cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimodal dreamin': California transportation planning, 1967-77

California's Division of Highways on 1 July 1973 was replaced by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The enabling legislation envisioned a multimodal agency that would shift transportation policy and planning away from its highway emphasis, consistent with the creation of other state departments of transportation throughout the U.S.A. at the time. The policies and plans they proposed were heavily influenced by competing conceptions of multimodalism and regional transportation governance advanced by key actors. Eventually, the state's role was diminished by public and local government opposition to the implementation of multimodal transportation policies, while the responsibilities of voluntary regional planning agencies were elevated. Even though its transportation institutions were designed precisely to oppose their achievement, California's contemporary transportation policy goals remain similar to those that prevailed when Caltrans was created - reducing automobile dependency and promoting compact urban forms. The best hope for realizing the state's multimodal dreams is now offered by supportive public coalitions.
Combined inertial and thermophoretic effects on particle deposition rates in highly loaded dusty-gas systems

Abstract Little is yet known (theoretically or experimentally) about the simultaneous effects of particle inertia, particle thermophoresis and high mass loading on the important engineering problem of predicting deposition rates from flowing “dusty” gases. For this reason, we investigate the motion of particles present at nonnegligible mass loading in a flowing nonisothermal gaseous medium and their deposition on strongly cooled or heated sold objects by examining the instructive case of steady axisymmetric “dusty-gas” flow between two infinite disks: an inlet (porous) disk and the impermeable “target” disk—a flow not unlike that encountered in recent seeded-flame experiments. Since this stagnation flow/geometry admits interesting self-similar solutions at all Reynolds numbers, we are able to predict laminar flow mass-, momentum- and energy-transfer rate coefficients over a wide range of particle mass loadings, dimensionless particle relaxation times (Stokes numbers), dimensionless thermophoretic diffusivities, and gas Reynolds numbers. As a by-product, we illustrate the accuracy and possible improvement of our previous “diffusion model” for tightly coupled dusty-gas systems. Moreover, we report new results illustrating the dependence of the important “critical” Strokes number (for incipient particle impaction) on the particle mass loading and the wall/gas temperature ratio for dust-laden gas motion towards “overheated” solid surfaces. The present formulation and resulting transport coefficients should not only be useful in explaining/predicting recent deposition rate trends in “seeded”-flame experiments, but also highly mass loaded systems of technological interest, such as the deposition of opto-electronic materials by jet impingement, and fouling layers from ashladen fossil fuel combustion products.
Can Dietary Macronutrient Preference Profile Serve as a Predictor of Voluntary Alcohol Consumption

A diet rich in protein has been shown to increase voluntary alcohol consumption (VAC) in a variety of animal species. Macronutrient preference (MP) profile varies widely among different outbred rats of the same strain. Using outbred Sprague-Dawley rats and two inbred selected strains of rats (P and NP) that are known for large differences in alcohol preference, we have examined whether 1) there is a relationship between MP profile and VAC and 2) MP profile can be a predictor of VAC. Results of these studies show 1) wide animal-to-animal variations in both the MP and VC and 2) the presence of an association between MP profile and VAC in P and NP but not Sprague-Dawley rats. Therefore, we conclude that MP profile may not serve as a reliable predictor of VAC in a nonselected population.
Na/K Pump-Induced [Na]i Gradients in Rat Ventricular Myocytes Measured with Two-Photon Microscopy

Via the Na/Ca and Na/H exchange, intracellular Na concentration ([Na]i) is important in regulating cardiac Ca and contractility. Functional data suggest that [Na]i might be heterogeneous in myocytes that are not in steady state, but little direct spatial information is available. Here we used two-photon microscopy of SBFI to spatially resolve [Na]i in rat ventricular myocytes. In vivo calibration yielded an apparent Kd of 27 ± 2 mM Na. Similar resting [Na]i was found using two-photon or single-photon ratiometric measurements with SBFI (10.8 ± 0.7 vs. 11.1 ± 0.7mM). To assess longitudinal [Na]i gradients, Na/K pumps were blocked at one end of the myocyte (locally pipette-applied K-free extracellular solution) and active in the rest of the cell. This led to a marked increase in [Na]i at sites downstream of the pipette (where Na enters the myocyte and Na/K pumps are blocked). [Na]i rise was smaller at upstream sites. This resulted in sustained [Na]i gradients (up to ∼17 mM/120 μm cell length). This implies that Na diffusion in cardiac myocytes is slow with respect to trans-sarcolemmal Na transport rates, although the mechanisms responsible are unclear. A simple diffusion model indicated that such gradients require a Na diffusion coefficient of 10–12 μm2/s, significantly lower than in aqueous solutions.
The influence of angiographically demonstrated coronary collaterals on the results of stress echocardiography

Previous studies using thallium-201 scintigraphy have suggested that angiographic coronary collaterals can protect against the development of stress-induced perfusion abnormalities, but the effect of collaterals on stress echocardiography (SECHO) has not been determined. In this study, 21 consecutive patients referred for cardiac catheterization underwent SECHO and coronary angiography. Of the 21 study patients, there was a total of 16 significantly obstructed coronary arteries (> or = 70% stenosis) in 14 patients. SECHO revealed stress-induced wall motion abnormalities in the distribution of seven of nine obstructed coronary vessels without angiographic collaterals, but in only one of seven vessels with collaterals (p < 0.05). Six of eight obstructed vessels not associated with a stress-induced wall motion abnormality had collaterals, whereas only one of eight obstructed vessels associated with a stress-induced wall motion abnormality had collaterals. We conclude that (1) angiographically demonstrated coronary collaterals can protect against the development of stress-induced wall motion abnormalities despite the presence of a high-grade coronary artery obstruction, and (2) the lack of a stress-induced wall motion abnormality on SECHO in the perfusion territory of an obstructed vessel may suggest the presence of adequate collateral perfusion.
Social Theory and the Region: From the Regional Planning Association of America to the Restructuring of Sociospatial Theory, with Policy Implications

In this paper an argument is developed in support of the relevance of social theory for the region. Characterized by bridging across conceptual and methodological divides, by the increasing promine...
Spinal pacemaker controlling sexual reflexes in male rats

Invertebrate animals may display highly coordinated behaviour patterns after removal of the head. In some cases behaviour may even be facilitated by decapitation. For example, a female praying mantis may bite off the head of a courting male, an act that promotes subsequent copulation and insemination a3. The vertebrate spinal cord also has considerable potential for behavioural integration, as exemplified by the proverbial chicken that runs around with its head cut off, and experimentally demonstrated by studies of locomotion 7,18-2° and learning 1,3,~°,21 in spinally transected mammals. In several mammalian species the spinal male will continue to display some of the motor patterns associated with normal copulation, if he is appropriately stimulated 9. Usually, phasic stimulation must be applied to the penis, and tonic responses (e.g. erection) or phasic responses (e.g. hip thrusts) result. In rats, however, tonic stimulation leads to phasic reactions, a rare type of response system in vertebrates. That is, when intact or spinal male rats are held in a supine position and the penile sheath is retracted and simply held in position, then clusters of penile reflexes are displayed at 1-3 min intervals2,6,16. We now report the first quantitative evidence that the rhythm of these reflex clusters is the same in spinal and intact male rats, and we conclude that the reflexes are paced by a spinal neural mechanism whose timing is independent of suprasegmental influence. Male rats (Charles River Sprague-Dawley) were 6-8 weeks old at the start of testing, which followed a procedure similar to that developed by Hart 6. Briefly, intact, unanaesthetized males were placed in a supine position with the anterior portion of the body enclosed in a loosely fitting restraining cylinder. The legs were held by the observer, and a girth around the torso helped maintain the animal's position, but there was minimal resistance as the males quickly adjusted to the testing procedure. As soon as the male was in position the penis was extruded from its normal retracted position within the sheath. Light pressure from a glass rod at the base of the penis served to keep the penis extended and perpendicular to the body. Three types of penile reflex were recorded. Erections were characterized by extension, distension, and reddening of the penis, usually lasting 0.5-2 sec. Cups were similar to erections except that the tip of the penis flared so that its diameter was larger
Cross-language influence on the production of mandarin |f| and |x| and Taiwanese |h| by native speakers of Taiwanese amoy

The present study examines the patterns of interference between a first (here, Amoy) and second language (here, Mandarin) by comparing the production of a Mandarin phone [f] (a 'new' phone) with another Mandarin phone [x] (which is 'similar' to an Amoy phone [h]) by three groups of native Amoy subjects differentiated by proficiency in Mandarin. Their Mandarin production was also compared to that of Mandarin monolinguals. The spectrum of each consonant was analyzed to show the frequency range and energy of the fricative. In general, native Amoy speakers interpreted Mandarin /f/ and /x/ in terms of their first language phones [hw], but showed different patterns of interference for different proficiency levels. The least proficient simply substituted the Amoy phones for the Mandarin. More proficient speakers could approximate the Mandarin monolingual phonetic norm for the 'new' phone [f] more accurately than for the 'similar' phone [x]. The most proficient showed little Amoy-to-Mandarin interference on even the 'similar' phone [x]. On the other hand, the most proficient showed some interference from Mandarin /x/ on their Amoy production.
The Impact of Assimilating SSM/I and QuikSCAT Satellite Winds on Hurricane Isidore Simulations

Abstract Three observational datasets of Hurricane Isidore (in 2002) were analyzed and compared: the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) winds, and dropsonde winds. SSM/I and QuikSCAT winds were on average about 1.9 and 0.3 m s−1 stronger, respectively, than dropsonde winds. With more than 20 000 points of data, SSM/I wind speed was about 2.2 m s−1 stronger than QuikSCAT. Comparison of the wind direction observed by QuikSCAT with those from the dropsondes showed that the quality of QuikSCAT data is good. The effect of assimilating SSM/I wind speeds and/or QuikSCAT wind vectors for the analysis of Hurricane Isidore was assessed using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) and its three-dimensional variational data assimilation system. For the Hurricane Isidore case study, it was found that the assimilation of either satellite winds strengthened the cyclonic circulation in the analys...
Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical

by Stacy Wolf Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2011, xii + 306 pp, ISBN 9780195378245 (paperback) Where would a feminist history of the Broadway musical begin? Perhaps with the first g...
Conference report: the third ACM conference on electronic commerce

The 3rd ACM Conference on Electronic Commerce (EC'01) took place in Tampa, Florida, from October 14th until October 17th, 2001. The conference contained 35 research papers in topics at the interface between computer science, economics, commerce and law. The 2001 Trading Agent Competition (TAC) was also associated with the conference. This report summarizes the program.
Tracking bacterial movements using a one-dimensional fringe system

Movements of individual E. coli bacteria in solution are detected by a one-dimensional fringe system formed in the focal region of two crossed laser beams. The time modulation of the scattered light intensity is used to deduce the instantaneous speed of the bacterial motion as it enters into the focal region. A method is described as being capable of testing the isotropic speed distribution function without the complications associated with the finite size and structural effects that influence the interpretation of the conventional light-scattering spectra.
US policy for the future of tourism

Abstract Tourism Management is here reprinting the Conclusions and Recommendations section of World Tourism at the Millennium, a policy document produced by David Edgell, Acting Under Secretary in the US Department of Commerce, on the future of US tourism. In particular it discusses the policies needed to increase the benefits and limit the negative impacts of tourism and highlights the issues that will cause most concern in the coming years.
The gustatory cortex and multisensory integration

The central gustatory pathways are part of the brain circuits upon which rest the decision to ingest or reject a food. The quality of food stimuli, however, relies not only on their taste but also on properties such as odor, texture and temperature. We will review anatomical and functional evidence showing that the central gustatory system, in particular its cortical aspect, functions as an integrative circuit in which taste-responsive neurons also show sensitivity to somatosensory and olfactory stimulation. In addition, gustatory pathways are modulated by the internal state of the body, with neuronal responses to tastes changing according to variations in physiological parameters such as gastrointestinal hormones or blood glucose levels. Therefore, rather than working as the receptive field of peripheral taste receptor cells, the central gustatory pathways seem to operate as a multisensory system dedicated to evaluating the biological significance of intra-oral stimuli.
The Carboxyl-Terminal Region of Human Cytomegalovirus IE1491aa Contains an Acidic Domain That Plays a Regulatory Role and a Chromatin-Tethering Domain That Is Dispensable during Viral Replication

The human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early (α) protein IE1491aa plays an important role in controlling viral gene expression at low multiplicities of infection. With a transient complementation assay, full-length IE1491aa enhanced the growth of ie1 mutant virus CR208 20-fold better than a deletion mutant lacking 71 carboxyl-terminal amino acids (IE11-420aa). A 16-amino-acid domain between amino acids 476 and 491 was both necessary and sufficient for chromatin-tethering activity; however, this domain was completely dispensable for complementation of CR208 replication. The proximal 55-amino-acid acidic domain (amino acids 421 to 475) was found to be most important for function. A deletion mutant lacking only this domain retained chromatin-tethering activity but failed to complement mutant virus. Interestingly, serine phosphorylation (at amino acids 399, 402, 406, 423, 428, 431, 448, 451, and 455) was not required for complementation. These results show that IE1491aa is composed of at least two domains that support replication, a region located between amino acids 1 and 399 that complements ie1 mutant virus replication to low levels and an acidic domain between amino acids 421 and 479 that dramatically enhances complementation.
Effect of Soybean Varieties on Survival and Fecundity of Western Corn Rootworm

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of corn (Zea mays L.) in North America and has evolved resistance to crop rotation by ovipositing in alternate crops such as soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Through experiments with plants grown in the greenhouse and the field, we tested whether soybeans with resistance to the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), affected survival, fecundity, and consumption of soybean for D. v. virgifera. Soybean varieties tested included those types resistant to A. glycines (Rag1 and rag1/rag3) and a susceptible near isoline of the Rag1 variety. Females were provided with a diet of corn tissue for 4 d after which they were fed a diet of tissue from one of three soybean varieties for 4 d, starved for 4 d, or fed corn tissue. When fed greenhouse grown plants, strains differed significantly in survival and consumption, but consumption did not differ by variety of soybean. Diet treatment only affected fecundity; individuals fed corn continuously had greater fecundity than those individuals fed soybeans. In the experiment with plants grown in the field, leaf consumption differed among strains and individuals fed corn continuously had greater fecundity than the other treatments. Soybean varieties with Rag1 and rag1/rag3 resistance to A. glycines did not appear to affect the fitness of D. v. virgifera. Thus, planting of these A. glycines-resistant soybean varieties should not directly affect the spread of rotation-resistant D. v. virgifera.
Strings in QCD and θ vacua

Abstract Strings are believed to provide an effective description of QCD, at least in some approximation such as the large Nc limit. We consider the question of how the effects of θ vacua can be represented in the string description. A term like exp(iθc1(Σ)), where (c1(Σ) is the first Chern number of the normal bundle (related to the self-intersection number of the world surface), has some of the required properties.
Delayed Acquisition of Behavioral and Hippocampal Responses During Jaw Movement Conditioning in Aging Rabbits

Abstract Young (3–7 months; n = 7) and aging (40–49 months; n = 7) rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) were classically conditioned in a trace jaw movement paradigm (300 ms tone, 450 ms trace, 200 ms intraoral water) after implantation of electrodes into area CA1 of dorsal hippocampus. Aging rabbits took significantly more trials to reach a behavioral criterion of 8 conditioned responses in any 9 consecutive trials than young rabbits ( p = 0.04), and their conditioned, but not unconditioned, jaw movement responses were of a lower frequency than those of young rabbits ( p = 0.02). Early in training, aging rabbits’ hippocampal responses were significantly smaller just before water onset than corresponding responses of young rabbits ( p = .03). The magnitude of this response was negatively correlated with trials to criterion ( r = −0.60, p = 0.03). These results are interpreted in terms of age-related differences in the hippocampal contribution to jaw movement learning.
On the wealth and risk effects of commercial bank expansion into securities underwriting: An analysis of Section 20 subsidiaries

Abstract We investigate the abnormal returns and market-based risk effects of four Federal Reserve Board decisions to allow bank holding companies to engage in investment banking through Section 20 subsidiaries. Positive abnormal returns for commercial banks were observed for initial, limited powers granted by the Federal Reserve. However, authorization to engage in underwriting corporate debt and equity and subsequent expansion of potential revenues from underwritings produced negative abnormal returns and increases in risk.
Race and Ethnicity, Substance Use, and Physical Aggression Among U.S. High School Students

Youth violence is a critical public health problem across races/ethnicities in the United States. Although the differential association between substance use and physical aggression has been empirically proven, no tests have assessed the moderating effects of sociocultural differences in such associations. The purpose of this study is to test the moderating impact of race/ethnicity-as an indicator of sociocultural differences--on the associations between substance use and adolescent aggression, by conducting a validity assessment of a physical aggression measure for high school students with emphasis on Hispanics and other minorities. A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of the 2007 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, with a representative sample of all U.S. high school students, was conducted. Contingency table and chi-square test evaluated the statistical relationship between substance use (alcohol, marijuana, either, or both) and self-reports of physical aggression, race/ethnicity, age, and sex of the respondent. Three logistic regression analyses assessed the effect of race/ethnicity on the likelihood of reporting physical aggression by overall substance use and type of substance use. Statistical significant associations were found between physical aggression and alcohol and/or marijuana use. The self-report of substance use (marijuana or alcohol) and alcohol use significantly increased the likelihood of physical aggression across races/ethnicities, highest among racial/ethnic minorities (Blacks > Hispanic > Others > Whites). The differential impact of substance use on physical aggression was confirmed, and such impact was moderated by the sociocultural context (race/ethnicity) of the adolescent. In-depth validity assessments are needed to confirm this study's predictive validity findings.
Spinal α2-Adrenoceptor-mediated Analgesia in Neuropathic Pain Reflects Brain-derived Nerve Growth Factor and Changes in Spinal Cholinergic Neuronal Function

Introduction Spinal alpha2-adrenoceptor stimulation produces analgesia in neuropathic pain states, and this effect in animals is blocked by the inhibitors of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function. In rats, alpha2-adrenoceptor stimulation normally inhibits acetylcholine release, but it excites release after nerve injury. The authors examined the roles of BDNF and excitatory Gs-protein in this change. Methods Male rats underwent L5-L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), and their lumbar spinal dorsal horns with or without spinal BDNF infusion were used for either synaptosome preparation for acetylcholine release or immunostaining for choline acetyltransferase. Results SNL did not alter spontaneous release from synaptosomes or choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn, but it reduced KCl-evoked acetylcholine release. Dexmedetomidine inhibited KCl-evoked acetylcholine release in synaptosomes from normal rats, but it excited KCl-evoked release in synaptosomes from SNL rats, and both effects were blocked by the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan. Spinal infusion of an antibody to BDNF reduced choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn in both normal and SNL rats and abolished facilitation of KCl-evoked acetylcholine release by dexmedetomidine in SNL rats. Dexmedetomidine facilitation of acetylcholine release was also blocked by the inhibitors of Gs function. Discussion The increased reliance of spinal alpha2 adrenoceptors on cholinergic stimulation to cause analgesia after nerve injury reflects in part a shift from direct inhibition to direct excitation of spinal cholinergic neurons. The authors' results suggest that this shift relies on an interaction with Gs-proteins and BDNF.
Anterior mediastinotomy for parathyroidectomy

Abstract Background Approximately 2% of ectopic parathyroid glands reside within the mediastinum in a location that requires a thoracic approach. Methods All patients with mediastinal parathyroid tumors who underwent anterior mediastinotomy were included in this review. Results Over the course of 16 years, 10 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent anterior mediastinotomy. There were 6 men and 4 women with a median age of 65. Seven patients had undergone at least one previous cervical exploration. Preoperative calcium levels were 11.3 ± .8 mg/dL. Nine patients had preoperative localization with radionuclide scans and 9 patients also had preoperative computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans. An abnormal gland was removed in all cases. Nine of 10 patients had normalization of their calcium levels. Conclusions Anterior mediastinotomy after preoperative imaging has proven to be a technically feasible, safe, and effective method for the surgical management of patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism and mediastinal parathyroid tumors.
Monodisperse polymer beads as packing material for high‐performance liquid chromotography: Effect of divinylbenzene content on the porous and chromatographic properties of poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) beads prepared in presence of linear polystyrene as a porogen

The effect of concentration of divinylbenzene on pore size distribution and surface areas of micropores, mesopores, and macropores in uniformly sized porous poly(styrene- co-divinylbenzene) beads prepared in the presence of linear polystyrene as a component of the porogenic mixture has been studied. While the total specific surface area was clearly determined by the content of divinylbenzene, the sum of pore volumes for mesopores and macropores as well as their size distribution does not change within a broad range of DVB concentrations. Consequently, the SEC calibration curves are almost identical for all the beads prepared with different percentages of crosslinking monomer
OPEC and other commodity cartels: a comparison

Abstract The economic literature provides specific characteristics for cartels. Although the theory of international cartels is not well developed in the literature, and every cartel is unique, some of these characteristics exist in each cartel. This study investigates the existence of these characteristics in six known commodity cartels including OPEC. In addition, it compares the oil companies’ cartel, `the Seven Sisters', to OPEC, and summarizes the findings of OPEC econometric models developed in the literature in the last 25 years and concludes that the results do not support cartel or competitive models for OPEC. Although other cartels are more successful than OPEC, many books and articles in economics use OPEC as a cartel example. Neither statistical tests nor theory support the popular use of OPEC as a cartel example. Indeed, this article concludes that OPEC is composed of Saudi Arabia, the dominant world producer, plus several distinct sub-groups and that separate models are required to explain the behavior of each. Assigning the power of some OPEC members to OPEC has caused confusion about its behavior. Recent OPEC success is attributed to political, natural, and technical capacity limitations in the oil fields that prevented countries from cheating on their quota. In other words, OPEC adherence to the quota, except for Saudi Arabia, is anything but voluntary.
Pre-steady-state Kinetic Studies Establish Entecavir 5′-Triphosphate as a Substrate for HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

The novel 2'-deoxyguanosine analog Entecavir (ETV) is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and is recommended for treatment in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HBV-co-infected patients because it had been reported that ETV is HBV-specific. Recent clinical observations, however, have suggested that ETV may indeed demonstrate anti-HIV-1 activity. To investigate this question at a molecular level, kinetic studies were used to examine the interaction of 5'-triphosphate form of ETV with wild type (WT) HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-resistant mutation M184V. Using single turnover kinetic assays, we found that HIV-1 WT RT and M184V RT could use the activated ETV triphosphate metabolite as a substrate for incorporation. The mutant displayed a slower incorporation rate, a lower binding affinity, and a lower incorporation efficiency with the 5'-triphosphate form of ETV compared with WT RT, suggesting a kinetic basis for resistance. Our results are supported by cell-based assays in primary human lymphocytes that show inhibition of WT HIV-1 replication by ETV and decreased susceptibility of the HIV-1 containing the M184V mutation. This study has important therapeutic implications as it establishes ETV as an inhibitor for HIV-1 RT and illustrates the mechanism of resistance by the M184V mutant.
Hypoxia affects differently the intracellular pH of clustered and isolated glomus cells of the rat carotid body

Abstract Clustered and isolated glomus cells, cultured from rat carotid bodies, were exposed to hypoxia (pO2 2–30 torr) induced by applications of sodium-dithionite (Na2S2O4). Hypoxia decreased or increased intracellular pH (pHi) of clustered cells about equally, but lowered it in most isolated cells. The levels of intracellular acidification were similar in both groups whereas alkalinization was more pronounced in the clusters. The H+ equilibrium potential (EH) and its changes during hypoxia (ΔEH), were determined almost exclusively by pHi. Seventy-five percent of clustered cells became depolarized whereas 80% of isolated cells underwent hyperpolarization. In both groups, changes in the resting potential (ΔEM) were directly and significantly correlated with ΔEH, thus ΔpHi. These observations support the view that clustered and isolated rat glomus cells behave differently. This difference may occur because of the presence (in the clusters) or absence (in isolated cells) of enveloping sustentacular cell processes.
Experimental Studies of the Pathogenesis of Infections Due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Description of a Burned Mouse Model

An experimental burned mouse model is described that is clinically relevant to burn wound sepsis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mice subjected to a nonlethal burn by flame were challenged with P. aeruginosa. The LD50 after subcutaneous injection in the skin of the burn up to 24 hr after the burn was smaller than 10 organisms vs. 10-6 organisms in normal animals. By three days after the burn, the value returned to and exceeded that of normal animals. This dramatic change in the LD50 after the burn was not seen when mice were challenged with other organisms. Challenge with P. aeruginosa by different routes immediately after burning showed less dramatic decreases in the LD50. Enumeration of infecting organisms in the skin of the burn and in major organs suggests the possibility of a toxic event.
"You learn to go last": perceptions of prenatal care experiences among African-American women with limited incomes.

African American infants die at higher rates and are at greater risk of adverse birth outcomes than White infants in Milwaukee. Though self-reported experiences of racism have been linked to adverse health outcomes, limited research exists on the impact of racism on women’s prenatal care experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of racial discrimination during prenatal care from the perspectives of African American women in a low income Milwaukee neighborhood. Transcripts from six focus groups with twenty-nine women and two individual interviews were analyzed to identify important emergent themes. Validity was maintained using an audit trail, peer debriefing, and two individual member validation sessions. Participants identified three areas of perceived discrimination based on: (1) insurance or income status, (2) race, and (3) lifetime experiences of racial discrimination. Women described being treated differently by support staff and providers based on type of insurance (public versus private), including perceiving a lower quality of care at clinics that accepted public insurance. While some described personally-mediated racism, the majority of women described experiences that fit within a definition of institutionalized racism—in which the system was designed in a way that worked against their attempts to get quality prenatal care. Women also described lifetime experiences of racial discrimination. Our findings suggest that African American women with limited incomes perceive many provider practices and personal interactions during prenatal care as discriminatory. Future studies could explore the relationship between perceptions of discrimination and utilization of prenatal care.
Liver-enriched Transcription Factor HNF-4 and Ubiquitous Factor NF-Y Are Critical for Expression of Blood Coagulation Factor X

Blood coagulation Factor X and its activated form Factor Xa play an essential role in the midphase of the clotting cascade. To delineate the mechanisms governing the liver-specific expression of Factor X, we have previously characterized the complete 2.8 kilobase pairs of the 5′-flanking region of Factor X and demonstrated that the first 209 base pairs is sufficient to confer maximal promoter activity in HepG2 cells, a hepatoma cell line that expresses Factor X. We have also shown that mutations at ACTTTG and CCAAT elements located at −56 to −51 and −120 to −116, respectively, significantly reduce the promoter activity. In this report, we demonstrate that Factor X mRNA is primarily but not exclusively expressed in the liver. Using DNase I footprinting analysis, we determine four protein binding sites within the 209-base pair fragment, designated site 1 (−73 to −44), site 2 (−128 to −94), site 3 (−165 to −132), and site 4 (−195 to −169). Using gel mobility shift assays in combination with competition and supershift experiments, we demonstrate that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 and Sp1 bind at site 1, the site which contains the ACTTTG element. Methylation interference assays reveal that HNF-4 and Sp1 contact adjacent sites with minor overlap. HNF-4 and Sp1 appear to bind site 1 in a mutually exclusive fashion. We also demonstrate that HNF-4 can transactivate the Factor X promoter in HeLa cells; mutation at the adjacent Sp1 site further increases the transactivation. Heteromeric transcription factor NF-Y was identified as the protein that binds the CCAAT box at site 2. We conclude that HNF-4 and NF-Y play crucial roles in modulating the activity of the proximal promoter of Factor X.
Proteolysis of milk proteins during involution of the bovine mammary gland.

Abstract The role of proteolytic hydrolysis of milk proteins in the mammary gland during involution is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the activities of plasmin, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator in mammary gland secretions collected during involution and to identify peptides generated by proteolysis of casein and lactoferrin in those secretions. Mammary secretions were collected from Holstein cows on d 7, 14, and 21 of involution and on d 7 postcalving. Activities of plasmin, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator were determined on the defatted, filtered aqueous phase of mammary secretions. Activities of plasmin, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator were significantly higher on d 7, 14, and 21 of involution than were those on d 7 postcalving. Protein fragments resulting from hydrolysis were detected by SDS-PAGE in samples collected on d 7, 14, and 21 of involution, but few protein fragments were observed in samples collected on d 7 postcalving when plasmin activity was low. Immunoblot analysis showed that a number of peptides observed during involution were generated from α s -casein (CN), β -CN, κ -CN, or lactoferrin. The appearance of peptides from proteins of mammary secretions during early involution was generally correlated with increased plasmin activity. Elevated plasmin activity during mammary involution may be primarily responsible for the observed concurrent hydrolysis of milk proteins in mammary secretions.
Anesthetic considerations during liver surgery

This article demonstrates the broad range of considerations that affect the outcome of patients undergoing hepatectomy. The progressive improvements in survival, despite the increasing complexity of the surgery, area testament to advances in both surgery and anesthesia. The key elements include careful patient selection, appropriate monitoring, and mechanical and pharmacologic protection of the liver and other vital organs.
A doubly-fed induction generator-based wind generation system with quasi-sine rotor injection

Wind generating systems use doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) to achieve high conversion efficiency and to reduce the installation cost. The paper proposes and analyzes a simple DFIG-based wind generation system in which the excitation power is obtained from a photovoltaic (PV) panel and battery. The proposed scheme is suitable for small wind power systems for which a complex field orientation control is not justified. It can be used for stand-alone operation and also grid-tied operation. The rotor of the DFIG is applied with a quasi-sine wave instead of a sine wave. The operation and harmonic characteristics of the scheme are established using analysis, simulation, and experimentation. The details of the control circuit are given along with the experimental waveforms of voltages and currents and frequency spectra. The total harmonic distortion in the output current is found to be around 8%.
A user-centered interface for querying distributed multimedia databases

Facilitating information retrieval in the vastly growing realm of digital media has become increasingly difficult. DelaunayMM seeks to assist all users in finding relevant information through an interactive interface that supports pre- and post-query refinement, and a customizable multimedia information display. This project leverages the strengths of visual query languages with a resourceful framework to provide users with a single intuitive interface. The interface and its supporting framework are described in this paper.
Improvement of Internal Dose Measurement Program Using a Whole Body Counter at Nuclear Power Plants

A whole body counter (WBC) is used in nuclear power plants (NPPs) to identify and measure the radioactivity in the bodies of human beings. In this study, several experiments were conducted to improve the internal dose measurement procedures using a WBC in NPPs. First, back and forth countings using a WBC were carried out to set up the discrimination program between internal and external radioactive contamination in NPPs. Second, experiments on selecting an optimal geometry of the WBC and locating the contaminated area of radionuclides were performed.
Heterogeneous matrix products

The notion of a heterogeneous matrix product is developed. After defining this product, the authors show how it generalizes the common matrix and vector products of linear algebra as well as the generalized forward and backward convolutions of image algebra. Some specific examples are provided.
ACP Journal Club. Review: probiotics reduce Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in patients receiving antibiotics.

Source Citation Johnston BC, Ma SS, Goldenberg JZ, et al. Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2012;157...
A roadmap for biomarker qualification

A collaborative effort between pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies and academia to qualify biomarkers for kidney toxicity provides a model for investigating and identifying reliable safety markers for preclinical applications.
Three‐Dimensional Inkjet‐Printed Interconnects using Functional Metallic Nanoparticle Inks

Inkjet-printed gold nanoparticle pillars are investigated as a high-performance alternative to conventional flip-chip interconnects for electronic packages, with significant advantages in terms of mechanical/chemical robustness and conductivity. The process parameters critical to pillar fabrication are described and highly uniform pillar arrays are demonstrated. More generally, this work underscores the impact of sintering on the electrical, mechanical, structural, and compositional properties of three-dimensional nanoparticle-based structures. Using heat treatments as low as 200 °C, electrical and mechanical performance that outcompetes conventional lead-tin eutectic solder materials is achieved. With sintering conditions reaching 300 °C it is possible to achieve pillars with properties comparable to bulk gold. This work demonstrates the immense potential for both inkjet printing and metal nanoparticles to become a viable and cost-saving alternative to both conventional electronic packaging processes and application-specific integration schemes.
Fatty acid interactions with proteins: what X-ray crystal and NMR solution structures tell us

The interactions of fatty acids with proteins have been studied by a variety of conventional approaches for decades. However, only limited aspects of fatty acid-protein interactions have been elucidated, even with the integration of information gleaned from the many techniques. Judgments must be made about what information is most reliable, particularly when derivatives of fatty acids are substituted for natural fatty acids. In recent years, the application of techniques of structural biology has brought about dramatic advances in this important area of lipid research. High-resolution crystallographic and NMR structures of several proteins with bound fatty acids reveal the complete tertiary structure of the protein and molecular details of fatty acid-protein interactions. The examples presented include most of the known structures of (non-enzymatic) proteins that bind fatty acids. The proteins are found in very different compartments of cells and organisms: the plasma compartment (human serum albumin); the cytosolic compartment of mammalian cells (fatty acid- binding proteins); the cytosol of plant cells (nonspecific lipid-transfer protein); the nucleus of mammalian cells (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and hepatic nuclear factor 4); and a bacterial membrane (halorhodopsin). This review discusses the structural features of these proteins and their binding pocket(s) and compares the specific modes of their interactions with fatty acids.
Gender differences in mortality after mitral valve operation: evidence for higher mortality in perimenopausal women.

Background Hormonal status is a potentially important cause for gender differences in outcomes after cardiovascular operations. Estrogen withdrawal states may potentiate ischemia–reperfusion injury by impairing endothelial cell function and increasing inflammatory cytokine levels. We hypothesized that gender influences mortality after mitral valve operations and that it varies with age, especially during periods of declining ovarian function. Methods We studied 24,977 patients (49% women) in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database who underwent isolated mitral valve repair or replacement from 2002 to 2005. Age-related gender differences in mortality after mitral valve operation were compared by risk-adjusted analysis. Results Gender and age had a pronounced impact on hospital mortality. Women aged 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 had significantly greater hospital mortality than risk-matched men. The adjusted female/male odds ratio for hospital mortality in the group aged 40 to 49 was 2.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 5.01) but progressively decreased in the four subsequent age groups. This pattern was statistically significant ( p = 0.028 and p = 0.018 for 40 to 49 vs 70 to 79 and 80 to 89, respectively) and represents a declining relative mortality risk for women of advanced age. Conclusions In patients aged 40 to 59 years, the mortality of mitral valve operation is approximately 2.5 times higher in women compared with men with similar risk factors. This survival disadvantage diminishes with further aging. Changes in ovarian function may be an important cause for this gender–age interaction and are a potential target for novel hormone-based therapies.
SKELETAL MUSCLE WATER AND ELECTROLYTES AT BIRTH IN THE RABBIT

We measured serum and skeletal muscle electrolytes by flame photometry and muscle water by dessication in 45 rabbits on day 1 of life. Results are depicted graphically below. Tissue Na decreased with increasing birthweight (r=-0.61, p<.0001). Tissue K was independent of birthweight (BW). Serum Na rose slightly with BW (r=0.464, p<.05). These data suggest that the "excess" Na in pups of lower BW is located in the intracellular space. We have previously shown that total body and muscle water in the rabbit at birth are inversely related to BW and have speculated that this "excess" water represents a tissue water reservoir. The data presented here suggest that there is also a reservoir of sodium at birth, possibly located in the intracellular space, and that this reservoir is larger in animals of low birthweight.
New Orleans on Parade: Tourism and the Transformation of the Crescent City – By J. Mark Souther

The author of this study has written an impressive first book in which he examines the transformation of New Orleans from a commercial port city into a predominantly tourist mecca after World War I...
The method of complex coordinate rotation and its applications to atomic collision processes

Abstract The recent developments of the method of complex coordinate rotation are the subject of this review. The theoretical and computational aspects of this method will be discussed, with emphasis on atomic resonance calculations. Furthermore, applications to other areas such as molecular resonances, Stark effect in atoms, photoionization cross section calculations, etc., will also be discussed.
Eccrine sweat gland carcinoma of the scrotum with associated extramammary paget's disease

Sweat gland carcinomas are rare tumors which have not previously been reported as arising from the scrotum. We present the first known case of primary eccrine sweat gland carcinoma of the scrotum in association with extramammary Paget's disease (EPD) and review the presentation and management of these tumors. Sweat gland carcinomas frequently coexist with EPD and this association provides insight into the histogenesis of EPD, which is presently unknown. Sweat gland carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous scrotal tumors and carefully ruled out pathologically if the diagnosis of EPD alone is made.
Role of the calcarine cortex (V1) in perception of visual cues for saccades

Abstract Objective To determine the initial level at which the pathways for cue perception, saccades and antisaccades diverge. Methods Two procedures: single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) over posterior occiput and backward masking were used. A visual cue directed saccades to the left or right, either a pro-saccade (to the side of the cue but beyond it) or an antisaccade, i.e., contraversive saccade. No visual target was presented. Results Latencies of the two types of saccades did not differ. Focal sTMS applied unilaterally over V1 suppressed both perception of a cue flashed 80–90 ms earlier contralaterally (but not ipsilaterally) and the appropriate saccade. Masking at a delay of 100 ms abolished the appropriate saccade and cue perception. Conclusions V1 is essential for the perception of a flashed cue and for executing appropriate pro- and contraversive saccades. Masking may occur beyond V1, where the pathways for perception and for saccades at least to the next visual processing level start separating. Significance VI is needed for rapid, accurate perceptual and motor responses to the crudest (left versus right) cues. It is unlikely that the “where” system can have a major direct input bypassing V1.