cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A virtual reality based interface to a dynamic resource allocation scheduler

This paper describes a virtual reality based interface to a dynamic resource allocation scheduler. The model allows a plant engineer to test configuration decisions and scheduling methods in a virtual environment before trying them out in the actual plant. Once the operation of the virtual environment is determined to be stable, the configurations and scheduling methodology can be applied to an actual factory. Real world events in this factory should be obtained for inclusion in the event simulator for iterative refinement of the system.
Total cavo-pulmonary connection without foreign material for asplenic heart associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection

The presented case was a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with asplenia (SLL), double outlet right ventricle, pulmonary stenosis, atrioventricular septal defect, hypoplastic left ventricle and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the superior vena cava. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection was repaired by translocation of pulmonary artery to avoid pulmonary venous obstruction when Glenn anastomosis was performed. Total cavo-pulmonary connection was established by re-routing the inferior vena cava to pulmonary artery using the atrial septal remnant and the left atrium free wall flap.
Copper Delivery by the Copper Chaperone for Chloroplast and Cytosolic Copper/Zinc-Superoxide Dismutases: Regulation and Unexpected Phenotypes in an Arabidopsis Mutant

Copper (Cu) is an important mineral nutrient found in chloroplasts as a cofactor associated with plastocyanin and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD). Superoxide dismutases are metallo-enzymes found in most oxygenic organisms with proposed roles in reducing oxidative stress. Several recent studies in Arabidopsis have shown that microRNAs and a SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like7 (SPL7) transcription factor function to down-regulate the expression of many Cu-proteins, including Cu/ZnSOD in both plastids and the cytosol, during growth on low Cu. Plants contain the Cu Chaperone for SOD (CCS) that delivers Cu to Cu/ZnSODs, and, in Arabidopsis, both cytosolic and plastidic CCS versions are encoded by one gene. In this study, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis CCS transcript levels are regulated by Cu, mediated by microRNA 398 that was not previously predicted to target CCS. The microRNA target site is conserved in CCS of Oryza sativa. The data suggest that Cu-regulated microRNAs may have more mRNA targets than was previously predicted. A CCS null mutant has no measurable SOD activity in the chloroplast and cytosol, indicating an absolute requirement for CCS. When the CCS null mutant was grown on high Cu media, it lacked both Fe superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) and Cu/ZnSOD activity. However, this did not lead to a visual phenotype and no photosynthetic deficiencies were detected, even after high light stress. These results indicate that Cu/ZnSOD is not a pivotal component of the photosynthetic anti-oxidant system during growth in laboratory conditions.
Masculinizing effects on otoacoustic emissions and auditory evoked potentials in women using oral contraceptives

The otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) measured in two separate large scale studies were examined retrospectively for potential differences between those women using, and those not using, oral contraception (OC). Fourteen dependent variables were examined, all of which exhibited substantial sex differences. For 13 of those 14 dependent variables, the means for the users of OC were shifted away from the means of the non-users in the direction of the males. Specifically, for four different measures of OAE strength, for seven of eight measures of AEP latency or amplitude, and for two cognitive tests (mental rotation and water level), the means for the users of OC were located intermediate to those of the non-users of OC and the males. Few of these differences between users and non-users of OC achieved statistical significance, but the near universality of the direction of the difference suggests that oral contraceptives do produce a weak masculinizing effect on some auditory structures. These weak masculinizing effects appear to run contrary to the facts that the levels of both free testosterone and estradiol are lower in women using OC than in normal-cycling women. Past findings on auditory sex differences may have underestimated those sex differences.
Intelligent systems for statistical process control in steel (abstract only)

In today's mini steel mills quality steel produced is largely controlled by scrap selection, melting and refining. Casting of various shapes are based on scientific measurements of the prevailing operating conditions. Measurement of these operating conditions provide reliable heat data for correlation with resulting product quality. Many steel melt shops have developed empirical models to allow the heat approvers to predict the yield and ultimate tensile strengths, in standard statistical package to fit equations to data. Such systems have serious prediction difficulties. A large portion of prediction failure is due to two major defects in the system that builds the empirical model. First, programs developed for such use assume that the steel yield strength and ultimate tensile strength depends linearly on the amount of chemical elements present in the billet and second, many production engineers have little knowledge in the analysis of multivariate data, so that a meaningful inference from a fairly complicated analysis becomes quite difficult. A careful analysis by a professional statistician does not, however, resolve the problem either since the mechanical properties of steel depend on the heat chemistry chosen and hence building of such prediction model also requires “domain knowledge”. Such building process are not available in conventional statistical package.Research is being conducted for the development of an intelligent system that would perform multifactor data analysis, using conventional statistical package, and built empirical production model on the basis of the analysis performed and domain critical information about the chemical element provided by the production engineer (or chemist). The domain knowledge may include, but not limited to, the chemical and metallurgical properties of different elements and interaction among themselves as pertains to the production; the temperature, pressure and other environmental conditions to which the billets are exposed to; the rate of cooling and the shape of the finished bar; the engineers expectation of the presence or absence of certain elements in the model.Our system, when completed, would build one or more linear/nonlinear empirical models and predict yield, elongation and ultimate tensile strength of steel bars of different shapes in advance of rolling, so that if a particular heat chemistry is incapable of meeting the strength requirement in the finished bar, the heat approver can take appropriate action and reapply the billet in question to another product. We would be looking at the finished product of circular, angular and flat shapes. The predictability of such system would greatly reduce the uncertainties that the heat approver encounters in selecting the heat chemistry for a specified final product.
Educational impact of the electronic medical record.

Introduction The electronic medical record (EMR) is commonly thought to improve the safety and quality of care; however, there is scant information on the impact the EMR has on graduate medical education (GME). Methods A review of English language literature was performed using MEDLINE and OVID databases using or combining the terms, EMR, GME, electronic health record, education, medical student, resident, clinical decisions support systems, quality, and safety. Results The EMR has a negative effect on teacher and learner interactions, clinical reasoning, and has an inconsistent impact on resident workflow. Data on the impact of the EMR on patient safety, quality of care, and medical finances are mixed. Discussion Based on the literature to date, the EMR has not had as dramatic an effect on patient outcomes is commonly believed. While the overall impact of the EMR on education seems to be negative, there are actions that can be taken to mitigate this impact.
Effects of Forced Molt Period on Postmolt Performance of Leghorn Hens

Abstract Sixty-four-week-old Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) hens were subjected to the following treatments: 1) no forced molt (control); 2) forced molt for 4 weeks (FM4); 3) forced molt for 6 weeks (FM6): and 4) forced molt for 8 weeks (FM8). Molt was induced by restricting feed, water, and photoperiod. Data were analyzed at the 5% level of probability. During the early postmolt period (72 to 76 weeks of age), birds in all FM groups consumed significantly more feed and had significantly higher hen-day egg production than birds in the control group. Albumen height and shell thickness measured at 76 weeks of age were significantly improved by all FM treatments. During the postmolt period (72 to 124 weeks of age), hens in the FM8 group had the highest hen-day egg production and best feed efficiency, whereas birds in the control group had the lowest hen-day egg production and poorest feed efficiency. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Percent hen-day egg production was positively and significantly correlated with FM period. Mortality rate during this period was significantly lower for the FM4 and for the FM8 groups as compared to the control group. Egg shell thickness was significantly improved in two out of the three FM treatments.
Maternal and paternal similarities and differences in parenting: An examination of Mexican-American parents of young children

Abstract The present study evaluated the degree of parental similarity–dissimilarity across parenting dimensions operationalized in terms of: (1) one's own and one's partner's style; (2) meta-emotion belief structures; (3) behavioral strategies in reaction to children's emotions; as well as (4) parental support and responsiveness. The first four dimensions were assessed with independent self-reports from both mothers and fathers and the latter was measured through observed behaviors in a discussion of emotions. Fifty-seven families participated. The mothers (92%) and fathers (90%) of preschool-aged children (mean age 57.5 months, 54% male) were predominantly of Mexican descent. Results revealed significant similarity when comparing mothers’ and fathers’ observed behaviors. Agreement among parents also emerged when comparing minimizing coping reactions to children's emotional displays and self-reported and reports of one's partner's authoritative parenting. Despite evidence of agreement on use of authoritative strategies and similarity on observed behaviors, comparisons of mean levels revealed dissimilarity. The participating mothers reported a greater tendency to employ authoritative strategies and their partners’ ratings of the mothers’ parenting confirmed this perceived difference. In addition, comparisons of mothers’ and fathers’ observed behaviors in interaction with their children suggested that, while mothers and fathers are engaged in similar behaviors, mothers are observed to engage in them more frequently. These results reinforce the need to assess both parents, employing multiple methods, in determining interdependence or their combined and unique contributions to socializing children.
Early Detection of Obstructive Lung Disease by Analysis of Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves

The clinical application of maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves in making an early diagnosis of emphysema and disease of small airways is reviewed. Previous analysis of the physiologic basis of the forced expiratory spirogram indicates that the MEFV curve contains the same information as the volume-time plot. However, the MEFV curve more readily allows quantitative analysis of flow at both high and low lung volumes during forced exhalation. In early obstructive airway diseases pathology may be limited to peripheral airways. Analysis of flow at low lung volume is therefore diagnostically important, because the peripheral airways make their greatest contribution to total airway resistance at low lung volumes, and flow is related to the geometry of the noncompressed small airway units. In early emphysema physiologic abnormalities should be most apparent at low lung volumes because of the shape of the pressure-volume curve. The diffusing capacity is reduced in the presence of parenchymal destruction, as in emphysema, but is not decreased in diseases limited to airways.
On the Invariance of Compressible Navier–Stokes and Energy Equations Subject to Density-Weighted Filtering

The scale invariance properties of compressible Navier–Stokes and energy equations subject to density-weighted filtering are investigated. Scale or filter invariance forms of compressible moment equations require that two forms of generalized central second-order moments be defined—(1) product of two density-weighted sub-filter fluctuations and (2) product of one density-weighted and one un-weighted sub-filter fluctuation. The evolution equations for all required first and second order filtered moments are derived. These results provide the theoretical underpinning for variable-resolution calculations of reacting and compressible turbulent flows.
Autoradiographic and SPECT imaging of cerebral opioid receptors with an iodine‐123 labeled analogue of diprenorphine

The feasibility of imaging cerebral opioid receptors by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been established in baboon using a novel analog of diprenorphine (DPN) radiolabeled with iodine-123. The radioligand, [123I]-O-IA-DPN (C6-O-[123I]iodoallyl-DPN), was prepared in good yield (80%) with high radiochemical purity (>97%) and high specific radioactivity (>2,400 mCi/micromol). In ex vivo autoradiographic studies, with and without naltrexone blockade, [123I]-O-IA-DPN specifically labeled opioid receptors throughout the mouse brain. Nonmetabolized radioligand accounted for >90% of the signal observed in extracts of whole mouse brain. SPECT imaging trials showed that [123I]-O-IA-DPN selectively localized in regions of baboon brain known to have high densities of opioid receptors, such as striatum, thalamus, and temporal cortex. A much lower level of radioligand uptake and retention was noted for cerebellum, a region with few opioid binding sites. Pretreatment with naltrexone (6.5 pmol/kg) blocked [123I]-O-IA-DPN binding in all brain regions. Using naltrexone blockade to define the nonspecific component for a given region of interest, total to nonspecific binding ratios increased linearly (r > or = 0.98) over the SPECT study with maximal values for striatum (9.8), thalamus (7.1), and temporal cortex (6.9) reached at the last time point investigated (3.5 h). Specific binding for these regions, assessed as the difference between regional SPECT activity for the control and blocked states, proved irreversible over the observation period. By the end of the time course, specific [123I]-O-IA-DPN binding was >85% of total radioactivity in regions rich in opioid receptors and 62% of total radioactivity in cerebellum. The aggregate data are consistent with visualization of multiple opioid receptor types. Thus, [123I]-O-IA-DPN should prove useful for SPECT studies within the constraints imposed by a lack of innate selectivity for a single type of brain opioid receptor.
New technologies for the enhancement of skeletal repair

Although fracture healing is a well-optimized biological process that leads to healing, approximately 10-20% of fractures result in impaired or delayed healing and these fractures may benefit from the use of biotechnologies to enhance skeletal repair. Peptide signaling molecules such as the bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to stimulate the healing of fresh fractures, nonunions, and spinal fusions and side effects from their use appear to be minimal. Other growth factors currently being studied for local application include growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Molecules such as prostaglandin E receptor agonists and the thrombin-related peptide, TP508, have shown promise in animal models of fracture repair. Gene therapy using various growth factors or combinations of factors might also aid in fracture repair, particularly as new methods for delivery that do not require viral vectors are developed. Systemic therapy with agents such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), growth hormone (GH), and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are also under investigation. As these and other technologies are shown to be safe and effective, their use will become a part of the standard of care in managing skeletal injuries.
The interpretation of i.r. and Raman spectra using pattern recognition

Abstract A method for the classification of chemical compounds by processing their digitalized i.r. and Raman spectra is presented. Each of the 1117 spectra in Volume 1 of Sadtler's Standard Raman Spectra was coded using a scale from 0–9 in the range from 4000-20O cm −1 . These data were then examined using pattern recognition techniques, and several methods of combining i.r. and Raman data from the same compound were tested. The classification technique was most successful when applied to concatenated i.r. and Raman data. The classification technique develops a linear vector which categorizes a spectrum as representing a compound which either is or is not a member of a particular chemical group. The classification is based on the sign of the dot product of the linear vector and the digitalized spectrum in question. Alcohols, esters, ethers, ketones and compounds containing non-aromatic double bands were treated as classes of compounds. The calculated linear vectors were used to help distinguish characteristic group frequencies of each of the groups tested. The calculated vectors were also used as aids in interpreting the spectra of cis - and trans -1,2-dimethoxyethylene and divinyl ether.
Rediscovering the Other America: The Continuing Crisis of Poverty and Inequality in the United States: Introduction

(2003). Rediscovering the Other America: The Continuing Crisis of Poverty and Inequality in the United States: Introduction. Journal of Poverty: Vol. 7, No. 1-2, pp. 1-6.
Arenavirus reverse genetics: new approaches for the investigation of arenavirus biology and development of antiviral strategies.

Abstract Several arenaviruses, chiefly Lassa virus, cause hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and pose a significant public health problem in their endemic regions. On the other hand the prototypic arenavirus LCMV is a superb workhorse for the investigation of virus–host interactions and associated disease. The development of novel antiviral strategies to combat pathogenic arenaviruses would be facilitated by a detailed understanding of the arenavirus molecular and cell biology. To this end, the development of reverse genetic systems for several arenaviruses has provided investigators with novel and powerful approaches to dissect the functions of arenavirus proteins and their interactions with host factors required to complete each of the steps of the virus life cycle, as well as to cause disease.
Synthesis and characterization of binucleating bis(amidinate) ligands and their dialuminum complexes.

Two general routes to binucleating bis(amidinate) ligands based on dibenzofuran and 9,9-dimethylxanthene backbones are reported. The free-base form of one of the ligands, Ph,MesLDBFH2, forms a 1:1 adduct with acetone. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of this adduct reveals bidentate H-bonding of the bis(amidine) to the ketone oxygen. Bond lengths suggest that the individual H-bonds are relatively weak, yet IR spectroscopy shows a significant −26 cm-1 shift for the carbonyl stretch relative to free acetone. Additionally, the new dialuminum complexes iPrLDBFAl2Me4 (3), iPrLXanAl2Me4 (4), tBu,EtLDBFAl2Me4 (5), and tBu,EtLXanAl2Me4 (6) are prepared by reaction of Al2Me6 with the bis(amidines) in toluene solution. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that 3 and 4 interact weakly with certain Lewis bases (DMSO, DMF, pyridine) to effect the exchange of the Al-bound Me groups. Other bases, such as THF and TMEDA, fail to interact. Solid-state structures for 3 and 4 are reported.
The Effects of Neutron Irradiation on the Current Gain of AlGaAs/GaAs Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors

It is well known that radiative particles can degrade the performance of semiconductor devices. AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) show promising electrical performance and have the potential for substantial immunity to irradiation effects. A physics-based model is presented suitable for predicting the dc current gain of a neutron-irradiated AlGaAs/GaAs HBT. Important heterojunction device physics concerning free carrier transport and electron–hole recombination mechanism in the emitter–base heterojunction space-charge layer is included. Es ist gut bekannt, das ionisierende Teilchen die Kennwerte von Halbleiterbauelementen degradieren konnen. Bibolare AlGaAs/GaAs-Heteroubergangstransistoren (HBT) zeigen vielversprechende Kennwerte und besitzen die Fahigkeit fur eine substantielle Immunitat gegenuber Strahlungseinflussen. Es wird ein physikalisches Modell angegeben, das fur die Vorhersage der Gleichstromverstarkung eines Neutronen-bestrahlten AlGaAs/GaAs-HBT geeignet ist. Darin ist die wesentliche Heteroubergangsbau-elementephysik, die sich auf den Transport freier Trager und den Mechanismus der Elektron–Loch-Rekombination in der Heteroubergangs-Emitter–Basis-Raumladungszone bezieht, eingeschlossen.
A highly potent and selective caspase 1 inhibitor that utilizes a key 3-cyanopropanoic acid moiety.

Herein we examine the potential of a nitrile-containing proprionic acid moiety as an electrophile for covalent attack by the active site cysteine residue of caspase 1. The syntheses of several cyanopropanate containing small molecules based upon the optimized peptidic scaffold of the prodrug VX-765 were accomplished and found to be potent inhibitors of caspase 1 (IC50s ≤ 1 nM). Examination of these novel small molecules versus a caspase panel demonstrated an impressive degree of selectivity for caspase 1 inhibition. Assessment of hydrolytic stability and selected ADME properties highlighted these agents as potentially useful tools for studying caspase 1 down-regulation in various settings including in vivo analyses.
Incremental multiple-scan chain ordering for ECO flip-flop insertion

Testability of ECO logic is currently a significant bottleneck in the SOC implementation flow. Front-end designers sometimes require large functional ECOs close to scheduled tapeout dates or for later design revisions. To avoid loss of test coverage, ECO flip-flops must be added into existing scan chains with minimal increase to test time and minimal impact on existing routing and timing slack. We address a new Incremental Multiple-Scan Chain Ordering problem formulation to automate the tedious and time-consuming process of scan stitching for large functional ECOs. We present a heuristic with clustering, incremental clustering and ordering steps to minimize the maximum chain length (test time), routing congestion, and disturbance to existing scan chains. Test times for our incremental scan chain solutions are reduced by 5.3%, and incremental wirelength costs are reduced by 45.71%, compared to manually-solved industrial testcases.
The pure rotational Raman spectrum of CS2 in the ground and 0110 vibrational states

Abstract The pure rotational Raman spectra of CS 2 in the 00 0 0 and 01 1 0 vibrational states have been observed using a low power HeNe laser (λ = 6328 A) and a high resolution plane grating spectrograph. The Δ J = 2 transitions with J = odd in the 01 1 0 state are clearly resolved from the ground state transitions thus allowing the determination of some upper state rotational constants. The molecular constants determined in this work are for the 00 0 0 ground state, B 00 0 0 = 0.10912 ± 0.7 × 10 −5 cm −1 , ( D J ) 00 0 0 = (0.83 ± 0.18) × 10 −8 cm −1 and for the 01 1 0 excited state B 01 1 0 c = 0.10935 ± 0.00002 cm −1 and ( D J ) 01 1 0 c = (1.5 ± 0.6) × 10 −8 cm −1 .
Reframing Engagement Methods for Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change poses known and unknown risks for coastal communities and also challenges for university faculty and local government staff who communicate about cli- mate sciences. Conceived as a way to move beyond traditional models of science communication, this project involved public and private decision makers in specific at-risk communities in Oregon (U.S. Pacific coast) and Maine (Atlantic coast). Both state projects sought to move behavior toward decisive action that results in coastal communities that are more resilient to climate variability at all scales. To promote engagement between project staffs and publics, a dialogic model of communication was advanced, beginning with interviews and focus groups that in turn shaped further engagement through workshops and targeted video products. This means of communication led to a deeper understanding of participants’ knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, values, and barriers to action related to climate change and its effects. Coinciding with this, project ...
The cellular basis of classical conditioning in Aplysia californica — it's less simple than you think

Abstract Classical conditioning of the withdrawal reflex of the marine snail Aplysia californica can be used as an important model system for investigating the neurobiology of associative learning. It results when weak tactile stimulation of the snail's mantle shelf or siphon is repeatedly paired with strong electrical shocks to the animal's tail. This learned behavioral change is thought to be mediated by a presynaptic neuronal mechanism — activity-dependent presynaptic facilitation of the connections between sensory and motor neurons in the CNS of Aplysia . Recent evidence suggests, however, that another type of synaptic plasticity — Hebbian potentiation of the sensorimotor connections — might contribute to classical conditioning in Aplysia . Additional evidence indicates that this relatively simple form of learning is likely to be mediated by multiple neuronal mechanisms.
Comparison between experimental measurements and numerical predictions of internal temperature distributions of a droplet vaporizing under high-temperature convective conditions☆

Abstract The current study uses the data produced in a recent experimental investigation to evaluate and validate the methods employed in a detailed numerical model that simulates liquid-fuel droplet vaporization in a high-temperature, laminar, convective environment. The experimental study, which produced vaporization rates and internal temperature distributions of large, hydrocarbon, suspended droplets vaporizing at atmospheric pressure, involves Reynolds numbers up to 100, representative of practical situations of interest. A series of comparisons is performed between model predictions and experimentally measured relevant quantities. The agreement between experiment and theory on the temporal variation of certain temperatures in the droplet interior is favorable. The model predicts slightly higher vaporization rates, as indicated by lower values of the droplet diameter at corresponding instances of the droplet lifetime. The predicted temperature distributions in the droplet interior are also in good agreement with those measured experimentally throughout the droplet lifetime. To this end, both experiments and modeling agree on the establishment of internal circulation in liquid droplets exposed to laminar, high-temperature, gaseous flows. Agreement is also established on the relative insensitivity of the droplet temperature distributions when a considerable increase of free-stream momentum occurs. On the other hand, even though the model predictions show that substantially increased liquid viscosities do slow down the establishment of the liquid-phase motion, the experimental observations conclude that substantially higher liquid viscosities eliminate the liquid-phase motion entirely. The overall agreement between model predictions and experimental measurements shows that modeling can be a reliable tool in examining liquid-droplet convective evaporation under conditions that are not easily reproduced experimentally.
Strong field dependence of the fine structure constant

Abstract The fine structure constant as a function of a constant background field is extracted from Schwinger's “proper-time” formalism. It shows an increase, albeit logarithmic, with field strength. Implications of this result for the observed e + e − peaks in heavy ion collisions are discussed.
Comparison of shortening with timing of wall motion in detecting regional abnormalities of the left ventricle in coronary disease

Clinical observations suggest that ischemic myocardium may demonstrate delayed wall motion while absolute shortening remains normal. Wall motion timing and percent shortening were examined in 25 patients (7 normal, 18 coronary disease) with 35 mm biplane left ventriculograms and coronary arteriography. Mean age was 63 +/- 2.4 years. Of 17 males and 8 females, 13 had 3 vessel, 4 had 2 vessel, and 1 had 1 vessel disease. Left ventricular regions were analyzed using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study nomenclature and quantitative computer-based analysis as well as visual based qualitative analysis. Regional percent shortening and ejection fraction were calculated from end systolic and end diastolic frames. Regional shortening times were related to global ejection time from 30 frame/sec, frame by frame analysis. Feeder arteries were stenosed ( > 70%) in 135 of 225 left ventricular regions analyzed. Computer detection (shortening and timing) identified 97/225 as abnormal (p < 0.01 vs. feeder artery stenosis) while physicians identified 79/225 as abnormal (p < 0.01 vs. feeder artery stenosis). Of the 97 computer detected abnormal regions, shortening alone detected 47, timing alone detected 39, and 11 showed both abnormalities. Timing analysis increased detection of wall motion abnormalities from 58/225 (26%) to 97/225 (43%) (p < 0.001). Timing abnormalities were noted more (92%) in basal segments, while shortening abnormalities dominated (88%) in apical segments (p < 0.001). Use of temporal measurements in wall motion analysis significantly increases the likelihood of detecting abnormal left ventricular regional wall motion when compared to shortening measurements alone.
Remote probing of a distant turbulent layer using various spatial filtering methods

A theoretical analysis of short-exposure, spatial power spectra of defocused images viewed through a thin scattering layer is given. Information about the position of the layer can be recovered from these spectra by using a class of quasi-one-dimensional incoherent sources and a spatial filter on the aperture plane. The same approach can be used to obtain refractive turbulent profiles with high spatial resolution in an extended medium.
EC economic and monetary integration: Implications for European equity investors

Abstract Robert Johnson, John Lindvall and Luc Soenen investigate the impact of continued economic and monetary integration within the European Community on the risk/return characteristics of its equity markets. Equity markets in different EC countries are becoming more similar in terms of risk and return. However, the risk of investing in EC equity markets is not decreasing over time. On the other hand, we find that currency risk has decreased and that the compounding effect of exchange rate risk magnifying stock market risk is decreasing. Despite the greater similarity of the different EC stock and currency markets in terms of risk and return characteristics, investors from EC countries can significantly reduce their risk by diversifying their equity investments across the range of EC country stock markets.
Design of a vision-based autonomous robot for street navigation

In this study we present the design of an autonomous mobile robot that navigates indoor and outdoor environments using computer vision. System's hardware, software and simulation infrastructures are explained and autonomous navigation algorithms used to reach a given target are described. Successful experimental results are obtained for computer vision algorithms like sidewalk following, visual localization and sidewalk detection from satellite maps, crosswalk detection and path planning. We envision that in the future such a system can be a basis for designing advanced robot systems that help people in their daily lives.
The kinetic isotope effect on the carbenic 1,2-H(D) shift originating at a tertiary carbon atom

Abstract The kinetic isotope effect for the 1,2-H(D) shift of cyclobutylfluorocarbene to fluoromethylenecyclobutane varies from ∼1.7 – 2.6 over the temperature range −15 to 138 °C; the isotope effect appears to increase slightly with increasing temperature.
Outcomes of surgical fundoplication in children.

Background & aims: Surgical fundoplication has been recommended for children with persistent GERD. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of postoperative symptoms requiring medical evaluation and/or treatment after fundoplication in children with or without associated medical disorders. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of all children who underwent fundoplication during 1996–1999. Data were collected to analyze the following: (1) postoperative complications, (2) postoperative symptoms, (3) procedures performed to evaluate postoperative symptoms, (4) medical treatment, and (5) repeat surgery. Results: A total of 198 children underwent fundoplication, and 176 (89%) came for follow-up evaluation within 2 months after surgery. The median age at the time of surgery was 2.1 y (range, 6 mo–18 y) and the median duration of follow-up was 2.0 y (range, 1.2–4.8 y). A total of 130 (74%) children had one or more associated medical disorders including neurodevelopmental delay (70%), cystic fibrosis (8%), tracheoesophageal anomalies (8%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (8%), and reactive airway disease (35%). Postoperatively, children with associated medical disorders had a higher frequency of lung infections (52% vs. 22%, P = .03) and dumping syndrome (2% vs. 0%, P = .05). Most children (63%) received evaluation and treatment for symptoms suggestive of recurrent reflux despite fundoplication. Conclusions: Nearly two thirds of children who received fundoplication and were followed-up within 2 months after surgery either have symptoms or receive medical therapy for reflux. Fundoplication for the control of GERD in children needs further evaluation.
Functional Impact of the Ryanodine Receptor on the Skeletal Muscle L-Type Ca2+ Channel

L-type Ca(2+) channel (L-channel) activity of the skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor is markedly enhanced by the skeletal muscle isoform of the ryanodine receptor (RyR1) (Nakai, J., R.T. Dirksen, H. T. Nguyen, I.N. Pessah, K.G. Beam, and P.D. Allen. 1996. Nature. 380:72-75.). However, the dependence of the biophysical and pharmacological properties of skeletal L-current on RyR1 has yet to be fully elucidated. Thus, we have evaluated the influence of RyR1 on the properties of macroscopic L-currents and intracellular charge movements in cultured skeletal myotubes derived from normal and "RyR1-knockout" (dyspedic) mice. Compared with normal myotubes, dyspedic myotubes exhibited a 40% reduction in the amount of maximal immobilization-resistant charge movement (Q(max), 7.5 +/- 0.8 and 4.5 +/- 0.4 nC/muF for normal and dyspedic myotubes, respectively) and an approximately fivefold reduction in the ratio of maximal L-channel conductance to charge movement (G(max)/Q(max)). Thus, RyR1 enhances both the expression level and Ca(2+) conducting activity of the skeletal L-channel. For both normal and dyspedic myotubes, the sum of two exponentials was required to fit L-current activation and resulted in extraction of the amplitudes (A(fast) and A(slow)) and time constants (tau(slow) and tau(fast)) for each component of the macroscopic current. In spite of a >10-fold in difference current density, L-currents in normal and dyspedic myotubes exhibited similar relative contributions of fast and slow components (at +40 mV; A(fast)/[A(fast) + A(slow)] approximately 0.25). However, both tau(fast) and tau(slow) were significantly (P < 0.02) faster for myotubes lacking the RyR1 protein (tau(fast), 8.5 +/- 1.2 and 4.4 +/- 0.5 ms; tau(slow), 79.5 +/- 10.5 and 34.6 +/- 3.7 ms at +40 mV for normal and dyspedic myotubes, respectively). In both normal and dyspedic myotubes, (-) Bay K 8644 (5 microM) caused a hyperpolarizing shift (approximately 10 mV) in the voltage dependence of channel activation and an 80% increase in peak L-current. However, the increase in peak L-current correlated with moderate increases in both A(slow) and A(fast) in normal myotubes, but a large increase in only A(fast) in dyspedic myotubes. Equimolar substitution of Ba(2+) for extracellular Ca(2+) increased both A(fast) and A(slow) in normal myotubes. The identical substitution in dyspedic myotubes failed to significantly alter the magnitude of either A(fast) or A(slow). These results demonstrate that RyR1 influences essential properties of skeletal L-channels (expression level, activation kinetics, modulation by dihydropyridine agonist, and divalent conductance) and supports the notion that RyR1 acts as an important allosteric modulator of the skeletal L-channel, analogous to that of a Ca(2+) channel accessory subunit.
Mouse model for acute bacterial prostatitis in genetically distinct inbred strains.

Objectives. Prostatitis is a common urologic disease seen in adult men. As many as 50% of men will experience an episode of prostatitis in their lifetime, and 2% to 3% of men will have bacterial prostatitis. Because the pathogenic mechanisms of prostatitis remain unclear, we developed a reproducible mouse model of bacterial prostatitis in which to study the etiology and host factors associated with infection susceptibility. Methods. Male BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, C3H/HeOuJ, C57BL/6J, and (BALB/c x C3H/HeJ)F 1 mice 13 weeks old were inoculated intraurethrally with 2 x 10 6 or 2 x 10 8 Escherichia coli. Control mice were inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline. The animals were killed at 5 days after inoculation to assess the intensities of the bladder and prostate infections. Results. Significant bladder or prostate infections were not present in the BALB/c, C57BL/6J, or (BALB/c x C3H/HeJ)F 1 mice at either inoculum dose. In contrast, both C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeOuJ mice developed high bladder infections and severe, acute prostatitis at both doses. Control mice infected with phosphate-buffered saline had no bladder or prostate infections. The P values were less than 0.01 for the comparison of bladder and prostate colony-forming units between C3H/HeJ or C3H/HeOuJ and BALB/c, C57BL/6J, or F 1 mice. Conclusions. The strain-dependent differences in susceptibility indicate that genetic factors may play a major role in the etiology of bacterial prostatitis. Because F 1 mice did not develop significant bladder and prostate infections, similar to the BALB/c parents, it appears that infection susceptibility Is a recessive trait. The availability of this model will allow us to investigate the immunology, genetics, and histopathologic features of bacterial infection of the prostate.
Effect of oral diazepam on feeding behavior and activity of Hawai’i ’amakihi (Hemignathus virens)

Feeding behavior and activity during captivity were studied in wild-caught Hawai’i ’amakihi, Hemignathus virens, to evaluate diazepam’s hyperphagic and anxiolytic effects. Birds were captured in mist nets, given either oral diazepam (1 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume per weight of lactated Ringer’s solution orally, and held in captivity for 6 h. Thirteen-minute focal animal samples were videotaped at the beginning of each hour. Feeding behaviors, grooming and picking events, changes in position, and body weights were recorded. Mean duration of feeding, percentage of time spent feeding, and number of feeding events were significantly higher for treatment birds than for controls, and significantly increased over time. Feeding duration was significantly correlated to weight change. Weight change was not significantly different between groups,buton average treatment birdslost lessweight thancontrol birds. No significantdifferences in grooming behaviors were found between the groups, but there was a session effect of increased grooming over time in both groups. Also, a significant session effect in movement events was apparent, with control birds becoming less active and treatment birds becoming more active over time. Results indicate diazepam increased feeding behaviors and movement in this passerine species during a short period of captivity. # 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
NIRS measurement of tissue pH: optimizing small fiber optic probe designs with the aid of Monte-Carlo simulations

Tissue pH electrodes have been used in research and in humans to evaluate various myocardial protection methods during heart surgery. Near IR spectroscopic measurement of myocardial tissue pH is a feasible, minimally invasive method that can be used to identify regional areas of ischemia and provide the surgeon with information continuously and postoperatively. Inhomogeneous, depth dependent tissue pH levels in ischemic myocardium make a robust in-vivo optical measurement challenging. Tissue heterogeneity requires a well-defined optical probe geometry capable of detecting light with adequate localization. Monte Carlo modeling of light propagation for purely scattering and relevant absorbing and scattering media were use4d to identify possible source-detector fiber separations for a matched boundary. In the region approximately 0.3 to 0.8 mm away from the source, the models demonstrated that minimization of the wavelength dependence of scattering is possible. Wavelength dependence is apparent at separations greater than approximately 1.2 mm. Adequate localization of NIR light is tissue is feasible within this source-detector separation range based on the simulations with hemoglobin as the only absorber. The application to a small fiber sensor's fabrication is discussed.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Endocannabinoids, metabolic regulation, and the role of diet

Understanding the endocannabinoid system as it relates to health and disease is a relatively new area of study. The discovery and cloning of cannabinoid receptors have prompted an increase in research aimed at identifying endogenous ligands ("endocannabinoids") and how these receptors and ligands regulate a variety of physiologic and pathologic events that include bone formation, the cardiovascular system, appetite control, and energy metabolism. With regard to nutrition, researchers have begun to ask whether the known effects of diet on metabolic processes are mediated through endocannabinoids and their receptors. Although only a few studies have been conducted that directly address the role of diet, results indicate that endocannabinoids can be regulated by eating frequency and by specific dietary components, particularly fatty acids. This review provides an overview of the endocannabinoid system and its control of metabolism, with emphasis on the impact of diet.
Effects ofdl-norephedrine and its enantiomers on norepinephrine uptake and release in isolated rat caudal artery

Racemic norephedrine (dl-NOR), is a phenylethylamine derivative that is pharmacologically classified as a mixed-acting sympathomimetic amine. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter nasal decongestants and diet aid products. This research project was performed to examine the effects of dl-NOR and constituent enantiomers on the uptake and release of tritiated norepinephrine (3H-NE) in vascular tissue. All three NOR species significantly inhibited the uptake of 3H-NE into the isolated caudal artery of male Sprague-Dawley rats (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in potency between either d- or l-NOR for this effect. There was, however, no effect of any NOR species on 3H-NE release, not even at concentrations which effectively inhibited uptake. These results indicate that inhibition of NE reuptake may be a component of the mechanism of action of NOR, but that a displacement of NE from neuronal storage sites is not. However, because the vasoactive effects of NOR have been shown to be mediated almost exclusively through the l-enantiomer, the lack of stereoselectivity in the current study indicates that the blockade of NE uptake by NOR is only a minor component of its vasoactive properties.
Robustness properties of collocated controllers for flexible spacecraft

Robustness properties are investigated for two types of controllers for large flexible space structures, which use collocated sensors and actuators. The first type is an attitude controller which uses negative definite feedback of measured attitude and rate, while the second type is a damping enhancement controller which uses only velocity (rate) feedback. It is proved that collocated attitude controllers preserve closed loop global asymptotic stability when linear actuator/sensor dynamics satisfying certain phase conditions are present, or monotonic increasing nonlinearities are present. For velocity feedback controllers, the global asymptotic stability is proved under much weaker conditions. In particular, they have 90 phase margin and can tolerate nonlinearities belonging to the (0, infinity) sector in the actuator/sensor characteristics. The results significantly enhance the viability of both types of collocated controllers, especially when the available information about the large space structure (LSS) parameters is inadequate or inaccurate.
Delineating Structural Defects in Highly Doped n-Type 4H-SiC Substrates Using a Combination of Thermal Diffusion and Molten KOH Etching

Delineation of structural defects by molten KOH etching is not satisfactory for highly doped n-type Si-face SiC substrates. This difficulty was overcome by converting the substrates to p-type via diffusion of boron, followed by molten KOH etching. Three kinds of typical etch pits were clearly distinguished, corresponding to elementary screw, threading edge, and basal plane dislocations. Comparison of molten KOH etching effects on 4H-SiC samples of different types indicates that molten KOH etching is a combination of chemical and electrochemical processes, during which the preferential and isotropic etchings are competitive, depending on the SiC conductivity type and doping concentration.