cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Artifact in client satisfaction assessment: experience in community mental health settings.

Artifact in client satisfaction assessment is discussed and the results of a study of three factors thought to mediate client satisfaction ratings; (a) general life satisfaction, (b) mode of administration, and (c) psychological symptomatology, are reported. A standard client satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ) was modified to yield parallel forms and was administered orally and in writing to 92 clients in two mental health day treatment programs. Satisfaction ratings obtained from these clients were quite similar to out-patient ratings obtained in previous studies conducted in this setting and using the same measures. Oral administration of the CSQ produced 10% higher satisfaction ratings than written administration (p < .05) and less missing data (p < .01). Satisfaction ratings were also obtained using a simple graphic instrument. Graphic ratings were comparable to CSQ ratings. Satisfaction with life in general and level of psychiatric symptoms together accounted for 25% of CSQ variance. The implication of these findings for future client satisfaction research is discussed.
ASSESSING VALUE FOR PRODUCT FAMILY DESIGN AND SELECTION

A platform is the set of elements and interfaces that are common to a family of products. We have previously presented a method for designing product families based on platforms that quantifies performance and cost metrics. That approach allows a team of engineers to design and evaluate candidate platforms, given perfect understanding of the designs and requirements. In this paper we present a model to account for uncertainty present during the development of those product families. Real options concepts are introduced to model the risks and delayed decision benefits present under uncertainty in technologies, funding, etc. We develop a quantitative measure of the value to the company for different family designs, and apply it to select the most appropriate design from the possible alternatives. An application to the design of platform-base d families of spacecraft is shown. Results from the models indicated the platforms that were most valuable to the company under different scenarios, as well as the sensitivity of the value of each design to different uncertainty factors. NOMENCLATURE i
Serum androgens and estrogens in postmenopausal women with and without endometrial cancer

Thirty-five consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium and an equal number of control subjects matched to the cancer patients for age and percentage of ideal weight were studied prospectively. In the cancer patients, the mean +/- SE serum androstenedione, testosterone, estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) levels were 503 +/- 34 pg/ml, 224 +/- 22 pg/ml, 38.7 +/- 3.6 pg/ml, and 14.5 +/- 0.9 pg/ml, respectively. Similar concentrations were found in the control subjects. Body weight and percentage of ideal weight showed highly significant correlations (P less than 0.001) with E1 and E2 but not with the androgen concentrations in either group. The heavier patients had higher E1 and E2 levels. Age and years since menopause did not correlate with any of the hormonal levels. The cancer patients with overt diabetes tended to be more obese and have higher estrogen levels than did the nondiabetic subjects. Those with a history of prior estrogen usage were more slender and had lower endogenous estrogens than the nonusers. Twenty-three of the cancer patients (66%) had a presumed risk factor(s) for the development of this tumor, that is, excess body weight, high endogenous estrogen levels, or a history of prior estrogen usage. These data support the concept that conditions which lead to continued, unopposed estrogen stimulation may be associated with malignant transformation of the endometrium.
Ultrasonic Examination of Cast Stainless Steel Component in Nuclear Power Plant

CSS, used extensively for nuclear power plant components, has complex grain structures that compromise the accuracy of ultrasonic examination. Figure 1 shows a pipe-to-elbow joint that is typically used in many pressurized water reactors (PWRs). The joint has a columnar-dendritic grain structure at one end and an equiaxed grain structure at the other. Ultrasonic wave propagation is significantly different in these two structures.
Poisson formulas for circular functions on some groups of type H

Explicit Poisson kernels are found for the subelliptic Dirichlet problem with boundary data satisfying certain symmetry conditions on balls and halfspaces in some Heisenberg type groups.
Maternal Effect for DNA Mismatch Repair in the Mouse

DNA mismatch repair (DMR) functions to maintain genome stability. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells deficient in DMR show a microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype characterized by repeat length alterations at microsatellite sequences. Mice deficient in Pms2 , a mammalian homolog of bacterial mutL , develop cancer and display MSI in all tissues examined, including the male germ line where a frequency of ~10% was observed. To determine the consequences of maternal DMR deficiency on genetic stability, we analyzed F1 progeny from Pms2 −/− female mice mated with wild-type males. Our analysis indicates that MSI in the female germ line was ~9%. MSI was also observed in paternal alleles, a surprising result since the alleles were obtained from wild-type males and the embryos were therefore DMR proficient. We propose that mosaicism for paternal alleles is a maternal effect that results from Pms2 deficiency during the early cleavage divisions. The absence of DMR in one-cell embryos leads to the formation of unrepaired replication errors in early cell divisions of the zygote. The occurrence of postzygotic mutation in the early mouse embryo suggests that Pms2 deficiency is a maternal effect, one of a limited number identified in the mouse and the first to involve a DNA repair gene.
Regional brain metabolic correlates of self-reported depression severity contrasted with clinician ratings.

Background We compared brain-map correlations of relative cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglu) with psychopathologic factors derived from the self-rated Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and factors from the clinician-rated Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) factors, seeking an anatomic basis for differences in self and clinician ratings.
Cyclic subsemigroups of symmetric inverse semigroups

A generalization of the cycle notation for permutations is introduced for partial one-one transformations (charts). Notational representation theorems for charts that generalize those of permutations are given. Notational multiplication of charts is developed and then applied to yield a transparent proof of Frobenius' result which bounds the idempotent in the cyclic subsemigroup. Lastly, the well known result that the structure of the cyclic subgroups of the finite symmetric groups is determined from combinations of disjoint cycles is generalized to the cyclic subsemigroups of the finite symmetric inverse semigroups.
Neuroepithelial Stem Cells from the Embryonic Spinal Cord: Isolation, Characterization, and Clonal Analysis

Abstract Adherent cultures of E10.5 rat neuroepithelial cells (NEP cells) from the caudal neural tube require FGF (fibroblast growth factor) and CEE (chick embryo extract) to proliferate and maintain an undifferentiated phenotype in culture. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) does not support E10.5 NEP cells in adherent culture and NEP cells do not form EGF-dependent neurospheres. NEP cells, however, can be grown as FGF-dependent neurospheres. NEP cells express nestin and lack all lineage-specific markers for neuronal and glial sublineages, retain their pleuripotent character over multiple passages, and can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes when plated on laminin in the absence of CEE. In clonal culture, NEP cells undergo self-renewal and generate colonies that vary in size from single cells to several thousand cells. With the exception of a few single-cell clones, all other NEP-derived clones contain more than one identified phenotype, with over 40% of the colonies containing A2B5, β-111 tubulin, and GFAP-immunoreactive cells. Thus, NEP cells are multipotent and capable of generating multiple neural derivatives. NEP cells also differentiate into motoneurons immunoreactive for choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) and the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75) in both mass and clonal culture. Double labeling of clones for ChAT and glial, neuronal, or oligodendrocytic lineage markers shows that motoneurons always arose in mixed cultures with other differentiated cells. Thus, NEP cells represent a common progenitor for motoneurons and other spinal cord cells. The relationship of NEP cells with other neural stem cells is discussed.
Tolerance, dependence and lethality in morphine-dependent mice after repeated oral administration of methadone.

Abstract Mice were rendered tolerant to and dependent on morphine via a morphine pellet implantation. Three days later methadone hydrochloride was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg per os 3 hours after pellet removal and then daily for a total of 5–6 days. This dose of methadone was shown to exhibit a high efficacy for the blockade of morphine abrupt withdrawal jumping and only minimal toxicity. Under these conditions, the level of analgetic tolerance with respect to morphine and methadone and the level of dependence as measured by the naloxone ED50 were initially elevated by the morphine treatment. However, upon substitution with oral methadone these levels declined with time at a rate which did not differ from that of a group of mice receiving only water after morphine pellet removal. Despite these findings, the methadone treatment was associated with an increasing tolerance to methadone lethality during the administration of this narcotic which was nearly double that of a similarly treated water control group by the sixth day. This observation could not be explained by an elevation in the level of cellular tolerance rendered by the methadone treatment since the morphine LD50 was not elevated following identical treatment with morphine and then methadone. The significance of these results is discussed with respect to the role of methadone administration and its metabolism in the modification of tolerance and dependence.
The effect of biaxial texture on the effective electromechanical constants of polycrystalline barium titanate and lead titanate thin films

Effective electromechanical constants as a function of biaxial crystallographic texture in polycrystalline films are modeled using a self-consistent approach. The film is modeled by assuming Gaussian distributions of two Euler angle textures about perfect orientation with varying spread, or full width at half maximum. We see that independent in-plane texturing has little effect on the piezoelectric displacement tensor. Increased out-of-plane texturing gives rise to an enhanced piezoelectric effect for barium titanate films, but not for lead titanate. Twist texturing about these out-of-plane angles shows a further enhancement in the non-shear components of the piezoelectric displacement tensor for both materials. Finally, we use the effective piezoelectric coupling factor as the primary figure of merit for the effective piezoelectric properties of polycrystal devices, thus utilizing all electromechanical constants of this simulation. This quantity shows a primary dependence on the out-of-plane texture.
Genetic aspects of behavioral neurotoxicology

Considerable progress has been made over the past couple of decades concerning the molecular bases of neurobehavioral function and dysfunction. The field of neurobehavioral genetics is becoming mature. Genetic factors contributing to neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease have been found and evidence for genetic factors contributing to other diseases such as schizophrenia and autism are likely. This genetic approach can also benefit the field of behavioral neurotoxicology. It is clear that there is substantial heterogeneity of response with behavioral impairments resulting from neurotoxicants. Many factors contribute to differential sensitivity, but it is likely that genetic variability plays a prominent role. Important discoveries concerning genetics and behavioral neurotoxicity are being made on a broad front from work with invertebrate and piscine mutant models to classic mouse knockout models and human epidemiologic studies of polymorphisms. Discovering genetic factors of susceptibility to neurobehavioral toxicity not only helps identify those at special risk, it also advances our understanding of the mechanisms by which toxicants impair neurobehavioral function in the larger population. This symposium organized by Edward Levin and Annette Kirshner, brought together researchers from the laboratories of Michael Aschner, Douglas Ruden, Ulrike Heberlein, Edward Levin and Kathleen Welsh-Bohmer conducting studies with Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, fish, rodents and humans studies to determine the role of genetic factors in susceptibility to behavioral impairment from neurotoxic exposure.
A native and an introduced parasitoid utilize an exotic gall-maker host

Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) is non-native to North America and induces formation of galls on petioles and leaves of all chestnut (Castanea spp., Fagales: Fagaceae). We investigated the interactions between the gall wasp D. kuriphilus, a native parasitoid, Ormyrus labotus (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae), and a non-native parasit- oid, Torymus sinensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). Galls were collected monthly from May to August and in January from four locations in the United States consisting of orchard-grown hybrid chestnuts (Hiram, OH and Meadowview, VA), suburban-grown orna- mental Chinese chestnuts (C. mollissima) (Broadview Heights, OH), or forest-grown American chestnuts (C. dentata) (Bowling Green, KY). Parasitoids were removed from galls and T. sinensis and O. labotus were identified using PCR-markers. The relative abundance of each parasitoid was compared in relation to collection date, habitat, presence of alternative hosts, and gall characteristics. T. sinensis was col- lected from each location and date, and was dominant in the orchard and suburban locations. However, relatively more O. labotus were collected within the forest, which had significant oak component and alternative cynipid hosts. O. labotus was only col- lected in spring and early summer, indicating the use of different summer and winter hosts. Observations suggest that in addition to parasitizing D. kuriphilus, O. labotus hyperparasitizes T. sinensis. T. sinensis has a longer ovipositor than O. labotus, and parasitized larger galls. This study improves our understanding of interactions between an invasive gall wasp, an intro- duced parasitoid, and native parasitoids, and illustrates novel relationships that may form as exotic species expand their geographic range.
Efficacy of an Educational Program for Relatives of Persons in the Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract This article describes the results of an educational intervention for family caregivers of persons in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. A total of 45 family caregivers participated in this intervention that consisted of five weekly educational sessions about the disease and aspects of caring for someone in the early stages. Measures of knowledge about Alzheimer's disease, self-efficacy, reactions to patients' memory impairment, and level of depression at pretest and posttest were analyzed. Participants' knowledge about the disease improved substantially, self-efficacy and reactions to patients' impairments improved moderately, and level of depression showed no significant improvement. Results suggest that this intervention has merit for family caregivers coping with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Implications for implementation and evaluation are discussed.
Mitochondrial DNA diversity of Roanoke River striped bass.

Abstract The genetic heterogeneity of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in Roanoke River striped bass Morone saxatilis was examined by restriction endonuclease analysis of mtDNA isolated from 32 specimens captured during the 1989 and 1990 spawning runs. Restriction fragment banding patterns based on restriction site polymorphisms revealed six distinct genotypes, designated I–VI, among the 32 sampled individuals. The predominant genotype, designated genotype I, was found in 59% of the individuals sampled, while genotypes defined by Acc I–Nde I (genotype II), Taq I (genotype III), Taq I–Hinf I (genotype IV), Dde I (genotype V), and Spe I (genotype VI) were found in 25%, 7%, 3%, 3%, and 3% of the individuals. Five distinct mtDNA fragment length variants, designated classes A–E, were identified from the same 32 individuals. The number and size of individual length variants agreed with those identified previously in striped bass populations from geographically distant sites. Analysis of the distribution of length vari...
Chronic exposure to trichloroethene causes early onset of SLE-like disease in female MRL +/+ mice

Trichloroethene (TCE) exacerbates the development of autoimmune responses in autoimmune-prone MRL +/+ mice. Although TCE-mediated autoimmune responses are associated with an increase in serum immunoglobulins and autoantibodies, the underlying mechanism of autoimmunity is not known. To determine the progression of TCE-mediated immunotoxicity, female MRL +/+ mice were chronically exposed to TCE through the drinking water (0.5 mg/ml of TCE) for various periods of time. Serum concentrations of antinuclear antibodies increased after 36 and 48 weeks of TCE exposure. Histopathological analyses showed lymphocyte infiltration in the livers of MRL +/+ mice exposed to TCE for 36 or 48 weeks. Lymphocyte infiltration was also apparent in the pancreas, lungs, and kidneys of mice exposed to TCE for 48 weeks. Immunoglobulin deposits in kidney glomeruli were found after 48 weeks of exposure to TCE. Our results suggest that chronic exposure to TCE promotes inflammation in the liver, pancreas, lungs, and kidneys, which may lead to SLE-like disease in MRL +/+ mice.
Breeding Biology and Nesting Success of the Slate-Throated Whitestart (Myioborus miniatus) in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Abstract I examined the breeding biology and nesting success of the Slate-throated Whitestart (Myioborus miniatus), a socially monogamous neotropical warbler, for five breeding seasons (2000–2004) in Monteverde, Costa Rica, near the center of its broad geographic range. Nesting was strongly seasonal, extending from late March through the end of June and coinciding with the end of the dry season and the onset of the rainy season in mid-May. Females constructed domed nests on open steep slopes or in banks along roads and trails. Mean clutch size was 2.9 eggs, and the mean incubation period was 14.2 days. Females performed all incubation of eggs and brooding of young nestlings, but both males and females fed nestlings and fledglings. Mean provisioning rate at nests when young were 5–9 days of age was 20.3 feedings/hr, and females fed young at a significantly higher rate than males (11.7 vs. 8.3 feedings/hr, respectively). Nestlings reached mean adult body mass of 9.5 g ∼ day 7–8, and mean age at fledging was...
Cholecystokinin in psychiatric research: A time for cautious excitement

Abstract Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide neurotransmitter that was originally isolated from the gastrointestinal system, but which is extensively and abundantly distributed within the central nervous system (CNS). Stimulated by the fairly recent recognition of receptor subtypes (A and B), and the development of receptor-specific antagonists, CCK research has been advancing rapidly; and its potential importance to psychiatric neuroscience has been increasingly recognized. CCK participates in the mediation of satiety; it interacts with dopamine and may modulate psychosis; it interacts with opiate systems and may be an “anti-analgesic”; and it appears to play a role in the mediation of anxiety. Highly specific, CCK-B receptor antagonists have reached clinical trials and have potential clinical utility as anxiolytics, antipsychotics, anti-anorexics, or analgesics. There are grounds for excitement, but many obstacles remain to be overcome and clinical potential may not be fulfilled. However, we must not allow clinical disappointments to slow the accelerating pace of scientific progress in CCK research. Regardless of clinical payoffs, the CCK receptor is clearly of great importance to human CNS functioning and deserves ongoing scientific attention.
1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine adducts of the 1,3-butadiene metabolite, hydroxymethylvinyl ketone.

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a rodent and human carcinogen. While several epoxides formed during BD metabolism are mutagenic and may contribute to BD carcinogenicity, another proposed metabolite, hydroxym...
The Inhibitory Action of Phospholamban Involves Stabilization of α-Helices within the Ca-ATPase†

We have used attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies to identify secondary and dynamic structural changes within the Ca-ATPase that result from the functional inhibition of transport activity by phospholamban (PLB). Isotopically labeled [13C]PLB was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli and was functionally reconstituted with unlabeled Ca-ATPase, permitting the resolution of the amide I and II absorbance bands of the Ca-ATPase from those of [13C]PLB. Upon co-reconstitution of the Ca-ATPase with PLB, spectral shifts are observed in both the CD spectra and the amide I and II bands associated with the Ca-ATPase, which are indicative of increased α-helical stability. Corresponding changes in the kinetics of H/D exchange occur upon association with PLB, indicating that 100 ± 20 residues in the Ca-ATPase that normally undergo rapid amide H/D exchange become exchange resistant. There are no corresponding large changes in the secondary st...
Structure and stereochemistry of the ketoacids derived from menthofuran photoperoxide

Abstract The four diastereomeric keto acids related to the lactones produced by reduction of the menthofuran photoperoxide have been assigned structure and stereochemistry by alternate synthesis from pseudoacid IV, by stereospecific interconversions, and by ORD spectra.
1 MHz Loadline System Useful for Quantifying Dispersion in GaAs FET's

A simple and low cost system has been developed to help characterize dispersion in GaAs MESFET's. Pulsed I-V systems such as those offered commercially by HP have been used to explore this phenomena. The system described here can deliver similar results, at a lower cost, using commonplace lab equipment. The system employs a 1 MHz signal to excite a DUT, and Ids, Vds and Vgs, relationships are extracted. This low frequency RF I-V is used to create figures of merit that are related to dispersion. This paper will discuss the architecture and system components, data extraction methods, typical device data, data analysis, and application areas.
Use of phentolamine in acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Right-sided cardiac pressures were obtained with a Swan-Ganz catheter in 10 patients within the first 24 hours after a myocardial infarction. Brachial artery pressures were obtained with a Cournand needle. Cardiac pressures and arteriovenous oxygen differences were obtained before and immediately after the 30-minute infusion of phentolamine, administered at 0.4 mg. per minute. Seven patients were normotensive, 2 were hypotensive, and 1 was hypertensive. With phentolamine, all of the patients demonstrated a significant decrease in the right and left ventricular filling pressures, a rise in the cardiac index, and a small decrease in the arterial pressure. Phentolamine can greatly improve cardiac function, in acute myocardial infarction, regardless of the level of the initial blood pressure.
Optimal lead subsets for reconstruction of QRS and ST-T in 35-lead precordial maps

Precordial maps have been used for some 15 years to estimate the extent of myocardial injury in patients with acute anterior or lateral wall infarction. Estimates have been based on various QRS- and ST-T-derived parameters, including amplitude sum of ST elevations. Application of the electrodes, commonly 35, is cumbersome and time-consuming with the critically ill. A subset of 5 or 7 selected leads can be applied instead, and the remaining leads calculated from that subset with minimal loss of QRS and ST-T information. Maps were recorded from 100 patients within 72 hours of onset of anterior or lateral infarct. Optimal lead subsets for QRS and ST-T feature extraction were found by the sequential selection method of Lux. Subsets numbering between 2 and 15 leads were derived, with their lead-transform coefficients. Measures to estimate goodness of fit for reconstructed leads included correlations, error-to-signal ratios and root-mean-square errors. These measures were calculated separately over the QRS and ST-T complexes. Reconstructions from a 7-lead subset had a mean 0.92 correlation with ST-T in the original leads and root-mean-square error of only 0.04 mV. Sum of ST elevation differed by only 2% between original leads and reconstructions based on 5 or more leads. To confirm repeatability, lead-transform coefficients were also calculated from a training population of 50 patients and applied to the maps of the other 50.
Cultural consensus analysis & citizen-centered e-government evaluation

The discrepancies between e-government users' observed and self-reported behaviors are explored here in relation to e-government evaluation and citizen-centered research. In this aim, a more ethnographic and empathetic approach that engages users is offered based on the literature of cultural anthropology. This article reports on 12 months of fieldwork, using qualitative and quantitative methods commonly found in cultural consensus analysis (CCA). The research focused on the experiences of applicants and employees at public libraries and NGOs in the US state of Florida who use an online application for food, medical and cash assistance known as "ACCESS."
Supercritical self-assembled monolayer growth.

The growth of octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C18TAB) monolayers on mica was investigated using atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. A critical temperature was identified below which the monolayer formed via an “islanding” mechanism, that is, nucleation and growth of densely packed two-dimensional (2D) islands within a matrix of a disordered dilute phase. However, above the critical temperature, there was no coexistence of 2D phases during film formation. Instead, the monolayer gradually became better ordered, remaining laterally homogeneous throughout. We show that this corresponds to a critical point in a 2D phase diagram of the monolayer. Additional evidence is provided by the in situ observation of 2D phase separation upon cooling an incomplete monolayer from the one-phase to the two-phase region. The lack of coexisting domains (and domain boundaries) during growth above the critical point provides a possible route for the preparation of essentially defect-free monolayers.
Borrelia burgdorferi Reactivity in Patients with Severe Persistent Fatigue Who Are from a Region in Which Lyme Disease Is Endemic

Borrelia burgdorferi is the pathogen that causes Lyme disease. Patients frequently experience fatigue and malaise that can persist after antibiotic treatment. This study examined serological reactivity to B. burgdorferi in patients with chronic fatigue who were from a region in which Lyme disease is endemic. Blood and CSF were collected from patients without a history of infection due to B. burgdorferi (n=12) and patients with persistent fatigue after antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease (n=13). Serum and CSF were examined by ELISA for antibodies to B. burgdorferi, and routine studies of CSF were done. In the first group, one patient (8%) was seropositive; no patients had detectable antibodies in CSF
Reduced lactose operon expression in an E. coli mutant lacking leucyl-tRNA:protein transferase

Abstract A mutant of Escherichia coli deficient in L-leucyl-tRNA:protein leucyl transferase was found to have reduced specific activities for all three lactose operon proteins when compared to its parent or revertant strains. The effect was most pronounced in cells grown with glucose as the carbon source. Under these conditions, there was an additional polar effect, in which the distal gene product showed the greatest reduction in activity.
Diffuse Ionized Gas in Edge-on Spiral Galaxies: Extraplanar and Outer Disk Hα Emission

We present Hα images of five edge-on galaxies: NGC 891, NGC 4631, NGC 4244, NGC 3003, and UGC 9242. We also analyze [S II] λλ6717, 6731 and [O III] λ5007 images of NGC 4631. For several of these galaxies, these images are the most sensitive to date. We analyze the ionized gas content, with particular attention to the diffuse ionized gas (DIG). The DIG layer in NGC 891 is traced out to at least 5 kpc from the midplane, confirming an earlier spectroscopic detection. The DIG in four of these galaxies contributes 40%-50% of the total Hα luminosity, similar to the contribution in face-on galaxies, but in NGC 891 the DIG contributes 80%-90%. This is likely due to the higher dust content in the disk of NGC 891, which obscures the H II regions but may also reflect the extraordinary prominence of the DIG layer in that galaxy. Our very deep image of UGC 9242 shows very low surface brightness emission, as low as 0.3 pc cm-6, reaching 4-5 kpc above the midplane. This galaxy also exhibits filaments near the bright Hα nucleus, an indication of a starburst superwind. In NGC 4631 we see a very large shell of emission extending 3.5 kpc into the halo. The [S II]/Hα and [O III]/Hα ratios in NGC 4631 are consistent with the ratios seen in other galaxies, and with photoionization models. There is a region on the southeast side of disk where the [O III]/(Hα + [N II]) ratio reaches over 1.0 in the DIG, which coincides with an H I supershell. We use our very deep images of NGC 3003 and UGC 9242 to search for ionized gas in the outer disks as a test of the strength of the metagalactic ionizing radiation field. We find no outer disk emission down to our 1 σ limit of 0.13 pc cm-6 on scales of 1.5 kpc in NGC 3003. Based on this limit we rule out a metagalactic ionizing radiation field stronger than 11 × 10-23 ergs cm-2 s-1 Hz-1 sr-1. There is an indication of extended disk emission in UGC 9242, which would imply a stronger radiation field, but various concerns, most importantly flat-fielding uncertainties due to foreground stars in the image, lead us to question whether this feature is real.
Therapeutic potential of nesiritide (recombinant b-type natriuretic peptide) in the treatment of heart failure.

This review outlines the chemical properties, pharmacology and clinical trials data which support the development of nesiritide (synthetic human B-type natriuretic peptide, or hBNP) as a therapeutic agent for patients with decompensated congestive heart failure. Nesiritide is a 32-amino acid peptide, structurally identical to endogenous hBNP. Clinical trials with single bolus, repeated boluses and sustained infusions of nesiritide have demonstrated prompt, significant and sustained reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and increases in cardiac output, consistent with a direct vasodilator effect. Nesiritide has a short half-life, approximately 18 min, which is not dependent upon renal function. It not associated with tachyphylaxis through 24 h of therapy. Nesiritide is not an inotrope, and its action is not dependent upon beta adrenergic receptors. The safety profile has been excellent; the major adverse effect is hypotension. The frequency of ventricular arrhythmia is not increased in patients ...
Dual-Beam Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy of DNA Hairpin Folding-Unfolding Reaction at Various Temperatures and Salt Concentrations

Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy has been used to study the conformational dynamics of DNA hairpin molecules of various loop lengths in aqueous solution. In a recent development, we are also able to monitor the temperature dependence of the processes of interest. In our 2-beam approach, the analyte molecules flow through an electrophoresis capillary under the influence of pressure driven flow or electrophoretic flow and are probed by two spatially offset probe volumes in such a way that the molecules flow sequentially from one probe volume to the next. A pair of dye-quencher molecules attached to DNA or RNA hairpin structures give rise to fluorescence fluctuations due to folding-unfolding dynamics of the hairpins. Fluorescence fluctuations from the probe volumes are analyzed using auto-correlation and cross-correlation analysis. In this way, we are able to resolve fluorescence fluctuation time constants arising from diffusion, flow, triplet blinking, and conformational fluctuations. Using a temperature controlling stage we can fix the temperature to within 0.2 degrees in the range 5 - 95 degrees Celsius, unaffected by the flow rate of the solution in the capillary. In this presentation, we will discuss recent results from our study of DNA hairpins of different loop lengths, at different temperatures and Sodium ion concentrations. We will also discuss binding and unbinding of counterions to individual nucleotides as they flow through the capillary under the influence of an applied electric field. Emphasis will be placed on how the desired information can be extracted using our unique approach to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Behavior of Polydentate Ligand Adducts of Barium Trifluoroacetate

The reaction of BaH2 with polydentate ligands and CF3COOH in THF at −40 °C in 1:1:2 stoichiometries leads to compounds of general formula [Ba(O2CCF3)2]mLn (L = 12-crown-4 (1), triglyme (2), 2-(hydroxymethyl)-15-crown-5 (15-crown-5CH2OH) (3), cryptand(222) (4), 18-crown-6·C5H5N (5), 2-(hydroxymethyl)-18-crown-6 (18-crown-6CH2OH) (6)). A sulfonate compound, Ba(O3SCF3)2(tetraglyme) (7), was also prepared by a similar reaction. The polydentate ligands of 1−6 are coordinated to the barium atoms through all of their donating atoms, and the trifluoroacetate ligands are found in four distinct types of bonding modes. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods, and 1−6 are among the first examples of group 2 trifluoroacetate compounds with mononuclear or dinuclear structures in the solid state as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ba2(O2CCF3)4(12-crown-4)2 (1) crystallizes from ethanol in monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 11.014(1) A, b = 12.016(1) A, c = 15.269(1) A, ...
Machine vision for airport runway identification

For rigid objects and fixed scenes, current machine vision technology is capable of identifying imagery rapidly and with specificity over a modest range of camera viewpoints and scene illumination. We applied that capability to the problem of runway identification using video of sixteen runway approaches at nine locations, subject to two simplifying assumptions. First, by using approach video from just one of the several possible seasonal variations (no snow cover and full foliage), we artificially removed one source of scene variation in this study. Secondly, by not using approach video at dawn and dusk, we limited the study to two illumination variants (day and night). We did allow scene variation due to atmospheric turbidity by using approach video from rainy and foggy days in some daytime approaches. With suitable ensemble statistics to account for temporal continuity in video, we observed high location specificity (<90% Bayesian posterior probability). We also tested repeatability, i.e., identification of a given runway across multiple videos, and observed robust repeatability only if illumination (day vs. night) was the same and approach visibility was good. Both specificity and repeatability degraded in poor weather conditions. The results of this simplified study show that geolocation via real-time comparison of cockpit image sensor video to a database of runway approach imagery is feasible, as long as the database contains imagery from about the same time of day (complete daylight and nighttime, excluding dawn and dusk) and the weather is clear at the time of the flight.
A Method for Optimization of Nonlinear System Response

If the transient response of the error between the input and the output of a given nonlinear system is known to be asymptotically stable, and if it is desired that this response should follow some model response, the proposed method can be used to compute the optimum values of the adjustable parameters of this system. For using this method, the solution of the nonlinear differential equation governing the system need not be known. The method does not require the incorporation of a physical model for generation of the model response. In some cases, it is not required to know the nonlinearity in explicit analytical form but just the graphical form is enough. The method is applicable to time-invariant noiseless continuous systems subjected to deterministic inputs. Application of the method is illustrated by working out examples. Analog computer plots of the model and optimum responses are presented in every case.
The Effects of Substrate Bias and Si Doping on the Properties of Rf Sputtered Bn Films

The effect of substrate bias on the properties of rf sputtered boron nitride films on Si and GaAs substrate were investigated. IR transmission and reflectivity of films with different substrate bias were measured with Perkin Elmer 983 IR spectroscopy. From the IR reflectivity data, transverse optical mode(TO) and longitudinal optical mode(LO) frequencies were derived by fitting Kramer-Kronig model. Absorption coefficient was determined from IR transmission data. The resultant TO and LO modes showed that substrate bias caused broadening of reststrahlen band of rf sputtered boron nitride. We also tried to dope boron nitride films with silicon by alternate sputtering of BN and Si targets controlling sputtering time of each target followed by annealing. Electrical resistivity was measured over the temperature range between 175 K to 370 K for both intrinsic and Si-doped boron nitride films. Intrinsic rf sputtered boron nitride showed Little change in resistivity (109 Ω cm - 1011 Ω cm ) over the temperature range studied. While Si doped BN showed linear change in resistivity with increasing temperature and its activation energy was about 0.22 eV. The effect of substrate bias was also investigated by monitoring the XPS core level spectra of both Bis and N Is peaks, respectively. Substrate bias caused the shift of both B ls and N ls peak to higher binding energy. The effect of substrate bias on refractive index was also studied.
Biochemical Heterogeneity and Phosphorylation of Coatomer Subunits

The coat protomer complex I (COPI) family of coat proteins are involved in the assembly of membrane-associated coats thought to mediate vesicular transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex, between adjacent Golgi cisternae, and possibly in the endocytic pathway. We investigated whether this heterogeneity in the sites of COPI action might be reflected in biochemical heterogeneity of one or more COPI subunits. A simplified method was devised to purify the cytosolic COPI precursor complex, coatomer, from rat liver cytosol. The individual subunits were analyzed by high resolution two dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectroscopic analysis of tryptic peptides. Considerable charge heterogeneity was observed, particularly for the β-COP and δ-COP subunits. The multiple species detected, however, did not appear to reflect the presence of distinct translation products but rather a significant degree of protein phosphorylation. The observed pI of β-COP was sensitive to alkaline phosphatase digestion. Moreover, isolation of coatomer from metabolically labeled tissue culture cells demonstrated directly that both β-COP and δ-COP, but no other coatomer subunits, were serine-phosphorylated. COPI phosphorylation may regulate coatomer assembly, membrane recruitment, or the specificity of coatomer-organelle interaction.
SN-38-Cyclodextrin Complexation and Its Influence on the Solubility, Stability, and In Vitro Anticancer Activity Against Ovarian Cancer

SN-38, an active metabolite of irinotecan, is up to 1,000-fold more potent than irinotecan. But the clinical use of SN-38 is limited by its extreme hydrophobicity and instability at physiological pH. To enhance solubility and stability, SN-38 was complexed with different cyclodextrins (CDs), namely, sodium sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD), hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin, randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin, and methyl β-cyclodextrin, and their influence on SN-38 solubility, stability, and in vitro cytotoxicity was studied against ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and 2008). Phase solubility studies were conducted to understand the pattern of SN-38 solubilization. SN-38-βCD complexes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Stability of SN-38-SBEβCD complex in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline was evaluated and compared against free SN-38. Phase solubility studies revealed that SN-38 solubility increased linearly as a function of CD concentration and the linearity was characteristic of an AP-type system. Aqueous solubility of SN-38 was enhanced by about 30–1,400 times by CD complexation. DSC, XRPD, and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes, and stability studies revealed that cyclodextrin complexation significantly increased the hydrolytic stability of SN-38 at physiological pH 7.4. Cytotoxicity of SN-38-SBEβCD complex was significantly higher than SN-38 and irinotecan in both A2780 and 2008 cell lines. Results suggest that SBEβCD encapsulated SN-38 deep into the cavity forming stable inclusion complex and as a result increased the solubility, stability, and cytotoxicity of SN-38. It may be concluded that preparation of inclusion complexes with SBEβCD is a suitable approach to overcome the solubility and stability problems of SN-38 for future clinical applications.
Abstraction of deuterium from dideuteroglycine by aryl radical: A model for 1, 4-benzene diradical reactions with proteins

Abstract Aryl radicals are generated by oxidation of aryl hydrazine with PbO 2 or via photolysis of aryl iodide. Abstraction of deuterium from dideuteroglycine derivatives is demonstrated as a model for the possible reaction of 1, 4-aryl diradicals with amino acid residues in proteins.
Transvascular Balloon Dilation for Neonatal Critical Aortic Stenosis: Early and Midterm Results

Abstract Objectives. We evaluated our immediate and midterm (mean 4.3 years) results of balloon dilation of critical valvular aortic stenosis in 33 neonates. Background. Balloon dilation has been used as an alternative to surgical treatment. Reports to date consist of small series (largest 16 babies) with short-term follow-up (longest 4.8 years). Methods. From 1985 to 1991, 33 neonates had dilation at a mean age of 13 days and a mean weight of 3.4 kg. Nineteen of the neonates (58%) were intubated and received prostaglandins, and 94% had other cardiac abnormalities. Results. The dilation was completed retrograde in 31 of the neonates (umbilical artery in 11 and femoral artery in 20) and anterograde (femoral vein) in 2. The average immediate peak gradient and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure reductions were 54% and 20%, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 12% (three early deaths and one late). All 20 neonates dilated through a femoral artery initially had pulse loss with restoration in 35% after thrombolytic therapy. At 8.3 years, survival and freedom of reintervention probability rates were 88% and 64%, respectively. At mean 4.3 years of follow-up, 83% of the survivors were asymptomatic; Doppler study revealed a maximal instantaneous gradient Conclusions. This study confirms that dilation of aortic stenosis in neonates is effective; reintervention (mostly redilation) is frequent (40%); and midterm survival is encouraging (88%). (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:442–7)
Structural Changes Associated with the Temporal Dispersion of Teams: Evidence from Open Source Software Projects

This study relies on Media Synchronicity Theory and Social Network Analysis to analyze how the structure of collaboration networks change when collaborating teams become temporally dispersed. The empirical test of hypotheses using ordinary least squares with archival data from 230 Open Source Software projects shows that the collaboration structure networks of more temporally dispersed teams are sparser and more centralized, and these associations are stronger in those teams exhibiting higher relative performance.
Nonlinear force on an unpolarized test particle in a nonequilibrium relativistic beam-plasma system

For a nonequilibrium relativistic beam-plasma system, an expression is derived for the time-average force acting on an unpolarized relativistic test particle, calculated to second order in the total electromagnetic field. This relation is useful in calculations of the conditions for the possible occurrence of a collective bremsstrahlung radiative instability.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Connecting tubule glomerular feedback antagonizes tubuloglomerular feedback in vivo

In vitro experiments showed that the connecting tubule (CNT) sends a signal that dilates the afferent arteriole (Af-Art) when Na+ reabsorption in the CNT lumen increases. We call this process CNT glomerular feedback (CTGF) to differentiate it from tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), which is a cross talk between the macula densa (MD) and the Af-Art. In TGF, the MD signals the Af-Art to constrict when NaCl transport by the MD is enhanced by increased luminal NaCl. CTGF is mediated by CNT Na+ transport via epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC). However, we do not know whether CTGF occurs in vivo or whether it opposes the increase in Af-Art resistance caused by TGF. We hypothesized that CTGF occurs in vivo and opposes TGF. To test our hypothesis, we conducted in vivo micropuncture of individual rat nephrons, measuring stop-flow pressure (PSF) as an index of glomerular filtration pressure. To test whether activation of CTGF opposes TGF, we used benzamil to block CNT Na+ transport and thus CTGF. CTGF inhibition with the ENaC blocker benzamil (1 μM) potentiated the decrease in PSF at 40 and 80 nl/min. Next, we tested whether we could augment CTGF by inhibiting NaCl reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 1 mM) to enhance NaCl delivery to the CNT. In the presence of HCTZ, benzamil potentiated the decrease in PSF at 20, 40, and 80 nl/min. We concluded that in vivo CTGF occurs and opposes the vasoconstrictor effect of TGF.