cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HPLC Determination of Ondansetron-Atropine and Ondansetron-Glycopyrrolate Mixtures in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection

Abstract High Performance Liquid Chromatography procedures have been developed for the assay of ondansetron-atropine and ondansetron-glycopyrrolate mixtures in 0.9% sodium chloride injection. The separation and quantitation of the ondansetron-atropine mix was achieved on an octylsilane column at ambient temperature using a mobile phase of 60:40 v/v 0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 4-acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with detection of the analytes at 254 nm. The separation is achieved within 15 min. The method showed linearity for ondansetron and atropine in the 266–1332 and 28–138 μg/mL ranges, respectively. Accuracy and precision were in the 0.2–5.6% and 0.4–1.8% ranges, respectively, for both drugs. The limits of detection for ondansetron and atropine were 2.1 ng/mL and 8.6 μg/mL, respectively, based on a signal to noise ratio of 3 and a 20 μL injection. The separation and quantitation of the ondansetron-glycopyrrolate mix was achieved on an octylsilane column at ambient temperature using a mobile ph...
Nitrotyrosine and Chlorotyrosine: Clinical Significance and Biological Functions in the Vascular System

The heme-containing enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) is both present and active in inflammatory conditions. This enzyme is potentiated by its formation of multiple inflammatory mediators. The two most common mediators are the modified tyrosines: nitrotyrosine and 3-chlorotyrosine. Along with other modified tyrosines, these molecules have been found to be elevated in atherosclerosis, lung disease, sepsis, vasculitis, and other inflammatory diseases. By treating some of these diseases, the levels of modified tyrosines have been shown to decrease. There have been a wide range of animal models designed to study the in vivo effects of these tyrosine molecules. In addition, there are also several reports in the literature of the in vitro actions of modified tyrosine molecules demonstrated by various cell-culture models. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the clinical significance and biological functions of these modified tyrosine molecules in atherosclerosis as well as a variety of other inflammatory conditions. It is timely information because of their association with diseases as well as lack of overview of their molecular actions. This review will focus on the formation, clinical significance, and animal and cell-culture models of these important molecules.
Minireview: Nuclear Receptors and Breast Cancer

Until recently, the study of nuclear receptor (NR) function in breast cancer biology has been largely limited to estrogen and progesterone receptors. The development of reliable gene expression arrays, real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical techniques for studying NR superfamily members in primary human breast cancers has now revealed the presence and potential importance of several additional NRs in the biology of breast cancer. These include receptors for steroid hormones (including androgens and corticosteroids), fat-soluble vitamins A and D, fatty acids, and xenobiotic lipids derived from diet. It is now clear that after NR activation, both genomic and nongenomic NR pathways can coordinately activate growth factor signaling pathways. Advances in our understanding of both NR functional networks and epithelial cell growth factor signaling pathways have revealed a frequent interplay between NR and epithelial cell growth factor family signaling that is clinically relevant to breast cancer. Understanding how growth factor receptors and their downstream kinases are activated by NRs (and vice-versa) is a central goal for maximizing treatment opportunities in breast cancer. In addition to the estrogen receptor, it is predicted that modulating the activity of other NRs will soon provide novel prevention and treatment approaches for breast cancer patients.
Syndecan-1 and Its Expanding List of Contacts

Significance: The binding of cytokines and growth factors to heparan sulfate (HS) chains on proteoglycans generates gradients that control development and regulate wound healing. Syndecan-1 (sdc1) is an integral membrane HS proteoglycan. Its structure allows it to bind with cytosolic, transmembrane, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It plays important roles in mediating key events during wound healing because it regulates a number of important processes, including cell adhesion, cell migration, endocytosis, exosome formation, and fibrosis. Recent Advances: Recent studies reveal that sdc1 regulates wound healing by altering integrin activation. Differences in integrin activation lead to cell-type-specific changes in the rate of cell migration and ECM assembly. Sdc1 also regulates endocytosis and the formation and release of exosomes. Critical Issues: Understanding how sdc1 facilitates wound healing and resolution will improve treatment options for elderly and diabetic patients with delayed wound hea...
Phytochrome: molecular properties and biogenesis

Native Avena phytochrome, recently shown to have a monomeric molecular mass of 124 kDa, has molecular properties that differ significantly from those of the extensively characterized \`120' kDa or \`large' phytochrome preparations now known to contain a mixture of proteolytically degraded 118 and 114 kDa polypeptides. For example, 124 kDa phytochrome has a blocked N-terminus, a P $\_{fr}$ $\lambda\_{max}$ of 730 nm, a higher photostationary state in red light (86% P $\_{fr}$ ), exhibits no dark reversion and shows no differential reactivity of P $\_r$ and P $\_{fr}$ toward a chemical probe of hydrophobic domains. The data indicate that the proteolytically removed 6-10 kDa polypeptide segment(s) is critical to the spectral and structural integrity of the photoreceptor; that at least part of the cleaved domain is located at the N-terminus of the molecule; that this domain influences the chemical reactivity of the chromophore with the external medium; and that a current hypothesis that P $\_r$ -P $\_{fr}$ photoconversion results in the exposure of a hydrophobic domain on the molecule is inconsistent with the properties of native phytochrome. Phytochrome has been found to exert rapid negative feedback control over the level of its own translatable mRNA. P $\_{fr}$ formation in etiolated tissue causes a decline in translatable phytochrome mRNA that is detectable within 15-30 min and that results in more than a 95% reduction within 2 h. Less than 1% P $\_{fr}$ is sufficient to induce 60% of the maximum response, which is saturated at 20% P $\_{fr}$ or less. The rapidity of this autoregulatory control makes phytochrome itself an attractive system for investigating phytochrome-regulated gene expression. A project to clone phytochrome complementary DNA (cDNA) has been initiated. A major obstacle in this work has been the unexpectedly low abundance of phytochrome mRNA, less than 0.005% of the poly(A) RNA in etiolated tissue. cDNA made from poly(A) RNA enriched ca. 200-fold in phytochrome mRNA has been cloned and bacterial colonies have been screened with a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide hybridization probe. The sequence of this probe was derived from a known partial amino acid sequence of the phytochrome protein. Difficulties encountered with this approach are discussed.
Scattering of Electrons by Lattice Vibrations in Nonpolar Crystals

A theoretical analysis of the scattering of electrons by lattice vibrations in nonpolar crystals is made which permits an estimate of the relative importance of acoustical-mode and optical-mode scattering in monatomic nonmetals. This comparison is achieved by expanding the matrix elements for scattering in powers of the electron wave number. Individual terms are examined in the light of crystal symmetries and the nature of the band minimum associated with the carriers. The order of the first nonvanishing term is obtained in each case. The temperature dependence of the mobility as indicated by these results is compared with that observed in the cases of electrons and holes in silicon and germanium. The observed dependence upon temperature is understandable in terms of the expected relative importance of acoustical- and optical-mode scattering in the cases of holes in silicon and germanium and electrons in germanium. In the case of electrons in silicon, optical modes are not expected to contribute appreciably and the strong temperature dependence must arise from some other mechanism, presumably intervalley scattering. The relation between the results obtained here and those of deformation-potential theory is discussed briefly.
A medico-legal review of cases involving quadriplegia following cervical spine surgery: Is there an argument for a no-fault compensation system?

Background: To determine whether patients who become quadriplegic following cervical spine surgery are adequately compensated by our present medico-legal system. The outcomes of malpractice suits obtained from Verdict Search (East Islip, NY, USA), a medico-legal journal, were evaluated over a 20-year period. Although the present malpractice system generously rewards many quadriplegic patients with substantial settlements/ Plaintiffs' verdicts, a subset receive lesser reimbursements (verdicts/settlements], while others with defense verdicts receive no compensatory damages.
SU‐GG‐J‐56: Comparison of Shifts in CBCT and Tomotherapy Imaging Modalities in Prostate IGRT

Purpose:Dose conformality in radiation therapy continues to improve with more sophisticated treatment planning algorithms. This trend has further increased the importance of IGRT to ensure the dose is deposited as intended. This study compares the magnitude of shifts in prostate IGRT as measured by two imaging modes: Siemens MV‐CBCT and TomoTherapy helical MVCT. Method and Materials: A total of 18 patients with implanted prostate markers were studied. Patients were treated either by step‐and‐ shoot IMRT on a Siemens's linac or on a TomoTherapy unit. Prior to each treatment, MVCT was acquired and registered with KVCT based on three implanted gold markers. Lateral, longitudinal and vertical shifts were determined. A total of 173 daily localizations from CBCT and 425 daily localizations from helical MVCT were collected. In both cases, image fusion was carried out by the same group of therapists. The data was analyzed retrospectively. Results:CBCT data: The lateral shifts range from 17mm left to 5mm right; the longitudinal shifts range from 16mm superiorly to 6mm inferiorly; the vertical shifts range from 14mm anteriorly to 15mm posteriorly. The mean shift in 3D is 7.7mm. Helical TomoTherapy data: The lateral shifts range from 10.2mm left to 20.6mm right; the longitudinal shifts range from 10.8mm superiorly to 13.1mm inferiorly; the vertical shifts range from 25.7mm anteriorly to 11.1mm posteriorly. The mean shift in 3D is 9.01mm. Conclusion: The results of the two IGRTimaging modalities demonstrate a similarity in the magnitude of daily shifts required for patients undergoing IMRT for prostate. The shifts are significant and would result in target underdosing, or normal tissue overdosing, when not applied.
Prevalence of mental disorders after catastrophic financial loss

In a controlled study, the authors determined the risk of developing major mental illness after catastrophic financial loss. Seventy-two adults who lost their retirement savings in a bank fraud were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Major depression by DSM-III criteria was present in 29% of the victims during the first 20 months after their loss as compared with 2% of 66 age, gender, and residential area-matched control subjects (p less than .0001). Generalized anxiety disorder as defined by DSM-III criteria was experienced by 27% of victims after the loss as compared with 10% of control subjects (p = .03). After the loss, victims had lower subjective health ratings, more functional somatic complaints, and higher tranquilizer usage than control subjects. There was no difference between depressed and nondepressed in types of coping responses or use of social supports and confidants. Only four of 21 victims who suffered major depression sought help from a mental health professional. We conclude that catastrophic financial loss may result in the onset of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Proteolytic enzymes of microorganisms; evaluation of proteinases produced by molds of the Aspergillus flavus-oryzae group in submerged culture.

Abstract A procedure for surveying mold strains for proteinase production under submerged culture conditions is described. Four hundred and ninety-one strains of the Aspergillus flavus-oryzae group were tested. Eighty strains produced sufficient proteinase activity to warrant further study. On an over-all basis, greatest activity was found at pH 7.5, much less at pH 5.0, and no appreciable activity at pH 2.5. Ability to hydrolyze gelatin occurred frequently, and milk-clotting activity was rare. High α-amylase activity occurred infrequently and was not associated with high proteinase activity. Individual mold strains varied in their ability to attack various substrates. Seventeen strains showing superior proteinase or α-amylase activity are listed with quantitative data regarding their enzyme activities.
Regulatory view of the radiation processing of food

Abstract Whether irradiation of food is considered an additive or as a process, is of no real consequence. The public perception of food irradiation is still negative and clouds the regulatory process to further the use of the technology. Regulatory requirements must be established in order to control the radiation process. The agencies that regulate the use of ionizing radiation for foods have common problems. In some cases, the research is not complete enough to warrant approvals at the needed level, or new research is not targeted to gain clearances. If approvals are given, the radiation process has to be accomplished within the limits defined by national authorities. National authorities should not promote the radiation process nor should they hinder its progress. They should consider it objectively as another means for ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply.
Screen-printed electrodes for stripping measurements of trace mercury

Abstract Screen-printed carbon-strip electrodes, coated with a thin gold film, are used for highly sensitive potentiometric stripping measurements of trace levels of mercury. The stripping response toward mercury at these inexpensive and disposable electrodes compares favorably with that common at conventional gold electrodes. Various experimental variables have been optimized to yield low detection limits (e.g., 0.5 μg 1−1 mercury for 4 min deposition) and good precision (e.g., R.S.D. of 2.5% for 20 repetitive measurements of 25 μg 1−1 mercury). Applicability to trace measurements of alkyl mercury and selenium is also demonstrated. Such adaptation of screen-printing technology for the development of reliable sensors for trace mercury should benefit numerous field applications.
Prismatic Coupling Structure for Intrachip Global Communication

Metal wires for global communication on integrated circuits have become problematic as device integration densities scale with rapid advancements in CMOS technology. They may not be able to deliver the growing bandwidth requirements of future microprocessors. Optical interconnect technologies may provide a solution to meet this challenge and extend Moore's law. In this paper, a novel guided-wave optical interconnect fabric aiming to replace the slow global metal interconnections is proposed and analyzed. The reflection-mode multiple-quantum-well-modulator-based optical interconnection approach is projected to achieve high coupling efficiency and be compatible with standard CMOS processes. The key notion is a prismatic coupling structure that is embedded in the optical waveguide and therefore has a very small footprint in the circuit. Ray-trace and finite-difference time-domain simulation results predict high coupling efficiency of this structure.
CENTRAL REGULATION OF SYMPATHETIC NEURON DEVELOPMENT

Abstract The sixth lumbar (L-6) ganglion has been used to study the central regulation of peripheral sympathetic neuron development. During post-natal ontogeny, tyrosine hydroxylase [tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine: oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.16.2] activity increased 60-fold, while total protein rose 10-fold in the ganglion. Transection of the spinal cord at the fifth thoracic (T-5) segment in neonatal rats prevented the normal developmental increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity of the L-6 ganglion. However, spinal transection did not alter the ontogeny of tyrosine hydroxylase in the superior cervical ganglion, which derives its innervation from spinal segments rostral to the surgical lesion. Thus, spinal transection interfered with the maturation of sympathetic neurons distal to, but not proximal to, the lesion. The effect of transection on the L-6 ganglion persisted for at least one month, the longest time tested. Our observations suggest that trans-synaptic regulation of adrenergic maturation in the periphery is governed by suprasegmental mechanisms in the central nervous system.
Monte carlo evaluation of real time Feynman path integrals using distributed approximating functions. Modified-Cayley versus symmetric split-operator formalism

Abstract The results of the autocorrelation function for a Gaussian wavepacket propagating in a Morse potential are reported using a real time Monte Carlo path integration method based on distributed approximating functions. The symmetric split-operator and the modified-Cayley forms of the short-time full propagator are used in our calculations. It is found that the modified-Cayley form of the short-time propagator is better suited for real time Monte Carlo integration because the modified-Cayley integrand is less oscillatory than the symmetric split operator, requiring fewer sampling points to converge the Monte Carlo integration to a given accuracy.
Combined effects of salinity, temperature, and copper on embryos and early larvae of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica

The response of embryos and larvae of the American oyster,Crassostrea virginica, to copper at various salinity-temperature regimes was studied in the laboratory using response surface methods and factorial analysis. The experimental design was a 3 x 3 x 4 factorial experiment using temperatures of 20, 25, and 30°C, and salinities of 17.5, 22.5, and 27.5 ‰ It was carried out at copper concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 ppb for the embryos and 0, 30, 60, and 90 ppb for the larvae. Statistical analysis indicated that salinity had the greatest effect on the embryos at 0, 5, and 10 ppb copper, but temperature had as great an effect as that of salinity at 20 ppb copper. The capacity of the embryos to adapt to the temperaturesalinity changes was impaired when exposed to 20 ppb copper, as indicated by the shifting of the response center. Temperature had the greatest effect on the larvae when exposed to 30, 60, and 90 ppb copper. The interaction between temperature and salinity was significant only at the higher levels of qopper. Low levels of copper may produce intolerable stress upon the recruitment of oyster embryos during periods of persistently low salinities and low or high temperatures.
Happy and sad thoughts: An exploration of children's integer reasoning

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate elementary children's conceptions that might serve as foundations for integer reasoning. Working from an abstract algebraic perspective and using an opposite-magnitudes context that is relevant to children, we analyzed the reasoning of 33 children in grades K-5. We focus our report on three prominent ways of reasoning. We do this by describing and analyzing the responses of three particular children (in Grades 1, 3, and 5) who exemplify these ways of reasoning. We view each of the three ways of reasoning as rich and interesting, and we see relationships of each to formal integer reasoning. At the same time, we view these ways of reasoning in terms of increasing levels of sophistication, potentially belonging to a single learning trajectory. Thus, we see the roots of more sophisticated integer reasoning in children's early intuitions about opposite magnitudes.
Marketing prospects for organic and pesticide-free produce

The March 1989 food safety episodes involving Alar on apples and the cyanide tainted grapes found in a Chilean shipment were seminal events in the history of U.S. organic agriculture. Demand for organic produce soared as a consequence of these events, and mainstream supermarkets began adding more organic produce to their traditional product lines. But when organic supplies proved scarce, and as prices increased, consumer purchases decreased and many marketing managers began to question the rationality of allocating scarce shelf space to organic products. In fact, many supermarket chains either drastically reduced their organic offerings or dropped them altogether. Some analysts proclaimed that organics had failed the market test. However, two surveys we carried out in 1989 and 1991 among major California supermarket chains show that forecasts of the demise of organic produce in mainstream markets may have been premature. Of 16 chains responding to our survey, 12 continue to carry organic produce. All had carried organics for more than six months, two-thirds of them for more than a year. Of the 12 that carry organics, six rate organics as worse overall than conventional produce. But, interestingly, six rate organics as “about the same” as conventional produce. This is a significant achievement for organics. Organics rated better on environmental impact and residues, worse on appearance and shelf life, and “about the same” on flavor and nutritive value. Despite the constraints and difficulties encountered in marketing organic foods, 8 of the 12 chains that carry organics would carry more organic fruits and vegetables if supplies were available. The prospects for certified “pesticide free” produce are less definite.
Effects of pre- and post-exercise intake of performance supplements on body composition, circumferences, and muscle strength in trained men during 6 weeks of resistance training

Background Resistance training (RT) enhances muscle protein synthesis and increases muscle strength and hypertrophy. Protein and amino acid supplements have been shown to augment the physiological improvements associated with RT such as improved body composition, muscular strength, and hypertrophy while suppressing exerciseinduced proteolysis. Supplements that also contain creatine and caffeine have been shown to improve lean mass and muscular strength in moderately-trained recreational athletes. Recently, consumption of a supplement before RT that contains protein, caffeine, and creatine has been shown to increase fat-free mass (FFM) and upper-body strength in sedentary, untrained males. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pre- and post-workout performance supplementson body composition, circumferences, and maximal strength in resistance trained men.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMATOUS SPUTUM WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SECRETION-SPECIFIC PROTEIN.

Antigenic components of sputa from patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and from other patients with non-neoplastic pulmonic diseases were analyzed by double gel diffusion and by Immunoelectrophoresis. Ninety-five per cent of the specimens gave positive precipitin reactions with both rabbit antiserum against pooled bronchogenic carcinomatous secretions and rabbit antiserum against pooled non-carcinomatous secretions. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two types of sputa. Immunoelectrophoretic patterns of the sputa when reacted with antisecretion sera were similar to but not identical with serum patterns. The former showed more complex precipitin arcs especially in the regions of β 2 - and γ-globulins. A modified immunoelectrophoretic method demonstrated precipitin arcs with “reactions of identity” to those of β 2 A -globulin and to γx-protein in serum. The method also demonstrated the presence of at least one precipitin arc having no “reaction of identity” with any of the arcs in human serum. Attempts to isolate and characterize the sputum-specific antigenic components are in progress. Significance of these findings are discussed.
A 1-mW CMOS Temporal-Difference AER Sensor for Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we report a 64 times 64 active pixel sensor, designed for low-power image sensing for wireless sensor networks. The proposed image sensor computes the temporal difference between two continuous frames and communicates them in an address-event representation format. The image sensor is capable of computing 30 temporal-difference frames per second (fps) and consumes 1 mW with a 3-V power supply. Light-intensity images are also available as an output at a speed of 60 fps. The image sensor was fabricated in a 0.5-mum bulk CMOS process. The fabricated sensor was tested with various stimuli to evaluate its performance. The die size is 3 mm times 3 mm, including pads and test structures. Each pixel occupies an area of 29 times 28 mum2 with a fill factor of 23%. The minimum detectable speed of the temporal-difference is 4.5deg/s.
Performance simulation and analysis of M-ary frequency-shift keying with Reed Solomon encoding, noncoherent demodulation, and hybrid soft decision-hard decision decoding

All modern communication systems use some form of forward error correction coding. Generally, coding gain is improved when soft decision decoding is used instead of hard decision decoding. While soft decision decoding is a mature technology for convolutional codes, practical soft decision decoding for the commonly used Reed-Solomon (RS) non-binary block code has only recently been developed. Most of the developed SD decoding schemes are either applicable for low to medium code rates with high complexity or for channels that are far from q-ary symmetric. A hybrid hard decision-soft decision (HD/SD) decoding scheme was recently developed for use with bandwidth efficient modulation schemes such as M-ary phase-shift keying (MPSK). Since many communication systems use orthogonal modulation schemes such as M-ary frequency-shift keying (MFSK) for more robust communication links, this paper extends the HD/SD decoding scheme developed for bandwidth efficient modulation to orthogonal modulation. The performance simulation and analysis of MFSK with RS encoding, coherent demodulation, and hybrid HD/SD decoding are presented. The effect of noise other than additive white Gaussian noise, such as pulse-noise interference, is also considered. Furthermore, in our simulations we extend the size of the soft decision reliability information matrix from 29to 210in order to increase the possible decoding lists for hybrid HD/SD decoding.
Compressive behavior of worked plastics

The effect of temperature and loading history on the compressive stress–strain properties of two plastics is described. Polypropylene and nylon cylindrical specimens were reduced in height by 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, at room temperature and 25°F below the melt point and at two different deformation rates. Test specimens were cut from these worked billets along two directions, axially and radially. Subsequent compressive stress–strain tests were run using an Instron tester. Results of these tests are presented and compared with the stress–strain curve of the virgin material.
Moderne Strukturchemie Nobel-Vortrag Dezember 1954†

Von den Arbeiten Franklands, Kekules und Butlerows ausgehend wird die historische Entwicklung der Strukturchemie organischer Verbindungen dargelegt. Dabei werden die entsprechenden Fortschritte der anorganischen Chemie gestreift. Die Verwendung von berechneten Modellen hat auf dem Protein-Gebiet in den letzten Jahren zu wesentlichen neuen Ergebnissen gefuhrt und man hofft, weitere Probleme aus Biologie und Medizin mit chemischen Methoden aufklaren zu konnen.
Quantitative Modeling of the Evolution and Geometry of Incised Valleys

Abstract Incised valleys are critical stratigraphic features for unraveling long-term Earth-surface processes and depositional history, and commonly exhibit stratigraphic attributes that make them desirable fluid reservoirs. While there is much descriptive documentation on architecture of incised-valley fills and paleoenvironmental regimes, relatively little work has focused on quantitative modeling of the dynamics of incised-valley evolution. Here we use well-constrained observations of incised valleys in experiments and the field to explore controls on valley geometry and develop a simple valley model to quantify the primary dynamics of incised-valley evolution. We document a strong tendency for incised valleys to widen downstream independent of the details of the relative base-level curve or initial surface profile, due primarily to the effects of increased sediment flux. This is in general agreement with measurements of experimental and natural incised valleys, though the degree of widening is less in natural systems due to greater sidewall resistance and smaller water discharge (relative to valley size). A first-order model of incised-valley evolution highlights three important trends: valley aggradation and widening; valley incision and widening; and valley incision and narrowing. The model reproduces the primary geometric responses to valley formation as measured from experiments: valley width and depth both increase in response to increases in (1) local relative base-level fall and (2) the initial offshore water depth. Finally, we generalize the first-order controls on valley geometry via dimensional analysis to show that long-term valley narrowing is not readily produced from relative base-level fall alone.
Investigating the technology-work relationship: a critical comparison of three qualitative field methods

Researchers today are increasingly attempting to understand the relationship between technology and work through field methods. Surveying the field methods commonly used by researchers to observe such interactions, I critically discuss the assumptions underpinning three methods (ethnography, participatory design and contextual inquiry) and the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Comparing ways of looking at human-computer interaction across four categories (viz. theoretical bases, data collection methods, data analysis methods and design approaches), I provide guidelines for researchers who are considering ways to examine human interaction and work with computer technologies.
Spectral modification of Head-Related Transfer Functions for improved virtual sound spatialization

Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) are commonly used to impose a virtual location of origin to mono-aural digital sounds. In listening tests, however, subjects tend to confuse the virtual location of sounds from the front hemisphere with symmetric locations in the back hemisphere, and vice versa, in an effect called “Cone of Confusion”. Preliminary observations suggested that the HRTFs of individuals with particularly protruding ears show more accentuated spectral differences between symmetric locations. When these HRTFs were used for the spatialization of sounds in listening tests performed by other subjects, the cone of confusion effect decreased. This paper describes how to synthesize attenuation/amplification profiles based on those seen in HRTFs from protruding ears and how they are applied to modify the HRTFs of several subjects. Listening tests showed that the HRTFs so modified yielded enhanced front-back differentiation, with respect to the original HRTFs of the test subjects.
Medium-sized lepidopterous rearing system using multicellular rearing trays.

We modified a previously described disposable rearing container consisting of a multicellular plastic tray and heat seal cover. A clear plastic tray that consisted of 32 individual rearing cells thermo-formed from 15-mil polyvinyl chloride plastic and a cover of 2-mil Mylar perforated with 25 pinholes/2.54 cm2 for gas exchange and coated on one side with a heat sensitive adhesive met our requirements. Experiments were conducted to compare larval developmental time, pupal size, and pupal production for southwestern corn borers, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar; fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith); corn earworms, Heliothis zea (Boddie); and tobacco budworms, H. virescens (F.), reared on diet in 30-ml cups with paperboard caps with those reared in the trays. The number of days required for larvae to develop to pupae was the same for cups and trays. Southwestern corn borer and corn earworm pupae recovered from trays were 8-11% smaller than those recovered from cups. About 9% more fall armyworm and tobacco budworm pupae were collected from cups than from trays. Equal numbers of corn earworm and southwestern corn borer pupae were collected from the two containers. Procedures and equipment for using the trays in a medium-sized rearing program and advantages of their use are discussed.
Control of PEM fuel cell distributed generation systems

This paper presents modeling, controller design, and simulation study of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) distributed generation (DG) system. The overall configuration of the PEMFC DG system is given, dynamic models for the PEMFC power plant and its power electronic interfacing are briefly described, and controller design methodologies for the power conditioning units to control the power flow from the fuel cell power plant to the utility grid are presented. A MATLAB/Simulink simulation model is developed for the PEMFC DG system by combining the individual component models and the controllers designed for the power conditioning units. Simulation results are given to show the overall system performance including load-following and fault-handling capability of the system.
Blinded by magic: eye-movements reveal the misdirection of attention.

Recent studies (e.g., Kuhn & Tatler, 2005) have suggested that magic tricks can provide a powerful and compelling domain for the study of attention and perception. In particular, many stage illusions involve attentional misdirection, guiding the observer’s gaze to a salient object or event, while another critical action, such as sleight of hand, is taking place. Even if the critical action takes place in full view, people typically fail to see it due to inattentional blindness. In an eye-tracking experiment, participants watched videos of a new magic trick, wherein a coin placed beneath a napkin disappears, reappearing under a different napkin. Appropriately deployed attention would allow participants to detect the “secret” event that underlies the illusion (a moving coin), as it happens in full view and is visible for approximately 550 ms. Nevertheless, we observed high rates of inattentional blindness. Unlike prior research, eye-movements during the critical event showed different patterns for participants, depending upon whether they saw the moving coin. The results also showed that when participants watched several “practice” videos without any moving coin, they became far more likely to detect the coin in the critical trial. Taken together, the findings are consistent with perceptual load theory (Lavie & Tsal, 1994).
Genetic Manipulation of the Metabolism of Polyamines in Poplar Cells. The Regulation of Putrescine Catabolism

We investigated the catabolism of putrescine (Put) in a non-transgenic (NT) and a transgenic cell line of poplar (Populus nigra × maximowiczii) expressing a mouse (Mus musculus) ornithine (Orn) decarboxylase (odc) cDNA. The transgenic cells produce 3- to 4-fold higher amounts of Put than the NT cells. The rate of loss of Put from the cells and the initial half-life of cellular Put were determined by feeding the cells with [U-14C]Orn and [1,4-14C]Put as precursors and following the loss of [14C]Put in the cells at various times after transfer to label-free medium. The amount of Put converted into spermidine as well as the loss of Put per gram fresh weight were significantly higher in the transgenic cells than the NT cells. The initial half-life of exogenously supplied [14C]Put was not significantly different in the two cell lines. The activity of diamine oxidase, the major enzyme involved in Put catabolism, was comparable in the two cell lines even though the Put content of the transgenic cells was severalfold higher than the NT cells. It is concluded that in poplar cells: (a) exogenously supplied Orn enters the cells and is rapidly converted into Put, (b) the rate of Put catabolism is proportional to the rate of its biosynthesis, and (c) the increased Put degradation occurs without significant changes in the activity of diamine oxidase.
Audio-video array source localization for intelligent environments

Steerable microphone arrays provide a flexible infrastructure for audio source separation. In order for them to be used effectively in intelligent environments, there must be a mechanism in place for steering the focus of the array to the sound source. Audio-only steering techniques often perform poorly in the presence of multiple sound sources or strong reverberation. Video-only techniques can achieve high spatial precision but require that the audio and video subsystems be accurately calibrated to preserve this precision. We present an audio-video localization technique that combines the benefits of the two modalities. We implement our technique in a test environment containing multiple stereo cameras and a room-sized microphone array. Our technique achieves an 8.9 dB improvement over a single far-field microphone, a 6.7 dB improvement over source separation based on video-only localization, and a 0.3 dB improvement over separation based on audio-only localization.
New markers for new species: microsatellite loci and the East African cichlids

The radiation of the East African cichlid fishes has engaged biologists for over a century. Because so much taxonomic diversity has evolved recently, they are an ideal natural system in which to study the process of speciation. Hypervariable microsatellite loci have been used to verify multiple paternity and maternity in cichlid broods, to quantify the fitness of cooperative breeders and reproductive parasites, to estimate effective population sizes in captive populations, and to illuminate the spatial and temporal scale of gene flow among natural populations. The patterns that have emerged from these studies often reflect important biological differences among taxa. The cichlid species of East Africa represent a large amount of taxonomic and adaptive diversity all neatly packaged into a single lineage and confined to a modest geographical area. Data from microsatellite loci are now providing us with the means to understand one of the world's most intriguing and instructive comparative evolutionary systems.
Immediate Placement and Provisionalization of Implants Into Sites With Periradicular Infection With and Without Antibiotics: An Exploratory Study

This study explored the necessity of perioperative antibiotics on survival rates of implants immediately placed and provisionalized into sites with infection. Subjects were randomly assigned into antibiotic or placebo groups. Extraction, immediate placement, and provisionalization of an implant were performed. Eight subjects received placebo and five subjects received both a pre- and post-operative antibiotic regimen. One implant from each group failed. Perioperative antibiotic therapy may not be needed in selected immediate implant therapy.
The Art of Redundancy: Sublime Fiction and Mary Shelley’s The Last Man

AbstractSince its publication in 1826, critics have disparaged Mary Shelley’s The Last Man as a bad copy of a tired theme. To the contrary, I argue that Shelley was well aware of the place of her work within the discourse of Lastness that had become so popular during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Shelley made explicit reference to the fact that her novel was a late contribution to the robust discourse on Lastness. She drew attention to the ways in which the concept of repetition is, ironically, pervasive to this discourse. And she intentionally situated Lastness within nineteenth-century aesthetic theory, still widely inflected by Edmund Burke’s theory of sublime. Shelley’s novel explores the limitations of Burke’s theory, which relies upon the concept of art as repetition to establish the necessity of critical distance for a properly sublime experience. The novel re-envisions repetition as a concept that dissembles Burkean critical distance and the hierarchy between the real and the fictio...
A Dielectric Resonator Method of Measuring Inductive Capacities in the Millimeter Range

A novel technique for the measurement of dielectric and magnetic properties of a homogeneous isotropic medium in the range of approximately 3 to 100 kmc is described. An accuracy of /l.chemc/ 1 per cent is possible in the determination of permittivity or permeability in those cases where the loss tangent is sulliciently small. The measuring structure is a resonator made up of a right circular cyndrical dielectric rod placed between two parallel conducting plates. For measurement of permittivity two or more resonant TE/sub onl/ mode frequencies are determined whereas for the measurement of permeability two or more resonant TM/sub onl/ mode frequencies are determined. The dielectric or magnetic properties are computed from the resonance frequencies, structure dimensions, and unloaded Q. Since the loss tangent is inversely proportional to the unloaded Q of the structure, the precision to which Q is measured determines the accuracy of the loss tangent.
Protective Effects of Organic Acids on Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Acidic Environments

Outbreaks of disease due to acid-tolerant bacterial pathogens in apple cider and orange juice have raised questions about the safety of acidified foods. Using gluconic acid as a noninhibitory low-pH buffer, we investigated the killing of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains in the presence or absence of selected organic acids (pH of 3.2), with ionic strength adjusted to 0.60 to 0.68. During a 6-h exposure period in buffered solution (pH 3.2), we found that a population of acid-adapted E. coli O157:H7 strains was reduced by 4 log cycles in the absence of added organic acids. Surprisingly, reduced lethality for E. coli O157:H7 was observed when low concentrations (5 mM) of fully protonated acetic, malic, or l-lactic acid were added. Only a 2- to 3-log reduction in cell counts was observed, instead of the 4-log reduction attributed to pH effects in the buffered solution. Higher concentrations of these acids at the same pH aided in the killing of the E. coli cells, resulting in a 6-log or greater reduction in cell numbers. No protective effect was observed when citric acid was added to the E. coli cells. d-Lactic acid had a greater protective effect than other acids at concentrations of 1 to 20 mM. Less than a 1-log decrease in cell numbers occurred during the 6-h exposure to pH 3.2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the protective effect of organic acids on the survival of E. coli O15:H7 under low-pH conditions.
Bevacizumab and breast cancer: what does the future hold?

Breast cancer is a major health concern for many women, but despite the current standard therapies, many women still die of metastatic disease. Angiogenesis has been evaluated as a possible target for therapy and bevacizumab (Avastin®, Genentech/Roche, CA, USA), a monoclonal antibody against VEGF-A, has been developed to target this. Current clinical trials utilizing bevacizumab have shown an increase in progression-free survival, but this has not translated to an increase in overall survival in breast cancer patients. In this article, we summarize the currently published trials utilizing bevacizumab in the treatment of breast cancer and describe various methods of measuring angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We also describe the related process of lymphangiogenesis, as this may contribute to the mechanism of cancer progression and may be a potential target for therapy in the future. Understanding these processes may help us develop new treatments for breast cancer.
Respiratory modulation of sympathetic nerve activity: effect of MK-801

The modulation of splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) by brain stem neural networks generating the respiratory rhythm was examined in decerebrate, unanesthetized, vagotomized, artificially ventilated rats before and after blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channel with intravenous administration of dizocilpine (MK-801). NMDA channel blockade 1) prolonged inspiration and reduced the phrenic nerve amplitude, 2) reduced SNA to 40% of control levels, and 3) decreased mean arterial pressure by 20 mmHg. A strong synchronization of SNA to the central respiratory cycle (monitored by the activity on the phrenic nerve) was maintained after MK-801 administration, although a brief inhibition of SNA during early inspiration and a sympathetic excitation during early expiration were eliminated. These results suggest 1) the existence of an NMDA-independent mechanism by which some elements of the brain stem respiratory network excite sympathetic outflow, 2) that the NMDA-mediated influence of specific classes of brain stem respiratory neurons can modulate this excitation during portions of the respiratory cycle, and 3) that an NMDA-dependent excitation in the brain stem or spinal cord plays a significant role in maintaining basal levels of splanchnic SNA.
World Transmissions for the 1990 Truck Market

A new line of on-highway transmissions has been designed and developed by Allison Transmission Division. This new product line, identified as the World Transmission Series (WT), has been designed with emphasis on cost-effectiveness, greater integration with vehicle systems and advanced technology to meet market demands into the 21st century. New design concepts both in power train component arrangement and electronic controls have been coupled utilizing concurrent engineering and systems engineering principles. The results is a customer-driven product line which, when produced by Allison, will exceed world class standards of quality, performance and value
Formulating systems

System theory has been used extensively by human researchers as a tool to model parts of the world with the goal of permitting effective analysis and synthesis. This paper describes part of a research project in which systems theory is used as the representational mechanism by an artificial intelligence. The goal is the same: to permit the effective analysis of a complex environment and the synthesis of efficient control. This paper focuses on the problem of how to formulate systems properly.