cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late abdominal aortic aneurysm enlargement after endovascular repair with the Excluder device.

Abstract Objectives Behavior of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is graft-dependent. The Excluder endograft has been associated with less sac regression than some other stent grafts. Long-term follow-up has not been reported. Methods Between May 1999 and July 2002, 50 patients underwent EVAR with the Excluder bifurcated endoprosthesis. These patients were followed up prospectively with computed tomography (CT) at 1, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter. One immediate conversion to open surgery and three deaths occurred within 6 months. One additional patient was lost to follow-up. The remaining 45 patients, 35 men and 10 women, were followed up for at least 1 year, and form the basis for this report. Their mean age was 73 ± 5.5 years. The minor axis diameter at the largest area of the AAA on CT examination was compared with the baseline measurement at 1 month and to the smallest size previously recorded during follow-up. Change in sac size of 5 mm or greater was considered significant. Mean follow-up was 2.7 ± 1.2 years (range, 1-4 years). Nominal variables were compared with the χ 2 test, and continuous variables with the Student t test. Results A significant decrease in average AAA sac diameter was observed at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. These differences were lost by the 3-year evaluation, because of delayed sac growth (n = 9) and re-expansion of once shrunken aneurysms (n = 3). The probability of freedom from sac growth or re-expansion at 4 years was only 43%. At last follow-up, sac expansion occurred in the absence of active endoleak in nine patients. Type II endoleak was associated with sac expansion in three patients ( P = .003), resulting in one conversion to open surgery after the 4-year follow-up. No graft migrations, AAA ruptures, or aneurysm-related deaths were noted. Conclusions Late aneurysm sac growth or re-expansion after EVAR with the Excluder device is common, even in the absence of endoleak. Although the incidence of important clinical sequelae is low at this point, the incidence of aneurysm expansion should be taken into consideration during the risk-benefit assessment before EVAR repair with the Excluder device.
Short-term effects of grazing intensity and nitrogen fertilization on soil organic carbon pools under perennial grass pastures in the southeastern USA

Abstract Pasture management can have important implications on the amounts and long-term stability of soil organic carbon (SOC). We investigated the short-term impacts of grazing intensity and nitrogen (N) fertilization levels on C dynamics into the various SOC pools in rotationally stocked ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) pastures. Treatments consisted of three grazing intensities (based on target postgraze stubble heights of 8, 16, and 24 cm) and three levels of N fertilization (50, 150, and 250 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Soil samples (0- to 20-cm depth) were taken prior to imposing treatments and at the end of the 2-yr study. Grazing intensity and N levels had no effect on bulk SOC and N concentration and content. Greater stubble height and rate of N fertilizer resulted in a linear increase in particulate organic carbon (POC) and C and N concentration in the
Molecular mechanisms for the regulation of water transport in amphibian epithelia by antidiuretic hormone

Classic laboratory studies performed in the 1950's and 1960's focused on the structures and biochemical actions of multiple neurohypophysial peptides that possessed profound effects on the overall water balance of many vertebrates [reviewed in 1]. These data emphasized the importance of antidiuretic hormones (ADH) in the evolution of vertebrates and provided a framework for our current understanding of their roles in renal function. In a similar fashion, the recent discovery of the family of aquaporin water channel proteins has supplied new tools to examine the molecular aspects of ADH-elicited water transport in epithelial physiology. Data concerning the structure and distribution of aquaporin water channels have been further advanced by recent research defining several of the most basic aspects of hormonally regulated transport in many cell types. Together, these findings have provided many new insights into the apical membrane events set in motion by the binding of ADH to the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of the ADH-elicited water permeability response in the terrestrial adaptation of amphibians and their evolutionary offspring, mammals including humans. To accomplish this, we have divided the review into three sections. The first section summarizes published data from studies in comparative physiology involving the evolution and distribution of the ADH-elicited water permeability response in various amphibian species. The second section provides an overview of the vesicle mediated water permeability response in toad bladder and mammals. In this selective review, we have emphasized several common features present in ADH-mediated insertion and removal of water channel containing vesicles and the insulin-induced vesicular translocation of a facilitative glucose transport protein. The third section re-examines two important questions about the evolution of the ADH-elicited water permeability response in light of recent data reviewed in the prior section. Taken together, these data illustrate that future research in this area will provide new insights into the origins of the ADH-elicited water permeability response through use of probes specific for various aquaporin water channel proteins.
Lateral Asymmetry of Risky Recommendations

Previous research has suggested that the bidirectional relationship between preference and frequency is moderated by patterns of relative cerebral activation. These patterns can be manipulated by the induction of lateral attentional orientation. It was hypothesized that recommendation of risk would be greater during manipulated rightward than during leftward or forward orientation of attention. An experiment using Stoner-like dilemmas produced significant support for the hypothesis. Consistency, affect, and perceived control were discussed as possible mediators.
Plasmodium gallinaceum: Differential Lysis of Two Developmental Stages of Malaria Sporozoites by the Alternative Pathway of Complement

During sporogonic development of Plasmodium gallinaceum in the mosquito vector, two developmentally distinct sporozoite stages can be isolated. Sporozoites obtained from oocysts in abdomens of mosquitoes 10 days after an infective blood meal are poorly infectious to the vertebrate host (chicken); days later, sporozoites isolated from mosquito salivary glands are highly infectious. In a first step toward understanding the physiologic basis of this developmentally regulated infectivity to the vertebrate host, we determined the relative resistance of the two sporozoite stages to lysis by the complement system of the vertebrate host. Whereas 86% of oocyst sporozoites were lysed when incubated in fresh chicken serum in vitro, only 24% of salivary gland sporozoites were lysed under identical incubation conditions. Preincubation of oocyst sporozoites in a homogenate of female Aedes aegypti salivary glands did not diminish their susceptibility to lysis by serum, indicating that lysis was mediated by the interaction of serum factors with parasite-specific molecules. The lytic activity of fresh chicken serum was abrogated by incubating for 45 min at 56 degrees C or chelating with EDTA. Fresh chicken serum specifically depleted of Ca2+, by chelating with EGTA in the presence of Mg2+, retained its ability to lyse oocyst sporozoites. The lysis of salivary gland sporozoites mediated by chicken antisporozoite serum is abrogated by EGTA, indicating that the antibody-dependent complement pathway in chicken serum is blocked by EGTA. Because oocyst sporozoite lysis by serum was heat sensitive and Mg2+ dependent, but Ca2+ independent, we conclude that lysis was mediated by the alternative pathway of complement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Beyond Empty Vessels and Bridges: Toward Defining Teachers as the Agents of School Change.

One of the greatest challenges facing education systems is implementing the changes that make schools, and therefore, nations, internationally competitive. The resistance to change, the possibilities of change, and the roles the many and various stakeholders play in leading change have been noted by scholars on the topic of change in school. While their viewpoints may vary, one point of agreement among these authors is that change is the only constant, but stories of entrenchment and resistance remain a dominant narrative. In this article, we seek to disrupt the traditional views of school reform by redefining the roles teachers can play in school change.
Frequency stability and reproducibility of optically pumped far‐infrared lasers

Direct measurements of the gain profile of optically pumped far‐infrared lasers show that large shifts in the laser frequency can be caused by the absorption from thermal molecules on the laser transition. The absorption shifting greatly exacerbates pump frequency deviations, resulting in an extreme sensitivity to pump offsets and drifts. This pressure‐dependent shifting mechanism is not present in transversely pumped lasers, which explains their superior frequency reproducibility compared to longitudinally pumped lasers, and reconciles two apparently conflicting results regarding laser stability.
Network-Based Analysis of the Structure and Evolution of an Open Source Software Product

In this paper, an analysis of product structures in open source software (OSS) at both product level and module level is presented. At the product level, the product structures are modeled as complex networks, and the evolutionary characteristics of product structures are analyzed by using network analysis metrics. At the module level, linking mechanisms, which describe how a module is attached with other modules, are proposed. The linking mechanisms are modeled as probability functions dependent on the degrees of linking modules. A case study from an open source software project, Drupal, is presented. The evolutionary trends of Drupal product structures are analyzed and discussed. Finally, a model is presented to illustrate the effects of linking mechanisms at the module level on the product structures at the system level. The results indicate that the model built using the proposed linking mechanisms generates networks whose evolutionary characteristics are close to that of the original network.
Analysis of rat urine proteins and allergens by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting

Abstract Background: In rats, urine has been identified as a major source of the allergens that cause laboratory animal allergy an important occupational health problem. Methods and Results: Urinary proteins and allergens of Wistar rats were studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Proteins excreted by male and female rats during puberty were similar and of low molecular weight. In adulthood, moderate increases in diffuse staining of 26 and 21 kd occurred in female urine. In males the 17 kd protein increased dramatically and the 23 and 21 kd proteins moderately. The urine excretion of high-molecular-weight proteins (75 to 63 kd) increased with age in males (females not studied). Immunoblot studies with six sera showed allergens in urine of male and female rats of all ages, three of which were present in all urine (75, 68, and 21 kd). Three allergens (17, 16, and 15 kd) in female urine may be allergenically similar to the 17 kd allergen in adult male urine. Adult male urine allergens were studied further with sera from 83 rat-hypersensitive subjects. Major allergens were identified at 23, 21, and 17 kd, and all sera had IgE to one or more of these proteins. Twenty-seven percent had IgE to 68 and 63 kd allergens. Minor allergens were identified at 75, 51, and 44 kd. Conclusions: Rat urine is an important source of the major allergens associated with rat hypersensitivity. Age and sex markedly influence the protein and allergenic constituents of rat urine.
Development and Dehiscence of Gametocysts of the Gregarine Pyxinia crystalligera Frenzel

SYNOPSIS. Association of gamonts of Pyxinia crystalligera takes place in the midgut of its beetle host, Dermestes vulpinus. At 25°C. the development of gametocysts to the point of liberation of sporocysts is completed between about 15 hours and 27 hours after the gametocysts are deposited with fecal material. Dehiscence is favored by relative humidities of 0% to 90%, but is not favored by a relative humidity of 100%. During the early development of the gametocysts outside the host, the crystals and paraglycogen granules in the cytoplasm of the associated gamonts become concentrated in large masses. The gametes are formed at the periphery of the gamonts. After fusion of the gametes takes place and the sporoblasts begin to develop, the residual cytoplasm containing the inclusions moves outward to form a continuous layer next to the gametocyst envelope, so that the sporoblasts become crowded into a central core. A few hours before dehiscence is initiated a clear area appears on the upper side of the gametocyst. The contents of the gametocyst begin to shrink away from the envelope except in the region of the clear area. Eventually the sporocysts emerge through the clear area and press against the envelope of the gametocyst, causing formation of a conical papilla in the envelope. With continued pressure from the sporocysts, the papilla ruptures at its tip, and the sporocysts emerge in a continuous thread until dehiscence is completed. The thread of sporocysts may attain a length of about 11 mm.
Laparoscopic partial fundoplication vs laparoscopic Nissen-Rosetti fundoplication : Short-term results of 231 cases

Background: Since 1992, all patients at our institution who have met standard accepted criteria for surgical intervention for complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease have been entered into a prospective sequential clinical study to evaluate outcomes of the laparoscopic approach to the Nissen-Rosetti procedure and a modified Toupet procedure.
Infrared microspectrophotometry of urinary steroids separated by gas chromatography.

Abstract Techniques are described which permit good infrared spectra from gas Chromatographic effluents starting with as little as one microgram of substance. Usefulness of the technique is demonstrated by infrared identification of microgram amounts of urinary steroids separated by gas chromatography.
Interface nanochemistry effects on stainless steel diffusion bonding

The diffusion-bonding behavior of single-phase austenitic stainless steel depends strongly on the chemistry of the surfaces to be bounded. We found that very smooth (0.5 nm root-mean-square (RMS) roughness), mechanically polished and lapped substrates would bond completely in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) in 1 hour at 1000 °C under 3.5 MPa uniaxial pressure, if the native oxide on the substrates was removed by ion-beam cleaning, as shown by in-situ Auger analysis. No voids were observed in these bonded interfaces by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the strength was equal to that of the unbounded bare material. No bond formed between the substrates if in-situ ion cleaning was not used. The rougher cleaned substrates partially bonded, indicating that roughness, as well as native oxides, reduced the bonding kinetics.
Endothelin and the neurovascular unit in pediatric traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Objective: This study characterized the association between endothelin-1, cerebral hemodynamics, and histopathology after fluid percussion brain injury in the newborn pig. Methods: Lateral fluid percussion injury was induced in newborn pigs equipped with a closed cranial window. Cerebral blood flow was determined with radiolabeled microspheres and cerebrospinal fluid endothelin-1 was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Cerebrospinal fluid endothelin-1 was increased from 26±4 to 296±37 pg/ml (∼10−10M) at 8 hours following fluid percussion injury. Post-injury treatment (30 minutes) with the endothelin-1 antagonist BQ-123 (1 mg/kg, intravenous) blocked pial artery vasoconstriction to topical endothelin-1 (∼10−10M) and blunted fluid percussion injury-induced reductions in cerebral blood flow at 8 hours post-insult (56±6 and 26±4ml/minute versus 57±6 and 40± ml/minute; 100 g for cerebral blood flow before injury and 8 hours post-fluid percussion injury in vehicle and BQ-123 post-treated ani...
Bilingualism as a Resource in Learning Engineering on the U.S.–Mexico Border

In this study, the authors examine the language practices of first- and second-year college students as they build disciplinary literacies within a cocurricular engineering leadership program. Conducted by two teacher educators and literacy/biliteracy researchers situated in the highly diverse U.S.-Mexico borderlands, the study examines the role of disciplinary language and literacy development among 12 transfronterizo (border-crossing) engineering students who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on a regular basis, with a particular focus on the experience of two students. Drawing on systemic functional linguistics as well as sociocultural theories of literacy/biliteracy, the authors illustrate the ways in which these students moved fluidly between Spanish and English, as well as multiple registers and modalities, to make sense of engineering concepts. Findings build on recent studies of transfronterizo literacies and shed light on pedagogical practices that encourage students’ use of their full linguistic re...
Overlap Contribution to the Isomer Shift of Iron Compounds

The electron density ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}^{2}(0)$ at the iron nucleus in oxides is calculated as a function of the Fe-O distance, by taking into account the overlap of the inner shells of iron with the oxygen $2p$ wave functions. The calculation shows the importance of the intershell terms, which effectively reduce the overlap-induced electron density. By comparing these results with the high-pressure isomer-shift measurements of divalent iron in CoO, the relative change of the $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$ nuclear radius is found to be less than -4.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. The overlap effect provides an important amplification mechanism for the contribution of $4s$ bonding to ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}^{2}(0)$. On the basis of this mechanism, large increases in ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}^{2}(0)$ observed on going from ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ to ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ salts can be explained by a reasonable increase in the amount of $4s$ bonding.
High density synthetic oligonucleotide arrays

Experimental genomics involves taking advantage of sequence information to investigate and understand the workings of genes, cells and organisms. We have developed an approach in which sequence information is used directly to design high-density, two-dimensional rays of synthetic oligonucleotides. The GeneChipe probe arrays are made using spatially patterned, light-directed combinatorial chemical synthesis and contain up to hundreds of thousands of different oligonucleotides on a small glass surface. The arrays have been designed and used for quantitative and highly parallel measurements of gene expression, to discover polymorphic loci and to detect the presence of thousands of alternative alleles. Here, we describe the fabrication of the arrays, their design and some specific applications to high-throughput genetic and cellular analysis.
NMR resonance assignments of sparsely labeled proteins: amide proton exchange correlations in native and denatured states.

Protein NMR assignments of large proteins using traditional triple resonance techniques depends on double or triple labeling of samples with 15N, 13C, and 2H. This is not always practical with proteins that require expression in non-bacterial hosts. Labeling with isotopically labeled versions of single amino acids (sparse labeling) often is possible, however resonance assignment then requires a new strategy. Here a procedure for the assignment of cross peaks in 15N-1H correlation spectra of sparsely labeled proteins is presented. It relies on the correlation of proton-deuterium amide exchange rates in native and denatured spectra of the intact protein, followed by correlation of chemical shifts in the spectra of the denatured protein with chemical shifts of sequenced peptides derived from the protein. The procedure is successfully demonstrated on a sample of a protein, Galectin-3, selectively labeled with 15N at all alanine residues.
Effects of differences between cell-free and cell-associated glucosyltransferases from Leuconostoc mesenteroides on gluco-oligosaccharides structure

Summary The gluco-oligosaccharide structures depended largely upon the glucosyltransferase (GTF) differences. The oligosaccharides with four polymerisation degrees only was produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides 6055L that contain more cell-free GTFs, while the gluco-oligosaccharides with two polymerisation degrees could be yielded by strains PC13 and L4 that have high cell-related GTFs. Also, more gluco-oligosaccharides with α-1, 6 glycosidic link as the backbone, accompanied by the α-1, 4 glycosidic link as a branch structure was formed in the presence of cell-free enzymes. The oligosaccharide with α-1, 3 glycosidic link that connects to all of other branch structures was observed in the presence of cell-related enzymes. To produce gluco-oligosaccharides with α-1, 3 glycosidic link, the L. mesenteroides strains with high proportion of cell-related GTFs should be recommended. This is the first time to discuss the effects of the differences between the cell-free and the cell-associated GTFs produced by L. mesenteroides on oligosaccharide structure.
Multi-process structuring of user interface software

Many contemporary user interface management systems suffer from the lack of adequate operating system support for multi-process structuring. They either adopt a single-process server approach, resulting in monolithic code, or are implemented as run-time libraries, resulting in a high degree of redundancy and complex synchronization problems. This paper, on the other hand, describes a methodology that takes advantage of lightweight processes and fast interprocess communication to structure user interface software as multiple cooperating processes. It demonstrates that such an approach can lead to exceptional flexibility -- with respect to the addition of new functionality, in particular -- without sacrificing performance.
Laser Raman optical sensor for monitoring gas mixtures using photomultiplier tube detector

A Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) based optical fiber Raman sensor was developed for online monitoring of nitrogen/oxygen concentration ratios in gaseous mixtures. The sensor employed a frequency doubled 532 nm continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser and a modified In-Photonics fiber optic state-of-art miniaturized Raman Probe. The gaseous mixture was enclosed in a high pressure cell and subjected to varying degrees of pressure. Raman signal of gaseous nitrogen and oxygen were first analyzed with a miniature spectrometer. The detection system was then replacing by a Labview interfaced PMT module for fast data acquisition and real time monitoring of relative Raman signals of nitrogen and oxygen. Instrumentation features and sensor performances with different detection systems (i.e. spectrometer and PMT) is presented in the paper.
Initial Management of Ankle Fractures in the Overweight and Obese: The Providence Pinch

Abstract Background Obese and overweight people have higher rates of ankle injury, particularly operative ankle fractures. The initial management of unstable ankle fractures includes closed reduction and splinting to limit soft tissue injury and articular cartilage damage until definitive operative fixation can be performed. Adequate reduction can be more difficult in the obese patient due to the weight and additional padding provided by the larger soft tissue envelope. Discussion A novel technique, described herein by the authors, may be useful in obtaining a suitable reduction of the ankle in the initial management of unstable ankle fractures in the overweight and obese. Conclusions Obese patients have unique musculoskeletal injury profiles and special considerations in their management. The authors have found this technique useful in the management of their ankle fractures.
The problem of bleeding peptic ulcer

Abstract 1. 1. Ina city hospital where patients with peptic ulcer enter only because of some serious complication of ulcer, there is a high incidence of hemorrhage and resultant mortality. In our experience, this is greatest during the arteriosclerotic age. The mortality rises with each hemorrhage. 2. 2. This study suggests that the occurrence of hemorrhage, similar to that of perforation, is rare in patients following prescribed or proper diet-alkali therapy. In the majority of cases, dietary or alcoholic indiscretion precedes the onset of these complications. 3. 3. Although one must treat each patient according to the merits of his individual case, based on the age of the patient, the presence of arteriosclerosis, the location of the ulcer and the past history, the data collected suggest that indications for surgery may be present in each clinical group as follows: 3.1. (a) In the few patients who are following adequate treatment at the time of the onset of the hemorrhage (Group 1), surgical treatment should be considered during the quiescent stage. 3.2. (b) If surgery is performed for the bleeding type of ulcer, direct attack on the ulcer with its removal, in addition to subtotal gastrectomy, is the procedure of choice and is more likely to reduce the incidence of hemorrhage after surgery. The study of Groups II and III suggests that gastrojejunostomy may not protect against the recurrence of or subsequent hemorrhage from a duodenal ulcer. Thirty patients of this series had gross hemorrhage from ulcer after gastroenterostomy. 3.3. (c) Patients with no history of peptic ulcer, or a very short history, who suddenly bleed (Group IV, have the poorest prognosis for life in the entire series. Transfusions are important in the treatment of this particular group. Surgery is not feasible in the acute stage because of the patient's poor general condition. After the hemorrhage has ceased, these patients usually do well on medical treatment. 3.4. (d) Sixty-two per cent of the patients with hemorrhage have had the symptoms of ulcer for many years and, in our experience, represent an uncooperative group (Group v). If, during the acute bleeding phase, hemorrhage keeps recurring while the patient is under medical treatment, with transfusions, immediate surgery should be considered. After the occurrence of two hemorrhages, surgery is indicated during a quiescent period because it is very likely that these patients will not follow prescribed therapy over a long period of time, and the hemorrhage will recur. Conservative treatment is indicated in those patients below the age of forty years, without arteriosclerosis. 4. 4. Hemorrhage and perforation occasionally are associated or coincidental; the prognosis is poor.
THEORETICAL ADSORPTION STUDIES OF HCN AND HNC ON NI(111)

The interaction of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) with Ni(111) is studied by using ab initio embedding theory. The Ni(111) surface is modeled as a three-layer, 28-atom cluster with the Ni atoms fixed at bulk lattice sites. The present calculations show that both HCN and HNC bind to the surface in an end-on geometry with the molecular axis perpendicular to the surface. Tilting either the H atom or the H−C bond or the H−N bond away from the surface normal destabilizes the system. The side-on bonded HCN and HNC with the C−N bond parallel to the surface are energetically less stable than the corresponding end-on bonded species. The calculated adsorption energy of the end-on HCN is 18 kcal/mol with the fcc 3-fold site favored over other sites by about 1−3 kcal/mol. The end-on HNC binds to the surface at the atop site with adsorption energy of 11 kcal/mol. The calculated adsorption energy for the side-on bonded HCN is only 7 kcal/mol. The side-on bonded HNC species is found to be unbound b...
Shrinky-Dink microfluidics: rapid generation of deep and rounded patterns.

We present a rapid and non-photolithographic approach to microfluidic pattern generation by leveraging the inherent shrinkage properties of biaxially oriented polystyrene thermoplastic sheets. This novel approach yields channels deep enough for mammalian cell assays, with demonstrated heights up to 80 µm. Moreover, we can consistently and easily achieve rounded channels, multi-height channels, and channels as thin as 65 µm in width. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this simple microfabrication approach by fabricating a functional gradient generator. The whole process—from device design conception to working device—can be completed within minutes.
Diurnal Cycles of Cumulus, Cumulonimbus, Stratus, Stratocumulus, and Fog from Surface Observations over Land and Ocean

AbstractA worldwide climatology of the diurnal cycles of low clouds is obtained from surface observations made eight or four times daily at 3- or 6-h intervals from weather stations and ships. Harmonic fits to the daily cycle are made for 5388 weather stations with long periods of record, and for gridded data on a 5° × 5° or 10° × 10° latitude–longitude grid over land and ocean areas separately.For all cloud types, the diurnal cycle has larger amplitude over land than over ocean, on average by a factor of 2. Diurnal cycles of cloud amount appear to be proprietary to each low cloud type, showing the same cycle regardless of whether that type dominates the diurnal cycle of cloud cover. Stratiform cloud amounts tend to peak near sunrise, while cumuliform amounts peak in the afternoon; however, cumulonimbus amounts peak in the early morning over the ocean. Small latitudinal and seasonal variation is apparent in the phase and amplitude of the diurnal cycles of each type. Land areas show more seasonality compar...
Lectin-mediated binding of liposomes to the ocular lens.

The possibility of binding Concanavalin A containing liposomes to the intraocular tissues of the dogfish ( Mustelus canis ) eye was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Whole fresh dogfish lenses incubated with liposome preparations were examined by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that liposomes containing Concanavalin A were bound to the lens capsule and that this binding was inhibited if lenses were preincubated with Concanavalin A. There was little non-specific binding of liposomes alone. In vivo, small volumes of aqueous humor were withdrawn from the eyes and were replaced with fluorescein-labelled Concanavalin A-containing liposomes in phosphate buffered saline. After 6 hr, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy revealed liposomes bound only to the anterior lens capsule and to a lesser extent to the corneal endothelium. At 23 and 30 hr liposomes were demonstrable only on the anterior lens capsule. These findings suggest that lectin-mediated binding of liposomes to intraocular tissues may be used as a method for specific drug delivery to these tissues.
An evaluation of some antacid and antipeptic agents in the prevention of gastric ulceration in the rat.

Using a simple method, developed in our laboratory, for producing ulcers in rats, we have evaluated a number of therapeutic agents used in the management of gastric and duodenal ulcer for their ability to protect the rumen against ulcerations and for their antacid and antipeptic action. Included in the study were Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and colloidal aluminum hydroxide, singly and in mixtures, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium oxide, di-basic aluminum aminoacetate, magnesium trisilicate, and sodium bicarbonate. The protection of the rumen mucosa was greatest but not complete with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and colloidal aluminum hydroxide used singly. The other agents showed a diminishing protective action in the order in which they have been enumerated above. Sodium bicarbonate was the least effective. When combined in a mixture, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and colloidal aluminum hydroxide exhibited synergistic beneficial effects and protected the rumen against ulcerations completely. The practical possibilities of combining these two agents in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer are discussed. Our results accent the importance of pepsin in the development of ulceration. With a pH which is just low enough to allow pepsin to act, severity of ulceration was found to be directly related to the “peptic activity” of the recovered gastric contents and was not dependent upon further variations in acidity or in “pepsin concentration.”
Magnetic coupling of 3 He with a fluorocarbon substrate

We observe a nuclear interaction between3He and the19F spin species of a fluorocarbon substrate. The magnetization of a3He film is strongly linked to that of the19F substrate spins. We use this interaction as a probe of the3He to identify several features important in surface relaxation.
The incidence and risk factors for developing dry eye after myopic LASIK.

Purpose To determine the incidence of dry eye and its risk factors after myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Design Single-center, prospective randomized clinical trial of 35 adult patients, aged 24 to 54 years, with myopia undergoing LASIK. Methods setting and study population: Participants were randomized to undergo LASIK with a superior or a nasal hinge flap. They were evaluated at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. intervention: Bilateral LASIK with either a superior-hinge Hansatome microkeratome (n = 17) or a nasal-hinge Amadeus microkeratome (n = 18). main outcome measures: The criterion for dry eye was a total corneal fluorescein staining score ≥3. Visual acuity, ocular surface parameters, and corneal sensitivity were also analyzed. Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to assess rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals. Results The incidence of dry eye in the nasal- and superior-hinge group was eight (47.06%) of 17 and nine (52.94%) of 17 at 1 week, seven (38.89%) of 18 and seven (41.18%) of 17 at 1 month, four (25%) of 16 and three (17.65%) of 17 at 3 months, and two (12.50%) of 16 and six (35.29%) of 17 at 6 months, respectively. Dry eye was associated with level of preoperative myopia (RR 0.88/each diopter, P = .04), laser-calculated ablation depth (RR 1.01/μm, P = 0.01), and combined ablation depth and flap thickness (RR 1.01/μm, P = 0.01). Conclusions Dry eye occurs commonly after LASIK surgery in patients with no history of dry eye. The risk of developing dry eye is correlated with the degree of preoperative myopia and the depth of laser treatment.
Biology of ischemic and toxic renal tubular cell injury: role of nitric oxide and the inflammatory response.

Acute ischemic or toxic injury to the kidney induces alterations in the expression of many genes. Some of these molecular responses have been termed 'maladaptive' because they exacerbate the tubular damage induced by the initiating insult. Some maladaptive responses include alterations in the activi
Lessons of Chernobyl and Beyond: Creation of the Safety Culture in Nuclear Power Plants

Global security and sustainability are hostages to nuclear safety. Without nuclear safety, in this era of proliferating nuclear weapons, global security will be a dream; and in a world with 58 still operating Soviet-designed nuclear power reactors, sustainability will only be a mirage. According a Russian official, all the commercial nuclear reactors operating on Russian territory are nothing better than “bombs temporarily generating electricity.” The share of energy generation of these reactors in their respective countries is rather significant; and in the short run, their closure and replacement are neither realistic nor economically feasible. Human and organizational factors play a vital role in the safety of complex, large-scale technological systems. Fortunately, these days, this fact has been almost universally recognized, although not necessarily fully incorporated into the operation, by the nuclear industry around the world. In order to improve the safety problems of nuclear power, we need to imp...
Characterization of serotonin receptors in the regulation of spawning in the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas)

The serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype(s) mediating spawning in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), was investigated by examining the efficacy of specific serotonergic ligands at stimulating or blocking spawning. The receptor profile for spawning stimulation resembled that of a vertebrate 5-HT1 type. The rank order of potency for agonists was 5-HT (10−3 M) = 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetral in hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) (10−4 and 10−3 M,5-HT1A)>5-HT (10−4 M) > 1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine (1-NP) (10−4M,5-HT1)> m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) (10−4M, 5-HT1)> 2-methylserotonin (10−4M, 5-HT3)> alpha-methylserotonin (10−4M, 5-HT2) = dopamine (10−3M) = norepinephrine (10−3M). In contrast, 5-HT2 receptor antagonists were the most effective at blocking both 5-HT-and 8-OH-DPAT-induced spawning. Cyproheptadine (10−4M; a 5-HT2 antagonist) reduced spawning in 10−3M 5-HT and completely blocked spawning in 10−4M 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT (10−4 and 10−3M). Mianserin (10−4M; a 5-HT2 antagonist) reduced the intensity of 5-HT (10−4and 10−3M)-induced male spawning and completely blocked 8-OH-DPAT (10−4 and 10−3M)-induced spawning in both sexes. NAN-190 (10−4 M;a 5-HT1A antagonist) reduced spawning in 10−3M 8-OH-DPAT but was ineffective at blocking spawning in 5-HT (10−4 and 10−3M). Propranolol (10−4M, 5-HT1), ketanserin (10−4M, 5-HT2), and 1-NP (10−4M) did not significantly block 10−3M 5-HT-induced spawning. The rank order of antagonists was, for 5-HT (both 10−4 and 10−3 M), cyproheptadine> mianserin > NAN-190> propranolol> ketanserin = 1-NP;for 8-OH-DPAT (10−4 and 10−3M) it was mianserin = cyproheptadine > NAN-190. To our knowledge, this is the first 5-HT receptor characterization for a freshwater bivalve. Our results suggest that spawning in zebra mussels is modulated by a serotonin receptor(s)whose profile is unlike any described for vertebrates. © 1993 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Concurrency control in real-time database systems

Efficient concurrency control protocols are required in order for it to be possible to schedule real-time database transactions so as to satisfy both real-time constraints and data consistency requirements. In this paper, two new real-time concurrency control protocols are proposed. Performance of the protocols is discussed based on simulations comparing them to some previously proposed real-time concurrency control protocols.
On the Risk of Quiet Vehicles to Pedestrians and Drivers

Technology has enabled the mass production of hybrid and electric vehicles. Interest in these alternative-energy vehicles has been heightened due to air quality concerns in urban areas. However, th...
ON THE GLOBAL STRUCTURE OF PERIOD DOUBLING FLOWS

Abstract For a wide class of period doubling flows on R3, we analyze the global structure of the invariant manifolds and the topology of the bifurcating periodic orbits. We emphasize aspects of the dynamics which are not visible in an analysis of the associated Poincare return map. The global manifold structure implies constraints for the subsequent bifurcational behavior of the flow. The period doubled orbits are classified using the theory of iterated torus knots. This classification reveals an infinite number of topologically distinct period doubling flows and raises the important question as to which sequences of torus knots appear in the asymptotic limit of a period doubling cascade. If the asymptotic sequence of torus knots produced is not unique, then the self-similarity of the Poincare map does not imply a self-similar structure for the flow. In particular, at the accumulation point for the cascade, one would not expect to observe a universal power spectrum for the flow. This possibility is of some experimental interest.
Fundamental solutions for small deformations superposed on finite biaxial extension of an elastic body

Infinite and semi-infinite isotropic elastic bodies in finite biaxial extension are in addition subjected to infinitesimal concentrated forces parallel and perpendicular to the extension plane respectively. In the semi-infinite case the forces are on the plane boundary. The problems are analogous to those for transversely isotropic bodies subjected to the infinitesimal concentrated forces only. Solutions to both categories of problems are given with the aid of potential functions. To facilitate the evaluation, expressions for the resultant force on a surface are given in terms of line integrals around the bounding curve. The solutions to the semi-infinite body problems are derived from those to the infinite body problems by adding appropriate potential functions so as to meet the boundary conditions on the plane surface. Computations for the semiinfinite cases of the superposition problems are given.
Improving Conceptual Estimating Methods Using Historical Cost Data

Growing needs for the highway system are causing great concern, considering that federal and state funding cannot possibly support all the demands. To maximize the benefit of each allotted dollar, a dependable method for forecasting costs is needed. In 1993, the Federal Highway Administration and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet authorized a study of current estimating methods for highway projects and the development of a better method, if possible. The research led to the development of a computer program, KYEstimate. It uses historical cost data and project length to calculate a unit cost (cost/kilometer or cost/mile), and promises to improve conceptual estimates for highway projects. KYEstimate is most beneficial in the planning stages of a project; the estimate produced should be viewed as a preliminary estimate only. The program has been designed to complement the skills of an estimator, and should make the conceptual estimating process easier and less time consuming. KYEstimate also provides justification and documentation for the estimate. Using their own historical data, other states could also benefit from this type of conceptual estimating.
Identification of a protein from Escherichia coli whose synthesis appears to be triggered by the initiation of DNA replication.

Abstract Using a DNA temperature sensitive initiation mutant to synchronize the replication and cell division cycle, we have compared proteins which are synthesized during a period of DNA arrest with those synthesized after return to permissive temperature. This work has led to the identification of a DNA-binding protein of 60–65,000 molecular weight (SDS-gel electrophoresis) whose synthesis appears to be triggered by the initiation event.
Discharge planning as part of daily nursing practice

Nurses deal with planning posthospitalization care within increasingly urgent focused environments and amid competing priorities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine nurses' discharge planning efforts as these occurred in practice. Eight nurses were observed and interviewed as they cared for selected patients. Major findings indicate that nurses' expectations of patients' progress guided their discharge assessments, teaching, and planning over time. Discharge teaching was a prominent part of daily practice that became more specific as hospital discharge neared. A gap between observed and documented discharge planning efforts existed, which poses significant challenges for nurses in many positions.
Early vegetative segregation of mitochondrial genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The vegetative segregation of seven mitochondrial gene loci was studied in yeast. At various times after mating antibiotic resistant and sensitive strains, samples of the diploid progeny were examined to determine the segregation rates of the alleles at each locus in three- and four-factor crosses. The rate of segregation was approximately the same for the cap1, ery1, oli1, oli2, and par1 loci, which are scattered over about two-thirds of the mitochondrial DNA molecule. Differences in segregation rates were found but showed no consistent relationship to the map positions of the loci. This is in contrast to the segregation of chloroplast genes in Chlamydomonas, where loci segregate at rates proportional to their distance from an “attachment point” which appears to govern the partitioning of chloroplast DNA molecules between daughter chloroplasts when the chloroplast divides. Our data are compatible with a model in which the mitochondrial DNA molecules in a cell occur in a small number of groups corresponding to individual nucleoids or mitochondria. Most or all of the molecules in a group carry the same allele at any given locus. These genetically homogeneous groups of molecules may thus be the units of segregation, and may be partitioned randomly between mother cell and bud at each division.
Minimizing mean flow time for UET tasks

We consider the problem of scheduling a set of n unit-execution-time (UET) tasks, with precedence constraints, on m ≥ 1 parallel and identical processors so as to minimize the mean flow time. For two processors, the Coffman--Graham algorithm gives a schedule that simultaneously minimizes the mean flow time and the makespan. The problem becomes strongly NP-hard for an arbitrary number of processors, although the complexity is not known for each fixed m ≥ 3. For arbitrary precedence constraints, we show that the Coffman--Graham algorithm gives a schedule with a worst-case bound no more than 2, and we give examples showing that the bound is tight. For intrees, the problem can be solved in polynomial time for each fixed m ≥ 1, although the complexity is not known for an arbitrary number of processors. We show that Hu's algorithm (which is optimal for the makespan objective) yields a schedule with a worst-case bound no more than 1.5, and we give examples showing that the ratio can approach 1.308999.
Binding of active and inactive hemolytic factor of sea anemone nematocyst venom to red blood cells.

Abstract Sea anemone nematocyst venom, in the presence of Ca2+, induced the lysis of red blood cells after an induction period. In the absence of Ca2+, however, no lysis occurred, but the hemolytic factor was shown to bind to the cells. This binding was shown to be requisite for the Ca2+ dependent lysis to ensue. After freeze thawing, the venom proteins responsible for lysis lost their hemolytic activity, yet still bound to the cells. The freezethawed inactivated venom competitively blocked hemolysis by active venom.
The Impropriety of Plea Agreements: A Tale of Two Counties

In this article, the author, a former prosecutor and a former assistant public defender, draws on his five and a half years of experience as a “professional plea bargainer” to explore the many subtleties of a practice that he suggests leads to work avoidance, misplaced loyalties, coercion, and other negative characteristics on the part of courthouse regulars, and to injustice for those criminal defendants who do not wish to plead guilty. He suggests that criminal courts have become overly dependent on plea bargaining, which is used much more extensively than is either necessary or appropriate.