cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The interaction of the Bainbridge and Bezold-Jarisch reflexes in the conscious dog

Experiments were undertaken to determine the efferent path of the Bainbridge reflex and to investigate the interaction of the Bainbridge reflex with the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs. The Bainbridge reflex was elicited by distending the left atrium by inflating a chronically implanted balloon catheter. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex was elicited using chemical stimulation of left ventricular receptors with infusions of veratridine (0.1–0.8 μg/kg/min) into the left circumflex coronary artery. Heart-rate responses to left atrial balloon inflation were compared before and after either β-1 antagonism with metoprolol or cholinergic antagonism with atropine, and before and during left ventricular receptor stimulation with intracoronary veratridine. Left atrial balloon inflation alone caused a significant increase in heart rate (70.1 ± 5 bpm), left atrial pressure (14 ± 3 mm Hg) and mean arterial blood pressure (10 ± 2 mm Hg). Heart-rate responses to left atrial distension were inhibited, but not abolished by either cholinergic or β-1 antagonism. Left atrial distension after both cholinergic and β-1 antagonism abolished the heart-rate response to balloon inflation. These results indicate that the efferent component of the Bainbridge reflex has both a vagal and a sympathetic component in conscious dogs. Left atrial distension during simultaneous left ventricular receptor stimulation resulted in a significantly decreased tachycardia than did left atrial distension alone (26 ± 3 bpm compared to 68 ± 8 bpm in the control experiments). In addition, the slope of the heart rate vs left atrial pressure relationship was significantly inhibited by left ventricular receptor stimulation (1.8 ± 0.2 bpm/mm Hg compared to 5.7 ± 0.3 bpm/mm Hg in the control experiments). There were no significant differences in either the left atrial pressure or arterial blood pressure changes between the two groups. These data suggest an interaction between these two reflexes that may be occurring in the central nervous system.
Differences in Turnover Rates of Vinculin and Talin Caused by Viral Transformation and Cell Density

Abstract Vinculin and talin are two major components of focal contacts which interact with each other. In order to understand how the relative levels of these proteins are maintained under various conditions, the synthesis rates and half-lives of vinculin and talin in chick embryonic fibroblasts were determined by autoradiography combined with immunoblotting. High cell density and transformation by Rous sarcoma virus decreased the vinculin synthesis rate by 40%. Upon viral transformation, the synthesis rate of talin decreased by 30%. In contrast to vinculin, the synthesis rate of talin was not affected by cell density. The effect of cell density on the synthesis rate of vinculin was retained after viral transformation, suggesting that cell density and viral transformation affect vinculin synthesis by two independent mechanisms. The synthesis rate of vinculin was approximately two to three times greater than that of talin under all conditions tested. The half-lives of vinculin and talin remained constant at different cell densities in untransformed cells (t1/2= 18–21 h), but transformation slightly decreased half-lives of both proteins (t1/2= 16–18 h). These results suggest that the decreased expression of vinculin and talin in transformed chick fibroblasts can be attributed mainly to changes in their biosynthesis rates rather than degradation. This may contribute to a decrease in the number of focal contacts in transformed cells.
Modeling of Microbial Population Responses to Time-Periodic Concentrations of Antimicrobial Agents

We present the development and first experimental validation of a mathematical modeling framework for predicting the eventual response of heterogeneous (distributed-resistance) microbial populations to antimicrobial agents at time-periodic (hence pharmacokinetically realistic) concentrations. Our mathematical model predictions are validated in a hollow-fiber in vitro experimental infection model. They are in agreement with the threshold levofloxacin exposure necessary to suppress resistance development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a murine thigh infection model. Predictions made by the proposed mathematical modeling framework can offer guidance for targeted testing of promising regimens. This can aid the development and clinical use of antimicrobial agents that combat microbial resistance.
A restriction and feasible direction algorithm for a capacity expansion problem

Abstract This paper examines the problem of optimally expanding existing capacity in order to meet an expected load in the context of an electric utility. A pre-optimization (Phase I) analysis is presented in order to easily determine (a) the capacities of existing equipments which will be used at an optimal solution; (b) the optimal (nonnegative) capacities of a subset of the new equipments to be purchased, and (c) a good quality starting solution. Having thus restricted a part of the solution to its optimal value, the problem is transformed into one of minimizing a convex, differentiable function, subject to a single generalized upper bounding constraint along with nonnegativity restrictions. An efficient specialization of a feasible directions algorithm (Phase II) is presented to solve this problem. The algorithm is versatile in that it provides a preview of whether or not all existing equipment capacity will be used in the light of available equipments, and which new equipments may be used in the optimal expansion plan. The algorithm can also solve the problem which enforces the use of all existing equipment capacity. Furhtermore, Phase I, which is the principal part of this algorithm, provides the user with insightful information. A numerical problem is analyzed to illustrate the effectiveness of the procedure.
Electronic properties of the trimethylenemethaneiron tricarbonyl group

The substituent electronic effects of trimethylenemethaneiron tricarbonyl [TMMFe(CO)3] have been studied, with σ values reported. Determination of these values was accomplished through three different techniques: a study of acidity relative to benzoic acid with TMMFe(CO)3 acting as a substituent of benzoic acid; 19F-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shielding analysis of m-fluorophenylTMMFe(CO)3; and 13C-NMR shielding analysis of phenylTMMFe(CO)3. The TMMFe(CO)3 group behaves in much the same manner as a phenyl group (i.e. weakly electron releasing by resonance and weakly electron attracting by induction). The syntheses of the substituted phenyltrimethyleneiron tricarbonyl compounds are described.
A latching accelerometer fabricated by the anisotropic etching of (110) oriented silicon wafers

The anisotropic etching of (110) oriented silicon wafers is used to fabricate a simple latching accelerometer for moderate and high-g applications. This accelerometer consists of two cantilever beams that interlock at a set threshold acceleration which is determined by their design. The accelerometer is robust, fairly easy to fabricate and can be mass produced. Two units designed to latch at 85 g and 600 g were tested on a centrifuge and the error between the calculated latching acceleration and the experimental result was less than 15%. Arrays of accelerometers can be easily fabricated on the same silicon wafer to bracket the true acceleration. Readout schemes could include either capacitive or optical techniques. The structure can be easily designed for a wide range of acceleration ranging from a few g to several thousand g.
Sedimentary Structures in Modern Carbonate Sands of the Bahamas: ABSTRACT

Sedimentary structures of carbonate sand bottoms near Bimini, Sandy Cay, and the Berry Islands have been examined in depths ranging to 10 ft. below MLW. Box cores with a vertical face 18 in. high and 12 in. wide were impregnated in the field with epoxy resin to preserve and accentuate the structures. Four distinct types of internal structures occur in contrasting depositional environments. Type I, characterized by 3-10 cm.-thick sets of cross-strata and either horizontal or curving truncation surfaces, is found in intertidal, rippled, oolite shoals. Type II, with 20-40 cm.-thick sets of tabular cross-strata and horizontal truncation surfaces, is found in intertidal-subtidal, unrippled, grapestone bars. Type III, with even, parallel laminae inclined at low angles to the horizontal, is found in the backshore and foreshore of beaches. Type IV is mottled, lacks stratification, and is found in unrippled level bottoms. Bahamian field observations confirm pertinent hydrodynamic conclusions of J. R. L. Allen, H. W. Menard, and D. B. Simons. Type I is observed to form by small ripple trains induced at low flow intensities by tidal currents. Type II is judged to form by a large-scale ripple induced at high flow intensities by rare storms. According to M. M. Ball, deposits with similar structure were formed by Hurricane Donna in Florida Bay. Type III is observed to form from swash and backwash currents on beaches. Type IV reflects an environment in which organisms destroy stratification as fast as it is produced. These four types should be considered as end-members representing hydrodynamically pure situations. Many actual sites represent alternating conditions (beach-shoal, beach-bar, etc.), as is clear from preserved structures. End_of_Article - Last_Page 533------------
Trust in virtual teams: solved or still a mystery?

Trust was one of the most prominent topics of early research in virtual teams, highlighted by the emergence of the theory of swift trust. As researchers continue to study this topic, it is important to understand what problems have been solved as well as what aspects of trust in virtual teams remain a mystery. We address this goal by presenting an in-depth analysis of existing research on trust in virtual teams. We review theories, methods, tasks, technologies, and major outcome themes from 42 empirical studies over an eleven-year period from 1997 through 2007. The analysis reveals gaps and areas for future research, including the need for additional theorizing, broader use of methods, deliberate interventions that enhance trust, and continuing evolution of the trust concept.
Interaction of pregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate with ethanol and pentobarbital.

Abstract 3-α-Hydroxy-5-β-pregnan-20-one [pregnanolone (Pa)] and 3-β-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one 3-sulfate [pregnenolone sulfate (PS)] are steroids that have been shown in biochemical studies to be active at the GABA-benzodiazepine-chloride receptor complex, Pa as a “barbiturate-like” agonist and PS as a “picrotoxin-like” antagonist. Since other compounds that are active at this site interact with the effects of pentobarbital and ethanol, the behavioral effects of these steroids alone and in combination with pentobarbital and ethanol were tested. Pa blocks the convulsions caused by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and increases motor activity when given alone in low doses. In combination with either pentobarbital or ethanol, it enhances the depression in motor activity, hypothermia, and hypnosis. In contrast, PS has no effect on PTZ convulsions and depresses motor activity by itself. With pentobarbital, PS enhances the depression in motor activity but has no effect on hypothermia or hypnosis. With ethanol, PS enhances the hypothermia but does not affect motor activity or hypnosis. Therefore, Pa and PS show different but no opposite effects in interacting with compounds active at the GABA-benzodiazepine-chloride receptor complex.
Assessing the risks of invasion for genetically engineered plants: acceptable evidence and reasonable doubt.

Abstract Agricultural biotechnology has generated concern over the risk of producing new invasive species or exacerbating current weed problems. In this paper, we introduce the regulatory context for assessing invasiveness of genetically engineered organisms in the United States and review the evidence presented by companies arguing for deregulation of particular transgenic crops. The context of invasion ecology is then used to discuss the nature of acceptable evidence for a finding of ‘no risk’; we focus in particular on the role of experimental data. We review recent experiments designed to assess the risk of genetically engineered crops, including our own work with oilmodified canola Brassica napus , and offer guidelines for the design and interpretation of such experiments.
Electrical and thermal conductivity of low temperature CVD graphene: the effect of disorder

In this paper we present a study of graphene produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) under different conditions with the main emphasis on correlating the thermal and electrical properties with the degree of disorder. Graphene grown by CVD on Cu and Ni catalysts demonstrates the increasing extent of disorder at low deposition temperatures as revealed by the Raman peak ratio, IG/ID. We relate this ratio to the characteristic domain size, La, and investigate the electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene as a function of La. The electrical resistivity, ρ, measured on graphene samples transferred onto SiO2/Si substrates shows linear correlation with La(-1). The thermal conductivity, K, measured on the same graphene samples suspended on silicon pillars, on the other hand, appears to have a much weaker dependence on La, close to K∼La1/3. It results in an apparent ρ∼K3 correlation between them. Despite the progressively increasing structural disorder in graphene grown at lower temperatures, it shows remarkably high thermal conductivity (10(2)-10(3) W K(-1) m(-1)) and low electrical (10(3)-3×10(5) Ω) resistivities suitable for various applications.
Effects of lowering elevated LDL cholesterol on the cardiovascular risk of lipoprotein(a).

Objective. —To determine if lowering elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels offsets the adverse effect of raised lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels on coronary artery disease (CAD) in men. Design. —Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of lipid lowering for CAD. Setting. —Post hoc analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study. Participants. —A total of 146 men aged 62 years or younger with CAD and apolipoprotein B levels of at least 125 mg/dL. Intervention. —Patients received a Step II Diet and lovastatin (40 mg daily) plus colestipol (30 g daily), niacin (4 g daily) plus colestipol, or placebo (plus colestipol if LDL-C >90th percentile) for 2.5 years. They were grouped by their LDL-C responses: "minimal" if LDL-C decreased by 10% or less from baseline (mean [SD] change, +6% [13%]) and "substantial" if LDL-C decreased more than 10% (mean [SD] change, —40% [16%]). Main Outcome Measure. —Impact of lowering elevated LDL-C on the cardiac event rate (death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization for refractory ischemia) and CAD change associated with elevated Lp(a). Results. —In multivariate analyses, the best correlate of baseline CAD severity was Lp(a) (r=0.30;P Conclusions. —In men with CAD and elevated LDL-C, Lp(a) levels were dominant correlates of baseline disease severity, its progression, and event rate over 2.5 years. However, with substantial LDL-C reductions, persistent elevations of Lp(a) were no longer atherogenic or clinically threatening. This provides a possible direction for treatment in such patients with elevated Lp(a) and LDL-C. (JAMA. 1995;274:1771-1774)
Predicting Individual Change in Personality Disorder Features by Simultaneous Individual Change in Personality Dimensions Linked to Neurobehavioral Systems: The Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders (PDs), long thought to be immutable over time, show considerable evidence of individual change and malleability in modern prospective longitudinal studies. The factors responsible for the evident individual change in PDs over time, however, remain essentially unknown. A neurobehavioral model that posits negative emotion (NEM), nonaffective constraint (CON), communal positive emotion (PEM-C), and agentic positive emotion (PEM-A) as important systems underlying PD provides a theoretical basis for investigating predictors of change in PD features over time. Thus, in this study, the authors investigated how individual change in NEM, CON, PEM-C, and PEM-A over time predicted individual change in PD features over time, using longitudinal data on PD assessed by the International Personality Disorders Examination (A. W. Loranger, 1999), as well as data on normal personality features gathered within a 4-year prospective multiwave longitudinal study (N = 250). The authors used the method of latent growth modeling to conduct their analyses. Lower initial levels of PEM-C predicted initial levels of the growth trajectories for those with elevated Cluster A PD features. Elevated NEM, lower CON, and elevated PEM-A initial levels were found to characterize the initial levels of growth trajectories for those with increased Cluster B PD features. Interestingly, subjects with higher initial levels of PEM-A revealed a more rapid rate of change (declining) in Cluster B PD features over time. Elevated NEM and decreased PEM-C initial levels were found to characterize the growth trajectories for subjects with increased Cluster C PD features. The substantive meaning of these results is discussed, and the methodological advantages offered by this statistical approach are also highlighted.
Azeto[1,2-a]quinoxaline-1,3-diones, a new class of bridgehead nitrogen β-lactams

Two synthetic procedures have been developed for the preparation of azeto[1,2-a]quinoxaline- 1,3-diones, a novel class of fused heterocyclic β-lactams possessing a bridgehead nitrogen atom. Both processes are general and afford the title compounds in good yield. The infrared, proton magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopic properties of the title compounds are discussed.
Applications of a modulated laser for FT Raman spectroscopy. Part 2. Signal-to-noise enhancement and removal of thermal backgrounds

Abstract This paper describes the benefits of using a synchronously gain switched Nd:YAG laser as an excitation source for FT Raman spectroscopy. Results show that improvements in signal-to-noise ratios of better than a factor of four are obtained when using the same average d.c. laser power compared with the normal CW experiment. This technique is simple to apply to modern FT Raman spectrometers requiring little modification to the analogue electronics.
Gastric emptying in the acutely inebriated patient.

Abstract Fifty inebriated emergency department (ED) patients underwent evacuation of gastric contents via a nasogastric tube, in order to determine if a significant amount of ingested ethanol can be removed prior to absorption. Such a result could potentially reduce additional intoxicating effect. The gastric contents were assayed for total ethanol concentration, and a potential (postabsorption) additive blood alcohol level (PABAL) was projected and compared to the actual BAL on arrival. The type of beverage ingested and the time since last drink were recorded. BAL ranged from 108 to 637 mg/dL (mean ± SD, 290 ± 104.7). Gastric aspirate volume ranged from 50 to 700 mL (190 ± 134), and contained alcohol in a range of 87 to 2271 mg/dL (475 ± 479). Based on the distribution volume for alcohol calculated according to the patient's weight, this corresponded to a PABAL of 3 to 167 mg/dL (mean, 24.3 ± 29.3). There was no significant correlation between the volume or concentration of gastric aspirate and the patient's stated drinking history. The authors conclude that a significant amount of ingested alcohol may occasionally be removed from absorption by the routine evacuation of gastric contents in intoxicated patients. These patients cannot be identified upon presentation, however, and these data cannot support routine use of gastric emptying in the detoxification of inebriated patients.
The geometric convergence rate of the classical change-point estimate

Abstract An analytic method for obtaining optimum rates of convergence for the total variation distances is established. The distance engages the distribution of the maximum likelihood estimate of the change-point in a fixed sample size time ordered data and the distribution of the maximum likelihood estimate of the change-point in an infinite time series data. The method is based purely on probabilistic arguments. Various ideas from random walks, supermartingales, ladder heights, and a recursive sequence of embedded random walks are considered. The optimum rate factor involves the probability of the first passage time to the positive axis.
Single-residency sintering and consolidation of powder-metal alloys, intermetallics, and composites by pulsed homopolar generator discharge

Abstract Utilizing inertial energy storage the homopolar generator (HPG) is capable of delivering multimegawatt, megampere current pulses into resistive or inductive loads with high efficiency. (1) Such HPG's have been used for many years as power supplies for research in pulsed processing of metal alloy components and systems. Most of these processes rely on extremely rapid thermal excursions in the workpiece(s) caused by resistive heating during the current pulse. A new application of pulsed HPG's that carries great promise is homopolar pulse consolidation (HPC) of powder metal alloys or components.(2) In HPC, powder metal constituents are loaded into a thermally and electrically insulated die, then precompacted to an initial pressure. the “rams” of the compaction press are also the electrodes for homopolar discharge current. While in single residency, the powder compact is heated uniformly by HPG discharge current, sintering occurs, and consolidation is accomplished by hydraulic control of the consolidation press. The process is completed in approximately one sec, with unaided cooling to room temperature on the order of 100 sec, depending on compact mass. Microstructural control is closely tied to beginning particle size and distribution. Traditionally unsinterable alloys have been consolidated using HPC. Novel intermetallic alloys and phases have been produced. Cermets and other composites can be produced, as long as the continuous matrix is conductive. New tooling designs allow for controlled atmospheres, near-net shapes, and automated manufacturing.
Pulmonary agenesis: Expansion of the VCFS phenotype

In this report, we describe a child with the typical craniofacial manifestations of velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), a 22q11.2 deletion, and unilateral pulmonary agenesis. The 22q11.2 deletion syndromes are associated with malformations presumed to be caused by a disruption of cephalic neural crest cell migration during the fourth week of embryonic development. We suggest that the pulmonary agenesis seen in this case is related to a disruption of the dorsal aortic arch development that selectively interfered with lung bud growth. We suggest that pulmonary agenesis should be considered part of the spectrum of malformations seen in 22q11.2 deletion.
Uric Acid Stone and Gastric Bladder Augmentation

AbstractWe describe a stone occurring in a bladder augmented with stomach. The stone was composed of uric acid, the expected mineral component in an acid medium.
Reduction of Nitro Aromatic Compounds by Zero-Valent Iron Metal

The properties of iron metal that make it useful in remediation of chlorinated solvents may also lead to reduction of other groundwater contaminants such as nitro aromatic compounds (NACs). Nitrobenzene is reduced by iron under anaerobic conditions to aniline with nitrosobenzene as an intermediate product. Coupling products such as azobenzene and azoxybenzene were not detected. First-order reduction rates are similar for nitrobenzene and nitrosobenzene, but aniline appearance occurs more slowly (typical pseudo-first-order rate constants 3.5 × 10-2, 3.4 × 10-2, and 8.8 × 10-3 min-1, respectively, in the presence of 33 g/L acid-washed, 18−20 mesh Fluka iron turnings). The nitro reduction rate increased linearly with concentration of iron surface area, giving a specific reaction rate constant (3.9 ± 0.2 × 10-2 min-1 m-2 L). The minimal effects of solution pH or ring substitution on nitro reduction rates, and the linear correlation between nitrobenzene reduction rate constants and the square-root of mixing ra...
Inducing Cooperation by Groups and Individuals: Applying Osgood's Grit Strategy:

Thirty-two groups and an equal number of individuals opposed one of four programmed strategies, presumably carried out by an individual, in a 30-trial Prisoner's Dilemma situation. The programmed strategies included (a) a GRIT strategy involving a general statement of intent, specific announcements of choices, and some retaliation to exploitation; (b) a competitive strategy in which announcements were used deceitfully; (c) a tit-for-tat strategy without any verbal communication; and (d) a 50% cooperative control strategy. For both groups and individuals the GRIT strategy promoted more cooperation than any of the other three. This difference vanished toward the end of the third block of ten trials in which all four strategies involved consistent, unannounced cooperation. Females were more cooperative than males. It was concluded that GRIT is as effective with groups as with individuals, even though prior research indicates groups to be less conciliatory in their preference for influence modes and at times ...
Beyond the Core: The Hot Topic(al) Alternative to the Survey-Based Introduction to Sociology Course

In the following paper we argue that the conventional “Introduction to Sociology” survey course should be restructured because such courses try to survey an unsurveyable body of knowledge and they do not teach the application of sociological research. The conventional intro course should be replaced with an intro course that surveys the types of social dynamics that sociologists typically research and the methods they use to do so. We propose a semester-long intro course with four case study learning-units that are chosen for their coverage of the underlying sociological dynamics, methods, and core concepts. We contend that case study learning-units which concentrate on topical issues and core sociological concepts are better suited for an introduction course.
Intimate Partner Violence among Married Women in Kenya

This study examines the prevalence and determinants of physical, sexual, and life threatening partner violence experienced by married women, using the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data....
Immediate and follow-up results of balloon angioplasty of postoperative recoarctation in infants and children

The purpose of this article is to present immediate and follow-up results of balloon angioplasty of aortic recoarctations following previous surgery in infants and children. During a 45-month period that ended in June 1989, nine infants and children, ages 6 months to 7 years, underwent balloon angioplasty of recoarctation with resultant reduction in peak-to-peak systolic pressure gradient from 52 +/- 20 mm Hg (mean +/- SD) to 16 +/- 8 mm Hg (p less than 0.001) and increase in coarctation segment size from 3.4 +/- 1.4 mm to 6.1 +/- 1.6 mm (p less than 0.01). None required surgical intervention. There were no significant complications. Follow-up catheterization (16 +/- 7 months) data in six children and follow-up clinical (17 +/- 6 months) data in all children were available for review. Both the residual coarctation pressure gradient (6 +/- 6 mm Hg) and coarctation segment size (8.2 +/- 2.4 mm) remain improved (p less than 0.001) when compared with pre-balloon angioplasty values and the pressure gradient fell further (p less than 0.01) when compared with that measured immediately after balloon angioplasty. None developed restenosis, although one child required surgical relief of severe narrowing of isthmus of the aortic arch. None developed aneurysms. On the basis of this experience and that reported in the literature and because of high morbidity and mortality rates associated with repeat surgery for postoperative recoarctation, we recommend balloon angioplasty as the procedure of choice for relief of postoperative recoarctation with significant hypertension.
Time-Varying Behavior of a Statically Indeterminate Shafting System in a Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing

Comportement en regime variable d'un arbre statiquement indetermine monte dans des paliers hydrodynamiques
A fiber-based ratiometric optical cardiac mapping channel using a diffraction grating and split detector.

Optical fiber-based mapping systems are used to record the cardiac action potential (AP) throughout the myocardium. The optical AP contains a contraction-induced motion artifact (MA), which makes it difficult to accurately measure the action potential duration (APD). MA is removed by preventing contraction with electrical-mechanical uncoupling drugs, such as 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). We designed a novel fiber-based ratiometric optical channel using a blue light emitting diode, a diffraction grating, and a split photodetector that can accurately measure the cardiac AP without the need for BDM. The channel was designed based on simulations using the optical design software ZEMAX. The channel has an electrical bandwidth of 150 Hz and an root mean-square dark noise of 742 μV. The channel successfully recorded the cardiac AP from the wall of five rabbit heart preparations without the use of BDM. After 20-point median filtering, the mean signal/noise ratio was 25.3 V/V. The APD measured from the base of a rabbit heart was 134 ± 8.4 ms, compared to 137.6 ± 3.3 ms from simultaneous microelectrode recordings. This difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.3). The quantity of MA removed was also measured using the motion ratio. The reduction in MA was significant (p-value = 0.0001). This fiber-based system is the first of its kind to enable optical APD measurements in the beating heart wall without the use of BDM.
Received power and ambient electric field from broadband emissions in reverberant spaces

The electromagnetic environment created in a reverberant space by broadband RF emissions is investigated. A white Gaussian noise source is used to emulate the wide power spectral density bandwidth, low temporal coherence time (rapid signal fluctuations), and large peak-to-average power ratio characteristics of emissions from modern digitally modulated spread-spectrum wireless networks. The interaction between the wide power spectral density of the noise signal and the highly frequency-selective channel of the reverberant space leads to average received power and average ambient electric field that exhibit very small spatial variation in the volume. This spatial uniformity in average field results from integration of the received signal power spectral density across the wide frequency bandwidth. The peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is derived from the time-dependent power waveform statistics of the received signal. A maximum electric field is computed from the peak received power.
Miniaturized 1” dual-band GPS antenna element

In recent years, Global Position System integration into portable devices has called for smaller and more robust GPS antenna elements. Previous works in [1–3] have reduced GPS antenna sizes from 4” down to 1.2”. A slot-loaded dual stacked patch GPS antenna element was presented in [4] occupying only 1” aperture. However, this antenna suffered from poor matching and radiation at the feed junctions causing undue coupling to adjacent GPS elements in an array. To address these issues, in this paper we introduce a new fork-type feed that provides good matching at both GPS bands: 1575MHz (L1 band) and 1225MHz (L2 band). As a result, a reflection coefficient of less than −10dB is achieved at both bands providing gains of 5dBi and 4dBi at 1575MHz and 1225MHz, respectively. Below, we describe the fork-feed design and compare measurement with simulations.
Construction of molecular mechanics energy functions by mathematical transformation of ab initio force fields and structures

A method is presented by which ab initio (or empirical) force fields and structures can be converted to molecular mechanics energy parameters. Using Cartesian coordinates, the effect of van der Waals and other nonquadratic interactions is eliminated from the original spectroscopic force field, and molecular mechanics force constants and reference geometry parameters are derived. The computed parameters yield molecular structure and vibrational frequencies that are identical to the original ones. The transformation produces a complete general valence force field, which in most cases is impractical, and a procedure to reduce the number of force constants is therefore described. Different ways of applying the transformation are outlined.
Measuring Assurance of Learning at the Degree Program and Academic Major Levels

In this article, the author examines the validity of performing assurance of learning (AOL) activities at the degree program level (e.g., bachelor's level) and the major level (e.g., accounting, finance). She examines 3 learning goals: management-specific knowledge, problem solving, and communication. The results strongly suggest that the AOL activities for the management-specific knowledge-learning goal occur at the major level. However, program-level AOL activities are appropriate for the communication-learning goal. The evidence, although inconclusive, indicates the need for AOL activities related to the problem-solving learning goal at the major level.
Reading the mind of God (without Hebrew lessons): Alston, shared attention, and mystical experience

Alston's perceptual account of mystical experience fails to show how it is that the sort of predicates that are used to describe God in these experiences could be derived from perception, even though the ascription of matched predicates in the natural order are not derived in the manner Alston has in mind. In contrast, if one looks to research on shared attention between individuals as mediated by mirror neurons, then one can give a perceptual account of mystical experience which draws a tighter connection between what is reported in mystical reports and the most similar reports in the natural order.
Passage feedback with IRIS

We compare a user-defined passage feedback (pf) system to a document feedback (df) system. Df employed the adaptive linear model for retrieval, while pf used weighted query expansion based on positive and negative feedback. Twenty-four searchers performed the same six tasks in varying search and system-order per TREC-8 guidelines. We hypothesized that pf, which featured interactive query expansion, would outperform df, which relied on automatic query expansion. Initial analysis appeared to reject this hypothesis, as df showed slightly higher overall performance than pf. However, analysis by system-order groups indicates only the first pf use had lower performance. These data suggest that pf was more difficult to learn than df, though the second pf use yielded competitive performance. If performance of pf is indeed affected by learning, an improved pf system with usability enhancements may prove to be an effective mechanism for interactive information retrieval.
Physics of high-energy heavy-ion collisions

This is a review of the present status of heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies. The main goal of heavy-ion physics in this energy regime is to shed some light on the nuclear equation of state (EOS), hence we present the basic concept of the EOS in nuclear matter as well as of nuclear shock waves which provide the key mechanism for the compression of nuclear matter. The main part is devoted to models currently used for describing heavy-ion reactions theoretically and to observables useful for extracting information about the EOS from experiments. A detailed discussion of the flow effects with a broad comparison with the available data is presented. The many-body aspects of such reactions are investigated via the multifragmentation break up of excited nuclear systems and a comparison of model calculations with the most recent multifragmentation experiments is presented.
Acute pancreatitis: too many classifications-what is a clinician or researcher to do?

Acute Pancreatitis (AP), an acute inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, usually runs a mild clinical course. A subset of patients develops severe disease independent of the degree of initial insult or etiology, with high morbidity, and mortality up to 45%1. Most scoring systems to assess disease severity (e.g. hematocrit, APACHE-II) capture local or systemic effects of pancreatic injury and are generally similar in their predictive ability when tested in the same cohort of AP patients2.
Agent societies. Magnitude and duration

If you only need agents to search the Web for cheap CDs, scalability is not an issue. The Web can support numerous agents if each acts independently. In short order, however, billions of embedded agents that sense their environment and interact with us and other agents will fill our world, making the human environment friendlier and more efficient. These agents will need not only scalable infrastructures and communication services, but also scalable social services encompassing ethics and laws. Research projects are under way around the world to develop and deploy such services. The author takes a look at the critical relationship between scalability and intelligent agents.
Optimization of a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine class of KDR kinase inhibitors: improvements in physical properties enhance cellular activity and pharmacokinetics

We have introduced solubilizing functionality to a 3,6-disubstituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine series of KDR kinase inhibitors to improve the physical properties of these compounds. The addition of a basic side-chain to the 6-aryl ring, introduction of 3-pyridyl groups, and most significantly, incorporation of a 4-pyridinonyl substituent at the 6-position of the core are modifications that maintain and often enhance the intrinsic potency of this class of inhibitors. Moreover, the improvements in physical properties result in marked increases in cellular activity and more favorable pharmacokinetics in rats. The synthesis and SAR of these compounds are described.
Brief Adaptive tracking control using synthesized velocity from attitude measurements

The attitude tracking control problem of uncertain rigid spacecraft without angular velocity measurements is addressed in this paper. The adaptive control law, which incorporates a velocity-generating filter from attitude measurements, is shown to ensure the asymptotic convergence of the attitude and angular velocity tracking errors despite unknown spacecraft inertia. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
On the Essential Dimension of p -Groups

We improve the known bounds on the essential dimension of p-groups over (large) fields of characteristic p.
Orexin, Alcohol and Sleep Homeostasis

Alcoholism is a third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. One of the most significant and severe consequences of alcohol use is its effects on sleep. Strong and convincing evidences suggest that alcohol-induced sleep disruptions may have a major role towards the development of alcoholism. However, very little is known about how and where alcohol acts to affect sleep. Adenosine (AD) is strongly implicated in sleep promotion as well as in mediating alcohol-induced sleep. Since orexinergic system plays a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of wakefulness, we hypothesized that alcohol may act via AD to inhibit the orexinergic system and promote sleep. In this chapter, we have described a series of experiments performed on Sprague-Dawley rats to test our hypothesis. Our first group of experiments suggests that adenosinergic mechanism in the perifornical hypothalamus is involved in spontaneous as well as recovery sleep after prolonged wakefulness. Our second group of experiments suggests that alcohol increases extracellular levels of AD in the orexin-rich perifornical hypothalamus, increased AD activates A1 receptors on orexinergic neurons and inhibits them, and inhibition of orexinergic neurons may result in sleep promotion. In our third group of experiments, we have shown that alcohol withdrawal-induced sleep disruptions are associated with downregulation of orexin gene expression suggesting a crucial link between orexinergic system and alcohol induced sleep disruptions. In conclusion, the results of our studies suggest that interaction between adenosinergic mechanism and the orexinergic system in the perifornical hypothalamus is crucial for alcohol’s effects on sleep.
Causal network analysis of head and neck keloid tissue identifies potential master regulators.

Objectives/Hypothesis To generate novel insights and hypotheses in keloid development from potential master regulators. Study Design Prospective cohort. Methods Six fresh keloid and six normal skin samples from 12 anonymous donors were used in a prospective cohort study. Genome-wide profiling was done previously on the cohort using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA). The 190 statistically significant CpG islands between keloid and normal tissue mapped to 152 genes (P < .05). The top 10 statistically significant genes (VAMP5, ACTR3C, GALNT3, KCNAB2, LRRC61, SCML4, SYNGR1, TNS1, PLEKHG5, PPP1R13-α, false discovery rate <.015) were uploaded into the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software's Causal Network Analysis (QIAGEN, Redwood City, CA). To reflect expected gene expression direction in the context of methylation changes, the inverse of the methylation ratio from keloid versus normal tissue was used for the analysis. Causal Network Analysis identified disease-specific master regulator molecules based on downstream differentially expressed keloid-specific genes and expected directionality of expression (hypermethylated vs. hypomethylated). Results Causal Network Analysis software identified four hierarchical networks that included four master regulators (pyroxamide, tributyrin, PRKG2, and PENK) and 19 intermediate regulators. Conclusions Causal Network Analysis of differentiated methylated gene data of keloid versus normal skin demonstrated four causal networks with four master regulators. These hierarchical networks suggest potential driver roles for their downstream keloid gene targets in the pathogenesis of the keloid phenotype, likely triggered due to perturbation/injury to normal tissue. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 2016
CRT-400.14 Trans-femoral Versus Trans-apical Access in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation; A Meta-analysis

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a breakthrough treatment option for inoperable or high surgical risk patients with symptomatic, severe aortic valve disease. Traditionally Trans-Femoral (TF) access has been the most common route. Trans-Apical (TA) access has been used since 2004 as
Polar codes for Secure Write-Efficient Memories

Secure Write-Efficient Memory (WEM) was proposed in [11] to solve the endurance and the insecure deletion problems in flash memories. Information theoretical results, i.e., the achievable region and the secrecy rewriting capacity, have been obtained. In this work, a code construction for secure WEM is presented and it is optimal for a large family of secure WEM.
Hepatic Scintiangiography: The Technical Side of the Story

Different techniques to obtain the most accurate and reliable method of proper patient positioning for hepatic scintiangiograms were investigated by this clinic. Neither the sole use of a lead-strip marker, palpation, nor percussion of the liver demonstrated enough accuracy for the proper patient positioning necessary to achieve a diagnostic liver flow study. Our experience, however, shows that the use of a flood tank for transmission scanning and a lead-strip rib marker for body landmark identification provides accurate, proper patient positioning.
A Monometallic f Element Complex of Dinitrogen: (C5Me5)3U(η1-N2)

The reactivities of (C5Me5)3U and (C5Me4H)3U were compared using both common (THF) and nontraditional (N2) ligands for f elements. THF coordinates the less-crowded (C5Me4H)3U to form (C5Me4H)3U(THF) while ring opening occurs with sterically crowded (C5Me5)3U. N2 at 80 psi reacts with (C5Me5)3U to form (C5Me5)3U(η1-N2) [U−N(N2) = 2.492(10) A, ν(N2) = 2207 cm-1, and cnt−U−N2 = 90°], whereas only (C5Me4H)3U was isolated under 80 psi of N2.
The inhibition of TDP-43 mitochondrial localization blocks its neuronal toxicity

Genetic mutations in TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP, also known as TDP-43) cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and an increase in the presence of TDP-43 (encoded by TARDBP) in the cytoplasm is a prominent histopathological feature of degenerating neurons in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which TDP-43 contributes to ALS pathophysiology remain elusive. Here we have found that TDP-43 accumulates in the mitochondria of neurons in subjects with ALS or frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Disease-associated mutations increase TDP-43 mitochondrial localization. In mitochondria, wild-type (WT) and mutant TDP-43 preferentially bind mitochondria-transcribed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding respiratory complex I subunits ND3 and ND6, impair their expression and specifically cause complex I disassembly. The suppression of TDP-43 mitochondrial localization abolishes WT and mutant TDP-43-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal loss, and improves phenotypes of transgenic mutant TDP-43 mice. Thus, our studies link TDP-43 toxicity directly to mitochondrial bioenergetics and propose the targeting of TDP-43 mitochondrial localization as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegeneration.
Tennyson’s Idylic Vision

If at the end Carlyle rejected high Art for ‘Fact’, then Tennyson, one of the most gifted artists of his own day, also, but much earlier in his career, turned away from what he perceived to be useless ‘Aestheticism’ to the kind of writing that would convert man’s perception of the world around him. The result of Tennyson’s approach was indeed paradoxical: he became identified with his age (by the 1860s it seemed as if the whole nation was reading him, Tillotson, p. 287), but then he came to be regarded by some as ‘the delicate Laureate of a cautious age; the shallow thought, the vacant compromise; the honeyed idyll, the complacent ode’ (Nicolson, p. 304). Carlyle, as his various remarks on Tennyson’s work and thought reveal, might have agreed with this assessment.
Coldspot Method of Pancreas Scanning

Pancreatic scanning has been subjected to more modifications than any other nuclear medicine procedure, yet it continues to be a challenge for most nuclear medicine departments with standard instrumentation. Our method enables us to obtain consistently reliable images of high quality in routine pancreatic scanning, using a rectilinear scanner. The lowest activity area in the abdomen—the coldspot—is chosen as the scanner setup point. The light source voltage is adjusted so that coldspot is just above the lower knee (light grey) of the density curve. The selected range differential must vary with coldspot percentage of scale to achieve an equivalent of 40% suppression. These setup factors ensure high contrast and controlled background sensitivity for all pancreatic scans using a rectilinear scanner. Better enhancement of image quality is achieved by use of two overlapping films in the cassette to record the photo scans with scanning done at double speed and half-line spacing, which results in averaging of density fluctuations due to random counting rate. The second film with its filtered image gives better anatomic definition of pancreas and liver. The routine pancreatic study includes scanning at 10 min and 40 min after injection of Se-75; a Tc-99m sulfur colloid liver scan is done while the patient is in the same position.