cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring prevalence and correlates of concurrent sexual partnerships among young sexually active men in Kisumu, Kenya.

Our objectives were to: (1) compare multiple measures of partnership concurrency, including the UNAIDS-recommended definition and (2) describe the prevalence and correlates of concurrent sexual partnerships among young Kenyan men. We analyzed 10,907 lifetime partnerships of 1,368 men ages 18–24 years enrolled in a randomized trial of male circumcision to reduce HIV-1 incidence in Kisumu. Partnership concurrency was determined by overlapping dates and examined over varying recall periods and assumptions. The lifetime prevalence of concurrency was 77 %. Sixty-one percent of all partnerships were concurrent and factors associated with concurrency differed by partner type. Point prevalence of concurrency at the time of the interview was consistently the highest and UNAIDS-recommended definition was the most conservative (25 vs. 18 % at baseline, respectively). Estimates of concurrency were influenced by methods for definition and measurement. Regardless of definition, concurrent partnerships are frequent in this population of young, sexually active men in high HIV prevalence Kisumu, Kenya.
Pore structure analysis of particle beds for fluid transport simulation during filtration

Abstract Accurate assessment of the transport properties of porous media (in our case, filter cake) is of major importance in the development of improved filtration processes. Implications from these studies are important in the design and operation of filtration equipment in order to enhance the efficiency of this important solid–liquid separation process. The microstructure and connectivity of pore space are important features to describe detailed fluid flow phenomena in filter cake during fine particle filtration. In this regard, 3D characterization of pore structure is essential. The pore structure has to be described by parameters which are of special relevance to the interpretation of fluid transport phenomena. These parameters should be based on directly measured variables of the pore system and not inferred from indirect variables (such as those determined empirically from transport processes) valid only for a particular pore structure. In this way, fundamental relationships between pore structure and fluid transport at the microstructure level can be described. In order to achieve this level of sophistication, the three-dimensional interconnected pore structure of filter cake must be determined. Study of fluid transport phenomena in filter cake using X-ray microtomography (XMT) to characterize the complex three-dimensional pore geometry is discussed. On this basis, the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method is used to simulate fluid flow and to begin to establish a fundamental relationship between pore microstructure and effective transport coefficients. For example, can network analysis using skeletonization procedures be used to confirm fundamental relationships that might be developed? Eventually then, with this detailed model, design and operating variables could be optimized for improved filtration efficiency.
Erbium: YAG laser resurfacing: what is its role?

Abstract Although carbon dioxide laser resurfacing has become increasingly popular, concerns have been raised about this laser’s thermally induced effects on the skin. Such thermal damage may lead to delays in healing, prolongation in posttreatment erythema, and an increased risk of postinflammatory pigmentary changes. The erbium:YAG laser, with its 2940 nm wavelength at the peak of water absorption, leads to less thermal damage in laser-treated skin. This study describes the clinical results in 100 patients with class I and II facial rhytids treated with the erbium:YAG laser.
Preventing the ultimate nightmare: Nuclear terrorism against the United States

(1997). Preventing the ultimate nightmare: Nuclear terrorism against the United States. International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 333-342.
In vivo crosslinking of nuclear proteins to DNA by cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) in differentiating rat myoblasts.

Abstract When cells are briefly exposed to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) before lysis in high sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea solutions, the high molecular-weight nucleic acids pelleted by ultracentrifugation contain an increased level of bound proteins when compared to a similar fraction from untreated cells. Subsequent shearing of the pelleted DNA followed by treatment with DNase permits electrophoretic and immunoblot analysis of the crosslinked proteins. In the present study such experiments were carried out with reference to nuclear envelope pore complex proteins in the differentiating L8 rat skeletal muscle cells. The results show that (i) whereas the major lamin proteins crosslinked to DNA in both myoblast and myotubes, lamin B is crosslinked to a greater extent to DNA in myotubes; (ii) a 62-kDa lectin-binding glycoprotein is apparently situated differently with respect to DNA in myotube nuclei; and (iii) the crosslinking pattern of the nuclear matrix proteins to DNA is qualitatively similar in myoblast and myotubes. In addition, lamin C′, a modified form of lamin C, not observed in intact nonmuscle cells previously [ Glass et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 1895–1900], exists as a native component of the nuclear lamina in rat skeletal myotubes but not in myoblasts. These results point to significant structural alterations in the proteins of the nuclear lamina-pore complex during myogenesis.
Tensile strength of titanium matrix composites: direct numerical simulations and analytic models

A recently-developed model for the numerical simulation of tensile stress-strain behavior in fiber-reinforced composites is used to predict the tensile strength of a metal matrix composite consisting of a Ti-1100 matrix reinforced with SCS-6 SiC fibers. Data on the as-processed fiber strengths, interfacial strength, composite size, and fiber volume fraction From Gundel and Wawner are used as input. The predicted strengths agree very well with the sample-specific values measured by Gundel and Wawner, demonstrating the accuracy of the computational model. The effects of free surfaces ina thin ply lay-up geometry are simulated as well, and show a small and surprising increased tensile strength. A modified Batdorf-type analytic model is developed which yields predictions similar to the simulated strengths for the Ti-1100 materials. The ideas and predictions of the Batdorf-type model, which is essentially an approximation to the simulation model, are then compared in more detail to the simulation-based model to more generally assess the accuracy of the Batdorf model in predicting tensile strength and notch strength vs composite size and fiber Weibull modulus. The study shows the Batdorf model to be accurate for tensile strength at high Weibull moduli and to capture general trends well, but it is not quantitatively accurate over the full range of material parameters encountered in various fiber composite systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
An automated all-in-one microfludic device for parallel solid phase DNA extraction and droplet-inoil PCR analysis

We have developed an all-in-one microfluidic platform that integrates sample preparation and gene analysis on one single device. Our platform takes the advantage of the silica superparamagnetic particle (SSP) based solid phase extraction (SPE) and an all-in-one scheme that performs cell lysis, DNA binding, washing, elution and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the same reaction chamber, which greatly reduces the complexity of the device, allowing integrating multiple reactions in parallel onto the same platform. We have successfully purify the DNA from the human whole blood sample and analyzed the Rsf gene using the Taqman probe based gene specific PCR assay on the proposed platform.
Comparison of intraosseous and intravenous delivery of hypertonic saline/dextran in anesthetized, euvolemic pigs

Study objectives: With renewed interest in intraosseous (10) infusion, the present study examined if sternal 10 infusion provided vascular entry of 7.5% NaCI/6% dextran-70 (HSD) as efficiently as IV infusion. Design, setting, type of participants, interventions: Twelve anesthetized pigs were catheterized for measurement of cardiovascular parameters. Six pigs were given a 4-mL/kg 10 infusion of HSD under pressure over two to six minutes; each pig was paired with another that had been given HSD IV over the same time course. Rapid arterial blood sampling was used to evaluate vascular entry of NaCl and dextran with monitoring continued for two hours after infusion. Measurements and main results: Complete vascular entry of infused sodium and dextran was generally complete within one minute after infusion in all experiments. Increases in mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and other cardiovascular parameters were indistinguishable between 10 and IV infusions. Plasma volume expansion was about 20% above baseline in both groups of pigs. Histologic examination showed minimum pathology to the sternum and no significant pulmonary complications. Conclusion: 10 vascular delivery of HSD is a viable alternative in emergency scenarios in which vascular access is compromised.
Nulling interferometers: the importance of systematic errors and the X-array configuration

The nulling interferometers proposed for planet detection are arrays of collector telescopes whose amplitudes and phases are carefully controlled to generate a null response at the star. Perturbations in the amplitude and phase response of the instrument lead to time-dependent fluctuations in the stellar leakage that can mimic a planet signal. Understanding these non-linear systematic errors is important, since they drive most of the instrument requirements for missions such as the Terrestrial Planet Finder and Darwin. We show that 'amplitude-phase' errors are the dominant source of instrument noise. They are unaffected by the technique of phase chopping, increase rapidly at short wavelengths, are largely independent of the size and transmission efficiency of the collector optics, and depend only weakly on the nulling configuration and distance to the target system. Detection of an Earth around a G-type star like the sun requires ~1.5 nm of path control and ~0.1% control of the amplitude, integrated over all frequencies, including DC. This paper also introduces the X-Array - a new nulling configuration with 4 collectors and a central combiner arranged in an X pattern. This has a number of advantages over the standard dual Bracewell layout, and over other configurations that have been proposed.
Abnormal proteins in drosophila melanogaster subsequent to 5-bromodeoxyuridine administration

Abstract 1. 1. A significant decline in synthesis of soluble proteins was observed in Drosophila reared on a culture medium containing 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR). 2. 2. In addition, electrophoretograms revealed both a disappearance of several proteins intrinsically characteristic in Drosophila and an appearance of abnormal proteins. 3. 3. Such data are consistent with predictions drawn from a theory that BUdR interferes with the regulation of messenger synthesis by transforming the configurations of DNA molecules.
Effects of nitrendipine and hydralazine on plasma catecholamines in essential hypertension.

We compared the efficacy and safety of nitrendipine with that of hydralazine in 21 subjects with essential hypertension. Nitrendipine or hydralazine was given in a double-blind manner after a placebo period. Dose was titrated to diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≤90 mm Hg and the dose established during titration was continued for 5 to 7 wk. Both supine and erect BP were decreased by both drugs, but heart rate was affected only minimally. Myocardial oxygen demand decreased only with nitrendipine (P < 0.05), although the change may have been the result of somewhat higher systolic BP while on placebo. Hydralazine induced minimal changes in levels of plasma catecholamines, but plasma norepinephrine levels rose in subjects on nitrendipine. Side effects encountered with both drugs were much the same, although nitrendipine was more often associated with mild fatigue. There were mild elevations in liver function parameters in two subjects on nitrendipine. There was little difference between the effects of nitrendipine and hydralazine in hypertension. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1984) 36, 444–450; doi:10.1038/clpt.1984.202
Regional accuracy of QuikSCAT gridded winds

The quality of gridded 00 UTC and 12 UTC QuikSCAT wind speed fields provided by the Florida State University (FSU) and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are analysed over the Bay of Bengal during May–August 2001. Additionally, an examination of these fields is performed over the Gulf of Mexico for the May–August period from 2001 to 2003. Both 00 UTC and 12 UTC time almost coincide with QuikSCAT sampling times (twice a day) and correspond to either early morning or late evening local time over these regions. The primary restriction for generating accurate maps with a temporal resolution of 12 hours and less is a lack of adequate sampling. Due to non‐uniform spatial‐temporal sampling of the scatterometer, interpolation procedures cannot provide proper estimates in data gaps over the regions not covered by a swath. Wind speed autocorrelation coefficients for gridded datasets have been compared with that of original QuikSCAT data and buoy winds. It is shown that the spatial and temporal interpolation used ...
IONIC MECHANISMS IN EXCITATION OF PHOTORECEPTORS

Both measurements and rough theoretical calculations suggest that both sites in the plasma membrane where the dark current enters and the mechanism that produces the intracellular excitatory transmitter of rod vision operate via ionophoric mechanisms with very low specific conductivities and high ionic specificities properties similar to those of carriers in artificial and natural membranes.
RECURSIVE FLEXIBLE MULTIBODY SYSTEM DYNAMICS USING SPATIAL OPERATORS

This paper uses spatial operators to develop new spatially recursive dynamics algorithms for flexible multibody systems. The operator description of the dynamics is identical to that for rigid multibody systems. Assumed-mode models are used for the deformation of each individual body. The algorithms are based on two spatial operator factorizations of the system mass matrix. The first (Newton-Euler) factorization of the mass matrix leads to recursive algorithms for the inverse dynamics, mass matrix evaluation, and composite-body forward dynamics for the systems. The second (innovations) factorization of the mass matrix, leads to an operator expression for the mass matrix inverse and to a recursive articulated-body forward dynamics algorithm. The primary focus is on serial chains, but extensions to general topologies are also described. A comparison of computational costs shows that the articulated-body, forward dynamics algorithm is much more efficient than the composite-body algorithm for most flexible multibody systems.
Neurosteroids Allosterically Modulate Binding of the Anesthetic Etomidate to γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors

Photoaffinity labeling of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA)-receptors (GABAAR) with an etomidate analog and mutational analyses of direct activation of GABAAR by neurosteroids have each led to the proposal that these structurally distinct general anesthetics bind to sites in GABAARs in the transmembrane domain at the interface between the β and α subunits. We tested whether the two ligand binding sites might overlap by examining whether neuroactive steroids inhibited etomidate analog photolabeling. We previously identified (Li, G. D., Chiara, D. C., Sawyer, G. W., Husain, S. S., Olsen, R. W., and Cohen, J. B. (2006) J. Neurosci. 26, 11599–11605) azietomidate photolabeling of GABAAR α1Met-236 and βMet-286 (in αM1 and βM3). Positioning these two photolabeled amino acids in a single type of binding site at the interface of β and α subunits (two copies per pentamer) is consistent with a GABAAR homology model based upon the structure of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and with recent αM1 to βM3 cross-linking data. Biologically active neurosteroids enhance rather than inhibit azietomidate photolabeling, as assayed at the level of GABAAR subunits on analytical SDS-PAGE, and protein microsequencing establishes that the GABAAR-modulating neurosteroids do not inhibit photolabeling of GABAAR α1Met-236 or βMet-286 but enhance labeling of α1Met-236. Thus modulatory steroids do not bind at the same site as etomidate, and neither of the amino acids identified as neurosteroid activation determinants (Hosie, A. M., Wilkins, M. E., da Silva, H. M., and Smart, T. G. (2006) Nature 444, 486–489) are located at the subunit interface defined by our etomidate site model.
The Convert as a Credible Communicator.

In this study we investigated reactions to an antialcohol communication delivered by convert and nonconvert communicators. In 4 convert conditions the communicator was presented as a former alcoholic. The convert’s communication was either personal (first-person pronouns) or impersonal (third-person pronouns). Compared with participants’ current alcohol consumption, the convert’s consumption at a comparable time in life had been either similar or extreme. In a control condition (no convert impersonal), a life-long teetotaler presented a message identical with that given in the impersonal convert conditions. Overall evaluations of the communicator and communication, as well as ratings of message persuasiveness, were significantly more favorable in all 4 convert conditions than in the no convert impersonal condition. Within the convert conditions, ratings consistently were more favorable in the personal than in the impersonal, and in the extreme than in the similar, conditions. Several additional variables which may importantly affect convert communicator credibility were discussed.
Wilkinson power divider for antenna distribution networks

The design, fabrication and experimental evaluation of a Ku-Band 3 dB Wilkinson power divider on high resistivity silicon (HRS) are presented in this paper. The measured insertion for the powder divider is 3.5 dB and isolation between port 2 and 3 is 12 dB respectively. CPW lines were fabricated on two different silicon substrates (HRS, and CMOS grade silicon) and it is shown that the loss characteristics for a 50Ω CPW patterned on the surface-stabilized HRS is only 0.16 dB at 15GHz. In contrast, the insertion loss for CPW line on CMOS grade silicon is 8.3 dB at 15 GHz. Thus, the low insertion loss could be achieved by stabilizing the surface of HRS with a thin polysilicon layer.
Thymoma and the nephrotic syndrome a report of a case

A 48-year-old male presented with the nephrotic syndrome 3 years after resection and irradiation of a thymoma. Renal biopsy revealed membranous glomerulonephritis by electron microscopy. IgA, IgG, and C3 deposition were present in the glomerular basement membrane by immunofluorescence. There was no evidence of other autoimmune diseases or causes of the membranous glomerulonephritis. He has continued to have proteinuria and edema 1 year later.
Forced flow laminar filmwise condensation of a pure saturated vapor in a vertical tube

Abstract An analytical study of steady laminar, filmwise condensation of a saturated vapor in forced flow in a vertical tube has been conducted for the case when the vapor velocity profile at the tube inlet is fully developed and the tube wall temperature is maintained constant. Equations and boundary conditions governing the condensation process have been examined in detail in order to determine relevant parameters of the problem. For a wide range of conditions of practical interest it is found that the condensation process is governed by five parameters. These are the ratio of vapor Froude to Reynolds number, Buoyancy number, vapor to liquid viscosity ratio, liquid Prandtl number and Subcooling number. A numerical solution of the resulting set of equations shows considerable differences in hydrodynamics and heat transfer with variations in these parameters. Comparison of the results with Nusselt's analytic solution of constant interphase shear is also made and it is found that at high pressures, high Prandtl numbers and high ratios of Froude to Reynolds numbers, his analytic solution underpredicts the condensation length and film thickness and overpredicts the interphase mass and heat transfer. Significant disparities at low Prandtl numbers are found between analytic and numerical solutions for heat-transfer results as well as the hydrodynamic results. These disparities are a consequence of neglecting inertia terms in the liquid and vapor equations of motion in the analytic model and their inclusion in the model presented in this work.
Shearographic Fringe Carrier Method For Data Reduction Computerization

This paper presents some preliminary success in the computerizing of data reduction in shearography. Computerization is made possible by the introduction of a fringe carrier technique that removes the ambiguities in fringe interpretation. The technique is based on superposing a set of carrier fringes upon the deformation fringes. The resulting fringe pattern has monotonically increasing fringe orders, thereby allowing the fringe orders to be determined in a straightforward manner and without ambiguity. It is shown that the data deduction process can be computerized. The deformed carrier fringe pattern is digitized, and the displacement derivatives are then automatically deduced by means of digital image processing.
Proteomic Analysis of Covalent Modifications of Tubulins by Isothiocyanates

Although isothiocyanates (ITC), which are found in cruciferous vegetables, have been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis in animal models and induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in tumor cells, the biochemical mechanisms of cell growth inhibition by these compounds are not fully understood. Studies have reported that ITC binding to intracellular proteins may be an important event for initiating apoptosis. Specific protein target(s) and molecular mechanisms for ITC have been investigated in human lung cancer A549 cells using proteomic tools. Cells were treated with various amounts (1-100 μmol/L) of radiolabeled phenethyl-ITC (PEITC) and sulforaphane (SFN) and the extracted proteins resolved using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The results of mass spectrometric analyses suggested that tubulin may be an in vivo binding target for ITC. The binding of ITC to tubulin was associated with growth arrest. The proliferation of A549 cells was significantly reduced by ITC, with benzyl-ITC (BITC) having a greater relative activity than PEITC or SFN. Mitotic arrest and apoptosis as well as disruption of microtubule polymerization were induced in the order: BITC > PEITC > SFN. An analysis of tubulins isolated from BITC-treated A549 cells showed that Cys(347), a conserved cysteine in all α-tubulin isoforms, was covalently modified by BITC. Taken together, these results suggest that tubulin is a binding target of ITC and that this interaction can lead to growth inhibition and apoptosis.
Improved bioherbicidal efficacy by Myrothecium verrucaria via spray adjuvants or herbicide mixtures

Herbicides and spray adjuvants were evaluated for compatibility with the bioherbicidal fungus, Myrothecium verrucaria. Several commercial formulations of glyphosate were found to be compatible for tank mixing with M. verrucaria, including Touchdown and RoundUp HiTech. Others, such as Accord XRT II and RoundUp WeatherMAX killed all the spores of M. verrucaria immediately after mixing at only 10% the maximum labeled application rate. Many herbicides, which were not suitable for co-application with M. verrucaria, did not inhibit the growth of the fungus when added directly to media at up to 1% concentration, indicating that these products could be compatible with M. verrucaria as sequential applications in an integrated weed management system. Several commercially available spray adjuvants and polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether (TDA) formulations were tested in vitro for their efficiency in dispersing spores and in a plant bioassay for bioherbicidal activity. All of the products improved the activity of M. verrucaria over the water-only treatments and TDA formulations with a hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) number of 8 or 10 had the highest activity. The mechanism for improved bioherbicidal activity with these adjuvants was investigated in vitro, and TDA HLB 8 and 10 did not significantly improve conidia dispersal or accelerate spore germination relative to other surfactants. It is possible that the role of the surfactant is in the alteration of the plant cuticle or otherwise preparing the infection court. Better adjuvant selection and integration with affordable synthetic herbicides should aid in the development of more cost-effective biological control of weeds.
Assignment and scheduling communicating periodic tasks in distributed real-time systems

Presents an optimal solution to the problem of allocating communicating periodic tasks to heterogeneous processing nodes (PNs) in a distributed real-time system. The solution is optimal in the sense of minimizing the maximum normalized task response time, called the system hazard, subject to the precedence constraints resulting from intercommunication among the tasks to be allocated. Minimization of the system hazard ensures that the solution algorithm allocates tasks so as to meet all task deadlines under an optimal schedule, whenever such an allocation exists. The task system is modeled with a task graph (TG), in which computation and communication modules, communication delays and intertask precedence constraints are clearly described. Tasks described by this TG are assigned to PNs by using a branch-and-bound (B&B) search algorithm. The algorithm traverses a search tree whose leaves correspond to potential solutions to the task allocation problem. We use a bounding method that prunes, in polynomial time, nonleaf vertices that cannot lead to an optimal solution, while ensuring that the search path leading to an optimal solution will never be pruned. For each generated leaf vertex, we compute the exact cost using the algorithm developed by Peng and Shin (1993). The lowest-cost leaf vertex (one with the least system hazard) represents an optimal task allocation. Computational experiences and examples are provided to demonstrate the concept, utility and power of the proposed approach.
Template-based C8-SCORPION: a protein 8-state secondary structure prediction method using structural information and context-based features

Secondary structures prediction of proteins is important to many protein structure modeling applications. Correct prediction of secondary structures can significantly reduce the degrees of freedom in protein tertiary structure modeling and therefore reduces the difficulty of obtaining high resolution 3D models. In this work, we investigate a template-based approach to enhance 8-state secondary structure prediction accuracy. We construct structural templates from known protein structures with certain sequence similarity. The structural templates are then incorporated as features with sequence and evolutionary information to train two-stage neural networks. In case of structural templates absence, heuristic structural information is incorporated instead. After applying the template-based 8-state secondary structure prediction method, the 7-fold cross-validated Q8 accuracy is 78.85%. Even templates from structures with only 20%~30% sequence similarity can help improve the 8-state prediction accuracy. More importantly, when good templates are available, the prediction accuracy of less frequent secondary structures, such as 3-10 helices, turns, and bends, are highly improved, which are useful for practical applications. Our computational results show that the templates containing structural information are effective features to enhance 8-state secondary structure predictions. Our prediction algorithm is implemented on a web server named "C8-SCORPION" available at: http://hpcr.cs.odu.edu/c8scorpion .
Structure of an Early Intermediate in the M-State Phase of the Bacteriorhodopsin Photocycle

The structure of an early M-intermediate of the wild-type bacteriorhodopsin photocycle formed by actinic illumination at 230 K has been determined by x-ray crystallography to a resolution of 2.0 A. Three-dimensional crystals were trapped by illuminating with actinic light at 230 K, followed by quenching in liquid nitrogen. Amide I, amide II, and other infrared absorption bands, recorded from single bacteriorhodopsin crystals, confirm that the M-substate formed represents a structure that occurs early after deprotonation of the Schiff base. Rotation about the retinal C13OC14 double bond appears to be complete, but a relatively large torsion angle of 26° is still seen for the C14OC15 bond. The intramolecular stress associated with the isomerization of retinal and the subsequent deprotonation of the Schiff base generates numerous small but experimentally measurable structural changes within the protein. Many of the residues that are displaced during the formation of the late M (MN) substate formed by three-dimensional crystals of the D96N mutant (Luecke et al., 1999b) are positioned, in early M, between their resting-state locations and the ones which they will adopt at the end of the M phase. The relatively small magnitude of atomic displacements observed in this intermediate, and the well-defined positions adopted by nearly all of the atoms in the structure, may make the formation of this structure favorable to model (simulate) by molecular dynamics.
Effect of posture on the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic factor.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a peptide with potent natriuretic, diuretic and vasorelaxant activities. Stretching of the right atria causes release of ANF into the circulation. Therefore, changes in central blood volume or acute volume expansion are likely to change the plasma levels of ANF. In this study we investigated the effects of changes in posture on the plasma levels of ANF, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (aldo). Eight male and five female volunteers ranging in age from 23 to 26 years were placed on a normal sodium intake and on the experimental day blood was obtained for ANF, PRA, and aldo after 30 minutes of lying supine, 30 minutes of 10 or 20 degrees head-down tilt, and 30 minutes of standing. Plasma ANF increased significantly after 30 minutes of head-down tilt from the supine value of 33.7 ± 5.2 pg/ml to 47.7 ± 7.7 pg/ml (p<0.02) and suppressed to 14.1 ± 0.02) after 30 minutes of standing. PRA did not change significantly with head-down tilt, (supine 1.64 ± 0.44 ngAI...
Use of multidimensional utility functions in hazardous shipment decisions

Recent developments in multiple-objective decision analysis are utilized to assess the applicability of the theory to decisions in hazardous material shipments. A realistic problem involving decisions related to the shipment of anhydrous ammonia by different transportation modes is formulated and solved utilizing decision theory. The results indicate that decision analysis may prove to be a useful tool in optimizing choices regarding hazardous material transportation.
Optical pattern recognition: architectures and techniques

This article addresses the development of and recent advances in the rapidly growing field of optical pattern recognition. In optical pattern recognition there are two basic approaches; namely, matched filtering and associative memories. The first employs optical correlator architectures and the latter uses optical neural networks (NNs). This paper reviews various types of optical correlators and NNs applied to real-time pattern recognition and autonomous tracking. Techniques of scale and rotational invariant filtering are also given. Recent approaches using wavelet transform filtering, phase only filtering, high capacity composite filters and phase representation for improvement in pattern discrimination are also provided.
EFFECT OF ALTERATIONS OF CORONARY BLOOD FLOW ON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF THE NONWORKING HEART.

The effects of varying coronary blood flow on the MVOO2 of a heart permitted to perform external work at a constant level were determined in 10 experiments. No consistent changes of MVOO2 occurred with alterations of coronary blood flow. These results were in contrast with those previously obtained when coronary blood flow was altered in a heart which performed no external work.
Economic issues regarding tertiary canal improvement programs, with an example from Egypt

Public investments in farmer-managed tertiary canals can promote an improved distribution of water among farmers, enabling them to improve water management practices, enhance crop yields, and select from a wider variety of cropping choices. This paper examines economic issues regarding public programs designed to improve or rehabilitate tertiary canals, particularly in developing countries. Key issues include defining property rights to irrigation water or delivery capacity, and to new or improved irrigation facilities; communicating the relative scarcity of agricultural inputs with appropriate prices or allocations; implementing cost recovery; and determining the best mix of public and private sector participation. The transaction costs of implementing market-oriented programs are also discussed. Economic issues are illustrated by describing Egypt's national Irrigation Improvement Project, for which a set of alternative cost recovery programs is presented.
THE NEW JERSEY PROPERTY TAX—SUBSTITUTE FOR STATE AID?*

WHILE MOST OF THE states have been relegating the general property tax to a lesser role in their tax structure, New Jersey has been preserving its position. One state after another has adopted one or more of the so-called broad-based taxes, i.e., personal income, corporation income, and retail sales. New Jersey, in company with only two other states, has resisted this movement. Other states have developed formulas for paying over a substantial amount of state-collected revenues to local units of government. In common with the others, New Jersey does have some shared taxes and does have formulas of state aid for schools, roads, and welfare, but the amounts are nominal by comparison. A description of the present tax structure of the state is followed by a tax history from 1911 to date as a means of explaining its current revenue patterns. A detailed examination of the financing of local governments, municipalities, counties, and school districts reveals the relative importance of property taxes and state aid in their revenue structure. For each type of governmental unit, not only is the property tax analyzed, but all the formulas involving intergovernmental payments are studied. The administration of the property tax is discussed in detail. The law and the practice in the assessment process, the tax levy, and the collection procedure are explained. Equalization procedures at the municipal, county, and state levels are interpreted in historical perspective. A comparison of the tax structure of the 48 states indicates that New Jersey, like most of the other states, relies heavily on the property tax at the local level. Its uniqueness lies in the complete absence of any so-called broad-based tax in the revenue structure. Explanations are offered for the divergencies between the revenue and aid structure of New Jersey and that of almost all the other states. Economic factors which compelled other states at various crises in their history to adopt one and often two or three of the broad-based taxes were not strong in New Jersey.
What educators do not like to deal with.

Medical school is a highly selective and competitive process that is designed to identify those who will be most likely to succeed as physicians. This selection process gets further refined as the students graduate and choose a residency for specialty training. Those of us who spend a significant amount of time teaching always enjoy when trainees are eager and willing to learn our craft, act professional, conform to the norms, and progressively advance so that they are capable of becoming independent practitioners. In this issue of the journal, Domen1 comments that during this period, enthusiastic, not-yet clinically competent medical students become competent practitioners. Trainees benefit by knowing more about themselves. Knowing your personality type and flaws is very important to manage day-to-day activities and understand how you will react when there is stress in the environment. As part of a career seminar series for pathology residents and fellows at Emory University School of Medicine, we perform a short personality assessment, and more than half of our trainees have a very similar personality type. This is not surprising; the enormous attention …
Point-of-Care Device for Quantification of Bilirubin in Skin Tissue

Steady state diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is a nondestructive method for obtaining biochemical and physiological information from skin tissue. In medical conditions such as neonatal jaundice excess bilirubin in the blood stream diffuses into the surrounding tissue leading to a yellowing of the skin. Diffuse reflectance measurement of the skin tissue can provide real time assessment of the progression of a disease or a medical condition. Here we present a noninvasive point-of-care system that utilizes diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to quantifying bilirubin from skin reflectance spectra. The device consists of an optical system integrated with a signal processing algorithm. The device is then used as a platform to study two different spectral databases. The first spectral database is a jaundice animal model in which the jaundice reflectance spectra are synthesized from normal skin. The second spectral database is the spectral measurements collected on human volunteers to quantify the different chromophores and other physical properties of the tissue such as Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, etc. The initial trials from each of these spectral databases have laid the foundation to verify the performance of this bilirubin quantification device.
Influence of Island Migration on Barrier-Island Sedimentation

Barrier islands migrate along some coastal areas in the direction of dominant sediment transport. At the forward end of the island deposition occurs on the margin of the channel where the environment strongly influences the characteristics of barrier-island deposits. The depth of the channel, for example, exceeds two-to-three times that of other environments associated with barrier deposits. Moving along the coast, the channel erodes and reworks the deposits of other environments. The reworked area extends landward and seaward of the inlet and is several miles wide. The depth of reworking and the subsequent deposition preclude further modification by other agencies of the barrier-island environment. The erosion that accompanies transgression and regression may remove the upper level of barrier deposits, leaving modified channel sediments for interpretation and identification. Sedimentary modifications produced by island migration include textural changes, gross shape of the deposit, and steepening and reorientation of stratification. Recognition of the reorientation of stratification is particularly important in paleocurrent analysis. Modified channel sediments inter-finger seaward with shallow neritic deposits and landward with lagoonal salt-marsh sediments. Although the duration of the Holocene high stand of the sea was too short to permit major migration-modification of Holocene islands, there was probably enough time for the extensive reworking of many ancient deposits. Studies on channel sediments and on the extent of island migration can provide information on the environment during the deposition of coastal sediments.
miR-21 mediates fibrogenic activation of pulmonary fibroblasts and lung fibrosis

Uncontrolled extracellular matrix production by fibroblasts in response to tissue injury contributes to fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and ultimately fatal process that currently has no cure. Although dysregulation of miRNAs is known to be involved in a variety of pathophysiologic processes, the role of miRNAs in fibrotic lung diseases is unclear. In this study, we found up-regulation of miR-21 in the lungs of mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis and also in the lungs of patients with IPF. Increased miR-21 expression was primarily localized to myofibroblasts. Administration of miR-21 antisense probes diminished the severity of experimental lung fibrosis in mice, even when treatment was started 5–7 d after initiation of pulmonary injury. TGF-β1, a central pathological mediator of fibrotic diseases, enhanced miR-21 expression in primary pulmonary fibroblasts. Increasing miR-21 levels promoted, whereas knocking down miR-21 attenuated, the pro-fibrogenic activity of TGF-β1 in fibroblasts. A potential mechanism for the role of miR-21 in fibrosis is through regulating the expression of an inhibitory Smad, Smad7. These experiments demonstrate an important role for miR-21 in fibrotic lung diseases and also suggest a novel approach using miRNA therapeutics in treating clinically refractory fibrotic diseases, such as IPF.
Environmental inequity: An analysis of large-scale hog operations in 17 states, 1982-1997

This study extends ideas of environmental equity to large-scale hog operations. We investigate counties in 17 hog producing states to determine whether large-scale hog operations are more likely to be sited and expanded in areas that have a disproportionate number of Black, Hispanic, and/or economically disadvantaged residents. The data for this work come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Bureau of Census. We discover evidence of racial inequity, but only in those states where large-scale operations are being rapidly sited and expanded (i.e., Iowa, North Carolina, and Minnesota). There is no evidence of ethnic or economic inequality. We conclude that reductions in community quality of life attributable to large-scale hog operations are more likely to be found in counties that are disproportionately Black than White if located in states that are expanding the number of large-scale hog operations.
Checkpointing strategies for database systems

In this paper we consider a transaction oriented database system where checkpointing is done after a certain number of transactions are processed. The design objective is to maximize the system availability given the failure rate, service rate and other system parameters. Several checkpointing strategies have been proposed and analyzed. We have also considered the effect of error latency.
Relationship between Antibiotic Exposure and Subsequent Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between antibiotic exposure and subsequent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in hospitalized patients.Methods: A retrospective, case-control study with data collected between October 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006 was conducted. Cases consisted of patients with a documented new onset of diarrhea occurring a minimum of 72 hours following admission to the hospital and accompanied by a positive C. difficile toxin A and B enzyme immunoassay. Two controls were matched to each case according to known risk factors for CDAD other than antibiotic use. A complete assessment of antibiotic use was made, including all regimens the patient received during the previous 8 weeks. The difference in antibiotic use in cases and controls was tested using the chi-square test. The association between specific antibiotic classes and subsequent CDAD was evaluated with an odds ratio.Results: Prior antibiotic exposure was observed more frequently in th...
Information Technology and Screen-Based Securities Trading: Pricing the Stock and Pricing the Trade

Many major stock exchanges rely on their member firms to act as dealer intermediaries, risking their own capital to trade as dealers with investor customers. A confluence of forces will dramatically alter the role of these intermediaries and the strategies available to them. Information technology is increasing the diversity of trading strategies used by investors; these impose different costs and risks upon intermediaries. Alternative electronic trading venues-off-exchange trading systems-are increasing the competition faced by established exchanges, and have been especially effective in targeting investors who impose low risks upon intermediaries. Finally, many of the automated systems developed by existing exchanges have stripped of many of the cues that have in the past been used by intermediaries to assess the riskiness of an investor's trade and to price accordingly. We believe that competitive pressure from alternative trading venues will drive exchanges to develop mechanisms to support risk-based pricing. We explore, through a stylized model of trading, how the use of risk-based pricing can preserve the established central market. This enables intermediaries to separate pricing the shares traded from pricing the services for dealing these shares, and provides low-cost execution while preserving the benefits of intermediation. Our model uses a detailed computer simulation, in which dealers interact with order flow to produce a sequence of trades, which determine market prices, which in turn influence order flow; the model enables us to calculate trading costs for different classes of investor, various other standard measures of market quality, and market maker profitability.
Teaching And Research Interests In Real Estate

This paper presents the findings of an investigation aimed at determining teaching and research interests of U.S. finance faculty regarding the academic discipline of real estate. The paper focuses on two groups of finance faculty from six academic years spanning the 1994-2005 period. While one group consists of an exhaustive roster of titled professors of finance as per the Hasselback directories, the other consists of randomly selected samples of finance educators from over 800 U.S. colleges and universities. On average, about 1 in 14 titled professors and 1 and 13 randomly selected finance professors had noted real estate as an area of teaching interest. Approximately 5 percent of all reported teaching interests were in real estate for both groups of faculty. The study also reveals that about 1 in 11 titled professors and 1 in 12 sampled faculty had an interest in conducting research in the real estate field. Among the randomly selected finance faculty who wanted to teach or perform research in real estate, less than 20 percent were assistant professors, 30 percent were associate professors and more than 40 percent were full professors.