cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Agulhas Retroflection and Ring Formation in a Quasi-Isopycnic Coordinate Numerical Model

Abstract The Agulhas retroflection region of the idealized South Atlantic-Indian ocean model described by De Ruijter and Boudra (1985) and Boudra and de Ruijter (1986) is analyzed in detail. First, the physical mechanism of the model retroflection is presented through illustration of the Agulhas' vorticity balance among various experiments, and second, the ring formation process is described in terms of its vertical structure and the associated energy conversions. Analysis of the vorticity balance in a one-layer model shows that both inertia and internal friction may account for a partial retroflection where a linear, weakly viscous system has none. In a series of one-, two-, and three-layer nonlinear, weakly viscous experiments, it is shown that retroflection is accomplished through a free inertial boundary layer, as suggested originally by De Ruijter (1982), and, furthermore, that it is the planetary vorticity advection, rather than the inertial overshooting distance, which is of greatest importance. Halving horizontal grid spacing (from 40 to 20 km) is shown to have a minor impact on the vorticity balance and the retroflection strength. The importance of a substantial viscous stress curl along the coast of Africa, as provided by the no-slip condition, is illustrated through comparison with a slippery Africa experiment. Because of the apparent importance of the planetary vorticity advection in the retroflection regime, an experiment with a more realistic South African coastal geometry is described. It is shown that the retroflection is still strong but that the associated recirculation is less intense. The primary terms of the vorticity equation have smaller magnitude but they exhibit the same basic balance as in the nonlinear, weakly viscous, rectangular Africa experiments: between planetary vorticity advection and viscous stress curl along the coast, and between planetary and relative vorticity advection on the seaward side of the coastal Agulhas and elsewhere throughout the retroflection. The mean energetics of the experiments are examined in order to gain additional understanding of the model retroflection. Also, the signatures of barotropic and baroclinic instability in the ring formation process for three experiments are studied in detail using eddy-mean energetics. Ring formation is accompanied by development of a pronounced cyclonic circulation in the lower layer. However, both barotropic and baroclinic conversions reach a maximum at the moment of ring cutoff. Therefore, a mixed instability is suggested.
Sex Pheromones in Golden Hamsters

In this chapter I will review the role of female odors in the causation of sexual behavior of male hamsters. I will not attempt to review related topics such as the role of male odors in female sexual behavior or the relevant work on neural mechanisms of sexual behavior in hamsters (see Devor, this volume). In addition to being a detailed treatment of one species this chapter will highlight some methodological and theoretical issues that are applicable to mammalian pheromone work in general.
Cooperative anti-tumor effect of soluble NKG2D ligand MIC neutralization and PD-1 pathway blockade

Shedding of the human NKG2D ligand MIC from tumor cell surfaces correlates with progression of many epithelial cancers. Soluble MIC enables tumor immune escape through multiple immune suppressive mechanisms, such as disturbing natural killer (NK) cell homeostatic maintenance, impairing NKG2D expression on NK cells and effector T cells, and facilitating the expansion of arginase I+ MDSCs. Our recent studies have demonstrated that sMIC is an effective cancer therapeutic target. We thus sought to investigate whether targeting sMIC using a nonblocking monoclonal antibody would enhance immunotherapies currently in use, such as PD-1 blockade therapy, using genetically engineered transplantable syngeneic sMIC+ tumor models. We demonstrate that combination therapy of a sMIC-neutralizing antibody and anti-PDL1 improved the survival of animals bearing sMIC+ tumors, in comparison to monotherapy. We further demonstrate that combination therapy augmented the activation and functional potential of NK cells, CD8 T cells, and CD4 T cells. Combined therapy significantly enhanced antigen-specific CD8 T and CD4 cell responses. Combined therapy also re-modulated the tumor microenvironment to be more immune activating and reduced neovascularization. Our findings provide a rationale for co-targeting sMIC to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PD-1 blockade.
Effects of SIRT3 deficiency on vasomotor function and atherosclerotic plaque composition in mice

Excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species can drive endothelial dysfunction and vascular calcification in atherosclerosis. Recently, SIRT3 has been linked to the activity of the ROS-degrading en...
Theory and Design of a Retrodirective Rat-Race-Based RFID Tag

Movement toward mm-wave backscatter communications in radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems necessitates seeking designs that compensate for the path loss introduced by the radio channel. A viable, simple, and power-efficient solution is to equip RFID tags with retrodirective arrays, which guarantee reflection with maximal gain in the direction of incidence. In this paper, we build upon a previous work to design and implement an original retrodirective tag in which its feeding network is a properly terminated rat-race coupler. We start by deriving the required terminations that ensure retrodirectivity. Then, we build a retrodirective tag and experimentally compare its radar cross section to that of a single-antenna tag. The measurements reveal that the radar cross section of the proposed retrodirective tag is, on average, approximately 6 dB more than that of a single-antenna tag while both tags have the same field-of-view. From the promising results in this paper, the proposed design is a potential candidate for next-generation microwave and mm-wave RFID tags because it is compatible with low-power reflection amplifiers (e.g., tunnel diodes), it can implement multiple modulation schemes without changing the circuit layout, and it can be implemented using only a single RF switch.
Laparoscopic ventricular-cholecystic shunt

Abstract Since the first reported case in 1959, ventricular cholecystic (VC) shunts have been used as an alternative treatment for hydrocephalus, most often used in the event of ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure. To date, all surgical placements of VC shunts have been performed using an open operative technique. This case report describes the laparoscopic placement of a VC shunt in a 20-month-old male child. A three-year follow-up appointment after surgery demonstrated no reported complications. We describe the first documented laparoscopic technique for this procedure and discuss a decision algorithm for VC shunts as well as some of the benefits of this minimally invasive approach.
Sustained release of strontium (Sr2+) from polycaprolactone/poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-polyvinyl alcohol coaxial nanofibers enhances osteoblastic differentiation.

Electrospun nanofibers mimic the bone’s extra-cellular matrix and represent an alternative implant coating to enhance implant osseointegration. Approximately 99% of the strontium (Sr2+) in our body...
Documented Outcomes for Older Adults in Intergenerational Programming: A Scoping Review

Despite the reported benefits of intergenerational programming, relatively few empirical studies have reported outcomes specific to older adult participants. We conducted a scoping review to assess...
Response to: 'Medications associated with fracture risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis' by Chen et al.

We appreciate the interest shown by Dr Chen1 concerning our recent study on medications associated with fracture risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).2 We would like to clarify some issues Chen et al indicated. First, we agree that osteoporotic fractures are more common in patients with inflammatory diseases. However, in our study, we excluded all patients with prevalent fractures to estimate the …
Moral conformity and its philosophical lessons

The psychological and philosophical literature exploring the role of social influence in moral judgments suggests that conformity in moral judgments is common and, in many cases, seems to be motiva...
Automatic Kellgren-Lawrence grade estimation driven deep learning algorithms

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling degenerative joint disease. Objectively identifying knee OA severity is challenging given significant inter-reader variability due to human interpretation factors. The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system is a commonly used scale to quantitatively characterize the severity of knee OA in knee radiographs. It is important to reliably identify severe knee OA since total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can provide significant improvement in patient quality of life for patients with severe knee OA. In this study, we demonstrate a deep learning approach to automatically assessing KL grades. Our approach uses faster R-CNN object detection network to identify the knee region and deep convolutional neural network for classification. We used a dataset of 7962 knee radiographs for each posteroanterior (PA) and lateral (LAT) views, to develop and evaluate our approach. Images with their corresponding KL grades were obtained from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) dataset. Our network showed multi-class classification accuracy of 69.15 % when the assessment was made based on PA views and accuracy of 56.68 % when LAT views were used. The developed network may play a significant role in surgical decision-making regarding knee replacement surgery.
Google Health Trends performance reflecting dengue incidence for the Brazilian states

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by Aedes aegypti and mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Since its re-introduction in 1986, Brazil has become a hotspot for dengue and has experienced yearly epidemics. As a notifiable infectious disease, Brazil uses a passive epidemiological surveillance system to collect and report cases; however, dengue burden is underestimated. Thus, Internet data streams may complement surveillance activities by providing real-time information in the face of reporting lags. We analyzed 19 terms related to dengue using Google Health Trends (GHT), a free-Internet data-source, and compared it with weekly dengue incidence between 2011 to 2016. We correlated GHT data with dengue incidence at the national and state-level for Brazil while using the adjusted R squared statistic as primary outcome measure (0/1). We used survey data on Internet access and variables from the official census of 2010 to identify where GHT could be useful in tracking dengue dynamics. Finally, we used a standardized volatility index on dengue incidence and developed models with different variables with the same objective. From the 19 terms explored with GHT, only seven were able to consistently track dengue. From the 27 states, only 12 reported an adjusted R squared higher than 0.8; these states were distributed mainly in the Northeast, Southeast, and South of Brazil. The usefulness of GHT was explained by the logarithm of the number of Internet users in the last 3 months, the total population per state, and the standardized volatility index. The potential contribution of GHT in complementing traditional established surveillance strategies should be analyzed in the context of geographical resolutions smaller than countries. For Brazil, GHT implementation should be analyzed in a case-by-case basis. State variables including total population, Internet usage in the last 3 months, and the standardized volatility index could serve as indicators determining when GHT could complement dengue state level surveillance in other countries.
Are U.S. Hospitals Still "Recession-proof"?

Are U.S. Hospitals Still “Recession-proof”? Key changes within hospitals’ cost structures have led them to an economic precipice. Hospitals were vulnerable to economic downturns before the first Co...
A gunshot approach to identify mechanical nociception genes with a high throughput behavioral assay.

The molecular mechanisms of sensing noxious mechanical force by nociceptive sensory neurons remain poorly understood. Traditional methods for probing mechanical nociception behavioral responses are labor intensive and involve the testing of one animal at a time. This time consuming process of behavioral testing has largely precluded large scale analyses. Indeed, large scale genetic screens that have been performed thus far have been largely restricted to the investigation of ion channel genes. Here we describe a new behavioral assay for mechanical nociception in which tens of animals can be stimulated simultaneously. In this assay, third instar larvae of the genetically tractable Drosophila melanogaster are mechanically stimulated with tungsten particles that are fired from a gun. In addition, we have used the new assay to carry out a genetic screen in which we investigated the function of 231 nociceptor enriched genes with tissue-specific RNA interference. Targeting of 24 genes resulted in mechanically insensitive phenotypes and targeting of a single gene resulted in hypersensitive mechanical nociception phenotypes. Six of the identified genes were previously uncharacterized and these were named after famed Roman gladiators (Spartacus (CG14186), Commodus (CG1311), Flamma (CG10914), Crixus(CG6685), Spiculus (CG10932), and Verus (CG31324)).
Touch-induced Mechanical Strain in Somatosensory Neurons is Independent of Extracellular Matrix Mutations in C. elegans

Abstract Cutaneous mechanosensory neurons are activated by mechanical loads applied to the skin, and these stimuli are proposed to generate mechanical strain within sensory neurons. Using a microfluidic device to deliver controlled stimuli to intact animals and large, immobile, and fluorescent protein-tagged mitochondria as fiducial markers in the touch receptor neurons (TRNs), we visualized and measured touch-induced mechanical strain in C. elegans worms. At steady-state, touch stimuli sufficient to activate TRNs induce an average strain of 3.1% at the center of the actuator and this strain decays to near zero at the edges of the actuator. We also measured strain in animals carrying mutations affecting links between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the TRNs but could not detect any differences in touch-induced mechanical strain between wild-type and mutant animals. Collectively, these results demonstrate that touching the skin induces local mechanical strain in intact animals and suggest that a fully intact ECM is not essential for transmitting mechanical strain from the skin to cutaneous mechanosensory neurons.
Detection and Diagnosis of Long-Term Cyber-Attacks for Predictive Energy Management System in HEVs

In this paper, a systematic cyber-attack detection and diagnosis method is designed to enhance the cybersecurity of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). A series of innovative data-driven and model-based residuals are proposed to detect energy-oriented cyber-attacks on the energy management system, which aim to deteriorate the battery capacity and energy efficiency but can hardly be detected by the human driver. Besides the cyber-attacks on critical sensor measurements like vehicle speed, gear position, and battery state of charge, we explore two types of controller attacks, as optimization-based and rule-based damage-oriented controller attacks. Such controller attacks will significantly reduce energy efficiency while satisfying the dynamic performance. Simulation results have shown the effectiveness of the proposed detection method.
Comparing Time to Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy Based on Type of Ultrasound Performed: A Retrospective Inquiry

Abstract Background Hemorrhage from ruptured ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of first trimester mortality in North America. Objectives Our objective was to compare patients with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy who had an emergency department (ED) point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) with those who received a radiology department-performed ultrasound (RADUS). Four time intervals were measured: ED arrival to ultrasound interpretation, obstetric consultation, operating room (OR) arrival, and ultrasound interpretation to OR arrival. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with ruptured ectopic pregnancy seen between February 2012 and September 2018 at an urban tertiary care hospital. Patients who received an ultrasound in the ED, went directly to the OR, and had confirmed rupture were included. Results Of 262 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy during the study period, 36 (14%) were ruptured and 32 were enrolled. Comparing times between PoCUS (n = 10) and RADUS (n = 22) groups, the mean time from ED arrival to ultrasound interpretation was 15 vs. 138 min (difference 123, 95% confidence interval [CI] 88–158), from ED arrival to obstetric consultation was 35 vs. 150 min (difference 115, 95% CI 59–171), from ED arrival to OR arrival was 160 vs. 381 min (difference 222, 95% CI 124–320), and from ultrasound interpretation to OR arrival was 145 vs. 243 min (difference 98, 95% CI 12–184). Conclusion ED patients with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy who received a PoCUS first had shorter times to diagnosis, obstetric consultation, and OR arrival compared with those who received RADUS.
Optimization of vibratory nanofiltration for sustainable coffee extract concentration via response surface methodology

A vibratory nanofiltration (NF) system was investigated in the preconcentration of coffee extracts for soluble coffee production. Four different NF membranes were studied, among which the selected ...
Historical Montage: An Approach to Material Aesthetics at Historic House Sites

Historic houses are uniquely situated at the intersection of heritage and material culture. As locations of material display and familial veneration, they act as nodes connecting threads of manufactured history, object trajectories, and stratified experience. They exist in a place out of time that at once creates, references, and destroys past temporalities.
Online Filipino-Americans' perspectives on informatics-enabled health management

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to understand Filipino-Americans' perceptions of three types of information technology used for health management: personal health records (PHRs), mobile health applications (mHealth), and social networking sites (SNSs). Methods An online survey was administered to Filipino-American participants recruited via Facebook during 2013. The survey included open- and closed-ended questions regarding participants' (1) experiences with PHRs, mHealth, and SNSs for health management and (2) preferences regarding technology designed for the Filipino-American community. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for participant demographics and usage patterns and qualitative content analysis for perceived advantages and disadvantages of each technology. Results Eighty-seven surveys were completed. Participants reported using SNSs (17.6%) and mHealth (10.6%) most frequently for health management, but expressed most interest in using PHRs for future health management (39.0%). Additionally, 61% reported interest in using technology tailored for the Filipino-American community. Reported advantages/disadvantages across the technologies focused on seven themes: accessibility, complementarity, credibility, privacy and security, usability, usefulness, and unspecified. Conclusions mHealth usage patterns echoed what has previously been reported in other populations. PHR usage patterns fell between two previously reported extremes and SNS usage patterns were greater than those previously reported. While some perceived advantages and disadvantages reflected those of other patient populations, several were unique to this Filipino-American community. Future policy initiatives should promote design processes that address culture in a nuanced way and educational efforts that increase patient knowledge regarding the potential benefits of informatics-enabled health management.
International health calendar project.

(1987). International Health Calendar Project. Health Education: Vol. 18, International Health, pp. 20-21.
SU-E-T-585: Optically-Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeters for Monitoring Pacemaker Dose in Radiation Therapy

Purpose: A sufficient amount of ionizing radiation can cause failure to components of pacemakers. Studies have shown that permanent damage can occur after a dose of 10 Gy and minor damage to functionality occurs at doses as low as 2 Gy. Optically stimulated thermoluminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) can be used as in vivo dosimeters to predict dose to be deposited throughout the treatment. The purpose of this work is to determine the effectiveness of using OSLDs for in vivo dosimetry of pacemaker dose. Methods: As part of a clinical in vivo dosimetry experience, OSLDs were placed at the site of the pacemaker by the therapist for one fraction of the radiation treatment. OSLD measurements were extrapolated to the total dose to be received by the pacemaker during treatment. A total of 79 measurements were collected from November 2011 to December 2013 on six linacs. Sixty-six (66) patients treated in various anatomical sites had the dose of their pacemakers monitored. Results: Of the 79 measurements recorded, 76 measurements (96 %) were below 2 Gy. The mean and standard deviation were 50.12 ± 76.41 cGy. Of the 3 measurements that exceeded 2 Gy, 2 measurements matched the dose predicted in the treatment planmore » and 1 was repeated after an unexpectedly high Result. The repeated measurement yielded a total dose less than 2 Gy. Conclusion: This analysis suggests OSLDs may be used for in vivo monitoring of pacemaker dose. Further research should be performed to assess the effect of increased backscatter from the pacemaker device.« less
Regulation of p130Cas/BCAR1 Expression in Tamoxifen-Sensitive and Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells by EGR1 and NAB2

Elevated levels of p130Cas/BCAR1 (Crk-associated substrate/breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 1) are found in aggressive breast tumors and are associated with tamoxifen resistance of mammary cancers. p130Cas promotes the integration of protein complexes involved in multiple signaling pathways frequently deregulated in breast cancer. To elucidate mechanisms leading to p130Cas up-regulation in mammary carcinomas and during acquired tamoxifen resistance, the regulation of p130Cas/BCAR1 was studied. Because multiple putative binding motifs for the inducible transcription factor EGR1 were identified in the 5′ region of BCAR1, the p130Cas/BCAR1 regulation by EGR1 and its coregulator NAB2 was investigated. Overexpression or short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated down-regulation of EGR1 or NAB2, and chromatin immunoprecipitations indicated that EGR1 and NAB2 act in concert to positively regulate p130Cas/BCAR1 expression in breast cancer cells. p130Cas depletion using siRNA showed that, in tamoxifen-sensitive MCF-7 cells, p130Cas regulates EGR1 and NAB2 expression, whereas in the derivative tamoxifen-resistant TAM-R cells, only NAB2 levels were influenced. BCAR1 messenger RNA and p130Cas protein were upregulated by phorbol esters following the kinetics of late response genes in MCF-7 but not in TAM-R cells. Thus, in MCF-7 cells, we identified a positive feedback loop where p130Cas positively regulates EGR1 and NAB2, which in turn induce p130Cas expression. Importantly, compared with MCF-7, enhanced NAB2 expression and increased EGR1 binding to the BCAR1 5′ region observed in TAM-R may lead to the constitutively increased p130Cas/BCAR1 levels in TAM-R cells. The uncovered differences in this EGR1/NAB2/p130Cas network in MCF-7 versus TAM-R cells may also contribute to p130Cas up-regulation during acquired tamoxifen resistance.
In situ observations of interaction between particulate agglomerates and an advancing planar solid/liquid interface:. microgravity experiments

Results are reported of directional solidification experiments on particulate agglomerate pushing and engulfment by a planar solid/liquid (s/1) interface. These experiments were conducted on the Space Shuttle Columbia during the United States Microgravity Payload 4 (USMP-4) Mission. It was found that the pushing to engulfment transition velocity, V(sub ct),, for agglomerates depends not only on their effective size but also their orientation with respect to the s/l interface. The analytical model for predicting V(sub cr) of a single particle was subsequently enhanced to predict V(sub cr) of the agglomerates by considering their shape factor and orientation.
Animal models of osteoarthritis.

As discussed by Pritzker [1], an animal model can be defined as “a homogenous set of animals which have an inherited, naturally acquired, or experimentally induced biological process, amenable to scientific investigation, that in one or more respects resembles the disease in humans.” Animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) are useful in studying the evolution of structural changes in joint tissues, determining how various risk factors may initiate or promote these changes, and evaluating therapeutic interventions. Because it is difficult to obtain joint tissues from humans with OA until the pathological changes are far advanced and to obtain them sequentially, use of animal models provides the only practical way to examine the processes involved with initiation of the disease, the associated morphologic biochemical, metabolic and molecular biological changes in articular cartilage, and how, e.g., the balance of matrix cartilage synthesis and degradation influences disease progression. However, it must be borne in mind that OA is not a disease of only a single tissue - articular cartilage - but that all of the tissues of the joint are affected, i. e., the subchondral bone, synovium, menisci, ligaments, periarticular muscles and the afferent nerves whose terminals lie both within and external to the joint capsule. To date, studies of OA in animal models of pharmacologic agents have focused chiefly on their effects on articular cartilage.
Effect of Dietary Retinyl Acetate, β-Carotene and Retinoic Acid on Wound Healing in Rats

The effects of feeding various levels and combinations of retinyl acetate, beta-carotene, or retinoic acid on skin wound healing in rats was investigated. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a vitamin A-free diet for 2 weeks to produce marginal vitamin A status. After a paravertebral incision was made and closed with suture, one of several diets were fed for either 5 or 14 days. Surgery and recovery did not reduce liver vitamin A nor serum retinol levels compared to nonoperated pair-fed controls. Supplemental retinyl acetate feeding at five times the NRC-suggested allowance resulted in a mild, but significantly increased postmortem wound tensile strength after 5 days compared to rats fed the suggested allowance. Although a low level of retinoic acid in the diet (1.3 microgram/g diet) depressed wound strength at 5 days, a higher level (5.2 microgram/g) increased the strength 57% above controls. Still higher levels (49.1 microgram/g) did not further increase the tensile strength of the wound. beta-Carotene fed the requirement level for 5 days (with compensation made for utilization as one-sixth that of retinol) doubled wound strength compared to rats fed the requirements as retinyl acetate. Vitamin A feeding did not enhance wound strength after 14 days of feeding. It is concluded that supplemental retinyl acetate, beta-carotene, or in some cases all-trans-retinoic acid can be effective in enhancing wound strength, 5 days, but not 14 days after surgery, of young male rats with marginal vitamin A status.
Economic liberalization and income inequality: Further evidence on the Sri Lankan experience

Abstract A recent paper by the author in this Journal argued that inequality in Sri Lanka was lower after the 1977 economic liberalization policies were adopted. This conclusion was based on two household surveys taken in 1969–1970 and 1980–1981. This note re-examines the argument using five household surveys from 1969–1970 and 1981–1982. Although the conclusionstill holds in general, it is necessary to put it in a proper perspective.
Hearing loss in palliative care.

Abstract Background: Age-related hearing loss is remarkably common, affecting more than 60% of adults over the age of 75. Moreover, hearing loss has detrimental effects on quality of life and communication, outcomes that are central to palliative care. Despite its high prevalence, there is remarkably little written on the impact of hearing loss in the palliative care literature. Objective: The objective was to emphasize its importance and the need for further study. We use a case as a springboard for discussing what is known and unknown about the epidemiology, presentation, screening methodologies, and treatment strategies for age-related hearing loss in palliative care. Discussion: The case describes a 65-year-old man with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) that has progressed despite treatment. No concerns are raised about communication challenges during conversations between the palliative care team and the patient in his quiet room. However, in the midst of a family meeting, shortly after discussing pro...
Personality: Description, Dynamics, and Development

The description of personality personality description personality traits group differences studying individuals the dynamics of personality unconscious dynamics motivation the self adaptation, emotion, and health the development of personality personality continuity and development biological determinants social tasks and personality the cultural context.
A calcium requirement for fibroblast motility and prolifertion.

Abstract Fibroblast motility and proliferation were found to be largely unaffected by wide variations in extracellular sodium or potassium concentrations or by tetrodotoxin or tetra-ethylammonium chloride. By contrast, EGTA, which reduced free calcium concentration to about 10 −7 M, dramatically inhibited motility and proliferation, and these effects were reversible. These results and previous observations on procaine inhibition of fibroblast motility and proliferation are consistent with the hypothesis that fibroblast motive power derives from a calcium-controlled interaction between actin and myosin, as in skeletal muscle.
Experimental Study of the Relationship Between Radiosonde Temperatures and Satellite-Derived Temperatures

Abstract A large sample of temperature observations was statistically analyzed to estimate horizontal temperature variability as a function of distance. These estimates were determined at several altitudes from the surface to 15 km and are applicable to horizontal distances up to 175 km, from a data set collected at White Sands Missile Range,. N. M. The results were used to assess the amount of disagreement one should expect when comparing radiosonde temperature measurements with corresponding measurements derived from satellite radiometric observations. The conclusion was that horizontal temperature variations over the radiometrically observed area contribute approximately 1 K rms disagreement between such comparisons. When the separation distance between the radiosonde and satellite observation approaches 200 km, rms differences of greater than 2 K are to be expected at this location.
Accumulation and Prediction of Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen in New York Winegrape Cultivars

A three-year study was conducted to investigate the accumulation of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) during the final weeks of ripening in seven winegrape cultivars grown in New York State and to assess the feasibility of predicting harvest YAN using linear regression models. Berry samples of Vitis vinifera cvs. Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, and Riesling and interspecific hybrid cvs. Noiret and Traminette were collected weekly from 49 vineyard sites across the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Lake Erie, and Long Island growing regions from August through harvest. YAN concentrations in Cabernet franc, Riesling, and Traminette were generally low, averaging 200 mg/L. During the ripening period, linear regression models predicted harvest YAN up to five weeks before harvest (R2 = 81.6%). A decrease in YAN during ripening was observed across cultivars, caused primarily by decreases in ammonia (AMM), as primary amino nitrogen levels remained stable. Population distributions were used to estimate appropriate prophylactic nitrogen additions for each cultivar, minimizing the risk of deficiency or excess; this was most difficult with Chardonnay, Noiret, and Pinot noir, which had the highest and most variable YAN concentrations and subsequently run the greatest risk of oversupplementation with prophylactic additions.
Site of origin of ventricular premature beats in patients with mitral valve prolapse

This study examines the site of origin and possible etiology of ventricular premature beats (VPB) in patients with mitral valve prolapse. Ten patients with mitral valve prolapse documented by echocardiogram from the study group. All patients had prolapse of the posterioir leaflet and three additionally had anterior prolapse. There were eight females and two males, with a mean age of 29.1 +/- 11.1 years. All patients were having unifocal VPBs at rest. A vectorcardiogram (VCG) was taken of the VPB by a technique which allowed all VCG loops to be written from the same beat. The VCG analysis indicated that the VPB forces were directed anteriorly, inferiorly, and to the left in six patients. In two patients the VPB was directed posteriorly, inferiorly, and to the left, consistent with right ventricular origin. One of these patients had episodes of ventricular tachycardia. One was anterior, superior, and to the left, and one was markedly anterior, superior, and to the right. In all patients the initial portion of the QRS was inscribed slowly. The three patients with additional anterior prolapse did not show a common difference from those with isolated posterior prolapse. It is concluded that: (1) The majority of these VPBs originate from the posteriorbasal portion of the left ventricle. (2) They originate in the myocardium and not in the Purkinje tissue. (3) There is no relationship between the location of prolapse and the VPB morphology.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES OF AN EPHEMERAL POND SYSTEM IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA

The Grafton Ponds Natural Area is a 151 hectare preserve in York County, Virginia, approximately 56km north of the City of Norfolk. The preserve contains over 40 ephemeral ponds. These ponds which are filled seasonally by precipitation and groundwater discharge, are typically wet from late fall through late spring or early summer. Pond size varies from 0.1 to 2 ha, and depths range from 4 cm to 3 meters. The first phase of this study was to examine the physical and chemical characteristics of five of these ponds, including pond size and depth, inundation period, water temperature, pH, and phosphate and ammonium concentrations. The second phase, which is currently underway, is to examine the phytoplankton assemblages, relating differences in the phytoplankton populations to the varying physical and chemical characteristics of the ponds. To date, analysis indicates Chlorophytes and Cyanobacteria as dominant groups in the winter and spring with diatoms becoming more abundant in the late summer and fall. Periodic Dinoflagellate blooms also occur. Analysis also indicates rapid turnover of species from month to month.
Testing novel implications from the selectorate theory of war

The authors tested five novel hypotheses derived from the selectorate theory of war with data for up to about 140 states and spanning the years 1816–1993. The hypotheses point to subtle differences in selection effects across regime types that should operate during crises that fall short of war and also during wars. Leaders who rely on a large coalition (such as democrats) to remain in office are shown to be more selective than their small-coalition counterparts in their willingness to fight wars when the odds of victory are not overwhelming. They are also more selective than their small-coalition counterparts in their willingness to take part in disputes that fall short of war when the odds are not exceptionally favorable. However, they are less selective about this form of participation than they are about war. Small-coalition leaders show no such selectivity in their preparedness to engage in disputes short of war or in war as a function of their odds of victory. These results hold whether the odds of victory are assessed continuously or whether they are based on a specific threshold. The authors also find, in keeping with the selectorate theory, that if a war fails to resolve quickly, democrats try harder than autocrats to win. And when the war is over, democrats demobilize much more slowly than autocrats.
Reduction of QT-interval imprecision and variance by measuring the JT interval.

T he QT interval, a surrogate for the ventricular transmembrane cellular action potential, has had a long and useful history as a noninvasive correlate of an increasingly investigated range of applications, including metabolic and drug effects and toxicities, prediction of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, exercise and autonomic nervous system responses, general myocardial condition (e.g., ischemia) and the design of physiologically adap tive cardiac pacemakers. 1-6 Together with other cardiac time intervals, the QT interval has a complex relation to heart rate (expressed as cardiac cycle length or beats/ min). This relation has produced a remarkable variety of formulas for the QT-RR and QT-HR relations, including square root, cube root, exponential, logarithmic and even linear.7~8 However, at high heart rates, correlation of QT and cycle length is spurious, because most of the cycle is, indeed, QT, so that it becomes a virtual self-correlate.7 However, rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), particularly by the original Bazett formula of 1920,9 has remained useful for the applications mentioned. A particularly apt example is the demonstration that QT correction by Bazett’s formula to <4OO ms (0.4 second) in the presence of inverted T waves is a reliable indication of digitalis effect.lO However, a stronger primary T-wave change can override the QT-shortening effect of digitalis. l1 These and many other examples emphasize the T wave as the source of primary QT changes, and it is apparent that the JT portion of the QT interval is the responsible element, changes in QRS being either nonexistent or too small to detect. (Factors such as drugs and toxic agents prolonging the QRS will be detected in the standard QRS measurement.) The upper limit of normal QTc by the Bazett formula can be found in quick-reference tables or is variously reported (e.g., not 50.42 in men, 10.43 in women,12 or 10.425 overall).’ Regardless of the limit selected, it is clear that for thii most common correction formula, the range will be narrow.13,14 Because the JT portion of the QT interval is almost always the significant portion, determination of normal values for the JT interval appears to be overdue. The problem is broadly recognized in the presence of bundle branch block,12 but QRS variability within the normal QRS range is the principal problem. The vast majority
Half-widths of H216O,H218O,H217O,HD16O, and D216O: II. Comparison with measurement

Abstract Pressure-broadened half-widths of ν2 transitions are determined using the complex Robert–Bonamy formalism for four isotopomers of water vapor: H 2 18 O , H 2 17 O , HD 16 O , and D216O. The calculations are made with nitrogen and oxygen as the perturbing gases. A survey of the literature revealed N2-broadened measurements of 365, 61, 990, and 545 ν2 transitions of the H 2 18 O , H 2 17 O , HD 16 O , and D216O isotopomers, respectively, and O2-broadened measurements of 266 and 134 ν2 transitions of the HD16O, and D216O isotopomers, respectively. The calculated and measured half-widths are compared. In general, good agreement is observed when the most recent atom–atom constants are employed.
Carcinoma of the upper pharynx

Abstract 1.1. Surgery in cancer of the pharynx is difficult and often mutilating and the results have not been encouraging. 2.2. The divided dose x-ray technique augmented by interstitial radium offers a better chance of cure and frequently produces marked palliation in the incurable cases.
Wear resistant electrically conductive Au–ZnO nanocomposite coatings synthesized by e-beam evaporation

Abstract The tribological and electrical behavior of e-beam codeposited Au–ZnO nanocomposite films were investigated for compositions in the range 0.1–28.0 vol% of ZnO. A 2.0 vol% ZnO film did not exhibit measurable wear sliding against a commercial gold alloy rider. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis on film surfaces of varying composition revealed a significant reduction in grain size for a 0.1 vol% ZnO film contrasting with a pure Au film. Electrical resistivity measurements of films in the range 0.0–28.0 vol% ZnO exhibited a linear increase in resistivity from 2.73 μΩ cm to 39.88 μΩ cm. The friction, wear, and electrical contact resistance of 2.0 and 28.0 vol% ZnO films sliding against commercially available hardened Au riders (72Au–14Cu–8Pt–5Ag by weight) were investigated. Friction coefficient and electrical contact resistance data were in the range μ =0.3–0.5 and ECR=40 mΩ and 500–2000 mΩ, respectively, for 2 μm thick films deposited on conductive substrates in unidirectional sliding at 1 mm/s under a 185 MPa maximum Hertzian contact pressure (100 mN contact force). The presence of ZnO transfer to the rider was observed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Significant improvements in wear resistance and friction behavior were observed for Au–ZnO composite films with volume fractions of ZnO commensurate with the metal species codeposited in traditional hardened gold coatings.
Dynamic fatigue behavior of two SiC and a SiCp reinforced Al2O3 at elevated temperatures

Abstract Dynamic fatigue behavior of a siliconized SiC, a sintered β-SiC, and a SiCp (silicon carbide particle)-reinforced Al 2 O 3 formed by directed oxidation of Al metal, which are considered for use in heat exchangers in coal-fired power plants, were evaluated at 1100 and 1400 °C in air. Four-point flexure specimens were tested at five stressing rates from 37 MPa s −1 to 0.0001 MPa s −1 resulting in total times to failure up to 1200 h. Thirty specimens of each material were tested at the fast-fracture condition and 10 specimens were tested at the four dynamic fatigue conditions at each temperature. At 1100 °C none of the materials exhibited any loss of strength as a function of stressing rate and very little tendency to creep was observed. At 1400 °C the sintered β-SiC exhibited no strength loss, while the siliconized SiC showed a significant loss of strength and some signs of creep at stressing rates less than 0.01 MPa s −1 . The SiCp reinforced Al 2 O 3 exhibited extensive creep at stressing rates ranging from 0.01 to 0.0001 MPa s −1 at 1400 °C, in fact at the slower stressing rates the creep was dominant and the specimens could not be brought to fracture in the four point flexure fixtures. Extensive fractography showed that the failure mode for the sintered β-SiC was indeed a fast-fracture mode at all temperatures and stressing rates, the specimens mostly failing from pores in the microstructure. The siliconized SiC failed partly from pores and partly from metal inclusions at 1100 °C and fast stressing rates, and at 1400 °C at slower stressing rates slow crack growth was observed to occur with the Si-metal inclusions as starting points. The failure modes in SiCp reinforcedAl 2 O 3 changed from fast fracture from residual Al-alloy rich areas to a creep failure at intermediate stressing rates at 1400 °C.
Dilution Rates of Sour Colostrum for Dairy Calves

Abstract Thirty-two Holstein calves were fed one of four liquid diets from 3 through 30 days of age to study effects of three dilution rates for sour colostrum on calf performance as compared to whole milk. Liquid diets were whole milk, sour colostrum to water dilutions of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1. Diets were offered at 10% body weight daily in two equal feedings, and an 18% crude protein starter concentrate was offered ad libitum. Colostrum was obtained from the first six milkings postpartum and allowed to undergo natural fermentation until feeding at approximately 15 days storage. Calves fed whole milk, 2:1 and 3:1 dilutions of colostrum gained at a similar rate from 0 to 4 wk while calves fed 1:1 showed slower daily gain. Daily gain from 0 to 4 wk showed a linear increase across the dilutions of colostrum. Daily gain over the entire study, 0 to 6 wk, was similar for all treatments indicating rapid compensatory gain in 1:1 treatment. Calves fed 1:1 consumed slightly more starter from 0 to 4 wk. Total intake (dry matter) was lowest during 0 to 4 and 0 to 6 wk for calves fed 1:1. Total intake showed a linear response across dilutions for 0 to 4 and 0 to 6 wk. Incidence of scours was similar; however, calves fed 2:1 and 3:1 had fewer days of scours. Calves fed 2:1 and 3:1 performed as well as those fed whole milk.
Submillimeter- and Millimeter-Wavelength Observations of SIO and HCN in Circumstellar Envelopes of AGB Stars

We report molecular line observations with the Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope of a sample of 30 asymptotic giant branch stars with spectral types M, S, and C. Measured lines include SiO J = 5-4, 8-7, 10-9, and HCN J = 3-2 and 4-3 transitions, which arise from energy levels ranging from 26 to 115 K above ground. The observed transitions were detected in almost all stars observed, regardless of spectral type. The HCN J = 3-2 and 4-3 lines in the M stars are bright compared with previous observations of the J = 1-0 line. We calculated emergent spectra for model circumstellar envelopes and compare these with the observed line intensity ratios. We conclude that (1) the HCN line intensity ratios for the M stars are inconsistent with chemical models in which HCN is produced via photochemistry in the outer circumstellar envelope. HCN must be formed by a nonequilibrium chemical process in the inner envelope or extended stellar atmosphere. (2) The HCN/SiO intensity ratios of lines with similar excitation energies clearly separate the carbon stars from the M and S stars. The M and S stars show a trend of increasing HCN/SiO intensity ratios with increasing mass-loss rate. (3) These data support the idea that pulsation-driven shocks result in the formation of organic molecules like HCN in the envelopes of M stars. Observations of these molecules could give useful constraints on hydrodynamic models for stellar mass loss driven by pulsational shocks in the stellar atmosphere. We detected emission from vibrationally excited HCN in the v = (0,11c,0), J = 3-2 and 4-3 transitions toward four carbon stars. In one star, V Cyg, the lines are strong and narrow, and are most likely a result of maser amplification.