cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Covalent attachment of lipid vesicles to a fluid-supported bilayer allows observation of DNA-mediated vesicle interactions.

Specific membrane interactions such as lipid vesicle docking and fusion can be mediated by synthetic DNA−lipid conjugates as a model for the protein-driven processes that are ubiquitous in biological systems. Here we present a method of tethering vesicles to a supported lipid bilayer that allows the simultaneous deposition of cognate vesicle partners displaying complementary DNA, resulting in well-mixed populations of tethered vesicles that are laterally mobile. Vesicles are covalently attached to a supporting lipid bilayer using a DNA-templated click reaction; then DNA-mediated interactions between tethered vesicles are triggered by spiking the salt concentration. These interactions, such as docking and fusion, can then be observed for individual vesicles as they collide on the surface. The architecture of this new system also permits control over the number of lipid anchors that tether the vesicle to the supporting bilayer. The diffusion coefficient of tethered vesicles anchored by two lipids is approxi...
An effective quantum potential for particle–particle interactions in three-dimensional semiconductor device simulations

The classical Coulomb potential and force can be calculated efficiently using fast multi-pole methods. Effective quantum potentials, however, describe the physics of electron transport in semiconductors more precisely. Such an effective quantum potential was derived previously for the interaction of an electron with a barrier for use in particle-based Monte Carlo semiconductor device simulators. The method is based on a perturbation theory around thermodynamic equilibrium and leads to an effective potential scheme in which the size of the electron depends upon its energy and which is parameter-free. Here we extend the method to electron-electron interactions and show how the effective quantum potential can be evaluated efficiently in the context of many-body problems. Finally several examples illustrate how the momentum of the electrons changes the classical potential.
Brokering Playing Fields: Latinos and La Liga De Fútbol in Raleigh, NC

The 2000 US Census confirmed that North Carolina has been the recipient of a rapid increase in Latino residents since 1990. The explosion in Latino migrants (primarily from Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras) has been so sudden and rapid that many communities have not been able to respond fast enough to handle the needs and special problems presented by this new, young, ethnic population. Local institutions such as police departments, courts, schools, and medical clinics have had to hire bilingual police, find translators for courts, and to train English as a Second Language (ESL)-certified teachers. Much already has been written about these issues and problems in other areas of the United States. However, one issue that has been rarely mentioned and researched is how Latinos and US Americans accommodate regarding access to sports activities and facilities.
Signalled reinforcement in differential-reinforcement-of-low rate schedules.

At several fixed and variable minimum reinforced interresponse times, a stimulus was added to differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate schedules to signal the availability or nonavailability of reinforcement. As the minimum reinforced interresponse time increased, the rate of unreinforced responding decreased. Changing from fixed to variable minimum interresponse time in the basic differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate schedule further decreased the rate of unreinforced responding. Both effects were to some degree reversible. For fixed minimum reinforced interresponse times of 30 sec or shorter, most unreinforced responses terminated interresponse times just short of that required for reinforcement. The minimum reinforced interresponse time and the number of short response latencies (≤0.5 sec) to the onset of the signal were negatively correlated. Both of these analyses suggested that at values of 30 sec or shorter, the subjects discriminated the availability of the reinforcer more on the basis of time than on the basis of presence or absence of the signal.
Using LysoSensor Yellow/Blue DND-160 to sense acidic pH under high hydrostatic pressures

Abstract LysoSensor Yellow/Blue DND-160, a dual-wavelength fluorophore commonly used for sensing pH in acidic organelles, possesses solvatochromic behavior believed to originate from an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Given this, we investigated whether DND-160 can be used for acidic pH sensing under hydrostatic pressures up to 510 atm, a range suitable for studying a wide variety of cellular processes. We found that the emission spectrum of the protonated form does not exhibit sensitivity to pressure, whereas the deprotonated form shows a piezochromic shift consistent with increased ICT character. Although pressure effects on the apparent p K a are buffer solvent dependent, DND-160 retains two-state behavior, making it a useful acidic pH probe under pressure.
Understanding Factors Contributing to Low Oxygen Delignification of Hardwood Kraft Pulps

Abstract We observed that the O2 delignification pattern of aspen kraft pulps was distinctly different from that of pine pulps based on a reduction in the apparent pulp kappa number. Much of this phenomenon can be attributed to the variation of the residual extractives and hexeneuronic acid (HexA) unit content in the unbleached and O2‐delignified pulps, as they interfered with the conventional lignin determination methods. However, after a correction for contributions from these non‐lignin components, the hardwood kraft pulps still displayed a lower response to O2 delignification than the pine pulps. It appears that the relative reactivity of residual lignin in the hardwood and softwood pulps differs appreciably with the extent of kraft delignification, and is a significant factor affecting the overall O2 delignification reaction.
Visits to the college health service for alcohol-related injuries

Abstract A study of alcohol-related injuries presenting to the local emergency room and the campus health service indicated an annualized rate of 25.16 injuries per thousand students. Twenty-four percent of injuries presenting to the emergency room were assessed as alcohol-related; another 6% were listed as being “suspected.” Less than 4% of the injuries presenting to the campus health service were assessed as alcohol-related, and a similar number were listed as “suspected.” Males had a significantly higher rate of alcohol-related injuries than females, and undergraduates had a higher rate than graduate students. Differences among the undergraduate classes were not significant. An investigation of the time of presentation indicated that most alcohol-related injuries occurred after hours and on weekends.
Chest Wall Sarcomas are Accurately Diagnosed by Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy

Objective Sarcomas are rare mesenchymal malignancies. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is a prerequisite in considering investigational or institutional management algorithms that include neoadjuvant treatment. We reviewed our experience using core needle biopsy for chest wall sarcomas. Methods A retrospective review of our sarcoma databases revealed that 40 core needle biopsies and 35 tumor resections were performed in 34 patients, with chest wall musculoskeletal tumors, referred to the University of California, Los Angeles from 1991 to 2010. Primary, metastatic, or recurrent sarcomas involving the sternum, ribs, and soft tissues of the chest wall were evaluated for (1) adequacy of tissue from image-guided core needle biopsies and (2) accuracy in determining malignancy, histological subtype, and sarcoma grade. Results Twenty-eight of the 40 needle biopsy samples (70%) were adequate for histopathological analysis. Forty-two percent of nondiagnostic findings occurred due to insufficient tissue, whereas the remainder had sufficient tissue, but the pathologist was unable to determine specific histology. Excluding the nondiagnostic samples, the accuracy in determining malignancy, histological subtype, and grade in sarcomas was 100, 92, and 87%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of determining malignancy and high-grade sarcomas were 100, 100, 77, and 100%, respectively. There were no complications from the image-guided biopsies. Conclusions We demonstrated that image-guided core needle biopsy when performed and reviewed by experienced radiologists and musculoskeletal pathologists is a safe and accurate diagnostic technique for chest wall sarcomas. Core needle biopsy should be considered in the multidisciplinary approach to chest wall musculoskeletal tumors, especially when induction therapy is considered.
Late outcomes of drug‐eluting versus bare metal stents in saphenous vein grafts: Propensity score analysis

Objective: To compare late outcomes with the routine use of drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) during percutaneous intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). Background: Safety concerns >1 year from stent implantation have been raised about DES used for PCI of SVGs in a small randomized clinical trial. However, there are few studies comparing late outcomes of DES and BMS in routine clinical practice. Methods: Clinical outcomes (nonfatal MI, cardiac mortality) were assessed in 74 consecutive patients who received BMS and 74 consecutive propensity score matched patients that received DES for PCI of SVGs. Clinical follow-up was censored at 2 years ± 30 days for both stent groups. Results: At 2 years, the hazard ratio for DES compared with BMS for PCI of SVGs for target vessel revascularization was 0.54 (0.21–1.36), nonfatal MI or cardiac death was 0.68 (0.27–1.68), cardiac mortality 1.19 (0.32–4.45), and stent thrombosis 0.49 (0.09–2.66). Similar outcomes were observed stratified by propensity score quintile. Conclusions: The routine clinical use of DES for PCI of SVGs was associated with a safety profile that was similar to that of bare metal stents with a clear trend toward a less frequent need for reinterventions. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Translation of capped and uncapped VSV mRNAs in the presence of initiation factors from poliovirus-infected cells

Abstract Initiation factor preparations from poliovirus-infected cells have been shown to support the translation of poliovirus RNA in vitro , but they fail to stimulate initiation of translation of other mRNAs. In this study, the role of the m 7 G cap group on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) mRNAs has been evaluated with respect to the ability of initiation factors from poliovirus-infected cells to discriminate against its translation. A series of uncapped and/or unmethylated VSV mRNAs was prepared and their translation in vitro was analyzed. Each was compared with capped and methylated VSV mRNA and with poliovirus RNA for its recognition by initiation factors from uninfected or poliovirus-infected HeLa cells. The results show that the capped 5′ terminus of mRNA is not the sole basis for recognition and discrimination by poliovirus-altered initiation factors.
Predictive, optimized numerical simulation of microwave generation in complex geometries with real materials

Summary form only given. Predictive numerical simulation of microwave generation and plasma interactions requires resolution of multiple length and time scales in complex 3-dimensional geometries. The Particle-in-Cell (PIC) method for the numerical formulation of the basic governing equations is a well-understood and reliable approach if we are able to assume that short-range collisional effects are on average small. Particle collisions can be included in the PIC formulation through the use of Monte Carlo Collision models, and non-linear materials for which the permittivity depends on the strength of applied fields can be incorporated into the PIC formulation if proper attention is paid to issues of numerical stability of the expanded set of governing equations. Accurate modeling of time-dependent physics in complex geometries requires careful formulation of the numerical equations and the dynamic ability to evolve the image of a decomposed domain across thousands of computational cores.
Real-time scheduling of divisible loads in cluster computing environments

Cluster computing has become an important paradigm for solving large-scale problems. To enhance the quality of service (QoS) and provide performance guarantees in a cluster computing environment, various real-time scheduling algorithms and workload models have been investigated. Computational loads that can be arbitrarily divided into independent tasks represent many real-world applications. However, the problem of providing performance guarantees to divisible load applications has only recently been studied systematically. In this work, three important and necessary design decisions, (1) workload partitioning, (2) node assignment, and (3) task execution order, are identified for real-time divisible load scheduling. A scheduling framework that can configure different policies for each of the three design decisions is proposed and used to generate various algorithms. This paper systematically studies these algorithms and identifies scenarios where the choices of design parameters have significant effects.
Electrically induced atrial tachycardia with block. A therapeutic application of permanent radiofrequency atrial pacing.

Atrial tachycardia with block was induced by rapid atrial pacing in a patient with refractory supraventricular tachycardia in an effort to control the ventricular rate. It was initially decided to induce atrial fibrillation as necessary with the use of a permanent radiofrequency-controlled atrial pacemaker. Several days after implantation of the pacemaker, however, rapid atrial pacing produced atrial tachycardia with atrioventricular block rather than atrial fibrillation. Despite this apparent failure, the ventricular rate has been adequately controlled by rapid atrial pacing for the past 9 months. Intermittent induction of atrial tachycardia with block with a permanent radiofrequency atrial pacemaker may represent a useful approach to the treatment of patients with refractory supraventricular tachycardia.
3D-ICs with self-healing capability for thermal effects in RF circuits

In this paper, a new self-healing methodology is proposed for designing 3D-ICs with self-correctable circuits for thermal effects. Therefore, this methodology enables 3D-ICs to work properly without designing/introducing sophisticated heat removing capabilities around them. It is important to note that the proposed methodology is independent to the process node technologies (CMOS or BJT) and can be used for several kinds of circuits. In addition, this self-healing methodology for thermal effects is not limited to 3D-ICs; this methodology can also be implemented in the conventional 2D-ICs for their better performance in harsh temperature conditions. In the proposed methodology, the temperature or heat around the circuit is monitored using the on-chip sensor. After sensing heat, the circuit is calibrated in the right direction to avoid any performance degradation because of the thermal effects. In this paper, the algorithm to calibrate the circuit is proposed and in addition to that a simple on-chip sensor is presented to achieve the self-healing. The proposed methodology is demonstrated by designing RF LNA and RF Oscillator. To the authors best knowledge this is the first work on self-healing in the area of 3D-ICs for thermal effects.
Documenting the Struggles of African American Scholars in Higher Education

Stephanie Y. Evans. Black Women in the Ivory Tower, 1850–1954: An Intellectual History . Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2008. 288 pp., $24.95, ISBN 978-0813032689. Melissa Kean. Desegreg...
The Developmental Remodeling of Eye‐Specific Afferents in the Ferret Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Eye-specific projections to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) serve as a model for exploring how precise patterns of circuitry form during development in the mammalian central nervous system. Using a combination of dual-label anterograde retinogeniculate tracing and Nissl-staining, we studied the patterns of eye-specific afferents and cellular laminae in the dLGN of the pigmented sable ferret at eight developmental timepoints between birth and adulthood. Each time point was investigated in the three standard orthogonal planes of section, allowing us to generate a complete anatomical map of eye-specific development in this species. We find that eye-specific retinal ganglion cell axon segregation varies according to location in the dLGN, with the principle contralateral (A) and ipsilateral layers (A1) maturing first, followed by the contralateral and ipsilateral C laminae. Cytoarchitectural lamination lags behind eye-specific segregation, except in the C laminae where underlying cellular layers never develop to accompany eye-specific afferent domains. The emergence of On/Off sublaminae occurs following eye-specific segregation in this species. On the basis of these findings, we constructed a three-dimensional map of eye-specific channels in the developing and mature ferret dLGN.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Regulatesα vβ5 Integrin Expression by Osteoclast Precursors in Vitro and in Vivo1

Early osteoclast precursors, in the form of murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), while expressing no detectableα vβ3 integrin, contain abundantα vβ5 and attach to matrix in anα v integrin-dependent manner. Furthermore,α vβ5 expression by osteoclast precursors progressively falls as they assume the resorptive phenotype. We find the osteoclastogenic agent, tumor necrosis factor-α, (TNF) down-regulates αvβ5 expression by BMMS via attenuation of β5 messenger RNA (mRNA) t1/2. Using BMMs from TNF receptor knockout mice we establish the p55 receptor transmits the β5 suppressive effect. The functional implications of TNF-mediated αvβ5 down-regulation are underscored by the capacity of an αv inhibitory peptide mimetic to prevent spreading by BMMs expressing abundantα vβ5 while failing to impact those in which the integrin has been diminished by TNF. Finally, β5 mRNA in BMMs of wild-type mice administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) progressively falls with time of in vivo treatment. Alternatively, β5 mRNA does not ...
Take One for the Team? Influence of Team and Individual Sport Participation on High School Athlete Substance Use Patterns.

The current Web-based survey investigated the association between team or individual sport participation (or both) and self-reported alcohol and tobacco use among high school athletes (N = 1,275) transitioning to college. Peak blood alcohol concentration, weekly drinking, and alcohol-related problems were significantly lower among athletes in individual sports compared to other groups. Athletes competing in both team and individual sports reported greater lifetime tobacco use and combined alcohol/tobacco use compared to individual or team sports alone. Preventive strategies targeting high school athletes in general and those participating in team sports in particular may be useful in minimizing future alcohol use and related problems.
Systematic error-correcting codes for rank modulation

The rank modulation scheme has been proposed recently for efficiently writing and storing data in nonvolatile memories. Error-correcting codes are very important for rank modulation, and they have attracted interest among researchers. In this work, we explore a new approach, systematic error-correcting codes for rank modulation. In an (n, k) systematic code, we use the permutation induced by the levels of n cells to store data, and the permutation induced by the first k cells (k < n) has a one-to-one mapping to information bits. Systematic codes have the benefits of enabling efficient information retrieval and potentially supporting more efficient encoding and decoding procedures. We study systematic codes for rank modulation equipped with the Kendall's τ-distance. We present (k + 2, k) systematic codes for correcting one error, which have optimal sizes unless perfect codes exist. We also study the design of multi-error-correcting codes, and prove that for any 2 ≤ k < n, there always exists an (n, k) systematic code of minimum distance n-k. Furthermore, we prove that for rank modulation, systematic codes achieve the same capacity as general error-correcting codes.
A correlation between sensitization to gamma-rays by purine starvation and the rec genes in Escherichia coli K-12.

After purine staration the recombination proficient (Rec+) strains of E. coli K-12 tested were sensitized to inactivation by gamma-rays (Figs. 1–4). No such change was noted in the Rec− strains tested (Fig. 5). These results suggest that purine starvation may sensitize cells to ionizing radiation by inhibiting repair controlled by the recA, recB and recC genes.
Allocative Consequences of Pot Limits in the Bristol Bay Red King Crab Fishery: An Economic Analysis

Abstract Alaska's Bristol Bay fishery for red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus is an example of a high-value, high-effort fishery characterized by short seasons and difficult in-season management. Pot limits are viewed as one potential way of reducing management problems. Two pot limit schemes were considered here: fixed pot limits, where each vessel is limited to the same number of pots, and proportional reduction requirements, where each vessel must reduce its number of pots (determined by past registration) by the same percentage. Production functions relating vessel performance to pot numbers were estimated. These models were subsequently employed in model simulations to evaluate potential effects various pot limit regulations may have on fleet performance, Results of this study suggest that the 1992 decision of the Alaska Board of Fisheries to implement a fixed limit of 250 pots per vessel in the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery (a decision that since has been revoked) may have conflicted with t...
Automated design of truss and frame geometry

Abstract It is shown that the optimization of truss and frame structures where layout geometry variables are included as design variables is inherently poorly scaled and that a two-step procedure can be used to overcome this problem. Using a standard optimization package this procedure is used to find the optimal geometry and sizing of a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional frame structure.
BETA-NITROPROPIONIC ACID AND NITRITE IN RELATION TO NITRATE FORMATION BY ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS.

β-nitropropionic acid (BNP) was converted to nitrate in media inoculated with A. flavus spores or with replacement cultures of mycelium pregrown in glucose-peptone medium. Conversion by replacement cultures was rapid: 8–30% in 2 days; influenced by pH: most rapid at pH 3.5; and extensive: as much as 80% BNP nitrogen appeared as nitrate after 14 days. Nitrite was detectable in BNP replacement cultures at low levels or not at all, and nitrate was formed in BNP replacement media with or without glucose. Nitrite was not oxidized in growing cultures inoculated with spores, but replacement cultures oxidized over 50% of added nitrite to nitrate in 8 days. No nitrite or nitrate appeared in replacement systems with pyruvic oxime, oxalacetic acid oxime, acetoxime, ketoglutaric acid oxime, or hydroxylamine. Of the three non-nitrifying mutants of A. flavus obtained, all formed nitrate from BNP in replacement but only one oxidized nitrite to nitrate. No accumulation of free or bound hydroxylamine or of nitrite could be detected in the mutants. BNP was detected by qualitative test in cultures of the wild type but not the mutants. Evidence indicates that the pathway in A. flavus is BNP→NO3 - rather than BNP→NO2 -→NO3 -.
Fatness dependence of skinfold ratios and its implications to fat patterning

As shown in 1639 adult white men and 1851 adult white women aged 20–49, skinfold/skinfold ratios involving the triceps, subscapular, iliac and abdominal skinfolds are all fatness‐dependent, exhibiting a nonlinear relationship with the summed skinfold thickness (2 sf) as variously calculated. When adjusted or partialled for the level of fatness, these ratios no longer exhibit useful correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure or total serum cholesterol. Other approaches to relative skinfold thicknesses such as Z‐score ratios or residuals from the skinfold/skinfold regressions may help to distinguish individual differences in fat placement or distribution from differences in the level of fatness itself.
In search of OH–π interactions between 1-methylimidazole and water using a combined computational quantum chemistry and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy approach

Abstract To determine if OH–π interactions occur between 1-methylimidazole (1-MI) and water, the density functional theory methods (DFT) B3LYP and M05-2X, and the ab initio MP2 method calculated the vibrational frequencies and energies of explicitly hydrated models of 1-MI. The comparison of the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) energy-minimized frequencies for the 1-MI·2H 2 O model showed better correlation with the aqueous-phase ATR-FTIR data than the results obtained with the M05-2X and MP2 methods for levels with other amounts of hydration. Moreover, the 1-MI·2H 2 O showed no evidence for OH–π interactions but showed evidence for HO–H⋯N H-bonds. However, the 1-MI·4H 2 O and 1-MI·8H 2 O models, energy minimized with M05-2X and MP2 showed evidence for OH–π interactions. Systematic energy re-minimization calculations for all of the hydrated 1-MI models indicated that the M05-2X and MP2 methods predicted structures that were less thermodynamically favorable than those calculated using B3LYP. These results suggest that M05-2X and MP2 are erroneously predicting OH–π interactions, while B3LYP is predicting structures with HO–H⋯N H-bonds that are consistent with the experimental data.
Carotid endarterectomy with normal findings from a completion study: Is there need for early duplex scan?

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the value of early ( Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 380 CEAs (338 patients) with intraoperative completion studies and duplex surveillance within the first 6 months. Results of completion studies, restenosis rates, and recurrent symptoms were evaluated for each operation. Studies were performed from 0 to 200 days postoperatively (median, 28). Results: Intraoperative completion studies included 333 angiograms, 26 duplex scans, and 21 angiograms with duplex scans. Of the 380 intraoperative completion studies, 28 (7.5%) had abnormal findings, including 14 abnormal internal carotid arteries (ICAs). Twenty-four procedures were revised, and the findings of all repeat completion studies were normal. Of the initial completion studies, in four cases, abnormalities (3 ICAs) were insignificant and did not warrant further intervention. Follow-up ICA duplex scans had normal results after 364 (95.8%) CEAs. There were 14 mild recurrent ICA stenoses and two moderate recurrent ICA stenoses; neither had abnormal findings from the completion study. There were no severe recurrent ICA stenoses. External carotid artery (ECA) recurrent stenosis included 7 mild, 15 moderate, and 9 severe restenoses. Conclusions: Only 0.5% of CEAs developed moderate restenosis. No procedures had severe recurrent stenosis on duplex scan within the first 6 months, and none required intervention. Duplex surveillance in the first 6 months is relatively unproductive, providing that there were normal results from an intraoperative completion study for each patient. Routine surveillance can be started at 1 year. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:963-7.)
Presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-glycoside in the calcinogenic plant Cestrum diurnum.

A DISEASE clinically and morphologically similar to vitamin D-intoxication, characterised by hypercalcaemia and extensive soft tissue calcification, has been described in grazing animals and linked to the ingestion of leaves from several plant species including Cestrum diurnum (C.d.)1–3 and Solanum malacoxylon3. Early reports indicated that activity resembling the hormonal form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), existed in extracts of both of these plants3–5. The active calcitropic principle from S. malacoxylon has been identified as a 1,25-(OH)2D3-glycoside6–8. We report here the isolation and identification of a 1,25-(OH)2D3-glycoside in C.d. It is proposed that this principle accounts for the hyperabsorption of calcium found in animals eating this plant.
Amelioration of psychosomatic dermatosis by reinforced inhibition of scratching

Abstract A behavioral approach was implemented in the treatment of a chronic psychosomatic skin disorder with a fifteen year history. Treatment consisted of a self-modification program in which the subject solicited reinforcement from peers for decreased scratching behavior. This resulted in amelioration of the eczema for over two years. Effects of behavioral contrast and spontaneous recovery were also interesting features of this study.
Extracting ventricular and atrial compliance and mitral impedance from Doppler inflow velocity and chamber pressures: inversion of a mitral flow model

A lumped parameter mathematical model of left ventricular filling applicable to analysis of Doppler mitral velocity inflow patterns has been developed. As originally formulated, the model utilizes user-provided chamber compliance and mitral impedance parameters and returns the time course of chamber pressure and mitral velocity and flow. The authors describe their initial experience with an algorithm to invert the model, i.e. to analyze observed pressure and flow data and extract the compliance and impedance parameters underlying the observed curves. This algorithm repeatedly solves the forward model, adjusting the physiologic parameters using the Marquardt method until the fit to the observed pressure and flow data is optimized. This algorithm was tested against computer-generated data with up to 10% Gaussian noise. It has also been validated with data from an in vitro analog of the left heart and from a canine model of mitral stenosis. Other possible inversion schemes, such as those which utilize only noninvasive data, are also discussed. >
Comparison of the efficacies of loop-mediated isothermal amplification, fluorescence smear microscopy and culture for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Background: Despite the advent of novel diagnostic techniques, smear microscopy remains as the most practical test available in resource-limited settings for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Due to the low sensitivity of microscopy and the long time required for culture, feasible and accessible rapid diagnostic methods are urgently needed. Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is a promising nucleic-acid amplification assay, which could be accessible, cost-effective and more suited for use with unpurified samples. Methodology/Principal Findings: In the current study, the objective was to assess the efficacy of a LAMP assay for
Curing polyester resins with visible light

Radiation curing of unsaturated polyester resin-based compositions offers a number of significant advantages over the use of peroxides and similar free-radical polymerisation initiators; the cure process can be closely controlled, is usually much faster, and the fabricator is not required to measure out, add, and blend-in small quantities of catalyst. However most forms of radiation including ultra violet (UV) involve heavy initial expense and the need to provide shielding to protect personnel. Furthermore UV radiation will not usually penetrate deeply into thick glassfibre-containing compositions owing to the absorption of UV light by both resin and glass. Photoinitiator systems which need only visible light have now been developed however. Using these systems almost any available light source including fluorescent tubes, tungsten filament bulbs and of course natural sunlight and daylight will cause the resin to cure rapidly and completely. By controlling the intensity of the incident light continuous close control of the cure process is easily achieved. The advantages of reduced energy requirements, fast cure,‘one pot’ chemistry and built-in indicators of degree of cure have already led to a number of special applications for visible light curable polyester resins.
Remote-loading labeling of liposomes with 99mTc-BMEDA and its stability evaluation: effects of lipid formulation and pH/chemical gradient

Efficient, convenient, and stable radiolabeling plays a critical role for the monitoring of liposome behavior via either blood sampling, organ distribution, or noninvasive nuclear imaging. The direct labeling of liposome-carrying drugs without any prior modification undoubtedly is convenient and optimal for liposomal drug testing. In this article, we investigated the effect of various lipid formulations and pH/chemical gradients on the radiolabeling efficiency and entrapment stability of technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) remotely loaded into liposomes, using (99m)Tc-N,N-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-N',N'-diethyl-ethylenediamine ((99m)Tc-BMEDA) complex. The tested liposomes either contained unsaturated lipid or possessed various surface charges. (99m)Tc could be efficiently loaded into various premanufactured liposomes containing either an ammonium sulfate pH, citrate pH, or glutathione (GSH) chemical gradient. (99m)Tc-entrapment stabilities of these liposomes in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.4) buffer at 25°C were mainly dependent on the pH/chemical gradient, but not lipid formulation. Stability sequence was ammonium sulfate pH-gradient>citrate pH-gradient>GSH-gradient. Stabilities of (99m)Tc-liposomes in 50% fetal bovine serum (FBS)/PBS (pH 7.4) buffer at 37°C are dependent on both lipid formulation and pH/chemical gradient. Specifically, (99m)Tc labeling of the ammonium sulfate pH-gradient liposomes were less stable in 50% FBS/PBS than in PBS, whereas noncationic liposomes with citrate pH- or GSH-gradient displayed higher stability, except that anionic citrate pH-gradient liposomes showed no stability difference in these two media. Cationic liposomes aggregated in 50% FBS/PBS, forming a new discrete fraction with larger particle sizes. These in vitro characterization results have indicated the optimism of using (99m)Tc-BMEDA for labeling pH/GSH gradient liposomes without the requirement of modifying lipid formulation for liposomal therapeutic-agent development.
Optical and Microwave Detection of Wave Breaking in the Surf Zone

Synchronous and colocated optical and microwave signals from waves in the surf zone are presented and analyzed. The field data were collected using a high-resolution video system and a calibrated horizontally polarized marine radar during the decaying phase of a storm. The resulting changes in the received signals from varying environmental conditions were analyzed. The analysis of the optical signal histograms showed functional shapes that were in accordance with the expected imaging mechanisms from the breaking and nonbreaking waves. For the microwave returns, the histogram shape showed a little dependence on the environmental parameters and exhibited an inflexion point at high returned power that is attributed to a change in the scattering mechanism. The high intensity signals were clearly associated with active wave breaking. However, with either sensor, it can be difficult to effectively isolate the wave breaking signature from other sources, such as a remnant foam or the highly steepened nonbreaking waves. A combined method was developed using the joint histograms from both sensors, and it is shown to effectively discriminate between active breaking, remnant foam, and steepened waves. The new separation method allows a further analysis of the microwave scattering from the breaking waves and a better quantification of the length scales of the breaking wave roller and the spatial/temporal distribution of wave breaking and wave dissipation in the surf zone.
Disseminated Adenovirus Infection in a Cat

8. Elazhary MASY, Dea S, Mittal KR, Higgins R: 1985, Prevalence of antibodies to swine influenza virus, porcine adenovirus type-4 and Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae in Quebec pig farms with respiratory problems. Can Vet J 26: 190-192. 9. Haig DA, Clarke MC: 1964, Isolation of an adenovirus from a pig. J Comp Pathol 7:481-84. 10. Kasza L: 1966, Isolation of an adenovirus from the brain of a pig. Am J Vet Res 27:751-758. 11. Kasza L, Hodges RT, Betts AO, Trexler PC: 1969, Pneumonia in gnotobiotic pigs produced by simultaneous inoculation of a swine adenovirus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Vet Rec 84:262-267. 12. Kirkbride CA, McAdaragh JP: 1978, Infectious agents associated with fetal and early neonatal death and abortion in swine. J Am Vet Med Assoc 172:480-483. 13. Narita M, Imada T, Fukusho A: 1985, Pathologic changes caused by transplacental infection with an adenovirus-like agent in pigs. Am J Vet Res 46: 1126-1129. 14. Pavlov N: 1977, Morfologichni promeni v vuvretsite na praseta pri adenovirusna infektsiya. Vet Med Natuki 14:21-25 15. Sanford SE, Hoover DM: 1983, Enteric adenovirus infection in pigs. Can J Comp Med 47:396-400. 16. Schiefer B, Moffatt RE, Greenfield J, et al.: 1974, Porcine Hemophilus parahemolyticus pneumonia in Saskatchewan I. Natural occurrence and findings. Can J Comp Med 38:99-104. 17. Shadduck JA, Koestner A, Kasza L: 1967, The lesions of partine adenoviral infection in germfree and pathogen-free pigs. Pathol Vet 4:537-552. 18. Sharpe HBA, Jessett DM: 1967, Experimental infection of pigs with 2 strains of porcine adenovirus. J Comp Pathol 77:45-50.
Improving mobile database access over wide-area networks without degrading consistency

We report on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a system called Cedar that enables mobile database access with good performance over low-bandwidth networks. This is accomplished without degrading consistency. Cedar exploits the disk storage and processing power of a mobile client to compensate for weak connectivity. Its central organizing principle is that even a stale client replica can be used to reduce data transmission volume from a database server. The reduction is achieved by using content addressable storage to discover and elide commonality between client and server results. This organizing principle allows Cedar to use an optimistic approach to solving the difficult problem of database replica control. For laptop-class clients, our experiments show that Cedar improves the throughput of read-write workloads by 39% to as much as 224% while reducing response time by 28% to as much as 79%.
Methods for extending high‐resolution schemes to non‐linear systems of hyperbolic conservation laws

In extending high-resolution methods from the scalar case to systems of equations there are a number of options available. These options include working with either conservative or primitive variables, characteristic decomposition, two-step methods, or component-wise extension. In this paper, several of these options are presented and compared in terms of economy and solution accuracy. The characteristic extension with either conservative or primitive variables produces excellent results with all the problems solved. Using primitive variables, the two-step formulation produces high-quality results in a more economical manner. This method can also be extended to multiple dimensions without resorting to dimensional splitting. Proper selection of limiters is also important in non-characteristic extension to systems.
On representation and manipulation of mathematical formulas using general array data structure: IFORP (interactive formula processor)

APL2, one of the major extensions of APL, has capablities of symbol manipulation and nested data handling as well as numerical computations. This paper discusses an experimental implementation of a formula manipulation system using APL2. A simple, but easy-to-use algebraic system has been realized, primarily due to APL2's ability to define complicated data structures and algorithms. The overall design concept, representation and normalization of mathematical formulas, and various advantages of using APL2 general matrices are described.
Elevated Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Leak in Intact Ventricular Myocytes From Rabbits in Heart Failure

Altered sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase and Na+-Ca2+ exchange (NCX) function have been implicated in depressing SR Ca2+ content and contractile function in heart failure (HF). Enhanced diastolic ryanodine receptor (RyR) leak could also lower SR Ca2+ load in HF, but direct cellular measurements are lacking. In this study, we measure SR Ca2+ leak directly in intact isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes from a well-developed nonischemic HF model. Abrupt block of SR Ca2+ leak by tetracaine shifts Ca2+ from the cytosol to SR. The tetracaine-induced decline in [Ca2+]i and increase total SR Ca2+ load ([Ca2+]SRT) directly indicate the SR Ca2+ leak (before tetracaine). Diastolic SR Ca2+ leak increases with [Ca2+]SRT, and for any [Ca2+]SRT is greater in HF versus control. Mathematical modeling was used to compare the relative impact of alterations in SR Ca2+ leak, SR Ca2+-ATPase, and Na+-Ca2+ exchange on SR Ca2+ load in HF. We conclude that increased diastolic SR Ca2+ leak in HF may contribute to reductions in SR Ca2+ content, but changes in NCX in this HF model have more impact on [Ca2+]SRT.
Physicochemical studies on human plasminogen (profibrinolysin) and plasmin (fibrinolysin).

SUMMARY 1. Preparations of human plasminogen and plasmin have been examined for ultracentrifugal and electrophoretic homo- geneity. The proenzyme contained about 70 to 80 per cent of a single sedimenting component. Preparations of plasmin were qualitatively similar, although some preparations showed an additional slow peak. By electrophoretic examination, the pro- enzyme revealed a double boundary at low pH, but plasmin showed a single peak. 2. The molecular weight for plasminogen was found to be 143,000, based on a sedimentation constant of 4.28 S - 0.41~ and a diffusion constant of 2.92 X low7 cm.2 sec.+. A molecular weight of 108,000 was estimated for glycerol-activated plasmin, based on a sedimentation constant of 3.56 S - 0.74~. The sedi- mentation rates and the probable molecular weights of strepto- kinase-activated and urokinase-activated plasmins are inter- mediate between these values. 3. The molecular asymmetry of plasminogen was indicated as 8, according to the intrinsic viscosity of 0.08; a higher asym- metry, 22, was calculated from the frictional ratio.
Embryonic quail eye development in microgravity

The US-Russian joint quail embryo project was designed to study the effects of microgravity on development of Japanese quail embryos incubated aboard Mir. For this part of the project, eyes from embryonic days 14 and 16 (E14 and E16) flight embryos were compared with eyes from several groups of ground-based control embryos. Measurements were recorded for eye weights; eye, corneal, and scleral ring diameters; and numbers of bones in scleral ossicle rings. Transparency of E16 corneas was documented, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe corneal innervation. In addition, corneal ultrastructure was observed at the electron microscopic level. Except for corneal diameter of E16 flight embryos, compared with that of one of the sets of controls, results reported here indicate that eye development occurred normally in microgravity. Fixation by cracking the shell and placing the egg in paraformaldehyde solution did not adequately preserve corneal nerves or cellular ultrastructure.
Image objects and multi-scale features for annotation detection

This paper investigates several issues in the problem of detecting handwritten markings, or annotations, on printed documents. One issue is to define the appropriate units over which to perform feature measurements and assign type labels. We propose an alpha-shape tree that operates across multiple scales. A second issue is to devise image features that offer inferential power for machine learning algorithms. We report on a feature that measures edge turn statistics. A third issue is how to combine local and neighborhood evidence. We exploit the alpha shape tree in a direct inference architecture. Information propagation schemes such as Markov random fields may be readily layered on top of our output.
On probabilistic combination of face and gait cues for identification

We approach the task of person identification based on face and gait cues. The cues are derived from multiple simultaneous camera views, combined through the visual hull algorithm to create imagery in canonical pose prior to recognition. These view-normalized sequences, containing frontal images of face and profile silhouettes, are separately used for face and gait recognition, and the results may be combined using a range of strategies. We discuss the issues of cross-modal correlation and score transformations for different modalities, present the probabilistic settings for the cross-modal fusion and explore several common fusion approaches. The effectiveness of various strategies is evaluated on a data set with 26 subjects. We hope that the discussion presented in this paper may be useful in developing further statistical frameworks for multi-modal recognition.
The Role of Transformation Narratives in Desistance Among Released Lifers

Research on desistance emphasizes the importance of the transformation narrative, in which the individual has replaced his old, criminal self with a new, law-abiding self. Key elements of the trans...
Functional Common-Path Fourier-domain OCT for hemoglobin oxygen saturation imaging

In this paper, we propose and investigate a technique to deduce hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO 2 ) variation image using Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The technique is based on Morlet wavelet transformation and make use of the different absorption properties of hemoglobin (Hb) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO 2 ) around 800 nm. In order to test the technique, we combined three superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLED) together in a Fourier Domain Common Path OCT (FD-CP-OCT) set-up. The result using chicken embryo in vivo shows that we are able to obtain highly localized oxygen saturation variation.
Diffuse optical reflection tomography using continuous wave illumination.

Diffuse optical reflection tomography is used to reconstruct absorption images from continuous-wave measurements of diffuse light re-emitted from a “semi-infinite” medium. The imaging algorithm is simple and fast and permits psuedo-3D images to be reconstructed from measurements made with a single source of light. Truly quantitative three-dimensional images will require modifications to the algorithm, such as incorporating measurements from multiple sources.
Remote data analysis, visualization and problem solving environment (PSE) based on wavelets in the geosciences

We discuss here the issues faced by earth scientists in analyzing and visualizing large datasets over a GRID-like set-up from a client-server perspective. We approach this problem by using a remote, web-based visualization and data analysis framework, called WEB-IS, and by employing second-generation wavelets as a means of reducing the amount of data transferred and for extracting coherent features in complex geophysical flows and surface faulting patterns. As an example, we describe how onboard processors on satellites can function as a server for beaming down extracted information to the client computer on the ground, exemplifying WEB-IS as a viable middleware on a GRID network for geosciences.