cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Different capacities for recombination in closely related human lymphoblastoid cell lines with different mutational responses to X-irradiation.

Abstract WIL2-NS and TK6 are two distinct human lymphoblast cell lines derived from a single male donor. WIL2-NS cells are significantly more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of X-irradiation but considerably more sensitive to induced mutation. In an effort to determine the mechanistic basis for these differences, we analyzed the physical structures of thymidine kinase (tk)-deficient mutants isolated after X-ray treatment of tk heterozygotes derived from TK6 and the more mutable WIL2-NS. Southern analysis showed that while 84% of TK6-derived mutants had arisen by loss of heterozygosity (LOH), all 106 mutants from WIL2-NS derivatives arose with LOH at tk and all but one showed LOH at other linked loci on chromosome 17. We adapted a fluorescence in situ hybridization technique to distinguish between LOH due to deletion, which results in retention of only one tk allele, and LOH due to a mechanism involving the homologous chromosome (e.g., recombination), which results in the retention of two alleles. Among the LOH mutants derived that were analyzed in this way, 9 of 26 from WIL2-NS and 11 of 17 from TK6 cell lines arose by deletion. The remaining mutants retained two copies of the tk gene and thus arose by a mechanism involving the homologous allele. Since many of these mutants arising by a homologous mechanism retained partial heterozygosity of chromosome 17, they must have arisen by recombination or gene conversion, and not chromosome loss and reduplication. Finally, the recombinational capacities of WIL2-NS and TK6 were compared in transfection assays with plasmid recombination substrates. Intermolecular recombination frequencies were greater in WIL2-NS than in TK6. These data are consistent with a model suggesting that a recombinational repair system is functioning at a higher level in WIL2-NS than in TK6; the greater mutability of the tk locus in WIL2-NS results from more frequent inter- and intramolecular recombination events.
Analytical characterization of peptide contaminants of L-tryptophan

Reversed-phase liquid chromatographic fractions of extracts of 2 preparations of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS)-associated L-tryptophan were analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, mass spectrometry, microbial-growth inhibition, and amino acid residue analyses. Fraction components demonstrated properties of an antibiotic peptide resembling bacitracin. Many peptide antibiotics like bacitracin are secondary metabolites of Bacillus species, genus of the tryptophan producer organism for the implicated manufacturer. In order to determine whether a correlation exists between individual EMS cases and the concentration of peptides or bacitracin consumed, reliable methods must be developed for quantification of the total of isoforms.
Stabilizing Effect of a Multiple Salt Bridge in a Prenucleated Peptide

The free energy contribution of salt bridges to protein stability remains a controversial issue. The role of single salt bridges has been investigated in protein and peptide studies; there is no reported value of a multiple salt bridge employing peptide models. We have designed a de novo peptide model to evaluate the strength of a multiple salt bridge. Measurement of the rate of hydrogen exchange (HX) of the backbone NH groups in α-helical peptides allows determination of the absolute free energy of individual interactions that participate in helix stabilization. We apply this procedure here to evaluate the stabilizing contribution of a multiple salt bridge involving Glu3, Asp4, and Arg7 in an 11-mer peptide. The peptide is prenucleated by a lactam bridge connecting two side chains spaced four residues apart. Measurement of the HX rates of each NH group in this peptide as a function of pH, together with the pH independent rate of a Gln3 and Asn4 analogue, reveals a substantial favorable contribution to th...
Studies on Clonorchis sinensis. II. Development of an antigen for complement fixation and studies on the antibody response in infected rabbits

Abstract An antigen was prepared from adult C. sinensis by treating dehydrated worms with anhydrous ether at −18 °C before extracting with buffered saline solution. Preliminary ether extraction eliminated anticomplementary activity and reduced cross reactivity without effecting the capacity to react specifically with homologous antiserum. Employing the new antigen in studying the specific antibody response in experimentally infected rabbits, it was shown that it may be used with success to determine host antibody response.
Evaluation of Ground Source Heat Pump Energy, Demand, and Greenhouse Potential in Colorado Residential Buildings

This paper summarizes the results of a detailed energy analysis carried out for a typical Colorado residence using three different HVAC systems for 10 distinct locations in Colorado. The HVAC systems considered in the analysis include: • 78% efficient furnace with a 13 SEER air conditioner; • Vertical well ground source heat pump with a heating COP of 3.5 and a cooling EER of 17.1; • Slinky ground source heat pump with a heating COP of 3.5 and a cooling EER of 17.1. The results of the analysis indicate that relative to the conventional systems, ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer several benefits including lower annual energy costs, electrical peak demand, and carbon emissions. However, GSHPs use more electrical energy use. Specifically, it was found that relative to a 78 AFUE furnace / 13 SEER AC system, in all locations both GSHPs, vertical well and slinky, show on average a 41.2% increase in electricity use, a 10% decrease in energy cost, a 4.5% decrease in CO2 emissions, and a 16.8% average decrease in peak summer electric demand.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A low-cost polyacrylamide gel scanning densitometer.

Abstract A simple, low-cost, home-built acrylamide gel scanning densitometer is described. The instrument was designed to provide gel scans for the purpose of comparing the relative rates of mobility of bands. It does not include provisions for large volume, integration of peaks, or micrometer resolution. The key to the simplicity of the device was through the use of a rotary rather than a transverse gel carriage. A turntable was attached directly to the shaft of a synchronous clock motor with a slow rate of rotation. A curved gel holder, placed on the turntable, carries the gel through the light beam. A commercial strip chart recorder is used with the scanner.
Existence and comparison results for differential equations of Sobolev type

In this paper we prove an existence theorem of Peano type for Sobolev differential equations. Also included are theorems on the continuation of solutions, differential inequalities and comparison of solutions of Sobolev differential equations.
SU‐GG‐I‐98: Using MTF to Assess the Influence of X‐Ray Focal Spot Blur on the Resolution of Fluoroscopic Imaging Systems

Purpose: The resolution of x‐ray fluoroscopyimages is dependent on detector characteristics and x‐ray focal spot penumbra blur. The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of focal spot size and geometric magnification (M) on the modulation transfer function(MTF) of flat panel fluoroscopic imagingsystems.Method and Materials: The MTF of was measured for two x‐ray detectors, three different focal spot sizes, and M in the range 1.04 to 1.70. The MTF was measured both parallel and perpendicular to the cathode‐anode direction using an angled edge device method. MTF spectra were used to calculate the noise equivalent aperture (NEA, mm2), which is the reciprocal of the 2D integral of the 1D MTF.Results: There were marked changes in MTF and NEA between systems and as a function of geometric magnification for the three focal spots. Comparing the two systems, that with the larger pixel size had higher NEA for all focal spots and magnification factors. For the nominal 0.4 mm focal spot, system resolution improved with magnification up to M=1.3 and then remained unchanged for 1.3 < M ≤ 1.7. For the 0.8 mm focal spot, the system resolution was largely unchanged in the range 1.04 ≤ M < 1.3 and then decreased for 1.3 < M < 1.7. For the 1.2 mm focal spot, the system resolution consistently decreased for all 1.04 < M ≤ 1.07. For all focal spots, resolution was better maintained in the direction parallel to the cathode‐anode direction than in the orthogonal direction. Conclusion: Methods to assess the MTF and NEA of digital fluoroscopysystems were developed. The MTF and NEA demonstrated changes in resolution between the two detectors and three focal spot sizes, and with variable geometric magnification.
[Formula: see text]inadequate effort on neuropsychological evaluation is associated with increased healthcare utilization.

Patients who exert inadequate effort on neuropsychological examination might not receive accurate diagnoses and recommendations, and might not cooperate fully with other aspects of healthcare. This study examined whether inadequate effort is associated with increased healthcare utilization. Of 355 patients seen for routine, clinical neuropsychological examination at a VA Medical Center, 283 (79.7%) showed adequate effort and 72 (20.3%) showed inadequate effort, as determined at time of evaluation using the Word Memory Test and/or Test of Memory Malingering. Utilization data included number of Emergency Department (ED) visits and inpatient hospitalizations in the year following evaluation. Patients who had shown inadequate effort on examination had more Emergency Department visits, more inpatient hospitalizations, and more days of inpatient hospitalization in the year after evaluation, compared to patients who had exerted adequate effort. This finding was not attributable to group differences in age or med...
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationships between Modes and Degree of Expatriate Adjustment and Multiple Measures of Performance

A model extending international research by defining relationships among Nicholson’s modes of adjustment, Black’s degree of expatriate adjustment, and expatriate task and contextual performance was...
Instructional Leadership in Charter Schools: Is There an Organizational Effect or Are Leadership Practices the Result of Faculty Characteristics and Preferences?

Notable differences in leadership practices in charter and public schools have been documented, as have differences in teacher attributes between these schooling sectors. Given that teachers are not distributed to charter and public schools at random but rather select (and are selected by) these institutions, we ask: To what extent do differences in teacher characteristics and preferences influence leadership practices across schools? This study applies regression analysis to assess the relationship between teacher characteristics and preferences and principal instructional leadership practices. Contrary to expectations, we find that teachers' characteristics and preferences do not shape their principal's instructional leadership practices.
Development of a multi-source solar simulator for spatial uniformity and close spectral matching to AM0 and AM1.5

Results from ongoing development of spatial and spectral quality of RIT's dual source solar simulator are presented. This simulator as designed qualifies as class A for both AM0 and AM1.5, depending on the filter set used. Measurements were made of spatial intensity uniformity, as well as spectral uniformity across the 300 mm diameter beam under calibrated AM0 conditions. The beam exhibits intensity non-uniformity across the 300 mm diameter test plane of 5.89%, though typically cells can be measured in a 10 cm × 10 cm central region of 1.13% non-uniformity. Spectral match and spectral mismatch values were calculated for specific spectral regions and device structures, respectively, which verified a close match to both AM0 and AM1.5G, especially in the region most commonly used for triple junction solar cells. Results of a set of ten Emcore BTJs measured at Emcore, Aerospace Corporation, NASA Glenn Research Center, and RIT, were compared. It was found that RIT's simulator produced figures of merit such as V OC , I SC , fill factor, and efficiency, for these cells to within 2% of the other facilities.
College Football and Student Quality: An Advertising Effect or Culture and Tradition?

Intercollegiate sports are said to generate positive advertising that produces many benefits to the host school. Donations, applications, and the academic quality of the student body are some of the mission outcomes thought to rise with the fortunes of the football team. The present study tests these claims for three measures of the academic quality of the entering classes on a 12-year panel of the 233 colleges and universities competing at the highest levels of football. Results show clear positive effects attributable to the football program, though those effects are more the result of the football culture and tradition at the school than the on-field performance of the team. Any sports advertising effects of the football program are minimal when compared to the effects of nonathletic institutional characteristics on the quality of students enrolling at the school.
REVENUE, PROGRESSIVITY, AND THE FLAT TAX

This paper uses detailed household data to analyze revenue potential and progressivity under two popular “flat tax” proposals. The results show that the Hall and Rabushka version of the flat tax would generate $626 billion in revenue in 1993 while the more generous plan of Armey and Shelby would produce only $538 billion. Integrating the individual tax with the business tax indicates that both proposals are progressive. However, there is a substantial shift of the tax burden from the highest income classes to the middle classes in comparison to the current system.
The Actor–Observer Bias and Moral Intuitions: Adding Fuel to Sinnott-Armstrong’s Fire

In a series of recent papers, Walter Sinnott-Armstrong has used findings in social psychology to put pressure on the claim that our moral beliefs can be non-inferentially justified. More specifically, he has suggested that insofar as our moral intuitions are subject to what psychologists call framing effects, this poses a real problem for moral intuitionism. In this paper, we are going to try to add more fuel to the empirical fire that Sinnott-Armstrong has placed under the feet of the intuitionist. Along the way, we first provide an overview of what Sinnott-Armstrong calls the Master Argument against intuitionism. Then we examine some of the literature on framing effects—especially as it pertains to moral philosophy. Finally, we present the results of a new study which create yet another hurdle intuitionists must clear if they want to motivate their view. It appears that in addition to being influenced by framing effects, our moral intuitions are also influenced by an actor–observer bias as well—a bias whereby we hold other people to different moral standards than we would hold ourselves even if we were in the same situation. If we’re right, the burden is on the moral intuitionist to explain why we should have faith in our moral intuitions despite the gathering evidence concerning their seeming unreliability. And by our lights, this is something that simply cannot be done from the armchair.
Adaptive Information Extraction for Complex Biomedical Tasks

Biomedical information extraction tasks are often more complex and contain uncertainty at each step during problem solving processes. We present an adaptive information extraction framework and demonstrate how to explore uncertainty using feedback integration.
A mouse M-opsin monochromat: retinal cone photoreceptors have increased M-opsin expression when S-opsin is knocked out.

Abstract Mouse cone photoreceptors, like those of most mammals including humans, express cone opsins derived from two ancient families: S-opsin (gene Opn1sw) and M-opsin (gene Opn1mw). Most C57Bl/6 mouse cones co-express both opsins, but in dorso-ventral counter-gradients, with M-opsin dominant in the dorsal retina and S-opsin in the ventral retina, and S-opsin 4-fold greater overall. We created a mouse lacking S-opsin expression by the insertion of a Neomycin selection cassette between the third and fourth exons of the Opn1sw gene (Opn1swNeo/Neo). In strong contrast to published results characterizing mice lacking rhodopsin (Rho−/−) in which retinal rods undergo cell death by 2.5 months, cones of the Opn1swNeo/Neo mouse remain viable for at least 1.5 yrs, even though many ventral cones do not form outer segments, as revealed by high resolution immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Suction pipette recordings revealed that functional ventral cones of the Opn1swNeo/Neo mouse not only phototransduce light with normal kinetics, but are more sensitive to mid-wavelength light than their WT counterparts. Quantitative Western blot analysis revealed the basis of the heightened sensitivity to be increased M-opsin expression. Because S- and M-opsin transcripts must compete for the same translational machinery in cones where they are co-expressed, elimination of S-opsin mRNA in ventral Opn1swNeo/Neo cones likely increases M-opsin expression by relieving competition for translational machinery, revealing an important consequence of eliminating a dominant transcript. Overall, our results reveal a striking capacity for cone photoreceptors to function with much reduced opsin expression, and to remain viable in the absence of an outer segment.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay: a necessary tool for multiglandular disease

Objectives. The aims were to: (1) evaluate whether failure of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) to decrease by the Miami criterion is a more specific indicator of multiglandular disease (M...
High-speed modulation of quantum-dot lasers

The formation of nanostructures through the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode has proven to be an excellent method of forming damage-free quantum dots and has demonstrated laser operation and some improved characteristics expected for quantum dots. However, due to the complex nature of the bandstructure, quantum dot array formation, and carrier interactions in the dots, the understanding of self-assembled quantum dot lasers is still in the early stages. In order to meet a wide range of applications, the dynamic properties of the lasers have to be characterized, understood and, if necessary, improved. These properties impact small- and large-signal modulation phenomena and associated gain switching and chirp. We present our observations on the dynamic properties of self-assembled quantum dot lasers. In addition to improving laser performance, the discrete energy levels in quantum dots provide for unique laser applications. The lasing in self-assembled quantum dot devices has been shown to exist for ground and excited state transitions, depending on the gain in the active region. Through use of a cavity-coupled saturable absorber region, the gain may be altered to provide lasing in either the ground or excited state in a quantum dot laser, providing controlled wavelength switching, useful for optoelectronic integrated circuit applications and wavelength division multiplexing. Laser heterostructures with self-assembled In/sub 0.4/Ga/sub 0.6/As quantum dots as the gain medium were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
Proteomic Analysis of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Virion Protein 16 Transactivator Protein in Infected Cells

The herpes simplex virus 1 virion protein 16 (VP16) tegument protein forms a transactivation complex with the cellular proteins host cell factor 1 (HCF-1) and octamer-binding transcription factor 1 (Oct-1) upon entry into the host cell. VP16 has also been shown to interact with a number of virion tegument proteins and viral glycoprotein H to promote viral assembly, but no comprehensive study of the VP16 proteome has been performed at early times postinfection. We therefore performed a proteomic analysis of VP16-interacting proteins at 3 h postinfection. We confirmed the interaction of VP16 with HCF-1 and a large number of cellular Mediator complex proteins, but most surprisingly, we found that the major viral protein associating with VP16 is the infected cell protein 4 (ICP4) immediate-early (IE) transactivator protein. These results raise the potential for a new function for VP16 in associating with the IE ICP4 and playing a role in transactivation of early and late gene expression, in addition to its well-documented function in transactivation of IE gene expression.
Generation of a Syngeneic Mouse Model to Study the Effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Ovarian Carcinoma

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) performs multifaceted functions in the tumor microenvironment promoting angiogenesis, suppressing anti-tumor immune response, and possibly exerting autocrine functions on tumor cells. However, appropriate syngeneic animal models for in vivo studies are lacking. Using retroviral transfection and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we generated a C57BL6 murine ovarian carcinoma cell line that stably overexpresses the murine VEGF164 isoform and the enhanced green fluorescent protein. VEGF164 overexpression dramatically accelerated tumor growth and ascites formation, significantly enhanced tumor angiogenesis, and substantially promoted the survival of tumor cells in vivo. In vitro, VEGF164 overexpression significantly enhanced cell survival after growth factor withdrawal and conferred resistance to apoptosis induced by cis-platin through an autocrine mechanism. VEGF/green fluorescent protein-expressing tumors were not recognized by the adaptive immune system. After vaccination, a specific anti-tumor T-cell response was detected, but tumor growth was not inhibited. This engineered murine carcinoma model should prove useful in the investigation of the role of VEGF in modulating the tumor microenvironment and affecting the complex interactions among angiogenesis mechanisms, anti-tumor immune mechanisms, and tumor cell behavior at the natural state or during therapy in ovarian carcinoma.
Avoidance of hemodilution during selective cerebral perfusion enhances neurobehavioral outcome in a survival porcine model.

Introduction: The ideal hematocrit (HCT) level during hypothermic selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) — to ensure adequate oxygen delivery without excessive perfusion — has not yet been determined. Methods: Twenty pigs (26.0 � 2.6 kg) were randomized to low or high HCT management. The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit was primed with crystalloid in the low HCT group (21 � 1%), and with donor blood in the high HCT group (30 � 1%). Pigs were cooled to 20 8C and SCP was carried out for 90 min. During rewarming, whole blood was added in the low HCT group and crystalloid in the high HCT group to produce equivalent HCT levels by the end of the procedure. Using fluorescent microspheres and sagittal sinus sampling, cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) were assessed at baseline, after cooling, at two points during SCP (30 and 90 min), and at 15 min and 2 h post-CPB. In addition, a range of physiological and metabolic parameters, including intracranial pressure (ICP), were recorded throughout the procedure. The animals’ behavior was videotaped and assessed blindly for 7 days postoperatively (maximum score = 5). Results: HCT levels were equivalent at baseline, 2 h post-CPB, and at sacrifice, but significantly different (p < 0.0001) during cooling and SCP. Mean arterial pressure, pH and pCO2, and CMRO2 were equivalent between groups throughout. ICP was similar in the two groups throughout cooling, SCP, and rewarming, but was significantly higher in the low HCTanimals after the termination of CPB. CBF was similar at baseline, but thereafter markedly higher in the low HCT group. Neurobehavioral performance was significantly better in the high HCTanimals (median score 3.5 vs 4.5 on day 3, and 4.5 vs 4.75 on day 7, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Higher HCT levels for SCP produced a significantly superior functional outcome, suggesting that the higher CBF with a lower HCT may be injurious, possibly because of an increased embolic load. # 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Melon and banana sensitivity coincident with ragweed pollinosis

Abstract Because of a suspected relationship between ragweed pollinosis and melon or banana sensitivity, 2,067 consecutive patients in an allergy practice were queried with regard to symptoms from melon or banana ingestion. Of 1,447 patients with pollinosis, 90 complained of oral pruritus, which was by far the most common symptom caused by these fruits. No melon- or banana-induced oral pruritus occurred in any of 620 allergic patients who did not have pollinosis. Melon- or banana-sensitive patients as a group showed the following characteristics: (1) All were sensitive to ragweed or grass pollen clinically and by skin test. (2) Most showed a much higher degree of skin test sensitivity to ragweed than a control group of patients with ragweed pollinosis who were not melon or banana sensitive. (3) The prevalence of asthma was much higher in the melon- and banana-sensitive group (78 per cent) than that in the control group (47 per cent). Immunologic studies with rabbit antisera showed no common antigens by Ouchterlony gel diffusion between ragweed, melon, and banana or between timothy, melon, and banana, although common antigens were found between all of the melons, (watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew). Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in guinea pigs demonstrated a strong cross-reaction between ragweed antigen and cantaloupe antibody, suggesting common antigenic determinants as an explanation for the melon sensitivity-ragweed pollinosis syndrome. Possible alternative causes of this relationship are discussed.
Formally Verifying a Microprocessor Using a Simulation Methodology

Formal verification is becoming a useful means of validating designs. We have developed a methodology for formally verifying dataintensive circuits (e.g., processors) with sophisticated timing (e.g., pipelining) against high-level declarative specifications. Previously, formally verifying a microprocessor required the use of an automatic theorem prover, but our technique requires little more than a symbolic simulator. We have formally verified a pre-existing 16-bit CISC microprocessor circuit extracted from the fabricated layout.
The Terrorist Threat to World Nuclear Programs

Terrorism in the global setting has become the predominant form of confrontation between differing subcategories of societies that seek to overcome each other, regardless of size. In the case of nuclear terrorism, the consequences of failure are potentially catastrophic. While the logic of our strategic nuclear policy is clear, the same clarity does not hold for policies directed at nuclear terrorism. In the former case, a prevailing view is that the risk of nuclear war is low because the United States responds vigilantly to nuclear threats posed by other nations. In the latter case, there is no terrorist prevention doctrine, nor is there an institutional focus for preventing terrorism that is even remotely commensurate with that which exists for deterring nuclear war. We here consider the dimensions of the nuclear terrorism problem, discuss these with respect to the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system, consider the capabilities and objectives of potential terrorist groups, and formulate s...
Brain region mapping using global metabolomics

SUMMARY Historically, studies of brain metabolism have been based on targeted analyses of a limited number of metabolites. Here we present an untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomic strategy that has successfully uncovered differences in a broad array of metabolites across anatomical regions of the mouse brain. The NSG immunodeficient mouse model was chosen because of its ability to undergo humanization leading to numerous applications in oncology and infectious disease research. Metabolic phenotyping by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and nanostructure imaging mass spectrometry revealed both water-soluble and lipid metabolite patterns across brain regions. Neurochemical differences in metabolic phenotypes were mainly defined by various phospholipids and several intriguing metabolites including carnosine, cholesterol sulfate, lipoamino acids, uric acid, and sialic acid, whose physiological roles in brain metabolism are poorly understood. This study helps define regional homeostasis for the normal mouse brain to give context to the reaction to pathological events.
High-Frequency Pulsed Combustion Actuator Experiments

This paper describes an experimental study of high-frequency pulsed combustion tubes that were developed as actuatorsforaerodynamic flowcontrolathighspeed.Ahigh-frequencyvalveinjectsachargeofamixtureof H2 and air at rates of up to about 1000 Hz into a constant area tube closed at one end. Injection is from near the open end of the tube and directed toward the closed end. The premixed reactants react rapidly in the tube each cycle and the products exit as a pulsed jet. High-frequency pressure transducers are used to monitor the pressure fluctuations in the device. Thrust is measured with a balance. Initiation of reaction was observed in the region of contact between injected reactants and products from the previous cycle, near the injection point, and propagated behind a supersonic wave toward the closed end of the tube. The effects of injection frequency, fuel and air flow rates, tube length(rangingfrom203to406mm),andinjectionlocationwereconsidered.Maximumspecificthrustwasobtained withthetubeoperatinginaroughlyquarter-waveoscillation.Thrustmeasurementsarecomparedtocalculationsof ideal pulse detonation engines, whose mode of operation is similar.
Hemodynamic abnormalities during coronary angiography: comparison of Hypaque-76, Hexabrix, and Omnipaque-350

The hemodynamic effects induced by coronary angiography in dogs with low osmolar ionic dimer Hexabrix (HB) and nonionic Omnipaque-350 (OM) were compared to the standard ionic contrast medium, Hypaque-76 (H76), both in the normal heart and in one with simulated severe cardiac disease. Left coronary angiography was performed in 12 “normal” closed-chest dogs with 10-cc injections of H76, HB, and OM in a randomized, blinded fashion. The maximal change in the left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure (SP), mean aortic pressure (MAP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and LV dp/dt were recorded. The LVSP and MAP fell 30 ± 3 mm Hg and 26 ± 4 mm Hg with H76, 22 ± 2 mm Hg and 19 ± 2 mm Hg with HB, and 7 ± 1.5 mm Hg and 5 ± 1 mm Hg with OM (P < .001). The LVEDP increased 4.8 ± 0.5 mm Hg with H76, 3 ± 0.5 mm Hg with HB, but only 0.2 mm Hg with OM (P < .001). The LV dp/dt decreased 392 ± 63 mm Hg/sec with H76 and 235 ± 21 mm Hg/sec with HB, but increased 411 ± 50 mm Hg with OM (P < .001). In eight additional open-chest dogs, left coronary angiography was performed 1 hr after occlusion of the proximal LAD coronary artery and in the presence of a critical circumflex coronary artery (CX) stenosis. Occlusion of the LAD and the creation of a CX stenosis produced a 22 ± 3 mm Hg decrease in LVSP, a 310 ± 64 mm Hg/sec decrease in LV dp/dt, and a 4.7 ± 0.6 mm Hg increase in the LVEDP; 7 cc H76 produced a further 34 ± 6 mm Hg decrease in LVSP, compared with 13 ± 3 mm Hg with HB and 5.3 ± 1.5 mm Hg with OM (P < .001). The LV dp/dt decreased 505 ± 89 mm Hg/sec with H76, 210 ± 64 mm Hg with HB, but increased 265 ± 31 mm Hg with OM (P .001). The LVEDP increased 5.5 ± 1 mm Hg with H76, compared with 2.8 ± 0.6 mm Hg with HB and 0.37 ± 0.26 mm Hg with OM (P < .001). Thus, both low osmolar contrast media caused significantly less myocardial depression than the standard ionic contrast agents. OM is particularly devoid of myocardial depressive effects and produces less hemodynamic alteration than HB.
Design and Capacity Analysis of Cellular-Type Underwater Acoustic Networks

The design of a cellular underwater network is addressed from the viewpoint of determining the cell size and the frequency reuse pattern needed to support a desired number of users operating over a given area within a given system bandwidth. By taking into account the basic laws of underwater acoustic propagation, it is shown that unlike in the terrestrial radio systems, both the cell radius R and the reuse number N must satisfy a set of constraints to constitute an admissible solution (which sometimes may not exist). The region of admissible (R,N) , which defines the possible network topologies, is determined by the user density and the system bandwidth (rho,B) , and by the required signal-to-interference ratio and per-user bandwidth (SIR0,W 0) . The system capacity is defined as the maximal user density rhomax that can be supported within a given bandwidth, and it is derived analytically. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the results. It is shown that capacity-achieving architectures are characterized by N, which grows with rhomax. The capacity, as well as the range of admissible solutions, is heavily influenced by the choice of frequency region to which the bandwidth is allocated. Moving to a higher frequency region than that dictated by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) maximization improves the SIR and yields a greater capacity. Although higher frequencies demand greater transmission power to span the same distance, they also imply a reduction in the cell size, which, in turn, provides an overall reduction in the transmission power. While complex relationships are involved in system optimization, the analysis presented offers a simple tool for the design of future ocean observation systems based on cellular types of network architecture for wide area coverage.
Restoration genetics of the vernal pool endemic Lasthenia conjugens (Asteraceae)

Restoration of habitat for endangered species often involves translocation of seeds or individuals from source populations to an area targeted for revegetation. Long-term persistence of a species is dependent on the maintenance of sufficient genetic variation within and among populations. Thus, knowledge and maintenance of genetic variability within rare or endangered species is essential for developing effective conservation and restoration strategies. Genetic monitoring of both natural and restored populations can provide an assessment of restoration protocol success in establishing populations that maintain levels of genetic diversity similar to those in natural populations. California’s vernal pools are home to many endangered plants, thus conservation and restoration are large components of their management. Lasthenia conjugens (Asteraceae) is a federally endangered self-incompatible vernal pool annual with gravity- dispersed seeds. Using the molecular technique of intersimple sequence repeats (ISSRs), this study assessed levels and patterns of genetic variability present within natural and restored populations of L. conjugens. At Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield, California, a vernal pool restoration project is underway. Genetic success of the ecologically based seeding protocol was examined through genetic monitoring of natural and restored populations over a three-year period. Genetic diversity remained constant across the three sampled generations. Diversity was also widely distributed across all populations. We conclude that the protocol used to establish restored populations was successful in capturing similar levels and patterns of genetic diversity to those seen within natural pools. This study also demonstrates how genetic markers can be used to inform conservation and restoration decisions.
A Variational Stereo Method for the Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Ocean Waves

We develop a novel remote sensing technique for the observation of waves on the ocean surface. Our method infers the 3-D waveform and radiance of oceanic sea states via a variational stereo imagery formulation. In this setting, the shape and radiance of the wave surface are given by minimizers of a composite energy functional that combines a photometric matching term along with regularization terms involving the smoothness of the unknowns. The desired ocean surface shape and radiance are the solution of a system of coupled partial differential equations derived from the optimality conditions of the energy functional. The proposed method is naturally extended to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of ocean waves and applied to three sets of stereo video data. Statistical and spectral analysis are carried out. Our results provide evidence that the observed omnidirectional wavenumber spectrum S(k) decays as k-2.5 is in agreement with Zakharov's theory (1999). Furthermore, the 3-D spectrum of the reconstructed wave surface is exploited to estimate wave dispersion and currents.
Hybrid energy storage systems for high-performance hybrid electric vehicles

In recent years, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has come to the forefront as the leader for alternative fuel vehicles. With the increased demand for HEVs, more research has gone into the improvements of these vehicles. In order to achieve better performance in terms of miles per gallon, speed, and power, researchers have focused on many elements of the vehicle and how these elements affect the overall vehicle performance. One such element that has been a highly discussed topic has been the battery systems. Current battery technology has been a limiting factor when it comes to some aspects of the overall performance of the vehicle. There have been many developments on battery technology to increase cell life and performance. In order to achieve a better performing energy storage system, the concept of hybrid energy storage systems has been discussed. With the combination of different energy storage devices, the energy storage system can be improved to be for adept to accepting high regenerative braking current as well as endure high dynamics when it comes to driving performance.
Filopodial initiation and a novel filament-organizing center, the focal ring.

This study examines filopodial initiation and implicates a putative actin filament organizer, the focal ring. Filopodia were optically recorded as they emerged from veils, the active lamellar exten...
INVARIANCE CONDITIONS FOR RANDOM CURVATURE MODELS

A class of probability models is introduced with the objective of representing certain properties of the geometric optics of the human eye. Astigmatic probability laws are those in which the extreme curvature values in the anterior corneal surface, measured at circularly arranged and equally spaced locations, are displaced by an approximate 90 deg angular separation. The relationship between the symmetry invariance of these probability laws for curvature data and probability laws for the ranking permutations associated with the ordering of these data is obtained. A distinction is made between the condition in which the components of the curvature ensemble are represented as real numbers from that in which these curvatures are color-coded and take value on a finite totally ordered set. A constructive principle for astigmatic laws is outlined based on algebraic arguments for the analysis of structured data.
CKD as an Underrecognized Threat to Patient Safety

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, but underrecognized, in patients in the health care system, where improving patient safety is a high priority. Poor disease recognition and several other features of CKD make it a high-risk condition for adverse safety events. In this review, we discuss the unique attributes of CKD that make it a high-risk condition for patient safety mishaps. We point out that adverse safety events in this disease have the potential to contribute to disease progression; namely, accelerated loss of kidney function and increased incidence of end-stage renal disease. We also propose a framework in which to consider patient safety in CKD, highlighting the need for disease-specific safety indicators that reflect unsafe practices in the treatment of this disease. Finally, we discuss the hypothesis that increased recognition of CKD will reduce disease-specific safety events and in this way decrease the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including an accelerated rate of kidney function loss and increased incidence of end-stage renal disease.
What "leaning in together" means to me.

TheWomen’s Dermatologic Society luncheon at this year’s American Academy of Dermatology meeting featured a speaker whose talk centered on the problems associated with gender stereotypes in negotiations.Although much of her talk was focused on the impact this has on women, one of her final comments resonated with me: “Rigid ideas about gender roles are really limiting, especially for men.”I was so glad to hear her say this.For the last year, I have been wondering how many working professionals like me deal with this problem on a regular basis.Her words inspired me to write this article.
Results from the U.S. Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program and Effects of Lake Processes on Bioaccumulative Contaminant Concentrations

An analysis of composite samples of 820 lake trout, walleye, steelhead, Chinook, and coho from the Laurentian Great Lakes reveals differences in contaminant processing among and between lakes which results in differing concentrations of bioaccumulative contaminants. Generally, contaminants are most concentrated in fish from Lake Michigan and least concentrated in fish from Lake Superior, with the notable exceptions of toxaphene and alpha-HCH. Differences in contamination patterns, however, are apparent not only among the lakes but between sites within a lake or even fish within a site. Lake trout composites from Lake Superior show an increase in the degree of chlorination of PCBs with increasing total PCBs. The PCB congener profile of lake trout from the Sturgeon Bay site of Lake Michigan is substantially different from that of the Saugatuck site of Lake Michigan, possibly due to the influence of contamination from nearby Green Bay. Finally, the ratios of selected PBDE and PCB congeners are much different in Lake Superior fish compared to fishes from all the other lakes. We hypothesize that this is a result of the colder temperatures and associated lower plankton growth rates in Lake Superior allowing PCB and PBDE uptake by phytoplankton to reach near equilibrium, thus enhancing the relative concentrations, in phytoplankton and the food web in general, of congeners that may be kinetically limited in other lakes.
Sleep in the Biblical Period

Scientists today consider their discoveries to be landmarks. Yet thousands of years ago, there was already a tremendous amount of knowledge about sleep. There are references to sleep in the Bible that can be directly interpreted by what we know today about sleep disorders. Our forefathers and foremothers deplored sleep deprivation, believing that it impairs life. They felt that excessive sleepiness is harmful. They understood that insomnia could be caused by stress and anxiety and by excessive alcohol, and that physical activity (exercise) and drinking milk could improve sleep. They suggested cures for insomnia, including some of the ideas included in today’s sleep hygiene rules. They understood that there is a rhythm or timing to sleep. Although we think we have discovered many new features about sleep disorders, most of what we have done is match scientific data to ideas documented in the Bible and Talmud. Our modern scientific knowledge about sleep is not new and existed even in biblical times. This wisdom is also mentioned in the Bible: “…what has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccle 1:9).
Combined and Consolidated Reporting for Alabama

Alabama should consider allowing a federal consolidated group to file a combined state income tax return, to provide a fair and stable revenue source for the state, and to compute the state taxable income of the conglomerate appropriately.
Tetrahedrality and structural order for hydrophobic interactions in a coarse-grained water model.

The hydrophobic interaction manifests two separate regimes in terms of size: Small nonpolar bodies exhibit a weak oscillatory force (versus distance) while large nonpolar surfaces exhibit a strong monotonic one. This crossover in hydrophobic behavior is typically explained in terms of water's tetrahedral structure: Its tetrahedrality is enhanced near small solutes and diminished near large planar ones. Here, we demonstrate that water's tetrahedral correlations signal this switch even in a highly simplified, isotropic, ``core-softened'' water model. For this task, we introduce measures of tetrahedrality based on the angular distribution of water's nearest neighbors. On a quantitative basis, the coarse-grained model of course is only approximate: (1) While greater than simple Lennard-Jones liquids, its bulk tetrahedrality remains lower than that of fully atomic models; and (2) the decay length of the large-scale hydrophobic interaction is less than has been found in experiments. Even so, the qualitative behavior of the model is surprisingly rich and exhibits numerous waterlike hydrophobic behaviors, despite its simplicity. We offer several arguments for the manner in which it should be able to (at least partially) reproduce tetrahedral correlations underlying these effects.
Ecological Recovery of a Gall Midge and its Parasite Guild Following Disturbance

Density and population structure of a native cecidomyiid gall midge, Rhopalomyia californica Felt, and the spatial structure of its parasite guild have returned to normal at Woodside, Calif., several years after ecological disruption caused by repeated applications of malathion bait for eradication of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Midge larvae develop in terminal galls on Baccharis pilularis DC; galls are multichambered and can contain >50 larvae per gall (one larva per chamber). Samples taken during the summer–fall of 1989 and April 1990 (7–8 yr after the disruption) revealed that the number of larvae per 100 terminals, number of larvae per gall, and number of galls per 100 terminals were comparable at Woodside and the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, an adjacent nontreated area. The parasite guild consists of seven solitary species. Analysis of spatial structure of the guild in April 1990 revealed no significant differences (Woodside versus Jasper Ridge) for the following six parameters: parasitization by individual species, total parasitization, number of parasite species per gall (relative frequency), parasite species per gall as a function of gall size, total percent parasitization as a function of number of parasite species per gall (species dependence), and total percent parasitization as a function of gall size (spatial density dependence). The evidence obtained also illustrates how host population structure can influence parasite guild structure (i.e., direct relationship between number of host larvae per gall and number of parasite species per gall), and supports the view that there is a relationship between parasite guild structure and effect on the host population (i.e., direct relationship between number of parasite species per gall and total percent parasitization per gall). Some additional aspects of structure of parasite guilds are discussed.