cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-J-80: A Simulation Study with Geant4 on the Yields of Positron-Emitting Nuclei (10C, 11C, and 15O) Induced by Protons and Carbon Ions.

Purpose: To study the yields and the depth‐distributions of positron‐emitting nuclei (PEN) 10C, 11C, and 15O induced by protons and carbon ions in PMMA. Methods: An application built with various physics packages was constructed with Geant4 Monte Carlo Toolkit. A phantom of 15 cm × 15 cm × 50 cm consisting of PMMA (C5H8O2, density 1.18 g/cm3) was irradiated with 70, 110 MeV protons and 204 A, 212.12 A MeV carbonions. Beam quality of 1 cm FWHM with 0.2% Gaussian energy spread FWHM was used. For each beam energy, simulation of the energy deposited was recorded for every 1 mm increment of depth in the phantom. The resulting PEN and their yields were recorded at the production point and also at the point of decay in increments of 1 mm. Results: The overall percentage yields, depth‐distributions, and total percentages of PEN per incident particle for both protons and carbon ions were obtained. Our results found that the predominant PMMA fragment was 11C irrespective of incident particle type or energy. Conclusions: Our yields of PEN are comparable with other simulations (FLUKA and MCHIT) as well as existing experimental data. The present work however overestimates the percentage of PEN in the simulations of incident carbon ions and the percentage of 10C for incident protons compared to the experimental data. This particular application built within the Geant4 Monte Carlo Toolkit can estimate the amount of PEN as well as the depth‐distributions of these nuclei in hadron induced radiation therapy.
The predictive validity of cognitive complexity measures on social perspective-taking and counseling communication

Abstract We compared the predictive validity of two cognitive complexity measures on two communication-relevant abilities: social perspective-taking and person-centered counseling. Forty-six undergraduates completed versions of Crockett's Role Category Questionnaire and Bieri et al.'s repertory grid task to measure cognitive complexity. Measures of social perspective-taking ability and person-centered counseling messages were also obtained from the subjects. Whereas Crockett's complexity measure was significantly and consistently related to the communication-related measures, Bieri's complexity measure was only marginally related to these same measures.
Disk scheduling in System V

A variety of disk scheduling algorithms, including some newly defined ones, are compared both in simulation and in tests on a real machine running UNIX* System V. In the real system tests, first-come first-served (FCFS), shortest seek time first (SSTF), and the standard System V algorithm (SVS) are all seen to yield relatively poor mean waiting time performance when compared to the VSCAN(0.2) algorithm and modifications thereof suggested by Coffman. Nevertheless, each is seen to excel along a particular performance dimension. The adequacy of open, Poisson arrival simulation models in predicting disk scheduling performance is questioned, and an alternative arrival model is suggested which offers improved predictions in the System V environment.
On infinite queueing tandems

Abstract We study the flow of jobs on an infinite series of first-come-first-served queues. Jobs are placed in the buffer of the first queue and allowed to flow through the infinite tandem of queues. The service times of each job on consecutive queues form a stationary and ergodic sequence. We are interested in characterizing the flow of jobs asymptotically, after they have passed through a large number of queues. It is shown that the job flow reaches asymptotically a stationary state, which can be characterized in terms of the average service times of the jobs. They eventually form clusters, such that every two consecutive jobs belonging to the same cluster collide infinitely often, while jobs belonging to different clusters eventually cease to interact.
Noncooperative selection of the core

For bargaining environments given by transferable utility characteristic functions that are zero-normalized and admit a nonempty core, we find a class of random-proposer bargaining games, generalized from Okada (1993), such that there is a one-to-one mapping from these games to the core, each game realizes the corresponding core allocation as its unique (ex ante) Stationary Subgame Perfect Equilibrium (SSPE) payoff profile, and every ex post SSPE payoff profile converges to the core allocation as the discount factor goes to one. The result has a natural interpretation in terms of bargaining power.
Relations Among Complexity Measures

Various computational models (such as machines and combinational logic networks) induce various and, m general, different computational complexity measures Relations among these measures are established by studying the ways m which one model can "simulate" another It ts shown that a machine with k-dimensional storage tapes (respectively, with tree-structured storage media) can be simulated on-hne by a machine with one- dimensional storage tapes m time O(n 2-ilk) (respectively, m time O(n2/log n)) An obhv:ous machine Is defined to be one whose head posmons, as functions of time, are independent of the input, and It Is shown that any machine with one-d~menslonal tapes can be simulated on-hne by an oblivious machine with two one-dimensional tapes in time O(n log n) All of these results are the best possible, at least insofar as on-hne simulation is concerned. By slmdar methods It is shown that n steps of the computation of an arbitrary machine with one- dimensional tapes can be performed by a combinational logic network of cost O(n log n) and delay O(n)
Gut Fullness of the Deposit-Feeding Amphipod, Pontoporeia hoyi, in Southeastern Lake Michigan

Pontoporeia hoyi Smith, a deposit-feeding amphipod and a prominent member of the Great Lakes macrobenthic community, was collected at a 45-m-deep site in southeast Lake Michigan during October 1983 and March, May, June, August, and September 1984. Substantial numbers of animals with empty or partially-full guts indicated that P. hoyi feeds intermittently, unlike other continuous-feeding amphipods which routinely maintain uniformly full guts among all members of a population. The incidence of animals with empty, partially-full, and full guts also varied significantly with animal size and sampling date and implied that aspects of the amphipod's life history, and seasonality, were primarily responsible for changes in feeding rates. Overall, P. hoyi gut fullness was greatest in spring and, secondarily, in autumn, reflecting an opportunistic feeding strategy that exploited newly-deposited detritus generated from spring and autumn phytoplankton blooms. This strategy, in association with P. hoyi's known capacity to store energy as lipids may largely explain P. hoyi's exclusive and widespread distribution in profundal areas of the upper Great Lakes, compared to other amphipods.
Visual spatial constancy and modularity: Does intention penetrate vision?

Is vision informationally encapsulated from cognition or is it cognitively penetrated? I shall argue that intentions penetrate vision in the experience of visual spatial constancy: the world appears to be spatially stable despite our frequent eye movements. I explicate the nature of this experience and critically examine and extend current neurobiological accounts of spatial constancy, emphasizing the central role of motor signals in computing such constancy. I then provide a stringent condition for failure of informational encapsulation that emphasizes a computational condition for cognitive penetration: cognition must serve as an informational resource for visual computation. This requires proposals regarding semantic information transfer, a crucial issue in any model of informational encapsulation. I then argue that intention provides an informational resource for computation of visual spatial constancy. Hence, intention penetrates vision.
Study priorities identified by nurses in mental health settings.

The policy of establishing priorities for research is not new (Abdellah, 197Oa, 6, c; American Nurses’ Assodiation, 1976, 1980; Gortner et al., 1976). However, it has received added attention in recent years (Lindeman, 1975; Oberst, 1978). In a project supported by funds from the Health Services Research and Development Service, Veterans Administration, Washington, DC, the Delphi Technique was used to identify areas for systematic study in the care of the veteran patient as perceived by members of the Veterans Administration Nursing Service (Ventura and Waligora-Serafin, 1979, in press). The purpose of this paper is to identify only that portion of the larger study that dealt with priorities for research as perceived by nurses working in mental health settings. The outcome of such an endeavor would be: (1) the identification of priority statements that could assist in the determination of a relevant scope of research by mental health nurses; (2) the assignment of a degree of importance to identified priority areas; (3) the ability of Nursing Service administrators to promote and enhance the utilization of research that has implications for nursing practice; (4) the opportunity for more intensive research; (5) the opportunity to link researchers with nurses working in the clinical area.
Tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis

Summary Otitis media and mastoiditis in a 3-monthold boy were unresponsive to conventional antibiotic therapy and proved to be tuberculous in etiology. Careful evaluation revealed tubercles of the left ocular fundus and pulmonic disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown from the mother's sputum and urine despite her alleged good health. Skin tests for tuberculosis were consistently negative in the patient and his mother. Predilection of tuberculous otitis media for children under one year of age and associated findings which serve as useful clinical clues to diagnosis are emphasized.
The forces involved in water uptake by the rabbit blastocyst.

The freezing point depression (ΔTf) of the plasma, uterine fluid and the fluid in the blastocyst cavity have been measured in pregnant rabbits at 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 days post coitum. The sign and magnitude of the chemical potential gradients of water between the different compartments have been calculated from the mean values for the ΔTf. It is concluded that these gradients cannot account for the observed net water flows and that energy-coupled processes must be involved. The energy available from respiration is far more than would be required for such energy-coupled water flow.
A Versatile Synthesis of Electroactive Stilbenoprismands for Effective Binding of Metal Cations

A versatile synthesis of a new class of polyaromatic receptors (stilbenoprismands) containing a Δ-shaped cavity similar to that of the π-prismand together with an intimately coupled electroactive stilbenoid moiety was accomplished via an efficient intramolecular McMurry coupling reaction. The presence of the Δ-shaped cavity in stilbenoprismands allows an efficient binding of a single silver cation as probed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Electron-rich stilbenoprismands undergo a ready oxidation to their highly robust cation−radical and dicationic salts. X-ray structure determination of a representative dicationic stilbenoprismand showed that the charges were largely localized on the tetraarylethylene moiety, which results in a twisting of the ethylenic C═C bond by ∼35°. Moreover, the electronic coupling among the stilbenoid and π-prismand moieties in various stilbenoprismands was briefly probed by optical methods.
Consolidation of Nano-Crystalline Alumina

Abstract Dense alpha alumina was fabricated from seeded nano-crystalline boehmites. The intrinsic problem of boehmite solubility and hard agglomerate formation was avoided by dispersing gel agglomerates in ethanol. Homogeneous green microstructure and high sintered density were obtained by dry pressing. The superplasticity of nano-crystalline transition alumina was utilized to obtain fully dense, transparent alpha alumina by sinter forging. The effects of seeding and pressure are correlated with the microstructural evolution and densification of alumina.
First report of donor cell derived acute leukemia as a complication of umbilical cord blood transplantation

Donor cell leukemia is a rare complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A 12-month-old boy underwent unrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT) for refractory Langerhan's cell histiocytosis. Forty months after transplantation, he developed acute myeloid leukemia. Cytogenetic and molecular analysis confirmed donor cell origin. The Cord Blood Bank (CBB) contacted the donor's family and established that the child, now 7 years old, was healthy. This represents the first reported case of donor cell leukemia following UCBT. This case illustrates that donor cell leukemia is a rare but real event after UCBT as with other stem cell sources and highlights the need for CBBs to maintain linkage data between donors and recipients.
DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF A PACED CARDIAC FIBER.

Consider a typical experimental protocol in which one end of a one-dimensional fiber of cardiac tissue is periodically stimulated, or paced, resulting in a train of propagating action potentials. There is evidence that a sudden change in the pacing period can initiate abnormal cardiac rhythms. In this paper, we analyze how the fiber responds to such a change in a regime without arrhythmias. In particular, given a fiber length L and a tolerance η, we estimate the number of beats N = N(η, L) required for the fiber to achieve approximate steady-state in the sense that spatial variation in the diastolic interval (DI) is bounded by η. We track spatial DI variation using an infinite sequence of linear integral equations which we derive from a standard kinematic model of wave propagation. The integral equations can be solved in terms of generalized Laguerre polynomials. We then estimate N by applying an asymptotic estimate for generalized Laguerre polynomials. We find that, for fiber lengths characteristic of cardiac tissue, it is often the case that N effectively exhibits no dependence on L. More exactly, (i) there is a critical fiber length L* such that, if L < L*, the convergence to steady-state is slowest at the pacing site, and (ii) often, L* is substantially larger than the diameter of the whole heart.
Arrhythmias in the muscular dystrophies

In patients with muscular dystrophies, cardiac involvement leading to cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias occurs with variable prevalence, mirroring the phenotypic variability seen among and within the various hereditary myopathies. Knowledge of the incidence of arrhythmias and predictors of sudden death in the various hereditary myopathies can help guide screening and appropriate management of these patients, thereby improving survival. The noncardiac manifestations can lead to delayed recognition of symptoms, affect the decision to implant a prophylactic device, and once a decision is made to proceed with device implant, increase peri-procedural respiratory and anesthesia-related complications.
Aldosterone alters the chromatin structure of the murine endothelin-1 gene.

Abstract Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption in the renal collecting duct and systemic blood pressure. Paradoxically, aldosterone also induces transcription of the endothelin-1 (Edn1) gene to increase protein (ET-1) levels, which inhibits sodium reabsorption. Aims Here we investigated changes in the chromatin structure of the Edn1 gene of collecting duct cell lines in response to aldosterone treatment. The Edn1 gene has a CpG island that encompasses the transcription start site and four sites in the 5′ regulatory region previously linked to transcriptional regulation. Materials and methods The chromatin structure of the Edn1 gene was investigated using a quantitative PCR-based DNaseI hypersensitivity assay in murine hepatocyte (AML12), renal cortical collecting duct (mpkCCDC14), outer medullary collecting duct1 (OMCD1), and inner medullary collecting duct-3 (IMCD-3) cell lines. Key findings The CpG island was uniformly accessible. One calcium-responsive NFAT element remained at low chromatin accessibility in all cell lines under all conditions tested. However, the second calcium responsive NFAT element located at − 1563 bp upstream became markedly more accessible in IMCD-3 cells exposed to aldosterone. Importantly, one established aldosterone hormone response element HRE at − 671 bp relative to the transcription start site was highly accessible, and another HRE (− 551 bp) became more accessible in aldosterone-treated IMCD-3 and OMCD1 cells. Significance The evidence supports a model in which aldosterone activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) results in the MR-hormone complex binding at HRE at − 671 bp to open chromatin structure around other regulatory elements in the Edn1 gene.
Survey analysis of trace elements in human fingernails by spark source mass spectrometry.

Abstract Spark source mass spectrometry has been used as a trace element survey technique to detect and quantitatively determine up to 30 elements in human fingernail samples. Data from seventeen subjects illustrate the range of data obtainable by this method. Elemental concentrations are compared to literature values and chronological variation is illustrated. Possible inter-element dependence is examined through the calculation of elemental ratios.
SOLUBLE UROKINASE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR RECEPTOR IS AN INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation. Recent studies have associated suPAR with presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the prognostic implication of suPAR in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (
The effusion catastrophe set

Abstract The occurrence of topological catastrophes in effusion cells was recently discovered. These chemical events have been termed “effusion catastrophes” (ECats). Side effects from ECats can make it difficult to achieve equilibrium in an effusion cell, and many effusion studies have been compromised thereby. ECats result when the equilibrium potential surface of an effusing chemical system becomes multiple valued in temperature—pressure—composition space. In such a case, discontinuous catastrophic transitions between equilibrium states occur at certain temperatures; these temperatures make up the ECat set. The ECat is modeled here, and equations for the ECat set are derived in terms of Δ H ⊖ and Δ S ⊖ of the phase transitions underlying the ECat and of the forced vapor compositions in a passive effusion cell containing the condensed phases involved. Known ECats in the Ga—S and Ga—Se systems are treated with the model. The equations derived here are sufficiently general to be applied to any ECat.
Methylation of hamster DNA by the carcinogen N-nitroso-bis (2-oxopropyl)amine

The alkylation of hamster liver, lung and pancreas DNA by [1-14C]- and [2,3-14C]N-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine (BOP) has been examined. The specific activity of pancreas DNA after [2,3-14C]BOP administration was only 2% of that when [1-14C]BOP was given. 7-Methylguanine, but not O-6-methylguanine, was found in hydrolysates of liver and pancreas DNA. Nearly equal amount of alkylation were produced in the liver when [1-14C]- and [2,3-14C]BOP were given. At least one-half of the radioactivity in the liver was associated with N-alkylated purines, whereas only 20% was in this form in the pancreas.
Emission Studies Involving the Formation of (C-X) and (D-X) Band Systems of HgX (X=Cl,Br,I) Radicals

Abstract Emission bands of the (C-X) and (D-X) systems of HgX (X=Cl,Br,I) radicals and atomic mercury lines during transitions from various excited levels to lower levels have been observed due to collisions of N+ and N2 + ions and HgX2 molecules. Emission cross-sections have been determined at different laboratory kinetic energies of the projectile ions by using the integrated intensity of emission, the HgX2 vapor densities, charged particle densities and the interaction length between the charged particles and the mercury halide vapors.
Introducing Nigeria at fifty: the nation in narration

Abstract Nigeria, Africa's most populous democracy, celebrates her 50th year as an independent nation in October 2010. As the cliche states, ‘As Nigeria goes, so goes Africa’. This volume frames the socio-historical and political trajectory of Nigeria while examining the many dimensions of the critical choices that she has made as an independent nation. How does the social composition of interest and power illuminate the actualities and narratives of the Nigerian crisis? How have the choices made by Nigerian leaders structured, and/or been structured by, the character of the Nigerian state and state-society relations? In what ways is Nigeria's mono-product, debt-ridden, dependent economy fed by ‘the politics of plunder’? And what are the implications of these questions for the structural relationships of production, reproduction and consumption? This collection confronts these questions by making state-centric approaches to understanding African countries speak to relevant social theories that pluralise a...
Oral Sulfonylurea Hypoglycemic Agents Prevent Ischemic Preconditioning in Human Myocardium Two Paradoxes Revisited

Background Patients receiving oral hypoglycemic agents for diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Oral hypoglycemic agents are inhibitors of the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. Ischemic preconditioning is mediated by KATP channel activation. We therefore hypothesized that myocardium from patients taking long-term oral hypoglycemic agents would be resistant to the protection by ischemic preconditioning. Methods and Results Isolated human right atrial trabeculae were suspended in an organ bath at 37°C, with field stimulation at 1 Hz. Control trabeculae were then subjected to 45 minutes of simulated ischemia (hypoxic, glucose-free buffer with pacing at 3 Hz) and 120 minutes of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioned (IPC) trabeculae from patients without oral hypoglycemic therapy and from patients taking insulin (Ins+IPC) were given 5 minutes of simulated ischemia before this injury. Trabeculae (Oral Hypo+IPC) were obtained from patients taking long-term oral hypoglycemic a...
Characterization of the flavoenzyme enoyl reductase of fatty acid synthetase from yeast.

Enoyl reductase in the fatty acid synthetase from brewer's yeast, a flavoenzyme function, has been used as a specific probe for one partial activity of the multi-functional enzyme. The enzyme has an absorption maximum at 460 nm with ɛ= 18600 M−1 cm−1 and A280= 1.37 mg−1 ml. The circular dichroism spectrum shows negative peaks at 373 and 466 nm. The fluorescence maximum is at 540 nm. The apoenzyme has an absorption maximum at 279 nm and shows fluorescence at 345 nm. The association constant for the FMN is 4 × 107 M−1. The redox potential was determined as Eh=−0.193 V. The reductase is characterized as a ‘true’ transhydrogenase as no flavin free radical can be obtained by photochemical or chemical reduction or oxidation, i.e. it only functions via two-electron steps. An interpretation of the hydrophobic nature of the flavin binding site based on spectral data is presented.
Liquid Microjunction Surface Sampling Probe Fluid Dynamics: Characterization and Application of an Analyte Plug Formation Operational Mode

The recently discovered sample plug formation and injection operational mode of a continuous flow, coaxial tube geometry, liquid microjunction surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP) was further characterized and applied for concentration and mixing of analyte extracted from multiple areas on a surface and for nanoliter-scale chemical reactions of sampled material. A transparent LMJ-SSP was constructed and colored analytes were used so that the surface sampling process, plug formation, and the chemical reactions could be visually monitored at the sampling end of the probe before being analyzed by mass spectrometry of the injected sample plug. Injection plug peak widths were consistent for plug hold times as long as the 8 min maximum attempted (RSD below 1.5%). Furthermore, integrated injection peak signals were not significantly different for the range of hold times investigated. The ability to extract and completely mix individual samples within a fixed volume at the sampling end of the probe was demonstrated and a linear mass spectral response to the number of equivalent analyte spots sampled was observed. Using the color and mass changing chemical reduction of the redox dye 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol with ascorbic acid, the ability to sample, concentrate, and efficiently run reactions within the same plug volume within the probe was demonstrated.
Neuropathology of ALS An overview

ALS is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the motor neuron system. Despite having been studied for over 100 years, its etiology is still a mystery, and no specific diagnostic laboratory test has been developed. The diagnosis of ALS is therefore based on clinical features and/or neuropathologic findings. The neuropathologic findings on patients with classic ALS are quite distinct, with loss and degeneration of the large anterior horn cells of the spinal cord and lower cranial motor nuclei of the brainstem. The striated muscles display denervation atrophy. Upper motor neurons, such as the Betz cells in the motor cortex, are also affected. The several symposia and workshops on the cytopathology of ALS held within the past 3 years are a reflection of the many new and important developments taking place in this area. [1] Although loss of motor neurons has been known for many years, cytoplasmic alterations of the lower motor neurons have been studied in detail only in recent years by using immunohistochemical and electron microscopic techniques. An overview of some of the novel findings associated with lower motor neuron alterations is presented here. The synapse is the most important site of neuronal function and is unique to the neuron. Despite many years of extensive studies on ALS, data regarding synaptic alterations are limited to a relatively small number of ultrastructural investigations. [2] This paucity of information is due to the inherent difficulties that affect the proper evaluation of synapses in autopsy material. Synaptophysin, a 38-kDa glycoprotein, is a constituent of the membrane of synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminals. The evaluation of synaptophysin expression in the lumbar spinal cord of ALS patients was apparently presented for the first time by Kawanami et al. [3] at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Neuropathologists in September 1992. This …
Periostin secreted by epithelial ovarian carcinoma is a ligand for αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrins and promotes cell motility

Periostin (PN) is a secreted protein that shares a structural homology to the axon guidance protein fasciclin I in insects. Previously, we reported that PN expression is up-regulated in epithelial ovarian tumors. We further examined the role of PN in ovarian cancer. PN is expressed in several normal tissues but not in normal ovaries and has a tendency for higher expression in fetal tissues. Ovarian cancer cells secrete PN, which can accumulate in malignant ascites of ovarian cancer patients. Purified recombinant PN supports adhesion of ovarian epithelial cells that can be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies against alpha(V)beta(3) or alpha(V)beta(5) integrin, but not by anti-beta(1) integrin antibody. Furthermore, alpha(V)beta(3) integrin, but not beta(1) integrins, colocalizes to the focal adhesion plaques formed on PN. Cells plated on PN form fewer stress fibers and are more motile compared with those plated on fibronectin. We propose PN functions as a ligand for alpha(V)beta(3) and alpha(V)beta(5) integrins to support adhesion and migration of ovarian epithelial cells.
The use of definite and indefinite articles by children with specific language impairment.

Among the grammatical limitations seen in English-speaking children with specific language impairment (SLI) is a prolonged period of using articles (e.g., a, the) inconsistently. Most studies documenting this difficulty have focused on article omission and have not made the distinction between definite and indefinite article contexts. In this study, there were 36 participants: 12 5-year-olds with SLI, 12 typically-developing children matched for age, and 12 younger, typically-developing children matched with participants in the SLI group according to mean length of utterance. All 36 children participated in a task requiring indefinite article use, and a task requiring use of the definite article, in which the referent of the noun had already been established in the discourse. The children with SLI showed less use of definite articles in particular, relative to both groups of typically-developing children. Substitutions as well as omissions were seen. The findings suggest that the article limitations of th...
Predicting successful completion of online collaborative animation projects

Online creative collaboration projects are started every day, but many fail to produce new artifacts of value. In this poster, we address the question of why some of these projects succeed and others fail. Our quantitative analysis of 892 online collaborative animation projects, or "collabs," indicates that the early presence of organizational and structural elements, particularly those of a technical nature, can predict successful completion.
The Offshore Wind Power Debate: Views from Cape Cod

Wind power resources on the eastern U.S. continental shelf are estimated to be over 400 GW, several times the electricity used by U.S. eastern coastal states. The first U.S. developer proposes to build 130 large (40 story tall) wind turbines in Nantucket Sound, just outside Massachusetts state waters. These would provide 420 MW at market prices, enough electricity for most of Cape Cod. The project is opposed by a vigorous and well-financed coalition. Polling shows local public opinion on the project almost equally divided. This article draws on semistructured interviews with residents of Cape Cod to analyze values, beliefs, and logic of supporters and opponents. For example, one value found to lead to opposition is that the ocean is a special place that should be kept natural and free of human intrusion. One line of argument found to lead to support is: The war in Iraq is problematic, this war is “really” over petroleum, Cape Cod generates electricity from oil, therefore, the wind project would improve U....
Fibroblast progenitor cells of the embryonic chick limb.

SUMMARY A population of mesenchymal cells derived from the stage-25 chick wing tip gives rise to progeny of a similar morphology and to authentic fibroblasts when grown in low density culture. Mixed clones containing both cell types are often observed. As the more rapidly proliferating fibroblasts begin to predominate in these cultures, collagen biosynthesis rises from the basal mesenchymal level to a level characteristic of mature fibroblasts. The fibroblast progenitor is discussed relative to the other cell types of the mesodermal lineage of the developing limb.
Identification of Nonessential Regions of the nsp2 Replicase Protein of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain VR-2332 for Replication in Cell Culture

The nonstructural protein 2 (nsp2) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a multidomain protein and has been shown to undergo remarkable genetic variation, primarily in its middle region, while exhibiting high conservation in the N-terminal putative protease domain and the C-terminal predicted transmembrane region. A reverse genetics system of PRRSV North American prototype VR-2332 was developed to explore the importance of different regions of nsp2 for viral replication. A series of mutants with in-frame deletions in the nsp2 coding region were engineered, and infectious viruses were subsequently recovered from transfected cells and further characterized. The results demonstrated that the cysteine protease domain (PL2), the PL2 downstream flanking sequence (amino acids [aa] 181 to 323), and the putative transmembrane domain were critical for replication. In contrast, the segment of nsp2 preceding the PL2 domain (aa 13 to 35) was dispensable for viral replication, and the nsp2 middle hypervariable region (aa 324 to 813) tolerated 100-aa or 200-aa deletions but could not be removed as a whole; the largest deletion was about 400 aa (nsp2Δ324-726). Characterization of the mutants demonstrated that those with small deletions possessed growth kinetics and RNA expression profiles similar to those of the parental virus, while the nsp2Δ324-726 mutant displayed decreased cytolytic activity on MARC-145 cells and did not develop visible plaques. Finally, the utilization of the genetic flexibility of nsp2 to express foreign genes was examined by inserting the gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) in frame into one nsp2 deletion mutant construct. The recombinant virus was viable but impaired and unstable and gradually gained parental growth kinetics by the loss of most of the GFP gene.
Modelling hourly rates of evaporation from small lakes

Abstract. The paper presents the results of a field study of open water evaporation carried out on three small lakes in Western and Northern Canada. In this case small lakes are defined as those for which the temperature above the water surface is governed by the upwind land surface conditions; that is, a continuous boundary layer exists over the lake, and large-scale atmospheric effects such as entrainment do not come into play. Lake evaporation was measured directly using eddy covariance equipment; profiles of wind speed, air temperature and humidity were also obtained over the water surfaces. Observations were made as well over the upwind land surface. The major factors controlling open water evaporation were examined. The study showed that for time periods shorter than daily, the open water evaporation bears no relationship to the net radiation; the wind speed is the most significant factor governing the evaporation rates, followed by the land-water temperature contrast and the land-water vapour pressure contrast. The effect of the stability on the wind field was demonstrated; relationships were developed relating the land-water wind speed contrast to the land-water temperature contrast. The open water period can be separated into two distinct evaporative regimes: the warming period in the Spring, when the land is warmer than the water, the turbulent fluxes over water are suppressed; and the cooling period, when the water is warmer than the land, the turbulent fluxes over water are enhanced. Relationships were developed between the hourly rates of lake evaporation and the following significant variables and parameters (wind speed, land-lake temperature and humidity contrasts, and the downwind distance from shore). The result is a relatively simple versatile model for estimating the hourly lake evaporation rates. The model was tested using two independent data sets. Results show that the modelled evaporation follows the observed values very well; the model follows the diurnal trends and responds to changes in environmental conditions.
Protein G binding to enriched serum immunoglobulin from nondomestic hoofstock species.

Quick and cost-effective serologic assays, such as those based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology, are useful for screening animal populations for infectious diseases. Recombinant protein G is described as an almost universal ELISA conjugate for the detection of antibodies from a wide range of animal species. However, there is limited data documenting the ability of protein G to bind immunoglobulin (Ig) from many captive and free-ranging nondomestic hoofstock (Order Artiodactyla, e.g., elk, antelope, bison). Protein G binding to Ig from 11 species within this taxonomic order (addax, antelope, bison, bontebok, elk, impala, kudu/nyala, muntjac, oryx, sheep, and white-tailed deer) and 2 control species (bovine and chicken) was assessed. A serum Ig enrichment protocol, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was optimized in bovids (Bos taurus) and then applied to the other study species. Binding assays were performed by adding protein G to microtiter wells coated with titrated dilutions of enriched artiodactyl Ig. Optical densities were measured and binding curves generated. Differences in protein G binding were observed, both within and among species, as well as within taxonomic families. Significant intraspecies binding variation was observed for 7 species tested (antelope, oryx, sheep, muntjac, impala, bontebok, and addax). No statistically significant intraspecies differences in protein G binding were found for Ig from bison, elk, kudu/nyala, white-tailed deer, plus control species (cattle and chicken). Binding of protein G to Ig from impala, muntjac, and elk was statistically different from the positive control (cattle), with muntjac binding curves statistically comparable with the negative control (chicken). For the other 7 species tested, binding curves illustrated the ability of protein G to bind Ig as well as, or better than, the positive control. These findings expand the list of animal species whose Ig is capable of being detected using recombinant protein G, with the caveat that protein G does not bind Ig uniformly in closely related species. It is concluded that recombinant protein G conjugates may serve as useful reagents for serodiagnosis by ELISA in nondomestic hoofstock, although different assay interpretation algorithms and assay protocols may need to be developed on a per species basis for maximum diagnostic effectiveness.
Medications for Patient Comfort When Weaning Mechanical Ventilation in Palliative Care

Indications for mechanical ventilation in end of life care and the place for weaning are discussed. Preferred medications to facilitate weaning are short acting benzodiazepines. The importance of the environment in which ventilatory support is provided is discussed as are ethical issues including patient wishes and those of a patient's proxy.
Structure-Property Correlations in CoFe-SiO 2 Nanogranular Films Utilizing x-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Small-Angle Scattering Techniques

A quantitative structure–property correlation study of thin films consisting of CoFe nanoparticles embedded in SiO2 is presented, comparing film microstructure and chemistry with measured magnetic properties. SiO2 was fully percolated for all films with > ~50% SiO2 by volume, and decreasing CoFe-nanoparticle size and separation with increasing SiO2 resulted in a transition to superparamagnetic behavior. Partial oxidation of transition-metal elements is observed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and evidence for interparticle magnetic interactions can be resolved in soft x-ray resonant small-angle scattering experiments, highlighting the need for additional detailed and quantitative studies in this class of soft magnetic materials.
Cerebroside galactosidase of brain.

The galactoside bond in cerebroside was found to be cleaved by an enzyme in rat and pig brain. Emulsified stearoyl-1% psychosine was used as the substrate and the extent of cleavage was studied by isolating and counting the stearoyl sphingosine (ceramide) formed. The reaction products, cer- amide and galactose, were characterized by column and thin- layer chromatography. Cerebroside containing gala~tose-~H was also used to show liberation of galactose. Cholic acid was found to be required for activation of the enzyme, which has a pH optimum of 4.5. Similar cerebrosidase activity was found in spleen, kidney, and lung of rat; liver and heart showed very slight activity. The partially purified enzyme from pig brain also formed ceramide from ceramide lactoside, ceramide glucoside, and cerebronoyl psychosine. The enzyme was active toward o- nitrophenyl galactoside and could be fractionated by Sephadex chromatography into a fraction active toward the nitrophenyl galactoside only and a fraction active toward both this sub- strate and ceramide galactoside. Human spleen, normal and Gaucher, exhibited cerebrosidase activity.
CAPITAL FLOW SURGES AS BUBBLES: BEHAVIORAL FINANCE AND MCKINNON’S OVER-BORROWING SYNDROME EXTENDED

This paper explores how behavioral finance and complexity economics, along with imperfect information, faulty mental models and perverse incentive structures can cast light on the factors that generate the international capital flow surges and sudden stops that McKinnon described as the over-borrowing syndrome. While there has been a great deal of empirical research on this topic in recent years, there has been much less theoretical analysis of why these flows too often behave in such a volatile manner. Developing a better understanding of the forces driving capital flows should help us identify situations where capital flow surges are particularly likely to end in costly sudden stops and help policy makers decide how best to respond to such flows.
The Immunologic Basis of Human Renal Disease

A comprehensive review of the present state of knowledge regarding the role of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of renal damage in human disease.
The Potential and Limitations of Cross-Context Comparative Research on Migration

This article is an overview of household survey approaches for the comparative study of international migration dynamics. Focusing on differences in the drivers of international mobility at different times and places, I highlight the problems of obtaining data with adequate representation across time periods and geographies, and discuss a broad constellation of prospective and retrospective approaches, paying particular attention to the migration ethnosurvey. I place this methodology within a broader constellation of prospective and retrospective data collection techniques, briefly describing the advantages and disadvantages of each and summarizing the commonalities and differences of ethnosurvey approaches adopted around the world. In particular, I discuss the potential and limitations of cross-context research and suggest post hoc case selection and other adjustments to ameliorate problems. I conclude with ideas about how case and sample selection can help to bolster migration studies in the future.
Reduction of infarct size by systemic amino acid supplementation during reperfusion.

The amino acids aspartate and glutamate, in combination, were evaluated as a means of reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function during reperfusion in an intact pig having an acute anteroseptal infarct Three groups of 6 pigs each were randomly studied in a blinded manner: control (no amino acids), aspartate/glutamate 3 mmol/L, and aspartate/glutamate 13 mmol/L. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded distal to its first diagonal branch for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 6 hours. Aspartate and glutamate were administered systemically immediately before reperfusion. The following parameters were measured: infarct size and percent area at risk, global metabolic function, global and regional myocardial function, and tissue parameters of metabolic function. The results clearly showed a significant decrease in infarct size from 60% of the area at risk in control pigs to 37% in both 3 mmol/L and 13 mmol/L amino acid groups. Cardiac output, coronary blood flow, and global oxygen consumption were not significantly affected by the use of amino acids relative to the control group. Global left ventricular mechanical function was also not adversely affected by the infarct and was not altered by amino acid administration. Regional function, however, was significantly decreased by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in all groups to near 20% and only significantly recovered to 64% in the 13 mmol/L amino acid group. Adenosine triphosphate and acetyl coenzyme A measurements documented significant increases in the 13 mmol/L amino acid group relative to the control group. The conclusions of this study strongly support aspartate/glutamate supplementation for stunned, reperfused myocardium. It is apparent that the effect of amino acid supplementation on glycolysis is directly translated into improved regional function and reduced infarct size.
Desiliconized Pig Iron For the Electric Furnace—A Possibility

Hot-charging of pig iron into the electric furnace is a subject of much interest. The advantages of desiliconizing the pig before charging, as here presented, make an important difference in costs.
Rainfall increases the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes within a riverine microbial community

Infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria are among the major threats for human health. Studies elucidating the role of the environment in their spread are still in their infancy, it, however, seems that different environments might function as a long-term reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that reside within their microbial communities. An increasing number of studies target the presence and the persistence of ARGs in waters and soils that are exposed to human activities; they, however, rarely consider the spatial/temporal variability that predominate in these environments. Here we evaluated the effect of a moderate rain event (4 mm rain h−1) on the abundance and distribution of ARGs (tetA, ermB, blaCTXM, sulII, and qnrS), by comparing measurements of gene abundances during the rainfall to the yearly average, in the waters of a large subalpine river. ARG abundances, which all increased during the rain event, were then correlated to several microbiological, physical and chemical variables, in order to establish their potential origin. Increments in ARG abundances during rainfall (total ARGs: 24 fold) was concomitant to an increase in total phosphorous, N-NH4, and microbial aggregates. Our results show a strong influence of a moderate rainfall on the abundances of ARGs, and suggest the catchment as their source. The impact of moderate rainfalls in areas exposed to anthropic activities should then be considered in modelling and management of ARG dynamics.
Reliability of Self-Reported Pre-Stroke Function

P135 Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of self-reported pre-stroke function when reported within 28 days post-stroke and again at 90 days post-stroke. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients who participated in the Kansas City Stroke Registry were included in this analysis. Pre-stroke function was self-reported by participants using the Lawton IADL and SF-36 Physical Function Index at baseline (within 28 days of stroke onset) and again at 90 days post-stroke. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to examine the reliability of self-reported pre-stroke physical function. The Orpington Prognostic Scale was used to characterize stroke severity. Results: Sixty subjects (24 males and 36 females) with an average age of 75±8.2 years were included in this study. Stroke severity at baseline was mild in 19, moderate in 37, and severe in 4. When compared to pre-stroke function reported at baseline using the Lawton IADL, prior function reported at 90 days was lower in 17 subjects, no change in 21 subjects, and higher in 22. Similarly, when compared to pre-stroke physical function reported at baseline using the SF-36 PFI, prior function reported at 90 days was lower in 18 subjects, no change in 11 subjects, and higher in 30. The calculated ICCs were .53 for both measures. Conclusions: Recall of pre-stroke function is not consistent across time.