cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and sequencing of hemoglobin-β gene of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque

The hemoglobin-β gene of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, was cloned and sequenced. Total RNA from head kidneys was isolated, reverse transcribed and amplified. The sequence of the channel catfish hemoglobin-β gene consists of 600 nucleotides. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence reveals one open reading frame and 5’- as well as 3’-untranslated regions. The open reading frame of the sequence potentially encodes 148 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 16.3 kDa. The pI and charge at pH 7.0 of the deduced hemoglobin-β protein were 7.28 and 0.47, respectively. Overall, 22 amino acid residues were conserved throughout the sequences, including His64 and His93, the sites for heme-binding. Unlike the counterpart of other common cultured fish such as Salmo salar, Oncorhynchus nerka, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella, the hemoglobin-β of channel catfish did not have cysteine. The amino acid sequence of channel catfish hemoglobin-β shows 84% homology with that of Silurus asotus (both are in the order Siluriformes). However, comparison with those of other fish species shows homology ranging from 53 to 68%. Structural analysis by the 3D-PSSM program displays that channel catfish hemoglobin-β has eight α-helices, A–H.
Impact resistance of poly(vinyl alcohol) fiber reinforced high-performance organic aggregate cementitious material

Abstract Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) which has many special engineering aggregate properties such as super lightweight, physical toughness, adhesion to a variety of surfaces and energy-absorbing characteristics is utilized as the sole aggregate in this study to develop a novel cementitious composite reinforced with Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fiber. Impact energy absorption capacity is evaluated based on the Charpy impact test. The results show that PVB composite material has lower density but higher impact energy absorption capability compared with conventional lightweight concrete and regular concrete. The addition of PVA fiber improves the impact resistance with fiber volume fractions. The remarkable change in the interfacial bond strength contributed by the non-covalent bond such as hydrogen bond and ether interactions at the interfaces between fiber, aggregate and matrix contributes to the improvement of the impact resistant capacity. A model based on fiber bridging mechanics and the rule of mixtures is developed to characterize the impact energy. A good correlation was obtained for the materials tested when experimental results are compared to those predicted by the developed model.
Encoding of Facial Expressions of Emotion and Knowledge of American Sign Language

The relationship between knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and the ability to encode facial expressions of emotion was explored. Participants were 55 college students, half of whom were intermediate-level students of ASL and half of whom had no experience with a signed language. In front of a video camera, participants posed the affective facial expressions of happiness, sadness, fear, surprise, anger, and disgust. These facial expressions were randomized onto stimulus tapes that were then shown to 60 untrained judges who tried to identify the expressed emotions. Results indicated that hearing subjects knowledgeable in ASL were generally more adept than were hearing nonsigners at conveying emotions through facial expression. Results have implications for better understanding the nature of nonverbal communication in hearing and deaf individuals.
Activation pH and susceptibility to hydrogen assisted stress corrosion cracking of martensitic stainless steels in sulphate solutions

Abstract The investigation of two different high strength stainless steels by the slow strain-rate technique has shown the existence of critical pH values (activation pH) for stress corrosion cracking in sulphate-containing media which depend on the steel composition. The slow strain-rate test indicates a sharp decrease of specimen ductility at the activation pH the value of which can also be determined by independent electrochemical methods.
MRI of neuronal recovery after low-dose methamphetamine treatment of traumatic brain injury in rats.

We assessed the effects of low dose methamphetamine treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats by employing MRI, immunohistology, and neurological functional tests. Young male Wistar rats were subjected to TBI using the controlled cortical impact model. The treated rats (n = 10) received an intravenous (iv) bolus dose of 0.42 mg/kg of methamphetamine at eight hours after the TBI followed by continuous iv infusion for 24 hrs. The control rats (n = 10) received the same volume of saline using the same protocol. MRI scans, including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), were performed one day prior to TBI, and at 1 and 3 days post TBI, and then weekly for 6 weeks. The lesion volumes of TBI damaged cerebral tissue were demarcated by elevated values in T2 maps and were histologically identified by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values within regions-of-interest (ROI) were measured in FA maps deduced from DTI, and were directly compared with Bielschowsky’s silver and Luxol fast blue (BLFB) immunohistological staining. No therapeutic effect on lesion volumes was detected during 6 weeks after TBI. However, treatment significantly increased FA values in the recovery ROI compared with the control group at 5 and 6 weeks after TBI. Myelinated axons histologically measured using BLFB were significantly increased (p<0.001) in the treated group (25.84±1.41%) compared with the control group (17.05±2.95%). Significant correlations were detected between FA and BLFB measures in the recovery ROI (R = 0.54, p<0.02). Methamphetamine treatment significantly reduced modified neurological severity scores from 2 to 6 weeks (p<0.05) and foot-fault errors from 3 days to 6 weeks (p<0.05) after TBI. Thus, the FA data suggest that methamphetamine treatment improves white matter reorganization from 5 to 6 weeks after TBI in rats compared with saline treatment, which may contribute to the observed functional recovery.
PEGylation of Human Serum Albumin: Reaction of PEG-Phenyl-Isothiocyanate with Protein

Successful and cost-effective PEGylation protocols require pure functionalized PEG reagents, which can be synthesized by simple and efficient procedures, exhibit high stability against hydrolysis, and maintain a level of reactivity with protein functional groups under mild reaction conditions. PEG-phenyl-isothiocyanate (PIT-PEG) is a new functionalized PEG having these characteristics, and has been synthesized by condensation of the bifunctional reagent 4-isothiocyanato phenyl isocyanate with monomethoxy PEG (mPEG). The data of (1)H NMR and colormetric analysis of the new PEG reagent establish that the mPEG has been quantitatively functionalized. The t 1/4 values for the hydrolysis of PIT-PEG5K in 100 mM phosphate solution at pH 6.5 and 9.2 are about 95 and 40 h, respectively. Incubation of human serum albumin (HSA, 0.5 mM) with a 10-fold molar excess of PIT-PEG (3K or 5K) at pH 6.5 and 9.2 generated PEG-HSA conjugates with average of 3.5 and 6.0 PEG chains per HSA molecule, respectively. The circular dichroism spectra of the conjugates showed that PEGylation of HSA has little influence on the secondary structure of HSA. The hexaPEGylated HSA, (TCP-PEG5K) 6-HSA, exhibited very high hydrodynamic volume, and the molecular radius of HSA increased from 3.95 to 6.57 nm on hexaPEGylation. The hexaPEGylation also increased the viscosity of 4% HSA from 1.05 to 2.10 cP, and the colloid osmotic pressure from 15.2 to 48.0 mmHg. The large increase in the hydrodynamic volume and the solution properties of (TCP-PEG5K) 6-HSA suggest that it could be a potential candidate as a plasma volume expander. PIT-PEG is a useful addition to the spectrum of functionalized PEG reagents available for surface decoration of proteins with PEG.
A universal shape for meanders

The shape of a bent flexible wire is shown to be identical to the shape of constant absolute vorticity trajectories in the atmosphere. This shape is characteristic of river meanders and is shown to be characteristic of meanders in the jet stream and the Gulf Stream. Several examples are considered and shown to match extremely well with the ‘ideal’ curves.
Efficient green solar cells via a chemically polymerizable donor-acceptor heterocyclic pentamer.

In this contribution, we report on bulk-heterojunction solar cells using a solution-processable neutral green conjugated copolymer based on 3,4-dioxythiophene and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole as the donor and [6,6]phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the acceptor. We have found that the short-circuit current is very sensitive to the composition of the donor−acceptor blend and it increases with increasing acceptor concentration. The device with a donor−acceptor ratio of 1:8 gives the best performance with a short-circuit current of 5.56 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.77 V, and a power conversion efficiency of 1.9% under AM 1.5 solar illumination. The incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) of the green solar cells shows two bands, one with a maximum of 57% in the UV region corresponding to absorption of PCBM and a second one with a maximum of 42% at longer wavelengths corresponding to the absorption of the green polymer.
A Meta-Analytic Examination of Realistic Job Preview Effectiveness: A Test of Three Counterintuitive Propositions

Abstract We present a model of realistic job previews (RJPs) and, using separate meta-analyses, examine three counterintuitive hypotheses about their operation. We found modest support for two of the three hypotheses. Findings indicate that RJPs reduce the rate of job acceptance among persons with prior exposure to the job and increase the rate of job acceptance among persons with no prior exposure to the job. Results also indicate that RJPs can be more effective in reducing turnover if the organization is able to restrict the exit of new employees for a period of time after the RJP. Finally, RJPs show a pattern of being more effective in reducing turnover after longer periods of time following administration of the RJP; however, this pattern failed to reach conventional significance levels.
Total body water volume for white children and adolescents and anthropometric prediction equations: The Fels Longitudinal Study

Total body water volume for white children and adolescents and anthropometric prediction equations: The Fels Longitudinal Study. Background There are few studies of total body water (TBW) volume in children. Such studies are needed, as are new prediction equations for the clinical management of children with renal insufficiency and those receiving dialysis. Methods Mixed longitudinal data were from 124 white boys and 116 white girls 8 to 20 years of age. TBW volume was measured by deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and random effects models were used to determine patterns of change over time. Sex-specific TBW prediction equations were developed using regression analysis. Results Boys had significantly greater ( P P Conclusion Means are provided for TBW in white children from 8 to 20 years of age, whose average fatness affected the percentage of TBW in body weight. These updated TBW prediction equations perform better than those available from the past.
Efficacy and tolerability of treatment with azacitidine for 5 days in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients aged ≥60 years tolerate standard induction chemotherapy poorly. Therapy with azacitidine at a dose of 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days appears to be better tolerated, and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of elderly AML patients with bone marrow (BM) blast counts of 20–30%. Here, we report the results of a prospective, phase 2, open-label study that evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of a 5-day regimen of single-agent subcutaneous azacitidine 100 mg/m2/day administered every 28 days in 15 elderly patients with newly diagnosed AML, 14 of whom had BM blast counts >30%. The overall response rate was 47%. Complete remission, partial remission, and hematologic improvement were achieved by 20, 13, and 13% of patients, respectively. Median overall survival was 355 days for the entire cohort, and 532 days for responders. Median time to best response was 95 days, and median treatment duration was 198 days (range = 13–724 days). Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicities comprised predominantly febrile neutropenia (40%) and thrombocytopenia (20%). Febrile neutropenia was the most common cause of hospitalization. Nonhematologic toxicities, consisting of injection-site skin reactions and fatigue (Grades 1–2), occurred in 73% (n = 11) of patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred during the study. The dose and schedule of therapy remained constant in all but four patients. The findings of this study suggest that administration of subcutaneous azacitidine 100 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 28 days is a feasible, well-tolerated, and effective alternative to standard induction chemotherapy in elderly patients with AML.
Large-scale experimental evaluation and numerical simulation of a system of nonlinear energy sinks for seismic mitigation

Abstract As a novel dynamic vibration absorber, the nonlinear energy sink has been studied for mitigating structural and mechanical vibration through the last decade. This paper presents a series of large-scale experimental evaluations and numerical simulations on a system of nonlinear energy sink (NES) devices for mitigating seismic structural responses. Two distinct types of NES devices were installed in the top two floors of a large-scale model building structure. In the device system, four Type I NESs employing smooth essentially nonlinear restoring forces were used in conjunction with two single-sided vibro-impact (SSVI) NESs employing non-smooth impact nonlinearities. These NES devices utilize the existing structural mass and space of the model building to realize an integrated design of building structure with non-parasitic control devices. Scaled historic earthquake ground motions were implemented by a large-scale shake table as the base excitation input into the system. Direct comparisons between mitigated and unmitigated structural responses, including story displacement, column strain and base shear force, demonstrate that rapid mitigation of structural responses was achieved by the system of devices. Reductions of both peak and average values of structural responses were clearly observed. The synergistic effects obtained by simultaneously using two types of NES devices were demonstrated. To computationally investigate the mitigation performance of the devices subjected to a wide variety of ground motions, a numerical model was developed for the structure-NES system and two suites of earthquake ground motions representing distinct earthquake intensities were employed. Simulation results demonstrate that mitigation of structural responses caused by diverse earthquake ground motions can be achieved by a system of NES devices.
How to Communicate to Create a Safety Culture and Improve PSM Results

Almost all articles that promote the reduction or elimination of process accidents include process safety management and the importance of communication and a positive safety culture. However, they do not clearly describe how to communicate effectively to create this culture. The objective of this article is to focus on how to communicate and create a positive safety culture to achieve the desired process safety management results; that is, to reduce or eliminate process accidents. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 57–58, 2013
Brief paper: Nonlinear control design for linear differential inclusions via convex hull of quadratics

This paper presents a nonlinear control design method for robust stabilization and robust performance of linear differential inclusions (LDIs). A recently introduced non-quadratic Lyapunov function, the convex hull of quadratics, will be used for the construction of nonlinear state feedback laws. Design objectives include stabilization with maximal convergence rate, disturbance rejection with minimal reachable set and least L"2 gain. Conditions for stabilization and performances are derived in terms of bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs), which cover the existing linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions as special cases. Numerical examples demonstrate the advantages of using nonlinear feedback control over linear feedback control for LDIs. It is also observed through numerical computation that nonlinear control strategies help to reduce control effort substantially.
A MECHANICAL MODEL FOR FIBROBLAST-DRIVEN WOUND HEALING

We present a mathematical model for the contraction and relaxation phases of healing dermal wounds based upon the extracellular control of the traction forces exerted by the migrating fibroblastic cells. We assume that these cell-extracellular medium interactions are controlled by the viscoelastic properties of both the provisional matrix formed initially in the lesion and the newly synthesised collagenous matrix concomitantly secreted. In addition, the plastic response of the collagenous matrix to the cell traction has been considered. The mechanical model proposed here accounts for the different experimental phases of the wound boundaries' movement with time. Furthermore, it provides a quantification of the residual strain and stress resulting from the plastic response and remodelling of the extracellular matrix which could help to characterise the scar tissue formation in wound healing.
I Spent My Life in the Mines: The Story of Juan Rojas, Bolivian Tin Miner

I Spent My Life in the Mines: The Story of Juan Rojas, Bolivian Tin Miner. JUNE NASH. New York: Columbia University Press, 1992. vii + 390 pp., photographs, map, glossary, bibliography, index. $49.00 (cloth), $18.50 (paper). ISBN 0-231-07936-2, ISBN 0-231-07937-0.
A fault classification method in power systems using DWT and SVM classifier

This paper presents a method for fault classification in the power systems using a combination of support vector machine (SVM) classifier and Wavelet Transformation. Measurements from only one bus are utilized. Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is used to extract the transient information of recorded voltages. The normalized wavelet energy of post-fault voltage and normalized energy of the post-fault currents are used as the input to the classifier. The classifier is trained with different fault scenarios in the power system. The transient voltages and phase currents for different types of faults and locations along the power system are obtained through ATP simulations. MATLAB is used to process the simulated transient voltages and apply the proposed method. The performance of the method is evaluated for two different networks; an overhead line combined with an underground cable and a 6-bus distribution network.
Semiperfect Prüfer rings and FPF rings

The Asano-Michler theorem states that a 2-sided order R in a simple Artinian ringO is hereditary provided thatR satisfies the three requirements: (AM1) Noetherian; (AM2) nonzero ideals are invertible; (AM3) bounded. We generalize this in one direction by specializing to a semiperfect bounded orderR, and prove thatR is semihereditary assuming only that finitely generated nonzero ideals are invertible (=R is Prufer). In this case,R ≈ a fulln ×n matrix ringD n over a valuation domainD. More generally, we study a ringR, called right FPF, over which finitely generated faithful right modules generate the category mod-R of all rightR-modules. We completely determine all semiperfect Noetherian FPF rings: they are finite products of semiperfect Dedekind prime rings and Quasi-Frobenius rings. (For semiprime right FPF rings, we do not require the Noetherian or semiperfect hypothesis in order to obtain a decom-position into prime rings: the acc on direct summands suffices. The “theorem” with “semiperfect” delected is an open problem.
The Bronchial Leak Squeak: A New Sign for the Physical Diagnosis of Bronchopleurocutaneous Fistula

We describe a unique physical diagnostic sign that we have observed in seven patients with bronchopleurocutaneous fistulas. Such patients have a highpitched squeak over the affected chest area during sustained Valsalva maneuver. We postulate that turbulence across the bronchial fistula due to high transbronchial pressure gradient during the Valsalva maneuver produces the squeaking sound. The pitch of the leak squeak sign is higher in smaller fistulas than in larger fistulas; decreases in intensity and increases in pitch occurred in two patients in whom the bronchial fistula slowly closed. The absence of the leak squeak sound in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax suggests that this sign can be used to differentiate central airways from alveolar air leaks.
The effect of ouabain, meralluride and ethacrynic acid on respiration and glycolysis in kidney slices.

Abstract The effects of ouabain, meralluride, and ethacrynic acid on glycolysis and respiration of rat and rabbit kidney slices have been investigated. When slices were incubated under conditions favorable to glycolysis, ouabain and meralluride inhibited lactate formation with glucose or fructose as substrate. The inhibition of glycolysis was interpreted to be the result of a direct effect on the membrane ATPase system reducing the turnover rate of the cytoplasmic phosphoglycerate kinase reaction. Ouabain, meralluride, and ethacrynic acid inhibited O 2 uptake by the kidney slices. The inhibition of respiration by ouabain and meralluride could have been mediated through a decrease in ADP formation or by a reduced turnover of glycolytic intermediates. Ethacrynic acid inhibited respiration at lower levels than that required to inhibit glycolysis. Therefore, mitochondrial respiration could be the primary site of action of ethacrynic acid. These diuretic agents had no effect on glycolysis or respiration in slices that had been depleted of sodium with choline or lithium. Therefore the effects on energy metabolism in the presence of sodium would appear to be related to an effect on the sodium transport process.
A Study of Chaos and Mixing in Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov Unstable Interfaces

A program for the study of chaotic mixing layers produced by unstable interfaces is proposed and recent progress of the authors within this program is presented.
Don't forget about the sweat: effortful embodied interaction in support of learning

This paper describes a frequently-overlooked aspect of embodied interaction design: physical effort. Although exertion is the direct goal of many embodied activities (e.g., exergames), and is used indirectly to discourage certain user interactions (as with affordances), exertion has not been used to support direct expressive interaction with an embodied system. Situating exertion in both psychological and physiological literature, this paper suggests guidelines for employing exertion as more than just an incidental component of proprioception in embodied interaction designs. Specifically, the linkages between exertion, affect, and recall are reviewed and analyzed for their potential to support embodied learning activities, and literature concerning human perceptions of effort is reviewed to help designers understand how to incorporate effort more directly and intentionally in embodied interaction designs. Also presented is an illustration of how these guidelines affected the design of an educational embodied interaction experience for an informal learning setting.
Metallic nanowires on a new protein template

Exploiting the concepts learnt from nature to build new nanomaterials from the bottom-up is critical for the efficient design of complex nanodevices. We demonstrate for the first time that the capacity of the a-synuclein protein to assemble into nanofibers can be used for the synthesis of metallic nanowires. Silver and platinum nanowires with controlled diameters, ranging from 15 to 125nm, have been synthesized on an a-synuclein protein fiber scaffold.
77Se NMR of Selenoproteins

Selenoproteins are a specialized group of enzymes that contain the rare amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). The majority of selenoproteins are oxidoreductases in which the reactive Sec forms a selenylsulfide bond with a partner cysteine, positioned up to two amino acids away. It is predicted that the nature of the residues forming this redox motif and the size of the resulting ring control Sec's reactivity. We demonstrate that it is possible to probe Sec's local environment and flexibility in these redox motifs using 77Se NMR spectroscopy. We are able to record the 77Se chemical shifts and relaxation properties of proteins with representative redox motifs as a function of increasing ring size at the oxidized state. Theoretical calculations of the chemical shielding tensor are used to interpret the conformational preferences in these redox motifs. We discuss how the local environment fine tunes Sec's reactivity.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Early Pliocene to Pleistocene planktonic foraminiferal datum levels in the North Pacific: DSDP Sites 173, 310, 296

Abstract Continuous late Neogene planktonic foraminiferal records have been studied in the deep-sea cores of DSDP Sites 173, 310, and 296 across mid-latitudes of the North Pacific. These three sites have been correlated on the basis of planktonic foraminiferal events and major paleoclimatic/paleoceanographic intervals and tied to diatom, radiolarian, and nannofossil datum levels, and paleomagnetic and isotopic stratigraphy. Ten planktonic foraminiferal datum levels have been recognized within these Pliocene to Pleistocene sections; two of these are recognizable within the Pleistocene and eight within the Pliocene. Six planktonic foraminiferal zones are proposed which combined with the foraminiferal datum levels provide a high resolution biostratigraphic correlation for the mid-latitudes of the North Pacific.
Nonlinear Interactions Between Oblique Instability Waves on Nearly Parallel Shear Flows

Asymptotic methods are used to describe the nonlinear self-interaction between pairs of oblique instability modes that eventually develops when initially linear, spatially growing instability waves evolve downstream in nominally two-dimensional, unbounded or semi-bounded, laminar shear flows. The first nonlinear reaction takes place locally within a so-called “critical layer” with the flow outside this layer consisting of a locally parallel mean flow plus a pair of oblique instability waves together with an associated plane wave. The amplitudes of these waves, which are completely determined by nonlinear effects within the critical layer, satisfy a pair of integral differential equations with quadratic to quartic-type nonlinearities. The physical implications of these equations are discussed.
Interface-driven phase-separated coatings

A homogeneous mixture of two polymers dissolved in a common solvent or a mixture of solvents was applied as a thin film. The first component was a bisphenol-A based epoxide derivative modified with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) oligomer and the second component was a high-solids fluorinated acrylic copolymer. The thin films were coated on steel substrates and were thermally crosslinked using a methylated melamine formaldehyde and/or a polyamide-amine curing agent. The films were evaluated via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with integrated energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that the molecular weight of the resins, fluorine content, epoxide inorganic modification, and curing agent affected the degree of stratification.
Spirits of Just Men: Mountaineers, Liquor Bosses, and Lawmen in the Moonshine Capital of the World. By Charles D. Thompson Jr. (Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press, 2011. Pp. 304. $75.00.)

A few weeks before he died, Charles D. Thompson's paternal grandfather, William, “who never took even a swig of alcohol,” shocked his grandson with a story about his early life: “When I got old eno...
Evidence for a selective antileukemic effect of cytosine arabinoside in chronic granulocytic leukemia

On the basis of in-vitro studies indicating that low concentrations of cytosine arabinoside exert preferential inhibition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells from patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia vs normal subjects, we treated two outpatients with low doses of this agent, administered by subcutaneous infusion for 12–31 days. Both patients continued their usual activities, including employment, during these infusions. They exhibited only Ph-positive metaphases at entry into the protocol but in both cases, Ph-positive cells were reduced to approx. 10% of marrow metaphases, after 2–3 successive infusions. Both patients exhibited significant increases in Ph-positive cells, to 46 and 72% of marrow metaphases, during subsequent chemotherapy with hydroxyurea, in dosage sufficient to maintain granulocytopenia and a normal serum B12 level. After additional cytosine arabinoside, both patients again showed decreases in Ph-positive cells, to 7% (P < 0.01) and 19% (P < 0.0001), respectively. This clinical experience is consistent with the conclusion that cytosine arabinoside (but not, hydroxyurea) exerts a selective antileukemic effect in some patients with CGL.
Comparison of wind pressures on a mobile home in model and full scale

Abstract Wind pressures measured on a 1:25 scale model of a mobile home are compared with results from a full-scale investigation. The modeling technique used exaggerates the surface roughness in order to match the full-scale turbulence intensity at the model height. It is shown that there is reasonable agreement of the mean and RMS pressure coefficients between model and full scale, when the pressure coefficients are normalized by the local dynamic head at the building height. The spectra of the pressure fluctuations in regions of separated flow are not simulated correctly, owing to the absence of large-scale turbulence in the wind-tunnel boundary layer.
Theoretical and experimental studies of distributed piezoelectric actuators for interior noise control

A special design theory for distributed piezoelectric actuators is introduced, for reducing noise and vibration in structures. A uniform cylindrical shell is taken as an example of a host structure to illustrate the effectiveness of the design theory. The actuators are designed to reduce the shell structural vibration and interior noise in a wide range of frequencies, for cases where the input disturbance is tonal. Extensive computer simulations were completed to study various aspects of the design theory. In addition, experiments were conducted and the test results strongly supported the theoretical development.
Improved Isocratic Mobile Phases for the Reverse Phase Ion-Pair Chromatographic Analysis of Drugs of Forensic Interest

Abstract Most drug exhibits of forensic interest can be analyzed by reverse phase ion-pair chromatography using a Microbondapak-C-18 column with two isocratic mobile phases. These systems employing methanesulfonic acid represent a great improvement in resolution and speed over the author's original methodology.
Comment: On Logical Formalization of Theories from Organizational Ecology

Theory formalization, once positioned at center stage in sociology, currently plays little role in general sociological work. For about a decade beginning in the mid- 1960s, the promise was held out that formalizationespecially mathematization-would improve the quality of sociological theorizing and promote the development of cumulative theoretical knowledge about general social processes (see, for instance, Coleman 1964; Blalock 1969). Today, formalization lies on the discipline's periphery, as a specialized activity remote from the development and evaluation of sociological theories.' This marginalization and devaluation of formalization partly reflects sociology's retreat from general ("ahistorical") formulations. But it also surely reflects an assessment that the payoff to the style of formalization prominent during the heyday of this movement had not met expectations. This is not the place to attempt a full assessment of what went wrong in sociology's flirtation with formalization.2 But one thing seems clear: there was a mismatch between theories and formalization tools. The available natural-language theories were-and are-partial and imprecise; use of the formal languages, especially mathematics, demanded closure and extreme (usually metric) precision. Efforts at formalizing sociological theories with classical tools required the analyst to assume too much-e.g., to supply the missing assumptions about metrics, continuity, and differentiability of functions. As a result, the formalizations offered during this period yielded models that failed to resonate closely with the original theories.
Current treatment options for hyperprolactinemia.

Introduction: Hyperprolactinemia is a prevalent cause of oligo-amenorrhea, and prolactinomas are the most common type of functional pituitary tumor. Untreated hyperprolactinemia can lead to bone loss and impair gonadal function and fertility. Normalization of prolactin improves bone mass and restores gonadal function in a majority of patients. Areas covered: This article contains an overview of hyperprolactinemia with an emphasis on pharmacologic, surgical and radiation treatment options. Discussion focuses on the efficacy and safety of available treatments and comments on new and emerging therapies. Expert opinion: Dopamine agonists, usually cabergoline, remain the primary choice for initial treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Surgery may also be an appropriate alternative in certain circumstances. Monotherapy with dopamine agonists is often successful at controlling prolactin levels and tumor size, but adjunctive treatments may be necessary for resistant or aggressive prolactinomas.
Depletion of tumor-induced Treg prior to reconstitution rescues enhanced priming of tumor-specific, therapeutic effector T cells in lymphopenic hosts.

We reported previously that vaccination of reconstituted, lymphopenic mice resulted in a higher frequency of tumor-specific effector T cells with therapeutic activity than vaccination of normal mice. Here, we show that lymphopenic mice reconstituted with spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice (TBM), a situation that resembles the clinical condition, failed to generate tumor-specific T cells with therapeutic efficacy. However, depletion of CD25+ Treg from the spleen cells of TBM restored tumor-specific priming and therapeutic efficacy. Adding back TBM CD25+ Treg to CD25− naive and TBM donor T cells prior to reconstitution confirmed their suppressive role. CD25+ Treg from TBM prevented priming of tumor-specific T cells since subsequent depletion of CD4+ T cells did not restore therapeutic efficacy. This effect may not be antigen-specific as three histologically distinct tumors generated CD25+ Treg that could suppress the T-cell immune response to a melanoma vaccine. Importantly, since ex vivo depletion of CD25+ Treg from TBM spleen cells prior to reconstitution and vaccination fully restored the generation of therapeutic effector T cells, even in animals with established tumor burden, we have initiated a translational clinical trial of this strategy in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Maize Nitrogen Response as Affected by Soil Type and Drainage Variability

Site-specific application of nitrogen (N) to maize (Zea mays L.) may provide economic and environmental benefits. Variations in soil drainage and texture within fields are often believed to cause localized differences in soil N availability and therefore are a potential basis for site-specific N fertilizer application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of imposed variations in drainage conditions in two soils on early season soil water conditions, soil nitrate levels, and crop response to N fertilizer. Maize was grown for three years following conversion from sod. Two soil drainage regimes and three N rates (22, 100 and 134 kg ha−1) were experimentally imposed on plots on two soil types, a clay loam and a loamy sand. Soil water potential and soil nitrate content were intensively monitored for the 0–150 and 150–300 mm soil layers during the early growing season. Early season soil water potentials showed small effects of drainage variability at the 75 and 225 mm depths. However, the clay loam soil experienced prolonged periods of saturation after significant precipitation, while the loamy sand never experienced such conditions. Soil nitrate levels were strongly affected by cropping history, but were also subjected to losses as a result of precipitation and short-term soil saturation. Maize N response was minimally affected by differences in soil drainage conditions in all 3 years. In years with a wet spring, justification exists for higher N fertilizer rates on finer-textured soils. This study therefore showed only moderate potential for varying N application within fields based on soil type and drainage conditions, but suggests that seasonal differences in N dynamics greatly affect maize N response.
Extending the OSI model for wireless battlefield networks: a design approach to the 8th Layer for tactical hyper-nodes

In this paper, we introduce the architecture and functionality of a new 8th layer that extends the well known 7-layer OSI model to implement adaptive networking by giving every critical node of a C4I network its own specialised Network Operation Centre (NOC) capability. We call these 'intelligent nodes' that adapt their behaviour and organisation through incorporation of these 8th layer hyper-nodes. The hyper-nodes achieve goal-seeking behaviour by satisfying Service Level Agreement constraints; they achieve sensing by way of polling SNMP MIB data describing overall NOC status; they capture experience through a memory mechanism for learned network management actions.
Temporal optical behavior of HST: focus, coma, and astigmatism history

The focus of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has been monitored throughout the life of the observatory primarily by phase retrieval techniques. This method generates and fits model Point Spread Functions (PSFs) to nearly in-focus stellar images to solve for coefficients of the Zernike polynomials describing focus, and often coma and astigmatism. Here, we discuss what these data from the ongoing monitoring strategies and special observations tell us about modes and timescales observed in HST optical variations.
Hyponormal 2 × 2 matrices are subnormal

Abstract Given an n × n matrix A and a k × n matrix B , both complex, define H(A, B) = A ∗ A − AA ∗ + B ∗ B , where A ∗ and B ∗ are the conjugate transposes of A and B , respectively. The matrix A B is said to be hyponormal if H ( A , B ) is positive semidefinite. We answer a question of P. R. Halmos: Hyponormality implies subnormality when k = n = 2, but not when k = n > 2.
Image registration for multifocus image fusion

In this paper, some image registration algorithms are investigated for the purpose of image fusion. A hybrid scheme which uses both feature-based and intensity-based methods is proposed. In this scheme, an edge-based image registration approach is developed to guide the intensity- based registration which uses optical flow estimation. The idea of coarse-to-fine multiscale iterative refinement is also studied. Experiments show that this approach is robust and efficient.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pseudo-Boolean valued prolog

A generalization of conventional Horn clause logic programming is proposed in which the space of truth values is a pseudo-Boolean or Heyting algebra, whose members may be thought of as evidences for propositions. A minimal model and an operational semantics is presented, and their equivalence is proved, thus generalizing the classic work of Van Emden and Kowalski.
Variational principal components

One of the central issues in the use of principal component analysis (PCA) for data modelling is that of choosing the appropriate number of retained components. This problem was recently addressed through the formulation of a Bayesian treatment of PCA in terms of a probabilistic latent variable model. A central feature of this approach is that the effective dimensionality of the latent space is determined automatically as part of the Bayesian inference procedure. In common with most non-trivial Bayesian models, however, the required marginalizations are analytically intractable, and so an approximation scheme based on a local Gaussian representation of the posterior distribution was employed. In this paper we develop an alternative, variational formulation of Bayesian PCA, based on a factorial representation of the posterior distribution. This approach is computationally efficient, and unlike other approximation schemes, it maximizes a rigorous lower bound on the marginal log probability of the observed data.
Reduced-Order Modeling of Unsteady Viscous Flow in a Compressor Cascade

A simultaneously coupled viscous-inviscid interaction (VII) analysis is used to model the unsteady viscous separated flow through a subsonic compressor. The inner viscous flow around the airfoil and in the wake is modeled using a finite difference discretization of the boundary-layer equations and a one-equation turbulence transport model. The outer inviscid flow is modeled using a variational finite element discretization of the compressible full potential equation. The viscous and inviscid regions are simultaneously coupled using a injection type boundary condition along the airfoil and wake. The resulting nonlinear unsteady equations are linearized about the nonlinear steady flow to obtain a set of linear equations that describe the unsteady small-disturbance behavior of the viscous flow through the cascade. The discretized small-disturbance VII equations are used to form a generalized, quadratic, non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem that describes the eigenmodes (natural modes) and eigenvalues (natural frequencies) of fluid motion about the cascade. Using a Lanczos algorithm, the eigeninformation is computed efficiently for various steady flow inflow angles and unsteady interblade phase angles
Transmission of live laparoscopic surgery over the Internet2.

Abstract Background: Video broadcasting of surgical procedures is an important tool for education, training, and consultation. Current video conferencing systems are expensive and time-consuming and require preplanning. Real-time Internet video is known for its poor quality and relies on the equipment and the speed of the connection. The Internet2, a new high-speed (up to 2,048 Mbps), large bandwidth data network presently connects more than 100 universities and corporations. We have successfully used the Internet2 to broadcast the first real-time, high-quality audio/video program from a live laparoscopic operation to distant points. Methods: Video output of the laparoscopic camera and audio from a wireless microphone were broadcast to distant sites using a proprietary, PC-based implementation of H.320 video conferencing over a TCP/IP network connected to the Internet2. The receiving sites participated in two-way, real-time video and audio communications and graded the quality of the signal they received. Results: On August 25, 1998, a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was transmitted to Internet2 stations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and to an Internet station in New York. On September 28 and 29, 1998, we broadcast laparoscopic operations throughout both days to the Internet2 Fall Conference in San Francisco, California. Most recently, on February 24, 1999, we transmitted a laparoscopic Heller myotomy to the Abilene Network Launch Event in Washington, DC. Conclusions: The Internet2 is currently able to provide the bandwidth needed for a turn-key video conferencing system with high-resolution, real-time transmission. The system could be used for a variety of teaching and educational programs for experienced surgeons, residents, and medical students.
Requirements modeling technology: a vision for better, faster, and cheaper systems

The paper discusses a vision, motivation, and objectives for a new engineering technology based on the Rosetta System Level Design Language (SLDL) that we call "requirements modeling". Requirements modeling is what systems engineers and systems analysts do with Rosetta SLDL. Rosetta SLDL is information technology that supports the specification of multi-technology, multifaceted, multi-discipline systems. Until the Rosetta SLDL emerged, no good way existed to help the design team "get its arms around" all of the requirements for a complex system. Requirements related issues are the most common source of systems engineering problems and they impact all aspects of product development. Requirements models help design teams stay "on the same page" with each other. Requirements modeling reduces cycle time, reduces costs, reduces the probability of overruns, and helps with support and sustainment of the product. Requirements models will be the input to many new and enhanced design automation tools and processes. The benefits of requirements modeling technology are wide reaching, because system requirements touch everything and everyone associated with a product.
Lower extremity ischemia secondary to internal thpraciccoronary artery bypass grafting

Vascular complications associated with the use of the internal thoracic artery as a conduit for coronary artery bypass are infrequent. However, acute limb-threatening ischemia can occur after the use of the internal thoracic artery for myocardial revascularization when this vessel forms an important collateral to an obstructed aortoiliac artery system. Although this is a rare complication, the consequences are devastating. Due to the risk of peripheral vascular insufficiency, we now perform simultaneous revascularization of the myocardium and the lower extremity when an internal thoracic artery that appears to be a major collateral to the ipsilateral aortoiliac system is used.
Prevention of opioid side effects

Physician education in cancer pain management is seriously deficient. Many problems occur with opioids simply because of therapeutic ignorance. Opioid side effects are best prevented by using morphine as the drug of first choice for severe pain. Anticipation and prevention of opioid side effects avoids most problems. Physicians need to be aware of how to transfer patients from one opioid to another or from one route of administration to another. Side effects common in clinical practice are constipation, nausea/vomiting, dry mouth, and sedation. The importance of the issues of tolerance, dependence, and respiratory depression have been exaggerated.
Improving privacy and lifetime of PCM-based main memory

Phase change memory (PCM) is a promising technology for computer memory systems. However, the non-volatile nature of PCM poses serious threats to computer privacy. The low programming endurance of PCM devices also limits the lifetime of PCM-based main memory (PRAM). In this paper, we first adopt counter-mode encryption for privacy protection and show that encryption significantly reduces the effectiveness of some previously proposed wear-leveling techniques for PRAM. To mitigate such adverse impact, we propose simple, yet effective extensions to the encryption scheme. In addition, we propose to reuse the encryption counters as age counters and to dynamically adjust the strength of error correction code (ECC) to extend the lifetime of PRAM. Our experiments show that our mechanisms effectively achieve privacy protection and lifetime extension for PRAM with very low performance overhead.