cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical effect of interactions between resolvable and unresolvable scales of two-dimensional motion

This paper deals with a problem related to that of “subgrid-scale parameterization” of the statistical effects of unresolvable small-scale motions on the evolution of motions on resolvable scales. The approach is based on a second-moment closure in which the variables are an ensemble-averaged vorticity field, the mean transport of vorticity by small-scale deviations from the mean motion, the variance of small-scale deviations from the mean vorticity and their characteristic scale. This closure, which applies specifically to two-dimensional inviscid flow, differs from those based on the equations for the Reynolds stresses, in that it does not involve correlations between pressure and velocity fluctuations. It is found that, in the early stages of evolution, the mean transport of vorticity by small-scale motions is highly dependent on the local scale of the mean vorticity field relative to the characteristic scale of deviations from that mean. In particular, the statistical effect of small-scale motions is counter-gradient diffusive transport of mean vorticity if the local scale of the mean vorticity field is large, but down-gradient if the scale of the mean vorticity field is only slightly larger than the scale of deviations from that mean. Although the interpretation of our results for long times is not as simple as that described above, it is at least clear that mean vorticity is not universally transported down-gradient by the subgrid-scale motions. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1988.tb00351.x
Quantification of Biomechanical Interaction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Stent Deployed in Porcine and Ovine Hearts

Success of the deployment and function in transcatheter aortic valve replacement is heavily reliant on the tissue–stent interaction. The present study quantified important tissue–stent contact variables of self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve stents when deployed into ovine and porcine aortic roots, such as the stent radial expansion force, stent pullout force, the annulus deformation response and the coefficient of friction on the tissue–stent contact interface. Braided Nitinol stents were developed, tested to determine stent crimped diameter vs. stent radial force from a stent crimp experiment, and deployed in vitro to quantify stent pullout, aortic annulus deformation, and the coefficient of friction between the stent and the aortic tissue from an aortic root–stent interaction experiment. The results indicated that when crimped at body temperature from 26 mm to 19, 21 and 23 mm stent radial forces were approximately 30–40% higher than those crimped at room temperature. Coefficients of friction leveled to approximately 0.10 ± 0.01 as stent wire diameter increased and annulus size decreased from 23 to 19 mm. Regardless of aortic annulus size and species tested, it appeared that a minimum of about 2.5 mm in annular dilatation, caused by about 60 N of radial force from stent expansion, was needed to anchor the stent against a pullout into the left ventricle. The study of the contact biomechanics in animal aortic tissues may help us better understand characteristics of tissue–stent interactions and quantify the baseline responses of non-calcified aortic tissues.
Glucocorticoid repression of the reproductive axis: Effects on GnRH and gonadotropin subunit mRNA levels

Abstract Activation of the stress axis by glucocorticoids suppresses reproductive function in many species. Here, we performed studies to determine whether these effects are mediated at the level of the hypothalamus or pituitary or both, and to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms, using two established rodent models. Rats were treated either chronically or acutely with glucocorticoids, and circulating gonadotropins, GnRH mRNA levels, and gonadotropin subunit mRNAs levels were measured. In model I, chronic treatment for 6 days with corticosterone (CORT) was used in adult intact male rats. CORT caused a significant decrease in serum LH but not FSH secretion compared to vehicle. Whereas pituitary LHβ and FSHβ mRNA levels were not affected by CORT treatment, hypothalamic GnRH mRNA was significantly decreased by 35–40%. In model II, acute blockade of the estradiol (E 2 )-induced gonadotropin surge by dexamethasone (DEX) was used in 28-day-old female rats. DEX treatment resulted in substantially lower serum LH and FSH concentrations compared to vehicle, although DEX had no effect on GnRH mRNA and LHβ mRNA levels. By contrast, FSHβ mRNA levels were about 14-fold lower in DEX-treated females. Taken together, these results indicate that suppression of gonadotropin levels by chronic elevations in glucocorticoids/stress may be accounted for in part by suppression of GnRH mRNA levels, whereas short-term glucocorticoid treatment to block the gonadotropin surge appears to involve other mechanisms including decreased FSHβ mRNA levels.
Truncated-newtono algorithms for large-scale unconstrained optimization

We present an algorithm for large-scale unconstrained optimization based onNewton's method. In large-scale optimization, solving the Newton equations at each iteration can be expensive and may not be justified when far from a solution. Instead, an inaccurate solution to the Newton equations is computed using a conjugate gradient method. The resulting algorithm is shown to have strong convergence properties and has the unusual feature that the asymptotic convergence rate is a user specified parameter which can be set to anything between linear and quadratic convergence. Some numerical results on a 916 vriable test problem are given. Finally, we contrast the computational behavior of our algorithm with Newton's method and that of a nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm.
A model for assessing and managing the risks of environmental lead emissions

In response to recent activity and legislation concerning lead and its role in electric vehicle development, a model has been developed to assess the health risks to residents from environmental lead emissions. This model may be used to predict the risks to residents in the vicinity of facilities discharging lead into the air. This model is also important for risk management, allowing for risk-based regulations regarding limits on lead emissions. The model is comprehensive, linking together a source term, air dispersion model, household exposure model, physiologically-based pharmakokinetic blood-lead model, and a determination of reference dose. Parameters are treated as distributions, and are considered either uncertain or variable. A range of physiological and behavioral parameters are used to distinguish between various age and gender groups, to reflect the variability in risk of adverse effect to these subsets of the exposed population. A sensitivity study is performed, including a case considering the uncertainty in reference dose which is compared to the case of a deterministic reference dose. Different types of variability are investigated, the variability across sensitive sub-populations of age and gender, and the individual variability within these populations. We found that the differentiation between uncertainty and variability in predicting non-cancer risk human health risk was important, and that methods that combined uncertainty and variability were not expected to be protective to sensitive individuals within a sub-population.
Associations of Preexisting Depression and Anxiety With Hospitalization in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

OBJECTIVE To determine the risk of hospitalization and death in relation to preexisting depression and anxiety among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS The cohort consisted of 799 Olmsted County, MN, residents diagnosed with CVD (myocardial infarction or heart failure) from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2009, who completed a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) prior to their event. The MMPI was used to identify depression and anxiety, and participants were followed up for hospitalizations and death during an average of 6.2 years. RESULTS Depression and anxiety were identified in 282 (35%) and 210 (26%) participants, respectively. After adjustment, depression and anxiety were independently associated with a 28% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-51%) and 26% (95% CI, 3%-53%) increased risk of being hospitalized, respectively. Depression also conferred an increased risk of all-cause mortality of similar magnitude, whereas the hazard ratio for anxiety was not statistically significant. The combined occurrence of depression and anxiety led to a 35% (95% CI, 8%-71%) increase in the risk of hospitalizations. CONCLUSION Among patients with CVD, both preexisting depression and anxiety, occurring on average 17 years before the CVD event, independently predict hospitalizations. In addition, the 2 conditions may act synergistically on increasing health care utilization in patients with CVD.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease: The Role of Red Blood Cell Transfusions

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a rare but catastrophic complication that may occur in newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD). In the preterm population, transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) and use of RBCs with longer storage time have been independently associated with the development of NEC. To date, it is not known whether similar associations exist for the term newborn with CHD. This retrospective study identified the incidence of NEC among 1,551 newborns admitted to the authors’ cardiac intensive care unit between 7 January 2002 and 7 January 2010. The study was limited to term newborns (>36 weeks gestation). To understand the impact of RBC transfusions on the development of NEC, a nested 2:1 matched case–control analysis was undertaken to compare RBC transfusion patterns between an age-matched group and a cardiac lesion-matched control group. In the study population, NEC developed in 45 term infants during the postoperative period. Of these 45 infants, 30 (66.7 %) had single-ventricle heart defects, whereas 22 (48.8 %) required surgery for aortic arch obstruction. The median patient age at NEC diagnosis was 21 days. The RBC transfusion rate was higher among the patients who experienced NEC (0.21/day) than among the control subjects (0.10/day) (p = 0.048). A multivariate analysis indicated that onset of NEC was associated with a greater number of RBC transfusions (odds ratio [OR] 1.83; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.07–7.47; p = 0.045). The duration of RBC storage was not significantly longer in the NEC group (9 days) than in the control cohort (7 days) (p = 0.16). Increased exposure to RBC transfusions is associated with the development of NEC in term infants with CHD. Longer storage of RBCs does not appear to increase this risk. Although causality cannot be confirmed, these data prompt a careful review of RBC transfusion practices with this population.
Agricultural Economics in an Evolutionary Perspective

The search for an evolutionary perspective in economics goes back a long way. I have argued, indeed, that Adam Smith was the first evolutionary economist, that Malthus was the second, and that it was no accident that Darwin got his idea of natural selection when he was reading Malthus one evening "for amusement" (p. 120). The search for an evolutionary perspective is a search for a model which will enable us to perceive structure and pattern in the great ongoing flux of the universe through space and time. The evolutionary "vision," which is perhaps a better word for it than "model," is a way of looking at an enormously complex universe, rather than an explicit model of a simpler reality. It sees the evolution of the universe as a process of constant ecological interaction under continually changing parameters. At any one moment the universe is a set with a large number of populations of different species. A population is a set of elements which are alike enough to be interesting, though they may not be identical in form and structure. A species is anything which has a population. It may include subatomic particles, photons and electrons, chemical atoms, molecules, DNA and genetic structures, cells, organisms, human beings, ideas, words, commodities, securities, money, and so on. The population of any species grows by additions and declines by subtractions. Additions may come from the formation of elements, from chemical reaction, as when hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce H20, from replications as with DNA, from births in the case of organisms, from the growth of seeds and plants, from the learning of know-how or know-what, from the production of human artifacts and goods, and so on. Subtractions come from such things as atomic fission, which destroys elements; the disassociation of chemical compounds; the disintegration or mutation of DNA; the death of organisms; the forgetting of learned structures; the consumption of commodities; and so on. A population grows if additions exceed subtractions, and declines if subtractions exceed additions. If it declines far enough, it becomes extinct and is reduced to zero. In any one population the additions and subtractions will be functions of all other populations of species around it that constitute its environment. Some of these will have favorable effects and make the population grow; others will have unfavorable effects and make it decline. For
The kinetics and mechanism of the hydrogen-oxygen reaction on Pt(S)−[9(111) × (100)]

Abstract Modulated molecular beam experiments were performed to study the reduction of chemisorbed oxygen by hydrogen on Pt(S)−[9(111)×(100)] in the temperature range 400 to 1000 K. At temperatures below 700 K water was formed via a process with an apparent second order dependence on adsorbed hydrogen atoms. This dependence was believed to be due to short surface lifetimes of hydroxyl species. The process showed an activation energy of 20.8 kcal mol . Consideration of the reaction energetics suggests this value is a composite of the equilibrium between adsorbed oxygen atoms, hydrogen atoms, and OH and the reaction between H (a) and OH (a) to form H 2 O. At higher temperatures above 700 K a parallel process for water formation appeared. This process was associated with the strongly held oxygen atoms at the step sites.
A new concept of spermatogonial stem-cell renewal in the mouse and its relationship to genetic effects ☆

Abstract The stem cell of the seminiferous epithelium, designated spermatogonia As, is radiation resistant, has a long cell cycle time, and occurs as single, isolated cells. Renewal occurs by division to form more singles; formation of a “pair” of cells constitutes the initial step in differentiation. This model differs from previous ones in that spermatogonial types with high sensitivity to cell killing do not contribute to the stem-cell pool, and owing to their transient nature, are relatively unimportant in overall genetic effects in spermatogonia. Only As spermatogonia survived single radiation dose of 150, 500, 1000, and a fractionated 1000 R exposure. A combination of [3H]thymidine injection and irradiation showed equal spermatgonial labeling 8.5 and 17 days after 100 and 500 R, a decrease in percentage of labeled cells after 1000 R, and the highest value after 1000 R given as two 500 R fractions 24 h apart. These results suggest that differential cell survival may be a factor in observed mutation frequencies. The high percentage of labeled spermatogonia after 1000 R given in two 500 R fractions 24 hours apart suggests that selective action of the second exposure is an important factor in the enhanced mutation frequency observed after this treatment. The data also suggest that the spermatogonial population surviving 100 and 500 R is qualitatively similar, and that the kinetics of these cells is the same as that of As cells in controls. Thus extrapolation of the linear portion of the mutation rate curve would not be expected to underestimate the effect of low doses.
ATP-driven Rad50 conformations regulate DNA tethering, end resection, and ATM checkpoint signaling.

The Mre11-Rad50 complex is highly conserved, yet the mechanisms by which Rad50 ATP-driven states regulate the sensing, processing and signaling of DNA double-strand breaks are largely unknown. Here we design structure-based mutations in Pyrococcus furiosus Rad50 to alter protein core plasticity and residues undergoing ATP-driven movements within the catalytic domains. With this strategy we identify Rad50 separation-of-function mutants that either promote or destabilize the ATP-bound state. Crystal structures, X-ray scattering, biochemical assays, and functional analyses of mutant PfRad50 complexes show that the ATP-induced ‘closed’ conformation promotes DNA end binding and end tethering, while hydrolysis-induced opening is essential for DNA resection. Reducing the stability of the ATP-bound state impairs DNA repair and Tel1 (ATM) checkpoint signaling in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, double-strand break resection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and ATM activation by human Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 in vitro, supporting the generality of the P. furiosus Rad50 structure-based mutational analyses. These collective results suggest that ATP-dependent Rad50 conformations switch the Mre11-Rad50 complex between DNA tethering, ATM signaling, and 5′ strand resection, revealing molecular mechanisms regulating responses to DNA double-strand breaks.
Sanitation with sponge and plunger: western Atlantic slit‐wormsnails (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Siliquariidae)

Siliquariid Tenagodus (synonym: Siliquaria) snails are obligatory sponge commensals, with uncoiling and laterally slitted shells embedded inside Demospongiae hosts, and shell apertures facing the outside allowing for respiratory and gill-filter-feeding activities. Live-collected animals observed in situ within hosts provide the first detailed functional morphological study of the group, and form the basis for systematic revision of the western Atlantic members of type genus Tenagodus (Siliquariidae, synonym: Tenagodidae). Three species are recognized. Overall anatomical features of wide-ranging Atlantic T. modestus (Dall, 1881) and T. squamatus (de Blainville, 1827) [ = T. anguillae Morch, 1861] are similar to those previously described for New Zealand Pyxipoma. A third species, Tenagodus barbadensis sp. nov., is described from Barbados, based on shell characters. The three species live embedded in a few species of halichondriid and thrombid sponges at depths ranging from c. 20 to several hundred metres and show several characters not previously documented for the family. These include a short compressed-S-shaped osphradium, an anal opening positioned in the posterior mantle cavity, and cuspidate inner marginal radular teeth. Presence of shell septa sealing earlier parts of the shell, first described in the early 1800s but subsequently disputed, was verified. Observations on living T. squamatus demonstrated the use of the large tight-fitting operculum in plunger-like fashion, flushing the mantle cavity and discharging waste material (including faeces from the posteriorly located anus) through the shell slit into the host sponge's aquiferous canal system. Uncoiling shells, shell and mantle slits, and specialized opercular, gill and gut morphology are interpreted as adaptive traits of the sessile mode of life embedded in sponge tissue. Actively maintained linkage between snail and sponge water-flow systems provides mutual benefits; these include the allowance for rapid defensive withdrawal and return-to-feeding position of the snail (by using the sponge canal system as a vent or reservoir for displaced water), sanitation of the mantle cavity (waste material can leave the snail through the shell slit at the posterior end of the mantle cavity, avoiding fouling of the gill-feeding system), and by providing increased water flow and, potentially, extra nutritional particles for the sponge (food and waste particles stemming from the snail's activity). The lectotypes selected herein are Serpula anguina Linnaeus, 1758, Tenagodus anguillae Morch, 1861, and Siliquaria modesta Dall, 1881. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 140, 307–333.
Purification and properties of two native, high-molecular-weight hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase phosphatases.

Abstract Using MgATP-inactivated rat liver microsomal hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (reductase, EC 1.1.1.34) as substrate, we detected reductase phosphatase activity in liver tissue of several vertebrates. Rodent liver reductase phosphatase is primarily cytosolic but may have some affinity for membranes. By taking precautions to minimize proteolysis and by avoiding the use of organic solvents, we have separated two rat liver cytosol reductase phosphatases in their native, high-molecular-weight form. Reductase phosphatase I (Mr 190000) was purified 53-fold and reductase phosphatase II (Mr 120000) 827-fold from liver cytosol. These phosphatases differ with respect to their molecular weights, substrate specificities and response to inhibitors. Indirect evidence that these two proteins are phosphatases includes their inhibition by known inhibitors of phosphatase activity, the ability of known phosphatases to reactivate MgATP-inactivated hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase, and the increase in their catalytic activity and decrease in Mr that follows treatment with organic solvents. Direct evidence includes their ability to release [32P]orthophosphate from radiopure 32P-labelled hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase. This release is accompanied by activation of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity. Activation proceeded until about one-half of the bound 32P had been released. Continued incubation with reductase phosphatase increased the amount of 32P released, but this secondary release was not accompanied by a further increase in reductase activity. Reductase thus may be phosphorylated at more than one site in vitro. Our data are consistent with involvement of a single reductase phosphorylation site with control of activity (approximately 1 mol of orthophosphate was released per mol of protomer activated) and suggest that this site is the preferred substrate for both native reductase phosphatases. Both reductase phosphatases I and II dephosphorylate additional phosphoproteins, including hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase kinase. Heat-stable inhibitor II from rat liver inhibits the activity of low-molecular-weight reductase phosphatase, but not that of either high-molecular-weight, physiological form.
Quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract High-performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection has been used to separate and quantitate ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid. These components of vitamin C are resolved on a Lichrosorb-NH 2 column. The technique is capable of quantitatively following oxidation of ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid and the reverse reduction. The technique is demonstrated to be suitable for assay of vitamin C in biological samples, foods, and pharmaceutical vitamin preparations.
On a family of periodic solutions of Hamiltonian systems

where T(x) = G&.= z 3 1 at3 x x,x, is a osr rve e m .( ) ’ ‘. p ‘t’ d fi ‘te quadratic form such that the functions aij(x) and U = U(x, ,..., x,) together with their derivatives are locally Lipschitz continuous. We also suppose grad U(0) = 0, so that x = 0 is a stationary point of (1). In [l], H. Seifert proved the existence of one family of periodic solutions X(E) for (l), for all positive numbers E, with E = T(x(E)) + U(x(E)), provided grad U(x) f 0 f or x f 0 and the sets {x 1 U(X) < E} are homeomorphic to the balls (x 1 j x j < E} for each constant E. Seifert’s proof is essentially differential-geometric in character and makes use of Jacobi’s remark that the periodic solutions of (1) such that T + U = E can be determined by finding closed geodesics on a Riemannian manifold V” with metric ds2 = (E U)aij(x) dxi dxj . Here we wish to employ a new Hilbert space approach to the problem of finding periodic solutions of (1). We shall assume the functions aij(x) and U(x) are even functions of x (as would be the case if for example these functions depend only on ) xi xj j (;,j = I,..., N) i #j) and prove the existence of a one-parameter family of distinct periodic solutions am of (1) by the direct methods of the calculus of variations. In the proof a further restriction is placed on T so that the periodic solutions so obtained can be regarded as the nonlinear analogue of the “short period” normal mode of the simple linear system
Solar flare particle propagation: Comparison of a new analytic solution with spacecraft measurements

A new radial solution has been obtained to the Fokker-Planck equation for solar flare particle propagation that includes the effects of convection, energy change, and anisotropic diffusion with κ_γ = constant. It is assumed that the particles are injected impulsively at a single point and that there is a free escape boundary. In addition, the azimuthal solution derived by Burlaga, which was based on κ_θ ∝ γ², has been modified to include some of the effects of solar rotation. With an outer boundary at ~2.7 AU, a solar wind velocity of 400 km/sec, and κ_γ ≈ 2 to 8 × 10^(20) cm²/sec, the complete solution gives reasonable fits to the time profiles of 1- to 10-Mev protons from ‘classical’ flare-associated events observed with the Caltech solar and galactic cosmic ray experiment aboard Ogo 6. It is not necessary to invoke a scatter free region near the sun in order to reproduce the fast rise times observed for west limb events, indicating that κ_γ = constant is a better description of conditions inside 1 AU than is κ_γ ∝ γ. The radial solution also provides insight into the possible dependence of the observed decay times on various parameters and can be used as the basis for an illustrative calculation of the evolution of the vector anisotropy.
An Onshore Time-Lapse (4-D), Multicomponent, Data Processing Case History, Vacuum Field, New Mexico

An onshore time-lapse (4-D), multi-component (3-C), seismic data survey was acquired, processed and interpreted in conjunction with a CO2 Huff-n-Puff Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) project at Vacuum Field, New Mexico, USA. The CO2 injection program induced bulk rock property variations due to fluid saturation and pore pressure changes associated with reservoir production processes. Acquisition of the time-lapse (4-D), multicomponent data included re-occupying the vibrator source and receiver locations to approximately +/2 meters. Data acquisition of the surface seismic data was augmented with the simultaneous recording of a single, 3-C geophone, positioned in a wellbore centrally located in the survey area at a depth of 1000 meters. A data processing methodology for time-lapse, multi-component, onshore seismic survey was developed and applied to the P-wave and S-wave data volumes. Significant features of the data processing method are application of surface consistent processes, windowed cross-correlation of common-trace pairs between the initial and repeat surveys with subsequent decomposition to source and receiver components, and the use of information from the downhole 3-C geophone to constrain P-wave and S-wave processing parameters.
Encountering patient suicide: A resident's experience

Objective The authors reviewed the current literature for psychiatry residents’ reactions to the suicide of a patient. This review also examines the responses of training programs to residents after such an incident.
Aesthetics as a Foundation for Business Activity

This paper identifies the ultimate justification for business activity as an aesthetic justification. Aesthetics, loosely defined as the appreciation of beauty, subsumes both ethics and economics within an holistic justificatory mechanism for business decisions.
Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with the Ancure Endograft: CT Follow-up of Perigraft Flow and Aneurysm Size at 6 Months

PURPOSE Perigraft flow—flow outside the graft lumen but contained within the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)—is a potential complication after endovascular repair of AAA. Such flow may permit AAA growth and rupture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate with computed tomography (CT) the rate of spontaneous closure of perigraft flow and the effect of persistent flow on AAA diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS During a 30-month period, the authors evaluated all CT scans in 50 patients who underwent AAA repair using the Ancure endograft system. CT was performed at discharge, 6, 12, and 24 months, and at 3 months if there was perigraft flow at discharge. Scans were reviewed for the presence, size, and location of perigraft flow, and measurement of AAA diameter. Transcatheter embolization was performed on those patients with persistent leak at 6 months. RESULTS Sixteen (32%) of 50 patients demonstrated perigraft flow on CT performed within 72 hours of placement. Resolution of perigraft flow by 6 months was found in nine (56%) of the 16 patients, in whom AAA size had decreased in five, had increased in none, and was unchanged in four. Seven patients had persistent leaks at 6-month CT; AAA size had decreased in one, had increased in one, and was unchanged in five. In 34 patients without leaks, AAA size had decreased in nine, had increased in one, and was unchanged on 24. There was no statistically significant difference for the relationship between resolution or persistence of perigraft flow and subsequent course of AAA diameter ( P = .16). CONCLUSION Although perigraft flow is frequently seen (32%) early after repair of AAA with the Ancure system, spontaneous resolution by 6 months occurs in 56% of cases. AAA size decreased in a larger percentage of patients in whom perigraft leak was absent or resolved by 6 months compared with those in whom perigraft leak persisted at 6 months.
MEMS capacitors with dual cavity for power harvesting

The modeling, fabrication and testing of a two-cavity MEMS capacitor utilizing inertial forces from unwanted ambient vibrations has been performed. The device was designed with two air cavities and a thick movable metallic plate in order to increase the efficiency of the energy conversion from mechanical vibration. The moving plate was sandwiched between two fixed plates to construct a two cavity capacitor. The improved model verified the fact that that two-cavity model enhances the average output power by 2 to 5 times of a single cavity model. The device was designed with soft suspension beams and with a thick plate in order to achieve a natural frequency close to the ambient vibration frequencies. The FEM analysis showed that a thick electroplated nickel plate and beams can results in a natural frequency less than 1 kHz. The behavior of the plate under damping was also calculated using FEM analysis. The MEMS converters were fabricated using surface micromachining technology, nickel electroplating and photoresist sacrificial layer. The moving plate and suspension beams were grown on the photoresist sacrificial layer and nickel anchors. The structure was released by removing the photoresist sacrificial layers using photoresist strip remover. To form the top cavity, nickel bonding tabs with sufficient thickness were grown by electroplating on another substrate followed by indium electroplating with a thickness of 1 mm. The two substrates were then aligned and bonded together. A good control of the height of the two cavity MEMS capacitor is possible with the control of Ni deposition and sacrificial layer thicknesses.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Richard E. Neustadt as Teacher and Mentor: A Personal Reflection

I first encountered Dick Neustadt when I walked into his graduate class on the presidency at Columbia University in the fall of 1962. A small but intense man, at least as judged by his chain smoking, he conducted a rather large class in a very informal manner. He had the aura of a person who had been there--wise, reflective, and full of great stories. His lectures were not awe-inspiring; they were a down-to-earth, inside perspective on how government really functioned. Yet, despite the applied quality of his presentation, Neustadt never lost sight of the theoretical perspective from which he framed much of his thinking and writing--although I suspect most of the students enjoyed the anecdotes more than the general, strategic points that he was making. I certainly did. During this period, we knew that he was in frequent contact with the Kennedy White House, which added a compelling quality to his lectures and illustrations. Of all my professors, he was the one who most successfully bridged the gulf between the academic and the outside world, between theory and practice. His was applied theory. The course had a paper requirement. I do not remember the specific assignment, but I certainly remember my paper, a comparison of The Prince and Presidential Power. On approving the topic, he stated simply, "I have been waiting for this," which I took to mean, you're the first but unfortunately won't be the last. Most of my substantive comparison was pretty straightforward, as I recall, but when I got to the methodology, I made some comment to the effect that I was surprised that Science Editions published the paperback, because there was nothing scientific about the analysis. Dick readily agreed, despite the behavioral focus of his work. When I picked up the paper, he said, almost out of the blue, "You know I had no choice--Science Editions is Wiley's paperback outlet." I took this to mean that he, too, was a little embarrassed by the connotation of the imprint. He also told me that the original manuscript had been rejected by several publishers who were dubious of its marketability. So much for the judgment of commercial publishers! As a teacher, Dick was approachable and friendly. He was also very considerate of his students and kind to them. Despite his growing reputation as an innovative presidential scholar, he never was pretentious nor ton busy for students. I suspect he liked the give and take of an undergraduate classroom more than the graduate lecture course. Whenever I saw him, he seemed to be always surrounded by undergraduates. Although he had resigned from the Columbia faculty (which I understand was a painful decision because he liked Columbia, especially its students) to start the Kennedy School at Harvard, he maintained his Columbia ties. …
Using spatial filtering to improve spectral distribution invariants

We use physical considerations to show that an affine transformation can be used to model the effect of environmental changes on hyperspectral image distributions. This allows the generation of a vector of moment invariants that describes an image distribution but does not depend on the environmental conditions. These vectors maintain the invariant property after each image band is spatially filtered which allows the representation to capture spatial properties. We use the distribution invariants and the Fisher discriminant to reduce the size of the representation by selecting optimized spectral bands. We apply the methods developed in this work to the illumination-invariant classification and recognition of regions in airborne images. We also show that the distribution transformation model can be used for change detection in regions viewed under unknown conditions.
High sulfide weathering in Taiwanese river basins

The emergence of the global sulfur cycle approximately 2.8 billion years ago is often associated with the beginning of life on Earth. Oxidation of sulfide-rich minerals, such as pyrites, to form sulfate (SO42−) is an important part of the cycle; organisms assimilate sulfate, which they convert to organic sulfur, an essential component of proteins. In addition to chemical processes on continental shelves and slopes, rivers deliver a substantial amount of sulfate into the oceans. The Kaoping River, at 170 kilometers long, is one of the largest rivers of Taiwan. Compared to its size, the river delivers a disproportionately large amount of water, sediment, and chemicals into the global oceans. In a new study, Das et al. use sulfur isotopic ratios (δ34S) to trace the sources of sulfate in the Kaoping River basin. The researchers found that chemical weathering of pyrites, particularly during the rainy season, contributes more than 85% of the sulfate in this basin.
Middle Devonian dendroid graptolites from the Brilon Reef area (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Germany)

Dendroid graptolites from the Middle Devonian (Givetian, middlePolygnathus varcus Biozone) of the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge are described for the first time. The fauna of the Burgberg locality south of the Brilon reef comes from a black shale layer in a succession of calcareous debris flows. The fauna includes five species ofDictyonema andRuedemannograptus described in open nomenclature. The fragmentation of the material is conside-red as an indication of post-mortem transport.
Influence of Nitrogen Mustards on Citric Acid Synthesis in Vivo

SummaryThe influence of nitrogen mustards on citrate synthesis in rat tissues in vivo was studied using the fluoroacetate technic of Potter(2). The results of this study demonstrated that HN1 and HN2 produce alterations in citrate synthesis in certain tissues which are qualitatively similar to those produced by X-ray. Thus, a decrease in citrate synthesis was observed in spleen and thymus glands of nitrogen mustard-poisoned animals and a marked increase in citrate accumulation was observed in the livers of male rats. The increase in citrate accumulation in the liver was evident after doses far below the LD50 and persisted for several weeks following sublethal doses of the nitrogen mustards.
Reactive and self-regulatory dimensions of temperament: Interactive relations with symptoms of general distress and anhedonia

Converging evidence indicates that shared temperamental diatheses partly underlie the covariance between anxiety and depression. Although developmental psychopathology research suggests that self-regulatory temperament (e.g., effortful control or EC) mitigates reactive risks associated with negative affectivity (NA) and positive affectivity (PA), and their respective counterparts, behavioral inhibition- and activation sensitivity (BIS and BAS), no studies have established EC's protective effects in adulthood. This study examined concurrent relations between temperament and distress symptoms shared by anxiety and depression, and anhedonic symptoms unique to depression, in young adults. Anticipated two- and three-way interactions emerged supporting EC's moderating effect between reactive temperament (i.e., high BIS and low BAS) and both symptom dimensions. However, no interactive relations emerged between symptoms and NA, PA, and EC.
Strategies for Parkinson’s disease care: prevention and management of motor fluctuations

SUMMARY Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized clinically by the hallmark motor signs of bradykinesia, rest tremor and rigidity. Current pharmacological management goals include control of motor symptoms as well as prevention and management of motor complications including motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. While the use of levodopa revolutionized the pharmacological management of PD, multiple other agents and strategies have emerged with many demonstrable, albeit sometimes controversial, advantages to a ‘levodopa’ only approach. Despite these developments, the progressive nature of PD requires vigilance and creativity from clinicians as both motor and nonmotor complications grow in number and severity over time.
Presence of immunoreactive gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and its receptor (GnRHR) in rat ovary during pregnancy.

The present study aims at quantification of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) by radioimmunoassay, relative expression of its mRNA by real-time PCR accompanied by its cellular localization in the rat ovary by immunonohistochemistry (IHC) during different time points of pregnancy. To determine the involvement of endogenous ovarian GnRH in receptor mediated local autocrine/paracrine functions within the ovary, the cell specific localization of the classical receptor for GnRH (GnRHR) in the ovary by IHC and expression pattern of its mRNA were studied during pregnancy. Receptor expression during each time point within the ovary was reconfirmed by Western blot analysis accompanied by densitometric analysis of the signal intensity. Results reveal that the content of ovarian GnRH reaches its maximum on Day 20. The densitometric analysis of GnRHR receptor expression from Western blot study exhibits a decreasing trend by Day 20. Presence of GnRH and GnRHR mRNA in the ovary indicates the local synthesis of both ligand and receptor in the rat ovary. Differential expression of GnRH/GnRHR in the corpus luteum throughout pregnancy strengthens the hypothesis of the involvement of ovarian GnRH in local ovarian functions by receptor-mediated mechanisms. The expression of GnRH and GnRHR in the atretic antral follicles is indicative of the possible involvement of this decapeptide in processes like follicular atresia. The expression of GnRH/GnRHR in the nonatretic antral follicles and their oocytes requires further in-depth investigation. Collectively, this study for the first time reveals the presence of endogenous ovarian GnRH/GnRHR supporting their possible involvement in local autocrine/paracrine functions during pregnancy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1031–1044, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE NITROGENOUS COMPONENTS OF THE SHOOT APEX OF ADIANTUM PEDATUM

THE PRESENT communication is a sequel to a previous paper (Steward et al., 1954) which described an investigation, by quantitative paper chromatography, of the nitrogen compounds which, when free, comprise the soluble nitrogen fraction and, when combined, the protein nitrogen of certain shoot apices. The earlier investigation revealed general effects of two kinds. First, the angiosperm shoot apices which were investigated differed greatly from the fern apex studied with respect to the range of soluble amino-nitrogen compounds that they contained. Second, there were evident signs that differences in composition in these apices occurred pari passu with development. The data here reported extend our knowledge with respect to Adianlum pedatum. The shoot apex of Adiantum as earlier reported was somewhat remarkable in contrast to that of Lupinus in that the alcohol soluble nitrogen consisted of relatively few identifiable amino acids and amides present in quantity (aspartic, glutamic, /aminobutyric acids, valine, leucine and glutamine) and a substance, not identified, which was present in far greater quantity than any of these. The reexamination of the apex of Adiantum had the following objectives: (i) To investigate the apex at a time when it was most actively growing. (ii) To determine the composition of various regions of the apex which were sampled according to their state of maturity. (iii) To shed further light on the chemical nature of the hitherto unidentified nitrogen compound that occurs in the Adiantum apex.
MICROEVOLUTION AND THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF PARASITE POPULATIONS

The development of polymerase chain reaction-based methods for assessing the genotypes of small individual organisms will promote groundbreaking investigations of the genetic architecture of parasite populations. Both quantitative genetic models and general knowledge of parasite natural history are useful for making general predictions about the distribution of genetic variation over geographic space. However, designing experimental studies to assess relationships between specific life history variables and patterns of genetic structure in natural populations will be challenging. Traditional biochemical-genetic methods have already been used to study a limited number of parasite populations, and inferred patterns of genetic structure are distinctly different between certain species. Some of these differences in genetic architecture may be explained by parasite or host factors that either promote or retard the dissemination of life cycle stages over geographic space. Many additional empirical studies are needed to characterize basic features of parasite populations, including the spatial distribution and group size of random mating populations and levels of gene flow among parasite subpopulations.
The mouse mastitis model: Observations relevant to the treatment and control of coliform mastitis

The response to intramammary inoculation ofEscherichia coli in mice is described and the contribution of endotoxin to the clinical signs is considered. The implications of these responses for therapy are examined. The role of the neutrophil is assessed and it is considered that the rate of arrival of neutrophils in the gland is of more importance in limiting infection than the number of existing neutrophils at the time of challenge. The effect of inducing a neutrophil response by colonization of the gland by a pathogen of low virulence is described and the dangers of inducing chronic infections are emphasised. Using a modification of the mouse model in which organisms are placed on the tip of damaged or undamaged teats of suckling or non-suckling mice it is demonstrated by the pattern of response that staphylococci actively colonize the teat and subsequently invade the gland whereasE. coli infections result from the chance entrance of contaminating organisms.
Amino Acid Digestibility of Dehulled Soybean Meal by Adult Turkeys

Abstract Nine adult Large White male turkeys were fed dehulled soybean meal (DSBM) as the sole dietary component to determine the apparent digestibilities of its dry matter and amino acids. Apparent digestibility was determined by the total excreta collection method. Average apparent dry matter digestibility of DSBM was 53.3%. Amino acid contents of the DSBM and excreta for all except the sulfur amino acids were determined after acid hydrolysis. The sulfur amino acid levels were determined after performic acid oxidation and acid hydrolysis. Apparent amino acid digestibility averaged 87%. Glycine and arginine were the least and most efficiently digested amino acids with values of 80% and 93%, respectively.
A Comparison of the Photoelectric Current Responses Resulting from the Proton Pumping Process of Bacteriorhodopsin under Pulsed and CW Laser Excitations

When excited with a pulsed laser, an electric field-oriented bacteriorhodopsin (bR) film on an indium−tin oxide (ITO) conductive electrode generates a photocurrent composed of at least three different components: B1 ( 200 ms in duration), a differential photocurrent (components D1 and D2 with decay times in milliseconds) is observed from the bR film. D1 is observed when the CW light is turned on, and D2 is observed when the CW light is turned off. In this paper, we compare the amplitudes and lifetimes of B2, B3, and D1 at various values of pH and ionic strength of the electrolyte solution in which the photocurrent is measured. It is found that changing the film orientation changes the polarity (sign) of B1 and B2, while it does not affect the polarity of B3 and D1. It is also found that B3 and D1 change their polarity upon changing the pH of electrolyte solution, whereas B1 and B2 do not. These results ...
“Destroy Them to Save Us”: Theories of Genocide and the Logics of Political Violence

Based on an analytic review of recent scholarly advances in genocide studies, this article investigates the causes, concept, and logic of genocide while suggesting a set of theoretical propositions and avenues for future research. Two emerging theoretical streams of literature on causes—strategic and ideological—highlight different dimensions of genocide and should be thought of as compatible. The study of genocide should be embedded in a broader study of political violence; the two literatures have been strangely cloistered from each other. To that end, genocide should be conceptualized as group-selective, large-scale violence whose purpose is group destruction. This stands in contrast to violence that is individually selective or indiscriminate; small-scale and not sustained across time and space; and whose purpose is repression, communication, or some other outcome short of group destruction. To develop existing theory and to bring the study of genocide closer to the literature on violence, studying va...