cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial domain sharpening of color image employing bidimensional empirical mode decomposition

Image sharpening is an image processing technique that highlights transitions in intensity and/or enhances the darker regions. This paper formulates a bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) based spatial domain color image sharpening. In this approach, color image is first decomposed into several hierarchical components using BEMD, which is a multi-scale/multi-resolution technique. The hierarchical color image components are known as color bidimensional empirical mode functions (CBEMFs), where the first CBEMF contains the highest/finest local spatial variations, and the final CBEMF contains the color trend of an image. The final CBEMF is also known as color bidimensional residue (CBR), whereas the other CBEMFs are known as color bidimensional intrinsic mode functions (CBIMFs). However, instead of using classical BEMD, a modified BEMD, known as fast and adaptive BEMD (FABEMD) is utilized, which uses order-statics filters for envelope estimation in the process instead of surface interpolation. The BEMD developed for color images employing FABEMD is known as color BEMD (CBEMD). Since the first CBEMF contains the finest spatial variations in the image and the CBR contains the color trend information, manipulation of these two elements can provide useful sharpening of a color image. In one simple approach, suitable weighting of the first CBEMF and CBR is accomplished, where weighting is done to all three color components of these two elements. Finally, the image is reconstructed from the addition of all the CBEMFs to obtain the primary sharpening. An additional level of sharpening is achieved when the primarily sharpened image, as mentioned above, is added to the original image. By varying the weights, desired color image sharpening can be achieved, which is inherently data driven.
Growth rates of plasma oscillations for symmetrical double-humped velocity distributions

Inside any symmetrical double-humped plasma velocity distribution, all growing waves with real wave-number have zero phase velocity. Growth rates of such plasma oscillations are calculated for distributions made up of resonance functions and of Gaussian functions. The results are compared with an earlier calculation made with less realistic distribution functions with no infinite tails.
Distributed light delivery and detection via single optical fiber and tilted grating

A passive fiber-optic-based device is designed and analyzed, capable of delivering and detecting light separately or simultaneously at discrete points of interest along the optical axis of a fiber. This goal is achieved by implementation of multiple finite-length tilted gratings inside the core of a single-mode fiber. Each grating is tuned to function as a leaky electromagnetic resonator that resonates at particular wavelength and partially radiates the optical power to the medium surrounding the fiber. First, the basic element of such radiators is theoretically analyzed and a sequence of justifiable approximations are presented to measure the characteristic parameters of the system. Next, a set of equations are developed to provide a logical procedure for the design. This device has several potential applications in the field of fiber optic sensors. Few practical examples of such applications, particularly for optical stimulation of cells and fluorescence signal recording in sensitive tissues including t...
Free recall of everyday retrospective and prospective memories: the intention-superiority effect is moderated by action versus state orientation and by gender.

Individual differences in the relative accessibility of everyday memories were investigated. Based on the theory of action control described by Kuhl and colleagues (Kuhl & Beckmann, 1994b), an intention-superiority effect (heightened activation and accessibility of intentions—i.e., prospective memories—compared to retrospective memories) was predicted for state-oriented individuals, but not action-oriented individuals. As predicted, only state-oriented individuals showed an intention-superiority effect, recalling more prospective than retrospective real-life memories. In addition, females, but not males, showed an intention-superiority effect in retrieval of the most accessible memories, memories recalled in the first minute. These results show important moderator variables for the intention-superiority effect and extend previous research to real-life, everyday memories.
Prebiotic peptide-formation in the solid state. I. Reactions of benzoate ion and glycine with adenosine 5'-phosphorimidazolide.

The reactions of benzoate ion and of glycine with adenosine 5′-phosphorimidazolide have been investigated. Benzoate reacts first to give the anhydride, benzoyl-adenylate, which, in the presence of excess imidazole, reacts further to give the 2′- and 3′-esters of adenosine 5′-phosphate. Glycine also first attacks the imidazolide to give an anhydride, but this compound may react further either to give 2′- and 3′-esters or to form peptides, depending on the reaction conditions.
T cell receptors recognizing type II collagen in HLA–DR–transgenic mice characterized by highly restricted Vβ usage

OBJECTIVE To determine the T cell receptor (TCR) structure recognizing type II collagen (CII) in HLA-DR-transgenic mice, and to examine the role of T cells with certain V(beta)-chains in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS T cell hybridomas were established from DR1- and DR4-transgenic mice and selected for their responses to CII and CII peptide containing the T cell determinants. RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into complementary DNA, which was then amplified using appropriate V(beta)- and V(alpha)-subfamily-specific primers. The polymerase chain reaction products were purified and directly sequenced. To determine the role of T cells with certain V(beta)-chains in CIA, V(beta)-subfamily-specific antibodies were administered and the development and characteristics of arthritis were determined. RESULTS TCRs of 23 clonally distinct T cell hybridomas that were derived from DR1-transgenic mice and that were reactive to the CII peptide containing the immunodominant determinant were analyzed. These hybridomas predominantly used the TCR V(beta)14 and V(beta)8 gene segments (70% and 30%, respectively). The same restriction in V(beta) usage was also found in CII-reactive T cell hybridomas from DR4-transgenic mice. There was also restricted use of V(alpha) genes, although this was less marked than that of V(beta). In contrast, the hybridomas expressed a diverse third complementarity-determining region. Deletion of both V(beta)14-bearing and V(beta)8-bearing T cells significantly reduced the incidence and severity of CIA. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that DR1 and DR4 not only bind and present the same CII immunodominant peptide, but also stimulate a highly restricted subset of T cells.
Tourists as Pilgrims: Commercial Fashioning of Transatlantic Politics

In this article, I ask how a site of history gets made into a successful tourist destination of a remembered past. I focus on a U.S. corporate-sponsored homeland tour to Senegal and the Gambia (the region of Roots) aimed toward commemorating sites especially momentous for African American tourists. Through the lens of global "scapes," I analyze the multiple aspects necessary to create and sustain this place of meaning. Of interest are the ways in which culture can be produced as a commodified object and, in the process, made available for ritual framing and reappropriation. [commodity culture, tourism, pilgrimage, identity formation ritual]
Combined epithelial odontogenic tumor: Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor

Abstract The authors present two examples of a combined epithelial odontogenic tumor which contained areas diagnostic for both adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor. The histologic presentation, histogenesis, and suggested treatment are discussed.
Intelligent, autonomous systems in space

The Space Station is expected to be equipped with intelligent, autonomous capabilities; to achieve and incorporate these capabilities, the required technologies need to be identitifed, developed and validated within realistic application scenarios. The critical technologies for the development of intelligent, autonomous systems are discussed in the context of a generalized functional architecture. The present state of this technology implies that it be introduced and applied in an evolutionary process which must start during the Space Station design phase. An approach is proposed to accomplish design information acquisition and management for knowledge-base development.
Safety and efficacy of treatment of pediatric cholesteryl ester storage disease with lovastatin.

Safety and Efficacy of Treatment of Pediatric Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease with Lovastatin
Effects of a brief behavioral treatment for PTSD-related sleep disturbances: A pilot study

Abstract Objective Sleep disturbances are a core feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and are often resistant to first-line pharmacological and psychological PTSD interventions. The goal of this pilot study was to explore the effects of a very brief intervention for PTSD-related nightmares and insomnia in victims of violent crimes with PTSD. Methods Seven adult victims of violent crimes with a current diagnosis of PTSD received a single, 90-min intervention session that used cognitive–behavioral techniques aimed at reducing post-traumatic nightmares and insomnia. Sleep diary measures, and measures of sleep quality, PTSD severity, anxiety, and depression were completed at baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention. Results Improvements in self-report and sleep diary measures of sleep quality and dream frequency were observed post-intervention. Clinically meaningful reductions in daytime PTSD symptom severity were also observed. Conclusions A very brief behavioral intervention targeting post-traumatic nightmares and insomnia was associated with significant improvements in sleep and daytime PTSD symptom severity. Brief sleep-focused intervention may be helpful adjuncts to first-line PTSD treatments.
Angiogenesis in atherosclerosis: gathering evidence beyond speculation.

Purpose of reviewThe present review summarizes evidence for several functions of neovascularization in plaque growth that sustain perfusion beyond limits of diffusion from the artery lumen and outer adventitial vasa vasorum, deposit proatherogenic plasma molecules, recruit immune cells and progenito
The straw that stirs the drink: Insight into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease revealed through the study of microflora-induced inflammation in genetically modified mice

Abnormal response to enteric microflora is a critical factor driving bowel inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mice with genetically engineered mutations have played a central role in both formulating this hypothesis and elucidating the mechanism that normally protect the host from excessive inflammation within the bowel. One emerging theme is the importance of regulation within the innate immune system in protecting from microflora-driven pathology. In this review, I describe how genetically engineered mice have played a crucial role in shaping our conceptual understanding of pathways that regulate the development of chronic bowel inflammation, and furthermore, explore data derived from the study of genetically engineered mice that implicates the fundamental importance of regulation within the innate immune system in the control of this process. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007)
Response of Animal Fibres to Acid Attack

THE stress–strain curves given by a wide range of animal fibres in air or water are practically alike, apart from differences in the low-strain region due to the presence of crimp. It has now been observed that even closely similar wools can exhibit substantial differences in the mechanical properties of their fibres, and corresponding differences in solubility in alkali, after exposure to chemical attack, such as boiling acid solution.
Intraspinal alumina injection: the relationship between epileptiform focus, root scarring and chronic pain.

Abstract Intramedullary or subarachnoid injections of alumina cream were made in the lumbar region of 38 adult cats. The animals were observed for 3 to 12 months and then subjected to acute neurophysiologic and histologic analysis Neuronal hyperactivity in the dorsal horns was reliably produced by either subarachnoid or intramedullary alumina; behavioral abnormalities were not produced unless some of the alumina was present adjacent to dorsal root fibers in the subarachnoid space. Neuronal hyperactivity does not predict cutaneous hyperesthesia or motor abnormality; alumina produces scarring in the subarachnoid space and probably causes pain by making the dorsal root fibers mechanosensitive. Subarachnoid alumina may be a good model for human arachnoiditis.
Committees and Controversy Consultants in the Construction of Education Policy

The increasingly common practice of engaging consulting firms to assist states with educational policy agendas requires an analysis of the role these consultants play in what is positioned as a dem...
Lifetime effects in low-stage intercalated graphite systems.

Based upon a superlattice model for graphite intercalated compounds (GIC's), we present in this paper a detailed calculation of the lifetime of a conduction electron in a stage-1, acceptor-type GIC. Both intraband and interband processes, as well as intervalley processes, are included in this calculation. We find that it is very important to include the dynamic screening in the scheme, because the Coulomb interaction can generate plasmons that provide an efficient way for electrons to decay. The calculated electronic lifetime is then applied to the examination of the broad edge structure found in optically induced interband transitions. There, only partial success is found, possibly because of inaccurate determination of the Fermi energy. Improvements of our present calculation are suggested.
A model of femoral artery thrombolysis in dogs

We have developed a modified canine model of femoral arterial thrombolysis that offers several practical advantages, including the lack of requirement for ateriography and the direct, continuous measurement of blood flow by Doppler flowmetry. In closed-chest, anesthetised dogs, a hollow catheter is advanced to either femoral artery via the left carotid artery. A flexible guidewire is advanced to the femoral artery through the catheter. The latter is withdrawn and a copper coil slipped over the guidewire, inserted through the carotid arterial incision, and pushed with the same hollow catheter to the femoral artery. The guidewire is withdrawn and replaced by a small catheter if local instillation of a thrombolytic agent is desired. The hollow, guiding catheter is also withdrawn, restoring flow through the artery. An occlusive platelet-rich thrombus forms within 12 ± 1 min. Both intravenous and intraarterial streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator lyse these thrombi dose-dependently. The direct, continuous measurement of femoral arterial blood flow enables the exact moment of thrombolysis and reocclusion as well as the magnitude of blood flow after lysis to be quantified accurately. Cyclic, repetitive reocclusions, indicative of thrombus formation and dislodgement, often precede permanent reocclusion, making the model suitable for evaluation of potential antithrombotic agents.
An algorithm for scheduling batches of parts in a multi-cell flexible manufacturing system

Abstract This research addresses the problem of scheduling batches of parts in a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Due to the use of serial access material-handling systems in many FMSs, the problem is modeled for a multi-cell FMS with flowshop characteristics. A branch and bound solution method is developed which exploits the special structure of the problem to develop strong lower bounds. Numerical computations show that the branch and bound algorithm solves large size problems in a reasonable time. Computational results are provided for a variety of test problems.
Automatic Behavior and Moral Agency: Defending the Concept of Personhood from Empirically Based Skepticism

Empirical evidence indicates that much of human behavior is unconscious and automatic. This has led some philosophers to be skeptical of responsible agency or personhood in the moral sense. I present two arguments defending agency from these skeptical concerns. My first argument, the “margin of error” argument, is that the empirical evidence is consistent with the possibility that our automatic behavior deviates only slightly from what we would do if we were in full conscious control. Responsible agency requires only that our actions more or less express our conscious goals and values. My second argument is a non-realist defense of moral agency. If we are willing to reject metaethical realism about agents, then there may be good reasons why we should retain the concept of agency in our moralizing, even if automaticity undermines the belief that we are really in conscious control of our behavior. We can do this by adopting a “reactive attitudes” approach to moral responsibility. On this view, agency is determined not by actual features of human psychology but by the attitudes and practices (such as praise and blame) that we ought to adopt in response to the actions and motivations of individuals.
Spherical minimal immersions of the 3-sphere

In 1966 Takahashi [11] proved that a minimal isometric immersion \(f:S^m(1) \to S^N(r)\) of round spheres exists iff \(r=\sqrt{m/\lambda_p}\), where \(\lambda_p\) is the p-th eigenvalue of the Laplacian on S m in this case, the components of f are spherical harmonics on S m of order p. This immersion is unique up to congruence on the range and agrees with the generalized Veronese map if m = 2 as was shown in 1967 by Calabi [1]. In 1971 DoCarmo and Wallach [3] proved that the same rigidity holds for p = 2,3. The main aim of their work, however, was to show that, for \(m\geq 3\) and \(p\geq 4\), unicity fails, and, indeed, the set of (congruence classes of) minimal isometric immersions \(f:S^m\to S^N(\sqrt{m/\lambda_p})\) can be parametrized by a moduli space \({\Cal M}^p_m\), a compact convex body in a representation space \({\Cal F}^p_m\) of SO(m + 1) of dimension \(\geq 18\). In 1994, the first author [14] determined the exact dimension of the moduli, and with Gauchman [5] in 1996, revealed intricate connections beween the irreducible components of \({\Cal F}^p_m\) and the geometry of the immersions these components represent. The purpose of the present paper is to provide a complete geometric description of the fine details of the (boundary of the) 18-dimensional space \({\Cal M}^4_3\), the first nontrivial moduli. This is made possible by several reductions that make use of the splitting \(SO(4)=SU(2)\cdot SU(2)'\) as well as rely on the structure of SU(2) equivariant minimal isometric immersions treated in the work of DeTurck and the second author [2] in 1992. The equivariant imbedding theorem [14] asserts that the structure of \({\Cal M}^4_3\) reappears in the moduli \({\Cal M}^p_m\) for \(m\geq 3\) and \(p\geq 4\).
A theoretical framework for the more efficient construction of culture assimilators

Abstract A theoretical framework is presented which consists of dimensions of cultural variation. These dimensions constitute a theory of cultural differences in social behavior that may be used to develop culture assimilators. A Japanese assimitator developed theoretically, basedon this framework, took one-thirteenth the amount of time required for the construction of a regular assimilator. The framework is offered as a stimulus for future research that will provide a comparative test of assimilators constructed in the more elaborate and expensive way and the present short-cut way.
Ion microbeam studies of cadmium zinc telluride radiation detectors by IBICC

Abstract Ion beam induced charge collection (IBICC) and time resolved IBICC (TRIBICC) techniques were used for imaging electronic properties of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) room temperature radiation detectors. The detectors were bombarded with a scanned 5.4 MeV He microbeam and the detector response was analyzed at each point. The electron mobility ( μ e ) and lifetime ( τ e ), and charge collection efficiency maps were calculated from the data. In order to determine the radiation damage to the detectors, the signal deterioration was measured as the function of dose.
Determination of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (tromethamine) in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Determination of tromethamine (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol) in human plasma and urine has been developed and validated. The method utilizes reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation and fluorescence detection of a pre-column derivative. The assay was linear in the ranges of 1-200 micrograms/ml plasma and 5-500 micrograms/ml urine with accuracies (mean percent recovery) all within 10% of 100% and precisions (coefficient of variation) all less than 10%.
Cerebellar lesions alter autonomic responses to transient isovolaemic changes in arterial pressure in anaesthetized cats.

In previous studies, bilateral lesions of the rostral fastigial nucleus (rFN) of the cerebellum impaired recovery of mean arterial pressure (MAP) after many forms of hypotension. This study examined effects of cerebellar lesions on baroreflex responses during transient, isovolaemic, nonorthostatic changes in MAP in anaesthetized cats. Bilateral rFN lesions did not alter the rate or extent of fall in MAP induced by nitroprusside, but reduced by 39% the reflex increase in heart rate per unit decrease in pressure (△HR/△MAP). Femoral artery resistance remained below control levels. Lesions prolonged the time for 50% MAP recovery after nitroprusside by 93%. During phenylephrine-induced MAP increases, bilateral rFN lesions augmented reflex △HR/△MAP by 68%. In intact cats, the reflex decrease in HR after phenylephrine was blocked by electrical stimulation of the rFN, but appeared immediately after stimulation was stopped. Stimulation alone increased both MAP and HR. Propranolol failed to block either the increased HR or the suppression of reflex cardiodeceleration induced by rFN stimulation. Decreases in resting HR after rFN lesions may reflect removal of tonic cerebellar inhibition of cardiac parasympathetic tone. Thus, the cerebellum can influence autonomic output and modify baroreflex sensitivity by augmenting cardiovascular responses mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and inhibiting those mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system.
The proper use of laboratory tests in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.

A well-balanced index of suspicion of diabetes is essential to the physician in internal medicine or general practice. As one sees the kaleidoscopic range of disease, the possibility of diabetes should be rapidly, routinely and reflexly considered in dealing with persons in the following categories: all those who have diabetic relatives, the obese, and those with conditions which place a burden on the function of insulin . A suspicion should lead to investigation by laboratory tests.
Characterization of a Ceramic Waste Form Encapsulating Radioactive Electrorefiner Salt

Argonne National Laboratory has developed a ceramic waste form to immobilize radioactive waste salt produced during the electrometallurgical treatment of spent fuel. This study presents the first results from electron microscopy and durability testing of a ceramic waste form produced from that radioactive electrorefiner salt. The waste form consists of two primary phases: sodalite and glass. The sodalite phase appears to incorporate most of the alkali and alkaline earth fission products. Other fission products (rare earths and yttrium) tend to form a separate phase and are frequently associated with the actinides, which form mixed oxides. Seven-day leach test results are also presented.
Dihydrofolate reductase activity and deoxynucleoside incorporation into DNA of human leukocytes. Relation to methotrexate administration.

The effect of methotrexate on dihydrofolate reductase activity of normal and leukemic human leukocytes has been studied with folate as enzyme substrate. In a delayed effect, methotrexate increased dihydrofolate reductase activity in normal leukocytes and in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Enzyme activity was elevated in two of seven patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but not in patients with acute leukemia. The administration of methotrexate inhibits the “drug-induced” elevation of enzyme activity in normal leukocytes and in chronic myelogenous leukemia. The incorporation of deoxyuridine and thymidine into DNA was inhibited by methotrexate in childhood leukemia. In adults with leukemia, incorporation of deoxyuridine but not thymidine was inhibited. This difference beween adults and children, which must reflect a second effect of methotrexate, may occur as a result of the inhibition of purine synthesis in children.
Histology and lectin-binding patterns in the skin of the terrestrial horned frog Ceratophrys ornata.

The terrestrial horned frog, Ceratophrys ornata, lives on a wet substratum and absorbs water through the ventral epidermis; water is lost by evaporation from the dorsal skin. Thus, this species may be useful as a model for determining whether or not skin histology and lectin-binding patterns, indicative of glycoconjugates, are related to skin functions such as osmoregulation and water balance. With this in mind, a histological and lectin-histochemical study was carried out on dorsal and ventral skin of aquatic tadpoles and of a young terrestrial frog of C. ornata. Sections of skin were stained with various dyes to demonstrate general histological features and with two horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated lectins, Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA 1) and soybean agglutinin (SBA) which bind to specific terminal sugar residues of glycoconjugates, namely L-fucose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine or D-galactose, respectively. In early stage tadpoles both lectin-binding patterns were similar in the bilaminar epidermis of dorsal and ventral skin (i.e., each lectin stained the apical cell layer). However, metamorphic changes resulted in a young frog with typical adult-type skin composed of a stratified squamous epidermis and three distinct types of glands containing glycoconjugates in their secretions. Strikingly different lectin-binding patterns were evident in the epidermis from dorsal and ventral regions of the body. The epidermis from the dorsal region was stained by both lectins; in contrast, that from the ventral region although stained strongly by HRP-SBA, did not react with HRP-UEA 1 indicating that few, if any, fucose residues were present in the ventral epidermis. These findings, as suggested in the discussion, indicate that different glycoconjugate patterns in dorsal and ventral skin may be associated with the regulation of water balance in the frog.
The promise of an interneuron-based cell therapy for epilepsy

Of the nearly 3 million Americans diagnosed with epilepsy, approximately 30% are unresponsive to current medications. Recent data has shown that early postnatal transplantation of interneuronal precursor cells increases GABAergic inhibition in the host brain and dramatically suppresses seizure activity in epileptic mice. In this review, we will highlight findings from seizure-prone mice and humans that demonstrate the link between dysfunctional GABAergic inhibition and hyperexcitability. In particular, we will focus on rodent models of temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common and difficult to treat form of the disease, and interneuronopathies, an emerging classification. A wealth of literature showing a causal link between reduced GABA-mediated inhibition and seizures has directed our efforts to recover the loss of inhibition via transplantation of interneuronal precursors. Numerous related studies have explored the anticonvulsant potential of cell grafts derived from a variety of brain regions, yet the mechanism underlying the effect of such heterogeneous cell transplants is unknown. In discussing our recent findings and placing them in context with what is known about epilepsy, and how related transplant approaches have progressed, we hope to initiate a frank discussion of the best path toward the translation of this approach to patients with intractable forms of epilepsy.
The Effectiveness of Flow-Through or Static Copper Sulfate Treatments on the Survival of Golden Shiners and Fathead Minnows Infected with Flavobacterium columnare

AbstractFour studies were conducted to compare the effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4), when delivered in either a flow-through or a static system, on the survival of Golden Shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas and Fathead Minnows Pimephales promelas infected with Flavobacterium columnare. The treatment regimens were administered to fish in well water and were based on the recommended treatment rate (1% of alkalinity). Golden Shiners (experiments 1 and 3) and Fathead Minnows (experiments 2 and 4) were treated separately. In experiments 1 and 2, the treatment rate was 2.0 mg/L CuSO4 applied to a flow-through system daily for five consecutive days; control fish were untreated. Study durations were 7 d with the majority of the mortalities occurring in the first 5 d. Survival rates in the flow-through system were 77% and 69% for CuSO4-treated Golden Shiners and Fathead Minnows, respectively. Survival in both species was significantly different from that in their untreated control fish, which was 33% for Golden Shine...
On-line high-performance liquid chromatography method for analyte quantitation from pressurized metered dose inhalers.

Abstract A sensitive and rapid, on-line reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for quantitation of compounds at low concentrations in pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI) systems was developed. Traditional methods for the quantitation of compounds in MDI formulations involve the opening of the MDI vial along with sample dilution prior to quantitation. The new method, reported in this study, involves a direct injection from the MDI vial into the needle injector port of a manual injector. Since there is no dilution step involved, this method can be used to quantitate low concentrations of compounds in MDIs with excellent precision. In addition, since the method requires a small injection volume of 5 μl, repeated analyses can be performed in order to generate multiple data points using the same MDI vial. Validation of the method was performed using ethanol–1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (134a)-based MDIs. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), a corticosteroid used for the treatment of asthma, was used as a model compound. Phase separation studies were conducted to investigate the miscibility of the ethanol–134a mixtures with different mobile phase solvent compositions. For the MDI systems in this study, an acetonitrile–water (90:10, v/v) mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.9 ml/min was found to give acceptable chromatography for BDP on a Apollo C18 5 μm, 150 mm ×4.6 mm column (Alltech Associates, Deerfield, IL, USA). Ultraviolet detection was done at 240 nm and the retention time of BDP was 2.7 min. The on-line HPLC method was characterized to be accurate, precise, sensitive, and specific.
Military geology of Antietam battlefield, Maryland, USA—geology, terrain, and casualties

The geology of a battlefield, or that which underlies the area in which a military campaign occurs, rarely truly affects the outcome of battle. Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Maryland campaign and the Battle of Antietam fought against Union General George B. McClellan in 1862 during the American Civil War, are however, major exceptions to this rule. Lee used the geology and structure of the area in choosing the invasion route, in a major delaying tactic prior to the battle, and in the battle itself. In this article, we show the affects of geology on the battle by using standard morphometric measures to quantify terrain variables and relate these data to the numbers of killed and wounded during the battle. We also include a field guide to various locations on the battlefield where the relations between geology, terrain, and casualties can easily be seen.
Role of optical field in photoemission from copper

Abstract Photoemission from a diamond turned copper mirror with laser beams of intensity 10 11 W/cm 2 at the photon energy of 2 eV and pulse duration of ∼300 fs indicates that the electric field associated with the photons enhances the photoemission. At the optimum incident angle, the electron yield with p-polarized light was 75 times larger than that with s-polarized light and four times larger than that at normal incidence for a constant energy. These enhancements were underestimated by the changes in the absorption and were attributed in this paper to the optical field effect.
ASSESSING THE RACE-VIOLENCE RELATIONSHIP AT THE MACRO LEVEL: THE ASSUMPTION OF RACIAL INVARIANCE AND THE PROBLEM OF RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTIONS*

Macrolevel research on the race-violence relationship has focused on the assumption of racial invariance in the effects of structural disadvantage measures on violence. Yet in most urban areas black and white disadvantage distributions only partially overlap, which precludes a critical empirical test of the assumption. I refer to this as the problem of “restricted distributions.” Using block group data for Atlanta, results show that the effect of a disadvantage index on violence is similar in black and white neighborhoods within the low range of the disadvantage distribution, but diminishes significantly at the higher levels prevalent in black areas. I discuss the implications of the findings and suggest avenues for future research.
Consequences of removing the vomeronasal organ

In the last decade, research in our laboratories has focused on the effects of deafferentation of the mammalian chemosensory vomeronasal organ (VNX). Many different assays have been conducted and the results of some are briefly reviewed in this contribution, including the effects of VNX on neuroanatomical assessments using histochemistry (lectin binding) and immunohistochemistry (LHRH), male mouse and prairie vole ultrasonic vocalizations and hormone surges in response to cues from females, male mouse courtship and sexual behavior, territorial marking and inter-male aggression, the production of a puberty-altering substance found in mice, activation of reproduction in female voles (who generally do not exhibit estrous cycles) and maternal behaviors by female mice, including aggression directed toward intruder males. In some instances, the otherwise detrimental effects of VNX can be overcome by experience prior to deafferentation, especially in assays that are dependent upon expressions of behavior. In other situations, experience may have little impact on amelioration of the effects of VNX. The essential conclusions of this work focus our attention on reproductive physiology and behavior and a role for the vomeronasal organ in the perception of pheromones that modulate these functions.
Precision measurement of the photon recoil of an atom using atomic interferometry

The atomic recoil from the absorption of up to 60 photons is measured using an atom interferometer. We determine \ensuremath{\Elzxh}/${\mathit{m}}_{\mathrm{Cs}}$ with a precision of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}7}$ in 2 h of integration time.
Satellite color observations of the phytoplankton distribution in the eastern equatorial pacific during the 1982-1983. El nino.

Dramatic changes in the patterns of satellite-derived pigment concentrations around the Galapagos Islands during February and March 1983 are associated with unusual oceanographic conditions observed during the 1982-1983 El Nino. The redistribution of food resources might have contributed to the reproductive failure of seabirds and marine mammals on these islands during this El Nino.
On the mechanism of fructose 1,6-diphosphatase: inhibition by methyl D-fructoside 1,6-diphosphate.

Abstract From a comparison of the effects of potential inhibitors it is concluded that the furanose configuration of fructose 1,6-diphosphate is utilized by FDPase. The partial competitive inhibitor methyl d -fructoside 1,6-diphosphate, apparently induces a conformational change that permits acetylation of the active site. The probable importance of the C-2 hydroxyl of the sugar phosphate in the mechanism of FDPase is discussed.
The Effects of Blood Pressure and Lipid Control on Kidney Allograft Outcome

Despite the improvement in short- and long-term kidney allograft survival in recent years, a significant number of grafts are lost because of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) or death secondary to cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is growing evidence that both hypertension and hyperlipidemia play important roles in the progression of CAN and CVD in kidney transplant recipients. Large, randomized, controlled studies to determine the optimal target levels for BP and serum lipids, as well as the choice of drug therapy, are lacking. However, based on the available data, we suggest that currently recommended target levels in non-transplant patients should also be used after transplantation. We believe that achieving these target levels for BP and serum lipids are of primary importance, and that the non-lipid-lowering effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors might exert additional benefits in prolonging graft survival.
Logic-compatible embedded DRAM design for memory intensive low power systems

Circuit techniques for enabling a low power logic-compatible embedded DRAM (eDRAM) are presented. A boosted 3T gain cell utilizes preferential storage node boosting to improve data retention time and increase read margin. A regulated bit-line write scheme is equipped with a steady-state storage node voltage monitor to overcome the data ‘1’ write disturbance problem. An adaptive and die-to-die adjustable read reference bias generator is proposed to cope with PVT variations. Measurement data from 65nm test chips demonstrate a >1.0msec retention time at 0.9V, 85oC and a <100µW per Mb refresh power at 1.0V, 85oC which translates into a 50% reduction in static power compared to a power gated SRAM.
Two types of viruslike particles in Drosophila midgut.

On a trouve des particules hexagonales, comme des virus, de deux grandeurs, dans les cellules de la partie centrale de l'intestin de laDrosophile. Les particules les plus grosses etaient dans le cytoplasme et les plus petites dans le noyau. L'apparence de la distribution de ces particules sont en fonction de l'âge de la mouche.
Measurements of frequency spectra of transmission coefficients to ultrasound through trapped microbubbles

Techniques which use hydrophobic polycarbonate thin sheets containing randomly spaced, fairly uniform small pores immersed in water to trap air bubbles have been found to be useful in biophysical experiments. The utilization of broadband polyvinylidene fluoride transducers in this work made it possible to measure a continuous frequency spectrum of the transmission coefficient of the trapped bubbles. The results of the measurements show: (1) the frequency response curve of the bubble ensemble is much broader than that of a single bubble predicted by theory; and (2) as the incident sound pressure at a micropore membrane increases from 110 to 660 Pa the resonance frequency of bubbles shifts to lower values by as much as 7%.
Compliant phase reduces polymerization shrinkage in dental composite resin

Commercially available dental composite resins undergo polymerization shrinkage during curing, setting up internal stress that can result in debonding at the tooth-composite interface, tooth fracture and composite failure. Debonding can also lead to marginal leakage and recurrent decay. The presence of a compliant phase, in this case polybutadiene in aggregate form with fumed silica, is shown to reduce polymerization shrinkage in the bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin system. The addition of a small amount of the plasticizer triphenylethylene promoted additional reduction in cure shrinkage by reducing the glass transition temperature, Tg. A trend toward reduced cure shrinkage was noted as the polybutadiene : silica ratio decreased within each molecular weight of polybutadiene tested. The optimal formulation tested was determined to be 0.25 wt. % triphenylethylene in bis-GMA with aggregates formed from polybutadiene of molecular weight 2–3 million, in a polybutadiene : silica ratio of 0.005. Shrinkage reduction in this system was ∼ 42% without loss of Knoop hardness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2306–2310, 2005
Trend Test for Overdispersed Proportions

The Cochran-Armitage test has commonly been used for a trend test in binomial proportions. The quasi-likelihood method provides a simple approach to model extra-binomial proportions. Two versions of the score and Wald tests using different parameterizations for the extra-binomial variance were investigated: one in terms of intercluster correlation, and another in terms of variance. The Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the performance of the each version of the score test and the Wald test, and the Cochran-Armitage test. The simulation shows that the Cochran-Armitage test has the proper size only for the binomial sample data, and the test is no longer valid when applied to the extra-binomial data. The Wald test is more likely to exceed the nominal level than the score test under either intercluster correlation model or variance model. Both score tests performed very well even with the binomial data; the tests control the type I error and in the meantime maintain the power of detecting the dose effects. Based on the design considered in this paper, the two scores test are comparable. The score test based on the intercluster correlations model seems better controlling the Type I error but appears less powerful than that based on the variance model. An example from a developmental toxicity experiment is given.
Extreme Ultraviolet Reflectance Degradation Of Aluminum And Silicon From Surface Oxidation

We have performed in situ oxide contamination and XUV reflectance vs angle of incidence studies on fresh aluminum and silicon films evaporated in an ultrahigh vacuum system (base pressure 2 × 10−10 Torr). Our ellipsometric measurements indicate that a surface monolayer of oxide forms on aluminum (1 h at 2 × 10−8-Torr oxygen) and silicon (1 h at 10−7-Torr oxygen). The monolayer formation time is inversely proportional to oxygen pressure. Our reflectance vs angle of incidence measurements at 58.4-nm wavelength indicate that unoxidized aluminum and silicon coatings can be used as multifacet retroreflectors with net retroreflectances in excess of 75% for aluminum and 50% for silicon.
A transcriptional repressor of osteopontin expression in the 4T1 murine breast cancer cell line.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly hydrophilic and negatively charged sialoprotein of ∼298 amino acids which is an important mediator of tumor metastatic behavior. We have previously demonstrated that endotoxin-dependent OPN gene transcription is regulated by a constitutive transcriptional repressor protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A/B (hnRNP-A/B). However, in the context of cancer, the role of hnRNP-A/B in the transcriptional regulation of OPN and its metastasis-promoting functions has not been previously studied. We examined hnRNP-A/B in the 4T1 murine mammary epithelial tumor cell line, a thioguanine resistant subline which closely mimics stage IV breast cancer in humans. Our data indicate that hnRNP-A/B p37 binds to the OPN promoter, significantly decreases OPN promoter activity and mRNA levels, ablates OPN protein expression, and inhibits OPN dependent in vitro correlates of metastatic behavior, motility, and invasion. These results are unique and may suggest new therapies to re-establish loco-regional control of cancers.
Alterations in Subcellular Localization of p38 MAPK Potentiates Endothelin-stimulated COX-2 Expression in Glomerular Mesangial Cells *

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide with mitogenic actions linked to activation of tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. ET-1 induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Activation of each of the three major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, ERK1/2, JNK/SAPK, and p38 MAPK (p38), have been shown to enhance the expression of COX-2. Negative regulation of MAPK may occur via a family of dual specificity phosphatases referred to as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases (MKP). The goal of this work was to test the hypothesis that wild type MKP-1 regulates the expression of ET-1-induced COX-2 expression by inhibiting the activation of p38 in cultured glomerular mesangial cells (GMC). An adenovirus expressing both wild type and a catalytically inactive mutant of MKP-1 (MKP-1/CS) were constructed to study ET-1-regulated MAPK signaling and COX-2 expression in cultured GMC. ET-1 stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK and p38α MAPK and induced the expression of COX-2. Expression of COX-2 was partially blocked by U0126, a MEK inhibitor, and SB 203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Adenoviral expression of MKP-1/CS augmented basal and ET-1-induced phosphorylation of p38α MAPK with less pronounced effects on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Ectopic expression of wild type MKP-1 blocked the phosphorylation of p38α MAPK by ET-1 but increased the phosphorylation of p38γ MAPK. Co-precipitation studies demonstrated association of MKP-1 with p38α MAPK and ERK1/2. Immunofluorescent image analysis demonstrated trapping of phospho-p38 MAPK in the cytoplasm by MKP-1/CS/green fluorescent protein. ET-1-stimulated expression of COX-2 was increased in MKP-1/CS versus LacZ or green fluorescent protein-infected control cells. These results indicate that MKP-1 demonstrates a relative selectivity for p38α MAPK versus p38γ MAPK in GMC and is likely to indirectly regulate the expression of COX-2.
Chiral polymer coatings for microwave applications

Electromagnetic waves can discriminate between objects of different handedness due to their transverse nature, which implies that the origin of chirality need not necessarily be molecular as in the case of optically active media. Effectively chiral composites may, therefore, be constructed by embedding chiral microstructures in non-chiral host media. Chiral polymer coatings for microwave applications consist of chiral inclusions dispersed in a dielectric matrix material. In our laboratory, chiral polymer coatings are realized by embedding a large number of miniature metal helical springs in a lossy polymeric material or by randomly dispersing microballoons filled with a chiral polymer in a lossy host material. Absorption and shielding are considerably enhanced due to the increased multiple scattering and subsequent absorption in the host material. An attractive application of chiral composites is as a broadband microwave absorber. In this paper, we will investigate the reflectivity reduction characteristics of chiral polymer coatings by changing the dielectric characteristics of the matrix material.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.