cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charged-large-array-flexible mirror.

A charged-large-array-flexible (CLAFLEX) mirror is a new concept for the deformable mirror. This mirror consists of a continuous piezoelectric transducer sheet whose thickness is controlled by one or more electron beams. A CLAFLEX mirror can be controlled using image-intensifier or video devices and digital image-processing techniques. A 100 × 100 array of deformable mirror elements can be controlled with state-of-the-art components, making short-wavelength high-power laser-beam steering, focusing, and phase conjugation practical. Two different CLAFLEX mirror control schemes are described. One uses a scanning electron beam; the other uses multiple parallel electron beams. Both designs use phase-lock control circuits that are synchronized by first phase locking a small central region of the mirror and then expanding this region (using an iris diaphragm) until the entire CLAFLEX mirror is phase-locked on the same wave front. A CLAFLEX mirror can be steered and focused optically by biasing the interference intensity distribution using an external light source. A wedge-shaped intensity bias, for example, will tilt the CLAFLEX mirror.
The moral world of Greco-Roman associations:

This article examines the language and regulations of Greco-Roman associations with a focus upon their moral worlds. Many of the virtues ascribed to the benefactors of and participants in these associations are based more upon their financial and administrative contributions than personal character, but sometimes such virtues are applied to people who do not provide financial assistance, suggesting a democratization of Greek values. Although the evidence indicates that generally ancient associations did not require a moral transformation of their members, nor did they stress moral guidelines beyond activity in the association (for which they were criticized by others), the strictly enforced regulations for life in the association upheld important codes that were connected to broader societal values. Evidence from the associations is thus another important component for the examination of the background and tensions among religions of antiquity.
A visual process connector for Unix

Upconn a tool that lets Unix programmers visually describe the connections between the processes in a distributed program and then execute the distributed program, is described. Upconn consists of several modules and can be extended by adding to a library of tools rather than by adding many special features to Upconn itself. Upconn has three main uses. First, it lets researchers study distributed processing in common Unix environments, reducing the dependence on specialized environments. Second, it can be used for rapid prototyping of distributed applications. Third, Upconn is a learning tool that can help students focus on writing distributed programs without dealing with the complexities of the communication links. >
Antibodies: a rich source of novel chemical agents for pharmacological studies

Abstract The immune system is not only a complex shield against disease, but also a rich source of chemicals which have many pharmacological applications. The diversity of antibodies and their ability to select and bind other compounds with high affinity makes them valuable for purposes which seem far distant from their original role. In this review, Edgar Cook and Dennis Drayer discuss how antibodies are being used for the separation and analysis of optical isomers of drugs, the treatment of drug toxicity and the preparation of drug analogs with fascinating receptor binding properties.
Building a better fluid for emergency resuscitation of traumatic brain injury

UNLABELLED Hextend (HEX) is a colloid solution that is FDA-approved for volume expansion during surgery. ATL-146e is a novel adenosine A2A receptor agonist that has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and coronary vasodilator properties. Three series of experiments were designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of HEX+/-ATL-146e for emergency resuscitation from traumatic brain injury (TBI) + hemorrhagic hypotension. METHODS In the first two studies in vivo, anesthetized, ventilated pigs (30-45 kg) received a fluid percussion TBI, 45% arterial hemorrhage, and 30 minutes shock period. In Series 1, resuscitation consisted of unlimited crystalloid (n = 8) or HEX (n = 8) to correct systolic arterial pressure >100 mm Hg and heart rate 70 mm Hg for 60-240 minutes. In Series 2 (n = 31), resuscitation consisted of a 1 L bolus of HEX + ATL-146e (10 ng/kg/min, n = 10) or HEX +placebo (n = 10) followed by crystalloid to the same endpoints. In Series 3 in vivo, the hemodynamic response evoked by 0, 10, 50, or 100 ng/kg/min ATL-146e was measured before or 60 minutes after HEX resuscitation from 45% hemorrhage. RESULTS Following TBI+hemorrhage, there were 4/22 deaths in series 1 and 11/31 deaths in series 2. In those alive at 30 minutes, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, mixed venous O2 saturation, and cerebral venous O2 saturation were all reduced by 40-60%, while heart rate and lactate were increased 2-5 fold. With no resuscitation (n = 2), there was minimal hemodynamic compensation and progressive acidosis. Upon resuscitation, these values corrected but intracranial pressure progressively rose from <5 mm Hg to 15-20 mm Hg. Series 1: With HEX (n = 8) versus crystalloid (n = 8), CPP was less labile, acid/base was maintained, and the fluid requirement was reduced by 60% (all p < 0.05) Series 2: With ATL-146e (n = 10) versus placebo (n = 10), stroke volume and cardiac output were improved by 40-60%, and the fluid requirement was reduced by 30% (all p < 0.05). Series 3: ATL-146e caused a dose-related increase (p < 0.05) in stroke volume after, but not before, hemorrhage. The effects on pre-load, afterload, and heart rate were similar before and after hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS HEX alone is a safe and efficacious low volume alternative to initial crystalloid resuscitation after TBI. An adenosine A2A agonist combined with 1 L of HEX safely and effectively counteracted a decrease in cardiac performance noted after TBI+hemorrhage without causing hypotension or bradycardia.
Conscious states as objects of awareness: on Uriah Kriegel, Subjective consciousness: a self-representational theory

It is a real pleasure to discuss this book, which makes a significant contribution to consciousness studies. Self-Representationalism is a bold and promising new theory. While the theory builds on some key insights of familiar theories of consciousness, especially higher-order theories, it goes far beyond existing theories in its development of these insights. A particular strength of the book is its sustained focus on phenomenology. Kriegel never loses sight of the real explananda of his theory, and he tirelessly tests the metaphysical and ontological details of the account against the phenomenological data. The combination of technical sophistication and phenomenological sensitivity makes for an exceptionally compelling, nuanced position. My critical remarks will focus on a thesis that underpins Self-Representationalism: namely, that phenomenally conscious states are states the subject is aware of. This thesis is crucial to Kriegel’s defense of his theory, since the idea that we are aware of our conscious states is what motivates the claim that conscious states are represented. That claim forms a central premise in the argument to show that conscious states are self-represented. Here is Kriegel’s formulation of this thesis, which he calls the awareness thesis (or ‘‘AT’’).
Formation of High Quality InP and InAs Nanocrystals in a Noncoordinating Solvent

High quality InP nanocrystals without any size sorting were synthesized in a noncoordinating solvent by strictly controlling the reaction parameters. This synthetic method is much faster, less expensive, and “greener” than any current methods for the synthesis of high quality InP nanocrystals. Fatty acids with well-defined chain lengths as the ligands, a noncoordinating solvent, and a thorough degassing process are critical factors for the formation of high quality InP nanocrystals. The growth of nearly monodisperse InAs nanocrystals through a similar scheme was also observed.
Evaluation and comparison of silicon and gallium nitride power transistors in LLC resonant converter

Silicon Power MOSFETs, with more than thirty years of development, are widely accepted and applied in power converters. Gallium Nitride (GaN) power devices are commercially available in recent years [1], but the device performance and application have not been fully developed. In this paper, GaN devices are compared with state-of-art Si devices to evaluate the device impact on soft-switching DC-DC converters, like LLC resonant converter. The analytical approach of device selection and comparison are conducted and loss related device parameters are derived. Total device losses are compared between Si and GaN based on these parameters. GaN shows less loss compared with Si, yielding approximately a 20% reduction of total device loss. Two 300 W, 500 kHz, 48 V-12 V GaN-based and Si-based converter prototypes are built and tested. Since the body diode forward voltage drop of GaN device is high, the dead time is adjusted to minimize the body diode conduction period. The peak efficiency of the GaN-based converter is 97.5%, and the full load efficiency is 96.1%, which is around 0.3% higher than the Si-based converter at full load. The test results shows that, although GaN device has lower loss, the improvement of converter efficiency is not much. The reason is that the transformer loss accounts for more than 60% of total loss. Therefore, a transformer which fits the GaN device characteristic need to be further investigated.
The texted and textured construction of Irish identity in the theatrical world of Charleston, South Carolina

On the eve of the American Civil War, the Irish who had immigrated to the United States as a result of the Great Famine were in the process of constructing an Irish working-class identity in Charleston, South Carolina. A “legacy” for such construction had been created in the previous century: those who had come from Ireland then had used public displays of celebration and concomitant rhetorical devices to create the impression that they were willing and eager to assimilate. Their rituals at banquets and other public occasions “set the stage”, so to speak, for the next century's generation of immigrant Irish who also found it necessary to articulate publicly their claim to an ethnic American identity. Theatrical venues and staged performances served the Famine Irish well in this endeavour.
Moving beyond the Winter Hardiness Plateau in U.S. Oat Germplasm

Progress has been slow in the development of winter-hardy oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars. No cultivar released in the last 40 yr has better freezing tolerance than the cultivar Norline, which was released in 1960. However, in an analysis of 65 yr of field testing, Norline was not more winter hardy than 'Wintok', which was released in 1940. An analysis of individual location-year combinations of Wintok and Norline suggested that progeny from a cross of these two cultivars might contain germplasm that was transgressive for freezing tolerance. The objective of this research was to use mass selection in controlled environment freeze tests on successive segregating generations of the cross between Wintok and Norline to identify inbred progenies with significantly greater winter hardiness than either parent. Following three generations of seed increase and three generations of selection for freezing tolerance in controlled freeze tests, several F 7 genotypes were identified with greater freezing tolerance than both parents. In the F 9 generation, two of the lines exhibited a higher level of freezing tolerance than either parent, and both were slightly more freezing tolerant than the moderately winter-hardy barley, Hordeum vulgare 'Trebi'.
Parametric and pharmacological analyses of the enhanced grooming response elicited by the D1 dopamine receptor agonist SKF 38393 in the rat

The present report investigated several parametric and pharmacological aspects of the enhanced self-grooming behavior of rats following systemic administration of the selective D1 dopamine (DA) receptor agonist SKF 38393. The amount of time that rats spent grooming themselves was measured continuously for 30 min following drug administration to provide a quantitative measure of the drug-induced behavior. SKF 38393 increased the amount of grooming in a dose-dependent manner (0.5–16 mg/kg, SC). The onset of this effect required at least 5 min and it persisted for at least 60 min. The ability of SKF 38393 to enhance grooming was shared by R-SKF 38393, but not S-SKF 38393, consistent with the affinities of these enantiomers for the D1 DA receptor. Unlike SKF 38393, the peripheral D1 agonist fenoldopam (SKF 82526) failed to cause an increased grooming response, suggesting a central site of action for elicitation of this behavior. The SKF 38393-induced increase in grooming was competitively antagonized by the D1 selective antagonist SCH 23390 (0.5 mg/kg, SC). Although the D2 DA receptor-selective antagonist eticlopride reduced SKF 38393-elicited grooming, this antagonism appeared to be of a physiological rather than pharmacological nature. When eticlopride was coadministered with the non-selective (mixed) D1/D2 agonist apomorphine, an increase in grooming behavior similar to that produced by SKF 38393 was observed. Inactivation of D1 and D2 DA receptors produced by pretreatment with the irreversible antagonistN-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), at a dose which reduces D1 and D2 receptor density by ≥50% (8.0 mg/kg, IP), reduced SKF 38393-induced grooming by approximately 50%. Prior protection of D1 receptors by SCH 23390 completely prevented the effect of EEDQ whereas prior protection of D2 receptors by eticlopride did not. These results demonstrate that enhanced grooming behavior elicited by dopamine agonists in rats, when measured as the amount of time spent grooming, provides a reliable, quantifiable index of selective D1 DA receptor activation in the CNS. In addition, this behavior does not appear to require concurrent stimulation of D2 DA receptors by endogenous DA.
A Subgradient Procedure for the Solution of Minimax Location Problems.

Abstract Unconstrained planar minimax location problems are typically convex but not everywhere differentiable, thus precluding their solution by gradient techniques. We employ subgradients, which always exist, to the solution of some planar minimax location problems. A heuristic subgradient algorithm is presented for the solution of minimax location problems involving Euclidean and rectilinear distances. An attractive feature of the method is the ease of implementation on any size computer. We give a computational comparison of the algorithm with existing methods.
Religion and Science in America: Populism versus Elitism

Historian James Gilbert argues that the dialogue between science and religion is an important dynamic in the creation of contemporary American culture. He traces the dialogue not only in the confines of the academic world but also in popular culture. The science-religion dialogue reveals a basic tension between the material and the spiritual that helps define the core of the American psyche: fascination with material progress yet commitment to traditional religious beliefs. Gilbert's cultural narrative traces the dialogue in a unique way because of the attention given to popular renditions of science and religion in evangelical films used by the military, in televised science programs, in science-fiction literature, and at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. Gilbert suggests that the discussion between science and religion is significant because it is part of the process of creating new cultural structures necessitated by social, scientific, and technological developments. The tensions between religiously informed commonsense science and professional science work to create new cultural forms in a democratic society. Religion and science in dialogue are part of the process of cultural creation. Dogmatism on the part of either scientists or religionists is countered by the democratic process itself.
Adjusting stacked-hedge ratios for stochastic convenience yield: a minimum variance approach

Absent liquidity in long-term futures or forward markets, firms use nearby contracts to hedge long-term commitments. To hedge commodities that exhibit stochastic convenience yield, adjustments to the naive stacked hedge are necessary. Simulated and empirical tests of the hedging model using oil, copper, soybeans, gold and yen show that a stacked hedge reduces the volatility of terminal wealth. For commercial commodities, adjusting the hedge for stochastic convenience yield further reduces volatility. Kalman filter methods are used to estimate the parameters in the underlying.
Continued fraction representations of units associated with certain Hecke groups

We consider the Hecke groups generated by $ S(z)=z+\lambda $ and $ T(z)=-1/z $ with $ \lambda=2\cos(\pi/q) $ for $ q\geqq 3 $ . We show that when $ q=4 $ or 6, the units in $ \mathbb{Z}[\lambda] $ are infinite pure periodic $ \lambda $ -fractions, and hence cannot be cusp points (images of $ \infty $ by a member of the group.) The case when $ q=7 $ is quite different; examples of units that are finite $ \lambda $ -fractions and units that are infinite $ \lambda $ -fractions are given. We conclude with a conjecture on the structure of these infinite repeating units.
Effects of early postnatal growth restriction and subsequent catch-up growth on body composition, insulin sensitivity, and behavior in neonatal rats

Early postnatal growth retardation with subsequent catch-up growth is common in preterm infants. We describe a model of ex utero (postnatal) growth retardation followed by varying degrees of catch-up growth in the neonatal rat. Newborn CD rat pups were randomized to litters of 10 (NN, normal then normal intake) or 16 (R, restricted intake). On day 10, R pups were further randomized to litters of 6 (RC, restricted then catch-up intake), 10 (RN, restricted then normal intake), or 16 (RR, restricted then restricted intake). Body weight, body composition, insulin sensitivity, biochemistry, and learning (passive avoidance test) were assessed. Growth was significantly lower in the R than the NN group. Subsequently, the RC group caught up with the NN group but had higher fat mass; the RN group showed partial catch-up but body composition similar to that of the NN group. Insulin sensitivity did not differ between groups. Learning behavior was significantly better in the NN than the three R groups, and in the RC group than the RR or RN groups. Early postnatal growth retardation is associated with poorer medium-term growth and poorer developmental outcome. Increased catch-up growth is associated with improved developmental outcome but with increased body adiposity, without any significant effect on glucose homeostasis.
Curriculum decision making for teacher education

(1990). Curriculum decision making for teacher education. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 29, Reforming Education: The Holmes Agenda, pp. 36-41.
Echocardiography in the neonate and young infant

The neonate and young child present unique problems in echocardiographic diagnosis because of the wide spectrum of possible abnormalities and the tendency toward multiple lesions, requiring clear visualization of all great veins and arteries as well as intracardiac structures. Performance and interpretation of echocardiograms in this age group require an extensive knowledge of the pathologic anatomy of congenital heart disease. Recognition of unusual lesions is facilitated by displaying the heart in an anatomically familiar (upright) format in order to draw from experience in angiography and pathology. The subxiphoid (subcostal) transducer position provides a flexible acoustic window for scanning the heart and great vessels in a multitude of planes, providing a general orientation for each cardiac segment. All other transducer positions are utilized to provide specific anatomic information. Although in this age group echocardiographic visualization of intracardiac anatomy is superior to other techniques, delineation of the great vessels remains its greatest limitation. Tortuous vessels may not lie in a single plane and, therefore, cannot always be displayed throughout its length by a "slice" technique such as echocardiography. In addition, limited focal range of most high frequency transducers is a continuing impediment to imaging structures in the posterior and superior mediastinum. Echocardiography provides a cost-effective means for identifying the neonate with life-threatening cardiovascular disease. It provides a complete and definitive anatomic diagnosis, in some cases eliminating the need for further procedures, while in others, improving the timing and performance of cardiac catheterization. Future studies should investigate the proper utilization of echocardiography as adjunct to or replacement of other techniques in the management of the young child.
Attributes of successfully matched versus unmatched obstetrics and gynecology fellowship applicants.

Objective We sought to determine the attributes of successful and unsuccessful fellowship applicants of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Inc (ABOG)-approved fellowship programs and to identify salient differences between subspecialty applicants. Study Design Anonymous questionnaires were completed by obstetrics and gynecology fellowship applicants using a web-based survey after match day of 2012. Fellowship applicant practices were evaluated and included importance of prematch preparations, interview process, networking practices, and postmatch reflections. Results A total of 327 fellowship applicants applying to programs accredited by the ABOG were surveyed, and 200 completed the survey (61% response rate). A comparison between prematch educational preparations pursued by applicants showed that matched applicants were more likely to come from allopathic medical schools (94%), attain membership in Alpha Omega Alpha and/or Phi Beta Kappa (27%), and receive a letter of recommendation from a nationally known subspecialist (77%) than unmatched applicants ( P = .03, .005, and .007, respectively). Applicants to reproductive endocrinology and infertility were more likely than female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery to be members of academic honor societies ( P = .008). Research publication was common among matched subspecialist applicants, with over half publishing 1-3 peer-reviewed manuscripts prior to matching. Applicants to gynecologic oncology did more visiting electives than any other specialty applicants ( P Conclusion Successful obstetrics and gynecology fellowship applicants have superior prematch preparations, strong letters of recommendation from leaders in their field of interest, and multiple research publications. These data will guide applicants to a critical self-analysis before deciding to apply.
How long does it take to see a flat Brownian path on the average

Let Wt be a standard Brownian motion and define R(t, 1) = maxt−1⩽s⩽tWs−mint−1⩽s⩽t Ws for t⩽1. Given e>0, let τ(e)=min{t⩾1: R(t, 1)⩽ e}. We prove that lime→oe2log E(τ(e))=12π2. We also give the lim inf behavior of R(t,1) and inf1⩽s⩽tR(s, 1).
Maternal care can rapidly induce an odor-guided huddling preference in rat pups.

Olfactory-guided huddling is learned and expressed by Postnatal Day (PND) 15, when rat pups huddle preferentially with conspecifics or with targets bearing an odor previously associated with maternal care. Experiment 1 replicated this induction of an odor-guided huddling preference with a truncated regime of conditioning with a scented foster dam. Pups exposed to an odor in association with foster maternal care during five daily 2-hr sessions on PNDs 1–5, 5–9, or 10–14, but not pups merely exposed to the odor, displayed a huddling preference for the conditioned odor, but only when conditioning commenced after PND 5. Experiment 2 demonstrated that a single, 2-hr exposure to a scented foster dam can induce a huddling preference in pups. Analysis of maternal behavior during the 2-hr conditioning sessions on PND 14 revealed that frequency of maternal hovering over pups, but not licking/grooming or duration of contact, was associated with induction of the odor preference.
Intracellular binding of sugars by yeast cells after pre-incubation with sugars and polyols.

Abstract Yeast cells incubated previously for 21 hours in 0.001M glucose or in 0.2M mannitol took up more sorbose than cells incubated in 0.2M sorbose or in water (i.e., starved). Calculated internal concentrations exceeded external. Active uptake, metabolic conversion and differences in internal water space evidently were not responsible for the increased uptake of this non-metabolized sugar. Initial efflux of sorbose was similar and rapid for all cells; however, total efflux varied with the cell type. Cells with a high uptake showed high retention; these cells also have high rates of CO 2 production. Mannitol retention or intracellular binding was greater than sorbose binding. Incubation of cells in 0.1M glucose reduced size and internal water space; sorbose uptake by these cells was lowest.
Transition from stratified to intermittent flows in small angle upflows

Abstract The effect of small upward inclinations on the transition from stratified to slug flow was studied. Experiments were conducted with air and water at atmospheric pressure, flowing in a pipe with a diameter of 0.0763 m and a length of 23 m, at upward inclinations of 0°, 0.05°, 0.2°, 0.4° and 1.2°. Measurements were made of the location of the gas–liquid interface at several locations along the pipe and of the pressure gradient. A critical gas velocity, U SGC , is determined below which an equilibrium stratified flow was not observed. The mechanism of slugging for upflows is found to differ from horizontal flows in a region in which the liquid layer in an equilibrium stratified flow cannot be supported by the interfacial shear of the gas phase. Within it, slugs are formed intermittently at the inlet. After slug formation, the depleted liquid layer builds up until the height at the inlet is such that a Kelvin–Helmholtz instability can trigger the formation of a new slug. Slugs carry liquid out of the pipe; the stratified flow that exists between slugs carries liquid in the opposite direction. The critical gas velocity is found to correspond to the maximum U SG in the reversed flow region. Outside this reversed flow region, the transition to slugging can be predicted by the long wavelength viscous stability analysis, by the Kelvin–Helmholtz analysis, or by the slug stability analysis, but slug stability is the dominant mechanism for the system that was studied.
L3- to L2-intensity ratios in soft-x-ray valence-band emission spectra of 3d transition metals.

The ${\mathit{L}}_{3}$- to ${\mathit{L}}_{2}$-intensity ratios of the valence-band x-ray-emission spectra of 3d transition metals are corrected for effects of Coster-Kronig transitions. A quantity ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{E}}$ is obtained which is the x-ray-emission analog of the ``white-line'' ${\mathit{L}}_{3}$- to ${\mathit{L}}_{2}$-intensity ratio measured in x-ray absorption. The values of ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{E}}$ so obtained do not show evidence for a dependence on magnetic moment that is observed in the corresponding intensity ratios in x-ray absorption. A comparison is made between the values of ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{E}}$ obtained here, and those of a related quantity determined with use of appearance-potential spectroscopy. We find evidence supporting a spin-orbit-splitting model for the ${\mathit{L}}_{3}$- to ${\mathit{L}}_{2}$-intensity ratio of Ni metal in x-ray absorption.
Resistance and potential profiles in the cleft between two myocardial cells: electrical analog and computer simulations.

Abstract The electrical properties of the intercalated disk cleft between cardiac muscle cells have been modeled by a discrete three-dimensional analog model. The model was analyzed both theoretically and experimentally to determine the voltage at the various nodes and the resistance from the nodes to ground (mouth of the cleft). The results are similar to those based on theoretical solutions of a continuous model. The underlying assumptions and the results from several theoretical models in the literature were compared. It was found that the potential profile was bullet-shaped, the potential being maximum in the center of the cleft and zero at the edges. The resistance profile was similar in shape, but the profile was flatter, the resistance changing most sharply at the edges. These results indicate that current entering the cleft from the prejunctional cell, nearly uniformly distributed across the area of the prejunctional membranes, will produce a large voltage in the middle regions of the cleft. Therefore, this cleft potential will change the potential across the postjunctional membrane, and thereby alter its state of excitability.
Exercise testing: Improving performance with a ramped Bruce protocol

Abstract Background The standard Bruce protocol was compared with a ramped Bruce protocol in stress testing of a general population of patients. Methods We examined hemodynamic responses, test duration, and patient comfort with each exercise protocol. Twenty-three patients completed the study, 14 men and 9 women with a mean age of 51 ± 12 years. Each patient completed the 2 treadmill protocols in a random manner. Results Mean peak heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and rating of perceived exertion according to the revised Borg scale were equivalent in both protocols, measuring 157 ± 15 beats/min, 170 ± 22 mm Hg, and 8 ± 1 for the Bruce and 158 ± 17 beats/min, 175 ± 20 mm Hg, and 8 ± 1 for the ramp protocol ( P = NS). Duration of test and metabolic equivalents (METs) were greater with the ramp than with the Bruce protocol. For the Bruce duration and METs were 8:25 ± 3:00 min and 9.6 ± 3.1, and for the ramp 10:01 ± 2:32 min and 11.4 ± 2.7 ( P P Conclusion We propose that a ramped modification of the Bruce protocol achieves equivalent hemodynamic goals but with better duration. Patients preferred the ramp with respect to comfort, and exercise data can be correlated easily with standard protocols. (Am Heart J 1999;138:1033-7.)
Population structure and mitochondrial DNA variation in sedentary Neotropical birds isolated by forest fragmentation

The current worldwide concern about tropical deforestation raises questions about the sustainability of avian populations in isolated forest fragments. One of the most important issues concerns the sizes of forest fragments necessary to maintain populations and the genetic variation within them. We address this by: (1) using mtDNA sequence variation to infer aspects of the population structure of four species of understory birds from four sites in southern Costa Rican rainforest; and (2) determining whether forest fragmentation that has occurred in the last 50 years has had an effect on the amount of within-population variation for the species in question. High levels of between-population differentiation (D xy ) were found over a relatively small geographic scale (<130 km) for white-breasted wood-wren (Henicorhina leucosticta), bicolored antbird (Gymnopithys leucaspis), and gray-headed tanager (Eucometis penicillata), suggesting that these species are highly sedentary and exhibit strong female philopatry. No mtDNA variation was found in Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis). In all three of the polymorphic species there was a significant decrease in mtDNA nucleotide diversity in populations isolated by forest fragmentation as compared to populations in contiguous primary forest. Even in relatively large (250–1000 ha) forest reserves, sedentary avian species have lost roughly half (range 43–85) of the nucleotide diversity in mtDNA over a relatively short period of time. Our results indicate that sedentary avian species in forest fragments isolated by clearing have undergone severe reductions in effective population size due to population bottlenecks perpetuated by prolonged isolation and potential edge effects.
Effects of Different Types of Human Foods on Dental Health in Experimental Animals

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUA LE EFFECTOS DE DIFFERENTE TYPOS DE ALIMENTATION HUMAN SUPER LE SALUTE DENTAL DE ANIMALES EXPERIMENTAL.—Studios clinic in patientes con marcatemente active carie dental monstrava que numerose differente alimentos e bibitas habeva essite consumite, in multe casos inter le repastos regular. Con le objectivo de testar experimentalmente le cariogenicitate relative de ille alimentos e bibitas, 53 de typo representative esseva offerite ad libitum durante 28 dies a recentemente dislactate rattos de linea Osborne-Mendel. Le resultatos de iste experimentos animal ha clarificate le datos dietari de previe studios clinic. Illos indica que multe communmente consumite alimentos e bibitas es possibilemente cariogene.
Identification of Galacturonic Acid-1-phosphate Kinase, a New Member of the GHMP Kinase Superfamily in Plants, and Comparison with Galactose-1-phosphate Kinase

The process of salvaging sugars released from extracellular matrix, during plant cell growth and development, is not well understood, and many molecular components remain to be identified. Here we identify and functionally characterize a unique Arabidopsis gene encoding an α-d-galacturonic acid-1-phosphate kinase (GalAK) and compare it with galactokinase. The GalAK gene appeared to be expressed in all tissues implicating that glycose salvage is a common catabolic pathway. GalAK catalyzes the ATP-dependent conversion of α-d-galacturonic acid (d-GalA) to α-d-galacturonic acid-1-phosphate (GalA-1-P). This sugar phosphate is then converted to UDP-GalA by a UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase as determined by a real-time 1H NMR-based assay. GalAK is a distinct member of the GHMP kinase family that includes galactokinase (G), homoserine kinase (H), mevalonate kinase (M), and phosphomevalonate kinase (P). Although these kinases have conserved motifs for sugar binding, nucleotide binding, and catalysis, they do have subtle difference. For example, GalAK has an additional domain near the sugar-binding motif. Using site-directed mutagenesis we established that mutation in A368S reduces phosphorylation activity by 40%; A41E mutation completely abolishes GalAK activity; Y250F alters sugar specificity and allows phosphorylation of d-glucuronic acid, the 4-epimer of GalA. Unlike many plant genes that undergo duplication, GalAK occurs as a single copy gene in vascular plants. We suggest that GalAK generates GalA-1-P from the salvaged GalA that is released during growth-dependent cell wall restructuring, or from storage tissue. The GalA-1-P itself is then available for use in the formation of UDP-GalA required for glycan synthesis.
Estimating the Privacy Protection Capability of a Web Service Provider

The growth of the Internet has been accompanied by the growth of Web services (e.g., e-commerce, e-health, etc.), leading to important provisions put in place to protect the privacy of Web service users. However, it is also important to be able to estimate the privacy protection capability of a Web service provider. Such estimates would benefit both users and providers. Users would benefit from being able to choose (assuming that such estimates were made public) the service that has the greatest ability to protect their privacy (this would in turn encourage Web service providers to pay more attention to privacy). Web service providers would benefit by being able to adjust their provisions for protecting privacy until certain target capability levels of privacy protection are reached. This article presents an approach for estimating the privacy protection capability of a Web service provider and illustrates the approach with an example.
A large displacement of the SXN motif of Cys115-modified penicillin-binding protein 5 from Escherichia coli.

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are the lethal targets of β-lactam antibiotics, catalyse the final stages of peptidoglycan biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. PBP 5 of Escherichia coli is a D-alanine CPase (carboxypeptidase) that has served as a useful model to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of low-molecular-mass PBPs. Previous studies have shown that modification of Cys115 with a variety of reagents results in a loss of CPase activity and a large decrease in the rate of deacylation of the penicilloyl–PBP 5 complex [Tamura, Imae and Strominger (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251, 414–423; Curtis and Strominger (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 2584–2588]. The crystal structure of wild-type PBP 5 in which Cys115 fortuitously had formed a covalent adduct with 2-mercaptoethanol was solved at 2.0 A (0.2 nm) resolution, and these results provide a structural rationale for how thiol-directed reagents lower the rate of deacylation. When compared with the structure of the unmodified wild-type enzyme, a major change in the architecture of the active site is observed. The two largest differences are the disordering of a loop comprising residues 74–90 and a shift in residues 106–111, which results in the displacement of Ser110 of the SXN active-site motif. These results support the developing hypothesis that the SXN motif of PBP 5, and especially Ser110, is intimately involved in the catalytic mechanism of deacylation.
Anomalous Elastic Behavior in hcp- and Sm-Type Dysprosium

The compression behavior of elemental dysprosium in the hcp- and the Sm-type phases has been examined under hydrostatic pressure. Sm-type Dy has been found about 1% denser than the hcp phase. This increase in density is due to c-axis contraction in Sm-type Dy, whereas the a-axis even expands compared with the hcp-phase. Both the hcp- and the Sm-type phases show an inversion in the pressure derivative of the c/a ratio. For hcp-Dy this inversion is very sharp with minimal c/a at 2.5 GPa. At the same pressure, the compression behavior of hcp-Dy changes abruptly from dominantly c-axis compression to almost isotropic compression with slightly softer S{sub 11}. The bulk modulus increases at this point by a factor of {approx}2. Both hcp- and Sm-type Dy exhibit a crossover from highly anisotropic compression mostly along the c-axis to almost isotropic compression. We discuss these anomalies with respect to a possible Lifshitz transition and structural soft modes.
Going Back Part-time: Family Leave Legislation and Women’s Return to Work

Using a multinomial logit model with data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this paper tests whether the implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is associated with an increase in return to work at part-time status among first-time mothers working full-time during their pregnancy. I find a statistically significant trend of increasingly higher odds of returning to work at part-time status relative to return at full-time status, beginning in 1993 (the year in which the FMLA is implemented). Furthermore, an additional week of either state or federal leave is significantly associated with a higher odds of return at part-time status. This article provides evidence that job protection and leave legislation may help facilitate higher levels of labor force participation among women with small children, through more flexible work arrangements.
Site specific osteoarthritis and the index to ring finger length ratio.

Summary Objective To quantify the relationship between the index to ring finger length ratio second digit:fourth digit(2D:4D) and radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods Data from the Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study (COS) were analyzed. We selected a random sample of 236 subjects with knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence scores ≥2) and compared their finger length ratio pattern with a random sample of 242 controls. Finger length measurements were recorded from digitized hand radiographs. Subjects were classified into three groups: type 1 (index finger longer than ring finger), type 2 (fingers of equal length) and type 3 (index finger shorter than ring finger). Using a case-control design, we calculated odds ratios (OR). Results The type 3 finger pattern was significantly associated with knee OA (OR 2.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–4.37). Women demonstrated a stronger association of visual type 3 finger pattern and knee OA (OR 4.40, 95% CI 2.62–7.38) compared to men (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.34–5.00). Conclusions The type 3 finger length pattern is associated, to a statistically significant degree, with OA of the knee. The type 3 finger length pattern (ring finger longer than index finger) appears to be an indicator of OA predisposition. Consideration of this pattern in clinical assessments may be an added aid as clinicians screen patients for OA risk.
Recurrent acute fatty liver of pregnancy

The first reported case of recurrent acute fatty liver of pregnancy confirmed by biopsy is described. In this case a high index of suspicion led to an early diagnosis and intervention with resultant improved maternal and fetal outcome. Electron microscopic examination of a liver biopsy specimen proved more beneficial in confirmation of the diagnosis compared with routine microscopic examination.
Thyroid isthmusectomy: a rarely used but simple, safe, and efficacious operation.

R A l p F p hyroid nodules are a common entity. Up to 67% of the opulation was found to have at least one incidental hyroid nodule during a study on asymptomatic patients ith high-resolution ultrasonography. The majority of hese nodules are not palpable and are increasingly disovered incidentally with ultrasonography or radioraphic imaging. When an abnormality is found, a iagnostic investigation often ensues, with dedicated eck ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy FNA) if the lesion meets size or other criteria for interogation. Although the vast majority of these lesions will rove to be benign, the question of malignancy must be nswered. In the case of indeterminate results from NA, the next step in diagnosis is typically resection for ull pathologic evaluation. For solitary nodules residing n the thyroid lobes, an ipsilateral lobectomy will suffice or diagnosis. If a lesion exists in the thyroid isthmus, xtirpation of the entire lobe and isthmus is unnecessary nd sacrifices 50% of the thyroid parenchyma. In hese patients, resection of the isthmus alone would proide adequate tissue to achieve diagnosis, protect imporant structures, and preserve adequate functional thyoid tissue. We propose that in the case of isolated odules of the isthmus, limited resection with a small argin of normal thyroid tissue is the optimal procedure n that it is safe, efficacious, and can be performed as an utpatient procedure under local or regional anesthesia.
A self-scaffolding model for G protein signaling.

Abstract Activation of heterotrimeric G proteins is generally believed to induce dissociation of Gα and Gβγ subunits, which are then free to bind to and change the catalytic activity of a variety of intracellular enzymes. We have previously found that in cells, Gαq subunits remain complexed with its major effector, phospholipase Cβ1, through the activation cycle. To determine whether this behavior may be operative in other systems, we carried out Forster resonance energy transfer studies and found that eYFP-Gαi and eCFP-Gβγ remain associated after stimulation in HEK293 cells. We also found that the level of Forster resonance energy transfer between Alexa546-phospholipase Cβ2 and eGFP-Gβγ is significant and unchanged upon activation in HEK293 cells, thus showing that these proteins can localize into stable signaling complexes. To understand the basis for this stabilization, we carried out in vitro studies using a series of single-Cys mutants labeled with fluorescence tags and monitored their interaction with Gβγ subunits and changes in their fluorescence properties and accessibility upon activation and Gβγ binding. Our studies suggest a significant change in the orientation between G protein subunits upon activation that allows the G proteins to remain complexed while activating effectors.
Association between β -adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and their G-protein-coupled receptors with body mass index and obesity in women: a report from the NHLBI-sponsored WISE study

The β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) genes are candidate genes for obesity because of their roles in energy homeostasis and promotion of lipolysis in human adipose tissue. Objective is to determine the association between obesity and polymorphisms in genes of the β1AR (ADRB1), β2AR (ADRB2), β3AR (ADRB3), Gs protein alpha (GNAS1), to which all three β-receptors couple and the G protein β3 subunit (GNB3), to which β3ARs couple. A case–control genetic association study. A total of 643 black or white women enrolled in Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study. Genotypes were determined by PCR with single primer extension. Associations between genotype and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, and obesity were made. Polymorphisms in the three βAR genes, GNAS1, and GNB3 were not associated with BMI, WHR, waist circumference, or obesity. Linear and logistic regression analyses found no contribution of either genotype or haplotype with anthropometric measurements or obesity. Our study suggests that among American women with suspected coronary heart disease, polymorphisms in the βARs and their G-protein-coupled receptors do not contribute to increased BMI, WHR, waist circumference, or obesity. Given that 50% of all women die from coronary heart disease, and a higher percentage have heart disease during their lifetime, our results are likely generalizable to many American women.
Application of water quality guidelines and water quantity calculations to decisions for beneficial use of treated water

Water reuse guidelines were compiled as a decision-analysis screening tool for application to potential water reuse for irrigation, livestock watering, aquaculture, and drinking. Data compiled from the literature for water reuses yielded guideline values for over 50 water quality parameters, including concentrations of inorganic and organic constituents as well as general water chemistry parameters. These water quality guidelines can be used to identify constituents of concern in water, to determine the levels to which the constituents must be treated for water reuse applications, and assess the suitability of treated water for reuse. An example is provided to illustrate the application of water quality guidelines for decision analysis. Water quantity analysis was also investigated, and water volumes required for producing 16 different crops in 15 countries were estimated as an example of applying water quantity in the decision-making process regarding the potential of water reuse. For each of the countries investigated, the crop that produces the greatest yield in terms of weight per water volume is tomatoes in Australia, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, USA; sugarcane in Chad, India, Indonesia, Sudan; watermelons in China; lettuce in Egypt, Mexico; and onions (dry) in Russia.
Community Formation and the World as Its Own Model

The article examines the published research and implications of establishing the term community by using the world as a model and defining community as a group built and transformed by semiotic and material actions. The author argues that the idea of community formation through engagement has had success in language education when applied to pedagogical approaches that link learners with social aspects of the world. According to the author, the social aspects of community formation can be examined in language classroom lessons and serve the goal of creating an atmosphere of heightened communicative awareness and improvement while preparing students for a multilingual life.