cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A nuclear magnetic resonance study of three isomeric dinaphthothiophenes

Abstract The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of three isomeric dinaphthothiophenes are recorded. Chemical shift assignments were made on the basis of substituent chemical shift (SCS) effect arguments, coupling considerations, proton—proton auto-correlated homonulcear (COSY) two-dimensional spectroscopy, and proton—carbon heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) two-dimensional spectroscopy. Some previously published 1H chemical shifts and coupling constants are compared with our data and some divergences are noted.
Foliar potassium status explains douglas fir response to nitrogen fertilization in the Inland Northwest, USA

Despite apparently inadequate N levels throughout the Inland Northwest of the United States, trees on some sites showed no increased growth 6 yr after N fertilization. Nor did higher N application rates consistently produce higher response. These facts indicated that other factors are limiting tree growth at these sites. Results suggest that K status is one important factor, influencing N fertilization response in the following general ways: (1) for stands with low pretreatment foliar K levels, the amount and duration of growth response are reduced, and higher N fertilizer rates produce less response; and (2) for all stands, growth response declines when foliar K decreases after N fertilization.
Tulasnella irregularis (basidiomycota: tulasnellaceae) from roots of Encyclia tampensis in south Florida, and confirmation of its mycorrhizal significance through symbiotic seed germination

Epiphytic orchids remain understudied with respect to their obligate mycorrhizal relationships – a key component of the integrated conservation model. Existing studies have revealed that these plants, like their terrestrial counterparts, commonly associate with ubiquitous basidiomycetes (e.g., Tulasnellaceae); however, few studies have verified their physiological role(s). Two strains of mycorrhizal fungi (UAMH 11541, UAMH 11543) were isolated from roots of an epiphytic orchid in south Florida, Encyclia tampensis; one was acquired from a seedling and one from a mature specimen. Seeds of four epiphytic taxa were subsequently inoculated (separately) with both fungal strains in vitro: E. tampensis, Epidendrum amphistomum, Epidendrum nocturnum, and Prosthechea cochleata. More than one-third of inoculated E. tampensis and E. nocturnum seeds developed leaves in total darkness after 100 days. No significant differences were detected between the two strains on germination, nor any interaction between fungus and seed source (ANOVA, α = 0.05). Using ITS amplification and sequencing, both strains were identified as the teleomorph, Tulasnella irregularis (Basidiomycota: Tulasnellaceae), and both were genetically identical with a high (98%) degree of certainty. Thus, symbiotic germination and ITS sequencing results are in agreement that both strains are indeed the same fungus. This paper is meant to shed additional light into epiphytic orchid-fungal interactions and highlights the need to identify, test (through symbiotic germination) and safeguard mycorrhizal fungi necessary for conservation.
El ex-hombre: masculinidad y exilio en la poesía de Juan José Domenchina

This article analyzes the representation of masculinity in Juan Jose Domenchina’s poetry of exile. The article argues that, during his last 20 years of life in exile (1939–1959), Domenchina shows in his poetry a contradictory masculinity. On the one hand, he reaffirms normative masculinity by rejecting pompous demonstrations of suffering, describing himself as stoic, tough, strong-willed and independent, and praising nostalgically Castilian men’s hypermasculine behavior. On the other hand, Domenchina’s poetry also testifies to his feelings of emasculation, since he calls himself an “ex-man”, shows his masculine fragmentation with the figures of the doppelganger or shadow, identifies himself with a child, and uses images of broken wings and falls to express his powerlessness. Furthermore, the poet confesses his lack of sexual prowess through the symbol of the sunset and compares his current impotence with his past full of sexual adventures. Domenchina’s poetry displays the typical contradictions of masculinity: the ideal model of assertive masculinity versus the reality of a weak masculinity in exile.
Relationship between internal medicine program board examination pass rates, accreditation standards, and program size

Objectives: To determine Internal Medicine residency program compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 80% pass-rate standard and the correlation between residency program size and performance on the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design from 20102012 American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination data of all Internal Medicine residency programs, comparisons were made between program pass rates to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standard. To assess the correlation between program size and performance, a Spearman’s rho was calculated. To evaluate program size and its relationship to the pass-rate standard, receiver operative characteristic curves were calculated. Results: Of 372 Internal Medicine residency programs, 276 programs (74%) achieved a pass rate of ≥80%, surpassing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education minimum standard. A weak correlation was found between residency program size and pass rate for the three-year period (ρ=0.19, p<0.001). The area underneath the receiver operative characteristic curve was 0.69 (95% Confidence Interval [0.63-0.75]), suggesting programs with less than 12 examinees/year are less likely to meet the minimum Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education passrate standard (sensitivity 63.8%, specificity 60.4%, positive predictive value 82.2%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Although a majority of Internal Medicine residency programs complied with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standards, a quarter of the programs failed to meet this requirement. Program size is positively but weakly associated with American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination performance, suggesting other unidentified variables
Deep subwavelength imaging using multiple correlated narrow slits

We numerically demonstrated an ultra-high resolution (wavelength/50~40 nm at wavelength λ = 2.08 µm), high-throughout (~66%), and non-destructive optical lens, based on the notion of correlated nano-torches formed in a subwavelength metallic grating.
Histiocytosis presenting as a nasal mass

The authors present a 1-year-old child who presented with an expansile enhancing mass of the nasal cavity that proved to be histiocytosis.
Stress corrosion cracking of alloy 600 using the constant strain rate test

Abstract Nuclear grade production tubing of Alloy 600 was evaluated for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility in high purity water at 365, 345, 325, and 290 C. Reverse tube U-bend specimen...
Parental dreams, dilemmas, and decision-making in cinéma vérité.

Our film Dreams and Dilemmas: Parents and the Practice of Neonatal Care is on its way to meeting its goal of furthering the "Principles for Family Centered Neonatal Care" (Harrison H. Pediatrics 1993;92:643-50) through cinema verite depiction of parental involvement in decision-making. Reality-based filmmaking can provide valuable and successful educational material that advances care and understanding. However, there are real practical and ethical concerns such as privacy, consent, and uncertain or unknown future impact on participants. Successful reality-based filmmaking in a complex medical environment such as a neonatal intensive care unit requires careful attention to ways of ensuring full communication between all those involved and efforts to allay participants' anxiety about being portrayed unfavorably. The most important ingredient, however, is the skill and ability of the filmmaker to engender trust.
The CMS, A Cold Magnet Synchrotron to Upgrade the Proton Energy Range of the BNL Facility

The results of a design study of a nominally 100 GeV (or 150 GeV) proton synchrotron, making use of very pure aluminum conductor magnets, operating at 12°K, or superconducting magnets, operating at 4.5°K, are presented.
pH alters the swimming behaviors of the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo: Implications for bloom formation in an acidified ocean

Abstract We investigated the effects of pH on movement behaviors of the harmful algal bloom causing raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo. Motility parameters from >8000 swimming tracks of individual cells were quantified using 3D digital video analysis over a 6-h period in 3 pH treatments reflecting marine carbonate chemistry during the pre-industrial era, currently, and the year 2100. Movement behaviors were investigated in two different acclimation-to-target-pH conditions: instantaneous exposure and acclimation of cells for at least 11 generations. There was no negative impairment of cell motility when exposed to elevated PCO2 (i.e., low pH) conditions but there were significant behavioral responses. Irrespective of acclimation condition, lower pH significantly increased downward velocity and frequency of downward swimming cells (p 2-fold greater than in pH-shock treatments (2.2 × 105 μm2 s−1 vs. 8.4 × 104 μm2 s−1). Predictions from an advection-diffusion model, suggest that as PCO2 increased the fraction of the population aggregated at the surface declined, and moved deeper in the water column. Enhanced downward swimming of H. akashiwo at low pH suggests that these behavioral responses to elevated PCO2 could reduce the likelihood of dense surface slick formation of H. akashiwo through reductions in light exposure or growth independent surface aggregations. We hypothesize that the HAB alga's response to higher PCO2 may exploit the signaling function of high PCO2 as indicative of net heterotrophy in the system, thus indicative of high predation rates or depletion of nutrients.
A Two-Dimensional Model of Particle Motion in Ureteral Peristaltic Flow

Physiological fluids in human or animals are, in general, propelled by the continuous periodic muscular contraction or expansion (or both) of the ducts through which the fluids pass, a phenomenon known as peristalsis. Peristaltic mechanisms may be involved in the swallowing of food through the esophagus, vasomotion of small blood vessels, spermatic flows in the ductus efferentes, embryo transport in the uterus, and transport of urine through the ureters, among others [1]. Peristaltic fluid flow can be accompanied by solid particles. In this work the Basset-Boussinesq-Oseen (BBO) equation will be employed to analyze particle motion in peristaltic fluid flow, this model considers motion of a small spherical particle suspended in a nonuniform fluid flow and diverse forces are considered. In ureteral peristaltic flow, fluid being transported is essentially Newtonian and incompressible. Ureteral peristaltic flow is sometimes accompanied by particles such as stones or bacteria. In the present study, the geometrical form of the peristaltic wave will be taken to be sinusoidal. The governing equations are Navier-Stokes for the fluid and momentum for the particle (BBO equation). A regular perturbation series in which the variables are expanded in a power series of the wavenumber (e = πRw/λ) is used to solve the fluid problem. One-way coupling between the fluid and particles is assumed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Non-destructive evaluation of apple maturity using an electronic nose system

Abstract Currently, random and destructive sampling techniques are used to evaluate apple quality. Thus there is need to develop a non-destructive technique to assess apple quality. Maturity indices such as starch index and puncture strength were used to categorize Gala apples into three maturity groups referred to as immature, mature and over mature fruits. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of the electronic nose (EN) sensor data indicated that there were different maturity groups (Wilks’ Lambda F = 3.7, P
Arteries Respond to Independent Control of Circumferential and Shear Stress in Organ Culture

Arteries respond to changes in global mechanical parameters (pressure, flow rate, and longitudinal stretching) by remodeling to restore local parameters (circumferential stress, shear stress, and axial strain) to baseline levels. Because a change in a single global parameter results in changes of multiple local parameters, the effects of individual local parameters on remodeling remain unknown. This study uses a novel approach to study remodeling in organ culture based on independent control of local mechanical parameters. The approach is illustrated by studying the short term effects of circumferential and shear stress on remodeling-related biological markers. Porcine carotid arteries were cultured for 3 days at a circumferential stress of 50 or 150 kPa or, in separate experiments, a shear stress of 0.75 or 2.25 Pa. At high circumferential stress, matrix synthesis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and cell death are significantly greater, but matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and pro-MMP-2 activity are significantly less. In contrast, biological markers measured were unaffected by shear stress. Applications of the proposed approach for improved understanding of remodeling, optimizing mechanical conditioning of tissue engineered arteries, and selection of experimentally motivated growth laws are discussed.
Stable Distributions and the Mixtures of Distributions Hypotheses for Common Stock Returns

Abstract The form of the distribution underlying common stock returns has many implications for financial modeling. Among the frequently proposed models for stock return distributions is the family of stable distributions. Numerous studies of stock return distributions have also proposed various types of mixtures of normal distributions. This article examines the characteristics of several different combinations of mixtures of normal and stable distributions, and compares them with actual stock price distributions. The principal tests applied are based on the stability-under-addition property of stable distributions.
Gaze-evoked nystagmus: a case report and literature review.

Abstract Background A sustained gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN) is an important ocular finding that may indicate serious neurologic pathology. It is also a finding that can be missed easily during routine extraocular muscle (EOM) testing. This report presents a case that should familiarize the reader with GEN and presents a novel approach to testing EOM function. Case report The mother of an otherwise healthy 4-year-old girl noted that her daughter’s eyes crossed occasionally, the right lid drooped on one occasion, and she had been having strange headaches. An asymmetric, sustained, gaze-evoked nystagmus was detected using a different approach to EOM testing. Magnetic resonance imaging found a large, brainstem astrocytoma in the cerebellar-pontine angle. Conclusion EOM function often is overlooked or underperformed but is an important part of the battery of clinical tests to rule out neurologic problems. Most forms of EOM testing will check for muscle palsies but little else. If the time is taken to extend the patient’s gaze to the extreme ends, to attempt to hold the gaze in all 9 positions, and to maintain an accurate speed, the clinician can stand to gain much more information regarding the neurologic system.
Observations and modeling of interactions between barley yield and evapotranspiration in the subarctic

Management of cropping systems and conservation of water resources requires a knowledge of crop evapotranspiration (ET). Yet, ET from field-grown crops and the association among yield, ET, and water stress are virtually unknown in the subarctic region of North America. Irrigated and nonirrigated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) treatments were established in 1989 at Delta Junction and 1990 at Fairbanks, Alaska, to ascertain yield-ET relations and to validate a model which simulates relative yield (relative to potential yield) based on the transpiration (T) to potential transpiration (Tp) ratio. Barley development, soil water content (by neutron attenuation), pan evaporation, precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, and global radiation were monitored at each location. Regression analysis indicated that grain yield increased 26 kg·ha−1 for every mm of water evapotranspired over a range of 180 to 260 mm in seasonal ET. Modeled and measured available water in the soil profile and relative yield were in good agreement. Based on 9 years of measured barley yield and climate data at Fairbanks, modeled ET ranged from 120 to 250 mm and yield decreased as the modeled transpiration deficit (1 − TTp) increased. This study indicated that water stress occurs frequently in the subarctic.
Putting epigenome comparison into practice

Comparative analysis of epigenomes offers new opportunities to understand cellular differentiation, mutation effects and disease processes. But the scale and heterogeneity of epigenetic data present numerous computational challenges.
Exploration of the Eddy Field in the Midlatitude North Pacific

Abstract Fourteen moorings were deployed across the midlatitude North Pacific 165°E to 152°W, for approximately 2 years during 1983–85. Ten mooring sites had previously been occupied at similar latitudes (30°–40°N nominal) for roughly two years (1980–82) along 152°E. Taken together, these observations form the basis for the first systematic basinwide zonal exploration of the eddy field based on moored instrument techniques in the midlatitude North Pacific along the Kuroshio Extension System and North Pacific drift. Eddy kinetic energy (KE) at abyssal depths decays sharply moving east from 152°E, and has decreased by a factor of 4 by 165°E. There is a plateau in abyssal KE of about 10 cm2 s−2 across the Emperor Seamounts from 165° to 175°E. Abyssal KE drops to roughly 5 cm2 s−2 at 175°W and 1 cm2 s−2 at 152°W, for a total decay of a factor of about 50 across the midlatitude North Pacific. Upper level KE decreases by a total of roughly two orders of magnitude (approximately 103 to 101) from 152°E to 152°W. ...
Brief report: Danish emerging adults' conceptions of adulthood.

Abstract Four hundred Danish emerging adults ages 17–29 were surveyed regarding their conceptions of adulthood and their self-assessments of their adult status. A majority of the 17–24-year-olds and nearly half the 25–29-year-olds viewed themselves as being adults in some ways but not others. Participants reported feeling most adult when with co-workers or romantic partners, and least adult with mothers, fathers, or friends. The most widely-endorsed criteria for adulthood were accepting responsibility for one's self, making independent decisions, and becoming financially independent. Among the least-endorsed criteria were the traditional transition events of entering marriage and parenthood, as well as “avoid becoming drunk.”
Reacting Turbulent Boundary-Layer Approach to Solid Propellant Erosive Burning

Abstract : A theoretical analysis of the erosive burning of solid propellants is presented using a reacting turbulent boundary layer approach. The turbulent field is modeled using the second-order closure technique and a single-step gas-phase reaction is assumed for the combustion of a homogeneous propellant. The calculated results agree with the generally observed erosive burning trends of threshold velocity, nonlinear recession-ratio velocity dependence, pressure dependence, and normal burning rate sensitivity. For constant external velocity boundary layers, the results show a decrease in burning rate along the propellant surface, which also has been observed experimentally. Examination of calculated profiles of temperature and turbulent correlations in the boundary layer reveals that erosive burning is predominantly caused by flame zone broadening due to the diffusive effects of turbulence. (Author)
Microstructural Effects during Chemical Mechanical Planarization of Copper

Die-stacking schema using through-wafer interconnects require vias to be filled with electroplated Cu, resulting in thick copper films and requiring an aggressive first-step chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). This work investigates the effects of microstructure on CMP of copper films, which are not presently well understood. Bulk and local removal rates are investigated for several different microstructures. Surface orientation maps are created, and the orientations of individual grains are correlated with topographical data to elucidate local removal behavior. Cu removal depends on the details of the microstructure, and certain microstructures allow for either faster or more uniform removal of thick Cu films.
Messenger RNAs in corn pollen and protein synthesis during germination and pollen tube growth.

Mature ungerminated pollen grains of Zea mays L. contain presynthesized messenger RNAs. This has been demonstrated by the isolation of poly(A)RNA and its translation in the wheat germ and reticulocyte cell free systems into polypeptides many of which are similar to those synthesized in germinating pollen. Each corn pollen grain contains between 352–705 pg of total RNA and 8.9–17.8 pg of poly(A)RNA. During germination of corn pollen at least 260 different polypeptides are synthesized as determined by labeling and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. These results are discussed with reference to other plants and the number of different genes expressed during pollen development.
A new drug delivery method of bispecific ligand-directed toxins, which reduces toxicity and promotes efficacy in a model of orthotopic pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE Biologicals targeting epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin 13 receptors not only react with overexpressed markers on cancer cells but also react with receptors on normal cells. Because we developed novel bispecific ligand-directed toxins synthesized by cloning EGF and interleukin 13 on the same molecule with toxin, our objective was to determine whether we could block normal receptors while still targeting receptors overexpressed on cancer cells, thereby decreasing toxicity while maintaining efficacy. METHODS A method, toxicity blocking (ToxBloc), was developed in which a bolus intraperitoneal dose of recombinant EGF13 (without toxin) was given to mice approximately 15 to 20 minutes before DTEGF13. Experiments were then performed to determine whether the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was reduced and whether we were still able to eliminate progression of aggressive human, metastatic, pancreatic cancer induced by orthotopic injection (OT) in nude mice. RESULTS ToxBloc permitted us to safely exceed the DTEGF13 maximal tolerated dose by 15-fold. This approach permitted repetitive high dosing with the bispecific ligand-directed toxin resulting in tumor regression (P < 0.01). Tumor effects were documented using a tumor imaging model in which OT tumor growth was monitored noninvasively in real time. ToxBloc was selective because other bispecific peptides did not block. CONCLUSIONS ToxBloc represents a new method of drug delivery and a potential solution to the problem of toxicity.
A Feasibility Study of Q-sort to Determine Recall of Skin Test Results and Environmental Remediation Education

Objective. Allergic asthma is common in urban minority children and evidence suggests that remediation tailored to the child’s allergic profile is the most effective management strategy. The purpose of this pilot study therefore was to examine the caregiver’s recall of their child’s skin test results and the accuracy of planned remediation ∼4 months after testing. Methods. Caregivers were asked to recall their child’s skin test results ∼4 months after their skin testing but before any follow-up visit. A Q-sort was then used to determine the knowledge of the recommended remediation. In this Q-sort, caregivers placed 52 cards, each representing one intervention for an indoor allergen, on a response board that prioritized the interventions. At the conclusion of the Q-sort, caregivers received feedback on the accuracy of their recall and prioritization. Results. African American caregivers (5 females; mean age 33.6) of 5 children (4 males; mean age 7.8) were enrolled. No caregiver’s recall of skin test result...
Epidermal growth factor-induced proliferation of collecting duct cells from Oak Ridge polycystic kidney mice involves activation of Na+/H+ exchanger.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is linked to the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). We explored signaling pathways activated by EGF in orpk cilia (−) collecting duct cell line derived f...
Effects of target monitoring on understanding fluent speech.

Phoneme monitoring and word monitoring are two experimental tasks that have frequently been used to assess the processing of fluent speech. Each task is purported to provide an “on-line” measure of the comprehension process, and each requires listeners to pay conscious attention to some aspect or property of the sound structure of the speech signal. The present study is primarily a methodological one directed at the following question: Does the allocation of processing resources for conscious analysis of the sound structure of the speech signal affect ongoing comprehension processes or the ultimate level of understanding achieved for the content of the linguistic message? Our subjects listened to spoken stories. Then, to measure their comprehension, they answered multiple-choice questions about each story. During some stories, they were required to detect a specific phoneme; during other stories, they were required to detect a specific word; during still other stories, they were not required to monitor the utterance for any target. The monitoring results replicated earlier findings showing longer detection latencies for phoneme monitoring than for word monitoring. Somewhat surprisingly, the ancillary phoneme-and word-monitoring tasks did not adversely affect overall comprehension performance. This result undermines the specific criticism that on-line monitoring paradigms of this kind should not be used to study spoken language understanding because these tasks interfere with normal comprehension.
The Venus atmospheric response to solar cycle variations

Atmospheric drag measurements from the orbital decay of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Magellan spacecraft have recently been obtained of the Venus dayside and nightside atmosphere between 130 and 210 km during a period of low solar activity. These new measurements, combined with the earlier Pioneer Venus drag measurements (1978-80) obtained near the maximum of the 11-year solar cycle, have allowed the detection of the detailed response of temperature, atomic oxygen and carbon dioxide to solar variations. We have found a weak but detectable temperature response on the dayside which is in accord with the response predicted by Keating and Bougher when they assumed very strong CO2 radiative cooling resulting from atomic oxygen exciting CO2 into 15 micron emission. This same radiative process may cause strong cooling in the Earth's upper atmosphere with the doubling of CO2 in the future. With decreasing solar activity, the O/CO2 ratio in the lower thermosphere is found to decrease, apparently due to decreased photodissociation of CO2 and lower temperatures. The percent decrease in atomic oxygen with decreasing solar activity on the dayside is found to be approximately the same as the percent decreases of atomic oxygen transported to the nightside. A very weak response of nightside temperatures to solar activity variations has also been detected.
Extension of Makinson's Theory of Photoelectric Emission to a Periodic Potential

The results of Makinson's treatment of the transition probability for photoelectric emission for a free-electron model has been extended to Bloch wave functions in a periodic field. The particular application of these results to the case of electrons at the top of a filled band has been developed, thereby filling in some of of the details of the preceding paper.
Psoriasis and risk of type 2 diabetes among women and men in the United States: a population-based cohort study

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) shares some common risk factors with psoriasis. We evaluated the association between psoriasis and the risk of incident T2D among women and men in the United States in a mixed retrospective–prospective cohort study. A total of 184,395 participants were included from an older cohort of women (the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS); 1996–2008), a younger cohort of women (NHS II; 1991–2007), and an older cohort of men (Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study (HPFS); 1986–2006). During 2,700,958 person-years of follow-up, 9,938 incident T2D cases were confirmed. We found a significantly increased risk of T2D associated with psoriasis only among younger women (NHS II; multivariate-adjusted relative risk (RR)=1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.49). When only including those younger than 60 years during follow-up (NHS and HPFS), we observed a nonsignificant trend toward increased risk for T2D. In a pooled analysis of the three cohorts, psoriatics younger than 60 years were at a higher risk of T2D (RR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.48 for women and RR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.46 for both sexes combined). In addition, the risk of T2D was much higher for those developing psoriasis at an early age. In conclusion, we found an association between psoriasis and the risk of T2D among individuals younger than 60 years.
Epinephrine Facilitates Cardiac Fibrillation by Shortening Action Potential Refractoriness

Epinephrine released during ventricular tachycardia (VT) or early fibrillation (VF) appears to be instrumental in stabilizing fibrillation. However, mechanisms remain unclear. Effects of epinephrine on refractory period at normal sinus rates depend on basic cycle length, but effects at short cycle lengths, typical of VT/VF, are unknown. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine whether epinephrine shortens action potential duration and refractoriness at these short cycle lengths. To simulate early VT/VF, myocardial cell aggregates (n=35) were paced using field stimulation (5 ms rectangular waveform) at cycle lengths of 200, 180, 160 and 140 ms, which occur duringin situfibrillation; normal sinus rhythm was simulated by pacing at 600 and 400 ms intervals. Action potentials and excitation threshold were recorded with intracellular microelectrodes under control conditions, with 0.9μm/l epinephrine, and with 0.9μm/l epinephrine and 0.5μm/l propranolol. At short cycle lengths, epinephrine significantly shortened action potential duration and refractoriness compared to control. At a cycle length of 160 ms, action potential duration was reduced by 14 ms at 60% repolarization (P<0.0002) and stimulation threshold by 18% (P<0.02). Epinephrine also allowed pacing at a cycle length of 140 ms, not achievable under control conditions. Because epinephrine decreases action potential duration at short cycle lengthin situ, re-entry wavefronts are less likely to encounter refractory tissue; fibrillation is more likely to occur and to remain stabilised. Reduction in action potential duration and excitation threshold were reversed by propranolol, suggesting that epinephrine effects are produced byβ-stimulation.
Plasma concentration of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and subsequent cardiovascular risk☆

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) is a marker for increased cardiovascular risk. BACKGROUND Soluble forms of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) may be useful markers of endothelial activation and local or systemic inflammation. Recent studies indicate that plasma concentration of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is elevated many years before a first myocardial infarction (MI) occurs. However, only a few prospective studies have evaluated whether sVCAM-1 is also a marker for increased cardiovascular risk. METHODS Baseline plasma samples were obtained prospectively from 14,916 healthy participants in the Physicians' Health Study. In a nested, case-control study design, the plasma concentration of sVCAM-1 was measured in 474 men with confirmed MI during the nine-year follow-up period, and in an equal number of control subjects who remained free of reported cardiovascular disease and who were matched for age, smoking status and length of follow-up. RESULTS No significant difference in the median baseline sVCAM-1 concentration was found between case and control subjects (638 vs. 634 ng/ml; p = NS). Cardiovascular risk was similar between patients with sVCAM-1 levels in the highest quartile and those in the lowest quartile, in both crude (relative risk [RR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85 to 1.92) and adjusted (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.91) matched-pairs analyses. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to previous data on sICAM-1, we found no evidence of an association between sVCAM-1 levels and the risk of future MI in a large cohort of apparently healthy men. These data suggest important pathophysiologic differences between sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in the genesis of atherothrombosis.
Built to Last Long-Term Maintenance of Success for All

This article describes Success for All, a comprehensive reform program for elementary schools, with a focus on strategies the program uses to increase the chances that the program will remain in use over extended periods. Key elements held to increase the program's longevity include the provision of full-time facilitators to maintain program quality; well-structured materials; a schoolwide vote to take on the program; national and local support networks; and ongoing research and development. Using these strategies, Success for All schools have maintained the program for many years, and more than 80% of schools that have ever used the program continue to do so.
Comparison of the phosphorus and mineral concentrations in bran and abraded kernel fractions of a normal barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivar versus four low phytic acid isolines

Phytic acid consists of 65−80% of the total phosphorus (P) in cereal grains. Its salts are concentrated in the germ and aleurone layers, which are typically removed during milling. We hypothesize that concentrations of different types of P and minerals in milled products will be greatly altered in low phytic acid (lpa) barleys. Seeds of cv. Harrington (control) and four lpa isolineslpa1-1, lpa2-1, lpa3-1, and M955were abraded by a laboratory method into five surface layer and four remaining kernel fractions. Results show that phytic acid in the four lpa lines ranged from 75% to 5% of the control. The decrease in phytic acid P concentration was matched almost equally by an increase in inorganic P, so that the rest of P (the sum of all P-containing compounds other than phytic acid P and inorganic P) and total P levels remained relatively unchanged among the five genotypes. These trends were also observed for the processed fractions. The major mineral elements in barley seeds were P, K, Mg, S, and Ca, while ...
A feature-selective independent component analysis method for functional MRI

In this work, we propose a simple and effective scheme to incorporate prior knowledge about the sources of interest (SOIs) in independent component analysis (ICA) and apply the method to estimate brain activations from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We name the proposed method as feature-selective ICA since it incorporates the features in the sample space of the independent components during ICA estimation. The feature-selective scheme is achieved through a filtering operation in the source sample space followed by a projection onto the demixing vector space by a least squares projection in an iterative ICA process. We perform ICA estimation of artificial activations superimposed into a resting state fMRI dataset to show that the feature-selective scheme improves the detection of injected activation from the independent component estimated by ICA. We also compare the task-related sources estimated from true fMRI data by a feature-selective ICA algorithm versus an ICA algorithm and show evidence that the feature-selective scheme helps improve the estimation of the sources in both spatial activation patterns and the time courses.
Proliferating trichilemmal cyst of the eyelid.

Purpose To report a case of proliferating trichilemmal cyst in a 55-year-old woman. Design Observational case report. Methods A 55-year-old woman sought treatment for a mass in the right upper eyelid. The lesion was excised twice previously, and recurred. The mass was reexcised and examined histopathologically. Results Light microscopy showed a cystic lesion lined by stratified squamous epithelium with a compact layer of eosinophilic keratin without granular cell layer. There was no atypia, mitosis, or stromal invasion. Conclusions Although proliferating trichilemmal cyst shows benign histopathologic features, clinical manifestations may mimic those of more aggressive tumors with local recurrences or distant metastasis. Wide excision of the lesion and close long-term follow-up is recommended.
Neutron-pumped excimer flashlamp sources

A Nuclear Pumped Flashlamp (NPF) is closely related to a Nuclear-Pumped Laser NPL in that both use nuclear radiation to excite the medium. The NPF does not require as high peak power as is needed for NPL inversion. Still, with a reactor source, a large volume NPF can be designed to deliver extremely large fluorescence in the UV up to the infrared range, depending on the media employed. The NPF can then be used for industrial applications or for pumping a laser requiring a high intensity light pump. The first experimental example of this approach was a 3He-XeBr2 NPF employed in 1993 to pump a small iodine laser. The present paper discusses issues involved in scaling such a NPF up to an ultra high energy output.
Highly parallel characterization of IgG Fc binding interactions

Because the variable ability of the antibody constant (Fc) domain to recruit innate immune effector cells and complement is a major factor in antibody activity in vivo, convenient means of assessing these binding interactions is of high relevance to the development of enhanced antibody therapeutics, and to understanding the protective or pathogenic antibody response to infection, vaccination, and self. Here, we describe a highly parallel microsphere assay to rapidly assess the ability of antibodies to bind to a suite of antibody receptors. Fc and glycan binding proteins such as FcγR and lectins were conjugated to coded microspheres and the ability of antibodies to interact with these receptors was quantified. We demonstrate qualitative and quantitative assessment of binding preferences and affinities across IgG subclasses, Fc domain point mutants, and antibodies with variant glycosylation. This method can serve as a rapid proxy for biophysical methods that require substantial sample quantities, high-end instrumentation, and serial analysis across multiple binding interactions, thereby offering a useful means to characterize monoclonal antibodies, clinical antibody samples, and antibody mimics, or alternatively, to investigate the binding preferences of candidate Fc receptors.
Systems of Diagonal Equations Over p-Adic Fields

Let [ ] be a [pfr ]-adic field, and consider the system F = ( F 1 ,…, F R ) of diagonal equations [formula here] with coefficients in [ ]. It is an interesting problem in number theory to determine when such a system possesses a nontrivial [ ]-rational solution. In particular, we define Γ*( k , R , [ ]) to be the smallest natural number such that any system of R equations of degree k in N variables with coefficients in [ ] has a nontrivial [ ]-rational solution provided only that N [ges ]Γ*( k , R , [ ]). For example, when k = 1, ordinary linear algebra tells us that Γ*(1, R , [ ]) = R + 1 for any field [ ]. We also define Γ*( k , R ) to be the smallest integer N such that Γ*( k , R , ℚ p ) [les ] N for all primes p .
Evolution of Territoriality by Herbivores in Response to Host Plant Defenses

Plants may play an active role in the evolution of territoriality and associated animal behaviors such as spacing and cannibalism. I hypothesize that these behaviors have in part evolved in direct response to plant defenses that would otherwise diminish individual success. These defenses limit resource availability and concentrate herbivores at specific sites where they then suffer from induced plant defenses, increased predation and competition. Plant traits that enhance the negative effects of competition and increased predation must be included in the suite of plant defenses against herbivory. In a specific example with Pemphigus gall aphids, plant defenses result in a strong selection pressure favoring territorial behavior. The negative effects of competition give territorial individuals a 2.3-fold advantage over non-territorial individuals. Induced defenses ( i.e. , density dependent leaf abscission) can be just as important as competition as a selection pressure for territorial behavior. With the addition of induced plant defenses territorial individuals realize a 4.4-fold advantage. Furthermore, rough approximations suggest that in the absence of territorial behavior predation would increase by 52%. The same traits which promote territoriality also encourage cannibalism, a surprisingly common herbivore behavior. To the extent cannibalism reduces the herbivore population, plant traits which promote this behavior may realize a selective advantage. Viewing plants as dynamic rather than passive in their interactions with pests may lead to a better understanding of animal behaviors.
Gay and lesbian cops: diversity and effective policing

Gay and Lesbian Cops: Diversity and Effective Policing offers a long-overdue, much needed book-length treatment of the presence, conditions, and importance of sexuality diversity in law enforcement...
Does the release of arachidonic acid from cells play a role in cancer chemoprevention

COX-2 is overexpressed in cancer cells and has become a major target for cancer preventive drugs. NSAIDs, retinoids, antioxidants, and PPAR agonists, reported to be chemopreventive, suppress COX-2 synthesis. NSAIDs also have been shown to be chemopreventive independent of COX-2 activity. Common to all of these compounds is their ability to release arachidonic acid (AA) from rat liver cells in culture. Most of these compounds inhibit induced PGI2 production. Vitamin D3 and tamoxifen, however, not only stimulate the release of AA from cells: they amplify rather than inhibits induced COX activity. In view of the many activities attributable to AA, I propose that its release and accumulation could initiate molecular reactions that lead to apoptosis and eventually to suppression of cancer. Some drugs shown to release AA from cells and affect PGI2 production—e.g., thiazolidinediones and statins are widely used for conditions unrelated to cancer. In vivo studies could reveal whether they can also function as can...
Carboxy-monopeptidase substrate specificity of human cathepsin X.

Cathepsin X is a papain-like cysteine protease with restricted positional specificity, acting primarily as a carboxy-monopeptidase. We mapped the specificities at the S2, S1, and S1′ subsites of human cathepsin X by systematically and independently substituting the P2, P1, and P1′ positions of the carboxy-monopeptidase substrate Abz-FRF(4NO2) with natural amino acids. Human cathepsin X has broad S2, S1, and S1′ specificities within two orders of magnitude in kcat/KM, excluding proline that is not tolerated at these subsites. Glycine is not favored in S2, but is among the preferred residues in S1 and S1′, which highlights S2 as the affinity-determinant subsite. The presence of peculiar residues at several binding site positions (Asp76, His234, Asn75, and Glu72) does not translate into a markedly different sequence specificity profile relative to other human cathepsins. These findings suggest that a specific function of human cathepsin X is unlikely to result from sequence specificity, but rather from a combination of its unique positional specificity and the co-localization of enzyme and substrate in a specific cellular environment.
Equivalence of Informed Political Participation The 1976 Presidential Debates as a Source of Influence

The 1976 presidential debates were evaluated as an innovation in political communication formats that might overcome existing gaps in electoral participation between the more and less active sectors of society. The equivalence of effects of debate-watching and related behaviors was examined for different levels of age, education, and political interest. The debates were also compared to standard sources of political information. The debates and the processes they stimulated tended to be nonequivalent in exposure, but equivalent in predictive strength. That is, those initially most interested in politics spent more time watching the debates, but did not show greater gains in informed participation per amount of exposure than did other respondents. Comparisons are made with these forms of equivalence for standard media sources. Several explanations for these results are considered and the findings are discussed in terms of their relevance for the "knowledge gap" literature.
A new family of orthonormal wavelet bases

Most existing quadrature mirror filters (QMFs) closely match the derived analytical expression for an efficient class of QMFs. Closed-form expressions are derived for the corresponding family of orthonormal wavelet bases, giving a simple and general analytic framework for wavelet analysis of QMFs. The wavelet scaling function that has the best combined time-frequency localization of all members of this family is found. It is suggested that power complementary QMFs are sufficiently regular in practice. When the number of pyramid stages is small, perfect reconstruction schemes that satisfy regularity considerations are not likely to significantly surpass power complementary QMFs in practice. >
Probing Radiation Damage in Plutonium Alloys with Multiple Measurement Techniques

A material subjected to radiation damage will usually experience changes in its physical properties. Measuring these changes in the physical properties provides a basis to study radiation damage in a material which is important for a variety of real world applications from reactor materials to semiconducting devices. When investigating radiation damage, the relative sensitivity of any given property can vary considerably based on the concentration and type of damage present as well as external parameters such as the temperature and starting material composition. By measuring multiple physical properties, these differing sensitivities can be leveraged to provide greater insight into the different aspects of radiation damage accumulation, thereby providing a broader understanding of the mechanisms involved. In this report, self-damage from {alpha}-particle decay in Pu is investigated by measuring two different properties: magnetic susceptibility and resistivity. The results suggest that while the first annealing stage obeys second order chemical kinetics, the primary mechanism is not the recombination of vacancy-interstitial close pairs.