cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotics for zeros of Szego polynomials associated with trigonometric polynomial signals

Abstract The study of Wiener-Levinson digital filters leads to certain classes of polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle (Szegő polynomials). Here we present theorems that show that the unknown frequencies in a periodic discrete time signal can be determined from the limiting behavior (as N → ∞) of the zeros of fixed degree Szegő polynomials that are orthogonal with respect to a distribution defined from N successive samples of the signal. This proves an essential part of a conjecture due to Jones, Njastad, and Saff concerning the frequency analysis problem.
Cambios interanuales en la biomasa y biodiversidad de zooplancton gelatinoso en aguas interiores de Chiloé, sur de Chile (primaveras 2004 y 2005)

Se comparo la biomasa zooplanctonica entre organismos quitinosos y gelatinosos en la region austral de Chile, entre Puerto Montt y la Boca del Guafo, en las primaveras de 2004 y 2005. Los valores de biomasa fueron mayores en el 2004 y se mantuvieron sostenidos fundamentalmente por la fraccion quitinosa, especialmente en la microcuenca norte. En el 2005 se determino un fuerte incremento de la fraccion gelatinosa que alcanzo el 60% en la microcuenca norte y disminuyo gradualmente hacia la Boca del Guafo. Este incremento se explica por la proliferacion explosiva del sifonoforo Muggiaea atlantica, cuya densidad aumento 5,6 veces en el 2005, causando una fuerte disminucion en la diversidad de zooplancton gelatinoso. En ambas primaveras, se identificaron 34 especies de organismos semigelatinosos y gelatinosos, distribuidas en seis de quetognatos, seis de sifonoforos y 22 de hidromedusas. De este total, los quetognatos y sifonoforos habian sido previamente registrados para el area de estudio, pero la totalidad de las hidromedusas constituyen nuevos registros para el area entre Puerto Montt y Boca del Guafo
Hypercapnia Can Induce Arousal from Sleep in the Absence of Altered Respiratory Mechanoreception

Possible mechanisms of arousal from respiratory stimuli include changes in Po 2, Pco 2, central respiratory drive, or respiratory mechanoreceptor activity. We sought to determine whether hypercapnia alone could induce arousal from sleep in four subjects with high ( ⩾ C3) neurologically complete spinal cord injuries while on constant positive pressure mechanical ventilation (hence, respiratory mechanoreceptor activity remained constant). Subjects were chronically hypocapnic (mean baseline Pet CO2 = 21 mm Hg; range, 13–30 mm Hg). On the first night, the baseline rate of spontaneous awakenings was determined by polysomnography. On night two, Fi CO2 was increased rapidly in stable NREM sleep. Awakenings occurred in 19 of 19 trials within 5 min, with each subject waking and complaining of shortness of breath (mean time to arousal, 115 s; range, 26–264 s). It is unlikely that these were spontaneous, as the times to awakening during hypercapnia were much higher than during baseline conditions (p < 0.05). During ...
Affinity of ferredoxin for electrons from water and the regulation of cyclic photophosphorylation.

New evidence is presented how, in chloroplasts, an auxiliary electron flow from water, induced by photosystem II, maintains the redox balance (poising) needed for the functioning of ferredoxin-catalyzed cyclic photophosphorylation, a process driven by photosystem I. Optimal poising of cyclic photophosphorylation was attained when ferredoxin was kept in a predominantly reduced state by electrons from water but only when the electron pressure from water was greatly attenuated to prevent overreduction. An unexpected finding was the unusually high affinity of ferredoxin for electrons from water. Ferredoxin was kept in a predominantly reduced state by the severely restricted electron flow from water that was generated by 715nm illumination, or under 554nm illumination in the presence of diuron.
In vivo cytogenetic effects of trimethylphosphate and of tepa on bone marrow cells of male rats

Abstract The cytogenetic effects of trimethylphosphate (TMP) and Tris[2-methyl-1-aziridinyl] phosphine oxide (TEPA) on rat bone marrow cells in vivo were examined at intervals following single and repeated intraperitoneal administration of each drug. Dose-related chromatid aberrations, including open breaks and reunion figures, were maximal 24 and 48 h following administration of TEPA and TMP, respectively. Cytogenetic damage induced by the highest dose of TMP, 2000 mg/kg, was less severe than that induced by the highest dose of TEPA tested, 10 mg/kg; additionally, the proportion of surviving cells was greater with TMP than with TEPA. On the basis of these data it appears likely that TMP poses a greater potential genetic hazard than TEPA.
Effect of macrophage stimulation on parasympathetic airway contraction in dogs

The effect of lung macrophages stimulated with calcium ionophore on parasympathetic contractile response of canine bronchial rings was studied. Macrophages augmented the contraction induced by electrical field stimulation, an effect that was inhibited by indomethacin and by SQ29548, a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, but had no effect on the contractile response to exogenous acetylcholine. These results suggest that macrophage-derived thromboxane A2 facilitates cholinergic neurotransmission prejunctionally in airway smooth muscle.
Towards world model-based test generation in autonomous systems

This paper describes a model-based test generation approach for testing autonomous systems interacting with their environment (i.e., world). Unlike other approaches that assume a static world with attributes and values, we present and test the world dynamically. We build the world model in two steps: a structural model that constructs environmental factors (i.e., actors) and a behavioral model that describes actors' behaviors over a certain landscape (i.e., snippet). Abstract world behavioral test cases (AWBTCs) are then generated by covering the behavioral model using graph coverage criteria. The world model-based test generation technique (WMBTG) is used on an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV).
The performance of hyperactive and control preschoolers on a new computerized measure of visual vigilance: The preschool vigilance task

This study examines the ability at a new visual vigilance task, the Preschool Vigilance Task (PVT), to differentiate between hyperactive and control preschoolers. The PVT was designed to be an objective measure of attention specifically for use with the preschool-ape population. Hyperactive and control preschoolers were tested on the PVT and the Continuous Performance Task (CPT). Results indicated that both were useful in differentiating between hyperactive and control preschoolers. Implications for the utility of the PVT and future research directions are discussed.
Setting penalties: What does rape deserve?

The paper is an application of the “principle of just deserts” (that is, retribution) to the setting of statutory penalties. The conclusion is that there should be no separate penalty for rape but that rape should be punished under the ordinary battery statutes. The argument has four parts. First, there is a description of the place of rape in a typical statutory scheme. Second, there is a consideration of possible justifications for giving rape the status it has in such a typical scheme. All justifications appear to fail for one reason or another. Third, rape is analyzed as battery and the analysis is justified. This analysis includes an explanation of why it would be unjust to punish rape more severely than ordinary batteries. Last, there is a catalogue of some practical advantages to treating rape as battery (for example, simplifying proof of the crime). The paper takes the principle of just deserts (in the form I have elsewhere defended it) for granted, but does add substantially to the understanding of how to apply it.
A NOTE ON MULTIVARIATE LINEAR EXPONENTIAL DISTRIBUTIONS

A distribution admitting the moment generating function (mgf) is a member of one and only one linear exponential family Pμ = {Pω:ω ϵ Ωμ} with dPω(x) = {eω'x/f(ω)} dμ(x). Factorization of the mgf of a member of a linear exponential family into a finite number of mgf's of linear exponential distributions, implies such a factorization for all members of the family. Consequently, infinite divisibility of the mgf of a member of a linear exponential family implies infinite divisibility for all members of the family. Dans cet article, it est montre qu'une decomposition, en un produit fini de fonctions generatrices de moments F.G.M de distributions exponentielles lineaire, implique une telle decomposition pour tous les membres de la famille. Par consequent, la divisibilite a l'infini de la F.G.N. d'un membre d'une famille exponentielle lineaire implique la divisibilite a l'infini pou tous les membres de celle-ci.
A portable graphics library for introductory CS

For several decades, instructors who focus on introductory computer science courses have recognized the value of graphical examples. Supporting a graphics library that is appropriate for beginning students has become more difficult over time. This paper describes a new approach to building a graphics library that allows for multiple source languages and a wide range of target architectures and platforms. The key to this approach is using an interprocess pipe to communicate between a platform independent client library and a Java based process to perform the graphical operations specific to each platform.
Effect of surface interactions on the glass transition temperature behavior of amorphous polystyrene

The glass transition temperatures (T g) of nanosized thin polystyrene (PS) films were determined using FTIR (or, more specifically, the absorbance peak at 797 cm−1). This novel method was used to verify the presence of surface interactions between polymer and substrate. As surface interactions may lead to changes in T g, various amounts of nanoparticles of TiO2 and of ZnSe were uniformly deposited on the surface of free-standing PS film to simulate increases in surface interactions. FTIR spectra of thin PS films coated with various amounts of these nanoparticles were recorded as a function of temperature, and the T g values obtained using this method were compared to results obtained using conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles leads to an increase in T g, while the addition of ZnSe depresses the glass transition temperature. Both effects are linear with respect to the amount of nanoparticles. These results support the argument that increasing surface interactions leads to changes in chain mobility, as determined from variations in T g.
Anionic sites on the membrane intercalated particles of human erythrocyte ghost membranes. Freeze-etch localization.

Abstract Freeze-fracture and freeze-etching techniques disclose exclusive association of a ferritin derivative (with high isoelectric point, used as a marker for anionic sites) with the regions at the outer and inner surface of the membrane of human erythrocyte ghosts which correspond to the membraneintercalated particles. At the outer surface the sites include sialoglycoprotein. Exclusive association of anionic sites and membrane particles, and comparison of the number of sialic acid residues and intercalated particles implies clustering of acidic groups over discrete sites at the surface. Association of the label with the outer and inner surface regions which correspond to the membrane intercalated particles, provides further support for the concept of protein-containing structures which are intercalated and traverse the hydrophobic matrix of membrane regions with bilayer organization.
Living with heart disease after angioplasty: A qualitative study of patients who have been successful or unsuccessful in multiple behavior change.

Objective To document values, attitudes, and beliefs that influence behavior change among a diverse group of patients post-angioplasty. Methods Purposive and maximum-variation sampling were used to assemble a demographically diverse patient cohort (N = 61) who had been successful or unsuccessful at post-angioplasty multibehavior change. Semistructured interviews and grounded theory methods were used to collect and analyze qualitative data. Results Themes showed the following: a) Patients reported surviving a life-threatening event and feared disease recurrence and death; b) the perception of a turning point and self-determination facilitated behavior change; c) social support and spiritual beliefs promoted coping with the uncertainty of living with heart disease; and d) unsuccessful behavior change was related to physical limitations, a sense that “nothing helps,” and the belief that angioplasty “cures” heart disease. Conclusion Lifestyle interventions should be culturally relevant and adapted to physical abilities. Fostering self-determination and social support may promote successful behavior change.
Grain size determination for parallel processing

A method called grain packing is proposed as a way to optimize parallel programs. A grain is defined as one or more concurrently executing program modules. A grain begins executing as soon as all of its inputs are available, and terminates only after all of its outputs have been computed. Grain packing reduces total execution time by balancing execution time and communication time. Used with an optimizing scheduler, it gives consistently better results than human-engineered scheduling and packing. The method is language-independent and is applicable to both extended serial and concurrent programming languages, including Occam, Fortran, and Pascal. >
CRT-12 The Metabolic Syndrome is Highly Prevalent in Young Patients wit Acute Myocardial Infarction

Recent studies in large worldwide populations demonstrate that the metabolic syndrome (MS) increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without gender, ethnic or regional variations. The risk of AMI associated with MS appears no greater than the risk conferred by its individual components
Application of the Raven UAV for chemical and biological detection

This paper presents the plume tracking algorithms developed for a series of outdoor chemical-stimulant testing conducted at Dugway Proving Ground in 2008 and 2009 employing a Raven UAV equipped with a real-time chemical sensor. The flights were conducted as part of the a program under the sponsorship of the Army JPM NBC Contamination Avoidance and in conjunction with the Army PM-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. This test demonstrated the Raven's ability to autonomously detect and track a chemical plume during a variety of atmospheric conditions. During the testing, the Raven conducted over a dozen flights, tracking outdoor releases of simulated chemical weapons over significant distances. The Raven was cued to the releases with standoff detection systems through Cursor on Target messages. Upon reaching the plume, the Raven used on-board sensors and on-board meteorological data to track the plume autonomously and determine the extent of the plume. Results were provided in real-time to the UAV operator.
Wireless communications going into the 21st century

The evolution of telecommunications, from the wired phone to personal communications services, is resulting in the availability of wireless products not previously considered practical. The user of a cellular or personal communication system wants to use one phone for all of his intended needs. Thus, a single portable phone should be able to operate in a residence, as a cordless phone; in a vehicle using a cellular system, in an office using a WPBX; and outside with wireless local access. Broad-band code-division multiple access (B-CDMA) is a technique which allows PCS operation in the cellular frequency band in conjunction with existing cellular service, as well as in the PCS band (1850-1990 MHz in the U.S.). Using B-CDMA, high-quality voice with no dropped calls as well as data-rate-on-demand can be achieved, which will permit ISDN and multimedia communications at power levels which are much less than that required for other technologies. This paper describes the present cellular and PCS environments, as well as the evolution of these environments into the 21st century, and explains how broad-band CDMA can provide the one-phone service required by business people as well as people at home. >
Management of unknown primary tumor.

A 37-year-old man is initially seen with a 4-month history of a gradually enlarging, painless rightsided neck mass. He denies any otalgia, dysphagia, odynophagia, hoarseness, fever, night sweats, or weight loss. His medical history is significant only for mild COPD, and he has smoked two packs per day for 20 years. He is married and is a right-handed police officer. Examination of the head and neck reveals the absence of any mucosal lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract by visual inspection, bimanual palpation, and fiberoptic examination of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. There is no serous otitis media, trismus, parapharyngeal space fullness, or cranial nerve abnormalities. Palpation of the neck shows normal parotid, submandibular, and thyroid glands. There is a 4.0 × 3.5-cm firm, nonpulsatile right level II mass that is freely mobile from the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and the carotid sheath structures. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is performed and reveals metastatic poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
Erosion of the principal investigator role in a climate of industry dominance

The academic investigator who was central to the development of anticancer therapeutics during the first several decades of that ushered in oncotherapeutics must now contend with working side-by-side with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries who are dominating the scene. However, the relationships between industry and academic investigator are often strained, largely because of their incongruent and competing interests. Although the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are now developing some of the most exciting therapeutics to come along in many years, the academic investigator is facing a loss of autonomy and creativity, which may have been responsible for the successful development of many anticancer agents that would have not been developed in the present environment. This commentary discusses the impact of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries on the academic investigator, new challenges, and potential threats to optimal therapeutic development.
Relationship between the bulk modulus and the conductivity on a fractal

de Gennes has shown by an explicit calculation that the conductivity, conductance, and bulk modulus of a percolating network (a simple model for gelation without solvent) are related. We use recent scaling results on fractals to demonstrate that the bulk modulus on a fractal scales with the conductivity, while the force constant scales with the conductance. Our treatment is applicable to all fractal geometries, of which the percolating network is a special example.
Intraoperative Fluid Replacement and Postoperative Creatine Phosphokinase Levels in Laparoscopic Bariatric Patients

Background Morbid obesity and bariatric surgery are both risk factors for the development of postoperative rhabdomyolysis (RML). RML results from injury to skeletal muscle, and a serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level >1,000 IU/L is considered diagnostic of RML. The aim of this study was to determine if intraoperative intravenous fluid (IVF) volume affects postoperative CK levels following laparoscopic bariatric operations.
Antigen–antibody dissociation in Alzheimer disease: a novel approach to diagnosis

With the ever-increasing population of aged individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer disease there is an urgent need for a sensitive, specific, non-invasive, diagnostic standard. The majority of efforts have focused on auto-antibodies against amyloid-β protein, both a potential treatment, and a reliable biomarker of Alzheimer disease pathology. Naturally occurring antibodies against amyloid-β are found in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients with Alzheimer disease as well as healthy control subjects. To date, differences between diseased and control subjects has been highly variable. However, some of the antibody will be in pre-formed antigen-antibody complexes and the extent and nature of such complexes may provide a potential explanation for the variable results reported in human studies. Thus, measuring total amounts of antigen or antibody following unmasking is critical. Here, using a technique for dissociating antibody-antigen complexes, we found significant differences in serum antibodies to amyloid-β between Alzheimer disease and aged-matched control subjects. While the current study demonstrates the relevance of measuring total antibody, bound and unbound, against amyloid-β in Alzheimer disease, this technique may be applicable to diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis B where determination of antigen and antibody levels are important for disease diagnosis and assessing disease progression.
A qualitative theory of the medium pressure hollow cathode effect

Abstract The results of an experimental investigation of the Hollow Cathode Effect are summarized. An explanation for the Hollow Cathode Effect at gas pressures larger than 1 torr is offered in terms of four groups of phenomena, i.e., (a) changing collection efficiency for noncharged particles, the Pendel effect and enhanced cumulative ionization, (b) space-charge effects, (c) physical construction of the discharge, and (d) non-uniformities in the negative glow region. Each of these groups of phenomena predominates for a different set of discharge conditions.
Some properties of brominated calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid

Abstract The bromination of calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid has been studied with respect to its kinetics, base composition, stability of the brominated DNA and its physicochemical properties. After bromination there was a marked decrease of the ultraviolet absorption of DNA in 1 × or 0.1 × 0.15 M NaCl − 0.015 M sodium citrate (SSC), pH 7.4, caused by saturation of the Δ 5 double bond of pyrimidine bases. The decrease of absorption at 260 nm, taken as measure of bromination, was dependent on the concentration of bromine and on temperature. Base analysis showed that all bases, namely adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine were brominated but to different extent. Using deoxynucleosides as model compounds, the relative order of reactivity with bromine at neutral pH was shown to be deoxycytidine ⋍ thymidine > deoxyguanosine > deoxyadenosine . Brominated DNA was fragmented by base or heat treatment and was depurinated more readily than DNA control. The sigmoidal melting profile of lightly brominated DNA was shallow as compared with that of unmodified DNA, and was not evident with heavily brominated DNA. The sedimentation constant, s 20, w , of heavily brominated DNA was similar to that of DNA control in 1 × SSC , but was reduced to approximately one-third of the control value in 0.1 × SSC . In 1 × SSC , the intrinsic viscosity of brominated DNA was markedly decreased.
15-deoxy-Δ12,14 prostaglandin J2 : A putative endogenous promoter of adipogenesis suppresses the ob gene

Leptin is considered a key factor in the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure, but little is known about the control of its synthesis and release. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have recently been shown to downregulate leptin expression, and it has been speculated that downregulation of the ob gene occurs through activation of the transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). However, there are no studies using an endogenous PPARgamma ligand. We examined the effect of 15-deoxy-delta(12,14) prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a putative natural ligand of PPARgamma, on ob gene expression in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and compared its effect with that of two other PPARgamma activators, the TZD troglitazone (Trog) and indomethacin (Indo). 15d-PGJ2, Trog, and Indo all inhibited leptin expression at concentrations at which they activate PPARgamma. The inhibition of leptin expression of PPARgamma activators was surprising, since PPARgamma is known to induce adipogenesis during which the ob gene is expressed. To address the possibility that PPARgamma plays different roles before and after the induction of adipogenesis, we examined the effects of the three PPARgamma ligands on the expression of leptin and the glucose transporter protein GLUT4, both of which are expressed during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to adipocytes. In the absence of PPARgamma ligands, leptin and GLUT4 synthesis increased from day 3 to day 9 or 10 during differentiation. However, in the presence of any of the three PPARgamma ligands, GLUT4 expression was unaffected, while ob gene expression was inhibited. We hypothesize that PPARgamma may be essential for induction of adipocyte differentiation but then needs to be inactivated to allow expression of the ob gene.
Multiple Human Cytochromes Contribute to Biotransformation of Dextromethorphan In-vitro: Role of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A

Cytochromes mediating the biotransformation of dextromethorphan to dextrorphan and 3-methoxymorphinan, its principal metabolites in man, have been studied by use of liver microsomes and microsomes containing individual cytochromes expressed by cDNA-transfected human lymphoblastoid cells. In-vitro formation of dextrorphan from dextromethorphan by liver microsomes was mediated principally by a high-affinity enzyme (Km (substrate concentration producing maximum reaction velocity) 3-13 microM). Formation of dextrorphan from 25 microM dextromethorphan was strongly inhibited by quinidine (IC50 (concentration resulting in 50% inhibition) = 0.37 microM); inhibition by sulphaphenazole was approximately 18% and omeprazole and ketoconazole had minimal effect. Dextrorphan was formed from dextromethorphan by microsomes from cDNA-transfected lymphoblastoid cells expressing CYP2C9, -2C19, and -2D6 but not by those expressing CYP1A2, -2E1 or -3A4. Despite the low in-vivo abundance of CYP2D6, this cytochrome was identified as the dominant enzyme mediating dextrorphan formation at substrate concentrations below 10 microM. Formation of 3-methoxy-morphinan from dextromethorphan in liver microsomes proceeded with a mean Km of 259 microM. For formation of 3-methoxymorphinan from 25 microM dextromethorphan the IC50 for ketoconazole was 1.15 microM; sulphaphenazole, omeprazole and quinidine had little effect. 3-Methoxymorphinan was formed by microsomes from cDNA-transfected lymphoblastoid cells expressing CYP2C9, -2C19, -2D6, and -3A4, but not by those expressing CYP1A2 or -2E1. CYP2C19 had the highest affinity (Km = 49 microM) whereas CYP3A4 had the lowest (Km = 1155 microM). Relative abundances of the four cytochromes were determined in liver microsomes by use of the relative activity factor approach. After adjustment for relative abundance, CYP3A4 was identified as the dominant enzyme mediating 3-methoxymorphinan formation from dextromethorphan, although CYP2C9 and -2C19 were estimated to contribute to 3-methoxymorphinan formation, particularly at low substrate concentrations. Although formation of dextrorphan from dextromethorphan appears to be sufficiently specific to be used as an in-vitro or in-vivo index reaction for profiling of CYP2D6 activity, the findings raise questions about the specificity of 3-methoxymorphinan formation as an index of CYP3A activity.
Does Ketamine Have Anti-Suicidal Properties? Current Status and Future Directions

Ketamine, a widely used anesthetic agent, is currently being investigated as a novel therapeutic for depression and suicidality. Ketamine has garnered substantial attention from researchers, clinicians, media outlets, and patients alike, but numerous questions remain. One of the compelling features of ketamine is the rapidity of its antidepressant effects, which peak just 24 h after infusion, setting it apart from other existing treatments. Ketamine’s rapid time course has inspired research efforts to explore its potential as a life-saving therapy for patients at imminent risk of suicide. In this article, we review current evidence supporting the rapid effects of ketamine on suicidal ideation in the context of unipolar and bipolar depression. We then discuss several future directions that are necessary before ketamine can be considered a viable treatment option for suicidality in clinical settings. These include: testing for a specific anti-suicidal effect—separate from overall antidepressant effects—to ascertain whether ketamine might hold promise for a broader class of suicidal patients; ensuring that acute benefits of ketamine can be prolonged over a clinically meaningful timeframe; and developing a better understanding of the mechanisms by which ketamine might reduce suicide risk. Such efforts will enable the field to more accurately assess the potential of ketamine, as well as its limitations, allowing for appropriate placement within the context of comprehensive clinical care for suicide prevention.
Task for engineers-resuscitating the U.S. rail system

It is noted that, to create an effective new rail system in the US, passenger and freight services would be needed, both of them integrated and standardized in a national plan. It is suggested that it is absurd to pose the future of railroads as a complete dichotomy between superspeed passenger lines on one hand and slow freights meandering over decrepit trackage on the other hand. One would hope that the latter category would steadily shrink, but a unified system means that long-distance passenger service, commuter lines including airport access, and freight would move at optimal speeds and provide maximum convenience for their users. This objective-an integrated system, electrified for maximum energy saving and security-defines the details of what should be national policy as well as the tasks that US engineers must face in tackling the job. It is concluded that, if a new system is to fulfil its purposes, engineers will have to become part of an industrial rescue operation that has few parallels. >
Operations scheduling with multiple resources and transportation considerations

We study a scheduling problem with the operations that require renewable as well as non-renewable resources. After an operation has been completed, the non-renewable resource is depleted whereas the renewable resource can be made available for the next operation. Of both the renewable and the non-renewable resources limited amounts are available and they need to be transported to the locations where they are needed. The operations have deadlines, and the availability of the renewable resources depends on the sequence of the operations. Such operations scheduling problems are commonly encountered in the practices of emergency logistics that deliver medical services to the affected areas after a disaster, where renewable resources typically refer to medical teams and non-renewable resources refer to medical supplies. We present a complexity classification for our problem and show where the borderline lies between NP-hardness and polynomial time solvability. We analyse the structural properties of our proble...
Multiple blood feeding by Anopheles freeborni and Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) : Spatial and temporal variation

Multiple blood feeding in field populations of Anopheles freeborni Aitken and Culex tarsalis Coquillet was detected using a histologic technique. Examination of 333 blood engorged An. freeborni and 41 Cx. tarsalis females revealed that 13 and 10% of these females imbibed multiple blood meals, respectively. Spatial and temporal distribution of multiple blood feeding events was evaluated against the percentage of blood fed females and the abundance of female mosquitoes. The percentage of blood fed An. freeborni females was higher among those collected in pasture and riparian habitats than those collected in rice field and mixed habitats. Conversely, spatial variation of multiple blood feeding in An. freeborni was not significantly associated with rice field, pasture, riparian, or mixed habitats. The decrease of multiple blood feeding for An. freeborni through the season was correlated inversely with the increase of the abundance of adult females; but not with the percentage of blood fed females. These results confirmed that multiple blood meals in An. freeborni, and perhaps in Cx. tarsalis, are a frequent phenomenon, and that the histologic procedure is an appropriate tool for longitudinal and region-wide detection of multiple blood feeding necessary in epidemiologic studies.
DNA-Protamine Toroids Pull on their Attachment Points

The fundamental unit of sperm chromatin is the DNA-protamine toroid which contains 50 kbp of DNA and is shaped like a donut with an outer diameter of 100 nm. This unique form of chromatin occurs when histones are displaced from nucleosomes and replaced by protamines during the differentiation of the sperm cell, known as spermiogenesis. This condenses the sperm genome into a much smaller volume, at the physical limit of packing, to protect it from exogenous insult and inactivate it during its journey to the egg. To determine if biomechanical forces participate in the formation of toroids we decided to examine this process at the single molecule level. Using dual optical traps to expose a single lambda phage DNA molecule to mammalian protamine in a multichannel flow cell we were able to show that toroids exert significant forces on their attachment points. Elasticity measurements of the toroids revealed that they are relatively inflexible. We will discuss what these measurements imply about the architecture of chromatin within the mature sperm cell.
Pharmacotherapy for Friedreich Ataxia

Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a progressive genetic neurological disorder associated with degeneration of the dorsal columns, spinocerebellar tracts and other regions of the nervous system. The disorder results from mutations in the gene referred to as FXN. Almost all mutations are expansions of an intronic GAA repeat in this gene, which gives rise to decreased transcription of the gene product (called frataxin). Following these discoveries, drug discovery has moved at a rapid pace. Therapeutic trials in the next 5 years are expected to address amelioration of the effects of frataxin deficiency and methods for increasing frataxin expression. These therapies are directed at all levels of biochemical dysfunction in FA. Agents such as idebenone potentially improve mitochondrial function and decrease production of reactive oxygen species. Idebenone is presently in a phase III trial in the US and in Europe, with the primary outcome measure being neurological function. Deferiprone, an atypical iron chelator, may decrease build-up of toxic iron in the mitochondria in patients. It has entered a phase II trial in Europe, Australia and Canada directed toward improvement of neurological abilities. Finally, targeted histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and erythropoietin increase levels of frataxin when used in vitro, suggesting that they may provide methods for increasing frataxin levels in patients. Erythropoietin has been tested in a small phase II trial in Austria, while HDAC inhibitors are still at a preclinical stage. Symptomatic therapies are also in use for specific symptoms such as spasticity (baclofen). Thus, there is substantial optimism for development of new therapies for FA in the near future, and we suggest that one or several may be available over the next few years. However, continued development of new therapies will require creation of new, more sensitive measures for neurological dysfunction in FA, and clinically relevant measures of cardiac dysfunction.
Strong Ground Movement Induced by Mining Activities and Its Effect on Power Transmission Structures

Surface mining activities may introduce damages to nearby infrastructure. Concerns are put forward by the power company about structural integrity of electric power transmission structures in areas where coal mining activities cause strong ground vibrations. Common practice in the power industry is to limit ground motion by specifying maximum Peak Particle Velocity. So far, there is a lack of industry-wide recognized guidelines on how ground vibration limits should be set for the transmission structures. In order to develop a defense strategy to protect power transmission lines against strong ground motions in mining areas, a systematic research work was conducted to establish strong ground vibration characteristics and to study impacts of ground excitations on transmission pole structures. Ground movements were recorded using geophones and wireless tri-axial sensing units. The process of generating ground motion response spectra via analyzing actual ground motion measurements is described in the paper. These spectra developed based on peak particle velocities were used as a basis for spectral analysis performed using validated Finite Element models to obtain structural displacements, reactions and stress states of the transmission pole structures in the mining sites. A quantitative ground motion limit was established by comparing structural responses with the corresponding design requirements.
Altered patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation and Syk activation for sterically restricted cyclic dimers of IgE-Fc epsilonRI.

Previous studies in our laboratory established that the symmetrical bivalent ligand, N,N'-bis-[[epsilon-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)amino]caproyl]-L-tyrosyl]-L-cystin e ((DCT)2-cys), stably cross-links anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to high affinity receptors Fc epsilonRI on the surface of RBL-2H3 cells, forming mostly cyclic dimers containing two IgE-Fc epsilonRI and two (DCT)2-cys (Posner et al. (1995) J. Immunol. 155, 3601-3609). These cyclic dimers do not trigger Ca2+ or degranulation responses under a variety of conditions. However, we find that the linearly cross-linked IgE-Fc epsilonRI formed at higher concentrations of (DCT)2-cys do trigger degranulation in the presence of cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization. We further investigated stimulation by (DCT)2-cys of the earliest known events in the functional response, i.e., tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta and gamma subunits of Fc epsilonRI. At the higher (DCT)2-cys concentrations corresponding to linear dimers and maximal degranulation, tyrosine phosphorylation of both beta and gamma are observed. At lower (DCT)2-cys concentrations where cross-linking is maximal and cyclic dimers are overwhelmingly dominant, only gamma tyrosine phosphorylation is observed. Cytochalasin D does not affect these phosphorylation patterns, but instead appears to enhance coupling to downstream signaling events. Phosphorylation of Syk occurs at the higher (DCT)2-cys concentrations in parallel with beta phosphorylation but does not occur in its absence at the lower (DCT)2-cys concentrations. These results suggest that cyclic dimers of IgE-Fc epsilonRI are sterically restricted such that they stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of gamma but not beta, and this is not sufficient for Syk binding and/or activation.
Effects of some inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase on protein phosphorylation in isolated neurons and glia from rat brain

Summary The effects of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors theophylline, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, and RO-20-1724 on protein phosphorylation in homogenates of isolated neurons and glia were examined. Theophylline (10mM) and 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (1mM) inhibit protein phosphorylation by more than 40%. In both neuronal and glial preparations these agents lowered the basal rate of protein phosphorylation and, to a slightly lesser extent, the rate in the presence of added cyclic AMP. It also appears that the predominant form of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in isolated neurons is calcium-dependent since it is markedly inhibited by EGTA, while that in isolated glia is predominantly independent of calcium ions.
Extending FRET cascades on linear DNA photonic wires

Photonic wires were constructed by sequentially arranging up to 7 fluorophores along a concatenated DNA scaffold. This yielded nanostructures displaying from one- to six-energy transfer steps where end-to-end efficiency reflected the multiple underlying photophysical processes and the ability of long-range interactions to compensate for localized non-ideal dye behaviour.
Breaking boundaries: strategies for mentoring through textile computing workshops

With over 13.3 million children living below poverty line in the United States, there is a pressing need for engaging HCI research with children at the socio-economic margins. Drawing from design studio culture and art therapy literature, we explore wearable computing as a creative and tangible medium (similar to markers, paints, clays, etc.) for motivating 'at-risk' children in hands-on making and expressive instantiation of ideas. Working with a local outreach organization for 'at-risk' middle school girls, we conducted five weekly workshops during which participants ideated, designed and implemented personal wearable computing projects. These sessions inspired participants (age 10-12) who tend to be uninterested and uncooperative in educational activities to complete interactive projects and engage with workshop volunteers as mentors and peers. We present the challenges, merits and outcomes of our approach, proposing wearable computing as a healing outlet and a mentoring strategy for at-risk children.
Some useful data structures for the generation of unstructured grids

Several data structures for the generation of unstructured grids are described. Their usefulness stems from the fact that they enable the necessary search operations to be performed in an optimal way. In particular, we describe heap lists, quad- and octrees, and linked lists. Combining these data structures, the important problem of interpolating information between unstructured grids is also solved.
Deans and Deaning in a Changing World.

Much has been written about the threats to medical schools and teaching hospitals, but less attention has been given to what these changes mean to the individuals who lead these institutions. In the belief that the quality of leadership of academic medical centers, especially medical schools, will help determine the future of these institutions, the author assesses the situation of deans today. He first discusses the dramatic decrease in the tenures of deans over the last 20 years and reviews the evidence for some of the possible reasons that this has happened, such as possible changes in the personal characteristics of deans (not a factor), their salaries (not a factor), the inflated titles and increasing power of deans, and the greatly expanded sites of the operations that deans now govern (caused by the enormous increase in the health care establishment and corresponding increases in medical schools). However, the author maintains that these reasons do not sufficiently account for the "administrative distress" that has affected the deanery. Causes for such distress include expectations that are too high, a constituency that is too broadly based, the dean's stunted intellectual life, unreasonable boundaries, a level of authority not commensurate with responsibility, and a faculty prone to second-guessing. The author concludes by stating that the dean must set the agenda for action by the medical school, indicates some main items of that agenda (such as promoting diversity in the physician workforce), and then offers a variety of "personal tips" to help deans survive, such as getting a good administrative assistant, talking to people one-on-one, and following up on whatever one does. He ends on a lighter note with advice to deans for personal survival, such as taking breaks, rationing travel, and planning for life after deaning.
Investigation of the Variability in the Assessment of Digital Chest X-ray Image Quality

A large database of digital chest radiographs was developed over a 14-month period. Ten radiographic technologists and five radiologists independently evaluated a stratified subset of images from the database for quality deficiencies and decided whether each image should be rejected. The evaluation results showed that the radiographic technologists and radiologists agreed only moderately in their assessments. When compared against each other, radiologist and technologist reader groups were found to have even less agreement than the inter-reader agreement within each group. Radiologists were found to be more accepting of limited-quality studies than technologists. Evidence from the study suggests that the technologists weighted their reject decisions more heavily on objective technical attributes, while the radiologists weighted their decisions more heavily on diagnostic interpretability relative to the image indication. A suite of reject-detection algorithms was independently run on the images in the database. The algorithms detected 4 % of postero-anterior chest exams that were accepted by the technologist who originally captured the image but which would have been rejected by the technologist peer group. When algorithm results were made available to the technologists during the study, there was no improvement in inter-reader agreement in deciding whether to reject an image. The algorithm results do, however, provide new quality information that could be captured within a site-wide, reject-tracking database and leveraged as part of a site-wide QA program.
Aortic Root Abscess: Initial Experience Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The detection of aortic root abscess by magnetic resonance imaging has not been described previously. We report a patient with an aortic root abscess that was successfully diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography. Computed tomography failed to detect the abscess. The patient recovered with antibiotic therapy. Based on this case and other reports in the literature, we advocate treating similar patients without surgery. We recommend magnetic resonance imaging as an investigational method where the diagnosis of aortic root abscess is ambiguous.
Human colorectal cancer cells efficiently conjugate the cyclopentenone prostaglandin, prostaglandin J2, to glutathione

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (PGs), particularly those of the J-series, affect proliferation and differentiation in a number of cell lines. J-ring PGs have been shown to be ligands for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma and to modulate NF-kappaB-mediated gene transcription. We have previously reported that large quantities of eicosanoids, including PGJ(2), are produced by the human colorectal cancer cell line HCA-7 while lesser amounts of Delta(12)-PGJ(2) and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) are formed. In this and other cell lines, cyclopentenone PGs have been shown to increase cell proliferation, but factors that influence their formation and metabolism are poorly understood. Unlike other PGs, cyclopentenone PGs contain alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl groups that readily adduct various biomolecules such as glutathione (GSH) in vitro. We now report that in HCA-7 cells, PGJ(2) is largely metabolized by conjugation to GSH. Characterization of the adducts by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) revealed two major metabolites consisting of (1) a novel GSH conjugate in which the carbonyl at C-11 of PGJ(2) is reduced and (2) intact PGJ(2) conjugated to GSH. Approximately 70% of the PGJ(2) added to HCA-7 cells was esterifed to GSH after 2 h of incubation, suggesting this pathway represents the major route of metabolic disposition of PGJ(2) in HCA-7 cells.