cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Green Body Processing Effects on SiC Whisker Textures in Alumina Matrix Composites

During green state processing of alumina matrix-SiC whisker composite materials, SiC whiskers develop a preferred orientation, or texture. The nature and degree of texture development is related to the green body processing technique and, for slurry processing techniques, processing variables such as pH and solids loading. In this study, SiC whisker textures were quantitatively assessed using X-ray pole figure analysis of samples processed via dry pressing, slip casting, and pressure filtration. The results indicate that green state processing methodology significantly influences whisker textures in alumina matrix-SiC whisker composites (25 vol pct). It is important to examine whisker textures in these materials since whisker orientation directly affects fracture behavior. 6 refs.
The Management of Febrile Infants by Primary-Care Pediatricians in Utah: Comparison With Published Practice Guidelines

Objective To determine primary-care pediatricians' management of febrile infants and compare them with published practice guidelines. Design Case scenarios were sent to 194 primary-care pediatricians in Utah, describing three febrile infants, ages 21 days, 60 days, and 20 months, corresponding to the three age groups: 0 to 28 days; 29 to 90 days, and 91 days to 36 months for which the guidelines suggest different strategies. Results Ninety-four pediatricians responded (response rate, 48%). Compliance with the guidelines was 39% for the 21 day old, 9.6% for the 60 day old, and 75% for the 20 month old. No respondent followed the guidelines for all three infants. Performance of tests to determine if an infant was low risk varied from 3%, for a stool white cell examination in a febrile 2 month old with diarrhea, to 75% for a complete blood count in a 20 month old with a temperature of 40 degrees C. Compliance did not differ between private and academic practitioners. Those in practice less than 5 years (n = 22) were more likely than those with more experience to follow the guidelines for the 21 day old but not the other two infants. Conclusion Primary-care pediatricians in Utah manage febrile infants with fewer laboratory tests and less hospitalization than recent practice guidelines developed by an expert panel of academic specialists suggest.
The Process of Infection with Bacteriophage ΦX174: IX. Studies on the Physiology of Three ΦX174 Temperature-sensitive Mutants

Representatives of three different complementing groups of ΦX174 temperature-sensitive mutants were studied for their ability to synthesize infective DNA at the restrictive temperature. One of the mutants showed normal or nearly normal production of infective single-stranded DNA (when compared with wild-type phage), whereas the other two failed to make any substantial amount. Double-stranded DNA components, of two densities in alkali, were made in all infections.
BDSM (bondage, discipline, domination, submission, sadomasochism)

BDSM is the consensual exchange of power for pleasure. BDSM is an acronym made up of three term-sets: bondage and discipline (B&D), domination and submission (D/s), and sadomasochism (SM, S/M, or S&M). Although practices similar to those in contemporary BDSM communities have existed in most places and times, BDSM communities are a phenomenon of industrialized capitalist societies. Keywords: BDSM ; power exchange; sadomasochism; sexuality; sexual politics
The purification and properties of deoxyguanosine triphosphate triphosphohydrolase from Escherichia coli

Deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) triphosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.5.1) has been purified approximately 16,000-fold to apparent homogeneity from extracts of Escherichia coli. The enzyme has a native molecular weight of 230,000 and a sedimentation coefficient of 9.3 S. Its subunit molecular weight derived from electrophoresis in denaturing polyacrylamide gels is 58,900, and it has a unique N-terminal sequence for the first 25 amino acids, which indicate that the native enzyme is composed of 4 homologous subunits. It is insensitive to sulfhydryl reagents and EDTA and can be heated to 60 degrees C for 60 min without loss of activity. The enzyme requires Mg2+ for activity, is highly specific for dGTP among the canonical deoxynucleoside triphosphates, and has a unique activity among nucleoside triphosphatases in that the products of the reaction are deoxyguanosine and inorganic tripolyphosphate. Preliminary evidence suggest that this enzyme is responsible for the optA mutant phenotype first described by Saito and Richardson (Saito, H., and Richardson, C.C. (1981) J. Virol. 37, 343-351).
A Review of: “Robyn Lim, The Geopolitics of East Asia: The Search for Equilibrium”

The Geopolitics of East Asia: The Search for Equilibrium offers an intriguing and thoughtful consideration of East Asia's strategic history and how the great power-politics of the region may develo...
CodY Regulates SigD Levels and Activity by Binding to Three Sites in the fla/che Operon

ABSTRACT Exponentially growing cultures of Bacillus subtilis (PY79) are composed primarily of nonmotile, chained cells. The alternative sigma factor, SigD, promotes the phenotypic switch from nonmotile, chained cells to unchained, motile cells. In the present work, we investigated the role of the GTP-sensing protein CodY in the regulation of SigD. Deletion of codY resulted in a significant increase in SigD accumulation and activity and shifted the proportion of unchained cells up from ∼15% to ∼75%, suggesting that CodY is an important regulator of SigD. CodY was previously shown to bind to the P D3 and P fla / che promoters located upstream of the first gene in the sigD -containing fla / che operon. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we found that CodY also binds to two other previously uncharacterized sites within the fla / che operon. Mutations in any one of the three binding sites resulted in SigD levels similar to those seen with the Δ codY mutant, suggesting that each site is sufficient to tip cells toward a maximal level of CodY-dependent SigD accumulation. However, mutations in all three sites were required to phenocopy the Δ codY mutant9s reduced level of cell chaining, consistent with the idea that CodY binding in the fla / che operon is also important for posttranslational control of SigD activity. IMPORTANCE One way that bacteria adapt quickly and efficiently to changes in environmental quality is to employ global transcriptional regulators capable of responding allosterically to key cellular metabolites. In this study, we found that the conserved GTP-sensing protein CodY directly regulates cell motility and chaining in B. subtilis by controlling expression and activity of SigD. Our results suggest that B. subtilis becomes poised for cell dispersal as intracellular GTP levels are depleted.
A model of the vertebrate central command system.

S-RETIC vertebrate command model, discussing computer simulation of reticular formation Golgi anatomy capable of habituation, conditioning, extinction, generalization and error discrimination
Conferring operator specificity on restriction endonucleases.

Mapping and manipulation of very large genomes, including the human genome, would be facilitated by the availability of a DNA cleavage method with very high site specificity. Therefore, a general method was devised that extends the effective recognition sequences well beyond the present 8-base pair limit by combining the specificity of the restriction endonuclease with that of another sequence-specific protein that binds tightly to DNA. It was shown that the tightly binding lac or lambda repressor protects a restriction site within the operator from specific modification methylases, M.Hha I or M.Hph I, while all other similar sites are methylated and thus rendered uncleavable. A plasmid containing a symmetric lac operator was specifically cleaved by Hha I, only at the site within the operator, after M.Hha I methylation in the presence of the lac repressor, whereas the remaining 31 Hha I sites on this plasmid were methylated and thus not cleaved. Analogous results were obtained with the Hae II site within the lac operator, which was similarly protected by the lac repressor, and with the Hph I site within the phage lambda oL operator, which was protected by lambda repressor from M.Hph I methylation.
"Peasants in Cities": Ingenious Paradox or Conceptual Muddle?

This article, written in response to T. G. McGee's recent discussion in this journal of the "peasants in cities" paradox, argues that a modified version of Eric Wolf's definition of "peasants" is the most useful one currently available to anthropologists.
Separation and quantification of short-chain coenzyme A in plant tissues by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Coenzyme A (CoA) is a group of active metabolic compounds that facilitate over 100 chemical reactions in animal and plant cells. It mainly serves as an acyl carrier in many metabolic reactions and initiates the tricarboxylic acid cycle that produces more than 90% of the energy required for life processes. Measurements of short-chain and long-chain CoA compounds in a variety of tissues by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis-ultraviolet (CE-UV) detection have been reported, but these techniques do not allow one to simultaneously determine all the possible coexisting CoAs and their derivatives in plant tissues with sufficient sensitivity. In this paper, a method of quantitative determination of 5 short-chain CoAs in plant tissues by using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF) was developed. Under optimized derivatization and electrophoresis conditions, different CoAs that were derivatized with fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC) were separated and quantified at the pmole level. A fused silica capillary with a 75 μm (i.d.) × 57 cm was used for the separation and 150 mM borate buffer (pH 9.00) was used as a background electrolyte. The separation was carried out at 25 kV and completed in less than 13 min. The effects of derivatization time, buffer concentrations, and pH values on derivatization efficiency were also systematically investigated. This newly developed CE-LIF method can be used to detect CoAs in both plant and animal tissues.
Representations of attachment in mothers and their one-year-old infants.

Abstract Attachment classifications in mothers and their 1 -year-old infants were independently and concurrently assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview and the Strange Situation Procedure. Overall concordance was significant (k = 0.62), with strong links apparent between mothers classified dismissing and infants classified avoidant and between mothers classified autonomous and infants classified secure. Mothers' classified preoccupied were not more likely to have infants classified resistant. Mothers' perceptions and interpretations of the emotional distress of an infant observed in a 4-minute videotape were related to both infant and mother attachment classifications. These results are compatible with the suggestion that attachment classifications reflect differences in internal working models of relationships. Other measures of maternal psychosocial adjustment were not related to infant attachment classifications.
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: A Prospective Evaluation of Functional Results

Local excision is a commonly used technique for many benign and selected malignant rectal lesions. Compared with radical resection, it is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality and improved functional results. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is gaining popularity because of its ability to access the upper rectum and its precise excision techniques. However, the functional consequences have not been extensively studied. All patients subject to transanal endoscopic microsurgery prospectively completed preoperative and postoperative (6 weeks) surveys including Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, number of bowel movements per 24 hours, and ability to defer defecation. All data were collected by an independent research coordinator. Demographics, operative details, and complications were also collected prospectively. Forty-one patients successfully underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Fourteen patients had malignant lesions and 27 had benign lesions. Two patients required abdominoperineal resection based on postoperative diagnosis. Thirty-nine patients have completed follow-up and were available for review. Mean length of surgery was 64 minutes and length of stay was 0.9 day. Average distance from the anal verge to the proximal tumor margin was 11.4 cm and mean tumor size was 8.75 cm. Twenty-three patients had full-thickness excision with primary closure, ten had full-thickness excision without closure, five had partial-thickness excision, one had an excision of a mass in the anovaginal septum, and one had resection of an anastomotic stricture. Each patient served as his own control. Preoperative and postoperative number of bowel movements per 24 hours were 2.0 and 2.0, respectively. Preoperative vs. postoperative urgency (ability to defer defecation less than ten minutes) was unchanged. Mean preoperative and postoperative Fecal Incontinence Severity Index scores were 2.4 (range, 0–43) and 2.4 (range, 0–17), respectively (higher scores indicate worse function). In addition, the four parameters measured by the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life survey were unchanged when preoperative and postoperative data were compared. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery allows precise excision of tumors throughout the rectum. However, it involves inserting a 40-mm-diameter operating proctoscope and significant operating times. Despite this, as measured by ability to defer defecation, number of bowel movements per 24 hours, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life survey, transanal endoscopic microsurgery has no detrimental affect on fecal continence.
Proliferative and migratory activity of glial cells in the partially deafferented hippocampus

The proliferative response of the glial cell population of the adult rat hippocampus deafferented by unilateral lesion of the entorhinal cortex was studied using 3H-thymidine autoradiography. Two experimental paradigms were used, involving: (1) intraventricular 3H-thymidine injection at a number of post-lesion intervals with sacrifice six hours later and (2) intraventricular injection at 30 hours post-lesion with sacrifice at 6, 96, or 192 hours later. The first increase in the number of labeled glial cells was obtained at 20 hours post-lesion and was confined to areas of degenerating axons. By 30 hours a large and uniformly dense proliferative response was observed throughout the ipsilateral, and medial aspects of the contralateral, hippocampus encompassing both deafferented and intact regions. Cell division continued through 50 and 65 hours post-lesion particularly in directly deafferented regions, but diminished to control levels by 80 hours. Although oligodendroglia and astrocyte-like cells were sometimes found to have incorporated the label the most common proliferative element within the hippocampus corresponded to previous light microscopic descriptions of “microglial” cells. The experiments using thymidine injection given at the peak proliferative period followed by survival periods of varying lengths indicated that a progressive redistribution of labeled nuclei occurred resulting in an accumulation of labeled cells in the zones of deafferentation. Multiple division of cells within these areas as well as the migration of nuclei from non-deafferented regions was found to contribute to this effect. The possible involvement of glial proliferation with other morphological effects of deafferentation, including the sprouting response of intact afferents, is discussed.
HYPOXIA DECREASES CONSTITUTIVE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE TRANSCRIPT AND PROTEIN IN CULTURED ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Endothelial cell-generated nitric oxide (NO) accounts in large part for the labile vasodilator termed endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Two distinct types of NO synthase exist: a "constitutive' type (cNOS), found in endothelial cells, and an "inducible' enzyme. Endothelial cells sense pO2 levels in the range of 70-20 torr and respond to this hypoxia by inducing transcription of genes which encode the vasoactive proteins PDGF-B and endothelin-1. Exposure of human or bovine endothelial cells to low oxygen tensions results in a profound decrease in the transcript for cNOS and a corresponding fall in cNOS protein levels. The ability of endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia to produce NO in response to bradykinin, a stimulator of cNOS activity, was coordinately impaired. Cobalt inhibited the expression of cNOS transcripts, suggesting a mechanism comparable to that by which oxygen tension regulates expression of other vasoregulatory genes. In the presence of actinomycin-D, hypoxia had no effect on cNOS transcripts, suggesting that new gene transcription is required for cNOS suppression. The reducing agents PDTC and N-Ac did not mimic cNOS gene suppression by hypoxia, suggesting that this suppression is not related to the redox state of the intracellular environment. Thus, regulation of cNOS function in response to environmental factors can occur at the level of gene expression as well as at the level of enzyme activation.
Joint US/Russia TU-144 Engine Ground Tests

Two engine research experiments were recently completed in Moscow, Russia using an engine from the Tu-144 supersonic transport airplane. This was a joint project between the United States and Russia. Personnel from the NASA Lewis Research Center, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Pratt & Whitney, the Tupolev Design Bureau, and EBP Aircraft LTD worked together as a team to overcome the many technical and cultural challenges. The objective was to obtain large scale inlet data that could be used in the development of a supersonic inlet system for a future High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). The-first experiment studied the impact of typical inlet structures that have trailing edges in close proximity to the inlet/engine interface plane on the flow characteristics at that plane. The inlet structure simulated the subsonic diffuser of a supersonic inlet using a bifurcated splitter design. The centerbody maximum diameter was designed to permit choking and slightly supercritical operation. The second experiment measured the reflective characteristics of the engine face to incoming perturbations of pressure amplitude. The basic test rig from the first experiment was used with a longer spacer equipped with fast actuated doors. All the objectives set forth at the beginning of the project were met.
A Computational Account of Borderline Personality Disorder: Impaired Predictive Learning about Self and Others Through Bodily Simulation

Social dysfunction is a prominent and disabling aspect of Borderline Personality Disorder. We reconsider traditional explanations for this problem – especially early disruption in the way an infant feels physical care from it’s mother – in terms of recent developments in computational psychiatry. In particular, social learning may depend on reinforcement learning though embodied simulations. Such modeling involves calculations based on structures outside the brain such as face and hands, calculations on one’s own body that are used to make inferences about others. We discuss ways to test the role of embodied simulation in BPD and potential implications for treatment.
Diagnosis and management of acute liver failure.

Purpose of reviewAcute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating syndrome afflicting previously healthy individuals. Early recognition of the illness is crucial, as aggressive treatment may improve outcomes. Despite significant advances in care, however, the mortality remains high (30–100%). This brief r
The Purdue University network-computing hubs: running unmodified simulation tools via the WWW

This paper describes the Web interface management infrastructure of a functioning network-computing system (PUNCH) that allows users to run unmodified simulation packages at geographically dispersed sites. The system currently contains more than fifty university and commercial simulation tools, and has been used to carry out more than two hundred thousand simulations via the World Wide Web. Dynamically-constructed virtual URLs allow the Web interface management infrastructure to support the semantics associated with an interface to computing services without requiring any changes to Web browsers or WWW protocols. Virtual URLs also facilitate customizable control of access to networked resources. Simulation tools with text-based interfaces are supported via dynamically-generated, virtual interfaces, whereas tools with graphical interfaces are supported by leveraging available remote display-management technologies. Virtual interface generation and interactivity emulation are handled by a programmable state machine in conjunction with a mechanism to embed variables and ovjects within standard HTML.
Solutions for RFID Smart Tagged Card Security Vulnerabilities

Abstract The use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is seeing increasing use in all areas of industry. Companies and government agencies have implemented RFID solutions to make their inventory control systems more efficient. In the healthcare industry the technology is being used to saves patient lives by preventing medical misidentification, and mistreatment, to monitor medical equipment assets, and to track the administration of medication. In spite of all the benefits that RFID can provide to industry, there are glaring security concerns that come with its use. The paper will identify the security risks inherent in RFID technology and propose a framework to make smart tagged cards more secure using active tags and prevent the ability to clone tags or sniff data between the tag and reader. The proposed framework is specific to the tag and reader communication layer.
Smoking, psychological status and stress

The effects of stress and psychological impairment on smoking behavior was analyzed using a final sample of 938 adults (18 years and over) in the metro New Haven area. Information regarding the following were obtained: basic sociodemographic variables physical and mental health status social and instrumental role performance and life crises during the previous year (crisis was any event which could potentially affect the persons sociopsychological balance). 4 hypotheses were tested: the direct relationship of psychological impairment to 1) frequency of smoking; 2) perception of smoking as a problem; 3) increases in smoking at times of crises; and 4) relation between changes in smoking and psychological impairment as the number of crises increased. All 4 hypotheses were confirmed by the findings. Psychologically impaired individuals resorted to smoking with increasing frequency depending on the psychological status quantity and quality of crises. The data regarding the perception of smoking as a problem revealed a paradox in that the psychologically impaired individuals (48%) were more realistic in viewing smoking as a problem compared with individuals who were psychologically healthy (11%). Studies have shown that psychological tension leads to smoking; again this was supported by the high frequency of smoking observed among individuals who were psychologically very impaired because of marital interpersonal health and catastrophic events (Sullivan; Summel). These findings suggest that smokers have trouble quitting the habit because of their relatively little or lack of control of external events which personally affect them.
O-023 Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients Selected and Excluded for Intra-arterial Intervention by Perfusion Imaging

Background/Purpose Perfusion imaging has been proposed as an effective modality in selecting acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients who may benefit from intra-arterial (IA) intervention. We investigated the characteristics and outcomes of patients that were deemed ineligible for IA intervention based on perfusion imaging as compared to those who underwent intervention at our institution. Materials and Methods A multicentre retrospective review of all AIS patients who underwent perfusion imaging from February 2010 to August 2012 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were the following: symptom-onset to presentation ≤8 hours, anterior circulation large vessel occlusion as determined by CT/MR angiography (MCA/ICA occlusions), baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥8. Patients selected or excluded for IA intervention based on CT/MR perfusion imaging profiles (CBV/DWI infarct core 20% infarct core) were separated into subgroups for analysis. Patient demographics, cardiac and stroke risk factors, intravenous (IV) tPA utilisation, location of occlusion, time from symptom-onset to presentation, NIHSS and modified Rankin Scores (mRS) scores (baseline, discharge, and 90 days), duration of hospital stay, discharge disposition (home, rehabilitation/nursing home, hospice), and mortality rates were recorded. Good functional outcome was defined as mRS 0–2 at 90 days. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 20.0. Results 110 eligible AIS patients underwent perfusion imaging of which 62 were excluded from IA intervention (56.4%) based on CT/MR perfusion imaging profiles. Table 1 details patient characteristics and outcomes in the intervention versus non-intervention subgroups. Conclusions Among a large cohort eligible for intervention, perfusion mismatch was present in younger patients with fewer vascular risk factors. These data suggest that advanced age and atherosclerotic risk factors may influence rate of progression from ischaemia to infarction through decreased cerebrovascular reserve and collateral flow in response to arterial occlusion. Despite earlier time to presentation (imaging) and greater receipt of IV tPA, those without perfusion mismatch were deemed futile for IA intervention, six-fold less likely to be discharged to home, and half as likely to have independent functional outcomes. However, nearly one-third of non-intervention patients achieved functional independence at 3 months suggesting the need to refine patient selection strategies for IA intervention. Disclosures M. Soltanolkotabi: None. F. Feiz: None. C. Beck: None. O. Rahman: None. A. Shaibani: None. M. Hurley: None. S. Prabhakaran: None. S. Ansari: None.
Pulsed IR-FEL applications for the characterization of infrared optical materials

Theoretical considerations of thermal lens effect due to linear and nonlinear optical absorption is presented. Based on this model, Z-scan technique, especially two-color Z-scan due can be used to detect very low level of impurities or defects in optical materials. Depending upon the optical cross section of the particular species being probed, two-color Z-scan can detect impurities, for example, the OH groups in fused silica at sub-ppm level by weight or better.
MTD 2015: Second ACM Workshop on Moving Target Defense

The second ACM workshop on cloud data management is held in Denver, Colorado, USA on October 12, 2015 and co-located with the ACM 22nd Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS). The main idea of moving-target defense (MTD) is to impose an asymmetric disadvantage on attackers by making systems dynamic and therefore harder to explore and predict. This workshop seeks to bring together researchers from academia, government, and industry to report on the latest research efforts on moving-target defense, and to have productive discussion and constructive debate on this topic. We have constructed an exciting program of 12 referred papers and two invited keynote talks that will give participants a comprehensive view of emerging research.
Gene regulation by O2 deprivation: an anoxia-regulated novel gene in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Organisms, across the animal kingdom, vary in their tolerance or susceptibility to cell injury from O 2 deprivation. In this study we have taken advantage of the genetically well studied fruit fly to dissect basic mechanisms underlying their ability to tolerate lack of O 2 . Using differential display and molecular techniques, we cloned and characterized a novel gene, named fau , which is up-regulated considerably following anoxia in Drosophila melanogaster . Northern blot analysis revealed that the transcript of this gene is ∼0.9 kb in length with an open reading frame encoding a small hydrophilic protein (∼14.4 kDa). This protein has no homology to previously described gene products but has many potential phosphorylation sites. In situ hybridization showed that this gene is located in region 7C–D on the Drosophila X-chromosome and its transcript concentrated in the lamina and cortical neurons of the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS). Transgenic flies showed that over-expression of fau significantly reduced the recovery time of the flies from anoxia. We conclude that (1) this study provided a framework on which the mechanisms underlying anoxia tolerance can be dissected in the fruit fly and (2) fau gene plays an important role in the regulation of tissue responsiveness to O 2 deprivation.
The Cost of Medical Management in Advanced Heart Failure During the Final Two Years of Life

Abstract Objective To examine patterns of resource use and the cost of care for patients with advanced heart failure treated with medical management (MM) during the final 2 years of life. Methods and Results The study population (n=47, mean age 70.4 years±7.06) included patients randomized to the MM arm of the Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure trial. Inpatient and outpatient use data were obtained from the clinical dataset and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (beginning January 1, 1998). Cost and resource use were tracked from the date of death (t d ) backward in 3-month intervals (eg, t d-1 , t d-2 ). In the primary analysis, costs were summed across intervals. The mean cost of MM in the final 2 years of life was $156,169, with 50.5% ($78,880.39) expended in the final 6 months. The mean quarterly cost increased ( P d-8 ($8,816 ± $14,270) to t d-1 ($42,836 ± $41,407). The number of inpatient days increased ( P Conclusion This current economic analysis extends on previous findings by demonstrating that medical therapy in advanced and end-stage heart failure is associated with significant costs and resource consumption; these costs and resource consumption increase significantly as death approaches.
Low extracellular Mg2+ contraction of arterial muscle: role of protein kinase C and protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

Abstract The effects of extracellular Mg 2+ ion ([Mg 2+ ] 0 ) deficiency on basal tension of isolated rat aortae and rat aortic smooth muscle cell Ca 2+ metabolism were investigated in the present study. The contractions of rat aortae induced by diverse concentrations of low [Mg 2+ ] 0 were potentiated, greatly, by removal of the endothelium or pre-incubation of intact rat aortic rings with l - N G -monomethyl-arginine ( l -NMMA). [Mg 2+ ] 0 deficiency-induced contractions were inhibited, to different degrees, by pre-treatment of the vessels with low concentrations of Go6976, bisindolymaleimide I, genistein or a combination of bisindolymaleimide I with genistein. IC 50 levels found for these three agents were found to be not too different from K i values for these drugs. Pre-treatment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells with Go6976, bisindolymaleimide I, genistein or a combination of bisindolymaleimide I with genistein suppressed, significantly, or almost eliminated both the rapid and stable increments in [Ca 2+ ] i induced by Mg 2+ -free medium. The present findings suggest that both protein kinase C and protein tyrosine phosphorylation appear to play important roles in Mg 2+ deficiency-induced contractions of isolated rat aortic smooth muscle, most likely via phosphorylation of L-type Ca 2+ channels.
The selection of channels when seeking information: Cost/benefit vs least-effort

Abstract Two models of selecting information sources are to be found in the literature. The first, the Cost/Benefit model, proposes that information seekers select information sources on the basis of expected benefits and expected costs of using an information source. Many proponents of this model also feel that expected benefits are the most important consideration for the information seeker. The second model, the Least-Effort model, maintains that information seekers select information sources on the basis of minimizing the effort or cost in obtaining information, while even sacrificing the quality of the information to be obtained. The present study proposes that information seekers place different weights on costs and benefits. In a survey of 968 Forest Service professionals, it was found that perceived costs were twice as important as benefits in choosing information sources.
A Study of Prey-Attack Behaviour in Young Loggerhead Shrikes, Lanius Ludovicianus L

i) Prey-attack behaviour by young Loggerhead Shrikes was studied in both wild and hand-reared birds. 2) Field work was done in central Washington state. 3) There did not appear to be any attempt by the parents to demonstrate prey-attack to either nestlings of fledglings. The young normally did not observe adults either killing or manipulating food until they were past the age at which they could kill for themselves. 4) The development of prey-attack behaviour in hand-reared shrikes takes approximately 37 days; prior experience with small food can hasten the appearance of this behaviour by up to 10 days. 5) Experience of any kind is unnecessary; the entire behaviour, which involves directing pecks to the back of the neck of large prey, is displayed by any shrike 40 days old or older. 6) A series of 12 generalized models was used to attempt to find out what cues are used by Loggerhead Shrikes to direct their attack at a novel potential prey item. 7) The shrikes responded significantly to each cue tested. 8) Motion was by far the most powerfully directing of the cues given. 9) There is evidence to suggest that the response to the other cues may have been due entirely or in part to curiosity. 10) Experience with live mice does not affect subsequent model attack behaviour. 11) Experiments with stuffed mice show that there are other cues not tested in the model experiments to which the shrikes are capable of responding, and which enable the birds to attack the neck of a still mouse. 12) These cues are only effective when the stuffed mouse is in an upright (normal) position; the same mouse on its side evokes a very different response. 13) These factors are apparently not present in stuffed birds. 14) Therefore, in addition to a generalized response to vertebrates, in which motion is very important, the shrikes may possess an innate recognition of ,, mouse". Since mice are best equipped to harm shrikes if the initial attack fails, such an innate recognition would seem to be highly adaptive.
Telescoping sample canister capture mechanism (TSCCM)

Abstract Sample return from solar system bodies including planets, Moons, comets and asteroids is of high importance within the space science community. A returned sample will allow much more elaborate and detailed analysis not feasible through remote robotic analysis. For this reason, Honeybee Robotics has developed a low-cost reusable, automated on-orbit sample canister capture mechanism. The purpose of the mechanism is to capture a full sample canister and transfer it to a storage cache, sample return spacecraft, or on-orbit laboratory for further scientific study. The current design allows for reliable misalignment-compensated capture for various sample container geometries in any initial orientation. After capture, the sample canister is aligned and presented for transfer. Honeybee has demonstrated the concept through tests of two- and three-dimensional telescopic capture mechanism breadboards. The telescopic capture mechanism design is scalable, minimizes volume and can be made of lightweight material to minimize mass, all of which are critical aspects of spacecraft design.
Steady-state production of IL-4 modulates immunity in mouse strains and is determined by lineage diversity of iNKT cells

Mature invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) are an early innate source of cytokines. Hogquist and colleagues classify three lineages of iNKT cells by their distinct transcription factors and cytokine profiles.
Why People Copy Software and Create Computer Viruses

Individual and situational variables are examined as factors in the behavior of computer users, namely copying of software programs and destruction of computer data by distributing destructive programs viruses. The results of this research indicate that situational independent variables do explain much of the variance in copying of software, but individual variables do not. However, the individual variable of sex is strongly related to the dependent variable of distributing destructive programs. Relatively few situational variables are related. The fact that software copying has no perceptible impact on fellow computer users, whereas spreading viruses has a serious, destructive impact, suggests that the perceived impact on others may provide a clue as to when individual variables are dominant and when situational variables predominate. Thus, this study provides some evidence in support of the model proposed and suggests that both a developmental and situational approach to the behavior of computer users may be appropriate.
Sine-wave polarographic determination of small amounts of indium in the presence of large amounts of cadmium, lead or tin

Abstract The sine-wave polarographic determination of small amounts of indium in the presence of large amounts of cadmium, lead or tin was investigated. The determination of indium in cadmium was possible down to 0.01 % in 1 M potassium iodide at pH 2, the determination of indium in lead was possible down to 0.02 % in 1 M potassium chloride at pH 2, and the determination of indium in tin was possible down to 0.3 % in 1 M hydrochloric acid and down to 0.2 % in 2 M perchloric acid with 0.5 M sodium chloride.
Surface radar-derived convective rainfall associations with Midwest US land surface conditions in summer seasons 1999 and 2000

Previous research has suggested that spatial heterogeneities in soil moisture and/or vegetation cover promote the development of convective clouds. We examine the intensity of convective precipitation for the Midwest US Corn Belt in the summers of 1999 and 2000, which had contrasting synoptic circulation, atmospheric humidity, and soil moisture conditions. For days when synoptic scale atmospheric forcing is weak, we calculate a convective severity index (CSI) based on radar reflectivity composite values. Our results suggest that boundaries between soil types, and cropland and forest vegetation types in the western portion of the Corn Belt, enhance the development of convective precipitation. In the eastern part of the Corn Belt, less convection occurs, but we find a positive correlation between the intensity of convection and soil moisture conditions. Our results also demonstrate that the CSI is a simple yet effective technique for identifying where deep convection occurs relative to lighter precipitation.
Vacuum evaporation of KCl-NaCl salts: Part I. thermodynamic modeling of vapor pressures of solid and liquid solutions

In electrorefining to purify plutonium scraps and alloys, typically an equal molar KCl-NaCl mixture is used as the molten electrolyte through which the oxidized Pu ions are transported to the cathode where the pure plutonium is produced and settles by gravity to the bottom of the molten salt. In molten salt extraction, molten KCl-NaCl salt or KCl-NaCl salt containing MgCl{sub 2} is used to extract Am from molten Pu. Over the years the spent salts from these processes have accumulated in substantial quantities throughout various Pu processing sites. A promising way to reduce storage space and disposal cost is by first converting the actinide species in the waste salts to oxides through oxygen sparging and then separating the salts from the actinides via a vacuum evaporation process. The separation is possible because of the large difference in the vapor pressure between the chloride salts and the actinide oxides. To aid the optimization of this evaporation separation process and process equipment design, an effort to model the evaporation-condensation process of molten KCl-NaCl solutions was initiated. This article presents the first part of the modeling work in developing vapor pressure relations of the KCl-NaCl system. The methodology of using fundamental thermodynamic relationsmore » and data to model the vapor pressure equations for the solid and liquid solutions of the KCl-NaCl system will be presented, and the vapor pressures calculated from the model equation will be compared with the available experimental data. How the model equations are useful in predicting condensate compositions will also be discussed.« less
The measurement and effects of barriers to trade in basic telecommunication services: the role of negotiations

Using econometric methods, this analysis develops quantity impacts of impediments to trade in voice telephone services, focusing on the perspective of negotiated agreements. These impacts, estimated on the basis of market, demographic, and policy variables, establish a baseline from which the achievements of future trade rounds, including the Doha Round, could be compared. In a departure from previous literature in this area, this article draws on documents appended or pertaining to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) to identify barriers to trade in voice telephone services, and to estimate quantity impacts on this basis. The article finds that market access and national treatment commitments scheduled by WTO members under the GATS, when complemented by commitments to pro-competitive regulatory disciplines, may be formulated into meaningful policy variables. These policy variables are found to be statistically significant in explaining market penetration in voice telephone services, as are variables for income and private sector ownership.
An Airborne Study of an Atmospheric River over the Subtropical Pacific during WISPAR: Dropsonde Budget-Box Diagnostics and Precipitation Impacts in Hawaii

AbstractThe Winter Storms and Pacific Atmospheric Rivers (WISPAR) experiment was carried out in January–March 2011 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as a demonstration for utilizing unmanned aerial systems in meteorological research and operations over data-sparse oceans. One of the campaign’s three missions was coordinated with a manned National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Gulfstream-IV (G-IV) flight out of Honolulu, Hawaii, on 3–4 March 2011. The G-IV, which flew through a developing atmospheric river (AR) west of Hawaii, represents the cornerstone observing platform for this study and provided the southernmost dropsonde observations of an AR published to date in the subtropical Northern Hemisphere. The AR exhibited characteristics comparable to those observed in previous studies farther north in the subtropics and midlatitudes, save for larger integrated water vapor and weaker winds in the AR core and stronger equatorward vapor fluxes...
Acute myeloid leukaemia with abnormal eosinophil precursors without inversion 16.

A 46-year-old previously healthy man presented with a 2week history of fever and diarrhoea. A full blood count showed: white blood cells 49·5 9 10/l (blast cells 42 9 10/l, eosinophils 1·5 9 10/l), haemoglobin concentration 166 g/l and platelets 52 9 10/l. There was no basophilia and Auer rods were not seen. A coagulation screen was normal. The bone marrow was markedly hypercellular with over 80% cellularity, including 80% myeloblasts, which were positive for CD13, CD33, CD43, CD64 (dim), CD117 and myeloperoxidase, and negative for CD14, CD15, CD34, CD45, CD64, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and lysozyme. Notably, there were 12% eosinophil precursors, many of which displayed large basophilic granules admixed with eosinophilic granules (image), morphologically strongly reminiscent of acute myelocytic leukaemia with inv (16)(p13·1q22) or t(16;16)(p13·1;q22). Fluorescence in situ hybridization was negative for an inversion 16, as well as for PDGFRA and PDGFRB rearrangement. Karyotypic analysis demonstrated a normal male karyotype. Molecular analysis showed a FLT3 internal tandem duplication and an NPM1 exon 12 mutation. This analysis was negative for the FLT3D835 variant. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy (cytarabine and idarubicin; 7 + 3) with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia. He achieved complete remission, and was referred for evaluation for bone marrow transplantation. The absence of inversion 16 and other recurrent abnormalities associated with eosinophilia was a surprise in this case given the striking morphological features.
Isolation and culture of myofibroblasts from rat liver.

AbstractSuccessful isolation and culture of myofibroblasts from rat liver is described for the first time. After collagenase digestion of livers, obtained from rats fed regular laboratory chow diet as well as control and vitamin A-supplemented liquid diets, cells were separated on a Percoll density gradient. Cells characterized as myofibroblasts by electron microscopy were cultured in a Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Characteristic features of myofibroblasts (abundant myofibrils) with dense bodies, indented nucleus, basal lamina-like structure, capacity to synthesize types I, III, and IV collagens and laminin were demonstrated in both primary and secondary cultures.