cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modified X Waves with Improved Field Properties

A method to obtain a good compromise between the depth of field and the lateral resolution of "X waves" is proposed. The original X waves are theoretically nondiffracting beams generated by a specially phased infinite transmit aperture. When generated by a finite aperture, X waves are diffracting beams but have a large depth of field, maintaining uniform lateral field profiles. The proposed modification of the wave equation solution for X waves replaces a constant parameter representing the propagation angle of ultrasound with a function of radial distance at the aperture surface, and results in modified X waves that have a larger depth of field than the original X waves. Computer simulations show that a proper choice of the modification function can produce a new beam with improved field properties compared with the original X waves, promising images with higher lateral resolution and increased contrast over a large depth of field in high frame rate medical imaging. Experimental results are presented to verify the simulation results of the proposed method.
Supercritical fluid extraction of bitumens from Utah oil sands

Abstract The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of bitumens from four major Uinta Basin (Utah) oil sand deposits was studied with propane solvent. The deposits studied included Whiterocks, Asphalt Ridge, PR Spring and Sunnyside. The bitumens from these deposits differed widely in physical and chemical properties. The volatilities (components with boiling point n -pentane insolubles) were 2.9, 6.8, 19.3 and 23.6 wt.% for the Whiterocks, Asphalt Ridge, PR Spring and Sunnyside bitumens, respectively. The SFE experiments were carried out at five conditions, combinations of three different pressures (5.6 MPa, 10.4 MPa, and 17.3 MPa) and three temperatures (339 K, 380 K and 422 K). The cumulative extraction yield increased with increase in solvent density at all operating conditions for the four bitumens. A maximum yield of 45 wt.% was obtained at the highest solvent density with the Whiterocks bitumen. The extraction products were significantly upgraded liquids relative to the bitumens. Comparatively lighter fractions were extracted in the earlier stages of extraction for all the four bitumens, whereas heavier extracts were obtained at higher extraction-solvent densities. The asphaltene contents of the residual fractions were significantly higher than the asphaltene contents predicted on a prorated basis for all four bitumens. This trend was due to the extraction of cosolubilizing components that kept the asphaltenes in suspension in the bitumen. It was concluded that solute polarity played a significant role in the extraction yields of the four bitumens. The Whiterocks bitumen, which was the least polar bitumen based on asphaltenes content, gave higher extraction yields compared to the bitumens from the other three deposits at all five operating conditions. The Sunnyside bitumen with the highest asphaltene content gave the lowest extraction yield at all five conditions. The Asphalt Ridge and PR Spring bitumens with intermediate polarity (based on asphaltene content) gave intermediate extraction yields with the Asphalt Ridge bitumen extraction yields higher than the PR Spring bitumen. Preliminary modeling of the extraction process using the Peng–Robinson cubic equation of state and a pseudocomponent lumping scheme provided a reasonable match with the experimental data for Whiterocks and PR Spring bitumens.
Scale Analysis of Deep and Shallow Convection in the Atmosphere

Abstract The approximate equations of motion derived by Batchelor in 1953 are derived by a formal scale analysis, with the assumption that the percentage range in potential temperature is small and that the time scale is set by the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. Acoustic waves are then absent. If the vertical scale is small compared to the depth of an adiabatic atmosphere, the system reduces to the (non-viscous) Boussinesq equations. The computation of the saturation vapor pressure for deep convection is complicated by the important effect of the dynamic pressure on the temperature. For shallow convection this effect is not important, and a simple set of reversible equations is derived.
Analysis of National Strategies to Counter a Country's Nuclear Weapons Program

Finding the best national strategy to prevent or delay a country from acquiring nuclear weapons continues to be a critical issue for U.S. policy makers. In this paper, we build on previous work to develop a model that addresses this question. This model identifies the strategy that minimizes the disutility of the overall cost of the strategy and the cost of the consequences resulting from the strategy. We illustrate the insights that the model provides with a case study of Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Effects of water temperature and pH on toxicity of terbufos, trichlorfon, 4‐nitrophenol and 2,4‐dinitrophenol to the amphipod Gammarus pseudolimnaeus and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Acute toxicity tests were conducted to determine (a) the individual and interactive effects of water temperature (7, 12, 17°C), pH (6 5, 7 5, 8 5, 9 5), and time on the toxicity of terbufos, trichlorfon, 4 nitrophenol, and 2,4-dinitrophenol to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the amphipod Gammarus pseudohmnaeus, and (b) the individual and interactive effects of water temperature and pH on chemical bioconcentration during acute tests with rainbow trout and Gammarus exposed to terbufos, 4 nitrophenol, and 2,4 dinitrophenol The toxicity of all four chemicals was significantly affected by pH in all tests, except for Gammarus exposed to terbufos The toxicity of terbufos to rainbow trout and Gammarus was less at pH 7 5 than at higher or lower pH The toxicity of both nitrophenols decreased as pH increased, whereas the toxicity of trichlorfon increased with pH The effect of pH on trichlorfon toxicity decreased with temperature Temperature significantly affected the toxicity of all four chemicals to both species Toxicity increased with temperature in all tests, except for rainbow trout exposed to nitrophenols, toxicity decreased as temperature increased for rainbow trout Chemical bioconcentration was also significantly af fected by temperature and pH and was directly related to toxicity in most tests Significant interactive effects between toxicity modifying factors were also frequently observed Temperature and pH effects on chemical toxicity need to be consid ered in chemical hazard assessment to ensure adequate protection of aquatic organisms
MACRO as a detector of neutrinos from stellar gravitational collapse

Abstract This article discusses the capabilities of the MACRO experiment, with its 0.6 kton of liquid scintillator, as a detector of neutrinos emitted from gravitational collapse (GC) in our Galaxy.
Chaos in the quasiperiodically forced duffing oscillator

Abstract We study chaotic dynamics of the quasiperiodically forced Duffing oscillator. We find that the mechanism for chaos is transverse homoclinic tori. Utilizing a generalization of a global perturbation technique of Melnikov we are able to give a criterion for the existence of chaos and we demonstrate the effect of the number of forcing frequencies on the region of chaos in parameter space. Our results give insight into the recent experimental results on the quasiperiodically forced Duffing oscillator obtained by Moon and Holmes.
HIGH-RESOLUTION STRUCTURE OF AN ENGINEERED CRO MONOMER SHOWS CHANGES IN CONFORMATION RELATIVE TO THE NATIVE DIMER

A rationally designed, genetically engineered, monomeric form of the Cro protein from bacteriophage lambda has been crystallized and its structure determined by isomorphous replacement and refined to a resolution of 1.54 A. The structure confirms the rationale of the design but, at the same time, reveals 1-2 A shifts throughout the monomer structure relative to the previously determined structure of the dimeric wild-type protein. These changes include a 1.6 A main-chain shift in part of the beta-sheet region of the molecule relative to the alpha-helical region and a 1.1 A shift of a buried phenylalanine within the core as well as a correlated 2.2 A shift in a solvent-exposed beta-hairpin. The conformational adjustments appear to reflect an inherent flexibility of the protein that is associated with its DNA-binding function.
A Portrait of the Teacher as Friend and Artist: The example of Jean‐Jacques Rousseau

The following is a reflection on the possibility of teaching by example, and especially as the idea of teaching by example is developed in the work of Jean‐Jacques Rousseau. My thesis is that Rousseau created a literary version of himself in his writings as an embodiment of his philosophy, rather in the same way and with the same purpose that Plato created a version of Socrates. This figure of Rousseau—a sort of philosophical portrait of the man of nature—is represented as an example for us to follow. This would appear to have been dangerous and destabilizing work, given the mental distress that it caused Rousseau in striving to live up to his fictional self. Rousseau's own ideas on the nature of teaching by example are presented in a discussion of the section in ‘Emile’ which Rousseau takes from an incident in his own life—the story of his meeting with a young Savoyard priest who befriended him and influenced him through the power of his example.
Sequential Single-Phonon Emission in GaAs- Al x Ga 1 − x As Tunnel Junctions

Periodic structure is observed in the tunneling current from heavily doped (${n}^{+}$) GaAs through ${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ into lightly doped (${n}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) GaAs at 1.6 K in magnetic fields large enough for magnetic freezeout of electrons to occur in the ${n}^{\ensuremath{-}}$-GaAs. Sixteen periods are observed for $\ensuremath{-}0.6\mathrm{V}l{V}_{G}l0\mathrm{V}$. The phase and the voltage periodicity, 0.036 V, are independent of magnetic field. The mechanism appears to involve LO-phonon emission events by ballistic electrons. This is the first observation of sequential single-phonon emission observed in electron transport.
Cryoprotection from lipoteichoic acid

Numerous chemical additives lower the freezing point of water, but life at sub-zero temperatures is sustained by a limited number of biological cryoprotectants. Antifreeze proteins in fish, plants, and insects provide protection to a few degrees below freezing. Microbes have been found to survive at even lower temperatures, and with a few exceptions, antifreeze proteins are missing. Survival has been attributed to external factors, such as the high salt concentration of brine veins and adhesion to particulates or ice crystal defects. We have discovered an endogenous cryoprotectant in the cell wall of bacteria, lipoteichoic acid biopolymers. Adding 1% LTA to bacteria cultures immediately prior to freezing provides 50% survival rate, similar to the results obtained with 1% glycerol. In the absence of an additive, bacterial survival is negligible as measured with the resazurin cell viability assay. The mode of action for LTA cryoprotection is unknown. With a molecular weight of 3-5 kDa, it is unlikely to enter the cell cytoplasm. Our observations suggest that teichoic acids could provide a shell of liquid water around biofilms and planktonic bacteria, removing the need for brine veins to prevent bacterial freezing.
Phylogenetic methodologies for studying specialization

Although the concept of specialization has played a central role in the development of ecological and evolutionary theory, important questions about specialization remain largely unanswered. We argue that the traditional division of specialization into evolutionary and ecological factors may be less useful than considering specialization as three components, which may not be mutually exclusive: ecological, behavioral, and functional. Many ecologists assume that these different aspects of specialization are necessarily correlated. However, this assumption has rarely been tested, but could be examined by using a phylogenetic approach. We argue that (1) ecologists should measure these different aspects of specialization within their respective organisms by placing measures of specialization on a standardized scale, and (2) should employ phylogenetic approaches for understanding how these components evolve. We argue that this approach will provide a more coordinated understanding of how specialization evolves.
The BALB/c mouse as an animal model for progressive sensorineural hearing loss

To develop the BALB/c mouse strain as an animal model for the study of progressive sensorineural hearing loss, mice ranging in age from young adult through middle age were studied. Auditory brainstem response thresholds, histopathology [cytocochleograms for hair cells, the packing density of spiral ganglion cells (SGCs), the number of neurons and overall size of the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN)], and behavioral paradigms (prepulse inhibition, fear-potentiated startle) were compared with previous data from C57BL/6J (C57) and DBA/2J (DBA) mouse strains. Progressive high frequency hearing loss in BALB/c mice was generally more rapid than C57 and slower than DBA (e.g. mean thresholds for 16 kHz: 10-month-old BALB/c mice = 71 dB SPL; 55-day-old DBA mice = 79 dB SPL; 12-month-old C57 mice = 50 dB SPL). Like the other strains, BALB/c exhibited a progressive loss of hair cells and SGCs that was most severe in the cochlear base and least severe in the middle turns; however, BALB/c mice had relatively more SGC loss in the apex. Unlike C57 and DBA, no loss of neurons was observed in the AVCN following cochlear pathology (although AVCN volume was reduced). Like the other strains, successful fear conditioning was obtained with a 12 kHz conditioned stimulus. Prepulse inhibition showed that middle and low frequency tones (4-12 kHz) became more salient as high frequency hearing declined. Similar results had been previously obtained with C57 and DBA mice and were interpreted as reflecting hearing-loss-induced plasticity in the central auditory system.
Vertical and seasonal distribution of hyporheic invertebrates in streams with different glacial histories

We investigated the vertical, lateral, and seasonal distribution of hyporheic invertebrates at five stream sites in Idaho (unglaciated areas) and seven sites in Montana (glaciated areas), U.S.A. Conservative tracer releases and transient storage zone analyses were conducted to help characterize study sites. Hyporheic invertebrates and substrate were sampled by freeze-coring with electro-shocking, and mini-piezometers were used to measure other hyporheic conditions, including vertical hydraulic gradient (VHG). Wells were installed at some Montana sites (range: 5–175 m lateral to the channel) and shallow pits were excavated at some Idaho sites (5 m lateral to the channel) to sample hyporheic invertebrates in these saturated sediments regions. Environmental conditions varied widely among sites and between surface and hyporheic zones at each site, and most hyporheic habitat measures differed significantly between glaciated and unglaciated streams. In-channel invertebrate density and taxa richness generally decreased with increasing depth into the streambed, regardless of geographic location, history of glaciation, or season. Although hyporheic invertebrate mean density and (to a lesser extent) richness values at individual depth layers (e.g., 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm) mostly were greater in the glaciated region than the unglaciated region, density and richness between 10–50 cm did not differ significantly between the two regions. Hydrologic variables (VHG; AS/A [ratio of transientstorage- zone- to channel- cross-sectional areas]; TTS [turnover time of storage]; and Rh [hydraulic retention factor]) provided the best explanation for differences in sub-channel invertebrate density and richness patterns. The observation that benthic invertebrates occurred in freeze-core, well, and open-pit samples contributes to existing evidence that aquatic invertebrates occupy habitats that extend considerable distances from the active channel.
Fetal neurenteric cyst causing hydrops: case report and review of the literature

Routine prenatal ultrasound revealed a unilocular cystic mass associated with upper thoracic hemivertebrae that grew to 6 cm at 28 weeks and was associated with hydrops. A thoraco-amniotic shunt decompressed the cyst and resolved the hydrops, but the shunt occluded 17 days later. Preterm labour led to vaginal delivery at 31 2/7 weeks. Postnatally, the cyst was decompressed by thoracentesis due to respiratory distress. It was resected on day four of life. Severe tracheobronchomalacia was present post-operatively, presumably due to prenatal mass effect of the cyst. At one year of age, the child has recovered completely without adverse respiratory or neurological sequelae.
Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Followed by Related Allografts in Hematologic Malignancies: Long-Term Outcomes Most Successful in Indolent and Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) extends the curative potential of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to patients with hematologic malignancies unable to withstand myeloablative conditioning. We prospectively analyzed the outcomes of 123 patients (median age, 57 years; range, 23-70 years) with hematologic malignancies treated with a uniform RIC regimen of cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and total-body irradiation (200 cGy) with or without antithymocyte globulin followed by related donor allogeneic HCT at the University of Minnesota between 2002 and 2008. The cohort included 45 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 27 with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 8 with indolent NHL, 10 with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), 10 with myeloma, and 23 with acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, other leukemias, or myeloproliferative disorders. The probability of 4-year overall survival was 73% for patients with indolent NHL, 58% for those with aggressive NHL, 67% for those with HL, 30% for those with AML/MDS, and only 10% for those with myeloma. Corresponding outcomes for relapse in these patients were 0%, 32%, 50%, 33%, and 38%, and those for progression-free survival were 73%, 45%, 27%, 27%, and 10%. The incidence of treatment-related mortality was 14% at day +100 and 22% at 1 year. The incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease was 38% at day +100, and that of chronic graft-versus-host disease was 50% at 2 years. Multivariate analysis revealed superior overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with both indolent and aggressive NHL compared with those with AML/MDS, HL, or myeloma. Worse 1-year treatment-related mortality was observed in patients with a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index score ≥3 and in cytomegalovirus-seropositive recipients. These results suggest that (1) RIC conditioning was well tolerated by an older, heavily pretreated population; (2) patients with indolent and aggressive NHL respond well to RIC conditioning, highlighting the importance of the graft-versus-lymphoma effect; and (3) additional peri-transplantation manipulations are needed to improve outcomes for patients with AML/MDS or myeloma receiving RIC conditioning before HCT.
Serum Protein Concentrations in Horses With Severe Liver Disease: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Literature

The present retrospective study was undertaken to determine the frequency of hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia in horses with natural occurring severe liver disease. The study represents a review of case records and laboratory data of 84 horses presented with acute or chronic liver disease to the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1973 and 1991. Forty horses (48%) had serum protein concentrations above the maximum reference value (7.7 g/dL). The increase in serum protein concentration was associated with hyperglobulinemia (P = .00005, R2 = .80). Only 13% (11/84) of the horses had serum albumin concentrations below the minimum reference range (2.5 g/dL), and hypoproteinemia was found in only 1 of these horses. Of these, 18% (9/51) of the horses with chronic liver disease and 6% (2/33) of the horses with acute liver disease had albumin concentrations below the minimum reference value. Globulin concentrations in 64% of the horses (54/84) were above the maximum reference value (4.0 g/dL). The present study indicates that hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia are not common features in horses with severe liver disease.
Phenobarbital: a locus of action on spike broadening and potassium inactivation.

Abstract 1. The effect of phenobarbital on frequency-dependent spike broadening and potassium inactivation was studied in snail neurons. 2. The amount of spike broadening was significantly depressed by the application of 10 −3 M phenobarbital but the time course of broadening was unaffected. 3. In voltage clamped neurons, this concentration of phenobarbital significantly depressed the amount of potassium current inactivation without altering its time constant. 4. A possible locus of phenobarbital's anticonvulsant action is through a decrease in synaptic efficacy resulting from a depression of presynaptic spike broadening.
The single-referent collector: Optimizing compaction for the common case

Compactors that move or copy objects need to adjust pointers. In extant compactors, pointer adjustment involves inspecting every pointer in the heap and computing the target address for each pointer. At the same time, in modern Managed Runtime Environments (MREs), only a fraction of pointers in the heap changes during compaction. This is because state-of-the-art MREs do not compact the prefix of the heap that contains few dead objects, allowing gaps between live objects and tolerating small space overhead.We describe the design and implementation of the Single-Referent Collector (SRC), a new compactor that reduces the cost of pointer manipulation by avoiding inspection and adjustment of pointers that do not change. SRC exploits the fact that in modern applications, most live objects have only one incoming pointer. For such objects, SRC stores the address of the referent in the object header. Only objects that move have their referent inspected and adjusted. The remaining pointers in the heap are not processed. SRC uses an overflow table to handle objects with multiple incoming pointers.We investigate a number of standard benchmarks and open-source applications to substantiate key statistical observations that underlie the design of SRC. We implement SRC in the HotSpot JVM as part of a generational collection system and compare it empirically with the Lisp2 compactor. We find that, by decreasing the cost of pointer processing, SRC enables significant reduction in pause times and improves application throughput.
Long-term observation of retinal lesions in tuberous sclerosis.

Purpose To obtain long-term photographic follow-up of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis to learn about their stability or possible growth patterns. Methods Sixteen patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis and in whom retinal astrocytic hamartomas were photographed before 1986 at the Mayo Clinic underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, and fundus photographs were taken. The new photographs were compared with previous photographs, and changes in size, character, or number of retinal hamartomas were determined. The minimum follow-up period was five years. Results A total of 37 astrocytic hamartomas were found. Follow-up ranged from almost six years to more than 34 years, with an average of 16 years. Hamartomas in three patients showed progressive or new calcification. In a fourth patient a retinal hamartoma appeared to originate from a site that had been previously photographically documented to be normal. The remaining hamartomas appeared unchanged over the follow-up period. Conclusions Although most retinal lesions in tuberous sclerosis remain stable, some become calcified over time. Additionally, new lesions may develop from previously normal-appearing retina.
Carcinoid tumor of kidney

A case of carcinoid tumor of the kidney is reported. Pathologic findings of the tumor, clinical manifestation, and treatment are discussed.
Experimental data from a trace metal sensor combining surface plasmon resonance with anodic stripping voltammetry

A technique for sensing metal ions with a combination of surface plasmon resonance and anodic stripping voltammetry is described. Potential enhancements to conventional anodic stripping voltammetry resulting from this technique are discussed. An experimental setup and data showing the simultaneous sensing of 500 nM lead and copper ion are presented and interpreted.
The Role of Human Capital in Postacquisition CEO Departure

In this study, we examined the postacquisition departure of target firms' CEOs and found support for the predictions of Becker's (1962) human capital theory. Firms and CEOs appear to weigh the cost...
185 NEUROHYPOPHYSEAL AUTOREGULATORY RESPONSE TO INCREASED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE

Neural lobe blood flow (NLQ) increases 210% 3–5 minutes after reducing arterial blood pressure from 120 to 80 mmHg and returns to control levels after 10 minutes sustained hypotension. The initial spike appears to be coupled with a transient rise in arginine vasopressin (AVP). In this study we examined neurohypophyseal autoregulation using a method of reducing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) that does not stimulate AVP release. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured by the microsphere method in 5 pentobarbital anesthetized dogs. Injections were made during normotension and 3, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after reducing CPP to 80 mmHg by increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). Plasma AVP was measured by radio immunoassay. Average cerebral blood flow was not different from control levels at any time during reduced CPP. Neither NLQ (503 ± 120, 441 ± 128, 544 ± 141, 578 ± 158 and 458 ± 99 1/min/100gm), nor AVP (9 ± 1, 8 ± 2, 10 ± 3, 9 ± 2 and 10 ± 3 pg/ml) changed during the period of reduced CPP. These findings demonstrate that NLQ is autoregulated. They suggest that multiple factors determine the overall NLQ response to a change in CPP. The initial spike seen during hemorrhage appears to be the result of transient changes in AVP neurosecretory rate. NLQ transients obtained using methods of lowering CPP that do not trigger AVP release show no spike component. Supported by: NS-20020.
An intertemporal microeconomic theory of disembodied and price-induced technical progress

Abstract A theory of a wealth maximizing, capital accumulating, price taking firm facing adjustment costs and operating in the presence of disembodied and price-induced technical progress is developed. The testable implications of the extended theory are derived under mild assumptions and are thus intrinsic to the theory, not to mention observable, thereby permitting empirical scrutiny of them. The comparative dynamics properties are given in the preferred form of a symmetric and semidefinite matrix. The testable implications are contrasted with their archetypal counterparts from the adjustment cost theory. The comparison shows how (i) the introduction of disembodied and price-induced technical progress into the adjustment cost theory destroys all of its testable properties, and (ii) the disembodied and price-induced technical progress theory nests the adjustment cost theory as a special case.
Lindane metabolism by human and rat liver microsomes

1. Human liver microsomes convert lindane (gamma isomer of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-cyclohexane) to four major primary metabolites; γ-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohex-1-ene (3,6/4,5-HCCH), γ-1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohex-1-ene (3,6/4,5-PCCH), β-1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohex-1-ene (3,4,6/5-PCCH), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP); and two major secondary metabolites; 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol (2,3,4,6-TTCP) and pentachlorobenzene (PCB).2. Under the same conditions, rat liver microsomes produce 3,6/4,5-HCCH, 2,4,6-TCP and 2,3,4,6-TCCP at rates similar to human liver microsomes. 3,4,6/5-PCCH is produced at much lower rates and 3,6/4,5-PCCH and PCB are not detected when lindane is incubated with rat liver microsomes for up to 30 min.3. The identity of 3,4,6/5-PCCH, previously not identified as a mammalian metabolite of lindane, is confirmed by column chromatography and g.1.c.-mass spectrometry by comparison with authentic material.4. It is concluded that there is potentially substantial hepatic metabolism by ...
Still a time to act: A review of institutional marketing of regionally-grown food

Regional institutional marketing supports sustainable farming by bringing wholesome, nutritious food to members of the community. Schools, in particular, can benefit greatly from this arrangement in comprehensive efforts to address childhood obesity. Nineteen previous publications examined issues around supply of and/or demand for regional food procurement by institutions across the United States, including levels of interest, perceived benefits, and barriers to this arrangement. Food service directors, farmers, and/or distributors participated in surveys, interviews, workshops/forums, case studies, and one evaluation about regional food procurement. Accounts of seven farmer cooperatives or networks indicate that institutional customers are more often restaurants (n = 5), health care facilities (n = 2), colleges/universities (n = 2), and other facilities (n = 2), than public schools (n = 1) or food retailers (n = 1). The studies agree that the main benefits offered by regional food procurement are support of the local economy and increased access to fresh and nutritious food. Barriers consistently faced by food services and farmers have to do with lack of infrastructure and financial support for processing and central distribution. Though obstacles vary by district and/or geographic characteristics, results indicate that across groups there is a clear need for better support mechanisms by which farms can connect with regional markets. The practice of farm-to-institution marketing holds the potential to improve nutritional status of community members and financial stability of farmers, though institutional support is needed for systemic transition to this purchasing method.
Disposition of temozolomide in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme after gastric bypass surgery

Temozolomide, used for anaplastic gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme, is an oral drug that is stable under acidic, but labile under neutral and basic conditions. Although the bioavailability of temozolomide is approximately 100%, pathology or anatomical changes of the gastrointestinal tract may adversely affect absorption, and consequently therapeutic response. HPLC-UV was used to evaluate temozolomide plasma pharmacokinetics in a patient with unresponsive glioblastoma multiforme who had previously undergone gastric bypass as part of a weight-loss strategy. Temozolomide plasma pharmacokinetics were comparable to values reported for patients with normal gastrointestinal anatomy. These data imply that progression of disease in this patient was not due to inadequate temozolomide concentrations. Physicians need to become aware of the rapidly increasing population of patients who have had a gastric bypass and require oral therapy, of which our case is representative. The effect of gastric bypass on pharmacokinetics will need to be evaluated on a drug-by-drug basis.
Phylogeny, ribosomal RNA gene typing and relative abundance of new Pseudomonas species (sensu stricto) isolated from two pinyon-juniper woodland soils of the arid southwest U.S.

Rhizosphere-inhabiting Pseudomonas species interact with plant roots and may be important for plant performance under stressful environmental conditions. A comparison was conducted of culturable Pseudomonas isolates associated with pinyon rhizosphere and between-tree interspace areas in a hot, dry, volcanic cinder field and an adjacent sandy loam soil, in order to identify Pseudomonas species which may be involved in pinyon pine survival under stressful conditions. From a collection of 800 isolates, eleven isolates exhibiting different colony morphology were selected for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of rDNA sequences from the eleven field isolates, forty-six described Pseudomonas species, and thirty-four previously characterized environmental isolates indicated that the isolates from the cinders and sandy loam soil clustered into three groups. The field isolates were distinct from any of the named species or other environmental isolates. Oligonucleotide primer pairs that differentiated three field isolate groups were designed from the 16S rDNA sequences, and eight hundred Pseudomonas field isolates cultured from pinyon rhizospheres and interspaces in the cinders and sandy loam soils were typed into the three groups using PCR assays. The composition of Pseudomonas populations in four environments was significantly different. The relative abundance of the three rDNA-based groups appeared to be affected by both the soil type and the pinyon rhizosphere.
The influence of large water level fluctuations and hurricanes on periphyton and associated nutrient storage in subtropical Lake Okeechobee, USA

The abundance, community structure and nutrient content of periphyton, and the host plant taxa Chara, Hydrilla, Potamogeton, Vallisneria and Scirpus were studied in Lake Okeechobee, USA. Water levels were generally high during the study period (August 2002–January 2006), but substantial fluctuations occurred. All host plant biomass was seasonally variable but only Vallisneria biomass was spatially variable. All submerged plant beds disappeared after the passage of two hurricanes in September 2004, and a third hurricane passed over the lake in October 2005. Periphyton assemblages were statistically separated most by substrate and then by season. Prior to the hurricanes, annual maxima of periphyton biovolumes and those of summer submerged plant coverage coincided. During all study years, the diatom taxa dominated periphyton total biovolumes. Periphyton biomass was generally highest during the summer or prior to the hurricanes (in the case of epiphytes) and was spatially variable in the case of both Scirpus and Vallisneria. Epiphytic nutrient contents within each host plant group seasonally varied except for nitrogen and carbon in the Vallisneria epiphytes. Epipelic nutrient contents were spatially variable and seasonally variable for carbon. Nutrient contents in epipelon were significantly higher than that in Scirpus epiphytes and were similar but lower among all epiphytic communities. The total annual areal potential epiphytic phosphorus storage extrapolated during this study (2.0 × 10−4 metric tons ha−1 year−1) was underestimated because storage estimates for epipelon, Chara and Hydrilla-associated epiphytes were omitted. The Chara and Hydrilla-associated epiphytic nutrient storage values were omitted because of limited data, whereas the epipelic data may have not been spatially representative. For periphyton biovolume, host substrate type, water level fluctuation and hurricane impacts on host substrates appear to be more important than seasonal variation in such factors as temperature and nutrients. Epiphytic nutrient storage appears to be influenced most by water level fluctuation and hurricane-related impacts, while the host substrate type appears to be a less important factor than it is for periphyton biovolume. Maximum periphyton biomass and high nutrient storage in shallow subtropical and tropical eutrophic lakes may only occur at consistently lower water levels and during infrequent periods of disturbance, which enhance host substrate colonizable area.
Architecting an autograder for parallel code

As parallel computing grows and becomes an essential part of computer science, tools must be developed to help grade assignments for large courses, especially with the prevalence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) increasing in recent years. This paper describes some of the general challenges related to building an autograder for parallel code with general suggestions and sample design decisions covering presented assignments. The paper explores the results and experiences from using these autograders to enable the XSEDE 2013 and 2014 Parallel Computing Course using resources from SDSC-Trestles, TACC-Stampede and PSC-Blacklight.
Ultraviolet photodissociation of furan probed by tunable synchrotron radiation

The photodissociation dynamics of furan at 193 nm have been studied using photofragment translational spectroscopy with tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) probe provided by synchrotron radiation on the Chemical Dynamics Beamline at the Advanced Light Source. Three primary channels are observed: HCO+C3H3, CO+C3H4, and H2CCO+C2H2. The evidence suggests that the two closed-shell channels occur on the ground-state potential energy surface (PES) following internal conversion, while the radical channel likely takes place on an excited PES. All channels exhibit a barrier for dissociation with the acetylene+ketene channel having the largest value at about 25 kcal/mol. Angular distribution measurements show anisotropy only for the radical channel. These findings are consistent with a rapid excited state dissociation for the radical channel and slow dissociation for the other two pathways. The two ground-state dissociation channels—propyne+CO and acetylene+ketene—should be important in the thermal decomposition of fu...
Applications for cloud computing

With all of the hype around cloud computing it is reasonable for decision makers to ask "yes, but what is really good for?". This talk will establish a baseline for discussions around what cloud computing is, what it isn't and how it should be applied to real world applications. Successful deployments over the past year will be shared along with generic examples of applications that can definitely benefit from the cloud paradigm. Finally, a brief overview of Microsoft's cloud offerings with emphasis on the cloud development platform will be provided.
Coronary Atherosclerosis in Valvular Heart Disease

To evaluate the usefulness of routine coronary arteriography in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of valvular heart disease, we performed coronary arteriographic studies routinely in a series of 201 patients primarily catheterized for such evaluation. Coronary artery obstructive lesions in excess of 50% of the lumen were present in 45 of the 201 patients. In 18 of the 45 there was no history of chest pain. Three of the 18 had three vessels involved while 2 had two vessels involved. A total of 27 patients (13.4%) had luminal obstruction greater than 70%, and 9 of these had no pain. In 35 of the 201 patients, classic angina pectoris existed in the absence of radiographically significant disease. Severe coronary disease was found to coexist with hemodynamically severe valvular heart disease and was not predictable noninvasively.
Leukotriene receptors in rhinitis and sinusitis.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) mediate their biologic activities through interactions with the CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors. CysLT1 receptors are prominently expressed on smooth muscle cells and lung fibroblasts, whereas CysLT2 receptors are expressed on heart Purkinje fiber cells, adrenal chromaffin cells, and endothelial cells. Both receptors are expressed on eosinophils and mast cells, but CysLT1 receptors alone are on neutrophils. Antigen-presenting cells more prominently express the type 2 receptor. CysLT1 receptors are uniquely important for brochospasm, whereas CysLT2 receptors can stimulate endothelial cell adherence, myofibroblast proliferation, and chemokine production by mast cells. Comprehensive inhibition of the proinflammatory activities of CysLTs might require either combination CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor antagonists or inhibitors of the CysLT synthesis pathway.
Popliteomeniscal fasciculi and the unstable lateral meniscus: clinical correlation and magnetic resonance diagnosis

We hypothesize that disruption of the fascicular attachments between the popliteus and lateral meniscus can result in gross instability of the meniscus producing locking of the knee. This study brings attention to the importance of the clinical examination, and the need for clinical correlation to magnetic resonance (MR) studies. We report on three patients referred with the history of mechanical locking episodes of their knee. Initial MR examinations were all read as normal before referral to our institution. On close review of these MR examinations, popliteomeniscal fascicular disruption could be seen in each case. Each of these patients had arthroscopic repair of these meniscal detachments. At 1-year follow-up, all patients had resolution of mechanical symptoms. Each patient had confirmation of their repair with repeat arthroscopy or MR and arthrographic examinations. An anatomic specimen was used to identify the popliteus muscle and tendon, the lateral meniscus, the antero-inferior popliteomeniscal fascicle, and the postero-superior popliteomeniscal fascicle attachments. MR images of the same anatomic specimen show both superior and inferior fasciculus attachments to the capsule. MR examples of the intact and disrupted antero-inferior and postero-superior popliteomeniscal fasciculi have been correlated to anatomic specimens to help familiarize the orthopaedic surgeon with these important stabilizing structures.
On the functional form of PPP: the case of nine new EU countries

This article applies the extended Box–Cox model to test functional forms of purchasing power parity (PPP) for nine new EU countries. It finds that the widely used double-log form for PPP can be rejected for eight countries except for the Czech Republic and that the unitary elasticity can be rejected for eight countries except for Slovenia. Hence, most countries have a nonlinear functional form of PPP and exhibit a nonunitary elasticity.
The phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐ acetate (PMA)‐induced oxidative burst in rat peritoneal neutrophils is increased by a 0.1 mT (60 Hz) magnetic field

Magnetic fields (MF) may affect biological systems by increasing free radical concentrations. To test this, we have investigated whether low frequency (60 Hz) low intensity (0.1 mT) MF can modulate the phorbol 12-myristate 13- acetate (PMA) induced respiratory burst in primed rat peritoneal neutrophils, followed in real time using the dye 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH), which reacts with free radical-derived oxidants such as H2O2 (which is formed from the dismutation of superoxide) to become 2',7'-dichlorofluorecein (DCF), a highly fluorescent compound. In the presence of the MF, a 12.4% increase in the fluorescence signal was observed in PMA-stimulated neutrophils (n = 5, P < 0.02, 18 pairs of measurements). We believe this represents the first experimental observation of MF influencing events involving free radical species generated during signal transduction in living cells.
Drosophilid mating behaviour: The behaviour of decapitated females

Summary Female drosophilids, in common with many other Diptera, will live for several days after they have been decapitated. Such beheaded females assume an upright stance comparable to that of a normal fly and can and do engage in complex actions such as preening, flying and, under duress, walking. Although species specific variations occur, males of most species of Drosophila will court their decapitated females. All decapitated females of all species studied to date treat the courting overtures of the males as if they were noxious foreign stimuli. If by forcible assault the male achieves genitalic intromission with a decapitated female, then the copulation proceeds normally in all respects. Male courtship behaviour with decapitated females clearly shows that the initiation of courtship by the male is determined by a number of stimuli that he receives from the female and that the relative importance of any one of these diverse female-produced stimuli varies between species. Males of closely related species, however, show considerable similarity in their responses. The use of decapitated females can serve as an efficient tool for the analysis of courtship behaviour and the sexual isolating mechanisms of the genus Drosophila .
Estimation of protein secondary structure from circular dichroism spectra: inclusion of denatured proteins with native proteins in the analysis.

We have expanded our reference set of proteins used in the estimation of protein secondary structure by CD spectroscopy from 29 to 37 proteins by including 3 additional globular proteins with known X-ray structure and 5 denatured proteins. We have also modified the self-consistent method for analyzing protein CD spectra, SELCON3, by including a new selection criterion developed by W. C. Johnson, Jr. (Proteins Struct. Funct. Genet. 35, 307-312, 1999). The secondary structure corresponding to the denatured proteins was approximated to be 90% unordered, owing to the spectral similarity of the denatured proteins and unordered structures. We examined the thermal denaturation of ribonuclease T1 by CD using both the original and expanded sets of reference proteins and obtained more consistent results with the expanded set. The expanded set of reference proteins will be helpful for the determination of protein secondary structure from protein CD spectra with higher reliability, especially of proteins with significant unordered structure content and/or in the course of denaturation.
Kiss and tell: what do we know about pre- and early adolescent females who report dating? A pilot study.

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the implications of dating in pre- and early adolescent females. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Child psychiatry clinic; pediatric clinic; family clinic. Participants Pre- and early adolescent females (n = 80) aged 11–14 and their parents. Intervention Pre- and early adolescent females aged 11–14 and a parent were recruited during a regular clinic visit. Pre- and early adolescent females completed a survey that included measures of dating; sensation seeking; lifetime individual and peer drug use; Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder symptoms; and onset of menses. Parents were asked similar questions about their child's dating behaviors and peer relationships. Main Outcome Measure Association of early dating with individual and peer drug use, sensation seeking, aggressive behavior, and onset of menses. Results In pre- and early adolescent females, dating regularly is associated with nicotine and alcohol use, sensation seeking, and aggressive behavior. Dating regularly is also associated with onset of menses and a younger age of onset of menses in those who had started menstruating. Parents under-report their child's dating practices and associated high-risk behaviors. Conclusion Early dating is associated with nicotine and alcohol use, sensation seeking, aggressive behavior, and early onset of menses in adolescent females. Questions about early dating are a simple and efficient way to open inquiry of both parents and children about high-risk behaviors in the clinic setting.
Mechanistic studies with 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate synthase from Escherichia coli.

The mechanism of the reaction catalyzed by 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) synthase from Escherichia coli has been studied by steady-state and single-turnover kinetic experiments for the 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphoric acid (DXP) analogues, 1,1,1-trifluoro-1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphoric acid (CF3-DXP), 1,1-difluoro-1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphoric acid (CF2-DXP), 1-fluoro-1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphoric acid (CF-DXP), and 1,2-dideoxy-d-hexulose 6-phosphate (Et-DXP). CF3-DXP, CF2-DXP, and Et-DXP were poor inhibitors, most likely because of the increase in steric bulk at C1 of DXP. The three analogues were also poor substrates for the enzyme. In contrast, CF-DXP was a good substrate (kcatCF-DXP = 37 ± 2 s-1, KmCF-DXP = 227 ± 25 μM) for MEP synthase when compared to DXP (kcatDXP = 29 ± 1 s-1, KmDXP = 45 ± 4 μM). A primary deuterium isotope effect was observed under single-turnover conditions when CF-DXP was incubated with 4S-[2H]NADPH (Hk/Dk = 1.34 ± 0.01), whereas no isotope effect was observed up...