cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonuniform distribution of catalysts on supports: II. First order reactions with poisoning

Catalysts with the same quantity of active material, deposited in different manners on supports and subjected to a period of poison deposition, are compared in their durabilities towards poisoning. Catalyst spheres with an exterior distribution are optimum when poison distributes uniformly. An interior catalyst distribution is optimum when poison concentrates at the pore mouth, and when the main reaction experiences little diffusion limitation. A criterion for catalyst selection is given, based on durability and efficiency.
Analysis of convolutional codes on the erasure channel

This paper describes the analysis of convolutional codes on the erasure channel. We compare the maximum likelihood (ML) sequence decision and the maximum a posteriori (MAP) symbol decision for codes, which are transmitted over the erasure channel. When a codeword from a linear error correcting code with elements from the field GF is transmitted over a q-ary erasure channel, the symbol error rate of the maximum likelihood (ML) sequence decision is the same as that of the symbol maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability decision. When decoding convolutional codes transmitted over an AWGN channel, it is widely known that the probability of symbol error for the Viterbi algorithm (which is a sequence ML decoder) is generally higher than that for the more complex BCJR algorithm (which is a symbol MAP decoder).
The Public Health Impact of Alzheimer's Disease, 2000–2050: Potential Implication of Treatment Advances

Recent developments in basic research suggest that therapeutic breakthroughs may occur in Alzheimer's disease treatment over the coming decades. To model the potential magnitude and nature of the effect of these advances, historical data from congestive heart failure and Parkinson's disease were used. Projections indicate that therapies which delay disease onset will markedly reduce overall disease prevalence, whereas therapies to treat existing disease will alter the proportion of cases that are mild as opposed to moderate/severe. The public health impact of such changes would likely involve both the amount and type of health services needed. Particularly likely to arise are new forms of outpatient services, such as disease-specific clinics and centers. None of our models predicts less than a threefold rise in the total number of persons with Alzheimer's disease between 2000 and 2050. Therefore, Alzheimer's care is likely to remain a major public health problem during the coming decades.
Looking at the Multiple Meanings of Numeracy, Quantitative Literacy, and Quantitative Reasoning

The subject of this journal goes by a variety of names: numeracy, quantitative literacy, and quantitative reasoning. Some authors use the terms interchangeably. Others see distinctions between them. Study of psycholinguistic and ontological concepts laid out in the literature of WordNet and familiarity with the papers in this journal suggests a vocabulary matrix consisting of four rows (word senses) and three columns (word forms, namely numeracy, QL, and QR). The four word senses correspond to four sets of synonyms: {numeracy}, {numeracy, QL}, {QL, QR}, and {numeracy, QL, QR}. Each of the word forms is polysemous: “numeracy” points to the first, second and fourth senses; “QL” points to the second, third and fourth; “QR” points to the third and fourth. The four synsets (senses) are on three different branches diverging from the WordNet synset identifying the concept of cognition and knowledge. {QL, QR} is on the cognitive process branch; {numeracy} and {numeracy, QL} are on the cognitive skill and ability branch; and {numeracy, QL, QR} is on the mental attitude branch. For comparison, WordNet places the synsets for mathematics, statistics, and other hyponyms of “disciplines of study” on another branch, the cognitive content branch.
Cover-seeking behavior in red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida): Effects of tactile cues and darkness

Eleven red spitting cobras, Naja mossambica pallida, used clear Plexiglas hiding boxes as frequently as they used dark ones in a successive discrimination paradigm (experiment 1), which indicated that thigmotaxic cues can satisfy the cover-seeking needs of the snakes. In simultaneous discrimination tests, however, dark places were always preferred by the snakes (experiments II, III). Therefore, although thigmotaxic cues are sufficient, these plus darkness constitute a more favorable alternative for N m pallida. The husbandry advantages associated with clear hiding boxes, together with their sufficiency for the snakes, argue strongly for their use in many captive environments.
Cinnabarinate Synthase Activity in Normal and Acatalasemic Mice

The introduction of the acatalasemic gene locus, Cs/sup b/, which presumably affects only catalase biosynthesis, not only reduces the catalase activity of blood and liver in two inbred strains of mice, but comparably reduces the activity of cinnabarinate synthase. This enzyme converts the carcinogen hydroxyanthranilic acid to another carcinogen, cinnabarinic acid. The injection of aminotriazole, which inhibits the catalase activity of the liver but not of the blood, similarly inhibits the cinnabarinate synthase activity of the liver and not of the blood. The proteins responsible for the two enzyme activities therefore appear identical, confirming the recent suggestion of Savage and Prinz. The cinnabarinate synthase reaction can also be carried out by Cu/sup 2 +/ or Mn/sup 2 +/ in absence of any enzyme, but addition of a source of catalase or hemoglobin accelerates the reaction. Catalase or hemoglobin, in the absence of Cu/sup 2 +/ or Mn/sup 2 +/, are incapable of carrying out the oxidative dimerization of hydroxyanthranilic acid.
An Understanding of the Mechanism That Promotes Adhesion Between Roughened Titanium Implants and Mineralized Tissue

A previously developed laser spallation technique to determine the tensile strength of thin film interfaces was successfully adopted to study the effect of microsurface roughness of titanium disks on the adhesion strength of mineralized bone tissue. The study demonstrated that mineralized tissue has about 25% higher interfacial strength when it is cultured on the acid-etched titanium surface than on its machined counterpart. Specifically, interfacial tensile strength of 179 ± 4.4 MPa and 224 ± 2.6 MPa were measured when the mineralized tissue was processed on the machined titanium and acid-etched titanium surfaces, respectively. Since in the laser spallation experiment, the mineralized tissue is pulled normal to the interface, this increase is attributed to the stronger interfacial bonding on account of higher surface energy associated with the acid-etched surface. This enhanced local chemical bonding further enhances the roughness-related mechanical interlocking effect. These two effects at very different length scales― atomic (enhanced bonding) versus continuum (roughness-related interlocking)―act synergistically and explain the widely observed clinical success of roughened dental implants.
Levels of γ-H2AX Foci after Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation Reveal a DNA DSB Rejoining Defect in Cells from Human ATM Heterozygotes in Two AT Families and in Another Apparently Normal Individual

Abstract Kato, T. A., Nagasawa, H., Weil, M. M., Little, J. B. and Bedford, J. S. Levels of γ-H2AX Foci after Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation Reveal a DNA DSB Rejoining Defect in Cells from Human ATM Heterozygotes in Two AT Families and in Another Apparently Normal Individual. Radiat. Res. 166, 443– 453 (2006). We have investigated the use of the γ-H2AX assay, reflecting the presence of DNA double-strand breaks, as a possible means for identifying individuals who are mildly hypersensitive to ionizing radiation, such as some ATM heterozygotes. We compared levels of γ-H2AX foci after irradiation in cells from six apparently normal individuals as well as from individuals from two separate AT families including the proband, mother, father and three unaffected siblings in each family. After a 1-Gy single acute (high-dose-rate) γ-ray dose delivered to noncycling contact-inhibited monolayers of cells, clear differences were seen between samples from normal individuals (ATM+/+) and probands (ATM−/−) at nearly all sampl...
Estimating aboveground biomass using Landsat 7 ETM+ data across a managed landscape in northern Wisconsin, USA

Aboveground biomass (AGB; Mg/ha) is defined in this study as a biomass of growing stock trees greater than 2.5 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) for stands N5 years and all trees taller than 1.3 m for stands b5 years. Although AGB is an important variable for evaluating ecosystem function and structure across the landscape, such estimates are difficult to generate without high-resolution satellite data. This study bridges the application of remote sensing techniques with various forest management practices in Chequamegon National Forest (CNF), Wisconsin, USA by producing a high-resolution stand age map and a spatially explicit AGB map. We coupled AGB values, calculated from field measurements of tree dbh, with various vegetation indices derived from Landsat 7 ETM+ data through multiple regression analyses to produce an initial biomass map. The initial biomass map was overlaid with a land-cover map to generate a stand age map. Biomass threshold values for each age category (e.g., young, intermediate, and mature) were determined through field observations and frequency analysis of initial biomass estimates by major cover types. We found that AGB estimates for hardwood forests were strongly related to stand age and near-infrared reflectance (r 2 =0.95) while the AGB for pine forests was strongly related to the corrected normalized difference vegetation index (NDVIc; r 2 =0.86). Separating hardwoods from pine forests improved the AGB estimates in the area substantially, compared to overall regression (r 2 =0.82). Our AGB results are comparable to previously reported values in the area. The total amount of AGB in the study area for 2001 was estimated as 3.3 million metric tons (dry weight), 76.5% of which was in hardwood and mixed hardwood/pine forests. AGB ranged from 1 to 358 Mg/ha with an average of 70 and a standard deviation of 54 Mg/ha. The AGB class with the highest percentage (16.1%) was between 81 and 100 Mg/ha. Forests with biomass values N200 Mg/ha accounted for less than 3% of the study area and were usually associated with mature hardwood forests. Estimated AGB was validated using independent field measurements (R 2 =0.67, pb0.001). The AGB and age maps can be used as baseline information for future landscape level studies such as quantifying the
Expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) and beta-adrenergic regulation of breast cancer cell lines

Background Previous research has indicated that at various organ sites there is a subset of adenocarcinomas that is regulated by beta-adrenergic and arachidonic acid-mediated signal transduction pathways. We wished to determine if this regulation exists in breast adenocarcinomas. Expression of mRNA that encodes a G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel (GIRK1) has been shown in tissue samples from approximately 40% of primary human breast cancers. Previously, GIRK channels have been associated with beta-adrenergic signaling.
2-azapinanes: aza analogues of the enantiomeric pinyl carbocation intermediates in pinene biosynthesis.

The enantiomeric 2-azapinanes, aza analogues of the pinyl carbocation intermediates in pinene biosynthesis, were synthesized from (−)- and (+)-cis-pinonic acids. The individual reactions in the 5-step sequence were Beckmann rearrangement of the pinonic acid oximes, cyclization to the N-acetyl lactams, hydrolysis to the NH-lactams, N-methylations, and LiAlH4 reductions. The anti stereochemistry of the N-methyl groups in the salts with respect to the gem-dimethyl bridge was established by NOE measurements and by X-ray diffraction analysis.
Using Administrative Data for Workforce Development Program Evaluation

This paper addresses the question of whether administrative data that are collected for performance monitoring purposes can be used for program evaluation. It argues that under certain circumstances, such data can be used. In particular, data from the state of Washington are used to examine the effectiveness of services provided to adults under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The general theme of an emerging literature on techniques for nonexperimental evaluations of social programs is that many different techniques have appropriate asymptotic properties. A contribution of this paper is to examine the sensitivity of net impact estimators to various estimation techniques. Virtually all of the techniques yielded estimates of positive labor market impacts for both men and women. Men had earnings gains on the order of 10 percent that resulted mainly from increased employment rates. Women had larger estimated earnings gains - on the order of 20 to 25 percent - that emanated from increased employment and increased wages or hours. A second purpose of the paper was to provide principles that policymakers and program administrators should apply when considering evaluation results.
Gigabit wireless: system-on-a-package technology

The system-on-a-package (SOP) concept is considered as the solution of future communication modules, where more functionality, better performance, low cost, and more integrity is needed. We demonstrate how SOP technology can address the integration platform for future communication systems, especially gigabit wireless communications. After the introduction of the SOP concept, we introduce the critical design building blocks which are required in a viable SOP technology: integrated passives, embedded RF functions, including high-performance filters and baluns, and integrated antenna technologies. Second, we review how the three-dimensional deployment of core elements, such as baluns, lumped inductors, capacitors, and resistors, as well as IF or low-pass filters, enables RF-SOP module development. We demonstrate how advanced radio architectures, including direct conversion, antenna diversity, and collaborative signal processing, are enabled using the SOP technology format. Various ceramic and organic material based multilayer packaging technologies have been used for building such integrated modules as well as circuit blocks. The critical issues and challenges for developing advanced communication platforms using the SOP approach are discussed.
Rebels Without Causes: Contemporary German Authors Not in Search of Meaning

This study looks at how the philosophy of Jean Baudrillard can help to explain why the characters in in Elke Naters’ Mau Mau (2002), Sven Regener’s Herr Lehmann (2001), and Judith Hermann’s two short story collections Sommerhaus spater (1998) and Nichts als Gespenster (2003) seem largely vapid, emotionally stunted, and socially illiterate. The analysis focuses on three major theses in Baudrillard’s work: 1) In the post-modern world, we live in the realm of the hyperreal, a space in which signifiers are divorced from their connection to any signifieds. 2) Today’s society is characterized by a multiplication and saturation of exchanges that leads to a neutralization of history. 3) The human reaction to the oversaturation of images devoid of connection to the real is a pervasive and systemic melancholy. However, the article also argues that Baudrillard’s philosophies are not helpful for living in today’s world and that the features of his thinking illustrated in these novels represent an essentially paralytic ideology.
Carbon nanotube foils for electron stripping in tandem accelerators

Abstract Carbon nanotube technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, making it possible to create meter-long, ∼4 cm wide films of multi-walled tubes of less than 3 μg/cm 2 areal density in a bench top open-air procedure. The physical properties of individual carbon nanotubes have been well established, equaling or surpassing electrical and thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of most other materials, graphite in particular. The handling and transport of such nanotube films, dry-mounted self-supporting on metal frames with several cm 2 of open area, is problem-free: the aerogel films having a volumetric density of about 1.5 mg/cm 3 survived the trip by car and air from Dallas to Oak Ridge without blemish. In this paper we will present the results of first tests of these nanotube films as electron stripper media in a tandem accelerator. The tests were performed in the Model 25 URC tandem accelerator of the Holifield radioactive ion beam facility (HRIBF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We will discuss the performance of nanotube films in comparison with chemical vapor deposition and laser-ablated carbon foils.
The Changing Landscape of Love and Marriage

Celebrities breaking up, making up, and having kids out of wedlock. Politicians confessing to extramarital affairs and visits to prostitutes. Same-sex couples pushing for, and sometimes getting, legal recognitionfor their committed relationships. Today's news provides a steady stream of stories that seem to suggest that lifelong love and (heterosexual)marriage are about as dated as a horse and carriage. Social conservatives continue sounding the alarm about the consequences of the decline ofmarriage and the rise of unwed parenting for children and for society at large. Are we really leaving behind the old model of intimacy, or are these changes significant but not radical? And what are the driving forces behind the changes?
William James and the Rise of the Scientific Study of Emotion

Recent attempts by philosophers to revive William James’s theory of emotions rest on a basic misunderstanding of James’s theory. To see why, one needs to see how James’s theory completed the transformation of the study of emotions from a study in moral philosophy to a scientific study. This essay charts that transformation.
Curricular Elements for Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders in Anesthesiology Training Programs

The concepts of sleep neurophysiology and knowledge of sleep disorders are used in an anesthetic practice. Training programs for general anesthesiology should incorporate this knowledge system into didactic and practical curriculum in a deliberate fashion. Competencies should be linked to formative assessments. There are opportunities for research into the principles of sleep and chronobiology in the clinical practice of anesthesiology and its subspecialties of obstetrics and pain management.
An airborne scanning laser altimetry survey of Long Valley, California

Between 28 September and 7 October 1995, we conducted an airborne laser altimetry experiment over the Long Valley caldera, California, in which each of two scanning laser altimeters (dubbed SLICER and RASCAL) were flown in a NASA T-39 jet aircraft. Operating concurrently were a Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance system and dual frequency receivers for precise navigation and post-flight calculation or the airplane trajectory relative to a ground station, and an inertial navigation system (INS) for attitude determination. Reduction of raw laser ranges requires merging the differential kinematic GPS aircraft trajectory and the INS data with the laser data, and determination of the atmospheric delay. Data geolocation consists of obtaining the centre location and the mean elevation within each footprint in a geodetic coordinate system. The elevation of Crowley Lake is recovered to an accuracy of approximately 3 cm or better from 3 km above ground level and crossover analysis indicates that the elevation estimates are consistent from pass to pass. We test our geolocation procedures by comparing laser-derived elevations with those determined in situ for recognizable ground features. A comparison of laser and GPS-derived positions shows that the horizontal accuracy is better than the diameter of the footprint and vertical accuracy is within the error inherent in the range measurement. A comparison of SLICER elevation data with digital elevation models (DEMs) of the region shows that the DEM data provides surface topography to within stated accuracy limits. Although research continues to utilize the full potential of laser altimetry data, our results constitute a successful demonstration that the technique may be used to perform geodetic monitoring of surface topographic changes.
The Impact of Data-Analysis Methods on Cumulative Research Knowledge Statistical Significance Testing, Confidence Intervals, and Meta-Analysis

The methods of data analysis used in research have a major effect on the development of cumulative knowledge. Traditional methods based on statistical significance testing have systematically retarded the growth of cumulative research by making it virtually impossible to discern the real meaning of research literatures. Meta-analysis makes it possible to demonstrate graphically the high price the research enterprise has paid for its reliance on significance testing. But in addition to these demonstrations, reform will require that researchers come to understand that the benefits they see as flowing from the use of significance tests are illusory. In research practice and in training of researchers, we must use and teach appropriate data analysis methods: point estimates of effect sizes and confidence intervals within individual studies, and meta-analysis in the integration of multiple studies to produce final conclusions. These reforms are essential to the progress of cumulative research knowledge.
Flight test and certification plans for low-cost distributed control-by-light systems

Raytheon has developed and is certifying fault-tolerant low-cost distributed Control-By-Light technology for use in the next generation of civil, regional, and general aviation aircraft. Distributed control-by-light holds significant promise when applied to complex sensor/actuator systems such as aircraft controls. The CBL system replaces mechanical, hydraulic and electrical controls presently used to monitor, control and display flight, engine, and utility functions, and has substantial weight, cost, safety, and performance advantages over today's mechanical and fly-by-wire techniques. This paper describes the system concepts, configuration, and flight test program conducted with Raytheon Aircraft Company, and outlines the formal certification program now underway.
Dosimetric impact of source-positioning uncertainty in high-dose-rate balloon brachytherapy of breast cancer.

PURPOSE To evaluate the dosimetric impact of source-positioning uncertainty in high-dose-rate (HDR) balloon brachytherapy of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS For 49 HDR balloon patients, each dwell position of catheter(s) was manually shifted distally (+) and proximally (-) with a magnitude from 1 to 4 mm. Total 392 plans were retrospectively generated and compared to corresponding clinical plans using 7 dosimetric parameters: dose (D95) to 95% of planning target volume for evaluation (PTV_EVAL), and volume covered by 100% and 90% of the prescribed dose (PD) (V100 and V90); skin and rib maximum point dose (Dmax); normal breast tissue volume receiving 150% and 200% of PD (V150 and V200). RESULTS PTV_EVAL dosimetry deteriorated with larger average/maximum reduction (from ± 1 mm to ± 4 mm) for larger source position uncertainty (p value < 0.0001): from 1.0%/2.5%, 3.3%/5.9%, 6.3%/10.0% to 9.8%/14.5% for D95; from 1.0%/2.6%, 3.1%/5.7%, 5.8%/8.9% to 8.7%/12.3% for V100; from 0.2%/1.5%, 1.0%/4.0%, 2.7%/6.8% to 5.1%/10.3% for V90. ≥ ± 3 mm shift reduced average D95 to < 95% and average V100 to < 90%. While skin and rib Dmax change was case-specific, its absolute change (∣Δ(Value)∣) showed that larger shift and high dose group had larger variation compared to smaller and lower dose group (p value < 0.0001), respectively. Normal breast tissue V150 variation was case-specific and small. Average ∣Δ(V150)∣ was 0.2 cc for the largest shift (± 4 mm) with maximum < 1.7 cc. V200 was increased with higher elevation for larger shift: from 6.4 cc/9.8 cc, 7.0 cc/10.1 cc, 8.0 cc/11.3 cc to 9.2 cc/ 13.0 cc. CONCLUSIONS The tolerance of ± 2 mm recommended by AAPM TG 56 is clinically acceptable in most clinical cases. However, special attention should be paid to a case where both skin and rib are located proximally to balloon, and the orientation of balloon catheter(s) is vertical to these critical structures. In this case, sufficient dosimetric planning margins are required.
Exploratory synthesis of reduced rare-earth-metal halides, chalcogenides, intermetallics: New compounds, structures, and properties

Abstract A new direction in reduced rare-earth-metal (R) compounds opened up when tantalum (and niobium) were adapted to use as virtually faultless containers for these reactions, as these gave immediate access to many new metal-rich phases and structures. Examples are summarized for the new binary dihalides (e.g., Pr, Nd, Dy, Ho, Tm), metallic diodides (Sc, La, Ce, Gd), and metal–metal bonded chains (Sc, Y, Gd, Lu) that were so discovered. Furthermore, a large array of condensed metal cluster, chain, and sheet halides arise when a stoichiometric amount of a diverse variety of nonmetal or metal atoms is included to serve as an interstitial, the earliest examples originating with traces of common impurities. A change in anion charge type to telluride affords a whole new regime of condensed metal-rich cluster compounds and structures, including such remarkable examples as (Sc, Gd, Dy)2Te, Lu11Te4, Lu8Te, and Sc6PdTe2. Also, a number of novel Zintl phases, interstitial derivatives of the type R5Ge3Z, quasicrystals, and their approximants are generated in other intermetallic systems. Generalities in structures and bonding are described along the way.
Survey of Staff Positions in Academic Hematology in 1971

A minimal estimate of the number of positions in academic hematology in the United States was 1159 of which 10% were unfilled in the fall of 1971. Exclusive of positions in federal institutions (Veterans Administration and military hospitals), 72% of the salary support for filled positions was derived from "hard money", and similar nogrant sources were available for the support of 74% of the salaries for unfilled positions. Private institutions had slightly less "hard money" salary support than did public institutions. A probable maximum of one-third of the positions now supported by grants would be supported by "hard money" were grant support to terminate. The numbers of positions in academic hematology tripled in the 11 yr from 1960 to 1971. Because of the staffing needs for new medical schools, and the expansion of classes in existing medical schools as well as the need for physician-scientists in the developing programs in oncology and sickle cell disease, the growth of hematology will probably continue, albeit at a slower rate. Academic hematologists’ research interests were divided among several areas. The primary interests of the largest numbers of researchers were oncology, red blood cells, hemostasis and coagulation, and immunohematology. Attention was directed to the rather small numbers of academic hematologists with research interests in blood banking, clinical laboratories, and nutrition. It is not clear whether efficient development of larger programs in oncology and sickle cell disease will require more academic hematologists with experience in these areas than are now available. These data do not provide information about the overall national needs for hematologists in service laboratories in nonacademic institutions or in the delivery of health care. Nor do they provide the basis for any recommendations about the size or composition of divisions of hematology in medical schools. They do provide the first overall appraisal of the size, funding, and research areas in academic hematology in this country.
Direct higher order fuzzy rule-based classification system: Application in mortality prediction

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and is ranked third among death causes across all age groups. This paper presents a novel fuzzy rule-based classification approach based on the concept of General Type-2 Fuzzy sets to predict mortality for trauma patients. In this approach each rule in the rule-base has an IF and a THEN part and parameters of the IF part (antecedents) are automatically extracted using powerful general type-2 fuzzy clustering algorithms which enables the model to deal with noisy and/or missing data. To verify efficacy of the proposed model, it has been implemented on several publicly available datasets. Finally, it is used to predict mortality among patients having traumatic injuries based on a large clinical dataset. Accuracy results demonstrate superior capabilities of the proposed approach compared to crisp and fuzzy classification methods in the literature.
Volume regulation in cultured cells derived from human retinal pigment epithelium

To characterize volume regulatory mechanisms, unidirectional Rb+ efflux and influx, unidirectional Cl- influx, and cell volume were measured in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE). The HRPE was found to be capable of both regulatory volume increase (RVI), in response to a hypertonic challenge, and regulatory volume decrease (RVD), in response to a hypotonic challenge. Bumetanide-sensitive Rb+ influx increased almost threefold on incubation in a hypertonic (390 mosmol/kgH2O) medium. Bumetanide-insensitive Rb+ influx was activated by hypotonic (190 mosmol/kgH2O) challenge as well as by treatment with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Exposure to hypotonic media also activated unidirectional Cl- influx and unidirectional Rb+ efflux. Both the RVD and hypotonically activated Rb+ efflux were inhibited by the K(+)-channel blocker barium. On the other hand, hypotonically activated Rb+ influx was increased by barium treatment. In sum, the HRPE exhibits volume-sensitive transport mechanisms over a range of volumes from 190 to 390 mosmol/kgH2O. Cultured HRPE possess hypertonically activated Na-K-Cl cotransport, hypotonically activated K-Cl cotransport, and a barium-inhibitable hypotonically activated K+ efflux pathway.
The first crystal structures of six- and seven-membered tellurium- and nitrogen-containing (Te-N) heterocycles: 2H-1,4-benzotellurazin-3(4H)-one and 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzotellurazepin-4(5H)-one.

There is a paucity of data concerning the structures of six- and seven-membered tellurium- and nitrogen-containing (Te-N) heterocycles. The title compounds, C8H7NOTe, (I), and C9H9NOTe, (II), represent the first structurally characterized members of their respective classes. Both crystallize with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. When compared to their sulfur analogs, they exhibit slightly greater deviations from planarity to accommodate the larger chalcogenide atom, with (II) adopting a pronounced twist-boat conformation. The C-Te-C angles of 85.49 (15) and 85.89 (15)° for the two independent molecules of (I) were found to be somewhat smaller than those of 97.4 (2) and 97.77 (19)° for the two independent molecules of (II). The C-Te bond lengths [2.109 (4)-2.158 (5) A] are in good agreement with those predicted by the covalent radii. Intermolecular N-H...O hydrogen bonding in (I) forms centrosymmetric R2(2)(8) dimers, while that in (II) forms chains. In addition, intermolecular Te...O contacts [3.159 (3)-3.200 (3) A] exist in (I).
Automated segmentation of MS lesions in FLAIR, DIR and T2-w MR images via an information theoretic approach

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a vital tool in the diagnosis and characterization of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS lesions can be imaged with relatively high contrast using either Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) or Double Inversion Recovery (DIR). Automated segmentation and accurate tracking of MS lesions from MRI remains a challenging problem. Here, an information theoretic approach to cluster the voxels in pseudo-colorized multispectral MR data (FLAIR, DIR, T2-weighted) is utilized to automatically segment MS lesions of various sizes and noise levels. The Improved Jump Method (IJM) clustering, assisted by edge suppression, is applied to the segmentation of white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and MS lesions, if present, into a subset of slices determined to be the best MS lesion candidates via Otsu’s method. From this preliminary clustering, the modal data values for the tissues can be determined. A Euclidean distance is then used to estimate the fuzzy memberships of each brain voxel for all tissue types and their 50/50 partial volumes. From these estimates, binary discrete and fuzzy MS lesion masks are constructed. Validation is provided by using three synthetic MS lesions brains (mild, moderate and severe) with labeled ground truths. The MS lesions of mild, moderate and severe designations were detected with a sensitivity of 83.2%, and 88.5%, and 94.5%, and with the corresponding Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.7098, 0.8739, and 0.8266, respectively. The effect of MRI noise is also examined by simulated noise and the application of a bilateral filter in preprocessing.
In vitro studies of protein transfer across human fetal membranes.

SummaryMaternal sera were dialyzed in vitro across individual or combined fetal membranes to elucidate the functions of the membranes in protein transport. Concentration of individual proteins in the dialyzates obtained, closely resembled the composition of amniotic fluid. Results of these in vitro studies indicate that the fetal membranes are able to select protein molecules for passage not only according to size, but also on the basis of their chemical structure.
Segmental Analysis of Cardiac Short-Axis Views Using Lagrangian Radial and Circumferential Strain:

Accurate description of myocardial deformation in the left ventricle is a three-dimensional problem, requiring three normal strain components along its natural axis, that is, longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strains. Although longitudinal strains are best estimated from long-axis views, radial and circumferential strains are best depicted in short-axis views. An algorithm that utilizes a polar grid for short-axis views previously developed in our laboratory for a Lagrangian description of tissue deformation is utilized for radial and circumferential displacement and strain estimation. Deformation of the myocardial wall, utilizing numerical simulations with ANSYS, and a finite-element analysis-based canine heart model were adapted as the input to a frequency-domain ultrasound simulation program to generate radiofrequency echo signals. Clinical in vivo data were also acquired from a healthy volunteer. Local displacements estimated along and perpendicular to the ultrasound beam propagation direction are then transformed into radial and circumferential displacements and strains using the polar grid based on a pre-determined centroid location. Lagrangian strain variations demonstrate good agreement with the ideal strain when compared with Eulerian results. Lagrangian radial and circumferential strain estimation results are also demonstrated for experimental data on a healthy volunteer. Lagrangian radial and circumferential strain tracking provide accurate results with the assistance of the polar grid, as demonstrated using both numerical simulations and in vivo study.
Analysis of capillary geometry in rat subepicardium and subendocardium.

The sustained high-energy turnover of cardiac muscle presents a formidable challenge to the O2 delivery systems. One major determinant of blood-tissue gas exchange potential is capillary surface area per volume of muscle fiber, Sv(c,f). Estimation of Sv(c,f) necessitates quantification of capillary orientation. Capillary geometry was analyzed systematically in subepi- (epi) and subendocardium (endo) of glutaraldehyde perfusion-fixed rat heart (n = 4). On 1-micron sections cut rigorously transverse and longitudinal to the muscle fiber axis we determined capillary number per fiber square millimeter on transverse, QA(0), and longitudinal, QA(pi/2), sections, capillary diameter, d(c), fiber cross-sectional area, a(f), and sarcomere length, l. Sv(c,f) was computed as pi.d(c).Jv(c,f), where Jv(c,f) is capillary length per fiber volume determined on the basis of a directional distribution model of capillary segments (Fisher axial). Analysis of capillary density, QA(alpha), in sections taken at angles alpha [from 0 to 90 degrees (pi/2) to fiber axis] showed that the Fisher axial distribution provides a good fit to capillary segment orientation in cardiac muscle. No systematic difference was found in fiber size (epi = 269.7 +/- 28.9, endo = 283.8 +/- 16.3 microns 2), capillary diameter (epi = 4.9 +/- 0.3; endo = 4.5 +/- 0.2 microns), Jv(c,f) (epi = 6,302 +/- 558; endo = 5,957 +/- 492 mm-2), or capillary surface per volume of muscle fiber (epi = 968.1 +/- 76.5; endo = 838.2 +/- 93.0 cm-1) between epi and endo. Contribution of capillary tortuosity and branching to Jv(c,f) ranged from 6-27% (epi) and 8-21% (endo) over the small ranges of l considered (epi = 2.09-2.23; endo = 2.04-2.17 microns).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Carcinoma of the Male Urethra

Between February 1965 and November 1981 we treated 10 men with transitional or squamous cell carcinoma of the urethra. Treatment consisted of radiation therapy alone in 5 patients, operation alone in 4 and a combination of irradiation plus operation in 1. Radiation therapy produced local-regional control in 4 of the 5 patients with carcinoma of the distal or prostatic urethra, and 3 were completely free of disease at 5 years. The only complication of irradiation was urethral stricture in 3 patients, which was treated successfully by periodic urethral dilation. None of the patients treated by an operation alone or with irradiation achieved local-regional control.
Overview : phosphorylation and translation control

Protein synthesis is controlled by the phosphorylation of proteins comprising the translational apparatus. At least 12 initiation factor polypeptides, 3 elongation factors and a ribosomal protein are implicated. Stimulation of translation correlates with enhanced phosphorylation of eIF-4F, eIF-4B, eIF-2B, eIF-3 and ribosomal protein S6, whereas inhibition correlates with phosphorylation of eEF-2 and the alpha-subunit of eIF-2. Strong evidence for regulatory roles exists for eIF-2, eIF-4F and eEF-2, whereas changes in other factor activities due to phosphorylation remain to be demonstrated. Regulation of the specific activity of the translational apparatus by phosphorylation appears to be a general mechanism for the control of rates of global protein synthesis, and may also play a role in modulating the translation of specific mRNAs.
Turbulence–Radiation Interactions in Atmospheric Pressure Turbulent Flames

In this chapter the influence of radiation, as well as its interactions with turbulence, on atmospheric pressure turbulent flames is discussed. First laboratory-scale nonluminous jet diffusion flames are presented, and calculations are compared against experimental data. Special attention is given to how radiation influences flame structure, and what additional effects are due to turbulence interactions. This is followed by how radiation interacts with artificial, scaled-up flames. Similarly, radiation and TRI in small as well as scaled luminous diffusion flames and pool fires are presented. Finally, the influence of radiation on pulverized coal and oxy-fuel systems is investigated.
Intelligence and MRI Changes in Neurofibromatosis

Brain MRI changes were studied in relation to intelligence in a group of 28 children, aged 4 to 16 years, with neurofibromatosis 1.
EPR Structural Dynamics of Calmodulin-RyR Peptide Complex

We have used a combination of site-directed spin labeling and EPR spectroscopy to probe the interaction of calmodulin (CaM) with a peptide (RyRp) corresponding to the CaM-binding site on the ryanodine receptor, the muscle calcium release channel. A TOAC spin label, which is bifunctionally and stereospecifically coupled to the alpha-carbon and directly reports peptide backbone dynamics, was used to label RyRp at positions 5, 12, 18, or 25. CW-EPR showed that RyRp alone exhibits a gradient of rotational dynamics (mobility), with the N-terminal region having greater mobility than the C-terminal region. Addition of CaM restricted mobility at all four positions, while preserving the mobility gradient. In the presence of saturating Ca, the immobilization of TOAC-RyRp by CaM is further increased. A bifunctional spin label (BSL) attached stereospecifically at Cys sites i and i+4 was used to label CaM at positions 34 and 38 in the N-lobe and 106 and 110 in the C-lobe. Interspin distances measured by DEER indicated that CaM, in the absence of peptide and Ca, exists in a closed conformation, while Ca induces a shift in equilibrium toward two additional conformations, one more open and another more closed (“compact”). Addition of RyRp caused the two lobes of CaM to collapse toward each other (compact conformation), while exhibiting a broad distribution, indicating high flexibility. Removal of Ca from the complex caused increased distance between the spin labels, indicating greater lobe separation. Distances measured between BSL (on CaM) and TOAC (on RyRp) confirmed the compact but flexible conformation of the complex. These results provide insight into the structural dynamics of the Ca-dependent regulation of RyR by CaM.
Fatal reactions to administration of sulfonamide drugs

Abstract Five deaths are reported following the administration of sulfonamide drugs, three from granulocytopenia, one from hemolytic anemia, and one from liver and kidney damage. In a patient receiving 101 Gm. of sulfanilamide for scarlet fever, and in another patient receiving 64 Gm. of sulfanilamide for streptococcal sore throat, fatal granulocytopenia developed. A third case of fatal granulocytopenia occurred in a patient who was given 88.5 Gm. of sulfapyridine in the treatment of bacterial endocarditis. In two of these patients the bone marrow was examined at autopsy and showed maturation arrest of the myeloid series at the myelocyte level. A typical acute hemolytic anemia developed within three days in a patient treated for erysipelas with 25 Gm. of sulfanilamide. Interference with renal tubular function by precipitated hemoglobin derivatives was thought to be a major factor leading to death in this patient. The fifth case showed clinical evidence of severe liver and kidney damage developing after the administration of 34 Gm. of sulfanilamide for gonorrheal arthritis. Degeneration of liver cells and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium were found at autopsy.
ALVEOLAR WALL MICROMECHANICS

The site of gas exchange in the lung is the alveolar wall. Its structure supports passive diffusion of the respiratory gases by spreading the pulmonary capillary bed over an immense surface area and by having an extremely thin air/blood barrier. It enables the alveolar gas spaces to inflate and deflate by its great extensibility. Yet it remains stiff enough to withstand the severe collapsing forces of surface tension acting in tiny confines and to transmit elastic tensions throughout the network of alveolar walls, maintaining by those tensions the fine and gross configuration of the lung and a reasonable distribution of ventilation within the lung. It can modulate local ventilation by activation of its smooth muscle. The mechanical properties that meet these exacting requirements can be understood in terms of the behavior of elastic networks and the elastic properties of the wall's solid components and of pulmonary surfactant. Dysfunction at the level of the alveolar wall lies at the core of most disorders of the lung by impairing diffusion, ventilation, and perfusion.
Factors associated with the healthfulness of food shelf orders

Abstract Food shelves are placing increased emphasis on the healthfulness of the food they offer to clients. This paper presents an analysis of foods ordered from food banks by 110 food shelves in Minnesota and western Wisconsin in 2013. We examine whether and how food shelves’ Healthy Eating Index scores for ordered food are associated with food shelf size and sourcing patterns, food bank providers, food shelf policies, food shelf manager characteristics, client characteristics and community-level demographics. We find a significant positive relationship between annual order quantity and the HEI-2010 score for ordered food. We also find strong associations between characteristics of the person placing food bank orders and the healthfulness of food ordered, which suggest that training programs designed to improve these individuals’ skills and motivation for ordering a healthy assortment of foods may have an important impact. Finally, while the age structure of clients served does have a significant relationship with HEI-2010 scores, it is noteworthy that the ethnic profile of clients served by a food shelf does not have a strong relationship with the healthfulness of food ordered. This suggests that food shelves can respond successfully to wide variations in culturally based food preferences.
Scintillator performance considerations for dedicated breast computed tomography

Dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT) is an emerging clinical modality that can eliminate tissue superposition and has the potential for improved sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection and diagnosis. It is performed without physical compression of the breast. Most of the dedicated BCT systems use large-area detectors operating in cone-beam geometry and are referred to as cone-beam breast CT (CBBCT) systems. The large-area detectors in CBBCT systems are energy-integrating, indirect-type detectors employing a scintillator that converts x-ray photons to light, followed by detection of optical photons. A key consideration that determines the image quality achieved by such CBBCT systems is the choice of scintillator and its performance characteristics. In this work, a framework for analyzing the impact of the scintillator on CBBCT performance and its use for task-specific optimization of CBBCT imaging performance is described.
East Timor and Its Giant Southern Neighbor

In this chapter, Peter Murphy presents an Australian modern political view of the Australia and East Timor relationship. Through the 24 years of resistance in East Timor between 1975 and 1999, Australians of very diverse political views maintained their sympathy with the Timorese and their opposition to Australian complicity. They ranged from Communist Party activists, trade unionists, the Commando veterans, Catholics, Labor as well as Liberal people, Aboriginal leaders, and media workers. Given the security role that Australia has taken on, Australia’s leaders are challenged to respect the Timorese people. Their nationalist and democratic character has been forged by their own history, 500 years of colonialism, three decades of neo-colonialism, resistance, and aspirations to establish their own flowering culture.
Design of compact ACS feed microstrip antennafor UWB application

In this article, a compact Asymmetric Coplanar Strip (ACS) Feed Microstrip antenna has been summarized and reported. Designed antenna has very compact size of 12m × 24 mm and has been simulated over the CADFEKO EM Simulation tool. Proposed ACS antenna has been simulated against the Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) operating region with frequency of 3.10 GHz to 10.60 GHz. Simulated antenna shows <−10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth all over the UWB region and poses 90% of operating efficiency. Proposed antenna has been modeled with semicircular patch and slotting methods have been adopted for proper UWB operation. Antenna has been simulated with FR-4 dielectric substrate with effective dielectric constant of 4.4 and loss tangent of 0.02.