cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrioventricular Dissociation During Paroxysmal Junctional Tachycardia

We describe the rare occurrence of atrioventriculor dissociation in three patients during paroxysmal functional tachycardia. The mechanism of tachycardia was atrioventricular nodal reentry in two patients. The third patient had reentrant tachycardia that utilized the A V node for at least part of the reentrant circuit. This patient also had a nodoventricular pathway that may have participated in the reentrant circuit. In two patients, ventricular tachycardia was diagnosed prior to electrophysiologic assessment and medication to prevent tachycardia was not successful. After electrophysiological studies, treatment directed at suppressing AV nodel reentry prevented recurrent tachycardia. These case studies demonstrate the importance of detailed electrophysiological assessment of tachycardia in patients whose arrhythmia does not respond to empirical antiarrhythmic therapy. (PACE, Vol. 4, November-December, 1981)
Sirtuins, aging and diseases.

SIR2 and related genes (sirtuins) are NAD-dependent deacetylases that link metabolism, protein acetylation and aging in a variety of species. Sirtuins are also involved in the longevity conferred by dietary or calorie restriction (CR). The mammalian sirtuins SIRT1-7 are involved in changes in stress resistance and metabolism that are triggered by CR, which not only extends life span, but also protects against many diseases of aging. In this talk, I will describe how mamamlian SIRT1 impacts tissue metabolism and diseases by deacetylating nuclear transcription factors that govern key physiological pathways. I will also describe new data from several labs showing that the mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT3 suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria and thus links sirtuins, calorie restriction, ROS, mitochondria and aging. The effect of SIRT3 on mitochondrial generated ROS further regulates the key nuclear transcription factor HIF-1α, and may thus govern the metabolic reprogramming (Warburg effect) in cancer. Finally, I will touch upon recent progress in trying to understand the mechanism of action of SIRT1-activating compounds, which are currently in numerous human clinical trials. Supported by NIA & Glenn Foundation for Medical Research. LG consults for Sirtris/GSK.
Are “Decoupled” Farm Program Payments Really Decoupled? An Empirical Evaluation

This analysis utilizes farm-level data to evaluate the extent to which U.S. farm program benefits, particularly direct payments, bring about distortions in production. The issue is important in WTO negotiations and in the debate over the distortionary effects of decoupled (“green-box”) payments. Our results suggest that the distortions brought about by AMTA payments, though statistically significant in some cases, are very modest. Larger effects are implied for market loss assistance payments. Probit models suggest that AMTA payments do not influence the likelihood that agents will acquire more land. Our results are reinforced using an aggregate county-level acreage model.
Solar flare perturbations in stratospheric current systems

Electric field, conductivity, and ionization rate data were collected on two balloon payloads at 26 km in the southern hemisphere stratosphere during the solar flare of Feb. 16, 1984. Both polarities of the conductivity were enhanced by a factor of two at a payload with an invariant latitude (Lambda) of -56.3 deg (rigidity = 1.4GV). At the same time no transient effects were seen in any of these parameters by a more equatorially located payload at Lambda = -48.8 deg (rigidity = 2.8 GV). The two payloads were separated by 5 hours of local time. The vertical current density, J(z), at the poleward most payload was enhanced by over a factor of two, while no J(z) variations were seen for the equatorward payload. Interpretation of these observations suggests that a simple RC time constant analysis of the global circuit may be incorrect.
Should relational aggression be included in DSM-V?

ABSTRACT Objective Relational aggression was introduced more than a decade ago as a female-typical form of aggression and has become widely used in developmental psychopathology research. In considering whether relational aggression should be included in DSM-V disruptive behavior disorders, we provide data on the reliability and validity of relational aggression when reported by the informants most commonly used to generate clinical diagnoses (parents and youth), the degree of overlap between relational aggression and DSM-IV oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD), and the amount of variance in impairment explained by relational aggression controlling for ODD and CD. Method Data were collected on 9- to 17-year-old girls and boys participating in the population-based Georgia Health and Behavior Study. Results Reliability and validity of youth and parent reports were adequate. Relational aggression was moderately correlated with symptoms of ODD and CD, and substantial overlap was observed between high levels of relational aggression and meeting symptom criteria for ODD or CD. Relational aggression explained a small but significant amount of unique variance in impairment, controlling for ODD and CD symptoms. At clinically significant levels of impairment, however, there was no additional variance explained by relational aggression. Conclusions Some additional information about girls' and boys' functioning is gained by assessing relational aggression using parents and youth as informants, but perhaps not a sufficient amount to warrant inclusion in the nomenclature.
An expectation maximization solution for fusing 2D and 3D ladar data

LADAR (LAser Detection and Ranging) systems can be used to provide 2-D and 3-D images of scenes. Generally, 2-D images possess superior spatial resolution without range data due to the density of their focal plane arrays. A 3-D LADAR system can produce range to target data at each pixel, but lacks the 2-D system's superior spatial resolution. It is the goal of this work to develop an algorithm using an Expectation Maximization approach for fusing 2-D and 3-D LADAR data. The algorithm developed demonstrates both spatial and range resolution improvement using simulated 2-D and 3-D LADAR data.
Alterations and recovery of dendritic spine density in rat hippocampus following long-term ethanol ingestion

Abstract Neuronal loss and dendritic pathology are often observed in humans and animals after long-term ethanol ingestion. It is not known, however, if surviving but damaged neurons can recover normal structure during ethanol anstinence. We quantified dendritic spine density in two neuronal populations in rat hippocampus to investigate whether reversibility from the cellular neurotoxic sequelae of chronic ethanol exposure was possible. Male Long-Evans rats were maintained for 20 weeks on an ethanol-containing liquid diet. Controls were pair-fed a liquid diet with sucrose substituted isocalorically for ethanol. One-half of each group was sacrificed at the end of the 20-week treatment and one-half was given a 20-week ethanol-free recovery period prior to sacrifice. Analysis of rapid Golgi material revealed a decreased spine density in CA1 pyramidal cells that increased to control level during abstinence, and an increased spine density in dentate gyrus granule cells that was reduced toward control level during abstinence. Thus, despite the fact that chronic ethanol exposure produced differential initial effects, the return toward normal spine density in each region is consistent with the concept of neuronal recovery and reorganization during abstinence from ethanol.
Balanced Incomplete Blocks to Control Individual Differences

Balanced incomplete block designs are used when there are reasons that preclude the use of repeated measurements designs, particularly when there are at least two factors, each with several levels. However, these designs are usually not used when interaction effects are of interest, because they involve the confounding of the interactions with subject or group differences. This paper describes special computational procedures that can be employed to obtain partial, but unconfounded, information about interaction effects.
Improving optical steganography transmission privacy by imposing phase masks on stealth signals

Temporal phase modulation of spread stealth signals is proposed to improve optical steganography transmission privacy. It increases an eavesdropper's difficulty of detecting and intercepting the stealth channel hidden under public transmission, even with dispersion compensation.
Potential applications of SMART Layer® technology for homeland security

The SMART Layer (reg. TM) manufactured by Acellent is a thin flexible layer with a network of miniature piezoelectric actuators and sensors that can be embedded inside or mounted onto metal and composite structures to acquire information on structural integrity. Currently, SMART Layers (reg. TM) are used to assess the condition of structures and to monitor impact events. The layers can be used to perform built-in structural inspection by exciting the devices with a periodic or transient burst controlled input and analyzing the corresponding structural response. The technology can also be applied to areas concerned with Homeland Security. For example, the technology can be used for motion monitoring and monitoring of structures used in defense applications. By having a network of sensors that monitor loads on a structure, it is possible to monitor the movement of people by measuring the loads exerted by them. The SMART Layer (reg. TM) technology can be used to enhance the readiness of structures used for homeland defense such as manned and unmanned aircraft, missiles and radar systems. It can also be used to monitor a pipeline network for any terrorist related activity that can potentially damage the pipe system. A brief overview of such potential applications is presented here.
Removal of pathogenic and indicator microorganisms by a full-scale water reclamation facility

Abstract Monitoring data and dose-response models were used to evaluate risks associated with viruses and protozoa at a full-scale reclamation facility. Indigenous indicator and pathogenic microorganisms were monitored at different stages of treatment for 1 yr at a full-scale water reclamation facility that produced reclaimed water for residential irrigation. The combination of biological treatment, sand filtration, and chlorination employed at the plant reduced total and fecal coliforms by > 7 log10 and coliphages and enteroviruses by > 5 log10. Protozoa (Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp.) were reduced by > 3 log10. Viruses and protozoa were detected in the reclaimed water at levels between 0.01 and 5 per 100 l. The addition of large numbers of bacteriophage as a tracer permitted an assessment of inactivation and/or removal by the filtration and chlorination units, which were shown to provide 1.6 and 1.5 log10 reductions, respectively. Analysis of the risk associated with exposure to the reclaimed water shows that the probability of infection following a single exposure to 100 ml of the water was between 10−6 (1 in a million) and 10−8 (1 in 100 million) for landscape irrigation. In general, anaerobic treatment of residual solids produced during the wastewater treatment process reduced the levels of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms by approximately 1 log10. The levels of viruses detected in the final residual would not meet acceptable levels for land application for class A residuals according to EPA regulations.
Mitigating random variation with spare RIBs: Redundant intermediate bitslices

Delay variation due to dopant fluctuation is expected to become more prominent in future technology generations. To regain performance lost due to within-die variations, many architectural techniques propose modified timing schemes such as time borrowing or variable latency execution. As an alternative that specifically targets random variation, we propose introducing redundancy along the processor datapath in the form of one or more extra bitslices. This approach allows us to leave dummy slices in the datapath unused to avoid excessively slow critical paths created by delay variations. We examine the benefits of applying this technique to potential critical paths such as the ALU and register file, and demonstrate that our technique can significantly reduce the delay penalty due to variation. By adding a single bitslice, for instance, we can reduce this delay penalty by 10%. Finally, we discuss heuristics for configuring our redundant design after fabrication.
Effect of a patient-cycled breathing aid on ventilatory efficiency in pulmonary emphysema and poliomyelitis

Abstract A study was made of the physiologic and clinical response to a mechanical breathing aid which permitted the patient to select the total minute volume of ventilation by regulating the respiratory rate. This is accomplished by a sensing device attached to a device which increases reserve volume respiration. The apparatus, called a pneumatic breathing aid (P.B.A.), utilizes a pneumatic jacket to produce compression of the anterior and lateral chest wall. In 6 patients with poliomyelitis, the increase in tidal air provided by the pneumatic breathing aid (P.B.A.) was accompanied by an increase in total minute volume of breathing, determined by the patient's selection of a respiratory rate of breathing that accomplished relief of dyspnea. A similar response was found in 10 of 16 cases of pulmonary emphysema. The minute volume of breathing was diminished in 5 patients in this group and was associated with relief of dyspnea. Other favorable effects noted in cases of pulmonary emphysema were a decrease in the air-oxygen ventilatory difference, and increase in mid-expiratory air flow and vital capacity. This method of patient-cycled ventilation offers opportunity for additional clinical and physiologic studies in seriosly ill patients with breathing difficulties.
Micellar electrokinetic chromatography of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners using a polymeric surfactant as the pseudostationary phase

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) of highly hydrophobic compounds is generally difficult using sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solutions. The polymeric surfactant, polysodium undecyl sulfate (poly-SUS) has been used to separate moderately to highly hydrophobic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners by MEKC in the absence of cyclodextrins. Parameters such as concentration of acetonitrile (ACN), polymeric surfactant concentration, and the effect of pH were examined. Optimum MEKC conditions to get baseline resolution of nine PCBs was 7.5 mM borate in 40% (v/v) ACN fraction buffered at pH 9.2 using 0.5% (w/v) poly-SUS. The applied voltage was 30 kV and the temperature was maintained at 25°C. Elution order for each PCB congener was found to be dependent on the degree of chlorination and hydrophobic character.
Improvement in fracture toughness of an epoxy/copper composite through the use of various end shaped fibers

Abstract Improvement in composite fracture toughness can be achieved by using short ductile fibers with shaped ends which utilizes the plastic work potential of the fiber volume through anchoring of the fiber end into the matrix. Single fiber pullout tests performed on copper wire demonstrates that a 2D flat-end-impacted fiber geometry that is easier to produce improves the fracture toughness increment at least as well as a 3D “axisymmetric” end-impacted fiber. Calculations based on pull out tests and a model for predicting the fiber contribution to the fracture toughness increment “Δ G ” show a 46% higher Δ G for the flat-end-impacted fiber compared to a straight fiber at 0° orientation. Results further indicate that for a given fiber geometry there is an optimum end volume; above or below this volume results in a lower Δ G . Due to the small fiber end volume, the packing density of the fibers will not be significantly affected by the end shaping of the fiber. Annealing and subsequent oxide removal of the end-impacted fiber is not necessary because there is no significant improvement in the Δ G . However, a moderate 3.5–15% decrease in the debonding force is seen in the annealed fibers, depending on the embedment depth. This indicates that annealing weakens the fiber–matrix bond. Furthermore, results indicate that a fiber that has multiple mechanical interlocks in the matrix is not as effective in fracture toughening as single anchoring of a shaped fiber end. However, the load displacement curve for the light rippled fiber shows a unique “wavy” behavior related to the geometry of the fiber end which may be useful in other applications. Round fiber ends produced with an acetylene torch had a 70% lower Δ G compared to a straight fiber because of the large fiber end volume and the poor microstructure resulting from the high torch temperature.
Wet oxidation of organic matter employing perchloric acid at graded oxidation potentials and controlled temperatures

Abstract A new modified apparatus has been described for use in the wet ashing of organic matter using boiling, controlled concentrations of perchlouc acid as oxidant Typical operative procedures and manipulations are discussed and a number of direct applications. to various types of materials has been demonstrated Cellulose, proteins, and sugars and materials predominating in these types, have been selected as best applicable examples Perchloric acid concntrations tested were from 55-–68 percent and intermediate concentrations The procedures described provide conditions which though effective are less encumbered by the implication of ha/ard often charged against 70–72 5 per cent perchloirc and in similar previously published and widely applied procedures.
Developing neonatal minimally invasive surgery: Innovation, techniques, and helping an industry to change.

Abstract The field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in neonates and infants is a relatively new field, evolving over the last 20years. This has required the development of not only new techniques but new instruments. The process has resulted in a unique partnership between pediatric minimally invasive surgeons and industry, as both groups have struggled to find the right mix of need, technical viability, and economic sustainability. The results have spawned a new generation of MIS instrumentation that not only enables the neonatal MIS surgeon but also leads the way in the field of mini-laparoscopy in children and adults.
Viability of Myrtle tree as natural filter for the gaseous emissions of internal combustion engines

This paper was aimed to test the control role of myrtle tree against the gaseous emissions of stationary internal combustion engines (ICEs). CO and NO2 gaseous emissions, chlorophyll content index (CCI) and leaf surface area were studied prior and after the expose of myrtle tree the exhaust of 2 KW gasoline fueled, power generator that was operated four hours per day for a period of 24 consecutive weeks. Myrtle have shown efficient performance in reducing the amounts of these emissions, where records of CO and NO2 have shown reductions to about 18% and 27% of their initial levels as emitted from the source, respectively. Although it was not encouraging at the first few weeks, the CCI has shown significant development of 38% as compared to its initial value, which was incorporated with about 77% increase in average leaf`s surface area. Statistical analyses have proved good positive correlations between CO and NO2 removal process from one side and the CCI and leaf surface area from the other. Atmospheric temperature was proved to have high negative correlation coefficient with both CCI and leaf surface area. These results encourage further biological and statistical tests to prove and determine the causal relations between these variables. Author would like to acknowledge the support of the Institute of International Education IIE, Scholars Rescue Fund SRF and Russ College of Engineering, Ohio University.
Day-Night Temperature Effects on Leaf Expansion and Height of Field-Grown Corn

(...) Corn was grown with and without irrigation (four replications of three planting dates in 1983, 1984, and 1985) on a Hamerly clay (Aeric calciaquoll, fine-loamy, frigid) at Morris, MN. Hourly soil and air temperature, weekly profile soil water content, and daily precipitation were recorded. Leaf area and plant height were measured daily from eighth leaf to 100% silking. Only plant size data from consecutive days of complete measurements were used with daily maximum and minimum temperatures to establish temperature-growth rate relations (...)
Laser-induced two-photon blackbody radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet

Experimental measurements of a new type of vacuum-ultraviolet radiation source are reported. It is shown that the maximum source brightness, within its narrow linewidth, is that of a blackbody at the temperature of a metastable storage level. The laser-induced emission at 569 A from a He glow discharge corresponded to a metastable temperature of 22,700 K and was over 100 times brighter than the 584-A He resonance line.
WICK SKINNER: A LIFE SAILING AGAINST THE WIND

Despite the enormous, enduring influence of Wick Skinner’s writing and ideas and the worldwide acclaim he has received during his lifetime, the memory of his disastrous first presentation at an academic seminar over 40 years ago still rankles in his mind. His critics on that cold December afternoon in 1960 did not argue much with his firsthand experience and observations; they simply disagreed with the conclusions he drew from them. Wick walked out of that experience bloodied but unbowed, and determined to see his views vindicated. He was not easily intimidated, even then. Although only in his third year of doctoral studies at the time, he was not your typical young faculty Lecturer. By then it already had been over 16 years since he had graduated from Yale with a Chemical Engineering degree (achieved in a war-accelerated 33 months). Immediately inducted into the Army, he soon was assigned to the Engineering Corps working on the Manhattan Project at Las Alamos. Most histories of that project focus on the theoretical breakthroughs that underpinned the development of the atomic bomb and neglect the fact that actually making the first bombs required a huge and complex engineering/manufacturing effort. Wick spent much of his time measuring material and manpower flows, and he was fascinated by the valuable insights that could be gained through such analyses. That experience, among others, led him to enter the MBA program at the Harvard Business School (HBS) after the war. Upon graduation in 1948 he joined the Honeywell Corporation where he spent 10 years—6 of them in production, 2 in marketing, and 2 as a divisional finance officer, and where he received his on-the-job education as an operating manager. The perspectives provided by these various functional experiences not only provided the fodder for several of the cases he wrote during the next few years, but also enriched the way he looked at management problems the rest of his life. An opportunity to lead some management development classes at Honeywell reawakened a love of teaching and a renewed admiration for the transforming experience that HBS had provided young people like himself. Its emphasis on the real life dilemmas that managers encountered, and how careful observation and analysis could help them understand and resolve these dilemmas, often in counterintuitive ways, had been deeply appealing to his practical, independent nature. He had emerged full of confidence in himself and even more convinced of the importance of testing theories and conventional wisdom against firsthand PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Vol. 11, No. 1, Spring 2002 Printed in U.S.A.
Detonation Studies in Dispersed Solid Particulate Explosives Using High Speed Time-Resolved Holography

Clouds of dispersed explosive or combustible solid particles are detonable and such systems may exhibit self-sustained detonation [1–8]. However, the method by which individual particles in the explosive cloud interact to sustain detonation is not well understood. The similar case of liquid fuel/air explosives was investigated in detail during the 1960’s and 1970’s. For these systems, it was established that incident shock waves serve to shatter large liquid droplets into a mist of micro-droplets. These microdroplets are almost instantaneously accelerated to the convective flow velocity behind the shock wave. The energy released upon ignition of the micromist supports the shock wave and selfsustained detonation results [9–11].
Detection of anomalous computer session activity

The authors discusses Wisdom and Sense (W&S), a computer security anomaly detection system. W&S is statistically based. It automatically generates rules from historical data and, in terms of those rules, identifies computer transactions that are at variance with historically established usage patterns. Issues addressed include how W&S generates rules from a necessarily small sample of all possible transactions, how W&S deals with inherently categorical data, and how W&S assists system security officers in their review of audit logs. Preliminary results with W&S show that the software does periodically detect anomalies of high interest even in data though to be free of such events. >
The h-channel: A potential channelopathy in epilepsy?

Abstract Ion channelopathy is a proven cause of inherited human epilepsy, and may play a role in acquired epileptic syndromes as well. Of the many ion channel causes of epilepsy, the h-hannel is a potential new addition. H-channels are voltage-gated ion channels with unique biophysical properties. The h-channel exerts a significant modulatory influence on neuronal excitability, and is a target of antiepileptic drugs. Further, its activity is influenced by seizures, raising the question of whether it may play a role in epileptogenesis as well. This review summarizes the evidence for the contribution of h-channels to seizures and epilepsy, and outlines hypotheses concerning the existence of an “h-channelopathy” in human epilepsy.
Rent Seeking in a Static Model of Zoning

This paper uses a traditional, static view of zoning to illustrate the costly, rent-seeking behavior that results from zoning. A simple graphical model is developed and used to illustrate the size of rent-seeking costs when various levels of development are permitted and when different schemes are used by zoning authorities to allocate development permits. The model shows that allocation schemes designed to minimize rent-seeking fail to allocate permits to the highest-valued users. Zoning models that ignore the costs of rent-seeking and misallocation are found to seriously overstate the potential gains from zoning.
Departure from Natural Convection (DNC) in Low-Temperature Boiling Heat Transfer Encountered in Cooling Microelectronic LSI Devices

Recent experiments with low-temperature boiling heat transfer have shown that the determination of the transition point from natural convection to nucleate boiling is important in cooling microelectronic components. This paper discusses the nature of this transition, introduced here as the departure from natural convection (DNC). It is shown that the DNC, which is usually accompanied by excessive temperature overshoot, is just as important a parameter as is the well-known departure from nucleate boiling, (DNB), and that more work is required to understand the behavior of DNC. Some novel surface treatments applied to large-scale integrated (LSI) devices are also described that remove these limiting conditions of DNC and DNB.
Using Children's Literature to Inspire K–8 Preservice Teachers' Future Mathematics Pedagogy

A growing body of research in the fields of mathematics education and literacy supports the inclusion of children's literature with the teaching and learning of mathematics. When mathematics is couched within a story and presented using pictures and informal, familiar language, students can more readily grasp the mathematical ideas and concepts. In addition, because children's literature often depicts real-life situations, it can serve as a catalyst for engaging students in authentic problem solving and inspire them to explore mathematical concepts actively and enthusiastically. Preservice teachers need to experience for themselves the power and potential of children's literature as an educational tool in mathematics so that they are well prepared and motivated to teach in an engaging fashion with a focus on reading, writing, and communicating mathematically. The author presents a variety of activities and ideas implemented as part of an elementary mathematics methods course that modeled for preservice teachers pedagogically sound strategies for effectively integrating children's literature with the teaching and learning of mathematics in primary, intermediate, and middle school classrooms.
Wall slip and extrudate instability of 4-arm star polybutadienes in capillary flow

This paper presents experimental research on wall slip and extrusion instability behavior of a series of monodisperse 4-arm star polybutadienes (PBD) of different molecular weights during fast capillary flow. The star PBDs reveal a slope of 3.0 in the capillary flow curve, showing a faster non-linear response than linear PBDs. The global stick-slip transition of star PBD is weaker than linear PBD of the same molecular weight, as indicated by a smaller extrapolation length b of star PBD. The “sharkskin” fracture takes place without a global stick-slip transition for a star PBD with molecular weight of 200 K, suggesting the sharkskin instability may not originate from an oscillating stick-slip transition at die exit. The flow splitting, i.e., the phenomenon that the extrudate breaks into two or more branches after the die exit, is observed in star PBDs with molecular weights higher than 200 K. The flow splitting, accompanied by a precession motion, is found to be an exit instability behavior. The flow splitting is related to the long bulk relaxation time of the star polymers and more likely to occur in a solid-like state, where the storage modulus G′ is higher than the loss modulus G″. A “rotating-breaking” hypothesis is proposed to explain the flow splitting and sharkskin instability behavior of star PBDs based on a stretch induced rupture at die exit in a rotating pattern.
Effect of Damp on Isokinetic Measurements

Meaningful use of isokinetic data requires understanding potential sources of variation and error. The purpose of this study was to examine one possible source of variation: the effect of recorder damp settings on Cybex®II torque tracings. The effect of damp settings 0 through 4 at speeds of 30°/sec and 75°/sec was assessed by dropping loads of 13.65 kg and 36.85 kg attached to a lever arm of 30.5 cm on a Cybex®II. The effect of damp settings at 180°/sec was examined with the same weights at damp settings 2 and 4. Increasing damp resulted in 1) a decrease in amplitude of the entire torque curve and a decreased measurement of peak torque and 2) a shift of the torque curve to the right (later in time). The data underscore the need to record and to report the damp settings used during isokinetic testing.
The Caenorhabditis elegans UNC-87 Protein Is Essential for Maintenance, but Not Assembly, of Bodywall Muscle

Mutations in the unc-87 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans cause disorganization of the myofilament lattice in adult bodywall muscle. In order to assess the organization of specific bodywall muscle components in the absence of the unc-87 gene product, we examined the bodywall muscles of mutant animals using phalloidin and monoclonal antibodies to various muscle proteins. These studies indicated that the bodywall muscle of unc-87 embryos is initially almost wild type in its organization, but at later stages, the muscle becomes severely disorganized. To address the possibility that this disorganization is due to deterioration of the muscle as a result of contraction, we introduced into the unc-87 mutant background a mutation that decreases myosin heavy chain activity but does not substantially affect muscle structure. The improved muscle structure and motility of the double mutants are consistent with the hypothesis that at least part of the disorganization phenotype of unc-87 mutants is a consequence of the wild-type levels of force generated during muscle contraction. These results imply that the role of the unc-87 gene product is not in specifying organization but rather in serving as a structural component maintaining lattice integrity during and after contraction.
The solution used in discretizing an integral equation for studying neutrophilia

A continuous model without feedback control was developed previously by O'Fallon et al. for granulocyte kinetics. The continuous model used the integration of a negative exponential density function to describe the behavior of the circulating blood. This study shows that when neutropenia occurs some problems are encountered, and that discretizing the integral equation is a solution around these problems.
P01.02. Psychophysiological assessment of the impact of mind-body interventions—pilot trial to determine the best assessment methods

Purpose This study seeks an inexpensive, non-invasive, and easily reproducible measure of autonomic activity, which could greatly advance mind-body research and treatment. Specific aims of this study were to: explore the utility of selected physiological measures as a gauge of autonomic function; confirm the usefulness of Stroop and Math as stressors; and explore the utility of this testing protocol for changes over time.
Feedback induced microwave signal dropout in 0.83μm fibre-optic links

Large losses (dropouts) of the output RF signal of a fibreoptic link are reported. Measurements in the 2–18 GHz range with 0.7–1.6 km fibre lengths indicate that optical feedback induced laser longitudinal mode instabilities coupled with fibre dispersion result in more than 45 dB loss of RF signal during mode hops or multimode operation.
Leptin does not influence surfactant synthesis in fetal sheep and mice lungs

In the fetus, leptin in the circulation increases at late gestation and likely influences fetal organ development. Increased surfactant by leptin was previously demonstrated in vitro using fetal lung explant. We hypothesized that leptin treatment given to fetal sheep and pregnant mice might increase surfactant synthesis in the fetal lung in vivo. At 122–124 days gestational age (term: 150 days), fetal sheep were injected with 5 mg of leptin or vehicle using ultrasound guidance. Three and a half days after injection, preterm lambs were delivered, and lung function was studied during 30-min ventilation, followed by pulmonary surfactant components analyses. Pregnant A/J mice were given 30 or 300 mg of leptin or vehicle by intraperitoneal injection according to five study protocols with different doses, number of treatments, and gestational ages to treat. Surfactant components were analyzed in fetal lung 24 h after the last maternal treatment. Leptin injection given to fetal sheep increased fetal body weight. Control and leptin-treated groups were similar in lung function (preterm newborn lamb), surfactant components pool sizes (lamb and fetal mice), and expression of genes related to surfactant synthesis in the lung (fetal mice). Likewise, saturated phosphatidylcholine and phospholipid were normal in mice lungs with absence of circulating leptin (ob/ob mice) at all ages. These studies coincided in findings that neither exogenously given leptin nor deficiency of leptin influenced fetal lung maturation or surfactant pool sizes in vivo. Furthermore, the key genes critically required for surfactant synthesis were not affected by leptin treatment.
International Equity Markets Cross Border Trading, Or Leading?

This paper studies the mechanisms that lead to the conclusion that one market leads another. The results of a model, based on Kyle (1985), suggest cross border trading and industry commonality as mechanisms. The data confirms the results obtained by the model showing that countries heavily engaged in cross border trading appear in variance decomposition / impulse response functions as leading other markets.
Insights from Switzerland's Pension System

This chapter takes Switzerland’s much praised three-pillar system to illustrate some of the challenges reforms to pension systems face in an aging society. It shows that policymakers are confronted by some individuals with behavioral anomalies and by others who strategically exploit the system. The trade-off between providing incentives and adequate retirement income limits policy options, especially if reformers do not want to impose too many restrictions on individual choice and wish to avoid excessive burdens on the young generation. Pension reforms can also be seriously challenged by political constraints, in particular, when voters have a direct say on proposed changes.
Electron-paramagnetic-resonance spectroscopy in biochemistry: past, present and future.

Advances in instrumentation in a field of research usually spring from the collaboration between a scientist in that field and a physicist or engineer thoroughly familiar with the particular technique. Thus the beginnings of the application of e.p.r. in biochemistry can be mainly traced to the joint endeavours of such scientist pairs (occasionally triumvirates) in the 1950s, e.g. Townsend-Pake-Commoner, Blumberg--Peisach. Vinngard-Malmstrom, Vanngard-Bray or Sands-Beinert and their descendants. The deep and lasting influence that these physicist colleagues have had on the rapid and sound development of e.p.r. in our field can hardly be overestimated. The names of D.J.E. Ingram, J.F. Gibson, H . M . McConnell, J.D. Hyde and G. Feher must also be mentioned in this context. In the early 1950s the ground for the eager acceptance of a sensitive and specific technique for measuring magnetism was well prepared by earlier pioneering work in magnetochemistry, by measurements of magnetic susceptibility on haemoglobin by several groups (Coryell et al.. 1937; Scheler et al., 1956; Haveniann & Haberditzl, 1958) and on other haem proteins by Theorell & Ehrenberg (1952) and Theorell et al. (1952). by Michaelis’ work (195 1) on seniiquinones and his ideas on one-electron transfer and by the then emerging evidence that many enzymes, particularly those concerned with biological oxidations, contained transition metals as constituents (DeRenzo et al., 1953: Richert & Westerfeld, 1953, 1954; Mahler & Elowe. 1954; Kearney & Singer, 1955). The first report that I recall on the exploratory application of e.p.r. to biological questions appeared in Nature (Commoner et al., 1954) in 1954; but it took at least another 5 -10 years until work on biochemically welldefined systems was published, e.g. on purified enzymes such as peroxidases (Yamazaki et al., 1960), flavoproteins (Beinert & Hemmerich, 1965). metal flavoproteins (Rajagopalan et al., 1962. I’alnier et al., 1964) or copper proteins (Broman et al.. 1962; Blumberg et al., 1963). Very quickly specialintion set in with one faction rejecting e.p.r. in the frozen state as unphysiological, others turning to lowtemperature e.p.r. as required for the study of most metal proteins. Yet another faction branched off into free-radical chemistry specializing into radiation biology. spin labelling and spin trapping, while photosynthesis-e.p.r. straddled most of these areas. Even within the metal-e.p.r. field sub-specialization generated M o , Mn, V, haem, non-haem Fe and Cu specialists; and that is about where we stand today. Instrumentation, experimental approaches and knowhow.
Applications to Alkaloid Synthesis

This chapter describes total syntheses from Professor Comins' laboratories using chiral N -acylpyridinium salt chemistry and N -acyl-2,3-dihydro-4-pyridone building blocks. These dihydropyridones are ideal synthetic intermediates due to their facile preparation from pyridine derivatives, the useful functionality present, their availability as either enantiomerically pure isomer, good air and acid stability, ease of introducing ring substituents in a regio- and stereocontrolled fashion, and their potential for use in alkaloid synthesis. Application of this chemistry towards the concise, asymmetric total syntheses of twenty four alkaloids of various types are included along with mechanistic explanations for the observed stereoselectivity of many key reactions.
On-Chip Packed Channel Separations

We describe the first use of a UV-initiated porous polymer monolith (PPM) in a microfabricated electrochromatographic separation device. Porous polymer monoliths have several characteristics that make them particularly attractive as a stationary phase for chip electrochromatography (ChEC). The PPM requires no frits, is easily introduced into the system prior to polymerization, and is photopatternable. Relevant ChEC properties such as charge polarity, charge density, hydrophobicity, and porosity are controlled by adjusting the composition of the polymer precursor solution.
A generative model for the behavior of RNA polymerase.

MOTIVATION Transcription by RNA polymerase is a highly dynamic process involving multiple distinct points of regulation. Nascent transcription assays are a relatively new set of high throughput techniques that measure the location of actively engaged RNA polymerase genome wide. Hence, nascent transcription is a rich source of information on the regulation of RNA polymerase activity. To fully dissect this data requires the development of stochastic models that can both deconvolve the stages of polymerase activity and identify significant changes in activity between experiments. RESULTS We present a generative, probabilistic model of RNA polymerase that fully describes loading, initiation, elongation and termination. We fit this model genome wide and profile the enzymatic activity of RNA polymerase across various loci and following experimental perturbation. We observe striking correlation of predicted loading events and regulatory chromatin marks. We provide principled statistics that compute probabilities reminiscent of traveler's and divergent ratios. We finish with a systematic comparison of RNA Polymerase activity at promoter versus non-promoter associated loci. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Transcription Fit (Tfit) is a freely available, open source software package written in C/C ++ that requires GNU compilers 4.7.3 or greater. Tfit is available from GitHub (https://github.com/azofeifa/Tfit). CONTACT robin.dowell@colorado.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections in the intensive care unit: a review

Purpose To review the salient features of the diagnosis and management of the most common skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). This review focuses on severe SSTIs that require care in an intensive care unit (ICU), including toxic shock syndrome, myonecrosis/gas gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis.
Late Archaic–Early Formative period microbotanical evidence for potato at Jiskairumoko in the Titicaca Basin of southern Peru

The data presented in this paper provide direct microbotanical evidence concerning the early use of potato (Solanum tuberosum) within its botanical locus of origin in the high south-central Andes. The data derive from Jiskairumoko, an early village site in the western Titicaca Basin dating to the Late Archaic to Early Formative periods (∼3,400 cal y BC to 1,600 cal y BC). Because the site reflects the transition to sedentism and food production, these data may relate to potato domestication and early cultivation. Of 141 starch microremains recovered from 14 groundstone tools from Jiskairumoko, 50 are identified as consistent with cultivated or domesticated potato, based on reference to published materials and a study of wild and cultivated potato starch morphology. Along with macro- and microbotanical evidence for chenopod consumption and grinding tool data reflecting intensive use of this technology throughout site occupation, the microbotanical data reported here suggest the intensive exploitation, if not cultivation, of plant resources at Jiskairumoko. Elucidating the details of the trajectory of potato domestication is necessary for an overall understanding of the development of highland Andean agriculture, as this crop is central to the autochthonous agricultural suite. A paucity of direct botanical evidence, however, has hindered research efforts. The results of the modern and archaeological starch analyses presented here underscore the utility of this method in addressing questions related to the timing, mode, and context of potato origins.
Zur Auffassung Des Kürenbergfalken

(1943). Zur Auffassung Des Kurenbergfalken. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 213-222.
Selecting Quality Initiatives to Pursue: Integrating Demand Effects into the Evaluation and Selection of Potential Quality Initiatives

Athough the value of improving quality is well recognized, tools to help managers choose the optimal quality initiatives to pursue remain underdeveloped. In particular, while there exist well-accepted methods for estimating the cost impacts of quality initiatives, there has been less progress in developing tools to routinely estimate demand effects (e.g., revenue-related impacts) associated with potential quality initiatives. Inability to estimate such demand effects may degrade firms’ responsiveness to customers and profitability. This article draws on published literature to forward a framework for estimating a quality initiative’s value that encompasses both cost impacts and demand effects. A key component is a methodology for estimating demand effects that can be practically incorporated into firms’ routine quality initiative selection processes.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fungal Mycelium-Based Biofoam

AbstractThis paper presents an innovative fungal mycelium-based biofoam. Three different mixing protocols with various substrate materials, including wood pulp, millet grain, wheat bran, a natural ...
Online Coding for Reliable Data Transfer in Lossy Wireless Sensor Networks

Bulk transport underlies data exfiltration and code update facilities in WSNs, but existing approaches are not designed for highly lossy and variable-quality links. We observe that Maymounkov's rateless online codes are asymptotically more efficient, but can perform poorly in the WSN operating region. We analyze and optimize coding parameters and present the design and evaluation of RTOC, a protocol for bulk transport that recovered over 95% of application data despite up to 84% packet loss in a MicaZ network.
Drug Use and Abuse: Psychosocial Aspects

This article begins with a definition of drug use, followed by a consideration of the factors that make this particular class of behavior unique. Distinctions are made among various classes of drugs, based on their legal status and social acceptability. Because these distinctions are particularly germane to the social and psychological determinants of their use, the types of drugs that fit into each category are described, along with the logic behind their being so classified. Consideration is given to the religious and cultural determinants of use, as well as to the social symbolism of drug use. The distinctions among use, abuse, and dependence are considered, and the stages of involvement in the use of a particular drug are described, along with the somewhat orderly sequence of involvement with the use of multiple drugs. Finally, consideration is given to various other psychosocial correlates of use, including particular attitudes and belief, as well as the individual's level of integration into society in general, and into certain key institutions in particular.
Thymosin: An Innovative Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a common disease afflicting 300 million people worldwide, including approximately one million Americans who are carriers of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg). Many such carriers have concomitant chronic liver disease and are at risk for developing cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (1, 2). Impaired effectiveness of the host cellular immune mechanisms in clearing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected hepatocytes has been proposed to explain development of chronic HBV infection (3, 4).