cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Muscarinic receptor binding sites of the M4 subtype in porcine lung parenchyma

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors regulate distal airway resistance and secretion. The subtype expressed in the lung in different species remains uncertain. It has recently become possible to identify the M4 subtype by careful comparison of antagonist affinities. We characterized the binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) to muscarinic receptors in cell membranes from lung parenchyma of 2-8 week old pigs in comparison to cloned human M3 and M4 receptors expressed in COS cells, to M2 in rat atria and to M4 in bovine adrenal medulla. In porcine lung, [3H]QNB bound with high affinity (Kd = 95 +/- 9 pM) to a single homogeneous population of muscarinic receptor sites (Bmax = 340 +/- 10 fmol/mg protein). Competition studies showed that the affinity (expressed as pKi) of 3 selective blockers was in close agreement between pig lung and cloned human m4 (r = 0.996). A series of 10 blockers showed affinities closely matching reported values for M4 receptors of the adrenal medulla (r = 0.965). Conversely, affinity values in porcine lung differed significantly (P < 0.05, t-test) from those determined in parallel with either human cloned M3 or with rat atria expressing the M2 subtype. We conclude that pig lung muscarinic receptor binding sites most closely resemble the M4 subtype, in contrast to the M3 subtype typical of large airways in this species.
Home environment and infant social behavior

Seventy-two children (18 black males, 18 white males, 18 black females, 18 white females) and their families participated in a study to examine the the validity of the HOME Inventory in terms of its relation to early indices of social behavior. Early social behavior was assessed using the Infant Behavior Record from the Bayley Scales. A factor analysis produced five behavior dimensions: 1) positive orientation and involvement, 2) fear and reticence, 3) enthusiasm and alertness, 4) activity level, and 5) self-absorption. In general, the findings show a similar but somewhat stronger relation between home environment scores and social behavior for females than males. For infant males, positive orientation was significantly related to organization of the environment and provision of appropriate play materials. Self-absorption was moderately related to avoidance of restriction and punishment. For infant girls, both positive orientation and activity level were significantly related to four of the six HOME subscales.
Measuring Concentration and Competition in the U.S. Nonprofit Sector: Implications for Research and Public Policy

In an era of dramatic financial challenges, pressure is growing for U.S. nonprofit organizations to consolidate. Yet, we know little about the current concentration of the sector and even less about the degree of competition in various nonprofit subsectors. In this paper we offer a detailed analysis of concentration patterns across the sector and analyze variations in these patterns by subsector and metropolitan areas. It is well known that measuring concentration is not identical to assessing effective competition and is but a starting point for a more thorough competitive analysis. An important distinction is made between the concentration of resources within larger subsector organizations and inequality in the distribution of resources across those organizations. Some subsectors may be concentrated yet behave competitively because resources are distributed relatively equally among several large organizations. By contrast, other concentrated subsectors may behave less competitively because resources are very unequally controlled by a few organizations. Understanding the patterns of both concentration and inequality in the nonprofit sector is likely a prerequisite to drawing defensible conclusions about the degrees of competition in the sector and the desirability of further consolidation. This analysis has implications for both public policy and philanthropy. It bears on the issues of whether antitrust policy should be forcefully applied to the nonprofit sector, whether government funding programs should encourage nonprofit consolidation or competition, and whether philanthropic institutions should implore nonprofit organizations to consolidate further or to compete more vigorously.
Revisiting “Older” Antimicrobials in the Era of Multidrug Resistance

Infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms continue to increase, and the antimicrobial pipeline remains unacceptably lean. Given this challenge, it is has become necessary to use older antimicrobials for treatment of MDR pathogens despite concerns regarding toxicity and the lack of clinical efficacy data. In some cases, older antimicrobials offer potential advantages compared with new agents, including lower cost and better in vitro activity. In this review, we focus on the pharmacology, in vitro activity, and clinical experience of older agents, including colistin, minocycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and fosfomycin. We also discuss some new antimicrobial agents that are used to treat MDR pathogens. As MDR pathogens continue to outpace the development of new antimicrobials, it will become imperative to develop strategies regarding the optimal use of older agents in terms of monotherapy versus combination therapy, dosing regimens, and treatment of invasive infections caused by these pathogens.
An Inclusive Strategy of Teaching Diversity

The article argues that many forms of diversity instruction, be it in the classroom or a conference room, have promoted an appreciation of differences without simultaneously promoting inclusion. Th...
Renewable resources, property-rights regimes and endogenous growth

Abstract We extend Brander and Taylor's [Brander, J.A., Taylor, M.S., 1998. The simple economics of Easter Island: a Ricardo-Malthus model of renewable resource use. Am. Econ. Rev. 88, 119–138.] model of feast and famine cycles on Easter Island using Galor and Weil's [Gailor, O., Weil, D.N., 2000. Population, technology and growth: from Malthusian stagnation to the demographic transition and beyond, Am. Econ. Rev. 90, 806–28] model of endogenous technological advance, where technological change is related to the population. We note that different property-rights regimes will influence the relative direction of technological advance—whether that advance is in harvesting technologies or in technologies that influence the growth rate of some renewable biological resource. Property-rights regimes that favor biological growth rates over harvest rates tend to dampen feast–famine cycles, while those that favor harvest efficiency worsen such cycles.
Dynamics of pear-shaped dimensions and volume of intracavitary brachytherapy in cancer of the cervix: a desirable pear shape in the era of three-dimensional treatment planning.

Purpose: To evaluate the dynamics of pear-shaped dimensions and volume of the intracavitary brachytherapy, and to define a desirable pear-shape in the era of three-dimensional (3D) treatment planning. Methods and Materials: Since Point A has been used for the dose specification, the pear shape defined the surface enclosed by Point A. This study utilized a new method of evaluating pear-shaped dimensions and its configuration. The pear shape was artificially divided into tandem and colpostat portions for evaluation of its changes. Width, height, and thickness at the tandem portion (W 1 , H t , and T t ) and at the colpostat portion (W c , H c , and T c ) were defined, respectively, on the frontal and sagittal plane. To evaluate the dynamics of the pear-shape configuration, 12 variations of applicator geometry and source loading were applied to generate the pear-shape isodose line and dose-volume histogram. Results: When the source strengths in the colpostats were reduced for optimization with the same dose to Point A dose, W c , H c , and T c were decreased, whereas W t , H t , and T t were increased without a change in the overall pear-shaped volume. When the separation of the colpostats was increased without a change in the source strength, W c was increased, whereas H c and T c were reduced without a change in W t , H t , T t and overall pear-shape volume. When the separation of colpostats and distal tandem source were increased, these changes at the colpostat portion were magnified. However, when both colpostat separation and its source strength were increased proportionally, W c , H c , and T c were increased proportionally as well as its volume. Conclusion: The dose specification at Point A is less meaningful without a desirable pear shape encompassing the tumor around the cervix. In the era of 3D treatment planning, understanding the dynamics of the pear shape should improve the individualized dosimetry according to tumor size and location. The relationships between a desirable pear shape and its tumor coverage should establish a more reliable dose specification for cancer of the cervix.
Dynamic Display of in-Vehicle Text Messages: The Impact of Varying Line Length and Scrolling Rate

This study examined the effect of varying dynamic display characteristics of in-vehicle text messages on visual sampling behavior. Sixteen participants navigated a simulated driving environment while reading text messages on an in-vehicle display. Each participant was exposed to four combinations of message segment length (short or long) and scrolling rate (slow or fast). Visual sampling was measured by the frequency and duration of glances to the display and the roadway, and comprehension of messages was measured by a series of post-drive questions. Results showed that varying segment length and scrolling rate affected the number of glances made to the display, but not their duration. Participants adjusted their reading rate to accommodate the rate at which messages scrolled, which protected reading comprehension but reduced the time spent viewing the roadway as the rate increased. Language: en
Selective tumor localization in experimental hepatoma by radiolabeled antiferritin antibody

Abstract The in vivo localization of 131 I-radiolabeled antiferritin and normal IgG in the H-4-II-E rat hepatoma model was investigated by serial necropsy. Groups of 14 to 18 animals were injected with 500 μCi (200 μg) of normal and antiferritin IgG. The total dose from the nonpenetrating beta radiation was calculated for tumor and normal tissue, and expressed as a targeting ratio of antiferritin to normal IgG for each organ studied. The results demonstrate 2.9 times greater dose deposition in tumors of animals treated with 131 I-antiferritin than with 131 I-normal IgG. 131 I-antiferritin deposited equivalently in primary tumors and metastatic lesions of similar size. The specific binding in tumors could be competitively inhibited by the addition of unlabeled antiferritin but not unlabeled normal IgG. Specific targeting with 131 I-antiferritin in comparison to 131 I-normal IgG did not occur in any normal tissue. There was considerable variation in the dose deposition in different normal tissues.
Intimate Partner Violence and Child Adjustment: Moderation by Father Contact?

Little is currently known about father-child contact in families with histories of intimate partner violence (IPV), despite important implications of father contact for these families. The current study of 219 ethnically diverse children aged 6 to 12-years-old and their abused mothers examined relations between father contact, IPV, and children’s internalizing and externalizing problems. Approximately 30 % of the children had no current in-person contact with their father, while another 15 % saw their father every day of the past year. Child internalizing and externalizing problems were positively correlated with frequency of IPV, but unrelated to father contact. Controlling for marital status and mother education, father contact moderated relations between IPV and child externalizing, but not internalizing problems. While father contact was not associated with child adjustment across the entire sample, it did moderate relations between IPV and child behavior problems, suggesting that child contact with a less violent or nonviolent father or father figure might have a buffering effect on behavior problems in children exposed to IPV. Recommendations around father contact in families with IPV are discussed.
Triadic Cantor target diffraction

Electromagnetic wave interactions with a triadic Cantor target are investigated as an example of diffraction by fractal apertures. Of interest is the evolution of diffraction pattern with fractal growth for these self-similar structures, and the development of efficient methods of calculation. It is found that such structures possess self-similar diffraction patterns and that simple analytic solutions can be found for these geometries. The solutions also exhibit a sense of self-similarity in their computation. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generation of a four-wing chaotic attractor by two weakly-coupled lorenz systems

This paper presents a novel chaotic four-wing attractor generated by coupling two identical Lorenz systems. An analysis of the proposed system shows that its equilibria have certain symmetries with respect to specific coordinate planes and the eigenvalues of the associated Jacobian matrices exhibit the property of similarity. In analogy with the original Lorenz system, where the two wings of the butterfly attractor are located around the two equilibria with the unstable pair of complex-conjugate eigenvalues, this paper shows that the four wings of this new attractor are located around four equilibria with four unstable complex-conjugate eigenvalues. A generalization of the proposed system to realize an eight-wing attractor is also described.
Aquaporin-4 Gene Disruption in Mice Reduces Brain Swelling and Mortality in Pneumococcal Meningitis *

The astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) facilitates water movement into and out of brain parenchyma. To investigate the role of AQP4 in meningitis-induced brain edema, Streptococcus pneumoniae was injected into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in wild type and AQP4 null mice. AQP4-deficient mice had remarkably lower intracranial pressure (9 ± 1 versus 25 ± 5 cm H2O) and brain water accumulation (2 ± 1 versus 9 ± 1 μl) at 30 h, and improved survival (80 versus 0% survival) at 60 h, through comparable CSF bacterial and white cell counts. Meningitis produced marked astrocyte foot process swelling in wild type but not AQP4 null mice, and slowed diffusion of an inert macromolecule in brain extracellular space. AQP4 protein was strongly up-regulated in meningitis, resulting in a ∼5-fold higher water permeability (Pf) across the blood-brain barrier compared with non-infected wild type mice. Mathematical modeling using measured Pf and CSF dynamics accurately simulated the elevated lower intracranial pressure and brain water produced by meningitis and predicted a beneficial effect of prevention of AQP4 upregulation. Our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis of brain edema in acute bacterial meningitis, and suggest that inhibition of AQP4 function or up-regulation may dramatically improve clinical outcome.
Local approaches to counterterrorism: the New York Police Department model

Ever since the 9/11 attacks elevated terrorism to the top rank of concerns for security studies scholars, attention by academics as well as practitioners has focused at the national and international level. Although it is often recognised that ‘all terrorism is local’, most counterterrorism is federal or above. But this approach is wrong, as effective defence against terrorism is to a significant degree a local project. Just as the US officials have argued that “homeland security begins with hometown security”, international and national security against terrorism is profoundly affected by local policies. This article argues that national defence against terrorism is best achieved through approaches that incorporate local law enforcement and intelligence organisations, and it examines the most prominent such American effort: the New York City Police Department intelligence programme.
Comparative Study of Dermal Glycosaminoglycans

Fractionation of saline soluble and insoluble dermal glycosaminoglycans (GAG) was performed on the sea cucumber (invertebrate), carp, rat, pig, calf, and human species. Hyaluronic acid predominated in the saline extract of all species except for the sea cucumber and the carp. Saline extracts and residues revealed the presence of dermatan sulfate in all specimens except the sea cucumber. With respect to the pig, carp, and rat, the sulfated GAG were equally distributed between the saline extract and the residue: while the rooster, sea cucumber, and human skin had the highest concentration of GAG in the residue. A human dermal specimen from a 7-year-old revealed traces of chondroitin sulfate A, while a specimen from a 30-year-old revealed traces of chondroitin sulfate C. The most interesting feature of the study was the sea cucumber dermis which was characterized as having: (a) large amounts of GAG. 3- to 10-fold higher than vertebrates, (b) absence of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate, (c) main GAG consisting of chondroitin sulfate A and C with a smaller unknown fraction.
Exit strategies of intracellular pathogens

The exit of intracellular pathogens from host cells is an important step in the infectious cycle, but is poorly understood. It has recently emerged that microbial exit is a process that can be directed by organisms from within the cell, and is not simply a consequence of the physical or metabolic burden that is imposed on the host cell. This Review summarizes our current knowledge on the diverse mechanisms that are used by intracellular pathogens to exit cells. An integrated understanding of the diversity that exists for microbial exit pathways represents a new horizon in the study of host-pathogen interactions.
Next-generation genome sequencing and assembly provides tools for phylogenetics and identification of closely related species of Spathius, parasitoids of Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer)

Abstract The ability to identify natural enemy species unequivocally is a crucial part of biological control by introductions. Such identification is often difficult for insect parasitoids, where cryptic species are often involved. However, recent advances in next-generation DNA sequencing allow whole-genome analysis of non-model species for the discovery of molecular polymorphisms that provide ample evidence to distinguish populations and species. We sequenced the genomes of four closely related species in the genus Spathius that are parasitoids of the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis . These include Spathius agrili , which has already been introduced in to the USA from China against A. planipennis , Spathius galinae, a recently discovered species from the Russian Far East that is being evaluated for introduction against A. planipennis , and Spathius floridanus and Spathius sp. (undescribed) , which are native to North America. Using the Illumina HiSeq technology, we sequenced the whole genomes of each species and made draft de novo assemblies of the genomes which were 147–213 million nucleotides long with 58–96 fold coverage. A random sample of 1000 contigs from the assembled genomes harbored 150–550 thousand single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or 1–2.8 SNPs per kilobase that were fixed differences between these species. Using these SNPs, we developed a molecular phylogeny for the four species, which showed that the undescribed Spathius species from the USA is most closely related to S. floridanus , and S. galinae is most closely related to S. agrili . Taking advantage of insertion/deletions that differed among species, we developed primers for 10 loci that differed in amplicon length on 10 different contigs. All loci with putative indels amplified for all species with the primers we designed, although amplicon fragment lengths for about half the species/locus combinations did not match the expected lengths. Nevertheless, four of loci gave amplicons with fixed length differences between these species. One primer pair alone can distinguish all four species, providing a simple, rapid, inexpensive PCR/gel-based identification of these Spathius species as larvae and adults.
Diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma in pediatric patients by thoracentesis.

The diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma by thoracentesis has been rarely reported in the literature, particularly in children. From 1995 to 2004, we diagnosed six pediatric patients with mature B-cell neoplasms using thoracentesis as the initial diagnostic procedure. The cytology, immunophenotyping, and cytogenetic results of the pleural fluid cells were consistent with mature B-cell malignancies. We conclude that thoracentesis for the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma in children is safe, fast, and accurate. It should be strongly considered as an initial diagnostic procedure for pediatric patients with pleural effusions who are suspected of having B-cell malignancies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:90–92. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement and modeling of magnetic hysteresis under field and stress application in iron–gallium alloys

Abstract Measurements are performed to characterize the hysteresis in magnetomechanical coupling of iron–gallium (Galfenol) alloys. Magnetization and strain of production and research grade Galfenol are measured under applied stress at constant field, applied field at constant stress, and alternately applied field and stress. A high degree of reversibility in the magnetomechanical coupling is demonstrated by comparing a series of applied field at constant stress measurements with a single applied stress at constant field measurement. Accommodation is not evident and magnetic hysteresis for applied field and stress is shown to be coupled. A thermodynamic model is formulated for 3-D magnetization and strain. It employs a stress, field, and direction dependent hysteron that has an instantaneous loss mechanism, similar to Coulomb-friction or Preisach-type models. Stochastic homogenization is utilized to account for the smoothing effect that material inhomogeneities have on bulk processes.
Impulsivity and cigarette craving: differences across subtypes

Rationale Cigarette smoking has been linked to a number of personality characteristics, including impulsivity. Smokers tend to endorse high levels of impulsivity, and more impulsive smokers have greater difficulty quitting, but little is known about potential explanatory mechanisms. Although indirect evidence suggests craving as a candidate mechanism, direct evidence has been mixed.
On functional periodicity as the basis for long-term stability of engineered and natural systems and its relationship to physical laws

In this research note, it is shown that for long-term stability, both engineered systems and natural systems must be either at a stable equilibrium state or have a functional periodicity. Examples are listed in a table. Classical physics such as Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics are based on the existence of equilibrium states, whereas modern physics such as quantum mechanics and superstring theory suppose the existence of a functional periodicity. The particle/wave duality of matters that forms the basis of quantum mechanics is consistent with the stability argument presented in this paper.
Barriers and Facilitators of Online Patient Portals to Personal Health Records Among Persons Living With HIV: Formative Research

Background: Federal meaningful use standards are promoting adoption of online portals to personal health records (PHRs). However, relatively little is known regarding barriers and facilitators for vulnerable groups such as persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Objective: The objective of this study was to assess barriers and facilitators to use of online PHRs among PLWH. Methods: We conducted formative research using a written waiting room survey among 120 PLWH regarding barriers and facilitators of portal PHR use. We supplemented findings with data collected from a PLWH focus group, where some members had personal experience with use of a portal. Results: The survey had 90 respondents. Eight PLWH participated in the focus group. Most patients (77/90, 86%) reported having at least some experience using the Internet and most expressed interest in features offered by the portal. Notably, 70% (63/90) expressed some interest in being taught how to use it to communicate with their provider. Focus group themes reinforced these findings, but also voiced concern regarding access to private computers. Conclusions: Many PLWH in our sample have experience using computers and most are interested in PHR features. However, computer or broadband access and privacy are important barriers. [JMIR Res Protoc 2013;2(1):e8]
Counter-flow gradient electrofocusing

Counter-flow gradient electrofocusing techniques are methods whereby a combination of electrophoresis and a bulk solution counter-flow is used to accumulate or focus analytes at stationary points along a separation column. This review first describes the various forms of counter-flow gradient electrofocusing that have been demonstrated in the literature and then compares figures of merit for counter-flow focusing methods and conventional CE methods. In an effort to compare the concentration enhancement of the various focusing techniques against each other, as well as of stacking methods, the parameter of analyte-accumulation velocity is introduced and employed to normalize the efficacy of the techniques.
Empirical null distribution based modeling of multi-class differential gene expression detection

In this paper, we study the multi-class differential gene expression detection for microarray data. We propose a likelihood-based approach to estimating an empirical null distribution to incorporate gene interactions and provide a more accurate false-positive control than the commonly used permutation or theoretical null distribution-based approach. We propose to rank important genes by p-values or local false discovery rate based on the estimated empirical null distribution. Through simulations and application to lung transplant microarray data, we illustrate the competitive performance of the proposed method.
Ozone production efficiency and NOx depletion in an urban plume: Interpretation of field observations and implications for evaluating O3‐NOx‐VOC sensitivity

Ozone production efficiency (OPE) can be defined as the number of ozone (O{sub 3}) molecules photochemically produced by a molecule of NO{sub x} (NO + NO{sub 2}) before it is lost from the NO{sub x} - O{sub 3} cycle. Here we consider observational and modeling techniques to evaluate various operational definitions of OPEs using aircraft and surface measurements taken as part of the 1999 Southern Oxidant Study field campaign in Nashville, Tennessee. A key tool in our analysis is a Lagrangian box model, which is used to quantitatively describe the effects of emissions, dilution, dry deposition, and photochemistry in an urban air parcel as it was advected downwind. After evaluating the model using the observed downwind concentrations of several key species, we show that the modeled NO{sub x} oxidation and O{sub 3} production rates as well as the associated instantaneous and cumulative OPEs depend on the time of day and the photochemical age of the air parcel. The observation-based OPEs are found to be consistent with the modeled values with the expected biases. A model sensitivity study suggests that downwind O{sub 3} concentrations in the Nashville plume are more sensitive to NO{sub x} emissions than anthropogenic VOC emissions. Because themore » OPE exhibits a nonlinear dependence on emissions and meteorological effects, it would be difficult to rely only on observations to map out the nonlinear response of O{sub 3} to a wide span of NO{sub x} and VOC emission changes. Properly constrained and well-evaluated models using a variety of observations are therefore necessary to reliably predict O{sub 3}-NO{sub x} -VOC sensitivity for designing effective O{sub 3} control strategies.« less
Memory implications of the spin‐value effect in soft multilayers

New multilayer permalloy materials with thin separation layers that have significantly increased M-R coefficients at room temperature have the potential for substantially increasing both the speed and density of M-R memories. An analysis in the following discussion shows that the bit density at a given performance level is related to the product of M-R response and sheet resistivity when operating at the current-density limit. With a doubling of both sheet resistivity and M-R response over existing materials, the bit area can be reduced by about a factor of 4. Alternatively, if the bit area is kept the same, signal output is increased by a factor of 4 and circuit time constants can be reduced by a factor of 16.
The Actions of Valproate and Neurosteroids in a Model of Trigeminal Pain

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are ubiquitous inhibitory receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Valproic acid (2-propylpentanoic acid), which enhances GABA synthesis and blocks degradation, is useful in migraine treatment and may act through activation of GABA receptors to modulate trigeminal nociceptive neurons innervating the meninges. To investigate this possibility, we tested the effect of valproate and allopregnanolone, a metabolite of progesterone, which binds and modulates the GABA receptor in an animal model of cephalic pain. One hundred ten Hartley guinea pigs were pretreated with either valproate or allopregnanolone 30 minutes prior to activation of trigeminal afferent fibers via intracisternal injection of the irritant, capsaicin. The effects of valproic acid and allopregnanolone were examined on c-fos expression within the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (lamina I, II), the termination site for small unmyelinated C fibers projecting from the meninges. C-fos positive cells were counted at three representative levels (rostral, middle, and caudal) by an observer naive to the treatment group. We found that valproate (> or = 10 mg/kg, IP) reduced labeled cells by 52% (P or = 100 mg/kg, IP) reduced labeled cells by 42% (P < 0.01). Bicuculline (GABAA antagonist), but not phaclofen (GABAB antagonist), blocked the valproate effect, thereby documenting the importance of GABAA receptors. We conclude that the attenuation of c-fos-LI by valproate and allopregnanolone is mediated via GABAA receptors. These studies complement prior experiments showing that valproic acid and allopregnanolone block neurogenic inflammation within the meninges via GABAA receptor-mediated mechanisms. The findings suggest a potential strategy for discovering new antimigraine drugs with high affinity for the GABAA receptor and its modulatory sites.
Software diagnostic aids on Aladdin

Abstract The upgrade of the Aladdin control system included many enhancements in the software. Some of the new diagnostic aids provided are: • - intelligent temporary logging of all readbacks for at least the previous 12 hours, • - permanent logging of specified readbacks into disk files, • - temporary logging of beam positions at an operator-specified interval, • - an alarm system for all devices, including range limits for analogue readbacks that should remain fixed and window limits which automatically track readbacks that should decay or increase monotonically, • - automated checklists to verify that devices are within the specified operating range for a particular phase of operation, • - latched digital signals to capture momentary changes. The software has been designed to alert the operator when something is wrong, without generating a flood of unimportant messages, and to make it possible to observe and record readbacks over a range of time scales. The latter capability is essential for tracking down marginal components and correlating observed problems with possible causes. The algorithms used for these diagnostic aids, and how well they perform their desired tasks, are described in this paper.
A high-resolution study of the gas flow in barred spirals

The considered investigation is concerned with conditions in that type of spiral galaxy which is known as a 'barred spiral'. The lack of star formation and the smoothness of the dark dust lanes may indicate that the bar region is pervaded by a more homogeneous interstellar medium with a lower viscosity than that characteristic of the outer regions. The effects of such a reduced viscosity are investigated on the basis of high-resolution time-dependent gasdynamical equations. Calculations modeling the gas flow in a given bar potential are presented. The calculations were performed on grids with various mesh sizes and consequently had different resolutions and numerical viscosities. A reduction in the numerical diffusion and viscosity was accompanied by changes in the flow pattern, including the appearance of a strong shock in the bar region and the occurrence of postshock outflow.
Parkinson\'s Law as a goal-setting phenomenon

Abstract Two experiments were designed to test the effects of different time limits on time taken to complete a task (Parkinson's law) and to determine whether goal-setting mediated the effects of time limits on performance rate. It was hypothesized that the different time limits would produce differences in performance rate only if and to the degree that different goals were set by Ss in the different conditions. Two groups were run in each experiment. On the first three trials, the Excess-time Ss were given twice as much time as was needed to complete an addition task, and the Minimum-time Ss were given just enough time to finish it. On the fourth trial, the Ss in both groups were allowed to work at their own pace, and on the fifth trial the Ss in both groups were asked to work as fast as their estimated “fastest possible” time. Both groups in both experiments performed in accordance with Parkinson's Law on trials 1 to 3 (the Excess Ss taking longer to complete the task), and the hypothesis that goal setting mediated the Parkinson effect was supported. It was also found, however, that the same goal could mean different things in different contexts. For instance, the Ss in the Excess group who were trying to work “quickly but not as fast as possible” on trials 1 to 3 worked at a significantly slower pace on these trials than the Minimum Ss who said they were working for the same goal during this period. Although the Parkinson effect did not extend to trials 4 and 5, goals were related to performance within groups on these trials.
Upregulated ank expression in osteoarthritis can promote both chondrocyte MMP-13 expression and calcification via chondrocyte extracellular PPi excess

Abstract Objective : In idiopathic chondrocalcinosis and in osteoarthritis (OA), increased extracellular PP i (ecPP i ) promotes calcification. In chromosome 5p-associated familial chondrocalcinotic degenerative arthropathy, certain mutations in the membrane protein ANK may chronically raise ecPP i via enhanced PP i channeling. Therefore, we assessed if dysregulated wild-type ANK expression could contribute to pathogenesis of idiopathic degenerative arthropathy through elevated ecPP i . Design : Using cells with genetic alterations in expression of ANK and the PP i -generating nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiestrase (NPP) PC-1, we examined how increased ANK expression elevates ecPPI, testing for codependent effects with PC-1. We also evaluated the effects of ANK expression on chondrocyte growth, matrix synthesis, and MMP-13 expression and we immunohistochemically examined ANK expression in situ in human knee OA cartilages. Results : Using cells expressing defective ANK, as well as PC-1 knockout cells, we demonstrated that ANK required PC-1 (and vice versa) to raise ecPP i and that the major ecPP i regulator TGFβ required both ANK and PC-1 to elevate ecPP i . Upregulation of wild-type ANK by transfection in normal chondrocytes not only raised ecPP i 5-fold to ∼100nM but also directly stimulated matrix calcification and inhibited collagen and sulfated proteoglycans synthesis. In addition, upregulated ANK induced chondrocyte MMP-13, an effect that also was stimulated within 2h by treatment of chondrocytes with 100nM PP i alone. Finally, ANK expression was upregulated in situ in human knee OA cartilages. Conclusion : Elevation of ecPP i by ANK critically requires the fraction of cellular PP i generated by PC-1. The upregulation of ANK expression in OA cartilage and the capacity of increased ANK expression to induce MMP-13 and to promote matrix loss suggest that increased ANK expression and ecPP i exert noxious effects in degenerative arthropathies beyond stimulation of calcification.
Processor Allocation in Multiprogrammed Distributed-Memory Parallel Computer Systems

In this paper, we examine three general classes of space-sharing scheduling policies under a workload representative of large-scale scientific computing. These policies differ in the way processors are partitioned among the jobs as well as in the way jobs are prioritized for execution on the partitions. We consider new static, adaptive and dynamic policies that differ from previously proposed policies by exploiting user-supplied information about the resource requirements of submitted jobs. We examine the performance characteristics of these policies from both the system and user perspectives. Our results demonstrate that existing static schemes do not perform well under varying workloads, and that the system scheduling policy for such workloads must distinguish between jobs with large differences in execution times. We show that obtaining good performance under adaptive policies requires somea prioriknowledge of the job mix in these systems. We further show that a judiciously parameterized dynamic space-sharing policy can outperform adaptive policies from both the system and user perspectives.
Study of Nanofluid Natural Convection Phenomena in Rectangular Enclosures

Buoyancy induced flows in rectangular enclosures using nanofluids were investigated. The effects of mass fraction concentration of nanoparticles, enclosure aspect ratio and inclination were observed. The nanofluid under investigation was a water-based alumina nanofluid. Since water exhibits an anomalous density extremum near 4°C the additional effect of buoyancy force reversal will also be observed. The opacity of nanofluid does not permit the use of particle image velocimetry, laser induced fluorescence or any other means of flow visualization or visual temperature measurement of the local fluid temperature. Therefore to investigate the temperature field a non-invasive method, namely ultrasound thermometry, will be used to observe the temperature field. The experimental enclosure was validated using water as the initial fluid; measured values of the local fluid temperature were compared with numerical simulations utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics. Nanofluid mass fractions of 10% and 25% were used for comparative purposes of the effects of concentration on the temperature field. Buoyancy force reversal effects were witnessed in both 10% and 25% concentrations. The nanofluid also prolonged the multicellular effects that occur in buoyancy inversion flows. A Rayleigh number inversion was observed for the 25% mass fraction nanofluid. The multicellular regime transitions to boundary layer regime at about Ra=1E+07 when the aspect ratio is 2.625 and at about Ra=2E+08 when the aspect ratio is 1.000, for different concentrations of nanofluid. For these concentrations of nanofluid and aspect ratio equal to 2.625, instability in the core region occurred at about Ra=1.2E+07.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Role of CL-100, a Dual Specificity Phosphatase, in Thrombin-induced Endothelial Cell Activation

Abstract Using a cDNA microarray screening approach, we have identified seven novel thrombin-responsive genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells that were verifiable by Northern blot analysis. Among them CL-100, a dual-specificity phosphatase also known as MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), showed greatest induction by thrombin. Steady-state levels of CL-100 mRNA induction by thrombin peaked at 1 h and declined rapidly (t½ ∼45 min). Induction by thrombin was protease-activated receptor-1-mediated, protein synthesis-independent, and transcriptionally regulated. Metabolic labeling followed by immunoprecipitation verified that the thrombin-induced CL-100 mRNA was translated into protein. We found that both Src-kinase and p42/p44 ERK activity are critical for thrombin-induced CL-100 expression, whereas phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase C activity were not required. Antisense-mediated inhibition of CL-100 was shown to prolong thrombin-induced ERK activity in endothelial cells, concomitant with an inhibition in thrombin-induced PDGF-A (platelet-derived growth factor A) and PDGF-B gene expression and an up-regulation in thrombin-induced VCAM-1 and E-selectin gene expression. Inhibition of ERK activation by PD98059 in endothelial cells was shown to potentiate thrombin-induced expression of PDGF-B (∼3-fold) while inhibiting thrombin-induced VCAM-1 and E-selectin gene expression by 60 and 70%, respectively. These results suggested that induced expression of the CL-100 phosphatase and its subsequent regulation of ERK activity play a key regulatory role in the thrombin signaling pathway and in the transcriptional regulation of pathologically important “endothelial cell activation genes.”
Hydrologic tracers and thresholds: A comparison of geochemical techniques for event-based stream hydrograph separation and flowpath interpretation across multiple land covers in the Panama Canal Watershed

Abstract Stream hydrograph separation using naturally occurring geochemical tracers holds great potential for elucidating mineral weathering and solute transport. This study addresses a critical need to characterize catchment runoff generation in the humid tropics using multiple natural tracers for hydrograph separation and concentration/discharge (C/Q) hysteresis analysis. We use hydrometric and geochemical data collected at the start of the wet season from three small, steep catchments located in the humid seasonal tropics of central Panama that differ primarily in land cover. We apply a dual source hydrograph separation model between two end-members: new event water precipitation and pre-event water stored in the catchment. We compare the effectiveness of electrical conductivity (EC) and stable water isotopes (δD and δ18O) tracers for identifying precipitation event water in stream runoff using across forested (1.43 km2), mixed land use ‘mosaic’ (1.82 km2) and pasture (0.42 km2) catchments. Hysteretic C/Q loops are analyzed for flowpath interpretation using δD, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, and SO42−. During a medium-large magnitude event on May 23, 2013, forest and mosaic stream δD, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+ exhibited clockwise hysteresis, SO42− exhibited anticlockwise hysteresis, and K+ and Cl− each showed no hysteresis. EC as a surrogate for total dissolved solids agrees acceptably with stable water isotope hydrograph separations during small peak runoff events ( 10 mm/h) in the mosaic catchment. Early wet-season events indicate lower event water fractions than events farther into the wet season. Despite previous work showing land cover strongly controls storm runoff efficiencies, hydrograph separation and hysteresis analyses only indicate weak event water delivery differences between the paired forest and mosaic catchments.
Controlling the Particle Size of Quantum Dots Incorporated in Hybrid Materials

Semiconductor PbS quantum dot-doped Ormocers were successfully prepared by the sol-gel technique. Ormocers preparation was based on the use of trifunctional silane precursors at the solution stage. Formation of PbS particles took place in the pores of the Ormocers through lead precursor reaction with H 2 S gas. It was observed that temperature was an important factor in the reaction leading to the first appearance of PbS particles. The dot size of PbS was controlled through chemical interaction with the non-hydrolyzed groups of the trifunctional silane precursors. These groups prevent uncontrolled nucleation and aggregation processes during the particle formation and growth. The control of particle size was studied at different conditions for nucleation and aggregation. Determination of the average particle size was done by XR-Diffraction. Optical absorption spectra were also measured at the UV-VIS wavelength range. Absorption edge blue shifts show the quantum confinement effect in these materials.
Characteristics of mucosal glottic wave analyzed with HSDI-kymography, regional FFT, and red-color pattern after recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated with laser surgery and intra-lesion bevacizumab injection

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a devastating disorder- especially in a performing professional voice user. The mainstay of treatment is based on immaculate serial removal of regrowing papillomas, usually with a laser. Repetitive laser excisions can cause significant scarring and webbing. The risks of post-operative sequela are exponentially increased with anterior location of papilloma clusters. The resultant dysphonia is not amenable to physiological voice therapy protocols. Additional or adjunctive treatments are eagerly sought by patients to avoid complications. Many of these treatments remain unproven. Recently, bevacizumab (Avastin) has been advocated as potentially useful. Consequently, we report a case treated with KTP lasering of papillomas with adjunctive intralesional bevacizumab injections. Current outcome of the case is analyzed with both traditional LVS and High Speed Digital Imaging (HSDI).
Phase-2 evaluation of a conflict detection tool in the terminal area

• Altitude entries did not impact false alerts • The user interface of the ATPA cones preferred over T-TSAFE alerts in the data block • Higher potential for complacency in the ATPA cones condition as compared to the T-TSAFE alerts in final approach • Overall there is enough trust in the tool to stay engaged
Comparative literature in question

Comparative literature is at once a subject of study, a general approach to literature, a series of specific methods of literary history, a return to a medieval way of thought, a methodological credo for the day, an administrative annoyance, a new wrinkle in university organization, a recherche academic pursuit, a recognition that even the humanities have a role to play in the affairs of the world, close-held by a cabal, invitingly open to all. …
Effect of nitrogen doping on microdefects and minority charge carrier lifetime of high-purity, dislocation-free and multicrystalline silicon

We studied the effects of Si growth in atmospheres containing N2 on minority charge carrier lifetime τ using a high-purity, induction-heated, float-zone (FZ) crystal growth method. Ingots were grown with purge gases that ranged from pure argon (99.9995%) to pure N2 (99.999%). τ was measured as a function of position along the ingots using the ASTM F28–75 photoconductive decay (PCD) method. We found that Ga-doped, multi-crystalline silicon ingot growth in a partial or total nitrogen ambient has a negligible effect on minority charge carrier lifetime and no significant grain boundary passivation effect. Values of 40 μms < τ < 100 μs were typical regardless of ambient. For dislocation-free (DF) growth, the degradation of τ is minimal and τ values above 1000 μs are obtained if the amount of N2 in the purge gas is below the level at which nitride compounds form in the melt and disrupt DF growth.