cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetics of the taste receptor T2R38 correlates with chronic rhinosinusitis necessitating surgical intervention.

Background We recently demonstrated the bitter taste receptor T2R38 upregulates sinonasal mucosal innate defense in response to gram-negative quorum-sensing molecules through increased nitric oxide production and mucociliary clearance. T2R38 was initially identified in the quest to understand the variability in bitter taste perception to the compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and demonstrated to have polymorphisms generating diplotypes dividing people into PTC supertasters, heterozygotes (with variable PTC detection), and nontasters. We have further demonstrated that sinonasal epithelial cultures derived from supertasters significantly increase innate defenses in response to gram-negative quorum-sensing molecules compared with sinonasal cultures derived from heterozygotes and nontaster individuals. Based on this data, we hypothesize that supertasters are less likely to require sinus surgery compared with heterozygous or nontasters and that supertasters have improved surgical outcomes. Methods Banked sinonasal tissue samples from patients who had undergone primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery at the University of Pennsylvania or the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center were genotyped for T2R38 and compared to the expected population distribution. Necessity for additional antibiotic therapy following the postoperative healing time frame was evaluated. Results A total of 28 patients were included in the study. Only 1 supertaster was identified (expected 5.6, p < 0.043). Additionally, 14 heterozygous and 13 nontaster patients were identified. Conclusion This pilot study investigating the genetics of the bitter taste receptor T2R38 in the context of primary sinonasal surgery demonstrates supertaster patients are less likely to need surgical intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis. Additional study is necessary to ascertain postsurgical outcomes.
Modulation of lymphocyte activation. II. Alteration of intracellular cyclic nucleotide concentrations by an oxidation product of arachidonic acid.

Abstract Murine spleen cells incubated with arachidonic acid oxidized with lipoxidase (AA/L) do not respond to mitogenic stimulation. Analysis of the components of AA/L separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography has previously demonstrated that purified 15-hydroperoxyarachidonic acid, the predominant product generated, is the seat of the inhibitory activity observed. Correlative studies were undertaken to determine the relationship between the pervasive inhibitory effect of AA/L and the modulation of intracellular cyclic nucleotide concentration. AA/L elevated intracellular levels of cGMP in murine spleen cells cultured under serum-free conditions and caused a similar (two-fold) increment in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. These are the first cellular activities observed in this laboratory that are not subject to inhibition by treatment of cells with AA/L. Therefore, studies were conducted to determine if AA/L-mediated inhibition of lymphocyte mitogenesis could be mimicked by elevation of intracellular nucleotide levels by pharmacologic agents. Attempts to recreate this inhibitory phenomenon by use of such agents indicated that inhibition could not be induced by modulation of cyclic AMP alone, cyclic GMP alone, or of both together. Similarly, when the same stimuli of cyclic nucleotide accumulation were employed to determine if modulation of intracellular cyclic nucleotide content could counteract the inhibitory effect of AA/L, these agents did not interfere with AA/L-mediated inhibition. The capability of the cyclic nucleotide agonists to elevate levels of cAMP and cGMP was confirmed by direct assay. Thus, although cyclic nucleotides may play an essential, adjunctive role in inhibition of lymphocyte mitogenesis, their modulation is not of itself sufficient either to evoke or to interfere with the establishment of a state of profound inhibition.
Elected Judges and the Death Penalty in Texas: Why Full Habeas Corpus Review by Independent Federal Judges Is Indispensable to Protecting Constitutional Rights

Carrying out over two hundred executions in the last twenty years, Texas has dramatically demonstrated that the Bill of Rights -- particularly, the most fundamental right, the right to counsel -- cannot be left in the hands of partisan elected judges. The Texas judiciary has responded to the clamor for executions by processing capital cases in assembly-line fashion with little or no regard for the fairness and integrity of the process. In doing so, it has shown the need for full habeas corpus review by independent, life-tenured federal judges. However, the once "Great Writ" of habeas corpus barely survives the restrictions put on it by the Supreme Court and Congress. As a result, those most in need of the protection of the Constitution -- the "helpless, weak, outnumbered . . . victims of prejudice and public excitement" -- often do not receive it, even in cases where their lives are at stake.
Arşivlerde Anonimlik Sorunu: Bir Literatür Değerlendirmesi

Archivists processing documents rely on factors such as authorship and provenance to contextualize their materials and render them searchable. But in my past experience as an archives user, I repeatedly came across instances of anonymity: letters and diaries by unnamed authors or to unknown recipients, photographs of unknown subjects. In some cases this anonymity is a loss of information that was once there, but in other case it enabled the material to come into existence in the first place: such as in the case of satirical political poetry, for which a writer might face legal censure. In this literature review, the issue of anonymity in the archives is explored, both in a pragmatic sense (recommended strategies for managing it), and a philosophical sense (according anonymous documents the same status as documents with known authors).
An interactive companion to the S star HD 35155

Low-dispersion UV spectra taken by the IUE satellite of an S star HD 35155 are presented. It is shown that the spectra contain strong emission lines of multiply ionizes species and an excess continuous emission shortward of 2000 A. Because neither the photospheres nor chromospheres of S stars are expected to produce multiply ionized ions, the emission lines and the excess short-wave emission seen in the HD 35155 spectra are interpreted as an evidence of the presence of a hot nearby compact companion. Some inferences regarding the compact companion and the possible location of the source of the emission lines of multiply ionized ions are discussed.
Retrospectively measured individual differences in childhood sex-typed behavior among gay men: Correspondence between self- and maternal reports.

Male sexual orientation is strongly associated with childhood sex-typed behavior, but there are also marked within-orientation differences. Gay men show increased variance compared to heterosexual men on retrospective measures of childhood sex-typed behavior. Individual differences among gay men for their degree of sex-typed behavior may have important implications. However, there has been little attention given to the reliability or validity of retrospective measures of such differences that are most common. Gay men and their mothers completed questionnaires assessing the men's sex-typicality during childhood. Results of structural modeling analyses found that mothers' and sons' reports were significantly associated, both regarding the general level of sex-typed behavior and the specific behaviors, supporting the validity of retrospectively measured individual differences for those characteristics.
An unusual epimerization of a thioether

Reaction of 6-exo-methylthio-2-exo-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-endo-ol with sodium azide and acid afforded the corresponding 2-exo-azide. This azide was reduced and acetylated to give a crystalline derivative whose structure was unequivocally established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Surprisingly, the isomeric 6-endo-methylthio-2-exo-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-endo-ol on reaction with sodium azide and acid yielded the same azide as the 6-exo-methylthio analogue. Evidence for the mechanism of thioisomerization is presented.
Adolescent Anger: A Developmental Study

This research examined adolescent anger in a cohort of adolescents measured twice, once during the freshman year and again in the senior year of high school. Anger was measured by the Anger Index, a questionnaire developed by Siegel (1984). The purpose of the research was to determine if adolescent anger changed over time and if there were gender differences. Results of the study indicated that anger scores appeared to be stable over time for both boys and girls. There were gender and time differences on individual responses for several items, indicating that certain dimensions of anger may differ over time and by gender. It also appeared possible that the interpretation of certain questions on the anger index was different for the adolescents at the two time intervals.
The effect of blood clotting on hamster pulp exposures.

Abstract Under conditions and with methods previously described, blood clot alone did not give satisfactory results in the treatment of the cut surface of the pulp. Instead, the histologic evidence indicated severe degenerative changes. The function of “inert” capping material is discussed.
The wave-mixing near field optics amplifier: a theoretical feasibility study for non-linear NFO experiments in biology, chemistry and materials science

Abstract Although the advance of near field optics gives us the ability to achieve sub-wavelength resolution in microscopy, so far its application to chemistry and biology has been mostly limited to fluorescence imaging. In this study we propose a new method, namely using the non-linear near field optics properties to study the material interactions directly, by wave-mixing the near field and the external pumping field. Using this method, one can study the rich non-linear spectroscopic properties of many systems with the added bonus of near field resolution.
The measurement of free nitrendipine in human serum by an equilibrium dialysis - radioreceptor assay.

Abstract A radioreceptor assay using [ 3 H]nitrendipine and rat cerebral cortical membranes, in conjunction with equilibrium dialysis, measures the unbound (free) level of nitrendipine in human sera. The sensitivity of the assay is 0.1–0.2 picomoles/ml and is linear from 4 × 10 −11 to 4 × 10 −9 M nitrendipine. Other dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists may be measured using this assay if these compounds are used to generate the standard curve. Blank serum interferes with specific [ 3 H]nitrendipine binding (24 percent inhibition per 20 μ1 serum) whereas serum dialysates do not. Total serum nitrendipine levels may be measured, but the sensitivity of the assay is decreased due to interference by serum. Nitrendipine is highly protein bound in serum (93 – 99 percent). This protein binding is essentially unchanged over a serum concentration from 1 to 100 ng/ml. This assay is suitable for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
Nerve growth factor and its receptor in the anterior pituitary

beta-Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a 26-kilodalton protein that has, in recent years, been discovered to have functions beyond that of its classical neurotrophic actions. It has been linked to both the neuroendocrine and the immune systems, and NGF-like bio- and immunoreactivities have been found in the anterior pituitary (AP) gland. The purpose of this study was to assay for NGF immunoreactivity in the AP and to identify the cell type(s) by their hormone content. We also wanted to determine if the AP was a target for NGF action, by looking for the p75 (low affinity) and gp140trkA (high affinity) NGF receptors. Immunoreactivity was detected by immunolabeling with the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex protocol. Immunolabelling showed NGF immunoreactivity in 31 +/- 5% of AP cells. For the NGF receptors, we found that AP cells were p75 negative, but gp140trkA positive (23 +/- 2%). We found NGF immunoreactivity in 10% of cells containing ACTH, 64% of cells with TSH, 75% of cells with LH, 51% of cells containing GH, and 42% of cells with PRL antigens. Expression of gp140trkA immunoreactivity was also found in 33% of ACTH-containing cells, 45% of TSH-containing cells, 44% of LH-containing cells, 23% of cells with GH, and 41% of cells containing PRL. This evidence demonstrates the presence of NGF immunoreactivity in specific hormone-containing AP cells that contain hormones. The presence of gp140trkA receptors suggests that some of these cells could be targets for NGF action, possibly through autocrine or paracrine pathways.
Computer-aided design tool for phase-shifting masks

A computer aided design tool, MASC (Mask Analysis System by Computer), has been developed to automatically generate design graphs of user specified image quality measurements, for instance, intensity slope around a feature edge or the critical dimension formed by intersecting images of two mask layers, as a function of both optical system and mask layout variables. It is intended to assist layout designers in determining the printability of a particular mask level or combination of mask levels which form a given device. MASC is applied to a DRAM layout to illustrate these capabilities. A misalignment analysis of the poly layer with respect to the trench layer demonstrates that the lin- ewidth extracted from the 0.3 intensity contour is less sensitive to misalignment than would be predicted from the overlap of the mask geometries themselves. The resizing of poly bit lines in a DRAM cell is examined to show that focus latitude and depth of focus are not adversely affected by bloating. SEMs support this prediction. Finally, the lin- ewidth control of a DRAM layout is improved by bloating a noncritical line by 0.25 ?/NA and adding a phase-shifted non-printing band located 0.3 ?/NA from the critical line
Gene Flow and Hybridization between Numerically Imbalanced Populations of Two Duck Species in the Falkland Islands

Interspecific hybridization is common in plants and animals, particularly in waterfowl (Anatidae). One factor shown to contribute to hybridization is restricted mate choice, which can occur when two species occur in sympatry but one is rare. The Hubbs principle, or “desperation hypothesis,” states that under such circumstances the rarer species is more likely to mate with heterospecifics. Here we report interspecific hybridization between two waterfowl species that coexist in broad sympatry and mixed flocks throughout southern South America. Speckled teal (Anas flavirostris) and yellow-billed pintails (Anas georgica) are abundant in continental South America, but in the Falkland Islands speckled teal outnumber yellow-billed pintails approximately ten to one. Using eight genetic loci (mtDNA and 7 nuclear introns) coupled with Bayesian assignment tests and relatedness analysis, we identified a speckled teal x yellow-billed pintail F1 hybrid female and her duckling sired by a male speckled teal. Although our sample in the Falkland Islands was small, we failed to identify unequivocal evidence of hybridization or introgression in a much larger sample from Argentina using a three-population “isolation with migration” coalescent analysis. While additional data are needed to determine if this event in the Falkland Islands was a rare singular occurrence, our results provide further support for the “desperation hypothesis,” which states that scarcity in one population and abundance of another will often lead to hybridization.
Regulation of exocytosis by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 via phosphorylation of Munc18.

Munc18a, a mammalian neuronal homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sec1p protein, is essential for secretion, likely as a result of its high affinity interaction with the target SNARE protein syntaxin 1a (where SNARE is derived from SNAP receptor (the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein)). However, this interaction inhibits vesicle SNARE interactions with syntaxin that are required for secretory vesicles to achieve competency for membrane fusion. As such, regulation of the interaction between Munc18a and syntaxin 1a may provide an important mechanism controlling secretory responsiveness. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), a member of the Cdc2 family of cell division kinases, co-purifies with Munc18a from rat brain, interacts directly with Munc18a in vitro, and utilizes Munc18a as a substrate for phosphorylation. We have now demonstrated that Cdk5 is capable of phosphorylating Munc18a in vitro within a preformed Munc18a.syntaxin 1a heterodimer complex and that this results in the disassembly of the complex. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the Cdk5 phosphorylation site on Munc18a was identified as Thr574. Stimulation of secretion from neuroendocrine cells produced a corresponding rapid translocation of cytosolic Cdk5 to a particulate fraction and an increase of Cdk5 kinase activity. Inhibition of Cdk5 with olomoucine decreased evoked norepinephrine secretion from chromaffin cells, an effect not observed with the inactive analogue iso-olomoucine. The effects of olomoucine were independent of calcium influx as evidenced by secretory inhibition in permeabilized chromaffin cells and in cells under whole-cell voltage clamp. Furthermore, transfection and expression in chromaffin cells of a neural specific Cdk5 activator, p25, led to a strong increase in nicotinic agonist-induced secretory responses. Our data suggest a model whereby Cdk5 acts to regulate Munc18a interaction with syntaxin 1a and thereby modulates the level of vesicle SNARE interaction with syntaxin 1a and secretory responsiveness.
In vitro study of cysteine oxidase in rat brain.

Effects of some cysteine analogs and other compounds on in vitro cysteine oxidase were studied in rat brain microsomes. Among the tested compounds, maximum inhibition of microsomal cysteine oxidase was by α,α′-dipyridyl and the least inhibition by dithiothreitol. Kinetic and dialysis studies foundl-homocysteine to be a competitive and reversible inhibitor of cysteine oxidase. Epinephrine was shown to inhibit cysteine oxidase, whereas pyridoxal HCl activated cysteine oxidase at the same concentration. Except for the Mg2+ ion, other metallic ions inhibited cysteine oxidase activity in the following order: Zn2+>Cu2+>Li+ >Ca2+>Co2+>K+>Mn2+. A 12 mM concentration of Mg2+ ion was required to obtain maximum cysteine oxidase activity.
Frequency Dependent Ion Rejection Properties of Active Nanoporous Membranes

Selective rejection of dissolved salts in water is achieved by large pressure gradient driven flows through tortuous structures and cylindrical nanopores. The flow rate through the membrane is dependent on the area of the membrane and pressure gradient that can be sustained by the membrane. The electrical power required for generating large pressure gradients increases the operational cost for desalination units and limits application of contemporary technologies in a wide variety of applications. Due to this limitation, small scale operation of these desalination systems is not economical and portable. Further, recently proposed desalination systems using carbon nanotubes and nanofluidic diodes have limited lifetime due to clogging and fouling from contaminants in feed water. In order to develop a desalination system that is not limited by cost, scale of operation and application, an active nanopore membrane that uses multiphysics interactions in a surface-functionalized hyperboloidal nanopore is developed. An active nanopore is a shape-changing hyperboloidal pore that is formed in a rugged electroactive composite membrane and utilizes coupled electrostatic, hydrodynamic and mechanical interactions due to reversible mechanical oscillations between the charged pore walls and dissolved ions in water for desalination. This novel approach takes advantage of the shape of the pore to create a pumping action in the hyperboloidal channel to selectively transport water molecules. In order to demonstrate the applicability of this novel concept for water desalination, the paper will use a theoretical model to model the ion rejection properties and flow rate of purified water through an active nanoporous membrane. This article examines the effect of the geometry of the nanopore and frequency of operation to reject dissolved ions in water through a multiphysics model. It is estimated that the neck diameter of the active nanopores is the most dominant geometrical feature for achieving ion rejection, and the flux linearly increases with the frequency of operation (between 2–50Hz). The threshold neck diameter of the nanopore required for achieving rejection from multiphysics simulation is observed to be 100nm. The flux through the membrane decreases significantly with decreasing diameter and becomes negligible at 10nm effective neck diameter.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The effect of divided attention on speech production

This study examined the effect of divided attention on language production. Subjects recalled information learned and performed mental arithmetic tasks simultaneously. Compared with a no-arithmetic control condition, speech produced in the divided-attention condition showed less information recalled, more frequent prolonged pauses, and extensive deterioration in clausal and sentential structures. Attention deficit seems to disrupt message construction, the smooth flow of speech output, and sentence construction processes in speech.
Polarization effects of seismic waves on the basis of radiative transport theory

Summary Radiative transfer theory provides a good framework for the study of multiple scattering in the randomly inhomogeneous lithosphere. Envelopes of high-frequency seismograms (mainly S coda waves) of local earthquakes have been synthesized on the basis of this theory, and inversions for some Earth parameters such as intrinsic attenuation, scattering attenuation and degree of non-isotropic scattering have been carried out. However, a scalar model has often been assumed because of its mathematical relative simplicity. The simplification amounts to neglecting the polarized nature of the underlying motion. This approach is only valid for long lapse times when S waves become unpolarized because of high-order scattering, and cannot be justified by only assuming that the source is unpolarized. We show that incoming unpolarized S waves can be up to 80 per cent polarized after single scattering. Depolarization of S waves after multiple scattering is studied by a Monte Carlo method. We show that the scattering of S waves off different kinds of inhomogeneities gives rise to different polarization and depolarization patterns. Consequently, polarization should provide valuable information for the understanding of the physics of wave motion and the properties of the Earth’s lithosphere.
Hydrological controls on methylmercury distribution and flux in a tidal marsh.

The San Francisco Estuary, California, contains mercury (Hg) contamination originating from historical regional gold and Hg mining operations. We measured hydrological and geochemical variables in a tidal marsh of the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve to determine the sources, location, and magnitude of hydrological fluxes of methylmercury (MeHg), a bioavailable Hg species of ecological and health concern. Based on measured concentrations and detailed finite-element simulation of coupled surface water and saturated-unsaturated groundwater flow, we found pore water MeHg was concentrated in unsaturated pockets that persisted over tidal cycles. These pockets, occurring over 16% of the marsh plain area, corresponded to the marsh root zone. Groundwater discharge (e.g., exfiltration) to the tidal channel represented a significant source of MeHg during low tide. We found that nonchannelized flow accounted for up to 20% of the MeHg flux to the estuary. The estimated net flux of filter-passing (0.45 μm) MeHg towa...
Constraints on arms races in coevolution.

The study of coevolution has matured from a descriptive science concerned with demonstrating mutual counteradaptations in interacting species into an analytical science concerned with the patterns and processes of coevolutionary change. Studies of predators and prey, parasites and hosts, and grazers and grazed have suggested that these interactions are subject to constraints that affect both the rate and the direction of coevolutionary change.
Coronary Artery Calcium Should We Rely on This Surrogate Marker

Surrogate markers of atherosclerosis such as treadmill time, serum tests, coronary artery calcium, and carotid intimal thickness enjoy considerable attention and the promise of yielding answers at much less cost and time than clinical trials using hard clinical outcomes such as myocardial infarction and cardiac death. Indeed, only studies with large sample sizes and long follow-up periods can provide meaningful data on hard outcomes. Of course, from a patient care perspective, the value of a surrogate marker derives solely from its ability to predict a cardiac event giving rise to either death or physical impairment that could be prevented. What is important to patients is whether a new therapy can make one feel better or live longer (or both). Few patients would eagerly undergo a new treatment if it would merely change a measurement but would not also improve how they felt, would not reduce their risk of heart attacks, and/or would not help them to live longer. Article p 427 Cardiologists’ recent experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) once again illustrated the dangers of relying too heavily on surrogate markers. Multiple studies of HRT using surrogate markers showed a benefit on cardiovascular disease.1 The Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Intervention (PEPI) trial, for example, showed that HRT had beneficial effect on serum markers of atherosclerosis, with lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and fibrinogen levels and higher high-density lipoprotein.2 The Rancho Bernado Study found that women taking HRT had lower coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and concluded that there was antiatherogenic effect of postmenopausal estrogen (but nevertheless called for …
The collection development literature of 1996: a bibliographic essay

This bibliographic essay, which reviews the collection development literature published during 1996, is organized into sections covering: bibliographic work; general and miscellaneous works; access and document delivery; collection development policies; materials budgets and budgeting; collection evaluation; collection development for specific subjects, audiences, or formats; electronic resources; use studies; collection development administration, organization, and staffing; and serials collection management. More than 150 items are included in the review.
Effects of an intense electric field on metal surface geometry

Abstract The effects of a strong positive electric field on the surface geometry of a single crystal, smooth metal surface are discussed. Explicit density functional calculations are presented for the field induced relaxation and evaporation of the Al(111) surface layer of atoms. The results are then explained in terms of a simple model and approximately extended to other metal surfaces. Our model determines the critical field for surface evaporation if there is no reconstruction. Finally, we will briefly mention the possibility of field induced reconstruction and its role in determining the critical field for stripping the surface layer of atoms.
The effects of atropine upon the female and male sexual behavior of female rats

Abstract Female rats were]injected with 10 mg of atropine sulfate and tested for female and male sexual behavior. Atropine produced a severe decrement in both forms of sexual behavior. The results imply parasympathetic control of both female and male sexual behavior in the female rat.
Microwave spectrum and electric dipole moment of NeHF

Abstract Rotational spectra of 20 NeHF and 22 NeHF have been measured using a pulsed-nozzle Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. The J = 2-1 and 1-0 transitions were observed, yielding B 0 = 4514.0949(15) MHz, D J = 0.59889(19) MHz, and μ = 0.3882(21) D for 20 NeHF and B 0 = 4318.53739(93) MHz, D J = 0.54021(12) MHz, and μ = 0.3917(13) D for 22 NeHF. The measured dipole moments provide an estimate of 〈 P 1 (cos θ )〉 = 0.21 which can be related to the anisotropy of the NeHF intermolecular potential.
Surgical treatment of recurrent complete rectal prolapse: A thirty-year experience

PURPOSE: Complete recurrent rectal prolapse (RRP) after initial prolapse surgery is well described. Our aim was to examine the possible causes for RRP, to learn of the operations performed most frequently, and to examine the outcome following recurrence surgery. METHODS: Patients with RRP were reviewed retrospectively from 1963 to 1993. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients (19 females) had RRP. Of these, 29 operations were performed; three patients had 2 RRP operations, and one patient had 3 RRP operations. Median age was 56 (range, 18–88) years. Median follow-up and median duration to recurrence were 6.75 (range, 0.08–17) years and 2 (range, 0.1–29) years. One patient had RRP at the end of the follow-up period. RRP occurred after 15 abdominal and 9 perineal operations. Treatment for RRP included 25 abdominal and 4 perineal operations. Causes for RRP were identified in 41 percent of cases and was most often attributable to problems with the mesh following the Ripstein procedure. Preoperative incontinence and constipation were largely unchanged by RRP operation. CONCLUSION: RRP occurred most commonly because of problems with the mesh, but no etiologic factor was found in the majority of patients. Abdominal operations were performed more frequently than perineal approaches for RRP. Elimination of prolapse can be obtained, but bowel dysfunction still remains in 60 percent of patients.
The equations of population growth

A solution in quadratures is found for a special class of differential equations suggested by studies in the growth of competing populations.
The design and performance of a portable handheld 11CO2 delivery system

We constructed a hand-held device to efficiently trap [(11)C]CO2 from the cyclotron target, safely transport up to 3.7GBq (100mCi) doses to remote sites and release it without the need for a liquid cryogen. The system consists of a 180W furnace and a miniature molecular sieve trap (80-100mg; 80-100mesh 13×) placed inside a lead pig weighing 11.1kg. The overall [(11)C]CO2 delivery efficiency of the device is ~82% (> 99% trapping efficiency). Radiation dose rates measured at 30cm from the surface of the pig are <43.5µSv/h (5mR/h) up to 2.59GBq (70mCi).
Plasma treatment of contaminated liquid water: A comparison between steam bubble and gas bubble discharge

The treatment of contaminated water with atmospheric pressure, nonequilibrium plasma in recent years has been the subject of much research. The ability of such plasmas to treat water stem from the production of radicals that are capable of rapidly oxidizing organic contaminants. A common method of producing such radicals is by producing plasma within a gas bubble (typically air) in the liquid.However, while efficiently destroying contaminants, this practice of igniting the plasma in air bubbles has the unwanted side effect of creating acidic solutions (pH of 2.0 and lower). This acidity is believed to stem from NOx radicals produced in the plasma that diffuse into the water. To circumvent this issue, a steam discharge is investigated. Presented here is a study of the effect of a steam plasma on both tap water and tap water contaminated with organic dye, quantifying changes in acidity and nitrate/nitrite concentrations in the liquid water with treatment time.
Interstitial and substitutional zirconium in SrTiO3

Abstract We investigate Zr in SrTiO 3 (STO) as a model for nuclear waste forms in which the fission product 90 Sr eventually decays to stable Zr through beta emission. The transformation of a divalent into a tetravalent constituent is expected to affect the long-term structural and chemical stability of this solid. Computational methods of electronic structure theory, specifically the density functional theory (DFT) within the supercell model, are used to predict the thermodynamic stability and electronic states of interstitial and Sr- or Ti-substituted Zr atoms in the STO lattice. Native defects such as vacancies and antisites are also considered. When Zr replaces Sr, its most stable configuration is to simply occupy the Sr site. For Zr added to the lattice, its most stable configuration is to replace a Ti, making a Zr Ti impurity plus a Ti interstitial. Zr Sr is predicted to be a double electron donor, Zr Ti is electrically inactive and interstitial Zr and Ti are predicted to be quadruple donors, with all donor levels in the conduction band. The interstitials are all predicted to increase the crystal volume, and lead to a tetragonal distortion of the lattice. Experiments with injection of Zr and O atoms into STO qualitatively confirm these predictions of crystal structural changes.
Diet and trophic position of Atlantic bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus ) inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis

Stable 13C and 15N isotope analyses of scale, bone, and muscle tissues were used to investigate diet and trophic position of North Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus Linnaeus) during residency in the northwest Atlantic Ocean off the northeast coast of the United States. Adult bluefin tuna scales collected from fish between June and October 2001 were significantly enriched in 13C compared to both muscle and bone across all months, while muscle was significantly enriched in 15N compared to either bone or scale throughout the same period. In muscle tissue, there was evidence of a shift over the summer from prey with δ13C values (−17‰ to −18‰) that were characteristic of silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) to species with δ13C values of −20‰ to −21‰ that were similar to Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) and sandlance (Ammodytes americanus). Depletion of 15N values in adult scales and bone compared to muscle tissue may be explained by bone and scale samples representing juvenile or life-long feeding habits, isotopic routing, or isotopic differences in amino acid composition of the three tissue types. Adult bluefin tuna were estimated to be feeding at a trophic position similar to pelagic sharks in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, while the trophic positions of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), and juvenile bluefin tuna were indicative of a diet of up to a full trophic position below adult bluefin tuna. The close relationship between the juvenile bluefin δ15N values and those of suspension feeders suggests that nektonic crustaceans or zooplankton may contribute significantly to the diet of bluefin tuna, a food source previously overlooked for this species in the northwest Atlantic Ocean.
Optical flow estimation for motion-compensated compression

The computation of optical flow within an image sequence is one of the most widely used techniques in computer vision. In this paper, we present a new approach to estimate the velocity field for motion-compensated compression. It is derived by a nonlinear system using the direct temporal integral of the brightness conservation constraint equation or the Displaced Frame Difference (DFD) equation. To solve the nonlinear system of equations, an adaptive framework is used, which employs velocity field modeling, a nonlinear least-squares model, Gauss-Newton and Levenberg-Marquardt techniques, and an algorithm of the progressive relaxation of the over-constraint. The three criteria by which successful motion-compensated compression is judged are 1.) The fidelity with which the estimated optical flow matches the ground truth motion, 2.) The relative absence of artifacts and ''dirty window'' effects for frame interpolation, and 3.) The cost to code the motion vector field. We base our estimated flow field on a single minimized target function, which leads to motion-compensated predictions without incurring penalties in any of these three criteria. In particular, we compare our proposed algorithm results with those from Block-Matching Algorithms (BMA), and show that with nearly the same number of displacement vectors per fixed block size, the performance of our algorithm exceeds that of BMA in all the three above points. We also test the algorithm on synthetic and natural image sequences, and use it to demonstrate applications for motion-compensated compression.
The State of Music in Secondary Schools The Principal's Perspective

The purpose of this study was to profile secondary school music programs in the United States and investigate principals' perceptions of those curricula. A survey form was sent to 1,000 secondary school principals, yielding a 54% response rate. That form was designed to answer the following questions: What is the profile of secondary music programs in the United States? How effective do principals think music programs are in helping students attain specific learning outcomes and broad educational goals? To what degree do certain variables (e.g., standardized tests, teachers, parents) impact a given music program? Ninety-eight percent of respondents indicated that their schools offered music courses, yet 34% required music. There were significant differences in the diversity of course offerings based on school socioeconomic status profiles. Standardized tests and No Child Left Behind were thought to have the most negative impact on music programs.
Renal and cardiovascular responses to water immersion in trained runners and swimmers

The purpose of this study was to determine if fluid-electrolyte, renal, hormonal, and cardiovascular responses during and after multi-hour water immersion were associated with aerobic training. Additionally, we compared these responses in those who trained in a hypogravic versus a 1-g environment. Seventeen men comprised three similarly aged groups: six long-distance runners, five competitive swimmers, and six untrained control subjects. Each subject underwent 5 h of immersion in water [mean (SE)] 36.0 (0.5)°C to the neck. Immediately before and at each hour of immersion, blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed for sodium (Na), potassium, osmolality, and creatinine (Cr). Plasma antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone were also measured. Hematocrits were used to calculate relative changes in plasma volume (%ΔV pl). Heart rate response to submaximal cycle ergometer exercise (35% peak oxygen uptake) was measured before and after water immersion. Water immersion induced significant increases in urine flow, Na clearance (C Na), and a 3–5% decrease in V pl. Urine flow during immersion was greater (P < 0.05) in runners [2.4 (0.4) ml · min−1] compared to controls [1.3 (0.1) ml · min −1]. However, %A V pl, C Cr, C Na and $$C_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}}$$ during immersion were not different (P > 0.05) between runners, swimmers, and controls. After 5 h of immersion, there was an increase (P 0.05) was observed in swimmers. Since swimmers did not experience elevated exercise tachycardia following water immersion compared to runners and sedentary controls, we conclude that exercise training in a hypogravic environment attenuates the acute cardiovascular adaption to microgravity. This effect of hypogravic aerobic training was not associated with the degree of hypovolemia and associated diuresis and natriuresis.
Overcoming resistance to EGFR inhibitor in head and neck cancer: A review of the literature

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects over half a million people worldwide. Despite advances in therapy, only half of the patients are alive in 5 years. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in approximately 90% of the tumors, and it is correlated with poor response to treatment and worse outcome. Multiple therapies targeting this pathway have been tested. Cetuximab is the only EGFR inhibitor approved in HNSCC, but response rates are low. More recently, significant interest has focus on identifying mechanisms of acquired and de novo EGFR blockage resistance. Here we review some of these mechanisms and describe strategies to overcome that resistance.
Parceling of mesial frontal motor areas during ideation and movement using functional magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 tesla

Finger movement-related responses were identified in three discrete sites of mesial frontal cortex in 7 normal subjects using high resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging. During imagination of the same movements there was a differential response with rostral areas more active than caudal areas. Humans have multiple motor areas in mesial frontal cortex that subserve different functions in motor planning and execution.
MAP kinases and cell migration

Recent studies have demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including Jun N-terminus kinase (JNK), p38 and Erk, play crucial roles in cell migration. JNK, for example, regulates cell migration by phosphorylating paxillin, DCX, Jun and microtubule-associated proteins. Studies of p38 show that this MAPK modulates migration by phosphorylating MAPK-activated protein kinase 2/3 (MAPKAP 2/3), which appears to be important for directionality of migration. Erk governs cell movement by phosphorylating myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), calpain or FAK. Thus, the different kinases in the MAPK family all seem able to regulate cell migration but by distinct mechanisms.
Invariant criteria for bound states, degree of ionization, and plasma phase transition

Basis invariant characterizations of bound states and bound fraction of a partially ionized hydrogen plasma are given in terms of properties of the spectrum of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the equilibrium quantum statistical one-proton-one-electron reduced density matrix. It is suggested that these can be used to place theories of a proposed plasma-ionization phase transition on a firm foundation. This general approach may be relevant to cosmological questions such as the quark deconfinement-confinement transition.
Drug-induced uveitis. Incidence, prevention and treatment.

Drug-induced uveitis is a relatively rare occurrence. For example, the patient database at the tertiary referral Uveitis Clinic at the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University records an incidence of less than 0.5%. Despite this, the frequency of uveitis secondary to rifabutin therapy in AIDS patients has brought greater recognition to the potential role of medications as a cause of intraocular inflammation.
Characterization of COX17, a Yeast Gene Involved in Copper Metabolism and Assembly of Cytochrome Oxidase

Mutations in the COX17 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cause a respiratory deficiency due to a block in the production of a functional cytochrome oxidase complex. Because cox17 mutants are able to express both the mitochondrially and nuclearly encoded subunits of cytochrome oxidase, the Cox17p most likely affects some late posttranslational step of the assembly pathway. A fragment of yeast nuclear DNA capable of complementing the mutation has been cloned by transformation of the cox17 mutant with a library of genomic DNA. Subcloning and sequencing of the COX17 gene revealed that it codes for a cysteine-rich protein with a molecular weight of 8,057. Unlike other previously described accessory factors involved in cytochrome oxidase assembly, all of which are components of mitochondria, Cox17p is a cytoplasmic protein. The cytoplasmic location of Cox17p suggested that it might have a function in delivery of a prosthetic group to the holoenzyme. A requirement of Cox17p in providing the copper prosthetic group of cytochrome oxidase is supported by the finding that a cox17 null mutant is rescued by the addition of copper to the growth medium. Evidence is presented indicating that Cox17p is not involved in general copper metabolism in yeast but rather has a more specific function in the delivery of copper to mitochondria.
Numerical Procedure for the Computation of Irrotational Conical Flows

A numerical procedure has been developed for the computation of steady inviscid supersonic flow about general conical bodies at incidence. The method is based on solutions of the exact nonlinear potential equation in an orthogonal coordinate system generated through a stereographic projection and standard conformal mapping techniques. Accurate numerical solutions are obtained through the application of mixed-flow relaxation procedures. Results are presented for a wide variety of configurations from slender cones to thin wings with blunt leading edges, and are compared with existing theories and experimental data. Some interesting results have been obtained depicting the "lift-off" of the vortical singularity on elliptic cones at high angles of attack.
A heat, mass, and momentum transport model for hydrogen diffusion flames in nuclear reactor containments

Abstract It is now possible to analyze the time-dependent, fully three-dimensional behavior of hydrogen combustion in nuclear reactor containments. This analysis involves coupling the full Navier-Stokes equations with multi-species transport to the global chemical kinetics of hydrogen combustion. A transport equation for the subgrid scale turbulent kinetic energy density is solved to produce the time and space dependent turbulent transport coefficients. The heat transfer coefficient governing the exchange of heat between fluid computational cells adjacent to wall cells is calculated by a modified Reynolds analogy formulation. The analysis of a MARK-III containment indicates very complex flow patterns that greatly influence fluid and wall temperatures and heat fluxes.
English medieval diplomacy

(1990). English medieval diplomacy. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 289-289.
Evaluation of an Unsuccessful Brook Trout Electrofishing Removal Project in a Small Rocky Mountain Stream

In the western United States, exotic brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis frequently have a deleterious effect on native salmonids, and biologists often attempt to remove brook trout from streams by means of electrofishing. Although the success of such projects typically is low, few studies have assessed the underlying mechanisms of failure, especially in terms of compensatory responses. A multiagency watershed advisory group (WAG) conducted a 3-year removal project to reduce brook trout and enhance native salmonids in 7.8 km of a southwestern Idaho stream. We evaluated the costs and success of their project in suppressing brook trout and looked for brook trout compensatory responses, such as decreased natural mortality, increased growth, increased fecundity at length, and earlier maturation. The total number of brook trout removed was 1,401 in 1998, 1,241 in 1999, and 890 in 2000; removal constituted an estimated 88% of the total number of brook trout in the stream in 1999 and 79% in 2000. Although abundance of age-1 and older brook trout declined slightly during and after the removals, abundance of age-0 brook trout increased 789% in the entire stream 2 years after the removals ceased. Total annual survival rate for age-2 and older brook trout did not decrease during the removals, and the removals failed to produce an increase in the abundance of native redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri. Lack of a meaningful decline and unchanged total mortality for older brook trout during the removals suggest that a compensatory response occurred in the brook trout population via reduced natural mortality, which offset the removal of large numbers of brook trout. Although we applaud WAG personnel for their goal of enhancing native salmonids by suppressing brook trout via electrofishing removal, we conclude that their efforts were unsuccessful and suggest that similar future projects elsewhere over such large stream lengths would be costly, quixotic enterprises.