cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of salt on the kinetic parameters of retroviral and mammalian aspartic acid proteases

Abstract A continuous spectrophotometric method has been used to measure the rates of hydrolysis of three synthetic peptide substrates by the retroviral proteases of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and of avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) as well as the mammalian aspartic acid protease pepsin. The kinetic parameter k cat K m for these reactions is markedly increased by increasing the sodium chloride concentration. In contrast to earlier reports, no evidence for a bell-shaped dependence of the rate on sodium chloride concentration was observed up to the highest salt concentration (5.0 m ) used. Detailed kinetic analysis of the hydrolysis of the synthetic peptide Thr-Phe-Gln-Ala-Phe(NO2)-Pro-Leu-Arg-Glu-Ala catalyzed by AMV protease and by pepsin at concentrations of sodium chloride between 2 and 5 m showed that kcat remained constant, whereas Km for both enzymes and Ki for the inhibition by pepstatin A of the AMV protease-catalyzed hydrolysis decreased by ca. 65-fold under these conditions. The observation of similar sodium chloride effects on k cat K m for the homodimeric retroviral proteases and the monomeric enzyme pepsin is not consistent with a salt effect on the monomer-dimer equilibrium of the retroviral proteases. Furthermore, the lack of a salt effect on kcat also suggests that increasing the concentration of sodium chloride does not significantly alter the secondary structure nor the extent of dimerization of the retroviral proteases. The sodium chloride effect on Km and Ki is discussed in terms of a mechanism in which hydrophobic interactions between the inhibitor or substrate and the enzyme are enhanced by a salting out effect on the substrate and/or the active site region of the enzyme.
An Experimental Study of Swirling Supercritical Hydrocarbon Fuel Jets

An experimental investigation was conducted to examine the behavior of swirling supercritical hydrocarbon fuel (SCF) jets injected into nitrogen environments whose temperatures and pressures exceeded the fuel critical values. Measurements of jet full-cone angle, mass concentration field, and penetration length were made using a schlieren system; the images were captured by a high-speed digital camera and processed using the camera's software, plus MATLAB codes. Test parameters were the internal geometry of the pressure-swirl nozzle, fuel flow rate, and density ratio. The density ratio was varied by altering the reduced temperature of the injected fluid and nitrogen environment. SCF injections were studied at reduced temperatures (T jet /T crit with both reported in Kelvin) ranging between 1.01 and 1.10, a reduced pressure (P jet /P crit with both reported in bars) of 1.05, and fuel flowrates of 1.0 g/s, 2.0 g/s, and 3.0 gls. The variable internal geometry pressure-swirl atomizer produced jets having swirl numbers (SN) of 0 (straight bore), 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 (high swirl). As expected, increasing the swirl number for a SCF jet had by far the largest effect on jet cone angle, followed by a change in the density ratio; changing the fuel flow rate had very little effect. The SCF jet penetration length increased when either the fuel flow rate or density ratio increased. The mass concentration profiles demonstrated the jets to be self-similar in nature, and correlation to a Gaussian profile showed the mass concentration field to be independent of swirl number, density ratio, and fuel flow rate. Finally, it was found that there was a linear relationship between the jet half-width and the swirl number. The current study characterized the behavior of swirling hydrocarbon fuel SCF jets for the first time. Aspects of jet behavior similar to that of gas jets include: Gaussian mass concentration profiles and jet boundaries that scale with swirl number. Finally, CO 2 was found to be a suitable surrogate fluid for hydrocarbon fuels since the behavior of the hydrocarbon SCF jets was similar to that of CO 2 SCF jets.
Diagnosis of birth asphyxia on the basis of fetal pH, Apgar score, and newborn cerebral dysfunction

Imprecise diagnosis of birth asphyxia coupled with uncertainties about causal factors for neurologic abnormalities in the newborn have greatly fueled the current litigation crisis in obstetrics. Our goal was to more precisely define birth asphyxia based on fetal condition as measured by umbilical artery blood pH, Apgar scores, and neurologic condition of newborns. We selected for study 2738 patients with singleton pregnancies with cephalic presentations who were delivered of infants at term to avoid complications such as prematurity, which may affect infant outcome independent of birth condition. The basis for study of these particular patients were defined criteria for high risk and an indicated arterial cord pH value. A total of five infants demonstrated cerebral dysfunction as evidenced by seizures during the neonatal period. Infection was linked to seizures in three of these infants; one infant had neonatal asphyxia and only one infant's clinical course could be attributed solely to birth events (uterine rupture). Stratification of umbilical artery blood pH values, Apgar scores, and combinations of these dependent variables in relation to newborn clinical outcomes revealed that infants must be severely depressed at delivery before birth asphyxia can be reliably diagnosed. Such depression includes Apgar scores less than or equal to 3 at 1 and 5 minutes plus umbilical artery pH values less than 7.00.
Aortic pulse pressure is associated with the localization of coronary artery disease based on coronary flow lateralization.

American Journal of Hypertension, advance online publication 28 June 2012; doi:10.1038/ajh.2012.87
Tiny-TOF-MALDI mass spectrometry for particulate drug and explosives detection

The MALDI (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization) technique, widely used to desorb and ionize large biomolecules, is applied here to small molecules having low vapor pressure, such as drugs and explosives. Furthermore, we report the coupling of the MALDI technique with a small, highly portable tiny-TOF (fime-of-flight) mass spectrometer developed in our laboratories. This mass spectrometer is a low voltage coaxial reflectron design with a short flight tube that is specifically designed for low molecular weight substances. The reflectron is designed to operate in two different modes that provide an expremely powerful pseudo-tandem mass spectrometry capability that is crucial for field applications. Using this system we have measured mass spectral signatures for cocaine, heroine, and the explosive RDX in the sub- nanogram range. Also reported here are continued developements on advanced MALDI sampling technologies, sensitivity, and mass resolution enhancements of the tiny-TOF, further decreases in system size and weight, and concepts for field operational systems.
Molecular structure of membrane-bound rhodopsin.

WE have results which suggest a structure for the membrane-bound sensory protein, rhodopsin. This structure has novel features which are of considerable biological interest.
Colon cancer cells that are not growth inhibited by TGF-beta lack functional type I and type II TGF-beta receptors.

Objective The authors determined the molecular mechanisms for the failure of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) to inhibit the growth of SW1116 and SW48 colon cancer cell lines. Background Transforming growth factor-β is a bifunctional regulator of cell growth that typically stimulates proliferation of mesenchymal cells, but inhibits proliferation of normal epithelial cells. In the colon, TGF-β appears to arrest proliferation of enterocytes as they leave the intestinal crypt and move to the villus tip. Transforming growth factor-β actions are mediated by binding to heteromeric complexes of type I and type II TGF-β receptors. Loss of TGF-β responsiveness may contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. Methods The effects of TGF-β 1 on DNA synthesis were measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA of cultures of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (SW48) and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (SW1116) colon cell lines and a mink lung epithelial cell line (CCL-64). The effects of TGF-β on the expression of c-myc, TGF-α, and TGF-β in SW48 cells, SW1116 cells, and CCL-64 cells (c-myc only) were measured by Northern blot analysis. Expression of TGF-β receptors in the cell lines was measured using competitive binding assays, receptor affinity labelling techniques, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results Incubation with TGF-β 1 (50 ng/mL) did not decrease serum-stimulated uptake of [ 3 H]-thymidine into actively growing cultures of SW48 or SW1116 cells, but suppressed DNA synthesis of actively growing CCL-64 cells by 90%. Similarly, incubation with TGF-β 1 (12 ng/mL) for 4 hours did not substantially alter the mRNA levels of c-myc, TGF-α, and TGF-β 1 in either colon tumor cell line, although levels of c-myc mRNA in CCL-64 cells were reduced by TGF-β 1 treatment. Competitive displacement of [ 125 I]-TGF-β 1 binding detected high levels (16,500 TGF-β receptors per cell) of specific, high-affinity (200 pmol/L half-displacement) TGF-β receptors on CCL-64 cells. In marked contrast, very low levels of TGF-β 1 binding to SW1116 cells (250 receptors per cell) and SW48 cells (260 receptors per cell) were detected. Autoradiograms of CCL-64 cells affinity labelled with [ 125 I]-TGF-β 1 revealed the presence of type I, type II, and type III TGF-β receptors. No TGF-β receptors were identified on SW1116 cells, and only very low levels of the nonsignaling type III TGF-β receptors were detected on SW48 cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification detected mRNAs for type I, type II, and type III TGF-β receptors in CCL-64 cells, SW48 cells, and SW1116 cells.
Landau Damping and Dispersion of Phonon, Plasmon, and Photon Waves in Polar Semiconductors

Landau damping results from the loss of energy of collective motion to the excitation of individual particles. Well known for plasmons, it can also occur for phonons and photons, as is shown herein. For a coupled longitudinal plasmon-optical-phonon wave, it can be significant both near the phonon resonance and near the plasmon resonance. It is generally insignificant for coupled transverse photon-optical-phonon waves. These results are important for infrared spectroscopy and Raman scattering involving plasmons and optical phonons.
Full-genome scan for linkage in 50 families segregating the bipolar affective disease phenotype

A genome scan of ∼12-cM initial resolution was done on 50 of a set of 51 carefully ascertained unilineal multiplex families segregating the bipolar affective disorder phenotype. In addition to standard multipoint linkage analysis methods, a simultaneous-search algorithm was applied in an attempt to surmount the problem of genetic heterogeneity. The results revealed no linkage across the genome. The results exclude monogenic models and make it unlikely that two genes account for the disease in this sample. These results support the conclusion that at least several hundred kindreds will be required in order to establish linkage of susceptibility loci to bipolar disorder in heterogeneous populations.
Protein Evolution: When Two Become Three

Summary Bacterial signaling pathways provide wonderful systems for analyzing protein evolution in vivo . A systematic dissection of the phosphate-sensing machinery in proteobacteria shows that adaptive, not neutral, mutations disable deleterious crosstalk with closely related signaling systems.
Implications of diphenhydramine single-dose unintended ingestions in young children.

BACKGROUND Diphenhydramine is frequently used in children, but the consequences of single unintended dose exposures in young children are unknown. METHODS We evaluated 2000-2001 American Association of Poison Control Centers-Toxic Exposure Surveillance data on children exposed to diphenhydramine ingestions. RESULTS Nine hundred twenty-six cases met the inclusion criteria; 49.1% were men, mean age was 29.7 +/- 13.0 months (range, 1-72 months). Approximately 85% of unintentional exposures occurred in 1- to 3-year-old children. The mean dose ingested was 6.4 +/- 6.1 mg/kg (median, 4.6 mg/kg). Thirty-two percent of patients were symptomatic: minor (29.4%), moderate (2.9%), and severe (0.11%). There was no relationship between dose and symptom severity. Diphenhydramine dose ingestion of 7.5 mg/kg or greater was not a predictor of severity (P = 0.47) CONCLUSIONS The relationship between ingested dose and severity of symptoms was insignificant.
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of carbamazepine metabolites excreted in rat urine

A procedure for the separation and isolation of the urinary metabolites of carbamazepine by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is described. After extraction from urine, the metabolites were separated on either an analytical or semi-preparative C10 μBondapak column by gradient elution with methanol—water—acetic acid. Following derivatization the metabolites isolated by the use of the semi-preparative column were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry.
Scalable Many-Field Packet Classification on Multi-core Processors

Packet classification matches a packet header against the predefined rules in a rule set, it is a kernel function that has been studied for decades. A recent trend in packet classification is to match a large number of packet header fields. For example, the flow table lookup in Software Defined Networking (SDN) requires 15 fields of the packet header to be examined. Another trend in packet classification is to use software-based solutions employing multi-core general purpose processors and virtual machines. Although packet classification has been widely studied, most existing solutions on multi-core systems target the classic 5-field packet classification, their performance cannot be easily scaled up for a larger number of packet header fields. In this paper, we propose a decomposition-based packet classification approach, it supports large rule sets consisting of a large number of packet header fields. We first use range-tree and hashing to search each field of the input packet header individually in parallel. The partial results from all the fields are represented by bit vectors, they are merged in parallel to produce the final packet header match. We also balance the search and merge latencies, and employ software pipelining to further enhance the overall performance. We implement our approach on state-of-the-art multi-core processors, we evaluate its performance with respect to throughput and latency for rule set size ranging from 1K to 32K. Experimental results show that, for a 32K rule set, our algorithms can achieve an average processing latency of 2000 ns per packet and an overall throughput of 30 million packets per second on a state-of-the-art 16-core platform.
Distorted black hole initial data using the puncture method

We solve for single distorted black hole initial data using the puncture method, where the Hamiltonian constraint is written as an elliptic equation in R{sup 3} for the nonsingular part of the metric conformal factor. With this approach we can generate isometric and nonisometric black hole data. For the isometric case, our data are directly comparable to those obtained by Bernstein et al., who impose isometry boundary conditions at the black hole throat. Our numerical simulations are performed using a parallel multigrid elliptic equation solver with adaptive mesh refinement. Mesh refinement allows us to use high resolution around the black hole while keeping the grid boundaries far away in the asymptotic region.
Effects of channel estimation errors on in-band full-duplex MIMO radios using adaptive transmit spatial mitigation

In-band (cochannel) full-duplex multiple-Input multiple-output (MIMO) radios employ independent transmit and receive antenna arrays to enable simultaneous transmission and reception. One of the most significant challenges is the mitigation of the radio's self-interference. While there are numerous issues, such as dynamic range, that limit the ability of the radio to mitigate the interference, in this paper effects associated with self-interference channel estimation are considered. In this paper, adaptive transmit processing is used to protect the radio's receive antenna array from self-interference. We develop bounds on post-mitigation self-interference residual to provide guidance on the amount of training required to effectively remove channel estimation as a limiting concern. To allow extending the system dynamic range beyond the dynamic range of the receiver, we consider using a training signal that is lower in transmit power than the data signal. As a specific example, the three-node relay problem is explored. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the bound.
Distribution of Citrus Bud Mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) within Lemon Trees

The percentage of lemon axillary buds infested by citrus bud mite, Aceria Sheldoni (Ewing), varied with the age of twigs. Infestation declined sharply between buds on twigs that were mostly green and just beginning to develop bark (twig age 3) and buds on twigs where bark formation was more advanced and less than half of the surface was still green (twig age 4). The relative infestation of buds on young twigs (ages 0-3) varied between two groves that were studied, but, generally, green twigs that were angular in cross section rather than round (twig age 1) were as heavily infested or more so than any other twig age. New, elongating twigs (twig age 0) were infested almost as soon as they developed regardless of the time of year. Feeding damage increased as twigs aged, and accumulated feeding damage may have been largely responsible for the relatively low levels of infestation of buds from older twigs. The southern halves of the trees were significantly more infested than the northern halves. Within quadrants, the variation in infestation among buds on different twigs usually was greater than variation among buds on the same twig, suggesting a clumped distribution. The percentage of infested axillary buds was correlated with the percentage of fruit that was infested with bud mites under the calyx.
Gallstones Containing Bacteria are Biofilms: Bacterial Slime Production and Ability to Form Pigment Solids Determines Infection Severity and Bacteremia

Gallstone bacteria provide a reservoir for biliary infections. Slime production facilitates adherence, whereas β-glucuronidase and phospholipase generate colonization surface. These factors facilitate gallstone formation, but their influence on infection severity is unknown. Two hundred ninety-two patients were studied. Gallstones, bile, and blood (as applicable) were cultured. Bacteria were tested for β-glucuronidase/phospholipase production and quantitative slime production. Infection severity was correlated with bacterial factors. Bacteria were present in 43% of cases, 13% with bacteremia. Severe infections correlated directly with β-glucuronidase/phospholipase (55% with vs 13% without, P 75, P = 0.008). Low slime production and β-glucuronidase/phospholipase production were additive: Severe infections were present in 76% with both, but 10% with either or none (P 75 demonstrated bacteremia. Bacteria-laden gallstones are biofilms whose characteristics influence illness severity. Factors creating colonization surface (β-glucuronidase/phospholipase) facilitated bacteremia and severe infections; but abundant slime production, while facilitating colonization, inhibited detachment and cholangiovenous reflux. This shows how properties of the gallstone biofilm determine the severity of the associated illness.
Involvement of targeted proteolysis in plant genetic transformation by Agrobacterium.

Genetic transformation of plant cells by Agrobacterium represents a unique case of trans-kingdom DNA transfer1. During this process, Agrobacterium exports its transferred (T) DNA and several virulence (Vir) proteins into the host cell2, within which T-DNA nuclear import is mediated by VirD2 (ref. 3) and VirE2 (ref. 4) and their host cell interactors AtKAP-α5 and VIP1 (ref. 6), whereas its integration is mediated mainly by host cell proteins7,8,9. The factors involved in the uncoating of T-DNA from its cognate proteins, which occurs before integration into the host genome, are still unknown. Here, we report that VirF—one of the few known exported Vir proteins whose function in the host cell remains unknown—is involved in targeted proteolysis of VIP1 and VirE2. We show that VirF localizes to the plant cell nucleus and interacts with VIP1, a nuclear protein. VirF, which contains an F-box motif10, significantly destabilizes both VIP1 and VirE2 in yeast cells. Destabilization of VIP1 in the presence of VirF was then confirmed in planta. These results suggest that VIP1 and its cognate VirE2 are specifically targeted by the VirF-containing Skp1–Cdc53-cullin–F-box complex for proteolysis. The critical role of proteasomal degradation in Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation was also evident from inhibition of T-DNA expression by a proteasomal inhibitor.
Simple Fiber-Optic-Based Interface to Facilitate Spectroscopic Measurements in Supercritical Solvents

A new fiber-optic-based interface is described to facilitate fluorescence measurements in supercritical solvents. Steady-state and time-resolved measurements are possible, and assembly/disassembly is significantly easier compared to that required for traditional high-pressure optical cell designs.
Early Mesozoic Lacustrine Sedimentation in Culpeper Basin, Virginia, and in Deep River Basin, North Carolina: A Comparative Study: ABSTRACT

Lacustrine rocks in the Culpeper basin were deposited in open lacustrine, marginal lacustrine, and mud-flat environments. Lateral and vertical facies relationships suggest that lacustrine deposition was controlled by a complex interplay of tectonic movement and climatic change. Lacustrine units thicken stratigraphically upward and toward the fault zone that bounds the basin on the west, suggesting tectonic control on lake formation. Some lacustrine sequences show an asymmetric arrangement of facies consisting of a diastem overlain by open lacustrine black shale, followed by marginal lacustrine and mud-flat deposits. This pattern suggests rapid deepening, possibly tectonic in origin, followed by gradual shallowing. Other lacustrine sequences consist of a symmetrical arrang ment of facies representing gradual deepening followed by gradual shallowing, possibly as a result of climatic change. Preliminary work in the Deep River basin (Durham and Sanford subbasins) has shown that, at several localities, lacustrine units are present at the tops of fluvial fining-upward cycles. The lacustrine rocks include both shallow-water and mud-flat deposits. The lacustrine shales are overlain by massive, mottled units interpreted as paleosols, they coarsen upward into ripple cross-laminated and wavy-laminated siltstone and very fine-grained sandstone, or they are truncated at the top by fluvial channel scour. Lacustrine units in the Culpeper and Deep River basins contain shallow-water and mud-flat deposits. Facies relationships show that, in Culpeper basin, relatively large lakes were present, whereas in Deep River basin, many lacustrine units were deposited in shallow flood-plain lakes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1438------------
Scientific evidence by fluorescence spectrometry for safflower red on ancient Japanese textiles stored in the Shosoin Treasure House repository

Shosoin textiles, handed down from the eighth century in Nara, Japan, have entranced many peoplewith their beautiful colors made from natural dyes. Dye analysis of the Shosoin textiles, including the red carpet laid inside the workshop hall at the Todaiji Temple in Nara, used for the inauguration of the statue of the Great Buddha in the temple in 752 AD; a red undergarment and a gown with a tie-dyed design worn by craftsmen in the Todaiji Temple; and embroidered shoes belonging to Empress Komyo (701–760 AD), were conducted by excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectrometry equipped with a fiber optics probe. Comparison of the spectra to references identified safflower red (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in the red or orange areas on these original textiles. The spectrometry of the gown and the shoes offered the identification not only of safflower red but also of amur cork tree. This study finds these examples to be the oldest scientifically confirmed presence of safflower red on historic textiles at present.
Recovering Intrinsic Images from Weighted Edge Maps

Intrinsic images refer to the reflectance image and the illumination image. By separating the reflectance image and the illumination image from an observed image, the effects of shadows and variable illuminations on processes such as image segmentation and object recognition are considerable attenuated. An observed image is a product of its reflectance image and illumination image. We present an intrinsic image decomposition method for a single color image by assuming that sharp chromaticity changes results from reflectance changes. We first compute gradients on chromaticity. Then we multiply the edge maps of color intensity image of original image with the chromatic gradients and obtain weighted edge maps. Through weighted edge maps, we can distinguish the edges from reflectance and those from illumination. Finally, we reintegrate reflectance edge image and illumination edge image to recover the reflectance image and illumination image. The experimental results on real data are given.
Mitoxantrone Analogues as Ligands for a Stem–Loop Structure of Tau Pre-mRNA

A series of mitoxantrone (MTX) analogues have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for binding to and stabilizing a stem-loop structure that serves as a splicing regulatory element in the pre-mRNA of tau, which is involved in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Several compounds showed significantly improved binding activity relative to the original screening hit mitoxantrone. These findings establish essential structure-activity relationships to further optimize the activity of this promising class of compounds.
Filter Paper Column for Measuring Transient Suction Profiles in Expansive Clay

An inexpensive experimental system for measuring suction profiles during transient moisture movement processes in unsaturated expansive clays was developed. The system relies on measurements of total suction using the noncontact filter paper technique at several stations along a onedimensional soil column. Performance of the system was demonstrated for a column of compacted Ca2+-smectite undergoing evaporation at the top boundary under ambient laboratory conditions for 91 days. The system was most applicable during latter stages of drying when the rate of moisture movement was slow enough to be adequately captured by the required 7-day measurement interval and the suction values are large enough to offset scatter. Final water content and suction profiles were determined gravimetrically and compared with values obtained from the filter paper measurements. Desiccation cracking did not significantly affect the accuracy of the filter paper system. The research forms an experimental basis to develop or verify ...
Architectural optimizations for low-power, real-time speech recognition

The proliferation of computing technology to low power domains such as hand--held devices has lead to increased interest in portable interface technologies, with particular interest in speech recognition. The computational demands of robust, large vocabulary speech recognition systems, however, are currently prohibitive for such low power devices. This work begins anexploration of domain specific characteristics of speech recognition that might be exploited to achieve the requisite performance within the power constraints of such devices. We focus primarily on architectural techniques to exploit the massive amounts of potential thread level parallelism apparent in this application domain, and consider the performance / power trade-offs of such architectures. Our results show that a simple, multi-threaded, multi-pipelined processor architecture can significantly improve the performance of the time-consuming search phase of modern speech recognition algorithms, and may reduce overall energy consumption by drastically reducing dissipation of static power. We also show that the primary hurdle to achieving these performance benefits is the data request rate into the memory system, and consider some initial solutions to this problem.
Healthcare Systems and Organizations: Implications for Health Human Resources

What will the healthcare system and healthcare organizations look like in the year 2020? What requirements will they have for health human resources? This article is organized in five brief sections, beginning with looking backward to look forward and proceeding through key trends, organizational evolution by sector and future health organizations and concluding with 10 implications for health human resources.
Dusts and residues from machining and incinerating graphite/epoxy composites: A preliminary study

Abstract Preliminary laboratory experiments were carried out to obtain some informatio on the nature of potential carbon fiber emissions resulting from the machining and incineration of graphite/epoxy composites. Examination of residues by scanning electron microscopy following exposure of graphite fiber products in a laboratory furnace showed the high resistance of graphite fibers to combustion at temperatures up to 1000°C. Resins and binders in the composites are destroyed rapidly at elevated temperatures, but one can predict that the disposal of composite waste materials by conventional refuse incineration would result in the release of large amounts of both intact and partly degraded and thinned graphite fibers unless adequate particle emission control equipment is used. In other experiments, dusts generated by sawing and drilling of graphite/epoxy composites contained large numbers of fibers free of the resin matrix and generally about 50 to 100 μm in length. There was also evidence of longitudinal c...
Making policy decisions disappear into the user's workflow

Complaints of security interfering with getting work done often arise when users are distracted from their tasks to make policy decisions. We have identified what is missing from earlier security interaction designs that leads to these interruptions. Explicitly representing policy decisions in the user interface as items relevant to the application and providing application-specific controls for changing those policies has allowed us to reliably infer users' desired policy decisions from actions they take as they work. This paper describes the underlying principles and how they resulted in an interaction design that does not interfere with the user's work.
A Yoga-Based Exercise Program for People With Chronic Poststroke Hemiparesis

Background and Purpose. This was a preliminary investigation of the effects of a yoga-based exercise program on people with chronic (greater than 9 months) poststroke hemiparesis. Many people who have had a stroke report an impaired health status because of a reduced level of activity. Proponents of yoga contend that it offers a gentle alternative exercise program that can be easily adapted for people who have had a stroke. Subjects and Methods. Four subjects with chronic poststroke hemiparesis participated in this single-case study. The primary outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Movement Battery (TMB). A secondary outcome measure was the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The baseline testing phase varied for each subject and ranged from 4 to 7 weeks. The 8-week intervention phase consisted of 1.5-hour yoga sessions, 2 times per week, in the subject's home. The primary outcome data were collected each week, and the secondary outcome data were collected before the baseline testing phase and before and after the intervention phase. Results. Subjects 1, 2, and 4 had improved TMB scores, and subjects 3 and 4 had improved BBS scores. Discussion and Conclusion. The results suggest that yoga may be beneficial to people who have had a stroke. Further investigation is warranted to further examine the effects of yoga in this population.
Inhibition of Coronary Vasodilating Action of Dipyridamole and Adenosine by Aminophylline in the Dog

Experiments were performed to determine (1) whether intravenously administered aminophylline inhibits the coronary vasodilating effects of intravenous or intracoronary administration of dipyridamole or adenosine and (2) whether aminophylline locally administered in the coronary artery inhibits the vasodilating action of adenosine given intravenously or injected into the coronary artery. Coronary vasodilator responses to dipyridamole or adenosine were determined before and after administration of aminophylline. Intravenous aminophylline was found to inhibit coronary vasodilatation induced by intravenous or intracoronary dipyridamole or adenosine. After intravenous aminophylline, adenosine administered intravenously or into the coronary artery was 2.5 to 4 times less effective in inducing coronary vasodilatation. Aminophylline injected locally into the coronary artery was also effective in inhibiting coronary vasodilatation induced by intravenous and intracoronary adenosine. The mechanism of this inhibitory phenomenon has not been elucidated.
A multilevel signature approach for retrieval of unformed data

A multilevel signature approach for retrieval of documents from text or unformatted databases is presented. This approach provides a solution to the false drop problem by eliminating the nonqualifying documents at several levels. Each level acts as a filter which provides input to the next level. A prototype system has been developed to test the effectiveness of this approach. Each search process was separately implemented and tested over a database of 50 documents of 5 kB per document. The main purpose of these experiments was to measure the number of false drops in the first two levels. This was done by comparing the results of the first two processes to the third-level process which should result in no false drops. The experiments on the selected queries have so far shown no false drops. >
Protein ranking by semi-supervised network propagation

Biologists regularly search DNA or protein databases for sequences that share an evolutionary or functional relationship with a given query sequence. Traditional search methods, such as BLAST and PSI-BLAST, focus on detecting statistically significant pairwise sequence alignments and often miss more subtle sequence similarity. Recent work in the machine learning community has shown that exploiting the global structure of the network defined by these pairwise similarities can help detect more remote relationships than a purely local measure. We review RankProp, a ranking algorithm that exploits the global network structure of similarity relationships among proteins in a database by performing a diffusion operation on a protein similarity network with weighted edges. The original RankProp algorithm is unsupervised. Here, we describe a semi-supervised version of the algorithm that uses labeled examples. Three possible ways of incorporating label information are considered: (i) as a validation set for model selection, (ii) to learn a new network, by choosing which transfer function to use for a given query, and (iii) to estimate edge weights, which measure the probability of inferring structural similarity. Benchmarked on a human-curated database of protein structures, the original RankProp algorithm provides significant improvement over local network search algorithms such as PSI-BLAST. Furthermore, we show here that labeled data can be used to learn a network without any need for estimating parameters of the transfer function, and that diffusion on this learned network produces better results than the original RankProp algorithm with a fixed network. In order to gain maximal information from a network, labeled and unlabeled data should be used to extract both local and global structure.
Parental Advocacy Styles for Special Education Students During the Transition to Adulthood

In an ethnographic study of planning for the transition to adulthood, we explored parental advocacy styles in special education settings for youth and young adults with chronic health conditions and developmental disabilities. Of 61 parents, 43 were satisfied with outcomes in negotiations for school services for their children. We identified three parental advocacy styles for these parents: (a) high-profile parents, who insisted on specific, wide-ranging services for their children that often resulted in conflict with educators; (b) strategic parents, who negotiated for selected goals and were willing to compromise, and (c) grateful-gratifier parents, who formed close relationships with educators and trusted them to make appropriate decisions. Eighteen parents were overwhelmed, burned out, or unfocused, and generally dissatisfied with outcomes of educational planning meetings. Professional efforts to enhance parental advocacy can target development of skills and strategies that have worked for successful negotiators.
Sync and Swim: The Impact of Medication Consolidation on Adherence in Medicaid Patients

Background: Medication nonadherence is associated with higher cost of care and poor outcomes. Medication refill consolidation (synchronization of refill dates for patients on multiple drugs) is an ...
Causal and non-causal filtering for network reconstruction

In many diverse areas, determining the connectivity of various entities in a network is of significant interest. This article's main focus is on a network (graph) of nodes (vertices) that are linked via filters that represent the edges of a graph. Both cases of the links being non-causal and causal are considered. Output of each node of the graph represents a scalar stochastic process driven by an independent noise source and by a sum of filtered outputs of nodes linked to the node of interest. It is shown that the method provided will identify all true links in the network with some spurious links added. The spurious links remain local in the sense that they are added within a hop of a true link. In particular, it is proven that the method determines a link to be present only between the kins of a node where kins of a node consist of parents, children and co-parents (other parents of all of its children) in the graph. Main tools for determining the network topology is based on Wiener filtering. Another significant insight provided by the article is that the Wiener filter estimating a stochastic process, represented by a node, based on other processes in a network configuration remains local in the sense that the Wiener filter utilizes only measurements local to the node being estimated.
Application of VTB in design and testing of satellite electrical power systems

Satellite electrical power systems (SEPS) are strongly interdisciplinary, exhibit complex nonlinear behavior, and operate over a wide range of power levels. The Virtual Test Bed (VTB) provides a unified computational environment that allows rapid modeling, simulation and virtual-prototyping of such complex systems. VTB handles modeling in a comprehensive and efficient way by using both topological and mathematical descriptions. The VTB is also endowed with mechanisms to import models and to co-simulate with other standard software. This paper presents a study of two representative SEPSs to demonstrate design and testing of such systems in the VTB. The performances of Li-ion and Ni–H2 batteries are compared in a particular system. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with green light KTP laser in the management of symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (BPE): does the anatomy of the TURP-like cavity predict the clinical outcome?

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is evolving as an alternative outpatient surgical treatment to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the management of patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy/enlargement (BPH/BPE). The purported benefits of PVP include rapid vaporization of the prostate with an instant creation of TURP-like anatomic defect, an excellent hemostasis, shorter (<24 hours) duration of catheterization, short (< 24 hours) hospital stay, and quick return to work. We retrospectively reviewed the video clips of our cases to determine whether or not the anatomic appearance of the post-PVP prostatic cavity per se could predict clinical outcome. Forty-three, non-consecutive patients, diagnosed with symptomatic BPH have been treated with PVP using the 80W KTP laser and followed for at least 18 months (range 18-24). A majority (N=32) of the patients was enrolled under an Institutional Review Board approved multi-center protocol at the Hunter McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia. We reviewed the urodynamic parameters: AUA-SI, QOL, Qmax and PVR at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. We plan to present video documentations of the various anatomic appearances of the TURP-like prostatic cavity at the conclusion of the PVP treatment along with summaries of the short and long term clinical outcomes.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Brazing of Stainless Steel to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Using Gold-Based Brazes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

Two gold-base active metal brazes (gold-ABA and gold-ABA-V) were evaluated for oxidation resistance to 850 C, and used to join yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to a corrosion-resistant ferritic stainless steel for possible use in solid oxide fuel cells. Thermogravimetric analysis and optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy were used to evaluate the braze oxidation behavior, and microstructure and composition of the YSZ/braze/steel joints. Both gold-ABA and gold-ABA-V exhibited nearly linear oxidation kinetics at 850 C, with gold-ABA-V showing faster oxidation than gold-ABA. Both brazes produced metallurgically sound YSZ/steel joints due to chemical interactions of Ti and V with the YSZ and steel substrates.
High-resolution Solution Structure of Calcium-loaded Calbindin D9k

Abstract The three-dimensional solution structure of calcium-loaded calbindin D 9k has been determined using experimental constraints obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A total of 1176 constraints (16 per residue overall, 32 per residue for the core residues) was used for the final refinement, including 1002 distance and 174 dihedral angle constraints. In addition, 23 hydrogen bond constraints were used for the generation of initial structures. Stereospecific assignments were made for 37 of 61 (61%) prochiral methylene protons and the methyl groups of all three valine residues and five out of 12 leucine residues. These constraints were used as input for a series of calculations of three-dimensional structures using a combination of distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics. The 33 best structures selected for further analysis have no distance constraint violations greater than 0·3 A and good local geometries as reflected by low total energies (⩽-1014 kcal/mol in the AMBER 4.0 force field). The core of the protein consists of four well-defined helices with root-mean-square deviations from the average of 0·45 A for the N, Cα and C′ backbone atoms. These helices are packed in an antiparallel fashion to form two helix-loop-helix calcium-binding motifs, termed EF-hands. The two EF-hands are joined at one end by a ten-residue linker segment, and at the other by a short β-type interaction between the two calcium-binding loops. Overall, the average solution structure of calbindin D 9k is very similar to the crystal structure, with a pairwise root-mean-square deviation of 0·85 A for the N, Cα and C′ backbone atoms of the four helices. The differences that are observed between the solution and the crystal structures are attributed to specific crystal contacts, increased side-chain flexibility in solution, or artifacts arising from molecular dynamics refinement of the solution structures in vacuo.
Impact of an integrated dose infusion system on the PET/CT imaging process

2078 Objectives Measure changes in cost, labor and other potential process and medical care changes resulting from use of the MEDRAD Intego(TM) integrated dose infusion system. Methods Eleven relevant performance measures were tracked by work sampling techniques in a two-scanner department performing about 25 daily patient examinations. Sample baseline conventional dose administration practices were recorded. Error log analysis and process re-engineering facilitated training and optimization of the new process. After optimization, sample examinations were compared. Staffing patterns during the allocated time for sampling focused on two of the five technical staff. About 50 cycles were recorded for most measures, for a confidence level of about 0.9. The study was not designed to compare radiation exposure rates to staff. Results The integrated system merged the dose determination and verification steps, and patient administration, serving up to two patients in parallel. Time savings for the sample included change in an infusion segment index from 11.22(SD5.56) min to 6.43(SD 1.04) min, and set up and verification savings projected to 25.7 min daily. Variability from the prescribed dose to the patient was virtually eliminated. Technologist distance travelled was reduced by 14.6%, potentially more with minor architectural changes. The repeated lifting of a 10kg dose box was eliminated. Incidental supply costs increased 6x to $11.93 per patient. Dose extravasation rates remained zero. Conclusions An integrated dose system improved pace and accuracy in a busy clinical PET department. Staff time, physical labor, and distractions were saved. Research Support Partially supported by MEDRAD, Inc. (2103102300
Conflict and Community: Butler's Precarious Life and Land Use Hearings

(2008). Conflict and Community: Butler's Precarious Life and Land Use Hearings. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 246-252.
Human Performance Technology Blooms in the High Desert

As our first presentation in a series of academic program profiles, we are pleased to present the Organization, Information, and Learning Science (OILS) program at the University of New Mexico (UMN). The OILS program began in the 1980s as a vocational education program and has evolved into a program that focuses on human performance technology (HPT), instructional design (ID), and learning sciences. The OILS program is organizationally a part of the College of University Libraries and Learning Science. The library faculty brings positive synergy to OILS in terms of data management and information technology, research, education, and applied practices. The program offers an undergraduate degree as well as masters and doctoral degrees. It is very rare to provide an undergraduate degree in the HPT and ID fields, and the OILS program is proud of these pioneering efforts. OILS has a pragmatic tradition. The faculty members of OILS and its graduate students have conducted scholastic and practical research projects in HPT, ID, and learning sciences. Coursework emphasis is on cultivating students’ capabilities for excellent performance in the workplace. The program has a strong network within the local community with local employers as well as with local chapters of professional societies. The present demographics in the State of New Mexico in terms of the majority-minority status are similar to the overall demographics that the United States as a whole will face within the next 30 years. OILS is an innovative program. – Sung “Pil” Kang, PhD and Yeol Huh, PhD, column editors