cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a non-divalent cation binding mutant of myosin regulatory light chain on tension generation in skinned skeletal muscle fibers

Each myosin molecule contains two heavy chains and a total of four low-molecular weight light chain subunits, two "essential" and two "regulatory" light chains (RLCs). Although the roles of myosin light chains in vertebrate striated muscle are poorly understood at present, recent studies on the RLC have suggested that it has a modulatory role with respect to Ca2+ sensitivity of tension and the rate of tension development, effects that may be mediated by Ca2+ binding to the RLC. To examine possible roles of the RLC Ca2+/Mg2+ binding site in tension development by skeletal muscle, we replaced endogenous RLC in rabbit skinned psoas fibers with an avian mutant RLC (D47A) having much reduced affinity for divalent cations. After replacement of up to 80% of the endogenous RLC with D47A RLC, maximum tension (at pCa 4.5) was significantly reduced compared with preexchange tension, and the amount of decrease was directly related to the extent of D47A exchange. Fiber stiffness changed in proportion to tension, indicating that the decrease in tension was due to a decrease in the number of tension-generating cross-bridges. Decreases in both tension and stiffness were substantially, although incompletely, reversed after reexchange of native RLC for D47A. RLC exchange was also performed using a wild-type RLC. Although a small decrease in tension was observed after wild-type RLC exchange, the decrease was not proportional to the extent of RLC exchange and was not reversed by reexchange of the native RLC. D47A exchange also decreased the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension and reduced the apparent cooperativity of tension development. The results suggest that divalent cation binding to myosin RLC plays an important role in tension generation in skeletal muscle fibers.
Characterization of Submicrometer Aqueous Iron(III) Colloids Formed in the Presence of Phosphate by Sedimentation Field Flow Fractionation with Multiangle Laser Light Scattering Detection

Iron colloids play a major role in the water chemistry of natural watersheds and of engineered drinking water distribution systems. Phosphate is frequently added to distribution systems to control corrosion problems, so iron−phosphate colloids may form through reaction of iron in water pipes. In this study, sedimentation field flow fractionation (SdFFF) is coupled on-line with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection to characterize these iron colloids formed following the oxygenation of iron(II) in the presence of phosphate. The SdFFF-MALLS data were used to calculate the hydrodynamic diameter, density, and particle size distribution of these submicrometer colloids. The system was first verified with standard polystyrene beads, and the results compared well with certified values. Iron(III) colloids were formed in the presence of phosphate at a variety of pH conditions. The colloids' hydrodynamic diameters, which ranged from 218 ± 3 (pH 7) to 208 ± 4 nm (pH 10), did not change significantly wit...
Ethanol Acutely Inhibits Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Responses and Long-Term Potentiation in the Developing CA1 Hippocampus

Background: Developmental ethanol (EtOH) exposure damages the hippocampus, causing long-lasting alterations in learning and memory. Alterations in glutamatergic synaptic transmission and plasticity may play a role in the mechanism of action of EtOH. This signaling is fundamental for synaptogenesis, which occurs during the third trimester of human pregnancy (first 12 days of life in rats). Methods: Acute coronal brain slices were prepared from 7- to 9-day-old rats. Extracellular and patch-clamp electrophysiological recording techniques were used to characterize the acute effects of EtOH on α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor (AMPAR)- and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated responses and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 hippocampal region. Results: Ethanol (40 and 80 mM) inhibited AMPAR- and NMDAR-mediated field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs). EtOH (80 mM) also reduced AMPAR-mediated fEPSPs in the presence of an inhibitor of Ca2+ permeable AMPARs. The effect of 80 mM EtOH on NMDAR-mediated fEPSPs was significantly greater in the presence of Mg2+. EtOH (80 mM) neither affected the paired-pulse ratio of AMPAR-mediated fEPSPs nor the presynaptic volley. The paired-pulse ratio of AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents was not affected either, and the amplitude of these currents was inhibited to a lesser extent than that of fEPSPs. EtOH (80 mM) inhibited LTP of AMPAR-mediated fEPSPs. Conclusions: Acute EtOH exposure during the third-trimester equivalent of human pregnancy inhibits hippocampal glutamatergic transmission and LTP induction, which could alter synapse refinement and ultimately contribute to the pathophysiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Photophysical properties, X-ray structures, electrochemistry, and DFT computational chemistry of osmium complexes

Abstract We report the synthesis of phosphorescent divalent osmium complexes of the form [Os(N–N) 2 (L–L) or Os(L–L) 2 (N–N)] 2+ (PF 6 ) 2 where N–N is a derivative of 1,10-phenanthroline, and L–L is a diarsine or diphosphine ligand: 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, or 1,2-bis(dimethylarseno)benzene. X-ray structures have been determined, luminescent and electrochemical properties have been measured and DFT calculations have been performed on the complexes. The emission lifetime of complexes of structure Os(II)(L–L) 2 (N–N) are longer than the those of Os(II)(N–N) 2 (L–L). The DFT calculations show that there is significant mixing of the π−π ∗ into the dπ−π ∗ charge-transfer state for the complexes of the form Os(II)(L–L) 2 (N–N) resulting in a longer lived excited state. Through DFT calculations we were able to conclude that the HOMO of the complexes is a d orbital on the osmium while the LUMO is the b 1 ( ψ ) π ∗ system of the phenanthroline. However, we found that the HOMO did not have the correct symmetry to enable strong charge transfer to the phenanthroline to be observed, and the strong MLCT transition observed in the spectra is the metal d HOMO(−1) to the b1 π ∗ LUMO of the phenanthroline.
Thermotransport of hydrogen in niobium and tantalum as a function of concentration

Abstract Thermotransport of hydrogen in niobium and tantalum has been measured up to a hydrogen to metal atomic ratio of 0.3. The heat of transport based on the activity ratio decreased as the hydrogen concentration increased in both niobium and tantalum. The heat of transport based on the hydrogen concentration ratio decreased in tantalum but increased in niobium as the hydrogen concentration increased.
Assembly of Epithelial Tight Junctions Is Negatively Regulated by Par6

Epithelial cells display apical-basal polarity, and the apical surface is segregated from the basolateral membranes by a barrier called the tight junction (TJ). TJs are constructed from transmembrane proteins that form cell-cell contacts-claudins, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-plus peripheral proteins such as ZO-1. The Par proteins (partitioning-defective) Par3 and Par6, plus atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) function in the formation or maintenance of TJs and more generally in metazoan cell polarity establishment. Par6 contains a PDZ domain and a partial CRIB (Cdc42/Rac interactive binding) domain and binds the small GTPase Cdc42. Here, we show that Par6 inhibits TJ assembly in MDCK II epithelial cells after their disruption by Ca(2+) depletion but does not inhibit adherens junction (AJ) formation. Transepithelial resistance and paracellular diffusion assays confirmed that assembly of functional TJs is delayed by Par6 overexpression. Strikingly, the isolated, N-terminal fragment of PKCzeta, which binds Par6, also inhibits TJ assembly. Activated Cdc42 can disrupt TJs, but neither a dominant-negative Cdc42 mutant nor the CRIB domain of gammaPAK (p21-activated kinase), which inhibits Cdc42 function, observably inhibit TJ formation. These results suggest that Cdc42 and Par6 negatively regulate TJ assembly in mammalian epithelial cells.
Special factorization and Riccati integral equations

Abstract A class of operator Riccati integral equations is associated with a factorization problem in a certain Banach algebra. Recent results concerning factorization in this algebra are used to obtain existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence results for the Riccati equations.
KOREAN REUNIFICATION: HOW IT MIGHT COME ABOUT AND AT WHAT COST

This paper considers three broad scenarios for Korean reunification. These are reunification through system evolution and adaptation, through collapse and absorption and through conflict. A simulation model is used to estimate the costs of Korean reunification, which span a range between $50 billion and $700 billion, and a median estimate between $330 billion and $350 billion, about $60–70 billion per annum over five years. Various ways of distributing these investment costs are outlined and the likely benefits of reunification are also assessed. 1This paper is a revised and expanded version of a previous paper entitled, ‘Korean Reunification and Reconstruction: Circumstances, Costs, and Implications’ that was originally presented at a conference on ‘Regional Economic Implications of North Korean Security Behavior’ organized by the National Bureau of Asian Research, University of Washington, and the Institute of World Development, Development Research Center of the State Council of the People’s Republic o...
THE EFFECT OF JOB MOBILITY ON ACADEMIC SALARIES

The hypothesis that individuals increase future earnings by investing in themselves through job change has considerable empirical support. To date, this hypothesis has not been tested on the academic labor market. Using a national faculty survey that includes respondents' complete work history, the authors estimate the impact of job mobility on faculty salaries. The rate of job mobility among faculty members appears low compared to that of other workers. Salaries overall are not significantly related to the number of academic jobs held until the number of jobs reaches four, and then the effect is negative. An examination by gender reveals that women incur a salary penalty of 8% in moving to the second job.
Statistical nuclear spectroscopy

Abstract This review of statistical spectroscopy stresses the general principles of the subject, as they apply both to spectral averaging and fluctuations, and the relationships between statistical behavior,information content, model space geometries and group symmetries which follow from central limit theorems and the law of spectral rigidity. Brief accounts are given of some essential technical matters and a short description of a wide variety of subjects in which spectral averaging has been significant. Certain other particularly instructive problems are treated in considerable detail. The purpose is, on the one hand, to emphasize and illustrate the simplifying power of the underlying laws, and, on the other, to stress their significance even in matters where the relevance of statistical behavior might not be at all obvious.
Cartilage loss occurs in the same subregions as subchondral bone attrition: A within-knee subregion-matched approach from the multicenter osteoarthritis study

Objective By magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), subchondral bone attrition (SBA) can be seen in early osteoarthritis (OA), but the significance of this is unknown. We therefore evaluated whether SBA was associated with cartilage loss within the same subregion of the knee. Methods The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study is a cohort of individuals who have or are at high risk for knee OA. At baseline and 30 months, participants' knee MRIs were graded using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score in the 10 subregions of the tibiofemoral joint for cartilage morphology and SBA. We conducted analyses within a knee to eliminate between-person confounding, using an M:N (cases:controls) matched case–control approach with the 10 subregions of a person's knee forming a matched set. Cases within a knee were defined as subregions with cartilage loss, while controls were subregions in that same knee without cartilage loss. We evaluated the association of cartilage loss over 30 months with the presence of baseline SBA in the same subregion within that knee using conditional logistic regression. Results SBA was associated with an odds ratio of 7.5 (95% confidence interval 5.6–9.9, P < 0.0001) for cartilage loss in the same subregion compared with subregions without any baseline SBA in our sample of 459 knees from participants, 64% of whom were women, with a mean age of 63 years and a mean body mass index of 30.5 kg/m2. Conclusion SBA is strongly associated with cartilage loss within the same subregion of a knee. SBA may directly influence overlying cartilage loss or serve as a marker of an area undergoing great compressive stress and in which cartilage loss is inevitable.
Development Concerns for a Software Design Quality Expert System

This paper presents some developmental concerns for an expert system in the domain of software design. We discuss the context for such a system and explore the synergism between the human designer and automaton. A gross architecture for the automation is given. A scenario of interaction between the designer and automaton is presented.
Designing the smaller library: a hospital looks to the future

Abstract Like other libraries, hospital libraries are preparing for a future which will include a mix, as yet undertermined, of print and electronic information. This case study relates how the library at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was designed to meet the needs of users and staff and to balance them the need for more sophisticated methods of retrieving, storing, and delivering information. Details are provided on planning process and on design features such as lighting and color.
Continuous measurement of cardiac output with a catheter blood flow probe.

Abstract It is concluded that an accurate and reliable measure of cardiac output can be achieved by the intravascular probe positioned in the pulmonary artery. Heparin coating of the intravascular probe is essential to its long-term use.
Low-complexity video encoding for UAV reconnaissance and surveillance

Most video compression schemes like H.264/AVC have a high-complexity encoder with a block motion estimation (ME) engine and a low-complexity decoder. However, applications such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) reconnaissance and surveillance require low-complexity video encoders. Furthermore, in such applications, the majority of the motion in the video sequences is due to the movement of the UAV and the camera mounts which is known. Motivated by this, we propose and investigate a low-complexity encoder with global motion compensation and spectral entropy based bit allocation, but without block ME. The spectral entropy based bit allocation exploits latency to look ahead at data before choosing and coding the coefficients most important for retaining signal fidelity. We show that the proposed encoder achieves better quality at lower bit rates with lower quality variation than that of the H.264 encoder with ME block size restricted to 8×8 for videos typical of UAV flyovers. Compared to the H.264 encoder with 8×8 ME blocks, the proposed encoder requires fewer computations and memory accesses.
Challenges to HIV Prevention in Young Adults in the English-Speaking Caribbean: The Case in Rural Eastern Jamaica

This article presents findings from qualitative interviews with persons involved with HIV/AIDS prevention and youth development initiatives in rural Eastern Jamaica. Key informants were asked to describe the HIV/AIDS prevention strategies being employed in the region. Informants were also asked to share perspectives on challenges to HIV prevention with young adults in this setting. HIV/AIDS prevention strategies included: peer education, HIV talks and condom use demonstrations at family planning centers and the local health clinic, information dissemination at community events, and guest lectures with follow-up discussions during youth meetings and social development programs. Preoccupation with economic survival versus personal protection, denial of risk, fatalistic attitude, and ongoing struggle with low self-esteem, particularly among young adult females, were identified as reasons the message of prevention and willingness to practice personal protection was often rejected.
Single-balloon Enteroscopy

Single-balloon enteroscopy has emerged as a viable alternative to double-balloon enteroscopy in the management of small bowel disease. Technically, it is easier to perform, may be more efficient, and in the limited literature available, seems to provide similar diagnostic and therapeutic yield when compared with double-balloon enteroscopy. This review provides up-to-date views on this emerging technology and its application.
Clinical Concerns and the Validity of Clinical Trials

Background: The validity of results from clinical trials depends on both clinical researchers and participants consistently and strictly following research protocols. However, clinical trial researchers are also expected to provide excellent medical care to the participants. These two commitments may conflict under some circumstances. Methods: A questionnaire previously used for a national Internet-based survey was adapted to conduct in-depth, semistructured interviews in order to further explore reported attitudes and/or behaviors that indicated that patient well-being sometimes took precedence over strict adherence to the study protocol. We conducted 96 interviews with researchers working on Phase II and/or Phase III clinical trials in a variety of medical fields at four major academic medical centers. Results: Due to concerns for the welfare of their patients, the researchers we interviewed described decisions that involved “individualized” rather than protocol-driven decisions about recruitment, proto...
Histidine decarboxylase and DOPA decarboxylase in the stomach of the developing rat.

Im Magen der fotalen Ratte erreicht die Dopadecarboxylase-Aktivitat 19 Tage nach der Paarung Werte, die den Aktivitatswerten des erwachsenen Tieres entsprechen. Die Aktivitat bleibt auch wahrend der weiteren Entwicklung hoch. Die Histidindecarboxylase des fotalen Rattenmagens ist wahrend der embryonalen Entwicklung hoch, aber die Aktivitatswerte fallen bei der Geburt zu nicht messbaren Werten ab. Ungefahr 8 Tage post partum steigt die Histidindecarboxylase des Magens wieder an und erreicht einen Monat nach der Geburt Werte, die den Aktivitatswerten des erwachsenen Tieres entsprechen. In der jungen Ratte wird die Magenhistidindecarboxylase weder durch Gastrininjektion noch durch Hungern beeintrachtigt. Vom 18. Tag nach der Geburt an kann die Enzymaktivitat durch Hungern verringert und durch Gastrin wieder erhoht werden.
Quality control measures in an embryo research program

Abstract The need to establish quality control measures in handling mammalian embryos has been illustrated by a number of recent studies demonstrating a relationship between “toxic laboratory supplies” and embryo mortality. Routine, coordinated testing of biological preparations (e.g., hormones, media, serum, water) and the maintenance of sanitary practices are critical for routine embryo production, handling and effective use. A quality control program that incorporates the principle that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of attempted cure” can reduce or eliminate most of the problems that consume valuable time and resources. In a multidisciplinary research program, a systematic approach to quality control relies on careful organization, accurate records, communication, routine testing/verification and common sense. The purpose of this discussion is to highlight basic quality control guidelines that will generate accurate and reproducible research data.
Temperature Behavior of Pervious Concrete Systems

To achieve the permitted stormwater effluent limits required by the Clean Water Act, many best management practices (BMPs) are being utilized to reduce the overall stormwater volume and provide initial pretreatment and pollutant removal. One such BMP is use of portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC), which allows stormwater to pass through the pavement into an aggregate base below to infiltrate. Until now, the temperature response of the entire system (concrete, aggregate base, and natural soil) was not known. Since PCPC is an infiltration-based BMP, once a frost line forms under the base the infiltrating capacity is reduced or eliminated. PCPC also is recommended for use in warmer climates as a cooler pavement alternative to conventional concrete or asphalt. To quantify the temperature behavior of a pervious concrete system, a fully monitored parking lot—composed of half traditional concrete and half PCPC—was constructed at Iowa State University as part of the Iowa Pervious Concrete Stormwater Project. ...
The impact of ethnic diversity on growth: the regional differences

Using a sample of 86 countries over the 1960–1999 period, this paper investigates the differential growth effects of ethnic division across cultural regions. While the evidence supports a negative relationship between ethnic fragmentation and economic growth, this relationship is significant only for Africa and Latin America. This study also uses a religious measure of ethnic fragmentation, and finds that religious diversity has a positive impact on growth. This impact, however, is present only in the Middle East and East Asia. Some possible reasons behind the heterogeneous effects of ethnic diversity are also explored.
Conamara Chaos Region, Europa: Reconstruction of mobile polygonal ice blocks

New Galileo images of Europa reveal regions of chaotic terrain in otherwise highly-lineated background plains. Examination of Conamara Chaos shows that 59% of the region is composed of fine-textured matrix material lying at low elevations and formed by destruction of lineated plains, while the remainder consists of 139 fragmented polygons of linear-textured background plains. Using through-trending linear features, we reconstruct the original positions of chaos polygons and find that significant lateral translation and rotation have occurred: 78% of the polygons have undergone horizontal translations with most moving between 1 and 5 km, and 81% have rotated (average rotation of ∼11°). Movement of polygons appears to be inward from the chaos margins and clockwise in the center, while polygon rotation is evenly clockwise and counterclockwise. Chaos formation in this region thus involves destruction of over half of the pre-existing terrain, and mobilization, translation, and rotation of the remaining polygons, implying elevated near-surface temperatures and a highly mobile substrate over lateral scales of ∼100 km.
The Conditions of Protest Behavior in American Cities

This paper is an exploration of various political environmental conditions associated with the incidence of political protest activities directed toward urban institutions, agencies, and officials in 43 American cities.Two preliminary questions are considered first. One deals with making explicit the theoretical linkage between elements in the political environment and political behavior. The other is an attempt to define protest technically and to differentiate it from political violence. This effort is made necessary by the facts that violence and protest are not treated in the literature as distinct forms of behavior (but rather as similar acts at different points on a continuum of aggressiveness) and that studies of collective violence in American ghettos indicate no relation between environment and rioting.Two alternative hypotheses are considered: protest varies negatively with indicators of an open political system (a linear model) and protest is greatest in systems characterized by a mix of open and closed factors (a curvilinear model). Data are drawn from newspaper accounts of protest incidents in 43 cities over a six month period in 1968, producing a sample of 120 protest incidents.Both the simple incidence of protest and the intensity of protest seem to fit the curvilinear model more closely than the linear one. The incidence of protest, then, seems to signify change not only among previously quiescent or conventionally oriented groups but also in the political system itself as it becomes more open and responsive.
The Application of a Sociocognitive Framework to the Career Development of Lesbian Women and Gay Men.

Abstract Researchers and theorists have identified a need for integrative models of career development, particularly as they apply to specific populations. This article focuses on the application of social cognitive career theory (SCCT, Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) to the career development of lesbian women and gay men. Specifically, we address societal influences at various points in the process of academic and career development and their effects on self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, and vocational choice. We describe how environmental and contextual influences shape academic and career-related interests through their impact on self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations. In addition, we describe how environmental conditions more proximal to junctures of academic and career-related choice may prevent the translation of interests to choices congruent with those interests. Implications for theory-building research are included.
Gas-Phase Reactions of Nickel Oxide Clusters with Nitric Oxide. 1. Formation of Nitrogen Dioxide on Nickel Oxide Cluster Anions

A fast-flow reactor quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled with a laser vaporization source is used to study the gas-phase reactions of nickel oxide cluster anions (NixOy)- with nitric oxide (NO). The results show that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is formed on the nickel oxide clusters and that this formation leads to the loss of one or more species from the clusters in order to dissipate the heat of formation. The species lost from the clusters are nickel (Ni) and nickel oxide (NiO). Also, there is evidence that the association species of nitric oxide with nickel oxide anions rapidly form NO2. Additional experiments were conducted in order to determine if this NO2 formation mechanism is a function of how the nickel oxide cluster anions are formed. It was observed that a significantly different reaction occurs when nickel clusters are allowed to oxidize at room temperature and are then reacted with nitric oxide.
Laboratory and scaled up evaluation of cis-permethrin applied as a new ultra low volume formulation against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Ultra low volume (ULV) aerial spraying is a common methodology for spatial treatments for Aedes aegypti (L.) control. Previous studies from our laboratory indicated that the cis isomer of permethrin has an excellent efficacy for vector control, in particular for Triatoma infestans. It was of interest to determine the efficacy of this pure isomer in a ULV water-based formulation for adult A. aegypti control, since both vectors usually are found together in South America. A method is presented to make a quick measure at laboratory level of the knock down effect (KT50) of a new EC water-based formulation of cis-permethrin, in a small Peet Grady chamber of 0.34 m3, with a specially designed glass sprayer. A deltamethrin standard ULV formulation "CISLIN" was used for comparison. cis-Permethrin showed a significantly lower KT50 value than deltamethrin (7.50 and 9.65 min, respectively). When the mosquitoes were introduced into the chamber 10 min after spraying KT50 values were almost equal (15.59 and 15.88 min, respectively). In scaled up bioassays the ULV formulation of cis-permethrin showed 100% mortality of A. aegypti adult mosquitoes at the beginning of the treatment (t=0) and some mortality at 1h post treatment of freshly introduced mosquitoes. It was concluded that cis-permethrin could be an excellent tool for control of A. aegypti and other vectors of medical importance, with fewer side effects and better cost-effectiveness than with the cyanopyrethroids.
Real-time communication in FDDI networks

This paper provides a comprehensive study of the use of FDDI networks to support real-time communication in mission-critical systems. Due to the potentially catastrophic results of failure in such systems, it is important to avoid message loss whenever possible. We develop efficient tests to check whether message loss may occur, either due to missing deadlines or due to buffer overflow. These tests are extremely useful in the design and operation of mission-critical systems using FDDI networks. Two types of tests are developed: message-parameter-based tests, which use detailed system knowledge to determine whether loss may occur, and utilization-based tests, which only require knowledge of the overall system load. In order to examine the system performance over a wide range of network loads, we also examine the probability that a randomly chosen message set will not suffer any loss. The work reported in this paper is compatible with the FDDI and SAFENET standards, and can be applied by engineers building real-time systems using these standards.
Peak thrombin generation and subsequent venous thromboembolism: the Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism Etiology (LITE) study

Summary. Background: Thrombin is an enzyme that is essential for the acceleration of the coagulation cascade and the conversion of fibrinogen to clottable fibrin. Objectives: We evaluated the relationship of basal peak thrombin generation with the risk of future venous thromboembolism (VTE), and determined whether associations were independent of other coagulation markers. Methods: The Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism Etiology (LITE) study investigated VTE in two prospective population-based cohorts: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). Peak thrombin generation was measured on stored plasma in a nested case–control sample (434 cases and 1004 controls). Logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship of peak thrombin generation with VTE, adjusted for age, sex, race, center, and body mass index. Mediation was evaluated by additionally adjusting for factor VIII and D-dimer. Results: Relative to the first quartile of peak thrombin generation, the odds ratio (OR) of VTE for those above the median was 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.37]. The association was modestly attenuated by adjustment for FVIII and D-dimer (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.05). Associations appeared to be stronger for idiopathic than for secondary VTE. Elevated peak thrombin generation more than added to the VTE risk associated with FV Leiden or low activated partial thromboplastin time. Conclusions: In this prospective study of two independent cohorts, elevated basal peak thrombin generation was associated with subsequent risk of VTE, independently of established VTE risk factors.
Endotoxin induced regional circulatory reactions in the rabbit with and without halothane anesthesia.

Abstract Distribution of cardiac output, individual organ blood flow, and vascular resistance was investigated in endotoxic shock in the rabbit. The unanesthetized animal and the animals under Halothane anesthesia showed the same pattern of regional circulatory response: unchanged or decreased vascular resistance to flow to brain, heart, eye; intense elevation of resistance in kidneys, spleen, fat, and skin; intermediate reaction of gastrointestinal tract and muscle. Halothane affected the extent of the individual regional changes and not their type. It is suggested that the different hemodynamic reaction of laboratory animal and man to endotoxin is mainly caused by the species-specific local response of the various vascular beds.
The effect of perturbation of convective energy transport on the luminosity and radius of the sun

The response of solar models to perturbations of the efficiency of convective energy transport is studied for a number of cases. Such perturbations primarily effect the shallow superadiabatic layer of the convective envelope (at depth of approx. 1000 km below the photosphere). Independent of the details of the perturbation scheme, the resulting change in the solar radius is always very small compared to the change in luminosity. This appears to be true for any physical mechanism of solar variability which operates in the outer layers of the convection zone. Changes of the solar radius have been inferred from historical observations of solar eclipses. Considering the constraints on concurrent luminosity changes, this type of solar variability must be indicative of changes in the solar structure at substantial depths below the superadiabatic layer of the convective envelope.
Obtaining the radial distribution of random dense packed hard spheres

Abstract Analytical and experimental methods are developed for obtaining the distribution of spheres in a random dense or close packed (RCP) structure for equal sized and unequal sized spheres. The analytical method is basically an application of equations developed for glassy or liquid alloys. It therefore reflects the distribution of spheres in an “ideal” or “perfect” RCP structure. The experimental method involves evaluating the three-dimensional distribution from measurements of a two-dimensional, a metallographically polished surface of actual packings of argon atomized superalloy powders—a less than ideal case. The two results are compared with each other as well as with previous results on the distribution of monosized spheres. These results are found to be critical to the further understanding of the behavior of densely packed metal powders in powder metallurgy processing operations, such as, hot isostatic pressing or sintering operations.
What is the cost to employers of direct medical care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In 2000, an estimated 10.5 million people had COPD, of which more than 7.2 million were from the under-age 65 employed population. The prevalence of COPD in the workforce population was substantial with 46.5% of current employment among adults having the disease. However, the cost burden in the employed population is unknown. We examined COPD prevalence and costs in a large employment-based population. Using claims data from 1999 to 2003, we estimated the cost associated with COPD-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, outpatient services, and prescription drug use. Per patient use of hospital care for COPD decreased during 1999 through 2003, including a decrease in the number of hospital admissions (from 0.10 in 1999 to 0.04 in 2003) and in the length of stay in hospitals (from 0.53 in 1999 to 0.17 in 2003). The number of outpatient visits, however, increased from 3.45 in 1999 to 3.80 in 2003. COPD-related per patient total medical costs decreased from $1460 in 1999 to $1138 in 2003 largely because of a decrease in the cost of hospitalizations for COPD. In contrast, mean per patient expenditures for outpatient services increased over the same period from $243 in 1999 to $295 in 2003. The cost of COPD to employers is high, but the cost could be reduced by programs aimed at preventing new cases of COPD, reducing hospitalizations, and providing more outpatient services to COPD patients.
On the frequency of the perceived conflicts with prescribed duration at intersecting air routes

Abstract Frequencies of perceived conflicts between airplanes moving along two intersecting air routes have been examined by several researchers. Throughout these studies, however, conflicts as perceived by ground air traffic controllers were considered without respect to duration. Durations of perceived air conflicts vary widely and depend on the problem's parameters as well as on the relative positions of the aircraft at the moment they enter each other's domain. The present paper considers a more refined question, namely, the frequency of the perceived air conflicts with prescribed duration. It is a direct extension of previous work. The paper also suggests further research problems in this area and possible ways to attack them.
Field-induced delocalization of magnons in the high-Tc disordered molecular-based magnet V[TCNE]x·y[CH3CN] with x≈ 1.5 and y≈2

Abstract The temperature dependent magnetization of the high- T c molecular-based disordered magnet V[TCNE] x · y [CH 3 CN] is studied in detail. The effects of a spin wave energy gap induced by random magnetic anisotropy are discussed. A possible progressive delocalization of spin waves with the application of a field is suggested with implications for charge transfer processes noted. A qualitative comparison between experimental data and theoretical results is presented.
Stateless Network Functions

Newly virtualized network functions (like firewalls, routers, and intrusion detection systems) should be easy to consume. Despite recent efforts to improve their elasticity and high availability, network functions continue to maintain important flow state, requiring traditional development and deployment life cycles. At the same time, many cloud-scale applications are being rearchitected to be stateless by cleanly pushing application state into dedicated caches or backend stores. This state separation is enabling these applications to be more agile and support the so-called continuous deployment model. In this paper, we propose that network functions should be similarly redesigned to be stateless. Drawing insights from different classes of network functions, we describe how stateless network functions can leverage recent advances in low-latency network systems to achieve acceptable performance. Our Click-based prototype integrates with RAMCloud; using NAT as an example network function, we demonstrate that we are able to create stateless network functions that maintain the desired performance.
Elevation of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid occurs following spinal cord trauma

Excitatory amino acid neurotoxicity and the inflammatory response are suspected as mediators of some of the pathological sequelae occurring as a result of spinal cord injury. Here we report temporal and regional increases of the NMDA receptor agonist, quinolinic acid (QUIN), in an experimental model of spinal contusion injury. These changes occurred at a time when the blood-brain barrier is known to be dysfunctional and the activation state and density of microglia and macrophages are increased. Thus, alterations in tissue QUIN levels may occur as a result of secondary activation of CNS inflammatory cells or from peripherally derived sources across a damaged blood-brain barrier.
The siphon controversy counterpoint: the brain need not be "baffling".

The application of siphon principles to the cerebral circulation has engendered a surprising amount of controversy (1–3, 11, 19, 22, 23). The reluctance to apply siphon principles to the cerebral circulation probably stems more from its inescapable, but counterintuitive, corollary: if the
Fast and rigorous three-dimensional mask diffraction simulation using Battle-Lemarie wavelet-based multiresolution time-domain method

The recently developed multiresolution time-domain (MRTD) method is applied to the rigorous simulation of diffraction from three-dimensional phase-shifting mask structures. The results of a convergence study of MRTD are presented, together with performance benchmarks, for comparison with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The results show that MRTD is one order of magnitude faster than FDTD for the same level of accuracy.
Nuclear magnetism of solid hydrogen at reduced ortho concentration

The NMR of 200-ml STP of pure ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, frozen in a cavity resonating at 310 MHz, was studied as the sample aged for 400 h while cooled by a dilution refrigerator. The frequency separation between points of maximum and minimum slope of the NMR line decreased linearly with time for $24ltl240$ h at the rate of 180 Hz/h. At the highest ortho concentrations and the lowest temperatures, the line shape corresponded closely to the doublet expected for interacting randomly oriented dipole pairs broadened by intermolecular dipolar interactions. However, as the ortho concentration decreased below 0.5 the line became more square than this model would predict. At several times during the run, the temperature was raised and again lowered. At the lowest temperature, the line changed with time through shapes very similar to those found with increasing temperature at an earlier time. Evidence from the integrated intensity of the line suggests that the ortho-para conversion during the run increased relative to the rate expected for a random lattice with interacting pairs. Studies of recovery from selective saturation showed that cross relaxation within the NMR line creates a spin temperature in about 5s.
The limits of co‐occurrence: Tools and theories in language research

The development of new tools such as those described in the articles of this special issue marks an important advance in discourse research. These tools include ways to test competing models and ways to track very large language databases. The former aid the field's ability to demonstrate theoretical progress, and the latter can perform computations beyond what a human expert could do in a lifetime. There is a difference between tools and theory, however, and in this article, I point out some of the ways in which large dimensional space methods such as Latent Semantic Analysis and Hyperspace Analog to Language fall short of being plausible theories about psychological reality. I examine in‐principle failures and wrong‐kind failures that arise in the systems and point out the limitations of systems based exclusively on co‐occurrence.
Dispersion Study of the Infrared Transmission Resonances of Freestanding Ni Microarrays

Nickel films (several-micrometer thickness, with 5.2-μm square holes in a square lattice array with 12.7-μm hole-to-hole spacing) exhibit Ebbesen's extraordinary transmission effect in the infrared; that is, they transmit a higher fraction of incident infrared light than the fractional open area of the holes. The role of surface plasmons (SPs) in this phenomenon is much debated, so we have obtained a data set whereby this idea and others can be tested against empirically determined dispersion curves. Unpolarized, zero-order transmission spectra have been recorded by rotating the mesh (from −2° to 60° in 1° steps) relative to the spectrometer's incident beam about an axis along the mesh's nearest hole-to-hole spacing in order to create the dispersion diagram. The data are numerically analyzed for peak centers that are then projected outside of the light line (by SP momentum matching equations) to two SP dispersion curves that are spaced in frequency by a splitting. With this caveat, all of the observed structure is accounted for by a simple SP model.
Toxicity of aflatoxin B1 in rat and mouse hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro.

The reported LD50 for the adult, male Fisher rat is 1.2 mg aflatoxin B1/kg body weight (i.p.); we have found that male C57BL/6 mice survive single doses of aflatoxin B1 as high as 60 mg/kg (i.p.). We have demonstrated a 1000-fold greater LC50 of aflatoxin B1 for primary mouse liver cell cultures from C57BL/6 male mice (3 X 10(-5) M) than for primary liver cells from F344 male rats (3 X 10(-8) M). In 4 h of exposure to a non-toxic dose (1 X 10(-9) M) of [3H]aflatoxin B1, cultured rat liver cells accumulated up to 5-fold higher concentrations of 3H label than did mouse liver cells. The difference in cell-associated counts was due largely to higher levels of aflatoxin B1 metabolites bound to macromolecules in the rat cells.
Risk of aspiration pneumonia in suspected variceal hemorrhage: the value of prophylactic endotracheal intubation prior to endoscopy.

Variceal hemorrhage (VH) is a lethal complication of portal hypertension. Aspiration occurring during endoscopic intervention for acute VH is a concern; however, few data exist regarding the efficacy of prophylactic intubation to prevent aspiration pneumonia. We reviewed all endoscopic procedures for acute VH from January 1995 to December 2002; only patients with the absence of hepatic encephalopathy greater than stage II and normal chest x-ray at admission were included. The use of prophylactic intubation, postprocedure chest x-ray, and mortality were recorded. Sixty-two patients (69 bleeding episodes) were identified. Elective intubation was performed in 42 patients (47 episodes); pulmonary infiltrates developed in 7 of 42 (17%), with an overall mortality rate of 9 of 42 (21%). Twenty patients (22 episodes) were not intubated. None developed pulmonary infiltrates, and the overall mortality rate was 1 in 20 (5%). We conclude that in patients with suspected variceal bleeding, elective intubation is associated with a substantial risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Memory systems within a cognitive architecture

Abstract This article addresses the division of memory systems in relation to an overall cognitive architecture. As understanding the architecture is essential to understanding the mind, developing computational cognitive architectures is an important enterprise in computational psychology (computational cognitive modeling). The article proposes a set of hypotheses concerning memory systems from the standpoint of a cognitive architecture, in particular, the four-way division of memory (including explicit and implicit procedural memory and explicit and implicit declarative memory). It then discusses in detail how these hypotheses may be validated through examining qualitatively the literature on memory. A quick review follows of computational simulations of a variety of quantitative data (which are not limited to narrowly conceived “memory tasks”). Results of accounting for both qualitative and quantitative data point to the promise of this approach.
Phytochemical composition and pigment stability of Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.).

Anthocyanin and polyphenolic compounds present in acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) were determined and their respective contribution to the overall antioxidant capacity established. Color stability of acai anthocyanins against hydrogen peroxide (0 and 30 mmol/L) over a range of temperatures (10-30 degrees C) was also determined and compared to common anthocyanin sources. Additionally, stability in a model beverage system was evaluated in the presence of ascorbic acid and naturally occurring polyphenolic cofactors. Cyanidin 3-glucoside (1040 mg/L) was the predominant anthocyanin in acai and correlated to antioxidant content, while 16 other polyphenolics were detected from 4 to 212 mg/L. Red grape anthocyanins were most stable in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, while acai and pigments rich in acylated anthocyanins displayed lower color stability in a temperature-dependent manner. In the presence of ascorbic acid, acylated anthocyanin sources generally had increased color stability. Acai was recognized for its functional properties for use in food and nutraceutical products.
Personalized Approach for Mobile Search

Mobile search is becoming increasingly important for mobile users as mobile devices are more widely used. Mobile search is quite different from standard PC-based web search in a number of ways: (a) the user interfaces and I/O are limited by screen real estate, (b) key pads are tiny and inconvenient for use, (c) limited bandwidth and (d) costly connection fees. These limitations result in more navigational queries in the mobile search. Furthermore, user location, activities, preferences, and interaction history can also improve accuracy in determining relevance for mobile search. In the past, most personalized search algorithms are studied in the context of PC-based web search. Personalized mobile search should however play a bigger role at improving the user experiences. This paper focuses on the personalization strategies which explicitly and implicitly infer user search context at individual user level. We propose an architecture which collects user information (at mobile device and carrier network) and derives user intention in given situations. We show that personalized mobile search perform well for ambiguous queries and localized searches.