cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Blood Flow in Coronary Artery Disease Effect of Right Atrial Pacing and Nitroglycerin

Sixteen patients, 10 with significant three-vessel coronary artery disease (>50% occlusion of each vessel) and six without coronary disease, had nutrient myocardial blood flow, cardiac output, pressure time/min and arterial pressure determinations at rest, with atrial pacing and with right atrial pacing plus nitroglycerin. In the patients with coronary disease, nutrient myocardial blood decreased an average of 16% (P < 0.001) with pacing alone but increased by 22% (P < 0.001) from the pacing flows with the addition of 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin at the same pacing rate. The directional changes in myocardial blood flow were unrelated to perfusion pressure or pressure work. In the patients without coronary disease, opposite effects were observed. With right atrial pacing, nutrient myocardial blood flow increased by 23% (P < 0.02). With the addition of nitroglycerin, myocardial blood flow decreased by 15% (P < 0.02). These changes were directionally related to changes in pressure-work of the heart It is ...
Abstract LB-57: Integral role of Med1 in conferring tamoxifen resistance to poor prognosis (luminal-B) estrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: Gene expression studies have identified two biologically distinct estrogen receptor (ER)-positive subtypes of breast cancer: luminal A and luminal B. Some luminal B tumors can be identified by their expression of Her2 but the major biological distinction between luminal A and luminal B is their proliferation signature. Upon treatment with adjuvant tamoxifen, luminal A breast tumors show a good prognosis, however the clinical outcome of luminal B breast tumor is poor. The underlying mechanisms for the differential response to adjuvant tamoxifen therapy between luminal A and luminal B breast tumors are probably multifactorial and remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms contributing to the poor prognosis of the luminal B ER-positive breast cancer subtype in response to tamoxifen. Methods and Results: We developed a physiologically relevant luminal B ER-positive breast cancer (luminal B) model. This cell line model exhibited an elevated growth factor signaling pathway. We showed that tamoxifen treatment inhibited clonogenicity and anchorage-independent growth of luminal A breast cancer cells. Interestingly, acting as a potent agonist, tamoxifen resulted in significantly increased clonogenicity and anchorage-independent growth in luminal B cells. We found that tamoxifen also increased expression of ER-responsive genes in luminal B cells in contrast to luminal A cells where it effectively inhibited ER-transactivation and ER-responsive gene expression. Mediator complex is an essential coactivator complex for the expression of ER-responsive genes. Investigating the underlying mechanisms, we discovered that anchor subunit of mediator coactivator complex, Med1, was overexpressed in luminal B cells. Furthermore, we found hyper-phosphorylation of Med1 and ER in luminal B cells due to persistent activation of ERK. Hyper-phosphorylated Med1 showed increased recruitment to ER-responsive promoters in the presence of tamoxifen in luminal B cells. Stably silencing Med1 in luminal B cells not only inhibited tamoxifen-induced clonogenicity and anchorage-independent growth, it also inhibited tamoxifen-induced ER-transactivation. These data clearly showed the essential role of Med1 in mediating tamoxifen response in luminal B cells. Conclusions: These data demonstrate a novel role of Med1 in promotion of tamoxifen-induced growth of luminal B breast cancer cells and suggest that inhibiting Med1/or its activation may prove to be beneficial to overcome/reduce poor prognosis of basal B breast tumors. This conclusion is supported by in vivo data showing overexpression of Med1 in luminal B estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-57.
A 2-D Hybrid Hall Thruster Simulation That Resolves the $\boldsymbol{E}\times \boldsymbol{B}$ Electron Drift Direction

A 2-D axial–azimuthal model of an annular Hall thruster discharge is developed. We use a hybrid fluid–particle-in-cell (PIC) treatment to model a Xe-propellant Hall thruster. Using a PIC approach, the positive Xe+ ions are modeled as collisionless, nonmagnetized, discrete super-particles, whereas the electrons are treated as a magnetized 2-D fluid. The model includes a continuously replenished Xe neutral background, with an imposed radial magnetic field and an applied axial electric potential. Motivated by experimental evidence of anomalously high electron mobility across the magnetic field that has been attributed to quasi-coherent fluctuations in the plasma properties, we use the numerical model to resolve azimuthal electron dynamics and study the impact of fluctuations on electron transport. Representative low-voltage (100 V) operating condition simulations predict localized plasma properties similar to those observed in experiments. The simulations predict coherent azimuthally propagating disturbances which appear to contribute to enhanced electron transport beyond that due to classical scattering.
Field measurements of shear strength of an underconsolidated marine clay

Abstract This paper presents the observations of cone penetration testing (CPT), in situ vane shear testing and undrained triaxial testing of underconsolidated marine clay in the Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA), Norfolk, VA. Comparison of vane shear measurements, taken during 1981–1983, to CPT measurements, taken during 1993, indicates a change in undrained shear strength. Both the vane shear and cone penetration resistances are lowest at the mid-heights of the clay layers and the excess pore water pressures are highest at the mid-height of the clay layers, indicating that the clay layer is underconsolidated.
Learner-centered Leadership: An Agenda for Action

Institutions are attempting to revitalize undergraduate education through the shift of the dominant pedagogy to a learner-centered focus. While this is encouraging, it is crucial to acknowledge that most of the efforts and literature on the learner-centered paradigm have necessarily focused on strategies for faculty. It is, however, equally important for administrators to consider the impact of the paradigm shift on their roles. Professional development and leadership training that takes into account the need for both a technical shift and shift in perception is key to the success of the transition to a new paradigm.
Synchronization of multiple pulsed alternators discharging into an EM launcher

As the energy level in the projectile increases it becomes necessary to use multiple pulsed alternators discharging in parallel into the EM launcher. Another reason for having more than one machine is to compensate torque and gyroscopic effects of the pulsed alternator. This requires that machines be built in counter-rotating pairs. These machines are identical in all respects except for their direction of rotation. A study was conducted to determine how the machines can be motored so that they stay in lock step in speed and phase as they are motored to full speed. The methods of connecting these multiple machines are discussed. The aim of the connection scheme is to allow the machines to naturally stay locked in speed and phase throughout its operating range. Sensitivity of the performance of these machines to small variations in the machine parameters, which is to be expected in the machines, is discussed. Sensitivity of the discharge performance to small phase angle mismatches due to tolerances is also discussed. To verify the conclusions of the study an experiment was performed on two identical 50 kVA machines discharging into a low impedance load. The motoring system that is discussed in the study was implemented in this experiment which kept the machines in lock step. This motoring system is described. Thereafter discharges were made at various speeds and field current levels. Phase angle mismatches were introduced between the two machines to see how it affected current sharing. The results and conclusions of these tests are presented in this paper.
Uric acid synthesis in the terrestrial snail, Otala lactea

Abstract 1. 1. The origin of the carbon atoms of uric acid in the land snail, Otala lactea, is the same as reported for other uricotelic invertebrates and vertebrates: C-6 arises from CO2; C-4 and C-5, from C-1 and C-2, respectively, of glycine; and C-2 and C-8, from the “one-carbon pool”. 4-Amino-5-imidazole-carboxamide (AICA) is an intermediate in the uric acid pathway: C14 from 2-C14-AICA is incorporated almost exclusively into C-8 of the uric acid. The conversion of hypoxanthine to uric acid appears to be mediated by a system other than xanthine oxidase. 2. 2. O- Diazoacetyl - l - erine , an inhibitor of reactions involving l -glutamine, causes an inhibition of the incorporation of C14-formate into uric acid, guanine, hypoxanthine and inosine, as well as yielding an accumulation of formylglycinamide ribotide by Otala hepatopancreas. This is indirect evidence that uric acid synthesis in Otala also involves the participation of l -glutamine as well as phosphorylated ribosyl intermediates. 3. 3. Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) amidotransferase activity could not be demonstrated with hepatopancreas extracts because of the prensence in these extracts of an inhibitor of this enzyme. Such preparations almost completely inhibit avian liver PRPP-amidotransferase.
Nutritional value of anaerobically fermented beef cattle wastes as a feed ingredient for livestock: Growth and carcass traits of beef cattle and sheep fed fermentor biomass

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding anaerobically fermented livestock wastes on performance and carcass characteristics of cattle and sheep. In the first experiment, fermentor effluent (FE) or dried centrifiged biomass (DCB) was fed to ewes and rams for 105 days. Diets containing FE (∓ bentonite) were allowed to ensile for 21 days before feeding. Overall average daily gain (ADG) was not altered (P > 0·05) except in ewes fed DCB adn rams fed DCB plus bentonite, in which ADG decreased in both treatments. Decreased feed intake was also observed in both groups. In the second experiment, steers (174 kg liveweight) fed FE daily (6·45% of diet dry matter) for 168 days had a 4% to 12% higher rate of dry matter (P 0·05) In the third experiment, weight gains and feed intake of heifer calves (378 kg initial weight) over 126 days were not altered (P > 0·05) by feeding FE or influent (diluted wastes before fermentation) or the control diet with or without supplemental protein. Carcass quality traits also were not altered by dietary treatment. Thus, it appears that FE can be fed to cattle and sheep, in certain circumstances, without altering animal performance; however, the response was not consistent in all experiments.
Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: Stage specific differences in wheat germ agglutinin binding and in endoglycosidase H sensitivity of glycoprotein oligosaccharides

Gel electrophoresis, lectin affinity blotting, and endoglycosidase H digestion have been used to analyze the glycoprotein profiles of bloodstream and procyclic forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and T. b. gambiense. Proteins resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were stained with silver nitrate or electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose and probed with a horseradish peroxidase conjugate of either concanavalin A or wheat germ agglutinin. Silver staining showed, as expected, that the expression of the variant specific glycoprotein was restricted to the bloodstream forms. Twenty-three concanavalin A binding proteins were resolved in blots of bloodstream forms. Concanavalin A binding molecules corresponding in electrophoretic mobility to 21 of these 23 bloodstream form glycoproteins were detected in blots of procyclic forms. The two concanavalin A binding glycoproteins present only in bloodstream form extracts were variant specific glycoprotein and an 81-kDa protein designated glycoprotein 81b. One concanavalin A binding molecule of 84 kDa, glycoprotein 84p, was detected only in procyclic forms. The 19 major wheat germ agglutinin binding glycoproteins expressed by bloodstream forms were not detected in procyclic forms; only small proteins or protein fragments in procyclic form extracts bound wheat germ agglutinin. Incubating transferred proteins in endoglycosidase H eliminated subsequent binding of concanavalin A to most of the 22 common glycoproteins of bloodstream forms. Three major concanavalin A binding glycoproteins of bloodstream forms, variant specific glycoprotein, glycoprotein 81b, and a 110-kDa molecule (glycoprotein 110b), and other minor glycoproteins carried sugar chains that resisted endoglycosidase H digestion. In contrast, concanavalin A did not bind to any procyclic form glycoproteins, including a 110-kDa concanavalin A binding molecule (glycoprotein 110p) after endoglycosidase H treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coupling between flat films

The magnetization distribution in a rectangular film, magnetized parallel to one side, is approximated by assuming that the magnetization \overrightarrow{M} has the same direction everywhere in the film and that its magnitude rises from zero at the edge to the saturation magnetization M s at a distance c from the edge, maintaining this magnitude throughout the remainder of the film area. The function representing the magnitude of \overrightarrow{M} in the edge region is chosen in such a way that the resulting field has no singularities, c is determined by the coercive force, which is set equal to the sum of the maximum demagnetizing field and an applied reversing field. This model lends itself better to the discussion of demagnetizing effects in single or coupled films than either the ellipsoid or the line-charge model. It takes account of the fact that the width of the edge region, where curling and domain walls occur, varies with the applied field, and, in this respect, it agrees fairly well with experiment. It, furthermore, permits the definition of a disturb sensitivity for memory elements consisting of single or coupled films.
The systemic amyloidoses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clinical management of the amyloidoses has historically been the province of rheumatologists, because of the relation to long-standing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile chronic arthritis. Currently, nephrologists, hematologist-oncologists, neurologists, and transplant surgeons all have a diagnostic or therapeutic interest. Current advances, using the tools of physical biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics, have begun to impact the diagnosis and clinical management of these disorders and raise questions regarding our notions of protein conformation in vivo and how nonnatively folded proteins may produce disease. RECENT FINDINGS: It appears that all amyloidogenic precursors undergo some degree of misfolding that allows them to populate an immediate precursor pool from which they rapidly aggregate. Depending on the particular protein, a variety of mechanisms appear operative, some of which involve nonphysiologic proteolysis, defective physiologic proteolysis, mutations involving changes in thermodynamic or kinetic properties, and pathways that are yet to be defined. Whatever the particular process, the result is a tendency toward oligomeric aggregation followed by the assembly of higher order structures that become insoluble under physiologic conditions. Detailed analyses have been described for transthyretin (senile systemic amyloidosis and familial amyloid polyneuropathy), immunoglobulin light chains (light-chain amyloid), beta2 microglobulin (dialysis-related amyloid), and apolipoprotein A1, and are in process for others. SUMMARY Therapies have been proposed based on precursor stabilization (transthyretin), elimination of the synthesizing cell (light-chain amyloid), fibril disruption and immunization to induce host-mediated aggregate clearance (Alzheimer disease, light-chain amyloid, prions), and aggressive therapy of a primary inflammatory process (amyloid A). During the next decade, the value of these therapies, and others, suggested by studies on the basic properties of cells and proteins, will become clear.
Cerebral air embolism in asthmatic scuba divers in a swimming pool

Significant shallow-water injuries can occur in scuba divers, even in swimming pools. Two asthmatic patients are presented who sustained cerebral air emboli during Scuba classes in a swimming pool. Such injuries may be more common in asthmatics. Asthma is a contraindication to Scuba diving.
Impact of a Student Assistance Program

A half-time Student Assistance Program (i.e., 20 hours per week) was designed and implemented for two semesters in an urban high school in New Jersey. The findings indicate that the proportion of the students who used the SAP increased with time. In both time periods, males outnumbered the females in use of the SAP and the most frequently cited of the presenting problems for both males and females were alcohol and drug issues and problems. Educators were the primary source of referral to the SAP.
Industrial specialization, financial integration and international consumption risk sharing

Standard models of international asset trade lack mechanisms linking an economy’s financial openness and industrial specialization. This paper presents a simple model of global portfolio diversification in which a link between financial liberalization and production specialization emerges very naturally. Within that model, an economy that liberalizes its financial markets is able to share its consumption risks, which in turn would allow the country to take extra risks in production by specializing in the good it produces more efficiently, resulting in higher output volatility and less correlated business cycles. The model provides insights about the effects of cross-country and cross-sector productivity shock correlations on portfolio choice, industrial specialization and consumption smoothing. Output volatility will increase as countries get more financially open, whereas consumption smoothing will depend on both the actual level of financial openness and on the productivity shock correlations between sectors and between countries. Higher integration induces greater production specialization, whereas the effect of productivity correlations on production diversification is ambiguous and depends on the degree of financial frictions.
Syntheses of 2-alkylamino- and 2-dialkylamino-4,6-diarylpyridines and 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyrimidines using solid-phase-bound chalcones.

Several substituted 2- and 4-hydroxyacetophenones are linked to Wang resin via a modified Mitsunobu protocol. These resin-bound acetophenones are condensed with aromatic aldehydes, and the resulting chalcones 5 are used for the synthesis of 2-dialkylamino- (9a−d) and 2-alkylamino-4,6-diarylpyridines (11a−f), and 2-alkyl-4,6-diaryl- (14a) and 2,4,6-triarylpyrimidines (14b,c) in a manner suitable for combinatorial applications.
Interannual variation in meteorologically adjusted ozone levels in the eastern United States : A comparison of two approaches

Abstract Assessing the influence of abatement efforts and other human activities on ozone levels is complicated by the atmosphere's changeable nature. Two statistical methods, the dynamic linear model (DLM) and the generalized additive model (GAM), are used to estimate ozone trends in the eastern United States and to adjust for meteorological effects. The techniques and resulting estimates are compared and contrasted for four monitoring locations chosen through principal components analysis to represent regional patterns of ozone concentrations. After adjustment for meteorological influence, overall downward trends are evident at all four locations from 1997 to 2004. The results indicate that the two methods’ estimates of ozone changes agree well. When such estimates are needed quickly, or when many similar, but separate analyses are required, the ease of implementation and relative simplicity of the GAMs are attractive. The DLMs are much more flexible, readily addressing such issues as autocorrelation, the presence of missing values, and estimation of long-term trends or cyclical patterns. Implementation of DLMs, however, is typically more difficult, and especially in the absence of an experienced practitioner, they may be better reserved for in-depth analyses.
Monitoring the relaxation behavior of nylon/clay nanocomposites in the melt with an online dielectric sensor

Dielectric spectrometry was used to correlate microstructure of the filler with relaxation behavior of the polymer matrix in nylon/clay nanocomposites. Agglomerated, intercalated, and exfoliated composites were fabricated by extruding nylon 6 and nylon 12 with montmorillonite clays treated by two types of amino surfactants. A new on-line dielectric slit die sensor was used to examine the melt state properties during extrusion compounding in a frequency range from 50 to 106 Hz. Using non-linear regression methods, the experimental data were fit with the Cole–Cole dielectric relaxation functions corrected for electrode polarization and d.c. conductivity. Characteristic frequency, relaxation strength, relaxation time distribution, as well as d.c. conductivities were extracted from curves with overlapping relaxation modes. Only one dielectric dispersion was found in the neat nylon, which was identified as α relaxation associated with molecular segmental motion. Two dielectric relaxations, α relaxation and Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization (MWS), were observed in the composite melt. MWS is ascribed to conducting ions in a polymer/filler mixture and has relaxation properties that are dependent upon the microstructure of the filler. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heart failure reduces the interaction between cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP

Abstract We hypothesized that the negative functional effects of cyclic GMP (cGMP) are attenuated by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and this interaction is reduced in pacing-induced failure of hypertrophic hearts. 8-Bromo-cyclic-GMP (8Br) (2 μg/kg/min) was infused into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in eight control, eight ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and eight pacing-induced failure (failure) dogs. After return to baseline, isoproterenol (0.1 μg/kg/min) was infused, followed by 8Br. Regional myocardial work [force ∗ segment shortening], and O 2 consumption (VO 2 ) [coronary blood flow ∗ O 2 extraction] were measured. cGMP levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. 8Br decreased regional work from 3812 ± 839 g ∗ mm/min by 17% ( P = 0.05) and VO 2 by 29% ( P = 0.05) in control, but not in LVH (from 1073 ± 182 by −10%, VO 2 by −16%) or failure (from 495 ± 145 by −9%, VO 2 by 0%). Isoproterenol increased work by 43% and VO2 by 48% in controls ( P = 0.05) and in LVH (work by 54%, VO 2 by 39%; P = 0.05) but not in failure (work by −28%, VO 2 by −5%). Subsequently, 8Br had no effect on work or VO 2 in control (−2%, −13%), LVH (−12%, −30%), or failure (+13%, +14%). cAMP levels were elevated by isoproterenol in control (381 ± 115 pmol/g versus 553 ± 199 pmol/g) and LVH (313 ± 55 versus 486 ± 227; P = 0.05), but not in failure (300 ± 60 versus 284 ± 126). After isoproterenol, 8Br further elevated cAMP in control (687 ± 122; P = 0.05), but not in LVH or failure. In controls, cAMP attenuates cGMP’s negative functional and metabolic effects. This interaction is blunted in LVH and pacing-induced failure.
Particulate matter at the estuarine salt marsh surface microlayer: Particle-size distributions and comparison to bulk suspension

Abstract Particle-size distributions have been measured for paired samples from the surface microlayer and bulk suspension in a South San Francisco Bay salt marsh. Comparison of size distributions reveals no consistent differences in surface microlayer and bulk particle populations; however, particle numbers were, at times, considerably enriched at the marsh microlayer. An empirical power curve was found to fit the particle-size distributions. The fitted exponents of particle size distributions indicate a slightly greater fraction of particle volume and a substantially greater fraction of particle surface area reside in small (colloidal) particle-size ranges.
Mining evolutionary dependencies from web‐localization repositories

An approach to mining repositories of web-based user documentation for patterns of evolutionary change in the context of internationalization and localization is presented. Localized web documents that are frequently co-changed (i.e., an evolutionary dependency) during the natural language translation process are uncovered to support the future evolution of the system. A sequential-pattern mining technique is used to uncover patterns from version histories. Characteristics of the uncovered patterns such as size, frequency, and occurrence within a single natural language or across multiple languages are discussed. Such patterns help provide an insight into the effort required in retranslation due to a change in the documentation. The approach is validated on the open source K Desktop Environment (KDE) system. KDE maintains documentation for over 50 different natural languages and presents a prime example of the problem. The technique accurately predicts which documents in KDE are retranslated or updated in future versions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum statistical theory of vibrational dynamics in a laser-driven admolecule-surface system

A quantum statistical theory for a laser-driven anharmonic oscillator coupled to a system of many degrees of freedom by means of energy- and phase-dissipative mechanisms is presented. The theory is applied to the description of vibrational dynamics in an admolecule-surface system that are associated with desorption–dissociation processes. It is found that phase relaxation plays an important role in assisting the laser driving force to overcome the anharmonicity and/or detuning bottleneck. It is also shown that a shorter duration of the laser pulse is more efficient for depositing photon energy into the admolecule system.
Yohimbine Potentiation of Reserpine Blepharoptosis

Yohimbine, with an oral LD60 in mice of 36.5 mg./Kg. (S.E. = ±3.02), does not show any reserpine-like sedative-blepharoptotic activity in nonlethal dosage. Using factorially designed, graded response assays, yohimbine was shown to potentiate reserpine palpebral ptosis significantly for at least 5 hours when administered concurrently with and at the same oral dosage level as reserpine. Yohimbine administered in higher dosage extended the potentiation effect to a greater degree and for longer periods of time (≽ 24 hours). Since yohimbine is reported to be both an adrenolytic agent and an antimetabolite of serotonin, this study may indicate that the mechanism of action of reserpine sedation involves depletion of norepinephrine more than serotonin release as a neurohormone. Male mice were more susceptible to reserpine ptosis than females.
Political Behavior and International Tensions

Organized efforts to deal with the problem of war through channels other than those of traditional diplomacy seem peculiarly subject to frustration. Perhaps this is inevitable. Certainly it is common. The current disappointment with the achievements of UNESCO, which Professor Dunn examines in the opening pages of his book, is only the most recent and most obvious instance of the dismay which sometimes follows upon the discovery that the star to which the wagon supposedly has been hitched is, after all, a decidedly earth-bound horse. The fervor that often accompanies a desire to “do something” about international understanding seems to invite a kind of oversimplification that leads inevitably to disillusionment and despair. Social scientists are by no means immune from this affliction, although it is not peculiar to them. The myopias of academic specialization, confronted with the tremendous complexities of such a task in applied social science, may encourage a neglect of the limitations of particular specialties and produce oversimplifications at their peripheries.
Accurate T1 determination from inversion recovery images: Application to human brain at 4 Tesla

It is well known that the signal polarity in inversion-recovery (IR) images changes with inversion time, complicating the determination of T 1 . To avoid this problem, a simple subtraction method is implemented. In this method, k-space data of the longest inversion time are subtracted from the corresponding data of each inversion time. This subtraction yields IR images of same polarity, making it straightforward to derive T 1 using a standard fitting routine. Phantom T 1 studies with IR Turbo-FLASH images demonstrate that this technique is robust and accurate. Four Tesla T 1 values of the human brain were also determined by this method to demonstrate its in vivo utility
OPEC and the monopoly price of world oil

Abstract The paper presents a dynamic model of the behavior of OPEC viewed as a monopolist sharing the oil market with a competitive sector. The main conclusion is that the recent increase in the price of oil was a once and for all phenomenon due to the formation of the cartel and that prices should remain approximately constant during the next twenty years.
The current algebra identity in the σ-model

Abstract It is shown explicitly within the σ-model without nucleons and to any order in perturbation theory that the pion-vector current and the pion-axial vector current amplitudes satisfy the current algebra identity. The amplitude for pion production by an axial vector current satisfies a supplemented identity which includes terms arising from subtraction constants in the invariant amplitudes involved. The role of PCAC is investigated, and it is found that the generalized Ward identity is sufficient but not necessary for the current algebra identity to hold.
Regional cotton lint yield, ETc and water value in Arizona and California

Abstract Water value as agriculture production may be overlooked, though it is an important factor to rational water allocations within a region. An analysis of cotton (Upland and Pima) lint yield, lint yield-consumptive use ratio (LY:ETc), water-use efficiency (WUE) and lint price for Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) during 1988–1999 is considered as part of an attempt to determine lint water value, or benefit. It included determination of means and variability of cotton lint production, LY:ETc ratios and associated irrigation water values (IWVs) and compared these numbers with published estimates of WUE, forage hay water values and municipal water costs. Available rainfall, reference evapotranspiration (ETo), lint yields and price data for counties in both states were used. Consumptive use was estimated using a four-stage crop coefficient function verified by literature values or County Advisor experience. As with dry matter production, cotton lint yields in interior valley regions of CA were weakly correlated with ETc and averaged 1.33 Mg/ha (Upland) and 1.08 Mg/ha (Pima). Cotton lint yields in desert regions of AZ and CA were not correlated with ETc. The greatest LY:ETc ratios (1.9–2.1 kg/ha-mm) were in the San Joaquin valley of CA, were similar to that from WUE type studies and resulted in gross IWVs (∼3400–3800 US$/ha-m), with relatively moderate variability at a net irrigation water requirement (IWR) of approximately 720 mm. While this IWV is 2.5 times greater than water delivery prices below the California Delta, it is less than average municipal water costs of ∼4200 US$/ha-m for Los Angeles, San Francisco and Pheonix while the overall AZ/CA average cotton lint IWV is considerably less. However, cotton lint IWV is two to three times greater than that obtained for alfalfa and sudangrass hay crops in all regions.
A study of 46Ti by the 45Sc(3He, d)46Ti and 46Ti(p, p′)46Ti reactions

Abstract Angular distributions to the ground state and six excited states of 46Ti have been measured for the 45Sc(3He, d)46Ti reaction at a bombarding energy of 37.7 MeV. Also obtained is a 45Sc(3He, 3He)45Sc elastic angular distribution at the same energy. The angular distributions have shapes characteristic of a proton angular momentum transfer of 3, corresponding to stripping to the 1 f 7 2 nuclear shell. Some of the excited states also have admixtures of lp = 1 components, corresponding to proton stripping to the 2 p 3 2 shell. The 46Ti(p, p′)46Ti data are analysed in terms of simple shell-model configurations implied by the lp transfers of the (3He, d) work with configurations attainable by inelastic shell-model transitions.
The Straight Route to Withholding Hand-Feeding and Hydration

The target article (Cochrane 2009) provides a contorted rationale for upholding a surrogate's decision to withhold all nutrition and hydration (NH) from a now-incompetent, debilitated patient who i...
Effect of Current on Spectrum of Breaking Waves in Water of Finite Depth

This paper presents an approximate method to compute the mean value, the mean square value and the spectrum of waves in water of finite depth taking into account the effect of wave breaking with or without the presence of current. It is assumed that there exists a linear and Gaussian ideal wave train whose spectrum is first obtained using the wave energy flux balance equation without considering wave breaking. The Miche wave breaking criterion for waves in finite water depth is used to limit the wave elevation and establish an expression for the breaking wave elevation in terms of the elevation and its second time derivative of the ideal waves. Simple expressions for the mean value, the mean square value and the spectrum are obtained. These results are applied to the case in which a deep water unidirectional wave train, propagating normally towards a straight shoreline over gently varying sea bottom of parallel and straight contours, encounters an adverse steady current whose velocity is assumed to be uniformly distributed with depth. Numerical results are obtained and presented in graphical form.
Implicit Attitudes Towards Feminism

This study employed the Implicit Association Test to assess implicit attitudes towards feminism among 68 U.S. undergraduates. On some trials, participants matched either good or bad words with a feminist or a traditionalist target person. On other trials, they matched feminine or masculine traits with these targets. We predicted (1) faster reaction times to feminist–bad pairings than to feminist–good pairings, (2) faster reactions to traditionalist–good pairings than to traditionalist–bad pairings, (3) faster reactions to traditionalist–feminine pairings than to traditionalist–masculine pairings, and (4) faster reactions to feminist–masculine pairings than to feminist–feminine pairings. The results supported the first three predictions. These results suggest an implicit negativity bias and masculinity bias towards feminists and an implicit positivity bias and femininity bias towards traditionalists.
The Connection Between Spin and Statistics

In the following paper we conclude for the relativistically invariant wave equation for free particles: From postulate (I), according to which the energy must be positive, the necessity of Fermi-Dirac statistics for particles with arbitrary half-integral spin; from postulate (II), according to which observables on different space-time points with a space-like distance are commutable, the necessity of Einstein-Bose statistics for particles with arbitrary integral spin. It has been found useful to divide the quantities which are irreducible against Lorentz transformations into four symmetry classes which have a commutable multiplication like $+1,\ensuremath{-}1,+\ensuremath{\epsilon},\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ with ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}=1$.
A systems-based framework for managing leaking underground fuel tank sites

Soil and groundwater contamination resulting from leaking underground fuel tanks has placed an enormous burden on regulatory agencies entrusted with cleanup of these sites. Considerable effort and resources have already been invested in developing effective methodologies to assess risks and identify suitable remedial options that facilitate site closure in an expedient manner. Risk-based corrective action approaches have been developed to streamline regulatory decision making process that could lead to cost-effective cleanup solutions. However, the implementation of corrective action programs has often been problematic, primarily due to lack of suitable tools that enable understanding of long-term contaminant behavior at the site. Effective management of these sites requires a comprehension of how risks vary in time at the receptor point and how different remedial technologies aid in reducing these risks. This understanding will result in the development of effective management options that are efficient and transparent at all levels. A systems-based management paradigm has been developed by integrating risk assessment and remedial evaluation into a unified framework. The application of the model to risk management at a gasoline-contaminated site is illustrated in this paper. The model results provide valuable insights and add transparency to the decision making process.
Entrainment and Decoupling Relations for Cloudy Boundary Layers

An idealized model of the relationship between entrainment in cloud-topped boundary layers, circulation structure, and the degree of decoupling between the cloud and subcloud layers is developed based on simple turbulent flux distributions and the premise that the entrainment rate, both at cloud top and across cloud base when some stability exists there, is controlled by the large-eddy structure for quasi-steady buoyantly driven conditions. Layers are classified in three regimes depending on whether the cloud-top entrainment rate is ultimately limited by the transport of eddies spanning the full boundary layer (I), the cloud layer (II), or the subcloud layer (III). Algebraic relations are derived for the boundaries between, and entrainment fluxes in, each regime as a function of a convenient set of physical input parameters. The transition from regime II into III, representing the decoupling transition leading to a cumulus coupled layer, is emphasized. The model predicts that decoupling is promoted by a decrease in Bowen ratio or increase in cloud-top humidity to temperature jump ratio, and, depending on the point in parameter space, either promoted or inhibited by an increase in cloud-top radiative cooling or an increase in cloud depth. In spite of the complex cloud-layer dynamics involving cumulus plumes, a simple prediction is given for the quasi-steady cloud-top entrainment rate in regime III based on the subcloud dynamics. The model is compared with results from an extensive set of large-eddy simulations varying surface heat and moisture fluxes, cloud-top humidity and temperature jumps, and relative cloud depth. Good agreement is found with the predicted entrainment rates, the qualitative layer structure, and location of the decoupling boundary in the parameter space varied.
Value-based scheduling in real-time database systems

In a real-time database system, an application may assign a value to a transaction to reflect the return it expects to receive if the transaction commits before its deadline. Most research on real-time database systems has focused on systems where all transactions are assigned the same value, the performance goal being to minimize the number of missed deadlines. When transactions are assigned different values, the goal of the system shifts to maximizing the sum of the values of those transactions that commit by their deadlines. Minimizing the number of missed deadlines becomes a secondary concern. In this article, we address the problem of establishing a priority ordering among transactions characterized by both values and deadlines that results in maximizing the realized value. Of particular interest is the tradeoff established between these values and deadlines in constructing the priority ordering. Using a detailed simulation model, we evaluate the performance of several priority mappings that make this tradeoff in different, but fixed, ways. In addition, a "bucket" priority mechanism that allows the relative importance of values and deadlines to be controlled is introduced and studied. The notion of associating a penalty with transactions whose deadlines are not met is also briefly considered.
Anesthetic neurotoxicity: what to tell the parents?

Summary Over the past decade, numerous preclinical and retrospective human studies have reported that the provision of anesthetic and sedative agents to infants and children may be associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. These data have gained widespread attention from professional and regulatory agencies, including the public at large. As such, pediatric anesthesiologists are being increasingly questioned by parents about the risks of anesthetic agents on their children's neurocognitive development. To impart a framework from which anesthesiologists may address the apprehensions of parents who actively bring up this issue, we review the data supporting anesthetic neurotoxicity and discuss its strengths and limitations. As many parents are not yet aware and do not actively raise these concerns, we also discuss whether such a conversation should be undertaken as a part of the consent process.
Compact Modeling of Conducting-Bridge Random-Access Memory (CBRAM)

A physics-based compact device model is developed for the conducting-bridge random-access memory (CBRAM). By considering the dependence of ion migration velocity on the electric field, the vertical and lateral growth/dissolution dynamics for the metallic filament are investigated. Both time-dependent transient and “quasi-static” switching characteristics of the CBRAM are captured. Moreover, the I-V characteristics of the CBRAM can be reproduced. By further considering the compliance effect on the size of the metallic filament, the on-state resistance modulation is fitted, and the multilevel capability is included in the model. This model is verified by the experiments data from the Ag/Ge0.3Se0.7-based CBRAM cells. This model reveals that experimentally measured switching parameters such as the threshold voltage and the cell resistance are dynamic quantities that depend on the programming duration time. The time-dependent switching process of the CBRAM is quantified, thus paving the way for a compact SPICE model for circuit simulation.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α regulates postischemic liver injury

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) is a transcription factor that in some in vitro systems has been linked with downregulation of proinflammatory mediators, thus implicating a pot...
Cash Flow - The Oil That Keeps the Small and Family Business Organization Running Smoothly*

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of cashflow and the purposes of uses of the Statement of Cash Flows. Two different methods of calculating cash flows from operations are presented along with a discussion of ways to interpret cashflows and how to plan for future activity. The importance of cashflow should be clear to the financial manager whether the business entity be a small family business or a major corporation. A shortage of cashflow could result in the loss of valuable trade discounts or, in extreme circumstances, f 1NJ11Cial embarrassment and bankruptcy. While a cash surplus does not necessarily translate into greater returns to owners, it certainly provides opportunities/or prospective buyers who understand how to utilize positive cash flows. The caveat for interpreting cash flow is the same as that used for net income: quality counts. This means that firms that depend heavily on depreciation to generate cash flow are not looked on as favorably as firms that have a preponderance of cash flow from operations. Furthermore, cash flow should be analyzed to make certain that the company is investing properly in order to maintain future operations. Managers who attempt to improve cash flow artificially by ignoring necessary investments in plant and equipment may not be familiar with the concepts of cashflow.
Volatile anesthetics inhibit sodium channels without altering bulk lipid bilayer properties

Although general anesthetics are clinically important and widely used, their molecular mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane (ISO) are thought to alter neuronal function by depressing excitatory and facilitating inhibitory neurotransmission through direct interactions with specific protein targets, including voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(v)). Many anesthetics alter lipid bilayer properties, suggesting that ion channel function might also be altered indirectly through effects on the lipid bilayer. We compared the effects of ISO and of a series of fluorobenzene (FB) model volatile anesthetics on Na(v) function and lipid bilayer properties. We examined the effects of these agents on Na(v) in neuronal cells using whole-cell electrophysiology, and on lipid bilayer properties using a gramicidin-based fluorescence assay, which is a functional assay for detecting changes in lipid bilayer properties sensed by a bilayer-spanning ion channel. At clinically relevant concentrations (defined by the minimum alveolar concentration), both the FBs and ISO produced prepulse-dependent inhibition of Na(v) and shifted the voltage dependence of inactivation toward more hyperpolarized potentials without affecting lipid bilayer properties, as sensed by gramicidin channels. Only at supra-anesthetic (toxic) concentrations did ISO alter lipid bilayer properties. These results suggest that clinically relevant concentrations of volatile anesthetics alter Na(v) function through direct interactions with the channel protein with little, if any, contribution from changes in bulk lipid bilayer properties. Our findings further suggest that changes in lipid bilayer properties are not involved in clinical anesthesia.
The future of WHO: outsourcing?

ahead of their Executive Board session. With WHO reform in the air, Director-General Margaret Chan stated in her opening remarks that the “agenda covers some of the most pressing public health problems” and that there is “growing evidence that well-functioning and inclusive health systems contribute to social cohesion, equity, and stability.”
eDSP - a DSP-centric reusable learning object environment

The University of Florida (UF) offers a traditional curriculum having a strong signal processing presence. What is being observed is that the digital signal processing (DSP) students continue to study the same basic core material, but at different levels of the curriculum. What differentiates the treatment of material at one level from another is: the order of presentation; level of mathematical challenge and rigor; amount of supplemental material added; and level of technology exposure. The University of Florida is exploring the use of reusable learning objects (RLO), objects that can be aggregated to build multiple lessons. Instead of designing complete courses, curriculum designers can use RLOs to configure content for general or course specific use over a range of curriculum levels. In this paper, the preliminary experience gained by using this new paradigm is reported. The outcome is called eDSP, a concept that supports a multi-level broad signal processing curriculum as well as defining the next generation of academic ebooks.