cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correcting for slow platform movement in deep‐water ADCP measurements

When boat-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) velocity measurements are taken in deep water where bottom-tracking capability no longer exists, navigational data via the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) are commonly collected to correct for the boat's contribution to the recorded ADCP velocity. The boat's cruise speed and the desired averaging interval for the water velocity are often great enough for navigational errors to become insignificant contributors to the uncertainty of the resulting water velocity. When the boat or other measurement platform is nearly stationary, navigational errors become significant and lead to an incorrect water velocity when navigational corrections are applied. Furthermore, when the water current is on the same order of magnitude as the slowly moving boat, the boat movement may not be easily distinguished from the fluid velocity. Factors that affect the quality of DGPS navigational estimates include the number of available satellites and their geometric properties in respect to one another. Here we present a method to correct the navigational velocity by developing criteria for geometric properties of the satellites, thus providing more accurate estimates of the water velocity. Assessment of the method indicates that less temporal averaging of the water velocity is needed to obtain a given uncertainty than when the cleaning procedure is not applied. This is an important property for many applications that often require relatively short temporal intervals, such as particle dispersion studies and the investigation of high-frequency internal waves.
Liver parenchymal cell proliferation during secondary induction with estradiol-17β in Xenopus☆

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that injection of adult male frogs with estradiol-17β causes extensive proliferation of liver parenchymal cells together with the induction of vitellogenin ( R. J. Spolski, W. Schneider, and L. J. Wangh (1985) Dev. Biol. 108, 332–340 ). In addition, purified parenchymal cells placed in culture synthesize DNA in an estrogen-dependent manner ( B. S. Aprison, L. Martin-Morris, R. J. Spolski, and L. J. Wangh (1986) In Vitro 22, 457–464 ). We now describe conditions under which secondary exposure to estradiol-17β, either in vivo or in vitro, can lead to further DNA synthesis and cell division. The extent of this proliferation depends upon both the magnitude of the primary dose and the length of time elapse before secondary stimulation. A hormone dose of 0.5 mg, which causes little cell proliferation initially, allows for maximal secondary proliferation in response to 2.0 mg, while a maximal primary dose of 2.0 mg substantially inhibits further division in response to a secondary treatment with the same hormone dose. Cell culture experiments demonstrate that the failure of liver cells, in maximally stimulated males, to synthesize DNA in response to estrogen is not irreversible. But, cell crowding in culture does restrict DNA synthesis. The restrictions seen in vivo may therefore be due to structural features of the intact tissue rather than to terminal differentiation at the genetic level. These results are discussed with regard to our understanding of hormone-dependent differentiation in the frog liver system.
Analysis and design of AlGaN/GaN HEMT resistive mixers

In this article, resistive mixers using AlGaN/GaN high electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) devices are examined. Models of the GaN devices in linear region were created. Behavior of conversion loss with LO power is well predicted using the developed model. Three down-conversion mixers were designed for RF frequency of 1.7 GHz and IF frequency of 200 MHz using LO frequency of 1.9 GHz. GaN HEMT devices with gate width of 300 μm, and gate lengths of 1.2, 1.0, and 0.75 μm were used in the mixers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1152–1154, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22390
Targeted therapy for neuro-oncology : reviewing the menu

Targeted therapy against cancer shows not only promise, but also limits. No matter how specific the target, many pathways and cell types can be affected, some unexpectedly. A tumor is heterogeneous and plastic; it can evade a targeting agent or an attack mechanism. Local regulatory factors contribute to site-specific effects. In the brain, widely disseminated tumor, including microscopic tumor; local regulatory differences and impediments to brain-wide delivery can all limit the efficacy of any single agent or approach. Provocatively, precedents for both problems and solutions are seen in the original targeted therapy, the immune response.
Three-dimensional analysis of coherent amplification and self-amplified spontaneous emission in free-electron lasers.

The growth and saturation of spontaneous emission and coherent radiation in a long undulator are studied by use of the 3D Maxwell-Klimontovich equation. Electron correlation, transverse radiation profiles, spectral features, transverse coherence, and intensity characteristics are discussed. The results, which agree with recent microwave experiments, are applied to proposed schemes for generation of short-wavelength coherent radiation.
A chemical-spectrochemical method for the determination of rare earth elements and thorium in cerium minerals

Abstract In a combined chemical-spectrochemical procedure for quantitatively determining rare earth elements in cerium minerals, cerium is determined volumetrically, a total rare earths plus thoria precipitate is separated chemically, the ceria content of the precipitate is raised to 80·0 percent by adding pure ceria, and the resulting mixture is analyzed for lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, yttrium, and thorium spectrochemically by means of the d.c. carbon arc. Spectral lines of singly ionized cerium are used as internal standard lines in the spectrochemical determination which is patterned after Fassel's procedure [1]. Results of testing the method with synthetic mixtures of rare earths and with samples of chemically analyzed cerium minerals show that the coefficient of variation for a quadruplicate determination of any element does not exceed 5·0 (excepting yttrium at concentrations less than 1 percent) and that the method is free of serious systematic error.
Hypertension and medullary sponge kidneys in an adolescent with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

THE BECKWITH-WIEDEMANN SYNDROME is characterized by omphalocele, macroglossia, and gigantism. Less frequently, neonatal hypoglycemia, visceromegaly, abnormalities of the ear lobe, and facial nevus flammeus may occur. At necropsy, enlargement o f the pancreas and kidneys, fetal lobulation of the kidneys, renal medullary dysplasia, cytomegaly of the adrenal fetal cortex, and gonadal interstitial cell hyperplasia have been demonstrated.l. 2 Little is known about the manifestations of the syndrome in the adolescent and adult. This report describes an adolescent with hypertension and manifestations of the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome which were not diagnosed in childhood.
Filming the invisible in 4-D.

Picture this: a movie revealing the inner workings of a cell or showing a nanomachine in action. A new microscopy is making such imaging possible.
Performance of the Coolidge solar thermal electric power plant

Energy performance and equipment evaluation results are presented for the grid-connected Coolidge solar thermal-electric power plant. Performance was determined for each of the major subsystems - line-focus collector array, thermal energy storage and 200 kW, organic Rankine cycle engine and generator. Day-long collector array efficiency was about 32, 26, and 9 percent in June, September, and December respectively. Energy conversion efficiency was about 20 percent; electrical parasitics reduced this by 12 percent. Operation and maintenance required about 90 h/mo, only 20 percent requiring special skills or training. Operating supplies and repair services cost about /6300 per year. Major equipment problem categories were fluid leakage and electric motor and electronic component failures. The presented operating data provide a basis for improved design and analysis.
Elephants (and extinct relatives) as earth-movers and ecosystem engineers

Abstract Modern African elephants affect habitats and ecosystems in significant ways. They push over trees to feed on upper branches and often peel large sections of bark to eat. These destructive habits sometimes transform woody vegetation into grasslands. Systems of elephant trails may be used and re-used for centuries, and create incised features that extend for many kilometers on migration routes. Elephants, digging in search of water or mineral sediments, may remove several cubic meters of sediments in each excavation. Wallowing elephants may remove up to a cubic meter of pond sediments each time they visit water sources. Accumulations of elephant dung on frequented land surfaces may be over 2 kg per square meter. Elephant trampling, digging, and dust-bathing may reverse stratigraphy at archeological localities. This paper summarizes these types of effects on biotic, geomorphic, and paleontological features in modern-day landscapes, and also describes several fossil sites that indicate extinct proboscideans had very similar effects, such as major sediment disturbances.
CAD-integrated analysis of 3-D beams: a surface-integration approach

Most engineering artifacts are designed and analyzed today within a 3-D computer aided design (CAD) environment. However, slender objects such as beams are designed in a 3-D environment, but analyzed using a 1-D beam-element, since their 3-D analysis exhibits locking and/or is computationally inefficient. This process is tedious and error-prone. Here, we propose a dual-representation strategy for designing and analyzing 3-D beams, directly within a 3-D CAD environment. The proposed method exploits classic 1-D beam physics, but is implemented within a 3-D CAD environment by appealing to the divergence theorem. Consequently, the proposed method is numerically and computationally equivalent to classic 1-D beam analysis for uniform cross-section beams. But, more importantly, it closely matches the accuracy of a full-blown 3-D finite element analysis for non-uniform beams.
A novel low-energy electrotherapy that terminates ventricular tachycardia with lower energy than a biphasic shock when antitachycardia pacing fails.

Objectives The authors sought to develop a low-energy electrotherapy that terminates ventricular tachycardia (VT) when antitachycardia pacing (ATP) fails. Background High-energy implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are associated with device failure, significant morbidity, and increased mortality. A low-energy alternative to ICD shocks is desirable. Methods Myocardial infarction was created in 25 dogs. Sustained, monomorphic VT was induced by programmed stimulation. Defibrillation electrodes were placed in the right ventricular apex, and coronary sinus and left ventricular epicardium. If ATP failed to terminate sustained VT, the defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) of standard versus experimental electrotherapies were measured. Results Sustained VT ranged from 276 to 438 beats/min (mean 339 beats/min). The right ventricular–coronary sinus shock vector had lower impedance than the right ventricular–left ventricular patch (54.4 ± 18.1 Ω versus 109.8 ± 16.9 Ω; p Conclusions MSE achieved a major reduction in DFT compared with a single biphasic shock for ATP-refractory monomorphic VT, and represents a novel electrotherapy to reduce high-energy ICD shocks.
Ultrafast UV-visible and infrared spectroscopic observation of a singlet vinylcarbene and the intramolecular cyclopropenation reaction.

Ultrafast UV−vis/IR spectroscopies were used to study the photochemistry of a vinyl diazo ester PhCH═CHCN2CO2CH3 (1) in solution. The results indicate that singlet styrylcarbomethoxy carbene (12) is produced from the excited state of diazo precursor (1*). It is concluded that vinyl singlet carbene (12) undergoes an intramolecular cyclopropenation reaction to produce the cyclopropene product (3), and undergoes intersystem crossing to ground triplet carbene (32). The predictions of DFT calculations are consistent with the observations.
Spatial structure of greater than 100 keV X-ray sources in solar flares

Recent ISEE 3 and Pioneer Venus Orbiter observations relevant to the altitude structure of the hard X-ray source down to 3000 km or less above the photosphere are reported. About 90 percent of the impulsive X-ray emission and about 70 percent of the gradual emission originates at altitudes 2500 km or less above the photosphere. In the 100-500 keV range, this altitude dependence is essentially independent of photon energy. Brightness of the impulsive X-ray source decreases rapidly with increase in altitude. As far as models of the impulsive phase are concerned, the thermal model with adiabatic compression and expansion of a magnetically confined plasma and the thin target model are not consistent with these observations. The thick target model and the dissipative thermal model are consistent with the observed low altitude of the hard X-ray source.
Small Village Relations in Guatemala: A Case Study

Professor George Foster's conceptualizations concerning the nature of interpersonal relations in peasant society are stimulating guidelines for continuing research. However, data collected in the small Guatemalan peasant village of San Miguel Milpas Altas suggest that several of Foster's ideas - basic to his model of peasant society - need refinement, modification, and testing. The data from San Miguel contain at least two implications for this model. These concern the relatively great importance Foster attributes to population size as a factor in determining the "quality" of interpersonal relations in a community and, conversely, his lack of emphasis on this same variable in relation to forces making for cohesion and stability in a peasant community.
Drug Use and Its Relation to Alcohol and Cigarette Consumption in the Military Community of West Germany (Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes in a Military Setting)

An epidemiological study of the prevalence of smoking, drinking, drunkenness, and drug usage based on the analysis of a questionnaire survey administered to 557 American High School students and 1219 military personnel during 1970 indicated that disorders of habit as manifested by cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug abuse are interrelated. These data are interpreted as consistent with the hypothesis that some individuals respond to stress through these activities, with resultant consequences for health. Drug use is thus seen as a relatively new manifestation of established coping mechanisms (experimentations, habits, intoxications).Indirect evidence shows that the associations of drug users differ from those of nonusers in a way that might explain a progression from use of “soft” drugs to that of “hard” drugs. Survey data also indicate that the bulk of initial drug use by military respondents occurs prior to military service (56 %) and prior to arrival in the Federal Republic of Germ...
Metrics of the gynecologic oncology literature focused on cited utilization and costs

Abstract Objective The newest findings on literature utilization relevant to gynecologic oncology were published by Thomson Reuters during June 2013 as determinants of journal standing. Our objective was to assess the different metrics reported for relative impact and cost for journals relevant to gynecologic oncology. Methods 55 journals were evaluated for Impact Factor (IF), 5Year IF, Immediacy Index, Cited Half Life, Eigenfactor (EF) Score, Article Influence (AI) scores and subscription costs obtained from publisher information. Results CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians had the highest IF (101.78) & AI (24.502). The top EF cancer-specific journals were the Journal of Clinical Oncology , Cancer Research , Clinical Cancer Research and Oncogene . Rankings for Gynecologic Oncology (409 articles, 18,243 citations) were IF=3.929, 43/55, EF=0.038, 28/55, and AI=1.099, 44/55, all higher than the previous year. The IF improved from the 5year IF in 31 journals, including Gynecologic Oncology , 29/31. Subscription costs for Gynecologic Oncology compared favorably to other journals. Conclusions The high utilization of review information in CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians and Nature Review Cancer illustrated by the IF coupled with a relatively low number of articles and short cited half life indicates that they serve as a leading source of quoted cancer statistics ( CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians ). Rankings for Gynecologic Oncology and the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer have improved. Regardless of specialty size, the Impact Factor for Gynecologic Oncology is respectably strong. The decreased IF in 44% of the journals may reflect the international economy's effect on cancer research.
Extracellular nucleotides inhibit oxalate transport by human intestinal Caco-2-BBe cells through PKC-δ activation

Nephrolithiasis remains a major health problem in Western countries. Seventy to 80% of kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate, and small changes in urinary oxalate affect risk of kidney stone formation. Intestinal oxalate secretion mediated by the anion exchanger SLC26A6 plays an essential role in preventing hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, indicating that understanding the mechanisms regulating intestinal oxalate transport is critical for management of hyperoxaluria. Purinergic signaling modulates several intestinal processes through pathways including PKC activation, which we previously found to inhibit Slc26a6 activity in mouse duodenal tissue. We therefore examined whether purinergic stimulation with ATP and UTP affects oxalate transport by human intestinal Caco-2-BBe (C2) cells. We measured [14C]oxalate uptake in the presence of an outward Cl− gradient as an assay of Cl−/oxalate exchange activity, ≥50% of which is mediated by SLC26A6. We found that ATP and UTP significantly inhibited oxalate transport by C2 cells, an effect blocked by the PKC inhibitor Go-6983. Utilizing pharmacological agonists and antagonists, as well as PKC-δ knockdown studies, we observed that ATP inhibits oxalate transport through the P2Y2 receptor, PLC, and PKC-δ. Biotinylation studies showed that ATP inhibits oxalate transport by lowering SLC26A6 surface expression. These findings are of potential relevance to pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease-associated hyperoxaluria, where supraphysiological levels of ATP/UTP are expected and overexpression of the P2Y2 receptor has been reported. We conclude that ATP and UTP inhibit oxalate transport by lowering SLC26A6 surface expression in C2 cells through signaling pathways including the P2Y2 purinergic receptor, PLC, and PKC-δ.
Shifting N and P limitation along a north-south gradient of mangrove estuaries in South Florida

A multivariate statistical analysis was applied to a 10 year, multiparameter data set in an effort to describe the spatial dependence and inherent variation of water quality patterns in the mangrove estuaries of Ten Thousand Islands – Whitewater Bay area. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 16 water quality parameters collected monthly resulted in five groupings, which explained 72.5% of the variance of the original variables. The “Organic” component (PCI) was composed of alkaline phosphatase activity, total organic nitrogen, and total organic carbon; the “Dissolved Inorganic N” component (PCII) contained NO 3 − , NO 2 − , and NH 4 + ; the “Phytoplankton” component (PCIII) was made up of total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and turbidity; dissolved oxygen and temperature were inversely related (PCIV); and salinity and soluble reactive phosphorus made up PCV. A cluster analysis of the mean and SD of PC scores resulted in the spatial aggregation of the 47 fixed stations into six classes having similar water quality, which we defined as: Mangrove Rivers, Whitewater Bay, Gulf Islands, Coot Bay, Blackwater River, and Inland Waterway. Marked differences in physical, chemical, and biological characteristics among classes were illustrated by this technique. Comparison of medians and variability of parameters among classes allowed large scale generalizations as to underlying differences in water quality in these regions. A strong south to north gradient in estuaries from high N - low P to low N - high P was ascribed to marked differences in landuse, freshwater input, geomorphology, and sedimentary geology along this tract. The ecological significance of this gradient discussed along with potential effects of future restoration plans.
Interaction Between NFκB and NFAT Coordinates Cardiac Hypertrophy and Pathological Remodeling

Rationale:Both nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT) and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) are Rel homology domain (RHD)-containing transcription factors whose independent activities are critically involved in regulating cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Objective:To determine the potential functional interaction between NFAT and NFκB signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes and its role in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. Methods and Results:We identified a novel transcriptional regulatory mechanism whereby NFκB and NFAT directly interact and synergistically promote transcriptional activation in cardiomyocytes. We show that the p65 subunit of NFκB coimmunoprecipitates with NFAT in cardiomyocytes, and this interaction maps to the RHD within p65. Overexpression of the p65-RHD disrupts the association between endogenous p65 and NFATc1, leading to reduced transcriptional activity. Overexpression of IκB kinase β (IKKβ) or p65-RHD causes nuclear translocation of NFATc1, and expression of a constitutively nuclear NF...
An Active Decoupling Capacitance Circuit for Inductive Noise Suppression in Power Supply Networks

The placement of on-die decoupling capacitors (decap) between the power and ground supply grids has become a common practice in high performance processor designs. In this paper, we present a new active decap circuit that significantly increase the effectiveness of decap in suppressing power supply fluctuations. The proposed circuit senses the supply drop and drives an amplified and inverted voltage fluctuation on the decap. The active decoupling circuit is powered by a separate power supply and we study the optimal allocation of the total C4s/pads between this second power supply and the regular supply as well as the optimal allocation of the total decoupling capacitance between actively switched and traditional static decap. Finally, we demonstrate that the overhead of the proposed method is small compared to the area of the decaps. Using the proposed method, the maximum supply drop is reduced by 45% compared to the use of only traditional decap, corresponding to an increase in the effective decap of approximately 8times.
Some Reasons that Mental Health Treatments Are Not Technologies: Toward Treatment Development and Adaptation Outside Labs

This paper discusses positive and negative aspects of the use of the technology metaphor as applied to mental health treatment development and adaptation. The author highlights that treatments to date have been developed almost exclusively for client symptom patterns, though much evidence and theory suggests that other factors, such as nonsymptom client variables and provider and agency variables, may be important to consider as well. In addition, the importance of developing and adapting treatments outside of the lab is emphasized. [Clin Psychol Sci Prac 11: 186–189, 2004] Pepper’s (1942) contribution to modern science’s metaphysics was important. By identifying core metaphors that guide theory and research, he focused scientists on the strengths and limitations of the metaphor of choice. Gotham (2004, this issue) makes a great contribution in identifying the importance of conceptualizing the work that an emerging group of researchers are engaged in, namely the diffusion of evidence-based treatment interventions. In particular, she reminds us that moving from the lab to the ‘‘real world’’ will be complex and will likely involve multiple steps. This endeavor will involve research that is focused not only on the effectiveness of treatment programs, but also on the mechanisms that lead to effective diffusion and those that impede diffusion. As one of the researchers
Depression and self-reported functional status in older primary care patients.

OBJECTIVE: The authors’ goal was to examine whether depression is associated with overreporting of functional disability. METHOD: The subjects were 304 patients 60 years old or older who were recruited from primary care settings. Measures included examiner ratings of depression diagnosis and medical burden and self-reported and examiner-rated functional assessments. Multiple regression techniques were used to determine the independent association of depression with self-reported function after examiner-rated function was added to the analysis as a covariate. RESULTS: Depression diagnosis was associated with poorer self-reported role functioning, whether the patient attributed the disability to physical or emotional causes. Depression was not independently associated with poorer self-reported physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and researchers should recognize that depression can confound the self-reporting and attribution of functional disability.
Effect of aging on rat skeletal muscle beta-AR function in male Fischer 344 x brown Norway rats

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that, in the male Fischer 344 x Brown Norway (F344xBN) rat, aging would be associated with an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and a decrease in skeletal muscle beta-adrenergic-receptor (beta-AR) density and function. Radioligand-binding studies using [125I] iodocyanopindolol were done to evaluate beta-AR density (Bmax) and antagonist-binding affinity in gastrocnemius and cardiac muscle from 6-, 18-, and 28-mo-old male F344xBN rats. beta-AR function was measured as adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity stimulated by the beta-AR agonist isoproterenol (Iso, 10(-4) M). Basal arterial plasma norepinephrine (pNE) concentrations were higher in the 28-than in the 6- and 18-mo-old rats. Bmax was greatest and Iso-stimulated AC activity was unchanged in gastrocnemius muscle of the 28-mo-old age group. In contrast, there was an age-associated decrease in Bmax and Iso-stimulated AC activity in cardiac muscle. In conclusion, there was an age-associated increase in pNE concentrations in male F344xBN rats, suggesting an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity. In addition, there was an age-associated increase in skeletal muscle beta-AR density, whereas in skeletal muscle beta-AR-stimulated AC activity remained unchanged with age.
Effect of the Manganese Valence State on the Electrical Conductivity of Barium Titanate

The effect of defect structure on electrical conductivity for Mn-doped BaTiO3 at high temperatures was studied experimentally and theoretically. The measured conductivity was proportional to Po2−1/4 in the n-type region, and to Po2+1/6 in the p-type region in the temperature range between 900° and 1000°C. The results agree with calculations on the basis of the equilibrium equation for the valence change of Mn ions between tetravalent and trivalent. In the p-type region, the concentration of trivalent Mn ions decreases with Po2−1/6.
A semi‐global low‐and‐high gain design technique for linear systems with input saturation—stabilization and disturbance rejection

In this paper we propose a linear low-and-high gain design technique to solve the semi-global stabilization problem for a class of linear systems subject to input saturation. The central idea behind this new technique is to increase the utilization of the available control capability of the system. The power of this new semi-global design technique is shown by solving the problem of semi-global stabilization with input-additive disturbance rejection which is formulated as a semi-global practical stabilization problem.
I wish I had understood this at the beginning: dilemmas in research, teaching, and the introduction of technology in engineering design courses

Advances in computer technology have made it feasible to provide engineering design students with computer support for learning about and performing various activities in the engineering design process. Important issues for consideration are how to design the computer tools and how to integrate these tools into existing courses. We have focused our efforts on learning how to design collaboration software and also on understanding how to integrate it into an engineering design course. We conducted two quarters of a formative evaluation, during which our software (CaMILE, an Internet based collaboration tool) was used by third year mechanical engineering design students. These students were introduced to and received support for the software in the context of a special voluntary laboratory course focusing more generally on technological support for their efforts in the design course. Our reflections on this experience have led to the identification of the three dilemmas described in the paper: evaluation in or out of the classroom; more with less or more with more; and compatibility of learning about and learning through collaboration. While the three dilemmas were identified in the context of our specific efforts, findings from other educational technology projects as well as other domains support their generality. The paper provides the context for understanding the dilemmas, a description of each, and the impact of each on our current endeavors.
Extraction of Belladonna Root by Various Furans

Data have been collected and tabulated on the Soxhlet extraction of belladonna root by furan, 2-methylfuran, tetrahydrofuran, and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; and on the ability of the following furan azeotropes to extract the alkaloids of belladonna root: 2-methylfuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran-methanol, tetrahydrofuran-ethanol, and tetrahydrofuran (4.3% water). A procedure for the extraction of belladonna root with tetrahydrofuran azeotrope (4.3% water) by Soxhlet extraction is discussed. The isolation and identification of sucrose, malic acid, l-hyoscyamine sulfate, aurichloride, and picrate by the use of the above extraction is given.
Changes in pulmonary arterial wall mechanical properties and lumenal architecture with induced vascular remodeling

To explore and quantify pulmonary arterial remodeling we used various methods including micro-CT, high-resolution 3-dimensional x-ray imaging, to examine the structure and function of intact pulmonary vessels in isolated rat lungs. The rat is commonly used as an animal model for studies of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and the accompanying vascular remodeling, where vascular remodeling has been defined primarily by changes in the vessel wall composition in response to hypertension inducing stimuli such as chronic hypoxic exposure (CHE) or monocrotaline (MCT) injection. Little information has been provided as to how such changes affect the vessel wall mechanical properties or the lumenal architecture of the pulmonary arterial system that actually account for the hemodynamic consequences of the remodeling. In addition, although the link between primary forms of pulmonary hypertension and inherited genetics is well established, the role that genetic coding plays in hemodynamics and vascular remodeling is not. Therefore, we are utilizing Fawn-Hooded (FH), Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Brown Norway (BN)rat strains along with unique imaging methods to parameterize both vessel distensibility and lumenal morphometry using a principal pulmonary arterial pathway analysis based on self-consistency. We have found for the hypoxia model, in addition to decreased body weight, increased hematocrit, increased right ventricular hypertrophy, the distensibility of the pulmonary arteries is shown to decrease significantly in the presence of remodeling.
Specific and Rapid Enumeration of Viable but Nonculturable and Viable-Culturable Gram-Negative Bacteria by Using Flow Cytometry

An issue of critical concern in microbiology is the ability to detect viable but nonculturable (VBNC) and viable-culturable (VC) cells by methods other than existing approaches. Culture methods are selective and underestimate the real population, and other options (direct viable count and the double-staining method using epifluorescence microscopy and inhibitory substance-influenced molecular methods) are also biased and time-consuming. A rapid approach that reduces selectivity, decreases bias from sample storage and incubation, and reduces assay time is needed. Flow cytometry is a sensitive analytical technique that can rapidly monitor physiological states of bacteria. This report outlines a method to optimize staining protocols and the flow cytometer (FCM) instrument settings for the enumeration of VBNC and VC bacterial cells within 70 min. Experiments were performed using the FCM to quantify VBNC and VC Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas syringae, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium cells after staining with different fluorescent probes: SYTO 9, SYTO 13, SYTO 17, SYTO 40, and propidium iodide (PI). The FCM data were compared with those for specific standard nutrient agar to enumerate the number of cells in different states. By comparing results from cultures at late log phase, 1 to 64% of cells were nonculturable, 40 to 98% were culturable, and 0.7 to 4.5% had damaged cell membranes and were therefore theoretically dead. Data obtained using four different Gram-negative bacteria exposed to heat and stained with PI also illustrate the usefulness of the approach for the rapid and unbiased detection of dead versus live organisms.
Distribution of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit mRNAs in the rat hypothalamus.

The excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate participates in the control of most (and possibly all) neuroendocrine systems in the hypothalamus. This control is exerted by binding to two classes of membrane receptors, the ionotropic and metabotropic receptor families, which differ in their structure and mechanisms of signal transduction. To gain a better understanding about the precise sites of action of glutamate and the subunit compositions of the receptors involved in the glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hypothalamus and septum, in situ hybridization was used with 35S-labeled cRNA probes for the different ionotropic receptor subunits, including glutamate receptor subunits 1-4 (GluR1-GluR4), kainate-2, GluR5-GluR7, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor 1 (NMDAR1), and NMDAR2A-NMDAR2D. The results showed that subunits of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate-preferring, kainate-preferring, and NMDA-preferring receptor subunits are distributed widely but heterogeneously and that the GluR1, GluR2, kainate-2, NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, and NMDAR2B subunits are the most abundant in the hypothalamus. Thus, GluR1 subunit mRNA was prominent in the lateral septum, preoptic area, mediobasal hypothalamus, and tuberomammillary nucleus, whereas kainate-2 subunit mRNA was abundant in the medial septum-diagonal band, median and anteroventral preoptic nuclei, and supraoptic nuclei as well as the magnocellular portion of the posterior paraventricular nucleus. Regions that contained the highest levels of NMDAR1 subunit mRNA included the septum, the median preoptic nucleus, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, and the supraoptic and suprachiasmatic nuclei as well as the arcuate nucleus. Together, the extensive distribution of the different GluR subunit mRNAs strengthen the view that glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus. The overlap in the distribution of the various subunit mRNAs suggests that many neurons can express GluR channels that belong to different families, which would allow a differential regulation of the target neurons by glutamate.
Improved Approximation Algorithms for Uncapacitated Facility Location

We consider the uncapacitated facility location problem. In this problem, there is a set of locations at which facilities can be built; a fixed cost f i is incurred if a facility is opened at location i. Further- more, there is a set of demand locations to be serviced by the opened facilities; if the demand location j is assigned to a facility at location i, then there is an associated service cost of cij. The objective is to de- termine which facilities to open and an assignment of demand points to the opened facilities, so as to minimize the total cost. We assume that the service costs c ij are symmetric and satisfy the triangle inequality. For this problem we obtain a (1 + 2/e)-approximation algorithm, where 1 + 2/e ≈ 1.736, which is a significant improvement on the previously known approximation guarantees.
Socioeconomic Status and Parenting Priorities: Child Independence and Obedience Around the World

This study investigates the extent to which both national and personal socioeconomic status shape national norms and parenting priorities concerning child socialization. Data came from the European Values Survey, the World Values Survey, and the World Bank Data Catalog, resulting in 227,431 parents from 90 nations across fives study waves (1981–2008). Child independence was more popular in nations with greater wealth and more highly educated populations; obedience was more popular in nations with less wealth and lower percentages of educated and urban populations. Personal socioeconomic status predicted individual parents' prioritization of child independence and obedience; higher social class predicted a greater likelihood of endorsing independence and not endorsing obedience. Time-slope estimation across study waves revealed that parents' prioritization of independence and obedience may rise over time in developing nations. Results provide implications for education, practice, and policy on cultural variations in parenting.
Normalization of prostate specific antigen in patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the expected time to prostate specific antigen (PSA) normalization with or without neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (NAAD) therapy after treatment with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort research design was used. A total of 133 patients with clinical stage T1c to T3b prostate cancer (2002 AJCC staging) treated in a community setting between January 2002 and July 2005 were reviewed for time to PSA normalization using 1 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL as criteria. All patients received IMRT as part of their management. Times to PSA normalization were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Significance was assessed at p 0.05), and 303 ± 24 and 405 ± 46 days, respectively, for PSA < 1 ng/mL (p < 0.05). Stage T1 and T2 tumors had significantly increased time to PSA normalization < 1 ng/mL in comparison to Stage T3 tumors. Also, higher Gleason scores were significantly correlated with a faster time to PSA normalization < 1 ng/mL. Conclusions: Use of NAAD in conjunction with IMRT leads to a significantly shortened time to normalization of serum PSA < 1 ng/mL in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.
Verifying Solution Component Concentration by Measuring Frequency Dependent Conduction of Electrically Charged Species

A conductive layer in a film or a sheet is an effective method for preventing static problems during production operations and in customer applications. Additionally, conductive layers form active electrodes in MEMS devices and traces in printed electronic circuits that are now produced in continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. The conductive layer is formed by coating a solution or ink onto the moving substrate and subsequently drying the liquid to form the solid layer. The coated solution contains many components including particles or large organic molecules that provide conductivity in the dried layer. The conductivity of the layer must be controlled to satisfy product requirements. Variation in the concentration of the conductive species in solution is common source of variability. Verification of the concentration is proposed using a conductivity sensor immersed in the solution and measuring electrical admittance as a function of frequency. For sufficient sensitivity, the conductive species must be the largest, electrically mobile species in the solution as is the case for the formulation of many conductive layers. The decrease in admittance with increasing frequency verifies the concentration. For satisfactory measurement sensitivity, the concentration of the mobile species must be sufficiently high so that conduction due to this species can be detected. And, the relaxation time taus, which is unique to a specific species must be large compared with the charge relaxation time taue of the solution so that the decrease in conduction due to the mobile species will be evident.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate induces mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase-dependent apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

Polyphenols such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea extract can exert a growth-suppressive effect on human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. In pursuit of our investigations to dissect the molecular mechanism of EGCG action on pancreatic cancer, we observed that the antiproliferative action of EGCG on pancreatic carcinoma is mediated through programmed cell death or apoptosis as evident from nuclear condensation, caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. EGCG-induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells is accompanied by growth arrest at an earlier phase of the cell cycle. In addition, EGCG invokes Bax oligomerization and depolarization of mitochondrial membranes to facilitate cytochrome c release into cytosol. EGCG-induced downregulation of IAP family member X chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) might be helpful to facilitate cytochrome c mediated downstream caspase activation. On the other end, EGCG elicited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in pancreatic carcinoma cells. Interestingly, inhibitor of JNK signaling pathway as well as antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) blocked EGCG-induced apoptosis. To summarize, our studies suggest that EGCG induces stress signals by damaging mitochondria and ROS-mediated JNK activation in MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic carcinoma cells.
Characterization of an Unstable Allele of the Arabidopsis HY4 Locus

The Arabidopsis HY4 gene encodes the nonessential blue light photoreceptor CRY1. Loss-of-function hy4 mutants have an elongated hypocotyl phenotype after germination under blue light. We previously analyzed 20 independent hy4 alleles produced by fast neutron mutagenesis. These alleles were grouped into two classes based on their genetic behavior and corresponding deletion size: (1) null hy4 alleles that were semidominant over wild type and contained small or moderate-sized deletions at HY4 and (2) null hy4 alleles that were recessive lethal and contained large HY4 deletions. Here we describe one additional fast neutron hy4 mutant, B144, that did not fall into either of these two classes. Mutant B144 was isolated as a heterozygote with an intermediate hy4 phenotype. One allele from this mutant, hy4-B144(Delta), contains a large deletion at HY4 and is recessive lethal. The other allele from this mutant, HY4-B144*, appears to be intact and functional but is unstable and spontaneously converts to a nonfunctional hy4 allele. In addition, HY4-B144* is lethal in homozygotes and suppresses local recombination. We discuss genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that may account for the unusual behavior of the HY4-B144* allele.
New Model for Ductile Fracture of Metal Alloys. II: Reverse Loading

AbstractDuctile fracture of metals resulting from large amplitude inelastic reverse straining has been the predominant reason for the failure of structural components under extreme loadings. This kind of fracture, characterized by only a few reverse cycles with large precrack plastic strain, is often termed ultra-low cycle fatigue (ULCF). Ductile failure of metals has recently been recognized to be a function of stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. In this paper, a new fracture model with full consideration of stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter as well as the cutoff regions is proposed from the extension of its equivalence for monotonic loading in the parallel paper. The underlying mechanism and determination of the cutoff region boundary is well-defined and discussed. Additionally, the effect of load excursion on shifting the boundary of the cutoff region and the subsequent damage evolution is assessed. The nonlinearity of damage evolution is also studied and well-characterized. The deve...
The Influence of Multi-Touch Interaction on Procedural Training

This paper explores the use of multi-touch interaction in a 3D training environment as a way to enhance learning of sensorimotor skills as well as procedural knowledge. We present a between subjects experiment with 36 participants distributed into 3 groups that use multi-touch interaction, interaction with the physical apparatus, and a control group using basic mouse-based interaction. A post-training test carried out 3 days later evaluated performance in conducting the real world task from memory. Results show that the multi-touch interaction and the real world groups had significantly better performance scores than the mouse interaction group, with no significant difference between multi-touch and real world groups. Our results demonstrate that multi-touch interaction trained participants on the task as well as training on the actual equipment, indicating multi-touch interaction is a potential replacement for the physical apparatus when doing procedural training.
Examining construct and predictive validity of the Health-IT Usability Evaluation Scale: confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling results.

Background In a previous study, we developed the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES), which is designed to support customization at the item level. Such customization matches the specific tasks/expectations of a health IT system while retaining comparability at the construct level, and provides evidence of its factorial validity and internal consistency reliability through exploratory factor analysis. Objective In this study, we advanced the development of Health-ITUES to examine its construct validity and predictive validity. Methods The health IT system studied was a web-based communication system that supported nurse staffing and scheduling. Using Health-ITUES, we conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate users' perception toward the web-based communication system after system implementation. We examined Health-ITUES's construct validity through first and second order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and its predictive validity via structural equation modeling (SEM). Results The sample comprised 541 staff nurses in two healthcare organizations. The CFA (n=165) showed that a general usability factor accounted for 78.1%, 93.4%, 51.0%, and 39.9% of the explained variance in ‘Quality of Work Life’, ‘Perceived Usefulness’, ‘Perceived Ease of Use’, and ‘User Control’, respectively. The SEM (n=541) supported the predictive validity of Health-ITUES, explaining 64% of the variance in intention for system use. Conclusions The results of CFA and SEM provide additional evidence for the construct and predictive validity of Health-ITUES. The customizability of Health-ITUES has the potential to support comparisons at the construct level, while allowing variation at the item level. We also illustrate application of Health-ITUES across stages of system development.