cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Label-free multiphoton fluorescence imaging monitors metabolism in living primary human cells used for tissue engineering

Fluorescence redox imaging was employed to monitor the metabolic activity of primary human oral keratinocytes prior to the development of tissue-engineered constructs. Keratinocytes with controlled culture conditions were treated with varying levels of chemical stimuli, resulting in differing cellular morphology, growth rate, and metabolic activity. Fluorescence images of keratinocytes were noninvasively acquired from endogenous intracellular metabolic fluorophores NAD(P)H and FAD. A redox ratio quantitatively analyzed each pair of images, showing that fluorescence redox imaging may be a novel technique to characterize live cell viability
A Self-Contained Microfluidic Cassette for the Detection of Nucleic Acids at the Point-of-Care

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing integrated, self-contained, disposable, inexpensive microfluidic devices for point-of-care diagnostics [1–3]. These devices are required to identify pathogens rapidly, facilitate use by minimally trained personnel, and be able to operate in regions where sophisticated laboratories are lacking.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Complex Interactions: The Immunogenetics of Human Leukocyte Antigen and Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors

The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) modulate innate and adaptive immunity by controlling effector cells. HLA and KIR are encoded in genomic regions that have complex organization and exhibit exceptional diversity within and among human population groups. This diversity is likely to have arisen to combat a constantly evolving pathogen challenge. Numerous variations influence the expression level or function of KIR molecules and can affect their interaction with HLA, with important implications for the immune response. The functional variety of natural immune responses that are controlled by HLA and KIR interactions is genetically determined and maintained by natural selection.
Photonic crystal defect tuning for optimized light-matter interaction

Photonic crystal microcavities with multi-hole defects were simulated using finite difference time domain (FDTD) analysis. Subwavelength, multi-hole defects (MHD) offer a significant increase in defect surface area without compromising the quality factor of the photonic crystal. Calculations of the increase in surface area compared to a traditional, single hole defect are performed for MHD structures with varying subwavelength defect hole size, subwavelength defect hole spacing, and effective defect radius. For active photonic crystal applications, the resonance wavelength and quality factor of several different MHD photonic crystal structures was calculated as a function of the dielectric constant of the defect. MHD photonic crystals can be designed to enable large changes in resonance wavelength for small changes in defect dielectric constant. These structures would be advantageous for applications in biosensing and optical switching.
Scattering From Voids in Solids in the Intermediate Wavelength Regime

The main objective of this work was to develop techniques of non-destructive testing and give them a strong theoretical underpinning to render them as quantitative as possible. Thus in ultrasonic testing the objective was to combine the traditional manual search for flaws with computer automated search and elastic scattering theory to provide quantitative data on location, size, shape, and orientation. This approach led to several schemes to solve the Inverse Scattering Problem or the reconstruction of a flaw from just a few reflected ultrasonic echoes. Early efforts led to successes with idealized man-made flaws consisting of single and compound flaws embedded in Titanium-alloy. Later this work produced results with naturally occurring flaws in aerospace components.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Comparative extraction of selected M(III) cations by (2-C2H5·C6H12O)PO(OH)2 and (2-C2H5·C6H12)PO(OH)2

Abstract The extraction of Eu3+ and Am3+ by a benzene solution of H2Y from various aqueous chloride phases, where H2Y is (2-C2H5·C6H12O)PO(OH)2, H2MEHP, or (2-C2H5·C6H12)PO(OH)2, H2[(EH)P], has been studied. From an aqueous 1·0F (NaCl + HCl) phase the extraction may be expressed mathematically as: H 2 [( EH)P ]: K=K 8 F 2 /[ H + ] 3 H 2 MEHP : K=K 8 F/[ H + ] 2 , high acid K=K 8 F/[ H + ], low acid The extraction of Eu3+ and Am3+ into a benzene solution of (n-C8H17O)2PO(OH), HDOP, from various aqueous chloride phases has been studied in order to elucidate the behavior in H2MEHP systems. Plots of log K vs. Z for the 15 lanthanides(III) in the 0·11F H2MEHP (benzene) vs. 0·50F HCl system and the 0·11F H2[(EH)P] (benzene) vs. 0·25F HCl clearly illustrate the “tetrad effect”.
A comparison of a generalized DEI method with multiple-image radiography

Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is an analyzer-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging method that measures the absorption and refractive properties of an object. A well-known limitation of DEI is that it does not account for ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), which is produced commonly by biological tissue. In this work, an extended DEI (E-DEI) imaging method is described that attempts to circumvent this limitation. The EDEI method concurrently reconstructs three images that depict an object's projected absorption, refraction, and USAXS properties, and can be viewed as an implementation of the multiple-image radiography (MIR) paradigm. Planar and computed tomography (CT) implementations of E-DEI and an existing MIR method are compared by use of computer-simulation studies that employ statistical models to describe USAXS effects.
Preoperative computed tomography imaging in the management of impacted mandibular third molars

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the role of preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) for patients at increased risk for nerve injury during mandibular third molar (M3) extraction. Materials and Methods To address the research purpose, the investigators enrolled a sample composed of subjects who presented for mandibular M3 extraction and had panoramic radiographic signs interpreted as being associated with an increased risk for inferior alveolar nerve injury. All subjects had preoperative CT imaging studies done to ascertain the position of the IAN with respect to M3. The predictor variable was the preoperative assessment of risk for IAN injury based on panoramic imaging. The outcome variable was the preoperative assessment of IAN injury risk after reviewing the CT studies. We documented the number of IAN injuries. Descriptive statistics were computed as indicated. Results The sample consisted of 23 patients who had bilaterally impacted wisdom teeth. The sample’s mean age was 26 ± 6 years (range: 18-48 years); 69.6% of the patients were female. After reviewing the panoramic radiographic, 80.4% of M3s were classified as having an increased risk for IAN injury. Upon examining the CT imaging, 32.6% were classified as high risk for IAN injury. After reviewing all imaging studies, 71.7% of the teeth in the sample were extracted. Intraoperative IAN visualization occurred in 21.2% of the cases. At 1 week postoperative, 3 patients had dysesthesia (9.1%); none had a permanent nerve injury. Conclusion In this small series of patients, the additional information provided by 3-dimensional imaging changed the majority of patients from increased risk for nerve injury to low risk for nerve injury.
The Long Signal Peptide Isoform and Its Alternative Processing Direct the Intracellular Trafficking of Interleukin-15

Two isoforms of interleukin (IL)-15 exist: one with a short and another with a long signal peptide (LSP). Experiments using combinations of the LSP and mature proteins IL-2, IL-15, and green fluorescent protein revealed complex pathways of intracellular trafficking. In one pathway, the LSP was unprocessed, and IL-15 was not glycosylated, remained in the cytoplasm, and was degraded. The second trafficking pathway involved endoplasmic reticulum entry, N-linked glycosylation, and alternative partial LSP processing. The third pathway involved endoplasmic reticulum entry, followed by glycosylation, complete processing, and ultimately secretion. The complex intracellular trafficking patterns of LSP-IL-15 with its impediments to secretion as well as impediments to translation may be required due to the potency of IL-15 as an inflammatory cytokine. In terms of a more positive role, we propose that intracellular infection may relieve the burdens on translation and intracellular trafficking to yield effective IL-15 expression.
Total and gas convective heat transfer from a vertical tube to a mixed particle gas—solid fluidized bed

Abstract Experimental data were obtained for the average gas convective and total heat transfer coefficients for a vertical tube immersed in an air-fluidized bed of narrowly as well as widely distributed particle size mixtures. The gas convective heat transfer coefficient was determined by measuring the rate of mass loss from a vertical naphthalene tube 0.0262 m in diameter and 0.1012 m in length and using a heat and mass transfer analogy. These data were obtained at a bed temperature of about 330 K and superficial velocity of 0.1 to 1.1 m/s. The total heat transfer coefficients were measured under identical conditions using an electrically heated vertical tube. The total heat transfer coefficient decreased with an increase in particle diameter from 0.237 to 1.35 mm. The addition of fines was found to increase the total heat transfer coefficient. The gas convective heat transfer coefficient increased with increase in particle size and fluidizing velocity. The dependence of the gas convective heat transfer coefficient on gas velocity was more pronounced for large particles. The addition of fines resulted in decrease in gas convective coefficient. The relative contribution of the gas convective component of heat transfer coefficient was found to increase with increase in particle diameter. Its dependency on fluidizing velocity was found to be more complex. The experimental data were compared with the existing heat transfer models and correlations.
Detecting Art Forgeries: A Problem-Based Raman Spectroscopy Lab

A real-world context can provide an interesting and engaging framework for an upper-division instrumental analysis laboratory experiment. A lab based on the authentication of art with Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy was developed. In this adapted problem-based learning (PBL) approach, students make real-time decisions about experimental conditions and write their final report in the form of a journal article. Laboratory implementation demonstrated that the majority of students met the desired learning outcomes.
Expression of Genes Involved in Mouse Lung Cell Differentiation/Regulation after Acute Exposure to Photons and Protons with or without Low-Dose Preirradiation

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of acute 2 Gy irradiation with photons (0.8 Gy/min) or protons (0.9 Gy/min), both with and without pre-exposure to low-dose/low-dose-rate γ rays (0.01 Gy at 0.03 cGy/h), on 84 genes involved in stem cell differentiation or regulation in mouse lungs on days 21 and 56. Genes with a ≥1.5-fold difference in expression and P < 0.05 compared to 0 Gy controls are emphasized. Two proteins specific for lung stem cells/progenitors responsible for local tissue repair were also compared. Overall, striking differences were present between protons and photons in modulating the genes. More genes were affected by protons than by photons (22 compared to 2 and 6 compared to 2 on day 21 and day 56, respectively) compared to 0 Gy. Preirradiation with low-dose-rate γ rays enhanced the acute photon-induced gene modulation on day 21 (11 compared to 2), and all 11 genes were significantly downregulated on day 56. On day 21, seven genes (aldh2, bmp2, cdc2a, col1a1, dll1, foxa2 and...
Thurstonian modeling of ranking data via mean and covariance structure analysis

Although Thurstonian models provide an attractive representation of choice behavior, they have not been extensively used in ranking applications since only recently efficient estimation methods for these models have been developed. These, however, require the use of special-purpose estimation programs, which limits their applicability. Here we introduce a formulation of Thurstonian ranking models that turns an idiosyncratic estimation problem into an estimation problem involving mean and covariance structures with dichotomous indicators. Well-known standard solutions for the latter can be readily applied to this specific problem, and as a result any Thurstonian model for ranking data can be fitted using existing general purpose software for mean and covariance structure analysis. Although the most popular programs for covariance structure analysis (e.g., LISREL and EQS) cannot be presently used to estimate Thurstonian ranking models, other programs such as MECOSA already exist that can be straightforwardly used to estimate these models.
“We've Got a Right to Fight; We're Married”: Domestic Homicide in Chicago, 1875–1920

Scholars often treat family violence as a single category and argue that domestic violence typically reflects conflict over gender roles. Such a focus has been well placed. But if data on domestic homicide in Chicago from 1875 to 1920 are disaggregated by ethnicity and race, important patterns emerge. Domestic homicide, for example, assumed culturally specific forms. German immigrants, Italian immigrants, and African-American Chicagoans killed loved ones for different reasons, at different rates, and with different family members involved. Although the violence revolved around challenges to gender identity and expectations, each group defined such challenges in distinct ways, reflecting a complex blend of cultural assumptions and material circumstances.
Feedback effects of placental lactogens on prolactin levels and Fos-related antigen immunoreactivity of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus during pregnancy in the rat.

PRL in the rat exerts its luteotropic action during the first half of pregnancy. After midpregnancy, placental lactogens (PLs) take the place of PRL to stimulate progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum. Simultaneously, PLs trigger a negative feedback on PRL secretion. However, the brain mechanisms for the negative feedback induced by PLs are not fully understood. Here, we report changes in plasma PRL levels, tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neuronal activity as measured by Fos-related antigen (FRA)/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity, and TH catalytic activity as measured by dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accumulation in the stalk-median eminence (SME) after experimental manipulation of PL levels. On day 4 of pregnancy, animals received Rcho-1 cells intracerebroventricularly (icv) to increase the level of PLs in the brain or HRP-1 cells as controls. On day 12 of pregnancy, hysterectomy alone or icv HRP-1 injection plus hysterectomy were performed to remove the source of PLs. Rcho-1 icv i...
Integral transform procedures for forced response of composite domain micropolar elasticity problems

Abstract A piecewise weighted orthogonality principle is developed for the free vibration modes of 3-D composite configurations consisting of finitely many distinct subdomains modelled by micropolar elasticity theory. Based on this orthogonality procedure a new piecewise weighted integral transform technique is developed which can handle the forced response of composite domain configurations which are subject to time dependent external and interdomain inhomogeneities caused by either thermal or prestress fields. The techniques generality is such that the response of composite configurations with time dependent materials can also be handled. To illustrate its capability, the piecewise weighted integral transform technique is specialized to treat the forced response of a technically important problem.
Symposium on the interior of the Eartha

The work of the geologist and geophysicist has much in common with that of the physician. The work of both groups of men deals with a living body of which only the surface and such processes as are active on it are visible. Both want to know what goes on within, but must be content to base their diagnoses on indirect evidence. Both deal with the baffling complexity of unabstracted reality and look with envy on the basic sciences which achieve precision by lopping off all but the one process or property they are exploring. Both must go to the basic sciences for the understanding of what they observe, and both need men who bridge the gap between the concrete phenomena and the abstract processes - geophysicists and geochemists on the one hand and biophysicists and biochemists on the other.
Potential and Challenges of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Iceland

Soils of Iceland are severely degraded and land resources desertified due to anthropogenic perturbations since AD. 875. Of the total area of 10.3 million hectares (Mha), the land area is 10.0 Mha. Land cover, at the time of settlement 1100 years ago comprised 6.5 Mha of vegetation cover, of which 3.0 Mha was birch (Betula pubescene) woodland and 3.5 Mha other vegetation. At present, the land area under some vegetation cover is only 2.8 Mha, of which highly productive birch cover is only 0.125 Mha. There are 3.7 Mha of severely eroded and barren lands in Iceland. The fossil fuel emission was 0.7 Tg C yr−1 in 1990, 0.82 Tg C yr−1 in 2000, and is projected to be 0.9 Tg C yr−1 in 2010 and 0.95 Tg C yr−1 in 2020. Afforestation and adoption of recommended management practices (RMPs) can lead to terrestrial C sequestration at the rate of 0.01 to 0.05 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 (1 Mg = megagram = 106 g = 1 tonne) in degraded rangeland soils by establishing native lyme grass (Leymus arenarius) and soil organic carbon (SOC) se...
Outcomes–Based Performance Management in the Public Sector: Implications for Government Accountability and Effectiveness

Requirements for outcomes–based performance management are increasing performance–evaluation activities at all government levels. Research on public–sector performance management, however, points to problems in the design and management of these systems and questions their effectiveness as policy tools for increasing governmental accountability. In this article, I analyze experimental data and the performance–management experiences of federal job–training programs to estimate the influence of public management and system–design factors on program outcomes and impacts. I assess whether relying on administrative data to measure program (rather than impacts) produces information that might misdirect program managers in their performance–management activities. While the results of empirical analyses confirm that the use of administrative data in performance management is unlikely to produce accurate estimates of true program impacts, they also suggest these data can still generate useful information for public managers about policy levers that can be manipulated to improve organizational performance.
The roots of Russian organized crime: from old-fashioned professionals to the organized criminal groups of today

This study focuses on the development of persons and organizations in the successor states of the Soviet Union, with an emphasis on Russia. It examines the development of criminal professionalism in Russia between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries and argues that exiling peasants to Siberia contributed to the development of a criminal underworld and the creation of a professional criminal underclass. In the early to late Soviet periods, vory v zakone, or “thieves-in-law,” evolved together with criminal groups as a means to survive in the GULAG, these criminal groups operating within the Soviet prisons and penal colonies. Inadequacies of the Soviet system of central planning led to the criminalization of the Soviet economy and the emergence of the thieves-in-law as critical players. Activities such as racketeering, robbery, and other crimes were dangerous but predominantly secondary. The roots of the Russian mafia lie in the innermost depths of the Russian shadow economy. Some of the key aspects of the post-Soviet privatization process are analyzed together with the interaction between various levels of the Russian government and organized crime groups. It is argued that the state was not corrupted by organized crime groups, but rather the organized crime groups became the state. In the new Russia, organized crime groups and corrupt government executives work together to generatea new criminal state.
Selection for components related to body composition in mice: direct responses

Replicated within full-sib family single-trait selection was conducted for 10 generations in mice for (1) high or low 12-week epididymal fat pad percentage (100 x epididymal fat pad weight/body weight) or (2) high or low 12-week hind carcass percentage (100 x hind carcass weight/body weight). Pooled realized heritabilities based on high, low and divergent selection were 0.66±0.09, 0.65±0.13 and 0.66±0.05 for epididymal fat pad percentage and 0.48±0.08, 0.33±0.08 and 0.40±0.04 for hind carcass percentage. The pooled realized genetic correlation (rG R) between epididymal fat pad percentage and hind carcass percentage based on divergence was −0.67±0.04. Other estimates of (rG R) were: epididymal fat pad percentage with body weight (0.57±0.05); epididymal fat pad percentage with epididymal fat pad weight (1.17±0.05); hind carcass percentage with body weight (−0.61±0.09); hind carcass percentage with hind carcass weight (−0.05±0.11). Indirect measures of fat and lean tissue percentages were highly heritable, and (rG R) between them would be desirable from the standpoint of analogous types of traits in livestock. In the same context, undesirable (rG R)'s were found between epididymal fat pad percentage and body weight and between hind carcass percentage and body weight.
Implementing the Seg Seismic Subroutine Standard On the Connection Machines

The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) ha! defined a subroutine standard for seismic signa processing. Most of the subroutines described in the SEC standard perform very elementary operations (such a! adding two vectors) which are similar to array processor! calls. Ease of programming, standardization, am portability, resulting in higher efficiency of compiled code are the goals of these subroutines. The Connection Machine CM-2 is a data paralle computing system comprised of up to 65,536 (64K: processors. Each of the processors has 8 kilobytes o: memory associated with it as well as several flags. Tht Connection Machine is designed to deal with large-scab problems such as processing the huge amounts of datz that occur in seismic data processing. This paper describer an exploratory implementation of the Seismic Subroutim Standard (SSS) and studies the performance and adequacy of codes on the Connection Machine that contain calls tc the SEG.
Updates in diagnostic immunohistochemistry in endometrial carcinoma

Diagnostic difficulty in the morphologic assessment of endometrial carcinomas may arise in pathology practice. Challenges in tumor classification exist especially in the setting of high-grade carcinomas. These include FIGO grade 3 endometrioid, serous, clear cell, and undifferentiated carcinomas, in addition to carcinomas of mixed cell type and those exhibiting ambiguous morphologic features. This comprehensive review details key morphologic and immunophenotypic features of prototypic endometrial carcinomas, including a description of both well-established and novel immunohistochemical markers in the evaluation of these tumors. It also provides recommendations regarding prudent use of these ancillary techniques in distinguishing between various histologic subtypes of endometrial carcinoma that frequently result in persistent diagnostic problems.
Stability of WISC-R IQS: An Investigation of Ethnic Differences Over Time:

This investigation examined the 3-year stability of WISC-R IQs for a balanced sample of anglo, black, and Mexican-American handicapped children. No significant differences in mean IQs were found across the three ethnic groups, although over the 3-year test-retest period, WISC-R Verbal and Performance IQs were observed to vary significantly. Specifically, Verbal IQs decreased by an average of 2 points, while Performance IQs increased by an average of nearly 3 points. It was concluded that although statistically significant, the influence of 3 years time on the intelligence test performance of this varied ethnic sample of handicapped children was clinically insignificant.
THE ESTERASE ISOZYMES OF TETRAHYMENA: THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN ISOLATED CELLULAR COMPONENTS AND THEIR BEHAVIOR DURING THE GROWTH CYCLE.

In recent years molecular heterogeneity of proteins has often been observed, particularly for enzymes, where the existence of multiple molecular forms has been extensively domumented ( Wrbblewski, '61). Markert and Mdler ('59) introduced the concept of an isozyme, which they defined as one of the "molecular forms in which proteins may exist with the same enzymatic specificity" within a single organism. This term has gained wide popularity and has been used in an operational sense to cover any series of enzymes with roughly similar properties regardless of genetic relationship. In nearly all cases the genetic relationships are not known. However, where the genetic relationships are known, informative distinctions among degrees of relationship can be drawn (Allen, Misch, and Morrison, '63a, '63b). In this paper, I shall use the term isozyme to apply to one of a series of molecular forms of an enzyme controlled by a single gene. Two examples of this type of isozyme are the alkaline phosphatases of Escherichia coli (Bach et al., '61; Levinthal, Signer, and Fetherolf, '62) and certain esterases of variety 1 of Tetrahymena pyrifornis ( S . L. Allen, '60, '61a). In T. pyrifornis the esterase isozymes are resolved by electrophoresis in starch gels (S. L. Allen, '60). There are two groups of isozymes that are discontinuously distributed among the various inbred strains. Each group is controlled by an allele at the E-1 locus (S. L. Allen, '61a) and the E-1 locus is linked to the mt (mating type) locus (S . L. Allen, '64). Both groups of isozymes are present in heterozy gotes. Clonal analysis indicated that all the isozymes of a group are present in single
Spatial Autocorrelation and the Classic Maya Collapse: One Technique, One Conclusion

Abstract A pair of articles appearing recently in this journal (Whitley & Clark, Journal of Archaeological Science 12, 377-395, 1985; Kvamme, Journal of Archaeological Science 17, 197-207, 1990) apply spatial autocorrelation analysis to the distribution of terminal long-count dates from southern Lowland Classic Maya monuments. The authors employ similar techniques yet arrive at contradictory conclusions regarding the presence of geographical patterning in the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization in this region. Kvamme's contention, however, that Whitley & Clark conducted an inappropriate analysis and arrived at an erroneous conclusion is unsubstantiated. Both articles present appropriate analyses and report results which support the presence of spatial patterning in the Lowland Maya dates.
Aromatase inhibitor-associated bone and musculoskeletal effects: new evidence defining etiology and strategies for management

Aromatase inhibitors are widely used as adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. While the agents are associated with slightly improved survival outcomes when compared to tamoxifen alone, bone and musculoskeletal side effects are substantial and often lead to discontinuation of therapy. Ideally, the symptoms should be prevented or adequately treated. This review will focus on bone and musculoskeletal side effects of aromatase inhibitors, including osteoporosis, fractures, and arthralgias. Recent advances have been made in identifying potential mechanisms underlying these effects. Adequate management of symptoms may enhance patient adherence to therapy, thereby improving breast cancer-related outcomes.
Effect of Histamine and Histamine Blockers on the Ovulatory Process in the In Vitro Perfused Rabbit Ovary

An increase in the content of histamine in the ovary following luteinizing hormone (LH) release and the inhibition of ovulation in the rabbit by antihistamines suggest that histamine may be involved in the ovulatory process. The effects of various doses of histamine and antihistamines on ovulation were investigated using the in vitro perfused rabbit ovary system. Histamine (100 ng/ml) added to the perfusate at hourly intervals induced ovulation, although at a rate below that observed following human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Cimetidine (10 micrograms/ml), an H2 blocker, inhibited histamine-induced ovulation, while the H1 blocker, chlorpheniramine (66.7 micrograms/ml), failed to do so. Neither cimetidine nor chlorpheniramine was able to block ovulation following hCG (50 IU). In all experimental groups in which histamine was used to induce ovulation, both extruded ova and follicular oocytes remained in an immature stage and displayed little evidence of degeneration. In contrast, a high percentage of ova exposed to hCG were mature. Ovarian edema was increased in ovaries in which ovulation occurred, regardless of treatment. A linear correlation was noted between ovulatory efficiency and degree of ovarian edema. Histamine may be an intermediary in the mechanism of follicular rupture, but does not support ovum maturation. However, the inability of H1 and H2 antagonists to block hCG-induced ovulation raises questions regarding the role of histamine in the physiologic process of ovulation.
A simple asymmetric lineshape for fitting infrared absorption spectra

Abstract Almost exclusively, lineshape functions used to model infrared (IR) absorption peaks are based on symmetric frequency distributions. However, in complex systems such as large biological macromolecules in aqueous solutions, the distribution of vibrational frequencies may in fact be asymmetric. In this communication, we show that asymmetry can be introduced to the standard symmetric Lorentzian and Gaussian lineshapes using a simple, easy to implement method. Our technique involves replacing the static width parameter of the symmetric profiles with a smoothly varying function that is wave number dependent. In this way, the width varies across the IR band resulting in an asymmetric peak. In our model, the width varies sigmoidally with wave number. As a demonstration, we fit experimental spectra of adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP).
Overview of interference cancellation for CDMA wireless systems

The paper gives an overview of interference cancellation (IC) methods, in terms of implementation and performance, for third generation CDMA communications systems. The signal processing of each method is outlined and the advantages and challenges are discussed. An exemplary IC application at the mobile receiver and its performance are presented for the WCDMA system setup.
Provisioning Subwavelength Multicast Sessions With Flexible Scheduling Over WDM Networks

The distribution of large data sets from a centralized node to several destination sites is frequently required by many data-intensive networking applications; this distribution can be efficiently achieved by the means of multicasting. Multicasting has been typically considered for on-demand applications and services, e.g., video-on-demand, IPTV, etc., which usually require start of data transmission immediately. We consider that multicast sessions can be provisioned starting with flexible times and that the multicast client can specify a maximum allowed time by which all data needs to be delivered to destinations. This is true for e-Science and high-performance applications, in which data distribution is not necessarily immediate. In this paper, we study the problem of provisioning dynamic multicast data-distribution requests (MDDRs) with flexible scheduling over optical WDM networks. We consider the practical case of fractional-capacity multicast sessions that require less than the entire wavelength capacity (nodes are equipped with multicast-capable opaque switches). We devise provisioning methods based on the multicast tree (or light-tree) distribution model. In our first approach (named Rand), we generate multiple randomized alternate trees on which we try to provision the multicast session and then assign wavelengths and schedule the session. In our second approach (named AllSlots), we dynamically generate light-trees depending on the network state. In our next approach (named Break), when provisioning an entire tree fails, we try to “break” the tree into time-independent subtrees. We also study the impact of allowing data to be buffered at intermediary nodes and then transmitted toward destinations (method named Buffer) and consider an approach that partitions the data sets. Finally, we study the impact of the switch architecture on our provisioning by restricting our approaches to full-wavelength MDDRs.
Electrochemically-based dose measurement for closed-loop drug delivery applications

We present a method for accurate, real-time tracking of drug dose volume in reservoir-based drug pump systems using electrochemical impedance measurements. Detection of physiologically-relevant drug volumes (500 nL–64 µL) and on-the-fly flow rate variations (2.78–80 µL/min) from a MEMS drug delivery system were demonstrated. The sensor consists of two microelectrodes integrated within the drug reservoir. This method is attractive for its simplicity, sensitivity (0.2 Ω/nL), and wide drug compatibility. The capability of electronic, real-time dose measurement paves the way for fully-integrated closed-loop drug delivery systems.
Recycling of vitamin C from its oxidized forms by human endothelial cells

Abstract Endothelial cells encounter oxidant stress due to their location in the vascular wall, and because they generate reactive nitrogen species. Because ascorbic acid is likely involved in the antioxidant defenses of these cells, we studied the mechanisms by which cultures of EA.hy926 endothelial cells recycle the vitamin from its oxidized forms. Cell lysates reduced the ascorbate free radical (AFR) by both NADH- and NADPH-dependent mechanisms. Most NADH-dependent AFR reduction occurred in the particulate fraction of the cells. NADPH-dependent reduction resembled that due to NADH in having a high affinity for the AFR, but was mediated largely by thioredoxin reductase. Reduction of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) required GSH and was both direct and enzyme dependent. The latter was saturable, half-maximal at 100 μM DHA, and comparable to rates of AFR reduction. Loading cells to ascorbate concentrations of 0.3–1.6 mM generated intracellular DHA concentrations of 20–30 μM, indicative of oxidant stress in culture. Whereas high-affinity AFR reduction is the initial and likely the preferred mechanism of ascorbate recycling, any DHA that accumulates during oxidant stress will be reduced by GSH-dependent mechanisms.
Synthetic Aperture Focusing using a Shear-Warp Factorization of the Viewing Transform

Synthetic aperture focusing consists of warping and adding together the images in a 4D light field so that objects lying on a specified surface are aligned and thus in focus, while objects lying of this surface are misaligned and hence blurred. This provides the ability to see through partial occluders such as foliage and crowds, making it a potentially powerful tool for surveillance. If the cameras lie on a plane, it has been previously shown that after an initial homography, one can move the focus through a family of planes that are parallel to the camera plane by merely shifting and adding the images. In this paper, we analyze the warps required for tilted focal planes and arbitrary camera configurations. We characterize the warps using a new rank- 1 constraint that lets us focus on any plane, without having to perform a metric calibration of the cameras. We also show that there are camera configurations and families of tilted focal planes for which the warps can be factorized into an initial homography followed by shifts. This shear-warp factorization permits these tilted focal planes to be synthesized as efficiently as frontoparallel planes. Being able to vary the focus by simply shifting and adding images is relatively simple to implement in hardware and facilitates a real-time implementation. We demonstrate this using an array of 30 videoresolution cameras; initial homographies and shifts are performed on per-camera FPGAs, and additions and a final warp are performed on 3 PCs.
Improved technique to measure phase and noise of pulsed TWTs

A dual channel downconverter (DCD) technique was developed for measuring pulsed TWT phase and noise that reduces test time, offers ease of installation in TWT test sets, and is low-cost, supportable, stable, and accurate. Phase similarity measurements have shown excellent correlation with phase bridge measurements. The stability of DCD phase measurements have been demonstrated. A low intrapulse noise floor was able to be measured on this DCD measurement system.
Modeling Radon Entry into Houses with Basements: The Influence of Structural Factors

Where indoor concentrations are high, radon entry into houses with basements is usually due primarily to the convective transport of soil gas through openings in the subsurface part of the building shell. The factors determining the rate of entry may conveniently be divided into those associated with the undisturbed soil and those associated with the structure and its surroundings. This paper uses a numerical model to determine the influence of the latter factors on the soil gas and radon entry rates. The most important of these is the presence or absence of a gravel layer below the slab; the presence of the gravel can increase the radon entry rate through the perimeter gap betureen the foundation footer, slab, and wall (slab-footer gap) by as much as a factor of 5 over that for homogazeous soil. The permeability of the gravel becomes important when the soil permeability is unusually high, i.e., greater than 10−10 m2. Of lesser importance are the thickness of the gravel layer and the radium content of the gravel. The sizes and numbers of openings in the slab are relatively unimportant so long as the total opening area is vey small compared to the slab area. If cracks in the basement walls are major radon entry paths, as in concrete-block construction, the permeability of the soil restored to the region adjacent to the walls after completion of construction (backfill) is the determining factor in convective radon entry through these openings; if the soil is packed loosely, so that there is a gap between wall and soil, radon entry through a wall crack may be further increased by as much as a factor of 7.5. Radon entry rates through the slab-footer gap and through openings in the slab are only weakly influenced by the permeability of the backfill. The resistance of the perimeter gap to soil gas entry becomes significant when the gap width falls below 0.001 m, assuming a soil permeability of 10−11 m2.
Decline in Circulating Estradiol During the Periovulatory Period Is Correlated with Decreases in Estradiol and Androgen, and in Messenger RNA for P450 Aromatase and P450 17α-Hydroxylase, in Bovine Preovulatory Follicles

The preovulatory surge of gonadotropins induces meiotic maturation of the oocyte, the follicular/luteal phase shift in hormone production, and ovulation. This complex and rapid series of developmental changes is difficult to study in large mammals, such as primates and ruminants, because variability in the length of individual reproductive cycles makes it virtually impossible to predict the time of the LH surge. We have validated an experimental model for inducing the LH surge and ovulation in cattle and used it to study the sequence of changes in hormone secretion and some of the mechanisms of these changes. Luteolysis and a follicular phase were induced by injection of prostaglandin F2a; injection of a GnRH analogue 36 h later induced an LH surge and ovulation. The LH surge peaked 2 h after GnRH and ovulation followed 22‐31 h after the surge, consistent with the periovulatory interval in natural cycles. The ensuing luteal phase was normal, both in length and in concentrations of circulating progesterone. In experiment I, the uteroovarian effluent was collected, via cannulation of the vena cava, at frequent intervals relative to GnRH injection. Circulating estradiol declined progressively after GnRH, reaching a nadir by 8‐10 h before ovulation, whereas concentrations of androstenedione and testosterone remained constant. In experiment II, preovulatory follicles were obtained at 0, 3.5, 6, 12, 18, or 24 h after GnRH. Concentrations of androgens and estradiol were measured in follicular fluid and medium from cultures of follicle wall (theca 1 granulosa cells); steady-state levels of mRNA for 17a-hydroxylase (17aOH) and P450 aromatase were measured in follicular tissue. Shortly after the LH surge (3.5 h post-GnRH) there was an acute increase in the capacity of follicular tissue to secrete androstenedione, but not estradiol, in vitro. Thereafter, both androgens and estradiol declined, both in follicular fluid and in medium collected from cultures of follicle wall. Levels of mRNA for 17aOH and aromatase in follicle wall decreased significantly by 6 h after GnRH, suggesting that declining levels of these enzymes underlie the decreases in steroid production by follicular cells. These results show that in cattle the preovulatory decrease in follicular estradiol production is mediated by redundant mechanisms, because androgen production and the capacity of granulosa cells to convert androgens to estradiol decline coor
NMR measurements of grain and gas motion in a gas-fluidized granular bed

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments are described for gas-fluidized granular beds, which are important systems for many materials-processing operations. Using pulsed field gradient, magnetic resonance imaging, and hyperpolarized gas NMR, detailed information is obtained for the density and motions of both grains and interstitial gas. In particular, dynamic correlations in the grain density are used to measure the bubble velocity and hyperpolarized xenon gas NMR is used to measure the bubble-emulsion exchange rate. A goal of these measurements is to verify in earth gravity first-principles theories of granular flows.
A fast adaptive algorithm for image restoration

An adaptive filtering algorithm based on an Euclidean direction search (EDS) method is presented for image restoration. It is a fast algorithm and has a computational complexity of O(N) for least squares optimization. Computer simulations illustrate that this algorithm is very effective in image restoration. The figures for signal-to-noise ratio improvement (SNRI) produced by this algorithm are comparable to those obtained by using the recently reported sample-based conjugate gradient (SCG) algorithm, which has a computational complexity of O(N/sup 2/). This algorithm can also be extended to other applications in adaptive signal processing.
The Compton Effect in Wave Mechanics

The problem of the scattering of radiation by a free electron has been treated by the author on the basis of Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, which was first modified to be in agreement with the principle of relativity. The main point of this modification is that, whereas in the non-relativity theory one deals with matrices whose elements vary with the time according to the law eiwt, in the relativity theory the elements of the matrices must vary according to the law eiwt′ where t′ = t − (l1x1 + l2x2 + l3x3)/c if they are to determine correctly the radiation emitted in the direction specified by the direction cosines (l1, l2, l3), x1x2 and x3 being the coordinates of the electron at the time t. These matrices were obtained by writing the Hamiltonian equation of the system in the formwhere W′ is a variable canonically conjugate to t′ and H′ commutes with t′, and then using H′ as an ordinary Hamiltonian function of a dynamical, system that has W′ for its energy and t′ for its time variable.
Relationship of behavioral and psychological symptoms to cognitive impairment and functional status in Alzheimer's disease

Objective This cross-sectional study examined the relationship of behavioral and psychological symptoms to cognitive and functional impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design One hundred and fourteen patients were evaluated consecutively at a university-affiliated outpatient memory disorders clinic and diagnosed with possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Subjects were assessed with the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (BEHAVE-AD), Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (RMBPC), Blessed Dementia Scale (BDS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results Several symptoms of behavioral pathology showed associations with MMSE scores, including activity disturbances, delusions, and hallucinations. After controlling for the variance associated with the MMSE, activity disturbances, diurnal disturbances, delusions, and hallucinations were linked with BDS scores. Conclusions The results suggest that some non-cognitive symptoms may be related to the neurobiologic mechanisms underlying the increased cognitive dysfunction in AD. Specific symptoms of behavioral pathology may also impact a patient's ability to perform important self-maintenance behaviors. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenotypic characterization of mice bred for high and low peak bone mass.

In humans, peak bone mineral density (BMD) is a highly heritable trait and a strong determinant of subsequent osteoporotic fracture risk. To identify the genetic factors responsible for variation in peak BMD, investigators have turned to animal models. In this study we examined the heritability of BMD acquisition and characterized differences in skeletal geometry, histomorphometry, and biomechanical competence between two lines of mice artificially selected for extremes of peak whole body BMD. F2 progeny from a cross between C57BL/6 and DBA/2 inbred strains was used as the foundation population to develop lines selected for either high or low BMD. Whole body BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). By the third generation of selection, highest-scoring BMD (HiBMD) mice exhibited 14% greater peak BMD than lowest-scoring BMD (LoBMD) mice. The mean realized heritability of peak BMD was 36%. Femoral shaft cortical area and thickness and vertebral cancellous bone volume (BV) were significantly greater (16–30%) in the HiBMD line compared with the LoBMD line. Mean cancellous bone formation rates (BFRs) were 35% lower in HiBMD mice compared with LoBMD mice. Failure load and stiffness in the femoral shaft, femoral neck, and L6 vertebrae were all substantially greater (by 25–190%) in HiBMD mice. Thus, these divergently selected murine lines serve to illustrate some of the means by which genetic mechanisms can affect skeletal structure and remodeling. Identification of the individual genes influencing peak BMD in this experimental system will likely reveal some of the genetic determinants of overall bone strength.
International marketing strategy decisions and the growth rate of major American firms

Explores, within the framework of international research, product, distribution and price. Investigates the behaviour of large US firms with a view to identifying and difference in growth rates to their counterparts. Examines the relationship between fast growth of the corporate entity as a whole and its international marketing orientation.