considers the viability of applying computer vision techniques for estimating the peak experienced seismic displacement of damaged bridge columns, for use in postdisaster triage assessment. The primary objective of the associated study was to determine if there is a statistically robust relationship between peak seismic displacement and damage observations extracted from two-dimensional (2D) images captured after an event. To this end, correlations were developed using images and experimental test data from lateral-load tests performed on a series of reinforced concrete bridge columns. Computer vision algorithms based on a combination of image segmentation, feature extraction, and nonlinear regression analysis were used to estimate peak drift. The results presented in this paper indicate strong correlations between parameterized crack patterns and experienced structural displacement, regardless of the position of the camera. Key findings include the necessity of using nonlinear machine ...
Clinicopathologic characteristics of anterior prostate cancer (APC), including correlation with previous biopsy pathology

Anterior-predominant prostate cancer (APC) is an incompletely understood entity which can be difficult to sample via transrectal biopsy. Seemingly favorable biopsy results may belie the potential aggressiveness of these tumors. Here, we attempt to characterize APC by retrospectively examining the clinicopathologic features of APC at radical prostatectomy and comparing our findings with prior biopsy information. We found that 17.4 % of patients in our study had APC. APC demonstrated a significantly lower (P value < 0.05) Gleason score (GS) and pathologic stage than non-APC tumors, including the absence of seminal vesicle invasion by APC. A subset (5.6 %) of APC consisted of high-grade tumors (GS ≥ 8), and these tumors were more often detected on transperineal saturation biopsy than non-transperineal saturation (i.e., transrectal ultrasound guided) biopsy strategies. Four patients (7 %) without transperineal saturation biopsy exhibited a significantly worse GS at RP than biopsy, compared to five patients (36 %) with transperineal saturation biopsy. Our findings corroborate the difficulty in detecting APC and suggest that APC is not a uniform disease with a wholly indolent phenotype. Dedicated long-term outcome data are needed in these patients. Additionally, alternative pathologic staging parameters may be necessary.
Integrated processing of amorphous and microcrystalline Si thin film transistors by plasma-assisted chemical-vapor deposition

Abstract Thin film transistors (TFTs) have been fabricated in an ultra-high vacuum compatible integrated processing system with on-line surface analysis diagnostics - Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). This paper deals with TFTs that include dual-layer oxide-nitride dielectrics, and either hydrogenated amorphous and/or microcrystalline Si thin films for the channel, and source and drain regions. The emphasis is on the integrated processing of bottom-gate device structures, and on the way the electrical performance of the TFTs are correlated with the properties of the dielectric and semiconducting films, their included internal interfaces and the external exposed surfaces.
Infusion of bile from methylene dianiline-treated rats into the common bile duct injures biliary epithelial cells of recipient rats

Methylene dianiline (4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, DAPM) rapidly causes cholestasis and injury to biliary epithelial cells (BEC) in the liver and common bile duct of rats. Our objective was to determine if the proximate toxicant(s) was present in bile. Bile from DAPM-treated or control rats was infused through the common bile duct of untreated rats via inflow and outflow cannulas for 4 h. Cholestasis, increases in serum constituents, and intrahepatic BEC injury in the livers of DAPM-treated donor rats at 4 h were comparable to previous studies (Kanz et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 117 (1992) 88-97). BEC injury in the common bile duct of rats receiving DAPM bile or control bile was assessed by point counting. Percent necrosis was > 28% in the common bile duct of rats receiving DAPM bile compared to < 5% in rats receiving control bile. These results indicate that bile is a major route of BEC exposure to DAPM proximate toxicant(s) and demonstrate the utility of a new method for investigating mechanisms of biliary toxicants.
Localization of Collagen Type III mRNA in Normal Human Optic Nerve Heads

Abstract Previous studies using immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy have localized collagen type III (CIII) in the human optic nerve head (ONH). CIII is present in the core of the cribriform plates of the lamina cribrosa and increases with age. In this study, in situ hybridization was used to localize mRNA for CIII in specific cells in human fetal and adult ONH to determine its cellular origin and to provide temporal and regional information on the synthesis of CIII in the ONH. Human ONH from donors with no history of eye disease (16-24 weeks gestation and 6-75 years) were fixed, embedded and sectioned serially. Sections were hybridized with antisense riboprobe for CIII and controls with sense riboprobe and processed for ISH. Immunoperoxidase staining with antibodies against GFAP and von Willebrand factor was used to detect astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells respectively. Fetal ONH: CIII mRNA was localized in most blood vessels throughout the ONH in sections hybridized with antisense probe. The label was localized to endothelial cells of small vessels. Endothelial cells of central retinal vessels were not labeled. In the lamina cribrosa, CIII mRNA was localized to small vessels, but not to astrocytes. Fibroblasts of the peripapillary sclera were labeled with antisense probe. Young-Adult ONH: In the cribriform plates, lamina cribrosa cells hybridized the probe at all ages. Few astrocytes hybridized the probe. Some endothelial cells of small vessels were also labeled. In the insertion region, most vessels were labeled in young ONH, but very few, if any, in old adults. The apparent intensity of hybridization signal associated with blood vessels in adult ONH is markedly reduced with age. No hybridization was observed inside of nerve bundles consistent with absence of mRNA inside axon and CIII in this location. Localization of mRNA for CIII to blood vessels in fetal lamina cribrosa suggests a vascular origin for CIII in the plates, and perhaps, for lamina cribrosa cells. In young and old lamina cribrosa, localization of CIII mRNA suggests lifelong synthesis of this protein in agreement with age-related increase of CIII in this tissue.
Action of Nucleosides and Nucleotides at 7 Transmembrane-Spanning Receptors

Ribose ring-constrained nucleosides and nucleotides to act at cell-surface purine recesptors have been designed and synthesized. At the P2Y1 nucleotide receptor and the A3 adenosine receptor (AR) the North envelope conformation of ribose is highly preferred. We have applied mutagenesis and rhodopsin-based homology modeling to the study of purine receptors and used the structural insights gained to assist in the design of novel ligands. Two subgroups of P2Y receptors have been defined, containing different sets of cationic residues for coordinating the phosphate groups. Modeling/mutagenesis of adenosine receptors has focused on determinants of intrinsic efficacy in adenosine derivatives and on a conserved Trp residue (6.48) which is involved in the activation process. The clinical use of adenosine agonists as cytoprotective agents has been limited by the widespread occurrence of ARs, thus, leading to undesirable side effects of exogenously administered adenosine derivatives. In order to overcome the inherent nonselectivity of activating the native receptors, we have introduced the concept of neoceptors. By this strategy, intended for eventual use in gene therapy, the putative ligand binding site of a G protein-coupled receptor is reengineered for activation by synthetic agonists (neoligands) built to have a structural complementarity. Using a rational design process we have identified neoceptor-neoligand pairs which are pharmacologically orthogonal with respect to the native species.
Getting Down to Business A Comparison of Rural and Urban Probationers, Probation Sentences, and Probation Outcomes

Studies of the police and courts suggest substantial rural-urban variations in resources and in the manner in which cases are handled. Although probation is among the most frequently utilized sente...
Training European works councils

In the past there has been a tendency for the subject of European Works Councils to be discussed at the macro-political level. The dominant topics of this debate were the various interpretations of the EU Directive and its transposition into national legislation, as well as the demand for comprehensive company agreements regarding the establishment of a European information and consultation procedure. Meanwhile, the question of whether and how the newly acquired room for manoeuvre for the representation of workers' interests at company level might be conceptually and efficiently fulfilled was left unanswered. Given the vast number of companies involved and empirical data collected by European works councils already in existence, it is uncertain whether all the bodies to be set up can be adequately monitored and co-ordinated. This article argues in favour of a strategy for the provision for trade union education for European works councils and sketches out the main areas of a corresponding concept. From a ...
Impact of Structural and Dynamical Complexity on Kinesin Kinetics

One hypothesis for the onset of Alzheimer's disease associates the aggregation of excess tau-protein on microtubules with the hindrance of cargo transport by molecular motors. This hypothesis has motivated experimental and modeling studies of kinesin procession in the presence of such obstacles. Very recently, it has been shown that kinesin's neck linker length is closely related to its ability to bypass obstacles and avoid early detachment from the microtubule, by sidestepping to adjacent microtubule tracks. Here we present results from kinetic models that explicitly account for such sidestepping by analyzing published experimental single-molecule data on the processivity of kinesin-1 and kinesin-2, both with and without obstacles. The mechanochemistry is investigated via the construction of a Markov chain including all states assumed by the coupled kinesin-microtubule system, and mechanical rate constants optimized to fit experimental data. Further analysis with kinetic Monte Carlo yields sidestepping probabilities for each kinesin species. We also report preliminary results on the use of motion planning methods for simulating the geometry and dynamics of the protein/tubulin/obstacle system, using coarse-graining of PDB protein structures. The results of these simulations are compared to the Markov chain results, and used to reconcile and refine both methods.
Aortic pressures during closed-chest cardiac massage.

A case of ventricular fibrillation is presented which occurred during retrograde left heart catheterization and preparation for aortography. Direct arterial pressures were recorded from a catheter in the abdominal aorta during closed-chest cardiac massage. These indicated that substantial blood pressures can be readily produced by this simple and practical method.
Neutron phase volumetry and temperature observations in an oscillating heat pipe

Abstract An experimental investigation on a water filled 6-turn oscillating heat pipe (OHP) was conducted using neutron imaging. Using the neutron images, a method was developed to determine the volume fraction of liquid phase in different portions of the OHP while in operation. The results show that the volume fraction of liquid phase is highly nonuniform once the thermally excited fluid motion starts. Over the heat input range studied, during the steady state oscillating motion in an OHP, the volume fraction distribution of liquid phase was always less than 2.5% in the evaporator and greater than 80% in the condenser. Using this method, the startup behavior, pulsing and pause motions, circulation, and the relationship between the pulsing motion and circulation and temperature variations in the OHP were all determined as well. There is a notable synchronization between the entrance of liquid into the evaporator portion of the heat pipe and temperature oscillations.
Plasticization-Enhanced Hydrogen Purification Using Polymeric Membranes

Polymer membranes are attractive for molecular-scale separations such as hydrogen purification because of inherently low energy requirements. However, membrane materials with outstanding hydrogen separation performance in feed streams containing high-pressure carbon dioxide and impurities such as hydrogen sulfide and water are not available. We report highly permeable, reverse-selective membrane materials for hydrogen purification, as exemplified by molecularly engineered, highly branched, cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide). In contrast to the performance of conventional materials, we demonstrate that plasticization can be harnessed to improve separation performance.
Receptor Models for Ambient Carbonaceous Aerosols

The status of receptor models for the carbonaceous fraction of the ambient aerosol is reviewed. The sources and characterization techniques for atmospheric carbonaceous compounds are outlined. Receptor models are classified in semiquantitative methods, chemical mass balances, and multivariate techniques. Requirements, limitations, and applications of receptor models as applied to carbonaceous aerosols are presented.
Workload characterization of a Web proxy in a cable modem environment

This paper presents a detailed workload characterization study of a World-Wide Web proxy. Measurements from a proxy within an Internet Service Provider (ISP) environment were collected. This ISP allows clients to access the Web using high-speed cable modems rather than traditional dialup modems. By examining this site we are able to evaluate the effects that cable modems have on proxy workloads.This paper focuses on workload characteristics such as file type distribution, file size distribution, file referencing behaviour and turnover in the active set of files. We find that when presented with faster access speeds users are willing to download extremely large files. A widespread increase in the transfer of these large files would have a significant impact on the Web. This behaviour increases the importance of caching for ensuring the scalability of the Web.
Stable nitrogen isotope ratios in wet and dry nitrate deposition collected with an artificial tree

Amounts of dry NO 3 -N deposition and N isotope ratios in wet and dry NO 3 -N deposition have been simultaneously determined by examining differences between precipitation collected by open funnels and throughfall collected beneath an artificial Christmas tree. Samples were collected in a forest clearing on Walker Branch Watershed, near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. From mid-summer to early autumn, NO 3 -N fluxes beneath the artificial tree were always greater than those measured in precipitation indicating the tree's effectiveness as a passive collector of dry NO 3 -N deposition. Dry NO 3 -N deposition averaged 60 ± 9% of total (wet and dry) deposition. The mean (± SD) calculated δ 15 N value for NO 3 -N in dry deposition was + 5.6 ± 2.1‰ ( n = 6 sampling periods ranging from 4 to 15 days). On average, this was ≈ 6‰ heavier than measured δ 15 N values for NO 3 -N in precipitation. The calculated δ 15 N value for NO 3 -N in dry deposition was consistent with that expected if NO x precursors to HNO 3 vapor (the major constituent of dry deposition at this site) originated principally from coal combustion. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1996.00006.x
The purification of cardiac myofibrils with Triton X-100

Abstract Cardiac myofibrils treated with 1% Triton X-100 are virtually free of contamination by mitochondrial, sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticular membranes. The ATPase activity of such myofibrils corresponds closely to that reported for cardiac actomyosin and the sensitivity of this ATPase activity to calcium control is normal.
Position-Sensitive Fission Counter for in-Core Flux Profile Monitoring

A prototype model of a position-sensitive fission counter (PSFC) was developed for power-range flux profile monitoring in light-water reactor cores. The flux profile is measured by delay-line position encoding and time interval decoding of individual fission pulses from 11 small fission counters incorporated along a coaxial transmission line. Significant improvements over currently used flux profile monitors are the 33-cm spatial resolution of the 3.5-m-long PSFC and the requirement for only one cable penetration into the reactor pressure vessel.
NPHMC: An R-package for estimating sample size of proportional hazards mixture cure model

Due to advances in medical research, more and more diseases can be cured nowadays, which largely increases the need for an easy-to-use software in calculating sample size of clinical trials with cure fractions. Current available sample size software, such as PROC POWER in SAS, Survival Analysis module in PASS, powerSurvEpi package in R are all based on the standard proportional hazards (PH) model which is not appropriate to design a clinical trial with cure fractions. Instead of the standard PH model, the PH mixture cure model is an important tool in handling the survival data with possible cure fractions. However, there are no tools available that can help design a trial with cure fractions. Therefore, we develop an R package NPHMC to determine the sample size needed for such study design.
Explaining lexical-semantic deficits in specific language impairment: the role of phonological similarity, phonological working memory, and lexical competition.

Purpose In this study, the authors investigated potential explanations for sparse lexical–semantic representations in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing peers...
The lithium chloride complex of the anti isomer of the bridged spherand C50H48O6.

The structure of (11,12,24,25-tetra­hydro-28,34-di­methoxy-3,6,16,19,31,37-hexa­methyl-1,21[1′,3′]:8,14[1′′,3′′]-di­benzeno-10H,23H-tetrabenzo­[f,h,o,z][1,5,10,14]­tetraoxa­cyclo­octa­decane)­lithium chloride monohydrate, anti-[Li(C50H48O6)]Cl·H2O, at 100 K reveals that the host is less strained than that of the syn-bridged isomer. There are two independent complex cations, each lying on a center of symmetry. Four short [1.944 (2)–1.998 (2) A] and two long [2.381 (2) and 2.455 (2) A] Li+⋯O distances provide six-coordination in a distorted octahedral environment.
Orbits and Relative Motion in the Gravitational Field of an Oblate Body

This paper studies the orbits of satellites in the noncentral gravitational field of an oblate body that includes the J 2 term. A discussion of the angular momenta and equations of motion of objects in the equatorial, near-equatorial, and polar orbits is presented. Some progress toward the solution and approximate solution of the equations of motion is presented for these cases. The paper also derives the relative-motion equations that describe a spacecraft in the vicinity of a satellite in equatorial, near-equatorial or polar orbit in this gravitational field. We show that the rendezvous equations can be simplified to resemble the corresponding equations for a central-force field. In particular, equations similar to the Tschauner-Hempel equations appear for orbits in the equatorial plane. For circular orbits in this plane, these become modified Clohessy-Wiltshire equations and possess closed-form solutions. Various types of powered optimal rendezvous problems can be formulated from these equations.
Notes on Some Species of the Uredinales

While studying a collection of rusts on some species of Dioscorea from the Philippine Islands sections were made of specimens of this species as represented in the Arthur Herbarium. One speci? men was collected by P. W. Graff at Manila, Luzon, P. L, Dec. 2, 1912, and issued by Sydow in his Fungi Exotici as no. 230. The other was collected at Bangai village, Samoa, June and July 1926, by H. E. Parks as no. 8558. Both are on Dioscorea alata. The uredia in GrafFs collection are deep in the tissue of the leaf, apparently located about midway between the upper and lower epidermis and thus agree with the description given by Raciborski (13) for Uredo Dioscoreae-alatae. In Park's collection the uredia are just beneath the lower epidermis. The urediospores correspond closely in both collections and despite the difference in the position of the sori the two collections certainly belong to the same species. Highly gelatinized telia (fig. \,2A) are present in abundance in both collections. These telia are subepidermal in origin and show young spores almost as soon as the development has progressed to a point where the primordial sorus can be differentiated
A note on the Turán function of even cycles

The Tur´an function ex(n, F) is the maximum number of edges in an F-free graph on n vertices. The question of estimating this function for F = C2k, the cycle of length 2k, is one of the central open questions in this area that goes back to the 1930s. We prove that ex(n,C2k) ≤ (k − 1) n1+1/k + 16(k − 1)n, improving the previously best known general upper bound of Verstra¨ete [Combin. Probab. Computing 9 (2000), 369–373] by a factor 8 + o(1) when n � k.
Equine β-defensin-1: full-length cDNA sequence and tissue expression

beta-Defensins are cysteine-rich endogenously produced antimicrobial peptides that play an important role in innate immune defense. Although, previous investigations have identified beta-defensins in several mammalian species, no reports have identified equine beta-defensins. Using a strategy of database searching for expressed sequence tags (EST) we identified putative expression of equine beta-defensins in hepatic tissue. Based on this information, sequence specific primers were designed for the equine gene enabling the identification of the full-length cDNA sequence of equine beta-defensin-1. Comparative analyses showed that equine beta-defensin-1 has 46-52% amino-acid identity with other beta-defensins, sharing the greatest identity with porcine beta-defensin-1. Complete conservation of cysteine residues was maintained between the species evaluated, and RT-PCR analysis revealed diverse mRNA tissue expression for equine beta-defensin-1. These data extend the repertoire of equine antimicrobial peptides and expand our understanding of equine innate immunity.
The discrete one-sided Lipschitz condition for convex scalar conservation laws

Physical solutions to convex scalar conservation laws satisfy a one-sided Lipschitz condition (OSLC) that enforces both the entropy condition and their variation boundedness. Consistency with this condition is therefore desirable for a numerical scheme and was proved for both the Godunov and the Lax-Friedrichs scheme--also, in a weakened version, for the Roe scheme, all of them being only first order accurate. A new, fully second order scheme is introduced here, which is consistent with the OSLC. The modified equation is considered and shows interesting features. Another second order scheme is then considered and numerical results are discussed.
Lateral canthoplasty using the Mitek anchor system.

Background Lower-eyelid shape and position have important aesthetic and functional implications. While primary canthoplasty is generally a straightforward procedure, secondary canthoplasty can be considerably challenging. This is especially true in the setting of poor periorbital tissues and the resultant lack of a stable platform from which to suspend the canthus. We report the first use of the Mitek device in secondary lateral canthal procedures to remedy this common problem.
l-Resonance Intensity Effects and Pressure Broadening of N2O at 17 μm

Abstract Absolute intensities of PR branch transitions in the three hotbands 2ν 2 f 2 ← ν 1 f 2 2ν 2 e 2 ← ν 1 e 2 and 2ν 0 e 2 ← ν 1 e 2 have been measured using high resolution spectra recorded with the McMath FTS at the National Solar Observatory in Kitt Peak, Arizona. The two latter bands show intensity perturbations mostly due to rotational l -type doubling while the hot band ending in the (02 2 f 0) state remains unperturbed. Based on mixing coefficients calculated from effective molecular constants, intensity perturbation factors were calculated which are shown to be equivalent to a quadratic term used in the Herman–Wallis factor expression. As part of the intensity retrieval, self-, N 2 -, and He-broadening coefficients of N 2 O were determined in the ν 2 fundamental and the three hot bands. The linewidths reported in this study have been combined with the best available literature data from other bands to retrieve temperature dependent relaxation rates due to rotationally inelastic collision based on a scaling law.
CLASS COUNTS: EXPLORING DIFFERENCES IN ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION BETWEEN WORKING-CLASS AND MIDDLE/UPPER-CLASS STUDENTS AT LARGE, PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

This multi-institutional study examines differences between working-class and middle/upper-class students at large, public research universities. Significant differences in factors related to working-class students’ social integration (including satisfaction, campus climate, and sense of belonging) and academic integration (including collaborative work with peers, academic involvement and initiative, and time spent employed or in academic activities), in addition to students’ perceived obstacles to academic success, were found through non-parametric bootstrapping. Using Tinto’s (1993) theory of student departure as a framework, it is hypothesized that these differences may negatively impact working-class students’ persistence and retention.
Solubility of collagen from normal and scleroderma fibroblasts in culture

Summary Cultured skin fibroblasts from scleroderma and normal patients were incubated with [14C] proline to compare synthesis and extractability of collagen. Although total [14C] proline incorporation and [14C] hydroxyproline formation were similar in the two cultures, radioactive collagen associated with cell layers of scleroderma was more salt extractable. Addition of β-aminopropionitrile increased the percentage of soluble collagen in normal fibroblasts but had no effect on scleroderma cultures. Increasing the period of incubation increased the radioactivity of the insoluble collagen fraction in normal fibroblasts; however, in scleroderma cultures, there was no such increase.
Clustered, rectangular lakes of the Canadian Old Crow Basin

Abstract This paper investigates the origin and development of the tightly clustered lakes within the Old Crow and Bluefish basins utilizing Landsat imagery, SEASAT Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and the available scientific literature. The Old Crow Basin and the smaller, neighboring, Bluefish Basin are located in the northwest Yukon Territory of Canada, 150 km south of the Beaufort Sea and just east of the Canadian-Alaskan border. Both basins, situated in Pleistocene lake deposits of sand, gravel, silt, and peat, are characterized by numerous, densely clustered, rectangular or arrowhead-shaped, shallow lakes with linear shore lines. The straight edges of these lakes exhibit strong, nearly orthogonal, preferred alignments directed northwest and northeast. These lakes evidently originated as relatively small thaw or thermokarst lakes that subsequently coalesced into larger lakes with edges and orientations controlled by a fracture pattern in the consolidated, underlying rocks-possibly the Old Crow Granite. The fracture pattern may be the result of horizontal tertiary or later compressional forces along the Kaltag/Porcupine Fault or it may have originated in the relatively undeformed, consolidated, basinal sediments as a result of downwarping and subsequent uplifting. The lake forming process is ongoing with new lakes being formed to replace older lakes in all stages of being obliterated.
Nonlinear coupling and relaxation of fluctuations and the central peak

Abstract A simple model Hamiltonian for a structural phase transition is discussed. It is shown that using the modecular field approximation one obtains a nonlinear coupling of the order parameter and entropy fluctuations. This results in a central peak in the order parameter fluctuation spectrum. The width of the central peak is proportional to the entropy relaxation rate.