cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race and the transformation of culture: The making of the television miniseries roots

When ABC acquired the broadcast rights to Alex Haley's epic slave narrative Roots, the television program became a creation of an institution run mostly by and for whites. Haley's novel was transformed from a critique of slavery, white cruelty, and indifference into a classic immigrant story that diluted the horror, complexities, and seriousness of slavery as a societal institution. By examining an ideology of race within the framework of the production of culture model, this paper suggests that white producers and network executives manufactured content and made creative choices that reflected their membership in the dominant white culture. As a result, the television production process altered Haley's story in ways that suggested cultural explanations or myths concerning the institution of slavery in the United States that were drastically different from the ones offered by Haley.
Positive inotropic actions of the calcium channel stimulator, Bay k 8644, in awake, unsedated dogs.

The hemodynamic effects of the dihydropyridine derivative Bay k 8644, a new calcium agonist with positive inotropic actions, were studied in instrumented conscious dogs before and after beta adrenergic blockade with propranolol. Intravenous Bay k 8644 (2, 4, 8 and 20 μg/kg/min) produced dose-related increases in arterial and left ventricular systolic pressures and myocardial contractility (+dP/dt; % segment shortening). Coronary blood flow velocity was increased at higher doses. Prior administration of propranolol produced no significant alteration of the hemodynamic effects of Bay k 8644. Increases in arterial and left ventricular pressures produced by Bay k 8644 were controlled by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside with resulting enhancement of positive inotropic effects. The results demonstrate that the hemodynamic responses to this novel calcium agonist with positive inotropic properties are not mediated via beta adrenergic mechanisms and control of increases in arterial pressure lead to enhanced regional contractility.
Stereochemistry of the L-iditol dehydrogenase catalyzed hydrogen transfer to NAD.

Abstract The stereochemistry of the hydrogen transfer to NAD catalyzed by l -iditol dehydrogenase from sheep liver (EC 1.1.1.14) was investigated. [4-3H]NAD was enzymatically reduced with non-labeled d -sorbitol and the position of the label at C4 of the isolated [4-3H]NADH was determined. The label was found to be exclusively confined to the B-position which suggests that the transferred hydrogen from d -sorbitol must have entered into the A-position of the NADH produced. These data imply that l -iditol dehydrogenase from sheep liver is an A-enzyme.
Demonstration of an activation regulated NF-κB/I-κBα complex in human platelets

In eukaryotic cells, the ubiquity of the signaling system of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/I-kappa B (I-κB) is undisputed. Numerous studies have reported that the NF-κB/I-κB complex plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression controlling cell differentiation, cell proliferation, inflammation, oncogenesis, and apoptosis. Here we show that NF-κB/I-κB families exist in human platelets, natural anuclear corpuscles derived from megakaryocytes. Moreover, the I-κB kinase (IKK) is present and may phosphorylate I-κB during platelet activation. Coupled with intracellular calcium flux, this leads to I-κB dissociation from the NF-κB/I-κB complex and proteolysis. The NF-κB/I-κB proteins may have function independent of gene regulation in platelets.
Scan and Solve: Acquiring the Physics of Artifacts

Existing physical artifacts including sculpture, mechanical parts, and anatomical structures are commonly acquired by modern surface and volumetric scanning technologies for archival, visualization, and diagnostic purposes. While the native representations for such data are largely sufficient for visualization purposes, more advanced field simulation currently requires extensive manual conversions into simplified surface and volume meshes compatible with the traditional finite element analysis pipeline. These conversions are tedious, error-prone, and require expertise in the mesh construction process. We demonstrate automated field simulation on acquired artifacts, bypassing the difficult geometric and topological meshing problems through a meshfree paradigm based on approximate distance fields computed from the native acquired data through sampling.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Modulatory effects of acute ethanol on metabotropic glutamate responses in cultured Purkinje neurons

Abstract Ethanol has been shown to affect several transmitter- and voltage-gated channels in the brain, although little attention has focused on potential interactions between ethanol and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). This is of interest as mGluRs are now recognized to be important components of synaptically mediated responses, including short- and long-term changes in the efficacy of neurotransmission. Cerebellar Purkinje neurons are sensitive to the effects of ethanol and express high levles of mGluRs. We made extracellular recordings from cerebellar Purkinje neurons at 21–37 days in culture to examine the effect of ethanol on mGluR-mediated responses. mGluRs were activated by pressure ejection of 300 μM (1 S ,3 R )-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD), a selective agonist of mGluRs, or 5 μM quisqualate (Quis). As Quis activates both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, 50 μM 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione (DNQX) was used to block the ionotropic component of Quis-mediated responses. Both ACPD and Quis produced biphasic changes in firing rates consisting of an initial brief excitatory phase (5–20 s) followed by a prolonged inhibitory phase (10 s to 2.5 min), and induced the generation of bursts. Addition of 33 mM (150 mg%) ethanol to the recording medium had little effect on ACPD-mediated responses. In the presence of 66 mM (300 mg%) ethanol, however, ACPD-mediated responses exhibited an increase in the total response duration, with no change in the percent excitation or the induction of bursts as compared to controls. On the other hand, 66 mM ethanol decreased Quis-induced burst activity, while having no effect on the percent excitation or the total response duration. These results indicate that acute ethanol exposure modulates electrophysiological responses mediated via mGluRs in cultured Purkinje neurons, and may explain, in part, the impairment of cerebellar function caused by alcohol intoxication.
Comparative Pathogenicity and Virulence of Fusarium Species on Sugar Beet

In all, 98 isolates of three Fusarium spp. (18 Fusarium oxysporum, 30 F. graminearum, and 50 Fusarium sp. nov.) obtained from sugar beet in Minnesota were characterized for pathogenicity and virulence on sugar beet in the greenhouse by a bare-root inoculation method. Among the 98 isolates tested, 80% of isolates were pathogenic: 83% of the F. oxysporum isolates, 57% of the F. graminearum isolates, and 92% of the Fusarium sp. nov. isolates. Symptoms varied from slight to moderate wilting of the foliage, interveinal chlorosis and necrosis, and vascular discoloration of the taproot without any external root symptoms. Among the pathogenic isolates, 14% were highly virulent and 12% were moderately virulent. Most of the highly virulent isolates (91%) and moderately virulent isolates (89%) were Fusarium sp. nov. All pathogenic isolates of F. graminearum and most pathogenic isolates (87%) of F. oxysporum were less virulent. In general, more-virulent isolates induced first foliar symptoms earlier compared with less-virulent isolates. This study indicates that both F. oxysporum and Fusarium sp. nov. should be used in greenhouse and be present in field studies used for screening and developing sugar beet cultivars resistant to Fusarium yellows complex for Minnesota and North Dakota.
Oxidative stress and expression of chaperones in aging mollusks.

Abstract The mechanisms of aging are not well understood in animals with continuous growth such as fish, reptiles, amphibians and numerous invertebrates, including mollusks. We studied the effects of age on oxidative stress, cellular defense mechanisms (including two major antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase), and molecular chaperones in two mollusks — eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica and hard clams Mercenaria mercenaria . In order to detect the age-related changes in these parameters, correction for the effects of size was performed where appropriate to account for growth-related dilution. Fluorescent age pigments accumulated with age in both species. Protein carbonyls did not change with age or size indicating that they are not a good marker of aging in mollusks possibly due to the fast turnover and degradation of oxidized proteins in growing tissues. SOD did not show a compensatory increase with aging in either species, while catalase significantly decreased with age. Mitochondrial heat shock protein (HSP60) decreased with age in mollusks suggesting an age-related decline in mitochondrial chaperone protection. In contrast, changes in cytosolic chaperones were species-specific. HSP70 increased and HSP90 declined with age in clams, whereas in oysters HSP70 expression did not change, and HSP90 increased with aging.
The association between serological evidence of exposure to Campylobacter fetus and productivity in dairy cattle

Abstract We investigated the relationship between serological evidence of exposure to Campylobacter fetus (CF) and various indices of productivity in a cross-sectional study of 178 dairy cows from three California Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) herds. Blood samples were collected from the lactating cows during December, 1986. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine antibody titers against CF, Haemophilus sommus (HS) and Leptospira hardjo (LH). The data on demographic and productivity parameters were obtained from DHIA individual-cow records of December, 1986. The data obtained pertained only to the current lactation of the cows. The variables CFETUS, HSOMNUS and LEPTO represent the serological status of a cow either as negative or positive against CF, HS and LH antigens, respectively. CFETUS represent the serological evidence of natural exposure to corresponding bacterial agents. However, LEPTO was assumed to be the level of vaccinal titer against LH since all the cows studied had been vaccinated routinely against this infectious agent during September, 1986. Five indices of productivity (recent calving interval, calving to conception interval, number of services per conception, test-day's milk production and percent mature equivalent milk production) were used. HSOMNUS, LEPTO and other covariates suggested by previous studies were included in modeling the relationships of interest. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to study the adjusted relationship of CFETUS with each measure of productivity. Multivariate analyses revealed that the adjusted relationships of CFETUS with recent calving interval, calving to conception interval, number of services per conception and test-day's milk production were non-significant. However, after adjusting for possible covariates, CFETUS -positive cows had an average of 7.43% less mature-equivalent milk production than CFETUS -negative cows. Among the covariates, LEPTO had a strong and independent relationship with recent calving interval and with percent mature-equivalent milk production (having unstandardized partial regression coefficients of −0.77 and 4.53, respectively). We conclude that the presence of antibodies against CF was not associated with reproductive efficiency of cows. The association of CF seropositivity with one index of milk production is the first indication that latent CF infection may be associated with subclinical mastitis (perhaps through a hypersensitivity reaction). However, this aspect needs further investigation.
Déjà vu for airline industrial relations

Fifteen years after deregulation, labor relations in the airline industry returned to thestatus quo ante, as union power, particularly ALPA’s, still dominates. Without a long-term shift in bargaining power between the parties, costs and productivity have not changed much. Labor accounts for 60 percent of the cost difference between strong and low-cost carriers. American, Delta, United, Northwest, and USAir would require some combination of labor cost concessions or productivity increases of $1.6 billion to match the productivity-adjusted labor costs for low-cost carriers’ flight crews. To remain competitive, strong carriers and unions must develop strategies to deal with anachronistic work rules, provisions to contract out work, and premium pay for airline employees.
Influenza vaccination rates of expectant parents with neonatal intensive care admission.

Objectives. To ascertain the rate of influenza immunization in pregnant couples whose infants required neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and to clarify predictors for trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) use in this targeted parent population.Study design. During the 2005–07 influenza seasons, parents of NICU patients at two level III centers were surveyed about TIV after their infant's NICU admission. Data on immunization history, location of immunization, and other risk factors for influenza were assessed. Infant data including birth weight, gestational age, and multiple births were also obtained.Results. Seven hundred and eighty-six parents had infants in the NICU. Five hundred and forty-seven (69.5%) were surveyed. The overall parental rate of vaccination was 23.2% (127/547). The parental vaccination rate did not differ between years (23.2% vs. 23.2%). Mothers were less likely to have received TIV prior to delivery than fathers (17.0% vs. 28.4%; p < 0.02). Of the population, 19.3...
Selective Support Vector Machines

In this study we introduce a generalized support vector classification problem: Let Xi, i=1,…,n be mutually exclusive sets of pattern vectors such that all pattern vectors xi,k, k=1,…,|Xi| have the same class label yi. Select only one pattern vector \(x_{i,k^{*}}\) from each set Xi such that the margin between the set of selected positive and negative pattern vectors are maximized. This problem is formulated as a quadratic mixed 0-1 programming problem, which is a generalization of the standard support vector classifiers. The quadratic mixed 0-1 formulation is shown to be \(\mathcal{NP}\) -hard. An alternative approach is proposed with the free slack concept. Primal and dual formulations are introduced for linear and nonlinear classification. These formulations provide flexibility to the separating hyperplane to identify the pattern vectors with large margin. Iterative elimination and direct selection methods are developed to select such pattern vectors using the alternative formulations. These methods are compared with a naive method on simulated data. The iterative elimination method is also applied to neural data from a visuomotor categorical discrimination task to classify highly cognitive brain activities.
Effects of intrastriatal injections of the cholinergic neurotoxin AF64A on spontaneous nocturnal locomotor behavior in the rat

Rats with bilateral striatal cholinergic lesions induced by the neurotoxin AF64A were found to have increased spontaneous nocturnal locomotor activity as measured in terms of the amount of time spent moving, the total distance traveled and the number of episodes and time of stereotypic behaviors. No significant differences between control and AF64A injected rats were found in the actual velocities between the two groups indicating that the rats were simply spending more time moving rather than moving with greater speed. Striatal activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) was significantly decreased in AF64A treated rats compared to controls, whereas the activities of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) were not. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between groups in enzymatic activities of CAT and GAD in either the cortex or the hippocampus, indicating that the lesion was restricted to the striatum. The hyperactivity found in these rats after intrastriatal injection of AF64A supports a role for the striatal cholinergic system in locomotor behavior.
ClpX Inhibits FtsZ Assembly in a Manner That Does Not Require Its ATP Hydrolysis-Dependent Chaperone Activity

ClpX is a well-characterized bacterial chaperone that plays a role in many processes, including protein turnover and the remodeling of macromolecular complexes. All of these activities require ATP hydrolysis-dependent, ClpX-mediated protein unfolding. Here we used site-directed mutagenesis in combination with genetics and biochemistry to establish that ClpX inhibits assembly of the conserved division protein FtsZ through a noncanonical mechanism independent of its role as an ATP-dependent chaperone.
Reversible effects of Na-butyrate on histone acetylation.

Abstract Histones were labeled by incubating HeLa cells in the presence of radioactive leucine for 20 hours. Following a 5 hour chase in non-radioactive medium the cells were exposed to 7 mM Na-butyrate to increase the level of histone acetylation. Histones were then extracted, fractionated by high-resolution electrophoresis in acetic acid-urea gels and the specific activity of the parental form of H4 histone and that of each acetylated form was calculated. No differences were found in the specific activities indicating that the major effect of butyrate on histone acetyl levels involves histones which were synthesized before the administration of butyrate. The effect is reversible and within 15 minutes after the removal of the drug most of the acetylated forms of H4 histone are converted to the unmodified form.
Rent regulation in New York City: Simulating decontrol options

Abstract Rent regulation in New York City has been in effect for nearly 50 years. The research presented herein finds that regulations provide the greatest benefits to higher income and nonminority households. Given poor targeting and high costs associated with regulation, deregulation is the correct long-term objective. However, immediate full deregulation is neither economically desirable nor politically realistic. The new contribution presented here is an analysis of three forms of partial deregulation: (1) income-targeted decontrol, (2) high-rent decontrol, and (3) vacancy decontrol. A combination of income-targeted decontrol and vacancy decontrol appears to provide the most reasonable approach. The proposed plan would affect about 400,000 of the more than one million regulated units in a 2-year period and increase the average 1987 rent by about 26%. Additional annual property tax revenues in the range of $100 million would eventually be generated by these deregulated units.
Bilateral os centrale carpi: A rare congenital variant

Abstract Accessory carpal bones are found in 2% of the population. 1 Os centrale is a rare example of one of these anomalies and is either an accessory bone or an empty space found between the scaphoid, the trapezoid, and the capitate on x-ray films of the hand. It is important because it may be mistaken for a scaphoid fracture.
Minimizing Variations in Functionality of Whey Protein Concentrates from Different Sources

Enhancement in processing technology has improved the nutritional and functional properties of whey protein concentrates by increasing the content and quality of the protein, leading to their increased use in different food products. The extent of heat treatment affects the quality of the whey protein concentrate, and wide variation in product quality exists due to the various means of manufacture and from the whey product history from farm to factory. The study was carried out with 6 commercial whey protein concentrates with 80% protein (WPC80) to determine variations in physical properties, particle size and density, and functional properties--solubility, gel strength, foam volume, and stability. Significant differences were observed among all the products for every property compared. Particulate size was the most important determinant of functional characteristics. Larger particulate WPC80 had significantly higher fat content and were less soluble with poor foam stability; but narrowing the particle size distribution through sieving, minimized variations. We determined that sieving all products within the particle size distribution range of 100 to 150 microns minimized variation in physical composition, making functionality uniform. WPC80 from different manufacturers can be made to perform uniformly within a narrow functionality range by reducing the particle size distribution through sieving.
Increments to the genus Mimosa (Mimosaceae) from South America

Four new species are described and discussed: from BoliviaM. (sect.Habbasia ser.Setosae)huanchacae; from SE brazilM. (sect.Habbasia ser.Pachycarpae)chiliomera andM. (sect.Mimosa)murex; and from EcuadorM. (sect.Mimosa subser.Polycarpae)Loxensis. The two Brazilian species are illustrated.
Comparison of the effect of excessive light on chlorophyll fluorescence (77K) and photon yield of O2 evolution in leaves of higher plants.

High-light treatments (1750–2000 μmol photons m−2 · s−1) of leaves from a number of higher-plant species invariably resulted in quenching of the maximum 77K chlorophyll fluorescence at both 692 and 734 nm (FM, 692 and FM, 734). The response of instantaneous fluorescence at 692 nm (FO, 692) was complex. In leaves of some species FO, 692 increased dramatically in others it was quenched, and in others yet it showed no marked, consistent change. Regardless of the response of FO, 692 an apparently linear relationship was obtained between the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (FV/FM, 692) and the photon yield of O2 evolution, indicating that photoinhibition affects these two variables to approximately the same extent. Treatment of leaves in a CO2−free gas stream containing 2% O2 and 98% N2 under weak light (100 μmol · m−2 · s−1) resulted in a general and fully reversible quenching of 77K fluorescence at 692 and 734 nm. In this case both FO, 692 and FM, 692 were invariably quenched, indicating that the quenching was caused by an increased non-radiative energy dissipation in the pigment bed. We propose that high-light treatments can have at least two different, concurrent effects on 77K fluorescence in leaves. One results from damage to the photosystem II (PSII) reaction-center complex and leads to a rise in FO, 692; the other results from an increased non-radiative energy dissipation and leads to quenching of both FO, 692 and FM, 692 This general quenching had a much longer relaxation time than reported for ΔpH-dependent quenching in algae and chloroplasts. Sun leaves, whose FV/FM, 692 ratios were little affected by high-light exposure in normal air, suffered pronounced photoinhibition when the exposure was made under conditions that prevent photosynthetic gas exchange (2% O2, 0% CO2). However, they were still less susceptible than shade leaves, indicating that the higher capacity for energy dissipation via photosynthesis is not the only cause of their lower susceptibility. The rate constant for recovery from photoinhibition was much higher in mature sun leaves than in mature shade leaves, indicating that differences in the capacity for continuous repair may in part account for the difference in their susceptibility to photoinhibition.
Multispectral simulation environment for modeling low-light-level sensor systems

Image intensifying cameras have been found to be extremely useful in low-light-level (LLL) scenarios including military night vision and civilian rescue operations. These sensors utilize the available visible region photons and an amplification process to produce high contrast imagery. It has been demonstrated that processing techniques can further enhance the quality of this imagery. For example, fusion with matching thermal IR imagery can improve image content when very little visible region contrast is available. To aid in the improvement of current algorithms and the development of new ones, a high fidelity simulation environment capable of producing radiometrically correct multi-band imagery for low- light-level conditions is desired. This paper describes a modeling environment attempting to meet these criteria by addressing the task as two individual components: (1) prediction of a low-light-level radiance field from an arbitrary scene, and (2) simulation of the output from a low- light-level sensor for a given radiance field. The radiance prediction engine utilized in this environment is the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model which is a first principles based multi-spectral synthetic image generation model capable of producing an arbitrary number of bands in the 0.28 to 20 micrometer region. The DIRSIG model is utilized to produce high spatial and spectral resolution radiance field images. These images are then processed by a user configurable multi-stage low-light-level sensor model that applies the appropriate noise and modulation transfer function (MTF) at each stage in the image processing chain. This includes the ability to reproduce common intensifying sensor artifacts such as saturation and 'blooming.' Additionally, co-registered imagery in other spectral bands may be simultaneously generated for testing fusion and exploitation algorithms. This paper discusses specific aspects of the DIRSIG radiance prediction for low- light-level conditions including the incorporation of natural and man-made sources which emphasizes the importance of accurate BRDF. A description of the implementation of each stage in the image processing and capture chain for the LLL model is also presented. Finally, simulated images are presented and qualitatively compared to lab acquired imagery from a commercial system.
Abstract 3231: A small molecule inhibitor of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) down-regulates glycolysis, induces cell cycle arrest, and inhibits cancer cell growthin vitroandin vivo

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Increased dependence on glycolysis and glucose metabolism, known as the Warburg effect, is a near-universal hallmark of cancer. The functional and therapeutic importance of the effect has been increasingly recognized and glycolysis has become a new target of anticancer strategies. We recently reported the identification of a group of novel small compounds that inhibit basal glucose transport and reduce cancer cell growth by using a glucose deprivation-like mechanism. Based on these and other results, we hypothesized that the compounds inhibit cancer growth by targeting Glut1 and they are efficacious in vivo as anticancer agents. Here we report that the representative and novel compound WZB117 not only inhibited cancer cell growth in multiple cancer cell lines but also inhibited cancer growth in a nude mouse model. Daily intraperitoneal (ip) injection of WZB117 at a dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in an over 70% reduction in the average size of xenografted tumor of human lung cancer A549 cell origin. Compound target study showed that WZB117 inhibited glucose transport in human red blood cells (RBC) and RBC-derived vesicles, both of which express Glut1 as their sole glucose transporter. Docking studies of WZB117-Glut1 interaction also demonstrate and support the binding of WZB117 to Glut1. Mechanism studies using multiple cancer cell lines revealed that treatment of WZB117 led to an induction of glycolytic enzymes, such as hexokinase, PKM2 and PGAM1; and then a decline of glycolysis as indicated by reduced lactate production with changes in Akt, AMPK and mTOR, protein factors in energy sensitive signaling pathways. These resulted in ER stress, followed by cell cycle arrest mediated through downregulation of cyclin E and Rb. Taken together, cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase plays major roles in the WZB117-induced inhibition of cancer cell growth while apoptosis is secondary. WZB117 can serve as a prototypic compound for further development of Glut1 inhibitors into novel anticancer therapeutics targeting glucose transport and glucose metabolism. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3231. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3231
Eastern Westerns: enlightened edutainment and national transvestism

The paper argues for the enduring significance of the popular register of socialist East European film and television cultures, which has received little attention so far. More specifically, it tracks Westerns, the most popular film genre on socialist screens, to explore the complex and often contradictory functions that media entertainment performed for and within socialist nationalisms. It looks at a large body of imported and domestically produced Westerns and Western-type adventure films and TV series from the 1960s onwards to demonstrate that media entertainment in general and the Western genre in particular, while intended to support top-down, nationalistic pedagogies of the state, often gave expression to officially unspeakable or illegitimate gendered and racialized identifications. Furthermore, rather than art films, which have been confined to and confirmed the ‘national cinema’ approach in studies of East European film, Westerns map extensive cross-border routes of production, distribution and ...
Potential Vorticity Index Vacillation In the 1978/79 Winter: Its Relation to Teleconnection Patterns

The time series of the potential vorticity (PV) index, defined as a measure of the zonally averaged midlatitude PV gradient on the 30 K isentropic surface in the Northern Hemisphere, is studied. The time series and other indices, their variations, and their correlations in the frequency domain are investigated. Teleconnection patterns based on the spatial representation of cross-correlation functions between the PV index and 500 mb geopotential-height anomaly are presented. The rhythm of atmospheric motion organized by the PV dynamics is shown.
Experimental demonstration of replicated multimode interferometer power splitter in Zr-doped sol-gel

A single-mode waveguide and a 1 /spl times/ 3 multimode interference (MMI) power splitter are fabricated in hybrid zirconium (Zr)-doped sol-gel material by a microreplication technology with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replica. The power splitter, as optimized using a finite-difference beam-propagation method (FD-BPM) simulation with self-imaging effects, represents one of the first experimental demonstrations of a high-tolerance manufactured device using replication methods. The fabrication of the microreplicated power splitter demonstrates high-quality optical and geometrical properties. The local uniformity in thickness of the multimode waveguide is less than 1.0%, and the average surface roughness is about 5.35 nm. The measured splitting loss is less than 0.6 dB for both transverse polarizations at the 1550-nm wavelength. Experimental achievements indicate that the soft lithography technology allows for the performance of applications in integrated optical devices in Zr-doped sol-gel materials with high standards.
A high speed reconfigurable integrated architecture for DWT

In this paper, we present an integrated systolic architecture for the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). This architecture is useful for both decomposition (forward DWT) and reconstruction (inverse DWT) of signals. The architecture has been designed based on an efficient systolic algorithm suitable for high speed VLSI implementation. This systolic architecture is unique in the sense that the same architecture is used for forward DWT and inverse DWT by selecting some suitable control signals and this systolic architecture yields 100% utilization unlike many other existing architectures in the literature. The two-dimensional DWT architecture can easily be designed by extending this one-dimensional solution.
Too much matching: A social relations model enhancement of the pairing game.

The Pairing Game is a popular classroom demonstration that illustrates how people select romantic partners who approximate their own desirability. However, this game produces matching correlations that greatly exceed the correlations that characterize actual romantic pairings, perhaps because the game does not incorporate the social relations model concept of the relationship effect. We conducted a straightforward variant of the Pairing Game that included relationship effects. As predicted, the matching correlation decreased in the modified versus the original version of the game, and the modified game also clarified difficult social relations model concepts for students. Actual romantic evaluations exhibit both consensus and idiosyncratic variability; this modification of the Pairing Game adds realism by representing both elements.
Comparison of the dapsone recovery ratio and the erythromycin breath test as in vivo probes of CYP3A activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving cyclosporine

Introduction Cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) is primarily responsible for the metabolism of cyclosporine and that of many other drugs. Several substrates of CYP3A have been investigated for use as pharmacologic probes to predict the CYP3A-metabolizing capacity of an individual and, therefore, the disposition of other CYP3A substrate drugs. One such measure of CYP3A activity is the 14C erythromycin breath test, which has been applied to the prediction of cyclosporine disposition. However, the test has practical limitations. Because of this, the 0- to-8-hour urinary dapsone recovery ratio has been studied as an alternative and more practical probe of CYP3A activity. Methods The dapsone recovery ratio and the 14C erythromycin breath test were correlated with cyclosporine concentrations in 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to determine the usefulness of the dapsone recovery ratio as an alternative to the 14C erythromycin breath test. The erythromycin breath test showed a fourfold variation between subjects and correlated weakly with trough cyclosporine concentrations (r = −0.50, P < 0.05), whereas the dapsone recovery ratio varied only approximately twofold between subjects and did not correlate with trough cyclosporine concentrations (r = 0.02, p = 0.94). The correlation between the dapsone recovery ratio and the erythromycin breath test (r = 0.22, p = 0.41) was not significant. Conclusions These data suggest that results obtained with one probe in vivo may not apply to another CYP3A substrate. The poor quantitative relationship between cyclosporine concentrations and the erythromycin breath test limits its usefulness in the prediction of an individual's cyclosporine dose requirement Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 59, 47–51; doi:
Detection of simple mutations and polymorphisms in large genomic regions

We have developed a novel technology that makes it possible to detect simple nucleotide polymorphisms directly within a sample of total genomic DNA. It allows, in a single Southern blot experiment, the determination of sequence identity of genomic regions with a combined length of hundreds of kilobases. This technology does not require PCR amplification of the target DNA regions, but exploits preparative size-fractionation of restriction-digested genomic DNA and a newly discovered property of the mismatch-specific endonuclease CEL I to cleave heteroduplex DNA with a very high specificity and sensitivity. We have used this technique to detect various simple mutations directly in the genomic DNA of isogenic pairs of recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolates. Also, by using a cosmid DNA library and genomic fractions as hybridization probes, we have compared total genomic DNA of two clinical P.aeruginosa clones isolated from the same patient, but exhibiting divergent phenotypes. The mutation scan correctly detected a GA insertion in the quorum-sensing regulator gene rhlR and, in addition, identified a novel intragenomic polymorphism in rrn operons, indicating very high stability of the bacterial genomes under natural non-mutator conditions.
Normal insulin-receptor cDNA sequence in Pima Indians with NIDDM.

Pima Indians have served as a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Within this population, inherited insulin resistance is a primary determinant of abnormal glucose metabolism. The insulin receptor is regarded as a “candidate gene” that could potentially be defective in Pima Indians or other populations with NIDDM. To directly address the question of potential insulin-receptor genetic defects in Pima Indians, we isolated and sequenced insulin-receptor cDNA from two Pima Indians with NIDDM. Small amounts of lymphoblast RNA were used to generate first-strand cDNA, which was then amplified via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this way, seven overlapping segments of insulin-receptor cDNA were obtained. With the exception of the alternatively spliced 36-base pair exon 11, which is not expressed in lymphoblasts, the complete coding region of the mature proreceptor was examined with a combination of direct sequencing and sequencing of subcloned PCR segments. The nucleotide sequence in both subjects was identical to previously published insulin-receptor cDNA sequences obtained from healthy subjects. These data indicate that abnormalities of insulin binding and receptor function that have been previously observed in vitro with fresh and cultured cells from Pima Indians may be consequences of the diabetic milieu and/or genetic abnormalities in molecules that interact with the insulin receptor.
Quality assessment for multiple server cooperating systems

Multiple agent systems are being used increasingly in various applications, including real time applications and safety critical systems. Many of these applications have a soft real time constraints and fuzzy rather than binary correctness criteria for the output value. Also, a principal characteristic of such systems is the trade off between using an efficient but less accurate strategy or a sophisticated but more time consuming strategy. We develop methods for assessing the quality of these systems in terms of the timeliness and accuracy of the output to aid decision making. We consider two commonly used coordination structures, parallel and pipeline structures. We also propose some adaptive schemes for increasing the quality of the system.
Human pulmonary arterial hypertension bone marrow-derived CD133+ myeloid progenitors induce vascular remodeling in immunodeficient mice

Severe remodeling of the pulmonary artery is the hallmark of idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH). Myeloid CD133+ proangiogenic progenitors, which oversee vascular homeostasis, are increased in IPAH. We hypothesized that IPAH CD133+ cells are derived from a predominantly myeloid bone marrow (BM) stem cell that promote the pathologic pulmonary vascular remodeling. CD133+ cells sorted from IPAH, unaffected family members or healthy control BM aspirates, were engrafted into immunodeficient mice and analyses were performed after 7 weeks or if mice became morbid. Recipients of PAH or unaffected family member CD133+ cells had higher engraftment and myeloid differentiation as indicated by higher human CD45+ and CD33+ cells. Mice engrafted with PAH CD133+ cells had higher plasma von Willebrand Factor (vWF) as compared to control mice, indicating endothelial/platelet activation, and demonstrated higher morbidity and mortality. Histological examination of organs revealed cardiac and pulmonary remodeling in PAH recipients, but no remodeling in the control group. Tissue remodeling included in situ thrombi, muscularization of pulmonary arterioles, right ventricular hypertrophy, infarction and ischemia. PAH recipients had a 2-fold increased microvessel density in lungs but not in heart or liver. Lung microvessel density correlated to circulating human progenitors in the mouse circulation. Collectively, the data suggest that the development of PAH precedes CD133+ proangiogenic myeloid progenitor cell proliferation that contributes to the progression and/or pathogenesis of PAH, possibly through endothelial cell injury/platelet activation.
William L. MacDonald (1921––2010)

Although we remember him primarily for his contributions to our understanding of Roman architecture and urbanism, William L. MacDonald, who died on 6 March 2010, described his main interest broadly as the history of architecture with an emphasis on classical architecture, its variations, and its influence on Western culture. The breadth of classicism from Greece to Gehry, seen through the eyes of antiquity, occupied his creative and inquisitive mind to the end, when he had been working on a reflective volume on Vitruvius's "eleventh book" and another on climbing famous buildings inside and out. He contributed numerous essays and articles to journals and anthologies, but Bill MacDonald was mainly a writer of books that mattered and changed the way we looked at architecture. The three short chapters of his first book, Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture (1962), are harbingers of his keen interest in the spatial and volumetric aspects of architecture and his ability to express it in original and penetratingly precise language, as when describing the interior of S. Vitale in Ravenna: "The restlessness of the turning polymorphic aisle and gallery spaces contrasts with the calm of the middle space, reaching above the surrounding forms to the brighter light of its clerestory" (32). Three years later, The Architecture of the Roman Empire: An Introductory Study ( ARE I) came out, bursting with ideas about the kinetic and dramatic nature of Roman architecture in its structural, spatial, and symbolic manifestations. (A revised edition appeared in 1982.) Few works on Roman architecture since then have been devoid of some inspiration from and debt to his seminal vision. Reflecting Bill's sense of independence, the Introductory Study is not a chronological survey of the subject, but a compendium of selected themes and episodes that explicate the nature of Roman architecture——especially the so-called architectural revolution …
Reoperations for Valve Surgery: Perioperative Mortality and Determinants of Risk for 1,000 Patients, 1958–1984

One thousand consecutive cardiac reoperations for valve surgery in 897 patients were reviewed to determine in-hospital mortality and indicators of risk. Subgroups based on the number of previous cardiac procedures and the valve or valves replaced or repaired at reoperation (aortic valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, or multiple valves and mortality [deaths/number of procedures (% mortality)]) for those subgroups are as follows: (Table: see text) Predictors of increased risk for a first aortic valve reoperation were advanced age (p = .0002), endocarditis (p = .0018), female sex (p = .014), impaired left ventricular function (p = .039), and number of coronary vessels obstructed by 70% or more (p = .055). For a first mitral valve reoperation, the predictors were advanced age (p less than .0001), preoperative shock or cardiac arrest (p = .01), previous aortic or tricuspid valve operations (p = .02), type of mitral valve procedure (risk for repair of periprosthetic leak was greater than mitral valve replacement which was greater than mitral valve-conserving operation [p = .05]), and impaired left ventricular function (p = .059). For a first multiple valve reoperation, the predictors were diabetes (p = .04) and ascites (p = .02), whereas patients undergoing mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve operations were at decreased risk (p = .01). Comparison of second reoperations with first reoperations indicates risk increases for multiple operations (p = .01) but not for aortic or mitral valve procedures. Rereplacement of a prosthesis (p = .007), coronary bypass grafting at reoperation (p = .006), and advanced age (p = .06) increased the risk for second reoperations. Age is the most consistent predictor of risk for patients undergoing valve reoperations.
Borderline cases and the collapsing principle

John Broome has argued that value incommensurability is vagueness, by appeal to a controversial ‘collapsing principle’ about comparative indeterminacy. I offer a new counterexample to the collapsing principle. That principle allows us to derive an outright contradiction from the claim that some object is a borderline case of some predicate. But if there are no borderline cases, then the principle is empty. The collapsing principle is either false or empty.
Impact of oral fluid collection device on cannabinoid stability following smoked cannabis

Evaluation of cannabinoid stability in authentic oral fluid (OF) is critical, as most OF stability studies employed fortified or synthetic OF. Participants (n=16) smoked a 6.8% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cigarette, and baseline concentrations of THC, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) were determined within 24h in 16 separate pooled samples (collected 1h before to 10.5 or 13h after smoking). OF was collected with the StatSure Saliva Sampler™ and Oral-Eze® devices. Oral-Eze samples were re-analyzed after room temperature (RT) storage for 1 week, and for both devices after 4°C for 1 and 4 weeks, and –20°C for 4 and 24 weeks. Concentrations ±20% from initial concentrations were considered stable. With the StatSure device, all cannabinoids were within 80-120% median %baseline for all storage conditions. Individual THC, CBD, CBN and THCCOOH pool concentrations were stable in 100%, 100%, 80-94% and >85%, respectively, across storage conditions. With the Oral-Eze device, at RT or refrigerated storage (for 1 and 4 weeks), THC, CBD and THCCOOH were stable in 94-100%, 78-89% and 93-100% of samples, respectively, while CBN concentrations were 53–79% stable. However, after 24 weeks at -20°C, stability decreased, especially for CBD, with a median of 56% stability. Overall, the collection devices’ elution/stabilizing buffers provided good stability for OF cannabinoids, with the exception of the more labile CBN. To ensure OF cannabinoid concentration accuracy, these data suggest analysis within 4 weeks at 4°C storage for Oral-Eze collection and within 4 weeks at 4°C or 24 weeks at -20°C for StatSure collection.
First principles studies of a Xe atom adsorbed on Nb(1 1 0) surface

Abstract We study adsorption sites of a single Xe adatom on Nb(1 1 0) surface using a density functional theory approach: the on-top site is the most favorable position for adsorption. We compare the binding features of the present study to earlier studies of a Xe adatom on close-packed (1 1 1) surfaces of face-centered cubic metals. The different features are attributed through a microscopic picture to the less than half filled d-states in Nb.
Charge density and computational study of benzhydrol and benzhydrol-d10

Abstract The structures and charge distribution of benzhydrol (C13H12O) and its deuterated equivalent benzhydrol-d10 (C13D10H2O) were studied by X-ray diffraction. Raman and IR spectra obtained for the compounds and ab initio calculations help to understand the structural features of these molecules.
The importance of live biofilms in corrosion protection

As observed before, Al 2024 was passive in artificial seawater (AS) in the presence of a protective biofilm of Bacillus subtilis WB600. When antibiotics were added to the AS to kill the bacteria in the biofilm, pitting occurred within a few hours as indicated by characteristic changes in the impedance spectra. The corrosion potential Ecorr decreased at the same time to values observed in sterile AS. Addition of the antibiotics to sterile AS had no effect on corrosion behavior.