cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetoresistance in La1-xSrxCoO3 for 0.05 <~ x <~ 0.25.

The dc resistivity, magnetoresistance, and magnetic susceptibility of La{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}Sr{sub {ital x}}CoO{sub 3} compounds have been investigated in the temperature range of 4{endash}300 K for magnetic fields up to 7 T. In the doping range studied (0.05{le}{ital x}{le}0.25) the electronic properties of the material exhibit a crossover from semiconducting to metallic behavior. The magnetoresistance is highest in the semiconducting state. A correlation was found between the energy gap determined from the dc conductivity and the energy scale identified from neutron scattering data. The results are interpreted in terms of a double-exchange model. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Statin Use Is Associated with Decreased Risk of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in COVID-19 Patients: A Preliminary Study

COVID-19 disproportionately affects patients with medical comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with CVD are widely prescribed 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutayl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins), a class of lipid-lowering medications known for their pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, the relationship between statin use and COVID-19 outcomes is not fully understood. In this preliminary study, we explored the association between statin use and severe COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized patients, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and in-hospital death. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 249 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from 3 March 2020 to 10 April 2020 in Rhode Island, USA. Patient demographics, past medical history, current medications, and hospital course were recorded and analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine associations. After adjusting for age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, and obesity, statin use was significantly associated with decreased risk for IMV (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 0.45, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.20–0.99). Our results support the continued use of statins among COVID-19 patients and could have implications for future prospective studies on the management of COVID-19.
A comparison of videolaryngoscopy using standard blades or non-standard blades in children in the Paediatric Difficult Intubation Registry.

Abstract Background The design of a videolaryngoscope blade may affect its efficacy. We classified videolaryngoscope blades as standard and non-standard shapes to compare their efficacy performing tracheal intubation in children enrolled in the Paediatric Difficult Intubation Registry. Methods Cases entered in the Registry from March 2017 to January 2020 were analysed. We compared the success rates of initial and eventual tracheal intubation, complications, and technical difficulties between the two groups and by weight stratification. Results Videolaryngoscopy was used in 1313 patients. Standard and non-standard blades were used in 529 and 740 patients, respectively. Both types were used in 44 patients. In children weighing Conclusions In infants weighing
Adhering 0-branes to 6-branes and 8-branes

A Yang-Mills solution is constructed on T^6 which corresponds to a brane configuration composed purely of 0-branes and 6-branes. This configuration breaks all supersymmetries and has an energy greater than the sum of the energies of its components; nonetheless, the configuration is stable classically, at least to quadratic order. An analogous construction is also given for a system of 0-branes and 8-branes on T^8. These constructions may prove to be useful for describing 6-branes and 8-branes in M(atrix) theory.
The FTC Has Its Sights on COPPA, and Edtech Providers Should Take Notice

Following an unprecedented $170 million settlement with YouTube for COPPA violations, the Federal Trade Commission signaled its intent to aggressively pursue actions against websites and online services that violate COPPA. Here we consider the implications for EdTech providers.
Integrating optimal process and supplier selection in personalised product architecture design

A key enabler for personalised product design is an open product architecture that allows the integration of personalised modules to create unique products. Decisions regarding product variety, mod...
SARS-CoV-2 spike opening dynamics and energetics reveal the individual roles of glycans and their collective impact

The trimeric spike (S) glycoprotein, which protrudes from the SARS-CoV-2 viral envelope, is responsible for binding to human ACE2 receptors. The binding process is initiated when the receptor binding domain (RBD) of at least one protomer switches from a "down" (closed) to an "up" (open) state. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations and two-dimensional replica exchange umbrella sampling calculations to investigate the transition between the two S-protein conformations with and without glycosylation. We show that the glycosylated spike has a higher barrier to opening than the non-glycosylated one with comparable populations of the down and up states. In contrast, we observed that the up conformation is favored without glycans. Analysis of the S-protein opening pathway reveals that glycans at N165 and N122 interfere with hydrogen bonds between the RBD and the N-terminal domain in the up state. We also identify roles for glycans at N165 and N343 in stabilizing the down and up states. Finally we estimate how epitope exposure for several known antibodies changes along the opening path. We find that the epitope of the BD-368-2 antibody remains exposed irrespective of the S-protein conformation, explaining the high efficacy of this antibody. Graphical TOC Entry O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=81 SRC="FIGDIR/small/456168v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (28K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1fcc0a5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@cb97cforg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5bbe6corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@132ca97_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
HEALTH Comprehensive Nursing Home Legislation

This package of nursing home legislation amends and adds several new Code sections relating to nursing home abuse, management, licensure, and safety. The Acts provide immunity and confidentiality for employees who report nursing home abuse; availability of a list of nursing homes that have been sanctioned; and irrevocable letters of credit to secure residents' personal funds. In addition, hearing officers in contested licensure cases were given the power to consider mitigating factors before imposing sanctions. Also, funds were set aside in the budget for the installation of automatic fire suppression sprinkler systems in nursing homes.
Symbol synchronization in coded UWB systems using adaptive iterative detection

Ultra-wide band (UWB) communication systems are extremely power limited systems typically with wide bandwidth to spare. The most common UWB system found in the literature, the impulse radio, uses very narrow pulses as a way to expand the bandwidth of the information bearing signal. For this reason, such systems are very sensitive to instabilities in the clock circuits. Therefore, extremely stable clocks are required for proper operation. In this paper, we propose novel techniques to trade off the clock stability with baseband digital processing in a coded UWB system. By jointly tracking the jitter and decoding the code, using adaptive iterative detection, we show that the specification on the clocks can be relaxed by orders of magnitude without significantly degrading the performance.
On the matrices used to construct baumert-hall arrays

Four circulant (or type 1) (0,1,−1) matrices X1, X2, X3, X4 of order t with the property that each of the t2 positions is non-zero in precisely one of the Xi and such that $$X_1 X_1 ^T + X_2 X_2 ^T + X_3 X_3 ^T + X_4 X_4 ^T = tI_t$$ will be called T-matrices.
Fault modeling and simulation for more-electric aircraft systems

A modeling and simulation based methodology is proposed to study the power flow dynamics of commercial aircraft electrical systems in the context of increasing aircraft electrification. The crucial elements of the aircraft electrical system are power sources (synchronous generators and batteries), power converters (transformers, rectifiers and inverters), and electrical loads (ac and dc). Individual components are modeled to incorporate their dynamic behavior and to interface with other components. These component models are assembled into a representative aircraft electrical system for simulation and then trade studies are performed to analyze component sizing, design architecture, fault conditions, and efficiency calculations. The developed models enable components to be scaled to various power levels. A major challenge involved in simulating extensive systems is to achieve an optimum balance between simulation time and the desired level of detail associated with the results. This work makes use of a combination of dynamical models and steady state average models based on their levels of criticality. The current modeling approach on a sample 5.3 hour flight mission has been shown to execute at a speed 4x faster than real time.
Cognitive Science: An Introduction

Cognitive Science is a single-source undergraduate text that broadly surveys the theories and empirical results of cognitive science within a consistent computational perspective. In addition to covering the individual contributions of psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and artificial intelligence to cognitive science, the book has been revised to introduce the connectionist approach as well as the classical symbolic approach and adds a new chapter on cognitively related advances in neuroscience. Cognitive science is a rapidly evolving field that is characterized by considerable contention among different views and approaches. Cognitive Science presents these in a relatively neutral manner. It covers many new orientations theories and findings, embedding them in an integrated computational perspective and establishing a sense of continuity and contrast with more traditional work in cognitive science. The text assumes no prerequisite knowledge, introducing all topics in a uniform, accessible style. Many topics, such as natural language processing and vision, however, are developed in considerable depth, which allows the book to be used with more advanced undergraduates or even in beginning graduate settings. A Bradford Book
Reply to Keelan and Payne: Microbiota-related pathways for preterm birth

We thank Keelan and Payne (1) for their interest in our work (2). Their letter emphasizes intrauterine infection as a potential mechanistic link between the vaginal microbiota and preterm birth. Although we share their view of ascending infection as a possible mechanism, we don’t consider it to be the only possible one. For this and other reasons we discuss below, we are hesitant to adopt the view—which we believe would risk introducing investigator biases—that documented intra-amniotic infection is a necessary accompanying condition for establishing a role of the microbiota in preterm birth.
Characterization of the adenosine receptor in cultured embryonic chick atrial myocytes: coupling to modulation of contractility and adenylate cyclase activity and identification by direct radioligand binding.

Adenosine receptors in a spontaneously contracting atrial myocyte culture from 14-day chick embryos were characterized by radioligand binding studies and by examining the involvement of G-protein in coupling these receptors to a high-affinity state and to the adenylate cyclase and the myocyte contractility. Binding of the antagonist radioligand [3H]-8-cyclopentyl-1,3-diproylxanthine ([3H]CPX) was rapid, reversible and saturable and was to a homogeneous population of sites with a Kd value of 2.1 +/- 0.2 nM and an apparent maximum binding of 26.2 +/- 3 fmol/mg of protein (n = 10, +/- S.E.). Guanyl-5-yl-(beta, gamma-imido)diphosphate had no effect on either the Kd or the maximum binding and CPX reversed the N6-R-phenyl-2-propyladenosine-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and contractility, indicating that [3H] CPX is an antagonist radioligand. Competition curves for [3H] CPX binding by a series of reference adenosine agonists were consistent with labeling of an A1 adenosine receptor and were better fit by a two-site model than by a one-site model. ADP-ribosylation of the G-protein by the endogenous NAD+ in the presence of pertussis toxin shifted the competition curves from bi to monophasic with Ki values similar to those of the KL observed in the absence of prior pertussis intoxication. The adenosine agonists were capable of inhibiting both the adenylate cyclase activity and myocyte contractility in either the absence or the presence of isoproterenol. The A1 adenosine receptor-selective antagonist CPX reversed these agonist effects. The order of ability of the reference adenosine receptor agonists in causing these inhibitory effects was similar to the order of potency of the same agonists in inhibiting the specific [3H]CPX binding (N6-R-phenyl-2-propyladenosine greater than N6-S-phenyl-2-propyladenosine or N-ethyladenosine-5'-uronic acid). These data indicate that the adenosine receptor coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and to the negative inotropic effect is the A1 subtype. Pertussis treatment uncoupled the adenosine receptor from both inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and negative inotropic effect. Taken together, the present study indicates that adenosine receptors of the A1 subtype are present on the spontaneously contracting atrial myocytes and are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase and to the contractile state. The cultured embryonic chick atrial myocyte preparation represents a useful model system for characterizing the cardiac A1 adenosine receptor.
Heterodimers of glutathione S-transferase can form between isoenzyme classes pi and mu.

Glutathione S-transferases constitute a family of enzymes that detoxify xenobiotics by conjugating glutathione with a range of electrophilic substrates. The cytosolic glutathione S-transferase dimeric isoenzymes are currently divided into at least eight classes on the basis of their physical and chemical properties. Previously, heterodimers have only been detected within a given class of isoenzymes; however, here we describe for the first time the generation of a heterodimer between a pi class and mu class glutathione S-transferase. The heterodimer forms under mild conditions (dialysis against phosphate buffer, pH 6.5) and is best detected when one of the isoenzyme subunits is in excess. The activity of the pi-mu heterodimer toward several substrates indicates that interaction between these two dissimilar subunits influences the catalytic activity of this dimer. The production of this new heterodimer provides a new approach in glutathione S-transferase research to study the influence of one subunit on the catalytic activity of its partner subunit and to identify those amino acid residues which contribute to subunit interactions.
A novel facet to consider for the effects of butyrate on its target cells. Focus on "The short-chain fatty acid butyrate is a substrate of breast cancer resistance protein"

short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, propionate, and butyrate are produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the colonic lumen. In the normal human large intestine, SCFA concentrations range from 70 to 100 mM; these SCFAs account for ∼80% of the anions present in the lumen ([5][1
Transonic flow about a two-dimensional airfoil inviscid and turbulent flow properties.

Flow-field measurements are presented for a symmetrical NACA 64A010 airfoil section at transonic conditions. Measurements were obtained for three angles of attack with the free-stream Mach number fixed at 0.8. The cases studied included a weak shock wave/boundary layer interaction, an interaction of medium strength with mild separation, and an interaction of sufficient strength to produce a shock-induced stall situation. Two nonintrusive optical techniques, laser velocimetry and holographic interferometry, were used to characterize the flows. The results include Mach number contours and flow angle distributions in the inviscid flow regions, and turbulent flow properties, including the turbulent Reynolds stresses, of the upper surface viscous layers, and of the near-wake. The turbulent flow measurements reveal that the turbulence fluctuations attain equilibrium with the local mean flow much faster than previously expected.
Adaptive windowed estimation of electromagnetic frequency spectra and radiation patterns to a specified uncertainty

Common to areas involving waves and fields like acoustics and electromagnetics is the need to evaluate frequency spectra and far-field radiation patterns. This has usually been done on a point-wise basis, sampling a first-principles or generating model (GM) finely enough to ensure that important features such as narrow resonances and nulls are not missed. This can lead to many more samples, and consequently greater computational cost, than is really needed. Described below is an approach that employs a fitting model (FM) derived from model-based parameter estimation together with multiple, overlapping frequency- or angle-observation windows. Comparing FM samples in the overlapping windows shows where additional GM samples are needed to achieve a desired uncertainty in the computed results while minimizing the number of GM samples required.
Breast feeding support from volunteer counsellors does not increase rates of breast feeding

Question Does breast feeding support from volunteer counsellors increase the number of women who breast feed?
Tolerance to diazepam and methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate measured in substantia nigra of benzodiazepine tolerant rats

Abstract The spontaneous activity of neurons in the pars reticulata of substantia nigra (SNpr) was studied in chloral hydrate anesthetized rats. As a function of dose, intravenous diazepam decreased, and methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (βCCM) increased discharge frequency. Two days after terminating a one week treatment with flurazepam (FZP), both diazepam and βCCM showed decreased ability to alter SNpr neuronal activity. Neither residual FZP nor down-regulation of benzodiazepine receptors can account for these results. In contrast, behavioral testing revealed no change in the ability of i.v. βCCM to cause convulsions, suggesting that sites other than the SNpr are of prime importance in expressing the convulsant actions of systematically injected βCCM.
Localization of the Single-Stranded RNA-Binding Domains of Bluetongue Virus Nonstructural Protein NS2

The S2 gene of bluetongue virus, serotype 17, has been cloned, and the nonstructural protein NS2 has been expressed. Synthetic peptides matching regions within the amino acid sequence of NS2 were used to map three single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)-binding regions within the protein. A prokaryotic expression system was then used to generate a series of deletion mutants with the ssRNA-binding domains of NS2 removed, singly and in different combinations. These truncated proteins were expressed on a large scale and purified to near homogeneity. The affinity of each truncated protein towards ssRNA was then assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. As a result, the three ssRNA-binding domains of BTV nonstructural protein NS2 have been conclusively localized, and removal of these three domains completely abrogates the ability of NS2 to bind to ssRNA.
On estimating firm-level production functions using proxy variables to control for unobservables

Abstract In the common case where polynomial approximations are used for unknown functions, I show how proxy variable approaches to controlling for unobserved productivity, proposed by Olley and Pakes [Olley, S. and Pakes, A., 1996. The dynamics of productivity in the telecommunications equipment industry. Econometrica 64, 1263–1298.] and Levinsohn and Petrin (Levinsohn, J. and Petrin, A., 2003. Estimating production functions using inputs to control for unobservables. Review of Economic Studies 70, 317–341.], can be implemented by specifying different instruments for different equations and applying generalized method of moments. Studying the parameters within a two-equation system clarifies some key identification issues, and joint estimation of the parameters leads to simple inference and more efficient estimators.
Application of intact cell-based NFAT-β-lactamase reporter assay for Pasteurella multocida toxin-mediated activation of calcium signaling pathway

Abstract Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) stimulates and subsequently uncouples phospholipase C β1 (PLCβ1) signal transduction through its selective action on the α subunit of the Gq-protein. Here, we describe the application of an NFAT-β-lactamase reporter assay as a functional readout for PMT-induced activation of the Gq-protein-coupled PLCβ1-IP3-Ca2+ signaling pathway. Use of the NFAT-β-lactamase reporter assay with a cell-permeable fluorogenic substrate provides high sensitivity due to the absence of endogenous β-lactamase activity in mammalian cells. This assay system was optimized for cell density, dose and time exposure of PMT stimulation. It is suited for quantitative characterization of PMT activity in mammalian cells and for use as a high-throughput screening method for PMT deletion and point mutants suitable for vaccine development. This method has application's for diagnostic screening of clinical isolates of toxinogenic P. multocida.
Completely Renormalized EOMCCSD(T) Method Employing Independent Optimization of the Cluster Product Terms

Abstract In this Letter, we introduce a new variant of the completely renormalized equation-of-motion method with singles, doubles, and non-iterative triples (CR-EOMCCSD(T)) that employs a novel strategy of handling the cluster product terms that naturally appears in the EOMCC-type expansion for the trial wavefunction. The new parametrization, as shown on several examples, including the N 2 , C 2 , and the ozone molecule, assures the required flexibility of the CR-EOMCCSD(T) approach especially in dealing with the challenging excited states primarily dominated by double excitations.
Late Recurrence in Ovarian Dysgerminoma with Successful Response to Standard Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Background. Ovarian dysgerminomas are quite amenable to treatment and very good cure rates are achieved even with advanced disease. However, recent literature suggests that late recurrence may be associated with a poorer prognosis and bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy may play only a limited role in its management. We present a patient who had a late recurrence of ovarian dysgerminoma with successful treatment outcome. Case. A 25-year-old woman was diagnosed with a stage IC ovarian dysgerminoma in 1983 and did not undergo adjuvant treatment. She had late recurrence 12 years later with good treatment response to BEP chemotherapy given in a semiadjuvant fashion. Conclusion. Our case demonstrates that BEP chemotherapy still plays an important role in treatment of late recurrence in ovarian dysgerminomas provided there is small volume disease at time of detection. Also important is long-term surveillance in an effort to detect recurrence while still small in volume and potentially curable.
Leaf water status, osmotic adjustment and carbon assimilation in colored calla lilies in response to saline irrigation

Abstract Colored calla lilies (Zantedeschia K. Koch) are popular cut flowers and potted plants, which have a recommended irrigation water electrical conductivity (EC) of less than 1.5 dS m−1. Calla lilies exposed to an NaCl imposed EC up to four times the recommended EC showed no reductions in visual quality, with maintenance of growth, albeit at a reduced rate. The leaves of the plants in all treatments were able to maintain turgor even though there were decreases in carbon assimilation rate of 50–80% compared to the control in the 50 mM NaCl treatment starting 35 days after treatment. This reduction in photosynthesis is most likely responsible for the reductions we observed in growth. Within this same time period we observed osmotic adjustment of 0.16–0.20 MPa and reductions in stomatal conductance of 53–97% compared to the control. We propose that osmotic adjustment and reductions in stomatal conductance were integral in maintaining leaf turgor throughout the stress period. By 63 days of treatment the cation content (Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) in the leaves of the 25 and 50 mM NaCl treatments were two and three times the concentration observed in the control respectively. We hypothesize that osmotic adjustment is the result of ion accumulation. Osmotic adjustment in addition to reductions in stomatal conductance may be adaptations to ensure that colored calla lilies survive stressful conditions until their dormant period and reemerge successfully under more favorable conditions.
A Pressure- and Temperature-Controlled Electrochemical Cell for Investigating Biological Electron Transfer Reactions

The construction and operation of a cell for pressure- and temperature-controlled direct electrochemical studies of oxygen-sensitive biological materials is described. The stainless steel electrochemical cell, which contains a pyrolytic graphite working electrode, and Ag/AgCl counter and reference electrodes in an isolated compartment, easily maintains pressures between 1 and 2000 atm, and temperatures between 4 degrees C and at least 100 degrees C. The utility of the cell was demonstrated by determining the reduction potential of a redox dye, phenol red, by square wave voltammetry as a function of pressure and temperature. Thermodynamic parameters associated with electron transfer (delta V degree, delta beta, delta S degree, and delta H degree) were determined from the pressure and temperature/reduction potential profiles. Both pressure- and temperature-dependent reduction potentials of phenol red were attributed to differences in solvent interactions between its oxidation states. A discussion regarding the analysis of electrostatic interaction energies of biomolecules through pressure- and temperature-controlled electrochemical studies is presented.
The synthesis and absorption spectra of the isomeric dithienyl sulphides

Abstract The isomeric dithienyl sulphides (I–III) have been prepared by condensation of the appropriate thiophen thiol with a bromothiophen in the presence of cuprous oxide in dimethyl formamide. These sulphides may be oxidized using hydrogen peroxide to the corresponding sulphones (IV–VI). The absorption spectra of these compounds have been recorded.
TEMPORAL HETEROGENEITY OF PULMONARY BLOOD FLOW IN PIGLETS. 2027

Recent studies using fluorescent microspheres have demonstrated temporal heterogeneity of pulmonary blood flow (PBF) in adult dogs (Glenny RW, et al. Temporal heterogeneity of regional pulmonary perfusion is spatially clustered. JAP in press). Neither the distribution nor temporal changes in PBF in the neonatal animal have previously been evaluated. Six healthy, anesthetized, supine 10-14 day old piglets were ventilated with room air, tidal volume of 10-12 cc/kg, and respiratory rate to achieve a normal PaO2 and PCO2. Regional PBF was measured using 15 μm fluorescent microspheres injected into the internal jugular vein. Regional PBF was measured with different fluorescent colors every 20 minutes. After sacrifice, the animal's lungs were perfused with 2% Dextran, excised, dried at 25 cm H2O, sliced, and cored samples (0.16cm3) (n=599 ± 115 samples per animal) were taken. Spatial coordinates, weight, airway content were noted. Lung pieces were soaked in solvent for 48 hours and fluorescence determined. Heterogeneity of PBF was quantified by changes in the coefficient of variation (CV=standard deviation/mean) over time. All animals demonstrated temporal variability in PBF distribution with CV varying 11± 10.1% over 20 minute periods (Representative animal is shown inFigure). There was a large inter-animal variability(1.5 - 36.6% change in CV over 20 minutes). CV variability did not increase linearly over time. Maximal changes were noted as early as 20 minutes. Neonatal pigs demonstrate significant PBF temporal heterogeneity. Supported in part by a grant from the American Lung Association of Washington.
Adaptation to displaced vision: evidence for prolonged after-effects.

It was found that brief periods of exposure to visual rearrangement elicit aftereffects that are still of considerable magnitude 24 h later. Despite the existence of these after-effects, visuomotor coordination does not appear to be disrupted between test periods, suggesting that these after-effects may be similar to some of the recently described situation-dependent visual after-effects.
Waves tracked across Indian Ocean

Waves that were 11 meters high when they struck Reunion Island on 12 May have been detected with the European Space Agency satellite Envisat. The waves originated from very intense storm winds south of Cape Town, South Africa, on 8 May and traveled northeast for nearly 4000 kilometers before hitting the island's southern port of Saint Pierre, leaving two fishermen missing and flooding homes and businesses. Bertrand Chapron of the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, one of the scientists who used the Envisat Synthetic Aperture Radar data to track the waves, said that in the future the same technology might be used to better predict the arrival time and intensity of these types of waves.
Holocene Lake Level and Climate Change Inferred from Marl Stratigraphy of the Cayuga Lake Basin, New York

ABSTRACT A series of 12 radiocarbon-dated sediment cores (up to 15 m long) were used to define the Holocene stratigraphy beneath the Cayuga Lake basin in central New York State in order to evaluate the stability of Holocene climate in the northeastern United States. These cores contain an abundance of thick lacustrine marls (> 30% CaCO3) that were used to reconstruct century- to millennium-scale changes in lake levels and, thus, paleoclimates. The oldest sediments recovered (> 11.2 ka) consist of pink, proglacial clays that were deposited in Glacial Lake Iroquois between ~ 12.5 and 11.3 ka. Lacustrine sediment (non-marl) of Killarney-Younger Dryas age (11.2-10.3 ka) was recovered both north and south of modern Cayuga Lake, indicating relatively high lake levels during this well-known cold-climate phase. Following a brief ( The Holocene Hypsithermal period (~ 9-4 ka) in the Cayuga Lake basin was characterized by widespread deposition of marl that locally contains as much as 90% CaCO3. These marls document a broad, first-order warming-cooling trend throughout the Hypsithermal, with the climatic optimum at ~ 7 ka. This long-term trend is consistent with insolation data as well as ice-core records from Greenland, and likely was a response to Milankovitch orbital forcing. Lake levels throughout the Finger Lakes region were relatively high during the Holocene Hypsithermal, implying an overall warm and wet climate in contrast to the traditional view of mid-Holocene drought. However, Hypsithermal climate and lake levels in the Finger Lakes region were not stable; rather they were characterized by significant century- to millennium-scale variability, implying short-term climate changes. Marl deposition in the Cayuga Lake basin ceased at ~ 3.4 ka when lake levels dropped as global cooling set in at the end of the Hypsithermal. However, there was a brief return to a warm and wet climate at ~ 1 ka, during the Medieval Warm Period prior to the onset of anthropogenic effects.
CILIARY NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR AND PHORBOL ESTER EACH DECREASE SELECTED STAT3 POOLS IN NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS BY PROTEASOME-DEPENDENT MECHANISMS

Many cytokines and growth factors activate common signal transduction pathways and yet are able to elicit distinct cell-specific responses. We are defining mechanisms regulating signalling molecules in order to understand how cytokines can produce unique responses. It was found that individual members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family are regulated by ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and by protein kinase C. Treatment of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with the phorbol ester, 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), for 4-5 h caused a 60% decline in both STAT2 and STAT3 levels and no decline in levels of STATs 1, 5 or 6, or in Jaks 1 or 2. The decline in STAT3 was inhibited by treatment with MG132, an inhibitor of proteasome-dependent protein degradation. Treatment of cells with CNTF induced a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 followed by a time-dependent decay of this signal. Loss of tyrosine phosphorylated STAT3 was inhibited by MG132 but did not require protein kinase C activity. These results suggest that STAT3 availability can be controlled by proteasome-dependent pathways activated either by protein kinase C or by cytokines.
Systems of nonlinear partial differential equations

Abstract The author's decomposition method [1–3] is applied to a system of nonlinear partial differential equations to demonstrate potential applicability to such systems.
The dilogarithm function for complex argument

This paper summarizes the basic properties of the Euler dilogarithm function, often referred to as the Spence function. These include integral representations, series expansions, linear and quadrat...
Phosphorus Removal from Natural Waters Using Controlled Algal Production

A series of experiments designed to demonstrate the potential of using managed, attached algal production to permanently remove excess phosphorus from agricultural run-off is described. The experiments were carried out on a secondary canal in the New Hope South region of the Florida Everglades Agricultural Area from October, 1991, to May, 1992. Natural algal populations of periphyton, including species of the genera Cladophora, Spirogyra, Enteromorpha, Stigeoclonium, and a variety of filamentous diatoms such as Eunotia and Melosira, were grown on plastic screens in raceways, under a wave surge regime. Considerable biomass production of algae occurred, and the resulting algal canopy also trapped plankton and organic particulates from the water column. A seven- to eight-day harvest interval was determined to be optimal, and both hand harvesting and vacuum harvesting were employed. The vacuum device is applicable to large scale-up. In source water having total phosphorus concentrations of 0.012–0.148 ppm, mean macro-recovery dry biomass production levels of 15–27 g/m2/day were achieved. The lower rates occurred in the winter, the higher rates in the late spring. Two techniques were employed to reduce losses of fine material at harvest during the March to May period. Gravity sieving increased mean dry production levels to 33–39 g/m2/day. The mean phosphorus content of harvested biomass ranged from 0.34% to 0.43%. Total phosphorus removal rates during the spring period of average solar intensity and low nutrient supply, by methods demonstrated in this study, ranged from 104 to 139 mgTP/m2/day (380–507 kgP/ha/year). Over the incoming nutrient range studied, phosphorus removal was independent of concentration and was 16.3% of total phosphorus for 15 m of raceway. Up-stream-downstream studies of overflowing water chemistry (total P, total dissolved -P, orthophosphate -P) showed highly -significant reductions of all phosphorus species. Total phosphorus reduction closely correlated with phosphorus yield from biomass removal. Yearly, minimum phosphorus removal rates are predicted that are 100–250 times that achieved both experimentally and in long-term, large-area wetland systems. Engineering scale-up to systems of hundreds of acres is being studied.
The retail health clinic model: economically viable?

Purpose – In early 2008, the Massachusetts Public Health Council voted to allow walk‐in healthcare clinics to operate in the state. The charged public debate leading up to the decision pointed to the need for an objective examination of retail health care delivery – the concept, historical evolution, and relative pros and cons – as well as an assessment of its long‐term prognosis. This paper aims to assess the situation.Design/methodology/approach – An online literature review identified several useful background resources, including a business school case, a medical journal article, and a cost study. The internet also provided access to the web sites of major clinic operators, the positions of various physician groups, news releases, and investor conference calls of the industry leader. The research was further informed by the findings of a third‐party interactive survey of clinic users and a small onsite sampling by the author.Findings – Less than a decade old, the retail health care clinic business is ...
Pathophysiology of dystonia: A neuronal model

Dystonia has commonly been thought to represent a disorder of basal ganglia function. Although long considered a hyperkinetic movement disorder, the evidence to support such a classification was based on the presence of excessive involuntary movement, not on physiological data. Only recently, with the return of surgical procedures using microelectrode guidance for the treatment of dystonia, has electrophysiological data demonstrated an alteration in mean discharge rate, somatosensory responsiveness and the pattern of neuronal activity in the basal ganglia thalamocortical motor circuit. Previous models of dystonia suggested that reduced mean discharge rates in the globus pallidus internus (GPi) led to unopposed increases in activity in the thalamocortical circuit that precipitated the development of involuntary movement associated with dystonia. This model has subsequently been modified given the clear improvement in dystonic symptoms following lesions in the GPi, a procedure that is associated with a further reduction in pallidal output. The improvement in dystonia following pallidal lesions is difficult to reconcile with the "rate" hypothesis for hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders and has led to the development of alternative models that, in addition to rate, incorporate changes in pattern, somatosensory responsiveness and degree of synchronization of neuronal activity. Present models of dystonia, however, must not only take these changes into account but must reconcile these changes with the reported changes in cortical excitability reported with transcranial magnetic stimulation, the changes in metabolic activity in cortical and subcortical structures documented by positron emission tomography (PET), and the alterations in spinal and brainstem reflexes. A model incorporating these changes together with the reported changes in neuronal activity in the basal ganglia and thalamus is presented.
Update in Kaposi sarcoma.

Purpose of reviewKnowledge of the pathophysiology of Kaposi sarcoma continues to expand and influence our therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes developments within the last 18 to 24 months.Recent findingsPieces of the puzzle as they relate to viral factors—both human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)
Calcium antagonists and asthma

Calcium ions participate in the pathogenesis of asthma. Increased cytosolic concentrations of free Ca2+ must develop to trigger smooth muscle contraction, mast cell mediator release, mucous gland secretion, vagal nerve activity, and the movement of inflammatory cells into the walls of the airways. Recent interest has centered on the possibility that Ca2+ antagonists might be useful in the treatment of asthma. Evidence now exists that airway smooth muscle contraction and mast cell and basophil mediator release may be inhibited by the calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil. Other experiments indicate that these drugs may interfere with EIA and bronchoconstriction provoked by cold air and methacholine, for example. CaM antagonists may also interfere with smooth muscle contraction and mediator release. It is possible that more specific calcium antagonists, both Ca2+ channel blockers and CaM-active compounds, will be developed and find use as effective antiasthmatic agents.
Observational Learning and Social Facilitation in the Rat

Learning by rats was facilitated when response-relevant cues were provided by other rats; learning increased as a function of number of cues provided. These results suggest that rats can learn by imitation. Learning by rats that observed conspecifics not emitting response-relevant cues was retarded compared to learning by rats that did not observe conspecifics. This indicates that a conspecific's presence can also inhibit learning, a result consistent with social facilitation theory.
Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of tungsten

Abstract This research is a study of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of tungsten from W(CO) 6 -H 2 gas mixtures. Input power, pressure, and gas flow ratios were varied to investigate their effects on film parameters such as composition and resistivity. We found that, as the pressure is increased, there is a decrease in contamination and a linear increase in the deposition rate. Post-annealed films had as much as 97 at.% tungsten.
Assessing persistent pain and its relation to affective distress, depressive symptoms, and pain catastrophizing in patients with chronic wounds: a pilot study.

ABSTRACTRoth RS, Lowery JC, Hamill JB: Assessing persistent pain and its relation to affective distress, depressive symptoms, and pain catastrophizing in patients with chronic wounds: A pilot study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:827–834.Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine pain experie
Equivalent Circuit of the Field Equations of Maxwell-I

An equivalent circuit is developed representing the field equations of Maxwell for an electromagnetic field containing conductors and bound charges. Both transient and sinusoidal field phenomena may now be studied by the network analyzer or by numerical and analytical circuit methods. Examples are radiation from antennas, propagation through wave guides and cavity resonators of arbitrary shapes, eddy currents in conductors, stresses in current-carrying structures, and other general problems in which moving charges either do not enter, or if they do, they may be replaced by equivalent dielectric constants, as in small signal waves on stationary or moving space charge. The circuits are developed for all curvilinear orthogonal reference frames to allow the solution, to any desired degree of accuracy, of special three-dimensional problems with axial and other symmetry by the use of only a two-dimensional network. The electromagnetic field may be nonhomogeneous, nonisotropic (of a special form), and may be divided into blocks of uneven length in different directions. The transient character of the circuit allows the variation of the frequency of the impressed quantities on the alternating-current network analyzer without varying the magnitude of the circuit impedances. One set of two-dimensional networks, the transmission-line type, requires only resistances, inductances, and capacitors, while its dual set requires also ideal transformers in series with the inductive coils. (In the transmission-line type of networks the dual ideal transformers consist of impedanceless conductors.) The three-dimensional network, being its own dual, requires both ideal transformers and impedanceless conductors.
Concentration of metal ions by complexing with N-methylfurohydroxamic acid and sorption on XAD-4 resin

Abstract N-Methylfurohydroxamic acid (N-MFHA) has been syntehsized and shown to be an excellent chelating reagent for a number of metal ions. Considerable selectivity is achieved by pH adjustment. Metal ions can be separated into groups or concentrated from very dilute solutions by complexation with N-MFHA and sorption on a small column containing XAD-4 resin. The metal complexes are readily eluted with hydrochloric acid in acetone for subsequent measurement by atomic spectrometry or absorption spectrophotometry.
S-wave velocity and statics from ground-roll inversion

We are interested in the near surface for many reasons including the need to see through it to resolve geology and resources at depth. The near-surface often consists of unconsolidated, low-velocity material which can cause time delays in passing seismic waves, especially S-waves. Hence, it is necessary to obtain a detailed near-surface S-wave velocity structure to correct for these delays. Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) (Park et al., 1998 and 1999; Xia et al., 1999) is an effective and increasingly popular method to obtain a near-surface S-wave velocity. MASW uses Rayleigh waves (or ground roll) to create dispersion curves (phase velocity versus frequency plots). Then, the inversion of these dispersion curves for the fundamental mode provides the near-surface S-wave velocity. These velocities can be used to infer the S-wave receiver statics.
Anisotropy of the Hyperfine Interaction in Magnetite

This paper describes effects of anisotropy of the hyperfine interaction on nuclear magnetic resonance in a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. It is shown how the line shape in a polycrystalline sample depends on whether the excitation is through domains or domain walls. The absorption spectrum of Fe57 in powdered magnetite (Fe3O4) is observed, and the results show that, in this case, the excitation is predominantly through domains. They also establish a value for the hyperfine anisotropy on octahedral sites.
An economic theory of the public transit firm

Abstract This paper presents an economic theory of the public transit firm that considers the public transit firm's operating objectives related to size maximization and cost minimization as well as its operating options and passenger quality-of-service characteristics. The theory indicates that the variables to be used in the performance evaluation of a public transit firm are its operating options and fare. A single measure for transit performance evaluation is the shadow price in maximizing passengers subject to an overall deficit constraint (to be financed by government).
Pressure calculations in disperse and continuous multiphase flows

Abstract In many models for disperse two-phase flows, the pressure of the disperse phase is often assumed to be the same as that of the continuous phase, or differ only by an amount caused by the surface tension. This type of model is referred to as an equilibrium pressure model. Recent research indicates that the stress difference between the phases caused by dynamics of the motion can be significantly important in the modeling of disperse two-phase flows. Although this difference is still ignored in most calculations of disperse multiphase flows for various reasons, when an equilibrium pressure model is applied to continuous multiphase flows, a conceptual difficulty arises. For instance, the equilibrium pressure model cannot be used to study the tensile break of a sponge with interconnected pores, because the air in the pores can never go into tension while the sponge material does not break without tension. To avoid this conceptual difficulty, a multipressure model is introduced for continuous multiphase flows by analyzing and then modifying the implicit assumption about the volumetric strain rates involved in the equilibrium pressure model. Numerical implementations of the multipressure model are discussed. An example using the multipressure model is presented.
Convex duality approach to the optimal control of diffusions

An alternative to the usual dynamic programming approach to the optimal control of Markov processes is considered. It is based on duality of convex analysis. The control problem is embedded in a convex mathematical programming problem on a space of measures. The dual problem is to find the supremum of smooth subsolutions to the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation.