cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The maximal slope of a sinusoid and the accurate digital filter

Abstract The maximal slope of the sinusoidal output of a linear amplifier is the slew rate. Applications to gain-bandwidth product of an amplifier, prefiltering for a sampler and a class of accurate digital filters are presented. Slew rate errors due to sampling are exhibited.
Prolonged duration of succinylcholine in patients receiving anticonvulsants: evidence for mild up-regulation of acetylcholine receptors?

Succinylcholine (SCh) normally causes a small increase in serum potassium concentration, but certain conditions may predispose to severe hyperkalaemia. This is due to “up-regulation” of skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptors (AChR), which also results in resistance to non-depolarizing muscle relaxants (NDMR). Anticonvulsant therapy causes NDMR resistance because of sub-clinical blockade, and diminished release, of acetylcholine. We studied nine patients chronically receiving anticonvulsants (phenytoin and /or carbamazepine) and nine control patients. Anaesthesia was induced typically with thiopentone or propofol; isoflurane and N2O were used for maintenance. The ulnar nerve was supramaximally stimulated and mechanical twitch height was measured with a force transducer at the adductor pollicis, before and after SCh 1 mg · kg− 1, until return to baseline height. Plasma potassium concentration was measured before and at three, five, and ten minutes following SCh. Mean maximum potassium rise was 0.2 mEq · L− 1 in each group. The time for return to baseline twitch height was 14.3 ± 2.3 min (mean ± SD) in the anticonvulsant group and 10.0 ± 1.6 min in the control group, P = 0.001. The recovery index (time for 25% to 75% recovery) was 2.6 ± 0.9 min in the anticonvulsant group and 1.4 ± 0.3 min in the control group, P < 0.01. The normal potassium response coupled with prolonged duration suggests a hypersensitivity to SCh that is consistent with an anticonvulsant-induced mild upregulation of AChR.
Before the White Cube

To those familiar with seventeenth-century Dutch painting, the name of Pieter Saenredam evokes white-washed church interiors devoid of any kind of decoration. Saenredam’s painting of the choir of the church of St. Bavo in Haarlem (Worcester, Art Museum) shows a tall Gothic structure, without any color except for the small crests painted on the two black rouwborden (mourning tables) belonging to the well-known families whose members are buried in the church.2 St. Bavo had, of course, not always looked the way it did in Saenredam’s time. Built in the Middle Ages, it must once have had wall paintings, tapestries, and stained glass windows, as well as a well-appointed altar surmounted by a painted or carved altar piece. After 1578, when the church was converted from Catholicism to Protestantism, all this art work was removed and the church assumed the austere and pristine character evoked in Saenredam’s painting. At the root of the church’s metamorphosis were the teachings of John Calvin, who emphasized that worship is spiritual, individual, and focused only on God. That led him to advocate for spaces of worship that were simple and bare, offering no distraction.3 In Calvinist Holland, the Medieval Catholic churches that were taken over by the Calvinists were emptied of all art work and the frescoed walls were covered with white wash. Thus the faithful could concentrate on God and God alone. While in Northern Europe, under the influence of the Reformation, churches were turned into empty white spaces, in the South, the Counter-Reformation
Genome-wide profiling of novel and conserved Populus microRNAs involved in pathogen stress response by deep sequencing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs, generally of 20–23 nt, that down-regulate target gene expression during development, differentiation, growth, and metabolism. In Populus, extensive studies of miRNAs involved in cold, heat, dehydration, salinity, and mechanical stresses have been performed; however, there are few reports profiling the miRNA expression patterns during pathogen stress. We obtained almost 38 million raw reads through Solexa sequencing of two libraries from Populus inoculated and uninoculated with canker disease pathogen. Sequence analyses identified 74 conserved miRNA sequences belonging to 37 miRNA families from 154 loci in the Populus genome and 27 novel miRNA sequences from 35 loci, including their complementary miRNA* strands. Intriguingly, the miRNA* of three conserved miRNAs were more abundant than their corresponding miRNAs. The overall expression levels of conserved miRNAs increased when subjected to pathogen stress, and expression levels of 33 miRNA sequences markedly changed. The expression trends determined by sequencing and by qRT-PCR were similar. Finally, nine target genes for three conserved miRNAs and 63 target genes for novel miRNAs were predicted using computational analysis, and their functions were annotated. Deep sequencing provides an opportunity to identify pathogen-regulated miRNAs in trees, which will help in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of plant defense responses during pathogen infection.
Conserving the Status Quo in Social Studies Teaching: The Case of Second Career Military Teachers.

Abstract This study examines the educational perspectives and careers attractions of second career teachers with prior military career experience. The study is framed within the context of research that attempts to explain why traditional pedagogical practices persist despite reforms designed to transform teacher education and classroom practices. Well-entrenched lessons from military experiences concerning on-the-job and apprenticeship training, as well as successful institutional socialization, suggest these second career teachers will be a conserving force within the teaching profession. This study also suggests that second career teachers rely on personal life experiences, rather than content or professional education preparation, as the primary knowledge base for teaching. In addition, this study found that many assumptions concerning the desirable traits these individuals bring to the teaching profession are unexamined and misleading.
Nonminimum phase tracking in MIMO systems with square input–output dynamics via dynamic sliding manifolds

Abstract The approximate causal output tracking problem in nonlinear multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) nonminimum phase systems is addressed via sliding mode control. A class of MIMO nonlinear systems with matched nonlinearities as well as matched and unmatched disturbances, where the number of inputs, outputs, and the total relative degree are equal, is considered. The output tracking problem is solved using dynamic sliding manifold technique. The linear bounded error dynamics with desired eigenvalue placement forced by unmatched disturbance and causal reference output profile are provided. Addressing nonminimum phase condition, the sliding mode controller (SMC) joins features of a conventional SMC (insensitivity to matched nonlinearities and disturbances) and a conventional dynamic compensator (accomodation to unmatched disturbances). Theoretical results are demonstrated on a numerical example.
Nonpolar co-solvents for solubility enhancement in supercritical fluid carbon dioxide

A new mlcrosampllng experlmental technlque Is described for measuring the solublllty of sollds In supercrltlcal fluld (SF) COP wlth llqukl co-solvents. Slnce the polarlrablllty of COP Is relatlvely low, the solublllty of hydrocarbons Increases dgnlflcantly wlth the addltlon of mall amounts of alkane co-solvents. I n many cases, the sensltlvlty of the solublllty wlth respect to pressure actually Increases wlth the addltlon of the co-solvent. The data are predlcted to wlthln an average of 13% by uslng solublllty parameters to calculate the lnteractlon constants In a modlfled van der Waals equatlon of state.
A search for surface alloy formation in faceting induced by monolayer metal films: Pd/W (111) and Ni/W (111)

Abstract A monolayer of Pd on a W (111) surface will cause faceting of the surface upon annealing to T > 700 K, with the formation of {211} oriented microfacets. In order to learn whether surface alloy formation or intermixing of surface layers occurs during faceting we have employed low energy ion scattering (LEIS) , low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the Pd/W (111) system. We find that 3.0 A Pd deposited at room temperature almost completely covers the substrate W. In the temperature range from room temperature to ∼ 1125 K (the onset of Pd desorption) there is no intermixing of Pd atoms with W atoms: Pd atoms stay on top of the planar surface as well as the faceted surface. In comparison with the Pd/W(111) system, we have also studied the Ni/W (111) system which does not exhibit faceting behavior. Within experimental uncertainty we find that there is ~ 10% intermixing of Ni atoms with W atoms in the topmost surface layer, after annealing at 1175 K.
Radio observations of the distribution of chromospheric brightness temperature.

Abstract : Radio observations of the solar eclipse of 7 March 1970 were made at several observatories in a cooperative effort, covering a wavelength range of 2.1 mm to 2 cm. An analysis of the radio observations is given. (Author)
Induction and recall of immune memory by mucosal immunization with a non‐toxic recombinant enterotoxin‐based chimeric protein

Previous reports have suggested that peroral delivery of antigens chemically coupled to non-toxic recombinant enterotoxin B subunits, such as the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), induces tolerance to the antigen that may be abrogated by the toxic enzyme activity of intact enterotoxins, such as cholera toxin (CT). The aim of this study was to examine the immunogenicity of a genetically coupled protein composed of the saliva-binding region (SBR) of the Streptococcus mutans surface antigen AgI/II and the non-toxic A2 and B subunits of CT (SBR-CTA2/B) compared with that of recombinant SBR admixed with CT (SBR + CT) and SBR chemically coupled to recombinant CTB (SBR-CTB) following peroral delivery by intragastric (i.g.) immunization. The results showed that i.g. immunization with SBR-CTA2/B, like SBR + CT, induced antigen-specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and salivary IgA antibodies, and sensitized splenic T cells. Comparison studies with SBR-CTB produced serum IgG but not salivary IgA titres and failed to sensitize splenic cells. Immunization with SBR-CTA2/B via the intranasal route also primed for the recall of antigen-specific memory antibody responses 6 months later. These findings show that SBR-CTA2/B is an immunogenic, not tolerogenic, chimeric protein that can induce and recall antigen-specific memory responses upon mucosal immunization.
Characterization of natural background clutter for design of camouflage

Camouflage design and evaluation requires that the developer assess the detectability of a camouflaged target in a natural, cluttered environment. Traditional techniques have involved panels of observers, but modern camoufleurs are seeking a satisfactory means of making reasonable estimates by the use of computer modeling. However, no adequate target detection model exists at this time. Camouflage experts at Belvoir Research, Development, and Engineering Center (BRDEC) are seeking means of improving the best of the current target detection models to make it capable of serving their needs. This is an interest which they share with many others within the Army who find that the best available model is unable to cope with low-observable targets. Unmodeled effects are responsible for the shortcomings. Current work at BRDEC and other organizations within the Army is examining such diverse methods as the use of fractals, edge evaluation, gray level cooccurrence matrices, power spectral analysis, and correlation lengths.
The impact of a multidisciplinary pain management model on sickle cell disease pain hospitalizations.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) pain is acute or chronic, leads to school absenteeism, impaired health-related quality of life and early mortality. Given that little is known about children with SCD and chronic pain, we (1) described characteristics of these children and (2) evaluated the impact of a multidisciplinary pain management model on health care utilization. Procedure A retrospective cohort study of children with SCD evaluated and treated in our institution's multidisciplinary pain clinic between 1999 and 2008 was conducted. Referrals occur when children require chronic opioids and/or have frequent pain hospitalizations. Descriptive statistics evaluated patient characteristics and Wilcoxon-Signed Rank evaluated change in median number of pain hospitalizations 1 year before and after referral. Results Median age of 19 children identified was 15 years (IQR 11–17); significantly more were female (78.9% vs. 21.1%; P = 0.012). At time of referral, all patients reported taking opioids, 68.4% were taking hydroxyurea, half of those not on hydroxyurea started it (n = 3), none were chronically transfused and one initiated transfusions upon referral. Majority (89.5%) learned non-pharmacologic pain management techniques. Median number of pain hospitalizations between the year before and after referral significantly decreased [5(IQR 3–6) to 1(IQR 0–4); P = 0.006]. To further delineate the pain clinic's effect, analysis was repeated after removing children initiating hydroxyurea/transfusions upon referral. The significant decrease in hospitalizations persisted [5(IQR 3–6) to 1(IQR 0–4; P = 0.022]. Conclusions A multidisciplinary pain management model appears to have decreased SCD pain hospitalizations. Results of this retrospective study will need to be tested in a prospective randomized trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:789–793. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Habitat use of Intertidal Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reefs by Nekton in South Carolina Estuaries

ABSTRACT The majority of recent studies investigating the habitat value of intertidal oyster reefs have compared the nektonic assemblages on natural oyster reefs, salt marshes, mud bottom, and subtidal oyster shell habitats using methods that involve some degree of habitat disturbance. The current study used a novel, non-destructive sampling approach involving the deployment of a drop net around study plots to compare the nektonic assemblages associated with intertidal oyster reefs (natural and enhanced) with those of neighboring soft sediment habitats at 3 sites in South Carolina. At each site, the nektonic organisms collected on a reef plot were compared with those collected on an adjacent control plot lacking a structurally complex habitat. Nekton abundance was significantly higher on the reef plot compared with the control plot at all 3 sites. Nekton abundance also varied among seasons, with the greatest numbers occurring during summer compared with spring and fall. Notably, grass shrimp (Palaemonetes...
Detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum’ in the Potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc)1, by Conventional and Real-Time PCR

Abstract. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ is the putative causal agent of zebra chip disease of potato, Solanum tuberosum L., and is transmitted by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc). Much work has been done on the association of Liberibacter with the potato psyllid and several laboratories currently use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for the bacterium. We have been testing for the bacterium in individual and composite samples of B. cockerelli as part of an ongoing investigation of the incidence of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ in potato psyllids collected in various parts of the US. Here we report that the bacterium can be reliably detected by using conventional and quantitative real-time PCR of nucleic acid extracts prepared from composite samples of one psyllid from a Liberibacterinfected colony combined with either one, two, three, four, five, nine, 14, 19, or 29 psyllids from a Liberibacter-free psyllid colony. This ability makes it possible to more easily test large numbers of...
Algorithm for automatic mine detection using a vehicle-mounted metal detector

A new algorithm for automatic detection of mines using a vehicle-mounted metal detector is detailed and demonstrated in this paper. The sensor is the Vallon VMV 16 vehicle- mounted array on the Mine Hunter/Killer (MH/K) system; data were collected at a prepared test site. The resulting data have two notable characteristics. First, the sensor outputs a linear combination of the integrated time decay response over separate time windows, and not the time decay response itself. Second, the data are sampled in two dimensions, along the 16 coil array and along the direction of travel of the vehicle. Thus 2-dimensional spatial processing techniques are used, treating the sensor data as a 2-D array of pixels. Our algorithm also uses adaptive methods to enable detection of both high and low metal content mines. Mine detection results using this algorithm are presented and analyzed for the first time. In particular, the ability to detect mines with low metal content in the presence of noise will be quantified and discussed.
Physiologic derangements following gastric resection.

Resection of the stomach—total, proximal, or distal—accompanied or not by vagisection, is followed by physiologic derangements which derive from mechanical and anatomic alterations, functional disorganization, and metabolic aberration. These derangements manifest themselves in various syndromes which may be grouped as: (1) deficiency syndromes, (2) cardio-respiratory syndromes, (3) syndromes of homeostatic over-reaction, and (4) syndromes reflecting discoordination of normal feedback mechanisms. Elucidation of the basic etiologic physiology has tremendously enhanced our comprehension of pathogenesis but considerable gaps in knowledge still hinder our goal of a postgastrectomy patient without dyspepsia. True, there are certain metabolic alterations which are inherent in the anatomic changes wrought by gastric surgery, but we must not be overawed by these impediments, and, above all, we must not forget that a patient exists surrounding the stomach, so that the results of gastric surgery must be profoundly influenced by extragastric and even extrasomatic or psychic factors.
System dynamics: a learning and problem solving approach to development policy

Developmental problems are invariably perceived as existing conditions, which must be alleviated. This often removes a policy from the factors that created the problem in the first instance. System dynamics, a learning and problem solving process combining modeling and computer simulation, on the other hand requires that a problem is viewed as an internal behavioral tendency found in a system so its causes can be determined before a corrective action is initiated. A pattern representing internal dynamics of a system, called a reference mode, must be constructed before developing a model that serves as an experimental apparatus to create a policy design for system change. Such a problem solving process is also appropriate for dealing with developmental problems so their causes rather than only symptoms are addressed by a developmental policy. A learning process based on a well–known model of experiential learning is used to describe the various steps entailed in the implementation of system dynamics, which is suggested as an alternative approach to designing developmental agendas.
Suckling in rats extended by continuous living with dams and their preweanling litters

Abstract To evaluate the role of the dam and littermates in weaning, rats were separated from their biological mothers, beginning at 21 days of age, and housed with a succession of dams and their 16–21-day-old litters. Suckling persistence was evaluated every 5 days until rats reached 70 days of age or no longer suckled. Rats housed in such a preweaning environment continued to suckle well past the normal age of weaning. Specifically, 50% suckled until day 55, and 15% suckled until they were 70 days of age and sexually active. In addition, the interactions among three dams and their litters composed of 16–21-day-old pups and a 45–50-day-old rat that had been housed with similar litters were analysed from time-lapse video-recordings. Experimental rats routinely suckled in the nest and withdrew milk from the dam, but did so only when most of the younger pups had already attached. These data suggest that the maternal and social milieu plays a role in the maintenance of suckling behaviour.
Viral infection triggers rapid differentiation of human blood monocytes into dendritic cells

Surprisingly little is known about the interaction of human blood mononuclear cells with viruses. Here, we show that monocytes are the predominant cell type infected when peripheral blood mononuclear cells are exposed to viruses ex vivo. Remarkably, infection with vesicular stomatitis virus, vaccinia virus, and a variety of influenza A viruses (including circulating swine-origin virus) induces monocytes to differentiate within 18 hours into CD16−CD83+ mature dendritic cells with enhanced capacity to activate T cells. Differentiation into dendritic cells does not require cell division and occurs despite the synthesis of viral proteins, which demonstrates that monocytes counteract the capacity of these highly lytic viruses to hijack host cell biosynthetic capacity. Indeed, differentiation requires infectious virus and viral protein synthesis. These findings demonstrate that monocytes are uniquely susceptible to viral infection among blood mononuclear cells, with the likely purpose of generating cells with enhanced capacity to activate innate and acquired antiviral immunity.
Policymaking and technology transfer: The need for national thinking laboratories

The objectives of this paper are to understand what is meant by “better” policymaking and “more efficient” technology transfer, to explore what is needed for their achievement, and to suggest an operational mechanism for improving the two processes.
Some Techniques For Digital Processing, Display And Interpretation Of Ratio Images In Multispectral Remote Sensing

A simple mathematical interpretation of the properties of ratio images derived from LANDSAT and other sources of multispectral imagery is presented. A spectral signature is defined which is well represented by ratios of pairs of spectral bands and can be related to the problem of clustering and unsupervised learning. Some practical problems arising in the generation of LANDSAT ratio images are considered, and an effective, simple method for reduction of the dynamic range of such images is presented along with digital image processing examples.
Influence of grit diameter and specimen size on wear during sliding abrasion

Abstract The wear rate and the cutting force were measured for copper samples sliding against silicon carbide abrasive papers. The abrasion was carried out dry and at low, constant speed. The applied load, the sample diameter and the abrasive grain size were the variables. It was found that the value of the “critical grit diameter” is not fixed but depends on the sample size. It is caused by attrition of the abrasive grains which leads to an increase in the fraction of the load carried by grains in “non-cutting” contact with the surface. For grit sizes above the critical value the wear rate is, for practical purposes, proportional to the applied pressure and a linear function of the specimen area. Approximately 15% of the groove volume is removed to form a chip. The remainder forms ridges on the metal surface. It is shown that the work necessary to remove material is the sum of several contributions. Of these the work to form the ridges and the work against friction in the shearing process contribute over 80%. The work to form the actual chip is less than 10% of the total. For small grit sizes and for large loads additional terms become important.
The influence of American and European practices on the evolution of EAD

SUMMARY Widespread adoption of EAD in the United States and in Europe is attributable to a number of factors, including compatibility with ISAD(G), availability of funding for data conversion, requirements of granting agencies, and the desire of archivists to use common standards.
An optimal speed-up parallel algorithm for triangulating simplicial point sets in space

Previous research on developing parallel triangulation algorithms concentrated on triangulating planar point sets.O(log3n) running time algorithms usingO(n) processors have been developed in Refs. 1 and 2. Atallah and Goodrich(3) presented a data structure that can be viewed as a parallel analogue of the sequential plane-sweeping paradigm, which can be used to triangulate a planar point set inO(logn loglogn) time usingO(n) processors. Recently Merks(4) described an algorithm for triangulating point sets which runs inO(logn) time usingO(n) processors, and is thus optimal. In this paper we develop a parallel algorithm for triangulating simplicial point sets in arbitrary dimensions based on the idea of the sequential algorithm presented in Ref. 5. The algorithm runs inO(log2n) time usingO(n/logn) processors. The algorithm hasO(n logn) as the product of the running time and the number of processors; i.e., an optimal speed-up.
Comments on “Democracy in an information society”: the difficulty of projecting impacts from trajectories of emerging technologies

(1986). Comments on “democracy in an information society”: The difficulty of projecting impacts from trajectories of emerging technologies. The Information Society: Vol. 4, No. 1-2, pp. 53-63.
Television bandwidth reduction by encoding spatial frequencies.

Fourier coding method for coding images for digital transmission, achieving bandwidth reduction for televised images
Foraging by juvenile salmon in a restored estuarine wetland

The functional value of a restored estuarine wetland as a foraging area for juvenile chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and fall chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) was evaluated during the spring seaward migrations of each species in 1987 and 1988. During both years, fish foraged selectively. While temporarily residing in the restored wetland, both salmon selected primarily chironomid insects (midge larvae, pupae, and adults) over all other organisms considered available prey. A detritus-based food chain (detritus-chironomids-juvenile chum salmon or chinook salmon) suggests that the restored wetland provides productive foraging habitat for migrating juvenile chum and fall chinook salmon during their early residency in the estuary. However, the equivalency of foraging in restored or created estuarine wetlands compared to foraging in altered riverine or natural habitats remains untested.
Full dimensional computer simulations to study pulsatile blood flow in vessels, aortic arch and bifurcated veins: Investigation of blood viscosity and turbulent effects

We report computational results of blood flow through a model of the human aortic arch and a vessel of actual diameter and length. A realistic pulsatile flow is used in all simulations. Calculations for bifurcation type vessels are also carried out and presented. Different mathematical methods for numerical solution of the fluid dynamics equations have been considered. The non-Newtonian behaviour of the human blood is investigated together with turbulence effects. A detailed time-dependent mathematical convergence test has been carried out. The results of computer simulations of the blood flow in vessels of three different geometries are presented: for pressure, strain rate and velocity component distributions we found significant disagreements between our results obtained with realistic non-Newtonian treatment of human blood and the widely used method in the literature: a simple Newtonian approximation. A significant increase of the strain rate and, as a result, the wall shear stress distribution, is found in the region of the aortic arch. Turbulent effects are found to be important, particularly in the case of bifurcation vessels.
Iron Production in Prehistoric Europe

Over the last twenty years, there has been a discernable increase in the number of scholars who have focused their research on metal production, working and use in antiquity, a field of study which has come to be known as Archaeometallurgy. Materials scientists and conservators have worked primarily in the laboratory while archaeologists have conducted fieldwork geared to the study of metal technology in a cultural context with laboratory analysis as one portion of the interpretive program.
Perioperative administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors decreases the severity and duration of pleural effusions following bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis.

Background: Pleural effusions after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis remain a significant cause of morbidity. Prolonged effusions in such patients have been associated with persistent elevations in plasma renin and angiotensin II. Methods: We conducted a controlled study in 36 patients (median age 8 months) undergoing bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis. Enalapril (5 mcg/kg) was administered intravenously within 1 hour of surgery and every 12 hours thereafter in 18 patients; when these patients were tolerating feeds, enalapril was switched to enteral captopril (3 mg/kg/day) every 8 hours. The other 18 patients did not receive perioperative angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Using standardized criteria for discontinuation of chest tubes (< 2 mL/kg/day), volume and duration of pleural drainage were compared between groups. Results. There were no differences between groups in demographic, diagnostic, or hemodynamic factors. There was no difference in cardiopulmonary bypass time between groups and no difference in postoperative pulmonary arterial pressures. The duration of pleural drainage was shorter (2.2 ± 1.4 vs 5.9 ± 1.4 days, p< 0.001) and the volume less during the first 24 hours (4.7 ± 1.2 vs 7.7 ± 2.1 mL/kg, p< 0.001) and overall (10.6 ± 2.4 vs 19.6 ± 4.5 mL/kg, p< 0.001) in patients who received angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors than those who did not. Readmission for persistent effusions was required in 3 patients who did not receive angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and none who did (p= 0.11). Conclusions. Perioperative administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors is associated with decreased severity and duration of pleural effusions following bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis.
Localized torsional tension in the DNA of human cells

Torsional tension in DNA may be both a prerequisite for the efficient initiation of transcription and a consequence of the transcription process itself with the generation of positive torsional tension in front of the RNA polymerase and negative torsional tension behind it. To examine torsional tension in specific regions of genomic DNA in vivo, we developed an assay using photoactivated psoralen as a probe for unconstrained DNA superhelicity and x-rays as a means to relax DNA. Psoralen intercalates more readily into DNA underwound by negative torsional tension than into relaxed. DNA, and it can form interstrand DNA cross-links upon UVA irradiation. By comparing the amount of psoralen-induced DNA cross-links in cells irradiated with x-rays either before or after the psoralen treatment, we examined the topological state of the DNA in specific regions of the genome in cultured human 6A3 cells. We found that although no net torsional tension was detected in the bulk of the genome, localized tension was prominent in the DNA of two active genes. Negative torsional tension was found in the 5' end of the amplified dihydrofolate reductase gene and in a region near the 5' end of the 45S rRNA transcription unit, whereas a low level of positive torsional tension was found in a region near the 3' end of the dihydrofolate reductase gene. These results document an intragenomic heterogeneity of DNA torsional tension and lend support to the twin supercoiled domain model for transcription in the genome of intact human cells.
Effects of the C57BL/6 strain background on tauopathy progression in the rTg4510 mouse model.

Background Cross-breeding of transgenic mice is commonly used to assess gene-gene interactions, particularly in the context of disease. Strain background changes can influence the phenotype of mouse models and can confound crossbreeding studies. We sought to determine if changing the strain background of a commonly used mouse model of tauopathy (rTg4510) would significantly impact the originally reported phenotype. On the original F1 FVB/N x 129S6 background, rTg4510 mice present with progressive cognitive decline, increased insoluble tau, robust tau pathology and age-dependent neurodegeneration. One of the most common strains in mouse modeling is C57BL/6. We and others have previously reported that this strain background alters the phenotypes of various models, including the JNPL3 model of tauopathy. To determine if the phenotype of rTg4510 mice was similarly affected by the introduction of the C57BL/6 background, we compared rTg4510 mice on the original F1 FVB/N x 129S6 background to rTg4510 mice on an F1 FVB/N x C57BL/6NTac (B6/NTac) background, herein termed rTg4510B6.
What machines can’t do

This is an extraordinary book in several respects. This is a story of field work, involving intensive and comparative case studies, against a historical background for the four companies studied. It contributes to theory through utilizing a new framework which Thomas calls the power-process perspective. The implications of the cases suggest important practical lessons for management and union action. Finally the book contributes to the sociology of science by showing how knowledge can be advanced in new ways through qualitative social research. Thomas is focusing on a much studied problem of obvious importance but doing it in a new and powerful way. Previous research has concentrated on the impact of the introduction of a major technological change. To my knowledge, this is the first intensive study of the social and political process of making decisions on important technological changes. The project involved case studies carried out on major companies in four industries.' aircraft, computers, aluminum, and automotive. There were three cases of technological change in the aircraft company, one each in the other three companies, to make up a total of six cases. Building on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's relations with major companies, it would have been easy for Thomas to arrange for plant tours and occasional interviews with some management people, but the research design demanded an extraordinary commitment from management to make available to the researcher not only its people for interviews but also to
Resistance of Vaccinium spp. to the leafhopper Scaphytopius magdalensis (Homoptera : Cicadellidae)

Natural host plant resistance to the leafhopper Scaphytopius magdalensis (Provancher) was evaluated across 169 genotypes representing 14 blueberry species in four sections of Vaccinium native to North America. Plants were screened by caging neonate nymphs on individual leaves and recording development time (and mortality) through five molts. Highly resistant clones were found in five species: V. ashei Reade, V. crassifolium subsp. crassifolium Andrews, V. elliottii Chapman, V. staminium L., and V. arboreum Marshall. Physical characteristics of the leaves (thickness, glandular density, glaucousness, and toughness) were poorly correlated with resistance in V. ashei, but a possible correlation with leaf toughness was found in V. crassifolium. Lineage of the resistant trait is illustrated for V. ashei cultivars.
Medical students' professionalism.

Shapiro et al. (2006) in this issue report on an innovative medical student elective entitled ‘Teaching the art of doctoring’. The impetus behind their development of such a course was the cynicism...
Making Connections: Pathology and Genetics Link Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia

Over the last couple of decades, there has been a growing body of clinical, genetic, and histopathological evidence that similar pathological processes underlie amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and some types of frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD). Even though there is great diversity in the genetic causes of these disorders, there is a high degree of overlap in their histopathology. Genes linked to rare cases of familial ALS and/or FTD, like FUS, TARDBP, OPTN, and UBQLN2 may converge onto a unifying pathogenic pathway and thereby provide novel therapeutic targets common to a spectrum of etiologically diverse forms of ALS and ALS–FTD. Additionally, there are major loci for ALS–FTD on chromosomes 9p and 15q. Identification of causative genetic alterations at those loci will be an important step in understanding the pathogenesis of juvenile- and adult-onset ALS and ALS–FTD. Interactions between TDP-43, FUS, optineurin, and ubiquilin 2 need to be studied to understand their common molecular pathways. Future efforts should also be directed towards generation and characterization of in vivo models to dissect the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases. Such efforts will rapidly accelerate the discovery of new drugs that regulate accumulation of pathogenic proteins and their downstream consequences.
Purification of functional human P-glycoprotein expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A system for expression and facile purification of the human P-glycoprotein (Pgp) from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is described. The wild-type human mdr1 cDNA was cloned into a high copy number yeast expression vector under the control of the constitutive promoter of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Western blots of membranes from the stable transformants confirmed that the Pgp is expressed in yeast cells in amounts approximately 0.4% of the total yeast membrane protein. Density gradient sedimentation analysis of the yeast membranes indicated that the expressed Pgp is localized in the plasma membrane. Yeast cells transformed with the Pgp expression plasmid acquire increased resistance to valinomycin, suggesting that the expressed Pgp is properly folded and functional. The expressed Pgp can be solubilized from the yeast membranes with lysophosphatidylcholine, and when tagged with ten histidines at its C-terminus, can be readily purified to about 90% homogeneity by Ni2+ affinity chromatography. About 50 microg of the Pgp can be purified from 20 mg of crude yeast membranes. The purified human Pgp exhibits a verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity and the maximal activity is 2.5 +/- 0.5 micromol/min per mg of Pgp, suggesting that the purified Pgp from yeast is highly functional. The Pgp expressed in yeast has the same electrophoretic mobility (ca. 130 kDa) as the Pgp produced in Sf9 insect cells and is unaffected by N-glycosidase treatment, suggesting that it is not glycosylated. Because of the relative ease of growing yeast in massive quantities this expression system appears to be excellent for producing this membrane transporter at levels sufficient for further biochemical and biophysical studies, and for site-directed mutagenesis studies as well.
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: a tool for proteome analysis and biomarker discovery and validation.

Background: Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) represents a widely used analytical tool for studying proteins, and discovering various diseases biomarkers. Objectives/methods: To enable interested readers to grasp fundamental and experimental concepts of liquid chromatography separation for protein analytes and their accurate detection when interfaced with the powerful technique of mass spectrometry. Methods for enhancing LC separation, the utility of an atmospheric pressure soft ionization method, particularly electrospray ionization, as well as the interphase of improved chromatographic columns with the various modes of mass spectrometry, and the characteristics of the various mass analyzers, will be elucidated in order to achieve sensitive and specific detection of protein markers. Conclusions: With a coherent biomarker pipeline, the successful throughput from a discovery phase to a robust validation method has nevertheless been disappointing. The development of faster, cost-e...
The release behavior of silicone coatings with a thickness gradient

Abstract Silicone coatings are being investigated for their foul release properties and durability in application to prevent fouling on ship hulls. To date, studies have focused on coatings with uniform thickness. These studies have shown that their release behavior follow a model presented by Kendall (1971). In that, the force required to remove pseudobarnacles, modeled as epoxy studs, from thin silicone coatings decreases as the thickness increases. The two types of release mechanisms observed were void formation and edge peeling. However, coatings on ships’ hulls may contain areas where the coating is not uniform but may have a wavy pattern to it. In the present study, pull-off tests were performed in order to study the release behavior of epoxy from clear silicone coatings with a thickness gradient on glass substrates. The four types of release behavior observed were void formation, peeling, mixed mode of void formation then peeling, and mixed mode of fingering then peeling. The type of mixed mode release was dependent on the average thickness and thickness gradient. For samples undergoing mixed mode release, the thinner coatings had small multiple void formations, whereas the thicker coatings had a fingering decohesion pattern near the edge before peeling. For most of the samples tested, separation of the epoxy from the coating started mostly on the thin side of the coating and then proceeded to the thick side. An equivalence length parameter was also introduced that distinguishes the three modes of release involving peeling.
Decreased arteriolar tetrahydrobiopterin is linked to superoxide generation from nitric oxide synthase in mice fed high salt.

Objective Impaired endothelium-dependent arteriolar dilation in mice fed high salt is due to local oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) by superoxide anion (O2-). We explored the possibility that “uncoupled” endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is the source of this O2-.
A versatile apparatus for measuring the frequencies and durations of animal and human responses

A versatile solid-state instrument is described that allows for the measurement of response frequencies and durations from animal or human Ss.
“They mess with me, I mess with them”: Understanding physical aggression in rural girls and boys from methamphetamine-involved families

Abstract This mixed method study examines the mental health and experiences of physical aggression in 41 children aged six to 14 years from rural families involved with methamphetamine misuse and the child welfare system. Each child was seen for a minimum of 3 h total by experienced clinicians on at least three sessions conducted at the child's home. Fifty percent of children scored in the clinical range (98th percentile and above) on externalizing and 26% on aggression scales of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). More girls (75%) scored in the clinical range on CBCL externalizing behaviors than did boys (32%). During individual, semi-structured interviews, 17 children spontaneously produced 58 narratives of past physical aggression. These were primarily set at home and involved adults and the children themselves. Children primarily attributed physical aggression to anger and adult substance misuse, and described negative outcomes of the aggression. In contrast, a subgroup of girls with clinically significant levels of CBCL externalizing behaviors characterized their own physical aggression as appropriate retaliation with emotionally satisfying consequences. Many of these girls also scored in the clinically significant range on CBCL internalizing behaviors and total problems. Clinicians who collected the data expressed concern about these girls, in particular because they were ostracized from non delinquent peer groups, viewed others' continuing physical aggression against them as an inevitable part of their future, and described their own physical aggression as unavoidably driven by that violence. The perspectives of this subgroup of girls are elaborated through a case study of a physically aggressive 12-year-old. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Surface antireflection properties of GaN nanostructures with various effective refractive index profiles

GaN nanostructures with various effective refractive index profiles (Linear, Cubic, and Quintic functions) were numerically studied as broadband omnidirectional antireflection structures for concentrator photovoltaics by using three-dimensional finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) method. Effective medium theory was used to design the surface structures corresponding to different refractive index profiles. Surface antireflection properties were calculated and analyzed for incident light with wavelength, polarization and angle dependences. The surface antireflection properties of GaN nanostructures based on six-sided pyramid with both uniform and non-uniform patterns were also investigated. Results indicate a significant dependence of the surface antireflection on the refractive index profiles of surface nanostructures as well as their pattern uniformity. The GaN nanostructures with linear refractive index profile show the best performance to be used as broadband omnidirectional antireflection structures.
Examination of Naturally Exposed Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for Microsporidia, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) captured in the estuarine waters off the coasts of South Carolina and Florida were examined for the presence of Microsporidia, Cryptosporidium sp., and Giardia sp. DNA extracted from feces or rectal swabs was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using parasite-specific small subunit ribosomal RNA gene primers. All positive specimens were subjected to gene sequence analysis. Of 83 dolphins, 17 were positive for Microsporidia. None was positive for Cryptosporidium or Giardia. Gene sequence data for each of the positive specimens were compared with data in GenBank. Fourteen specimens were found similar to, but not identical to, the microsporidian species Kabatana takedai, Tetramicra brevifilum, and Microgemma tinca, reported from fish, and possibly represent parasites of fish eaten by dolphins. Gene sequence data from 3 other specimens had ∼87% similarity to Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a species known primarily to infect humans and a variety of terrestrial mammals, inc...