cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of contractile proteins in diabetic heart

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions that has a high association with death from cardiovascular disease(s). An impaired cardiac function independent of vascular disease suggests the existence of a primary myocardial defect in diabetes mellitus. We and others have documented that myocardial performance is impaired in the hearts of chronically diabetic rats and rabbits. Abnormalities in the contractile proteins and regulatory proteins could be responsible for the mechanical defects in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic hearts. The major focus of research on contractile proteins in the diabetic state has been on myosin ATPase and its isoenzymes. However, in the contractile protein system, this could be only one of the mechanisms that might be a controlling factor in myofilament contraction in diabetes. To define the role of cardiac contractile as well as regulatory proteins (troponin-tropomyosin) as a whole in the regulation of actomyosin system in diabetic cardiomyopathy, individual proteins of the cardiac system were reconstituted under controlled conditions. Enzymatic data confirmed a diminished calcium sensitivity in the regulation of the cardiac actomyosin system when regulatory protein(s) complex was recombined from diabetic hearts. This diminished calcium sensitivity along with shifts in cardiac myosin heavy chain (V1-->V3) could contribute to the impaired cardiac function in the hearts of chronic diabetic rats. It has also been reported that sarcomeric proteins such as myosin light chain-2 (MLC-2) and troponin I (TnI) could be involved in regulating muscle contraction and in calcium sensitivity. Since phosphorylation of cardiac TnI is associated with altered maximum enzymatic activity and calcium force relationship in isolated muscle preparations. TnI phosphorylation could contribute to depressed myocardial contractility in experimental diabetes. While we have yet to understand the exact function of each component in cardiac muscle and their behavior in concert where all of them act in tandem, we have focussed on the role of contractile proteins and their regulation in diabetes in this review. We have also included a brief discussions on other relevant intracellular components. In summary, there is substantial evidence to suggest that there are independent processes associated with diabetes which effect cardiac performance in experimental animals and in man. The focus of this review has been the explication of a biochemical defect which underlies cardiac contractile dysfunction in experimental models of diabetes.
Cardiovascular Imaging and Outcomes — PROMISEs to Keep

Noninvasive cardiovascular imaging is used on a daily basis to make crucial decisions regarding patient care. However, its rising use paralleled the doubling in Medicare spending on imaging services under the Part B physician fee schedule from 2000 to 2006, of which approximately one third was for cardiovascular imaging.1 As a result, the American College of Cardiology Foundation and other societies developed appropriate-use criteria2 for cardiovascular imaging that apply expert opinion to various imaging methods in common clinical scenarios to recognize those that are appropriate, may be appropriate, or are rarely appropriate in a given scenario. Cardiovascular imaging procedures and . . .
Holocrine secretory cells of the rat epididymis

Epithelial cells of the rat epididymis are of two major types, principal and holocrine. So called basal, apical, and clear cells represent different stages of the holocrine cell cycle in which it accumulates secretion products, dies, and is replaced. The twocell types differ not only in their secretory behavior, but also in mitotic characteristics and staining properties. Condensed mitoses of holocrine cells occur in the basal epithelium, but larger mitotic figures of principal cells occur in their own apical regions. Holocrine cells are acid phosphatase positive only in their activated basal forms, but are strongly PAS and silver positive in all stages except when disintegrating. In principal cells, only the Golgi area is acid phosphatase and silver positive, and small scattered PAS granules also appear in this region. While secretory functions of both cell types are under testicular hormone control, frequent mating releases holocrine cellsfrom the epithelium into the lumen where they disintegrate. A shortened cycle in mated males occurs within 24 hours. Holocrine cells are also present in the rat vas deferens. Cells with similar staining reactions occur in ductuli efferentes and seminal vesicles of the rat, and in epididymides of hamsters and guinea pigs. Similar fixation methods and staining reactions applied to purified glycerylphosphorylcholine indicate that holocrine cells may accumulate and secrete this constituent of epididymal fluids.
Seabird islands take mere decades to recover following rat eradication

Islands house a majority of the world's biodiversity and are thus critical for biodiversity conservation. Seabird nesting colonies provide nutrients that are integral to maintain island biodiversity and ecosystem function. Invasive rats destroy seabird colonies and thus the island ecosystems that depend on seabird-derived nutrients. After rat eradication, it is unclear how long ecosystem recovery may take, although some speculate on the order of centuries. I looked at ecosystem recovery along a chronosequence of islands that had 12–22 years to recover following rat eradication. I show that soil, plant, and spider marine-derived nitrogen levels and C:N ratios take mere decades to recover even after centuries-long rat invasion. Moreover, active seabird restoration could speed recovery even further, giving much hope to quickly conserve many endemic species on islands worldwide.
Latino/a Student Success in Community Colleges and Hispanic-Serving Institution Status

This article explores the rise and development of Hispanic-serving community colleges in the United States. It then offers specific qualitative data about the experiences of students, faculty, and administrators working on one urban Hispanic-serving community college campus. Data suggest that campus Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) status influences and shapes the experiences of those who work and study there; however, in many cases students remain unaware of the significance or meaning of HSI status.
Alterations in Penicillin-Binding Proteins of Clinical and Laboratory Isolates of Pathogenic Streptococcus pneumoniae with Low Levels of Penicillin Resistance

Several recent surveys of clinical isolates have indicated that substantial fractions of naturally occurring populations of Streptococcus pneumoniae have undergone a distinct upward move in the required minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of benzylpenicillin (from a range of 0.006-0.008 to 0.03-0.05 pig/m1). Evidence is presented that in clinical pneumococcal isolates, penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) groups 1 and 2 have a decreased affinity for radioactive benzylpenicillin as compared with penicillin-sensitive isolates from the same locale. Exposure of a penicillin-sensitive type 2 strain (MIC, 0.006 pig/m1) to sequentially increasing concentrations of penicillin allowed the isolation of spontaneous resistant mutants with stepwise increases in the MIC of penicillin required (0.01-0.02, 0.025-0.05, and 0.1 pig/m1), and in these laboratory isolates too, PBP groups 1 and 2 showed decreased affinity for labeled benzylpenicillin. DNA from the low-level resistant clinical or laboratory isolates could be used to transform the appropriate levels of penicillin resistance into penicillin-sensitive laboratory isolates. These findings suggest that significant fractions of natural pneumococcal populations may have acquired one or two of the lowlevel penicillin resistance genes.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis and risk stratification of acute kidney injury: a systematic review

The diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is usually based on changes in serum creatinine, but such measurements are a poor marker of acute deterioration in kidney function. We performed a systematic review of publications that evaluated the accuracy and reliability of serum and urinary biomarkers in human subjects when used for the diagnosis of established AKI or early AKI, or to risk stratify patients with AKI. Two reviewers independently searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 2000–March 2007) for studies pertaining to biomarkers for AKI. Studies were assessed for methodologic quality. In total, 31 studies evaluated 21 unique serum and urine biomarkers. Twenty-five of the 31 studies were scored as having ‘good' quality. The results of the studies indicated that serum cystatin C, urine interleukin-18 (IL-18), and urine kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) performed best for the differential diagnosis of established AKI. Serum cystatin C and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, IL-18, glutathione- S -transferase-π, and γ-glutathione- S -transferase performed best for early diagnosis of AKI. Urine N -acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, KIM-1, and IL-18 performed the best for mortality risk prediction after AKI. In conclusion, published data from studies of serum and urinary biomarkers suggest that biomarkers may have great potential to advance the fields of nephrology and critical care. These biomarkers need validation in larger studies, and the generalizability of biomarkers to different types of AKI as well as the incremental prognostic value over traditional clinical variables needs to be determined.
Statistical limitations on molecular evolution.

Abstract Complexity of functions evolving in an evolution process are expected to be limited by the time length of an evolution process among other factors. This paper outlines a general method of deriving function-complexity limitations based on mathematical statistics and independent from details of a biological or genetic mechanism of the evolution of the function. Limitations on the emergence of life are derived, these limitations indicate a possibility of a very fast evolution and are consistent with “RNA world” hypothesis. The discussed method is general and can be used to characterize evolution of more specific biological organism functions and relate functions to genetic structures. The derived general limitations indicate that a co-evolution of multiple functions and species could be a slow process, whereas an evolution of a specific function might proceed very fast, so that no trace of intermediate forms (species) is preserved in fossil records of phenotype or DNA structure; this is consistent w...
Mixing at Low Reynolds Numbers by Vibrating Cantilevered Ionic Polymers

The objective of this research was to develop a novel active device for laminar mixing. The mixing device developed herein capitalized on Nafion ionic polymers, which are a class of active materials that are thin, flexible, inexpensive, and readily deployable in an aqueous medium and offer strains up to 5% under a small (<2V) applied voltage. The effect of these deflections on an incident laminar flow is the mixing mechanism explored in this effort. To the author’s knowledge, this high-risk effort presented herein is the first attempt to exploit ionic polymers as an active mixing device. Several different configurations of ionic polymers were tested and Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) measurements were obtained. Resulting analysis using a quantitative mixing metric shows that the polymer creates differences in the flow under some of the configurations. Namely, in some actuation cases, a clear increase in mixing potential is observed in the near-polymer regions. Compared to a simple channel increases in mixing potential that ranged from 150% to over 300% were measured. Although these differences are present, they do not appear consistently in the results. However, only a partial set of flow information was obtained from DPIV, and an improved understanding of the effect of these polymers could be developed from additional experiments. Using ionic polymers for laminar mixing could foster the development of a new generation of efficient micromixing devices, which will improve the capabilities and effectiveness of numerous microfluidic technologies that range across biomedical, lab-on-a-chip, separation and sorting technologies and many more.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Pre-implementation attitudes and organizational readiness for implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system

Abstract Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is expensive and time consuming. A substantial cost is associated with pre-implementation involvement and training designed to encourage acceptance and effective implementation of the system. The results of this study indicate that, contrary to conventional wisdom, extensive organizational investments in shaping pre-implementation attitudes do not always achieve the desired effects. Despite extensive time, money and effort, length of time with the firm and position had a greater impact on attitudes toward ERP capabilities, value, acceptance and timing than high levels of pre-implementation involvement.
Inter-model comparisons between three PC programs and blast

Abstract Inter-model comparisons between three PC programs and a reference program (BLAST) were made. In the methodology adopted, first, the differences in the input data and the modelling techniques used by these programs were recorded. Predictions of energy budgets and the sensitivity results to changes in loads, systems and plants parameters were then compared. Although the results show an acceptable range of variations, the relative differences between the monthly averages are larger than the annual averages. An attempt was made to explore if there existed a trend between the user-friendly attributes of PC programs and their predictions. Under certain cases it appears that the programs with low run times, which also happen to be most user-friendly, show somewhat large differences in their predictions.
Role of Two Strictly Conserved Residues in Nucleotide Flipping and N-Glycosylic Bond Cleavage by Human Thymine DNA Glycosylase

Thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) promotes genomic integrity by excising thymine from mutagenic G·T mismatches arising by deamination of 5-methylcytosine, and follow-on base excision repair enzymes restore a G·C pair. TDG cleaves the N-glycosylic bond of dT and some other nucleotides, including 5-substituted 2′-deoxyuridine analogs, once they have been flipped from the helix into its active site. We examined the role of two strictly conserved residues; Asn140, implicated in the chemical step, and Arg275, implicated in nucleotide flipping. The N140A variant binds substrate DNA with the same tight affinity as wild-type TDG, but it has no detectable base excision activity for a G·T substrate, and its excision rate is vastly diminished (by ∼104.4-fold) for G·U, G·FU, and G·BrU substrates. Thus, Asn140 does not contribute substantially to substrate binding but is essential for the chemical step, where it stabilizes the transition state by ∼6 kcal/mol (compared with 11.6 kcal/mol stabilization provided by TDG overall). Our recent crystal structure revealed that Arg275 penetrates the DNA minor groove, filling the void created by nucleotide flipping. We found that the R275A and R275L substitutions weaken substrate binding and substantially decrease the base excision rate for G·T and G·BrU substrates. Our results indicate that Arg275 promotes and/or stabilizes nucleotide flipping, a role that is most important for target nucleotides that are relatively large (dT and bromodeoxyuridine) and/or have a stable N-glycosylic bond (dT). Arg275 does not contribute substantially to the binding of TDG to abasic DNA product, and it cannot account for the slow product release exhibited by TDG.
Ouabain cardiotoxicity is enhanced by GABA in anesthetized rats.

Potential alteration of ouabain-induced cardiotoxicity by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rats was tested by infusing ouabain for 10 min (0.7 mg/kg/min, i.v.) before or after continuous infusion of Ringer's solution with or without GABA (1 mg/min, i.v.). GABA evoked hypotension and bradycardia of similar magnitude under both conditions. The incidence of ouabain-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) or cardiac arrest (CA) was similar in both groups. However, the time intervals to onset of VF and CA, in rats given ouabain before, but not after, GABA were shorter than in rats treated with Ringer's solution (p < 0.05). In experiments where baclofen (0.034 mg/min, i.v.) was infused after ouabain, hypotension and bradycardia occurred, but the incidence and times of ouabain-induced VF and CA were similar to control values. These results suggest that the enhancement in ouabain cardiotoxicity was mediated by GABAA receptors.
National Board Certified Physical Educators: perceived changes related to the certification process.

In this study, we examined National Board certified physical education teachers' (NBCPETs) perceptions of change as a result of certification. Randomly selected NBCPETs (65; women = 53, men = 12) were interviewed. Analysis was done through the lens of Lawson's (1989) Model of the Interactive Factors Influencing Workplace Conditions for the Physical Education Teacher. Several themes connected to teachers' views of themselves as NBCPETs surfaced. In particular, more teaching reflection and a greater focus on student learning and assessment, including an increased emphasis on individualizing teaching were described. An elevation in their perceived status and credibility and expanded opportunities within the educational community also emerged. Alternatively, several NBCPETs explained that the certification process had little or no effect on their teaching.
Functional role and therapeutic implications of neuronal caspase-1 and -3 in a mouse model of traumatic spinal cord injury

Evidence indicates that both necrotic and apoptotic cell death contribute to tissue injury and neurological dysfunction following spinal cord injury. Caspases have been implicated as important mediators of apoptosis following acute central nervous system insults. We investigated whether caspase-1 and caspase-3 are involved in spinal cord injury-mediated cell death, and whether caspase inhibition may reduce tissue damage and improve outcome following spinal cord injury. We demonstrate a 17-fold increase in caspase-1 activity in traumatized spinal cord samples when compared with samples from sham-operated mice. Caspase-1 and caspase-3 activation were also detected by western blot following spinal cord injury, which was significantly inhibited by the broad caspase inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone. By immunofluorescence or in situ fluorogenic substrate assay, caspase-1 and caspase-3 expression were detected in neuronal and non-neuronal cells following spinal cord injury. N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone treated mice, and transgenic mice expressing a caspase-1 dominant negative mutant, demonstrated a significant improvement of motor function and a reduction of lesion size compared with vehicle-treated mice. Our results demonstrate for the first time that both caspase-1 and caspase-3 are activated in neurons following spinal cord injury, and that caspase inhibition reduces post-traumatic lesion size and improves motor performance. Caspase inhibitors may be one of the agents to be used for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Single cell activity in chronic unit recording: A quantitative study of the unit amplitude spectrum

The ratio of standard deviation to mean, of the amplitude spectrum of well resolved single units, is shown to scale exponentially. This scaling is explained on the basis of a consideration of the relationship of extracellular voltage to voltage gradient, in a dendritic neuron model. A method is then advanced to extract, from multi-unit data, normally distributed amplitude spectra which are indistinguishable from those of well resolved single units. This method is suggested as a means of characterizing, in general, the unit activity obtained from chronically implanted preparations.
The Teichmuller space of pinched negatively curved metrics on a hyperbolic manifold is not contractible

For a smooth manifold M we define the Teichmuller space 2T(M) of all Riemannian metrics on M and the Teichmuller space 2T€(M) of € -pinched negatively curved metrics on M, where 0 < € < oo. We prove that if M is hyperbolic, the natural inclusion ?f€(M) <-+ 2T(M) is, in general, not homotopically trivial. In particular, 2T€(M) is, in general, not contractible.
Predictors of morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy in elderly patients: Analysis of 7621 NSQIP patients

Objectives Increasingly, surgeons are performing hepatectomies in older patients. This study was designed to analyse the incidences of and risk factors for post-hepatectomy morbidity and mortality in elderly patients.
Examination of behavioral strategies regulating cocaine intake in rats

Rationale It has long been observed that rats self-administer psychostimulants in a highly regular pattern. The inverse relationship between dose and rate of drug intake has been interpreted as a titration phenomenon wherein brain-cocaine levels are maintained within a range. Most studies examining this phenomenon have used fixed, unit doses in which case the only titration strategy available to the animal is to adjust inter-infusion intervals.
Active Screen Time Among U.S. Youth Aged 9-18 Years, 2009.

Abstract Objective: This study documented the prevalence of active screen time (i.e., screen time that includes active games, exercise or dance videos, or TV exercise programs) and identified characteristics associated with it among youth 9–18 years of age. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 1,165 youth using the 2009 Styles Surveys; data were weighted to approximate the Current Population Survey. We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted multivariable logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with active screen time by estimating adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The sample comprised 51.4 percent boys, and almost 60 percent were non-Hispanic white. The prevalence of active screen time ≥1 hour/day was 31.2 percent on a typical school day and 41.6 percent on a typical weekend day. Logistic regression revealed youth with physical activity of 3–5 days/week had higher odds of active scr...
Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in rickets of extremely premature infants

Nine premature infants developed radiographic and biochemical rickets at a mean ±SD of 12.6±2.8 weeks of age. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were all low, with a mean of
Sleep in the intensive care unit

Abnormalities of sleep are extremely common in critically ill patients, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. About half of total sleep time occurs during the daytime, and circadian rhythm is markedly diminished or lost. Judgments based on inspection consistently overestimate sleep time and do not detect sleep disruption. Accordingly, reliable polygraphic recordings are needed to measure sleep quantity and quality in critically ill patients. Critically ill patients exhibit more frequent arousals and awakenings than is normal, and decreases in rapid eye movement and slow wave sleep. The degree of sleep fragmentation is at least equivalent to that seen in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. About 20% of arousals and awakenings are related to noise, 10% are related to patient care activities, and the cause for the remainder is not known; severity of underlying disease is likely an important factor. Mechanical ventilation can cause sleep disruption, but the precise mechanism has not been defined. Sleep disruption can induce sympathetic activation and elevation of blood pressure, which may contribute to patient morbidity. In healthy subjects, sleep deprivation can decrease immune function and promote negative nitrogen balance. Measures to improve the quantity and quality of sleep in critically ill patients include careful attention to mode of mechanical ventilation, decreasing noise, and sedative agents (although the latter are double-edged swords).
Macromolecular synthesis during regeneration in Blepharisma determined by specific inhibitors and incorporation of 14C-tracers.

Abstract Macromolecular syntheses were studied by incorporation of 14 C-labeled thymidine, 14 C-uridine and 14 C-amino acids, and by use of specific inhibitors of RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis upon the rate of regeneration of post-peristomial pieces of Blepharisma intermedium . The effect of these inhibitors on the macronuclear cycle which occurs during regeneration was also determined. Mitomycin, naladixic acid, and pheleomycin—inhibitors of DNA synthesis—if in relatively high concentration and applied for a long time, delayed regeneration. 14 C-Thymidine was incorporated into most fragments of unsynchronized cells slowly during regeneration, although it was incorporated actively into blepharismas just before division. Naladixic acid and phleomycin reduced 14 C-thymidine incorporation during regeneration. 14 C-Thymidine was not incorporated into macronuclei of cells cut soon after division (synchronized cells). 14 C-Uridine was incorporated actively immediately after removal of the peristome and continued throughout regeneration. The label at first was strongest in or over the macronucleus and near it; it was weak in the cytoplasm, becoming stronger with lapse of time after cutting. Actinomycin D, which retards regeneration most actively immediately after cutting, reduced incorporation of 14 C-uridine. 14 C-Histidine, 14 C-leucine and 14 C-amino acids (mixture) were incorporated into regenerating blepharismas. Puromycin retarded regeneration of Blepharisma most actively 1 to 2 h after cutting. Puromycin of the concentration which retards regeneration reduced the incorporation of 14 C-amino acids. The results suggest that cutting Blepharisma incites active RNA synthesis (mRNA?) in the macronucleus. The spread of RNA in the cytoplasm is accompanied by protein synthesis. The experiments suggest that macronuclear DNA synthesis is not essential to regeneration, but probably occurs when the cells are cut at the time they are in or near the synthetic stage.
Ocular Fireworks Injuries and Blindness: An Analysis of 154 Cases and a Three-State Survey Comparing the Effectiveness of Model Law Regulation

Abstract 154 detailed ocular fireworks injuries in 143 patients are summarized. One half of these injuries were the result of bottle rockets. The most common injuries were corneal abrasion, hyphema, and lid burns or lacerations. Thirty percent of these injuries resulted in permanent damage with visual loss, and 14% suffered lacerated globes. Three quarters of these severe injuries were the results of bottle rockets. The incidence and severity of ocular fireworks injuries in this study are higher than other, large series. While states that outlaw fireworks except for public display (so-called “Model Law”) still have injuries, the incidence is greatly reduced, and the injuries are less severe.
Site-saturation mutagenesis of tryptophan 116 of Saccharomyces pastorianus old yellow enzyme uncovers stereocomplementary variants.

Site-saturation mutagenesis was used to generate all possible replacements for Trp 116 of Saccharomyces pastorianus (formerly Saccharomyces carlsbergensis) old yellow enzyme (OYE). Our original hypothesis—that smaller amino acids at position 116 would allow better acceptance of bulky 3-alkyl-substituted 2-cyclohexenones—proved incorrect. Instead, Phe and Ile replacements favored the binding of some substrates in an opposite orientation, which yielded reversed stereochemical outcomes compared to that of the wild-type OYE. For example, W116I OYE reduced (R)- and (S)-carvone to enantiomeric products, rather than the diastereomers produced by the wild-type OYE. Deuterium labeling revealed that (S)-carvone reduction by the W116I OYE occurred by the same pathway as that by the wild type (net trans-addition of H2), proving that different substrate binding orientations were responsible for the divergent products. Trp 116 mutants also afforded different stereochemical outcomes for reductions of (R)-perillaldehyde ...
A theoretical and experimental study of the percussive drilling of rock part I—theory of percussive drilling

Abstract The theoretical mechanics of the percussive drilling of rock are developed from analysis of stress-wave interactions in the drilling system. Particular attention is given to 1. (i) the efficiency of impact energy transfer from drill steel to rock, and 2. (ii) the minimum thrust force needed to ensure bit-rock contact at the beginning of each impact. A simple expression is derived from which the penetration rate of a percussion drill can be predicted, provided the amount of impact energy per unit volume of rock broken is known for the appropriate drill bit and rock type, together with certain and operational parameters of the drilling machine.
Boolean delay equations. II. Periodic and aperiodic solutions

Boolean delay equations (BDEs) areevolution equations for a vector of discrete variables x(t). The value of each componentX i (t), 0 or 1. depends on previous values of all componentsx j (t− t ij ), x i (t)=f i (x1(t−t i1),...,x n (t −t in )). BDEs model the evolution of biological and physical systems with threshold behavior and nonlinear feedbacks. The delays model distinct interaction times between pairs of variables. In this paper, BDEs are studied by algebraic, analytic, and numerical methods. It is shown that solutions depend continuously on the initial data and on the delays. BDEs are classified intoconservative anddissipative. All BDEs with rational delays only haveperiodic solutions only. But conservative BDEs with rationally unrelated delays haveaperiodic solutions of increasing complexity. These solutions can be approximated arbitrarily well by periodic solutions of increasing period.Self-similarity andintermittency of aperiodic solutions is studied as a function of delay values, and certain number-theoretic questions related toresonances and diophantine approximation are raised. Period length is shown to be a lower semicontinuous function of the delays for a given BDE, and can be evaluated explicitly for linear equations. We prove that a BDE isstructurable stable if and only if it has eventually periodic solutions of bounded period, and if the length of initial transients is bounded. It is shown that, for dissipative BDEs, asymptotic solution behavior is typically governed by areduced BDE. Applications toclimate dynamics and other problems are outlined.
If it moves, simulate it!

In the last 35 years modeling of projection printing has undergone many paradigm shifts in physical models, computational engines, algorithms and opportunities. The trigger event for the first quantitative positive resist Dill model was the development and application of automated thin-film measurement equipment. The use of partial coherence which helps imaging also complicates the understanding and necessitates the use of simulation to guide lithography practice. Simulation has also played an important role in discovery (intensity imbalance in phase-shifting masks), invention (self-interferometric mask monitors) and creation of analysis techniques (first-cut accurate fast-CAD). The current challenges and growth areas for simulation include calibration, synergy with metrology, electronic self-testing and linking circuit design and fabrication.
Calculated recovery rates in severe head trauma

In a series of 120 head-injured patients, recovery rates (rr) were calculated separately on the basis of either Glasgow come scale (GCS) scores or Maryland coma scale (MCS) scores; the latter contains the three variables of the GCS, excludes unevaluable responses, and provides more information concerning the status of brain stem reflexes and motor lateralization. The early (Day 3/4 vs. Day 1) and late (Day 8/14 vs. Day 1) recovery rates from the two scales generally agree (r = 0.76; r = 0.79), but in 39 of 94 patients the MCSrr and GCSrr disagreed by more than 10%. When the MCSrr was greater than the GCSrr, it more accurately reflected a favorable outcome. Graphic representations of clinical courses through serial plots of raw scores were more reliable when unaffected by intubation, sedation, swollen eyelids, casts, etc.; this was more often achieved with serial plots of MCS scores, which are graded as percentages of testable function. Final outcomes (good/disabled vs. vegetative/dead) were well predicted by Day 1 MCS scores above or below 35% (chi 2 = 27.63; p less than 0.001) and Day 1 GCS scores above or below 7 (chi 2 = 23.21; P less than 0.001). However, in 57 very sick patients (Day 1 GCS less than or equal to 7), the GCS did no better than chance (26 good, 31 bad outcomes), whereas 20 of 26 patients with a Day 1 MCS score of less than or equal to 35% had bad outcomes. In patients with severe multiple injuries, the Maryland coma scale may provide a more sensitive index of clinical course; a Day 1 MCS raw score of less than or equal to 35% is of grave prognostic significance.
Double learning: Who is learning from online reviews?

Online user reviews have become an important source of information for consumers seeking to make the best purchase decisions possible in an online environment. Based on data collected from the online retailer website Amazon.com, this study explores the potential opportunity provided by online reviews that vendors can use to evaluate their own products and possibly make price adjustments. Using portfolio methodology, this study addresses how vendors view online ratings as quality indicators and how a change in online ratings can lead to an increase or decrease in price. The paper concludes that vendors respond to online reviews of quality and tend to fine tune the price of their products accordingly in order to increase sales revenue.
The detection of sodium vapor bubble collapse in a liquid metal fast breeder reactor

Abstract Sodium boiling detection utilizing the sound pressure emanated during the collapse of a sodium vapor bubble in a subcooled media is discussed in terms of the sound characteristic, the reactor ambient noise background, transmission loss considerations and performance criteria. Data obtained in several loss of flow experiments on Fast Test Reactor Fuel Elements indicate that the collapse of the sodium vapor bubble depends on the presence of a subcooled structure or sodium. The collapse pressure pulse was observed in all cases to be on the order of a kPa, indicating a soft type of cavitational collapse. Spectral examination of the pulses indicates the response function of the test structure and geometry is important. The sodium boiling observed in these experiments was observed to occur at a low (
Factor structure and diagnostic fidelity of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 1 (BISCUIT-part 1).

Objective: Due to the effectiveness of early intervention on the outcome of individuals with ASD, there is a race to identify children with ASD at younger ages. The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits–Part 1 (BISCUIT–Part 1) is a new assessment tool designed to assess symptoms of ASD in children between the ages of 17–37 months. The aim of this study was to identify the factor structure of BISCUIT–Part 1 and investigate group differences with regards to these factors.Methods: Participants (n = 1287) were enrolled in a state-funded early intervention programme for children at-risk for a developmental disability. The BISCUIT was administered to a parent or other significant caregiver along with other developmental measures as part of the assessment protocol for the early intervention programme.Results: The exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution consistent with symptom clusters characteristic of ASD. Furthermore, participants diagnosed with ASD exhibited significantly ...
Effects of fibril orientations on light scattering in the cornea

It is generally assumed that the collagen fibrils in the stroma are the primary scatterers of light in the nearly transparent cornea of the eye. We derive a scaling relationship between scattering angle and light wavelength that should hold if this hypothesis is valid. The derivation accounts for the cornea’s layered nature and the azimuthal orientations of the fibrils in the different layers. The fibrils are treated as finite-length cylinders, and the scaling relation is obtained in both the far- and the intermediate-field zones. The predicted relationship is verified experimentally for normal-thickness rabbit corneas.
Acrolein and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymer microspheres

Preparation de microspheres hydrophyles par copolymerisation radiochimique. Proprietes biologiques a l'aide d'un systeme modele d'enzyme (horseradish peroxydase)
An inviscid analysis of the plume created by multiple rocket engines and a comparison with available Schlieren data. I - Calculation of multiple rocket engine exhaust plumes by the method of characteristics. II - A finite difference method.

Multiple rocket engine exhaust plumes calculated by method of characteristics and finite difference and compared with schlieren data
Developing "The Critic's Corner": Computer-Assisted Language Learning for Upper-Level Russian Students.

During the fall of 1992, we were engaged in a project at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, to develop interactive video materials for use in upper-level Russian language courses. Over the course of the semester, we worked together, as language teacher and instructional designer, on a pilot computer software program that uses Russian film clips on video laserdisc to improve writing and speaking skills and stimulate students' critical thinking. The program encourages collaborative effort by allowing students to access and comment upon the written responses of their peers. The program also provides for the creation of listening exercises, and students may record, review, and file their oral responses as voice files. The program, entitled “The Critic's Corner,” was used with a small group of students during the spring of 1993. This report of our development efforts includes examples and discussion of student critiques.
Etv1 Inactivation Reveals Proprioceptor Subclasses that Reflect the Level of NT3 Expression in Muscle Targets

The organization of spinal reflex circuits relies on the specification of distinct classes of proprioceptive sensory neurons (pSN), but the factors that drive such diversity remain unclear. We report here that pSNs supplying distinct skeletal muscles differ in their dependence on the ETS transcription factor Etv1 for their survival and differentiation. The status of Etv1-dependence is linked to the location of proprioceptor muscle targets: pSNs innervating hypaxial and axial muscles depend critically on Etv1 for survival, whereas those innervating certain limb muscles are resistant to Etv1 inactivation. The level of NT3 expression in individual muscles correlates with Etv1-dependence and the loss of pSNs triggered by Etv1 inactivation can be prevented by elevating the level of muscle-derived NT3—revealing a TrkC-activated Etv1-bypass pathway. Our findings support a model in which the specification of aspects of pSN subtype character is controlled by variation in the level of muscle NT3 expression and signaling.
Implementation and evaluation of transparent fault-tolerant Web service with kernel-level support

Most of the techniques used for increasing the availability of Web services do not provide fault tolerance for requests being processed at the time of server failure. Other schemes require deterministic servers or changes to the Web client. These limitations are unacceptable for many current and future applications of the Web. We have developed an efficient implementation of a client-transparent mechanism for providing fault-tolerant Web service that does not have the limitations mentioned above. The scheme is based on a hot standby backup server that maintains logs of requests and replies. The implementation includes modifications to the Linux kernel and to the Apache Web server, using their respective module mechanisms. We describe the implementation and present an evaluation of the impact of the backup scheme in terms of throughput, latency, and CPU processing cycles overhead.
A single-pixel target detection and tracking system

The authors present a pipeline method for detection and tracking of pixel-sized moving targets with unknown trajectories from a time sequence of highly noisy images. The pipeline target detection algorithm uses the temporal continuity of the smooth trajectories of moving targets and successfully detects and simultaneously tracks all the target trajectories by mapping them from the image sequence onto a single target frame. The pipeline method overcomes the constraint of a straight line trajectory that most other algorithms require for similar tasks. The algorithm is a complete parallel distributed processing type process, and therefore is highly time-efficient-ideal for real-time detection and tracking of arbitrary target trajectories in high-noise environments. >
Adaptive analog signal processing with acoustic charge transport filters

An adaptive algorithm suitable for use with programmable acoustic charge transport (ACT) devices is described. Its performance was demonstrated through computer simulations and hardware experiments. An ACT programmable transversal filter (PTF) includes a GaAs ACT device and supports RF, DC, and digital circuitry. The ACT-based PTF is useful in a wide variety of electronic system engineering problems where it is necessary to dynamically modify the filter function, as required in many adaptive filtering applications. The device is ideally suited for the realization of a least-mean-squares (LMS) adaptive equalizer, where the tap weights are digitally adjusted with an associated microprocessor or dedicated DSP device to achieve adaptive equalization of a wideband analog channel while employing the power and accuracy of digital signal processing. Computer simulations and experimental results using an ACT-based PTF in channel identification and adaptive equalizer configurations are described. >
Delayed Defibrillation Caused by Unexpected ECG Artifact

Incorrect lead selection and unexpected ECG artifact during an attempted resuscitation after inhospital cardiac arrest resulted in undetected lack of cardiac monitoring for approximately 13 minutes. The patient was finally countershocked and regained a spontaneous pulse but was determined to have experienced profound neurologic damage and died shortly after being extubated. This type of failure may be common, particularly with older monitor/defibrillators. Caregivers, health care organizations, and device manufacturers should be aware of this potential problem and institute preventive measures.
Research on vibration of overhead ground wires

Research on aeolian vibration of overhead ground wires, carried out on a test line, has shown that galvanized steel and aluminum-clad steel ground wires suffer a loss in self-damping capacity with service, tending to make them more vulnerable to vibration damage as time passes. The loss in self-damping is by a factor of eight. It was also found that during episodes of icing the ground wires experienced aeolian vibration of increased severity, rather than galloping. >
Use of artificial neural networks to accurately identify Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst images.

Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia are protozoa capable of causing gastrointestinal diseases. Currently, these organisms are identified using immunofluorescent antibody (IFA)-based microscopy, and identification requires trained individuals for final confirmation. Since artificial neural networks (ANN) can provide an automated means of identification, thereby reducing human errors related to misidentification, ANN were developed to identify Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst images. Digitized images of C. parvum oocysts and G. lamblia cysts stained with various commercial IFA reagents were used as positive controls. The images were captured using a color digital camera at 400× (total magnification), processed, and converted into a binary numerical array. A variety of “negative” images were also captured and processed. The ANN were developed using these images and a rigorous training and testing protocol. The Cryptosporidium oocyst ANN were trained with 1,586 images, while Giardia cyst ANN were trained with 2,431 images. After training, the best-performing ANN were selected based on an initial testing performance against 100 images (50 positive and 50 negative images). The networks were validated against previously “unseen” images of 500 Cryptosporidium oocysts (250 positive, 250 negative) and 282 Giardia cysts (232 positive, 50 negative). The selected ANNs correctly identified 91.8 and 99.6% of the Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst images, respectively. These results indicate that ANN technology can be an alternate to having trained personnel for detecting these pathogens and can be a boon to underdeveloped regions of the world where there is a chronic shortage of adequately skilled individuals to detect these pathogens.
Haemolytic anaemia in rhesus monkeys induced by methylcellulose

Summary The rhesus monkey was evaluated in its haemopoietic and histological response to intraperitoneal injections of methylceUulose. The haematologic alterations included a mild haemolytic anaemia, lymphofaenia, monocytosis, a shortened survival of ers -labelled autologous erythrocytes (17'1 vs 13'3 days, P<O'025) and normoblastic hyperplasia of the bone marrow. There was a diffuse sequestration of the polymer in the phagocytic cells of the spleen, liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes and adrenal glands. The renal glomerular endothelium also consistently stored this material. Overt splenomegaly was not induced. The monkey appears to present, along with other animals, a rather species-specific response to methylcellulose that is accompanied by fundamental responses observable in all subjects. The induction of splenomegaly and hypersplenic activity by intraperitoneal injections of methylcellulose (MC) is well documented in the rat (Palmer, Eichwald, Cartwright & Wintrobe, 1953), mouse (Stang & Boggs, 1977), and gerbil (Rosa & Glomski, 1981). Other species, however, such as the guineapig, rabbit (Giblett, Motulsky, Houghton & Finch, 1956), and dog (Weissman, Waldmann, Levin & Berlin, 1961) have proven to be less susceptible to the splenic effects of this polymer. To date the primate has yet to be evaluated in its reaction to MC. The present report is designed to help complete the analysis of the comparative spectrum observable in polymer-treated laboratory animals. To this end the haematological and histological responses of the rhesus monkey are presented. Materials and methods Five healthy, young, adult, male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) weighing 2'5-5 kg were used. They were placed on a regimen of biweekly i.p. injections of 2 '5% aqueous methylcellulose
Linear oscillations of a drop in uniform alternating electric fields

Oscillations of a conducting drop immersed in a dielectric fluid in an alternating electric field has been modelled in order to understand the enhancement of the transport processes by the electric field. Numerical solutions for oscillation amplitude, velocity distribution, resonant frequency and streamlines were obtained. The effects of viscosity and density on the resonant frequency and the velocity distribution were investigated. It was found that the resonant frequency of viscous fluids was always smaller than the free oscillation frequency of the same droplet. The predicted scanning frequency response curve and the streamlines agree well with the experimental observations.