cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of independent clinical predictors of early readmission after percutaneous endoluminal left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman device using National Readmission Database.

Abstract Background Percutaneous endoluminal left atrial appendage closure (pLAAC) procedure has been used to prevent strokes in patients who are not eligible for long-term prophylactic anticoagulation. Since its approval, multiple studies have looked at its efficacy with comparable outcomes to anticoagulation, the current standard of care. Objectives To assess the readmission rate and determine the factors associated with readmission after the endocardial pLAAC procedure using the Watchman device. Methods Data was obtained from the National Readmission Database (NRD), and we used SPSS software to determine statistically significant clinical predictors affecting readmission after implantation of the Watchman device at 30 days. Results The rate of readmission was found to be 9.2%. The true median cost of index hospitalization for the total population in the study was found to be [median (interquartile range = IQR), p] USD 24594 (USD 18883–31,041), whereas the true median cost of admission for those who were getting readmitted after 30 days was [median (IQR)] USD 7699 (USD 4955–14,243). Multivariate analysis of all clinically relevant predictors showed adjusted ratio for [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI), p-value] female genders (1.288, 1.104–1.503, p = 0.001), discharge to home health care (6.155, 1.509–25.096, p = 0.01), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (1.847,1.511–2.258, p Conclusion Our study aims to assess 30-day outcomes in the US population after pLAAC using a Watchman device. Our analysis showed that one in ten patients were getting readmitted. In addition, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and pericardial disorders were associated with higher readmission rates. These findings will help us assess clinical correlations and predict which patients are more at risk of readmission after a Watchman procedure.
Reversible disruption by cupric ions of a helical conformation of a polypeptide derived from ribonuclease.

Abstract The tryptic peptide comprising Residues 38 to 61 of oxidized bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A was isolated and shown to be convertible in part to a helical conformation in 2-chloroethanol- or 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol-water mixtures. The characteristic trough in the optical rotatory dispersion spectrum near 233 mµ associated with the helical conformation of the peptide was progressively reduced by addition of each of 3 eq of cupric ion. The depth of the trough was regained quantitatively by addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetate equivalent to the cupric ion present. The absorption and optical rotatory spectra of the cupricpeptide complexes are qualitatively similar to those of some smaller peptides in which chelation by amide nitrogen atoms of peptide bonds has been demonstrated. The points of similarity include absorption maxima in the range of 525 to 550 mµ and optically active bands near 330 mµ and 530 mµ. A Cotton effect centered near 260 mµ in the complexes of the ribonuclease peptide is more clearly resolved than in the previous studies with smaller peptides. These results are in keeping with contributions from binding sites at the NH2 terminus at the region of the histidine residue. Tentatively, the location of the third site is indicated from a molecular model to comprise members of the last 4, COOH-terminal residues. The effect of cupric ion binding on the helix content of the peptide is interpreted in terms of the conformational incompatibility of the chelate complexes with the α-helix. The observations do not support a strictly all-or-none metal-peptide interaction.
Physical Activity and Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship

Gynecologic oncology involves the study of preinvasive disease and cancers of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and gestational trophoblastic disease. Endometrial cancer is the most common of the pelvic malignancies however, ovarian cancer is the most lethal. The other gynecologic cancers have not been studied in relation to physical activity (PA) and prognosis, and therefore are not included. Research addressing the relationship between PA and ovarian and endometrial cancer is sparse nevertheless, there are some emerging concepts. Studies suggest that overweight/obesity is associated with reduced survival from ovarian cancer, but the role that PA plays in these results, and whether survival can be altered by changes in body weight and/or PA following diagnosis is unknown. Limited research reveals that increased PA in older ovarian cancer patients is feasible and safe. The majority of endometrial cancer patients are overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with higher mortality, probably from cardiovascular disease and not cancer. Research reveals that increasing PA in overweight/obese endometrial cancers is feasible and successful. The effects of increased PA on recurrence or survival in gynecological cancers are not yet established, and randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive data.
Public Management of Private Foreign Investment: The Complementarity of Promotion and Control

Public administrations all over the world are interested in attracting more foreign direct investment to their regions. For many governments, however, especially those in developing countries, this new‐found enthusiasm towards promoting investment appears to be at odds with an historical emphasis on closely controlling foreign investment. This study examines the manner in which ten developing countries manage foreign investment in order to assess the extent to which the functions of promoting and controlling foreign investment substitute for, or complement, each other. The data suggest that most governments in developing countries do view promotion and control as functions that do not co‐exist well. The experiences of a few countries, however, demonstrate that under the right conditions these separate functions can be carried out even within the same organisation.
A diagnostic study of explosive cyclogenesis in the lee of the Rocky mountains

A diagnostic analysis of explosive cyclogenesis in the lee of the Rocky Mountains in North America is presented, using the routine synoptic sounding data. The analysis is performed in both isobaric and isentropic spaces. Through this study some common features of explosive cyclogenesis in both the lee of the Rocky Mountains and the lee of the Alps in Europe are revealed, one of which, during the triggering stage of cyclogenesis, is the terrainmodified baroclinic instability in the lower tropospheric levels and a rapid intensification of the baroclinicity of the air (intense frontogenesis) in the middle and upper levels. In the explosive developing stage both the large scale thermal advection and the thermal effect due to a frontal scale vertical motion in the lee contribute in the same way to the spin-up of the vorticity field in the lower levels through the thermal vorticity influence. We also exmined the tropopause folding phenomenon. We suggest that this phenomenon is related to the rapid polar front intensification and to the explosive cyclogenesis through the troposphere.
Five-Factor Personality Traits and Age Trajectories of Self-Rated Health: The Role of Question Framing

We examined the influence of personality traits on mean levels and age trends in 4 single-item measures of self-rated health: general rating, comparison to age peers, comparison to past health, and expectations for future health. Community-dwelling participants (N = 1,683) completed 7,474 self-rated health assessments over a period of up to 19 years. In hierarchical linear modeling analyses, age-associated declines differed across the 4 health items. Across age groups, high Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness, low Extraversion, and low Openness were associated with worse health ratings, with notable differences across the 4 health items. Furthermore, high Neuroticism predicted steeper declines in health ratings involving temporal comparisons. We consider theoretical implications regarding the mechanisms behind associations among personality traits and self-rated health.
Use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in body-composition studies: not yet a "gold standard".

The advent of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has greatly improved the precision and accuracy of bone-mineral density determinations in research and in clinical practice (1). Because the current generation of DEXA machines can also identify soft tissue and categorize it as fat or lean, there has been a great deal of interest in using DEXA for measurement of these compartments as well. At several conferences we have now heard the conclusion that DEXA is a ‘ ‘gold standard’ ‘ for body-composition research involving noncalcified tissues, and not solely for bone-density research. We suggest that caution be used before DEXA be adopted uncritically for this purpose.
GAAP Influence on Bid-Ask Spreads and Share Turnovers

This study examines the relationships between bid-ask spreads and share turnovers as proxies for information asymmetry and liquidity and the world zones where the entities are incorporated of Foreign Private Issuers that utilize various forms of GAAP for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the period 2007 through 2010. The analyses are conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, a Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) tests. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in bid-ask spreads and share turnovers as proxies for information asymmetry and liquidity based on the type of GAAP utilized for filing and the world zone of the country of incorporation.
Isolation and Characterization of Mutants of Colicin Plasmids E1 and E2 After Mu Bacteriophage Infection

Cells colicinogenic for the colicin plasmids E1 or E2 (Col E1 and Col E2, respectively) were selected for a loss of colicin production after infection with bacteriophage Mu. Extrachromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid that was larger than the original colicin plasmids was found in such cells. A small insertion mutant in Col E1 deoxyribonucleic acid affecting active colicin production without affecting either expression of colicin immunity or Col E1 deoxyribonucleic acid replication was found. Cells carrying this Col E1 plasmid mutant do not exhibit the lethal event associated with colicin E1 induction, suggesting that synthesis of active colicin is required for killing during induction. The altered Col E2 plasmid, containing an insertion at least as large as phage Mu, was maintained unstably in the mutants examined. Images
Palliation of malignant gastric and small intestinal strictures with self-expandable metal stents

Background: Malignant gastrointestinal obstruction is a common preterminal event that is often treated surgically. The use of self-expandable stents to treat malignant gastric and small intestinal strictures is limited. We evaluated the feasibility, effectiveness, safety and outcome of self-expandable metal stents in providing palliative care for patients with inoperable malignant strictures of the stomach and small intestine. Methods: Eleven consecutive patients with complete or near complete gastric or small intestinal obstruction were treated palliatively with self-expandable metal stents. Contrast radiographs were taken before and after insertion in all patients to confirm patency. Nineteen stents were placed using biliary guidewires and catheters under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Diets were modified as needed. Success was defined both technically and clinically. Results: Technical and clinical success with improvement in the patient's oral diet was achieved in ten patients (91%). The one failure was caused by severe anastomotic angulation and distal luminal obstruction. During the follow-up of 5 to 294 days (mean 77 days) there were no major complications except that the stents occluded in four patients. Conclusion: Palliation of malignant gastric and small intestinal strictures with self-expandable metal stents is a feasible, effective, and safe alternative to operation.
Analysis and Control of Once-Through Boiler-Turbine Unit

A nonlinear once-through coal-fired boiler-turbine unit model is introduced and analyzed for the purpose of control system design. Firstly, input-output variable pairing configurations for this 3×3 system are obtained based on static relative gain array and row-Gershgorin band analysis using its linearization model at 100% load. A decentralized PI control system is then deployed and tuned to explore its control system performance as the basis of further study. Results show that the decentralized control structure has good setpoint tracking performance, while the disturbances between loops are still notable due to non-diagonal dominance, thus control strategy of decoupling or disturbance rejection is necessary.
The advantages of digital signal processors in PCN

Digital signal processors (DSPs) play a major role in personal communications networks (PCNs). The benefits of making DSPs the ideal processing element for digital PCN systems are considered. DSPs affect not only the new digital networks but also analog systems. This results from the advantages of digital integrated circuit process technology, of manipulating signals in the digital domain, and of programmable solutions over hard-wired solutions. These advantages are discussed, along with examples. >
Gene 5.5 protein of bacteriophage T7 inhibits the nucleoid protein H-NS of Escherichia coli

Gene 5.5 of coliphage T7 is one of the most highly expressed genes during T7 infection. Gene 5.5 protein, purified from cells overexpressing the cloned gene, purifies with the nucleoid protein H-NS of Escherichia coli during three chromatographic steps. A fusion protein of gene 5.5 protein and maltose binding protein also purifies with H-NS. The fusion protein binds to the DNA-H-NS complex and abolishes H-NS-mediated inhibition of transcription by Escherichia coli and T7 RNA polymerases in vitro. Expression of gene 5.5 also relieves the repression of the Escherichia coli proU promoter by H-NS in vivo. The change of leucine to proline at residue 30 of gene 5.5 protein abolishes the interaction between gene 5.5 protein and H-NS.
Mystical Insight and Psychology in the Fin-De-Siecle Novel: HUYSMANS, BOURGET, D'ANNUNZIO

This essay considers, first, how late nineteenth-century psychology and psychopathology seeks to distinguish between mystical experience and mental breakdown, as both are instances of a radical bre...
Changes in the circulating hemocyte population of Manduca sexta larvae following injection of bacteria

A technique for the collection of stable hemolymph from larvae of Manduca sexta has been developed. The method avoids the cell clumping and melanization reactions commonly encountered with insect hemolymph by minimizing contact between hemocytes and surfaces which provoke defensive or repair responses. The circulating hemocyte population of second-day, fifth-instar larvae (2dL5) of M. sexta consisted of 4.5 ± 2.5 × 106 cells/ml (n = 15, range 2–7 × 106 cells/ml) and contained five cell types: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes, and oenocytoids. Two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which differ in pathogenicity (P11-1 and 9027) and Escherichia coli D31 grew well at 26°C in cell-free hemolymph prepared from naive (nonimmunized) 2dL5 M. sexta. When viable cells of any of the three bacteria were injected into M. sexta larvae, changes in both the total hemocyte count (THC) and differential hemocyte count were observed. Viable bacteria were not required to produce these changes since formalin-killed cells of P. aeruginosa 9027 produced a qualitatively and quantitatively similar response. Following injection of bacteria, the THC increased, reaching a maximal level at 1 hr postinjection, and remained elevated for at least 4 hr after injection. While prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, and spherulocytes all increased in number, 80% of the increased cell population at 1 hr postinjection of bacteria were the latter two cell types. Granulocytes and spherulocytes are cells with recognized defensive capabilities. The increased numbers of these cells in circulation soon after injection of bacteria may confer an advantage on M. sexta larvae in dealing with bacterial infections. This could explain in part the unusual resistance of M. sexta to certain bacterial pathogens.
Modulation of growth, differentiation and glycoprotein synthesis by β‐ALL‐trans retinoic acid in a multicellular tumor spheroid model for squamous carcinoma of the head and neck

Cell line MDA 886Ln was established from a laryngeal lymph node metastasis. When grown as a multicellular tumor spheroid (MTS), it exhibits squamous differentiation. We studied the effects of beta-all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on the growth, differentiation and glycoprotein content of this MTS model for squamous carcinomas of the head and neck. The growth of MTSs was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 10(-6) to 10(-10) M RA. Growth inhibition occurred between 3 and 5 days of RA treatment (10(-6)M). Immunohistochemical and electrophoretic analyses revealed that RA suppressed the morphological markers of squamous differentiation (squames), involucrin expression, and keratin expression. Gly-coprotein expression was examined by metabolic labelling using 3H-glucosamine, in situ labelling of polyacrylamide gels with 125I-labelled wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA), localization of fluorescein isothionate-WGA in frozen sections, and determination of sialyltransferase activity. Treatment using 10(-6) M RA altered glycoprotein expression both biochemically and morphologically, and WGA was shown to bind preferentially to sialic acid residues. The sensitivity of this MTS model to RA treatment and its ability to be analyzed through morphological, immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques suggest that it will prove useful in studying the relationships between growth, differentiation and RA-induced alterations in squamous carcinomas.
Modeling Bistable Composite Laminates for Piezoelectric Morphing Structures

A sequential modeling effort for bistable composite laminates for piezoelectric morphing structures is presented. Thin unsymmetric carbon fiber composite laminates are examined for use of morphing structures using piezoelectric actuation. When cooling from the elevated cure temperature to room temperature, these unsymmetric composite laminates will deform. These postcure room temperature deformation shapes can be used as morphing structures. Applying a force to these deformed laminates will cause them to snap through to another shape. This bistability arises from the fabrication process of the thin unsymmetric laminates. The snap through force studied here will be controlled by using piezoelectricity. Macrofiber composite (MFC) actuators are used for piezoelectric actuation. In this research, an analytical modeling method is presented to accurately depict the piezoelectric morphing structures. Sequential numerical modeling of the cure process to account for residual stresses and postcured shapes and piezoelectric morphing structure is done to predict the piezoelectric actuated displacements of the thin unsymmetric composite laminates. Analytical and numerical models are compared to experimental methods and results.
Expression of the human apolipoprotein E gene suppresses steroidogenesis in mouse Y1 adrenal cells.

Abstract The lipid transport protein, apolipoprotein E (apoE), is expressed in many peripheral tissues in vivo including the adrenal gland and testes. To investigate the role of apoE in adrenal cholesterol homeostasis, we have expressed a human apoE genomic clone in the Y1 mouse adrenocortical cell line. Y1 cells do not express endogenous apoE mRNA or protein. Expression of apoE in Y1 cells resulted in a dramatic decrease in basal steroidogenesis; secretion of fluorogenic steroid was reduced 7- to greater than 100-fold relative to Y1 parent cells. Addition of 5-cholesten-3 beta,25-diol failed to overcome the suppression of steroidogenesis in these cells. Cholesterol esterification under basal conditions, as measured by the production of cholesteryl [14C]oleate, was similar in the Y1 parent and the apoE-transfected cell lines. Upon incubation with adrenocorticotropin or dibutyryl cAMP, production of cholesteryl [14C]oleate decreased 5-fold in the Y1 parent cells but was unchanged in the apoE-transfected cell lines. These results suggest that apoE may be an important modulator of cholesterol utilization and steroidogenesis in adrenal cells.
Electron energy loss spectroscopy studies of CoCrTaPt/Cr thin films for high-density longitudinal magnetic recording media

Abstract The effects of Ta content in CoCrTaPt thin films on the near-edge structure of Co and Cr L2.3 absorption edges have been studied using parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS). It was found that the addition of Ta decreased the 3d band occupancy in CoCrTaPt thin films. The addition of Ta was also observed to decrease the L3/L2 white line intensity ratio, which showed a qualitative correlation with Curie temperature measurements. This result indicates a decrease in the ferromagnetic exchange interaction between neighboring Co atoms which may account for the low noise of CoCrTaPt thin film media.
Effect of glass fiber and maleated ethylene–propylene rubber content on tensile and impact properties of Nylon 6

Abstract The Izod impact strength and tensile properties of blends Nylon 6 and maleated ethylene–propylene rubber (EPR- g -MA) reinforced with glass fiber as a function of glass fiber and EPR- g -MA content were examined. Materials containing 0–20 wt% glass fiber and 0–20 wt% EPR- g -MA were formulated. The modulus and yield strength of the unreinforced materials decreased as EPR- g -MA content increased. This effect can be completely counteracted by the addition of more than 10 wt% glass fiber, regardless of rubber content, with blends containing 20 wt% glass fiber showing substantially higher modulus than that of Nylon 6. Izod impact strength of super-tough blends was reduced by ∼50% with the addition of small amounts of glass fiber; however, these glass fiber reinforced, rubber-toughened blends still retain a high impact strength.
Identification of protein biomarkers in the pyrolysis electron ionization high-resolution mass spectrum of Brucella neotomae

Abstract Pyrolysis electron ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (Py-EI-HR-MS) has been previously used to identify the source of lipid, carbohydrate and nucleic acid peaks from whole bacterial cells and standards. Py-EI-HR-MS has proven to be a powerful technique for examining biomarker ions in a complex mixture, since most nominal pyrolysis mass spectral peaks are composed of several contributing species. Empirical formula from high-resolution MS data generated from Brucella neotomae , amino acids and proteins for a series of Py-low-resolution mass spectral peaks ( m / z 67, 76, 79, 89, 93, 95, 103, 105, 115, 117, 129, and 131) have been calculated. These peaks had been previously found to be statistically important in chemically distinguishing various bacteria. Mechanisms for the formation of pyrolysis and/or electron ionization fragments from the bacterial proteins are presented for ions that were common to the amino acids, protein standards and the bacterial data.
Ant burrow effects on water flow and soil hydraulic properties of Sparta sand

Abstract Macropores generally have a significant influence on soil hydrologic processes. Ants create large burrows that may function as macropores, thus creating a potential for rapid movement of water and water-soluble chemicals in soil. This study was conducted to characterize the impact of ant burrows on hydraulic properties of a Sparta sand (uncoated, mesic Typic Quartzipsamments), and to determine the potential for preferential flow of water in these macropores. We measured steady-state water flux in areas with and without ant burrows, using a tension infiltrometer, in no-till (NT) and moldboard-plow (MP) maize ( Zea mays L.) plots. The results from these measurements were used to estimate hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil, K s , soil macroporosity, Φ m ( r ), and macroscopic mean pore radius, r c . Because, during a rain or irrigation event, only those ant burrows that open to the soil surface would contribute to water flow, we also monitored the impact of sprinkler irrigation on the number of burrow openings. Macropores created by ant burrowing activities did not contribute significantly to water flow in this sandy soil, and they had little effect on K s , Φ m ( r ), and r c in either NT or MP plots. One of the main reasons for the lack of burrow effect on water flow was that the burrow openings tended to close during an irrigation or rain event. We found that 80% of the total burrows in a given area closed after the application of 5 mm of irrigation; however, 80% of these were reopened within 2 h.
Quality Inspection of Flip Chip Solder Bump Using Analytical, Numerical and Experimental Modal Analyses

Solder bump inspection of surface mount packages has been a crucial process in the electronics manufacturing industry. A novel solder bump inspection system has been developed using laser ultrasound and interferometric techniques. In this research, modal analysis is important to correlate the defects with dynamic responses of packaged electronic devices. The effect of solder bump defects on the mode frequencies and mode shapes is investigated in this paper. The objective is to develop a modal analysis approach integrating analytical, numerical and experimental methods. In particular, this paper discusses the analytical modeling, numerical modeling, and out-of-plane vibration experiment for a 6.35mm×6.35mm×0.6mm non-underfilled PB18 flip chip on a FR4 board.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
State densities and spectrum fluctuations: information propagation in complex nuclei

At excitation energies in nuclei where the state density is unambiguously defined there is a sharp separation between the smoothed spectrum (which defines the density) and fluctuations about it which have recently been studied with a view to understanding some aspects of quantum chaos. We briefly review these two complementary subjects, paying special attention to: the role of the effective interaction in determining the density; the calculation of interacting-particle state and level densities, and of expectation values of interesting operators; the information about the effective nucleon-nucleon interaction which is carried both by the density and the fluctuations.
Tracer diffusion and electrical conductivity in sodium-cesium silicate glasses

Abstract The tracer diffusion coefficients of 22Na and 137Cs, and the electrical conductivity have been measured in the (Na, Cs)2O:3SiO2 glasses as a function of temperature and Cs/Na ratio. Complex impedance analysis was used for the conductivity measurements. The Haven ratio at 396.5°C increases from 0.3–0.4 in single-alkali glasses to 0.8 for the mixed-alkali compositions. The results are explained in terms of a single-jump mechanism; interactions between alkali ions and non-bridging oxygen ions, and between different alkali ions, produce the observed correlation effects.
Factors influencing organic carbon preservation in marine sediments

The organic matter that escapes decomposition is buried and preserved in marine sediments, with much debate as to whether the amount depends on bottom-water O2 concentration. One group argues that decomposition is more efficient with O2, and hence, organic carbon will be preferentially oxidized in its presence, and preserved in its absence. Another group argues that the kinetics of organic matter decomposition are similar in the presence and absence of O2, and there should be no influence of O2 on preservation. A compilation of carbon preservation shows that both groups are right, depending on the circumstances of deposition. At high rates of deposition, such as near continental margins, little difference in preservation is found with varying bottom-water O2. It is important that most carbon in these sediments decomposes by anaerobic pathways regardless of bottom-water O2. Hence, little influence of bottom-water O2 on preservation would, in fact, be expected. As sedimentation rate drops, sediments deposited under oxygenated bottom water become progressively more aerobic, while euxinic sediments remain anaerobic. Under these circumstances, the relative efficiencies of aerobic and anaerobic decomposition could affect preservation. Indeed, enhanced preservation is observed in low-O2 and euxinic environments. To explore in detail the factors contributing to this enhanced carbon preservation, aspects of the biochemistries of the aerobic and anaerobic process are reviewed. Other potential influences on preservation are also explored. Finally, a new model for organic carbon decomposition, the "pseudo-G" model, is developed. This model couples the degradation of refractory organic matter to the overall metabolic activity of the sediment, and has consequences for carbon preservation due to the mixing together of labile and refractory organic matter by bioturbation.
The Constituency Service Basis of the Personal Vote for U.S. Representatives and British Members of Parliament

Under the guise of the “incumbency advantage,” American research of the past decade has devoted heavy emphasis to what may be termed the “personal vote” in congressional elections. Is this phenomenon purely American, or is it susceptible to comparative treatment? This article contrasts the personal vote in the 1980 U.S. House elections with that in the 1979 British general election. The analysis utilizes data from surveys conducted by the Center for Political Studies and British Gallup in combination with interviews of congressional administrative assistants (AAs) and British MPs and party agents whose constituencies fall in the sampling frames of the mass surveys. The analysis finds an incumbency advantage or personal vote in Britain which is much weaker than that in the United States but of somewhat greater importance than is commonly believed. As in the United States, constituency service appears to be an important component of the personal vote.
Microvascular hemodynamic variations accompanying microvessel dimensional changes.

Abstract The bat wing is used as an experimental preparation and as a self-contained vascular bed. The number, dimensions, and distribution of the vessels of the real vascular bed are included into an analyzable, representative geometric configuration. Based on theoretical analysis and experimental data, equations are developed and utilized to characterize the pressure-flow relationships for each branching order of the vascular field. The geometric configuration and associated describing equations are used to determine the effects of microvessel diameter change on the distribution of resistance, pressure, and velocity throughout the microvasculature. Predicted hemodynamic changes are compared with available experimental data and evaluated in the light of current concepts concerning the significance of microvessel dimensional changes.
The Locus of Motor Activity in the Superior Colliculus of the Rhesus Monkey Is Unaltered during Saccadic Adaptation

The location of motor-related activity in the deeper layers of the superior colliculus (SC) is thought to generate a desired displacement command specifying the amplitude and direction of saccadic eye movements. However, the amplitude of saccadic eye movements made to visual targets can be systematically altered by surreptitiously moving the target location after the saccade has been initiated. Depending on whether the target is moved closer to or further from the fixation location, adaptation of saccade amplitude results in movements that are either smaller or larger than control movements. It remains an open question whether the SC specifies the desired movement to the original target location or whether SC activity specifies the vector of the amplitude-altered movement that is observed as adaptation progresses. We investigated this question by recording the activity of saccade-related burst neurons in the SC of head-restrained rhesus monkeys during both backward and forward saccadic adaptation. During adaptation in each direction, we find no evidence that is consistent with a change in the locus of SC activity despite changes in saccade amplitude; the location of SC motor-related activity does not appear to be remapped during either forward or backward saccadic adaptation. These data are inconsistent with hypotheses that propose a key role for the SC in mediating the changes in saccade amplitude observed during adaptation.
LIBS spectroscopic classification relative to compressive sensing

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) utilizes a diversity of standard spectroscopic techniques for classification of materials present in the sample. Pre-excitation processing sometimes limits the analyte to a short list of candidates. Prior art demonstrates that sparsity is present in the data. This is sometimes characterized as identification by components. Traditionally, spectroscopic identification has been accomplished by an expert reader in a manner typical for MRI images in the medicine. In an effort to automate this process, more recent art has emphasized the use of customized variations to standard classification algorithms. In addition, formal mathematical proofs for compressive sensing have been advanced. Recently the University of Memphis has been contracted by the Spectroscopic Materials Identification Center to advance and characterize the sensor research and development related to LIBS. Applications include portable standoff sensing for improvised explosive device detection and related law enforcement and military applications. Reduction of the mass, power consumption and other portability parameters is seen as dependent on classification choices for a LIBS system. This paper presents results for the comparison of standard LIBS classification techniques to those implied by Compressive Sensing mathematics. Optimization results and implications for portable LIBS design are presented.
RockSalt: better, faster, stronger SFI for the x86

Software-based fault isolation (SFI), as used in Google's Native Client (NaCl), relies upon a conceptually simple machine-code analysis to enforce a security policy. But for complicated architectures such as the x86, it is all too easy to get the details of the analysis wrong. We have built a new checker that is smaller, faster, and has a much reduced trusted computing base when compared to Google's original analysis. The key to our approach is automatically generating the bulk of the analysis from a declarative description which we relate to a formal model of a subset of the x86 instruction set architecture. The x86 model, developed in Coq, is of independent interest and should be usable for a wide range of machine-level verification tasks.
Molybdenum triamidoamine complexes that contain hexa-tert-butylterphenyl, hexamethylterphenyl, or p-bromohexaisopropylterphenyl substituents. An examination of some catalyst variations for the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen.

Three new tetramines, (ArNHCH2CH2)3N, have been synthesized in which Ar = 3,5-(2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2)2C6H3 (H3[HTBTN3N]), 3,5-(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)2C6H3 (H3[HMTN3N]), or 4-Br-3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H2 (H3[pBrHIPTN3N]). The diarylated tetramine, {3,5-(2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2)2C6H3NHCH2CH2}2NCH2CH2NH2, has also been isolated, and the “hybrid” tetramine {3,5-(2,4,6-t-Bu3C6H2)2C6H3NHCH2CH2}2NCH2CH2NH(4-t-BuC6H4) has been prepared from it. Monochloride complexes, [(TerNCH2CH2)3N]MoCl, have been prepared, as well as a selection of intermediates that would be expected in a catalytic dinitrogen reduction such as [(TerNCH2CH2)3N]Mo⋮N and {[(TerNCH2CH2)3N]Mo(NH3)}{BAr‘4} (Ter = HTBT, HMT, or pBrHIPT and Ar‘ = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)). Intermediates that contain the new terphenyl-substituted ligands are then evaluated for their efficiency for the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen under conditions where analogous [HIPTN3N]Mo species give four turnovers to ammonia under “standard” conditions with an efficiency of ∼65%. Only [pBrHIPTN3N]Mo compo...
Single pulse shock tube study on the thermal stability of ketones

5-Methyl-hexanone-2, 3-methyl-pentanone-2, and hexanone-2 have been decomposed in comparative rate single pulse shock tube experiments. The mechanism of decomposition involves the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds as well as molecular processes involving 6-center complexes. The following rate expressions at 1100 K have been obtained: These results lead to ΔHf(CH3ĊO) = − 13.8 kJ and ΔHf(CH3COCH2·) = − 12.6 kJ at 300 K. They are compared with existing literature values and some generalizations are made with regard to the stability of carbonyl compounds.
Interaction of water with NiAl(110): a TPD, EELS, and XPS investigation

Abstract The interaction of water with NiAl(110) has been investigated with temperature programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Exposure of NiAl(110) to H 2 O at 123 K results in primarily adsorbed H 2 O, but the spectroscopic data suggests that OH (ad) may also be present. TPD shows that at low exposures, water desorbs from NiAl(110) at ∼ 190 K, and hydrogen desorbs between 300 and 400 K. The low temperature of H 2 O desorption suggests that a weakly bound molecular state exists on NiAl(110). The majority of the chemisorbed H 2 O, however, is more strongly bound, and dissociates to form an OH (ad) overlayer upon heating to 173 K. Our results suggest that while the adsorbed water is sensitive to the hybridized electronic structure of NiAl, the more strongly bound OH (ad) (and O (ad) ) species appear to adopt a more atomic-like bonding to the Al component. The OH (ad) overlayer shows some dissociation by 250 K, and by 500 K the entire overlayer has decomposed, forming an Al 2 O 3 layer.
A hybrid element method for steady linearized free-surface flows

It is first shown that the two-dimensional linearized ship wave problem can be recast as the sum of a radiation and a diffraction problem for simple harmonic waves. Each problem can be solved by a hybrid element method (HEM) where conventional finite elements are used near the body and analytical solutions are used in the remaining infinite regions (super-elements). Variational principles which incorporate the matching conditions between regular and super-elements as natural conditions are derived. Numerical examples are presented. The theoretical aspects for extending the above ideas to a three-dimensional ship wave problems are also described.
Thiolate-bridged nickel-copper complexes: a binuclear model for the catalytic site of acetyl coenzyme a synthase?

Reaction of the nickel metalloligands [EtN2S2]Ni (EtN2S2, N,N‘-diethyl-3,7-diazanonane-1,9-dithiolate) or K2[Ni(phmi)] (phmi, N,N‘-1,2-phenylenebis(2-sulfanyl-2-methylpropionamide)) with [Cu(CH3CN)4]BF4 yields polynuclear complexes in which two copper(I) ions are bridged by the nickel metalloligands. Alternatively, reaction with the Cu(I) source, [(PhTttBu)Cu] (PhTttBu, phenyltris((tert-butylthio)methyl)borate), generates discrete binuclear NiCu complexes that may serve as models of the acetyl coenzyme A synthase active site. The binuclear species react reversibly with CO via rupture of the thiolate bridges.
The structural organization of the ventral posterolateral nucleus in the rat

The structural plan of the ventral posterolateral nucleus (VLP) in the rat was analyzed by using a variety of techniques to study the pattern of distribution of the ascending afferent fibers and the synaptology of the neuropil within this somatosensory relay nucleus. Golgi stains, Fink-Heimer methods, HRP labeling methods, and electron microscopy were all used in the analysis. The neurons in VPL are aligned in rostrocaudal and dorsoventral rows that are roughly parallel to the curvature of the external medullary lamina (EML) and curve partially around the rostral pole of the ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM). Golgi-impregnated section reveal that the dendritic trees of the VPL neurons conform in general to the laminar pattern of VPL. Thick proximal dendrites extend about 25 μm from the cell bodies. Most proximal dendrites are aligned with the laminae of VPL but the distal dendrites spread over many laminae within VPL. The inputs from the dorsal column nuclei (DCN) end only on proximal dendrites as large, round-vesicle terminals. About 20–25% of the small round-vesicle terminals originate in the cerebral cortex and synapse only on the distal dendrites. The third type of synapse contains many flattened vesicles and is of unknown origin. No serial synapses or vesicle-containing dendrites were observed. Input from the spinal cord projects to two segregated zones which are transitional between the ventral lateral nucleus (VL) and VPL rostrally and between the posterior thalamic complex (PO) and VPL caudally. Each transition zone contains neurons characteristic of both VPL and the adjacent region. Ascending afferent projections were demonstrated by the antegrade transport of HRP following injections into the ventral mesencephalon and by Fink-Heimer stains of degeneration resulting from small lesions of the DCN. Both methods indicate that large-caliber axons course parallel to each other and give off collaterals that diverge to widespread areas of the VPL. The widespread terminal fields that result do not conform to the laminar pattern of the nucleus. Small punctate lesions of DCN result in sparse degeneration that is also widespread in VPL. Structures which appear to be clusters of terminal arborizations of the ascending afferent input were also observed in VPL. These results suggest that somatotopy and modality separation in VPL may be determined either by intrinsic and/or corticothalamic morphological relationships and not by precise topographical ordering of sensory input.
Lead, cadmium, and mercury tissue residues in healthy swine, cattle, dogs, and horses from the midwestern United States.

A survey was conducted in 1975–1976 to determine the background levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in tissues of healthy swine, cattle, dogs, and horses from the midwestern United States. Blood, muscle, liver, and kidney were assayed from cattle and swine slaughtered at federal meat inspection plants and in dogs and horses obtained from local pounds and sales barns. A total of 959 samples for lead, 972 samples for cadmium, and 827 samples for mercury were analyzed. The maximum muscle lead concentration was less than 0.10 ppm in dogs and horses. Fourteen percent of the cattle muscle samples contained between 0.16 and 0.34 ppm lead. The blood lead concentration was generally lower than 0.10 ppm in cattle, swine and horses; however, in dogs 44% of the blood lead values were between 0.11 and 0.37 ppm. The liver and kidney lead content was generally less than 0.50 ppm in all species, and the maximum lead content detected in either tissue was less than 2.0 ppm. Elevated tissue levels of cadmium were observed in horses as compared to other species. While the maximum muscle cadmium content in cattle, swine, and dogs rarely exceeded 0.05 ppm, levels in excess of 0.06 ppm were found in all the 19 horse muscle samples. Blood cadmium levels in all species were near or below the detection limit of 0.005 ppm. The median cadmium concentration in liver and kidney was below 0.2 and 0.6 ppm, respectively, in cattle, swine, and dogs. However, in horses the median concentration was 20 times greater in liver and 4 times higher in kidney. The mercury concentrations in muscle and blood of all species were near or below the detection limit of 0.02 ppm. The median concentrations of mercury in liver and kidney, respectively, were: 0.02 ppm each in swine and cattle; 0.02 ppm and 0.05 ppm in dogs; and 0.12 ppm and 0.72 ppm in horses. The results suggest that exposure of animals to dietary or environmental lead, cadmium, and mercury in the midwestern United States is not significant. The specific cumulation of cadmium and mercury in tissues of horses suggests the need to explore the role these metals play in selective biological processes.
Effect of the immunosupressant FK506 on excitation—contraction coupling and outward K+ currents in rat ventricular myocytes

1. We examined the effects of the immunosupressant drug FK506 on excitation-contraction coupling in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. [Ca2+]i transients were recorded using the intracellular Ca2+ indicators fluo-3 and indo-1 while action potentials (APs) or membrane currents were recorded using patch-type microelectrodes in the whole cell mode. 2. FK506 (25 microM) rapidly and reversibly increased the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i transient in intact cells without changing resting [Ca2+]i or the kinetics of the [Ca2+]i transient, a finding consistent with previous reports that investigated the actions of FK506 on the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel. 3. The 36% increase in the [Ca2+]i transient produced by FK506 was accompanied by a 293% increase in AP duration (by 293%). Importantly, the addition of FK506 had no effect on the [Ca2+]i transient when the depolarizing duration was controlled in voltage clamp experiments. The increased AP duration could be explained by a marked inward shift in the net membrane current that was observed in these experiments. 4. The net inward current change was not directly responsible for a change in Ca2+ influx, since no change in L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) was observed. Instead, FK506 inhibited both the transient outward K+ current (Ito) and the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK). 5. We conclude that FK506 increases the [Ca2+]i transient during normal contractions by an indirect action: it prolongs the action potential. This action does not appear to depend on the established action of FK506 on the ryanodine receptor. Instead, the inhibition of outward K+ currents prolongs the AP which secondarily increases Ca2+ influx and/or decreases Ca2+ efflux.
Asian-American rhinoplasty.

Abstract Background Although a number of studies have discussed rhinoplasty of the Asian nose, few have focused specifically on the Asian-American nose, which incorporates characteristics from various Asian nationalities and/or ethnic groups. Objective The authors propose a classification system for aesthetic correction of the Asian-American nose and outline surgical techniques with general application to this patient population. Methods Patients were classified into 3 categories based on morphologic characteristics, as follows: type I (vertical deficiency), type II (vertical deficiency and broad nasal width), and type III (type I or II with glabella deficiency). The treatment protocol included cartilaginous augmentation of the tip, columella, and dorsum for type I patients, using the ear as a donor site. Type II patients underwent similar augmentation and also reduction of the tip and nasal bone, and in some cases reduction of the nasal base. Type III patients received the same treatment as type I or II cases, but in addition required glabella augmentation with hydroxylapatite. Results Representative case studies and results are illustrated for each of the 3 types of patients. Conclusions A successful approach to Asian-American rhinoplasty should be based on preservation of the patient's ethnicity and achievement of facial balance while refining individual facial features. Augmentation of vertical deficiencies is essential to an aesthetic outcome, while glabella correction can be crucial to the overall result in type III patients.
Molecular Branching-Ratio Method for Intensity Calibration of Optical Systems in the Vacuum Ultraviolet

A state-of-the-art review is given of the molecular branching-ratio method for intensity calibration in the vacuum ultraviolet. Ways are described for determining both relative and quantitative responses in the wavelength range 1000 A < λ < 3000 A. The molecular band systems that are discussed are H2(B1∑u+ − X1∑g+), H2(C1πu − X1∑g+), N2(a1πg − X1∑g+), CO (A1π − X1∑+), NO (A2∑+ − X2πr), and NO+(A1π − X1∑+).