cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Starch Granules in Maize Using Microspectrophotometry

Starch granule-associated proteins and protein aggregates not associated with starch granules were visualized by staining with acid fuchsin. Based on fluorescence intensity, it was observed that non-granule-associated proteins could be removed from starch granule preparations by treatment with a modification of the Osborne-Mendel fractionation method without affecting the apparent level of granule-associated proteins. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy with direct spectrophotometric measurement of the proteins confirmed the presence of major subpopulations of granules differing in size and acid fuchsin-induced fluorescence. Treatment of stained granules with 1.0% SDS dramatically reduced fluorescence intensity, indicating the removal of granule-associated proteins. Charakterisierung von Starkekornern in Mais unter Verwendung der Mikrospectrophotometrie. Mit Starkekornern assoziierte Proteine und nicht mit Starkekornern assoziiertes Protein wurden sichtbar gemacht durch Anfarbung mit Fuchsinsaure. Aufgrund der Fluoreszenzintensitat wurde beobachtet, das die nicht-kernassoziierten Proteine aus den Starkekorn-Praparaten entfernt werden konnten mittels einer Modifizierung der Osborne-Menel-Fraktionierungsmethode ohne den scheinbaren Gehalt der kernassoziierten Proteine zu beeinflussen. Daruber hinaus bestatigte die Fluoreszenz-Mikroskopie durch direkte spektrophotometrische Messung der Proteine die Gegenwart von groseren Unterpopulationen von Kornern, die sich in Grose und fuchsinsaureinduzierter Fluoreszenz unterschieden. Die Behandlung von angefarbten Kornern mit 1,0% SDS reduzierte nachdrucklich die Fluoreszenz-Intensitat und zeigte damit die Entfernung von korn-assoziierten Proteinen an.
Effects of Acetylacetone Additions on PZT Thin Film Processing

Sol-gel processing methods are frequently used for the fabrication of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films for many electronic applications. Our standard approach for film fabrication utilizes lead acetate and acetic acid modified metal alkoxides of zirconium and titanium in the preparation of our precursor solutions. This report highlights some of our recent results on the effects of the addition of a second chelating ligand, acetylacetone, to this process. We discuss the changes in film drying behavior, densification and ceramic microstructure which accompany acetylacetone additions to the precursor solution and relate the observed variations in processing behavior to differences in chemical precursor structure induced by the acetylacetone ligand. Improvements in thin film microstructure, ferroelectric and optical properties are observed when acetylacetone is added to the precursor solution.
An Agenda That Sets the Frames: Gender, Language, and NBC’s Americanized Olympic Telecast:

This study used theories of agenda setting and framing to examine NBC’s Americanized telecast in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Five sports (gymnastics, diving, swimming, track and field, and beach volleyball) received more than 90% of the prime-time coverage, which set an agenda about which sports were most relevant for Americans to watch. The limited scope within NBC’s televised agenda, in turn, facilitated the gendered framing of Olympians through sport commentator accounts. Gendered differences were statistically present in only four sports; diving had no significant differences, whereas beach volleyball contained the most differences. Implications and directions for future research are explored.
Model based optimization of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure

This paper is concerned with the optimization of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure, which plays a critical rule in saving the life of patients suffering from cardiac arrest. In this paper, we define the performance index for optimization using the oxygen delivery. A model developed earlier is used to calculate the oxygen delivery through CPR. The free parameters of this model which depend on the rescuer performance are ventilation time, compression speed, tidal volume, and fraction of oxygen in the inspired air. Two different optimization problems are carried out. First, a global optimization is implemented to discover the best values of the free parameters which maximize the oxygen delivery. In addition to this, a sequential optimization scheme is explored which uses a two step optimization in each CPR sequence to maximize the oxygen delivery. Results show that the sequential optimization procedure will enhance the performance of the CPR significantly.
Reibungs‐ und Verschleißverhalten von trockenlaufenden Kunststoff/Stahl‐Paarungen

Gegenwartig erfolgt die Bewertung der Leistungsfahigkeit von polymeren Gleitwerkstoffen mit Hilfe von pU-Diagrammen oder noch einfacher mittels zulassiger pU-Kennwerte. Diese Bewertungsparameter geben jedoch nur die Beanspruchungsgrenze der untersuchten Paarung auf der jeweils verwendeten Prufeinrichtung wieder. Ziel der Untersuchung war die Bereitstellung von praxisrelevanten Bewertungskriterien fur trockenlaufende Kunststoff/Stahl-Paarungen und zwar auf der Basis von Kennzahlen. Hierzu wurden zunachst, aufbauend auf einer Dimensionsanalyse problemrelavante Kennzahlen herausgearbeitet und anschliesend Versuche mit POM und glasfaserverstarktem PA6/6T auf einem Stift-Scheibe-Tribometer durchgefuhrt, aber auch Versuche auf Original-Gleitlagerprufstanden. Es werden Temperatur-, Verschleis- und Reibungszahlverlaufe dargestellt, und ein brauchbares Ausfallkriterium prasentiert. Es wird auserdem eine Vorgehensweise vorgestellt, die es ermoglicht, das Reibungsverhalten derartiger Paarungen anhand einer Kennzahlengleichung, die temperaturabhangige Materialkennwerte, Belastungs- und Geometriekenngrosen beinhaltet, vorherzubestimmen. Desweiteren wird eine Moglichkeit zur Verschleisberechnung auf energetischer Basis und die Ubertragbarkeit der Erkenntnisse auf reale Anwendungsfalle aufgezeigt.
F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in the Evaluation of Distant Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: We conducted a study to evaluate the role of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in the detection of distant metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients with histologically proven clear-cell RCC undergoing surgical evaluation for possible resection of recurrent disease were investigated. All patients had suspected distant metastases based on conventional anatomic imaging techniques (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging). A total of 36 distant metastatic sites were identified. Pathology for all sites was obtained by biopsy or after surgical resection. Results: Histologically documented distant metastases from RCC were present in 33 sites (21 patients). Overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of FDG-PET for the detection of distant metastases from RCC was 63.6% (21 of 33), 100% (three of three), and 100% (21 of 21), respectively. The mean size of distant metastases in patients with true-po...
A model for estimating spinal cord injury prevalence in the United States

A model was developed to provide a tool to forecast demographic trends in populations of people with traumatic spinal cord injury at the national and state level. This information is critical to planning for the allocation and distribution of resources to care for people with spinal cord injury. The literature on incidence, mortality, and prevalence of spinal cord injury in the United States was reviewed and reported values were evaluated for incorporation into the model. A linear relationship between age specific survival rates of the spinal cord injury population, and expected survival rates in the absence of spinal cord injury was established and this provided the basis for projections using age cohort survival methodology. The model's projections indicate a need for future expansion of capacity to treat traumatic spinal cord injury in the private sector, and a need to prepare for an aging disabled population. The annual number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases admitted to hospitals is projected to increase from approximately 11,500 in 1994 to almost 13,400 in 2010. Age adjusted post-hospitalization incidence rate in 1994 is estimated at approximately 38 per million (23 per million for females and 55 per million for males). A 20% increase in the US spinal cord injury prevalence can be expected over the next 10 years, going from approximately 207,000 estimated in 1994, to 247,000. During this time, the veteran segment, which currently comprises 22% of the spinal cord injury population, is projected to decline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The potential for using LEO telecommunications constellations to support nanosatellite formation flying

This is an investigation to determine if a low-Earth telecommunications constellation can be used to support data services for small satellites also in Low-Earth Orbit. The intent is to use the telecommunications service provider satellites to supply low-rate command and telemetry services as well as inter-satellite data communications. In this study, we determine access potential via simulations of the orbital contact time using current telecommunications constellation configurations and the assumed configuration for a nanosatellite user. From the access times, we conclude that there are sufficient numbers of contacts to permit command and telemetry services for the nanosatellite constellation. In addition to the access time, we consider Doppler effects, antenna effects, and regulatory restrictions on such communications. However, the regulations do not currently permit such operations on a regular basis. From this analysis, we conclude that the desired communications are possible but the nanosatellite user will need to work closely with the service provider. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative f-Values for Lines of Cr I

Relative gf- and f-values for 430 lines in the spectrum of Cr I have been measured in electric furnace absorption spectra. The lines range in wavelength from 3192A to 7462A, and in low excitation potential from 0.00 to 3.45 volts. A comparison is made between observed and theoretical intensities of lines in five multiplets.
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable magnetic carriers by single emulsion-solvent evaporation

Abstract This paper describes a single emulsion-solvent evaporation protocol to prepare PEGylated biodegradable/biocompatible magnetic carriers by utilizing hydrophobic magnetite and a mixture of poly( D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(lactic acid-block-polyethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) (26:1 by mass) polymers. We characterized the magnetic microspheres in terms of morphology, composite microstructure, size and size distribution, and magnetic properties. Results show that the preparation produces magnetic microspheres with a good spherical morphology, small size (mean diameter of 1.2–1.5 μm) by means of large size distributions, and magnetizations up to 20–30 emu/g of microspheres.
A Novel Mask Estimation Method Employing Posterior-Based Representative Mean Estimate for Missing-Feature Speech Recognition

This paper proposes a novel mask estimation method for missing-feature reconstruction to improve speech recognition performance in various types of background noise conditions. A conventional mask estimation method based on spectral subtraction degrades performance, due to incorrect estimation of the noise signal which fails to accurately represent the variations of background noise during the incoming speech utterance. The proposed mask estimation method utilizes a Posterior-based Representative Mean (PRM) estimate for determining the reliability of the input speech spectral components, which is obtained as a weighted sum of the mean parameters of the speech model using the posterior probability. To obtain the noise-corrupted speech model, a model combination method is employed, which was proposed in our previous study for a feature compensation method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed mask estimation method provides more separable distributions for the reliable/unreliable component classifier compared to the conventional mask estimation method. The recognition performance is evaluated using the Aurora 2.0 framework over various types of background noise conditions and the CU-Move real-life in-vehicle corpus. The performance evaluation shows that the proposed mask estimation method is considerably more effective at increasing speech recognition performance in various types of background noise conditions, compared to the conventional mask estimation method which is based on spectral subtraction. By employing the proposed PRM-based mask estimation for missing-feature reconstruction, we obtain +23.41% and +9.45% average relative improvements in word error rate for all four types of noise conditions and CU-Move corpus, respectively, compared to conventional mask estimation methods.
Newer Antiepileptic Drugs: Possible Uses in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain and Migraine

Abstract Background : Both neuropathic pain and migraine are now being treated with a variety of newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The proven efficacy of gabap in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), and of divalproex sodium in the prevention of migraine has led to increased clinical investigation of the newer AEDs for these conditions. While basic and clinical research are expanding the knowledge base concerning the fundamental mechanisms of neuropathic pain and migraine, growing recognition of the similarities in the pathophysiology of epilepsy, migraine, and various chronic pain disorders has further heightened interest in exploring the newer AEDs in the treatment of these conditions. Objective : The goals of this article were to review the empiric basis and scientific rationale for the use of AEDs in the treatment of neuropathic pain and migraine; summarize available clinical research on the use of 5 newer AEDs (gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and zonisamide) in these conditions; and provide a summary comparison of the dosing, tolerability, and drug-interaction potential of these agents. Methods : Relevant English-language articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1990-March 2003), American Academy of Neurology abstracts (1999–2003), and American Epilepsy Society abstracts (2000–2002). The search terms were antiepileptic medication or drug, migraine headeache, neuropathic pain, pathophysiology, treatment, mechanism of action, gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate , and zonisamide . Conclusions : The newer AEDs possess the potential advantages of better tolerability and fewer drug-drug interactions compared with standard treatments such as tricyclic antidepressants or established AEDS. However, with the excep
An application of global approximations in the finite element method

A technique is described in which global approximations are used to improve the accuracy of the finite element method. The technique is theoretically based on two corollaries to the Lax–Milgram lemma which are presented in this paper. Basically, the technique consists of factoring the unknown function for which an approximation is desired into the product of a global approximation and a second unknown function. Finite element methods are appropriately applied to obtain an approximation to the second unknown function. The approximation to the original function then consists of the product of the specified global approximation and the approximation to the second unknown function. The advantage that finite element methods possess with respect to obtaining banded matrices is preserved in this technique. In addition, numerical examples indicate that the technique's accuracy is as much as a factor of fifty better than the accuracy obtained by directly applying a finite element method to approximate the original function.
Blue laser light generation by intracavity frequency doubling of Cesium vapor laser

Blue laser light with a wavelength 447 nm was generated by intracavity frequency doubling of a Cs laser in PPKTP crystal. A continuous wave power of 600 mW was obtained at an optical-to-optical efficiency of 4%. In the pulsed operation, when thermal effects were reduced, the efficiency obtained was 14% and the peak blue power was 2.1 W.
Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs

Metacarpal fractures were more common than metatarsal fractures in this retrospective study of 37 dogs. Fractures of one metacarpal or metatarsal bone occurred in 24 per cent of the dogs, two metacarpal bones in 16 per cent, three metacarpal or metatarsal bones in 19 per cent, and four metacarpal or metatarsal bones in 41 per cent. Eighty-seven per cent of the dogs with fractures of four bones had fracture displacement or malalignment of at least one digit. Progressive fracture healing usually occurred irrespective of stabilisation method. For malaligned fractures, however, external coaptation did not consistently improve alignment. Fracture alignment was consistently improved by open reduction and internal fixation of acute fractures with bone plates. Fractures of four bones occurred most often in the distal metacarpus as opposed to the proximal metatarsus. Therefore, open reduction and internal fixation may be more commonly indicated for severe metacarpal fractures, because fracture displacement or axial malalignment was significantly associated with fractures of the mid or distal regions of the metacarpus or metatarsus (P = 0.052).
In vitro replication of bacteriophage T7 DNA damaged by ultraviolet radiation

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on DNA replication has been examined with an in vitro system capable of replicating intact chromosomes of T7 DNA from an exogenous template. Exposure of the template DNA to ultraviolet radiation resulted in a sharp drop in the amount of in vitro DNA synthesis. The residual replication detected when irradiated templates were used was found to proceed semiconservatively and to result in the production of pieces of duplex DNA approximately the same size as the average distance between pyrimidine dimers. It was also found that prior irradiation of the template inhibits formation of fast-sedimenting concatemer-like DNA structures normally synthesized in vitro. Hybridization studies demonstrated that the product synthesized in vitro from ultraviolet-irradiated templates includes DNA from both the left and right halves of the T7 chromosome. This may mean that after ultraviolet irradiation more than one origin of replication exists.
Managing the user services function

Over the years, a great deal has been written about performing the various functions of user services. Last year's conference in Montreal focused on a variety of topics, ranging from microcomputer support to supercomputer support and from online documentation to desktop publishing. As we—two “managers” of user services—watched, listened, read, and discussed the content and progress of the conference, it seemed to us that one key topic was missing: a discussion of the problems, concerns, and approaches to actually managing the multi-faceted user services function.Since many of the conference's attendees were themselves managers, we thought that a session on “managing user services” could be truly helpful. At that time, we decided to put together our collective views on the user services management process—not because our views are particularly unique or because we think we have all of the answers, but because we have thought about and lived the process (which may help others) and because we would like to hear other views on the process (which may help us).The paper has been divided into six major topics of discussion: Overview, Internal Organization, Mandatory Internal Functions, Classical Functions, Other Ways to Serve Users, and Concerns. Each of us, user services managers at two distinctly different universities in two different parts of the United States, has addressed each topic from our organization's perspective.
A paradigm shift to a new strategy for small island economies: embracing demand side economics for value enhancement and long term economic stability.

Abstract The article answers three interrelated questions pertaining to small island economies and tourism development under the condition of globalization: (1) why is tourism relevant for small island economies; (2) why is a supply perspective inappropriate for these economies; and (3) why is a demand perspective more appropriate for small island economies in the era of globalization? Empirical realities indicate that small islands have performed well in specializing as tourist destinations, despite their size constraints and resulting disadvantage in economic terms. The Caribbean region is an appropriate proxy for small island economies. However, globalization may be taking its toll on sectoral specialization in the Caribbean as a development strategy. The supply side strategy seems to have lost its effectiveness. To reverse this trend, the study proposes the implementation of new tourism strategies based on a demand focused approach to sustain value enhancement. These strategies have important managerial and policy implications.
Petrology of a xenolith of ferro-aluminous gneiss from the Nain complex

Several gneissic xenoliths occur in granite which has been intruded along the contact between an anorthosite body and gneisses in the Nain complex, Labrador. One of these xenoliths is a ferro-aluminous gneiss with ovoids, 1–3 cm in diameter, consisting of an intimate mixture of fine, granular cordierite-olivine-spinel-orthopyroxene-plagioclase-ilmenite-pyrrhotite enclosed by poikilitic grains of garnet and orthoamphibole. Biotite occurs as both granular and poikilitic grains. The textures indicate a two-stage contact metamorphic history characterized by the simplified reaction: cordierite+olivine+spinel+plagioclase +orthopyroxene→garnet+orthoamphibole
Uveitis, the comparison of age-related macular degeneration treatments trials (CATT), and intravitreal biologics for ocular inflammation

Purpose To provide perspective on the implications of the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT) on intravitreal biologic agents in uveitis and retinal diseases in which ocular inflammatory pathways are central to their pathogenesis. Design Interpretative essay. Methods Literature review and interpretation. Results Besides the clear importance of CATT from a patient treatment perspective in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), these data highlight the critical relevance of highly specific protein immunotherapies offered with biologic agents. The CATT trial also provides a reminder regarding the importance of rigorous efficacy and safety monitoring required when administering intravitreal biologic therapy. Within the field of uveitis, systemic and local biologics have been used to effectively treat uveitis, targeting pathways implicated in both angiogenesis and inflammation (eg, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-2 pathways), and research on intravitreal biologic therapy for uveitis and AMD will continue to expand. With over 25 ongoing clinical trials on intravitreal biologic therapy for AMD, enthusiasm for vanguard biologic therapies should be tempered by judicious monitoring for adverse events. Conclusion The importance of the CATT trial encompasses day-to-day treatment decisions for AMD, as well as lessons on how biologics for ocular disease should be implemented into clinical practice. Specifically, the introduction of intravitreal biologic therapies into clinical practice for uveitis, AMD, and other ocular diseases in which inflammation is involved should be guided by a clear understanding of the immunotherapeutic agent and its molecular target and with rigorous monitoring for both patient benefit and patient safety.
A 2D Finite Element Model of Lateral Transmission of Force in Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle has a complex hierarchical structure which is mainly composed of myofibers and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) including endomysium, perimysium, and epimysium. Myofibers are long, cylindrical, multinucleated cells composed of repeating sarcomeres, which are basic functional units for skeletal muscle contraction. In order to produce body movement, the force generated by myofiber has to be transmitted from individual fiber to the tendon. The commonly accepted site for force transmission is the myotendinous junction (MTJ) where the myofibers connect to the tendon. However, the myofibers mainly end within the muscle fascicles without reaching the MTJ in many muscles, in which case the force has to be transmitted laterally to adjacent fiber through shear and to the tendon eventually.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Demonstration of a symmetric dark hole with a stroke-minimizing correction algorithm

The past decade has seen a significant growth in research targeted at space based observatories for imaging exosolar planets. The challenge is in designing an imaging system for high-contrast. Even with a perfect coronagraph that modifies the point spread function to achieve high-contrast, wavefront sensing and control is needed to correct the errors in the optics and generate a "dark hole". The high-contrast imaging laboratory at Princeton University is equipped with two Boston Micromachines Kilo-DMs. We review here an algorithm designed to achieve high-contrast on both sides of the image plane while minimizing the stroke necessary from each deformable mirror (DM). This algorithm uses the first DM to correct for amplitude aberrations and the second DM to create a flat wavefront in the pupil plane. We then show the first results obtained at Princeton with this correction algorithm, and we demonstrate a symmetric dark hole in monochromatic light.
Boundary and object labelling in three-dimensional images

Abstract There are many imaging modalities (e.g., medical imaging scanners) that capture information about internal structures and generate three-dimensional (3D) digital images of the distribution of some physical property of the material of the structure. Such images have been found to be very useful in analyzing the form and function of the structure and in detecting and correcting deformities in the structure. Visualization of 3D structures is an essential component of such analyses. One commonly used approach to visualization consists of identifying the structure of interest, forming its surfaces, and then rendering the surfaces on a two-dimensional screen. This paper addresses the surface formation problem assuming that object identification has already been done and a 3D binary image is available that represents the structure. For the existing 3D boundary tracking algorithms, the user has to somehow specify each surface that is to be tracked. Often, the 3D image consists of many surfaces of interest. Their manual specification is very tedious and may be impossible if the structure is of complex shape. This paper describes a methodology for automatically tracking all boundary surfaces—i.e., labelling boundary surfaces—in the given 3D image. The algorithms also generate additional information from which the 3D connected components in the image are trivially obtained. Examples from medical imaging are included to illustrate the usefulness of the new methodology.
Coherent vortices and kinetic energy ribbons in asymptotic, quasi two-dimensional f-plane turbulence

This paper examines coherent vortices and spatial distributions of energy density in asymptotic states of numerically simulated, horizontally homogeneous, doubly periodic, quasi two-dimensional f-plane turbulence. With geophysical applications in mind, the paper progresses from freely decaying two-dimensional flow to freely decaying equivalent barotropic flow, freely decaying two-layer quasi-geostrophic (QG) flow, and, finally, statistically steady two-layer QG turbulence forced by a baroclinically unstable mean flow and damped by bottom Ekman friction. It is demonstrated here that, with suitable elaborations, a two-vortex state having a sinh-like potential vorticity/streamfunction (q/ψ) scatter plot arises in all of these systems. This extends, at least qualitatively, previous work in inviscid and freely decaying two-dimensional flows to flows having stratification, forcing, and dissipation present simultaneously. Potential vorticity steps and ribbons of kinetic energy are shown to form in freely decaying equivalent barotropic flow and in the equivalent barotropic limit of baroclinically unstable flow, which occurs when Ekman damping is strong. Thus, contrary to expectations, strong friction can under some circumstances create rather than hinder the formation of sharp features. The ribbons are present, albeit less dramatically, in moderately damped baroclinically unstable turbulence, which is arguably a reasonable model for mid-ocean mesoscale eddies.
Induction of mitotic recombination by certain hair-dye chemicals in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract A number of procedures were used to test for the potential of 5 hair-dye chemicals, 4-nitro- o -phenylenediamine, 2-nitro- p -phenylenediamine, m -phenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminoanisole sulfate and 2,5-diaminoanisole sulfate, to induce genetic damage in yeast strains D3 and D4 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Various plate-test procedures, short-term suspension assays in phosphate buffer and suspension assays with liver enzyme activation all proved to be ineffective for demonstrating genetic effects of these chemicals. Only suspension assays in which the yeast cells were treated with the test chemical under growing conditions for up to 72 h were effective in demonstrating the genetic activity of 4-nitro- o -phenylenediamine and 2,4-diaminoanisole sulfate. The implications of these results for testing of mutagens in yeast systems are discussed along with other supportive evidence from the literature.
Tonotopic Representation and Space Map in the Non-Primary Auditory Cortex of the Mustached Bat

As auditory system has no sensory epithelium into which auditory space are projected, we studied the physiological map of the auditory space in the non-primary auditory cortex of the mustached bat by using the echo of their orientation sound. Ten bats were used as experimental subjects. Tungsten wire electrodes were inserted obliquely in the dorsomedial (DM) and ventroposterior (VP) areas of the non-primary auditory cortex. When single neuron was isolated, best frequency (BF), best azymuth (BAZ) and best elevation (BEL) were measured and were plotted on a schematic figure. To mimic its biosonar, one loudspeaker, delivering synthesized orientation sounds, was placed in front of the animal, and another loudspeaker delivering synthesized echo was mounted on a movable hoop. Tonotopic representation was observed but complicated in both areas, and those areas could be divided into several subdivisions consisting of the neuron groups characterized by three frequency bands. The neurons were thought to be related to the processing of biosonar informations from the facts that their BFs agreed with the scope of the FM sweep of each echo harmonics. The magnitude of the response showed rapid increase at their BAZ or BEL, so that the neurons seemed to tune to a certain direction in the auditory space. Especially in the DM area, neurons assumed a systematic arrangement of their BAZs on the cerebral surface and showed some tendency of a systematic arrangement of their BELs. The DM area was thought to have a kind of neural map of the auditory space.
Tautomerism, ionization, and bond dissociations of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazolone.

Tautomerization, ionization, and bond dissociations of the insensitive high-energy explosive 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazolone (NTO) were studied by molecular orbital SCF and MP2 theories and with the Becke3LYP hybrid density functional using the 6-31+G* and 6-311+G** basis sets. Energies computed with these methods were compared against accurate G2 energies for the tautomerization, ionization, and bond dissociations of nitromethane. The Becke3LYP and MP2/6-31+G* structures of NTO anion 9 compare well with the reported X-ray structure of the NTO diaminoguanidinium salt. The IR frequencies calculated with Becke3LYP compare well with those observed for crystalline NTO. Two enol tautomers (2 and 4) with 1H-1,2,4-triazole skeletons are only 4 kcal/mol at MP2/6-311+G** (and 9 kcal/mol at Becke3LYP/6-311+G**) less stable than NTO, while the two aci-nitro tautomers (5 and 6) are ca. 30 kcal/mol less stable than NTO. Comparisons of bond lengths, calculated proton chemical shifts, and magnetic susceptibility...
Coordinate Down-regulation of Adenylyl Cyclase Isoforms and the Stimulatory G Protein (Gs) in Intestinal Epithelial Cell Differentiation

The intestinal epithelium is dynamic, with proliferation of undifferentiated crypt cells balanced by terminal differentiation and cell death at the colon surface or small intestinal villus tips. Cyclic AMP, induced by agonists such as prostaglandin E2 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, promotes proliferation and ion secretion and suppresses apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. Here, we show that cell differentiation in a model intestinal epithelium leads to attenuation of cAMP production in response to G protein-coupled receptor and receptor-independent agonists. Concomitantly, key components of the cAMP cascade, the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein, Gs, and adenylyl cyclase (AC) isoforms 3, 4, 6, and 7 are down-regulated. By contrast, AC1, AC2, AC8, and AC9, and the receptors for prostaglandin E2 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, are not expressed or not affected by differentiation. We confirmed key findings in normal murine colon epithelium, in which the major AC isoforms and Gsα are markedly down-regulated in differentiated surface cells. Suppression of AC isoforms and Gsα is functionally important, because their constitutive expression completely reverses differentiation-induced cAMP attenuation. Thus, down-regulation of AC isoforms and Gsα is an integral part of the intestinal epithelial differentiation program, perhaps serving to release cells from cAMP-promoted anti-apoptosis as a prerequisite for cell death upon terminal differentiation.
Synthesis and applications of alkylated C-sugars as peptide bioconjugates

Permethylated C-sugars affect the stability and solubility of their carbohydrate precursors and may represent an important group of bioconjugates. When properly functionalized, these units can be appended to the N- and C-termini or to the side chains of peptides or other therapeutic candidates. In this report, we describe the synthesis of an amine-functionalized alkylated mannose derivative and confirm the configuration by determining the X-ray crystal structure of its nitrile precursor. An acid functionalized counterpart, when attached to the N-terminus of a NR box peptide analog, improved binding to estrogen receptor β (ERβ) but not to ERα.
Preparation of iron oxides using ammonium iron citrate precursor: Thin films and nanoparticles

Abstract Ammonium iron citrate (C6H8O7 · nFe · nH3N) was used as a precursor for preparing both iron-oxide thin films and nanoparticles. Thin films of iron oxides were fabricated on silicon (111) substrate using a successive-ionic-layer-adsorption-and-reaction (SILAR) method and subsequent hydrothermal or furnace annealing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the iron-oxide films obtained under various annealing conditions show the changes of the micro-scale surface structures and the magnetic properties. Homogenous Fe3O4 nanoparticles around 4 nm in diameter were synthesized by hydrothermal reduction method at low temperature and investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Problems With the Collection and Interpretation of Asian-American Health Data: Omission, Aggregation, and Extrapolation

Asian-American citizens are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Nevertheless, data on Asian American health are scarce, and many health disparities for this population remain unknown. Much of our knowledge of Asian American health has been determined by studies in which investigators have either grouped Asian-American subjects together or examined one subgroup alone (e.g., Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese). National health surveys that collect information on Asian-American race/ethnicity frequently omit this population in research reports. When national health data are reported for Asian-American subjects, it is often reported for the aggregated group. This aggregation may mask differences between Asian-American subgroups. When health data are reported by Asian American subgroup, it is generally reported for one subgroup alone. In the Ni-Hon-San study, investigators examined cardiovascular disease in Japanese men living in Japan (Nippon; Ni), Honolulu, Hawaii (Hon), and San Francisco, CA (San). The findings from this study are often incorrectly extrapolated to other Asian-American subgroups. Recommendations to correct the errors associated with omission, aggregation, and extrapolation include: oversampling of Asian Americans, collection and reporting of race/ethnicity data by Asian-American subgroup, and acknowledgement of significant heterogeneity among Asian American subgroups when interpreting data.
The influence of body weight on lipoprotein lipids in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Lipoprotein lipid and androgen profiles were compared after a 12-hour fast that involved 13 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 13 who did not have the syndrome. All women were matched for percent ideal body weight. As expected, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome had significantly higher luteinizing hormone-to-follicle-stimulating hormone ratios, higher testosterone levels, higher free testosterone levels, higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels, and lower testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin binding capacity than the other women. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome had significantly higher mean serum triglyceride levels, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Differences in body weight. do not explain the male pattern of lipoprotein lipid concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The association of hyperandrogenism with lipoprotein lipid abnormalities should be evaluated in regard to the influence of endogenous sex steroids on differences between the sexes in incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Physical properties of ZrF4-based glass-forming melts and glasses

Measurements of shear viscosity, electrical conductivity and density have been carried out in a temperature range from above the liquidus down to the glass transition region for a series of ZrF4BaF2LaF3AlF3NaF melts in the composition range 0–20 mol% NaF. In addition, electrical conductivities and densities have been measured between room temperature and the glass transition region.
The role of apical halogen coordination on the Tc of superconducting cuprates in the effective hole model

Abstract An effective hole model describes quantitatively the aspects of the doping curves of cuprates (e.g. optimal T c ). When subtraction of holes to the apical O is made, the remaining effective holes in the CuO 2 plane scale quantitatively with T c in a range up to the optimum. Here we investigate a similar effect of apical halogen in selected related materials. It is found that apical halogen analogs show generally similar phenomena to their apical O counterparts. However, their potentially large lattice parameters and different distances to the apical halogen provide unique opportunity to study the influence on pair formation of changing the plane dimensions, and T c . In the effective hole model the number of holes at optimum is a function of the CuO 2 plane dimensions. These properties have the potential to achieve unusual superconductivity, as exemplified by the unusually high T c of Sr 2 CuO 2 F 2+ z . New work, especially in the absence of important data on hole counts and structural parameters, should be of interest in the light of the effective hole model.
On the use of decision analysis in determining significant visibility impairment

Abstract In the United States, the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments and subsequent regulations provide federal land managers with a responsibility to protect visibility against significant impairment within selected wildernesses, parks and other so-called mandatory Class I areas. This paper outlines a decision analysis approach to help in identifying critical decision points for federal land managers in determining the degree of visibility protection appropriate for Class I areas. The paper reviews visibility related responsibilities of Class I managers and describes options available to them. It also identifies current information and potential data on the economic and social values of air visibility which could be used with the decision tree approach and gives an overview of the state of the art of quantifying those values.
Diabetic Larvae and Obese Flies—Emerging Studies of Metabolism in Drosophila

The past few years have seen a shift in the use of Drosophila, from studies of growth and development toward genetic characterization of carbohydrate, sterol, and lipid metabolism. This research, reviewed below, establishes a new foundation for using this simple genetic model system to define the basic regulatory mechanisms that underlie metabolic homeostasis and holds the promise of providing new insights into the causes and treatments of critical human disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
A simple and surprising experiment is performed by physical science students

The simple act of rolling a ball down an inclined plane onto a tabletop can be analysed theoretically by students. When they test their predictions experimentally the agreement is satisfying.
Complication assesment in image-guided research biopsies for research

Purpose 1554 research biopsies performed in 1190 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Procedures were stratified in three major categories in regards the biopsy site: lung, solid organs (SO), and node/mass (NM). Patients submitted to single session (SS) biopsy were compared with the ones submitted to multiple session (MS) biopsies. Biopsies where a diagnostic specimen was required in addition to the research specimen (DxRx) were compared with the biopsies where only research (Rx) samples were obtained. CR and grade between the different groups were evaluated and compared. Materials and Methods 1554 research biopsies performed in 1190 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Procedures were stratified in four major categories in regards the biopsy site: lung, liver, other solid organs (OSO), and node/mass (NM). Patients submitted to single biopsy sessions were compared with the ones submitted to multiple biopsies sessions per protocol indication. Biopsies where a diagnostic specimen was required in addition to the research specimen (DxRx) were compared with the biopsies where only research (Rx) samples were obtained. CR and grade between the different groups were evaluated and compared. Results Overall CR was 90/1464 (5.8%) stratified as 83 (5.3%) grade Conclusion Lung biopsies is associated with a higher chance of complication when compared to the other biopsy sites. No statistically significance was encounteres between the groups in regards Grade ≥ 3 complications. Obtaining a diagnostic sample did not increase CR.
Activity of the alternative complement pathway after splenectomy: comparison to activity in sickle cell disease and hypogammaglobulinemia.

Patients with sickle cell disease and individuals who have undergone splenectomy share defects of certain host defense mechanisms and a predisposition to severe pyogenic bacterial infections. Since patients with sickle cell disease can have deficient activity of the alternative complement pathway, we have tested such activity in sera from splenectomized children and adults. A new kinetic hemolytic assay has been used, and we have compared results to those obtained with sera from patients with sickle cell disease or hypogammaglobulinemia. Sera from six of 58 splenectomized individuals (10%). had defective function of the alternative pathway, compared to 10 of 62 sera from patients with sickle cell disease (16%) and 10 of 18 sera from hypogammaglobulinemic patients (56%). Deficiency of antibody, a rate-influencing component of alternative pathway activity in this system, appears responsible for deficient activity in the hypogammaglobulinemic sera. The molecular basis for the deficiency found in sickle cell disease or after splenectomy is not clear. Defective function of the alternative complement pathway could contribute to the increased predisposition to bacterial infection that exists in these three patient groups.
Strain measurement technique for elevated temperature tensile and creep testing of foil-gage metals

This paper describes a strain measurement technique suitable for elevated-temperature tensile and creep testing of foil-gage metals, using a modified commonly available mechanical extensometer in conjunction with a displacement transducer. The extensometer was modified by attaching to it a counterbalance (to reduce the effect of the extensometer weight on the total maximum test load) and by incorporating a conical tip/flat-edge design (to minimize induced stresses in the specimen resulting from extensometer attachment). Creep tests were performed on 0.102-mm-thick specimens of Ti-6Al-4V at temperatures of 427 and 538 C, at nominal applied stresses of 310.3 and 172.4 MPa, respectively. Examination of the resulting creep curves suggested that the strain measurement system provided actual creep strain values with good accuracy.
Viscosity-temperature relationships in the system Na2Si2O5-Na4Al2O5

The viscosity-temperature relationships of five melts on the join Na2Si2O2-Na4Al2O5 (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mole percent Na4Al2O5) have been measured in air, at 1 atm and 1000–1350°C with a concentric cylinder viscometer. All the melts on this join of constant bulk polymerization behave as Newtonian fluids, in the range of shear rates investigated, and the melts exhibit Arrhenian viscosity-temperature relationships. Isothermal viscosities on this join initially decrease and then increase with increasing mole percent Na4Al2O5. The minimum viscosity occurs near 20 mole percent Na4Al2O5 at 1000°C and moves to higher Na4Al2O5 content with increasing temperature. The observation of a viscosity minimum along the join Na2Si2-O5-Na4Al2O5 is not predicted based on earlier viscosity data for the system Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2 (RlEBLlNG, 1966) or based on calculation methods derived from this and other data (Bottinga and Weill, 1972). This unexpected behavior in melt viscosity-temperature relations emphasizes the need for a more complete data set in simple silicate systems. Previous spectroscopic investigation of melts on the join Na22Si2O5-Na4Al2O5 offer a structural explanation for the observed viscosity data in terms of a disproportionation reaction involving polyanionic units. Macroscopically, the viscosity data may be qualitatively reconciled with the configurational entropy model for viscous flow (Richet, 1984).
Should US Companies Establish Keiretsus

Economic success in today's business environment requires a clearly focused strategy that builds on the distinctive competencies of the organization. Empirical studies over the past 20 years have confirmed that profitability decreases as the degree of diversification increases. Having followed a strategy of growth through conglomerate diversification for over two decades, many organizations have found that they are no longer flexible enough or innovative enough to meet the challenges of global competition. In response, they are restructuring to regain strategic control.