cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Performance Study of LAM and MPICH on an SMP Cluster

An abstract of the thesis of Brian Patrick Kearns for the Master of Science in Computer Science presented December 4, 2002. Title: A Performance Study of LAM and MPICH on an SMP Cluster. Many universities and research laboratories have developed low cost clusters, built from Commodity-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and running mostly free software. Research has shown that these types of systems are well-equipped to handle many problems requiring parallel processing. The primary components of clusters are hardware, networking, and system software. An important system software consideration for clusters is the choice of the message passing library. MPI (Message Passing Interface) has arguably become the most widely used message passing library on clusters and other parallel architectures, due in part to its existence as a standard. As a standard, MPI is open for anyone to implement, as long as the rules of the standard are followed. For this reason, a number of proprietary and freely available implementations have been developed. Of the freely available implementations, two have become increasingly popular: LAM (Local Area Multicomputer) and MPICH (MPI Chameleon). This thesis compares the performance of LAM and MPICH in an effort to provide performance data and analysis of the current releases of each to the cluster computing community. Specifically, the accomplishments of this thesis are: comparative testing of the High Performance Linpack benchmark (HPL); comparative testing of su3_rmd, an MPI application used in physics research; and a series of bandwidth comparisons involving eight MPI point-to-point communication constructs. All research was performed on a partition of the Wyeast SMP Cluster in the High Performance Computing Laboratory at Portland State University. We generate a vast amount of data, and show that LAM and MPICH perform similarly on many experiments, with LAM outperforming MPICH in the bandwidth tests and on a large problem size for su3_rmd. These findings, along with the findings of other research comparing the two libraries, suggest that LAM performs better than MPICH in the cluster environment. This conclusion may seem surprising, as MPICH has received more attention than LAM from MPI researchers. However, the two architectures are very different. LAM was originally designed for the cluster and networked workstation environments, while MPICH was designed to be portable across many different types of parallel architectures.
Accessibility of broadband telecommunication services by various segments of the American population

Technology such as the Internet is becoming an important ingredient for economic and social advancement. There is a growing national concern about the ability of all segments of the American society to be able to access and benefit from advanced telecommunications services. In this research we estimate the impact that supply costs, demographic and economic variables have on the decision to offer residential broadband services. By controlling for the various factors that influence a firm’s decision to enter a market, we model the factors that explain the variation in the availability of broadband data services. The results from this analysis provide insights into a number of interesting academic and policy questions. Consistent with previous research done on general Internet access, our results suggest that high-speed access to the Internet is more likely to be available in urbanized area. As expected, the higher the line density, the more likely services are available. Also, we found that the higher the average fixed cost, the less likely advanced technology will be deployed. Our statistical analysis also suggests that residential customers in areas served by Regional Bell Operating Companies, all else equal, are equally likely to have high-speed access to the Internet as customers served by Independent telephone companies.
Geometric factors influencing hydrogen-deuterium exchange: Detection of mobile water molecules in the peptide-MHCI - binding interface (LB291)

Hydrogen deuterium exchange (HDX) has long been used as an important technique to study conformational changes of proteins in solution, protein folding as well as protein ligand interactions. HDX is thought to detect exposure of protein backbone amide (bNH) hydrogens to solvent or internal water. However, it is not known how this exposure is defined in geometric terms, especially for internal water-filled cavities. The experiments described here was designed to gain a better understanding of the influence of factors like distance and angle of orientation of bNH-groups relative to internal water pockets. We used Major Histocompatibility Class I (MHCI)-peptide complexes as a model to address this question. We expressed MHCI heavy and light chains and reconstituted MHCI-peptide complexes with synthetic immunogenic peptides. We measured HDX using LC-MS, and characterized structural parameters of water-filled pockets with the help of computer programs like Pymol and Surfnet. We have successfully developed a mo...
Delayed success in termination of three-dimensional reentry: role of surface polarization.

Delayed Success and Surface Polarization. Introduction: Defibrillation shocks slightly stronger than cardioversion threshold may defibrillate not immediately but after a transient period of postshock activity (delayed success). The effect of a defibrillation shock is that it polarizes the tissue, primarily at the surfaces; therefore, surface polarization may play an important role at near-threshold shock intensities. Methods and Results: We numerically investigate the effect of a monophasic transmural electrical shock on a three-dimensional (3D) reentrant wave (scroll wave). For simplicity, we assume uniform polarization of the epicardial and endocardial surfaces. We demonstrate that the effect of surface polarization alone is sufficient to induce delayed termination of self-sustained activity (3‐4 beats after the shock). In agreement with experimental observations, both successful and failed shocks cause prolongation of the action potentials on the depolarized side and shortening on the hyperpolarized side, while at the same time inducing a shift from a reentrant to a focal activation pattern. Our simulations suggest that the outcome of the shock is determined by its effect on the shape of the scroll wave’s center of rotation (filament). We propose a simple rule to predict the postshock filament shape that allows us to make accurate predictions of success and failure of a termination attempt. Conclusion: Surface polarization due to an electrical shock can terminate a reentrant scroll wave. This mechanism may explain the phenomenon of delayed success in defibrillation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol,
Magnetic moments and curie temperatures of (Fe, Ni) 80 (P, B) 20 amorphous alloys

The magnetic moment per transition metal atom at 0°K and the Curie temperature were obtained for a series of (Fe, Ni) 80 (P, B) 20 amorphous quenched alloy ribbons. Fe/Ni and P/B compositions were varied separately. The moment data can be fitted well by assigning 2.1 Bohr magnetons per Fe atom and 0.6 per Ni atom, with the moment being lowered by 0.3 per B atom and 1.0 per P atom. Alternatively, moments varying with composition, as shown by neutron diffraction in crystalline alloys, combined with a lowering of 1.2 per B atom and 2.1 per P atom, also fit well. For a given P/B composition, T c shows a broad maximum at Fe:Ni of about 3:1. For a given transition metal composition, T c increases with increasing B content.
Can Rapid Assessment Protocols Be Used to Judge Sediment Impairment in Gravel‐Bed Streams? A Commentary

Land management agencies commonly use rapid assessments to evaluate the impairment of gravel-bed streams by sediment inputs from anthropogenic sources. We question whether rapid assessment can be used to reliably judge sediment impairment at a site or in a region. Beyond the challenges of repeatable and accurate sampling, we argue that a single metric or protocol is unlikely to reveal causative relations because channel condition can result from multiple pathways, processes, and background controls. To address these concerns, a contextual analysis is needed to link affected resources, causal factors, and site history to reliably identify human influences. Contextual analysis is equivalent in principle to cumulative effects and watershed analyses and has a rich history, but has gradually been replaced by rapid assessment methods. Although the approaches differ, rapid assessment and contextual analysis are complementary and can be implemented in a two-tiered approach in which rapid assessment provides a coarse (first-tier) analysis to identify sites that deserve deeper contextual assessment (second-tier). Contextual analysis is particularly appropriate for site-specific studies that should be tailored to local conditions. A balance between rapid assessment and contextual analysis is needed to provide the most effective information for management decisions.
Multiple Oxidation States of Al Observed by Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Substrate Core Level Shifts

Substrate core chemical shifts upon chemisorption of oxygen on aluminum are observed using variable-excitation-energy photoelectron spectroscopy. At low exposures a unique intermediate oxidation state evolves where the $\mathrm{Al} 2p$ level is shifted by only 1.3 eV toward higher binding energy as compared to the 2.6-eV shift observed for heavily oxidized aluminum (${\mathrm{A}1}_{2}$ ${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$). Simultaneous observation of the $\mathrm{O} 2p$ resonance shows evidence for a sharp phase change at exposures close to monolayer formation.
A comparative sonochemical reaction that is independent of the intensity of ultrasound and the geometry of the exposure apparatus.

Abstract Sonolysis of aqueous solutions of n-alkyl anionic surfactants results in the formation of secondary carbon-centered radicals (– CH–). The yield of – CH– depends on the bulk surfactant concentration up to a maximum attainable radical yield (the ‘plateau yield’) where an increasing surfactant concentration (below the critical micelle concentration) no longer affects the – CH– yield. In an earlier study it was found that the ratio of – CH– detected following sonolysis of aqueous solutions of sodium pentane sulfonate (SPSo) to that of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (i.e. CHSPSo/CHSDS) depended on the frequency of sonolysis, but was independent of the ultrasound intensity, at the plateau concentrations [J.Z. Sostaric, P. Riesz, Adsorption of surfactants at the gas/solution interface of cavitation bubbles: an ultrasound intensity-independent frequency effect in sonochemistry, J. Phys. Chem. B 106 (2002) 12537–12548]. In the current study, it was found that the CHSPSo/CHSDS ratio depended only on the ultrasound frequency and did not depend on the geometry of the ultrasound exposure apparatus considered.
Effects of Federal Nutrition Program on Birth Outcomes

Using a nationally representative sample of the birth cohort of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, we examine the impact on birth outcomes of the largest federal nutrition program in the United States: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). By identifying a set of strong and valid instrumental variables for WIC participation, we are able to address the fundamental problem in the literature—selection bias. Similar to recent studies, we find that WIC does not affect average birth weight and average gestational week after correcting for selection bias using the instrumental variable method. However, WIC participation has significantly reduced the probability of very premature birth and (very) low birth weight after controlling selection bias by bivariate probit models. Our results indicate that rather than affecting the average outcomes, WIC is more effective for births that are at high risk. The potential benefits of WIC program can be realized by increasing its focus on more disadvantaged mothers.
A sensitive assay for histone methyltransferase.

Abstract A method is described for the assay of histone methyltransferase using soluble histones as substrate. The precipitation of the methylated protein on chromatography paper allows for greater sensitivity and more rapid sample processing than have previously been reported. After incubation of the enzyme in the presence of radioisotopically labeled S -adenosyl- l -methionine and soluble rat brain histone, the residual S -adenosyl- l -methionine is removed by extensive washing in 1.1 m trichloroacetic acid. The amount of methyl groups incorporated into histones is measured by liquid seintillation counting. This procedure can probably be used to assay other protein methylases. A comparison is made between this assay and one using chromosomal bound histones as substrates.
Percutaneous retrograde colangiography of segment III bile duct, through the previously catheterized segment II bile duct, in 15-month-old patient after partial liver transplantation with two separate bilio-enteric anastomoses

We report one case of percutaneous retrograde colangiography of segment III bile duct, through the previously catheterized segment II bile duct, in 15-month-old patient after partial liver transplantation and two separate biliary anastomoses. The retrograde diagnostic cholangiogram confirmed the suspicion of anastomotic stricture and distended the bile ducts, which were easily punctured with percutaneous approach with a 20 Ga Chiba needle.
Novel Antibiotic Combinations against Infections with Almost Completely Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter Species

For infections with antibiotic-susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, most studies have suggested that combination therapy, usually with a beta -lactam antibiotic plus an aminoglycoside, is preferable for patients with bacteremia and neutropenia. Against infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii isolates that are resistant to all antibiotics except the polymyxins, several novel antibiotic combinations demonstrate increased activity in vitro compared with that of any single agent. Whether these combinations yield outcomes that are improved over those seen with a polymyxin or other agent alone remains to be determined. However, against infections with species resistant to all antibiotics, including polymyxins, novel combinations are the only remaining therapeutic option.
Buffer analysis for a data sharing environment with skewed data access

Examines the effect of skewed database access on the transaction response time in a multisystem data sharing environment, where each computing node has access to shared data on disks, and has a local buffer of recently accessed granules. Skewness in data access can increase data contention since most accesses go to few data items. For the same reason, it can also increase the buffer hit probability. We quantify the resultant effect on the transaction response time, which depends not only on the various system parameters but also on the concurrency control (CC) protocol. Furthermore, the CC protocol can give rise to rerun transactions that have different buffer hit probabilities. In a multisystem environment, when a data block gets updated by a system, any copies of that block in other systems' local buffers are invalidated. Combining these effects, we find that higher skew does not necessarily lead to worse performance, and that with skewed access, optimistic CC is more robust than pessimistic CC. Examining the buffer hit probability as a function of the buffer size, we find that the effectiveness of additional buffer allocation can be broken down into multiple regions that depend on the access frequency distribution. >
Polyamine analog bis(ethylamino)-5,10,15-triazanonadecane (BE-4-4-4-4) enhances simian virus 40 late gene expression

Purpose: The polyamine analog bis(ethylamino)-5,10,15-triazanonadecane (BE-4-4-4-4) depletes cellular polyamines and inhibits malignant cell growth. We have previously shown that BE-4-4-4-4 inhibits nucleosome condensation on supercoiled DNA in a cell-free system. Here we sought to determine whether BE-4-4-4-4 inhibits nucleosome condensation in cells, and whether that effect alters the expression of specific genes. Methods: We used the simian virus 40 (SV-40) minichromosome as a model system and studied the expression of the viral late genes. It is known that the SV-40 late genes are regulated by the steroid receptor elements that, in turn, control gene expression by altering nucleosomal organization. Results: We observed a more than six fold increase in SV-40 late gene expression in cells pretreated with BE-4-4-4-4 for 18 h. The polyamine analog bisethyl norspermine (BE-3-3-3), that does not affect nucleosomal condensation in cell free systems and has little effect on chromatin structure in cultured human tumor cells, had a negligible effect on SV-40 late gene expression under treatment conditions identical to those used with BE-4-4-4-4. Conclusion: Similar to the findings in the cell-free system, the polyamine analog BE-4-4-4-4 inhibited nucleosome formation and, thereby, altered the expression of specific genes in a cellular system.
Chronic upper airway obstruction and cardiac dysfunction: anatomy, pathophysiology and anesthetic implications

The causes of obstruction to airflow in the pediatric upper airway include craniofacial disorders, subglottic stenosis, choanal atresia, syndromes associated with neuromuscular weakness, and the most common, hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoids. Abnormal breathing can adversely affect craniofacial growth, and abnormal craniofacial development can promote upper airway obstruction. Chronic upper airway obstruction often presents with evidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; in severe cases these children also present with pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. The development of pulmonary hypertension and right heart dysfunction from chronic upper airway obstruction is complex. Hypoxemia and hypercarbia-induced respiratory acidosis are potent mediators of pulmonary vasoconstriction that can lead to reversible and irreversible chronic changes in the pulmonary vasculature. It is likely that production of various neurohumoral factors in response to hypoxemia and respiratory distress may further promote pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dysfunction, and consequent impairment of systemic cardiac output. The anesthetic considerations for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for chronic airway obstruction are significant. These children are at high risk for complications such as laryngospasm, desaturation, stimulation of pulmonary hypertension and cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary edema, postoperative upper airway obstruction, and respiratory arrest. Because of underlying condition(s) (facial abnormalities, neuromuscular disease, etc.), successful adenotonsillar surgery may not improve upper airway obstruction significantly, especially in the immediate postoperative period when edema, bleeding and the effects of anesthetics and analgesics are present.
FREIGHT ACTIVITY AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS IN SELECTED NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT TRADE CORRIDORS

The current and future air quality effects that result from the development of North American trade and transportation corridors are examined, and strategies to mitigate these impacts are explored. The analysis focuses on five specific binational corridor segments. For each segment, commodity flow and ground freight traffic volumes (truck and rail) are used to develop a sketch-level estimate of current air pollution emissions associated with cross-border trade. Cross-border freight is responsible for 3% to 11% of all emissions of nitrogen oxides and 5% to 16% of all emissions of particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) from mobile sources in the corridor regions. Trade forecasts to 2020 are used to develop a sketch-level estimate of future trade-related emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from cross-border trade will increase 2.4 to 4 times over current levels in the five corridors. As a result of the expected improvement in criteria pollutant emissions controls for trucks and locomotives, total trade...
An Empirical Study of Business-to-Business Electronic Marketplace Usage: The Impact of Buyers' E-Readiness

This study addresses critical questions regarding the extent of business-to-business electronic marketplace usage for purchasing, and the degree and impact of buyers' e-readiness on the range of electronic marketplace usage. The data from a Web-based survey of 359 purchasing professionals in the United States suggests that buyers with more experience in using information technology, the Internet to facilitate purchasing, and information systems for enhancing supply chain management would more likely use electronic marketplaces for purchasing. This study has significant theoretical implications because it confirms the important role of e-readiness in the electronic marketplace usage model. The practical implications of this study are also discussed.
On the Innervation and Homologues of the Anterior End Appendages of the Eunicea (Polychaeta), with a Tentative Outline of the Fundamental Constitution of the Cephalic Nervous System of the Polychaetes

Earlier papers dealing with the architecture of the cephalic nervous system of the Eunicea were studied. Thereby, a re-investigation appeared necessary: the existing literature proved insufficient for detailed comparisons with other polychaete families and many earlier statements and conclusions turned out to be quite contradictory, especially as concerns the homologues of the anterior end appendages. In the present paper, the microanatomy of the brain and the innervation of, inter alia, the antennae, the nuchal organs and the alimentary canal of Hyalinoecia tubicola, Nothria conchylega, Eunice norvegica and E. pennata are described. The results are summarized in schematic diagrams and tables and compared with corresponding observations in other polychaete families. Thereby, some earlier opinions about the morphological value of the cephalic appendages of the Eunicea are strengthened while others are rejected. On the basis of the present observations and earlier results arrived at by the present author, and as an object for future discussion and criticism, a diagram of the fundamental constitution of the cephalic nervous system of the Polychaeta is tentatively outlined.
The intubating dose of succinylcholine.

BackgroundThe usually cited “intubation dose” of succinylcholine is 1.0 mg/kg. In the majority of patients, this dose will produce apnea of sufficient duration that significant hemoglobin desaturation may occur before neuromuscular recovery takes place in those whose ventilation is not assisted. Thi
Cognitive and behavioral features of adolescent coping in high-risk drinking situations

The present study examined the coping responses used by adolescents in high-risk situations. Sixty-six adolescents described situations in which it was difficult to resist drinking alcohol. Cognitive and behavioral responses in the perceived high-risk alcohol situations were examined. Abusing and nonabusing adolescents reported similar high-risk situations, but differed significantly in the cognitive and behavioral strategies used to cope with drinking pressures. Cognitive strategies associated with abstaining from alcohol use included defining oneself as a nondrinker and viewing other drinkers negatively. Behavioral responses associated with not drinking included engaging in an alternative activity and avoiding or limiting direct exposure to the high-risk situations. Theoretical and clinical implications for effective coping in alcohol situations are discussed.
Training Older People in Empathy: Effects on Empathy, Attitudes, and Self-Exploration.

This study examined the effect of empathy training on empathy, self-exploration, and key attitudes in older people. The twenty-eight older people who took part were randomly assigned to one of three groups: empathy training, discussion, or control. For eight weeks the training group practiced empathy as a helping skill. During this time, one control group discussed the problems of older people; the other control group met only to take the tests. Unlike the control groups, the training group improved significantly on three measures of empathy. The training group also showed significant gains in self-exploration. These gains in skills brought no change in attitudes. The findings show that older people can change a portion of their interpersonal style and learn new ways of helping.
Hydrogen atom migration in the oxidation of aldehydes - O(3P) + H2CO

An ab initio study of hydrogen atom migration in methylenebis(oxy)H2CO2(3B2) to form triplet formic acid HCOOH (3A1) is reported. From HF, MCHF, and CI calculated energy barriers, the activation energy is estimated to be no less than 30 kcal/mol. It is concluded that the hydrogen migration channel is not accessible in recent room temperature experiments on the O(3P) + H2CO reaction.
A Federal Government Experience: Developing a Nutrition Education Publication for Cancer Patients

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify the key nutritional information needs of cancer patients and their families as perceived by health professionals who work closely with this target audience. In preparation for the revision of an existing National Cancer Institute publication, a needs assessment questionnaire was developed and administered via a 30-minute phone interview to Registered Nurses (RN), N=17 and Registered Dietitians (RD), N=20 to determine their perceptions of cancer patients' nutritional needs. Subjects from a variety of settings who had recently ordered >50 copies of this publication were contacted Chi square tests were run to compare whether there were differences in responses of RN's and RD's. Professional opinions of patient needs were similar with the exception of perceived importance of providing general cancer prevention guidelines. RN's preferred using guidelines, such as maintaining a reduced fat intake, while RD's did not (p
Sociologist as Dean and Dean as Sociologist

This article highlights contrasts between the identity and values of sociology faculty members versus the identity and values of college administrators. Some of these contrasts include: questioning authority and speaking truth to power versus being in a position of authority and engaging in political compromise; taking a critical, reflective, and independent stance as a scholar versus a dean taking a stance of positive attitude and setting direction in the organization; and acting in an egalitarian and democratic fashion versus acting in a discriminating manner and making executive decisions. This article also explores the ways in which being a sociologist can inform a dean's understanding of the structure and organizational life of the college and the group dynamics among faculty, students, administrators, and other constituents.
Histochemical 1,2-Glycol Cleavage with Acetates of Manganese

Both manganic triacetate and tetraacetate will act to split the 1,2-glycol linkage to produce aldehyde radicals which may be demonstrated with either leucofushsin or hydrazine compounds. Thirty to sixty minutes oxidation in a saturated glacial acetic acid solution of either acetate will usually be sufficient to produce satisfactory histochemical localization of the 1,2-glycol linkage. The tetraacetate is the more reliable of the two compounds, giving good localizations more constantly than the triacetate. Present studies indicate that the histological picture after such staining is identical with the localizations given by lead tetraacetate. The principle value of these reagents in glycol cleavage is essentially academic although, since their mechanism of cleavage is believed to differ from the established periodic acid and lead tetraacetate technics, there is the probability that they may be of value in comparisons between the two types of reaction.
Probable visualization of the elusive hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has not yet been cultured or visualized. We attempted to recover HCV-associated particles from plasma of infected humans to assess the natural properties of the virus. Starting with 720 ml of donor plasma containing high titer of HCV core antigen ELISA activities, we identified HCV core antigen activity and viral RNA enriched in a potassium bromide density gradient fraction with a density of 1.115 g/ml. Icosahedron-shaped particles with an average diameter of 33 nm were liberated by treatment of the fraction with the detergent Tween 80. These particles were selectively visualized with an electron microscope using a grid coated with a murine monoclonal antibody directed to HCV core peptide and were also observed in aggregated forms with an immune electron microscope (IEM) with use of the anti-core antibody. An ultracentrifugation pellet of the above fraction was treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 2-mercaptoethanol(2ME) and run in SDS-PAGE. A protein that bound antibodies directed to the predicted core protein of HCV was found at a molecular size estimated as about 26,000 Da, significantly greater than the 191 amino acid residues predicted from the presumed core gene of HCV. It is possible that translation initiation and/or the COOH-terminal cleavage site for HCV core protein in vivo may differ from estimates derived from the amino acid sequence of the polyprotein precursor. The nucleocapsid could also be chemically altered in the infected cell, resulting in a gel mobility different from the native protein.
927-32 Effects of Digoxin and Sotalol on Atrial Defibrillation Thresholds via Implanted Transvenous Catheter Electrodes

Objectives It has been documented in animal models that a synchronized shock delivered to the atria through transvenous catheter electrodes is a feasible method to terminate atrial fibrillation (AF). Because digoxin and sotalol are frequently used in the management of patients with AF, we studied the effect of these drugs on atrial defibrillation thresholds (ADFTs). Methods Sterile pericarditis was created using standard methods in 17 mongrel dogs. Two catheter electrodes with a 6 cm coil tip were inserted through the right external jugular vein and placed in the distal coronary sinus and in the right atrial appendage, respectively. They were subsequently used for delivery of atrial shocks. On the second postoperative day, AF was induced by rapid atrial pacing, and ADFT was determined in the drug free state and after administration of 1) a therapeutic dose of digoxin (50 μg/kg; 6 dogs); 21 a toxic dose of digoxin (increased dose, mean 106 μg/kg, associated with a digitalis toxic rhythm; 6 dogs); or 3) sotalol (1 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.375 mg/kg/hr; 5 dogs). ADFT was determined in a 10 V step-up manner, with 20 shocks delivered at the lowest intensity that converted AF to determine % success. ADFT was defined as the lowest defibrillation energy which achieved successful atrial defibrillation between 10% and 90% of the time. Results Data are shown in mean ± SD. Digoxin Voltage (V) Energy (J) Impedance (Ω) %Success (%) Drug free 85 ± 21 0.27 ± 15 40 ± 7 40 ± 17 Therapeutic dose 77 ± 29 0.28 ± 18 36 ± 3 30 ± 19 Toxic dose 77 ± 29 029 ± 0.16 36 ± 8 42 ± 16 Sotalol Drug free 64 ± 5 013 ± 04 45 ± 7 30 ± 23 Sotalol 52 ± 8 * 0.10 ± 03 44 ± 7 29 ± 18 * p l 005 Digoxin did not significantly affect the voltage, energy, or impedance of the shock, butsotalol significantly decreased the mean ADFT voltage required. Conclusions In the sterile pericarditis model of AF: 1) ADFT was very low (1l03 J) through transvenous catheter electrodes; and 2) digoxin did not significantly affect ADFTs, although sotalol decreased ADFTs determined using transvenous catheter electrodes.
Placental estrogen synthetase (aromatase): evidence for phosphatase-dependent inactivation.

Abstract The acute regulation of estrogen synthetase (aromatase), the cytochrome P450 enzyme system responsible for estrogen production, is not well explored. We report here that aromatase, but not NADPH-cytochrome c (P450) reductase, activity from human term placental microsomes decreased when incubated in phosphate-free buffer at 37°C. Aromatase activity was stabilized by phosphate buffer or by the phosphatase inhibitors tartaric acid or EDTA, but not NaF, in phosphate-free buffer. Alkaline phosphatase also inhibited aromatase in phosphate-free buffer relative to phosphate buffer, but the inactivation appears to be due primarily to proteolytic solubilization of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase from the microsomes by proteases within the alkaline phosphatase preparation. Based on these data, we suggest that the cytochrome P450 component of aromatase may be regulated acutely by phosphorylation-dependent processes.
Mcs4 mitotic catastrophe suppressor regulates the fission yeast cell cycle through the Wik1-Wis1-Spc1 kinase cascade.

protein kinases (MAPKs). Spclisactivated byaMAPK kinase homologue, Wisl,andnegatively regulated byPyplandPyp2tyrosine phosphatases. Mutations inthespcl ±andwislgenes causeaG2cell cycle delay that isexacerbated during stress. Herein, wedescribe two upstream regulators oftheWisl-Spcl cascade. wikl +(Wisl kinase) wasidentified from itshomology tobudding yeast SSK2, whichencodes aMAPKK kinase that regulates the HOG1osmosensing pathway. Awiklcells areimpaired instress-induced activation of SpclandshowaG2cell cycle delay andosmosensitive growth. Moreover, overproductionofaconstitutively active formofWiklinduces hyperactivation ofSpclinawisl +dependent manner, suggesting that Wiklregulates Spclthrough activation ofWisl. A mutation ofmcs4' (mitotic catastrophe suppressor) wasoriginally isolated asasuppressorofthemitotic catastrophe phenotype ofacdc2-3w weel-50 double mutant. We have foundthat mcs4-cells aredefective atactivation ofSpclinresponse tovarious forms of stress. Epistasis analysis hasplaced Mcs4upstream ofWiklintheSpclactivation cascade. Theseresults indicate that Mcs4ispartofasensor system formultiple environmental signals thatmodulates thetiming ofentry intomitosis byregulating the Wikl-Wisl-Spcl kinase cascade. Inactivation ofthesensor system delays theonset of mitosis andrescues lethal premature mitosis incdc2-3w weel-50 cells.
Conformation-Dependent Cleavage of Hairpin and Triplex Nucleic Acids by a Temperature-Insensitive Photonuclease

Photolysis of Pt2(pop)44- in the presence of duplex DNA produces strand scission via abstraction of the 4‘- and 5‘-hydrogen atoms (pop = P2O5H22-). The cleavage intensities are higher for single-stranded DNA compared to those for duplex DNA because of lower electrostatic repulsion and greater solvent accessibility in single strands. When the single-stranded oligomer d(5‘-ACTGCCTTTTTGCTGAA) was photolyzed in the presence of Pt2(pop)44-, there was no significant or systematic change in cleavage intensity as a function of temperature in the range 28 to 98 °C. Cleavage of the hairpin d(5‘-ATCCTATTTTTTAGGAT) showed a higher cleavage intensity in the 5‘-TTTTT loop region compared to that for the base-paired nucleotides. Thermal denaturation of the hairpin gave a less selective cleavage pattern. The increase in cleavage at the duplex nucleotides could be used to estimate the Tm for the folded hairpin; thus, the cleavage pattern reflects the thermal denaturation of individual nucleotides. This concept was tested ...
Analysis of highly excited vibrational eigenstates

Abstract Methods for the analysis of highly excited vibrational eigenstates are presented. These include semiclassical and hierarchical analyses, along with a discussion of the nature of eigenstates along a correlation diagram. The purpose of the analyses is to extract information from what often appear to be complicated, ‘unassignable’ eigenstates. In particular, I address how to rationalize the nature of eigenstates via the semiclassical analysis and how to extract information concerning assignability and energy flow from the hierarchical analysis. The study of the eigenstates along a correlation diagram, together with the semiclassical analysis, is undertaken to address the issue of the classical-quantum correspondence when the classical mechanics is chaotic.
Inner clot diffusion and permeation during fibrinolysis

A model of fibrinolysis was developed using multicomponent convection-diffusion equations with homogeneous reaction and heterogeneous adsorption and reaction. Fibrin is the dissolving stationary phase and plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase (uPA), and plasmin are the soluble mobile species. The model is based on an accurate molecular description of the fibrin fiber and protofibril structure and contains no adjustable parameters and one phenomenological parameter estimated from experiment. The model can predict lysis fronts moving across fibrin clots (fine or coarse fibers) of various densities under different administration regimes using uPA and tPA. We predict that pressure-driven permeation is the major mode of transport that allows for kinetically significant thrombolysis during clinical situations. Without permeation, clot lysis would be severely diffusion limited and would require hundreds of minutes. Adsorption of tPA to fibrin under conditions of permeation was a nonequilibrium process that tended to front load clots with tPA. Protein engineering efforts to design optimal thrombolytics will likely be affected by the permeation processes that occur during thrombolysis.
Blends of aliphatic polyamides with a trifluoromethyl-substituted polyaramide

The effect of trifluromethyl group substitution on the thermal properties of blends of a polyaramide with several aliphatic polyamides has been determined. Miscibility of the substituted polyaramide with nylons 46, 6, 66, 69, 610 and 11 was shown by the existence of single, composition-dependent glass transition temperatures (TgS) and composition-dependent crystalline melting temperatures (Tms). The results are discussed with reference to Tg and Tm predictive equations.
Separating soil CO2 efflux into C-pool-specific decay rates via inverse analysis of soil incubation data.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is heterogeneous in structure and has been considered to consist of various pools with different intrinsic turnover rates. Although those pools have been conceptually expressed in models and analyzed according to soil physical and chemical properties, separation of SOM into component pools is still challenging. In this study, we conducted inverse analyses with data from a long-term (385 days) incubation experiment with two types of soil (from plant interspace and from underneath plants) to deconvolute soil carbon (C) efflux into different source pools. We analyzed the two datasets with one-, two- and three-pool models and used probability density functions as a criterion to judge the best model to fit the datasets. Our results indicated that soil C release trajectories over the 385 days of the incubation study were best modeled with a two-pool C model. For both soil types, released C within the first 10 days of the incubation study originated from the labile pool. Decomposition of C in the recalcitrant pool was modeled to contribute to the total CO2 efflux by 9–11 % at the beginning of the incubation. At the end of the experiment, 75–85 % of the initial soil organic carbon (SOC) was modeled to be released over the incubation period. Our modeling analysis also indicated that the labile C-pool in the soil underneath plants was larger than that in soil from interspace. This deconvolution analysis was based on information contained in incubation data to separate carbon pools and can facilitate integration of results from incubation experiments into ecosystem models with improved parameterization.
Aging‐related deficits in orexin/hypocretin modulation of the septohippocampal cholinergic system

The medial septum (MS) of the basal forebrain contains cholinergic neurons that project to the hippocampus, support cognitive function, and are implicated in age-related cognitive decline. Hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin neurons innervate and modulate basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and provide direct inputs to the hippocampus. However, the precise role of orexin in modulating hippocampal cholinergic transmission—and how these interactions are altered in aging—is unknown. Here, orexin A was administered to CA1 and the MS of young (3–4 months) and aged (27–29 months) Fisher 344/Brown Norway rats, and hippocampal acetylcholine efflux was analyzed by in vivo microdialysis. At both infusion sites, orexin A dose-dependently increased hippocampal acetylcholine in young, but not aged rats. Moreover, immunohistochemical characterization of the MS revealed no change in cholinergic cell bodies in aged animals, but a significant decrease in orexin fiber innervation to cholinergic cells. These findings indicate that: (1) Orexin A modulates hippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission directly and transsynaptically in young animals, (2) Aged animals are unresponsive to orexin A, and (3) Aged animals undergo an intrinsic reduction in orexin innervation to cholinergic cells within the MS. Alterations in orexin regulation of septohippocampal cholinergic activity may contribute to age-related dysfunctions in arousal, learning, and memory. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of the Rfφ technique to ellipitical markers deformed by pressure-solution

Abstract The applicability of the R f φ technique of finite strain analysis to elliptical markers whose shape is modified by pressure-solution is investigated. Variably oriented elliptical markers shortened by removing material from one or both sides in open and closed systems are compared to markers shortened homogeneously by the same amount. For the models examined, it was found that the R f φ technique correctly predicts the principal directions, the initial marker axial ratio, and the axial ratio of a circle deformed in a like manner. Interpretation of strain ratios in terms of percent shortening requires knowing how much volume was lost. Equations relating the strain ratio to percent shortening are given for both constant-volume and volume-loss deformation.
The Roots of Phylogeny: How Did Haeckel Build His Trees?

Haeckel created much of our current vocabulary in evolutionary biology, such as the term phylogeny, which is currently used to designate trees. Assuming that Haeckel gave the same meaning to this term, one often reproduces Haeckel's trees as the first illustrations of phylogenetic trees. A detailed analysis of Haeckel's own evolutionary vocabulary and theory revealed that Haeckel's trees were genealogical trees and that Haeckel's phylogeny was a morphological concept. However, phylogeny was actually the core of Haeckel's tree reconstruction, and understanding the exact meaning Haeckel gave to phylogeny is crucial to understanding the information Haeckel wanted to convey in his famous trees. Haeckel's phylogeny was a linear series of main morphological stages along the line of descent of a given species. The phylogeny of a single species would provide a trunk around which lateral branches were added as mere ornament; the phylogeny selected for drawing a tree of a given group was considered the most complete line of progress from lower to higher forms of this group, such as the phylogeny of Man for the genealogical tree of Vertebrates. Haeckel's phylogeny was mainly inspired by the idea of the scala naturae, or scale of being. Therefore, Haeckel's genealogical trees, which were only branched on the surface, mainly represented the old idea of scale of being. Even though Haeckel decided to draw genealogical trees after reading On the Origin of Species and was called the German Darwin, he did not draw Darwinian branching diagrams. Although Haeckel always saw Lamarck, Goethe, and Darwin as the three fathers of the theory of evolution, he was mainly influenced by Lamarck and Goethe in his approach to tree reconstruction.
Skeletal abnormalities in doubly heterozygous Bmp4 and Bmp7 mice.

Analysis of the skeletal phenotypes caused by the genetic inactivation of individual Bmps, along with the study of their expression patterns, suggest possible functional redundancy of these molecules. To investigate the effect on skeleton development of the combined absence of some Bmp genes expressed in the same areas, we have intercrossed heterozygous Bmp7 mice with Bmp2 1/2 , Bmp4 1/2 ,o rBmp5 1/2 animals. Bmp2/7 and Bmp5/7 double heterozygous animals do not present with any abnormalities. In contrast, Bmp4/7 double heterozygotes develop minor defects in two restricted areas of the skeleton, the rib cage, and the distal part of the limbs. In the ribs, Bmp4 and Bmp7 seem to act in the same pathway to assure proper guidance of mesenchymal condensations of the ribs extending to- ward the sternum. In the limbs, these molecules appear to play a similar role in controlling digit number, possibly through induction of apoptosis in the interdigital and anterior mesenchyme. Dev. Genet. 22:340-348, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and therapeutic exercise on quadriceps activation in people with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis

Study Design Blinded, randomized controlled trial. Objectives To determine if the combination of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) set to a sensory level and therapeutic exercise would be more effective than the combination of placebo TENS and therapeutic exercises or therapeutic exercises only to increase quadriceps activation in individuals with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. Background Quadriceps activation deficits are common in those with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, and TENS has been reported to immediately increase quadriceps activation. Yet the long-term benefits of TENS for motor neuron activation have yet to be determined. Methods Thirty-six individuals with radiographically assessed tibiofemoral osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to the TENS and exercise, placebo and exercise, and exercise only groups. All participants completed a supervised 4-week lower extremity exercise program. TENS and placebo TENS were worn throughout the therapeutic exercise sessions, as well as during ...
CFTR Chloride Channel in the Apical Compartments: Spatiotemporal Coupling to its Interacting Partners

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-regulated chloride channel located primarily at the apical or luminal surfaces of epithelial cells in the airway, intestine, pancreas, kidney, sweat gland, as well as male reproductive tract, where it plays a crucial role in transepithelial fluid homeostasis. CFTR dysfunction can be detrimental and may result in life-threatening disorders. CFTR hypofunctioning because of genetic defects leads to cystic fibrosis, the most common lethal genetic disease in Caucasians, whereas CFTR hyperfunctioning resulting from various infections evokes secretory diarrhea, the leading cause of mortality in early childhood. Therefore, maintaining a dynamic balance between CFTR up-regulating processes and CFTR down-regulating processes is essential for maintaining fluid and body homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that protein-protein interactions play a critical role in the fine-tuned regulation of CFTR function. A growing number of proteins have been reported to interact directly or indirectly with CFTR chloride channel, suggesting that CFTR might be coupled spatially and temporally to a wide variety of interacting partners including ion channels, receptors, transporters, scaffolding proteins, enzyme molecules, signaling molecules, and effectors. Most interactions occur primarily between the opposing terminal tails (amino or carboxyl) of CFTR protein and its binding partners, either directly or mediated through various PDZ scaffolding proteins. These dynamic interactions impact the channel function, as well as localization and processing of CFTR protein within cells. This article reviews the most recent progress and findings about the interactions between CFTR and its binding partners through PDZ scaffolding proteins, as well as the spatiotemporal regulation of CFTR-containing macromolecular signaling complexes in the apical compartments of polarized cells lining the secretory epithelia.