cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internalization of RGD peptide conjugates of near-infrared fluorescent probes in different cell lines occurs via different integrin receptor subtypes

Expression of integrin αvβ3 is upregulated in a number of cancers including colon, pancreas, lung and breast. Previous studies demonstrated that near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes designed to target αvβ3 accumulated both in vitro and in vivo in αvβ3-positive tumor cells. To evaluate the selectivity of some NIR-labeled RGD peptides for αvβ3, the molecular probes were incubated in different cells, including the αvβ3-positive U87 and A549 cells, and αvβ3-negative HT29 cells. Whereas the RGD compounds tested internalized in the A549 cells, their uptake by the HT29 cell line, which is positive for αvβ5 and αvβ6, was low. The uptake of these probes in U87 depended on the structural features of the compounds. Further studies with functional blocking antibodies showed that the internalization in the αvβ3-positive cells may be mediated by different integrin receptor subtypes. The preliminary results suggest that the internalization of linear RGD peptides is mediated by the αvβ3 heterodimer but rearrangement of the peptide sequence could alter the selectivity of the molecular probes for different integrin subunits in the dimeric α and β proteins. Thus, a careful choice of RGD peptides can be used to monitor the functional status of different integrins in cells and tissues.
Fabrication of long-Y123 coated conductors by combination of IBAD and PLD

Abstract Continuous deposition of Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 films were carried out on 10 mm width Hastelloy tapes by ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD). They were uniformly deposited with the in-plane mosaic spread (Δ φ ) of 10–14° in the 50 m long and of 16–18° in the 60 m long, at a production rate of 0.5–1.0 m/h. The 6 cm sample with the I c value of 141 A and the J c value of 1.25 MA/cm 2 were obtained by 6 repeated depositions using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Continuous deposition of Y-123 films were performed by PLD on long IBAD template tapes at a tape speed of 4.0 m/h. The I c value of 40 A and the J c value of 0.8 MA/cm 2 were obtained at the length of 30 m. Furthermore, the 46 m YBCO coated tape with the I c value of 74 A and the n value of 32 was formed uniformly.
An extrapolation method for a class of boundary integral equations

Boundary value problems of the third kind are converted into boundary integral equations of the second kind with periodic logarithmic kernels by using Green's formulas. For solving the induced boundary integral equations, a Nystrom scheme and its extrapolation method are derived for periodic Fredholm integral equations of the second kind with logarithmic singularity. Asymptotic expansions for the approximate solutions obtained by the Nystrom scheme are developed to analyze the extrapolation method. Some computational aspects of the methods are considered, and two numerical examples are given to illustrate the acceleration of convergence.
Endpoint of first stage of zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction in mouse spermatozoa characterized by acrosomal H+ and Ca2+ permeability: population and single cell kinetics.

The acrosome reaction induced by the mouse egg's zona pcllucida in mouse sperm has been shown to proceed in two stages as characterized empirically by sequential changes in patterns of chlorletracycline fluorescence on the sperm plasma membrane surfaces. The chlortctracy-cline fluorescence pattern characteristic of fully intact sperm is designated B:in sperm bound to structurally intact zonae that induce the acrosome reaction, the B pattern changes first to an intermediate pattern S and then to a terminal pattern AR characteristic of the completed acrosome reaction. In the same study, it was shown, using a 9-amino acridine fluorescent pH probe, that completion of the first stage was characterized by increase in H+ permeability such that the H+ gradient between sperm head and medium was dissipated. In this study, we show that the fluorescent pH probe 9-N-dodecylamino acridine and the intracellular Ca2+ fluores cent probe fura-2 are both localized to the anterior part of the sperm head encompassing the acrosomal compartment in intact sperm, and the fluorescence associated with each probe is lost as the first stage of the acrosome reaction is completed. Loss of the pH probe fluorescence, pattern N, corresponds to onset of H+ permeability, and loss of fura-2 fluorescence, pattern F, corresponds to onset of Ca2+ permeability. Localization of intracellular fura-2 fluorescence to the acrosomal compartment required extracellular Mn2+ to quench surface-bound fura-2 AM, the tetra-acetoxymethyl ester of fura-2 used to load the cells. Loss of acrosomal fura-2 fluorescence is due to quenching by tracer Mn2+ accompanying Ca2+. Onset of membrane permeability to both H+ and Ca2+, asseenby loss of patterns N and F, occurred in synchrony in populations of sperm bound to isolated, structurally intact zonae, with an overall time coursfe of 210 min postbinding. The loss of pattern N in individual sperm cells bound to zonae was rapid, with a half time of 2.1 min. Concomitant with this rapid loss of pattern N was a shift in the amplitude of flagellar motion from large to small. The lag times to pattern N loss in 50 individual cells ranged from 30 to 140 min. The variable lag times determine the population kinetics; the rate of the endpoinl reaction seen in the individual cells is rapid and constant. Dissipation of the H+ gradient with immediate loss of pattern N was readily achieved by addition of nigericin with no change in the time course of the onset of Ca2+ permeability of the membranes enclcsing the acrasome. Onset of Ca2+ permeability was always accompanied by onset of H+ permeability, but the alkalinization caused by H+ permeability induced by nigericin had no effect on Ca2+ permeability in intact sperm. This indicates that the permeabilization of the membranes marking the endpoint reaction of the B-to-S transition is most likely due to pore formation induced by punctate fusion of the plasma and outer acrasomal membranes, as would be expected for an exocytotic reaction.
SU-E-T-674: Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of VMAT Planning for Spine SBRT

Purpose: To analyze the sensitivity of VMAT plan quality to various delivery parameters for spine SBRT. Methods: Ten spine patients, previously treated to 18 Gy in 1 fraction with 11 field IMRT plans generated using a Multi‐Criteria Optimization approach in Raystation (RaySearch Laboratories, Stockholm, Sweden) were selected for this study. Optimal VMAT plans, of comparable quality were generated using dual partial arcs and defined as baseline plans. The sensitivity of plan quality on dose rate level (variable dose rates (VDR), discrete dose rates (DDR)), leaf speed constraints (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 cm/degree and no constraint), was tested. The effect of maximum dose rate, maximum delivery time, and fraction size (18Gy*1, 9Gy*2 and 2Gy*9) was also tested. The resulting VMAT plan quality was analyzed by comparing PTV homogeneity index and conformity number, and D1 of spinal cord. Results: A leaf speed constraint of less than 0.2 cm/degree will degrade PTV conformity and spinal cord sparing, and plan quality of leaf speed more than 0.6 cm/degree is close to that without any leaf speed constraint. The proper selection of VMAT delivery parameters allows VMAT plan quality to match IMRT. In addition, VMAT plan quality of VDR is superior to that of DDR when either maximum delivery time or maximum dose rate is increased. Conclusion: VMAT plan quality for spine SBRT depends on the combination of delivery time, fraction size, and leaf speed. The sensitivity of plan quality depends on dose per fraction and maximum delivery time. Funding support: NCI Federal Share Proton Beam Program Income Grant. Conflict of Interest:none.
Characterization of the analgesic activity of ketorolac in mice

The spectrum of analgesic activity of ketorolac tromethamine was evaluated with mice exposed to the hot-plate, tail-flick and writhing tests. Morphine and indomethacin were used as representative opioid and non-steroidal analgesics respectively. Ketorolac in doses of 5 or 7.5 mg/kg i.p. was active as an analgesic in all three of the procedures. In each case, naloxone (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) significantly decreased the analgesic activity of ketorolac. It was suggested that ketorolac might act in part by causing the release of endogenous opioids.
In the first instants … ultrafast views of radiation effects

In the first instants following high-energy electronic excitation of a solid, electrons and holes scatter from one another while establishing the initial partition of excitation among available states, and scatter from phonons while cooling to a thermalized population. If significant local lattice relaxation or self-trapping occur, the mobility and recombination time may be strongly altered. Electron capture and/or defect formation can culminate in luminescence for scintillation detection or in stored energy that may be the basis for imaging or dosimetry. It is now possible to observe directly and measure some of the consequences of excitation on fs and ps time scales.
Remaining mysteries of the cytoplasm.

Nothing epitomizes the mystery of life more than the spatial organization and dynamics of the cytoplasm. How can a bunch of molecules, no matter how sophisticated, generate spatially complex behavior on a scale that is much larger than the molecules themselves? In my view, we will be done as cell biologists when we can predict the structure and dynamics of cells from DNA sequence. That goal is still some way off; indeed it is not yet clear if it is conceptually feasible. Below I identify three challenges, one general and two specific, that must be overcome if we are to make progress.
Collision Strengths and Transition Rates for O III

Transition rates, oscillator strengths, and collision strengths between the fine-structure levels of O III, obtained from a model which includes the configurations 2s[sup 2]2p[sup 2], 2s2p[sup 3], 2p[sup 4], 2s[sup 2]2p3s, 2s[sup 2]2p3p, and 2s[sup 2]2p3d are tabulated. The calculations were carried out using the Superstructure and distorted-wave computer programs developed at University College, London. Such data are needed for investigations of the O III level populations and line intensities at higher densities and temperatures and in the presence of photoexcitation processes which populate higher levels. 19 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.
A Study on Confidence Intervals for Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios

In health policy and economics studies, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) has long been used to compare the economic consequences relative to the health benefits of therapies. Due to the skewed distributions of the costs and ICERs, much research has been done on how to obtain confidence intervals of ICERs, using either parametric or nonparametric methods, with or without the presence of censoring. In this paper, we will examine and compare the finite sample performance of many approaches via simulation studies. For the special situation when the health effect of the treatment is not statistically significant, we will propose a new bootstrapping approach to improve upon the bootstrap percentile method that is currently available. The most efficient way of constructing confidence intervals will be identified and extended to the censored data case. Finally, a data example from a cardiovascular clinical trial is used to demonstrate the application of these methods.
Statutory frameworks for regulating information flows: drawing lessons for the DNA data banks from other government data systems.

The above bit string encodes personal information about one of the authors of this essay. Of course, without rules to decode the bit string, it is impossible to say whether it is genetic information, weight, age, fingerprint, religion, etc. Layered on top of that technical decoding process is a social decoding process – how sensitive is this information? How useful is it to the government for various purposes? The objective of this paper is to offer some key lessons for the regulation of genetic information collected by the state for law enforcement purposes. In the first part of the paper, we discuss two fundamental principles of informational privacy theory. Utilizing these, we then examine the statutory regimes that have emerged for the regulation of the information that the government collects in three different domains – fingerprints, department of motor vehicle (DMV) records, and tax records. In the third and final part we use the results of our analysis as analogies for similar regulatory challenges in the regulation of genetic information collected for law enforcement purposes, and make some tentative recommendations.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering of pyridine on Ag electrodes formed with controlled-rate oxidation-reduction cycles

Abstract A study has been performed in which the SERS intensity of the pyridine ring breathing vibration at 1008 cm−1 at Ag electrodes is found to be dependent upon both the large scale and atomic scale roughness of the electrode surface. The controlled surface morphology is generated by a double potential step ORC technique. Scanning electron microscopy of these surfaces reveals varying large scale surface morphologies that are dependent upon ORC rate. A correlation between SERS intensity and large scale surface morphology is interpreted in terms of significant contributions from electromagnetic effects in electrochemical SERS. The correlation between SERS intensity and this surface morphology is found to be independent of the presence of atomic scale roughness. The results presented here confirm and extend the results of previous investigations of the morphology of SERS-active surfaces.
Carbon-13 spectra: Selection of radiofrequency amplitude for off-resonance, continuous-wave, proton spin decoupling

Abstract Protons of various simple compounds (carbon-l3-enriched sodium formate or methyl iodide, or natural-abundance p-dioxane or methylene bromide) were subjected to a continuous radiofrequency field at selected frequencies and amplitude while the carbon-13 spectrum was being observed. Some anomalies between calculated and observed spectra were found. On the basis of the spectra obtained, recommendations are made as to the selection and measurement of radiofrequency amplitude (decoupling power) for applications involving the correlation of proton and carbon-13 spectra for a compound.
THE ECONOMICS OF ETHICS: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON AGENCY THEORY.

Abstract Agency theory provides a series of instructive parables concerning the systems consequences of unreservedly opportunistic behavior. Due to a mutual lack of trust, some otherwise mutually beneficial exchanges do not take place. And, even when exchanges do take place, there are dead-weight losses due to monitoring costs and inefficient risk sharing. Therefore, in ex ante terms, everyone may be better off if they mutually agree to restrain their opportunistic behavior. Unfortunately, by its very nature, opportunistic behavior is not readily observed. Thus, an agreement (i.e. ethical code) to abstain from opportunistic behavior cannot be effectively enforced by external rewards or sanctions; instead, the sanctions for unethical behavior must be internalized. Hopefully, this article will stimulate ideas for incorporating ethics in discussions of accounting, using agency theory as a convenient vehicle.
Measurement of ultra-fast γ-ray transitions from heavy-ion compound-nucleus reactions

A method for correcting target-thickness-induced Doppler broadening in gamma-ray spectra from weakly populated, very short-lived (femtosecond) states is presented. The method is illustrated by an a ...
Clean Recycling of Lead‐Acid Batteries for Electric Vehicles: A Reply to Socolow and Thomas

Summary This article is stimulated by the analysis of Socolow and Thomas in the first issue of this journal. Our work showed that a lead-acid battery-powered electric vehicle (Ev) would result in more lead being discharged into the environment than a comparable car burning leaded gasoline. Five hundred thousand EVs would lead to a 20% increase in lead use in the United States, and presumably a comparable 20% increase in lead discharges. The Socolow-Thomas analysis asserts: (I) choosing not to pursue technology that uses toxic materials will unduly constrain the research and development (RD (2) we do not do a full risk assessment of the lead discharges from lead smelting, battery making and recycling; and (3) in response to regulation the industry might devise a “clean recycling” system. We doubt the wisdom of increasing R&D on lead batteries because introducing large quantities of lead into cars will pose health risks. The possibility of clean recycling in the future is not an adequate basis for mandating EVs. Proponents of EVs should prove there is no harm to the environment Regulators should not require EVs until there is a reasonable showing of environmental benefit and that the requirement is cost-effective in reducing ozone.
Multum in Parvo: Gilbert White of Selborne

W h e n Mr. Jus t i ce H o l m e s con fe s sed h is p r e f e r e n c e fo r l i t t le dec i s ions w h i c h se lec tors c o m m o n l y pas sed by because they did no t dea l w i t h the Cons t i tu t ion , "yet w h i c h c o n t a i n e d the g e r m of s o m e wide r t heo ry a n d the re fo re of some p r o f o u n d in te r s t i t i a l c h a n g e in the ve ry t i ssue of the l aw," he was teachi ng h i s to r i ans a p r i m a r y lesson. He was also app ly ing the gospel a c c o r d i n g to Mr. Shandy . " E v e r y t h i n g in th is wor ld ," obse rved T r i s t r a m ' s f a the r , "has wi t in it, a n d i n s t r u c t i o n too, ff we c a n bu t f ind it out ." " E v e r y t h i n g " inc ludes books; and s u c h a book a l i t t le book t o o i s Gi lber t W h i t e ' s N a t u r a l H i s t o r y o f Se l b o r n e w h e r e i n one, w i t h o u t l e a v i n g his o w n house and ga rden , m a y f ind wi t a n d i n s t r u c t i o n and some p r o f o u n d in te r s t i t i a l c h a n g e in the ve ry t issue of society. T h o u g h its wor ld be on ly a p a r i s h and its a u t h o r a one t ime cura te , m u c h of la te eight e e n t h c e n t u r y E n g l a n d passes be fo re i ts r eade r s , ff they c a n bu t de tec t it. 1
Anchoring the potential energy surface of the nitrogen/water dimer, N2⋯H2O, with explicitly correlated coupled-cluster computations

Abstract Six different stationary points have been identified and characterized on the potential energy surface of N 2 ⋯H 2 O (i.e., the non-covalent dimer formed between nitrogen and water). Optimized geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies have been computed using the MP2 and CCSD(T) ab initio electronic structure methods in conjunction with a series of correlation consistent basis sets as large as aug-cc-pVQZ. In addition, explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12 single point energy computations in conjunction with basis sets as large as aug-cc-pV5Z have been used to estimate the relative energetics at the complete basis set (CBS) limit. Only one configuration corresponds to a minimum, a C s structure with an O–H⋯N interaction and an electronic dissociation energy of 1.22 kcal mol −1 at the CCSD(T) CBS limit. CCSD(T) harmonic vibrational frequency computations indicate that the IR intensities of the OH stretching modes increase substantially when the dimer forms. Three transition states lie 0.51–0.61 kcal mol −1 above the global minimum at the CCSD(T) CBS limit, which indicates that the barriers associated with rearrangement pathways are comparable to those for (H 2 O) 2 .
Delirium Transitions in the Medical ICU: Exploring the Role of Sleep Quality and Other Factors*

Objectives Disrupted sleep is a common and potentially modifiable risk factor for delirium in the ICU. As part of a quality improvement project to promote sleep in the ICU, we examined the association of perceived sleep quality ratings and other patient and ICU risk factors with daily transition to delirium. Design Secondary analysis of prospective observational study. Setting Medical ICU over a 201-day period. Patients Two hundred twenty-three patients with greater than or equal to one night in the medical ICU in between two consecutive days of delirium assessment. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Daily perceived sleep quality ratings were measured using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. Delirium was measured twice daily using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Other covariates evaluated included age, sex, race, ICU admission diagnosis, nighttime mechanical ventilation status, prior day's delirium status, and daily sedation using benzodiazepines and opioids, via both bolus and continuous infusion. Perceived sleep quality was similar in patients who were ever versus never delirious in the ICU (median [interquartile range] ratings, 58 [35-76] vs 57 [33-78], respectively; p = 0.71), and perceived sleep quality was unrelated to delirium transition (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00). In mechanically ventilated patients, receipt of a continuous benzodiazepine and/or opioid infusion was associated with delirium transition (adjusted odds ratio, 4.02; 95% CI, 2.19-7.38; p Conclusions We found no association between daily perceived sleep quality ratings and transition to delirium. Infusion of benzodiazepine and/or opioid medications was strongly associated with transition to delirium in the ICU in mechanically ventilated patients and is an important, modifiable risk factor for delirium in critically ill patients.
Effects of Age and Rearing Conditions of Macacca mulatta on Blood Proteins and Protein-Bound Carbohydrates

Measurements of blood constituents were made on monkeys, Macacca mulatta, reared in conditions of severe social isolation which are known to lead to behavioral deficits in adult life. Alterations were found in the levels of hemoglobin, total plasma protein, and haptoglobin, while the levels of fibrinogen and protein-bound carbohydrates were identical with controls. Differences among the deprived monkeys did not resemble differences found among human schizophrenic patients. An effect of age on some of these measures in the rhesus monkey also was noted.
Myogenic specification in somites: induction by axial structures

Specification of the myogenic phenotype in somites was examined in the early chick embryo using organotypic explant cultures stained with monoclonal antibodies to myosin heavy chain. It was found that myogenic specification (formation of muscle fibers in explants of somites or segmental plates cultured alone) does not occur until Hamburger and Hamilton stage 11 (12-14 somites). At this stage, only the somites in the rostral half of the embryo are myogenically specified. By Hamburger and Hamilton stage 12 (15-17 somites), the three most caudal somites were not specified to be myogenic while most or all of the more rostral somites are specified to myogenesis. Somites from older embryos (stage 13-15, 18-26 somites) showed the same pattern of myogenic specification--all but the three most caudal somites were specified. We investigated the effects of the axial structures, the notochord and neural tube, on myogenic specification. Both the notochord and neural tube were able to induce myogenesis in unspecified somites. In contrast, the neural tube, but not the notochord, was able to induce myogenesis in explants of segmental plate, a structure which is not myogenic when cultured alone. When explants of specified somites were stained with antibodies to slow or fast MyHC, it was found that myofiber diversity (fast and fast slow fibers) was established very early in development (as early as Hamburger and Hamilton stage 11). We also found fiber diversity in explants of unspecified somites (the three most caudal somites from stage 11 to 15) when they were recombined with notochord or neural tube. We conclude that myogenic specification in the embryo results in diverse fiber types and is an inductive process which is mediated by factors produced by the neural tube and notochord.
Budget noose tightens in House

The House Appropriations Committee has handed the subcommittee that holds the purse strings for NASA and NSF a 1990 budget allocation $701 million less than what President Bush asked for and $1.2 billion short of what the subcommittee's chairman has said is needed for veterans' and housing programs as well as for science. The subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Housing, and Independent Agencies received approval for $53.125 billion in outlays for domestic discretionary programs and $48.05 billion in budget authority for Fiscal Year 1990. Those are the non-defense parts of the federal budget that Congress can shape to fit its priorities.
Comparison of GENIE and conventional supervised classifiers for multispectral image feature extraction

The authors have developed an automated feature detection/classification system, called GENetic Imagery Exploitation (GENIE), which has been designed to generate image processing pipelines for a variety of feature detection/classification tasks. GENIE is a hybrid evolutionary algorithm that addresses the general problem of finding features of interest in multispectral remotely-sensed images. The authors describe their system in detail together with experiments involving comparisons of GENIE with several conventional supervised classification techniques, for a number of classification tasks using multispectral remotely sensed imagery.
Data path synthesis in digital electronics. II. Bus synthesis

For pt. I see ibid., vol. 32, no. 1, p. 1-15 (1996). Common buses are an extremely efficient structure for achieving area minimization so that the bus-oriented interconnection of registers and data operators plays an important role in data path synthesis. The overriding design goal is efficiently allocating the minimum number of buses and gating elements (i.e. multiplexers) for achieving communication between the data path elements. New efficient algorithms for the automated allocation of buses in data paths have been developed. The entire allocation process can be formulated as a graph partitioning problem. This formulation readily lends itself to the use of a varieties of heuristics for solving the allocation problem We present efficient algorithms which provide excellent solutions to this formulation of the allocation problem The operation of the algorithms is clearly demonstrated using detailed examples.
Retentive properties of dental cements

Abstract The relative retentive properties of various luting agents were investigated by measurement of the tensile force necessary to remove cast gold, occlusal inlays seated with the different cements. The influence of the cement base and cavity liners on retention was also studied. 1. 1. Inlays cemented with the zinc phosphate cement (Tenacin) offered the greatest resistance to removal. The results obtained with Kryptex, the silico-phosphate cement, were essentially the same but the retention decreased when the silicate cement, New Filling Porcelain, was used. 2. 2. Inlays cemented with the zinc oxide-eugenol cements, Temrex, and Temporary Cement, required less force to remove than when the same restorations were seated with the phosphoric acid cements. There were some differences between individual products. One material, Temp-Bond, designed for temporary cementation, exhibited considerably less retention than the others. 3. 3. Varnish-type cavity liners, Copalite and Repelac, did not appreciably alter the retentive properties of zinc phosphate cement, although use of Pulpdent, a liner consisting of a suspension of calcium hydroxide, did impair the retention somewhat. 4. 4. The retention of inlays cemented with zinc phosphate cement was not affected by placing either a zinc oxide-eugenol (Cavitec) base or calcium hydroxide (Dycal) base in a depression in the floor of the cavity.
Nonsternotomy Approaches to Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement: Combined Left Subcostal–Right Minithoracotomy Technique

Alternative non-sternotomy approaches to implanting left ventricular assist devices have become viable and reproducible alternatives to standard sternotomy approach. This paper outlines the essential steps of the left subcostal- right-minithoracotomy approach for left ventricular assist device implantation. The left subcostal approach offers excellent access to the cardiac apex without disrupting the left chest wall, while the aorta can be easily accessed via a right mini-thoracotomy incision.
Grammar of zones with admissible trajectories of arbitrary degrees

Stilman's linguistic geometry (LG) is a theory describing how to find strategies intending to win in multi-player abstract board games with concurrent moves. The areas of applicability of LG are such problems as scheduling problems, construction of combat strategies for military applications, robot control, security of computer networks, safety for multi-agent systems in the presence of cooperating and non-cooperating agents, etc. One of the major tools of LG is the notion of "zones". A zone represents a possible skirmish between a player and its opponents. LG also provides means to evaluate for the player a cost of reaching the goal within a zone. The LG grammar of zones would allow the player to generate a number of possible zones. Then the player can choose a zone with the most favorable cost and proceed along the respective trajectory. We generalized the LG grammar of zones developed by Stilman by permitting admissible trajectories of arbitrary degrees. Previously, the LG grammar of zones utilized only admissible trajectories of second degree. We also simplified the way such grammars are represented.
The influence of fat, acid and salt on the perception of selected taste and texture attributes of cheese analogs : a scalar study

Twelve cheese analogs varying in amounts of fat (10 17.5, and 25%), sodium chloride (0.5 and 2.0%), and citric acid (0.1 and 1.2%) were prepared to determine the influence of the three constituents on taste and texture perception, as well as on the rheological behavior of the analogs. Sourness, saltiness, springiness, firmness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness were rated by trained judges on a graphic scale. The Instron Universal Testing Machine was used for the rheological studies. Increasing the salt content in the cheese analogs resulted in an increased saltiness and sourness intensity and a decreased pH. Increasing the acid or salt content caused a significant decrease in cohesiveness and springiness and an increase in firmness. A higher fat content resulted in a softer, less springy, more cohesive and adhesive cheese analog.
Hemodynamics of distal revascularization-interval ligation.

Distal revascularization-interval ligation (DRIL) empirically corrects steal after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in most cases, but because there is no topologic alteration in anatomy, it is unclear as to why it is effective. To explore this issue, nine symptomatic patients underwent intravascular pressure and flow measurements before and after DRIL following upper arm autologous AVFs. Mean pre-DRIL systolic pressure (mmHg; mean ± SD) in the proximal brachial artery (PROX) was 102 ± 17, while that at the AV anastomosis (AV ANAST) was 47 ± 38 (p < 0.0006). Flow (mL/min) distal to AV ANAST was retrograde with the fistula open (−21 ± 64) but became antegrade (58 ± 29; p < 0.03) with occlusion of the fistula. Following DRIL, pressures at both PROX and AV ANAST sites did not change (104 ± 24 and 51 ± 43, respectively). However, pressure at the point at which the blood flow split to supply the hand or the fistula, now PROX, increased from 47 ± 38 (pre-DRIL AV ANAST) to 104 ± 24 (p < 0.0001). Pressure in the brachial artery distal to the ligature increased to 104 ± 27 (p < 0.0001), flow at this point (to the hand) became antegrade (51 ± 39; p < 0.03), and occlusion of the fistula did not significantly change pressure at this site. We hypothesize that improvement in hand perfusion following DRIL is due to a higher pressure at the point at which the blood flow splits to supply both hand and fistula (pre-DRIL: AV ANAST; post-DRIL: PROX), allowing antegrade flow down the new bypass to the lower pressure forearm. This increased pressure must be due to the increased resistance of the fistula created by interposing the arterial segment between the original AV ANAST and new PROX ANAST. As such, DRIL is schematically equivalent to banding, but resistance is increased in a fashion that is physiologically and empirically acceptable.
Persistent shock-elicited responding engendered by a negative-reinforcement procedure

A procedure in which responses reduced intermittently presented electric shocks to one quarter of their originally scheduled intensity, effectively engendered and maintained lever pressing in hooded rats. This contingency also markedly increased the response rates of rats initially trained under an unsignaled avoidance procedure. The responding of all animals extinguished rapidly when shock was withdrawn. Subsequently, it was discovered that high response rates could be maintained solely through presentation of shocks that were not affected by responses. Variations in the interval between shocks and changes in shock intensity over a wide range did not attenuate responding. Terminal performance was characterized by a consistent pattern of shock-elicited responses. Responses were also elicited by a tone following repeated tone-shock pairings. Finally, responding that was maintained by response-independent shocks was quickly suppressed by response-contingent shocks of the same intensity.
A SSM/I Radiometer Simulator for Studies of Microwave Emission from Soil

A ground-based simulator of the defense meterological satellite program special sensor microwave/imager (DMSP SSM/I) is described, and its integration with micrometeorological instrumentation for an investigation of microwave emission from moist and frozen soils is discussed. The simulator consists of three single polarization radiometers which are capable of both Dicke radiometer and total power radiometer modes of operation. The radiometers are designed for untended operation through a local computer and a daily telephone link to a laboratory. The functional characteristics of the radiometers are described, together with their field deployment configuration and an example of performance parameters.
Cardiovascular malformations induced by bromodeoxyuridine in the chick embryo

For the study of morphogenesis and early embryonic development, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR), a halogenated analogue of thymidine, is incorporated into replicating DNA and serves as a valuable tool. To study the teratogenicity of BUdR on the developing chick cardiovascular system, we topically administered graded doses of BUdR (32.6–325.6 nmol) in ovo during Hamburger-Hamilton stages 15 to 16. We also administered to a parallel group of embryos corresponding nanomole doses of thymidine during identical stages of development. In the thymidine-treated group, survival rates and cardiovascular anomaly rates did not differ statistically from those in the chick Ringer's control group. Both survival rates and cardiovascular anomaly rates in the BUdR-treated group were dose-responsive. Among 78 embryos with cardiovascular anomalies induced by BUdR, vascular malformations were found in 96%. These anomalies included interruption of the right fourth aortic arch, absence or hypoplasia of the right and/or left sixth aortic arch, and persistence of the left fourth aortic arch. Interruption, of the right fourth aortic arch was always associated with intracardiac anomalies. Intracardiac anomalies were found in 54% of the embryos; these included ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and persistent truncus arteriosus. Subclavian artery malformations were noted in 95% of the embryos. Possible mechanisms for BUdR-induced malformations in the cardiovascular system of the chick are discussed.
Analysis of satellite imagery using a neutral network based terrain classifier

We present a novel method of detecting changes, such as erosion or deforestation, from time sequential pairs of remote images. After preprocessing the images and obtaining a difference image, we use a neural network-based system to adaptively threshold the difference image and resolve areas of pixel intensity with a terrain classifier which combines information in the original images. The result is that we detect precisely the types of changes in which we are interested, without being "distracted" by changes due to noise or natural within-terrain variability of pixel intensity. >
Changes in markers of bone formation and resorption in a bed rest model of weightlessness

To study the mechanism of bone loss in physical unloading, we examined indices of bone formation and bone resorption in the serum and urine of eight healthy men during a 7 day -6 degrees head-down tilt bed rest. Prompt increases in markers of resorption--pyridinoline (PD), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and hydroxyproline (Hyp)/g creatinine--during the first few days of inactivity were paralleled by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) with significant increases in all these markers by day 4 of bed rest. An index of formation, skeletal alkaline phosphatase (SALP), did not change during bed rest and showed a moderate 15% increase 1 week after reambulation. In contrast to SALP, serum osteocalcin (OC) began increasing the day preceding the increase in Hyp, remained elevated for the duration of the bed rest, and returned to pre-bed rest values within 5 days of reambulation. Similarly, DPD increased significantly at the onset of bed rest, remained elevated for the duration of bed rest, and returned to pre-bed rest levels upon reambulation. On the other hand, the other three indices of resorption, Hyp, PD, and TRAP, remained elevated for 2 weeks after reambulation. The most sensitive indices of the levels of physical activity proved to be the noncollagenous protein, OC, and the collagen crosslinker, DPD. The bed rest values of both these markers were significantly elevated compared to both the pre-bed rest values and the post-bed rest values. The sequence of changes in the circulating markers of bone metabolism indicated that increases in serum OC are the earliest responses of bone to head-down tilt bed rest.
Equivalence of continuous flow nebulizer and metered-dose inhaler with reservoir bag for treatment of acute airflow obstruction.

Traditionally, patients with acute airflow obstruction are treated with bronchodilator aerosols delivered by continuous flow nebulizers. While bronchodilator administration with the metered dose inhaler (MDI) and reservoir or spacer attachment is as effective as administration with the nebulizer in most settings, the former has not been widely accepted for treatment of acute airway obstruction in the emergency room. We compared the efficacy of the continuous flow nebulizer to that of the MDI with InspirEase (reservoir spacer) in 75 patients (45 men and 30 women), ages 18-73 (χ 44 years) who presented to the emergency room with acute asthma and COPD. Subjects in each group (22 COPD and 53 asthma) were randomly assigned to treatment with three puffs of metaproterenol (0.65 mg/puff) via the MDI with InspirEase plus nebulizer with placebo, or placebo MDI with InspirEase plus nebulizer with 15 mg metaproterenol in double blind fashion. Either treatment was given three times at 30 min intervals. The FEV 1 and dyspnea scores according to the Borg scale were measured at baseline, 30 min after the first treatment, and 30 min after the third. There was no significant outcome difference between the two treatments in either diagnostic group. There also was no significant outcome difference for patients with baseline FEV 1
Heart Failure: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Medical Treatment Guidelines, and Nursing Management

Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating chronic disease and is expected to increase in upcoming years due to demographic changes. Nurses in all settings have an essential role in supporting patients in managing this disease. This article describes the pathophysiology of HF, diagnosis, medical management, and nursing interventions. It is crucial for nurses to understand the pathophysiology of HF and the importance that nursing actions have on enhancing medical management to alleviate symptoms and to deter the advancement of the pathophysiologic state. Such an understanding can ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality and optimize quality of life in patients with HF.
Tiled regression reduces type I error rates in tests of association of rare single nucleotide variants with non-normally distributed traits, compared with simple linear regression

The effects of the minor allele frequency of single nucleotide variants and the degree of departure from normality of a quantitative trait on type I error rates were evaluated using Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 mini-exome sequence data. Four simulated traits were generated: standard normal and gamma distributed traits and two transformations of the gamma distributed trait by log10 and rank-based inverse normal functions. Tiled regression was compared with simple linear regression. Average type I error rates were obtained for minor allele frequency classes. The distribution of the type I error rate for tiled regression analysis followed a pattern similar to that of simple linear regression analysis, but with much lower type I error.
Job Descriptions: What You Can Do to Improve Them

Reviewing and updating job descriptions may not rank high on your list of priorities as a department manager or supervisor, but these documents play a vital role in managing your staff. Most employers have a standard template for job descriptions, but department managers should play an active role in determining duties and requirements. These documents are used and referred to many times during employment. During the hiring process, they tell candidates exactly what you are looking for in a person to fill the position. Just as importantly, they also will help you explain or defend the reasons why a particular person was not selected for the position. During someone’s time on the job, well-written job descriptions set expectations for employees. Managers can use them to communicate goals and priorities. They also help employees see where they fit into the organization and align everyone’s job with the company’s goals, visions, and mission. Especially important to service organizations is that job descriptions set expectations for customer service. Job descriptions should be referred to when conducting performance evaluations, as they provide a reference to measure performance. Job descriptions should be living documents that reflect the current status of the position. If you haven’t looked at your job descriptions lately, a review or rewrite might be in order. Some employers use consultants to write job descriptions, but you can write your own by following a few guidelines.
Catalyzing Pyramidal Inversion: Configurational Lability of P-Stereogenic Phosphines via Single Electron Oxidation

We report that pyramidal inversion of trivalent phosphines may be catalyzed by single electron oxidation. Specifically, a series of P-stereogenic (aryl)methylphenyl phosphines are shown to undergo rapid racemization at ambient temperature when exposed to catalytic quantities of a single electron oxidant in solution. Under these conditions, transient phosphoniumyl radical cations (R3P•+) are formed, and computational models indicate that the pyramidal inversion barriers for these open-shell intermediates are on the order of ∼5 kcal/mol. The observed 1020-fold rate enhancement over uncatalyzed pyramidal inversion opens new opportunities for the dynamic stereochemistry of phosphines and may hold additional implications for the configurational stability of P-stereogenic phosphine ligands on high-valent oxidizing transition metals.
Some Effects of Temperature, Humidity, Age, and Sex on the Toxicity of Dieldrin and Ethion to Resistant Onion Maggots, Hylemya antiqua

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of temperature, humidity, age, and sex on the toxicity of dieldrin and ethion to onion maggot adults. Pretreatment temperature did not affect the toxicity of either dieldrin or ethion. Posttreatment temperature had a marked effect on the toxicity of both. In general, toxicity increased as the temperature increased. Variations in posttreatment humidity did not affect the toxicity of either material. There was no significant evidence that age affected the toxicity of dieldrin and ethion to the onion maggot adults. Female flies were significantly more resistant to the action of dieldrin and ethion than the males.
Deployment and the citizen soldier: need and resilience.

BACKGROUND: The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have made unprecedented demands on the nation's citizen soldiers, the National Guard and Reserve. A major concern involves the repeated deployment of these forces overseas. OBJECTIVES: Using data from the Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among the Guard and Reserve Force, we examined the effects of deployment on 6 health outcomes. SUBJECTS: The Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among the Guard and Reserve Force is a sample (n = 17,754) of all Reserve component personnel (including full time and/or activated Guard and Reservists) serving in all pay grades throughout the world. RESEARCH DESIGN: We relied on inverse probability of treatment weights to adjust for observed confounders and used sensitivity analyses to examine the sensitivity of our findings to potential unobserved confounding. RESULTS: Observed confounders explain much of the apparent effect of deployment. For men, the adjusted relationships could very well reflect further confounding involving unobserved factors. However, for women, effects of deployment on marijuana use, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation are robust to adjustments for multiple testing and possible unobserved confounding. CONCLUSIONS: These effects are large in practical terms and troubling but suggest that media reports of the harm caused by deployment may be overstated. Such exaggerations run the risk of stigmatizing those who serve.
The Research of Digital Electric Measurement System Based on Image Processing Technology

Along with the situation that current types of electric digital measurement testing are increasing,testing items are becoming more and more complex.We propose the application of image processing technology that can access to realize the detection methods.This paper analyzes the data to achieve a concrete realization of technology and method.The digital recognition method avoids protocols of the data communication and original methods based on artificial detection,and furnish a access for a new testing way.The expansion technology based on Standard Words' Library raises the standard of automated detection and expands detection methods,also provides a new technology method.
Minimum jerk norm scheme applied to obstacle avoidance of redundant robot arm with jerk bounded and feedback control

In this study, a minimum jerk norm (MJN) scheme with an obstacle avoidance constraint is proposed and applied to a redundant robot arm, of which the joint jerks keep bounded for a human-friendly robot control. To achieve superior tracking performances of the redundant robot arm, the proposed jerk bounded MJN scheme is improved by the feedback control. More importantly, the effectiveness on obstacle avoidance of the proposed scheme is guaranteed by the variable-magnitude escape jerk theorem. Besides, for the purpose of implementation on the practical robot system, the corresponding discrete formulas with their theoretical analyses are presented. Then the proposed scheme is reformulated as a dynamical quadratic program which is solved by a piecewise-linear projection equation neural network. Furthermore, the path-tracking simulation and comparison substantiate the effectiveness and accuracy of such a scheme with the smooth and human-friendly joint variables applied to the obstacle avoidance of a six degrees of freedom jerk bounded robot arm. At last, the experimental application conducted on a practical redundant robot arm system further shows the physical realisability and the safety of the proposed scheme.