cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasi-modes in open cavities formulated as a boundary-value problem with application to laser resonators

Quasi-modes in open cavities, such as laser resonators, are formulated as a scalar mixed boundary-value problem. Using this approach, we seek to unify the derivations of the Fox–Li and Weinstein versions of laser resonator theory. Having obtained a rigorous theory, we analyze both analytically and numerically the long-wavelength limit of the lower-order quasi-modes, using a triple series to solve the mixed boundary-value problem. When the wavelength is very small compared with the size of the cavity (the usual laser resonator condition), we derive an integral equation governing the wave function and link it to the Fox–Li integral equation of laser resonator theory. The orthogonality and normalization of the various wave functions are also investigated.
The disruptive effect of cocaine on prepulse inhibition is prevented by repeated administration in rats.

These experiments tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with a behaviorally sensitizing regimen of cocaine alters the ability of cocaine to disrupt prepulse inhibition (PPI). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with cocaine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline vehicle for seven consecutive days followed by challenge treatment seven days later. Repeated cocaine treatment produced sensitization of stereotyped activity. Cocaine challenge following repeated vehicle treatment significantly reduced PPI, but this effect was completely abolished by repeated cocaine treatment. These data suggest that neuroadaptation following repeated treatment might prevent PPI disruption caused by psychomotor stimulants.
The mesothelial keratins: A new family of cytoskeletal proteins identified in cultured mesothelial cells and nonkeratinizing epithelia

The cytoskeletal proteins of cultured normal human mesothelial cells were found to consist of six major components, including actin, vimentin, the 40 kd keratin and the 44, 52 and 55 kd proteins, plus a minor 46 kd protein. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, peptide mapping and immunoprecipitation tests showed that the 40-55 kd mesothelial proteins are a family of keratins distinct in size, charge or peptide map from the "epidermal keratins" synthesized by cultured keratinocytes. Unique combinations of keratins from the epidermal and mesothelial keratin families were found to be synthesized by cultured bladder, esophageal, conjunctival, mammary, exocervical and ovarian surface epithelial cells. Mesothelial cells were the only epithelial cell type that synthesized vimentin at more than trace levels. We have also found that many carcinoma cell lines express keratins different from those of their cell type of origin.
Defects at Ge/oxide and III-V/oxide interfaces

Display Omitted We use density functional theory to study defects at semiconductor/oxide interfaces.For Ge, we find that dangling bonds are always negatively charged.In HfO2 and ZrO2, cation vacancies and oxygen interstitials are likely to occur.Oxygen vacancies in Al2O3 may act as carrier traps. Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, we investigate the impact of defects near interfaces of semiconductor channel materials and oxide dielectrics. We determine defect formation energies and transition levels, paying special attention to an accurate description of electronic structure by employing a hybrid functional. This methodology overcomes the band-gap problem inherent in traditional functionals and renders the approach more predictive. By calculating band alignments between the semiconductor material and the dielectric oxide, we are able to determine the position of defect levels in the oxide relative to the semiconductor band gap and assess how they will affect the device performance. We discuss results for vacancies in Ge, and for point defects in HfO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3. In addition to point defects, we have also investigated the properties of dangling bonds in Ge and Al2O3, which are likely to form in amorphous oxides as well as at semiconductor/oxide interfaces.
Interconnection network front-end controller combining to reduce hot spots effects

Multistage interconnection networks are very promising for shared-memory multiprocessor systems. These networks offer flexibility, scalability, and good performance-cost ratio. However, under a non-uniform traffic pattern, the performance of multistage interconnection networks suffers greatly because of hot spot traffic contention. The potential performance degradation due to even moderate hot spot traffic was found to be very significant, severely reducing all memory access, not just to shared locations [1]. Several techniques have been proposed to reduce the effects of hot spot and tree saturation contentions in multistage interconnection networks. These include multibuffered switching nodes, multipath networks, and request combining [2]. Request combining strategy was found to be an effective method of reducing the tree saturation problem [1]. Some request combining approaches have been proposed [1,3-5]. This paper proposes a new request combining based architecture to reduce the hot spot performance degradation. This approach is referred to as interconnection network front-end controller combining (IN-FEC). In IN-FEC, the interconnection network combines requests to the shared memory location, and the memory front-end controllers are used to decombine the combined request and distribute the results. Simulation results show considerable throughput enhancement under IN-FEC for an Omega network.
Anuloplastia remodeladora mediante un anillo específico para la reparación de la regurgitación mitral isquémica de tipo IIIb

Introduccion y objetivos El mecanismo mas frecuente de regurgitacion mitral isquemica es la restriccion de movimiento de los velos en sistole (tipo IIIb de Carpentier). La anuloplastia es la tecnica mas aceptada para su reparacion. El nuevo anillo protesico Carpentier-Mc-Carthy-Adams IMR Etlogix® fue disenado para tratar cada una de las peculiaridades de esta entidad, principalmente la dilatacion anular asimetrica. En este estudio revisamos las bases de creacion del anillo y describimos nuestra experiencia clinica inicial. Metodos Se intervino a 40 pacientes (edad, 68 ± 10 anos) de regurgitacion mitral isquemica de tipo IIIb (grados 3+/4+) mediante el nuevo anillo protesico entre diciembre de 2003 y junio de 2005. Los procedimientos asociados fueron la revascularizacion coronaria (n = 27 [68%]), la valvuloplastia tricuspidea (n = 10 [25%]) y la tecnica modificada de Maze (n = 9 [22%]). La estimacion del riesgo quirurgico por EuroSCORE fue del 17% ± 11%. Resultados La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 2,5% (n = 1). La morbilidad postoperatoria incluyo 1 caso de accidente cerebrovascular (2,5%), 1 caso de insuficiencia renal (2,5%) y 4 casos de insuficiencia respiratoria (10%). El estudio ecocardiografico previo al alta hospitalaria revelo la ausencia de regurgitacion mitral en 36 pacientes (92%) y regurgitacion de grado leve en 3 (8%). Se obtuvo el seguimiento ecocardiografico a largo plazo de 36 pacientes (92%; intervalo de seguimiento, 15-34 meses), y se objetivo una tasa de recurrencia (grado ≥ 2+) del 3% (n = 1). Conclusiones El anillo de Carpentier-McCarthy-Adams IMR Etlogix® corrige de manera efectiva la regurgitacion mitral isquemica de tipo IIIb. La nueva conformacion tridimensional asimetrica afronta las caracteristicas anatomopatologicas de este tipo de disfuncion y puede aportar excelentes resultados a largo plazo.
Oral antifungal therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis and its subtypes: a systematic review†

Background The objective of the evidence base review was to systematically evaluate the literature to elucidate the potential role of oral antifungal therapy in management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and its subtypes. Methods Articles for inclusion were identified by query of appropriate search terms in the PubMed database. The articles were reviewed independently by 2 authors and assigned an evidence level. The composite outcome data was reviewed to determine the impact of oral antifungals in CRS. Results The search yielded 356 abstracts for review, retrieved 60 articles for full review, and incorporated 28 studies in this report. The majority of literature included level 4 (15) and level 5 (12) studies. One study met criteria for level 1 evidence. Most common disease entity studied was allergic fungal rhinosinusitis in 19 series; the most common antifungals reported were itraconazole and ketoconazole in 19 and 6 studies, respectively. Subjective parameters were assessed in 12 (42.8%) studies; overall, 64 (78%) of 82 patients reported symptom resolution or improvement. Objective parameters were reported in 6 (21.4%) studies, including improvement in endoscopic findings (3), CT imaging (3), reduction in oral steroid usage (1), and less revision surgery (2). Median length of follow-up was 14.7 months (3–60). Conclusion The composite data suggests a potential beneficial effect of oral itraconazole and ketoconazole in patients with CRS and its subtypes. However, majority of the studies are uncontrolled case series, confounded by nonvalidated outcome variables. Randomized controlled trials are required to better elucidate their role in CRS. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
A coupled-channel born approximation analysis of 22Ne(p, t)20Ne and 24Mg(p, t)22Mg using shell-model wave functions

Abstract Coupled-channel Born approximation calculations for the reactions 22Ne(p, t)20Ne and 24Mg(p, t)22Mg to the 0+, 2+ and 4+ members of the ground-state rotational bands have been carried out. The two-nucleon transfer spectroscopic amplitudes were determined from shell-model wave functions, the calculation of inelastic excitations was based on the collective model, and the reaction space was limited to the first 0+, 2+and 4+states in each nucleus. The measured cross sections in the case of 22Ne(p, t) are reasonably well described by this model. However, significant deviations were observed between the calculated cross sections and the experimental data for the 24Mg(p, t) transitions to the 2+ and 4+ states. These discrepancies are possibly attributable to multistep processes involving higher-lying states in 24Mg not included in the reaction space. The effects on the calculations of other possible inadequacies of the reaction model and uncertainties in the parameters of this model are discussed.
Role of 14-3-3σ in poor prognosis and in radiation and drug resistance of human pancreatic cancers.

Background Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Unlike other solid tumors such as testicular cancer which are now curable, more than 90% of pancreatic cancer patients die due to lack of response to therapy. Recently, the level of 14-3-3σ mRNA was found to be increased in pancreatic cancers and this increased expression may contribute to the failure in treatment of pancreatic cancers. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis.
Blood‐brain barrier abnormalities in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Immunohistochemical localization of serum proteins in postmortem brain

Abnormalities in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be important in mediating some of the tissue damage that accompanies human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of the brain, as well as in facilitating viral entry into the central nervous system. Accordingly, immunohistochemical detection of fibrinogen (FIB) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) was used as a marker of vascular permeability in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brains of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who had HIV encephalitis (HIVE) (n = 17) and those who did not have HIVE (n = 16); nonimmunosuppressed patients served as control subjects (n = 22). The sex ratios and postmortem intervals were similar in all groups (p < 0.05), but the age of the two AIDS groups were younger than the control group (43.2 and 40.9 versus 62.5 yr; p < 0.05). The two AIDS groups had higher immunostaining for FIB and IgG than the control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) but did not differ from one another. Furthermore, the two AIDS groups had a significantly higher incidence of combined extravasation of both FIB and IgG, whereas the control group had a significantly higher incidence of negative staining for both proteins (p < 0.002). More than 95% of the microglial nodules of HIV were negative for serum proteins; however, all focal lesions with tissue necrosis, including lymphoma, opportunistic infections, and HIV (rarely), contained extravasated serum proteins. These results indicate that a diffuse BBB leak is present in approximately 50% of all patients with AIDS at the time of autopsy and may be seen in the absence of any other brain pathology, including HIVE. In contrast, focal lesions, including those of HIVE, are associated with BBB changes only when necrosis is present. The pathogenesis of the diffuse leak is unknown but may be related to circulating cytokines. Diffuse BBB breakdown may contribute not only to facilitated viral entry into brain, but also to the diffuse myelin pallor and gliosis common to all patients with AIDS.
Localization of nucleolar and chromatin residual acidic protein changes during differentiation in Physarum polycephalum.

The total nuclear proteins (30% by nuclear dry weight) of the plasmodial slime mould Physarum polycephalum have been quantitatively separated into four distinct solubility classes possessing characteristic molecular weight ranges and electrophoretic profiles. The residual acidic proteins of nuclei and nucleoli have been extracted during synchronous growth and during two forms of differentiation and separated into two fractions with buffer-saturated phenol, pH 8.2, and hot sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Quantitative comparisons of electrophoretically separated proteins of both residual fractions from nucleoli and nuclei reveal numerous changes in the phenol-soluble phosphoproteins during both forms of starvation-induced differentiation, and most of the changes occur in the chromatin-associated proteins ranging in molecular weight from 32,000 to 160,000. Reversion of the changes induced by starvation is complete within 8–10 hr after refeeding and precedes the first post-feeding mitotic division by 2 hr. Only two nucleolar proteins with molecular weights of 37,000 and 41,000 are extractable with phenol and are unchanged during differentiation. Five additional residual nucleolar proteins remaining after phenol extraction can be extracted with hot SDS and one of these proteins with a molecular weight of 86,500 disappears during differentiation. Incorporation, studies with 14 C labeled amino acids demonstrate that the new proteins which appear during differentiation are newly synthesized, that proteins which disappear during differentiation incorporate no label during development of the new cell states, and that there are two periods (mid S and late G 2 ) of increased isotope incorporation during active growth. The residual nucleolar proteins as compared to the residual nuclear proteins are high in serine, glycine, and aspartic acid but low in valine and isoleucine.
Seismic observations of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska - 1989-2010 and a conceptual model of the Redoubt magmatic system

Abstract Seismic activity at Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, has been closely monitored since 1989 by a network of five to ten seismometers within 22 km of the volcano's summit. Major eruptions occurred in 1989–1990 and 2009 and were characterized by large volcanic explosions, episodes of lava dome growth and failure, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. Seismic features of the 1989–1990 eruption were 1) weak precursory tremor and a short, 23-hour-long, intense swarm of repetitive shallow long-period (LP) events centered 1.4 km below the crater floor, 2) shallow volcano-tectonic (VT) and hybrid earthquakes that separated early episodes of dome growth, 3) 13 additional swarms of LP events at shallow depths precursory to many of the 25 explosions that occurred over the more than 128 day duration of eruptive activity, and 4) a persistent cluster of VT earthquakes at 6 to 9 km depth. In contrast the 2009 eruption was preceded by a pronounced increase in deep-LP (DLP) events at lower crustal depths (25 to 38 km) that began in mid-December 2008, two months of discontinuous shallow volcanic tremor that started on January 23, 2009, a strong phreatic explosion on March 15, and a 58-hour-long swarm of repetitive shallow LP events. The 2009 eruption consisted of at least 23 major explosions between March 23 and April 5, again accompanied by shallow VT earthquakes, several episodes of shallow repetitive LP events and dome growth continuing until mid July. Increased VT earthquakes at 4 to 9 km depth began slowly in early April, possibly defining a mid-crustal magma source zone. Magmatic processes associated with the 2009 eruption seismically activated the same portions of the Redoubt magmatic system as the 1989–1990 eruption, although the time scales and intensity vary considerably among the two eruptions. The occurrence of precursory DLP events suggests that the 2009 eruption may have involved the rise of magma from lower crustal depths. Based on the evolution of seismicity during the 1989–1990 and 2009 eruptions the Redoubt magmatic system is envisioned to consist of a shallow system of cracks extending 1 to 2 km below the crater floor, a magma storage or source region at roughly 3 to 9 km depth, and a diffuse magma source region at 25 to 38 km depth. Close tracking of seismic activity allowed the Alaska Volcano Observatory to successfully issue warnings prior to many of the hazardous explosive events that occurred in 2009.
Optimization for condition-based maintenance with semi-Markov decision process

The semi-Markov decision model is a powerful tool in analyzing sequential decision processes with random decision epochs. In this paper, we have built the semi-Markov decision process (SMDP) for the maintenance policy optimization of condition-based preventive maintenance problems, and have presented the approach for joint optimization of inspection rate and maintenance policy. Through numerical examples, the improvement of this method is compared with the scheme, which optimizes only over the inspection rate. We also find that under a special case when the deterioration rate at each failure stage is the same, the optimal policy obtained by SMDP algorithm is a dynamic threshold-type scheme with threshold value depending on the inspection rate.
An instructional laboratory to support microprogramming

A microprogramming laboratory that supports a one-quarter computer architecture course is described. This laboratory includes an inexpensive 32-bit microprogrammable VLSI computer board with writable control store, an 8 MFLOP floating-point processor, advanced microcode debugging support, and a relocatable macro meta assembler. The laboratory described was developed and taught at Georgia Institute of Technology in the School of Electrical Engineering. The cost of the microprogrammable hardware is comparable to that of a personal computer or other laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes. >
Searching for the two sigma advantage: Evaluating algebra intelligent tutors

Abstract This study evaluated 2 off-the-shelf, computer-based, mathematics intelligent-tutoring systems that provide instruction in algebra during a remedial mathematics summer program. The majority of the enrolled high school students failed to pass algebra in the previous semester. Students were randomly assigned in approximately equal proportions to work with the Carnegie Learning Algebra Cognitive Tutor or the ALEKS Algebra Course. Using the tutoring system exclusively, the students completed a 4-h-a-day, 14-day summer school high school algebra class for credit. The results revealed that both tutoring systems produced statistically and practically meaningful learning gains on measures of arithmetic and algebra knowledge.
Managing transportation research: The highway challenge

Abstract Management specialists have identified numerous principles for keeping companies innovative. Four frequently occurring themes—user orientation, strategic view, management commitment and accountability appear particularly applicable to highway research, despite their generality and ambiguity. The nation's highway industry is decentralized and relies on rigid standards and procurement processes. These traits pose some barriers to innovation, and research must be carefully structured to overcome them. Although existing research programs address certain problems well, they are unable to address some key topics. Recently, highway leaders have proposed a largescale Strategic Highway Research Program to fill this gap.
SP0074 Changing health behaviours with social marketing

Social marketing in health uses systematic commercial marketing techniques to promote the adoption healthy lifestyle behaviors and attitudes. Commercial advertising aims to increase the sales of a product by convincing potential buyers of the merits of its attributes. While a commercial ad campaign can be mostly based on the features of the product of interest (cognitive appeal), it often also engages viewers by appealing to their emotions, presenting situations or data that can trigger a desire to buy a given product (e.g. warm family scenes centered around the product). In social marketing, the overall goal is the adoption by the population of interest of behaviors leading to better health. A social marketing campaign goes beyond solely raising awareness of an issue, and attempts to bring about long-term health behavior changes. As in traditional marketing, social marketing campaigns are developed and implemented on the four P’s strategy: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. In social marketing, the Product presented most often is a behavior being encouraged, which often entails a change in lifestyle (e.g. exercise) or a change in healthcare use (e.g. screening). The Price to pay is not just monetary, it involves giving something up that is satisfying (e.g., smoking). Place refers to where and when to deploy the marketing message. People will not go out of their way, so the message must reach them where they can pay attention, and most importantly, in situations when they might be ready to make a decision or to change health habits (e.g. physician office). Finally, Promotion stands for the techniques and media used to disseminate the social marketing message. With the explosion of multimedia into everyday’s life, newer media such as Web marketing and social networks are being increasingly explored. Given the increased recognition of the role of comorbidities on the outcomes of patients with rheumatic disease, attention to a healthy lifestyle, and behaviors promoting well-being, are of paramount importance. This presentation will discuss how social marketing strategies might be implemented to improve the overall health of patients with rheumatic disease. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Multifunctional structural reinforcement featuring carbon nanotube films

Abstract Multiwalled carbon nanotube thin films were fabricated using catalytic chemical vapor deposition of xylene–ferrocene mixture precursor. The nanotube films were employed as inter-layers within composite systems to reinforce the interfaces between composite plies, enhancing laminate stiffness as well as structural damping. Experiments conducted using a piezo-silica composite beam with an embedded nano-film sub-layer indicated up to 200% increase in the inherent damping level and 30% increase in the baseline bending stiffness with minimal increase in structural weight. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) characterization of the nano-film was also conducted to investigate the mechanics of stiffness and damping augmentation. The study revealed a fascinating network of densely packed, highly interlinked multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs). This inter-tube connectivity resulted in strong interactions between adjacent nanotube clusters as they shear relative to each other causing energy dissipation within the nano-film. The cross-links between nanotubes also served to improve load transfer within the network resulting in improved stiffness properties.
Local labor markets and local area effects on welfare duration

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) has become an important tool for studying how long people stay on welfare programs because it has monthly data on a variety of welfare programs. This article presents estimates of duration models for unmarried women with children who are on the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (AFDC) using the 1984 and 1985 panels of SIPP. A weakness in previous welfare duration studies is that they do not include local labor market conditions or other local area effects; this omission may bias the estimated effects of policy variables (such as benefit levels) and labor market variables. This article incorporates relevant local area information from the City County Data Book and links this to SIPP welfare recipients based on county of residence. I find that local variables such as unemployment rates or per capita sales affect welfare exit rates, especially for blacks. Living in an urban area lengthens welfare spells for both whites and blacks.
When should we believe nonrandomized studies of comparative effectiveness

The demand for data from randomized comparative-effectiveness trials will always outstrip supply. Given their susceptibility to bias, several factors should be considered when examining nonrandomized comparative-effectiveness studies. These include comparability of treatments, magnitude of difference observed, sufficient attention to the underlying biology, examination of relationships supporting the main findings, whether the study includes only new users of the study treatments, whether the study end point is validly recorded, and replication of results. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011) 90 6, 764–766. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.243
Multiscale Polynomial Autoregressive Model for Monthly Sardines Catches Forecasting

The aim of this paper is to find a model to forecast 1-month ahead monthly sardines catches using a multivariate polynomial model combined with multi-scale stationary wavelet decomposition. The observed monthly sardines catches are decomposed into various sub-series employing wavelet decomposition and then appropriate sub-series are used as inputs to the autoregressive forecasting model. The forecasting strategy parameters are estimated using the least squares method and we find that the proposed forecaster achieves 99% of the explained variance with a MAPE below 7.6%.
WE-C-110-06: Two-Material Decomposition from a Single CT Scan Using Statistical Image Reconstruction

Purpose: Dual‐energy (DE) CT methods can separate two basis materials (e.g., soft tissue and bone) for applications such as dose calculations. However, typical DECT methods require either two scans or specialized scanners. We propose a statistical penalized weighted least‐squares (PWLS) method to reconstruct two basis material images from a single‐energy CT scan acquired with a simple split X‐ray filter. Methods: We used a pre‐patient split‐filter that contains 2mm aluminum across half the fan beam and 200 microns molybdenum for the other half. Using a 360‐degree rotation of the X‐ray source, the whole scanned object is exposed to two incident spectra with different effective energies during a single scan. We propose an optimization transfer method with a separable quadratic surrogate to monotonically decease a PWLS cost function with edge‐preserving regularization. We first reconstructed the bone‐corrected FBP images using the Joseph and Spital method, and separated the soft and bone components by a threshold to initialize the iterative algorithm. We used the ordered subsets approach to accelerate the convergence to a good local minimum. Results: The test object is a chest NCAT image with 1.0 for soft tissue, 0.5 for lungs, 1.5 for spine, and 2.0 for ribs (the units are physical density: g/cc.). The lungs and soft tissue had the “soft tissue” characteristics and the spine and ribs had the “bone” characteristics. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) errors of the soft tissue, bone and density map were 0.03, 0.02 and 0.01 for PWLS, compared to 0.06, 0.03 and 0.05 for the FBP initialization for the noiseless simulation. The PWLS method removed the beam hardening artifacts more effectively than the FBP‐JS method. Conclusions: The proposed PWLS reconstruction method was able to separate soft tissue and bone images with low RMS errors from a single CT scan using a split‐filter. Sponsored in part by NIH P01CA59827
Effect of ouabain on renal transport of p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) and blood flow in the dog.

Abstract PAH was infused i.v. to establish plasma concentrations of 2 to 48 mg%. Ouabain was given into one renal artery at rates of 0.7 to 1.3 μg/kg/min for 60 to 80 min. In most experiments there was a clear dissociation between the effects of ouabain on PAH and Na + transport indicating a certain selectivity for the cation. At plasma PAH concentration of 2 mg% ouabain initially reduced ipsilateral tubular extraction of PAH and renal blood flow. Both values returned promptly to control levels when a large ipsilateral inhibition of Na + reabsorption occurred. At plasma PAH concentration of 30 to 48 mg% the early response to ouabain was characterized by a depression of ipsilateral tubular maximal transport capacity for PAH and a beginning natriuresis, the late effect by a persistent depression of Na + reabsorption and a gradual return of PAH secretion rate to the levels of the opposite (control) kidney. Either the mechanisms of PAH and Na + inhibition by ouabain are different or the dissociation of ouabain effects on PAH and Na + transport is the result of intrarenal distribution of the drug.
Soil texture as an influence on the distribution of the desert seed-harvester ants Pogonomyrmex rugosus and Messor pergandei

Pogonomyrmex rugosus and Messor pergandei are ecologically similar species of desert seed-harvester ants that coexist in numerous areas throughout the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts. However, these two species also commonly segregate along physical gradients, with each species predominating in areas that differ in soil texture and/or topographic relief. Along gradients that included bajada and alluvial flat habitats, P. rugosus occurred alone in coarse-textured soils near mountains, while M. pergandei occurred alone in finer-textured soils further away. Conversely, along a vegetation gradient that included creosote bush and saltbush habitats, P. rugosus occurred alone in finer-textured soils than those occupied by either M. pergandei alone or both species in coexistence. However, in both situations clay content was significantly higher in areas occupied by P. rugosus alone, and at the latter site clay content was correlated with relative abundance of each species. Moreover, local distribution pattern of these two species may be related to the effects of clay on water retention, with retention being highest in areas occupied by P. rugosus alone. Differences in reproductive ecology may also affect these patterns as P. rugosus reproductive flights follow summer monsoon rains, while those of M. pergandei occur during the milder winter and spring.
URINARY STEROID PATTERNS AND LOSS OF SALT IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA.

Excretion of aldosterone, pregnanetriol, pregnanediol, 17-ketosteroids, tetrahydrocortisone (THE; 3α,17,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnane-11,20-dione) and tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol (THS; 3α,17,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one) was measured in 13 patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. An attempt was made to correlate the steroid excretion pattern with the tendency to lose salt. Nine of the patients maintained normal levels of serum sodium and excreted normal or increased amounts of aldosterone. Most of them excreted increased amounts of aldosterone when maintained on a low-salt diet. Four of the 13 patients were unable to maintain normal levels of serum sodium; one excreted no detectable aldosterone and 3 excreted essentially normal amounts. The salt losers also excreted very small quantities of THE. There appeared to be a good correlation between the tendency to lose salt and the ability of the patient to increase urinary aldosterone excretion in response to salt depletion or to the administration of adre...
Long-term tillage and cropping systems affect bulk density and penetration resistance of soil cropped to dryland wheat and grain sorghum

Abstract Stubble mulch tillage (SMT) and no-tillage (NT) are well adapted for dryland crops in the US Great Plains. Long-term use of NT, however, may impair soil physical conditions and crop yields, and, by inference, soil quality and production sustainability. We determined effects of using SMT and NT in several cropping systems for dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) production on soil bulk density (BD), penetration resistance (PR), and water content (WC). We determined these in 1994 in plots of a tillage method and cropping system study started in 1982 on Pullman (Torrertic Paleustoll) clay loam at Bushland, TX, USA. Due to the nature of the study, a common statistical analysis of the data was not appropriate, but eight separate analyses were possible. Besides tillage method and cropping system, these allowed comparisons due to rotation phase, land condition (level or non-level), and crop grown. Soil BD and PR always increased with depth and WC often increased. The tillage×depth interaction effect also was significant. Soil BD and PR were lower in the tillage layer (0–10 cm depth) in SMT than in NT plots, but no definite trends for BD were evident below 10 cm. Based on regression analyses, PR with SMT was related to BD and WC of the entire profile and most depth increments. With NT, PR was related to profile BD and WC, but only to WC for individual depths. These results indicate some strength factor largely independent of BD and affected by WC strongly influences PR of NT soil. Because NT does not disturb the soil, we concluded that stable biopores created by soil organisms and root channels reduced the effects of BD differences among NT plots and that NT soils developed a rigid structure independent of BD. Reports of improved trafficability on NT soils support this conclusion. Results of this study and previously reported crop yields suggest long-term use of NT will not impair the quality and production sustainability of this and similar soils under dryland cropping conditions.
Radio and Earth‐potential observations in New England

In a paper previously presented to this Section some of the apparatus for field-intensity observations now in progress at Tufts College in Medford, Massachusetts, was described (G. W. Kenriok and G. W. Pickard, Recent developments in radio transmission-measurements, Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, twelfth annual meeting, 1931, pp. 101–108). Statistical studies utilizing some of these data have also been discussed (G. W. Kenrick and G. W. Pickard, Some common periodicities in radio transmission-phenomena, Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, thirteenth annual meeting, 1932, pp. 172–179). During the past year this work has continued and has been supplemented by related studies of earth-potentials and by continuous records of the effective height of the Kennelly-Heaviside layer.
sRNAPredict: an integrative computational approach to identify sRNAs in bacterial genomes

Small non-coding bacterial RNAs (sRNAs) play important regulatory roles in a variety of cellular processes. Nearly all known sRNAs have been identified in Escherichia coli and most of these are not conserved in the majority of other bacterial species. Many of the E.coli sRNAs were initially predicted through bioinformatic approaches based on their common features, namely that they are encoded between annotated open reading frames and are flanked by predictable transcription signals. Because promoter consensus sequences are undetermined for most species, the successful use of bioinformatics to identify sRNAs in bacteria other than E.coli has been limited. We have created a program, sRNAPredict, which uses coordinate-based algorithms to integrate the respective positions of individual predictive features of sRNAs and rapidly identify putative intergenic sRNAs. Relying only on sequence conservation and predicted Rho-independent terminators, sRNAPredict was used to search for sRNAs in Vibrio cholerae. This search identified 9 of the 10 known or putative V.cholerae sRNAs and 32 candidates for novel sRNAs. Small transcripts for 6 out of 9 candidate sRNAs were observed by Northern analysis. Our findings suggest that sRNAPredict can be used to efficiently identify novel sRNAs even in bacteria for which promoter consensus sequences are not available.
A hex mutant of Haemophilus influenzae.

A mutant of Haemophilus influenzae which does not discriminate between low efficiency (LE) and high efficiency (HE) markers has been isolated. The mutant does not differ wild type in its sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) mitomycin C, and nitrous acid. Spontaneous mutation frequencies for three loci studied are 10-to 30-fold higher in the mutant than in the wild type strain. Low- and high-efficiency transforming markers are equally UV-resistant when assayed on this mutant. This mutant is thus similar to the hex mutant of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The concentration field in a turbulent channel flow with polymer injection at the wall

Instantaneous concentration profiles have been measured in turbulent water channel flows at 5 axial locations immediately downstream of a line, wall injection of a dyed 700 ppm polymer solution and for comparison, dyed water. Concentration was deduced from a line of fluoresced radiation that was stimulated by a laser beam directed through the dyed injectant and normal to the channel wall. Both statistical and time-resolved results show how the turbulent mixing is modified and damped when the injectant is a polymer solution.
Metro Nature, Environmental Health, and Economic Value

BackgroundNearly 40 years of research provides an extensive body of evidence about human health, well-being, and improved function benefits associated with experiences of nearby nature in cities.Ob...
TWO EXPERIMENTS IN VISUAL AND AUDITORY REACTION TIME IN CHILDREN AT A SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.

In an experiment testing RT to visual, auditory, and paired visual and auditory stimuli, 28 normal Ss showed more rapid responses to paired stimulation than to stimulation in either modality alone. A group of 30 children with communication disorders at a school for the deaf failed to respond more rapidly to paired stimulation. Positive reinforcement improved RT in both groups. In a second experiment, threshold of response to white noise was approximated by an RT technique with control and selected clinical Ss.
Random sets in data fusion problems

A general theory of multi-object state-estimation problems, also known as multi-target tracking problems, is presented, using explicit random-set formalism. Probability density functions of random sets, as well as Choquet's capacity functionals, are used to represent random sets, in pursuit of the possibility of such a theory becoming a theoretical foundation of data fusion theory. The theoretical and algorithmic developments over the past three decades in this area are also re-examined in the light of this new formalism, as well as the recent development of correlation-free algorithms that utilize random-set formalism explicitly.
Encapsulation of proteins in transparent porous silicate glasses prepared by the sol-gel method

Novel sol-gel synthetic techniques were used to immobilize copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), cytochrome c, and myoglobin (Mb) by encapsulation in stable, optically transparent, porous silica glass matrices under mild conditions such that the biomolecules retained their characteristic reactivities and spectroscopic properties. The resulting glasses allowed transport of small molecules into and out of the glasses at reasonable rates but nevertheless retained the protein molecules within their pores. Chemical reactions of the immobilized proteins could be monitored by means of changes in their visible absorption spectra. Silica glasses containing the immobilized proteins were observed to have similar reactivities and spectroscopic properties to those found for the proteins in solution. For example, encapsulated CuZnSOD was demetallated and remetallated, encapsulated ferricytochrome c was reduced and then reoxidized, and encapsulated met Mb was reduced to deoxy Mb and then reacted either with dioxygen to make oxy Mb or with carbon monoxide to make carbonyl Mb.
The transport of substances out of developing fruits in relation to the induction of apical senescence in Pisum sativum line G2

Apical sencscence in G2 peas occurs only in long days in the presence of fruit. The effect of fruits could be caused by the export of a senescence hormone from the fruits to the shoot tip. Export of radiolabeled material from developing fruits of G2 peas grown in long days was therefore examined following injection of the pods with [14C]-sucrose, [14C]-acetate, or [14C]-mevalonate or after allowing the pods to photosynthesize in 14CO2 for 48 h. In all cases a small amount (<1%) of radioactivity was exported, primarily to the younger fruits on the same side of the plant and the to the shoot apex. After feeding 14CO2 to the fruit, the radiolabeled material partitioned into acidic ethyl acctate and possessed a carboxyl group. While this radioactivity had chromatographic properties similar to abscisic acid (ABA) in a number of solvent systems, it was not identical to either ABA, phascic acid or dihydrophaseic acid. The nature of the labeled material found in the apex was different in short days, in which senescence does not occur, or when the leaves were the source of the radioactive compounds. The labeled material in the apex was similar after feeding 14CO2, [14C]-acctatc, or [14C]-sucrose, but different if the fruits were injected with[14C]-mevalonate.Identification of the chemical nature of the labeled material in the apex was not possible due to the small amount present. Parallel purification of an extract from treated fruits led to the identification of N-benzoylaspartate and N-phenylacetyl-aspartate. The radiolabeled substance from the apex was run with these two chemically synthesized compounds on several gas chromatogtaphic columns, and was also recrystallized together several times. The label and the pure material did not have identical retention times; neither did they co-purify so that, while similar, the material exported to the apex is not the above compounds.
Ignoring Advice and Consent? The Uses of Judicial Recess Appointments

The authors seek to answer the questions of why presidents use the power to temporarily seat federal court judges during recesses of the Senate. The use of the recess power can upset the carefully calculated separation of powers envisioned by the framers, shifting power away from one branch of government toward another. Examining every judicial recess appointment from 1789 to 2004, the authors discover that presidents are conditionally strategic in their use of the unilateral authority to appoint federal court judges during Senate recesses but that the use of this power is careful and spare, especially in the modern era.
Three layer membrane model for characterizing ultrafiltration membranes

Abstract To characterize ultrafiltration membranes, it is important to understand their intrinsic, macromolecular-rejection properties. Defining these properties in terms of a membrane's permselectivity parameters requires an understanding of the mass transfer of the solute at the membrane interface. The solute concentration is difficult to measure experimentally, and has been previously estimated using various forms of a mass transfer coefficient. In this paper, we present an analytical, steady-state model for predicting ultrafiltration solute concentrations at the membrane interface from experimentally measured parameters and known solute physical properties - without the use of a mass transfer correlation. We then extend the model by looking at mass transfer through the membrane itself, in order to predict membrane permselectivity parameters.
From Sex Roles to Patriarchy: Recent Developments in the Sociology of Women—A Review Essay*

Bernard, Jessie. 1981. The Female World. New York: Free Press. Epstein, Cynthia Fuchs. 1981. Women in Law. New York: Basic Books. Leghorn, Lisa, and Katherine Parker. 1981. Women's Worth: Sexual Economics and the World of Women. Boston: Routlodgo and Kcgan Paul. Lovenduski, Joni, and Jill Hills, eds. 1981. The Politics of the Second Electorate: Women and Public Participation. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul. Sokoloff, Natalie J. 1980. Between Money and Love: The Dialectics of Women's Home and Market Work. New York: Praeger Publishers. Weitzman, Lenore J. 1981. The Marriage Contract: Spouses, Lovers, and the Law. New York: Free Press.
Exquisite Agates by Dietrich Mayer. Bode Verlag; www.bodeverlag.de. 424 pages; 2013; €58 plus shipping (hardbound).

Exquisite Agates is yet another of the continuing offerings of beautifully done, coffee-table style, mineral picture books. As Dietrich Mayer proclaims in the preface, this is a personal agate book...
Disposition of perfluorodecanoic acid in male and female rats.

The elimination, tissue distribution, and metabolism of [1-14C]PFDA were examined in male and female rats for 28 days after a single ip dose (9.4 mumol/kg, 5 mg/kg). A sex difference in the fecal elimination of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was observed with 51 and 24% of the administered 14C being recovered in the feces of male and female rats, respectively, by 28 days post-treatment. The cumulative excretion of PFDA-derived 14C in the urine in 28 days was less than 5% of the administered dose in both sexes. The sex-related difference in the rate of fecal elimination resulted in the observed difference in whole body elimination t1/2 of PFDA in males (t1/2 = 23 days) and females (t1/2 = 45 days). The liver contained the highest concentration of PFDA-derived 14C in both males and females, followed by the plasma and kidneys. The heart, fat pads, testes, and gastrocnemius muscle of males, and the ovaries of females contained much lower concentrations of PFDA. The reason for the high percentage of the ip dose of [1-14C]PFDA in the liver (53% males and 41% females, 2 hr post-treatment) was further examined using an in situ nonrecirculating liver perfusion technique. It was shown that approximately 25% of the [14C]PFDA in the perfusate was extracted by the liver in a single pass. The basis for the sex difference in fecal elimination of PFDA does not appear to be due to a sex difference in biliary excretion. In a 6-hr period, male and female rats with kidneys ligated eliminated essentially the same percentage dose of [14C]PFDA into bile. We had hypothesized that the persistence of PFDA in rats was due to formation of a PFDA-containing lipid (i.e., a [14C]PFDA-containing mono-, di-, or triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester, methyl ester, or phospholipid). However, no evidence that PFDA is conjugated to form persistent hybrid lipids was obtained, nor were polar metabolites of PFDA detected in urine or bile. In addition, daily urinary excretion of fluoride in male and female rats before and after PFDA treatment was similar, suggesting that the parent compound is not defluorinated. Thus, the disposition of PFDA in male and female rats is characterized by an apparent lack of biotransformation.