cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis: immunomodulatory therapy.

Abstract Purpose To report our analysis of the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapy on the course of 19 patients with multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP). Design Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Participants Nineteen patients with multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis evaluated on the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1978 to 2000. Methods Fifteen patients were treated with systemic immunomodulatory therapy; 4 patients (who refused therapy) were treated with systemic steroids. All patients were analyzed for control of inflammation, visual acuity outcome, and tolerance of immunomodulatory therapy. Main outcome measures Control of inflammation and visual acuity. Results Nineteen patients with bilateral MCP with a mean follow-up of 72.7 months were studied. Fifteen were treated with immunomodulatory agents, whereas 4 patients received only systemic steroids; these 4 developed serious systemic steroid-related complications, and 12 others had cataract and/or glaucoma related to chronic topical, regional, or systemic steroid use before immunomodulatory therapy. Two patients who refused immunomodulatory therapy lost considerable vision in three of their four eyes. Of the 15 patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs, 7 patients lost considerable vision in one eye on steroid therapy but maintained good vision in the other eye once immunomodulatory therapy was instituted. No patient lost vision in any eye once he or she was treated with immunomodulatory treatment. Conclusions Immunomodulatory therapy controls inflammation and preserves vision in patients with multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis.
On the job search in a labor market model A comment

Abstract Using a three-sector model of the labor market built by Fields (1989), this note shows that, when the demand for goods produced in the traditional sector increases with modern sector employment, modern sector enlargement may reduce the level of urban unemployment.
A parallel algorithm for mapping a special class of task graphs onto linear array multiprocessors

In parallel and distributed computing, mapping a task graph to a specific multiprocessor topology is an important problem. In this paper we investigate a special case of this problem for linear task graph and linear array multiprocessors. A polynomial time sequential algorilhm and a parallel algorithm are developed'and analyzed. It has been shown that the sequentialalgorithm developed has a time complexity at least as .qood as the existing n log n algorithm while the parallel algorithm presents the very first attempt at parallelizing the sequential solution. Further, we have proved that the partitwning problem is NP-complete for tree task graphs. Applications of the algorilhm are briefly discussed.
The short-term influence of various concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide on the temperature profile in the boundary layer

A radiative-conductive model is constructed to study short-term effects of various carbon dioxide concentrations on the atmospheric boundary layer for different seasons. The distribution of the exchange coefficient is modeled with the aid of the KEYPS formula. Infrared radiation calculations are carried out by means of the emissivity method and by assuming that water vapor and carbon dioxide are the only radiatively active gases. Global radiation is computed by specification of Linke's turbidity factor. It is found that doubling the carbon dioxide concentration increases the temperature near the ground by approximately one-half of one degree if clouds are absent. A sevenfold increase of the present normal carbon dioxide concentration increases the temperature near the ground by approximately one degree. Temperature profiles resulting from presently observed carbon dioxide concentration and convective cloudiness of 50% or less are compared with those resulting from doubled carbon dioxide concentrations and the same amounts of cloud cover. Again, it is found that a doubling of carbon dioxide increases the temperature in the lower boundary layer by about one-half of one degree. The present results are obtained on the basis of fixed temperature boundary conditions as contrasted to the study ofManabe andWetherald (1967). Howeve, the conclusions are not addressed to global climate change, but to the distribution of the temperature of the air layer near the ground.
Effect of Nitric Oxide on DNA Replication Induced by Angiotensin II in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts

Our previous in vivo studies (Hou et al. J Clin Invest. 1995;96:2469-2477.) demonstrated that chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase led to an exaggerated response to relatively low doses of angiotensin II, resulting in a rapid and marked cardiac fibrosis. To examine further the importance of angiotensin II in inducing cardiac fibrosis and the possibility that nitric oxide serves as a modulator of the proliferative effects of angiotensin II, we used cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts to study the interrelationships between these substances. Angiotensin II induced a delayed DNA synthetic response in quiescent cells that occurred 30 hours after exposure to the hormone. The most pronounced effect of angiotensin II on thymidine uptake occurred 36 to 42 hours after the addition to cells. This response was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the addition of either S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine or sodium nitroprusside, each a source of nitric oxide. The nitric oxide donor was most effective in reducing thymidine incorporation when added 12 hours after angiotensin II, whereas the metabolite N-acetylpenicillamine had no effect at any time. The inhibitory effect of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine was mimicked by 8-bromoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate but not by 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate. Nitric oxide donors did not appear to inhibit the induction of c-fos, Egr-1, or other immediate-early genes in response to angiotensin II. The results suggest that nitric oxide affects the cell cycle following the transition into G, and modulates the proliferation of fibroblasts during cardiac fibrosis induced by angiotensin II.
Predicting pilot-error incidents of US airline pilots using logistic regression

Abstract In a population of 70164 airline pilots obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration, 475 males and 22 females had pilot-error incidents in the years 1986–1992. A simple chi-sqnared test revealed that female pilots employed by major airlines had a significantly greater likelihood of pilot-error incidents than their male colleagues. In order to control for age, experience (total flying hours), risk exposure (recent flying hours) and employer (major/non-major airline) simultaneously, the author built a model of male pilot-error incidents using logistic regression. The regression analysis indicated that youth, inexperience and non-major airline employer were independent contributors to the increased risk of pilot-error incidents. The results also provide further support to the literature that pilot performance does not differ significantly between male and female airline pilots.
Crashworthiness analysis of commuter aircraft seats and restraint systems

Abstract During the past five years, the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) have been significantly modified with respect to strength of seats and restraint systems, their attachments to the aircraft structure, and the means for their evaluation. Aircraft accident data, human tolerance levels, and aircraft structural characteristics have been considered in developing the new standards, which require dynamic testing of seats and restraint systems. FAR Part 23, which deals with small airplanes, was first amended to require dynamic testing of seats and restraint systems for normal and utility (general aviation) aircraft with capacity for fewer than 10 passengers. Performance criteria are similar to those specified by the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for automobiles, but also include a limit on pelvic force in order to prevent spinal injuries that may be caused by the vertical component of impact force. Similar regulatory actions, although requiring somewhat different dynamic test conditions, have also been implemented for transport aircraft, which are covered by FAR Part 25, and for helicopters, under FAR Parts 27 and 29. Commuter-type aircraft have not been affected by the FAR modifications. Commuter types seat 10 to 19 passengers, are closer in size to general aviation aircraft than to large transports, and are also covered by FAR Part 23. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently involved in a research program that includes full-scale aircraft drop tests, sled tests of seats, and computer simulations that should lead to a proposal for amendment of the regulations for commuter-type aircraft. The objectives of this paper are to describe the research program and to document some conclusions that may be drawn from its results concerning seat and restraint system design, dynamic testing, and acceptance criteria.
Application of data envelop analysis in benchmarking

In this paper, we demonstrate how data envelopment analysis (DEA) could be used in benchmarking studies. Our study is based on an empirical survey of small family‐owned businesses. This survey identified the separating variables between “high performing” and “low performing” firms in improving organizational performance through quality management. However, it did not suggest how “low performers” can transform to “high performers”. In the present study, we demonstrate this transformation by specifically showing how inefficient companies can become more efficient. This is done by identifying a company or composite companies that an inefficient firm needs to benchmark on a specific quality instrument. The current study will make empirical surveys more functional to industrial practitioners. It is more important to show how companies can continuously improve their processes than to classify them as “high” or “low” performers.
Neural and Hypophyseal Colloid Deposition in the Collared Lemming

Feral and captive lemmings from Churchill, Manitoba, are subject to a unique pathological process in which colloidal material is deposited in bloodvessel walls at scattered points through the central nervous system. Destruction of nervous tissue at these foci is progressive, and colloidal masses in the vascular lumina of the hypothalamus appear to become fixed in the capillaries of the hypophyseal anterior lobe. Inflammatory reactions are never associated with the lesions, and the latter are larger and more numerous in older animals in warmer environments.
Intracatheter hyperthermia and iridium-192 radiotherapy in the treatment of bile duct carcinoma

We report a case of a patient with locally advanced bile duct carcinoma treated with 4500 cGy external beam radiotherapy, followed 3 weeks later by intracatheter 915 MHz microwave hyperthermia and radiotherapy delivered through a biliary U-tube placed at the time of surgery. Heating was to 43-45 degrees C for 1 hour followed immediately by intracatheter Iridium-192 seeds to deliver 5000 cGy over a 72 hour period. Prior to treatment, a thermal dosimetry study in phantom was conducted, using the same type of U-tube catheter tubing as in the patient. Orthogonal X rays of the patient's porta hepatis region were used to reconstruct the catheter geometry in the phantom. Proper insertion depth was determined thermographically to obtain maximum heating at the center of the tumor. The maximum SAR was 8.8 watts per kilogram per watt input. During the treatment, the average power applied was 30 W. Six months after therapy, the patient is asymptomatic. Although alkaline phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT have remained elevated, bilirubin has returned to normal and computerized tomographic scans and cholangiograms remain stable. A duodenal ulcer developed after therapy and is healing well with conservative medical management. This case demonstrates that hyperthermia applied through biliary drainage cathetersmore » is technically feasible and clinically tolerated. We believe the use of intracatheter hyperthermia in conjunction with external and/or intracatheter radiotherapy in selected patients with unresectable bile duct carcinomas warrants further study.« less
Rapid thin-layer chromatographic screening for parathion in canned peaches without cleanup.

Rapid screening for parathion above 0.5 p.p.m. in canned peaches is possible by thin-layer chromatography including a selected colorimetric spray detection system which does not respond to the natural components in the substrate. Approximately one hour is required from spotting of plate to interpretation of results.
Long-term ageing characteristics of some commercial nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys

The long-term ageing characteristics of some commercial Ni-Mo-Cr alloys (the high-temperature HASTELLOY alloy S and the corrosion resistant HASTELLOY alloys C-4 and C-276) at 810 K were investigated. It was found that the three alloys undergo the following long-range ordering reaction: disordered f c c lattice → ordered orthorhombic, Pt2Mo-type superlattice. Ordering was found to cause considerable strengthening without severe loss of tensile elongation. Deformation in the ordered state occurred predominantly by twinning. The corrosion rates of alloys C-4 and C-276 in boiling sulphuric-ferric sulphate solution did not seem to be greatly affected by the long-range ordering reaction. In addition to ordering, the three alloys were also found to undergo grain boundary reactions. The resulting phase in alloys S and C-4 assumed a dispersed morphology and was identified as carbide, probably of the Type M12C. In alloy C-276, however, which contains higher amounts of iron and tungsten, the boundary precipitate was in the form of a continuous layer consisting of M12C and Mu-phase. This could account for the reduced tensile elongation of alloy C-276 relative to alloys S and C-4 and also to its high corrosion rate.
A method of utilizing AIMS to quantify lithographic performance of high transmittance mask

EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) Lithography has been delayed caused by several technical problems such as EUV mask, source power and etc. So ArF immersion lithography has been continued with adopting new technology. Especially, the wafer lithography tends to increase rapidly NTD(Negative Tone Develop) process for overcoming high resolution such as small hole type patterns. For wafer NTD process, the pattern shape in mask has changed from hole pattern to dot pattern. Also the local CD uniformity of aerial image is getting more important. In this paper, we studied local CD uniformity with analyzing aerial images of high transmittance HT-PSM (attenuated phase-shift mask) and conventional 6% HT-PSM from AIMS (Aerial Image Measurement System) tool. Additionally, several cell sizes were analyzed to find an optimum target cell size which has good wafer performance and AIMS aerial image. And we analyzed NILS(Normalized Image Log Slope) factor which represent wafer photolithographic performance. Furthermore, we analyzed not only AIMS NILS simulation, but also wafer lithographic performance.
Calcium-independent calcineurin regulation.

Calcineurin is negatively regulated by calcipressin 1. Analysis of calcipressin-deficient mice shows that survival of T helper type 1 cells is dependent on calcipressin, demonstrating another function for the regulation of calcineurin activity in T cells.
Scenario analysis: a review of methods and applications for engineering and environmental systems

Changing environment, uncertain economic conditions, and socio-political unrest have renewed interest in scenario analysis, both from theoretical and applied points of view. Nevertheless, neither the processes for scenario analysis (SA) nor evaluation criteria and metrics have been regularized. In this paper, SA-reported applica- tions and implementation methodology are discussed in the context of an extensive literature review covering papers published between 2000 and 2010. Over 340 papers were identified through a series of queries in the web of science database. The papers were classified based on the North American Industrial Classification System and SA appli- cation goals (environmental, business, and social). SA methodology used in each paper was assessed based on four main criteria: coverage, consistency, uncertainty assessment, and efficiency. We find a significant increase in SA applications, especially in the environmental field. Theoretical developments in the field represent a small fraction of published studies and do not increase in time. The methods used to develop different scenarios vary widely across the academic literature and applications reviewed. Similarly, the methods and data used to characterize the scenarios and develop response strategies are extremely diverse and are limited by factors such as computational tractability and available time and resour- ces. Based on this review, we recommend a regular process for scenario analysis that includes the steps of analysis, scenario definition, and evaluation.
Crystal clear structural evidence for electron delocalization in 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborines.

The first examples of “pre-aromatic” 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine heterocycles have been structurally characterized, enabling the direct comparison of delocalized bonds of 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborines to their corresponding formal double and single bonds in nonaromatic systems. The crystallographic data provide an unprecedented look into the structural changes that occur in six-membered BN-heterocycles on their road to aromaticity, and they establish with little ambiguity that 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborines possess delocalized structures consistent with aromaticity.
Clearance of fetal products and subsequent immunoreactivity of blood salvaged at cesarean delivery

Abstract Objective: To determine if fetal products can be detected after postplacental, intraoperative blood salvage, and if the product is immunoreactive with maternal serum. Methods: We suctioned the shed blood of 27 term gravidas with intact membranes who had cesareans, beginning 4 minutes after placenta removal, into a COBE BRAT-2™ salvage system (COBE Cardiovascular, Arvada, CO). Preoperative maternal and fetal cord blood samples were collected. Preprocessing and postprocessing salvaged blood was analyzed for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma-free hemoglobin. Papanicolaou smears and immunodiffusion using Ouchterlony methods for detection of protein-protein interactions were run on maternal serum. Postprocess salvaged blood was subjected to Kleihauer-Bethke tests, typed, and crossmatched with maternal serum, including mixed fields. No women were transfused. Results: Ten of 27 women shed enough postprocess salvaged blood for analysis. Alpha-fetoprotein was cleared, but Kleihauer-Bethke analyses were positive in all postprocessing specimens. Anucleate squamous cells were detected by Papanicolaou smears in four of ten preprocessed specimens, with one cleared by processing. No antigen-antibody reaction between maternal and preprocessed or postprocessed salvaged blood was found by the Ouchterlony method. Crossmatching of the final product with maternal serum was successful, with negative mixed fields in all cases. Conclusion: Fetal debris was present in blood salvaged 4 minutes after removal of placenta. Despite clearance of humoral material, fetal blood cells were detectable in all postprocess salvaged blood. The product was compatible with maternal blood by crossmatching and its supernate did not immunoreact with maternal serum.
Time decay in plane pulse diffraction by a smooth convex cylinder

Abstract A given plane pulse U0(x, t) is incident upon a cylinder whose cross-section is bounded by a smooth convex curve B of finite diameter. Let U(x, y; t) denote a wave function which vanishes with its first time derivative at t = 0; on B, U meets either Dirichlet or Neumann conditions: U = − U0 or ∂U ∂n = − ∂U 0 ∂n . The time-decay problem is that of determining the asymptotic behavior of U as t→∞ . In the corresponding time-reduced problem, with unknown function u(x, y; k), it is necessary to determine the behavior of u as k→0. The analysis consists of showing that an integral equation derived from the timereduced problem is solved by a series whose leading term, near k = 0, is independent of the shape of B. For Dirichlet data, the result found is that U+U0 approaches zero logarithmically with increasing time, at any point exterior to the cylinder. If Neumann conditions are imposed, it may be shown by the same methods that U+U0 approaches U 0 (1+0( 1 t )) for large time.
A comparative phosphoproteomic analysis of a human tumor metastasis model using a label free quantitative approach

Alterations in cellular phosphorylation patterns have been implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer, through multiple mechanisms. Herein we present a survey of the phosphorylation profiles of an isogenic pair of human cancer cell lines with opposite metastatic phenotype. Phosphopeptides were enriched from tumor cell lysates with titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide, and identified with nano-LC-MS/MS using an automatic cross-validation of MS/MS and MS/MS/MS (MS2+MS3) data-dependent neutral loss method. A spectral counting quantitative strategy was applied to the two cell line samples on the MS2-only scan, which was implemented successively after each MS2+MS3 scan in the same sample. For all regulated phosphopeptides reported by spectral counting analysis, sequence and phosphorylation site assignments were validated by a MS2+MS3 data-dependent neutral loss method. With this approach, we identified over 70 phosphorylated sites on 27 phosphoproteins as being differentially expressed with respect to tumor cell phenotype. The altered expression levels of proteins identified by LC-MS/MS were validated using Western blotting. Using network pathway analysis, we observed that the majority of the differentially expressed proteins were highly interconnected and belong to two major intracellular signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that the phosphorylation of isoform A of lamin A/C and GTPase activating protein binding protein 1 is associated with metastatic propensity. The study demonstrates a quantitative and comparative proteomics strategy to identify differential phosphorylation patterns in complex biological samples.
RIP - General Purpose Interactive Display at HHIRF

RIP is a general purpose interactive code for display and analysis of data acquired with the Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility (HHIRF) accelerators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The HHIRF data acquisition system includes a version of RIP for on-line display of one-and two-dimensional histograms on color graphic terminals and hard copy on color printer/plotters. General features of the program and interactive techniques will be described.
Drinking water arsenic in Utah: A cohort mortality study.

The association of drinking water arsenic and mortality outcome was investigated in a cohort of residents from Millard County, Utah. Median drinking water arsenic concentrations for selected study towns ranged from 14 to 166 ppb and were from public and private samples collected and analyzed under the auspices of the State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Drinking Water. Cohort members were assembled using historical documents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Standard mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. Using residence history and median drinking water arsenic concentration, a matrix for cumulative arsenic exposure was created. Without regard to specific exposure levels, statistically significant findings include increased mortality from hypertensive heart disease [SMR = 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36-3.36], nephritis and nephrosis (SMR = 1.72; CI, 1.13-2.50), and prostate cancer (SMR = 1.45; CI, 1.07-1. 91) among cohort males. Among cohort females, statistically significant increased mortality was found for hypertensive heart disease (SMR = 1.73; CI, 1.11-2.58) and for the category of all other heart disease, which includes pulmonary heart disease, pericarditis, and other diseases of the pericardium (SMR = 1.43; CI, 1.11-1.80). SMR analysis by low, medium, and high arsenic exposure groups hinted at a dose relationship for prostate cancer. Although the SMRs by exposure category were elevated for hypertensive heart disease for both males and females, the increases were not sequential from low to high groups. Because the relationship between health effects and exposure to drinking water arsenic is not well established in U.S. populations, further evaluation of effects in low-exposure populations is warranted.
Effect of experimental technique on the determination of strontium distribution coefficients of a surficial sediment from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho

Abstract The effect of experimental technique on strontium distribution coefficients ( K d 's) was determined as part of an investigation of strontium geochemical transport properties of surficial sediment from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and Idaho State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy. Batch experiments were conducted to quantify the effect of different experimental techniques on experimentally derived strontium K d 's at a fixed pH of 8.0. Combinations of three variables were investigated: method of sample agitation (rotating-mixer and shaker table), ratio of the mass-of-sediment to the volume-of-reaction-solution (1:2 and 1:20), and method of sediment preparation (crushed and non-crushed). Strontium K d 's ranged from 11 to 23 mlg −1 among all three experimental variables examined. Strontium K d 's were bimodally grouped around 12 and 21 mlg −1 . Among the three experimental variables examined, the mass-to-volume ratio appeared to be the only one that could account for this bimodal distribution. The bimodal distribution of the derived strontium K d 's may occur because the two different mass-to-volume ratios represent different natural systems. The high mass-to-volume ratio of 1:2 models a natural system, such as an aquifer, in which there is an abundance of favorable sorption sites relative to the amount of strontium in solution. The low mass-to-volume ratio of 1:20 models a natural system, such as a stream, in which the relative amount of strontium in solution exceeds the favorable surface sorption site concentration. Except for low mass-to-volume ratios of non-crushed sediment using a rotating mixer, the method of agitation and sediment preparation appears to have little influence on derived strontium K d 's.
The GDR and dissipation in hot nuclei

Abstract An overview is given of the status of experiments that use GDR γ-multiplicities (GDR clock) to extract nuclear dissipation as a function of nuclear temperature by timing the fission process from the compound nucleus equilibrium shape to the scission point. Results that indicate a rapid rise of dissipation with temperature are compared with the predictions of Fermi-liquid theory. The recent use of large BaF 2 arrays allows for improved data quality for heavy-ion excitation functions. Further predictions about the transition from Fermi liquid to a classical hydrodynamical medium and the evidence from strongly damped collisions using the neutron clock are also discussed.
A Remote Sensing Technique For Combustion Gas Temperature Measurement In Black Liquor Recovery Boilers

A remote sensing technique, based on the principles of emission spectroscopy, is being developed for temperature measurements in black liquor recovery boilers. Several tests have been carried out, both in the laboratory and at a number of recovery boilers, to characterize the emission spectra in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 800 nm. These tests have pointed out the potential for temperature measurements using the line intensity ratio technique based on a pair of emission lines at 404.4 nm and 766.5 nm observed in the recovery boiler combustion zone; these emission lines are due to potassium, a common constituent found in all the black liquors. Accordingly, a fiber optics based four-color system has been developed. This in-situ, nonintrusive temperature measurement technique, together with some of the more recent results, is described in this paper.
Prophylactic nitroglycerin did not reduce myocardial ischemia during accelerated recovery management of coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the use of a high dose of nitroglycerin (NTG) for prophylaxis against myocardial ischemia and infarction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with accelerated recovery. Design: Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study. Setting: A university-based medical center. Participants: Forty adult patients presenting for elective CABG surgery. Interventions: Forty patients were divided into 2 blinded study groups. Twenty patients received 2 μg/kg/min of NTG starting before induction of anesthesia and continuing for 6 hours after extubation in the intensive care unit. The placebo group (n = 20) received normal saline during this same interval. Measurements and Main Results: Hemodynamics, incidence and severity of myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction rates were determined. There were no differences in hemodynamic parameters between groups. The incidence of ischemia was approximately 35 in each group. Myocardial infarction (as determined by elevated creatine kinase—MB fraction, troponin I, and electrocardiogram criteria) was 10% in the placebo group and 5 in the NTG group (p = 0.234). Conclusions: This study shows a high incidence of myocardial ischemia and infarction in patients presenting for CABG surgery with an accelerated recovery management scheme. NTG was well tolerated clinically; however, it was not found to be protective against myocardial ischemia or infarction in this setting. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Discussion of question no. 2 of the International Commission on Subterranean Water: Definitions of the different kinds of subterranean water

The hydrologists who are concerned with the study of the water that occurs below the land-surface feel strongly the need of better agreement among the different countries as to the fundamental concepts of this branch of hydrology and as to technical terms to designate these concepts. For this reason, the question as to the definitions of different kinds of subterranean water was selected as one of the three questions for discussion by the International Commission on Subterranean Water at the meeting in Edinburgh in 1936 and again (as Question No. 2) at the meeting that is to be held in Washington in September, 1939. The purpose of the International meetings is not only to discuss subjects of mutual interest but also, so far as practicable, to make official decisions. Obviously, decisions on scientific questions should be made only after mature consideration and only on questions as to which there is general agreement. The reports that have been prepared in different countries on the question under consideration and the correspondence and oral discussion appear to show that the way is open for International agreement on some of the basic concepts. A comprehensive paper on the question was prepared for the Edinburgh meeting by Dr. Vasillevskij, of Russia (Internat, Ass. Sci. Hyd., Bull. 22, 1936). Dr. Yasilievskij, in a letter dated January 12, 1939, urges that a beginning be made at the Washington Assembly to adopt new terms on the basis of Latin and Greek roots, these terms to have strict meanings for all countries. The following are tentative suggestions for such a beginning, based especially on information from France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Japan, Russia, and the United States.
Regression-based multivariate linkage analysis with an application to blood pressure and body mass index.

Summary Multivariate linkage analysis has been suggested for the analysis of correlated traits, such as blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI), because it may offer greater power and provide clearer results than univariate analyses. Currently, the most commonly used multivariate linkage methods are extensions of the univariate variance component model. One concern about those methods is their inherent sensitivity to the assumption of multivariate normality which cannot be easily guaranteed in practice. Another problem possibly related to all multivariate linkage analysis methods is the difficulty in interpreting nominal p-values, because the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic has not been well characterized. Here we propose a regression-based multivariate linkage method in which a robust score statistic is used to detect linkage. The p-value of the statistic is evaluated by a simple and rapid simulation procedure. Theoretically, this method can be used for any number and type of traits and for general pedigree data. We apply this approach to a genome linkage analysis of blood pressure and body mass index data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study.
Two-photon-induced photochromic reactions in spirobenzopyran-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) thin-film waveguides.

We present experimental results of photochromic reactions induced by single- and two-photon excitations in a poly(methyl methacrylate) thin film doped with spirobenzopyran. We also demonstrate the operation of a spirobenzopyran-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) planar waveguide, prepared by cast spinning the media onto fused-quartz slides. The following phenomena were shown to take place in this waveguide: single–two-photon coloring, fluorescing, and bleaching. The results indicate that such devices may be suitable for many applications, including optical waveguides, volume optical storage, and optical sensors.
The American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination: a retrospective study of the decreasing pass rates and performance for first-time examinees.

Background There has been a noticeable decrease in the pass rate for the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination during the last 5 years. We hypothesize that this decline is statistically significant, and we wish to determine whether the pass rates had any geographic patterns of distribution. Methods In this retrospective cohort trial, publically available electronic data sets of pass rates on the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination were evaluated from the American Board of Surgery website. χ 2 tests were used to determine whether there was any association between the pass rates and the academic year. A descriptive geographic evaluation of program-specific pass rates for first-time examinees was also performed. Results From 2006 to 2010, there has been a 7% decrease in the pass rate for the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination. A χ 2 test shows that there is a statistically significant association with the pass percentage on the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination and the year (p Conclusions There was a significant decrease in the pass rate for the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination from 2006 to 2010. There also were some geographic patterns relating to first-time examinee performance from 2005 to 2010.
Chemical plant layout via graph partitioning-1. Single level

Abstract One of the problems in the layout of a chemical plant on a single floor is to divide the given set of equipment into sections (groups) of units that reflect the partitions created by aisles or corridors. This is to be accomplished while minimizing the inter-section flow magnitude/cost. By representing the equipment and their connectivities with an edge weighted graph, an analogy to the familiar graph partitioning problem is established. In this paper, a partition of the vertices into subsets of given sizes is sought so as to minimize the total weight of the edges joining vertices from different subsets. We propose a heuristic procedure that has given globally optimal solutions in attractive computation times to all random graphs studied for which the optimal partitions were obtainable by exhaustive enumeration. This paves the way for obtaining good quality and economical layouts for chemical plants of realistic scope. Extension to the multifloor chemical plant layout problem is discussed.
Dyes pumped by the nitrogen ion laser

Abstract Coumarin derivatives, 6, 30, and 102, were excited in a simple dye laser by the output at 427.8 nm from a nitrogen ion laser pumped by charge transfer from He + 2 . Tuning ranges and stabilities of the dyes are reported.
A Semi-Automatic Method for Image Analysis of Edge Dynamics in Living Cells.

Spatial asymmetry of actin edge ruffling contributes to the process of cell polarization and directional migration, but mechanisms by which external cues control actin polymerization near cell edges remain unclear. We designed a quantitative image analysis strategy to measure the spatiotemporal distribution of actin edge ruffling. Time-lapse images of endothelial cells (ECs) expressing mRFP-actin were segmented using an active contour method. In intensity line profiles oriented normal to the cell edge, peak detection identified the angular distribution of polymerized actin within 1 μm of the cell edge, which was localized to lamellipodia and edge ruffles. Edge features associated with filopodia and peripheral stress fibers were removed. Circular statistical analysis enabled detection of cell polarity, indicated by a unimodal distribution of edge ruffles. To demonstrate the approach, we detected a rapid, nondirectional increase in edge ruffling in serum-stimulated ECs and a change in constitutive ruffling orientation in quiescent, nonpolarized ECs. Error analysis using simulated test images demonstrate robustness of the method to variations in image noise levels, edge ruffle arc length, and edge intensity gradient. These quantitative measurements of edge ruffling dynamics enable investigation at the cellular length scale of the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating actin assembly and cell polarization.
Interface properties of MBE grown epitaxial oxides on GaAs

Single crystal SrTiO3 layers were grown on GaAs using both molecular and atomic oxygen and the interfaces were probed using room temperature photoluminescence and in-situ X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The increase in PL intensity for the oxide/GaAs structure in which molecular oxygen was used suggest a decrease in the density of interfacial defects resulting in some level of Fermi level unpinning. When atomic oxygen was used during growth the interface appears to have an increase in the density of defects and a pinned Fermi level similar to that of a GaAs layer with a native oxide. X-ray photoemission measurements indicate an increase in the Ga–O bonding at the interface when the plasma source was used with an addition of As–As bonding not present in the sample grown using molecular oxygen. These results suggest the possibility of using a crystalline oxide as a gate dielectric in III–V MOSFET devices.
Effect of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Linked Troponin C Mutations on the Calcium Sensitivity of Acto-Myosin ATPase under Different Phosphorylation States of Troponin I

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy linked A8V and E134D cardiac troponin C (cTnC) mutations on the calcium sensitivity of acto-myosin ATPase under different phosphorylation states of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Consistent with its effect on the calcium sensitivity of cTnC reconstituted into the thin filament, the A8V mutation led to substantially higher calcium sensitivity of acto-myosin ATPase. The effect of the A8V mutation on the calcium sensitivity of acto-myosin ATPase was also evaluated after cTnI was replaced by the PKA phosphorylation mimetic of cTnI (S22D/S23DcTnI). Replacement of cTnI by the PKA phosphorylation mimetic of cTnI led to a larger decrease in the calcium sensitivity of acto-myosin ATPase for the A8VcTnC compared to wild-type cTnC. In fact, the ability of the A8V mutation to sensitize the acto-myosin ATPase to calcium was almost completely eliminated after cTnI was replaced by the PKA phosphorylation mimetic of cTnI. The PKA phosphorylation mimetic of cTnI also had a bigger effect on the rate of calcium dissociation from the A8VcTnC reconstituted into the thin filament than on that from wild-type cTnC. The E134D mutation exerted no effect on the calcium sensitivity of the acto-myosin ATPase regardless of cTnI phosphorylation status. Thus, the ability of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy linked cTnC mutations to affect the calcium sensitivity of acto-myosin ATPase varies depending on phosphorylation status of cTnI.
Evaluation of "ischemia at a distance" : effects of coronary occlusion on a remote area of left ventricle

The effect of coronary occlusion on blood flow and function in a remote zone of the left ventricle was studied in 21 open-chest dogs. Group A consisted of 6 dogs not undergoing left circumflex (LC) coronary artery cannulation. The other 15 dogs under-went cannulation of the LC artery followed by partial occlusion to 40 mm Hg diastolic perfusion pressure. Of these dogs, 7 with constant perfusion pressure (group B) were separately evaluated from 8 with declining perfusion pressure (group C). Sequentially more proximal left anterior descending (LAD) occlusions were performed in each group. Blood flow in the LC zone remained unchanged in group A after sequential LAD occlusions, whereas in groups B and C distal and proximal LAD occlusions caused progressive reduction in LC flow. Although in group A segment shortening improved in the LC zone after distal LAD occlusion, in groups B and C progressive impairment in segmental shortening was observed in the LC zone after distal and proximal LAD occlusions. Thus, in the setting of critical coronary stenosis in a zone, total occlusion in another coronary artery can initiate a series of events leading to decreased blood flow in the territory of the stenotic coronary artery, resulting in ischemia and impaired segmental function.
On the serial learning of lists

Abstract A mathematical model with both a psychological and neurophysiological interpretation is introduced to qualitatively explain data about serial learning of lists. Phenomena such as bowing, anchoring, chunking, backward learning, all-or-none versus gradualist learning, anticipatory versus perseverative errors, accumulation of inhibition, and their dependence on intratrial interval, intertrial interval, list length, list position, and reaction time have mathematical analogs in this model. The proper definitions of a list's beginning, middle, and end for the purposes of learning theory are seen to depend crucially on temporal as well as geometrical factors.
Rapid Method for Total Carotenoid Detection in Canary Yellow-Fleshed Watermelon

Yellow-fleshed watermelons (Citrullus lanatus[Thunb.] Matsum. and Nakai) contain many different carotenoids, all in low to trace amounts. Since there is not 1 predominant carotenoid in yellow-fleshed watermelon, testing the total carotenoid content among watermelon lines is important in determining the antioxidant potential and thus potential health benefits of different varieties. Unfortunately, current methods to assay total carotenoid content are time consuming and require organic solvents. This report describes a rapid and reliable light absorption method to assay total carotenoid content for yellow-fleshed watermelon that does not require organic solvents. Light absorption of 78 watermelon flesh purees was measured with a diode array xenon flash spectrophotometer that can measure actual light absorption from opaque samples; results were compared with a hexane extraction method. The puree absorbance method gave a linear relationship (R(2)= 0.88) to total carotenoid content and was independent of watermelon variety within the total carotenoid concentration range measured (0 to 7 mug/g fresh weight).
Bosonization and the Berry connection in two-dimensional QED

The dynamical effects of topological charge in two-dimensional QED can be expressed in terms of a topological order parameter via a Berry phase construction. The Berry phase describes the electric charge polarization of the vacuum in a manner similar to the theory of polarization in topological insulators. The topological order parameter labels discrete vacua which differ by units of electric flux. Here the associated Berry connection is explicitly constructed from the Dirac Hamiltonian eigenstates by introducing a small attractive Thirring coupling, so that there is still a stable boson in the limit of zero EM coupling. The Berry connection arises from the analytic structure of the Bethe ansatz states in complex rapidity near the free fermion point.
Mercury concentrations in two “great waters”

Although many sources of Hg to surface waters have been identified including atmospheric deposition, resuspenseon of contaminated sediments, and direct discharges, there are very few recent data on ambient concentrations in the large lakes. Thus, an investigation of Hg concentrations in Lake Champlain and Lake Michigan was completed in the summer of 1993. Three depths of water including the microlayer, 30 cm below the surface, and 1 m below the thermocline were collected for each sampling event using ultra-clean techniques. All samples were processed in the field for dissolved and particulate fractions in a portable plastic enclosure equipped with a HEPA filter, and then analyzed by dual amalgamation and cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy in a Class 100 clean room at the University of Michigan. In addition, samples were analyzed for other trace metals by ICP-MS. Results from the two field investigations include the following: (1) On average, Lake Michigan water samples had higher concentrations of Hg than Lake Champlain; (2) There was no consistent pattern of Hg concentrations in the water column; (3) There was variability in the concentrations of Hg from the same depths over consecutive sampling periods. This paper discusses these results, and examines the relationship between the patterns in mercury concentrations and other physical and chemical data collected during the investigation.
Supercomputing the Effective Action

We describe a new method for large-scale computer simulation of the effective action in lattice field theories. As a first application, the scalar ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ model with spontaneous symmetry breaking is studied, and the renormalization of physical parameters is calculated from the effective action. Mean-field scaling behavior with calculable logarithmic scaling corrections at the trivial Gaussian fixed point (vanishing renormalized coupling) is supported by our results. Applications to the electroweak theory are outlined and a bound on the Higgs-boson mass is estimated.
Geometry Regulates Traction Stresses in Adherent Cells

Cells generate mechanical stresses via the action of myosin motors on the actin cytoskeleton. Although the molecular origin of force generation is well understood, we currently lack an understanding of the regulation of force transmission at cellular length scales. Here, using 3T3 fibroblasts, we experimentally decouple the effects of substrate stiffness, focal adhesion density, and cell morphology to show that the total amount of work a cell does against the substrate to which it is adhered is regulated by the cell spread area alone. Surprisingly, the number of focal adhesions and the substrate stiffness have little effect on regulating the work done on the substrate by the cell. For a given spread area, the local curvature along the cell edge regulates the distribution and magnitude of traction stresses to maintain a constant strain energy. A physical model of the adherent cell as a contractile gel under a uniform boundary tension and mechanically coupled to an elastic substrate quantitatively captures the spatial distribution and magnitude of traction stresses. With a single choice of parameters, this model accurately predicts the cell’s mechanical output over a wide range of cell geometries.