cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of SPECT imaging with converging-hole collimators

The authors have developed a computer program that simulates the images acquired in SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) using a gamma-ray camera with a converging-hole collimator and following complex orbital trajectories. The nonstationary imaging properties of the collimator are simulated using the generalized collimator transfer function; thereby avoiding the unrealistic approximations for camera response. The body is approximated as a cylinder having constant attenuation, and the source distribution is approximated as a summation of many 3-D Gaussian functions having different source strengths, center points, and widths. The camera trajectory is specified at each imaging position by the center of the camera crystal and an orthogonal matrix that determines the camera orientation. The constant attenuation, Gaussian sources, and generalized collimator transfer function combine to produce an analytic expression for the image intensity in each pixel. Poisson statistics are then used to simulate realistic SPECT images. Complete sets of SPECT image data in less than 30 minutes on a DEC 3100 have been produced. >
Properties of reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides in dried gelatin films. Linear dichroism and low temperature spectra.

Abstract Methods of preparing dried gelatin films containing purified reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides are described. The spectral properties of reaction centers in solution are essentially maintained in dried gelatin films. These films are uniform and have excellent optical properties, showing little particulate scattering at temperatures down to about 4K. Film contraction on cooling to 90K is less than 1% in linear dimension. Linear dichroism spectra are reported for films at room and low temperature. Reaction centers show a moderate amount of linear dichroism in unstretched gelatin films; the magnitude of the linear dichroism becomes much greater when the films are stretched. In stretched films, linear dichroic ratios ( A ∥ A ⊥ ; absorbance measured with electric vector parallel and perpendicular to stretching direction) between 1.7 and 2.2 were obtained for the 860 nm absorption band of the bacteriochlorophyll component that undergoes primary photooxidation. The relative polarizations of light-induced absorption changes of reaction centers in stretched films are similar to those reported by Vermeglio and Clayton ((1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 449, 500–515) and support their hypothesis that absorbance decreases, maximal near 860 and 810 nm, and an increase near 790 nm are associated with the respective disappearance and appearance of discrete bands characteristic of the reduced and oxidized bacteriochlorophyll dimer. This interpretation is also supported by the polarization of the absolute absorption spectrum near 810 and 860 nm. An absorption band near 540 nm, ascribed to the Qx transitions of two molecules of bacteriopheophytin in the reaction center, is split at low temperatures into two bands having similar polarizations. This splitting is probably not due to exciton coupling of the two molecules, since excition theory predicts different polarizations.
The electrocardiographic syndrome of short P-R interval and broad QRS complexes; a clinical study of 80 cases.

Abstract 1. 1. An analysis is made of 80 patients with the syndrome of short P-R interval and broad QRS complexes, seen at the University of Texas Medical Branch. 2. 2. Incidence of the syndrome is infrequent, being 1.5 per 1,000 patients. 3. 3. Ages varied from 9 1 2 months to 82 years, and 35 were over 40 years old. There was a slight predominance of males (60 per cent). Incidence in the Negro was infrequent. 4. 4. Forty-eight patients (60 per cent) had no evidence of organic heart disease. Nineteen had coronary heart disease. Seven showed clinical evidences of acute myocardial infarction, but the ECG diagnosis was generally obscured by the broad QRS complexes. 5. 5. There was a high incidence of psychiatric diagnoses (26 per cent). Seven patients subjected to electroshock and deep insulin shock therapies tolerated them well. 6. 6. Successive tracings characteristically showed considerable variation. Even in otherwise diagnostic tracings, the P-R interval may occasionally exceed 0.12 second, but the concertina effect can be demonstrated. 7. 7. There were 48 patients showing a QRS configuration of the Group B of Sodi-Pallares, and 13 patients of Group A. Sixteen had indeterminate patter 8. 8. Effects of exercise, carotid sinus pressure, and various drugs on the ECG manifestations were confirmed. False positive Master exercise tolerance tests were demonstrated. 9. 9. Forty-five patients (56 per cent) had arrhythmias, and we observed 29 with atrial tachycardia, 6 with atrial fibrillation, and 2 with atrial flutter. In 14 patients, the arrhythmias complicated organic heart disease. 10. 10. Broad QRS complexes during the arrhythmias were more frequent than previously reported, and simulated ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. 11. 11. Two older patients died suddenly, presumably as a result of a mechanism disorder. 12. 12. The usual methods of control of atrial tachycardia were found efficacious. Pronestyl intravenously under ECG control appeared to be the most effective method of reversion of atrial fibrillation.
Equilibrium Shapes of Rotating Spheroids and Drop Shape Oscillations

Recent work on the equilibrium shapes of a rotating spheroid and drop shape oscillations is reviewed. The related theoretical aspects of the equilibrium shapes of a rotating drop, the stability, shape oscillations, gravitational forces, and drop fission are examined. Experimental findings on figures of a rotating drop in an immiscible system, drop oscillations in an immiscible system, oscillations of a rotating drop, compound drop oscillations, and drop dynamics in space are addressed.
Are some cognitive types better decision makers than others? An empirical investigation

Although previous studies of decision making have been published, those involving a cognitive sty le variable and indi­ vidual differences have not been performance related in the sense of comparing the decision-making performance of one type of manager to that of another. Rather, the studies ex­ amined attitudes toward some elements of decision making, e.g. attitude toward risk. In this exploratory study a production environment was simulated via a computer game to examine the relative decision-making performance of different cognitive types of decision makers. Results showed that the performance of decision makers did vary by cognitive type and some cogni­ tive types outperformed others at the operational level of decision making with a moderately-well-structured decision task.
Pioneer 10 Observations of Zodiacal Light Brightness Near the Ecliptic: Changes with Heliocentric Distance

Sky maps made by the Pioneer 10 Imaging Photopolarimeter (IPP) at sun-spacecraft distances from 1 to 3 AU have been analyzed to derive the brightness of the zodiacal light near the ecliptic at elongations greater than 90 degrees.The change in zodiacal light brightness with heliocentric distance is compared with models of the spatial distribution of the dust. Use of background starlight brightnesses derived from IPP measurements beyond the asteroid belt, where the zodiacal light is not detected, and, especially, use of a corrected calibration lead to considerably lower values for zodiacal light than those reported by us previously.
Firm Labor Choices in America before the Civil War: A Simple Model

Early American firms ranging from farms to factories compared the relative advantages and disadvantages of each of the major types of laborer - family, wage, indentured, and slave - available to them. Major variables of comparison included the total productivity, liquidity or availability, cost of control, and cost of hypocrisy of each labor type. Outcomes varied over time, place, and context. In general, slaves were preferred in warmer climes, where work could be organized in gangs, or where slavery was already prevalent. Indentured servants were preferred in northern climes, where some skills were required, or where slavery was uncommon or viewed critically. In northern latitudes, where labor markets were liquid, in roles where skill or education requirements were high, or where slavery was uncommon or considered hypocritical, firms preferred wage laborers.
Physicochemical determinants of incompatibility and instability in injectable drug solutions and admixtures

Several physicochemical conditions or phenomena most commonly causing incompatibility, instability or related difficulties in parenteral drug solutions and admixtures are reviewed. The following factors involved in chemical incompatibilities are reviewed: concentration, pH, acid-base character, reduction-oxidation, photolysis, epimerization, temperature, dextrose catalysis and hydrolysis. The following factors involved in visual incompatibilities are discussed: pH, acid-base character, solvent system, color change, complexation, adsorption and adherence, dissolution rate, salting-out and leaching, and foaming. Pharmacists may recognize, predict and avoid parenteral imcompatibilities based on their experience, an understanding of physicochemical principles and reference to pertinent publications.
Vasodilation Effects and Action Mechanisms of TMB-8 on Basilar Artery in Rabbits.

Background: 8-(N,N'-diethylamino)-n-octyl-3,4.5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) is a potent Ca2+-antagonist that can prevent/treat ischemic stroke and inhibit the contractility of smooth, skeletal. and cardiac muscles. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the efficacy of TMB-8 on rabbit basilar artery preparation and its action mechanisms on vascular smooth muscle cell cultures.Methods and Results: Effects of TMB-8 on the contractility of rabbit's basilar artery in vitro and those on intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations. [Ca2+]i, were studies with isolated organ bath and Fura-2 methods. Histamine-induced concentration-response curves were shifted by TMB-8 in a mixed manner whereas those of norepinephrine and KCI were shifted in a non-competitive manner. In the presence of nifedipine or in a Ca2+-free medium, 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) (10 μM) induced an immediate transient contraction in rabbit basilar artery, whereas ryanodine showed a slow, weak. sustained contraction, followed by...
Enhanced Performance Single-chip DSP Requires Minimal External Circuitry

The ADSP-2101 is a 16-bit single-chip digital signal processing (DSP) microcomputer. The goals in designing the ADSP-2101 were to minimize external hardware and the accompanying extraneous logic while maintaining a high performance parallel architecture.
Occult antithrombin III deficiency: A potentially lethal complication of the postphlebitic limb

Abstract Chronic venous insufficiency is a frequent sequel to lower extremity venous thrombosis. A relatively uncommon, but potentially lethal, cause of the thrombosis is congenital antithrombin III deficiency. Recognition and treatment of this occult deficiency is critical. The following report describes a family treated by the authors for this problem. In one generation of nine siblings, three males had documentation of the disease with functional antithrombin III levels in the range of 50% to 60%. Before evaluation for the deficiency one female sibling died at the age of 20 years as a consequence of a proven pulmonary emoblus. Antithrombin III levels in another female sibling, who was free of symptoms, were normal (80% to 120%). Four other siblings who were free of symptoms (one female, three males) refused evaluation. All three men with the deficiency had severe, chronic, bilateral, lower extremity, venous insufficiency manifested by pain, varicosities, edema, pigmentation, and ulceration. Despite chronic warfarin therapy, one experienced recurrent pulmonary embolization with eventual loss of perfusion of the entire right lung. Ascending venography in the symptomatic males with the deficiency revealed evidence of recurrent and diffuse venous thrombosis with partial recanalization. Recurrent lower extremity venous thrombosis consequent to antithrombin III deficiency causes a particularly fulminant postphlebitic syndrome with characteristic venographic findings. Although potentially lethal if unrecognized and treated simply as venous insufficiency, chronic therapy with warfarin offers palliation and prolongs life. (J VASC SURG 1990;11:586-90.)
Thoracoscopic visualization and ligation of the thoracic duct in dogs.

Objective— To develop a technique for thoracoscopic visualization and ligation of the thoracic duct in dogs. Study design— In vivo experimental study. Animals— Five mature, healthy dogs. Methods— Dogs were normal based on physical examination, negative occult heartworm test, normal complete blood count and biochemical profile, and normal thoracic radiographs. The dogs were anesthetized, and a ventral midline laparotomy was performed for catheterization of a mesenteric lymphatic. Lymphangiography was performed to determine thoracic duct anatomy. Thoracoscopy was performed in the caudal, right hemithorax after single lung intubation or bronchial blockade. At least two 10-mm clips were placed across the thoracic duct in each dog. Lymphangiography was repeated to assess duct ligation. If complete duct occlusion was not achieved, thoracoscopy was repeated for additional clip placement. After surgery the dogs were euthanatized, and necropsies were performed. Results— Lymphangiography showed that multiple branches of the thoracic duct were present in every dog; bilateral thoracic duct branches were most common. Thoracoscopic identification and ligation of the thoracic duct was successful in all five dogs. Two dogs required a second thoracoscopic procedure to completely occlude flow of contrast through the thoracic duct. Surgery time for thoracoscopy averaged 59 ± 9.6 minutes. Retroperitoneal contrast accumulation after thoracic duct ligation occurred in two dogs. One dog required bilateral pulmonary ventilation. Conclusion— Thoracoscopy can be used to visualize the thoracic duct for ligation in normal dogs. Clinical relevance— Thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct may be a therapeutic option for management of chylothorax in dogs.
Kinetics of substitution in two water soluble cobalt(III)-porphyrins

Kinetics of substitution of thiocyanate and pyridine in the axial positions of tetra(p-trimethylammoniumphenyl)porphinatocobalt(III) and tetra(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphinato cobalt(III) were investigated at pH 4.00 and ionic strength 0.1 M (NaNO3) in aqueous solution. These reactions were found to be as facile as other such reactions of cobalt(III) porphyrins even though a new synthesis was employed in the present study. The rates of these reactions are proportional to the base strength of the parent free base porphyrin. Electrostatic attraction between the ligand and the porphyrin peripheral charges were also found to enhance the rates. The cause of labilization is believed to be primarily electronic and not steric.
Optimization of multiple continuous queries over streaming satellite data

Remotely sensed data, in particular satellite imagery, play many important roles in environmental applications. In particular applications that study rapid changes in the environment require frequent access to these data. For continuous data products, users are often interested in formulating continuous queries that deliver results for each incoming image. In the presence of multiple continuous queries, there is clearly an opportunity to share common intermediate data and thus, increase the overall processing speed of the system.Based on the widely used GRASS, this paper describes a system that realizes multiple query processing using two major components. A query optimizer maintains the current set of active continuous queries. Queries are organized into a single processing plan designed to share intermediate results. For each new image from the stream, the optimizer generates an execution plan specific to the active queries. The query executor then rewrites this plan into a set of geospatial processing steps and executes the plan.We detail experiments using data from NOAA's GOES. Continuous queries are defined in a way similar to the OGC WMS query specification. Using predicted query patterns over the visible hemisphere of GOES, experimental results indicate that multiple-query optimized plans can improve performance significantly when compared to queries that are executed separately.
Forecasting practices of JIT and non-JIT purchasers

A survey was conducted among purchasing personnel in the USA to compare the forecasting characteristics among just-in-time (JIT) and non-JIT purchasing departments. The findings revealed a number of differences specifically in the areas of items forecasted, forecast improvement techniques, and the importance placed on purchasing forecasts by top management. The results suggest that non-JIT purchasers may be able to improve performance by making greater use of the many forecasting and forecast improvement techniques available. Additionally, a reassessment of the use of more quantitatively oriented forecasts may be merited by both groups of purchasers.
Energy aware scheduling for DAG structured applications on heterogeneous and DVS enabled processors

The trend towards ever more powerful and faster processors has led to an enormous increase in power consumption. This paper focuses on scheduling tasks in a heterogeneous environment with DVS enabled processors to minimize both execution time and energy consumed. The proposed algorithm, called Energy-Dynamic Level Scheduling (EDLS), favors low-energy consuming processors by introducing a cost factor that affects scheduling decisions. Our scheme allows for trade offs between energy consumption and the desired performance. Our simulation results exhibit significant power savings at a reasonable increase in overall execution time. Moreover, our results demonstrates a high degree of correlation between the energy saving and the increase in the heterogeneity of processors.
High affinity, specific binding of [125I] β nerve growth factor to glass beads

Abstract The binding of [ 125 I] β nerve growth factor to glass beads was studied. It was found that [ 125 I] β nerve growth factor exhibited high affinity, specific binding to glass beads. This binding cannot be explained as radioactivity being occluded in the spaces between the glass beads. The binding appears to be nonsaturable under the conditions used. Binding is complete in less than ten minutes with a half-time of two minutes. The binding appears similar to that seen for receptor binding on responsive cells.
Low flock coherence in mild winters leads to a lack of subordination costs in Bridled Titmouse foraging groups

Titmouse winter social behaviour has previously been studied in regions with severe winter weather. This paper reports on a study of the non-breeding behaviour of the Bridled Titmouse Parus wollweberi in Southeastern Arizona. Bridled Titmice in larger foraging groups spent a greater proportion of their time in locations that were more exposed to predators but also more profitable in terms of prey capture rate. Flock coherence was low, with flock mates usually foraging in separate trees. Dominant and subordinate group members did not differ in their use of dangerous foraging sites. These results indicate that Bridled Titmice make an adaptive trade-off in the use of foraging locations, using more profitable sites when predation risk is decreased through larger group size. Additionally, subordination appears to be less costly than in other tits studied previously. The warmer temperatures and longer days of this study, compared with similar studies, are likely to have strongly influenced the flock dynamics of the Bridled Titmouse.
A priori error estimation of a four-node Reissner-Mindlin plate element for elasto-dynamics

Abstract The explicit finite element method for transient dynamics of linear elasticity by Reissner–Mindlin plate model is introduced. For clamped rectangular plate, the a priori error estimates are derived for the four-node Bathe–Dvorkin element. For fixed thickness, the convergence rates of deflection, rotation, and their velocities, measured both in H 1 -norm and L 2 -norm, can possibly all be optimal under certain conditions. In some cases, the numerical examples show that the convergence rate stays optimal for a certain range of thickness. In other cases, however, the deterioration in rate of convergence and even locking may occur to the velocity terms.
Hemichannel-Mediated Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate (IP3) Release in the Cochlea: A Novel Mechanism of IP3 Intercellular Signaling

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is an important second messenger that can trigger a Ca2+ wave prolongated between cells. This intercellular signaling was found defective in some gap junction connexin deafness mutants. In this study, the mechanism underlying IP3 intercellular signaling in the cochlea was investigated. A gap junction channel is composed of two hemichannels. By using a fluorescence polarization technique to measure IP3 concentration, the authors found that IP3 could be released by gap junction hemichannels in the cochlea. The IP3 release was increased about three- to fivefold by the reduction of extracellular Ca2+ concentration or by mechanical stress. This incremental release could be blocked by gap junction blockers but not eliminated by a purinergic P2x receptor antagonist and verapamil, which is a selective P-glycoprotein inhibitor inhibiting the ATP-binding cassette transporters. The authors also found that IP3 receptors were extensively expressed in the cochlear sensory epithelium, ...
Resonant ionization studies of the fluctuation of proportional counters

Abstract A new technique is reported for the study of gas amplification fluctuation in proportional counters. Use was made of pulsed laser beams to carry out two-step resonant ionization spectroscopy (RIS) of Cs atoms which were seeded at very low concentration into the counting gas. With this independent determination of the fluctuation of the gas amplification, one can determine the Fano factor which enters into the statistics of the ionization of gases by swift charged particles. Accordingly, RIS measurements were made in P-10 gas (90% Ar+10% CH 4 ), and the fluctuations in pulse heights were compared with fluctuations observed with X-ray sources to obtain Fano factors. We found, for photoelectrons at 2.6 keV and at 5.9 keV stopping in the counting gas, the Fano factors 0.31±0.10 and 0.21±0.10 respectively.
An accurate slicing procedure for layered manufacturing

Improving the geometric accuracy of layer manufactured parts has assumed greater significance as these processes are being integrated into manufacturing, instead of just being used for look-and-feel prototyping. In this paper, we describe two factors associated with the slicing procedures used in layered manufacturing processes that introduce geometric inaccuracy, and suggest solutions for their redressal. Implemented examples are included to explain the procedure.
Cross-species handling of colobine infants

At Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone, several instances of red colobus (Procolobus badius) adults handling white infants of black-and-white colobus monkeys (Colobus polykomos) were observed. These observations are described and their significance is discussed.
Unison versus Individual Singing and Elementary Students' Vocal Pitch Accuracy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of unison singing versus individual singing on the vocal pitch accuracy of children in Grades 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as to observe the effects of gender and maturation on children's singing ability. Subjects (N = 241) were asked to sing a simple children's song both individually and as a member of a small group consisting of children's voices only. Responses were recorded on separate channels of a multichannel tape recorder and subsequently scored for pitch and melodic interval accuracy. Results indicated that singing in unison and singing individually did have an effect on the children's vocal accuracy. Children at each grade level studied sang more accurately when singing in unison with their peers than when singing individually. Both group and individual scores improved with each successive grade level; however, the difference in scores between group and individual singing was much greater for children in Grade 5 than for the other three grade l...
Self‐referencing as a mediator of the effectiveness of sex‐role portrayals in advertising

This research examines the extent to which individuals self-reference advertising portrayals and the consequences of doing so. A composite self-referencing measure is developed relative to how self-referencing has been defined and induced in past research. Individuals who exhibited high levels of self-referencing of stimulus advertisements elicited more positive attitudes and cognitive responses than those who exhibited low levels of self-referencing. Self-referencing was also found to mediate the effect of various sex-role portrayals on respondents' attitudes.
Point: a call for proper usage of “gender” and “sex” in biomedical publications

the term “gender” became popular among sociologists, psychologists, and sex researchers in the 1970s as a means to differentiate biological differences between men and women (sex differences) and differences due to socialization experiences (gender differences), or the act of having sex (e.g., [
Absorptive and scattering circular dischroism of cholesteric liquid crystals in the infrared

Abstract The infrared circular dichroism (IRCD) of chloesteric liquid crystals prepared from nematic material doped with varing amounts of optically-active compounds has been measured. Large, narrow circular dichroism (CD) bands arising from molecular vibrations in the helical array can be distinguished from the CD of the broad cholestric reflection bands.
Directional antisense and sense cDNA cloning using Epstein-Barr virus episomal expression vectors

A set of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) episomal expression vectors, incorporating either the Rous sarcoma virus 3' long terminal repeat or the human metallothionein IIA gene promoter, were constructed. The transcriptional cassettes encompassed by these vectors were designed to permit both antisense and sense RNA transcription. A novel methodology was developed for directional cDNA cloning using an oligodeoxyribonucleotide adapter; the EBV episomal vectors alternatively enabled the insertion of cDNA segments in antisense or sense orientations. We propose a strategy for random antisense RNA mutagenesis exploiting this vector system and a method for episome-based directional antisense cDNA cloning and expression, permitting the rapid identification of genes mediating selectable cellular functions.
Large-format CCDs for astronomical applications

Several large-format CCDs have been designed and are in process at the Loral Aeronutronics fabrication plant. One is an edge-buttable 2048 X 2048 device that will allow a 2 X 2 array to be formed with an imaging area measuring more than 61 mm on a side and with only 400 microns dead space between arrays. Another is a 3072 X 1024 CCD with both floating diffusion and non-destructive read floating gate amplifiers. Also included are smaller arrays of 2688 X 512 and 1200 X 800 in the chords of the wafers. All of these designs were accomplished by a non-specialist scientist using AutoCAD on an inexpensive PC, a level of customer interaction with CCD manufacturing not previously available.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Social Behaviors, Enforcement, and Compliance Dynamics

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of the impact of social norms and enforcement regime on the dynamics of taxpayer compliance. An aggregate-level model, inspired by epidemic models in mathematical biology, is developed to evaluate the flows between classes of compliant and noncompliant taxpayers. Convergence in theoretical results is sought and found via a second model that emphasizes micro-level agent behavior. Several interesting observations arise from our analysis. In particular, the impact of changing enforcement levels on compliance depends upon whether the initial population is relatively compliant or non-compliant. Compliant populations are insensitive to changes in enforcement policies until the policies become sufficiently lax. Then a sudden shift to high levels of noncompliance is observed. In contrast, relatively noncompliant populations respond to increased enforcement severity by gradually increasing compliance. Then, when enforcement becomes sufficiently harsh, a sudden shift in aggregate behavior is observed, to very high levels of compliance. Once the discontinuous shift in behavior (from compliance to noncompliance or vice versa) occurs, our models predict that a return to the enforcement policy existing immediately before the change in behavior will be insufficient to cause the population to return to its previous state. Finally, over a range of compliance levels, two equilibria are observed that are dependent on the initial compliance behavior of the population. This is consistent with the observation that compliance varies considerably across time and geographically under similar enforcement regimes.
Two-dimensional guiding-center model of the solar wind-moon interaction

This paper presents a continued study of the two-dimensional guiding-center model of the solar wind interaction with the Moon. The characteristics theory and the computational method are discussed. The magnetic permeability of plasma is (1 + β/2)−1 in the solar wind flow upstream of the Moon, and it changes to 1 in the void region of the lunar wake. The gradual change of the magnetic permeability in the penumbral region from the interplanetary condition to the void condition is explained as the source of field perturbations in the lunar wake. Perturbations of the magnetic field propagate as magnetoacoustic waves in a frame of reference moving with the plasma flow. Computer solutions were obtained to show that (i) the two principal perturbations of the magnetic field in the lunar wake (the umbral increase and the penumbral decrease) are confined to a region bounded by a Mach cone tangent to the lunar body, and (ii) the penumbral increases occur outside the lunar Mach cone. Computer solutions are also used to identify the source of field perturbations and to simulate the solar wind-moon interaction under varying interplanetary conditions.
Host specificity of Janczewskia (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)

Abstract Infectivity of Janczewskia morimotoi was tested on fifteen species representing six genera of the Rhodomelaceae. Only Laurencia okamurae and L. gardneri supported growth of J. morimotoi equivalent to that on its natural host, L. nipponica. About 20% of the J. morimotoi plants grew to reproductive maturity on L. subopposita, but in approximately 60% of the instances where penetration occurred, growth of the parasite stopped at an early unbranched stage. Direct penetrations by intact rhizoids into host cells was observed frequently in L. subopposita. In the presence of L. snyderae or Amansia glomerata, J. morimotoi showed polysiphonous growth, but did not grow on or penetrate into either. When J. morimotoi was cultured in the presence of either species for 2 mo and then removed to fresh host-free medium, growth to reproductive maturity occurred after 7–10 mo. When L. pacifica and Polysiphonia pacifica were cultured together, J. morimotoi penetrated L. pacifica and became reproductively mature in 1 ...
Reproductive Development of Striped Mullet in Louisiana Estuarine Waters with Notes on the Applicability of Reproductive Assessment Methods for Isochronal Species

Abstract We assessed reproductive development of striped mullet Mugil cephulus from the coastal waters of Louisiana. Maturation of primary oocytes began in September of each year, and by October, a synchronous group of homogeneous, vitellogenic oocytes was observed (isochronal development). Based on indirect evidence, spawning occurred from November through early January. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) values varied with size among small, mature female striped mullet, but reached an asymptote for females 330 mm in fork length (FL) and larger. Anomalous development in certain ovaries strongly influenced GSI findings and produced excessively low values. Thus, it is suggested that histological examination be included in this type of reproductive study to identify factors that are responsible for high GSI variation. Potential fecundity correlated moderately well with female size and ranged from 2.7 × 105 to 1.6 × 106 eggs per individual for fish that ranged from 290 mm to 445 mm FL.
Isozyme variability in species of the genus Drosophila. I. A multiple allelic isozyme system in Drosophila busckii: inheritance and general considerations.

Starch gel electrophoretic analysis of a triallelic leucine aminopeptidase polymorphism in a laboratory population of Drosophila busckii is described. The three alleles involved are expressed without dominance. A series of single-pair matings revealed an excess of heterozygous types in most segregating families, suggesting selection against the homozygous genotypes. A few cases of heterogeneity among progeny extracted from a single family were the result of matings that produced Mendelian ratios. These few cases had no clear genetic explanation, but there is a suggestion of two isoalleles for the electrophoretically intermediate enzyme.
Normalization : Contrast-gain control in simple (Fourier) and complex (non-Fourier) pathways of pattern vision

Results from two types of texture-segregation experiments considered jointly demonstrate that the heavily-compressive intensive nonlinearity acting in static pattern vision is not a relatively early, local gain control like light adaptation in the retina or LGN. Nor can it be a late, within-channel contrast-gain control. All the results suggest that it is inhibition among channels as in a normalization network. The normalization pool affects the complex-channel (second-order, non-Fourier) pathway in the same manner in which it affects the simple-channel (first-order, Fourier) pathway, but it is not yet known whether complex channels' outputs are part of the normalization pool.
Wavelet approximation of earthquake strong ground motion-goodness of fit for a database in terms of predicting nonlinear structural response

Reduced dimensionality representation of strong ground motion records as a superposition of a relatively small number of pulses is studied. Such representation is obtained by the expansion of velocity in orthogonal wavelet series using the Fast Wavelet Transform, and approximation by only the largest energy terms in the series. The Coiflet 5 wavelet family is used, which is orthogonal, smooth and nearly symmetric. The goodness of the approximation is examined for the EQUINFOS for USA Part I database, as representative of a large variety of strong motion records (it consists of 494 three-component records from 106 earthquakes recorded in the western US between 1933 and 1984). The goodness of fit is measured in terms of closeness of predicting several input and output characteristics of a nonlinear oscillator representing a structure: (i) energy of the input ground motion (proportional to integral of velocity squared), (ii) the peak input power, and (iii) the time of collapse of a bi-linear oscillator (considering also collapse due to dynamic instability). The results show very high degree of correlation of these characteristics as estimated from the actual record and from its approximations, even for small number of pulses (relative to the number that would represent the ground velocity exactly). Such reduced representation of strong ground motion is useful for extracting such pulses from strong motion records to study their nature, and for development of new algorithms for the synthesis of artificial earthquake strong motion records.
The epileptogenic effect of subcortical alumina cream in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract 1. 1. Following injection of 0.1 – 0.2 ml of alumina cream into various subcortical cerebral sites recurrent convulsive seizures appeared with lesions in the following positions: medial nuclear groups of the thalamus bilaterally, putamina bilaterally, the region of the subcallosal fasciculus, and the white matter adjacent to the cingulate sulcus. 2. 2. No seizures occurred as a result of lesions lateral nuclear groups of the thalamus unilaterally or bilaterally, hypothalamus, tegmentum of the pons and decussation of the brachium conjunctivum, or caudate nucleus of one side and putamen of the opposite side. 3. 3. EEG abnormality was associated with all but one of the lesions, but was more pronounced in the monkeys exhibiting seizures. 4. 4. Although the size and shape of the lesions varied markedly, their histologic appearance was uniform.
Early surgical débridement of symptomatic pancreatic necrosis is beneficial irrespective of infection

In order to assess the recent trend of nonoperative management of pancreatic necrosis, we reviewed 82 variables in 73 consecutive patients with symptomatic necrotizing pancreatitis. The mortality rate for the series was 25% (18 of 73). The only preintervention variables that correlated with mortality were APACHE II score greater than 15 (p = 0.01), preintervention blood transfusion (p less than 0.001), respiratory failure (p less than 0.001), and shock (p less than 0.01). Patients who developed recurrent sepsis following the initial intervention had a significantly higher mortality rate (17 of 34) than those who did not (1 of 39) (p less than 0.001). The rate of recurrent sepsis varied widely among individual surgeons and correlated with APACHE II score. The presence of infected versus noninfected necrosis did not correlate significantly with outcome. When percutaneous radiologically guided drainage was the initial therapeutic modality (n = 6), recurrent sepsis requiring surgical drainage inevitably occurred. Patients treated with percutaneous drainage (often in combination with surgical drainage) had a longer hospital stay (82 versus 42 days, p less than 0.001), spent more days in the intensive care unit (31 versus 6 days, p less than 0.001), and required more days of total parenteral nutrition (57 versus 27 days, p less than 0.001) than those treated solely by surgical means. We conclude that aggressive initial surgical debridement should be the first step in managing symptomatic pancreatic necrosis and that the presence of infection should not be the sole determinant of intervention.
Reduced fusion-neutron production in non-axisymmetric tokamak devices

In tokamak plasmas subjected to substantial toroidal-field ripple, sufficiently energetic members of the bulk-ion population can diffuse rapidly away from the hot central region by the superbanana process. The ion velocity distribution is truncated at the velocity above which the escaping fast ions cannot be replaced sufficiently rapidly by Coulomb collisions. This tail-depletion effect causes a marked reduction in the fusion reactivity and can give rise to an anomalously low central ion temperature as deduced from the thermonuclear neutron flux. The application of this phenomenon to the Alcator and TFR plasmas is discussed.
Online Grocery Store Coupons and Unhealthy Foods, United States

Grocery store coupons influence shoppers’ food purchases. We performed a content analysis of online store coupons from 6 national grocery chains. Of 1,056 online store coupons available during the 4-week study period, 25% were for processed snack foods, candies, and desserts (the largest category). Approximately 12% of coupons were for beverages, more than half of which were for sodas, juices, and sports/energy drinks. Few coupons were available for fruits (<1%) or vegetables (3%). Grocery retailers may be uniquely positioned to positively influence Americans’ dietary patterns, and engaging retailers in efforts to provide store coupons for healthy food items may help address public health priorities.
Conformationally Restricted Hybrid Analogues of the Hormone 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

Four new conformationally restricted hybrid analogues of the hormone 1 alpha-25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D3) have been synthesized in a convergent manner by combining enantiomerically pure C,D-ring ketones (-)-15 and (-)-17 with racemic 1-hydroxymethyl A-ring phosphine oxide (+/-)-18. Parent hybrid analogue 6, which combines the calcemia-inactivating 1 beta-hydroxymethyl A-ring modification with the antiproliferation- activating 20-epi-22-oxa-25-hydroxydiethyl C,D-ring side chain modification, is comparable in potency to 1,25D3 at the low nM level in inhibiting proliferation in a wide assortment of malignant cell lines in vitro with extremely low calcemic activity in vivo. Surprisingly, both conformationally restricted analogues of 6 (8b and 9b), which incorporate rigidifying units at their 25-hydroxyl side chain termini, retained the desirable antiproliferative, transcriptional, and calcemic activities of the parent compound.
Effects of Brachypterolus pulicarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) on Growth and Seed Production of Dalmatian toadflax, Linaria genistifolia ssp. dalmatica (L.) Maire and Petitmengin (Scrophulariaceae)

Abstract The impact of the ovary-feeding beetle Brachypterolus pulicarius on the growth and reproduction of Dalmatian toadflax, Linaria genistifolia spp. dalmatica, was evaluated in greenhouse and field experiments. Studies were conducted with paired plants (with and without B. pulicarius) in the greenhouse and field. Plants from three different age groups (3, 6, and 12 months old) were used. Results of both split-plot analysis of variance and path coefficient analysis indicated that B. pulicarius feeding reduced the height of Dalmatian toadflax plants by up to 23 cm; increased the number of primary and secondary branches by 77 and 95%, respectively; reduced the number of flowers produced per plant by 44 to 49%; and decreased seed production by 43 to 93%. Brachypterolus pulicarius affects reproduction allocation, seed production, and dispersal and may reduce the potential for rapid adaptation by Dalmatian toadflax because fewer seeds will limit the chance of successful mutations. Therefore, B. pulicarius may prove to be an important component in the integrated weed management of Dalmatian toadflax.
Human selenium binding protein-1 (hSP56) interacts with VDU1 in a selenium-dependent manner

Reduced expression of the 56-kDa human selenium binding protein-1 (hSP56) has been reported in many types of human malignancies, including prostate, lung, ovarian, thyroid and colorectal cancers. hSP56 also has been implicated in selenium-dependent cell growth inhibition. However, the molecular basis of hSP56's function has not been elucidated. In the present study, we identified von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL)-interacting deubiquitinating enzyme 1 (VDU1) as a protein partner of hSP56 using a yeast two-hybrid screen. The interaction between hSP56 and VDU1 was confirmed by yeast two-hybrid analysis and in vitro binding experiments. hSP56 and VDU1 co-localized in the perinuclear region of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. The full-length VDU1 specifically interacted with a selenium-replete form of hSP56. We also demonstrate stable incorporation of selenium into hSP56, in a mode distinct from conventional selenocysteine-containing selenoproteins. These findings suggest that hSP56 may play a role in ubiquitination/deubiquitination-mediated protein degradation pathways in a selenium-dependent manner.
Variable Refrigerant Flow: Demonstration of efficient space conditioning technology using variable speed drives

Variable Refrigerant Flow, or VRF, systems are popular in Japan for buildings' space conditioning needs, but have a very small market penetration in the United States. These systems are energy efficient and provide considerable comfort to occupants. Highly efficient motors, variable speed drive system and controls are the heart of the VRF technology. This paper provides research conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) of the U.S. by installing a VRF system within nine of the offices at its Knoxville, Tennessee building. The system was relatively easy to install and retrofitting was not an issue. The system provided individual cooling and heating to each office; it was very quiet and operated very well under partial load conditions. Survey conducted by EPRI found that occupants preferred the VRF system over the existing ducted space conditioning system. For a given amount of cooling at an equivalent external temperature, the VRF system exhibited 20-40% reduction in energy consumption, while improving occupants' comfort at the same time. The paper also provides brief update on the motor and drive technology used by the VRF system; this is the under pinning technology for energy efficiency.
Economics of Substitution and the Use of Full-Fat Soybeans in Broiler Diets

Abstract A review of the literature concerning the use of full fat soybeans (FFSB) in poultry diets identified the two requirements of heat treatment and milling to maximize nutrient availability in FFSB and assure performance in broilers (as measured by body growth and feed efficiency) equivalent to that attainable with diets including soybean meal (SBM). Two studies were reviewed that reported on economic evaluations of the use of FFSB in broiler diets. Based on the price relationship existing during the time period of one study, FFSB were deemed uneconomic as a replacement for SBM. The economic evaluation performed in this study used parametric programming and the technique of marginal cost mapping to determine the relative economic value of FFSB in four different specifications of broiler diets (two levels of energy requirements and two fat ingredient costs). The highest economic value obtained for FFSB occurred in a diet with high energy requirements and a high cost for fat. This demonstrates the importance of each producer evaluating the value of FFSB with their formula specifications and prices. The current price differential between FFSB and SBM with animal/vegetable fat was substantial enough to preclude the use of FFSB as a replacement for SBM in the model broiler diets used, but the marginal cost-mapping analysis revealed the full range substitution possibilities.
Management and dosing of warfarin therapy

When initiating warfarin therapy, clinicians should avoid loading doses that can raise the International Normalized Ratio (INR) excessively; instead, warfarin should be initiated with a 5-mg dose (or 2 to 4 mg in the very elderly). With a 5-mg initial dose, the INR will not rise appreciably in the first 24 hours, except in rare patients who will ultimately require a very small daily dose (0.5 to 2.0 mg). Adjusting a steady-state warfarin dose depends on the measured INR values and clinical factors: the dose does not need to be adjusted for a single INR that is slightly out of range, and most changes should alter the total weekly dose by 5% to 20%. The INR should be monitored frequently (eg, 2 to 4 times per week) immediately after initiation of warfarin; subsequently, the interval between INR tests can be lengthened gradually (up to a maximum of 4 to 6 weeks) in patients with stable INR values. Patients who have an elevated INR will need more frequent testing and may also require vitamin K1. For example, a nonbleeding patient with an INR of 9 can be given low-dose vitamin K1 (eg, 2.5 mg phytonadione, by mouth). Patients who have an excessive INR with clinically important bleeding require clotting factors (eg, fresh-frozen plasma) as well as vitamin K1.