cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development status of the EOS Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR)

The multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR) instrument is currently under development for flight on the first earth observing system platform, EOS-AM1, to be launched in 1998. The instrument will obtain global multi-angle imagery at nine separate view angles, using a separate charge-coupled-device pushbroom camera at each angle. Images will be obtained at 443, 555, 670, and 865 nm with spatial sampling, selectable in-flight, ranging from 275 m to 2.2 km. Data from the instrument will be used to retrieve the optical properties of tropospheric aerosols over land and ocean, to study the bidirectional reflectance properties of the Earth's surface and clouds, and to measure terrain topography and cloud heights. This paper reviews the MISR science objectives, presents an update to some of the instrument design parameters, and discusses the status of the instrument design and development. Test results from a recently built `brassboard' prototype camera are discussed.
Exploring Organizational Learning Mechanisms in Small-Size Business Enterprises

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the importance of existing organizational learning mechanisms and establish the size and magnitude of the relationship among the organizational learning mechanisms. Of great import also was to determine whether statistically significant relationships existed among the organizational learning mechanisms. An exploratory correlational research design was utilized to survey 498 employees from seven small-size business enterprises located in the Southern and Mid-Western United States. Mean scores indicated that respondents perceived leadership and evaluative inquiry as the prevalent learning mechanisms within the organizations studied. According to the findings, certain types of small-size business enterprises exhibit organizational learning characteristics more so than do others involved in the study. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the learning mechanisms leadership and culture had the highest level of association, followed by culture and systems and structures.
Low energy trajectories to Mars via gravity assist from Venus to earth

The analytical determination of launch dates and proposed trajectories is reviewed with respect to the search for a low-energy trajectory to Mars with gravitational assist from Venus for the years 1995-2024. Both Ballistic and Venus-Earth gravity assist (VEGA) trajectories are calculated with an automated design tool by the authors (1990). The trajectories are modeled as conic sections from one gravitating body to the next, and gravity assist is considered to act impulsively. VEGA trajectories to Mars require similar launch energies for 6 years listed and have moderate arrival C3s, with the lowest C3 requirement in 2015. The flight time and arrival energies of the trajectories are found to be larger than those of ballistic trajectories, but the low-energy launch window makes them desirable for unmanned Mars missions, in particular.
Transmission of Scrapie to the Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

SCRAPIE has been transmitted to the cynomolgus, or crab-eating, monkey (Macaca fascicularis) with an incubation period of more than 5 yr from the time of intracerebral inoculation of scrapie-infected mouse brain. The animal developed a chronic central nervous system degeneration, with ataxia, tremor and myoclonus with associated severe scrapie-like pathology of intensive astroglial hypertrophy and proliferation, neuronal vacuolation and status spongiosus of grey matter. The strain of scrapie virus used was the eighth passage in Swiss mice (NIH) of a Compton strain of scrapie obtained as ninth intracerebral passage of the agent in goat brain, from Dr R. L. Chandler (ARC, Compton, Berkshire).
`Joy rides for juveniles¿: vagrant youth and colonial control in Nairobi, Kenya, 1901¿52 *

In 1901, the Sub-Commissioner of Nairobi, J. D. Ainsworth, rounded-up twenty juvenile vagrants whom he ‘found wandering about Nairobi […] without parents or any proper home’. 1 In a perverse way, i...
Abstract 2209: Contribution ofFKBP5genetic variation to gemcitabine treatment and survival in pancreatic cancer.

The FKBP5 gene encodes the FKBP51 immunophilin, a negative regulator of AKT. Variability in level of FKBP5 expression is a major factor contributing to variation in response to several classes of chemotherapeutic agents including gemcitabine, first line treatment for pancreatic cancer. Genetic variation of FKBP5 could influence its expression, function, and, ultimately, treatment response of pancreatic cancer. We set out to comprehensively study the role of genetic variation in FKBP5 identified by Next Generation DNA resequencing in response to gemcitabine treatment of pancreatic cancer by utilizing both tumor and germline DNA samples from 43 pancreatic cancer patients, including 19 paired tumor-normal samples. Genotype-phenotype association studies with overall survival (in tumor only) as well as with FKBP5 gene expression were performed using the same samples in which Next Generation DNA resequencing had been performed, followed by functional genomic studies of top selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In-depth resequencing identified 404 FKBP5 SNPs in both normal and tumor DNA patient samples. SNPs with the smallest p-values for association with FKBP5 survival or expression were subjected to functional genomic studies. Electromobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that the rs73748206 “T” allele altered DNA-protein binding patterns, consistent with a significantly increased reporter gene activity. The effect of rs73748206 was also confirmed by mRNA expression studies using lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) derived from the same patients from whom DNA used for resequencing had been obtained. This comprehensive FKBP5 resequencing study provides insight into the role of inheritance in variation in response to gemcitabine therapy of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Katarzyna A. Ellsworth, Bruce W. Eckloff, Liang Li, Irene Moon, Brooke L. Fridley, Greg D. Jenkins, Erin Carlson, Abra Brisbin, Ryan Abo, William Bamlet, Gloria Petersen, Eric D. Wieben, Liewei Wang. Contribution of FKBP5 genetic variation to gemcitabine treatment and survival in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2209. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2209
What should graduate students know before joining a large computer architecture project

Large projects have become common in the computer architecture research community today. This article examines some of the things that graduate students who become involved in such large projects should be aware of.The purpose of this article is not to advocate that a graduate student should join a large project; rather, this article should be viewed as an aid that helps a new graduate student make this decision.
Superconducting Niobium S-Band Cavities

Recent studies of long-pulse separated beams indicate the need for the development of superconducting rf separators for counter experiments. To achieve this goal we investigated microwave resonators at S-band frequencies manufactured by the three following methods: 1) machining from solid electron-beam-melted niobium, 2) electroforming in molten fused salts by the Linde Company, 3) machining hydroformed cups of commercial grade niobium. Machined parts were electron-beam welded to form microwave cavities. All cavities were heat treated in either the Oak Ridge, Stanford or SLAC high-vacuum, high-temperature furnaces and chemically polished. We investigated and compared both surface resistance and peak rf magnetic field of the above cavities after every step. We measured an improvement factor of ~ 106 at B? = 330 G in a TE011 cavity. The highest rf magnetic field achieved was 464 G in the TM010 mode which corresponds to E of ~17 MV/m. In addition, we were looking for peaks in the microwave absorbtion caused by rf magnetic field induced surface states similar to those reported by various researchers on highly polished crystals in low dc magnetic fields. No such anomalies were found.
Russian environmental security issues: competing frameworks for the future

This paper considers current challenges and possibilities for Russia from the perspective of "environmental security". Environmental security is a term emphasising the connection between environmental health and socio-political issues, including traditional national security issues. An environmental security approach provides a very fruitful way to consider critical challenges facing Russia. Russia has profound environmental problems whose severity and pervasiveness could undermine its attempts to build political and economic stability. The natural resource base and human health have suffered, and continue to face, profound deterioration. Since the end of the Soviet system, there has been no significant progress in defining and addressing major environmental and associated health problems. Major barriers include a lack of legal, financial and civil infrastructures; an unreliable legal system; rampant criminal elements; and a lack of political accountability. The paper concludes with observations about possible avenues for improvement, by addressing fundamental infrastructure weaknesses, coupled with actions to staunch the outward flow of wealth, increase bilateral and multilateral agreements, and attract external capital.
The treatment of sexual phobias: the combined use of antipanic medication and sex therapy

During the past 20 years, there has been described a group of profoundly anxious and phobic patients, who are not amenable to psychological forms of treatment or to the major and the minor tranquilizers, but who respond dramatically to tricyclic and MAO inhibitor medication. The separation of this drug-responsive syndrome from other anxiety disorders constitutes a major advance in psychiatry. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for the treatment of psychosexual disorders. To illustrate the hypotheses and discussion, the case histories of three patients with sexual phobias are described. All had been treatment failures with sex therapy and psychotherapy but responded to a combination of tricyclic medication and sex therapy which was modified to accommodate the special needs of sexually phobic patients.
Excessive Investment in Hospital Capacities

In the present study I identify an inherent characteristic of health care markets that may lead to excessive investment by hospitals even when compensated according to a prospective reimbursement rule. It is demonstrated that the stochastic nature of the demand for medical services combined with the lumpiness of investment decisions may give rise to excessive investment when multiple hospitals select independently their levels of capacities. The source for the excessive incentives to invest is the difficulty of one hospital to internalize properly the externality generated by its investment decisions. Such an externality arises because when one hospital expands its capacity, it is more likely to be able to serve not only patients residing in its region but patients residing in neighboring regions as well.
Termination proofs from tests

We show how a test suite for a sequential program can be profitably used to construct a termination proof. In particular, we describe an algorithm TpT for proving termination of a program based on information derived from testing it. TpT iteratively calls two phases: (a) an infer phase, and (b) a validate phase. In the infer phase, machine learning, in particular, linear regression is used to efficiently compute a candidate loop bound for every loop in the program. These loop bounds are verified for correctness by an off-the-shelf checker. If a loop bound is invalid, then the safety checker provides a test or a counterexample that is used to generate more data which is subsequently used by the next infer phase to compute better estimates for loop bounds. On the other hand, if all loop bounds are valid, then we have a proof of termination. We also describe a simple extension to our approach that allows us to infer polynomial loop bounds automatically. We have evaluated TpT on two benchmark sets, micro-benchmarks obtained from recent literature on program termination, and Windows device drivers. Our results are promising -- on the micro-benchmarks, we show that TpT is able to prove termination on 15% more benchmarks than any previously known technique, and our evaluation on Windows device drivers demonstrates TpT's ability to analyze and scale to real world applications.
Oxytocin given in a pulsatile manner to the ewe at 120 to 140 days' gestational age increases fetal sheep plasma Cortisol

A single intravenous injection of oxytocin into pregnant sheep (123 to 144 days' gestational age) causes a bout of myometrial activity and an increase in fetal plasma corticotropin levels. We hypothesized that a sustained increased frequency of myometrial contractures accelerates the normal increase in fetal adrenal secretion in sheep in the last 3 weeks of gestation. To test this hypothesis, pulses of saline solution (group 1, 9 ewes and 10 fetuses) or oxytocin (group 2, 11 ewes and 12 fetuses) 600 or 960 μU/kg/min for 5 of every 30 minutes were infused into the maternal jugular vein for 6 days beginning at day 128 ± 2 (mean ± SD) days' gestational age. Total myometrial activity increased to 160% of baseline in group 2 by day 6. Myometrial activity did not change throughout the study in group 1. Maternal plasma Cortisol concentrations did not rise during oxytocin infusion when compared with their own baselines (group 2) and were not different from concentrations in saline-infused ewes (group 1). By day 4 of oxytocin administration fetal plasma Cortisol concentrations had risen significantly above baseline in group 2 ( p
Feasibility study of brain tumor delineation using immunolabeled gold nanorods

Effective treatment of patients with malignant brain tumors requires surgical resection of a high percentage of the bulk tumor. Surgeons require a method that enables delineation of tumor margins, which are not visually distinct by eye. In this study, the feasibility of using gold nanorods (GNRs) for this purpose is evaluated. Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (anti-EGFR) conjugated GNRs are used to label human xenograft glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors embedded within slices of brain tissues from healthy nude mice. The anti-EGFR GNRs exhibit enhanced absorption at red to near-infrared wavelengths, often referred to as the tissue optical window, where absorption from blood is minimal. To enable definition of molecular specificity and spatial accuracy of the label, the GNR absorption is compared with GFP fluorescence which is expressed by the GBM cells used here. This work demonstrates a simple but highly translational technique to classify normal and malignant brain tissue regions in open surgery applications using immunolabeled GNR contrast agents.
Surgical ventricular restoration for the treatment of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is an emerging epidemic affecting 15 million people in the USA and Europe. HF-related mortality was unchanged between 1995 and 2009, despite a decrease in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Conventional explanations include an aging population and improved treatment of acute myocardial infarction and HF. An adverse relationship between structure and function is the central theme in patients with systolic dysfunction. The normal elliptical ventricular shape becomes spherical in ischemic, valvular, and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Therapeutic decisions should be made on the basis of ventricular volume rather than ejection fraction. When left ventricular end-systolic volume index exceeds 60 ml/m², medical therapy, CABG surgery, and mitral repair have limited benefit. This form-function relationship can be corrected by surgical ventricular restoration (SVR), which returns the ventricle to a normal volume and shape. Consistent early and late benefits in the treatment of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with SVR have been reported in >5,000 patients from various international centers. The prospective, randomized STICH trial did not confirm these findings and the reasons for this discrepancy are examined in detail. Future surgical options for SVR in nonischemic and valvular dilated cardiomyopathy, and its integration with left ventricular assist devices and cell therapy, are described.
Absorption cross sections and the use of complex potentials in coupled-channels models

We give a simple and transparent derivation of a result obtained recently by Kim, Udagawa, and Tamura for the loss of flux occurring in the coupled-channels scattering problem when a complex potential is used. The loss of flux, or absorption cross section, consists of three components: absorption from the elastic channel, absorption from the nonelastic channels, and absorption occurring during the elastic-nonelastic transitions. Some discussion is given of these results and their application to fusion reactions.
Multi-modal transportation optimization of a local corridor

The objective of this project is to redesign a one-mile section of the South Main Street Corridor in Harrisonburg, Virginia into a multimodal one that feasibly and safely integrates motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrian traffic. Traditional traffic engineering practices emphasize optimizing vehicular traffic movement while treating pedestrian and bicyclist traffic movements as constraints. The focus of this research is to develop a way to maximize the capacity of existing right-of-way for all three traffic movements simultaneously, using a common metric of person-trips. Starting with standard equations from the Highway Capacity Manual for modal capacity of an intersection approach, the objective function for an optimization problem is developed. The objective function is the sum of capacity for each traffic movement measured in person-trips/hour, which normalizes the metrics. The input variables are flow rates for each movement that can vary based on scenario but cannot exceed their respective saturation flow rates. The outputs, or key design variables, are number of sublanes, which are unique to each traffic movement and define the geometry of the travel way. Combining all the sublane-widths results in the total width of the travel way that is constrained by the existing width of right-of-way. Therefore, through varying the flow rate per mode, different scenarios are evaluated that represent status quo, and shifts in corridor use. All other variables in the capacity equation are held constant. Based on the constraints, the objective function will yield a feasible region for which maximization of intersection efficiency will be found. The resultant combination of sublanes for each mode of transportation can then be implemented into the redesign model. This will alow for the most efficient flow of people through the intersection, regardless of mode choice, and could help promote policies and street design that prioritize alternatives to vehicular travel.
Seismic tomography of Shatsky Rise by adaptive importance sampling

[1] We present results from a wide-angle seismic refraction survey over Shatsky Rise, a large oceanic plateau in the northwestern Pacific. A new Monte Carlo sampling scheme is developed to explore comprehensively the model space of crustal velocity structure by joint refraction and reflection seismic tomography. The new scheme, which is founded on the notion of adaptive importance sampling, is made possible by the combination of several independent developments, including the introduction of effective model parameters, the implementation of automated model regularization, and a polynomial expansion of the probability density function. From 21 ocean-bottom instruments deployed along a 420-km-long refraction transect, we collect 16446 Pg and 4735 PmP travel times, which are inverted to construct a two-dimensional compressional velocity model across the major axis of Shatsky Rise. The convergence of Monte Carlo sampling is tested by running parallel sampling chains, and the effective dimensions of the model space are estimated to be ∼10 by principal component analysis. The thickness of the rise crust varies from ∼9 km to ∼30 km, and the average velocity of the lower crust ranges from ∼7.0 km s−1 to ∼7.2 km s−1. One standard deviation uncertainty for whole-crustal thickness and average lower-crustal velocity is <1 km and ∼0.05 km s−1, respectively, for most of the model domain. Shatsky Rise crustal structure exhibits a negative correlation between crustal thickness and velocity, which implies that a chemically anomalous mantle may have been responsible for the formation of the rise.
Partial purification and properties of the cyclic AMP and the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases of bovine liver

Abstract The cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase of bovine liver was purified approximately 100-fold (assayed at a substrate concentration of 10 −6 M cyclic AMP). The enzyme appeared to occur in two interconvertible forms of mol. wts of 120 000 and 240 000, respectively. They differed in their K m values for cyclic AMP. The ionic strength of the buffer, the concentration of Mg 2+ , and the presence of either cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP affected the predominance of one or the other form. The cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase also had a mol. wt of approx. 240 000 but appeared to be distinct from the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. A fraction, obtained after Sephadex G-200 filtration of crude extracts, of a mol. wt of approx. 360 000 showed both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activities when unphysiologically high concentrations of the two cyclic nucleotides were employed in the assay. The fact that high concentrations of cyclic GMP inhibited the activity of the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in this fraction suggested the existence of a molecular aggregate combining the activities of the two enzymes.
Behavior of a chemically-dispersed oil and a whole oil on a near-shore environment

Abstract To investigate the use of dispersants as an oil spill chemical countermeasure in the surf-zone, a simulated oil spill was conducted at the Shoreline Environmental Research Facility (SERF), formerly known as the Coastal OilSpill Simulation System (COSS), a wave tank facility in Corpus Christi, Texas. Sand was added to each tank to establish a beach with a prescribed slope of 10 degrees. Natural seawater flowed continually through the system to emulate alongshore currents. The replicated experimental treatments included pre-mixed oil plus dispersant (three tanks), oil only (three tanks), and unoiled controls (two tanks). Known amounts of either whole oil or dispersed oil were added to the respective tanks. Both the sediment and water column were periodically sampled during the 10-day experiment, and a materials balance on the oil was determined for both oil treatments. The environmental compartments where oil accumulated were sediments, water column, and non-aqueous-phase layer. The discharge from the tanks was presumed to be the primary sink, as water was drawn from the tanks at a known and constant flow rate. Tidal cycles were simulated by varying the computer-controlled influent rate. The oil mass (measured as total petroleum hydrocarbons) for each compartment/sink was calculated using data from four time points. At the experiment’s conclusion, approximately 49% of the applied oil for the oiled treatment remained in the tanks sorbed to sediments or other surfaces. The rest of the oil was removed via the effluent. In the chemically-dispersed oil treatment, all of the oil was flushed from the tanks; no oil (≪1%) remained on the sediments. These studies indicate that a timely dispersant application to spilled oil can reduce residual oil accumulation on beach substrates.
Time-Sharing a Disk Memory for On-Line Spectrum Accumulation from Many Nuclear Pulse-Height Analyzers

Several pulse-height analyzers time-share a large disk memory for on-line accumulation of sorted spectra. The system is controlled by a PDP-8 computer which performs a two-level hardware-software sort on the data in real time. The computer dynamically allocates storage to incoming events and schedules disk accesses to achieve high sorting rates under a variety of counting loads.
Chemical compositions of siderophile element-rich opaque assemblages in an Allende inclusion

Chemical compositions of ten opaque assemblages, or Fremdlinge, from an Allende Type B Ca-,Al-rich coarse-grained inclusion were determined. Attempts to model the abundances of refractory siderophiles assuming condensation from the solar nebula into a single phase failed to match the observed combination of subchondritic Re/Os and Ir/Pt ratios. However, virtually all refractory siderophile fractionations in these Fremdlinge could be matched by a different model, in which all metals condensed into three separate alloys according to their crystal structures.
Does clustered presentation lead readers to diverse selections

A recent study found that presenting news suggestions as clusters in a sidebar can lead to more exploration of articles and clusters related to particular stories [1]. We conducted a lab study to test the robustness of the result.Our results only partially replicate the original findings: people read more articles, but not from significantly more clusters;we also foundthat they prefer the clustered presentation. Further research is needed to better understand the conditions under which clustered presentation leads people to sample from more clusters.
Prediction and explanation of chemical mutation sites

En ce qui concerne I'ARN du VMT, les codons voisins y presentent des arrangements analogues. Il s'agit seulement des codons qui subissent une mutation sous l'action de l'acide nitreux, mutation qui conduit a une modification de la proteine de l'enveloppe. Cette observation suggere, que l'examen minutieux de la sequence d'un acide nucleique pourrait permettre de predire les sites probables ou aura lieu la mutation chimique et que les «hot spots» pour une mutation spontanee pourraient aussi avoir des codons voisins caracteristiques.
Top3-Rmi1 DNA single-strand decatenase is integral to the formation and resolution of meiotic recombination intermediates

The topoisomerase III (Top3)-Rmi1 heterodimer, which catalyzes DNA single-strand passage, forms a conserved complex with the Bloom's helicase (BLM, Sgs1 in budding yeast). This complex has been proposed to regulate recombination by disassembling double Holliday junctions in a process called dissolution. Top3-Rmi1 has been suggested to act at the end of this process, resolving hemicatenanes produced by earlier BLM/Sgs1 activity. We show here that, to the contrary, Top3-Rmi1 acts in all meiotic recombination functions previously associated with Sgs1, most notably as an early recombination intermediate chaperone, promoting regulated crossover and noncrossover recombination and preventing aberrant recombination intermediate accumulation. In addition, we show that Top3-Rmi1 has important Sgs1-independent functions that ensure complete recombination intermediate resolution and chromosome segregation. These findings indicate that Top3-Rmi1 activity is important throughout recombination to resolve strand crossings that would otherwise impede progression through both early steps of pathway choice and late steps of intermediate resolution.
Probing the Transition State of the He*(21S) + N2 Penning Ionization Reaction with Electron Spectroscopy

State-selected electron spectra characterizing the transition state in the Penning ionization of N2 by He*(21S) have been measured in crossed supersonic beams at seven collision energies in the range E = 1.5−4.2 kcal/mol. The spectral peaks are assigned by analogy with the photoelectron spectrum of N2 to the three lowest electronic states X2Σg+, A2Πu, and B2Σu+ of N2+, as in earlier work. Evidence is presented, however, based on vibrational spacings, that the X-state vibrational distribution is bimodal. The spectra are least-squares analyzed to yield nascent electronic-state branching fractions, vibrational populations, and spectral line shifts and widths, all as a function of E. The X- and B-state intensities remain in a nearly constant ratio, while the A state begins with very low intensity relative to X and B but increases by more than a factor of 2 over the range of E. The relative vibrational populations within a given electronic state are E-independent within error, with a slight apparent deviation ...
CML III bipolar standard cell library

A 1.25 mu m current mode logic (CML) bipolar standard cell library with subnanosecond loaded gate delays is discussed. Unique computer-aided design CAD tools that produce accurate models of the library cells and optimize designs for area, speed, and power are also discussed. The interplay between the library and the tools can produce higher speed, lower power chips, at less cost. >
Photoelectrochemical oxidation of anions by WO3 in aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes

The behavior of WO3 photoanodes has been investigated in contact with a combination of four anions (Cl−, CH3SO3−, HSO4−, and ClO4−) and three solvents (water, acetonitrile, and propylene carbonate), to elucidate the role of the semiconductor surface, the electrolyte, and redox kinetics on the current density vs. potential properties of n-type WO3. In 1.0 M aqueous strong acids, although the flat-band potential (Efb) of WO3 was dominated by electrochemical intercalation of protons into WO3, the nature of the electrolyte influenced the onset potential (Eon) of the anodic photocurrent. In aprotic solvents, the electrolyte anion shifted both Efb and Eon, but did not significantly alter the overall profile of the voltammetric data. For 0.50 M tetra(n-butyl)ammonium perchlorate in propylene carbonate, the internal quantum yield exceeded unity at excitation wavelengths of 300–390 nm, indicative of current doubling. A regenerative photoelectrochemical cell based on the reversible redox couple B10Br10˙−/2− in acetonitrile, with a solution potential of ∼1.7 V vs. the normal hydrogen electrode, exhibited an open-circuit photovoltage of 1.32 V under 100 mW cm−2 of simulated Air Mass 1.5 global illumination.
Neuronally-expressed necdin gene: an imprinted candidate gene in Prader-Willi syndrome

methimazole is as effective and safe as propylthiouracil to use during pregnancy and that the incidence of congenital anomalies is not increased compared with the general population. By contrast, on the basis of observations of a possible risk for fetal scalp defects, Vogt et al suggest that methimazole should be contraindicated in pregnancy. Our patient was also treated with metoprolol during the first trimester and with inhalations of budesonide and salmeterol throughout the pregnancy, but none of these drugs have been associated with teratogenic effects. We conclude that methimazole intake during pregnancy may be associated with severe congenital malformations including oesophaeal atresia and tracheo-oesophaeal fistula. However, thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy has also been related to a higher frequency of abortions and fetal deaths, although it is not clear if congenital malformations in these infants are more frequent than in the general population. Nevertheless, we believe it is important to emphasise the possible risks associated with methimazole for the fetus during pregnancy.
A Newton algorithm for convex constrained reconstruction

A quadratically convergent iterative algorithm (Newton algorithm) for signal recovery from linear measurements is presented. Prior information is expressed as a convex set and the signal is constrained to lie in this set. Central to the Newton algorithm is the derivative of the nonlinear projection operator onto a convex set. A new general mathematical result for the existence and construction of the derivative of the projection operator is obtained for a class of convex sets. This result is then used to give the Newton algorithm for the signal recovery problem. The algorithm is demonstrated in a medical imaging application. >
Long-Term Lung Transplantation in Nonhuman Primates

Despite advances in surgical technique and clinical care, lung transplantation still remains a short-term solution for the treatment of end-stage lung disease. To date, there has been limited experience in experimental lung transplantation using nonhuman primate models. Therefore, we have endeavored to develop a long-term, nonhuman primate model of orthotopic lung transplantation for the ultimate purpose of designing protocols to induce tolerance of lung grafts. Here, we report our initial results in developing this model and our observation that the nonhuman primate lung is particularly prone to rejection. This propensity toward rejection may be a consequence of 1) upregulated nonspecific inflammation, and 2) a larger number of pre-existing alloreactive memory T cells, leading to augmented deleterious immune responses. Our data show that triple-drug immunosuppression mimicking clinical practice is not sufficient to prevent acute rejection in nonhuman primate lung transplantation. The addition of horse-derived anti-thymocyte globulin and a monoclonal antibody to the IL-6 receptor allowed six out of six lung recipients to be free of rejection for over 120 days.
Opposite Effects of Stimulant and Antipsychotic Drugs on Striatal Fast-Spiking Interneurons

Psychomotor stimulants and typical antipsychotic drugs have powerful but opposite effects on mood and behavior, largely through alterations in striatal dopamine signaling. Exactly how these drug actions lead to behavioral change is not well understood, as previous electrophysiological studies have found highly heterogeneous changes in striatal neuron firing. In this study, we examined whether part of this heterogeneity reflects the mixture of distinct cell types present in the striatum, by distinguishing between medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs) and presumed fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs), in freely moving rats. The response of MSNs to both the stimulant amphetamine (0.5 or 2.5 mg/kg) and the antipsychotic eticlopride (0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg) remained highly heterogeneous, with each drug causing both increases and decreases in the firing rate of many MSNs. By contrast, FSIs showed a far more uniform, dose-dependent response to both drugs. All FSIs had decreased firing rate after high eticlopride. After high amphetamine most FSIs increased firing rate, and none decreased. In addition, the activity of the FSI population was positively correlated with locomotor activity, whereas the MSN population showed no consistent response. Our results show a direct relationship between the psychomotor effects of dopaminergic drugs and the firing rate of a specific striatal cell population. Striatal FSIs may have an important role in the behavioral effects of these drugs, and thus may be a valuable target in the development of novel therapies.
Bronchial artery revascularization and en bloc lung transplant in children.

Background Long-term success in pediatric lung transplantation is limited by infection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). The bilateral sequential lung transplantation (BSLT) technique may result in airway ischemia leading to bronchial stenosis, dehiscence, or loss of small airways. En bloc lung transplant (EBLT) with bronchial artery revascularization (BAR) minimizes airway ischemia, thus promoting superior airway healing. BAR also allows for safe tracheal anastomosis, circumventing the need for bilateral bronchial anastomoses in small children. Methods This was a retrospective review of bilateral transplantations from 2005 to 2014. Both techniques were used in parallel. Redo and multiorgan transplants were excluded. Results There were 119 recipients comprising 88 BSLTs and 31 EBLTs. Follow-up time was 3 years (interquartile range, 1–5 years). Donor ischemic and cardiopulmonary bypass times were not different between techniques ( p = 0.48 and p = 0.18, respectively). Degree of graft dysfunction and cellular rejection scores were not different ( p = 0.83 and p = 0.93, respectively). There were 3 hospital deaths after BSLT and 2 after EBLT ( p = 0.60). Overall survival was 61% for the BSLT group and 77% for the EBLT group ( p = 0.54). Freedom from BOS was 71% in the BSLT group and 94% in the EBLT group ( p = 0.08). On routine bronchoscopy, 57% BSLT and 16% EBLT patients had 1 or more airway ischemic findings ( p p = 0.01) and non-airway complications (relative risk, 4.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–20.2; p = 0.04) but not airway reinterventions ( p = 0.07). Airway dehiscence occurred in 3 BSLT patients. Conclusions Pediatric EBLT with BAR can be safely performed without increasing operative or graft ischemic times. Airway ischemia and non-airway complications were significantly reduced when BAR was combined with tracheal anastomosis, potentially diminishing morbidity caused by anastomotic healing complications.
The Renewable Identification Number System and U.S. Biofuel Mandates

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) sets annual mandates for renewable transportation fuels sold or introduced into commerce in the United States. The current RFS sets mandates through 2022. The Renewable Identifi cation Number (RIN) system was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate compliance with the RFS. A RIN is a 38-character numeric code that corresponds to a volume of renewable fuel produced in or imported into the United States. RINs remain with the renewable fuel through the distribution system and ownership changes. Once the renewable fuel is blended into a motor vehicle fuel, the RIN is no longer required to remain with the renewable fuel. Instead, the RIN may then be separated from the renewable fuel and used for RFS compliance, held for future compliance, or traded. The RFS mandates are prorated down to “obligated parties”—individual gasoline and diesel producers and/ or importers—based on their annual production and/or imports. Each year, obligated parties are required to meet their prorated share of the RFS mandates by accumulating RINs, either through fuel blending or by purchasing RINs from others. Understanding the RIN system and the prices for RINs when bought and sold can provide key insights into the impact of mandates on biofuel and feedstock markets. For 2011, conventional ethanol RIN prices have been low, implying low probability that the corresponding mandate has been binding and suggesting that other factors have contributed to expansion beyond the mandate. Conversely, biodiesel RIN prices have been high in 2011, implying a more binding biodiesel mandate with effects on soybean oil and other biodiesel feedstock markets.
SALVAGE OR AMPUTATION AFTER COMPLEX FOOT AND ANKLE TRAUMA

The incidence of severe foot and ankle trauma in high-level trauma centers seems to be increasing. This increase probably is due to widespread use of lap and shoulder restraints and air bags in automobiles. These devices protect the upper body in severe high-speed motor vehicle accidents, but they leave the lower legs, ankles, and feet unprotected. In all major trauma, particularly involving crush injuries and severe open fractures, traumatologists must make an early decision whether to amputate or salvage damaged limbs. An important consideration in foot and ankle trauma and reconstructive surgery is that below-knee amputations and prosthetic limb replacements are reasonable and functional options that are associated with much faster return to work and activities than major foot and ankle reconstruction, which requires prolonged healing and rehabilitation time. This is not the case for above-knee or upper extremity amputations.
DECLINES IN HARBOR SEAL (PHOCA VITULINA) NUMBERS IN GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA, 1992–2002

Glacier Bay National Park had one of the largest breeding aggregations of harbor seals in Alaska, and it is functionally the only marine reserve for harbor seals in Alaska; yet, numbers of seals in the Bay are declining rapidly. Understanding why seals in Glacier Bay are declining may clarify their minimal habitat needs. We estimated population trends using models that controlled for environmental and observer-related factors. In 1992, 6,200 seals were counted on icebergs in a tidewater glacial fjord and at terrestrial sites; by 2002 only 2,550 seals were counted at these same haul-outs. Numbers of non-pups in the glacial fjord declined by 6.6%/yr (−39%/8 yr) in June and by 9.6%/yr (−63%/11 yr) in August and at all other haul-outs by 14.5%/yr (−75%/10 yr) during August. In the glacial fjord the number of pups remained steady from 1994 to 1999 and made up an increasing proportion of seals counted (5.4%/yr), and the proportion of pups peaked at 34%‐ 36%. The rapid declines do not appear to be due to changes in seal behavior or redistribution. The declines reinforce genetic evidence that harbor seals in Glacier Bay are demographically isolated from other populations and indicate that current management stocks need to be redefined. Changes in Glacier Bay’s ecosystem and population demographic data from the glacial fjord suggest that interspecific competition and predation are likely factors in the declines.
Carotid Chemoreceptor Modulation of Regional Blood Flow Distribution During Exercise in Health and Chronic Heart Failure

Previous work has shown sensitization of carotid chemoreceptor (CC) responsiveness during exercise as well as in chronic heart failure (CHF). Accordingly, we hypothesized that the CCs contribute to the sympathetic restraint of skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise and CHF. We examined the effect of transient CC inhibition on total (Con T ) and hindlimb (Con L ) conductance, and blood pressure at rest and during exercise (2.5 miles per hour, 5% grade) in chronically instrumented dogs. Via a carotid arterial catheter, CCs were inhibited using dopamine (5 to 10 μg/kg) or hyperoxic lactated Ringer’s solution. Although vasodilation did not occur with CC inhibition in resting healthy dogs, CC inhibition during exercise caused an immediate vasodilatory response (increase in Con T and Con L and decrease in blood pressure). When comparing the peak Con L response from CC inhibition versus α-adrenergic blockade (phentolamine), we found that the CCs accounted for approximately one-third of the total sympathetic restraint during exercise. CHF was then induced by chronic rapid cardiac pacing and characterized by impaired cardiac function, enhanced chemosensitivity, and greater sympathetic restraint at rest and during exercise. In contrast to healthy dogs, CC inhibition in resting CHF dogs produced vasodilation, whereas a similar vasodilatory response was observed during exercise in CHF as compared with healthy dogs. The vasodilation following CC inhibition during exercise and in CHF was abolished with α-adrenergic blockade and was absent in healthy exercising animals after carotid body denervation. These results establish an important role for the CCs in cardiovascular control in the healthy animal during exercise and in the CHF animal both at rest and during exercise.
Vascular Versus Myocardial Effects of Calcium Antagonists

As vascular smooth muscle tone and myocardial contractility both depend on calcium entry, the calcium antagonists are not only potent arterial vasodilators, but may also have important negative inotropic effects. For example, verapamil is nearly equipotent in reducing vascular smooth muscle tone and myocardial contraction in isolated tissue preparations. In contrast, felodipine has high vascular selectivity in such preparations, and drug concentrations required to depress myocardial contraction are more than 100 times greater than those required to relax vascular smooth muscle. In the isolated, isovolumetrically contracting canine left ventricle, clinically relevant concentrations of felodipine (14 nmol/L) produce coronary vasodilation and a mild positive inotropic response. Using left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume analysis, we evaluated a similar dose of felodipine (plasma drug concentration 16 nmol/L) in conscious dogs. Felodipine produced a 25mm Hg fall in arterial pressure and a 10% reduction in peripheral vascular resistance. There was no negative inotropic effect. Instead, myocardial contractile performance was slightly but significantly enhanced. These results were not altered by adrenergic blockade. Further studies in our laboratory showed that doses of amlodipine and nifedipine producing arterial vasodilation of a magnitude similar to that produced by felodipine had negative inotropic effects in the conscious dog. Only felodipine enhanced the rate of LV relaxation and the rate of early diastolic filling. Thus, felodipine was significantly more vasoselective than amlodipine and nifedipine. The direct inotropic effects of calcium antagonists are difficult to evaluate in clinical studies because of the load-dependence of most conventional measures of LV performance. However, no negative inotropic effects are clinically relevant doses of felodipine have been identified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A new system for lipid analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple system for interfacing liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for the analysis of lipids is described. The system is based on the moving chain transport principle and employs an endless stainless steel belt of perforated construction that gives it superior surface properties and capacity to entrain solvent. The entire column eluent is collected on the belt which transports it into an evaporator where the solvent is removed. The solute, which remains as a residue on the belt, is transported into a reactor where it is converted to hydrocarbons by reaction with hydrogen at 400–450 C. The hydrocarbons, which are characteristic of the structures of the parent compounds, are swept into an outlet tube where ca. 15% are drawn into the ion source of a mass spectrometer operating in the chemical ionization mode using methane as the reagent gas. The spectrum is recorded on an oscillographic recorder for identification purposes. Detection and quantitative analysis is performed by single ion monitoring of the most intense ion using a conventional analog recorder. The system is demonstrated by application to a standard mixture of tripalmitin, cholesteryl palmitate, and cholesterol separated on a 3.2×250 mm silica column, and exhibited a sensitivity of ca. 1 nanogram per component injected on the column.
Bio-Solar Cells Incorporating Catalase for Stabilization of Thylakoid Bioelectrodes during Direct Photoelectrocatalysis

Thylakoid membranes have been proposed for electrochemical solar energy conversion, but they have been plagued with short term instability. In this paper, thylakoid membranes extracted from Spinacia oleracea were physically adsorbed onto Toray paper electrodes with and without catalase, followed by entrapment in a vapor deposited silica matrix. The bioelectrodes were tested using voltammetry and amperometry and tested in a complete photobioelectrochemical cell. Upon subsequent polarization experiments, a significant decrease in the maximum current density from 1.53 ± 0.13 μAcm −2 to 0.75 ± 0.14 μAcm −2 was observed without catalase present. When catalase was included in the anode, this current decrease was not observed, showing the importance of catalase to scavenge reactive oxygen species produced by the thylakoids during photoelectrocatalysis.