cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory effects of a short-acting and a long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist in guinea pig skin

Abstract The pharmacological modulation of the accumulation and function of eosinophils in tissues may have a significant impact in the treatment of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and rhinitis. In this study, we have investigated the acute anti-inflammatory effects of a short-acting (salbutamol) and a long-acting (salmeterol) β2-adrenoceptor agonist on 111In-accumulation and oedema formation in allergic and mediator-induced inflammation in guinea pig skin. Both salbutamol and salmeterol inhibited 111In-eosinophil accumulation induced by platelet-activating factor and in a passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction when co-injected with the inflammatory stimuli or when given as a 30 min pretreatment. The inhibition was reversed by dl -propranolo, but not d -propranolol. Systemic treatment with salbutamol inhibited 111In-eosinophil accumulation and oedema formation when given as a 15 min, but not as a 3 h, pretreatment. In contrast, salmeterol was effective when given at both times. We conclude that a long duration of action of β2-adrenoceptor agonists is not necessary to demonstrate acute anti-inflammatory effects on eosinophil accumulation in guinea pig skin.
An Assessment of Alternative Measures of Time Use

Although time use has received much attention by social scientists as an index of resource allocation and social relations across groups, only a few studies have carefully assessed the relative strengths and weaknesses of the existing methods of measuring time use: time diary (TD), stylized (S) respondent report, and experiential sampling method (ESM). We note the varying degree of biases that arise in part from the extent of detail in the information collected by the three methods. Using findings from our analysis of the structure of these methods, we hypothesize that there are empirical exceptions to previously reported common findings that TD provides less biased information on time use than does S—namely (a) when labor market workers report their time spent on labor market work, and (b) when the historical trend in time, rather than the absolute level, is studied. Empirical results confirm our prediction and show that, among individuals who work regularly, TD and S estimates of labor market work hours reported by the same persons correspond closely to one another. In addition, when assessing historical trends, TD and S values correspond closely to one another, although TDs yield some inexplicable deviations from the trend even when the sample and the codes are carefully standardized. We also provide notes on a strategy of standardization for diary codes that are distinct across historical or national contexts.
Mitochondrial and nuclear forms of Wnt13 are generated via alternative promoters, alternative RNA splicing, and alternative translation start sites.

Wnt proteins play a key role in cell survival, cell proliferation, and cell fate during development. In endothelial cells, we identified the expression of Wnt13A, Wnt13B, and Wnt13C mRNAs, which are generated by alternative promoters and alternative RNA splicing. Wnt13A and Wnt13B proteins differ only in their N-terminal sequences. Wnt13A, a typical Wnt, is N-glycosylated and localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, with only a small fraction being secreted. Wnt13B proteins appear as a protein doublet, L-Wnt13B and S-Wnt13B, which are neither N-glycosylated nor secreted. Wnt13B proteins localized mainly to mitochondria, as demonstrated using detection in mitochondria enriched fractions and colocalization with Mitotracker and HSP60. A nuclear localization was also observed in 20% of Wnt13B-expressing cells. Both the N-terminal hydrophobic stretch (residues 1-17) and α-helix (residues 26-50) were the main determinants for Wnt13B mitochondrial targeting. Serial deletions of Wnt13B N-terminal sequences abolished its association with mitochondria and favored instead a nuclear localization. The production of S-Wnt13B was independent of the mitochondrial targeting but dependent on an alternative translation start corresponding to Met74 in L-Wnt13B. The same translation start is used in Wnt13C mRNA to encode a protein undistinguishable from S-Wnt13B. S-Wnt13B when expressed alone localized to the nucleus like Wnt13C, whereas L-Wnt13B localized to mitochondria. Wnt13 nuclear forms increased the β-catenin/T-cell factor activity in HEK293 cells and increased apoptosis in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Altogether our results demonstrate that, in addition to alternative promoters and RNA splicing, an alternative translation start in Wnt13B and Wnt13C mRNAs increases the complexity of both human wnt13 expression and functions.
A BEM-FEM APPROACH FOR ANALYSIS OF DISTRESSES IN PAVEMENTS

A combined boundary-element–finite-element method is presented for the analysis of distresses in pavements subjected to mechanical and environmental effects. Owing to the spatial dimensions of the problem, the non-homogeneity and the irregular geometry at the pavement joints, a combination of the two methods proves to offer a more realistic solution technique. The advantage of the finite element method (FEM) is in its capabilities of modelling near-field regions at or around the vicinity of the joint, whereas the boundary element method (BEM) is more suitable to model the far-field region at infinity. The three major distresses affecting the serviceability of the pavement system are the temperature, moisture and the applied mechanical loads. The model analyses the stresses and strains resulting from both mechanical and environmental factors in the analysis of a pavement system. Moreover, the infiltration of water through pavement joints, which causes weakening of the subgrade soil, is also analysed. Secondly the curling of the pavement concrete slab under the mechanical and thermal loads and induced friction may cause separation of the pavement structure from its supporting subgrade. Both are treated and modelled in this study. A detailed analysis of the pavement joint with its load transfer device is also performed for the proper assessment of the separation and further extension of the loss of support in the pavement system.
Acoustic sensitivity predictions of single-mode optical fibers using Brillouin scattering

Elastic and elastooptic coefficients used to predict acoustic response sensitivity for two single-mode optical fibers have been determined from Brillouin scattering measurements. These measurements were made on two ITT single-mode fiber preforms currently of interest in the fabrication of fiber-optic acoustic sensors. Previous predictions of acoustic sensitivity assumed the optical fiber waveguides as homogeneous fused silica cylinders. It was found that this assumption introduces no more than a 5% error in the pressure sensitivity for a low numerical aperture (N.A.) fiber and a 30% error for a high N.A. fiber.
Use of caged fluorochromes to track macromolecular movement in living cells.

Abstract One way to visualize and track the movement of macromolecules in the living cell is to follow their movement after tagging the molecule with a ‘caged' or chemically masked fluorochrome. The fluorochrome does not fluoresce until the caging group is released by spot photoactivation, and the bright fluorescent signal can then be tracked as it moves into the dark surrounding area of the cell. When coupled with rapid imaging microscopy, it is possible to measure rates of movement as fast as macromolecular diffusion. This article describes the use of photoactivatable fluorochromes to track the intracellular movement of both proteins and nucleic acids and to track cell lineages.
Triangles in a complete chromatic graph with three colors

Abstract Let KN be the complete graph on N vertices, and assume that each edge is assigned precisly one of three possible colors. An old and difficult problem is to find the minimum number of monochromatic triangles as a function of N. We are not able to solve this problem, but we can give sharp bounds for certain combinations of the number of triangles of various kinds. These sharp bounds are related to the main problem, and may be of indepdendent interest.
Endometrial receptivity is preserved in Diethylstilbestrol-associated and other Müllerian anomalies: evidence from tubal embryo transfer.

Purpose To report implantation and pregnancy rates following TET in women with anomalous uteri, and to compare these with previously reported rates following trans-cervical ET.
Estimation of a Panel Data Model in the Presence of Correlation Between Regressors and a Two-Way Error Component

In this paper, we derive an instrumental variables estimator for the generalized Hausman and Taylor [4] model with a two-way error component. We also extend the work of Breusch, Mizon, and Schmidt [2] to this model and derive two additional instrumental variables estimators. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the parameter estimator is demonstrated, allowing both the number of time periods as well as the number of individuals to increase, their ratio bounded. Consistent estimates of the variance components are discussed.
Comparison of daily and monthly pyrantel treatment in yearling thoroughbreds and the protective effect of strategic medication of mares on their foals.

Abstract Studies on a Thoroughbred breeding farm in Ohio were done to: (1) compare the effects of daily administration of pyrantel tartrate feed pellets with monthly administration of a pyrantel pamoate paste to yearling horses (21 January–3 September); (2) assess the effects of daily pyrantel tartrate given strategically in spring/summer to foaling mares (1 April–16 August) and given for a prolonged period to barren mares (21 January–3 September); (3) determine if strategic medication of foaling mares with daily pyrantel tartrate protected their foals until weaning. There were no differences in cyathostome egg counts, pasture larval counts, body condition scores, or body weights of yearlings treated with daily pyrantel tartrate or monthly pyrantel pamoate. Both treatments failed to maintain fecal egg counts of yearlings below 100 eggs per gram (epg), and mean counts exceeded 400 epg (pyrantel pamoate) and 700 epg (pyrantel tartrate) in August and September, resulting in a sharp, but moderate increase in pasture infectivity in October. By contrast, prolonged or strategic use of daily pyrantel tartrate in mature horses were each highly effective in reducing pasture contamination and infectivity with cyathostome eggs and larvae respectively. Strategic medication of foaling mares provided protection of their foals until weaning and first treatment of foals was delayed until after weaning when mean strongyle counts exceeded 100 epg. Treatment of weanlings with pyrantel pamoate had little effect on egg counts. A comparative anthelmintic study with ivermectin, oxibendazole, and pyrantel pamoate confirmed earlier studies showing reduced efficacy of anthelmintics in young horses.
An open‐source deconvolution software package for 3‐D quantitative fluorescence microscopy imaging

Deconvolution techniques have been widely used for restoring the 3-D quantitative information of an unknown specimen observed using a wide-field fluorescence microscope. Deconv, an open-source deconvolution software package, was developed for 3-D quantitative fluorescence microscopy imaging and was released under the GNU Public License. Deconv provides numerical routines for simulation of a 3-D point spread function and deconvolution routines implemented three constrained iterative deconvolution algorithms: one based on a Poisson noise model and two others based on a Gaussian noise model. These algorithms are presented and evaluated using synthetic images and experimentally obtained microscope images, and the use of the library is explained. Deconv allows users to assess the utility of these deconvolution algorithms and to determine which are suited for a particular imaging application. The design of Deconv makes it easy for deconvolution capabilities to be incorporated into existing imaging applications.
On the formation of bound states by interacting nonlocal solitary waves

Abstract Steady, multi-hump bound states are constructed asymptotically by matching the oscillatory and exponentially varying tail components of weakly nonlocal solitary waves. The asymptotic procedure is applied to the nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation with a third-order-derivative dispersive term that governs the propagation of pulses near the zero-dispersion wavelength in optical fibers. Families of symmetric, locally confined bound states having two, three and four humps are found analytically for discrete values of the third-order dispersion, consistent with numerical solutions of the perturbed NLS equation. The Korteweg-de Vries equation with a fifth-order-derivative dispersive perturbation — a model equation for gravity-capillary waves on a shallow layer — is also considered, and both symmetric and asymmetric two-hump solution families with oscillatory tails are constructed.
Glaciers of the Washington Cascade and Olympic Mountains; Their Present Activity and its Relation to Local Climatic Trends

Between 1953 and 1955, 73 glaciers in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains of Washington State have been investigated to determine their present activity. 50 of these glaciers are now advancing at rates from 3 to 100 m. or more per annum. Of the remaining 23, 22 glaciers either demonstrate clear evidence of increasing thickness, or have remained so heavily snow-covered at the end of the ablation season that it has not been possible to locate their limits. The present glacier growth, which appears to have started about 12 years ago, represents a radical change from conditions during the previous 20 years when glaciers of the Olympics and Cascades without exception were shrinking rapidly. An analysis of local climatic data demonstrates a present trend toward a cooler, wetter climate in western Washington. The ten year running mean annual temperature at Tatoosh Island off the Washington coast has decreased approximately o 8° C. from the period 1934–1943 to the period 1945–1954. In the same interval of time the ten year running mean annual precipitation at Tatoosh has increased about 38 cm., and during the last decade has reached its highest value since the period 1898–1907.
Assembly of the Mitochondrial Apoptosis-induced Channel, MAC

Although Bcl-2 family proteins control intrinsic apoptosis, the mechanisms underlying this regulation are incompletely understood. Patch clamp studies of mitochondria isolated from cells deficient in one or both of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak show that at least one of the proteins must be present for formation of the cytochrome c-translocating channel, mitochondrial apoptosis-induced channel (MAC), and that the single channel behaviors of MACs containing exclusively Bax or Bak are similar. Truncated Bid catalyzes MAC formation in isolated mitochondria containing Bax and/or Bak with a time course of minutes and does not require VDAC1 or VDAC3. Mathematical analysis of the stepwise changes in conductance associated with MAC formation is consistent with pore assembly by a barrel-stave model. Assuming the staves are two transmembrane α-helices in Bax and Bak, mature MAC pores would typically contain ∼9 monomers and have diameters of 5.5–6 nm. The mitochondrial permeability data are inconsistent with formation of lipidic pores capable of transporting megadalton-sized macromolecules as observed with recombinant Bax in liposomes.
The role of bromocriptine in the treatment of parkinsonism

Fifty-three patients with parkinsonism, either with intractable symptoms despite optimum-dosage levodopa therapy or with adverse effects from levodopa limiting its usefulness, were treated with bromocriptine, with gradually increasing doses until benefit or adverse effect was encountered. All were initially maintained on optimal levodopa therapy. Improvement was seen in 26 patients, of whom 19 (36 percent of the total 53 patients) had sustained improvement. Effective doses of bromocriptine ranged from 5 to 90 mg per day. Improvement occurred in all categories of clinical problems, including patients who lost some benefit from chronic levodopa therapy as well as those with adverse effects from levodopa. A high incidence (70 percent) of adverse effects of bromocriptine limited the usefulness of this drug. Since one cannot predict which patients might benefit from bromocriptine, this drug is worth a trial in patients not doing well on levodopa therapy if other means to improve their condition are not successful.
Design of a hydrogen community

Abstract This paper discusses the conceptual design of a scalable and reproducible hydrogen fueling station at Santa Monica, California. Hydrogen production using renewable energy sources such as biogas, which accounts for 100% of the total production, has been discussed. The fueling station consists of a direct fuel cell (DFC) 300 fuel cell for on-site generation of 136 kg/day of hydrogen and 300 kW of electric power, five hydrogen storage tanks (storage capacity of 198 kg of H2 at 350 and 700 bar), four compressors which assist in dispensing 400 kg of hydrogen in 14 h, two hydrogen dispensers operating at 350 bar and 700 bar independently and a SAE J2600 compliant hydrogen nozzle. Potential early market customers for hydrogen fuel cells and their daily fuel requirements have been computed. The safety codes, potential failure modes and the methods to mitigate risks have been explained. A well-to-wheel analysis is performed to compare the emissions and the total energy requirements of conventional gasoline and fuel cell vehicles.
The concept of transition in quantum mechanics

The concept of quantum transition is critically examined from the perspective of the modern quantum theory of measurement. Historically rooted in the famous quantum jump of the Old Quantum Theory, the transition idea survives today in experimental jargon due to (1) the notion of uncontrollable disturbance of a system by measurement operations and (2) the wave-packet reduction hypothesis in several forms. Explicit counterexamples to both (1) and (2) are presented in terms of quantum measurement theory. It is concluded that the idea of transition, or quantum jump, can no longer be rationally comprehended within the framework of contemporary physical theory.
Egg mimicry and allopaternal care: Two mate-attracting tactics by which nesting striped darter (Etheostoma virgatum) males enhance reproductive success

In a variety of fish species with paternal care of offspring, females prefer to spawn in nests that already contain eggs. This female preference has been hypothesized to explain egg thievery in male sticklebacks, allopaternal care of eggs in minnows, and the evolution of egg-mimicking body features in male cichlids and darters. Here we employ microsatellite-based parentage analyses to evaluate the reproductive success of striped darter (Etheostoma virgatum) males that appear to utilize two of these functionally related tactics to entice females to spawn in their nests. In an isolated population (Clear Creek, Ky.), we observed that breeding males develop conspicuous white spots on their pectoral fins. If these spots are egg mimics, as we suspect, then this represents the fourth independent evolutionary origin of egg mimicry documented to date in darters, the first based on pigmentation (as opposed to physical structures), and the first in which the egg mimics vary greatly in number among males. From direct counts of microsatellite genotypes in clutches of embryos, at least 3.8 females contributed to the progeny within a typical nest, and females tended to spawn preferentially with males that were larger and displayed more egg-mimic spots. In another population (Hurricane Creek, Tenn.) without egg mimics, the multi-locus genetic data document that allopaternal care is common, especially among the smallest males who sometimes tend nests containing their own as well as an earlier sire's offspring. Thus, these foster males had adopted egg-containing nests and then successfully spawned with subsequent females. Overall, the genetic data on paternity and maternity, in conjunction with field observations, suggest that egg mimicry and allopaternal care are two mate-attracting reproductive tactics employed by striped darter males to exploit female preferences for spawning in nests with 'eggs'.
Effects of fuel branching on the propagation of octane isomers flames

Abstract Laminar flame speeds of mixtures of air with 3-methylheptane/air, 2,5-dimethylhexane/air, and iso-octane/air, were determined for a wide range of equivalence ratios in the counterflow configuration at atmospheric pressure, and an unburned mixture temperature of 353 K. The results were compared against those obtained in recent investigations for n-octane/air and 2-methylheptane/air flames. It was determined that n-octane/air flames propagate the fastest, followed by 2- and 3-methylheptane/air, 2,5-dimethylhexane/air, and iso-octane/air flames, confirming that the overall reactivity decreases as the extent of fuel branching increases. The experimental data were modeled using a combination of recently developed kinetic models. Detailed sensitivity and reaction path analyses were performed in order to provide further insight into the high temperature oxidation chemistry of the octane isomers. It was determined that for all octane isomers, flame propagation is largely sensitive to H2/CO and C1 C4 kinetics, while the effects of fuel-related reactions were found to be minor. Additionally, the analysis of the computed flame structures revealed that the low reactivity of branched isomers could be attributed to the production of unreactive, H-scavenging, resonantly stabilized intermediates such as propene, allyl, and iso-butene. Although fuel specific reactions do not exert a first order effect on flame propagation, the products of the initial fuel decomposition affect the concentrations of C1 C4 intermediates, whose subsequent reactions are responsible for the observed differences in the overall flame reactivity among all isomers.
Infrared spectra of molecular ions derived from the hydrogen and methyl halides trapped in solid neon

Abstract A number of molecular ions have been stabilized in solid neon in sufficient concentration for detection of their infrared spectra. The neon matrices were prepared by codepositing the ion precursor, diluted in an excess of neon, at approximately 5 K with a beam of excited neon atoms. The results of these experiments are surveyed, and the studies of the hydrogen halides (X=Cl, Br, I) and methyl halides (X=F, Cl, Br) are described in greater detail. The position of the ν 2 + absorption of uncharged (HX) 2 is exceptionally sensitive to the matrix material. Rotation of simple hydrides, including H 2 O, HX, and CH 3 , in solid neon is inhibited by the electric field associated with the presence of ions. The fundamental absorptions of HX + in the neon matrix lie near the gas-phase band centers. Absorptions of (HX) 2 + are also identified, and the XHX − anion contributes to the infrared spectrum. In studies of the methyl halides, infrared absorptions of both the conventional (CH 3 X + ) and the ylidion (H 2 CXH + ) isomers are identified and assigned with the aid of ab initio calculations. The conventional structure is significantly distorted from threefold symmetry by Jahn–Teller interaction.
The Evaporation of Boron from Acid Solutions and Residues

In determining traces of boron it is often necessary to heat or evaporate an initially acid solution without losing boron. This loss can be prevented by introducing excess alkali, but this is often inconvenient and complicates the final spectrographs determination. It was therefore decided to (1) determine the seriousness of losses of boron during the evaporation (or heating) of various acid solutions at steam-bath temperatures (~80°C) and above, and (2) look for a method of preventing such losses if they were substantial.
Treatment of angina: a commentary on new therapeutic approaches

Medical treatment of angina has changed little in recent years, with nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium antagonists being used to control symptoms and aspirin and statins to improve prognosis. However, data on long-term outcomes with these drugs are scarce, and it is clear that the treatment of angina pectoris with current drugs or with invasive interventions does not resolve the clinical problem of continuing symptoms of angina. Several new agents, with innovative mechanisms of action, are now becoming available, making this an area of considerable medical interest.
Modeling the Atmospheric Response to Irrigation in the Great Plains. Part I: General Impacts on Precipitation and the Energy Budget

AbstractSince World War II, the expansion of irrigation throughout the Great Plains has resulted in a significant decline in the water table of the Ogallala Aquifer, threatening its long-term sustainability. The addition of near-surface water for irrigation has previously been shown to impact the surface energy and water budgets by modifying the partitioning of latent and sensible heating. A strong increase in latent heating drives near-surface cooling and an increase in humidity, which has opposing impacts on convective precipitation. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) was modified to simulate the effects of irrigation on precipitation. Using a satellite-derived fractional irrigation dataset, grid cells were divided into irrigated and nonirrigated segments and the near-surface soil layer within irrigated segments was held at saturation. Nine April–October periods (three drought, three normal, and three pluvial) were simulated over the Great Plains. Averaging over all simulati...
Variation among pediatric urologists and across 2 continents in antibiotic prophylaxis and evaluation for prenatally detected hydronephrosis: A survey of American and European pediatric urologists

Purpose: No clear practice guidelines exist to evaluate prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis or recommend antibiotic prophylaxis. We hypothesized that among pediatric urologists there is significant variability in prenatal hydronephrosis evaluation and management.Materials and Methods: We created a survey questionnaire to answer certain questions, including 1) what prenatal parameters trigger postnatal evaluation, 2) how pediatric urologists manage prenatal hydronephrosis and 3) what are their recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis. Survey questions included demographics and practice patterns, and influences concerning radiographic tests and prophylactic antibiotics. A Web based survey link was sent to members of the Urology Section, American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Pediatric Urology. We received 156 responses. We also compared practices based in Europe in 60 respondents and in the United States in 70.Results: There was significant response variability to all questions answer...
A new arenaria (Caryophyllaceae) from the cumberlands of Tennessee

Arenaria cumberlandensis, a new species from the Cumberland Plateau, is described and illustrated. Its relationship toA. groenlandica is discussed.
A prospective study of FK506 versus CsA and pig ATG in a porcine model of small bowel transplantation

Rejection remains a major barrier to successful bowel transplantation, and immunosuppressive protocols are far from standardized. In 88 nonrelated outbred pigs, we compared the effects of two immunosuppressive regimens-one with FK506, the other with cyclosporine (CsA) and pig antithymocyte globulin (ATG)-on incidence and severity of rejection in the early, critical posttransplant period. Group A (n=14) was nonimmunosuppressed (controls). Group B (n=17) received pig ATG (10 mg/kg/day ×10 days), CsA (3 mg/kg/day), prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day), and azathioprine (2.5 mg/kg/day); predisolone and azathioprine were each reduced by 50% at 8 and 15 days posttransplant. Trough CsA whole-blood concentrations were ≥400 ng/ml for the first 7 days, ≥200 ng/ml thereafter. Group C (n=13) received FK506 (0.2 mg/kg/day) and prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day); prednisolone was reduced by 50% at 8 and 15 days. FK506 whole-blood concentrations were ≥20 ng/ml. All immunosuppression in groups B and C was given intravenously. We performed orthotopic small bowel transplants with systemic venous drainage. Recipient bowel was resected distal to the second portion of the duodenum and proximal to the rectum at transplant; bowel continuity was restored by duodenojejunostomy; ileostomy was created distally to allow access for daily biopsies. We graded interstitial and vascular rejection separately, according to a scoring system (no, mild, moderate, and severe rejection). Rejection-free graft survivals at 7, 14, and 21 days posttransplant were 38%, 19%, and 0% n group A; 93%, 93%, and 62% in group B; and 100%, 91%, and 82% in group C (P<0.001). Comparing rejection in the immunosuppressed groups, group C (FK506) had a stronger tendency toward rejection than group B (CsA-ATY); significant differences between groups B and C were, however, noted only on individual days posttransplant, not over time. The death rate due to irreversible rejection was not significantly different in groups B and C (P=0.8), but was significantly better in both of these immunosuppressed groups than in group A (P<0.001). Pig survival was significantly longer in group C than in B (P=0.001) due to a lower infection rate in group C. Posttransplant serum interleukin 2 and 7 levels did not correlate with rejection grades. Graft-versus-host reaction was noted only in the skin in 29% of group A, 73% of group B, and 77% of group C pigs; liver and native bowel were not involved. We concluse that high-dose intravenous immunosuppressive regimens-whether FK506 or CsA-ATG-can effectively prevent moderate and severe interstitial rejection in the early period after bowel transplantation
A numerical analysis and expository interpretation of the diffraction of light by ultrasonic waves in the Bragg and Raman-Nath regimes using multiple scattering theory

In this paper, we examine some of the fundamental properties of Bragg and Raman-Nath diffraction of light by ultrasonic waves by revisiting the well-known multiple plane wave scattering theory developed by Korpel and Poon in 1980. The purpose is to provide a clear and unambiguous insight into the variety of physical and geometrical configurations associated with the process of optical diffraction from Bragg and Raman-Nath ultrasonic cells, treating each domain separately. Despite well-established theoretical models, there is a tendency to sometimes erroneously associate general Bragg domain diffraction (as opposed to exact Bragg diffraction where the incident angle is Bragg-matched and the interaction width is infinite) with only two diffracted orders that vary sinusoidally with peak phase shift of the light and distance of propagation. In numerical analyses of the coupled equations, there is also a tendency to sometimes limit the number of orders to a few lower ones. With the enthusiasm to arrive at a solution, this truncation is sometimes applied in the Raman-Nath regime as well. In doing so, higher Raman-Nath-scattered orders are implicitly assumed to be progressively weaker and, therefore, negligible. In complex acoustooptic systems, such approximations can lead to serious errors. With an aim toward rectifying these and other common misconceptions, a thorough numerical analysis of uniform plane wave acoustooptic diffraction in the two well-known regimes is presented and the limits of such analysis are examined.
Exercise‐induced arterial hypoxaemia in healthy young women

1. We questioned whether exercise-induced arterial hypoxaemia (EIAH) occurs in healthy active women, who have smaller lungs, reduced lung diffusion, and lower maximal O2 consumption rate (VO2,max) than age- and height-matched men. 2. Twenty-nine healthy young women with widely varying fitness levels (VO2,max, 57 +/- 6 ml kg-1 min-1; range, 35-70 ml kg-1 min-1; or 148 +/- 5%; range, 93-188% predicted) and normal resting lung function underwent an incremental treadmill test to VO2,max during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Arterial blood samples were taken at rest and near the end of each workload. 3. Arterial PO2 (Pa,O2) decreased > 10 mmHg below rest in twenty-two of twenty-nine subjects at VO2,max (Pa,O2, 77.5 +/- 0.9 mmHg; range, 67-88 mmHg; arterial O2 saturation (Sa,O2), 92.3 +/- 0.2%; range, 87-94%). The remaining seven subjects maintained Pa,O2 within 10 mmHg of rest. Pa,O2 at VO2,max was inversely related to the alveolar to arterial O2 difference (A-aDO2) (r = -0.93; 35-52 mmHg) and to arterial PCO2 (Pa,CO2) (r = -0.62; 26-39 mmHg). 4. EIAH was inversely related to VO2,max (r = -0.49); however, there were many exceptions. Almost half of the women with significant EIAH had VO2,max within 15% of predicted normal values (VO2,max, 40-55 ml kg-1 min-1); among subjects with very high VO2,max (55-70 ml kg-1 min-1), the degree of excessive A-aDO2 and EIAH varied markedly (e.g. A-aDO2, 30-50 mmHg; Pa,O2, 68-91 mmHg). 5. In the women with EIAH at VO2,max, many began to experience an excessive widening of their A-aDO2 during moderate intensity exercise, which when combined with a weak ventilatory response, led to a progressive hypoxaemia. Inactive, less fit subjects had no EIAH and narrower A-aDO2 when compared with active, fitter subjects at the same VO2 (40-50 ml kg-1 min-1). 6. These data demonstrate that many active healthy young women experience significant EIAH, and at a VO2,max that is substantially less than those in their active male contemporaries. The onset of EIAH during submaximal exercise, and/or its occurrence at a relatively low VO2,max, implies that lung structure/function subserving alveolar to arterial O2 transport is abnormally compromised in many of these habitually active subjects.
EEG and MEG coherence: Measures of functional connectivity at distinct spatial scales of neocortical dynamics

We contrasted coherence estimates obtained with EEG, Laplacian, and MEG measures of synaptic activity using simulations with head models and simultaneous recordings of EEG and MEG. EEG coherence is often used to assess functional connectivity in human cortex. However, moderate to large EEG coherence can also arise simply by the volume conduction of current through the tissues of the head. We estimated this effect using simulated brain sources and a model of head tissues (cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), skull, and scalp) derived from MRI. We found that volume conduction can elevate EEG coherence at all frequencies for moderately separated ( 20 cm) electrodes. This volume conduction effect was readily observed in experimental EEG at high frequencies (40-50 Hz). Cortical sources generating spontaneous EEG in this band are apparently uncorrelated. In contrast, lower frequency EEG coherence appears to result from a mixture of volume conduction effects and genuine source coherence. Surface Laplacian EEG methods minimize the effect of volume conduction on coherence estimates by emphasizing sources at smaller spatial scales than unprocessed potentials (EEG). MEG coherence estimates are inflated at all frequencies by the field spread across the large distance between sources and sensors. This effect is most apparent at sensors separated by less than 15 cm in tangential directions along a surface passing through the sensors. In comparison to long-range (>20 cm) volume conduction effects in EEG, widely spaced MEG sensors show smaller field-spread effects, which is a potentially significant advantage. However, MEG coherence estimates reflect fewer sources at a smaller scale than EEG coherence and may only partially overlap EEG coherence. EEG, Laplacian, and MEG coherence emphasize different spatial scales and orientations of sources.
Age, the Big Five, and time-of-day preference: A mediational model

Abstract This research examined the extent to which the Big Five personality factors mediated the relationship between age and time-of-day preference. A sample of 491 Americans (Mage = 32 yrs) completed the 240-item NEO-PI-R, the 19-item Horne and Ostberg’s (1976) Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and provided demographic information. As demonstrated in previous research, correlations revealed that older people expressed a stronger morning preference. More importantly, using bootstrapping procedures, it was found that the Big Five factor of conscientiousness attenuated the relationship between age and time-of-day preference. These findings indicate that conscientiousness plays a significant role in the relationship between age and time-of-day preference.
Oxalyl thiolesters and N-oxalylcysteine are normal mammalian metabolites

Summary A method for the quantitative analysis of N-oxalylcysteine and oxalyl thiolesters (RSCOCOO − ) in biological samples is described. These compounds were found in all rat tissues examined (kidney, liver, brain, heart, muscle and fat), with the amount of N-oxalylcysteine ranging up to 18 nmoles/g wet weight and that of oxalyl thiolesters up to 65 nmoles/g wet weight. The identification of such compounds in animal tissues adds further credence to the hypothesis that they may be important metabolic effectors.
Temperature dependence of atmospheric PCB concentrations.

An analysis of data from the U.S. Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) sites near the Great Lakes and a review of the literature shows that the temperature dependence of atmospheric PCB concentrations cannot be used to distinguish sites dominated by long-distance transport from those with local sources. We observe that calculations based on data sets with only ∼25 measurements over a period of 1 year are unreliable indicators of the long-term temperature dependence at a given location, that temperature independence occurs at temperatures below freezing, and that low PCB concentrations can bias analyses toward a weaker temperature dependence. After accounting for these factors, a similar temperature dependence is observed at all IADN sites, and this temperature dependence increases for PCBs with increasing chlorination. Although previously described models do fit the data, the resulting calculated constants are not meaningful. Instead, a simple new model in which temperatures < 273 K are set eq...
High Resolution Surface Reconstruction from Multi-view Aerial Imagery

This paper presents a novel framework for surface reconstruction from multi-view aerial imagery of large scale urban scenes, which combines probabilistic volumetric modeling with smooth signed distance surface estimation, to produce very detailed and accurate surfaces. Using a continuous probabilistic volumetric model which allows for explicit representation of ambiguities caused by moving objects, reflective surfaces, areas of constant appearance, and self-occlusions, the algorithm learns the geometry and appearance of a scene from a calibrated image sequence. An online implementation of Bayesian learning precess in GPUs significantly reduces the time required to process a large number of images. The probabilistic volumetric model of occupancy is subsequently used to estimate a smooth approximation of the signed distance function to the surface. This step, which reduces to the solution of a sparse linear system, is very efficient and scalable to large data sets. The proposed algorithm is shown to produce high quality surfaces in challenging aerial scenes where previous methods make large errors in surface localization. The general applicability of the algorithm beyond aerial imagery is confirmed against the Middlebury benchmark.
Interdependent impacts of inoperability at multi-modal transportation container terminals

Abstract This work describes the interdependent adverse effects of disruptive events on inter-regional commodity flows resulting from disruptions at an inland port terminal. To do so we integrate the risk-based Multi-Regional Inoperability Input–Output Model, which measures the cascading regional effects of disruptions to interconnected industries, with models, which simulate port operations such as commodity arrival, unloading, sorting, and distributing. Such models capture three disruption scenarios at the port and provide measures of impact to industries that use the inland port terminal facility. A case study highlights the disruptive effects of a closure of the Port of Catoosa in Oklahoma.
Comparison of GDP Per Capita Data in Penn World Table and World Development Indicators

This paper compares data on GDP per capita, which is used in almost every cross-country study, from two different sources which are used by numerous researchers and other users throughout the world. The methodology consists of taking GDP per capita in international dollars for the ICP benchmark year 2005 for each country from World Development Indicators 2012 CD-ROM (WDI) and Penn World Table 7.1 (PWT), which are the current (2012) versions of these well-known sources. A similar exercise is undertaken for World Development Indicators 2011 CD-ROM and Penn World Table 7.0, which are the last versions of the data. The WDI and PWT data are also compared with the benchmark estimates from the last International Comparison Program (ICP). Huge differences are found between the two sources for numerous countries in both the current and the last versions. The number of countries for which WDI and the ICP benchmark numbers show huge differences is small, but there are many countries for which PWT and the ICP benchmark numbers show large differences. The study seems important for judging how data on this crucial variable from two most widely used sources agree or differ. The reported huge differences suggest that the users may exercise caution in drawing strong conclusions from information derived from either source, and may consider doing some sensitivity checks based on data from the other source. A simple illustration is provided to indicate how use of data from each source might affect the results.
Performance guarantees for C-WMD robot missions

Robotics has been considered as one of the five key technology areas for defense against attacks with weapons of mass destruction (WMD). However, due to the mass impact nature of WMD, failures of counter-WMD (C-WMD) missions can have catastrophic consequences. To ensure robots' success in carrying out C-WMD missions, we have developed a novel verification framework in providing performance guarantees for behavior-based and probabilistic robot algorithms in complex real-world environments. This paper describes the system architecture and discusses how the verification framework can be used to provide pre-mission performance guarantees for robots in executing C-WMD missions.
National archives mass storage requirements--1975 to 1980

The Federal Government is the largest buyer of magnetic tape in the world. Current procurement is approximately one million reels annually. Of these tapes, slightly ever 1 percent are destined to contain data of permanent value. The problems the National Archives and Records Service (NARS) is encountering in preserving machine-readable records for long periods of time, particularly periods in excess of either the shelf life or technological life of the medium, are described. The economics of magnetic tape storage and NARS long-range storage requirements are discussed. Performance parameters for both a device and medium for the 1975-1980 time frame are given. These are basically 1) a medium lifetime of 50 years, equivalent to archival microfilm; 2) transfer rates equivalent to magnetic tape drives for the next 20 years; and 3) an annual capacity to transcribe 1012bit/year. Removable media are acceptable, as access time and bulk are not critical parameters.
Transient and nonlinear behavior of absolute instability in finite-length CARM

Abstract A theoretical analysis is presented which is capable of predicting the starting oscillation condition and the temporal growth rate of the absolute instability in a finite-length cyclotron autoresonance maser system. The theoretical prediction is confirmed by computer simulations. The nonlinear saturation mechanism is observed to be due to the electron nonlinear phase shift induced by the wave field which tends to shorten the effective interaction length and brings the system into the marginally stable state.
Evidence for a fourth rat isoform of the plasma membrane calcium pump in the kidney.

Abstract This study was conducted to identify plasma membrane Ca 2+ -transporting ATPases present in rat kidney. Characterization of the cDNAs of the plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPases revealed a family of proteins with regions of highly conserved amino acid sequence. To examine the extent of the diversity of rat renal plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPases, we used the polymerase chain reaction to detect additional gene products in rat kidney mRNA that shared these conserved regions. Sequences corresponding to three previously known rat plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPases were obtained. In addition, we found sequence corresponding to a new putative plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase. Our results demonstrate that the rat kidney contains at least four different plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPases and the complexity of this multigene family is greater than previously thought.
Treatment of mycosis fungoides with isotretinoin.

. A 56-year-old man with a 7-year history of well-documented mycosis fungoides is reported. Because the patient was a treatment failure with topical nitrogen mustard due to severe allergic contact dermatitis, and because of recent reports of the efficacy of retinoid compounds, he was treated with a 6-month course of isotretinoin with total clearing of his skin lesions. Previous case reports and possible mechanisms of action are reviewed.
Multiple forms of selenoprotein P in rat plasma.

Abstract SDS–PAGE of immunoaffinity-purified rat selenoprotein P demonstrates a major band at 57 kDa and a less intense band at 45 kDa, suggesting the existence of more than one form of the protein. Separate experiments were carried out in which plasma from rats administered 75 Se and immunoaffinity-purified 75 Se-labeled selenoprotein P were applied to a heparin–Sepharose column at pH 7. In each experiment three peaks of 75 Se-labeled protein were eluted during a continuous gradient from pH 7 to pH 8.5. The remaining 75 Se-labeled material was eluted as a single peak by 1 M NaCl. Phosphorimaging of the SDS–PAGE gel of the peaks revealed that the first peak (1a) contained two bands (45 and 57 kDa) while the three remaining peaks each contained one band (peak 1b, 45 kDa and peaks 2 and 3, 57 kDa). N-terminal sequencing of the first eight amino acids of each band revealed that all five have the same N-terminal amino acid sequence and therefore are forms of selenoprotein P. Staining using a digoxigenin-based staining procedure revealed that all five forms contain carbohydrate. This demonstrates that plasma-derived selenoprotein P can be separated into five forms based on SDS–PAGE migration and heparin–Sepharose affinity and that at least two isoforms of selenoprotein P exist based on the presence of 45- and 57-kDa forms. The five forms have been given designations based on their order of elution from the heparin–Sepharose column and their M r on SDS–PAGE: selenoprotein P 57A (peak 1a, 57 kDa), selenoprotein P 45A (peak 1a, 45 kDa), selenoprotein P 45B (peak 1b, 45 kDa), selenoprotein P 57B (peak 2, 57 kDa), and selenoprotein P 57C (peak 3, 57 kDa).