cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recovery kinetics of human rod phototransduction inferred from the two-branched a-wave saturation function

Electroretinographic data obtained from human subjects show that bright test flashes of increasing intensity induce progressively longer periods of apparent saturation of the rod-mediated electroretinogram (ERG) a wave. A prominent feature of the saturation function [the function that relates the saturation period T with the natural logarithm of flash intensity (ln If] is its two-branched character. At relatively low flash intensities (If below ~4 × 104 scotopic troland second), T increases approximately in proportion to ln If with a slope [ΔT/Δ(ln If)] of ≃0.3 s. At higher flash intensities, a different linear relation prevails, in which [ΔT/Δ(ln If)] is ≃2.3 s [ Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.36, 1603 ( 1995)]. Based on a model for photocurrent recovery in isolated single rods [ Vis. Neurosci.8, 9 ( 1992)], it was suggested that the upper-branch slope of ≃2.3 s represents τR*, the lifetime of photoactivated rhodopsin (R*). Here we show that a modified version of this model provides an explanation for the lower branch of the a-wave saturation function. In this model, τE* is the exponential lifetime of an activated species (E*) within the transducin or guanosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase stages of rod phototransduction; the generation of E* by a single R* occurs within temporally defined, elemental domains of disk membrane; and Ex, the immediate product of E* deactivation, is converted only slowly (time constant τEx) to E, the form susceptible to reactivation by R*. The model predicts that the decay of flash-activated cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE*) is largely independent of the deactivation kinetics of R* at early postflash times (i.e., at times preceding or comparable with the lifetime τE*) and that the lower-branch slope (≃0.3 s) of the a-wave saturation function represents τE*. The predicted early-stage independence of PDE* decay and R* deactivation furthermore suggests a basis for the relative constancy of the single-photon response observed in studies of isolated rods. Numerical evaluation of the model yields a value of ≃6.7 s for the time constant τEx
A Variable Focus Telescopic Instrument for Indirect Ophthalmoscopy with Increased Magnification and Stereopsis

We devised a new binocular indirect ophthalmoscope and a complimentary examination technique that provide enhanced fundus magnification and optimum stereopsis through a wide range of patient pupillary apertures. The lightweight, mechanically simple instrument uses a variable focus Galilean telescopic observation system to enlarge the condensing lens image of the fundus seen by the examiner. The present device is capable of about X 1.5 fundus magnification with negligible stereopsis through a 20-mm patient pupil, continuously increasing to X 8.5 with greatly enhanced stereopsis through an 8-mm pupil. A zoom focusing capability considerably extends the magnification, stereopsis, and small pupip penetrating characteristics of a given condensing lens by allowing the examiner to binocularly observe the telescopically magnified fundus image throughout the 30-cm to 60-cm focusing range of the ophthalmoscope.
The role of the collagen matrix in skeletal fragility

The collagen network in bone provides resistance against fracture and may be susceptible to changes with aging and disease. This review identifies the changes in quality of collagen matrix as contributors to bone fragility. With aging and in diabetes, cross-links accumulate in bone collagen as a result of nonenzymatic glycation and consequently impair matrix properties, increasing bone fragility. Cell-culture and animal studies suggest that the accumulation of cross-links induced by nonenzymatic glycation may be related to a reduction in bone turnover resulting from the altered responses of osteoblasts and osteoclasts to advanced glycation end products.
Macrobenthos of Pine Island Bayou in the Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas

A water quality survey was conducted from June, 1977 to May, 1978 on Pine Island and Little Pine Island Bayous of southeast Texas. Generally, good water quality was found. At four locations in the streams, brine seepage was indicated. This tended to improve stream conditions by decreasing turbidity and suspended solids.
Morphology and growth kinetics of discontinuous coarsening in fully lamellar Ti44 Al (at.%) alloy

Abstract The morphology of discontinuous coarsening in the Ti 3 Al (α 2 ) TiAl (γ) fully lamellar Ti44 at.% Al alloy has been studied. Three types of morphology were observed in discontinuously coarsened lamellar structures (secondary lamellae). Type-(I) lamellae have the low energy habit plane as their lamellar interfaces, and have the same lamellar direction as the original primary lamellae. Type-(II) lamellae have the same crystallographic orientation of the α2 plates as that in the original primary lamellae, but have a different lamellar direction from the original primary lamellae, and have irregular faceted lamellar interfaces. Type-(III) lamellae have a different lamellar direction and a different crystallographic orientation of the α2 plates from that in the original primary lamellae, but have the low energy habit plane as their lamellar interfaces. The growth kinetics of these three types of lamellae are discussed by modifying the Livingston and Cahn treatment [11] in order to obtain the dependence of the secondary lamellar morphologies on misorientation between the penetrated primary lamellae, the advancing secondary lamellae and the lamellar colony boundaries.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Hemodynamics in Tetralogy of Fallot, Absent Pulmonary Valve with Endocardial Fibroelastosis, and Hydrops Fetalis

Tetralogy of fallot with absent pulmonary valve is rare. We report the antenatal diagnosis of this condition in early mid-semester. In this unusual case, the patient presented with hydrops fetalis. The pathophysiology is discussed. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 10, November 1993)
Simulated Bose-Einstein correlations in multiplicity distributions from relativistic heavy-ion collisions.

An algorithm is presented to adjust the uncorrelated momentum vectors of identical bosons produced by models of relativistic heavy-ion collisions to reproduce two-body and three-body Bose-Einstein correlation functions. The method is used to study the quality of the three-body correlations predicted by calculations in which prescribed two-body correlation functions are fit and to study the effects on the two-body distributions when the three-body correlations help constrain the momentum vector adjustment procedure. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Smelting Networks For Real Time Cooperative Planning In The Presence Of Uncertainties

This paper discusses the applicability and limitations of the conventional knowledge representations and Al paradigms in designing algorithms for multi-sensor fusion for the uncertainty prone multiple target tracking (MTT) problem. A knowledge-based framework for solution to this problem necessitates developing mechansims for efficient online knowledge acquisition and exploration of alternate knowledge representations as the existing structures prove inadequate in this context. In this paper we describe the use of Smelting Networks for knowledge acquisition, target state representation, resolution of sensor ambiguities and environmental uncertainties. These networks are drawn from a biological cooperative phenomenon and used to enrapture situational constraints, determine track-to-target associations and avoid generation of redundant associations for trajectory estimation.
The effect of the counterion on water mobility in reverse micelles studied by molecular dynamics simulations.

In this study, mobility and structure of water molecules in Aerosol OT (bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, AOT) reverse micelles with water content w0 = 5 and Na+, K+, Cs+ counterions have been explored with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using the Faeder/Ladanyi model (J. Phys. Chem. B, 2000, 104, 1033) of the reverse micelle interior, MD simulations were performed to calculate the self-intermediate scattering function, FS(Q,t), for water hydrogen atoms that could be measured in a quasielastic neutron scattering experiment. Separate intermediate scattering functions (Q,t) and (Q,t) were determined for rotational and translational motion. We find that the decay of (Q,t) is nonexponential and our analysis of the MD data indicates that this behavior arises from decreased water mobility for molecules close to the interface and from confinement-induced restrictions on the range of translational displacements. Rotational relaxation also exhibits nonexponential decay, which is consistent with relatively ra...
Vibration of clamped elliptical plates using exact circular plate modes as shape functions in Rayleigh-Ritz method

Abstract The vibration of clamped uniform elliptical plates is investigated using the exact modes of circular plates as shape functions in the Rayleigh-Ritz method. This paper investigates the behaviour of clamped elliptical plates using modified polar coordinates and the exact modes of circular plates in terms of Bessel and modified Bessel functions. The elements of the mass and stiffness matrices are expressed in closed form using Lommel integrals. The accuracy and the convergence of this approach are validated, and numerical results for natural frequencies for various plate aspect ratios are presented.
Characterization of the exudate induced by the antibiotics muconomycin A and muconomycin B

Abstract Seven daily intraperitoneal doses (0.25 mg/kg) of the antibiotics muconomycin A (M-A) or muconomycin B (M-B) induced large volumes (10–20 ml) of peritoneal inflammatory exudate in rats. This exudate had the same general electrolyte and protein composition as has been reported for other mammalian edema fluids. In both antibiotic-treated groups the exudate contained lower concentrations of sodium, albumin, and globulin, and greater amounts of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, than did blood serum. M-B-treated rats had lower chloride levels in exudate than in serum. Both antibiotics cause polymorphonuclear neutrophilia and lymphopenia, conditions characteristic of an inflammatory state in the rat. Both antibiotics appear to be among the most potent nonnitrogenous compounds known to induce inflammation.
New models for analyzing mast cell functions in vivo

In addition to their well-accepted role as critical effector cells in anaphylaxis and other acute IgE-mediated allergic reactions, mast cells (MCs) have been implicated in a wide variety of processes that contribute to disease or help to maintain health. Although some of these roles were first suggested by analyses of MC products or functions in vitro, it is critical to determine whether, and under which circumstances, such potential roles actually can be performed by MCs in vivo. This review discusses recent advances in the development and analysis of mouse models to investigate the roles of MCs and MC-associated products during biological responses in vivo, and comments on some of the similarities and differences in the results obtained with these newer versus older models of MC deficiency.
Viral shedding and transmission between hosts determined by reovirus L2 gene

Two reovirus isolates (type 1 Lang and type 3 Dearing) differ in their transmissibility between littermates of newborn mice. They also differ in the amounts of virus excreted by the gastrointestinal tract. With the use of reassortant viruses, these properties were mapped to the L2 gene. Thus environmental spread of reovirus is a genetic property.
Object based image classification: state of the art and computational challenges

As the spatial resolution of satellite remote sensing imagery is advancing towards sub meter, the predominantly pixel based (or single instance) classification methods needs be redesigned to take advantage of the spatial and structural patterns found in the very high resolution imagery. In this work, we look at the advantages of object based image analysis methods through the newer multiple instance learning learning schemes. We analyze these methods in the context of big geospatial data and allude readers to some of the outstanding computational challenges.
Does ADAM Need a Haircut? A Pilot Study of Self-Reported Drug Use and Hair Analysis in an Arrestee Sample

This article evaluates the potential impact that the use of hair analysis may have on the drug prevalence estimations derived from survey research that has relied upon urinalysis as an indicator of the accuracy of self-reported drug use. The paper reviews the history and nature of the DUF and ADAM programs, the relationship between self-report drug use and urinalysis results for arrestee populations, and the outcome of a pilot study employing hair assays in lieu of urinalysis. The author concludes that hair analysis may have a significant impact on the estimations of drug use for cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines and is less likely to have an effect on estimations of marijuana use. The author recommends consideration of periodic use of hair analysis within the ADAM system to more accurately and effectively monitor drug use.
Evaluation of the amount of excess cement around the margins of cement-retained dental implant restorations: The effect of the cement application method

Statement of problem Complete removal of excess cement from subgingival margins after cementation of implant-supported restorations has been shown to be unpredictable. Remaining cement has been shown to be associated with periimplant inflammation and bleeding. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the amount of excess cement after cementation with 4 different methods of cement application for cement-retained implant-supported restorations. Material and methods Ten implant replicas/abutments (3i) were embedded in acrylic resin blocks. Forty complete veneer crowns (CVCs) were fabricated by waxing onto the corresponding plastic waxing sleeves. The wax patterns were cast and the crowns were cemented to the implant replicas with either an interim (Temp Bond) or a definitive luting agent (FujiCEM). Four methods of cement application were used for cementation: Group IM-Cement applied on the internal marginal area of the crown only; Group AH-Cement applied on the apical half of the axial walls of the crown; Group AA-Cement applied to all axial walls of the interior surface of the crown, excluding the occlusal surface; and Group PI-Crown filled with cement then seated on a putty index formed to the internal configuration of the restoration (cementation device) (n=10). Cement on the external surfaces was removed before seating the restoration. Cement layers were applied on each crown, after which the crown was seated under constant load (80 N) for 10 minutes. The excess cement from each specimen was collected and measured. One operator performed all the procedures. Results for the groups were compared, with 1 and 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple range test (α=.05). Results No significant difference in the amount of excess/used cement was observed between the 2 different types of cements (P=.1). Group PI showed the least amount of excess cement in comparison to other test groups (P=.031). No significant difference was found in the amount of excess cement among groups MI, AH, and AA. Group AA showed the highest amount of excess cement. The volume of cement used for group PI specimens was significantly higher than for those in the other groups (P=.001). With respect to the volume of cement loaded into the test crowns no statistically significant difference was observed among other test groups (groups IM, AH, and AA). Group MI used the least amount of cement, followed by group AH and AA. No correlation between the amount of used cement and the amount of excess cement was found in any of the tested groups. Conclusions Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the least amount of excess cement was present when a cementation device was used to displace the excess cement before seating the crown on the abutment (Group PI). With this technique a uniform layer of the luting agent is distributed over the internal surface of the crown leaving minimal excess cement when the restoration is seated.
Surface plasmons in degenerate polar semiconductors

Abstract The surface modes of a degenerate polar semiconductor are studied. The surface plasmons are found to be coupled strongly to surface optical phonons when the electron plasma frequency is of the order of the reststrahlen frequency.
Oxidative stress and cyclooxygenase-2 induction mediate cyanide-induced apoptosis of cortical cells.

Cyanide (KCN)-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involves cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated reactions in some neurons. The present study examines the extent to which COX isoforms are involved in KCN-induced apoptotic cell death processes of cultured cortical cells. After treatment with KCN (10–300 μM), COX-2 was expressed in a time- and concentration-dependent manner increasing markedly over a 4-h period. However, no significant changes were observed in COX-1 levels at any cyanide concentration. Correlated with COX-2 up-regulation, KCN induced a time-dependent apoptotic death. TUNEL staining showed that the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (30 μM) blocked KCN-induced apoptosis, whereas the selective COX-1 inhibitor valeryl salicylate did not affect the level of apoptotic cell death. Exposure of cells to KCN (300 μM) for 24 h resulted in DNA fragmentation, which was also reduced by NS-398. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation in cell culture supernatants was increased by KCN and NS-398 blocked PGE2 generation. PCR studies further confirmed that COX-2 expression was increased by KCN. Antioxidants phenyl-N-test-butylnitrone, superoxide dismutase, and catalase significantly inhibited KCN-induced COX-2 up-regulation and subsequent apoptosis. NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, blocked KCN-induced PGE2 production and apoptosis, but not COX-2 expression. Increased nitric oxide levels caused by cyanide may directly activate the COX-2 enzyme. These data show that cyanide treatment of cortical cells involves increased COX-2 expression, PGE2 accumulation, and ROS generation, resulting in apoptotic cell death.
Pingos and pingo scars: Their characteristics, distribution, and utility in reconstructing former permafrost environments

Pingos are large frost mounds which develop in permafrost as the result of the segregation of massive ground-ice lenses. At least two genetic varieties of pingos, open- and closed-systems, form under differing conditions of climate, topography, and groundwater occurrence. Active pingos are known to occur in many high latitude regions. Pingo scars are the degeneration products of pingos. Ideally they are ramparted, circular depressions, although they may be expressed in a variety of divergent forms due to differing conditions of topography, substrate materials, degree of thermokarst overprint, and erosional/depositional histories. Pingo scars occur in many modern permafrost regions. Presumed pingo scars have also been identified in many regions beyond the present permafrost limit and therefore may have utility in reconstructing former permafrost environments.
Computer science education in the People's Republic of China in the late 1980s

Last year a delegation of international computer professionals with interests in computer science education participated in an information exchange with colleagues in the People's Republic of China. The delegation's experiences suggest that the Chinese have made substantial progress in some aspects of computer science education since late 1982, but that difficult problems remain to be solved.
Automated performance evaluation of document image analysis systems: Issues and practice

The performance of document image analysis systems is affected by a variety of variables that alter the quality of documents. Objective evaluation and characterization of systems usually require large quantities of test data, and it is important to automate evaluation processes. In this article, issues in designing tools for automated evaluation of document image analysis techniques and systems are discussed, and some examples are presented. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recovery and purification of plant-made recombinant proteins

Plants are becoming commercially acceptable for recombinant protein production for human therapeutics, vaccine antigens, industrial enzymes, and nutraceuticals. Recently, significant advances in expression, protein glycosylation, and gene-to-product development time have been achieved. Safety and regulatory concerns for open-field production systems have also been addressed by using contained systems to grow transgenic plants. However, using contained systems eliminates several advantages of open-field production, such as inexpensive upstream production and scale-up costs. Upstream technological achievements have not been matched by downstream processing advancements. In the past 10 years, the most research progress was achieved in the areas of extraction and pretreatment. Extraction conditions have been optimized for numerous proteins on a case-by-case basis leading to the development of platform-dependent approaches. Pretreatment advances were made after realizing that plant extracts and homogenates have unique compositions that require distinct conditioning prior to purification. However, scientists have relied on purification methods developed for other protein production hosts with modest investments in developing novel plant purification tools. Recently, non-chromatographic purification methods, such as aqueous two-phase partitioning and membrane filtration, have been evaluated as low-cost purification alternatives to packed-bed adsorption. This paper reviews seed, leafy, and bioreactor-based platforms, highlights strategies for the primary recovery and purification of recombinant proteins, and compares process economics between systems. Lastly, the future direction and research needs for developing economically competitive recombinant proteins with commercial potential are discussed.
Case Report: Sarcoidosis, Hodgkin’s Disease, and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

ABSTRACT Reported is the unique occurrence of sarcoidosis, Hodgkin’s disease, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the same patient. Although the diagnosis of sarcoidosis preceded that of Hodgkin’s disease by 29 years, massive splenomegaly had been present for 13 years before Hodgkin’s disease was diagnosed following splenectomy. The known associations of sarcoidosis and Hodgkin’s disease as well as each disease with autoimmune hemolytic anemia are reviewed.
Growth of strained GaAs1−ySby and GaAs1−y−zSbyNz quantum wells on InP substrates

Abstract The metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth conditions and properties of fully strained GaAs 1− y − z Sb y N z /InP multi-quantum wells (MQWs) are investigated. Higher Sb incorporation within the strained GaAs 1− y Sb y layers was observed when using a higher Sb/(As+Sb) precursor ratio and higher growth temperature. However, lattice-latching effects and the strain values ultimately limit the maximum amount of Sb incorporated. In GaAs 1− y − z Sb y N z layers, a decrease of AsH 3 precursor flux leads to an increase of N and Sb incorporation, whereas an increase of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (U-DMHy) precursor flux leads to an increase of N and a decrease of Sb incorporation. The photoluminescence emission from the GaAs 1− y − z Sb y N z QW is observed to red-shift with decreasing AsH 3 and increasing U-DMHy flux. Sb accumulation at the InP to GaAs 1− y − z Sb y N z interface is also observed from secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis, indicating further optimization of switching sequences is required to improve the compositional uniformity of the QW.
Laser interferometric measurement of the surface tension of thin foils

A technique has been developed to measure the surface tension of thin foils under their own vapor pressure. The zero creep method of surface tension measurement is used in conjunction with laser interferometry. This technique allows very small sample strains to be measured. Sample length changes of the order of 0.3 μm were measured with the laser interferometer. The sensitivity of the laser interferometer/zero creep system allows the surface tension to be measured much closer to the Tammann temperature, which is approximately one-half the melting temperature (≍1/2 T m ) of the material. The system has been tested on thin Sn foils in air, and on thin Al and Ni foils under their own vapor pressure (vacuum).
Preparation and the crystal structure of ten-layer Ba5Fe4NiO13.5

Abstract Ba 5 Fe 4 NiO 13.5 (BaFe 0.8 Ni 0.2 O 2.70 ) was synthesized by heating the mixed nitrates at 700°C for 72 h in air. The crystal structure has been analyzed by Rietveld analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction data. Ba 5 Fe 4 NiO 13.5 has a hexagonal unit cell, space group P 6 3 / mmc with lattice parameters a = 5.7713(3) A and c = 24.5812(16) A. The structure is formed by the stacking of 10 close-packed BaO 3 layers consisting of six hexagonal and four cubic sequences. This stacking creates trinuclear and binuclear face sharing octahedral units that are linked by corner sharing into a column approximately 24-A high. The Ni ion preferentially occupies the central octahedral interstice of the trinuclear unit and the Fe ions occupy all the other sites. The interatomic distances and the result of a magnetic measurement are consistent with the presence of 50% high-spin Fe 4+ , 50% high-spin Fe 3+ , and low-spin Ni 3+ states.
Swimming into the Future of Drug Discovery: In Vivo Chemical Screens in Zebrafish

In recent years in vivo chemical screening in zebrafish has emerged as a rapid and efficient method to identify lead compounds that modulate specific biological processes. By performing primary scr...
Power Factor Enhancement in Solution‐Processed Organic n‐Type Thermoelectrics Through Molecular Design

A new class of high-performance n-type organic thermoelectric materials, self-doping perylene diimide derivatives with modified side chains, is reported. These materials achieve the highest n-type thermoelectric performance of solution-processed organic materials reported to date, with power factors as high as 1.4 μW/mK(2). These results demonstrate that molecular design is a promising strategy for enhancing organic thermoelectric performance.
On the shoals of giants: natural catastrophes and the overall destruction of the Caribbean’s archaeological record

In this paper I review a host of natural and cultural processes that have affected the preservation and integrity of archaeological sites on islands in the West Indies, many of which are located in low-lying coastal areas. Given the position of the Caribbean lithospheric plate—juxtaposed between four others—it is no surprise that by its very nature the region is volcanically active and frequently associated with earthquake and tsunami events. This makes coastal zones, and related archaeological sites in the region, highly susceptible to a wide range of destructive natural events. The high frequency of tropical systems (hurricanes and storms) in the Caribbean and rising sea level, coupled with human activities such as sand mining, development, and looting, makes the region’s archaeological record one of the most vulnerable and threatened in the world. Ongoing research is dedicated to understanding how past populations may have been affected by these events in the past.
Postnatal growth of intrinsic connections in mouse barrel cortex.

Surprisingly little is known about the development of connections within a functional area of the cerebral cortex. We examined the postnatal growth of connections in mouse barrel cortex during the second and third weeks after birth, coinciding with the period of rapid synaptogenesis that occurs just after the barrels first form. A barrel is a group of neurons in layer 4 of somatosensory cortex that is part of a cortical column. Each whisker/barrel column is linked anatomically and functionally to a homotopic whisker on the contralateral face. Radial groups of cortical neurons were labeled with the neuronal tracer biotinylated dextran amine in mice ranging in age from postnatal day 8 (P8; P0 is the date of birth) to adulthood. The spatial distributions of retrogradely labeled neurons in different laminae were analyzed. The barrel map in layer 4 was used as a template to compare quantitative data from different animals and to account for substantial changes in barrel and barrel field size during development. Intrinsic projections 1) innervate increasingly more distant targets within barrel cortex up to 3 weeks of age; 2) continue to form in targets after 3 weeks, effectively strengthening existing connections; 3) follow a timetable for growth that is layer-specific; 4) link more distant barrel columns in layer 4 from neurons that are found preferentially in the barrel side and the septa between barrels; and 5) form over the shortest distances between the barrel columns. These data indicate that intrinsic connections in mouse barrel cortex develop by the progressive addition of neuronal connections rather than by sculpting preliminary connections. We describe statistically significant changes in connectivity during development that may be applied to model and assess the development of connections after a variety of experimental perturbations, such as to the environment and/or the genome. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:17–31, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Resistance of horn flies (Diptera: Muscidae) to permethrin and fenvalerate.

The susceptibilities of Haematobia irritans (L.) from four locations were compared by exposure of adults to the pyrethroids fenvalerate and permethrin. Flies were collected from dairy cattle at two locations in Okeechobee County, Fla. One group (FLA) was collected from breeding dairy heifers treated the year before, the other (FLB) was collected from untreated yearling dairy heifers ca. 1 km from the breeding heifers. Collections in Texas were made from beef cattle in Bexar County (TX) and from a laboratory strain (LAB) reared in Kerrville. Flies were exposed to each toxin in the cloth covers of plastic cups. Differences in susceptibility between sexes within a strain were smaller than differences among strains. Comparisons of overall responses (sexes combined) for strains showed that, at LC90, the FLA strain was 48-fold more tolerant to fenvalerate and 34-fold more tolerant to permethrin than the TX strain. These results, coupled with observations that control in Okeechobee County has become less effective, suggest that FLA-strain H. irritans have become resistant to the two pyrethroids. The FLB strain also appears to be resistant to permethrin and may also be resistant to fenvalerate.
Renal infarction presenting as a mass. Diagnostic role of computerized tomography and ultrasound.

Abstract The presentation of a renal mass in a patient with underlying cardiac valve disease warrants the inclusion of focal infarction and focal bacterial nephritis in the differential diagnosis. This case report illustrates the important part that computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasound may play in diagnosing these entities and in excluding a neoplasm or other space-occupying lesion within the kidney.
Quality control for software warranties: a conceptual and economic perspective

Looks at ways software quality can be monitored and improved. Emphasizes the ability to deliver a software warranty by implementing the methodologies of statistical quality control in the software development process. Defines the quality of software, lists quality control activities and outlines the incomplete software life cycle. Provides a case study and looks at the economic value of warranty provision. Concludes that to work it must have good management but it could provide real changes in quality.
Accounting research: An analysis of theories explored in doctoral dissertations and their applicability to Systems Theory

Abstract This study examined theories used in accounting doctoral dissertations and found that dissertations in this discipline test theories drawn from economics, finance, psychology, and sociology, with 53% from economics and finance and 27% from psychology. Further, a primary conclusion of this paper is that doctoral research in accounting explores subsets of organizational activity consistent with the premises of Systems Theory.
Subanosecond pixel rendering with million transistor chips

The desire for higher performance and higher resolution continuously increases the pixel update rates needed in high performance graphics systems. The increasing density of memory chips on the other hand reduces the pixel update rate that can be provided by the frame buffer. We present the design of a VLSI chip and a graphics system that can sustain sub-nanosecond pixel rendering rates for three-dimensional polygons and can be used to render about a million Z-Buffered and Gourard shaded polygons per second. The chip has been designed at the IBM Research Division's Thomas J. Watson Research Center.
New multidentate ligands. XXVI: N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(methylenephosphonic acid monomethyl ester), and N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(methylenephosphonic acid monoethyl ester): new chelating ligands for trivalent metal ions

Abstract The synthesis and equilibrium study of a new type of sexadentate ligand, N,N ' -bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N ' -bis(methylenephosphonic acid monomethyl ester) (HBEDPOMe) and of the corresponding ethyl ester, are described. Their proton and metal ion affinities are found to be nearly identical. The ligands have two phenolate donors which impart specificity for trivalent metal ions such as Fe(III), In(III) and Ga(III). Potentiometric and spectrophotometric studies of the protonation constants of the ligands and stability constants of their Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Fe(III), In(III) and Ga(III) chelates are compared with those of analogous ligands. The binding of the ligand donor groups to the metal ions occurs in several cases in a stepwise fashion, with the more basic phenolate groups requiring higher pH for activation. The order in which each phenolate group becomes coordinated to metal ions, and the structures of the intermediate complexes, are deduced by correlating the electro...
I know where you live: analyzing privacy protection in public databases

Policymakers struggle to determine the proper tradeoffs between data accessibility and data-subject privacy as public records move online. For example, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania recently eliminated the ability to search the county property assessment database using property owners' names. We conducted a user study to determine whether this strategy provides effective privacy protection against a non-expert adversary. We found that removing search by name provides some increased privacy protection, because some users were unable to use other means to determine the address of an individual. However, this privacy protection is limited, and interface usability problems presented a comparable barrier. Our analysis suggests that if policymakers use removal of search by name as a privacy mechanism they should attempt to mitigate usability issues that can hinder legitimate use of public records databases.
The development of direction selectivity in ferret visual cortex requires early visual experience

Development of the selective response properties that define columns in sensory cortex is thought to begin early in cortical maturation, without the need for experience. We investigated the development of direction selectivity in ferret visual cortex using optical imaging and electrophysiological techniques and found an exception to this view. Unlike orientation selectivity and ocular dominance, direction selectivity was not detected at eye opening. Direction selectivity emerged several days later and strengthened to adult levels over the following 2 weeks. Visual experience was essential for this process, as shown by the absence of direction selectivity in dark-reared ferrets. The impairment persisted in dark-reared ferrets that were given experience after this period, despite the recovery of response amplitude, preference and bandwidth for stimulus orientation, spatial and temporal frequency, and contrast. Visual experience in early postnatal life plays a necessary and unique role in the development of cortical direction selectivity.
Electromagnetics activities at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Over the past several years, electromagnetics as an electrical engineering activity has increased to a fairly substantial level at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. While EM has long been of interest in various Laboratory's physics programs (magnetic and inertial-confinement fusion, nuclear weapon's effects, radar blackout, and the like), its importance in engineering is a more recent development. This engineering interest in EM originated largely from concern over EMP effects on electronic systems but has since expanded to a broader range of applications. In this report we will highlight three areas of current emphasis: geophysical applications, transient measurements, and field-particle modeling. Also discussed is a low-level on-going activity in dissemination of computer codes for EM modeling.
HFpEF: Cardiovascular Abnormalities Not Just Comorbidities

Twenty-five years ago, the understanding of heart failure (HF) was straightforward. HF was a clinical syndrome due to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction apparent as a reduced ejection fraction (EF). Based on this understanding, large randomized trials were conducted using an EF<0.30 or 0.35 as a key entry criterion. These studies demonstrated that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-adrenergic blockers, aldosterone blockers, and cardiac resynchronization improved morbidity and mortality in patients with HF and a reduced EF (HFrEF).1 The benefit of these interventions (except for aldosterone blockade) was associated with reversal of the LV dilation (eccentric remodeling) present in HFrEF.2 In contrast, the use of positive inotropic agents to improve systolic function was either of no benefit or actually detrimental in HFrEF.1 This suggested that there was more to HF than just systolic dysfunction. Article see p 710 The concept that all HF was due to systolic dysfunction apparent as a reduced EF was further challenged by the subsequent recognition that HF occurs in patients with the entire range of EFs, including EF>0.50, an EF that is in the normal or near-normal range (ie, preserved EF).3 Many features of the HF syndrome are similar across the EF spectrum including elevated left atrial pressure, abnormal LV filling dynamics, neurohormonal activation, dyspnea, impaired exercise tolerance, frequent hospitalization, and reduced survival.4,5 There are also clear clinical differences between HF with a preserved EF (HFpEF) and HFrEF. Patients with HFpEF are older, more likely to be women, less likely to have ischemia, and there is a very strong association with systolic hypertension. In addition, there are differences in cardiac structure and function.6,7 In HFrEF, the LV is dilated with eccentric remodeling. In contrast, the LV end-diastolic volume is not increased relative to the …
Effect of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators on non-equilibrium hypersonic flows

A numerical study employing discontinuous Galerkin method demonstrating net surface heat reduction for a cylindrical body in Mach 17 hypersonic flow is presented. This application focuses on using sinusoidal dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators to inject momentum near the stagnation point. A 5 species finite rate air chemistry model completes the picture by analyzing the effect of the actuator on the flow chemistry. With low velocity near the stagnation point, the plasma actuator sufficiently modifies the fluid momentum. This results in redistribution of the integrated surface heating load on the body. Specifically, a particular configuration of normally pinching plasma actuation is predicted to reduce the surface heat flux at the stagnation point. An average reduction of 0.246% for the integrated and a maximum reduction of 7.68% are reported for the surface heat flux. The temperature contours in the fluid flow (with maximum temperature over 12 000 K) are pinched away from the stagnation point, thus resulting in reduced thermal load. Plasma actuation in this configuration also affects the species concentration distribution near the wall, in addition to the temperature gradient. The combined effect of both, thus results in an average reduction of 0.0986% and a maximum reduction of 4.04% for non-equilibrium calculations. Thus, this study successfully demonstrates the impact of sinusoidal dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuation on the reduction of thermal load on a hypersonic body.
Carfilzomib combined with suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) synergistically promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a therapeutic target for pharmacologic intervention in cancer cells. We hypothesized that combining carfilzomib (CFZ), a proteasome inhibitor, and vorinostat (SAHA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, would synergistically activate ER stress in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor activity. Five NSCLC cell lines were treated with CFZ, SAHA, or the combination and cell proliferation measured using the MTT assay. Calcusyn software was utilized to determine the combination index as a measure of synergy. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were measured using trypan blue exclusion, CellTiter, and CytoTox assays. Western blot was used to measure markers of apoptosis, ER stress, and oxidative stress-related proteins. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using the fluorophore CM–H2DCFDA. Synergistic activity was observed for all cell lines following 48 and 72 h of combined treatment. H520 and A549 cell lines were used to assess viability and apoptosis. In both cell lines, increased death and cleaved caspase-3 were observed following combination treatment as compared with single-agent treatments. Combination therapy was associated with upregulation of ER stress-regulated proteins including activating transcription factor 4, GRP78/BiP, and C/EBP homologous protein. Both cell lines also showed increased ROS and the oxidative stress-related protein, heat shock protein 70. Combining proteasome inhibition with HDAC inhibition enhances ER stress, which may contribute to the synergistic anticancer activity observed in NSCLC cell lines. Further preclinical and clinical studies of CFZ + SAHA in NSCLC are warranted.
Curing over-use by prescribing fees: an evaluation of the effect of user fees’ implementation on healthcare use in the Czech Republic

In 2008, the Czech Republic instituted a new policy that requires most patients to pay a small fee for some inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. Using the Survey of Health Aging and Retirement in Europe, this article examines the changes in healthcare utilization of Czechs 50 years and older following the new fee requirement by constructing difference-in-differences regression models focusing on four outcome measures: any visits to primary care physician, any hospitalization, number of visits to the primary care physician and number of nights hospitalized. For this population, I find that the likelihood of having any primary care visit decreased after the policy was instituted. The likelihood of reporting any hospitalization was not significantly changed. The predicted number of primary care visits per person declined, but the predicted number of nights spent in a hospital did not. I find only mixed evidence of greater effect of the user fees on some subpopulations compared with others. Those 65 or older reduced their use more than those between 50 and 64, and so did those who consider their health to be good, and the less educated.
Sources of Variation in Concentration and Composition of Foliar Monoterpenes in Tamarack (Larix laricina) Seedlings: Roles of Nutrient Availability, Time of Season, and Plant Architecture

The effects of foliage class, time of season, and nutrient availability on monoterpene composition and concentration were evaluated. In the first experiment, we compared foliar monoterpenes of long shoots versus short shoots, which differ in age and origin, and differences due to nutrient availability and time of season. Both the concentrations and compositions of these monoterpenes were higher in the foliage of the long shoots. The only exceptions were the concentration of Δ-3-carene and the composition of β-pinene. Within a foliage class, the concentrations of seven monoterpenes and the percentages of five monoterpenes changed over the season. Of these, almost all declined, with the exceptions of β-pinene and an unknown. Nutrient availability significantly affected the concentration or composition of some monoterpenes, but only to a slight extent. β-Pinene and the unknown increased with nutrient availability, whereas α-pinene and myrcene decreased. A more comprehensive analysis of four foliage classes on a separate cohort of trees showed that all monoterpenes, except sabinene and terpinolene, differed between foliage classes, but there were few general patterns. Overall, within-tree variation in tamarack monoterpenes related to foliage class and age appears more important than between-tree variation due to nutrient availability. These results suppport the view that products of mevalonic acid biosynthesis, such as terpenes, do not follow predictions of the carbon–nutrient balance and growth differentiation hypotheses. Our overall results show that individual hosts need to be considered as phytochemical mosaics when interpreting herbivore–plant interactions.
Persistence with bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis: finding the root of the problem.

Poor compliance and persistence are among the most significant reasons for failed pharmacotherapy encountered in clinical practice. Consequences of poor compliance range from minor to serious, depending on drug characteristics, disease state, and severity of disease. Compliance and persistence are particular problems for patients with a disorder such as osteoporosis, which remains asymptomatic for long periods. Poor compliance with bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis has been associated with a smaller decrease in the rate of bone turnover and smaller improvements in bone mineral density, and may potentially result in a higher risk of fracture and disability. The compliance problem is additive; complex dosing guidelines may contribute to poor compliance with therapy, and the failure to follow these guidelines may result in treatment-related adverse events that further reduce compliance. In the long term, these issues often result in nonpersistence with treatment. In addition to direct consequences for the patient, poor compliance is associated with significant healthcare costs. Studies suggest that less-frequent dosing regimens improve compliance; however, even among patients receiving weekly bisphosphonates, persistence may remain suboptimal. Several strategies are available to improve compliance and persistence with osteoporosis therapies. Good communication between the healthcare provider and the patient—with continuous reinforcement of the importance of treatment—is a key approach to improving persistence. Patients should receive feedback to confirm that their treatment is having an effect, and individualized reminder systems should be recommended to help the patient adhere to the treatment plan. Potentially, every patient is liable to discontinue treatment even after a long period of regular dosing. It should be assumed that every patient receiving therapy for osteoporosis needs regular reinforcement of the importance of continuing therapy.