cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using the “pressure pan” technique to prioritize duct sealing efforts: a study of 18 Arkansas homes

Abstract The purpose of this 1991 investigation was to gather data on the prevalence and size of duct leakage for a dispersed sample of Arkansas houses. Information on the praticality, cost and success of duct sealing procedures are included. This study also illustrates the use of a simple, but very powerful, diagnostic tool, which we call the “pressure pan”. The concept evolved from experiments by others to find pressure fields (generated by forced-air systems) inside wall cavities. The procedure directs repair efforts and provides follow-up quality control. The calculations of energy savings achieved after sealing the duct systems are based on direct metering of the daily consumption of the electricity or gas for space heating and hourly outside temperatures. The study reports that, before repair, the average duct system leakage at 50 pascals in cubic feet per minute was 621 (0.293 cubic meters per second at 50 pascals), which represents an average of 21.6% of the total leakage of the study houses. For that sample, the average reduction in energy consumption after repair was 21.8%; 31.3% for heat pumps and 19.7% for gas furnaces. Converting the energy reduction data into dollars and considering the repair costs results in very positive simple payback and benefit-to-cost ratio.
A Direct Transition State Theory Based Study of Methyl Radical Recombination Kinetics

Multireference configuration interaction based quantum chemical estimates are directly implemented in a variational transition state theory based analysis of the kinetics of methyl radical recombination. Separations ranging from 5.5 to 1.9 A are considered for two separate forms for the reaction coordinate. The a priori prediction for the high-pressure limit rate constant gradually decreases with increasing temperature, with a net decrease of a factor of 1.7 from 300 to 1700 K. Near room temperature, this theoretical estimate is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data. At higher temperatures, comparison between theory and experiment requires a model for the pressure dependence. Master equation calculations employing the exponential down energy transfer model suggest that the theoretical and experimental high-pressure limits gradually diverge with increasing temperature, with the former being about 3 times greater than the latter at 1700 K. The comparison with experiment also suggests that the...
The Distribution and Function of Alternatively Spliced Insertions in hDlg

hDlg is the human homolog of the Drosophila Discs-large tumor suppressor. As a member of the MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinase) family of scaffolding proteins, hDlg is composed of three PDZ (PSD-95, Dlg, and ZO-1) repeats, an SH3 (Src homology 3) motif, and a GUK (guanylate kinase-like) domain. Additionally, hDlg contains two regions of alternative splicing. Here we identify a novel insertion, I1B, located N-terminal to the PDZ repeats. We further analyze the tissue-specific combinations of insertions and correlate those results with the distribution of protein isoforms. We also identify the functions of the two alternatively spliced regions. The N-terminal alternatively spliced region is capable of binding several SH3 domains and also moderates the level of protein oligomerization. Insertions in the second region are responsible for determining the localization of hDlg, with insertion I3 targeting the protein to the membrane regions of cell-cell contact and insertion I2 targeting the protein to the nucleus.
Water movement across rat bile duct units is transcellular and channel-mediated.

In recent studies using freshly isolated rat cholangiocytes, we established that water crosses the cholangiocyte membrane by a channel-mediated mechanism involving aquaporins, a family of water-channel proteins. Our goal was to address the importance of channel-mediated water transport in ductal bile formation by employing a physiologic experimental model, the enclosed, polarized rat intrahepatic bile duct unit (IBDU). Expansion and reduction of luminal areas as a reflection of water movement into and out of IBDUs prepared from livers of normal rats were measured by quantitative computer-assisted image analysis. When enclosed IBDUs were exposed to inward or outward osmotic gradients, their luminal area rapidly increased (approximately 25%) or decreased (approximately 20%) reflecting net water secretion or absorption, respectively. These effects were specifically inhibited by 2 water channel blockers, DMSO and HgCl2. In both instances, β-mercaptoethanol reversed the inhibitory effects. In the absence of an osmotic gradient, choleretic agents (secretin and forskolin) and a cholestatic hormone (somatostatin) induced a significant increase or decrease of IBDU luminal area by 21% and 22%, respectively. These effects were also inhibited by DMSO and reversed by β-mercaptoethanol. Under our experimental conditions, DMSO did not interfere with either forskolin-induced cAMP synthesis or the generation of osmotic driving forces via the apical chloride-bicarbonate exchanger. Protamine, an inhibitor of the paracellular pathway, had no effect on hypotonic or forskolin-induced water secretion in IBDUs. These results in a physiologically relevant model of ductal bile formation provide additional support for the concept that osmotically driven and agonist-stimulated water movement into (secretion) and out of (absorption) the biliary ductal lumen is transcellular and water channel-mediated. (HEPATOLOGY 2001;34:456-463.)
H elimination and metastable lifetimes in the UV photoexcitation of diacetylene

We present an experimental investigation of the UV photochemistry of diacetylene under collisionless conditions. The H loss channel is studied using DC slice ion imaging with two-color reduced-Doppler detection at 243 nm and 212 nm. The photochemistry is further studied deep in the vacuum UV, that is, at Lyman-alpha (121.6 nm). Translational energy distributions for the H + C4H product arising from dissociation of C4H2 after excitation at 243, 212, and 121.6 nm show an isotropic angular distribution and characteristic translational energy profile suggesting statistical dissociation from the ground state or possibly from a low-lying triplet state. From these distributions, a two-photon dissociation process is inferred at 243 nm and 212 nm, whereas at 121.6 nm, a one-photon dissociation process prevails. The results are interpreted with the aid of ab initio calculations on the reaction pathways and statistical calculations of the dissociation rates and product branching. In a second series of experiments, nanosecond time-resolved phototionization measurements yield a direct determination of the lifetime of metastable triplet diacetylene under collisionless conditions, as well as its dependence on excitation energy. The observed submicrosecond lifetimes suggest that reactions of metastable diacetylene are likely to be less important in Titan's atmosphere than previously believed.
Protein Control of S-Nitrosothiol Reactivity: Interplay of Antagonistic Resonance Structures

There is currently great interest in S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) because formation of protein-based RSNOs—protein S-nitrosation—has been recently recognized as a major pathway of the biological function of nitric oxide, NO. Despite the growing number of S-nitrosated proteins identified in vivo, enzymatic processes that control reactions of biological RSNOs are still not well understood. In this article, we use a range of models to computationally demonstrate that specific interactions of RSNOs with charged and polar residues in proteins can result in dramatic modification of RSNO structure, stability, and reactivity. This unprecedented sensitivity of the −SNO group toward interactions with charged species is related to their unusual electronic structure that can be elegantly expressed in terms of antagonistic resonance structures. We propose a ‘ligand effect map’ (LEM) approach as an efficient way to estimate the environment effects on the −SNO groups in proteins without performing electronic structure calcul...
Detection of endocarditis-associated perivalvular abscesses by two-dimensional echocardiography.

The development of a perivalvular abscess as a complication of infective endocarditis adds appreciably to the expected morbidity and mortality of patients, but such abscesses are seldom recognized by available noninvasive techniques. Therefore, two-dimensional echocardio-graphic findings in 22 patients with perivalvular abscess found at surgery or necropsy were compared with those in 24 patients without abscess in a retrospective but blinded study. Forty-six valves were examined (31 aortic and 15 mitral, 35 prosthetic and 11 native); 4.0 ± 2.4 days (range 0 to 7) elapsed between echocardiography and surgery or necropsy. Patients with perivalvular abscess had a somewhat higher incidence of serious complications (emergency repeat valve replacement or death) than did patients with endocarditis alone (63 versus 35%, respectively, p In 10 of the patients with documented perivalvular abscess, no valve mass was seen on echocardiography, but one of the five criteria for the diagnosis of an abscess was present. This suggests that the sensitivity of echocardiography for the detection of endocarditis itself may be increased by attention to these criteria.
Endogenous voting agendas

Existence of a "simple" pure strategy subgame perfect equilibrium is established in a model of endogenous agenda formation and sophisticated vot- ing; upper hemicontinuity of simple equilibrium outcomes is demonstrated; and connections to the set of undominated, or "core," alternatives are examined. In one dimension with single-peaked preferences, the simple equilibrium outcome is essentially unique and lies in the core, providing a game-theoretic foundation for the median voter theorem in terms of endogenous agenda setting. Existence of equilibrium relies on a general characterization of sophisticated voting outcomes in the presence of "majority-ties," rather than the standard tie-breaking convention in voting subgames in favor of the alternative proposed later. The model is illustrated in a three-agent distributive politics setting, and it is shown there that the standard tie-breaking convention leads to non-existence of equilibrium.
Quantitative gated single photon emission computed tomography imaging: A counts-based method for display and measurement of regional and global ventricular systolic function

Abstract Background. Gated single photon emission computed tomography imaging allows simultaneous determination of myocardial perfusion and function. Quantitative perfusion measurements can be based on regional tracer uptake, but function measurements ordinarily require endocardial and epicardial edge detection, which is problematic because of the inherently low spatial resolution and image noise in single photon emission computed tomography images. This article presents methods for quantification of both function and perfusion that do not require edge detection. Methods and Results. In SPECT imaging the partial volume effect causes changes in myocardial wall thickness to be reflected as changes in pixel counts in pixels representing the myocardial wall. This effect allows an estimation of changes in myocardial wall thickness by comparing pixel counts in end-systolic images with corresponding pixel counts in end-diastolic images. This article first describes a standard method to quantify myocardial perfusion by sampling myocardial tracer activity at rest and stress. The same method is then used to sample tracer activity in diastolic and systolic images. A new method is developed to convert the diastolic and systolic samples into quantitative estimates of regional wall thickening. A method is then developed to convert the regional wall thickening fractions into a global left ventricular ejection fraction. A normal database is presented. Receiver operating characteristic analysis is used to establish normal limits. Conclusion. This method requires no edge detection or geometric boundary estimates. Computer results are presented in a simple and intuitive format, which is uniform for parameters of both perfusion and function. The method is robust and produces relatively few false-positive results.
Pulmonary Vascular Smooth Muscle Relaxation by cGMP- versus cAMP-Mediated Mechanisms

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine and compare pulmonary vascular smooth muscle relaxation by clinically used agents as related to cGMP mediation (sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin) and cAMP mediation (isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and amrinone) in isolated rat pulmonary arterial rings. Isolated rat pulmonary arterial rings were suspended on a fine wire tensiometer in individual organ chambers. After confirming the endothelial integrity of the rings (response to acetylcholine), the rings were preconstricted with phenylephrine 10-6 M. Dose-response curves for sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, isoproterenol, amrinone, and PGE1 were then generated. Each of these agents was tested on six rings. Each ring was tested with each agent in a random order. The doses of sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, and nitroglycerin required to produce relaxation of isolated pulmonary arterial rings were not statistically different, but were significantly less than those required by amrinone and PGE1 (P
Replication-dependent irreversible topoisomerase 1 poisoning is responsible for FdUMP[10] anti-leukemic activity.

Previous studies have indicated that 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-O-monophosphate 10mer (FdUMP[10]) displays strong antileukemic activity through the dual targeting of thymidylate synthase (TS) and DNA topoisomerase 1 (Top1). The present studies were undertaken to clarify the relationship between the induction of a thymineless state and the formation of Top1 cleavage complexes (Top1CC) for inducing cell death and to clarify the role of DNA replication for induction of lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in FdUMP[10]-treated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Human promyelocytic (HL60) and AML (KG1a, Molm13, THP-1) cells were synchronized by serum starvation and treated with FdUMP[10] with thymidine (Thy) rescue. Cells were assayed for TS inhibition, DNA DSBs, Top1CC, and apoptosis to clarify the interrelationship of TS inhibition and Top1CC for cell death. FdUMP[10] induced a thymineless state in AML cells and exogenous Thy administered within the first 18 hours of treatment rescued FdUMP[10]-induced Top1CC formation, γH2AX phosphorylation, and apoptosis induction. Exogenous Thy was not effective after cells had committed to mitosis and undergone cell division in the presence of FdUMP[10]. FdUMP[10] treatment resulted in Chk1 activation, and Chk1 inhibition enhanced FdUMP[10]-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Jnk-signaling was required for FdUMP[10]-induced apoptosis in promyelocytic HL60 cells and in THP1 cells, but was antiapoptotic in Molm13 and to a lesser extent KG1a AML cells. The results are consistent with FdUMP[10] inducing a thymineless state, leading to misincorporation of FdU into genomic DNA of proliferating cells. Top1CC form in cells upon re-entry into S-phase, resulting in DNA double-strand breaks, and initiating apoptotic signaling that can be either muted or enhanced by Jnk-signaling depending on cell type.
Nucleic acid metabolism in oocytes and embryos of Urechis caupo

Abstract The content and synthesis of nucleic acids were studied in mature oocytes and embryos of the echiuroid worm Urechis caupo. The mature oocyte contains 14 mμg of total RNA, including approximately 10 molecules of 4 S RNA and 1 molecule of 5 S RNA for each ribosome. The total DNA content of the tetraploid oocyte is 10 pg; individual sperm contain 1 pg. Nucleic acid synthesis was studied during the development of the fertilized egg to the 900-cell trochophore larva. During this period there is a 200-fold increase in DNA content, but no substantial change in either total RNA or 4 S RNA content. Net synthesis or turnover of RNA during this period of embryogenesis involves less than 10% of the embryo's 4 S RNA or rRNA. The rates of 4 S RNA and rRNA synthesis were studied in oocytes and during embryogenesis. The synthesis of both 4 S RNA and rRNA is reduced sharply upon fertilization. 4 S RNA is synthesized during cleavage, and its rate of synthesis per cell remains constant through the post-gastrula stage. In contrast, the rate of synthesis of rRNA increases at least 13-fold at later stages of embryogenesis relative to earlier stages. The synthesis of 4 S RNA is not coordinate with that of either rRNA or 5 S RNA.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Produced with Low NOx Burner/Selective Catalytic Reduction Fly Ash

Electric utility coal combustion processes employing low NOx burner and high-dust selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission control technologies produce fly ash that is high in carbon and ammonium salt content. Such ash is considered undesirable for use as admixture in standard concrete because of its decreased compressive strength and ammonia odor. This research investigates the use of low NOx burner/SCR fly ash for production of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). For this study, samples were obtained from the Orlando Utility Commission's Stanton Power Generation Plant Unit 2, which contained 6% carbon and 28 mg of ammonium ion/kg fly ash. A number of AAC recipes were developed with this ash, producing blocks with compressive strength values ranging from 2.268 to 4.435 kPa and densities ranging from 560 to 812 kg/m3. During block production, carbon particles in the ash exhibited hydrophobic properties and separated from water at the AAC slurry/gas bubbles boundary that is produced in the rising cake. ...
ON THE SOLUTION OF AN UNSTEADY DIFFUSION PROBLEM AND ITS ULTIMATE BEHAVIOUR

Solution explicite pour un probleme de diffusion non stationnaire et a symetrie cylindrique impliquant une fourniture de chaleur sur la surface plane d'un solide infini
COMPARISON OF TRAP AND BAITED STICK CATCH EFFICIENCY FOR NOBLE CRAYFISH (ASTACUS ASTACUS L.) IN THE COURSE OF THE GROWING SEASON

Noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) were caught using traps and baited sticks in Světlohorska reservoir in the Czech Republic, and the catch efficiency and size and sex composition in catches were compared during the growing season (May-September). One trapping period per month (1.5 hour from 6-7: 30 pm) was applied. Trap catches were significantly higher in September compared to the other months, and baited stick catches were significantly higher in May, June and September. Baited sticks were significantly more effective than traps in all months except in July. Males dominated in all catches, except in September trap catches. Females were totally absent in traps in June, July and August. Baited sticks caught females more successfully than traps, especially females with eggs. Traps did not catch any females with eggs. Males and females caught by baited sticks were of larger size range (range of body length 60-125 mm) than those caught by traps (range of body length 75-120 mm) however, there were no significant differences in mean size. Due to high catch efficiency, baited sticks may be considered as an appropriate catching gear in crayfish monitoring projects, especially when a short-time catching effort is required.
Modal analysis of a small surface emitting laser with a selectively oxidized waveguide

We describe studies of an index‐guided ∼4×3 μm2 vertical cavity surface emitting laser with a cw, room temperature 133 μA threshold current and 53% slope efficiency fabricated using selective wet thermal oxidation to provide optical and electrical confinement. While the device operates strictly single mode, a large number of transverse modes are evident in the subthreshold luminescence observed in both vertical and lateral directions. Despite the lumped nature of the index region, the transverse mode wavelengths agree very well with those predicted for a conventional distributed waveguide structure. Waveguide dimensions and an effective index step of 2% between the active and cladding region are determined by fitting the modal data.
Sputtering Analysis with PIXE

The applicability of the particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) in the determination of sputtering distributions and yields was studied. Sputtered particles were caught on foils for the 45 keV to 125 keV self sputtering of Fe, Ni, Cu, Ti, Mo and Au and for the 90 keV sputtering of both target and implanted particles of Ni+ + Cu, Cu+ + Ni, Ni+ + Fe, and As+ + Ag, and for the target particles of Ar+ + Au. Sputtered particles were collected in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) and in a poorer vacuum system with 99.99% pure Al catcher foils. PIXE data, the x-ray yields from 1 MeV proton and 2 MeV alpha particle beam bombardments, were used to determine the angular distribution of the sputtered products. The sputtering yield was calculated from the angular disbution data by integration over a hemisphere assuming azimuthal symmetry. The efficiency of the PIXE systems was calibrated with a standardized target such as 18 ?g/cm2 Fe on the same 99.99% Al foil material. The Al x-ray yield of the catcher foils provided a normalization of all data from a given catcher foil. For a number of samples studied, we have been able to compare the distribution and yields obtained with PIXE to those measured by the Rutherford backscattering (RBS) technique. Also separate RBS analysis of Xe markers in the sputtering targets provided yield values. Comparision of the PIXE and RBS results indicate that the PIXE sputtering distribution and yield measurements are comparable.
Neurohormonal regulation of secretin secretion in canine duodenal mucosa in vitro.

Abstract We examined the effects of cholinergic, peptidergic and GABAergic agents on secretin secretion from canine duodenal mucosal explants incubated in organ culture media. Carbachol (10−12 to 10−4 M), atropine (10−6 to 10−4 M), hexamethonium (10−6 to 10−4 M), and somatostatin did not alter basal secretion of secretin. Somatostatin (10−7 to 10−8 M) inhibited secretin secretion stimulated by pH 4.5. Met, Leu and their D-ala2-analogs inhibited both basal and pH 4.5-stimulated secretin. Naloxone reversed the inhibition caused by met-enkephalin at pH 7.4 GABA (10−9 to 10−6 M) stimulated both basal and pH 4.5-stimulated secretin secretion. GABA-stimulated secretin secretion was neuronal in nature, bicuculline sensitive and was mediated via post ganglionic cholinergic neurons. GABA-stimulated secretin secretion was inhibited by both somatostatin and met-enkephalin, suggesting that GABA-stimulated secretin secretion may be under the inhibitory control of peptidergic agents as well.
Evaluating Sensor Orientations for Navigation Performance and Failure Detection

A study of the constraints imposed by the choice of particular orientations of redundant inertial sensors upon navigation system performance and the detection and identification of sensor failures in fault-tolerant inertial measurement units is presented. Figures of merit are derived for systematically evaluating alternative sensor orientations. The volume of the ellipsoid associated with the covariance matrix of estimation errors is used to rank sensor orientations in terms of navigation performance. Distance measures commonly used in hypothesis testing are used to rank sensor orientations in terms of the detectability of sensor failures. The application of these results is illustrated for configurations of four 2-degree-of-freedom gyroscopes.
Early diagenesis of Botryococcus braunii race A as determined by high resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR

An algal culture of Botryococcus braunii race A and its residue obtained after 201 days of oxic biodegradation are characterized using high resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR spectroscopy, a hybrid technique which provides molecular details non-invasively. The high resolution of two dimensional NMR using HRMAS gives precise structural assignments of different classes of compounds contained in the initial algae and biodegraded algae. The data indicate that some intracellular lipids and proteinaceous materials are more environmentally labile while other long chain polymethylenic structures with ether functional groups, likely from algaenan, are observed to survive the degradation process. The identification of similar structural entities in both fresh and degraded material clearly points to selective preservation as the main process responsible for the early diagenetic transformation of this type of algae.
Science(s) which, when and whose? Probing the metanarrative of scientific knowledge in the social construction of nature

The role of ‘scientific knowledges’ in the social construction of nature(s) and realities has become a focal point of deconstruction and debate in both geography and science and technology studies over the past decades. In this article, I demonstrate that many authors have constructed a metanarrative of ‘science’ as a discursive strategy for their critiques of society. Science is portrayed as a homogenous activity with its ‘products’ implicated in various aspects of poltical-economic-social exploitation/oppression. This metanarrative belies the contempo-rary complexity of scientific endeavor and its diverse epistemic cultures. Suggestions to clarify the epistemologies of scientific knowledges and arbitrate between competing knowledges are presented.
A generic measure of relationship satisfaction.

The variety of interpersonal relationships in contemporary society necessitates the development of brief, reliable measures of satisfaction that are applicable to many types of close relationships. This article describes the development of such a measure. In Study I, the 7-item Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) was administered to 125 subjects who reported themselves to be "in love." Analyses revealed a unifactorial scale structure, substantial factor loadings, and moderate intercorrelations among the items. The scale correlated significantly with measures of love, sexual attitudes, self-disclosure, commitment, and investment in a relationship. In Study II, the scale was administered to 57 couples in ongoing relationships. Analyses supported a single factor, alpha reliability of .86, and correlations with relevant relationship measures. The scale correlated .80 with a longer criterion measure, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976), and both scales were effective (with a subsample) in discriminating couples who stayed together from couples who broke up. The RAS is a brief, psychometrically sound, generic measure of relationship satisfaction.
A consistent equation for ecological sensitivity in matrix population analysis.

Let A be the n × n projection matrix for the population of interest and λ its growth rate, so that sensitivity sij and elasticity eij of λ with respect to aij are defined by:(1)(2)Then, it is stated by Benton and Grant1xElasticity analysis as an important tool in evolutionary and population ecology. Benton, T.G. and Grant, A. Trends Ecol. Evol. 1999; 14: 467–471Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (164)See all References1, and others2xMatrix methods for population analysis. Caswell, H. : 19–58CrossrefSee all References2,3xThe relative ‘importance’ of life-history stages to population growth: prospective and retrospective analyses. Horvitz, C. et al. : 247–271CrossrefSee all References3 that:(3)where v and w, respectively, are the left and right eigenvectors of A, associated with the dominant eigenvalue λ; in other words, where:(4)Here, n is the number of life-cycle stages; k and m are arbitrary stage indices. But (3(3) is not in general correct, because (4(4) implies:(5)∂λ/∂aij = 0 if aij ≡ 0, because λ is then independent of aij. For aij ≢ 0, however:(6)In view of (4(4), the second and third terms of (6(6) reduce to:(7)Furthermore,(8)Thus, it follows from ((1), (6)) and (7(7) that:(9)The key point is that, if the life cycle graph has only q arcs, then the dominant eigenvalue, defined implicitly by |A−λI|=0 (where I is the identity matrix), is a function of only q parameters, and thus only q of its partial derivatives can be non-zero.
Binding site-dependent direct activation and repression of in vitro transcription by Drosophila homeodomain proteins

Fushi tarazu and engrailed are two of the genes required for proper segmentation of the Drosophila embryo. Their protein products Fushi tarazu and Engrailed (Ftz and En) each contain a homeodomain and have been shown to act as transcriptional regulators in transient expression experiments in a Drosophila cell culture system. We used an in vitro transcription system to test whether the effects of Ftz and En on transcription were direct or indirect. Purified Ftz directly activates in vitro transcription by binding to homeodomain binding sites inserted upstream of the TATA box of the Drosophila hsp70 promoter. Equimolar amounts of purified En repress this activation by competition with Ftz for binding to these sites. These results indicate that Ftz and En act directly as transcription factors and suggest that such homeodomain proteins regulate development by combinatorial transcriptional control.
Electrohydrodynamic Particle Aggregation on an Electrode Driven by an Alternating Electric Field Normal to It

An approximate model for the velocity due to electrohydrodynamic flow of electrolyte in the vicinity of a dielectric sphere near an electrode is described. The model considers the interaction of a lateral electric field, caused by the presence of the sphere, with free charge produced in the diffusion layer near an electrode when alternating current is passed through it. An equation based on the model predicts that adjacent dielectric particles aggregate or separate depending on the relative magnitude of the individual ionic conductivities and the frequency of oscillation in the case of a binary electrolyte. If the anion reacts and its conductance exceeds the cation conductance, the particles repel each other; the particles aggregate if the reverse is true. The equation also predicts that separation or aggregation depends on frequency of oscillation of the current. The model accounts for observed effects of frequency and particle size found in the literature. Finally, a dimensionless group that places a co...
Local to global equivalence for homomorphisms

his paper studies the connection between sheaf cohomology and local vs. global equivalence for homomorphisms of finitely presented modules over commutative rings. The connection between cohomology and the local/global problem is worked out, basic cohomology sequences are derived and connections with the known interpretation of local/global equivalence in terms of modules and some calculations are given.
A study of barrels and pyramidal dendritic clusters in the cerebral cortex

Abstract Tangential sections from several areas of rat, cat, macaque, and human neocortex were examined in the light microscope. Two types of neuronal organization — barrels and dendritic clusters — are described. Barrel-shaped aggregations of stellate cell perikarya were examined in layer IV of the rat parietal cortex. The barrels have their axes oriented perpendicular to the pial surface and are apparent because the concentration of neurons in their walls is 1.5–2.0 times that in the barrel hollows. Although some ring-shaped neuronal aggregates were observed in the cortices in other species, they could not be found consistently. The dendritic clusters, in rat and cat, consist of groups of apical dendrites which radiate vertically from pyramidal cell perikarya. Their form varies with both cortical region and species. It is proposed that clusters are a general feature of mammalian neocortex. No readily apparent spatial relationship exists between barrels and clusters of the rat parietal cortex. The dimensions of the dendritic clusters are too small to equate individual clusters with neurophysiologically defined columns. The barrels, in those regions and species in which they have been described, are more likely candidates, although their very limited distribution suggests that, for most functional columns, other morphological correlates exist. It is suggested that, in general, the morphological element swhich primarily account for the columns are not perikaryal aggregates but patterns of extrinsic and intrinsic axon terminals.
Diffusion of symmetrical and spherical solutes in protic, aprotic, and hydrocarbon solvents

The diffusion coefficients of a series of symmetrical tetraalkyltins (tetramethyltin, tetraethyltin, tetrapropyltin, tetrabutyltin, tetradodecyltin) of the gases argon, krypton, xenon, methane, and tetramethylmethane and of carbon tetrachloride and tetraethylmethane in hexane, decane, and tetradecane at 25°C have been determined using the Taylor dispersion technique. Diffusion coefficients for the gases in acetone, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, and 1-octanol were also determined. Deviations from the predictions of Stokes' law were found to be large, and the magnitude of the deviation can be directly related to solute size. The predictions of the Hubbard-Onsager equation were tested using the diffusion data.
Variation of acoustic attenuation coefficient slope estimates for in vivo liver.

Abstract Characterization of diffuse alcoholic disease is being attempted by estimating the slope of the acoustic attenuation coefficient with frequency, a parameter denoted by β , from reflected ultrasound signals. The ultrasound signals reflected from within the body are distorted by the non-ideal properties of tissues. Two distorting mechanisms are considered: the propagation through nonhomogeneous media and the reflection from irregularly shaped interfaces. The mechanisms are modeled as random filters and their effect on estimating the value of β are considered. The variances of three β estimators are derived from the model. Clinical results on normals and patients with alcoholic liver disease are presented to verify the model.
CT findings at the primary site of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma within 6-8 weeks after definitive radiotherapy as predictors of primary site control.

Abstract Purpose : To determine whether findings on CT studies, done 6 weeks after radiotherapy (RT), can predict the likelihood of ultimate control at the primary site in oropharyngeal carcinoma. Methods and Materials : Forty-six patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma underwent RT with curative intent. A minimal 2-year clinical follow-up after RT was required. The primary site CT findings were graded for risk of recurrence on a modified 3-point scale as follows: Grade 0, no detectable focal abnormalities; Grade 1, anatomic asymmetry or focal mass 10 mm (2a) or Results : No patients with CT findings of Grade 0 (n = 26) or Grade 1 (n = 5) had a primary site recurrence. One of the 13 patients with CT findings of Grade 2a had a primary site recurrence 1 year after completion of RT. None of the 2 patients with CT findings of Grade 2b had a primary site recurrence. Ultimately, 45 of the 46 patients in this study group had disease control at the primary site. Conclusion : In the evaluation of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma on post-RT CT studies, diffuse and symmetric post-RT changes of the soft tissue or asymmetry without detectable mass or a discrete mass ≤10 mm always indicated ultimate control at the primary site. Even when post-RT CT shows a discrete mass >10 mm at the primary site, the likelihood of local control is high (93%). The study results indicate that CT findings, based on this relatively small series, may not add incremental information beyond that of clinical examination for predicting local control but may be useful as a baseline if imaging surveillance is contemplated.
Multistage all-optical WDM-to-TDM-to-WDM and TDM-to-WDM-to-TDM data-format conversion and reconversion through 80 km of fiber and three EDFA's

We demonstrate error free, all-optical multistage 2-Gb/s data format conversion and reconversion between two wavelength channels and one high-speed time channel. We perform both WDM-to-TDM-to-WDM and TDM-to-WDM-to-TDM conversions based on SOA cross-gain compression. Our system uses 80 km of fiber and three EDFA's between the stages, and our scheme can be extended to include many channels. This system may serve as a key building block for all-optical WDM networks. >
Heart failure associated with sunitinib malate: a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Background Sunitinib malate is a novel multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with established efficacy in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This report describes the development of heart failure in cancer patients who received this novel agent. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center during a 1-year period on patients who received sunitinib and developed heart failure. Results During 2006, 6 of 224 (2.7%) patients who received sunitinib developed heart failure (HF) that resulted in substantial morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Symptomatic heart failure occurred soon after initiation of sunitinib (mean onset 22 days after initiation), was associated with decline in cardiac function and elevations in blood pressure, and was not completely reversible in most patients, even after termination of sunitinib therapy. Conclusions These observations suggested that sunitinib-associated heart failure may represent a potentially serious toxicity and underscore the need for careful monitoring of cardiac function and aggressive control of hypertension in these patients. Studies to elucidate potential mechanisms of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction resulting from treatment with sunitinib are necessary to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of this complication.
Physical properties of root canal filling materials.

The process o f calcification is depend­ ent on the formation of a protein mat­ rix. This matrix serves as the ground substance within which the mineral salts are deposited. The failure to calcify in these experiments appears to be largely the result of inadequate matrix synthesis. Disturbances in deposition of dentin were noted in the experimental animals. The dentin in the incisors which was de­ posited during the deficiency period ap­ peared to be hypocalcified, as character­ ized by an increase in the number of calcospherites. With no apparent change in the mineral intake or metabolism, the changes in the dentin must be reflected in the depolymerization of the ground sub­ stance and in failure to form a suitable protein matrix. The degenerative lesions in bone and incisors were found to be reversible when lysine was added to the diet after seven weeks of deficiency. The structures of the long bones resumed their activity as evi­ denced by the accelerated thickening of the epiphyseal plate and trabeculae. The alveolar bone also reverted to a normal appearing structure.
Gender Norms and Retaliatory Violence Against Spouses and Acquaintances

This article examines an experiment embedded within a nationally representative survey of adult Americans to investigate gender norms regarding retaliatory violence between spouses and acquaintances. Contrary to claims that societal norms permit violence within marriage, respondents disapproved of retaliatory violence against spouses more than they did against acquaintances. Contrary to claims that gender roles encourage violence by males more than females, respondents were just as likely to approve of female retaliation against males as they were male retaliation against males, and they were more approving of females' retaliating against females than of males' retaliating against females. Male and female respondents had similar, strongly disapproving attitudes toward men's retaliating against women, even though male respondents were more accepting of retaliation in all other conditions. Evidence clearly shows that societal norms discourage retaliation between spouses and men's retaliating against women. ...
Determination of reaction variables for the starch xanthide encapsulation of pesticides

Optimization of reaction variables such as xanthation and oxidation conditions was determined for the encapsulation of EPTC (S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) and butylate (S-ethyl diisobutylthiocarbamate) in a crosslinked starch xanthide matrix. Sonification of EPTC and butylate emulsifiable concentrates before encapsulation decreased the size of the cells within the matrix and increased pesticide retention. Pesticide release from the matrix as determined using a constant temperature-humidity chamber showed that low-xanthation and sonified encapsulated products gave the slowest pesticide release.
Acute modafinil exposure reduces daytime sleepiness in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent volunteers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute, oral modafinil (200 mg) exposure on daytime sleepiness in methamphetamine (Meth)-dependent individuals. Eighteen Meth-dependent subjects were enrolled in a 7-d inpatient study and were administered placebo or modafinil on day 6 and the counter-condition on day 7 (randomized) of the protocol. Subjects completed several subjective daily assessments (such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory and visual analogue scale) throughout the protocol as well as objective assessments on days 5–7, when the Multiple Sleep Latency Test was performed. The results of the current study suggest that short-term abstinence from Meth is associated with increased daytime sleepiness and that a single dose of 200 mg modafinil reduces daytime somnolence in this population. In addition, a positive correlation was found between subjective reporting of the likelihood of taking a nap and craving and desire for Meth, as well as the likelihood of using Meth and whether Meth would make the participant feel better. The results of this study should be considered when investigating candidate medications for Meth-dependence, especially in those individuals who attribute their Meth use to overcoming deficits resulting from sleep abnormalities.
Protection switching performance in next generation optical transport networks

Sub-50 millisecond protection switching times are embedded in the requirements, tariffs, and practices of carriers such as Verizon. This paper reports on a recent Verizon study of next generation optical transport gear that implements shared mesh protection schemes. We find that such schemes most likely will not perform protection switching in less than 50 milliseconds for even moderate numbers of paths. This paper explains our methodology and findings.
Microarray Profiling of Gene Expression in Aging and Its Alteration by Caloric Restriction in Mice

An active research area in biological gerontology concerns the mechanisms by which caloric restriction (CR) retards the aging process in laboratory rodents. We used high density oligonucleotide arrays representing 6347 genes to determine the gene expression profile of the aging process in gastrocnemius muscle of male C57BL/6 mice. Aging resulted in a differential gene expression pattern indicative of a marked stress response and lower expression of metabolic and biosynthetic genes. Most alterations were completely or partially prevented by CR. Transcriptional patterns of muscle from calorie-restricted animals suggest that CR retards the aging process by causing a metabolic shift toward increased protein turnover and decreased macromolecular damage. The use of high density oligonucleotide microarrays provides a new tool to measure biological age on a tissue-specific basis and to evaluate at the molecular level the efficacy of nutritional interventions designed to retard the aging process.
Splash of Colors: The Self-Destruction of Braniff International

The article presents a review of the book “Splash of Colors: The Self Destruction of Braniff International,” by John J. Nance.
Laparoscopic and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the kidney: acute and chronic porcine study.

Abstract Objectives. The chronic effects of renal radiofrequency ablation are unknown. Herein, we investigate the anatomic and physiologic sequelae of laparoscopic and percutaneous renal radiofrequency ablation in acute and chronic porcine models. Methods. Our study comprised two phases—an acute phase and a chronic phase. In the acute phase, bilateral laparoscopic renal radiofrequency ablation was performed in 6 animals (12 renal units), which were euthanized immediately after surgery. In the chronic study, bilateral percutaneous renal radiofrequency ablation was performed in 5 animals (10 renal units). One animal each was euthanized at postoperative day 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90. Results. Ultrasound-monitored laparoscopic (n = 12) and percutaneous (n = 10) radiofrequency ablations of the lower pole of the kidney were technically successful in each instance. No intraoperative complications occurred. In the survival experiments, the radiolesions showed gradual spontaneous resorption and ultimate renal autoamputation, while maintaining pelvocalyceal integrity as confirmed by ex vivo retrograde ureteropyelogram. Serum creatinine and hematocrit remained stable in all survival animals. Postoperative complication occurred in 1 chronic animal with nonobstructive small bowel dilation at autopsy. Conclusions. Laparoscopic and percutaneous renal radiofrequency ablation are technically feasible. The anatomic and physiologic sequelae of renal radiosurgery are favorable. Improved techniques of real-time monitoring of the evolving renal radiolesion are necessary.
It's Always Something

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the process by which hospital staff nurses keep patients safe within their hospital safety culture. Findings from this study culminated in a grounded theory of Managing Risk, the process by which nurses keep their patients safe from harm. Participants perceived that their patients were always at risk (it’s always something), thus keeping patients safe was a continual, repetitive process of managing risk to prevent harm to patients. Stages of this process included risk assessment, risk recognition, prioritization, and protective interventions. Practicing nurses can use this theory to understand and articulate their critical role in keeping patients safe in hospitals. Further examination of this process is necessary for targeted assessment of a safety culture’s impact on bedside nursing practice, thus providing a basis for specific interventions to improve patient safety.
Sensory development of Felis catus.

The sensory development of 22 kittens was observed for 12 weeks. Vision-related responses began as a palpebral reflex at 1·8 days and continued as a light blink response at 5·7 days (mean values). ...