cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Load-Balanced Slim Fly Networks

The Slim Fly topology has recently been proposed for the future generation supercomputers. It has small diameter and relies on the Universal Globally Adaptive Load-balanced (UGAL) routing, which adapts the routes between minimal (MIN) routing and Valiant Load-Balancing (VLB) routing to exploit the network capacity. In this work, we show that the current Slim Fly is not load-balanced for both MIN routing and VLB routing, in that certain links in the network have a significantly higher probability to carry traffic than others. As such, hot spots are more likely to form on such links. We propose two approaches to address this problem and to make Slim Fly load-balanced: (1) modifying the topology by selectively increasing the bandwidth of the potential hot-spot links so that the original routing becomes load-balanced, and (2) modifying the routing scheme by using a weighted VLB routing to distribute the traffic in a more load balanced fashion than the original VLB routing on the original Slim Fly. The results of our performance analysis and simulation demonstrate that both approaches result in more effective Slim Fly than its current form.
Interspace between Popliteal Artery and posterior Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) Injectate Spread: A Cadaver Study

Objectives Local anesthetic injection into the interspace between the popliteal artery and the posterior capsule of the knee (IPACK) has the potential to provide motor-sparing analgesia to the posterior knee after total knee arthroplasty. The primary objective of this cadaveric study was to evaluate injectate spread to relevant anatomic structures with IPACK injection. Methods After receipt of Institutional Review Board Biospecimen Subcommittee approval, IPACK injection was performed on fresh-frozen cadavers. The popliteal fossa in each specimen was dissected and examined for injectate spread. Results Ten fresh-frozen cadaver knees were included in the study. Injectate was observed to spread in the popliteal fossa at a mean ± SD of 6.1 ± 0.7 cm in the medial-lateral dimension and 10.1 ± 3.2 cm in the proximal-distal dimension. No injectate was noted to be in contact with the proximal segment of the sciatic nerve, but 3 specimens showed injectate spread to the tibial nerve. In 3 specimens, the injectate showed possible contact with the common peroneal nerve. The middle genicular artery was consistently surrounded by injectate. Conclusions This cadaver study of IPACK injection demonstrated spread throughout the popliteal fossa without proximal sciatic involvement. However, the potential for injectate to spread to the tibial or common peroneal nerve was demonstrated. Consistent surrounding of the middle genicular artery with injectate suggests a potential mechanism of analgesia for the IPACK block, due to the predictable relationship between articular sensory nerves and this artery. Further study is needed to determine the ideal site of IPACK injection.
RFE/RL Broadcasting and West German Society: Caught between Nature Protection Activism and Anti-Americanism

This article contributes to the historiography of two separate topics that became intertwined in the final decade of the Cold War: wildlife protection activism and Cold War broadcasting. The articl...
Preliminary Results of a GNSS-R Simulation to Sense Canopy Parameters

Soil moisture (SM) plays a significant role on the Earth’s water, energy, and carbon transfers. Thus, global sensing of SM is vital. Conventional active and passive monostatic instruments have been used for SM retrieval for decades. For the sake of increasing spatiotemporal resolutions and decreasing costs, Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) have been examined recently. However, the high number of dynamic factors that affect GNSS-R observables in land applications make the use of this technique challenging. In this paper, we aim to present our preliminary observations about simulated GNSS-R signatures through a vegetated terrain in order to unveil GNSS-R sensitivity to dynamic land parameters. We exploited our recently developed coherent bistatic vegetation scattering model (SCoBi-Veg) for these simulations. We modelled a full growing season of corn field by using in situ measurement data. We observed received power variations as a function of observation angle and corn growth stage. First findings indicate the dominance of the coherent contribution over incoherent one. Results also demonstrate the effect of the growth stages on the received power.
CAN INJURY RISK CATEGORY BE CHANGED IN ATHLETES? AN ANALYSIS OF AN INJURY PREVENTION SYSTEM.

Background and purpose Researchers have used an injury risk algorithm utilizing demographic data, injury history, the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) and Lower Quarter Y Balance Test™ (YBT™) scores to categorize individual injury risk. The purpose of this study was to identify if a group-based hybrid injury prevention program utilizing key factors from previous research with the addition of an individualized approach can modify the injury risk category of athletes. Study design Cohort Study. Methods Forty-four female subjects (ages 14-17) were recruited from a local high school soccer team. Pre-participation testing included demographic data, injury history, FMS™ and YBT™ to determine if each athletes' injury risk category using the Move2Perform algorithm. Post-testing took place after an eight-week exercise-based intervention program was completed. McNemar analysis was utilized to assess changes in the injury risk categories. Results A significant number of athletes (21 of 44) moved to lower risk categories at posttest (p=0.000; Z=-3.869). Of the 32 athletes in the High Risk category at pretest, 16 were Low Risk after the intervention (p=0.002). Conclusions A preseason, group injury prevention training program with individually prescribed corrective exercises, resulted in a significant number of subjects decreasing their injury risk category. The primary statistically significant decrease of injury risk category was seen in the Moderate Risk individuals moving down to Slight. There were three athletes that moved from the Substantial Risk category to Slight, however, this change was not statistically significant. Level of evidence 2.
An investigation of cultural objects in conflict zones through the lens of TripAdvisor reviews: A case of South Caucasus:

This study is an investigation of how cultural sites and objects in the former conflict zones of South Caucasus are constructed in user-generated narratives in TripAdvisor reviews and images. An an...
Damic at Snolab

This report presents the past results, current status and future plans for DAMIC: a search for low-mass dark matter particles with low-noise CCDs. We summarize the extensive laboratory efforts on the characterization of the CCDs and the calibration of their response to potential dark matter signals and radioactive backgrounds. Recent results include exclusion limits on the spin-independent scattering of WIMPs with silicon nuclei and on the absorption of eV-scale hidden-photon dark matter by valence electrons. A 40 g 7-CCD array started operation in February 2017 and data acquisition is ongoing, with results expected in 2018. We outline the future plans for DAMIC-1K, a 1kg 50-CCD array with an ionization threshold of 2 e−.
Convex meromorphic mappings

We study functions f(z) which are meromorphic and univalent in the unit disk with a simple pole at z = p, 0 < p < 1, and which map the unit disk onto a domain whose complement is either convex or is starlike with respect to a point w0 6 0. 1. Introduction. Let S(p), 0 < p < 1, be the class of functions mero- morphic and univalent in the unit disk =fz :jzj < 1g with a simple pole at z = p with a power series expansion f(z) = z +b2z 2 +::: forjzj < p. The class S(p) has been investigated by a number of authors. We let C(p) be the subclass of S(p) made up of functions f such that Cnf( ) is a convex set. Royster (11) considered the class K(p) consisting of members of S(p) for which there exists , 0 <
Characterization of electron clouds in the Cornell Electron Storage Ring Test Accelerator using TE-wave transmission

A relatively new technique for measuring the electron cloud density in storage rings has been developed and successfully demonstrated [S. De Santis, J.M. Byrd, F. Caspers, A. Krasnykh, T. Kroyer, M.T.F. Pivi, and K.G. Sonnad, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 094801 (2008).]. We present the experimental results of a systematic application of this technique at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring Test Accelerator. The technique is based on the phase modulation of the TE mode transmitted in a synchrotron beam pipe caused by the periodic variation of the density of electron plasma. Because of the relatively simple hardware requirements, this method has become increasingly popular and has been since successfully implemented in several machines. While the principles of this technique are straightforward, quantitative derivation of the electron cloud density from the measurement requires consideration of several effects, which we address in detail.
Before PBO: An Overview of Continuous Strain and Tilt Measurements in the United States

Unlike Japan, the United States has not had a large sustained program to make continuous measurements of crustal deformation—until the the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) initiative (Section 10) that began in 2003. Most earlier measurements instead were initiatives by individual scientists or particular agencies. In many cases early and promising results have been followed by demonstrations that apparent signals were in fact noise. Partly because of this, few programs have lasted more than a few years, two examples being measurements with shallow strainmeters in the 1960’s and shallow tiltmeters in the 1970’s. I use some of these historical examples, and concepts from studies of scientific experimentation, to suggest some general conclusions about this type of measurement.
U.S. presidential debates 1948–2020: an issue of formality and respect

This article investigates the level of formality in presidential debates. Using content analytic techniques, this study documents trends in address terms (ranging from the use of honorific titles t...
Thromboxane A2 stimulates vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy by Up-regulating the synthesis and release of endogenous basic fibroblast growth factor

We have shown previously that thromboxane A2 stimulates hypertrophy of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells defined as protooncogene expression and protein synthesis without DNA synthesis or cellular proliferation (Dorn, G.W., II, Becker, M.W., Davis, M.G. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 24897-24905). Since endogenous growth modulators could possibly regulate vascular smooth muscle growth to this vasoconstrictor, we tested the hypothesis that thromboxane-stimulated vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy was due to increased expression of endogenously produced basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The thromboxane mimetic (15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid (U46619) (1 microM) increased cultured rat aorta derived smooth muscle cell immunoreactive bFGF content by 331 +/- 40% over untreated controls after 24 h. Co-incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells with a specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS) against codon 60 of bFGF coding sequence reduced thromboxane-stimulated bFGF expression by 72 +/- 5% and prevented thromboxane-stimulated hypertrophy (nonsense oligonucleotide had no effects). Addition of exogenous bFGF (20 ng/ml) restored growth to AS-treated/thromboxane-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, addition to the culture medium of neutralizing antibody against bFGF inhibited U46619-stimulated vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy by 69 +/- 17%, whereas nonimmune IgG had no effect. Since protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a cell signal associated with growth, thromboxane-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation was also examined. Exposure to 1 microM U46619 for 10 min increased vascular smooth muscle immunoreactive phosphotyrosine content of 130-144-, 86-, 80-, 75-, and 58-kDa proteins. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A (5 microM) prevented thromboxane-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation, but not thromboxane-stimulated hypertrophy, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation was not required for thromboxane-stimulated vascular smooth muscle growth. These results indicate that increased expression and release of endogenous bFGF, but not direct tyrosine phosphorylation, mediates the hypertrophic vascular smooth muscle response to thromboxane.
Effect of alumina composition on interfacial chemistry and strength of direct bonded copper-alumina

The gas-metal eutectic method was used to bond copper to sintered high alumina ceramics which had different sintering aid compositions in the magnesia-calcia-silica system. The highest average copper-alumina peel adhesion strength, 205 N/cm, was observed for alumina which contained 0.2 percent magnesia and 0.2 percent calcia. The lowest peel adhesion strength, 103 N/cm, was observed for copper bonded to 95 percent alumina which contained magnesia, calcia, and silica additions. This bond strength was similar to that for commercial 96 percent alumina. Statistical matrix experiments showed that alumina containing calcium silicate had significantly lower copper bond strength. This may be attributed to the formation of a transition compound other than the copper aluminate phase identified for well bonded samples in this study. 10 refs.
3-D Transient Modeling of Bulk High-Temperature Superconducting Material in Passive Magnetic Bearing Applications

Bulk high-temperature superconductors are being considered for use in several engineering applications, including passive magnetic bearings. These bearings, apart from being passive, i.e., inherently stable, also offer the promise of lower bearing losses; thus, they are being considered for use with flywheels for energy storage in applications related to frequency regulation and for correcting forecasting errors associated with renewable energy sources. The effort presented in this paper was undertaken to characterize the performance of these bearings such as longitudinal and transverse stiffness and loss characteristics. To this end, a finite-element method (FEM) using the T– $\Omega$ potentials was used for the formulation. The results of the FEM were verified with experiments. These experiments are described. This FEM tool was also used to guide the development of a reduced-order model, which could run faster and, therefore, could be used in larger system simulations. Some discussions about the run time on a desktop PC are also presented.
Chapter 26 Functional mapping in epilepsy patients' information from subdural electrodes

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews how cortical stimulation is used to explore function. The standard homoncular maps imply that different functions map different parts of the brain. The chapter concentrates on three areas of the functional organization of the brain, giving examples of findings based upon studies with subdural electrodes: (1) small regions of the brain can have very specific functions, (2) small regions of the brain can support multiple functions, (3) multiple regions may be needed for specific functions. The concept of how functions are represented in the human cortex is evolving. Specific regions exert a high degree of control over specific functions, but this control is not unique. From evoked potential studies and studies of event-related depolarization and synchronization it is known that the intensity of responses varies over time. These variations reflect the time course of involvement of a particular region in accomplishing the tested function.
A heparan sulfate proteoglycan in developing avian axonal tracts

A neuronal heparan sulfate proteoglycan was identified by a panel of four monoclonal antibodies. The antibodies were generated from mice immunized with embryonic chick retina basal lamina (clones 3A12, 3A3, and 9E10) and embryonic chick optic tract (clone 6D2). Cross-reactivity of all four antibodies with the purified proteoglycan confirmed that the antibodies were directed to the same antigen. Antibodies to heparan sulfate proteoglycan from embryonic chick muscle or EHS mouse tumor (perlecan) did not cross-react with the neuronal heparan sulfate proteoglycan, suggesting that the two proteoglycans are not related. In Western blots, the proteoglycan had a molecular weight of 600 kDa that dropped to 250 kDa when the samples were treated with heparitinase or nitric acid. Immunocytochemistry showed that in early stages of chick and quail development, the proteoglycan was exclusively localized in basal laminae and had a distribution similar to that of laminin. During further development, a strong labeling was also found in the extracellular environment of nerve tracts, such as the optic nerve and white matter areas of the brain and spinal cord. The labeling of axonal tracts declined from embryonic day 10 onward, while labeling in basal laminae persisted. Antibodies to muscle heparan sulfate proteoglycan or to perlecan did not label nerve fibers. The data show that embryonic neuronal tissue expresses a new type of heparan sulfate proteoglycan.
Therapeutic apheresis in renal transplantation; current practices

Apheresis is an important treatment modality for the removal of pathologic antibodies and circulating proteins in kidney transplantation. The use of apheresis has been shown to be a necessary preconditioning component in ABO incompatible kidney transplant. Removal of pathologic anti-A and anti-B antibodies has been accomplished with a variety of apheresis modalities including plasma exchange, fractional plasma exchange, and immunoaborption techniques. Using these modalities in conjunction with potent modern immunosuppression, ABO incompatible kidney transplants have achieved graft and patient survivals similar to that seen in ABO compatible transplants. Apheresis has also been an important modality in the removal of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies both for the purposes of desensitization and treatment of antibody mediated rejection of the kidney. Although good randomized controlled trials are lacking in the treatment of acute antibody mediated rejection, most treatment regimens include the use of apheresis as an essential component for reduction of anti-HLA antibody titers. Similarly, a variety of desensitization protocols have been developed to allow highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates to be successfully transplanted in the presence of donor-specific HLA antibodies. Most of these protocols involve apheresis to improve the removal of pathologic antibodies. Finally, aphereis has been used with mixed success for the treatment of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Evidence indicates that in some cases a circulating factor exists which apheresis can remove and ameliorate the nephrotic proteinuria. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:206–210, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognosis: The Adult with a Learning Disability

Deficiencies in reading and writing appear to be major and lasting handicaps for learning-disabled college students. However, gains have been made in program modifications for learning-disabled students in many higher education institutions. Many adults with learning disabilities find that their handicap makes it difficult to obtain and keep jobs. Although they perceive a need for a wide range of educational and vocational services, there are few services available at most community agencies. Service providers and educators in vocational rehabilitation and adult education and literacy programs need to know more about learning disabilities in adults and how to identify such persons and provide them with more appropriate educational instruction and job counseling and training.
Variable role of the state in education: the thai experience

Abstract Third World countries, Thailand included, are criticized for overly centralized administrative systems. However, decisions regarding centralization/decentralization are not either/or propositions. This chapter draws on the extensive research conducted by the BRIDGES project in Thailand to argue that the State does and should play multiple and variable roles in education in Thailand. It also attempts to specify roles which could be most appropriately played by different administrative levels at the present time. This is a perspective which is intended to clarify the complexities of educational policymaking not only in Thailand, but in many other countries as well.
Blood pressure responses to acute exercise in type A females

Abstract Cardiovascular responses to moderate steady state exercise were studied in type A females. Twenty-one women, ages 18 to 43 years (mean 29.7 ± 2.0), were divided into type A (n = 11) and type B (n = 10) groups by means of the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS). Baseline measurement included EMG, BP, and psychometric data. Subjects exercised on a treadmill at 60% V O 2 peak for 20 min. Postexercise systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) reductions were similar in the type A and type B groups [111/72 to 104/66 and 108/70 to 98/62 mmHg, respectively, (F(1, 38) = 4.03, p
Enzyme-dispersed carbon-nanotube electrodes: a needle microsensor for monitoring glucose.

The preparation of an enzyme-dispersed carbon-nanotube (CNT) electrode, based on mixing glucose oxidase (GOx) within CNT, is described. The new binderless biocomposite was packed within a 21-gauge needle and used for amperometric monitoring of glucose. The resulting microsensor offers a low-potential highly selective and sensitive detection of glucose. The high sensitivity and selectivity are coupled to a wide linear range, prolonged lifetime and oxygen independence. About 80% of the GOx activity is retained during a 24 h thermal stress at 90 °C, reflecting the enzyme-stabilization action of CNT. The marked electrocatalytic action towards hydrogen peroxide allows highly selective detection of the glucose substrate at −0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) with no interferences from coexisting ascorbic acid, acetaminophen or uric acid. Linearity prevails up to 40 mM glucose (with analytically useful signals observed up to 0.1 M). Factors affecting the performance of the CNT-based glucose biosensor were assessed and optimized. The attractive performance of the new needle electrode offers great promise for continuous monitoring of glucose in connection to the management of diabetes, and for the biosensing of other metabolites.
Gossypol: High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis and stability in various solvents

An improved high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method of gossypol analysis was developed and compared with the current spectrophotometric method. Gossypol was determined in four samples of cottonseeds ofGossypium hirsutum with varying contents of gossypol, as well as in the stems and roots ofG. arboreum andG. thurber. The roots of both species each contained equally high amounts of gossypol, while the stems of each species varied in content. Those ofG. thurber contained slightly higher amounts of gossypol than those ofG. arboreum. Among the seeds studied, the glanded cottonseeds contained the highest concentration of gossypol, followed by low gossypol seeds, then glandless cottonseeds, and finally the roasted glandless cottonseeds. The stability of gossypol was studied in five solvents at six different storage temperatures. Both the type of solvent and the temperature were found to affect the rate of decomposition of gossypol. In all the solvents studied, gossypol was found to be highly unstable at 37 C and at room temperature, while its stability increased as the storage temperature decreased. At all temperatures, depending on the solvent used, the rate of decomposition increased in the following order: acetone < acetonitrile < chloroform < ethanol < methanol. Although the decomposition products of gossypol were not identified, their formation was found to be dependent on the solvent used.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the human lumbar spinal cord.

Purpose To determine whether consistent regions of activity could be observed in the lumbar spinal cord of single subjects with spin-echo functional MRI (fMRI) if several repeated experiments were performed within a single imaging session. Materials and Methods Repeated fMRI experiments of the human lumbar spinal cord were performed at 1.5 T with a single-shot spin-echo technique (half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE)) as used by previous investigators, and a modified method (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)-HASTE) that nulled the otherwise highly variable signal from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Results FLAIR-HASTE reduced the variability of the signal in the CSF region to background levels, and presumably reduced associated artifacts in the spinal cord. Consistent areas of activation in the spinal cord in response to a thermal stimulus just below the knee were not observed across the fMRI experiments with either method. Conclusion FLAIR-HASTE was useful for removing artifact in the spinal cord signal induced by variability in the CSF signal. However, with the techniques used in this study, we were not able to confirm the presence of a consistent fMRI response in the lumbar spinal cord because of the signal enhancement by extravascular protons (SEEP) effect during thermal stimulation of the hindlimb. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:527–535. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Touching the high-risk obstetrical patient.

Nurses are reminded that there is a patient, rather than lust an array of technical marvels, in the intensive care labor unit. Practical measures for promoting the patient's physical ease are outlined, and the meaning of support is reviewed.
The results of laparoscopic adhesiolysis for intractable urinary frequency.

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated urinary frequency related to pelvic adhesions around the bladder serosa and the result of laparoscopic adhesiolysis on intractable urinary frequency caused by adhesions that did not respond to conservative treatment.Materials and Methods: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed for the diagnosis and treatment of 10 referred patients with a history of pelvic surgery in whom conservative treatment had failed. Urinary symptoms and signs, a urinary diary and cystometry were followed before and after surgery.Results: In all cases there were various degrees of pelvic adhesion, mainly around the bladder. Frequency and urgency were improved in 9 of 10 patients. Urinary diary and cystometry parameters showed improvement at followup.Conclusions: Adhesions involving the bladder wall may restrict bladder distension in most of these patients. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of this subgroup of patients.
Fluctuation phenomena in structurally symmetric polymer blends

Polymer reference interaction site model theory with the new molecular closures is employed to numerically and analytically study structurally and interaction potential symmetric binary blends. Both the compressibility and free energy routes to the thermodynamics are studied and the issue of thermodynamic consistency is addressed. A variety of non‐Flory–Huggins effects, or ‘‘fluctuation phenomena,’’ are found. These include nonuniversal renormalization of the critical temperature and effective chi‐parameter from their mean field values, composition‐dependent chi‐parameters, and nonlinear dependence of the inverse osmotic compressibility on inverse temperature. All these fluctuation effects depend on degree of polymerization, N, chain length asymmetry, polymer density, range and precise form of the attractive tail potentials, chain stiffness, and proximity to the phase boundary. Some of the fluctuation effects are intrinsic, i.e., survive in the long chain N→∞ limit, while others are finite size effects which arise from chain‐connectivity‐induced coupled local density and long wavelength concentration fluctuations. Due to the multiple sources of the fluctuation effects, even asymptotic finite size effects can appear ‘‘intrinsic’’ over extended ranges of N. Comparison with lattice Monte Carlo simulations of Deutsch and Binder shows good agreement with the theoretical predictions. All the fluctuation effects can be understood in simple terms by examining the enthalpy of mixing and local interchain correlations. The key physical process is thermally driven local interchain rearrangements corresponding to the formation of diffuse interfaces and clusters or droplets. Analytic results are derived using the Gaussian thread model, which provides a simple physical understanding of the origin of the numerically determined fluctuation effects. In the long chain limit the predictions for the thread blend are shown to be exactly thermodynamically consistent which is a unique circumstance for liquid state theories. The relation of the blend fluctuation stabilization process to the corresponding diblock copolymer problem is briefly discussed.
Participation and survival of geriatric patients in Phase I clinical trials: the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) experience.

Background Geriatric cancer patients (age 65 or older) comprise a majority of cancer cases in the United States, yet they are underrepresented in therapeutic clinical trials. It is therefore important to increase our understanding of their participation, survival outcomes, and recruitment barriers. This study aims to describe the demographics, treatment, toxicity, and overall survival (OS) of all patients ≥ 65 years of age who presented to the Phase I Clinical Trials service at Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI).
Relation of Moderate or Severe Reduction in Glomerular Filtration Rate to Number of Coronary Arteries Narrowed >50% in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography for Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

We investigated, in a prospective study of 1,007 patients who underwent coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), the association of obstructive CAD with severe or moderate decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Baseline characteristics were similar in patients with a moderate or severe GFR decrease ( 2 ) and those with a mild or no GFR decrease except for diabetes being present in 112 of 259 patients (43%) with a moderate or severe GFR decrease and in 206 of 748 patients (28%) with a mild or no GFR decrease (p
Theoretical characterization of oxoanion, XOmn-, solvation

We describe a new cavity definition protocol that yields accurate solvation energies and electrode potentials for selected oxoanions, XOmn-, including some for which other cavity protocols do not perform well enough. In this new definition scheme with cavities made of interlocked atomic spheres, the radii are given by simple empirically based expressions involving effective atomic charges of the solute atoms that fit the solute molecular electrostatic potential and a bond length-dependent factor to account for atomic size and hybridization. The scheme shows substantial qualitative differences from other previously proposed schemes, for example, by assigning a large radius to the central atom of the oxoanions. This difference is put on a firm theoretical basis in the case of NO3- through an analysis of the molecular electrostatic potential of the nitrate ion and an analysis of its interaction with a “solvent” water molecule. Despite a large positive partial charge assigned to nitrogen in the nitrate ion, t...
The role of monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the nicotine discriminative stimulus

Nicotine serves as a reinforcer and induces a robust discriminative stimulus which is primarily mediated by neuronal nicotinic receptors. As a secondary effect of nicotinic stimulation, nicotine elicits an enhanced release of the biogenic amine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. In particular, compounds with dopaminergic activity have been reported to modify both the reinforcing and discriminative stimulus properties of nicotine. The present study examined a number of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic compounds for their effectiveness in reproducing or modifying the stimulus properties of nicotine in rats. The non-selective dopamine agonists amphetamine, cocaine and apomorphine produced partial substitution for nicotine, while the selective D2/D3 agonists bromocriptine and 7-OH-DPAT and the dopamine autoreceptor antagonist (+)-AJ-76 had little effect. The substitution of amphetamine for nicotine was not blocked by haloperidol, suggesting a minimal role for D2 receptors in the nicotine-like discriminative effects of stimulants. The selective D1 agonist SKF 81,297 produced partial substitution for nicotine (45% maximum), but further experiments with the D1 antagonist SCH 23,390 and with rats trained in a three-way discrimination procedure failed to support a primary role for this receptor in the substitution of dopaminergic drugs for nicotine. Finally, tests of compounds with effects on noradrenergic or serotonergic neurotransmission did not yield strong evidence for the involvement of these systems. Taken together, these data support earlier suggestions that activation of dopamine receptor subtypes plays a role in the nicotine-like stimulus properties of abused stimulants, but do not clearly identify a single subtype that is uniquely responsible.
Configuration interaction electric dipole moments for HCN, HNC, HNN+, HCO+ HBO, HBF+, and HCNH+☆

Abstract The SCF and CI dipole moments for HCN, HNC, HNN+, HCO+, HBO, HBF+, HCNH+ are computed. The CI dipole moments for HCN and HNC are within 0.10 debye of their experimental values.
APPLICATION OF STATISTICAL INVERSION TO GROUND-BASED MICROWAVE REMOTE SENSING OF TEMPERATURE AND WATER VAPOR PROFILES

Surface-based observations of downwelling microwave thermal emission are related to temperature and humidity profiles via a standard integral equation of radiative transfer. Both in clear and in cloudy atmospheres, statistical inversion techniques are used to retrieve profiles from a data vector of brightness observations and surface meteorological constraints. For the clear case, accuracy predictions and profile retrievals are illustrated for: (1) single frequency angular scanned data; (2) multi-frequency angular scanned data; and (3) multi-frequency zenith data. For the last case predicted and achieved accuracies were compared in a recently conducted radiometric experiment. Retrievals of cloud contaminated radiometric data are elaborated.
Enzymatic synthesis of novel glutathione analogs.

Abstract A strain of Escherichia coli enriched in its content of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase by recombinant DNA techniques has been immobilized in a carrageenan matrix and used for the synthesis of various types of isotopically labeled glutathione ( l -γ-glutamyl- l -cysteinyl-glycine) ( K. Murata, W. A. Abbott, R. J. Bridges, and A. Meister (1985) Anal. Biochem. 150 , 235–237). In the present work, this E. coli matrix was used as the basis of a method for the synthesis of glutathione analogs. Thus, amino acid analogs were used in place of the corresponding amino acid constitutents of glutathione (e.g., 4-fluoroglutamate was substituted for glutamate) in the reaction mixtures. Using this method we have synthesized several analogs of glutathione including l -γ-glutamyl-(β-chloro)- l -alanyl-glycine, ( R,S )-4-fluoro- dl -γ-glutamyl- l -cysteinyl-glycine, d -γ-glutamyl- l -cysteinyl-glycine, and l -γ-glutamyl- l -homocysteinyl-glycine. This method may also be used for the synthesis of a number of l - and d -γ-glutamyl amino acids. The analogs are purified by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The analogs are used to examine the substrate specificity and mechanisms of action of glutathione-utilizing enzymes and for studies on glutathione metabolism and function. Fluorine-containing analogs may be used for NMR studies. The enzymatically prepared compounds may also be used as intermediates in the chemical synthesis of other analogs of glutathione and glutathione disulfide.
Fresh Tissue Diagnosis in the Operating Room

A polychromatic stain giving color reactions closely simulating hematoxylin and eosin, without overstaining and obscuring the finer detail of the cell, has been developed in this laboratory. It is as follows: To 4 parts of 1% aqueous azure A (azure I) which has been previously filtered, add very rapidly one part of filtered 0.5% aqueous Erie garnet B. The mixture is immediately filtered to prevent precipitation. Occasional refiltering may be necessary if the mixture has been standing a month or more. Float tissue slices from a freezing microtome directly into distilled water; pick them up with a round glass rod and immerse into the stain which has been poured into a small section dish. The staining time varies with different tissues but 10 to 15 seconds usually gives the most satisfactory results. Lift sections from the stain, still on the same glass rod, float thru two changes of distilled water, and then transfer to a clean glass slide. Place a large drop of 40% glucose on a clean cover slip and immedia...
LIF negatively regulates tumour-suppressor p53 through Stat3/ID1/MDM2 in colorectal cancers.

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a p53 target but its role in cancer is unclear. Here Hu et al. show that LIF confers chemoresistance in colorectal cancer cells by Stat3-mediated upregulation of inhibitor of DNA-binding 1, leading to MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase upregulation and p53 degradation.
Prospects for ab initio protein structural genomics

Abstract We present the results of a large-scale testing of the ROSETTA method for ab initio protein structure prediction. Models were generated for two independently generated lists of small proteins (up to 150 amino acid residues), and the results were evaluated using traditional rmsd based measures and a novel measure based on the structure-based comparison of the models to the structures in the PDB using DALI. For 111 of 136 all α and α/β proteins 50 to 150 residues in length, the method produced at least one model within 7 A rmsd of the native structure in 1000 attempts. For 60 of these proteins, the closest structure match in the PDB to at least one of the ten most frequently generated conformations was found to be structurally related (four standard deviations above background) to the native protein. These results suggest that ab initio structure prediction approaches may soon be useful for generating low resolution models and identifying distantly related proteins with similar structures and perhaps functions for these classes of proteins on the genome scale.
New de-embedding method for millimetre-wave bipolar transistor S-parameter measurement

An improved de-embedding method is used to measure the intrinsic HBT S parameters to millimetre wave frequencies. Standard twelve-error element models and dummy pads with resistors as calibration standards are used. This new method correctly reveals the effect from the extra delay time, parasitic capacitance, and parasitic inductance introduced by the layout and enables the performance at millimetre-wave frequencies to be accurately predicted.
Doxorubicin does not spread systemically following a local injection into the eyelids of rabbits

PURPOSE. An experimental treatment for benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm involves the direct injection of doxorubicin into the eyelids to permanently kill muscle. This study examined the extent of local and systemic spread of doxorubicin after localized injections of low doses into the eyelid and determined the length of time doxorubicin was retained in the eyelid after injection. METHODS. Two mg doxorubicin was injected subcutaneously into the lower eyelids of rabbits. After various time periods, the eyelids were removed and dissected into three separate specimens consisting of skin, subcutaneous connective tissue including orbicularis oculi muscle, or palpebral conjunctiva. Nearby tissues were also collected, including facial muscles and extraocular muscles. Urine, blood, kidney, spleen, heart and liver samples were collected. All tissues were prepared for HPLC determination of doxorubicin concentration. RESULTS. Doxorubicin was detected in all three eyelid specimens for the first 4 da...
Induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in human fibroblasts after particle irradiation.

Abstract Two assay were employed to study the induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (dsbs) in normal human fibroblasts after exposure to particle radiation covering an LET range from 1 to 350 keV/μm. The hybridization assay allows measurement of absolute induction frequencies in defined regions of the genome and quantitates rejoining of correct DNA ends while the FAR assay determines all rejoining events, correct and incorrect. Assuming Poisson statistics for the number of breaks per DNA fragment investigated, and thus neglecting any clustering of breaks, we found the induction rate to decrease with increasing LET of the particles. RBE values compared to 225 kVp X-rays dropped to 0.48 for the highest LETs. Repair studies of X-ray-induced dsbs showed that almost all breaks (>95%) are rejoined after incubation times of 24 h while the frequency for correct rejoining is only 70%. Thus about 25% of the initially induced breaks are rejoined by the connection of incorrect DNA ends. Postirradiation incubation after particle irradiation showed less efficient total rejoining with increasing LET and an impaired ability for correct rejoining. The frequency for rejoining of incorrect DNA ends was found to be independent of LET. The possible biological significance of the different rejoining events is discussed.
Inhibition of histamine methylation in vivo by the Dimaprit analog, SKF compound 91488

The Dimaprit analog,S-[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-butyl]isothiourea (SKF Compound 91488), which is a noncompetitive inhibitor (Ki, 0.9 μM) of histamine-N-methyl-transferase in vitro, inhibited the methylation of labeled histamine in mice. When administered in combination with the diamine oxidase inhibitor, aminoguanidine, an almost complete block of histamine metabolism was observed. The inhibition was dependent on dose of drug and was apparent with doses of 50 mg/kg and greater. Since Compound 91488 is reported to have no agonist activity of its own, the drug may help to identify the actions of histamine released from endogenous stores in response to physiological and pathological stimuli.
Public Theology and Evidence for God

In a pair of previous articles, it was suggested that a ‘public theology’ approach to the text of the Bible and events of history pointed to a mind behind history that brought about the fulfilment of events predicted in Scripture. This article examines various phenomena of the physical and life sciences which similarly indicate a mind behind nature: first, fine-tuning of nature’s basic forces; secondly, the fitness of Earth’s cosmic environment; thirdly, the fitness of biochemistry for life; fourthly, the origin of life and finally, apparent design in living things.
Chemotherapy of human cancer transplants with methotrexate (amethopterin) and horse serum.

Horse serum administered in addition to methotrexate did not enhance its antitumor chemotherapeutic effect. Both a human melanoma (ME-1) and a human thyroid carcinoma (Pitt-41) transplanted in hamster cheek pouches showed significantly reduced growth rates after methotrexate. The ME-1 tumor escaped from the drug effect at the end of the transplantation period while the Pitt-41 tumor growth remained repressed. Mortality was increased after the use of horse serum or the largest doses of methotrexate.
Seismology: Diary of a wimpy fault

Subduction zone faults can slip slowly, generating tremor. The varying correlation between tidal stresses and tremor occurring deep in the Cascadia subduction zone suggests that the fault is inherently weak, and gets weaker as it slips.
Effects of lumbar sympathectomy on skin capillary blood flow in arterial occlusive disease

Abstract Thirteen patients undergoing lumbar sympathectomy had skin blood flow measured preoperatively and postoperatively in the lower extremity by 133 xenon clearance. Eleven of 15 sympathectomized extremities showed an increase in nutritional blood flow when compared to preoperative measurement. The unsympathectomized extremity was used for control measurements. The clinical symptom that was most improved was rest pain. This measured increase in skin capillary blood flow after sympathectomy supports the continued use of this operative technique for ischemic skin conditions of the lower extremity.
Tourism in Malaysia competing needs in a plural society

Abstract Tourism development in Malaysia is constrained by certain socioeconomic and political factors which require planning considerations beyond the traditional concerns for growth and promotion. Apart from the New Economic Policy which calls for racial-spatial economic restructuring and indigenization of control, tourism development in Malaysia requires reconciliation with the less than liberal religious and cultural orientations of the populace. This paper presents an overview of the socioeconomic impacts of tourism with particular reference to the role of ethnicity in the development of the tourist industry.
Xylitol lozenges were not effective in overall dental caries prevention in adults.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Results from the xylitol for adult caries trial (X-ACT). Bader JD, Vollmer WM, Shugars DA, Gilbert GH, Amaechi BT, Brown JP, Laws RL, Kunkhouser KA, Makhija SK, Ritter AV, Leo MC. JADA 2013; 144(1): 21-30. Reviewers Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD, Carlos Gonzalez-Cabezas, DDS, MSD, PhD Purpose/Question Among an adult population at risk of dental caries, does the use of five 1 g xylitol lozenges per day over 33 months reduce the experience of cavitated caries lesions? Source of Funding Government: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Type of Study/Design Multicenter, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial Level of Evidence Level 1: Good quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade B: Limited quality patient-oriented evidence
Effects of nitroxides on the magnetic field and temperature dependence of 1/T1 of solvent water protons

We report a study of the longitudinal NMRD profiles (proton longitudinal relaxation rates as a function of field strength) over a broad range of magnetic field (0.01 to 50 MHz proton Larmor frequency) and temperature (-9.6 to 37 degrees C) for aqueous solutions of (i) a fatty acid-nitroxide/albumin complex and (ii) 10 low molecular weight nitroxides. Analysis of the NMRD profile for the fatty acid-nitroxide/albumin complex provides a lower bound estimate for the rotational correlation time of the complex, which permits the calculation of an upper bound on the inner sphere contribution to relaxation of the uncomplexed nitroxides. Inner sphere processes, ostensibly due to water molecules hydrogen bonded to the nitroxide moiety, dominate the relaxation effects of the slowly rotating macromolecular nitroxide/albumin complex. By extrapolation, the contribution of these inner sphere processes are negligible for rapidly tumbling nitroxides free in solution, which affect solvent proton relaxation almost entirely through outer sphere processes (i.e., translational diffusion). A comparison of the relaxation data for aqueous solutions of the uncomplexed nitroxides with the theory of outer sphere relaxation of J.H. Freed (J. Chem. Phys. 68, 4034 (1978] yields values for the distance of closest approach of the water and nitroxide molecules, as well as for their relative diffusion constants, at five different temperatures. Our results indicate that the rather modest relaxivities of aqueous solutions of nitroxides increase substantially with increased solvent viscosity and with protein binding, supporting the potential utility of nitroxides for enhancement of contrast in nuclear magnetic resonance images.