cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Major Trends in the U.S. Health Economy since 1950

As the United States struggles to emerge from an economic crisis, policymakers and the public have homed in on skyrocketing health care expenditures. What lessons can be drawn from the evolution, since 1950, in sources of payment and objects of expenditures in health care?
Focus on histone variant H2AX: To be or not to be

Phosphorylation of histone variant H2AX at serine 139, named γH2AX, has been widely used as a sensitive marker for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). γH2AX is required for the accumulation of many DNA damage response (DDR) proteins at DSBs. Thus it is believed to be the principal signaling protein involved in DDR and to play an important role in DNA repair. However, only mild defects in DNA damage signaling and DNA repair were observed in H2AX-deficient cells and animals. Such findings prompted us and others to explore H2AX-independent mechanisms in DNA damage response. Here, we will review recent advances in our understanding of H2AX-dependent and independent DNA damage signaling and repair pathways in mammalian cells.
Infrared Nonlinear Optical Power Limiting With A Nematic Liquid Crystal Film

We present a detailed theory of thermally induced transverse self-phase modulation and optical limiting with nematic liquid crystal films at CO2 (10.6μm) wavelengths. Our theory accounts for the detailed roles played by the laser parameters (such as intensity, polarization, wavelength, etc.), sample parameters (such as the thermal index gradient, thermal conductivity thickness, etc.) and the geometrical placement of the lens, sample and detector. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. Our theory and observation enable us to determine optimal configurations and physical parameters for practical application of these processes.
An Examination of the Role of the Facilitator in “Facilitated Communication”

Facilitated communication (FC) is an expressive communication strategy that involves the selection of targets on a letter display or keyboard by an individual who receives some physical support, ty...
An ex-post welfare analysis of natural gas regulation in the industrial sector

The current structure of the US natural gas industry is a result of the evolution of regulatory policy over the past three decades which began with the deregulation of natural gas prices at the wellhead (NGPA of 1978) and culminated with the deregulation of interstate transportation of natural gas (FERC Order 636). Focusing on the industrial sector, this paper estimates the welfare and price effects associated with the changes in regulatory policy. Overtime, actual prices converge towards estimated equilibrium prices. Consequently, deadweight losses diminished. An estimated $15.47 billion (2003 dollars) of welfare loss had been incurred from 1977 to 2000.
Neural basis of language and motor behaviour: Perspectives from American Sign Language

Abstract Since sign languages utilize a transmission modality different from that of spoken languages, the study of sign languages offers a unique opportunity for insight into the nature of neural mechanisms for language. To understand the extent to which neural mechanisms for language are modality independent, and the extent to which they are modality-bound, we naturally turn to sign languages because through their study we can begm to solve the problem of brain organization for language in general. American Sign Language (ASL) displays both complex linguistic structures and spatial relations, thereby exhibiting properties for which each of the hemispheres of hearing people shows a differing specialization. Because of these dual attributes, the study of ASL offers a valuable opportunity for refining our concept of cerebral specialization for language. We review some recent findings, and present new ones, bearing on the hnctional organization of the brain for sign language. We focus on studies of sign lan...
Wavelength Dependency in the Photochemistry of 5-methyl-1,5-hexadien-3-one

Abstract α-Cleavage is the dominant process in 1 ˜ at λ∼313 nm, but 1,5 and 1,6 closure dominate at λ>340 nm. Unlike various more complex carbonyl-substituted hexadienes 3 ˜ − ˜ 5 ˜ , reactions of 1 ˜ can be neither quenched nor triplet-sensitized, thus appearing to emanate from S1 and/or T2.
Response to Letter by Kelsen et al

Response: We appreciate the comments by Dr Kelsen and colleagues regarding our recent article.1 Before addressing the specific comments in the letter, we would like to emphasize that by using our newly created Ngb transgenic (Ngb-Tg, nontissue specific) mouse, we studied the effects of Ngb overexpression in focal cerebral ischemia. So, this published study was not aimed to fundamentally define or interpret the role of endogenous Ngb. Instead, this was an “outcomes” study. Overexpression of Ngb resulted in a reduction of ischemic brain injury. Our results were broadly consistent with an earlier report …
Cocaine potentiates the blood pressure and cerebral blood flow response to norepinephrine in rats.

Abstract Acute drug-induced hypertension is known to have adverse consequences on the cerebral vasculature. Cocaine abuse has been reported to be associated with an increased frequency of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cocaine alters the blood pressure or cerebral blood flow response to exogenous norepinephrine. A craniectomy was made over the parietal cortex in rats and cortical blood flow changes were measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Ten minutes after cocaine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or saline, increasing doses of norepinephrine (0.01–10 μg/kg, i.v.) were given by bolus injection and changes in blood pressure and flow were monitored. Cocaine produced a transient 27±5% increase in blood pressure and a 38±9% increase in blood flow. Cocaine significantly potentiated the blood pressure and cerebral blood flow responses produced by submaximal pressor doses of norepinephrine (0.01–0.6 μg/kg, i.v.). In summary, cocaine causes a rapid, transient increase in blood pressure and cortical blood flow and potentiates the magnitude and duration of the pressure and flow response to norepinephrine. Repetitive blood pressure elevations in cocaine abusers is one of the proposed mechanisms leading to damage of cerebral vessels. These results may be relevant to an increased frequency of cerebrovascular accidents in cocaine-abusing individuals.
Vector-Matrix Multiply and Winner-Take-All as an Analog Classifier

The vector-matrix multiply and winner-take-all structure is presented as a general-purpose, low-power, compact, programmable classifier architecture that is capable of greater computation than a one-layer neural network, and equivalent to a two-layer perceptron. The classifier generates event outputs and is suitable for integration with event-driven systems. The main sources of mismatch, temperature dependence, and methods for compensation are discussed. We present measured data from simple linear and nonlinear classifier structures on a 0.35-μm chip and analyze the power and computing efficiency for scaled structures.
Axial packing in light meromyosin paracrystals

Abstract The positions of ends of molecules have been correlated with the striation pattern in negatively stained paracrystals of light meromyosin, and the pattern of deposition of C-protein on paracrystals has been examined both in negative stain and in section. The data show that in paracrystals of papain LMM ‡ , molecules may be related by overlaps of 16 or 44 nm; in paracrystals of chymotryptic LMM, molecules may overlap by multiples of 14 nm. The polarity by which overlapping molecules are related may be deduced for those molecules which bind C-protein. In paracrystals of papain LMM, molecules may overlap by 16 nm head-to-head or by 44 nm head-to-tail; in paracrystals of chymotryptic LMM, the head-to-head and head-to-tail overlaps are 14 and 42 nm. The binding of C-protein at 42 nm intervals to paracrystals whose staining pattern shows an undifferentiated 14 nm periodicity indicates that some feature of molecular packing must repeat at 42 nm intervals. The observation of C-protein bound at the edges of paracrystals suggests that the C-protein binding site is near one end of the LMM molecule.
Congruence between student and instructor perceptions of clinical teaching in paediatrics.

Summary. The purpose of this study was to examine the similarities and differences in what students and instructors perceive to be the importance, and instructor use of, representative effective clinical teaching skills noted in the literature. Teaching staff members (n= 74) and students (n= 96) in three successive quarters in a required clerkship in paediatrics completed parallel forms of a clinical teaching survey. Providing feedback and positive reinforcement, showing personal interest in students, communicating knowledge and learning objectives effectively, motivating students, exhibiting knowledge of current practice and physical diagnosis, and spending time reviewing histories and demonstrating and supervising physical examinations were all thought to be important by both students and teaching staff members. Both students and instructors, however, perceived history/physical examination skills to be somewhat less important than the other clinical teaching skills, although instructors believed this skill to be significantly more important than did students. In general there was a great deal of consistency and reliability among student and instructor perceptions of the importance of these representative effective clinical teaching skills. In contrast, teaching staff members consistently believed they used each skill significantly more than students judged they did. Not surprisingly, the more important that teaching staff members believed each skill to be, the more they reported using that skill in their own teaching. These findings suggest that it is important for clinical instructors to be vigilant in assessing the effectiveness of their teaching methods.
In vivo generation of 5-lipoxygenase products in frogs and toads

Eicosanoid production by inflammatory cells which resulted from infection of the peritoneal cavity of Rana catesbeiana and Bufo americanus was studied after addition of exogenous arachidonic acid and for metabolites generated in vivo . From exogenous substrate, the cells of Rana catesbeiana produced substantial amounts of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, leukotriene B4, the non-enzymatic isomers of leukotriene B4 and leukotriene C4. From endogenous substrate, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene B4 were produced. Cells from Bufo americanus produced leukotriene B4 and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, from both exogenous and endogenous substrate. These observations of in vivo eicosanoid production confirm the participation of 5-lipoxygenase activity in the inflammatory response to infection.
Lattice calculation of 1-+ hybrid mesons with improved Kogut-Susskind fermions

We report on a lattice determination of the mass of the exotic ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}+}$ hybrid meson using an improved Kogut-Susskind action. Results from both quenched and dynamical quark simulations are presented. We also compare with earlier results using Wilson quarks at heavier quark masses. The results on lattices with three flavors of dynamical quarks show effects of sea quarks on the hybrid propagators which probably result from coupling to two meson states. We extrapolate the quenched results to the physical light quark mass to allow comparison with experimental candidates for the ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}+}$ hybrid meson. The lattice result remains somewhat heavier than the experimental result, although it may be consistent with the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{1}(1600).$
The emergency portacaval H graft in alcoholic cirrhotic patients: influence of shunt diameter on clinical outcome.

Abstract Emergency partial portal decompression was achieved with 8 or 10 mm portacaval H graft shunts combined with aggressive collateral ligation in 18 patients in whom bleeding esophageal varices could not be controlled medically. They were compared with 11 similar risk patients undergoing larger diameter portacaval H graft shunts (12 to 14 mm) for the same indications. Variables studied included 90 day operative mortality, hepatic encephalopathy rates, corrected portal pressure, and variceal rebleeding. Operative mortality was similar in both groups and correlated strongly with Child's class. However, the incidence of portasystemic encephalopathy in survivors was significantly lower after partial decompression than after total decompression. No patient in either group rebled from varices. We conclude from our series of high risk alcoholic cirrhotic patients, that although mortality after partial and total portal decompression is similar, the lower incidence of encephalopathy in survivors suggests that partial decompression has advantages over total decompression when emergency control of variceal bleeding is necessary.
Structural relationship between the chicken DNA locus, proto-fps, and the transforming gene of Fujinami sarcoma virus, Δgag-fps

Abstract The avian Fujinami sarcoma virus (FSV) contains a hybrid transforming gene (Δ gag-fps ) with a 5′ 1.3-kb portion derived from the gag gene of avian retroviruses and a 3′ 2.8-kb portion ( fps ) derived from a cellular prototype. A lambda recombinant DNA clone carrying fps sequences within a 16-kb insert of cellular DNA, termed lambda proto- fps clone 12, has been selected from a chicken DNA library for comparison with the viral onc gene. Mapping of endonuclease-resistant proto- fps DNA fragments and hybridization with cloned viral DNA located FSV-related sequences at the 3′ end of the insert within a region of about 4.25 kb. Alignment of endonuclease-resistant proto- fps and viral DNA fragments relative to common RNase T 1 -resistant oligonucleotide sequences of viral RNA, identified by fingerprinting DNA-RNA hybrids, indicated: (i) that proto- fps is colinear with viral fps but is interrupted by 1.75 kb of scattered sequences unrelated to viral fps ; (ii) that among the nine endonuclease sites compared, proto- fps and viral fps share one Pvu II, one Bam HI, and possibly a Kpn I site at homologous locations, and that they each have unique endonuclease sites and common sites at unique locations; (iii) that within 12 kb upstream from the 5′ boundary of overlap with viral fps , proto- fps lacks gag -related sequences; and (iv) that proto- fps clone 12, like several others isolated by us, lacks at the 3′ end an equivalent of the 3′ 10 to 20% of viral fps . The eight endonuclease site-map coordinates of proto- fps and viral DNA also divided 44 fps oligonucleotides of viral RNA into 9 map segments. We conclude that the onc gene of FSV differs from proto- fps in Δ gag and in multiple point mutations, compatible with a transforming function for the viral gene and a normal function for the cellular sequence homolog. Since proto- fps is unrelated to essential virion genes, the onc gene of FSV must have originated from cellular proto- fps by rare, illegitimate recombination.
Dark matter: The hunt

A range of new and sensitive detectors – in wildly diverse environments – are aimed to get the elusive dark matter particles into their sights
An Institutional Postdoctoral Research Training Program: Predictors of Publication Rate and Federal Funding Success of Its Graduates

The National Institute of Mental Health funds institutional National Research Service Awards (NRSA) to provide postdoctoral research training. While peer-reviewed publications are the most common outcome measure utilized, there has been little discussion of how publications should be counted or what factors impact the long-term publication rates of trainees in these programs. The authors reviewed current curricula vitae from 92 graduates of an institutional NRSA and from the faculty mentors of that program to assess publications through 2005. Publications were weighted based on peer versus non-peer-reviewed and authorship position. Trainee and mentor factors were assessed for their impact on publication rates and on becoming principal investigators of larger scale federal grants such as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01. Weighted publication scores correlate with total publication rates at such a high rate that the two scores can be used interchangeably. Forty-three percent of graduates average at least one publication per year after completing the postdoctoral program; 20% were listed as an independent investigator on a larger federal grant. The number of publications published during postdoctoral training and additional funded training beyond that provided by the institutional NRSA are correlated with increased posttraining program publication rates; other factors including gender, terminal degree, number of publications prior to postdoctoral training, and mentor variables had no significant impact. Additional funded training, male gender, and increased time since completion of the training are associated with increased likelihood of larger grant federal funding. Weighting publications by whether they were peer-reviewed and by authorship position appears to have little benefit over a simple counting of the number of publications. Publication during research training and the pursuit of funding for additional individual research training may be appropriate short-term goals within an institutional research training program.
Chinese Higher Education and Evaluation in Context: Guest Editors' Introduction

(2009). Chinese Higher Education and Evaluation in Context. Chinese Education & Society: Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 3-7.
Wittig reactions on photoprotoporphyrin IX: new synthetic models for the special pair of the photosynthetic reaction center.

A first example of spirochlorin−chlorin dimer with fixed distances and orientations as potential model for the “special pair” of the photosynthetic reaction center is discussed. For the preparation...
Stripping voltammetry of tellurium(IV) in 0.1 M perchloric acid at rotating gold disk electrodes

Abstract The stripping voltammetry ofteIlurium(IV) in 0.1 M perchloric acid at gold electrodes is described. Detection limits for solid gold, in situ gold-plated and externally gold-plated rotating glassy carbon disk electrodes are presented. There is no significant increase in sensitivity for the use of solid gold electrodes; 0-25 ppm teIIurium(IV) can be determined by anodic stripping voltammetry at an in situ gold-plated rotating glassy carbon disk electrode. The determination of tellurium in NBS SRM 1632a (Trace Elements in Coal) is described.
Merkel cell carcinoma: a primer for the radiologist.

OBJECTIVE. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the staging, workup, treatment, and follow-up of MCC. CONCLUSION. Sentinel lymph node mapping and PET/CT are the cornerstones of staging of MCC. MCC is a radiosensitive tumor, and hence radiotherapy plays a major role in its management. Close follow-up with PET/CT helps in detecting recurrences of MCC.
The x-kernel: a platform for accessing internet resources

x-kernel is an experimental operating system for personal workstations that allows uniform access to resources throughout a nationwide internet: an interconnection of networks similar to the TCP/IP internet. This network is also called the National Research and Education Network (NREN). The x-kernel supports a library of protocols, and it accesses different resources with different protocol combinations. In addition, two user-level systems that give users an integrated and uniform interface to resources have been built on top of the x-kernel. These two systems-a file system and a command interpreter-hide differences among the underlying protocols. >
My Journey as a Surgeon-Scientist Ten Years after Receiving the Inaugural Jacobson Promising Investigator Award

The First Joan L and Julius H Jacobson Promising Investigator Awardee, Michael T Longaker MD, FACS In 2005, the research committee of the American College of Surgeons was tasked with selecting the recipient of a newly established award, "The Joan L and Julius H Jacobson Promising Investigator Award." According to the Jacobsons, the $30,000 award funded by Dr Jacobson should be given at least once every 2 years to a surgeon investigator at "the tipping point," who can demonstrate that his/her research shows the promise of leading to a significant contribution to the practice of surgery and patient safety. Every year, the research committee receives many excellent nominations and has the difficult task of selecting 1 awardee. In 2005, the awardee was a young promising investigator, Michael T Longaker, MD, FACS. Ten years later, Dr Longaker, a prominent researcher in the field of "scar formation," presents his journey in research and the impact of the Jacobson award on his career. Dr Longaker is now a national and international figure in the field of wound healing, tissue regeneration, and stem cell research. Kamal MF Itani, MD, FACS and Gail Besner, MD, FACS, on behalf of the Research Committee of the American College of Surgeons.
Functional statistical inference of parton distributions

Bialek, Callan and Strong have recently given a solution of the problem of determining a continuous probability distribution from a finite set of experimental measurements by formulating it as a one-dimensional quantum field theory. This paper applies an extension of their formalism to the inference of functional parton distributions from scattering data.
Anomalous capacitance of thin dielectric structures

The classical analysis of a plane parallel capacitor gives a capacitance which becomes infinite as the spacing between the metal electrodes approaches zero. The fact that real capacitors show a marked deviation from this behavior has not generally been recognized.(1,2) This communication describes experiments in which the deviations have been measured with some care.
Variable mesh multistep methods for ordinary differential equations

Abstract A multistep predictor-corrector method for the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations is developed. The difference equations employed are generalizations, for the case of variable mesh spacing, of previous formulas requiring fixed step size. In addition to retaining the high local accuracy of the earlier methods, the variable mesh method is developed in a form conducive to the generation of effective criteria for the selection of subsequent step sizes in the step by step solution of differential equations. These criteria are based on considerations of truncation error, convergence of corrector iterations, and an extensive treatment of relative numerical stability. The algorithm has been tested extensively and compared with other methods. The results of the comparison favor the new method. An application of the method to a heat transfer problem is discussed.
Effects of ecology and prey characteristics on the use of alternative social foraging tactics in crows, Corvus caurinus

The producer–scrounger model assumes that producers are animals that search for food, and scroungers are animals that steal food found by producers. By following foraging decisions made by beach-foraging crows, we assessed individual variability in strategy use, variables influencing the finder’s share (when defined as the probability of retaining a prey item in the presence of food theft behaviour) and the benefits and costs of producing and scrounging. Data were collected using focal and all-occurrences scan sampling. Results indicated that more individuals were likely to use both producing and scrounging tactics than to be ‘pure’ producers. No pure scroungers were documented. When producers obtained scroungeable items, scroungers attempted to steal the item 46% of the time. Forty-one per cent of attempted scrounges were successful. Thus, producers suffered a 19% loss rate of scroungeable items to scroungers, although producers had access to large numbers of small (nonscroungeable) items. Although there were significantly more scroungeable prey items available at lower tides, there was no significant relationship between prey density and scrounge attempts or actual thefts. No ecological factors (group size, temperature, time of day, season) or individual characteristics (age, sex) influenced the probability of retaining prey. Prey retention was determined only by characteristics of the prey items: larger prey items or those with longer handling times were most likely to be stolen.  2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
A fast block structure preserving model order reduction for inverse inductance circuits

Most existing RCL-1 circuit reductions stamp inverse inductance L-1 elements by a second-order nodal analysis (NA). The NA formulation uses nodal voltage variables and describes inductance by nodal susceptance. This leads to a singular matrix stamping in general. We introduce a new circuit stamping for RCL-1 circuits using branch vector potentials. The new circuit stamping results in a first-order circuit matrix that is semi-positive definite and non-singular. We call this as vector-potential based nodal analysis (VNA). It enables an accurate and passive reduction. In addition, to preserve the structure of state matrices such as sparsity and hierarchy, we represent the flat VNA matrix in a bordered-block diagonal (BBD) form. This enables us to build and simulate the macromodel efficiently. In experiments performed on several test cases, our method achieves up to 15times faster modeling building time, up to 33times faster simulation time, and as much as 67times smaller waveform error compared to SAPOR, the best existing second order RCL-1 reduction method
Studies on the Low-Voltage Arc in Mercury Vapor and its Relation to Fluorescence

Low-voltage arc in mercury vapor.---(1) Variation of the striking and breaking voltages with conditions. Using a simple tube, with incandescent tungsten filament as cathode and nearby mercury surface as anode, the arc was found to strike at voltages as low as 4.4 and to persist down to 1.8 volts, if the pressure was from 2-5 mm. and the cathode was sufficiently hot. (2) Explanation. If, however, correction is made for the initial velocity distribution of the electrons, the minimum electron energy necessary to maintain the arc comes out 5.5 volts which is the difference between the ionization potential, 10.4 volts, and the resonance potential 4.9 volts. Ionization is then effected by two successive mpacts, at 4.9 and 5.5 volts, in agreement with the theory of K. T. Compton. (3) Effect of the absence of freshly distilled mercury vapor. When a nickel anode was used and the mercury surface was removed to a considerable distance, 70 to 180 cm., the arc could not be maintained at a net voltage of 5.5, but 6.7 volts was required. This fact was demonstrated with three pieces of apparatus. This indicates that while freshly distilled mercury vapor, as is well known, is particularly active in fluorescent absorption of $\ensuremath{\lambda} 2536$ radiation (4.9 volts), old vapor is more responsive to $\ensuremath{\lambda} 1849$ radiation (6.7 volts).Correction for initial electron velocities in low-voltage arc measurements.---The difference between the theoretical and observed minimum striking voltages, 2.5 volts for sodium (Wood and Okano) and 2.0 volts for helium (Compton, Lilly and Ohmstead), is doubtless equal to the voltage equivalent to the minimum initial energy of the electrons which start the arc. A table is given from which the proportion of electrons having energies above any value for any filament temperature may be computed.
Searching for the Second-Best Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Is It the Radial Artery?

Virtually all cardiac surgeons and their referring cardiologists know that the most effective and reliable coronary artery bypass conduit is the pedicled internal thoracic (mammary) artery (LITA) when placed to the left anterior descending artery coronary artery (LAD). This first choice of bypass graft conduits is based on convincing evidence of improved survival in patients with critical LAD disease in whom an LITA graft has been placed.1,2 The importance of an LITA graft when bypassing the LAD is so well accepted that it is now used as a quality indicator in the assessment of the performance of cardiac surgery programs in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).3 Article p 684 Unfortunately, how best to construct bypass grafts to other diseased coronary arteries in CABG patients, the vast majority of whom have multivessel disease and require several grafts, is not nearly as clearly understood. What is known is that the widely used saphenous vein graft has a significant and progressive failure rate; the probability of having a well-functioning vein graft 10 years after CABG is ≈60%.4 Because the remarkably durable LITA graft is so reliable and the saphenous vein graft so prone to progressive atherosclerosis-like deterioration, it has been most surgeons’ hope that “arterial” conduits might be the answer to improving graft durability and the effectiveness of CABG surgery. The Radial Artery Patency Study (RAPS) Investigators, surgeons from 12 Canadian hospitals and 1 New Zealand hospital, have addressed the question of whether an arterial graft, in this case the radial artery, will outperform the saphenous vein as a bypass conduit. In a previous report on this same well-designed randomized trial, Desai and colleagues5 demonstrated that radial artery grafts have lower rates of angiographically defined graft occlusion at a 1-year follow-up compared with saphenous vein grafts. In the …
Microwave permittivity and permeability properties and microwave reflections of ferrite powders

Magnetic powders applications are becoming attractive in electromagnetic shielding interferences in wireless systems. Magnetic powders are also very important in magnetic resonances imaging and as well as the drug delivery applications in biomedical research. As such, a good understanding of the magnetic powders' microwave responses is crucial in modern technological applications. In this paper we present accurate broad-band data on the real and imaginary parts of permeability and permittivity of Ni1-x-yCoxCuyFe2-z-dMnzO4 and Ni1-xZnxFe2-yMnyO4 substrates in the frequency range of 4 to 40 GHz.
Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance examination of benzonorbornene derivatives. Assignment of site of aromatic ring substitution in benzonorbornen-2-ones

13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were collected for a series of 5- and 6-monoaromatic ring-substituted benzonorbornadienes and 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-monosubstituted benzonorbornen-2-ones. 13C chemical shifts values were found to be useful in the differentiation of the four monosubstituted aromatic ring isomers of benzonorbornen-2-one (1). We found that the 13C NMR spectrum of a substituted benzonorbornen-2-one (A) could be predicted with good accuracy (R2 for each aromatic carbon ≥ 0.925) from a knowledge of the 13C NMR spectrum of 1 and the appropriately substituted benzene. The substituents studied were NO2, NH2, I, CF3, CN, OCH3, and H. Correlation analysis showed that the carbonyl in A was effectively insulated from the ring π-system.
Marine stratus clouds: Changing liquid‐water and temperature structure

Aircraft measurements with the Wyoming King Air investigated the response of marine stratus clouds off the north California coast, advected to regions with changed sea surface temperature in coastal upwelling. Cloud and associated clear-air observations were made before and near sunrise to eliminate any role of solar heating. Repeated vertical soundings followed temporal advected air. Subcloud structure was observed for the presence of moist convection, reported below clouds in some conditions. The atmospheric structure in the clear air above the marine stratus cloud layer showed shallow layers having large temperature gradients with height, apparently remaining from an earlier decoupled overlying cloud layer. Such gradients appear to be associated with thermal radiative-heat transfer in the clear air. Cloud tops were observed to be mostly warmer than the cloud just below. It is suggested that a large temperature increase over a small height difference at the cloud-top inversion may serve to neutralize radiative cooling of the cloud drops below, occurring through the atmospheric thermal radiative window. Observations show that subcloud air is often stable to dry convection. This is not evidence that there is decoupling from the sea surface, since there is no wind shear in the layer and moisture continually moves upwards. Subcloud convection from the sea appears to continue everywhere, demonstrated by the rise of intermittent patches of condensation. Such clouds are found below the stratus deck after passage over cooler water, and are clearly responsible for the upward transport of moisture. These transfer processes have been shown to influence cloud-drop spectra and liquid-water content in the clouds as well as the growth and dissipation of stratus clouds. It is concluded that high spatial-resolution (less than a few metres) measurements of vertical radiative-flux divergence are required to confirm the importance of the overlying warmer region in the overall heat balance of a stratiform cloud.
Hemodynamic Studies in Tricuspid Stenosis of Rheumatic Origin

Clinical data and hemodynamic measurements made by cardiac catheterization are presented in two patients with tricuspid stenosis of rheumatic origin. In one, pure tricuspid stenosis was proved by autopsy, and in the second the development of tricuspid stenosis and insufficiency was demonstrated by means of cardiocirculatory studies made 27 months apart. A detailed analysis of the pressure pattern characteristic of this type of valvular stenosis is given. The measurement of the stenosed tricuspid valve area by three methods is described and discussed.
Tomographic reconstruction using an adaptive tetrahedral mesh defined by a point cloud

Medical images in nuclear medicine are commonly represented in three dimensions as a stack of two-dimensional images that are reconstructed from tomographic projections. Although natural and straightforward, this may not be an optimal visual representation for performing various diagnostic tasks. A method for three-dimensional (3-D) tomographic reconstruction is developed using a point cloud image representation. A point cloud is a set of points (nodes) in space, where each node of the point cloud is characterized by its position and intensity. The density of the nodes determines the local resolution allowing for the modeling of different parts of the image with different resolution. The reconstructed volume, which in general could be of any resolution, size, shape, and topology, is represented by a set of nonoverlapping tetrahedra defined by the nodes. The intensity at any point within the volume is defined by linearly interpolating inside a tetrahedron from the values at the four nodes that define the tetrahedron. This approach creates a continuous piecewise linear intensity over the reconstruction domain. The reconstruction provides a distinct multiresolution representation, which is designed to accurately and efficiently represent the 3-D image. The method is applicable to the acquisition of any tomographic geometry, such as parallel-, fan-, and cone-beam; and the reconstruction procedure can also model the physics of the image detection process. An efficient method for evaluating the system projection matrix is presented. The system matrix is used in an iterative algorithm to reconstruct both the intensity and location of the distribution of points in the point cloud. Examples of the reconstruction of projection data generated by computer simulations and projection data experimentally acquired using a Jaszczak cardiac torso phantom are presented. This work creates a framework for voxel-less multiresolution representation of images in nuclear medicine
Altered expressions of cardiac Na/K-ATPase isoforms in copper deficient rats

Objective: The aim was to determine if copper deficiency affects the expression of Na/K-ATPase α isoforms in the rat heart. Methods: Copper deficiency was induced by placing weanling rats on a copper deficient diet for 4–5 weeks. Adult ventricular tissue, isolated ventricular myocytes, and brain stems of the control and deficient rats were compared for Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) activity and for protein and mRNA contents of Na/K-ATPase a isoforms. Results: In brain stem, where copper deficiency did not alter CuZn-SOD activity, mRNA and protein levels of α isoforms also remained unchanged. In ventricular tissue and ventricular myocytes, copper deficiency reduced CuZn-SOD activity, mRNAs of α1 and α2 isoforms, and the α2 isoform protein. The α1 isoform protein of ventricular tissue and its myocytes was marginally reduced by copper deficiency. Conclusions: In the rat ventricular tissue, oxidative stress resulting from copper deficiency (1) enhances the turnover of the more oxidant sensitive α2 isoform to a greater extent than the turnover of the α1 isoform; (2) regulates mRNA levels of α1 and α2 isoforms; and (3) contributes to the cardiomyopathy of copper deficiency.
Bupropion in the treatment of outpatients with asthma and major depressive disorder.

Objective:Depressive disorders are common in asthma. Despite the high prevalence, antidepressant therapy in asthma patients with depression remains under-investigated. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the use of bupropion for depression and anxiety in depressed asthma patients.Method:We conducted a 12-week open-label study of bupropion in 18 depressed asthma patients. Participants were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self-Report (IDS-SR), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and spirometry at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.Results:Significant baseline to exit improvements were observed on the HAM-D-17 (mean change=4.72, SD = 7.78, p = 0.02) and the HAM-A (mean change=2.12, SD = 3.97, p = 0.04). Based on the HAM-D-17 scores, 27.8% of the patients were responders and 16.7% were remitters Significant correlations were found between changes in ACQ score and HAM-D-17 r =...
Double Higgs boson production in the 4 τ channel from resonances in longitudinal vector boson scattering at a 100 TeV collider

We discuss the sensitivity of a 100 TeV $pp$ collider to heavy resonances produced in longitudinal vector-boson scattering and decaying to a pair of Higgs bosons. A Monte Carlo study has been performed using the $H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\tau}$ decay channel for both Higgs bosons, comparing the kinematics of such a signal to the irreducible Standard Model backgrounds. The results are presented in the context of a phenomenological model of a resonance ($\ensuremath{\eta}$) coupling to Goldstone modes, ${V}_{L}{V}_{L}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}HH$, as can arise in composite Higgs models. With a fractional width of 70% (20%), the $5\ensuremath{\sigma}$ discovery reach is 4.2 (2.9) TeV in resonance mass for $10\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{ab}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of integrated luminosity. We also discuss the dependence of the mass reach on the collider energy and integrated luminosity.
Intermittent Hypoxia in Rats Increases Myogenic Tone Through Loss of Hydrogen Sulfide Activation of Large-Conductance Ca 2+ -Activated Potassium Channels

Rationale: Myogenic tone, an important regulator of vascular resistance, is dependent on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) depolarization, can be modulated by endothelial factors, and is increased in several models of hypertension. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) elevates blood pressure and causes endothelial dysfunction. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a recently described endothelium-derived vasodilator, is produced by the enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and acts by hyperpolarizing VSM. Objective: Determine whether IH decreases endothelial H 2 S production to increase myogenic tone in small mesenteric arteries. Methods and Results: Myogenic tone was greater in mesenteric arteries from IH than sham control rat arteries, and VSM membrane potential was depolarized in IH in comparison with sham arteries. Endothelium inactivation or scavenging of H 2 S enhanced myogenic tone in sham arteries to the level of IH. Inhibiting CSE also enhanced myogenic tone and depolarized VSM in sham but not IH arteries. Similar results were seen in cerebral arteries. Exogenous H 2 S dilated and hyperpolarized sham and IH arteries, and this dilation was blocked by iberiotoxin, paxilline, and KCl preconstriction but not glibenclamide or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Iberiotoxin enhanced myogenic tone in both groups but more in sham than IH. CSE immunofluorescence was less in the endothelium of IH than in sham mesenteric arteries. Endogenouse H 2 S dilation was reduced in IH arteries. Conclusions: IH appears to decrease endothelial CSE expression to reduce H 2 S production, depolarize VSM, and enhance myogenic tone. H 2 S dilatation and hyperpolarization of VSM in small mesenteric arteries requires BK Ca channels.
Split string field theory II

We describe the ghost sector of cubic string field theory in terms of degrees of freedom on the two halves of a split string. In particular, we represent a class of pure ghost BRST operators as operators on the space of half-string functionals. These BRST operators were postulated by Rastelli, Sen, and Zwiebach to give a description of cubic string field theory in the closed string vacuum arising from condensation of a D25-brane in the original tachyonic theory. We find a class of solutions for the ghost equations of motion using the pure ghost BRST operators. We find a vanishing action for these solutions, and discuss possible interpretations of this result. The form of the solutions we find in the pure ghost theory suggests an analogous class of solutions in the original theory on the D25-brane with BRST operator QB coupling the matter and ghost sectors.
Enzymic changes in bovine adipose and mammary tissue, serum and mammary tissue hormonal changes with initiation of lactation.

Abstract Primiparous Holstein heifers 180 or 260 days pregnant were studied for changes in serum and mammary tissue hormones and enzymatic changes in adipose and mammary tissue with induced lactation. Mammary and adipose tissue were collected on the day of caesarean section (3 and 14 wk prepartum) and while lactating (2 wk postsurgery). Mammary lipoprotein lipase ( μ moles/hr/ mg protein) increased from .5 to 46.9 while adipose lipase decreased (12 to 8) with onset of lactation. Similarly, glyceride synthesis increased 8-fold in mammary tissue and decreased 6-fold in adipose tissue. Mammary dehydrogenase activity for isocitrate, glucose-6-phosphate, and 6-phosphogluconate increased 44, 18, and 40-fold with onset of lactation. Extractable protein for mammary tissues collected at surgery and 2 wk later were 130 and 62 mg/g tissue. Corresponding adipose tissues were 8 and 7. Serum prolactin and growth hormone measured 3 consecutive days before surgery were not different from postsurgical values (days 2 to 14 during lactation). Serum progestins dropped from 15.5ng/ml presurgery to .85ng/ml by day 1 postsurgery and remained low for the rest of the test period. Serum corticoids appeared to peak day 1 postsurgery, afterwards declining to presurgery amounts. Cortisol and progesterone in mammary tissue decreased with induction of lactation while corticosterone remained constant.
Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

(1993). Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Seminars in Ophthalmology: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 40-52.
Goal-Oriented Modeling of Requirements Engineering for Dynamically Adaptive System

Increasingly, Dynamically Adaptive Systems (DASs) are addressing complex problems that require a high degree of assurance. The inherent complexity of DASs and the safety critical applications they are addressing necessitates rigorous requirements engineering (RE). This problem is further complicated by the multiple stakeholders involved in the RE process. Berry et al. have identified four levels of RE done for a DAS, in which each level implicitly corresponds to the objectives of a different stakeholder. This paper presents a goal-oriented approach to specifying the four levels of RE using the KAOS specification language. This approach enhances the understanding of the role and contributions of each stakeholder and their complex relationships.
Van Der Waals Force and Asphalt Concrete Strength and Cracking

Van der Waals force between neutral molecules is employed to characterize the interaction among molecules in asphalt cement. Several important consequences emerge from the consideration. The brittle strength of the asphalt binder is shown to be linked to the well depth of the Van der Waals potential and the mesoscopic cracks present within the asphalt binder. Moreover, the elastic modulus of asphalt binder is analytically related to the potential well depth. The strength of the asphalt concrete (AC) is estimated by considering aggregate surface characteristics and the adhesion strength between asphaltenes or resins and molecules of aggregates. These predictions can help design asphalt concrete pavement. Formulas for predicting the binder strength and the interfacial breaking strength between aggregates and binders are derived. These results are supported by reported data. Furthermore, an analytic expression for the strength of AC is given at temperature below the AC glass transition point.
Do Nationals in Leadership Positions Affect Cooperation with International Organizations? Evidence from the International Criminal Court Using a Regression Discontinuity Design

Recent scholarship argues that even weak international organizations can influence state behavior by affecting information and accountability politics. A prominent national in a leadership position increases such leverage. This can be exploited by scholars interested in estimating whether international organizations have an independent effect on state behavior, especially when the selection of high-level officials occurs through an observable process such as rotation or competitive elections. I illustrate this point with an analysis of whether having a national elected as permanent judge increases cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Judges were chosen through competitive elections. I use a regression discontinuity design to obtain valid causal estimates; essentially comparing states that just did and just did not have a national elected as judge. The results show that states with nationals as permanent judges were less likely to undermine the ICC by signing non-surrender agreements with the United States and more likely to adopt a broad range of legislative measures that integrate the Rome Statute and cooperation with the Court into domestic law. This suggests that even indirect institutional participation that confers no meaningful influence can have meaningful behavioral effects.
Adrenal Glands in Dogs with High Intestinal Obstruction

In high intestinal obstruction in man,1 in the dog,2 and in the monkey3 the essential changes in the blood chemistry are primarily a fall in blood chlorides; usually a rise in alkaline reserve and a rise in non-protein nitrogen. The fall in the blood chlorides is not always conditioned by loss of chloride through vomiting.3 The group of conditions associated with hyperazotemia and hypochloremia4 bear certain clinical and chemical similarities; loss of weight, asthenia, and marked prostration, decline in blood pressure, rapid pulse, shallow respiration, dehydration and anhydremia.The mechanism of the nitrogen retention in these conditions is not well understood, but it would appear to be intimately related in a majority of instances to alterations of salt and water metabolism.4 Both clinically and biochemically the syndrome of hypochloremia and hyperazotemia resembles adrenal insufficiency in Addison's disease.The findings recorded were observed in studies to determine whether the adrenal glands are altere...