cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tetrapeptide tyrosine kinase inhibitors

A convenient enantioselective synthesis of p-hydroxymethyl-L-phenylalanine was developed which produces a 4/1 ratio of L/D enantiomers resulting from a chiral phase-transfer-catalyzed alkylation. This amino acid was coupled into the p56(1)ck tyrosine kinase substrate Ac-Leu-Pro-Tyr-Ala-NHCH3 as a replacement for Tyr and can subsequently be elaborated into a variety of potential tyrosine kinase inhibitor designs of general structure Ac-Leu-Pro-AA-Ala-NHCH3, wherein AA is an unnatural amino acid. The contaminating D enantiomer was readily removed after coupling to L-Ala-NHCH3 of this sequence. The utility of the p-hydroxymethyl functionality in an efficient divergent synthetic strategy leading to various inhibitor designs is illustrated with the synthesis of Ac-Leu-Pro-AA-Ala-NHCH3, wherein AA is p-(R,S-hydroxyphosphonomethyl)-L-phenylalanine.
Effects of work function on thermal sensitivity of electrode potential

In recently developed thermally chargeable supercapacitors, temperature dependent capacitive effect is employed to harvest and store low-grade heat as electric energy, for which a key factor dominating the system performance is the thermal sensitivity of electrode potential (dV/dT). In the current study, the influence of electrode material properties, particularly the work function, is analyzed through a set of thermal-to-electric energy conversion experiments. The testing data suggest that dV/dT increases monotonously with the work function. This finding sheds light on electrode materials selection.
Cost-driven interactive CSP with constraint relaxation

We revisit the Interactive CSP framework (ICSP) and propose a new, somewhat more general model, which we call Cost-Driven Interactive CSP (CICSP). First, we extend the value acquisition by a more general concept of constraint relaxation. Second, we loosen the basic assumption of ICSP that "value acquisition is expensive" by introducing external cost functions of the constraint relaxation and the constraint propagation effort. We also propose a general Interactive Relaxation algorithm template that is designated for CICSP. The effectiveness of this approach is illustrated on a real-life scenario from the Functional Test Generation problem domain.
Case report: thymic carcinoma metastatic to small bowel.

Thymomas are the most common primary anterior mediastinal tumor and account for 15% to 20% of all mediastinal masses.(1, 3, 4) Although the majority of thymomas appear histologically benign, some may behave like invasive epithelial malignancies, invading local structures or metastasizing to distant organs.(2) However, extrathoracic direct invasion or distant metastasis are extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported previously. Even fewer cases of gastrointestinal tract invasion of thymomas have been documented in the English literature.(5, 6) This is the first clinical report of mediastinal thymic carcinoma metastatic to proximal small bowel.
A VLSI circuit design course for practitioners and researchers

Graduate students can usually be classified in two categories: research engineers and practicing engineers. The microelectronic systems education of these two groups of students have different objectives. This paper describes a one semester course developed to meet the objectives for both groups of students. The course lectures cover custom and semicustom CMOS VLSI circuit design, and the laboratory utilizes a mixture of public domain and commercial CAD tools.
Formally defining a graphical language for monitoring and checking object interactions

Monitoring and checking object interactions is an important activity for testing/debugging scenario implementation in an object-oriented system. In our previous work, we proposed behavior view diagrams (BVD) as a graphical language for writing programs that automate such monitoring and checking process. In this paper, we illustrate the formal definition of the syntax and the semantics of an extended version of BVD that can also be used to describe multi-threaded scenarios. This formal definition provides a critical foundation both for understanding the language and for building its tool support.
D-beta-Hydrozybutyrate: a major precursor of amino acids in developing rat brain.

— D-β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) was compared to glucose as a precursor for brain amino acids during rat development. In the first study [3-14C]β-OHB or [2-14C]glucose was injected subcu-taneously (01 μCi/g body wt) into suckling rats shortly after birth and at 6. 11, 13, 15 and 21 days of age. Blood and brain tissue were obtained 20 min later after decapitation. The specific activity of the labelled precursor in the blood and in the brain tissue was essentially the same for each respective age suggesting that the labelled precursor had equilibrated between the blood and brain pools before decapitation. [3-14C]β-OHB rapidly labelled brain amino acids at all ages whereas [2-14C]glucose did not prior to 15 days of age. These observations are consistent with a maturational delay in the flux of metabolites through glycolysis and into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Brain glutamate, glutamine, asparate and GABA were more heavily labelled by [3-14C]β-OHB from birth-15 days of age whereas brain alanine was more heavily labelled by [2-14C]glucose at all ages of development. The relative specific activity of brain glutamine/glutamate was less than one at all ages for both labelled precursors suggesting that β-OHB and glucose are entering the‘large’glutamate compartment throughout development. In a second study, 6 and 15 day old rats were decapitated at 5 min intervals after injection of the labelled precursors to evaluate the flux of the [14C]label into brain metabolites. At 6 days of age, most of the brain acid soluble radioactivity was recovered in the glucose fraction of the [2-,4C]glucose injected rats with 72, 74, 65 and 63% after 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. In contrast, the 6 day old rats injected with [3-14C]β-OHB accumulated much of the brain acid soluble radioactivity in the amino acid fraction with 22, 47, 57 and 54% after 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. At 15 days of age the transfer of the [14C]label from [2-14C]glucose into the brain amino acid fraction was more rapid with 29, 40, 45, 61 and 73% of the brain acid soluble radioactivity recovered in the amino acid fraction after 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min. There was almost quantitative transfer of [14C]label into the brain amino acids of the 15-day-old [3-14C]β-OHB injected rats with 66, 89, 89, 89 and 90% of the brain acid soluble radioactivity recovered in the amino acid fraction after 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min. The calculated half life for /?-OHB at 6 days was 19 8 min and at 15 days was 12-2 min. Surprisingly, the relative specific activity of brain GABA/glutamate was lower at 15 days of age in the [3-14C]β-OHB injected rats compared to the [2-14C]glucose injected rats despite a heavier labelling of brain glutamate in the [3-14C]β-OHB injected group. We interpreted these data to mean that β-OHB is a less effective precursor for the brain glutamate ‘subcompartment’ which is involved in the synthesis of GABA.
Robotics Engineering: A Discipline Whose Time Has Come [Education]

Robotics as an undergraduate discipline has several things going for it. First of all is need. The multidisciplinary education that robotics embodies is sorely needed. Second is student interest. Robotics resonates with young people. Finally, robotics is almost certainly the next new growth industry. Relatively low barriers to entry and a large range of opportunities for new products are ideal recipes for garage start-up companies. Thus, we do not just seek to train men and women who have the technical skills to design and build robotic systems but to educate innovators who will have the imagination to shape our world. No engineering discipline will be in a better position to do so in the 21st century than robotics engineering.
NADP-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli V. Multiple forms of the enzyme

Two forms of NADP-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (threo-DS-isocitrate: NADP+ oxidoreductase (decarboxylating), EC 1.1.1.42) in Escherichia coli have been resolved by polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing and electrophoresis. Incubation of the enzyme with Mn2+ plus isocitrate prior to focusing resulted in the formation of an additional form of the enzyme, presumably the enzyme-manganese-isocitrate complex. Glycerol, a cryoprotectant used to stabilize the enzyme during purification and storage, also stabilized in during focusing, but was not necessary during electrophoresis. Thin-layer gel filtration did not reveal any differences in molecular weight between the different species of isocitrate dehydrogenase.
An empirical investigation of chi-square tests for the hypothesis of no three-factor interaction in I × J×K contingency tables

This paper is concerned with comparison of chi-square tests for the hypothesis of no three-factor interaction in a I ×J×K contingency table. Monte Carlo techniques are used to study the behavior of the Pearson chi-square statixtic X 2,likelihood ratio statistic G 2, Freeman-Tukey statistic T 2,power divergence statistic I(2/3) suggested by Cressie and Read (1984) and the Wald statistic W for small and moderate sample sizes. Results suggest that in comparison to other test criteria, the Pearson chi-square statistic X 2 and the power divergence statistic I(2/3) attain levels that are quite close to the nominal values. Also, these statistics X 2 and I(2/3) have similar powers. HoweverX 2 has a slight edge over I(2/3).
Trypanosoma lewisi: restriction of alternative complement pathway C3/C5 convertase activity.

Abstract The rat parasite Trypanosma lewisi was incubated in vitro with rat or human serum, washed, and extracted in detergent. Extracts were fractionated by electrophoresis in denaturing gels, transferred to nitrocellulose, allowed to renature, then immunoblotted with polyclonal antibodies to rat complement component C3 and human complement components C3, C5, and factor B. Molecules that reacted with these antibodies were detected in the extracts. Fragments of rat C3 were detected in extracts of parasites that had not been exposed to serum in vitro. Additional complement deposition occurred during in vitro incubations; human complement components deposited in vitro could be distinguished from rat components deposited in vivo. Complement deposition in vitro required magnesium ions and did not occur when heat inactivated serum was used. Components reacting with antibodies to human C3 included a group of bands with molecular weights higher than C3α or β chains. Blotting with affinity purified, chain specific antibodies demonstrated that a 68 kDa component on parasites is C3β and that a 44 kDa molecule is derived from C3α. A 73 kDa component that was difficult to resolve from C3β is probably also a C3α fragment. This suggests that an inactive iC3b-like molecule is present on parasites. Kinetic studies showed that cleavage of C3α is rapid and that the amount of C3α fragments and C3β on intact parasites reached a steady state after 15 min. When parasites were trypsinized prior to incubation in C5 or C6 deficient serum, the rate and extent of C3 and C5 deposition increased. Unprocessed C3α′ and C5α′ chains were detected. Trypsinized parasites were lysed by the alternative complement pathway in normal serum. Intact parasites could be lysed by complement in the presence of antibody. The data support our previous suggestion that trypsin sensitive surface proteins on intact T. lewisi limit alternative pathway activity by restricting C3 C5 convertase activity.
Charisma, revolution, and state formation: Qaddafi and Libya

(1984). Charisma, revolution, and state formation: Qaddafi and Libya. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 59-73.
Colposcopy in diethylstilbestrol-exposed offspring.

sarean section has not been adequately addressed in a randomized prospective study. To address the selection bias issues, the ideal study must randomize patients in early labor to an epidural or a nonepidural group. In view of our article in the JOURNAL and another study" that shows a significant association between epidural analgesia and cesarean section for dystocia in nulliparous labors, this definitive study must be done. James A. Thorp, MD St. Luke's Hospital, Womall Road at 44th St., Kansas City, MO 64111
Pulmonary metastasectomy for testicular germ cell tumors: a 28-year experience.

Abstract Background . The role of surgery in patients with pulmonary metastatic germ cell tumors has been evolving since the 1970s. To evaluate the results of pulmonary resection, we reviewed our 28-year experience. Methods . Between July 1967 and May 1995, 157 patients with testicular germ cell tumors underwent pulmonary resections for suspected metastases. Their clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to analyze prognostic factors for survival after resection of metastatic disease. Results . All patients were male with median age of 27 years (range 15–65). Complete resection was accomplished in 155 (99%) patients. Viable carcinoma was present in 44% (70) of the patients. Forty-one (26%) patients had metastases to other sites after pulmonary metastasectomy. The overall actuarial survival 5 years after pulmonary resection was 68% for the entire group and 82% for patients diagnosed after 1985. On multivariate analysis, the adverse prognostic factors were metastases to nonpulmonary visceral sites ( p = 0.0069) and the presence of viable carcinoma in the resected specimen ( p Conclusions . With current chemotherapy regimens, almost 85% of the patients with testicular germ cell tumors undergoing complete resection of their pulmonary metastases can be expected to achieve long-term survival.
A caucasoid pedigree demonstrating the transmission of a Gm 1,2,17;5,13,14 haplotype.

SUMMARY Data illustrating the inheritance of a Gm1, 2, 17; 5, 13, 14 haplotype in a Caucasian family are presented. The mother and two children are heterozygous for this unusual haplotype. The possible origin of the haplotype is discussed.
AAV-directed muscular dystrophy gene therapy.

Importance of the field: Muscle-directed gene therapy for genetic muscle diseases can be performed by the recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector delivery system to achieve long-term therapeutic gene transfer in all affected muscles.Areas covered in this review: Recent progress in rAAV-vector-mediated muscle-directed gene transfer and associated techniques for the treatment of muscular dystrophies (MD). The review covers literature from the past 2 – 3 years.What the reader will gain: rAAV-directed muscular dystrophy gene therapy can be achieved by mini-dystrophin replacement and exon-skipping strategies. The additional strategies of enhancing muscle regeneration and reducing inflammation in the muscle micro-environment should be useful to optimize therapeutic efficacy. This review compares the merits and shortcomings of different administration methods, promoters and experimental animals that will guide the choice of the appropriate strategy for clinical trials.Take home message: Restoration of m...
Oxidation and hot corrosion of coated and bare oxide dispersion strengthened superalloy MA-755E

Cyclic hot corrosion and oxidation testing of an experimental oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) superalloy MA-755E were conducted in a hot gas stream at Mach 0.3. The response of the ODS alloy, bare or with protective coatings, was similar to that of a conventional cast alloy, IN-792, in hot corrosion at 900°C. However, during oxidation at 1100 and 1150°C the ODS alloy differed from the cast alloy by developing a greater amount of subsurface porosity. Compared with a diffused aluminide coating, an electron beam vapor deposited NiCrAlY coating offered superior oxidation protection and decreased porosity formation. In additional testing, the tendency to form porosity was associated with the large grains of recrystallized powder metallurgy alloys but was independent of the presence of an oxide dispersion.
FAUST: Forensic artifacts of uninstalled steganography tools

Images and data, such as child pornography and credit card numbers, can be hidden in files through the use of steganography. Many steganography programs are freely available on the Internet. Searching data files for hidden, embedded content through steganalysis is a time-consuming process. Often steganography programs leave traces behind, such as files, directories, or registry keys, even after they have been removed or uninstalled from the system. An alternative to steganalysis is for a forensic investigator to perform a quick search for these telltale indications that steganography has been used. In this paper, we present the results of a study to detect traces left behind after a number of freely available steganography tools were installed, run, and uninstalled.
PCR Amplification and Sequencing of Single Copy DNA Molecules

DNA amplification via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) provides an unlimited supply of material for subsequent genetic analyses even in cases where only a single copy of the DNA molecule is present in the sample. There are several requirements for producing high quantities of uniformly amplified DNAs that are not altered, distorted or mutated by the process of the amplification, for example the choice of polymerase enzyme, cycling conditions and the starting copy number. In the case of single copy amplifications, high numbers of thermal cycles are needed to produce sufficient quantities of amplicons for follow-up analysis, which requires highly stable thermal polymerases and high fidelity in the polymerase to minimize misincorporations. In this paper, we examine the in-vitro amplification of single copy DNA molecules with subsequent sequence analysis of the PCR generated products from a single copy DNA molecule. Two different polymerases were investigated, including platinum Pfx polymerase and AmpliTaq® polymerase using hot-start PCR strategies. Amplification of a 500 bp segment of λ-DNA (48 kbp) with quantification using capillary gel electrophoresis and laser-induced fluorescence indicated that Pfx gave a higher yield of amplicons compared to AmpliTaq using similar cycling conditions with fewer false termination or side products, including primer-dimers. Following PCR amplification of single copy DNAs, the amplicons were sequenced using standard Sanger, dideoxy chain termination methods. Analysis of the sequencing data for single copy amplification products indicated that a read length of 424 bases could be achieved, with a read accuracy of 99.3%, similar to the results obtained for a starting copy number of 100.
Efficient face retrieval using synecdoches

The number of images and videos available for search on the Internet is in the order of a trillion images, making current brute force search techniques prohibitively inefficient on such large scales. As society continues to increase our desire and ability to search these vast collections of data, improving upon traditional face recognition search techniques becomes an important problem to address. Because face recognition (and other biometric) algorithms are only commercially available as black box systems, any indexing scheme developed to perform efficient search must operate without access to the underlying feature vectors used to measure facial similarity. To address this restriction, we propose a structured search that separates the facial feature space into clusters derived from sets of prototype subjects we refer to as “synecdoches”. After an offline training step, our proposed method assigns each gallery image to a cluster in the face space based on its similarity to a set of synecdoche clusters. In turn, query images are compared to the target gallery images based on the closest synecdoche cluster in sequence. Our results show a minimal drop in accuracy when only considering half of the clusters, thus reducing the search space in half. Additional experiments demonstrate the viability of our proposed approach to improve search efficiency amidst the common restriction of a black box matcher.
Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: expanding short-course therapy

Recent management guidelines for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) have provided antimicrobial options for different classes of patients according to varying disease severity or risk of treatment failure. In a pivotal, double-blind, double-dummy study comparing azithromycin microspheres (2 g single dose) with the respiratory quinolone levofloxacin (500 mg once daily x 7 days) for the treatment of AECB, the two regimens were equally effective and well tolerated in patients with mild-to-moderate disease (clinical cure rate 93.6% vs. 92.7%, respectively [95% confidence interval (CI) for difference, -3.4, 5.5] and overall bacteriological eradication rate 91.9% vs. 94.4%, respectively (95% CI for difference, -8.8, 3.8). Interestingly, additional post hoc analyses suggest that a single dose of azithromycin also provides comparable clinical efficacy to levofloxacin in patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of less than 70% of the predicted value, a risk factor that would place them in a more severe stratum. These data support azithromycin microspheres as an appropriate option in patients with mild-to-moderate AECB. The potential role of this preparation and other macrolides in patients at higher risk of therapeutic failure requires additional prospective data.
Deleterious Effects of Pancreas in the Hyperthyroid Rat.

SummaryImmature female rats failed to survive when fed purified rations containing both pancreas and desiccated thyroid. Length of survival was significantly prolonged if either pancreas or thyroid were eliminated from the experimental ration. The deleterious effects of pancreas in the thyroid-fed rat were not due to increased digestion or absorption of thyroactive material.
Bedside intravascular ultrasound-guided inferior vena cava filter placement in medical-surgical intensive care critically-ill patients

Abstract Introduction and objective Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening complication of critical illness. Prophylactic inferior vena cava filter (IVC) placement offers a protection rate of 99% against fatal PE. Transportation of critically ill patients from the intensive care unit to the interventional radiology suit is a potential risk and cumbersome. Bedside IVC filter placement offers protection against fatal PE without added risk of transportation. Transabdominal ultrasound visualization of the IVC can be difficult because of patient body habitus or recent abdominal surgeries. Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is an appealing imaging guidance that does not have this limitation. We are aiming at evaluation the safety and outcome of bedside IVUS-guided Gunther Tulip filter placement in the intensive care units patients. Results The single venous access technique via the femoral vein was used. Filter placement was successful in 95% of cases (35/37). In two earlier cases filters misplaced at the right iliocaval confluence were fluoroscopically repositioned in the infrarenal IVC. Neither PE nor PE-related mortality was recorded. Renal impairment was seen in 35% of cases (n = 13/37). The body mass index calculation in 27 patients revealed obesity in 67% of the patients. Conclusions Bedside IVUS-guided filter placement in medical-surgical critically ill patient in intensive care unit is a feasible, safe and reliable technique for IVC interruption. IVUS may be the most appropriate tool to guide filter insertion in obese patient.
Globalization in a Time of Neoliberalism: Politicized Social Movements and the Latin American Response

This article examines the emergence of new, highly politicized social movements in Latin America as a response to deteriorating economic and social conditions and the related growth of neoliberal economic policies advocated by International Financial Institutions like the IMF and the World Bank and by national political elites. It argues that the decline of bureaucratic authoritarianism and the growing democratization in the region have helped to move the struggle for more equitable societies and the empowerment of popular sectors away from armed struggle toward new repertoires of action conducted in civil society by new social and political movements. An overview of the phenomenon, examines the Zapatistas in Mexico, the National Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the breakdown of traditional parties and the rise of the Chavez movement in Venezuela, recent political movements in Bolivia, the rise of neo-populism in Peru, and the political and economic crisis that delegitimized ...
Source Density Evolution of Gamma-Ray Bursts

Recent optical afterglow observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) indicate a setting and distance scale that many relate to star formation regions. In this paper, we use V/Vmax and a set of artificial trigger thresholds to probe several potential GRB source density evolutionary scenarios. In particular, we compare a uniform subset of BATSE 4B data to cosmological scenarios where GRBs evolve as the comoving density, the star formation rate, the QSO rate, and the SN Type Ic rate. Standard candle bursts with power-law spectra and a universe without vacuum energy were assumed. Our results significantly favor a comoving density model, which implies that GRB source density evolution is weaker than expected in these evolutionary scenarios. GRB density might still follow star formation rates given proper concurrent GRB luminosity evolution, significant beaming, significant error in standard candle assumptions, or if a significant modification of star formation rate estimates were to occur.
Modulation of macrophage tumoricidal capability by components of normal serum: a central role for lipid

The tumoricidal capabilities of macrophages can be reversibly inhibited by a lipoprotein of high molecular weight, and the inhibition appears to be reproduced by enrichment of macrophage plasma membranes with cholesterol. A second serum component of lower molecular weight enhances macrophage cytotoxicity. The presence of these components in normal serums suggests a physiological role for such factors in the regulation of macrophage function.
The Past, and Future, of Urban Democracy

(2007). The Past, and Future, of Urban Democracy. Urban Geography: Vol. 28, Urban Geography Plenary Lecture, pp. 491-494.
Murder in the Family: The Menendez Brothers

Abstract Childhood sexual abuse is currently a problem of considerable concern. Research suggests victims experience both short-term and long-term effects due to the unresolved trauma of sexual abuse. Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. During the trial the defense presented an argument of alleged sexual abuse, stating that the brothers committed the murders in fear for their lives. The aim of this paper is to explore the Menendez trial in detail from sides of the defense and prosecution, and review the pertinent literature concerning the effects of childhood sexual abuse as they apply to the case. The matter of whether or not the abuse did in fact occur remains in question. The ethical issues of sexual abuse are examined where one must decide whether Erik and Lyle Menendez are responsible for their actions if the sexual abuse did occur.
From Service Provision to Institutional Advocacy: The Shifting Legitimacy of Organizational Forms

Un important secteur de mouvement social s'est developpe aux Etats-Unis depuis l'apres-guerre. Cet article examine les changements survenus depuis 1955 dans la distribution des organisations feministes ainsi que de celles representant des minorites. L'ouverture de l'arene politique apres la periode de protestations des annees 60 a transforme le mode de legitimation des organisations : simple prestation de services au depart, aujourd'hui defense institutionnelle d'une cause. L'A. analyse ces transformations sur les bases de la cooperation intragroupe, de la competition entre les organisations ainsi que de leurs rapports avec l'Etat
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE PIGMENT CHANGES FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF THE EPITHELIAL HYPOPHYSIS AND THE PINEAL GLAND IN THE FROG TADPOLE

That the early removal of the epithelial hypophysis in the frog tadpole results in the production of an individual with a greatly disturbed pigmentary system has been shown by P. E. Smith, B. M. Allen and the writer. The operated animal exhibits a much lighter color than its normal mates and has been termed a “silvery” individual or an “albino.” Apparently considerable difference of opinion has existed concerning the nature of this pigmentation change and the altered condition of the various types of pigment cells which may be responsible for it. Since the publication of a previous brief contribution bearing on these points additional observations have been made and the total results are now presented in a more comprehensive form, together with photomicrographs from the living animal. HISTORICAL Smith (’16) states that the differences in color begin to be noticeable in the operated tadpole before a length of 15 mm. has been reached.
Status Epilepticus Causes Long‐Term NMDA Receptor‐Dependent Behavioral Changes and Cognitive Deficits

Summary: Purpose: The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor activation on behavioral and cognitive changes after status epilepticus (SE) is unknown. In this study, behavioral and cognitive changes after SE were evaluated in the short and long term and in rats in which the NMDA receptor was inactivated during SE. Methods: Pilocarpine (350 mgkg) was injected to induce SE. Inhibition of the NMDA receptor during SE was achieved with MK-801 (4 mgkg). Seizure intensity during SE was monitored by electroencephalography (EEG). After SE, behavioral studies were performed to identify abnormal behavior by using behavioral tests adapted from Moser's funetional observational battery. Cognitive changes were assessed by using the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Results: Pilocarpine-treated animals scored significantly higher on two of the behavioral tests: the Touch test and the Pick-Up test. These behavioral changes occurred very soon after SE, with the earliest changes observed 2 days after SE and persisting for the life of the animal. Inhibition of the NMDA receptor with MK-801 completely inhibited these behavioral changes under conditions that did not alter the duration of SE. In addition, pilocarpine-treated animals exhibited cognitive deficits as determined by using the MWM. Six weeks after SE, the animals displayed significantly longer latencies to locate the hidden platform on this test. The impaired performance on the MWM also occurred as early as 5 days after SE. These cognitive deficits were prevented in animals treated with MK801 during SE. Conclusions: The results indicate that behavioral and cognitive changes occur soon after SE, are permanent, and are dependent on NMDA-receptor activation during SE. NMDAreceptor activation may play an important role in causing cognitive and behavioral morbidity after recovery from SE. Key Words: Status epilepticus-Behavioral changes-NMDA receptor-Memory-Postseizure Behavioral Battery.
Voice Production by the Turkey

Abstract INTRODUCTION AMONG the many species of birds there are a great variety of structural differences in the syrinx. The syringes of the chicken and turkey are relatively simple in that they have only one pair of muscles (sternotrachealis) whereas some birds have as many as 6 pair of muscles (Ames, 1965). From the sonograms of Siegel et al. (1965), it would appear that the chicken has very little control of pitch. The report of Harris et al. (1968) indicates that the syrinx determines the fundamental frequency of the sound and that the mouth, oral cavity and trachea tune the sound to a resonant frequency which more sharply defines pitch. The mechanism of sound production by the chicken syrinx was described by Gross (1964). The present report describes the anatomy of the turkey syrinx and the mechanism by which turkey sound is produced. MATERIALS AND METHODS The fresh syringes of 15 . . .
A new test for cementation potential of embankment dam granular filter material

Granular filters are used in embankment dams to protect against uncontrolled flow and internal erosion either through the embankment or the foundation. For proper performance, the filter material must not be able to sustain a crack even if the core material becomes cracked itself. Historically, the mechanism used to limit cracking potential is a restriction of no more than 5% nonplastic fines. It has been recognized though that this requirement has not been effective in identifying cracking potential for all materials. Since the requirement is related to the exclusion of clay and silt size particles (i.e., fines) it appears to not always identify other minerals that can act as cementing agents. A supplemental test known as the Sand Castle Test was also developed, and although it did not specifically focus on detecting other binding agents it was thought to hold promise. However, since the original test lacked a precise procedure and sensitivity to some binding agents, a modification of the Sand Castle Test is being undertaken. This paper outlines the need for a new test and describes specimen preparation, Modified Sand Castle Test procedures, and results from 16 source materials from across the United States. A petrographic examination was carried out to investigate the cementing mechanisms in selected materials. Additionally, unconfined compression tests were performed on each material to help quantify the strength from cementation. The sand equivalency value was also determined for all materials to see how well it correlated with the Modified Sand Castle Test results. The Modified Sand Castle Test is shown to be a good indicator of cementation potential and correlates well with unconfined compressive strength, but to a lesser degree with sand equivalency value.
Magnetic fluid driven flow in a capillary channel

This paper presents simulated and experimental results on the flow induced in a closed channel by a magnetic fluid (i.e. magnetorheological (MR) fluid and a ferrofluid) plunger. The results are used to assess the feasibility of using such fluids for development of milli-micro-scale pumps. The magnetic fluid plunger acts as a piston that is moved along the channel by an array of drive coils (or by a permanent magnet) to displace an immiscible fluid. The excited drive coils produce a traveling magnetic field wave inside the channel which in turn produces magnetic dipoles in the magnetic fluid. The dipoles react with the traveling wave leading to a Kelvin force that drags the magnetic fluid plunger through the channel. The flow rates achievable in this approach are a function of channel geometry, magnetic fluid properties, plug size, frequency of the current passing through the drive coils, and the location of the drive coils along the channel. Representative results of the analysis of the effect of these parameters on the flow rates are presented here. While the simulations indicate that both, MR and ferrofluids may be used for fluid actuation in the selected geometry, the experiments validated only the MR fluid option.
Medication non-compliance

Abstract Drug dosage regimen design is a rational process based on a drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in a specific patient setting and refined by feedback information. This process can be severely affected by medication non-compliance, particularly if the prescriber is unaware of the patient's failure to take medications as directed. Non-compliance takes many forms, including omission or addition of one or more doses, deviation from the prescribed timing of drug administration, and failure to adhere to required dosing conditions with respect to food, water and posture. These problems have many causes, including forgetfulness, lack of motivation, lack of confidence in the medication or prescriber, adverse effects, cost, and dosing complexity. Clinical pharmacology courses should include at least one lecture on medication non-compliance, its patterns, causes, implications and management. From a pharmacokinetic perspective, the impact of missed doses increases with an increase of the medication non-compliance impact factor τ/t1/2 (τ is the prescribed dosing interval and t1/2 is the terminal elimination half-life of the drug). The impact of missed doses is decreased by more frequent dosing despite the fact that compliance decreases with increased dosing frequency. Most drug product package inserts do not address compliance issues. Drug-specific pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic simulations can yield valuable information for advising patients what to do if they missed one or more doses of their medication.
A critique of the 'fetus as patient'.

Reasoning about the fetus is a complex, often vexing, challenge. Indeed, at the center of some of the most provocative and difficult bioethical debates in the last decade are questions about the re...
Computing with neural networks

The resurgence of interest in neural networks is discussed. This interest is prompted by two facts. First, the nervous systems of simple animals can easily solve problems that are very difficult for conventional computers. Second, the ability to model biological nervous system functions using man-made machines increases understanding of that biological function. Two popular models of neural networks, the feedforward model and the feedback model, are described. Adaptation or learning, a major focus of neural network research, is detailed. >
Structure and magnetism of iron-sulfur clusters in proteins

Iron-sulfur clusters are mixed-valence systems exhibiting both localized and delocalized valence states. We discuss here spin-coupling models for two types of oxidized [3Fe-4S] clusters with localized Fe3+ valence states; a Heisenberg Hamiltonian with isotropic antiferromagnetic exchange fits the data well. Reduced [3Fe-4S] clusters, on the other hand, contain a trapped Fe3+ site and a delocalized Fe3+-Fe2+ pair. The pair has spin S12=9/2 (formally ferromagnetic coupling) and is antiferromagnetically coupled to the Fe3+ S3=5/2 spin to yield a system spin S=2. We discuss also recent results for [4Fe-4S] clusters such as [3Fe-4S]→[4Fe-4S] conversions, incorporation of other metals into the iron-sulfur core, and the observation of novel spin states.
Acid α-glucosidase in amniotic fluid

Abstract Amniotic fluid contains α-glucosidase activity. This enzyme has a pH optimum of 5.8 and is distinguishable from the lysosomal α-glucosidase associated with Pompe's disease which has a pH optimum of 4.1. In addition to the pH optimum, the two enzymes differ in response to KCl, turanose and heat treatment. α-Glucosidase activity in amniotic fluid cannot be used for the prenatal diagnosis of Pompe's disease.
Cyclic nucleotide binding sites of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum from normal and neoplastic liver in the rat

Summary The studies are presented which demonstrate that smooth endoplasmic membrane of normal liver has a single apparent binding site for cAMP with a K D of 0.6 × 10 −8 M. In contrast to this, however, cyclic AMP binding to the intracellular membrane of hepatoma 7800 exhibit two binding sites; the binding constant of one site on the tumor membrane is comparable to that of the normal liver whereas the value of the second intrinsic association constant differ by a factor of 10. It is suggested that there may be an association between abnormal cyclic nucleotide metabolism and the intracellular membrane modulation of the expression of genetic information in normal and neoplastic cells.
Analytical solution of anisotropic plastic deformation induced by micro-scale laser shock peening

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a process to improve material fatigue life by introducing compressive residual surface stress in a target. The residual stresses are introduced when a high-intensity laser impinges on an ablative layer deposited on the surface of the target material. The interaction between laser and the ablative layer creates a high pressure plasma that leads to plastic deformation. If the laser spot size is of the order of a few micrometers, the potential exists to use this process to enhance the fatigue life of micro-scale components or to selectively treat highly localized regions of macroscale components. However, for such micro-scale laser shock peening (μLSP), the laser spot size is likely to be of the order of the material grain size. Therefore the material properties must be treated as anisotropic and heterogeneous rather than isotropic and homogeneous. In the present work, anisotropic slip line theory is employed to derive the stress and deformation fields caused by μLSP on single crystal aluminum which is oriented so that plane strain conditions are admitted. The predicted size of the deformed region is compared with deformation measurement by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and with lattice rotation measurement by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). In addition, single crystal plasticity finite element simulations are performed for the process. The results suggest that the analytical solution captures the salient features of the deformation state and is able to predict the size of the resulting plastically deformed region.
3D electron microscopic reconstruction of segments of rat cerebellar Purkinje cell dendrites receiving ascending and parallel fiber granule cell synaptic inputs

Growing physiological evidence suggests that there are functional differences between synapses made by the ascending and parallel fiber segments of the granule axon on cerebellar Purkinje cells. Supporting this view, our previous electron microscopic studies suggested that these synapses also contacted different regions of the Purkinje cell dendrite, and in particular that ascending segment synapses are made exclusively on the smallest diameter Purkinje cell dendrites. In the current study we used serial electron microscopic techniques to reconstruct Purkinje cell dendritic segments up to almost 10 mum in length. Using a combination of anatomical and immunological labeling techniques we identified the ascending or parallel fiber origins of the excitatory synaptic inputs onto dendritic spines, as well as the location of inhibitory synapses made directly on the dendritic shaft. The results confirmed that there are regions of the Purkinje cell dendrite receiving exclusively ascending or parallel fiber synapses and that ascending segment synapses are only found on small-diameter dendrites. In addition, we describe for the first time small-diameter dendritic regions contacted by both types of excitatory synapses. While our data suggest that the majority of inhibitory inputs to the Purkinje cell tree are associated with parallel fiber synaptic inputs, we also found inhibitory inputs on dendritic regions with mixed ascending and parallel fiber inputs, or exclusively parallel fiber inputs. The finding that ascending and parallel fiber inputs can be segregated on the Purkinje cell dendritic tree provides further evidence that these excitatory granule cell synaptic inputs may be functionally distinct.
On scheduling a multiclass queue with abandonments under general delay costs

We consider a multiclass queueing system with abandonments and general delay costs. A system manager makes dynamic scheduling decisions to minimize long-run average delay and abandonment costs. We consider the three types of delay cost: (i) linear, (ii) convex, and (iii) convex---concave, where the last one corresponds to settings where customers may have a particular deadline in mind but once that deadline passes there is increasingly little difference in the added delay. The dynamic control problem for the queueing system is not tractable analytically. Therefore, we consider the system in the conventional heavy traffic regime and study the approximating Brownian control problem (BCP). We observe that the approximating BCP does not admit a pathwise solution due to abandonments. In particular, the celebrated cμ rule and its extension, the generalized cμ rule, which is asymptotically optimal under convex delay costs with no abandonments, are not optimal in this case. Consequently, we solve the associated Bellman equation, which yields a dynamic index policy (derived from the value function) as the optimal control for the approximating BCP. Interpreting that control in the context of the original queueing system, we propose practical policies for each of the three cases considered and demonstrate their effectiveness through a simulation study.
SU‐E‐T‐146: Evaluation of MLC QA Software to Determine MLC Accuracy From EPID Images

Purpose: To determine the clinical usefulness of commercially available software tools to evaluate MLC accuracy for setting appropriate benchmark levels for mean and maximum leaf deviation errors and FWHM values. Methods: The RIT Picket Fence and Varian Rapidarc Test 1.1 (from the Rapidarc Acceptance Test) analysis routines were used to analyze EPID images delivered on Trilogy and TrueBeam accelerators over a 2 month period. Profiles are automatically detected across the picket fence pattern at each leaf pair. The leaf pair position is the mid‐point between the two half‐max positions. The FWHM is the distance between the two half‐max positions. Maximum, mean and standard deviation statistics are calculated for the 10 openings for each leaf pair in the picket fence pattern. Process control limits (UCL, LCL) were calculated for the mean leaf position deviation and FWHM for both linacs. Results: For the RIT Picket Fence test the mean leaf position deviation was 0.017 mm with a standard deviation of 0.005mm with UCL=0.030 mm and LCL=0.003 mm (UCL‐LCL=0.027 mm) for the TrueBeam accelerator and 0.013 mm with a standard deviation of 0.021 mm for the Trilogy accelerator with UCL=0.0423 mm and LCL=−0.069 mm (UCL‐LCL=0.122 mm). For the Rapidarc Test the mean leaf position deviation was −0.197 mm with a standard deviation of 0.020 mm for the TrueBeam and 0.102 mm with a standard deviation of 0.026 mm for the Trilogy. The mean of the measured maximum leaf position deviations was <0.2mm for both accelerators for the RIT Picket Fence test and <0.5 mm for the Rapidarc test. Conclusion: This work indicates the potential for quantifying MLC performance with simple test patterns delivered to an EPID and analyzed. Appropriate data analysis and assignment of control limits quantitatively highlights differences between linacs and allows a prospective intervention by physicists or service engineers.
An Evaluation of Graywater Reuse Utilizing a Constructed Wetland Treatment System

Increasing demand for conservation of water resources has prompted the notion that the separation of graywater (all wastewater not including toilet and kitchen sources) from sewer efflu- ents through the use of dual-plumbed systems may enable graywater to be reused. Constructed wetland systems for conditioning combined wastewater effluents are widely used, and offer an ef- ficient solution for onsite wastewater treatment of a variety of pollutants. However, limited long- term research has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of such systems specifically on graywater. This paper aims to determine the viability and efficiency of constructed wetlands for graywater treatment, and assess the water quality produced from such systems. The experimental method involves monitoring of specific water quality constituents under varying operating condi- tions in a prototype constructed graywater wetland. Preliminary findings show the wetland signifi- cantly reduces many graywater contaminants including pathogens, biochemical oxygen demands, solids, and nitrogen and phosphorus species.