cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANÁLISE MICROBIOLÓGICA DE AMOSTRAS DE ÁGUA DE POÇOS RASOS LOCALIZADOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE BURITIS, REGIÃO DO VALE DO JAMARI, RONDÔNIA, AMAZÔNIA OCIDENTAL

More than one billion people in the world lack of fresh water, and human consumption is expected to double every twenty-five years, and groundwater from shallow wells are increasingly used for human consumption and the association of various problems health especially in the elderly and children under five. The present study aims to perform microbiological analysis of well water in the urban area of Buritis, Rondonia, Brazil. Were collected and analyzed thirty (30) samples of water by means of culture in dish in form of dehydrated gel. It was found to groundwater contamination by total and fecal coliforms, not meeting the standards of potability recommended in Regulation 518/04 for the human consumption representing a risk to health.
Tensions in the Concept of Geology: Natural History or Natural Philosophy?

Under the general term "geology" there exist two very distinct concepts of the aim and subject matter of the discipline. One concept is that geology is part of natural history and thus is primarily concerned with the reconstruction of the history of the earth. The other concept is that geology is part of natural philosophy and thus is primarily concerned with understanding the processes of change on the earth. Although both concepts can be found at most periods in the development of geology, the relative emphasis has swung decisively back and forth at different times, for example, in the Lyellian period in the early 19th century, and in the plate tectonic revolution. This is at odds with our common sense picture of disciplinary development. Two important mechanisms that trigger these swings are the discovery of new techniques and the adoption of new methodological positions.
On products of primary abelian groups

Abstract The t-product of a family {Gi}iϵI of abelian p-groups is the torsion subgroup of ΠiϵIGi, which we denote by ΠiϵItGi. The t-product is, in the homological sense, the direct product in the category of abelian p-groups. Since the usual way of writing a torsion-complete group is as a t-product, the notion of t-product provides a way of generalizing this important class of groups. Various properties of t-products are proven. An important part of the study of direct products is the consideration of their epimorphic images. This is also the case with t-products, where we are able to obtain analogous results. Of particular interest are those epimorphic images which are direct sums of cyclics. Applications are given to the ⊕c-topology. As is frequently the case with homomorphisms defined on products, the index sets will be assumed to be non-measurable.
Novel phase lead inverting integrator and its application in two-integrator loop filters

A new variable phase inverting integrator is given. The proposed integrator is suitable for phase correction in the two integrator 1 filters.
Crystalline Metabolites of the Tinder Polypore (Fomes fomentarius)

Abstract In 2005, author Paul Stamets detailed a novel fungal antimicrobial mechanism in his book “Mycelium Running.” According to Stamets' observations, microscopic octahedral crystals produced by Fomes fomentarius “stunned” surrounding E. coli bacteria. In light of the lack of published peer-reviewed evidence, the present study was conducted to evaluate Stamets' claims. Specifically, the claim that large “secondary” crystals only occur in the presence of E. coli was addressed. Fruiting bodies of F. fomentarius were collected from the Montreat Wilderness Area (Buncombe County, North Carolina) and tissue culture techniques were used to cultivate mycelia on malt-agar plates. Successful cultures were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: F. fomentarius grown in isolation (n = 6) and F. fomentarius grown in the presence of E. coli (n = 6). After 28 days of growth and 10 days of E. coli exposure, the periphery of each mycelium was observed using 400–1,000× Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) mic...
Exercise offers anxiolytic potential: A role for stress and brain noradrenergic-galaninergic mechanisms

Although physical activity reduces anxiety in humans, the neural basis for this response is unclear. Rodent models are essential to understand the mechanisms that underlie the benefits of exercise. However, it is controversial whether exercise exerts anxiolytic-like potential in rodents. Evidence is reviewed to evaluate the effects of wheel running, an experimental mode of exercise in rodents, on behavior in tests of anxiety and on norepinephrine and galanin systems in neural circuits that regulate stress. Stress is proposed to account for mixed behavioral findings in this literature. Indeed, running promotes an adaptive response to stress and alters anxiety-like behaviors in a manner dependent on stress. Running amplifies galanin expression in noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) and suppresses stress-induced activity of the LC and norepinephrine output in LC-target regions. Thus, enhanced galanin-mediated suppression of brain norepinephrine in runners is supported by current literature as a mechanism that may contribute to the stress-protective effects of exercise. These data support the use of rodents to study the emotional and neurobiological consequences of exercise.
The Habit of Deference: The Imperial Factor and the “University Question“ in Upper Canada*

“Imperialism,” like “empire,” is a word with many connotations; briefly, it describes an attitude of mind to the possession and use of dependent territories by the metropolitan power and the effect of colonization on the society and polity of the colonized. Despite attempts to discover a common basis to imperialist thinking at all times in history, most historians perceive differences, both in degree and kind, between different empires and at various times in the history of a single empire. They approach their task either with a definition of “imperialism” or a theory about the phenomenon it is meant to describe, and are concerned primarily with the effects of policies rather than how and why they were made; or they ask why something happened when it did, in the way it did, and are concerned primarily with the making of policy and the motives of the policy-makers.Following the second approach, this paper explores one of the most crucial and continuous questions that imperial administrators had to resolve: the problem of self-government in colonies of European settlement, leading to the ultimate transfer of power; and by looking at the “University Question” in Upper Canada during the half-century after 1791, it examines how the perpetual adjustment that was “policy-making” actually happened. More specifically, in answering the question, “Who ran the British Empire?”, it is concerned not so much with the effects of Britain's control over subject peoples as with the method by which it exercised that control.
Maternal floor infarction: relationship to X cells, major basic protein, and adverse perinatal outcome.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Maternal floor infarction of the placenta is characterized by gross placental abnormalities and histologic evidence of X-cell proliferation. Previously, pregnancy-associated major basic protein has been localized to the placental X cell and identified at elevated levels in serum and amniotic fluid in all normal pregnancies. Here we test the hypothesis that pregnancy-associated major basic protein is localized to the X cells in maternal floor infarction and that it contributes to the pathophysoogc features of pregnancies complicated by maternal floor infarction. STUDY DESIGN: Seven patients with eight pregnancies complicated by maternal floor infarction were evaluated. We analyzed placental tissue, serum, amniotic fluid, and placental cyst fluid for pregnancy-associated major basic protein. RESULTS: Placental tissue from pregnancies complicated by maternal floor infarction had increased numbers of X cells and fibrinoid material that occupied or surrounded degenerating villi and that stained intensely for pregnancy-associated major basic protein. Serum pregnancy-associated major basic protein levels were variable and likely cannot be used to predict the occurrence of maternal floor infarction. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy-associated major basic protein, a potent cytotoxin, is localized to X cells and is deposited in close proximity to chorionic villi in maternal floor infarction and may contribute to the pathophysiology of this disorder.
Neonatal pulmonary hypertension treated with inhaled nitric oxide and high-frequency ventilation.

Term and near-term infants with pulmonary hypertension are frequently treated with inhaled nitric oxide. This therapy can be delivered with high-frequency ventilation, but there has been limited study of the relative effectiveness of high-frequency jet ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. To compare short-term clinical outcomes of neonates with pulmonary hypertension treated with inhaled nitric oxide plus either high-frequency jet ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Study infants met the following criteria: ⩾35 weeks gestation, respiratory failure with pulmonary hypertension, no congenital malformations and treatment in the first week of life with inhaled nitric oxide plus either high-frequency jet ventilation (n=22) or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (n=43). Data were collected from medical records. The jet ventilation and oscillatory ventilation groups were similar in terms of gestational age, but the jet ventilation group had less severe respiratory illness (that is, lower oxygenation index) just prior to initiation of the combination of nitric oxide and high-frequency ventilation. The jet ventilation group spent more hours on inhaled nitric oxide (71.4 versus 40.8; P=0.004) but was less likely to require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2(9%) versus 19(44%); P=0.004). No difference was found in the ages at which oxygen and high-frequency ventilation were discontinued. Term and near-term neonates with pulmonary hypertension who require nitric oxide have similar short-term outcomes regardless of whether nitric oxide is delivered by high-frequency jet ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation.
Polarization coherent anti‐stokes Raman scattering using noisy light

Several polarization studies on the noisy light version of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) exist in the literature. However, the full advantages of polarization CARS (P-CARS), which are so useful in conventional and short-pulse CARS methods, have not yet been exploited in the noisy light version. This work presents experimental realization of fully functional P-CARS using noisy light. Several examples demonstrate the advantages brought by P-CARS. This includes the ‘classic’ example of benzene in carbon tetrachloride. Also presented are the carbon–carbon double bond stretches in acrylonitrile and 1-hexene. An interesting, and not fully understood, detection polarization angle dependence is discussed. Applications to an m-xylene/benzene mixture and an alkaline solution of the amino acid phenylalanine are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term growth and puberty concerns in international adoptees

Growth delay is one of the most common and persistent findings in children who have been adopted from abroad. Although the cause is not clearly understood, it may be related to the observed phenomenon of psychosocial short stature described in children from abusive and neglectful settings in western countries. Fortunately, adopted children generally experience significant improvement in growth after joining their new family, but this may put girls at risk for early and rapidly progressing puberty. This review should help the health care team to understand these issues and work better with the adoptive parents to ensure a child's smooth transition into family life.
Being Assertive or Being Liked A Genuine Dilemma

Several studies have found that observers view assertion as more "competent" but less "likeable" than passivity. However, all of these studies have examined the effects of different assertive styles in the absence of other personality-related information about the assertor. In the present study, passive, assertive, and assertive-empathic responses to a series of unreasonable requests were embedded within a more fully developed personality designed to be either "warm" or "neutral." Videotapes of two women portraying each combination of personality and assertion styles were shown to male and female raters. The results indicated that assertion had a negative effect on ratings of "consideration" but little main effect on ratings of "likeability." An assertion style X sex of rater interaction indicated that women liked the model better when she asserted herself than when she was passive, whereas men felt just the opposite. Adding empathy to assertion had no effect on the interpersonal impact of assertion. The ...
Truck Delay and Traffic Conflicts Around Weigh Stations: A Case Study in Illinois:

Truck weight enforcement helps protect infrastructure and improve traffic safety. However, requiring all trucks to stop at all weigh stations reduces productivity and increases enforcement costs. This pilot study was conducted at the Williamsville weigh station in Springfield, Ill., to quantify the delay and traffic conflicts experienced by trucks around weigh stations. The quantification is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of automatic vehicle identification/weigh in motion (AVI/WIM) systems for electronic screening of trucks at weigh stations. The main emphasis of this project is to examine potential benefits of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies for intrastate commercial vehicle operations (CVO) applications. Reducing the number of traffic conflict incidents due to the merging and diverging movements of trucks would increase traffic safety. In the case study, without the AVI/WIM system, on the average, 30 percent of all trucks could not be weighed because the weigh station was tem...
The Genetic Basis of Postzygotic Reproductive Isolation Between Drosophila santomea and D. yakuba Due to Hybrid Male Sterility

A major unresolved challenge of evolutionary biology is to determine the nature of the allelic variants of “speciation genes”: those alleles whose interaction produces inviable or infertile interspecific hybrids but does not reduce fitness in pure species. Here we map quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting fertility of male hybrids between D. yakuba and its recently discovered sibling species, D. santomea. We mapped three to four X chromosome QTL and two autosomal QTL with large effects on the reduced fertility of D. yakuba and D. santomea backcross males. We observed epistasis between the X-linked QTL and also between the X and autosomal QTL. The X chromosome had a disproportionately large effect on hybrid sterility in both reciprocal backcross hybrids. However, the genetics of hybrid sterility differ between D. yakuba and D. santomea backcross males, both in terms of the magnitude of main effects and in the epistatic interactions. The QTL affecting hybrid fertility did not colocalize with QTL affecting sexual isolation in this species pair, but did colocalize with QTL affecting the marked difference in pigmentation between D. yakuba and D. santomea. These results provide the basis for future high-resolution mapping and ultimately, molecular cloning, of the interacting genes that contribute to hybrid sterility.
Undetectable interferon-alpha serum levels in a patient with atopic dermatitis

A 3-year-old body was evaluated for the possible diagnosis of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES). From the age of 4 months he developed significant atopy and was subsequently diagnosed with severe atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, with moderately high total serum IgE levels. Because IgE production has been shown to be regulated by cytokines produced by the CD4+ helper T lymphocyte subsets, we measured the circulating levels of cytokines representative of these cellular subsets in this patient. We therefore measured serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), the Th2 subset-derived cytokine that upregulates IgE synthesis, as well as the levels of interferon-γ and interferon-α (IFN-γ/α), cytokines produced by the Th1 subset that inhibit IL-4-mediated IgE upregulation. We found that in this patient, IL-4 levels were normal, indicating normal Th2 activity. The levels of IFN-γ were higher than normal, but the serum IFN-α levels in this patient were undetectable and were actually below the normal r...
Mobile unnatural amino acid side chains in the core of staphylococcal nuclease

The structures of several variants of staphylococcal nuclease with long flexible unnatural amino acid side chains in the hydrophobic core have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The unnatural amino acids are disulfide moieties between the lone cysteine residue in V23C nuclease and methane, ethane, 1-n-propane, 1-n-butane, 1-n-pentane, and 2-hydroxyethyl thiols. We have examined changes in the core packing of these mutants. Side chains as large as the 1-n-propyl cysteine disulfide can be incorporated without perturbation of the structure. This is due, in part, to cavities present in the wild-type protein. The longest side chains are not well defined, even though they remain buried within the protein interior. These results suggest that the enthalpy-entropy balance that governs the rigidity of protein interiors favors tight packing only weakly. Additionally, the tight packing observed normally in protein interiors may reflect, in part, the limited numbers of rotamers available to the natural amino acids.
Conversion Reactions in Surface-Functionalized Mesoporous Materials: Effect of Restricted Transport and Catalytic Site Distribution

We analyze the interplay between anomalous transport and conversion reaction kinetics in mesoporous materials functionalized with catalytic groups. Of primary interest is functionalized mesoporous silica containing an array of linear pores with diameters tunable from 2-10 nm, although functionalization can produce smaller effective diameters, d. For d < 2 nm, transport and specifically passing of reactant and product species within the pores can be strongly inhibited (single-file diffusion). The distribution of catalytic groups can also vary depending on the synthesis approach. We apply statistical mechanical modeling (utilizing spatially discrete stochastic lattice-gas models) to explore the dependence of reactivity on the extent of inhibition of passing of species within the pore, as well as on the distribution of catalytic sites.
A unified construction of space-time codes with optimal rate-diversity tradeoff

The problem of constructing space-time (ST) block codes over a fixed, desired signal constellation is considered. In this situation, there is a tradeoff between the transmission rate as measured in constellation symbols per channel use and the transmit diversity gain achieved by the code. The transmit diversity is a measure of the rate of polynomial decay of pairwise error probability of the code with increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In the setting of a quasi-static channel model, let n/sub t/ denote the number of transmit antennas and T the block interval. For any n/sub t/ /spl les/ T, a unified construction of (n/sub t/ /spl times/ T) ST codes is provided here, for a class of signal constellations that includes the familiar pulse-amplitude (PAM), quadrature-amplitude (QAM), and 2/sup K/-ary phase-shift-keying (PSK) modulations as special cases. The construction is optimal as measured by the rate-diversity tradeoff and can achieve any given integer point on the rate-diversity tradeoff curve. An estimate of the coding gain realized is given. Other results presented here include i) an extension of the optimal unified construction to the multiple fading block case, ii) a version of the optimal unified construction in which the underlying binary block codes are replaced by trellis codes, iii) the providing of a linear dispersion form for the underlying binary block codes, iv) a Gray-mapped version of the unified construction, and v) a generalization of construction of the -ary case corresponding to constellations of size /sup K/. Items ii) and iii) are aimed at simplifying the decoding of this class of ST codes.
The SLAC linac as used in the SLC collider

The linac of the SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center) Linear Collider (SLC) must accelerate three high-intensity bunches on each linac pulse from 1.2 GeV to 50 GeV with minimal increase of small transverse emittance. The procedures and adjustments used to obtain this goal are outlined. Some of the accelerator parameters and components which interact are the beam energy, transverse position, component alignment, RF manipulation, feedback system, quadrupole lattice, BNS damping, energy spectra, phase space matching, collimation, instrumentation, and modeling. The method to bring these interdependent parameters collectively into specification has evolved over several years. The sequence which is sued to turn on the linac from a cold start and produce acceptable beams for the final focus and collisions is reviewed. Approximate time estimates for the various activities are given. >
Conservative management of incidental contrast-enhancing renal masses as safe alternative to invasive therapy.

Abstract Objectives To describe small contrast-enhancing renal masses suggestive of cancer that were managed conservatively with watchful waiting and serial computed tomography scans. Advanced diagnostic imaging has led to the increased incidental detection of renal masses in patients whose multiple comorbid conditions preclude invasive management. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 29 consecutive patients with 29 incidentally detected asymptomatic renal masses less than 3.5 cm in diameter that were managed conservatively with watchful waiting (because of patient wishes or multiple comorbid conditions) and serial computed tomography scans. Results The average patient age was 70 years (range 51 to 88), and the average duration of follow-up imaging was 32 months (range 10 to 89). The average number of follow-up computed tomography scans was 4.9 per patient (range 1 to 11). The average width of the renal masses at diagnosis was 1.83 cm (range 0.4 to 3.5), and the average change in size per year was 0.12 cm for all patients. Four patients underwent radical nephrectomy because of growth of the renal mass (n = 1) or patient wishes (n = 3). The histologic findings in 3 of these 4 patients were consistent with renal cell carcinoma. Two patients underwent radiofrequency ablation of the masses. At last follow-up, metastatic disease had not developed in any patient, and no patient had died of renal cell carcinoma. Two patients had died of other causes. Conclusions The results of our study showed that when comorbid conditions or patient wishes preclude invasive treatment, contrast-enhancing renal masses less than 3.5 cm wide that are suggestive of cancer can be safely managed with watchful waiting and serial computed tomography scans.
Regions of beta 2 and beta 4 responsible for differences between the steady state dose-response relationships of the alpha 3 beta 2 and alpha 3 beta 4 neuronal nicotinic receptors.

We constructed chimeras of the rat beta 2 and beta 4 neuronal nicotinic subunits to locate the regions that contribute to differences between the acetylcholine (ACh) dose-response relationships of the alpha 3 beta 2 and alpha 3 beta 4 receptors. Expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the alpha 3 beta 2 receptor displays an EC50 for ACh approximately 20-fold less than the EC50 of the alpha 3 beta 4 receptor. The apparent Hill slope (n(app)) of alpha 3 beta 2 is near one whereas the alpha 3 beta 4 receptor displays an n(app) near two. Substitutions within the first 120 residues convert the EC50 for ACh from one wild-type value to the other. Exchanging just beta 2:104-120 for the corresponding region of beta 4 shifts the EC50 of ACh dose-response relationship in the expected direction but does not completely convert the EC50 of the dose- response relationship from one wild-type value to the other. However, substitutions in the beta 2:104-120 region do account for the relative sensitivity of the alpha 3 beta 2 receptor to cytisine, tetramethylammonium, and ACh. The expression of beta 4-like (strong) cooperativity requires an extensive region of beta 4 (beta 4:1-301). Relatively short beta 2 substitutions (beta 2:104-120) can reduce cooperativity to beta 2-like values. The results suggest that amino acids within the first 120 residues of beta 2 and the corresponding region of beta 4 contribute to an agonist binding site that bridges the alpha and beta subunits in neuronal nicotinic receptors.
Superconductivity in Rapidly Cooled Gd3Ba3Cu4Oz

Recently Bednorz and Mueller [1] initiated an almost explosive growth in the field of superconductivity by detecting indications that in the quaternary mixed-valence system LaxBa2−xCuO4−y superconductivity with critical temperatures Tc in excess of 30 K could be achieved. Since the previous record-holder was Nb3Ge at 23.3 K, the report generated immense interest, and within a few months it was found in laboratories around the world that there were several compounds with critical temperatures in the 90–100 K range, i.e. well above the boiling temperature of liquid nitrogen [2–7].
Recent Advances in the Regulation of Nitric Oxide in the Kidney

Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in the regulation of renal function and the long-term control of blood pressure. New roles of NO have been proposed recently in diabetes, nephrotoxicity, and pregnancy. NO derived from all 3 NOS isoforms contributes to the overall regulation of kidney function, and recent advances in our understanding of their regulation have been made lately. In this regard, substrate and cofactor availability play important roles in regulating nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity not only by limiting enzyme activity but also by influencing the coupling of NOS with its cofactors, tetrahydrobiopterin and NADPH. Protein-protein interactions are now recognized to be important negative and positive regulators of NOS. Phosphorylation is another component of the mechanism whereby NOS is activated or deactivated. Increased NOS expression can also influence enzyme activity; however, the degree of expression does not always correlate with enzyme activity because increased NO levels can result in inhibition of NOS. Finally, other potential regulators of NOS such as endogenous L-arginine analogs may also be important. In this article, we summarize recent advances in the regulation of activity and expression of the NOS isoforms within the kidney.
Mass movements in submarine canyon heads

The repetition of sounding profiles along precise ranges at the heads of the submarine canyons in the La Jolla are a has given a sequence of depth changes during the past three years. Changes up to a maximum of 21 ft have been observed. Fill and deepening have alternated, but without any seasonal relationship such as occurs on the local beaches as a response to storm waves. The shallow valley heads are shown to shift in position, and at least one new valley with a maximum depth of 16 ft was formed during the period on an undissected slope. These changes have taken place on the sand-covered slopes inside the rock gorges and appear to be explained by sedimentation and landsliding. The latter may be a combination of creep and sudden shifting of sediment. Sufficient material is being moved by these slides to fill the outer gorges in a matter of a few centuries, but the material is certainly being carried out of the gorges, probably going to form the sand layers in the deep outer trough at the mouth of the canyon. The canyon heads are thought to trap a large proportion of the sand that is carried along the shore by currents. This prevents the formation of sand beaches directly down current from the canyons.
A new TCAD-based statistical methodology for the optimization and sensitivity analysis of semiconductor technologies

A new TCAD-based statistical methodology for the optimization and sensitivity analysis of semiconductor technologies has been developed and demonstrated on a 0.18-/spl mu/m SOI CMOS process. Two new screening techniques applicable to deterministic systems (Lenth's test and normal probability plots) were introduced and compared with correlation analysis. The graphical nature of the new techniques provided easier analysis of the screening results by clearly displaying which process factors surpass predefined significance limits. A multiresponse steepest ascent analysis was developed to locate regions of improved process performance before beginning response surface experimentation. To perform the analysis, a composite function representing the response criteria was constructed using desirability functions and incorporated within the steepest ascent methodology. Locating the region of improved performance allowed smaller experimental designs to be used for the response study significantly improving model accuracy. The response models were used to optimize the SOI CMOS process and perform sensitivity analyzes on both the baseline and optimized processes. Optimization resulted in a 15% increase in I/sub dsat/ without violating any other criteria. The results of the sensitivity analyzes, which showed the greatest benefit from the increased model accuracy, indicated no conspicuous device performance degradation caused by anticipated manufacturing variations.
Assessment of cardiac risk before peripheral vascular surgery: a comparison of myocardial perfusion imaging and long axis echocardiography at rest

Abstract Objective: To compare resting long axis echocardiography with adenosine thallium-201 emission tomography in detecting myocardial ischaemic abnormalities and surgical related risk in patients before peripheral vascular surgery. Design: A prospective and blinded pre-operative examination of resting left ventricular minor and long axes and myocardial perfusion during adenosine vasodilation using thallium-201 emission tomography. Setting: A tertiary referral centre for cardiac and vascular disease equipped with invasive, non-invasive and surgical facilities. Subjects: 65 patients (40 male) with significant peripheral vascular disease, mean age 63±10 (S.D.) years, and 21 normal subjects of similar age. Results: Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion tomography was abnormal in 50/65 patients; 27 had fixed, 23 reversible abnormalities (19 of whom had both). Long axis was considered abnormal if one or more of two systolic long axis disturbances, reduced extent of total excursion 1 mm after A2, and two diastolic abnormalities, delayed onset of lengthening >80 ms after A2 or reduced peak lengthening velocity Conclusion: The combination of both systolic and diastolic long axis disturbances in patients with peripheral vascular disease can be used to predict the thallium assessment of surgical risk. Long axis echocardiography may thus have value as a screening test before non-cardiac surgery as well as providing a means of monitoring myocardial perfusion.
Sex Buffers Intimates Against the Negative Implications of Attachment Insecurity

Contextual models of relationships and recent theories of attachment system activation suggest that experiences that promote intimacy, such as sexual intercourse, may moderate the negative implications of attachment insecurity. In two independent studies, 207 couples reported their attachment insecurity, the frequency of their sexual intercourse over the past 30 days, their expectancies for their partner’s availability, and their marital satisfaction, and in a 7-day diary they reported their daily sexual and relationship satisfaction and their expectancies for how satisfied they would be with their partners’ availability the next day. Attachment avoidance was unrelated to marital satisfaction among spouses reporting more frequent sex, and attachment anxiety was unrelated to marital satisfaction among spouses reporting more daily sexual satisfaction. Both effects were mediated by expectancies for partner availability. These findings suggest that the effects of attachment insecurity are not immutable but va...
Simulation languages and database theory: some considerations from the entity-relationship model

Entity-relationship (ER) database modeling techniques are applied to discrete event simulation. The ER model provides a logical way to organize the data from a simulation run. When the output data are stored using this organization, a relational database can be used to make queries in a database language that should answer virtually any question about the simulation performance and facilitate the statistical analysis of the data. The ER modeling approach is contrasted with the models which are used in the simulation language SIMAN. This comparison provides insight into both approaches and suggests some modifications and additions to the SIMAN language which should improve its flexibility and make it more consistent with the ER theory. >
Theoretical study of the initial stage of sub-nanosecond pulsed breakdown in liquid dielectrics

This paper presents a simple theoretical analysis of the initial stage of a sub-nanosecond pulsed high-voltage breakdown in liquid dielectrics. We show that a rapid breakdown is related to a rupture in the continuity of fluid induced by the electrostrictive forces in the inhomogeneous electric field in the vicinity of a needle electrode.
Sleep Drives Metabolite Clearance From the Adult Brain

The conservation of sleep across all animal species suggests that sleep serves a vital function. We here report that sleep has a critical function in ensuring metabolic homeostasis. Using real-time assessments of tetramethylammonium diffusion and two-photon imaging in live mice, we show that natural sleep or anesthesia are associated with a 60% increase in the interstitial space, resulting in a striking increase in convective exchange of cerebrospinal fluid with interstitial fluid. In turn, convective fluxes of interstitial fluid increased the rate of β-amyloid clearance during sleep. Thus, the restorative function of sleep may be a consequence of the enhanced removal of potentially neurotoxic waste products that accumulate in the awake central nervous system.
Asian-variant intravascular lymphoma in the African race.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is an exceptionally rare form of non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) distinguished by the preferential growth of neoplastic cells within blood vessel lumen. Challenging to detect and deemed disseminated at diagnosis, this condition is characterized by a highly aggressive, inconspicuous course with a high mortality rate. We describe the case of a 48 year-old African-American female presenting with a two month history of low-grade fevers and malaise. Laboratory data was notable for anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver function tests, and hematuria. An extensive workup for infectious, rheumatologic and malignant causes was negative. Her symptoms progressed and within two weeks, she was admitted for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Her course was complicated by diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage and ultimately, care was withdrawn. Autopsy identified widespread CD-20 positive intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with significant hepatosplenic involvement, characteristic of the Asian variant IVLBCL. This case uniquely highlights development of the Asian variant IVLBVL in a previously undescribed race. Identified by its intraluminal vascular growth pattern, IVLBCL generally spares lymphatic channels. Diagnosis and differentiation of this condition from other hematological malignancies via skin, visceral and bone marrow biopsy is imperative as anthracycline-containing chemotherapies may significantly improve clinical outcomes. This article outlines the common presentation, natural course, and treatment options of IVLBCL, along with the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and chromosomal aberrations common to this condition.
A single server queue with finite-geometric-cluster arrival process

A single server queuing system with a finite-geometric-cluster arrival process which is bursty and highly correlated is considered. The concept of the finite-geometric-cluster process (FGCP) is introduced. The queueing analysis is carried out assuming that the arrival process is a FGCP. The results presented have a wide range of applications in computer and communication systems when successive arrivals are correlated. Expressions for the generating functions of the queue size and the queue size distribution are given. The influence of the correlation and burstiness of the packet arrival stream is investigated. Results obtained are discussed. >
A New Mechanism of Action in Heart Failure: Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibition

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical significance of sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Data Sources: An extensive search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE using keywords and medical subject headings LCZ696, sacubitril/valsartan, angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitor, and Entresto. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The search was conducted to retrieve clinical trials comparing sacubitril/valsartan to current guideline-directed therapy for HF. Articles using the limits of clinical trials “all” (phase I to IV), in English, and published within the past 5 years were reviewed. Supplemental sources included the Entresto package insert via the manufacturer’s website. Primary end points included all-cause mortality and time to first hospitalization. Safety end points included incidence and severity of angioedema, cough, hyperkalemia, increased serum creatinine, and hypotension. Data Synthesis: This review critiques both...
Clumsy beginnings: from ‘modernizing mission’ to humanitarianism in the US occupation of Haiti (1915–34):

The US occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934 marks the turn from military ‘modernizing missions’ to militarized humanitarianism in US interventionism. Political unrest in Haiti coupled with growing public concern in the US and Haiti over the occupation in the first five years forced an escalating series of official investigations. Together with the growing recognition of voices of dissent, these investigations exposed the brutal violence and failure of the humanitarian mission in Haiti. Tasked with meeting the mandates of the Haitian–American Convention and struggling to meet the promised aid, the US Navy, with the help of the State Department, enlisted the Rockefeller Foundation to manage and mediate the militarized humanitarian endeavors in Haiti. In this paper I explore the failed attempts at humanitarianism in the area of health and the events leading up to and informing the investigations. I argue that the turn to nongovernmental organizations in the 1920s, while not wholly unfounded, ushered in a ne...
Maternal temperature effects on dormancy influence germination responses to water availability in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract With climate change, germination cuing to water availability is expected to be especially important for seedling survival. Here, we examined germination responses to low water potential and tested whether dormancy status mediates these responses. We considered both genetically based dormancy (genotypes with allelic variation in dormancy genes) as well as dormancy imposed by the environment (low seed-maturation temperature or short duration of dry afterripening). We examined (a) germination capacity at low water potential, (b) germination acceleration in response to pre-incubation at low water potential, and (c) secondary dormancy induction by low water potential. We found that both environmentally imposed dormancy and genetically based dormancy influenced germination responses to low water potential. Specifically, dormancy established via introgression of a strong dormancy allele and dormancy induced by low seed-maturation temperatures both reduced the ability to germinate at low water potential. Pre-incubation at low water potential accelerated germination, but the rate differed between both dormancy-inducing environments and among dormancy genotypes. Prolonged incubation at low water potential induced secondary dormancy, and this effect was greater in fresher (more dormant) seeds and in seeds that were matured at low temperature (a dormancy-inducing treatment). Although genotypes also varied in secondary dormancy induction, their level of primary dormancy did not predict their induction into secondary dormancy. Environmentally induced dormancy also influenced the expression of genetic differences in germination responses to low water potential. Thus environmentally determined dormancy influences not only germination responses to low water potential but also their evolutionary potential.
Study of the reaction K−n → K−π−p at 12.6 GeV/c

Abstract From a 2.5 events gmb K − d exposure of the BNL 80″ bubble chamber we obtained 351 events which successfully fit the reaction K − d → K − π − pp s . The (pπ − ) mass spectrum exhibits a strong enhancement, centered at 1400 MeV and 400 MeV wide, which cannot be clearly resolved into individual resonances. The reaction is analyzed with a diffraction dissociation model and the relevant cross sections are given. From a study of the low K − π − mass region we find that the Kπ elastic scattering cross section in the isospin 3 2 state is of the order of 2 mb.
The role of acid phosphatase in the fusion of the secondary palate.

Complete closure of the secondary palate must progress through two consecutive events: the converging movement of the palatal shelves and their subsequent fusion at the line of contact. Each step is indispensable in normal palatal development since, theoretically, a palatal cleft might be the consequence of a failure of either. Until recently, the mechanisms of shelf movement received most attention (Peter, 1924; Lazarro, 1940; Walker & Fraser, 1956; Larsson, 1960). However, recent investigations have focused on the subsequent step, properly referred to as fusion. These studies, based on organ culture methods (Pourtois, 1966) and electron microscopy (Mato, Aikawa & Katahira, 1966; Farbman, 1967; Smiley & Dixon, 1967), have emphasized the complexity of the fusion process. This process may be viewed as a sequence of four interdependent events: (1) differentiation of the cell layers at the edge of the shelves resulting in the formation of a ‘zone of stickiness’ (Pourtois, 1968); (2) fusion of these differentiated epithelial cells leading to the formation of a laminated wall of epithelium between the shelves; (3) rupture of that partition permitting contact between the elements of the mesenchyme from either side; and (4) finally, degeneration of the epithelial remains of the seam marking the completion of the fusion process.
Induction of high effect cypermethrin on glutathione peroxidase of blattella germanica

Objective To research the effects of high effect cypermethrin on glutathione peroxidase (GPX) of blattella germanica so as to search for the operational mechanism of high effect cypermethrin and provide theoretical basis and useful methods.Methods Quantitative high effect cypermethrin of different concentration was sprayed upon the method of GB 13917 1-13917 8-92 for insecticide registered testing indoor effect. The activities of SOD were determined by using Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) Kit.Results The inductive time effect of high effect cypermethrin of different concentration was different,for some degree,the correlation of the inductive intensition and the concentration of high effect cypermethrin was positive relationship.Conclusion GPX can be appearly induced by high effect cypermethrin. The increase of GPX activities in blattella germanica was relative with pesticide tolerance to pyrethroid insecticides.
Is chaos good for learning

This paper demonstrates that an artificial neural network training on time-series data from the logistic map at the onset of chaos trains more effectively when it is weakly chaotic. This suggests that a modest amount of chaos in the brain in addition to the ever present random noise might be beneficial for learning. In such a case, human subjects might exhibit an increased Lyapunov exponent in their EEG recordings during the performance of creative tasks, suggesting a possible line of future research.
Tannin stimulates arachidonic acid release from bovine tracheal epithelial cells

Condensed tannin, isolated from cotton bracts extract (CBE), increases arachidonic acid (AA) release from rabbit alveolar macrophages and inhibits its subsequent reacylation. We determined whether tannin from CBE had any effect upon AA release in bovine tracheal epithelial cells (BTE). [14C] AA release was measured at timed intervals after addition of various concentrations of tannin to BTE cells grown to confluence in the presence of [14C] AA. Tannin caused a time- and dose-dependent release of AA from airway cells, with a maximum release occurring at 1 min in the presence of 100 micrograms/ml of tannin, and was confirmed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The pattern of release was similar to that observed with bradykinin (2 x 10(-6) M). AA release by tannin was partially inhibited by indomethacin (10(-5) M) but not by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA; 10(-5) M. Both of these drugs were effective in inhibiting bradykinin-induced AA release. In addition, AA release was not inhibited by cycloheximide. Endotoxin at 100 pg/ml and higher also caused a time-dependent release of AA that was not inhibitable by indomethacin or ETYA. Tannin-induced AA release was inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin but not by neomycin, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC). Neither pertussis toxin nor neomycin had any effect upon endotoxin-induced AA release. In other experiments, neither tannin nor endotoxin had any effect on [14C]AA uptake by BTE. These data demonstrate that tannin at low concentrations and endotoxin at high concentrations increase AA release by BTE cells. The AA release by tannin is partially metabolized by the cyclooxygenase pathway. We hypothesize that tannin-induced AA release is not mediated by PLC but may be mediated by other phospholipases, including PLA2.
A discrete subpopulation of human monocytes expresses a neutrophil-like proinflammatory (P) phenotype

We have demonstrated that a discrete and naturally occurring subpopulation of human monocytes expresses a neutrophil-like proinflammatory (P) phenotype. P monocytes constitute 20-30% of the circulating monocyte pool and are characterized by 1) avid adherence to extracellular matrix through high-level cell-surface expression of alpha 5-, beta 1-, and beta 2-integrins; 2) high capacity to produce reactive oxygen species; 3) high content of serine proteinases and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor; and 4) proteolytic activity against a soluble peptide human leukocyte elastase substrate, [3H]elastin, and solid-phase fibronectin, even in the presence of proteinase inhibitors. However, P monocytes express little or no cell-surface HLA-DR antigen, suggesting that they are unable to participate in specific immune responses. In contrast, the remainder of circulating monocytes have a low proinflammatory potential but contain the population of monocytes with high-level expression of HLA-DR antigen. P monocytes can readily be separated from the remainder of monocytes on the basis of 1) their capacity to adhere to fibronectin; and 2) their absent expression of HLA-DR antigen when flow cytometry or immunomagnetic beads are used. Our data indicate that, when recruited to sites of inflammation, P monocytes can either promote resolution of inflammation or contribute to tissue injury.