cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure Wave Transmission along the Human Aorta >CHANGES WITH AGE AND IN ARTERIAL DEGENERATIVE DISEASE

Pressure waves were recorded in the proximal aorta, iliac artery, and intermediate sites in 39 patients, aged 6 to 69 years, during diagnostic catheterization. In children, amplitude of the pressure wave increased progressively along the aorta, and a prominent diastolic wave appeared in the distal aorta and iliac artery. These changes in contour were associated with fluctuations in modulus and phase of the pressure wave harmonics. Alterations in the pressure wave during transmission became progressively less with increasing age, and the wave was transmitted virtually unchanged in the older patients with arterial degenerative disease. Percentage amplification (A) of the wave between aortic arch and iliac artery and age (x) were inversely related (A = 58.9 - 0.90x; P P
Incorporating Human-Computer Interaction into the undergraduate computer science curriculum

This special session presents issues, approaches and experiences related to incorporating Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) into the undergraduate CS curriculum. Since the publication of the ACM SIGCHI Curricula for Human-Computer Interaction in 1992 [1], CS educators have tried various implementations of these guidelines. These implementations have been mainly offered as elective courses or modules within other courses, partly because the CS mainstream has been slow to recognize the importance of user interface design and HCI issues in software development.Today at least 50% of the code written for software applications is specific to the user interface. Average end-user expertise is continually dropping due to the proliferation of inexpensive computers available to the general public. Accordingly, user interface effectiveness has become increasingly important in software development, as the user interface has the power to "make or break" a software product. Through its emphasis on user-centered design, task analysis, and usability evaluation among other topics, an HCI course addresses more than 1/3 of the guidelines and imperatives of the ACM Code of Ethics [2]. This includes issues related to professional review, evaluations of computer systems, social responsibility and quality of life, and non-discrimination and dignity of end-users.CS educators have begun realizing the importance of incorporating HCI into the educational experience of students. Approximately 40% of the CAC-accredited degree programs include an HCI course at the upper level; however, this course is offered mostly as an elective (37% of degree programs) as opposed to a required course (3% of degree programs) [3]. Also, HCI is included as a core knowledge area in Computing Curricula 2001 [4, 5, 6]; unfortunately, only six hours have been devoted to it, as opposed to, say, 36 hours for architecture.
Selective Hydrogenation of Furan-Containing Condensation Products as a Source of Biomass-Derived Diesel Additives

In this study, we demonstrate that while the energy density and lubricity of the C15 and C16 products of furan condensation of biomass-derived aldehydes with 2-methylfuran are consistent with requirements for diesel, these products do not meet specifications for cetane number and pour point due to their aromatic furan rings. However, a novel class of products that fully meet or exceed most specifications for diesel can be produced by converting the furan rings in these compounds to cyclic ether moieties. Full hydrodeoxygenation of furan condensation products to alkanes would require 55-60% higher hydrogen demand, starting from biomass, compared to the products of furan ring saturation, providing an additional incentive to support the saturated products. We also report here on a tunable class of catalysts that contain Pd nanoparticles supported on ionic liquid-modified SiO2 that can achieve complete saturation of the furan rings in yields of 95% without opening these rings.
Model 3500 125I brachytherapy source dosimetric characterization.

Abstract Low-energy gamma-emitting isotopes encapsulated for permanent implant are routinely applied in brachytherapy, most notably for prostate cancer. Before clinical use of a new source design, a full dosimetric analysis and standardized calibration are essential. Results of experimental measurement and analysis are reported here for the I-Plant™ (Implant Sciences Corporation) 125I source, model 3500. Dose measurements were made using standard methods employing thermoluminscent dosimeters in a water equivalent plastic phantom. Precision machined bores in the phantom located dosimeters and source(s) in a reproducible fixed geometry providing for transverse-axis and angular dose profiles over a range of distances from 0.17 to 10 cm. The data were analyzed in terms of parameters recommended by AAPM TG-43. The dose-rate constant, Λ=1.01 cGy/h U (±6%) (1 U=1 cGy cm2 h−1), was evaluated with reference to a TG-51 calibrated 60Co standard, accounting for dosimeter response differences between 60Co and 125I photons. The radial dose function, g(r), the anisotropy function, F(r,θ), the anisotropy factor, φan(r), and the point-source approximation anisotropy constant, φ an , were derived from one- and two-dimensional dose distribution data measured in the phantom, accounting for finite dosimeter volume and with attention to inter-chip effects. The results confirm prior dosimetric characterization of the model 3500, and indicate that the new source is comparable to the MED3631-A/M and 6702 source designs and may substitute for model 6711 in permanent implants for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Ethnographies of the Far Right

Despite the gains of far-right and racist movements in many parts of the world, they have been the subject of relatively little ethnographic research. This volume assembles work by prominent scholars on right-wing extremist movements in various places across the globe. Despite significant differences in the agendas and contexts of these groups, close-up examination of their dynamics and the motivations of their activists suggests that emotionality, culture, suspicion of outsiders, and the choices of members are key to understanding how the far right recruits members and garners support from the general population.
The architectures and surface behavior of highly branched molecules

Abstract This review presents recent developments in the field of the highly branched molecules (excluding dendrimers) with emphasis on their surface behavior, microstructure, surface morphology, and properties. In our consideration, we included popular types of highly branched molecules, such as star molecules with multiple arms, brush macromolecules of different kinds, and hyperbranched molecules, many of them available in relatively large quantities, which is crucial for future applications.
Allostery of actin filaments: molecular dynamics simulations and coarse-grained analysis.

The structural and mechanical properties of monomeric actin (G-actin), the trimer nucleus, and actin filaments (F-actins) are determined as a function of the conformation of the DNase I-binding loop (DB loop) by using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and coarse-grained (CG) analysis. Recent x-ray structures of ADP-bound G-actin (G-ADP) by Otterbein et al. [Otterbein, L. R., Graceffa, P. & Dominguez, R. (2001) Science 293, 708–711] and ATP-bound G-actin (G-ATP) by Graceffa and Dominguez [Graceffa, P. & Dominguez, R. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 34172–34180] indicate that the DB loop of actin does not have a well defined secondary structure in the ATP state but folds into an α-helix in the ADP state. MD simulations and CG analysis indicate that such a helical DB loop significantly weakens the intermonomer interactions of actin assemblies and thus leads to a wider, shorter, and more disordered filament. The computed persistence lengths of F-actin composed of G-ATP (16 μm) and of G-ADP (8.5 μm) agree well with the experimental values for the two states. Therefore, the loop-to-helix transition of the DB loop may be one of the factors that lead to the changes in structural and mechanical properties of F-actin after ATP hydrolysis. This result may provide a direct connection between the conformational changes of an actin monomer and the structural and mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton. The information provided by MD simulations also helps to understand the possible origin of the special features of actin dynamics.
A Nanoindenter Based Method for Studying MEMS Contact Switch Microcontacts

Physical and electrical processes involved in the lifecycle failure of metal contacts in MEMS RF cantilever beam contact switches are of a great interest to switch designers. The main failure of MEMS contact switches occurs at the metal contacts. This paper describes a specially designed nanoindenter based experimental setup for characterizing the physics and mechanics of MEMS scale electrical contacts when they are being cycled. The setup uses silicon cantilevers with contact bumps which are cycled mechanically to simulate the action of a MEMS contact switch. The cantilevers were sputter deposited with 300 nm of gold. Gold was investigated as the initial material of interest, as many current MEMS contact switches employ gold as a contact metal. The setup allows the physical evolution of the contact to be visually tracked and provides data on resistance, material property (e.g. strain hardening), and other changes in the contact behavior. Test data collected during a typical test includes contact adhesion force, contact stiffness change, resistance vs. cycles, and resistance vs. contact force relationships as a function of applied contact cycles. This paper provides details of this unique set-up and typical test results.
Cluster size in ionized cluster beam deposition

A unique aspect of the Ionized Cluster Beam (ICB) thin film deposition method is that material is deposited as ionized,accelerated atom clusters. Results of one laboratory suggest that a wide range of beneficial film formation effects can be attributed to the clusters, reported to average 1000 atoms in size. We present two cluster measurement methods here to investigate these claims. In the first, the depositing beam passes through an ionizer, a slit and an electrostatic deflection field. An undeflected neutral deposit and an ionized deflection deposit form on a single crystal silicon substrate. The ratio of atom flux to charge flux in the deflected deposit is equal to the number of atoms per singly charged cluster. In the second method, a low amplitude 10 KHz signal modulates the electrostatic deflection field. The phase shift between the modulation voltage and the measured substrate current yields particle velocity from which mass can be obtained. We have confirmed the presence of small, three atom gold clusters.
Gene expression profiles of rat heart allografts with immunosuppression

TRANSPLANTATION biology has entered the era of the genome. Genome analysis will provide new insights in development, differentiation, and homeostasis of host immune or nonimmune responses resulting in destruction of allograft tissues. Genome analysis also has the potential to reveal new therapeutic pathways in the treatment of organ transplantation rejection with minimal side effects. Our previous studies of remarkable cellular surface markers and cytokine gene expression in the rat heart transplantation model strongly indicated that day 5 after transplantation is an optimal time for evaluation of gene expression involved in acute allograft rejection. In addition, the studies indicated that the predetermined equivalent effective doses (optimal doses) of tacrolimus and cyclosporin (CyA), which can induce similar survival of rat heart allografts with strong histocompatibility differences, were suitable for the further comparative study of these two drugs at the genome level. In the current study, we identify candidate genes involved in host immune or nonimmune responses against allografts. Our strategy is to identify genes that are affected during graft rejection and that respond to treatment with the immunosuppressive agents tacrolimus and cyclosporin, by measuring expression levels of a large number of genes in rat heart allograft samples using microarray-based technology with cDNA clones as gene-specific hybridization targets. These gene expression profiles also allow the recognition of similarities and differences between tacrolimusand CyA-mediated immunosuppression in organ transplantation.
Changes in normal speech after fatiguing the tongue.

Detrimental effects of tongue fatigue on speech have been assumed to exist based on neuromotor speech disorders. However, to address whether fatigue is a contributing cause to impaired speech requi...
Long-term effects of antihypertensive treatment and good glycemic control on plasma lipids in diabetic rats

The long-term effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (captopril and enalapril), calcium-entry blockers (diltiazem and nicardipine), and good glycemic control on plasma lipids and lipoproteins were studied in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had increased plasma cholesterol, tryiglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than in normal rats. Compared to other antihypertensives, nicardipine seems to have a less beneficial effect on lipids and lipoproteins. However, it is only the good glycemic control that normalized these plasma lipids and lipoproteins in diabetic rats. This suggests that good glycemic control prevents dyslipidemia in diabetic rats. The observed beneficial effects of antihypertensives were unrelated to either food or water intake.
Occurrence and origin of keilite, (Fe>0.5,Mg<0.5)S, in enstatite chondrite impact-melt rocks and impact-melt breccias

Abstract Keilite (Fe>0.5,Mg 0.5,Fe 0.5,Fe ∼1500 °C, as indicted by the occurrence of euhedral enstatite that formed from a melt [McCoy, T.J., Dickinson, T.L., Lofgren, G.E., 1999. Partial melting of the Indarch (EH4) meteorite: a textural, chemical, and phase relations view of melting and melt migration. Meteorit. Planet. Sci. 34, 735–746]. Based on the classifications of the keilite-bearing meteorites as impact-melt rocks and impact-melt breccias and my own textural observations, I conclude that this elevated temperature was reached as a result of impact and not internal heating and melting, followed by fast cooling, thus, quenching in keilite. Enstatite chondrite impact-melt rocks and impact-melt breccias that do not contain keilite may have been more deeply buried after impact and, hence, cooled slowly and were annealed so that FeS exsolved from keilite, concomitant with the formation of niningerite, alabandite or various (Mn,Mg,Fe) mixed sulfides.
Rigor bridge angle: Effects of applied stress and preparative procedure

The effect of applied force on the rigor cross-bridge angle was studied in insect flight muscles. Both conventionally prepared thin sections and freeze-fracture methods were used. We exploited a technique in which thin filaments could be dislodged from their anchor points on the Z-lines, so that they could no longer transmit tension to the bridges. The rigor bridge angle in such sarcomeres was no different from the rigor bridge angle in sarcomeres with intact thin filaments, even with tension applied to the specimen. Thus, bridge tension does not change the rigor angle. In addition, we found that the bridge angle did not always assume the expected 45° value. In the freeze-fracture specimens the angle was generally closer to 90°, and in conventionally prepared specimens we found angles ranging from 45° to 135° depending on the experimental condition. Thus, the rigor angle does not appear to be fixed at 45°.
Unsteady Incompressible Flow Simulation using Galerkin Finite Element with Spatial/Temporal Adaptation

A new adaptive technique for the simulation of unsteady incompressible flows is presented. The initial mesh is generated based on a Cartesian grid with spatial decomposition and a simple optimization step to define the boundaries of the domain. This technique is fast and produces a quad-dominant mesh, while preserving the quality of the elements. Adaptive mesh refinement is performed based on the gradient of the vorticity from the previous time step. The time step is controlled and hence adapted using error estimation of the flow variables with respect to time. A Galerkin finite-element discretization is used to generate the nonlinear system corresponding to the Navier-Stokes equations. The solution of the linearized system is carried out using the GMRES method with a least-squares commutator as a preconditioner. Numerical experiments for various test cases illustrate the strength of this new approach.
Compliant Mechanism Configurations for Vehicle Suspension Systems

This paper explores the use of compliant mechanisms or flexible beams in vehicle suspension systems. An example of a compliant suspension mechanism is the leaf spring suspension commonly found on trucks. New concepts are developed through rigid-body replacement synthesis and other methods with the objective of improving wheel control. The compliant A-arm is discussed and shown to be a promising concept for further research based on FEA results and other comparisons. The A-Arm concept performs well in controlling wheel deflections and has low stress values in response to control forces when compared to other compliant concepts considered and leaf spring configurations. The A-Arm uses less space than than the other compliant concepts considered and the potential cost of manufacture and assembly is potentially equal to current leaf spring congifurations.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Results of Immunologic Testing in Patients With Erythema Multiforme

Thirteen patients with oral erythema multiforme were assessed immunologically by skin testing and in vitro tests (lymphocyte transformation and rosettes). The results suggested a possible defect in cell-mediated immunity for most patients in this group.
Low energy K-nucleon interactions and the apparent strong violation of charge independence in K − -proton absorption reactions

In the zero-range boundary conditions method of Dalitz and Tuan for the discussion of low energy K−-proton reactions, the apparent strong violation of the charge independence hypothesis in the calculations of hyperon production rates, due to the inclusion of (\(\bar K^0 ,K^ - \)) and (n, p) mass differences, is investigated. Also, the results of Sakitt’s zero-range analysis on low energy interactions of K−-mesons in hydrogen bubble chamber are discussed.
2.9 A 29dBm 18.5% peak PAE mm-Wave digital power amplifier with dynamic load modulation

High speed, mm-Wave silicon transceivers with "Watt-level" output power have become necessary in recent years to support multi Gb/s communication protocols over realistic data-link lengths. However, efficient generation of power at mm-Waves is challenging in modern silicon processes with low breakdown voltages. Recent efforts have demonstrated "Watt-level" power generation using both silicon CMOS and HBT processes [1,2], but with char ) transmission-line-based dynamic load modulation network to maintain PAE under back-off have been demonstrated.
Potential margarine oils from genetically modified soybeans

Genetically modified soybeans were processed into finished, refined, bleached, and deodorized oils. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Glyceride structure was characterized according to degree of unsaturation by high-performance liquid chromatography, lipase hydrolysis, and gas-liquid chromatography. Compared to common varieties with 15% saturated acids, genetically modified soybeans yielded oils containing 24–40% saturated acids. Several varieties were examined, including the Pioneer A-90, Hartz HS-1, and Iowa State A-6 lines. Pioneer A-90 contained 17% stearic acid, had a solid fat index (SFI) of 6.0 at 10°C (50°F) and zero from 21.1 to 40°C (70 to 104°F), and therefore lacked sufficient solids for tub-type margarine. To improve its plastic range, the Pioneer oil was blended with palm oil, randomized palm oil, or interesterified palm/soy trisaturate basestock. After blending with 10–40% of these components, the high-stearic acid oil had an SFI profile suitable for soft tube margarine. The A-6 varieties, 32–38% saturates, showed SFI profiles with sufficient solids at 10°C (50°F) and 21.1°C (70°F) to qualify as a stick-type margarine oil, but lacked sufficient solids at 33.3°C (92°F); however, after small amounts (2–3%) of cottonseed or soybean hardstocks were added, the A-6 oils qualified as stick margarine oil. The HS-1 variety, when blended with small amounts (2–3%) of hardstock, possessed sufficient solids at 10°–33.3°C (50–92°F) to prepare soft tub margarine oil.
Convective Available Potential Energy in the Environment of Oceanic and Continental Clouds: Correction and Comments

In 1980, Zipser and LeMone estimated the convective available potential energy (CAPE) for the Thunderstorm Project cumulonimbus environment to be about 3000 J per kg. By assuming the most adiabat reported by Byers and Braham (1949) to be that of an undilute parcel rather than a reference moist adiabat, a significant error was introduced. On the basis of recent calculations made under similar conditions in Oklahoma and Florida, CAPE is now estimated to be considerably lower. These lower CAPE estimates shed doubt on the suggestion that differences in CAPE account for differences in the vertical velocities in convective updrafts over land and over the ocean.
Pretreatment for Low Pressure Membranes in Water Treatment: A Review

The application of low pressure membranes (LPMs) to drinking water treatment and wastewater reuse has undergone accelerated development in the past decade. Integration of pretreatment with LPM filtration has been widely employed at full scale to reduce membrane fouling and/or increase the removal of certain aquatic contaminants. In principle, pretreatment of source water can impact membrane filtration in three ways: altering contaminant size distributions, changing mutual affinities of contaminants or their affinities to membrane surfaces, and suppressing undesirable microbial growth or removing biodegradable contaminants. The literature shows that, compared to the well-demonstrated enhancement of contaminant removal, impact of pretreatment to membrane fouling is often small or even negative, which isfurther complicated by variations in source water quality and membrane properties. Coagulation has been the most successful pretreatment for fouling reduction. Novel technologies are in immediate need for fouling control; ones which rely on a better understanding of the mechanisms of pretreatment and LPM filtration are warranted. This article provides a critical review of the state-of-the-art of pretreatment for LPMs, and discusses potential areas for future technical development and scientific studies.
Chebyshev economization for parametric surfaces

Abstract The communication of polynomial curve and surface data between various CAD systems frequently requires that a degree reduction be performed. The most common way of accomplishing this reduction at present is via ‘black box’ methods. In this note we extend the notion of Chebyshev economization from real polynomials to parametric polynomials in three dimensions, thus providing an analytical approach to degree reduction. More importantly, we propose a generalization for parametric surfaces which enjoys many of the properties associated with Chebyshev economization.
Volume and Shape in Feature Space on Adaptive FCM in MRI Segmentation

Intensity non-uniformity (bias field) correction, contextual constraints over spatial intensity distribution and non-spherical cluster’s shape in the feature space are incorporated into the fuzzy c-means (FCM) for segmentation of three-dimensional multi-spectral MR images. The bias field is modeled by a linear combination of smooth polynomial basis functions for fast computation in the clustering iterations. Regularization terms for the neighborhood continuity of either intensity or membership are added into the FCM cost functions. Since the feature space is not isotropic, distance measures, other than the Euclidean distance, are used to account for the shape and volumetric effects of clusters in the feature space. The performance of segmentation is improved by combining the adaptive FCM scheme with the criteria used in Gustafson-Kessel (G-K) and Gath-Geva (G-G) algorithms through the inclusion of the cluster scatter measure. The performance of this integrated approach is quantitatively evaluated on normal MR brain images using the similarity measures. The improvement in the quality of segmentation obtained with our method is also demonstrated by comparing our results with those produced by FSL (FMRIB Software Library), a software package that is commonly used for tissue classification.
Evaluation of the prenatal effects of massive doses of insulin in rats.

Pregnant rats were injected intraperitoneally with large doses of insulin. Controls were given intraperitoneal saline. Rats allowed food ad libitum maintained lowered blood-sugar levels and did not go into hypoglycemic shock; fasted rats died. Fifty-four rats produced 532 fetuses, gross and microscopic examination of which revealed no skeletal or other abnormalities. Some implications are discussed.
Guanidine Hydrochloride Inhibits Mammalian Orthoreovirus Growth by Reversibly Blocking the Synthesis of Double-Stranded RNA

Millimolar concentrations of guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) are known to inhibit the replication of many plant and animal viruses having positive-sense RNA genomes. For example, GuHCl reversibly interacts with the nucleotide-binding region of poliovirus protein 2C(ATPase), resulting in a specific inhibition of viral negative-sense RNA synthesis. The use of GuHCl thereby allows for the spatiotemporal separation of poliovirus gene expression and RNA replication and provides a powerful tool to synchronize the initiation of negative-sense RNA synthesis during in vitro replication reactions. In the present study, we examined the effect of GuHCl on mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus from the family Reoviridae. MRV growth in murine L929 cells was reversibly inhibited by 15 mM GuHCl. Furthermore, 15 mM GuHCl provided specific inhibition of viral dsRNA synthesis while sparing both positive-sense RNA synthesis and viral mRNA translation. By using GuHCl to provide temporal separation of MRV gene expression and genome replication, we obtained evidence that MRV primary transcripts support sufficient protein synthesis to assemble morphologically normal viral factories containing functional replicase complexes. In addition, the coordinated use of GuHCl and cycloheximide allowed us to demonstrate that MRV dsRNA synthesis can occur in the absence of ongoing protein synthesis, although to only a limited extent. Future studies utilizing the reversible inhibition of MRV dsRNA synthesis will focus on elucidating the target of GuHCl, as well as the components of the MRV replicase complexes.
Crystal Engineering of Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) Cocrystals and Pharmacokinetic Modulation in Rats

The most abundant polyphenol in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg), has recently received considerable attention due to the discovery of numerous health-promoting bioactivities. Despite reports of its poor oral bioavailability, EGCg has been included in many dietary supplement formulations. Conventional preformulation methods have been employed to improve the bioavailability of EGCg. However, these methods have limitations that hinder the development of EGCg as an effective therapeutic agent. In this study, we have utilized the basic concepts of crystal engineering and several crystallization techniques to screen for various solid crystalline forms of EGCg and evaluated the efficacy of crystal engineering for modulating the pharmacokinetics of EGCg. We synthesized and characterized seven previously undescribed crystal forms of EGCg including the pure crystal structure of EGCg. The aqueous solubility profiles of four new EGCg cocrystals were determined. These cocrystals were subsequently dosed at 100 mg EGCg per kg body weight in rats, and the plasma levels were monitored over the course of eight hours following the single oral dose. Two of the EGCg cocrystals were found to exhibit modest improvements in relative bioavailability. Further, cocrystallization resulted in marked effects on pharmacokinetic parameters including Cmax, Tmax, area under curve, relative bioavailability, and apparent terminal half-life. Our findings suggest that modulation of the pharmacokinetic profile of EGCg is possible using cocrystallization and that it offers certain opportunities that could be useful during its development as a therapeutic agent.
Satellite-based assured communications for critical mobile network infrastructure

This paper presents a concept for a satellite-based solution for assured communications for mobile public safety groups, law enforcement vehicles and other first responders. System connectivity is assured under normal operating conditions through a combination of wireless base stations and, in areas with minimal or no existing terrestrial communications infrastructure or following a disaster, satellite communications. The proposed solution alleviates critical barriers to the adoption of satellite communications as the backup system by using on-demand services, allowing the rapid and cost-effective configuration of satellite links and a wireless mesh network to support voice and data communications.
NONSPECIFIC TESTS FOR PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Many tests have been proposed as useful in the diagnostic evaluation of suspected PE, but nonspecific tests for PE can only add to the level of suspicion one has for the diagnosis. As Anderson indicates, "virtually all clinical and laboratory findings neither diagnose nor exclude the diagnosis of PE. They merely serve to heighten suspicion of the diagnosis and prompt the clinician to pursue additional diagnostic studies." D-dimer measurement is promising as a test to exclude PE in young healthy out-patients, and further study and improvements in technology, can clarify the usefulness of the different methods of performing this assay. For now, diagnostic algorithms for PE should continue to incorporate multiple tests and decision points, but the standard remains specialized imaging techniques.
The cloning of zebrin II reveals its identity with aldolase C.

The sagittal organization of the mammalian cerebellum can be observed at the anatomical, physiological and biochemical level. Previous screening of monoclonal antibodies produced in our laboratory has identified two intracellular antigens, zebrin I and II, that occur exclusively in adult cerebellar Purkinje cells. As their name suggests, the zebrin antibody staining of the Purkinje cell population is not uniform. Rather, zebrin-positive Purkinje cells are organized in stripes or bands that run from anterior to posterior across most of the cerebellum; interposed between the zebrin-positive cells are bands of Purkinje cells that are zebrin-negative. Comparison of the position of the antigenic bands with the anatomy of afferent projections suggests that the bands are congruent with the basic developmental and functional ‘compartments’ of the cerebellum. We report the isolation of cDNA clones of the 36 × 10(3) M(r) antigen, zebrin II, by screening of a mouse cerebellum cDNA expression library. Sequence analysis reveals a 98% identity between our clone and the glycolytic isozyme, aldolase C. In order to more rigorously demonstrate the identity of the two proteins, we stained adult cerebellum with an independent monoclonal antibody raised against aldolase C. Anti-aldolase staining occurs in a previously unreported pattern of sagittal bands of Purkinje cells; the pattern is identical to that revealed by the zebrin II monoclonal. Further, in situ hybridization of antisense aldolase C riboprobe shows that the accumulation of zebrin II/aldolase C mRNA corresponds to the pattern of the zebrin antigen in Purkinje cells. Zebrin II/aldolase C gene expression is thus regulated at the level of transcription (or mRNA stability). In light of previous work that has demonstrated the cell-autonomous and developmentally regimented expression of zebrin II, further studies of the regulation of this gene may lead to insights about the determination of cerebellar compartmentation.
An Information Model for Security Integration

Research on security systems has typically focused on improving the performance and reliability of a single technique, algorithm or mechanism. There is also significant potential, however, in studying security as the product of a few key systems and then analyzing how those systems can best be integrated to achieve better overall system security. Most approaches that examine integrating one or more security mechanisms have focused on a specific implementation strategy. A systematic approach to integrated system security requires an analysis of the data relationships between all of the major mechanisms leading to a model that describes and relates all of the major elements in the domain. This paper proposes a information model for integrating access control, intrusion detection and intrusion response to enhance overall system security
Width-dependent statistical leakage modeling for random dopant induced threshold voltage shift

Statistical behavior of device leakage and threshold voltage shows a strong width dependency under microscopic random dopant fluctuation. Leakage estimation using the conventional square-root method shows a discrepancy as large as 45% compared to the real case because it fails to model the effective VT shift in the subthreshold region. This paper presents a width-dependent statistical leakage model with an estimation error less than 5%. Design examples on SRAMs and domino circuits demonstrate the significance of the proposed model.
Transmyometrial oocyte retrieval and pregnancy rates

Abstract Objective To determine whether transvaginal, ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval performed through the myometrium has a negative impact on IVF pregnancy rates. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic hospital and research center. Patient(s) A total of 5,115 IVF cycles performed at the Brigham and Women's Hospital between 1998 and 2001 were evaluated. In 85 cycles (1.7%), the oocyte retrieval needle passed through the myometrium because of ovarian position during retrieval. Each of these cases was matched to a control cycle by age, attempt number, and date of retrieval. Intervention(s) Transmyometrial oocyte retrieval. Main outcome measure(s) Pregnancy rates. Result(s) There were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates between cases and controls. Cases were more likely than controls to have underlying tubal disease and adhesions as the primary cause of infertility. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, attempt number, estradiol level, follicle number, days stimulated, ampules of gonadotropins administered, number of eggs, number of embryos, or quality of embryos. Conclusion(s) Transmyometrial oocyte retrieval is an uncommon event. Clinicians and patients can be reassured that transmyometrial oocyte retrieval does not seem to decrease IVF pregnancy rates; however, a larger study with greater power might reveal a statistically significant difference.
Real-time tuning of MEMS gyro dynamics

This paper reports real-time tuning of the JPL-Boeing micromachined vibratory rate sensor. The ideal sensor is designed to operate in a degenerate condition in which two modes of vibration have equal resonant frequencies. This condition achieves the best possible signal-to-noise ratio thereby maximizing sensor performance. A frequency split between the two modes, however, is inevitable in actual devices and leads to degraded performance. To modify the sensor dynamics to a desired condition, we have studied the bias potential effect on the sensor dynamics and successfully implemented a real-time tuning process via electrostatic forces to reduce the frequency split to less than 0.1 Hz when the nominal modal frequencies are near 4.4 kHz. A closed-loop identification method is employed for rapid and precise empirical frequency response estimates of the sensor dynamics. An LMI-based parameter estimation scheme produces an excellent fit of the model to the frequency response data and this enables the successful implementation of a steepest descent algorithm. Transformations for decoupling the MIMO sensor dynamics are also motivated and demonstrated.
Relationship of Initial Chick Weight to Body Weight of Egg-Type Pullets

Abstract In an attempt to determine whether initial chick weight affected body weight of commercial egg-type pullets just before the onset of egg production, two experiments were conducted. Results showed that initial chick weight (1 day of age) influenced average body weight of commercial egg-type pullets both at 12 and 18 weeks of age.
Some studies on shuttle and assembly‐line processes

Two types of flow processes are described and formulated, a shuttle and an assembly-line process. Variations ofeachare studied for the general N-stage condition. The shuttle process is considered for multiple shuttles per stage and the combination of multiple shuttles per stage with storage capacity at the nodes. The assembly-line process is considered for multiple machines per stage, both with and without setup times included. The mathematical method of recurrence relations is used to formulate these relations for the various delay and arrival times of the items in each process. It is demonstrated that certain types of shuttle and assembly-line processes are completely analogous. All known solutions of one process may then be applied to the other.
Blood and Air Volumes in the Avian Lung

Abstract HISTOLOGICAL examination of birds’ lungs indicates a considerable variation in air and blood volumes (Olander et al., 1967). However, in order to obtain quantitative estimates of these changes, methods are needed which can be applied to the entire organ. Such information is of importance in evaluating respiratory function in conditions where the lung becomes anatomically altered. Previous measurements of lung blood volumes in birds (Altman and Dittmer, 1961; McFarland, 1964) have not been made so as to prevent postmortem changes in blood volume in the organ. Other estimates of air volumes in the avian lung (King and Payne, 1958, 1962; Zeuthen, 1942) have been made by filling the respiratory tract with some foreign substance, the difficulties of which have been recognized. Consequently, new methods have been devised to measure air volumes (by buoyancy) and blood volumes (by isotope dilution) and these as well as data on normal chickens are reported . . .
Effects of Renal Arterial Infusion of Sodium and Potassium on Renin Secretion in the Dog

The nonfiltering kidney model was used to determine whether sodium or potassium inhibits renin secretion in the absence of a functional macula densa in dogs with thoracic inferior vena caval constriction. The control rate of renin secretion was high, and decreases were readily recognized. After control observations, hypertonic sodium chloride or hypertonic potassium chloride was infused into the renal artery for 1 hour, and renin secretion was measured at 15-minute intervals. An increase in renal venous plasma sodium concentration from 141 to 154-158 mEq/liter caused no change in renin secretion for the first 45 minutes of infusion in dogs with a nonfiltering kidney. In contrast, dogs with thoracic caval constriction but with a filtering kidney showed a striking decrease in renin secretion during intrarenal sodium infusion (3,097 to 1,061 ng angiotensin/min, P <0.02). An increase in renal venous plasma potassium concentration from 3.9 to 6.1 mEq/liter in one group of dogs and from 4.9 to 8.3 mEq/liter in ...
The 'Dingpolitik' of Wind Energy in Northern German Landscapes: An Ethnographic Case Study

Abstract Germany has assumed a leading position in the global wind energy market, with its coastal districts of North Frisia and Dithmarschen as two outstanding locations. These coastal landscapes are the outcome of interaction between human and non-human forces throughout the centuries, and they are characterized by the wind, the tides and the sea as well as the building of dikes, technological innovations and the interplay of regional, national and trans-national forces. Against this background, the short but complex transition from a mainly agricultural landscape into a wind energy landscape is interpreted here following Latour's (2005b) concept of a Dingpolitik (politics of things) and complementary assumptions suggested by the European Landscape Convention. I will argue that the rise of wind energy in Northern Germany is not only the result of top-down governance strategies, but of a collective effort based on the dynamics of the collective of people and things that make up these landscapes. Based on...
Etching technique for determining diamond like carbon coating wear on the trailing edge of pseudo contact thin film sliders

A technique for evaluating the wear of Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the alumina encapsulation portion of coated pseudo contact thin film inductive sliders is presented. The tested parts were subjected to a chemical etch and were examined via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques. Film voids and wear over the trailing edge were clearly revealed. Data regarding prime coated, prime uncoated heads and heads that have experienced CSS and sweeping actuation tests are presented. Prime sliders coated with approximately 150 /spl Aring/ of DLC were shown to contain small amounts of porosity and scratches, while heads without coating were uniformly etched. The amount of DLC wear on both CSS and sweeping heads was inconsistent and varied from near complete removal to slightly increased scratches. Inconsistency in wear is attributed to the variability among the heads' flying characteristics.
Advanced applications of personal computers in the radiologist's office.

The author's department has found various advanced applications for the computer to be useful in daily practice. They use a data-base program to track interesting cases for later retrieval. The program automatically generates an American College of Radiology code based on the body part and diagnosis. The program is also used to track radiographic film quality. A barcode scanner attached to a computer at the film alternator is used to enter the accession number generated by the radiology information system. If any deficiencies are present, they are entered from a preprinted bar-code sheet. The bar-code scanner allows rapid entry of all examinations during the read-out session. Reports generated from the data base have been helpful in identifying and quantifying radiographic examination deficiencies. Department computers are also connected to the campus Ethernet network. This network allows radiologists to electronically verify radiology reports and to conduct electronic literature searches on the computers...
Software engineering programs for the next century

The field of software engineering and its subdisciplines have grown tremendously in the past six years. IEEE Computer Society conferences and working committees have helped this process by greatly increasing information dissemination and the opportunity to publish quality work in many topic areas. These activities are coordinated by the Technical Council on Software Engineering, an international voluntary organization consisting of Computer Society members and others interested in promoting the field. The author looks at the work of the council which provides a forum for the exchange of ideas among interested practitioners, researchers, developers, maintainers, and students throughout the world.
New Insights into the Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease

In early 1993, the genetic data implicating the amyloid precursor protein as one of the loci leading to early onset Alzheimer's disease were reviewed (Hardy and Duff, Annals of Medicine, 25: 437-440), together with the evidence implicating abnormal deposition of beta-amyloid as the initiating point of the process leading to the disease. Since that time, three other genetic loci have been directly implicated in the aetiology of the disease: the apolipoprotein E locus on chromosome 19, the presenilin 1 gene on chromosome 14 and the presenilin 2 gene on chromosome 1. In this article, I review the progress over the last three years and attempt to assess whether the evidence for the amyloid cascade hypothesis still stands scrutiny.
Estimating the Amount of Eye Movement Data Required for Panel Design and Instrument Placement

A procedure is presented for estimating the amount of eye movement data required to obtain a specified statistical accuracy with a given degree of confidence. It is applicable when eye movement statistics are to be used in panel redesign and instrument placement. Application of the procedure involves taking a short length of data and dividing it into segments. Subsequently, Stein's double sampling plan is employed to determine the required number of segments to meet accuracy specifications. The assumptions associated with the procedure are examined for a specific eye movement experiment and are found to be valid. Application of the theory produces overall results having the anticipated degree of accuracy. The procedure should be applicable to a variety of human factors design problems.
Proton irradiation impacts age-driven modulations of cancer progression influenced by immune system transcriptome modifications from splenic tissue

Age plays a crucial role in the interplay between tumor and host, with additional impact due to irradiation. Proton irradiation of tumors induces biological modulations including inhibition of angiogenic and immune factors critical to ‘hallmark’ processes impacting tumor development. Proton irradiation has also provided promising results for proton therapy in cancer due to targeting advantages. Additionally, protons may contribute to the carcinogenesis risk from space travel (due to the high proportion of high-energy protons in space radiation). Through a systems biology approach, we investigated how host tissue (i.e. splenic tissue) of tumor-bearing mice was altered with age, with or without whole-body proton exposure. Transcriptome analysis was performed on splenic tissue from adolescent (68-day) versus old (736-day) C57BL/6 male mice injected with Lewis lung carcinoma cells with or without three fractionations of 0.5 Gy (1-GeV) proton irradiation. Global transcriptome analysis indicated that proton irradiation of adolescent hosts caused significant signaling changes within splenic tissues that support carcinogenesis within the mice, as compared with older subjects. Increases in cell cycling and immunosuppression in irradiated adolescent hosts with CDK2, MCM7, CD74 and RUVBL2 indicated these were the key genes involved in the regulatory changes in the host environment response (i.e. the spleen). Collectively, these results suggest that a significant biological component of proton irradiation is modulated by host age through promotion of carcinogenesis in adolescence and resistance to immunosuppression, carcinogenesis and genetic perturbation associated with advancing age.
Identification and Optimization of Anthranilic Acid Based Inhibitors of Replication Protein A.

Replication protein A (RPA) is an essential single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein that initiates the DNA damage response pathway through protein-protein interactions (PPIs) mediated by its 70N domain. The identification and use of chemical probes that can specifically disrupt these interactions is important for validating RPA as a cancer target. A high-throughput screen (HTS) to identify new chemical entities was conducted, and 90 hit compounds were identified. From these initial hits, an anthranilic acid based series was optimized by using a structure-guided iterative medicinal chemistry approach to yield a cell-penetrant compound that binds to RPA70N with an affinity of 812 nm. This compound, 2-(3- (N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfamoyl)-4-methylbenzamido)benzoic acid (20 c), is capable of inhibiting PPIs mediated by this domain.