cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organizational users and the personal computer: the perceived effects of organizational-sponsored training in the use of the personal computer

In recent years much emphasis has been placed on personal computer technology throughout the United States, because of the growth of industry requirements. Unfortunately, within many organizations there has been problems in implementing the technologies because of ineffective user training programs. The writer has elected to investigate the training programs, and review the training methods that are being used to ascertain why users are having difficulties. Furthermore, the writer will survey the training methods to determine if they are being effectively used and figure out how they are impacting the organizations and users. The dissertation research is limited to a literature review, an observation of a training process, and a field survey involving a questionnaire sent to 500 recipients. The recipients are members of the Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE), who were located throughout the United States and the country of The Netherlands. Two-hundred and eighty (280) questionnaires were answered and returned. Many fine comments were provided by the respondents. Although many organizations throughout the United States have invested million of dollars on computer technology hardware, software, and training, their users are continuing to experience difficulties learning to use the technology. Organizations who are providing training are using various training methods to provide users a basic understanding on the use of the personal computer. The data collected were satisfactory for the purpose of this study. All research questions were answered and research hypotheses were tested and supported by the findings. The study concluded the personal computer has been accepted by most organizations and users not just on the merit of an effective training program, but also because of the potential to increase productivity.
Inhibition of Class A β-Lactamases

The catalytic function of β-lactamases is the primary mechanism of bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems). β-lactamases hydrolyze the β-lactam bond of these antibiotics, a structure modification that abrogates the antibacterial activity. β-lactams include tazobactam, a highly effective sulfone penam inhibitor, penicillanic acid sulfone sulbactam, 6-β-bromopenicillanic acid, and thienamycin. Clavulanate is a potent inhibitor of class A β-lactamases, which incidentally exhibits weak antimicrobial activity as well. A series of molecules-using sulfoxide and sulfone penams have been synthesized as starting points-with sulfhydryl and sulfide moieties at C-6; the goal of this exercise was to arrive at molecules that would simultaneously inhibit classes A and B of β-lactamases. The study also confirmed that the sulfone oxidation state of the penam thiazolidine resulted in greater inhibition. The success of BRL 42715 prompted additional efforts into compounds with a double bond at C-6, leading to the discovery of SYN-1012-with a methyl triazolyl moiety at C6 instead-and another more recent methylidene penem-with a bicyclic and heterocyclic moiety at C-6; both of these compounds show good activity against class A and C β-lactamases. Several routes have been taken towards the development of more effective inhibitors including the syntheses of variants of penam sulfones, penems, alkylidenes, monobactams, transition-state analogs, and the boronates.
High-energy pp elastic scattering and evidence for a nucleon core of valence quarks

High-energy pp elastic scattering is analyzed in a model that incorporates a hard mechanism besides diffraction. The hard process is responsible for large-momentum-transfer scattering, while diffraction dominates the small-momentum-transfer region. Orear fall-off (dσ/dt∼exp[−bp⊥]) is taken as the basic characteristic behavior of the large-t scattering. The origin of this behavior is explored and is attributed to a smoothed Yukawa potential. The form of this potential indicates that each nucleon has a core and the two cores interact via meson exchange. The model provides an overall quantitative picture of pp elastic scattering that extends over the energy rangeEL≅(15÷1500) GeV and |t|≅(0÷15) (GeV)2, where dσ/dt drops more than ten decades. This is regarded as evidence for the existence of the nucleon core. Diffraction, as a by-product, is found to be well represented by as-channel pomeron pole. Physical implications of the core are explored. The core is interpreted as originating from the distribution of valence quarks in a nucleon. The valence quarks, being confined in a small region, are found to have large average transverse momentum consistent with the values indicated by large-p⊥ inelastic processes. The core is also identified with the repulsive nucleon core known in low-energyNN interaction. The model is found to join smoothly with the quark interchange model of pp high-energy large-angle scattering.
Replenishing the Earth: The Settler Revolution and the Rise of the Anglo-World, 1783–1939

Review of: "Replenishing the Earth: The Settler Revolution and the Rise of the Anglo-World, 1783–1939," by James Belich.
Use of an Electronic Patient Record system to evaluate restorative treatment following root canal therapy.

Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems are rapidly gaining acceptance as an important tool for managing patient information. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the use of an EPR system for assessment of quality of care in an academic dental institution. The primary outcome of interest was the timeliness and completeness of restorative care following completion of nonsurgical root canal therapy. An initial query of the EPR database was performed using the following inclusion criteria: root canal treatment performed in the postgraduate endodontics clinic between September 2002 and June 2004, patient age ≥18 years old, and posterior tooth (premolars and molars). A total of 925 patients with 1,014 endodontically treated teeth met the inclusion criteria. A random sample of 30 percent of the treated teeth (302 teeth on 281 patients) was selected for detailed review. This sample of 302 teeth was then screened to determine if any restorative treatment had been performed between September 2002 and November 2005. Forty-eight percent (n=146) of the 302 teeth did not receive any form of permanent restoration over the time period studied. Twenty-five percent (n=75) of the teeth received a buildup only, and 27 percent (n=82) received the recommended treatment, a full occlusal coverage restoration. This study documents the use of an EPR system to objectively and efficiently assess one aspect of quality of care in a dental school environment.
PB1 Domain-Dependent Signaling Complex Is Required for Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 Activation

MEKK2, MEK5, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) are members of a three-kinase cascade for the activation of ERK5. MEK5 is the only MAP2K to express a PB1 domain, and we have shown that it heterodimerizes with the PB1 domain of MEKK2. Here we demonstrate the MEK5 PB1 domain is a scaffold that also binds ERK5, functionally forming a MEKK2-MEK5-ERK5 complex. Reconstitution assays and CFP/YFP imaging (fluorescence resonance energy transfer [FRET]) measuring YFP-MEKK2/CFP-MEK5 and CFP-MEK5/YFP-ERK5 interactions define distinct MEK5 PB1 domain binding sites for MEKK2 and ERK5, with a C-terminal extension of the PB1 domain contributing to ERK5 binding. Stimulus-dependent CFP/YFP FRET in combination with mutational analysis was used to define MEK5 PB1 domain residues critical for the interaction of MEKK2/MEK5 and MEK5/ERK5 required for activation of the ERK5 pathway in living cells. Fusion of the MEK5 PB1 domain to the N terminus of MEK1 confers ERK5 regulation by a MAP2K normally regulating only ERK1/2. The MEK5 PB1 domain confers stringent MAP3K regulation of ERK5 relative to more promiscuous MAP3K control of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38.
EVALUATION OF LOT-TO-LOT CONSISTENCY IN ION EXCHANGE CHROMATOGRAPHY

The reproducibility of ion exchange columns was investigated by rigorously evaluating critical chromatographic parameters as well as the performance of these ion exchange columns under various modes of operation. A detailed set of experiments were carried out to determine equilibrium Steric Mass Action parameters, HETP, column dead volume, total ion capacity, and porosity. In addition, the performance of these columns was examined under isocratic, analytical linear gradient, overloaded linear gradient, frontal, and displacement chromatographic conditions. While differences between the two lots were observed with isocratic experiments, the columns exhibited similar behavior under gradient, frontal, and displacement conditions. Furthermore, simulations obtained with the SMA model were shown to predict column performance under linear and non-linear conditions.
Probing microscopic mechanical properties of hard tissues with Brillouin spectroscopy

Mechanical properties of hard tissues play an important role in understanding underlying biological structures, as well as assessing the quality of artificial bone replacement materials. In this study, we employed Brillouin spectroscopy as a non-invasive approach to probe the microscopic elasticity of hard tissues, such as bones. Brillouin spectra were collected using a background free virtually imaged phased array spectrometer. As a reference, Raman spectra were also acquired for each imaging point. Experimental results reveal a positive correlation between the local concentration of the mineral content and the corresponding tissue stiffness, assessed through a Brillouin shift.
Suboptimal Responses to Imatinib in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

First-line treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is imatinib, but some patients do not respond or develop resistance to the drug, leading to suboptimal responses. Dasatinib and nilotinib are approved second-line compounds for patients experiencing imatinib failure. In a prospective comparison of dasatinib with high-dose imatinib in patients who did not respond to first-line imatinib, dasatinib was more effective and well tolerated. Nilotinib also is effective, but cross-intolerance does occur in a substantial number of patients. This article explores the importance of suboptimal response to imatinib and the appropriate second-line therapy as well as nursing implications for caring for patients with CML.
Activities of the U.S. National Committee for Geochemistry

Recent inquiries about the activities of the U.S. National Committee for Geochemistry and its functions have resulted in an attempt toward improved dissemination of information to geochemists and others interested in the field. It is the committee's intent to report regularly in this and perhaps other appropriate organs on its meetings and other activities of interest, including those of its separately supported Subcommittee on the Geochemical Environment in Relation to Health and Disease, and activities of its ad hoc panels, such as the Panel on Orientations for Geochemistry.
Comparison of chemisorption close to ambient vs. under reaction conditions for Group VIII metal catalysts

Abstract A comparison of the relationship of H2 or CO chemisorption measurements at 25–100 °C to similar results obtained under CO hydrogenation conditions by steady-state isotopic transient kinetic analysis (SSITKA) is made for the first time for a wide variety of Group VIII metal catalysts. The ratio N T ∗ / N chem (amount of chemisorption by SSITKA vs. by static chemisorptions) was found to be almost always ca. unity for Co catalysts. SSITKA can, thus, be used as a complementary characterization technique to TEM, XRD, and static chemisorption for better understanding of Co metal catalyst dispersion and metal surface site availability for Co catalysts with a wide variety of promoters/supports. Unfortunately, application of SSITKA chemisorption measurements under reaction conditions for characterizing metal dispersion for the other metals is limited at this time. However, the results do suggest some possibilities for Ru and Rh.
CHROMATOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF HYBRIDIZATION AND EVOLUTION IN PHLOX MACULATA

Representatives of P. maculata ssp. maculata and P. glaberrima ssp. interior and 36 putative hybrids were collected from a population in central Indiana. Chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of nine diagnostic components in P. maculata ssp. maculata and eight such components in P. glaberrima ssp. interior. Putative F1 hybrids contained all or inost of the parental marker components; markers of the non-recurrent parent were absent in the two classes of putative backeross progeny. The characters of P. maculata ssp. pyramidalis are a composite of those present in P. maculata ssp. maculata and P. glaberrima ssp. interior, and the former is virtually identical to certain hybrids from the population in question. The contention that P. macutlata ssp. pyramidalis is a stabilized derivative of natural hybridization between these taxa is substantiated by the presence of all of the diagnostic constituents of the putative parents on its chromatograms. It is the author's opinion that the definitive data which chromatography affords will be invaluable in elucidating the complex pathways of evolution in Phlox. RECENT INVESTIGATIONS indicate that some of the obstructions to our understanding of evolution in the hybrid complex may be circumvented through the use of comparative biochemistry. A large and diverse class of compounds, the phenolics, have been notable in their application to systematics. Chromatographic analyses of the Appalachian Asplenium complex (Smith and Levin, 1963), cespitose zinnias (Torres and Levin,
Goodness-of-fit measures of R 2 for repeated measures mixed effect models

Linear mixed effects model (LMEM) is efficient in modeling repeated measures longitudinal data. However, little research has been done in developing goodness-of-fit measures that can evaluate the models, particularly those that can be interpreted in an absolute sense without referencing a null model. This paper proposes three coefficient of determination (R 2) as goodness-of-fit measures for LMEM with repeated measures longitudinal data. Theorems are presented describing the properties of R 2 and relationships between the R 2 statistics. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate and compare the R 2 along with other criteria from literature. Finally, we applied the proposed R 2 to a real virologic response data of an HIV-patient cohort. We conclude that our proposed R 2 statistics have more advantages than other goodness-of-fit measures in the literature, in terms of robustness to sample size, intuitive interpretation, well-defined range, and unnecessary to determine a null model.
Interannual Variations of Mean Monthly Sea-Level Pressure in January.

Abstract The standard deviations of mean sea-level pressure in January are compared for five discrete 16-year periods between 1901 and 1980. The changes from one period to another are large and larger in the North Atlantic than in the North Pacific Ocean. The differences between the periods are associated with variations in the position and central pressure of the Aleutian and Icelandic lows. There is no consistent link between the two lows as their central pressure varied in parallel till the late 1930s and oppositely thereafter.
Thromboembolic Complications after Electrical Cardioversion in Patients with Atrial Flutter

Abstract Purpose To determine the incidence of thromboembolic complications after cardioversion in patients with atrial flutter. Subjects and methods We reviewed 615 electrical cardioversions performed electively in 493 patients with atrial flutter. Embolic complications were evaluated during the 30 days after cardioversion. Follow-up data were obtained by follow-up visits and by contacting the treating physician. Results Anticoagulants had been administered in 415 cardioversions (67%). Cardioversion was successful in 570 procedures (93%). Three embolic events (in 3 patients) occurred in the 30 days after 550 successful cardioversions with completed follow-up (0.6% of successful procedures; 95% confidence interval, 0.1% to 1.6%). Two of the 3 patients had not been anticoagulated, whereas the third patient had subtherapeutic oral anticoagulation. No embolic event occurred in procedures performed with adequate anticoagulation. The incidence of embolism in patients regardless of subtherapeutic anticoagulation was 1% (3 of 303 successful cardioversions). Conclusions We observed a low (0.6%) incidence of postcardioversion thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial flutter. Embolic events did not occur in patients with adequate anticoagulation.
Facts and myths about therapeutic interventions in cerebral palsy: integrated goal development

This article explores a variety of myths and facts about therapy for children who have cerebral palsy. Current evidence is used to refute popular myths and debunk harmful ones. A way of integrating interventions is suggested and a planning process for timing interventions is proposed.
Robust weighted kernel logistic regression in imbalanced and rare events data

Recent developments in computing and technology, along with the availability of large amounts of raw data, have contributed to the creation of many effective techniques and algorithms in the fields of pattern recognition and machine learning. The main objectives for developing these algorithms include identifying patterns within the available data or making predictions, or both. Great success has been achieved with many classification techniques in real-life applications. With regard to binary data classification in particular, analysis of data containing rare events or disproportionate class distributions poses a great challenge to industry and to the machine learning community. This study examines rare events (REs) with binary dependent variables containing many more non-events (zeros) than events (ones). These variables are difficult to predict and to explain as has been evidenced in the literature. This research combines rare events corrections to Logistic Regression (LR) with truncated Newton methods and applies these techniques to Kernel Logistic Regression (KLR). The resulting model, Rare Event Weighted Kernel Logistic Regression (RE-WKLR), is a combination of weighting, regularization, approximate numerical methods, kernelization, bias correction, and efficient implementation, all of which are critical to enabling RE-WKLR to be an effective and powerful method for predicting rare events. Comparing RE-WKLR to SVM and TR-KLR, using non-linearly separable, small and large binary rare event datasets, we find that RE-WKLR is as fast as TR-KLR and much faster than SVM. In addition, according to the statistical significance test, RE-WKLR is more accurate than both SVM and TR-KLR.
Describing software design in Ada

Ada is a tool suitable for the efficient and reliable development of solutions to a large problem domain. To combat the FORTRAN mind set and exploit the full power of the language, top down functional methodo logies are insufficient, and thus an object-oriented methodology is required. This paper provides some observations on such a methodology with subsequent representation of software design in the Ada Programming Support Environment (APSE).
Surface modification of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer film: grafting amine-terminated linear and branched architectures.

Polymer films can be tailored for a specific application by modifying their surface properties. In this study, linear and branched architectures were grafted to ethylene−acrylic acid (EAA) copolyme...
Gap states in amorphous silicon—dangling and floating bonds

Abstract It is shown that the primitive intrinsic defects in amorphous Si (a-Si) are threefold- and fivefold-coordinated Si atoms. A variety of experimental and theoretical information indicates that both these defects are likely to play a role in determining the properties of a-Si. Both have localized states in the energy gap. Electron-spin-resonance (ESR) data show that the dominant paramagnetic defect is more likely to be fivefold-coordinated Si (floating bond). A luminescence peak at ∼0.9 eV, on the other hand, is likely to be due to threefold-coordinated Si (dangling bond). In hydrogenated a-Si (a-Si:H), interstitial H (either at a “bond center” or “channel” site) may also have a state in the gap.
Zonal organization of olivo-nodulus projections in albino rabbits.

Abstract The organization of inferior olivary projections to the cerebellar nodulus in albino rabbits was assessed by autoradiographic, anterograde degeneration and retrograde transport techniques. These data indicate that the caudal aspect of the dorsal cap of Kooy projects to a band extending 0.5–1 mm lateral to the midline of the nodulus. The medial half of this region receives a projection from β nucleus over at least the dorsal surface of the nodulus; an extension onto the ventral surface, though, is consistent with the anterograde tracing data. The rostral aspect of the dorsal cap and ventrolateral outgrowth projects to an adjacent 0.5–1. mm wide band in the nodulus. A group of cells spanning the intermediocaudal dorsal cap and the adjacent, dorsomedial margin of the β nucleus appears to project laterally on the ventral surface of the nodulus. On the dorsal aspect of the nodulus and ventral surface of lobule IXd, though, comparisons of anterograde and retrograde tracing data suggest that this lateral field is innervated by the rostral aspect of the dorsomedial cell column and the rostromedial accessory olive. Finally, the regions of lobules X and IXd lining the posterolateral fissure represent a transition between lobule IX and ventral lobule X patterns of olivary projections. These data provide a basis for investigating the efferent projections of the nodulus to distinct olivo-vestibular terminal fields in the vestibular nuclei.
Paradigms for organizing a global IT workforce

This panel is intended to explore factors related to the successful management of Global IT initiatives. There are many unique challenges. Multi-national organizations often want to standardize the processes and systems they use. However, customization may be required to meet local requirements and compete with indigenous organizations. Operating across time zones, makes synchronous collaboration difficult. Rapid development methodologies, which usually require multiple design iterations, have to be modified. Cultural differences often require unique approaches to local management, but have to be bridged to support global initiatives. Interpretation of design communications may vary significantly from country to country. Management philosophies vary widely and management techniques are changing rapidly as collaboration technologies evolve. Successful organizations often use counter-intuitive models. A model for the characterization of global IT organizations, will be used to compare the approaches utilized by successful organizations, and discuss CSFs. Practitioners and academics on the panel will present cases related to CSFs, and interpret these cases with respect to management models.
Single base hits score a home run in wheat

Finding a way to identify point mutants for a genome in which there are six copies of every gene seems a daunting task, however this has recently been reported. In this research, the redundancy in the wheat genome proved a help instead of a hindrance and the results suggest a promising approach in functional genomics of polyploid crop species. It is now feasible to generate point mutations in all the homologs for a particular gene directly in a polypoid commercial crop variety and then combine them, thus avoiding undesirable, linked traits that often complicate introgressing traits into crops from wild relatives.
Effect of Fiber Orientation and Strain Rate on the Nonlinear Uniaxial Tensile Material Properties of Tendon

Tendons are exposed to complex loading scenarios that can only be quantified by mathematical models, requiring a full knowledge of tendon mechanical properties. This study measured the anisotropic, nonlinear, elastic material properties of tendon. Previous studies have primarily used constant strain-rate tensile tests to determine elastic modulus in the fiber direction. Data for Poisson's ratio aligned with the fiber direction and all material properties transverse to the fiber direction are sparse. Additionally, it is not known whether quasi-static constant strain-rate tests represent equilibrium elastic tissue behavior. Incremental stress-relaxation and constant strain-rate tensile tests were performed on sheep flexor tendon samples aligned with the tendon fiber direction or transverse to the fiber direction to determine the anisotropic properties of toe-region modulus (E0), linear-region modulus (E), and Poisson's ratio (v). Among the modulus values calculated, only fiber-aligned linear-region modulus (E1) was found to be strain-rate dependent. The E1 calculated from the constant strain-rate tests were significantly greater than the value calculated from incremental stress-relaxation testing. Fiber-aligned toe-region modulus (E(1)0 = 10.5 +/- 4.7 MPa) and linear-region modulus (E1 = 34.0 +/- 15.5 MPa) were consistently 2 orders of magnitude greater than transverse moduli (E(2)0 = 0.055 +/- 0.044 MPa, E2 = 0.157 +/- 0.154 MPa). Poisson's ratio values were not found to be rate-dependent in either the fiber-aligned (v12 = 2.98 +/- 2.59, n = 24) or transverse (v21 = 0.488 +/- 0.653, n = 22) directions, and average Poisson's ratio values in the fiber-aligned direction were six times greater than in the transverse direction. The lack of strain-rate dependence of transverse properties demonstrates that slow constant strain-rate tests represent elastic properties in the transverse direction. However, the strain-rate dependence demonstrated by the fiber-aligned linear-region modulus suggests that incremental stress-relaxation tests are necessary to determine the equilibrium elastic properties of tendon, and may be more appropriate for determining the properties to be used in elastic mathematical models.
Invariant measures and asymptotic Gaussian bounds for normal forms of stochastic climate model

The systematic development of reduced low-dimensional stochastic climate models from observations or comprehensive high dimensional climate models is an important topic for atmospheric low-frequency variability, climate sensitivity, and improved extended range forecasting. Recently, techniques from applied mathematics have been utilized to systematically derive normal forms for reduced stochastic climate models for low-frequency variables. It was shown that dyad and multiplicative triad interactions combine with the climatological linear operator interactions to produce a normal form with both strong nonlinear cubic dissipation and Correlated Additive and Multiplicative (CAM) stochastic noise. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) of low frequency climate variables exhibit small but significant departure from Gaussianity but have asymptotic tails which decay at most like a Gaussian. Here, rigorous upper bounds with Gaussian decay are proved for the invariant measure of general normal form stochastic models. Asymptotic Gaussian lower bounds are also established under suitable hypotheses.
Quantum-size effects in SERS from noble-metal nanoparticles

We study the role of a strong electron confinement on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering from molecules adsorbed on small noble-metal nanoparticles. We describe a novel enhancement mechanism, which originates from the different effect that confining potential has on s-band and d-band electrons. We demonstrate that the interplay between finite-size and screening effects in the nanoparticle surface layer leads to an enhancement of the surface plasmon local field acting on a molecule located in a close proximity to the metal surface. Our calculations, based on time-dependent local density approximation, show that the additional enhancement of the Raman signal is especially strong for small nanometer-sized nanoparticles.
Can You Hear Me Now? Regulating Transcriptional Activators by Phosphorylation

Extracellular signals often modulate the expression of specific genetic programs by triggering the phosphorylation of relevant transcription factors (TFs). Phosphorylation in turn regulates such TFs by altering their cellular localization, DNA binding affinity, or transcriptional activity. Structural approaches have revealed how phosphorylation turns some TFs on or off; but less is known about how phosphorylation regulates other transcription factors in a graded manner that depends on signal intensity. A recent paper by Graves and colleagues reveals how a group of phosphorylation sites in Ets-1 regulates its DNA binding activity. Their studies provide new insight into the importance of multisite phosphorylation for the graded regulation of transcription and highlight the involvement of allosteric mechanisms in this process.
Characterization of power system outages caused by hurricanes through localized intensity indices

This paper discusses characterization of hurricane-caused power system outages using simple to calculate localized tropical cyclone intensity indices. Studied outage metrics include maximum outage incidence, average outage duration, and restoration time for 95% and 98% of the maximum outages. Four hurricane damaging actions are considered: storm surge, maximum sustained wind-speeds, the exposure time to at least tropical storm winds, and the land area swept by the hurricane. For an optimal curve fitting process that derives intensity indices for each of the outage metrics, the study follows an empirical approach by using outage and four actions data for hurricanes from 2004-08. The maximum outage incidence is observed to follow a logistic curve with a correlation of 0.8, suggesting a good fit. Restoration times fit a cubic polynomial with an R2 of 0.65 because of the influence of different management approaches and logistical processes during restoration.
Factor intensity rankings in U.S. production

Abstract This paper examines whether we can in general characterize goods as having unambiguous relative factor intensity rankings. We calculate correlation statistics for relative factor intensities for a three-factor, thirty-one good disaggregation of U.S. production. We find that we can generally characterize goods as being either energy intensive or non-energy intensive, but that we can not characterize non-energy intensive goods as being either capital intensive or labor intensive.
Pharmacology of a New Antianginal Drug: Perhexiline : III. Bronchopulmonary System in the Dog and Humans

Perhexiline elicited bronchodilatation in anesthetized dogs and asthmatic patients. In the latter, the effect was manifested by a fall in airway resistance. In some patients, an increase was observed in forced expiratory volume, lung volume, forced vital capacity and maximum expiratory flow rate respectively.
Voltage-dependent calcium and potassium channels in retinal glial cells

Glial cells, which outnumber neurones in the central nervous system, have traditionally been considered to be electrically inexcitable and to play only a passive role in the electrical activity of the brain. Recent reports have demonstrated, however, that certain glial cells, when maintained in primary culture, possess voltage-dependent ion channels. It remains to be demonstrated whether these channels are also present in glial cells in vivo. I show here that Muller cells, the principal glial cells of the vertebrate retina, can generate 'Ca2+ spikes' in freshly excised slices of retinal tissue. In addition, voltage-clamp studies of enzymatically dissociated Muller cells demonstrate the presence of four types of voltage-dependent ion channels: a Ca2+ channel, a Ca2+-activated K+ channel, a fast-inactivating (type A) K+ channel and an inward-rectifying K+ channel. Currents generated by these voltage-dependent channels may enhance the ability of Muller cells to regulate extracellular K+ levels in the retina and may be involved in the generation of the electroretinogram.
A spectral clustering technique for studying post-transplant kidney functions

In this paper, we present a novel method for studying the deterioration of renal functions after kidney transplant. We track the kidney functions of 111 patients for 24 months after the kidney transplant and use the time series data to group the patients into four clusters. We have developed two graph-based algorithms for analyzing the data as a pre-processing step prior to the formation of the clusters. The resultant clusters thus formed are statistically analyzed to determine the socio-demographic and clinical factors that may provide insights into the renal functions after the transplants. We also compare the cluster formation against other manifold learning techniques. The quality of the clusters was assessed using the silhouette function. We discuss how our findings can be used for effective intervention strategies.
Fire-Tube Boiler Test Burn on Coal-Water Fuel

The Energy and Environmental Research Corporation (EER), in cooperation with the University of Alabama (UA) and the Mining Division of Jim Walter Resources, Inc. (JWRI), was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract to retrofit an existing fire-tube boiler to burn coal-water fuel (CWF) A fire-tube boiler on the UA campus was retrofitted, and the CWF was made from Blue Creek Coal fines produced by the Mining Division of JWRI, which is located 45 min from the UA campus. The boiler was successfully operated for 800 hours on CWF. Operating with CWF required a boiler derating of 20% and natural gas as a support fuel. This article describes the test burn on CWF, including combustion characteristics of JWRI CWF, boiler efficiency, combustion temperatures, boiler derating, and emission quality of the flue gas. Also reported is a brief summary of the economic analysis of conversion from natural gas to CWF.
The activity of Parícutin during its third year

On its second anniversary, February 20, 1945, the cone of Paricutin was approximately 1500 feet high, and lava flows, erupted mainly from vents at its southwest base, covered approximately 4-½ square miles. During February and March, 1945, eruption of lava diminished while the explosive activity of the summit-crater Increased in intensity. The Ahuan vent, at the southwest base of the main cone, continued to discharge lava throughout this period. A long stream moved slowly around the south and east base of the cone and continued northward beyond the parasitic cone of Zapicho for almost two miles, spreading across much of the great San Juan flow of 1944 and the older flow from Zapicho. In many places, the new lava was injected sill-like under these older flows, raising and arching them locally as much as 60 feet. Another long flow issued from a vent that opened on February 4 about one quarter mile west-northwest of the Ahuan vent. By the second week of March, this flow had spread northward past Canijuata as a narrow stream two miles long and had buried most of the village of Paricutin not previously inundated by lava (see Fig. 1).
Endocrinology: fertility hormone in repose.

Egg and sperm development are triggered when follicle-stimulating hormone binds to its receptor. A three-dimensional structural snapshot reveals how the hormone slots into its receptor, and how specificity of binding is ensured.
A Comparison of Denture Base Accuracy

A study was undertaken to compare the accuracy of denture bases processed with pour type acrylic resin in a hydrocolloid mold with the accuracy of bases processed by compression molding in which conventional heat-cured acrylic resin was used. A comparison was also made with bases made of compression molded cold-curing repair resin. The pour type resins offer a potential to the dental profession because of the time they save in processing procedures. However, the study showed that when existing pour type resins are used, a less well-adapted denture base is obtained.
Optimization of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuators for Active Aerodynamic Flow Control

This paper presents the results of a parametric experimental investigation aimed at optimizing the body force produced by single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators used for aerodynamic flow control. A primary goal of the study is the improvement of actuator authority for flow control applications at higher Reynolds number than previously possible. The study examines the effects of dielectric material and thickness, applied voltage amplitude and frequency, voltage waveform, exposed electrode geometry, covered electrode width, and multiple actuator arrays. The metric used to evaluate the performance of the actuator in each case is the measured actuator-induced thrust which is proportional to the total body force. It is demonstrated that actuators constructed with thick dielectric material of low dielectric constant produce a body force that is an order of magnitude larger than that obtained by the Kapton-based actuators used in many previous plasma flow control studies. These actuators allow operation at much higher applied voltages without the formation of discrete streamers which lead to body force saturation.
Investigating the Effects of Terahertz Radiation on Bacillus subtilis

Medical and security sensing applications of Terahertz (THz) imaging are currently being developed. As a result, there is a need to further investigate the effects of THz radiation on biological systems. In this study, a 94 GHz mechanically tuned Gunn Oscillator was used to irradiate Bacillus subtilis at 94 GHz. The bacteria were cultured in trypticase soy broth (TSB) and placed in polystyrene 96 well plates. The samples where irradiated during the exponential growth phase for 1, 2, and 24 hours. Both the experimental and control plates were kept at room temperature (~25°C) and were monitored for the duration of the experiment using thermocouples interfaced with a computer via Labview software. By evaluating the absorption of each well at 600nm immediately before and after irradiation, the population density within each well was assessed. Following this, the metabolic activity of each well was measured after irradiation by adding tetrazolium dye, XTT, to the wells and evaluating the absorption of each well at 490nm after 2 hours of incubation.
Visualizing scientific graphics for astronomy and astrophysics

The combination of astronomy and computational sciences plays an important role in how members of the astronomical community visualize their data. Larger detectors in the optical/IR, increasing bandwidth in radio interferometers, and large N astrophysical simulations drive the need for visualization solutions. These visualization purposes include exploring the dynamical phase space of data cubes, surface mapping, large catalogs, and volumetric rendering. The use of 3D computer graphics in the movie, television, and gaming industry has led the development of useful computer algorithms for optimizing the display of complex data structures while taking advantage of new hardware paradigms like GPU processing. Melding the exciting scientific results with state of the art computer graphics cannot only help with scientific analysis and phase space discovery, but also with graphics for education and public outreach. The visual impact of astronomy cannot be understated - for both the community of scientists and how to present to the public with higher accuracy our results.
Long-term application of intermittent urethral catheterization to the neurogenic bladder of diabetes mellitus.

Two case reports are presented of patients who utilized long-term intermittent urethral catheterization as a primary management of diabetic neurogenic bladder. The results indicate fewer complications than with a continuous indwelling Foley catheter. Further, only two urinary tract infections occurred during 39 months of patient utilization. No renal or vesical lithiasis occurred. One patient had a remission and went on drug therapy alone. The other patient may use this technique indefinitely.
Serum corticosterone in fetal mice: Sex differences, circadian changes, and effect of maternal stress

The serum concentration of corticosterone was examined in control and stressed pregnant female mice (Mus domesticus) as well as male and female fetuses due to our interest in the behavioral effects of material stress on offspring in mice. Pregnant females were restrained under flood lights (2 sessions/day, 45 min/session) from Day 13-17 of pregnancy. On Day 17 of pregnancy a significant increase in maternal serum corticosterone was exhibited 1 h after the onset of a stress session, and serum corticosterone did not return to baseline until 16 h later. We also observed a significant increase in serum corticosterone in male fetuses during the first 4 h after maternal stress, while no significant change in serum concentration of corticosterone was observed in female fetuses throughout 24 h after maternal stress. Daily variation in serum concentration of corticosterone was also determined at 4-h intervals in pregnant mice and their fetuses from Day 16-18 of pregnancy. Pregnant females maintained on a 12 L:12 D cycle exhibited peak serum corticosterone concentrations at and just before the onset of the darkness. Daily fluctuations in serum concentrations of corticosterone in male and female fetuses reflected the pattern observed in the mothers. A sex difference in serum corticosterone in fetuses was observed at some, but not all times of the day, with the difference being greatest during the dark phase of the mother's light:dark cycle.
Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor activation enhances in vivo histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in the rat.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor α (TGFα) have been shown to inhibit gastric acid secretion through stimulation of the EGF receptor (EGFR). In this study we examined in vivo the effects of inhibition of the EGFR on histamine-stimulated acid secretion in the rat. Submaximal (1.5 mg/kg/hr) histamine-stimulated acid secretion was measured (μ Eq H+/2 hr) during infusion of EGFRtk inhibitors and ranitidine in anesthetized rats. EGFR phosphorylation in gastric mucosal tissue lysates was measured by Western blot analysis. Submaximal histamine-stimulated acid secretion was increased significantly by the EGFR inhibitors tyrphostin (Tyr) A46 and Tyr AG1478. Tyr A46 prevented TGFα (10 μ g/kg/hr)-mediated inhibition of maximal (5.0 μ g/kg/hr) histamine-stimulated acid output. Histamine caused a fourfold increase in EGFR phosphorylation which was inhibited by both Tyr and ranitidine. We conclude that the EGFRtk inhibitors, Tyr A46 and Tyr AG1478, significantly increased submaximal histamine-stimulated acid output and Tyr A46 prevented TGFα inhibition of histamine-stimulated acid secretion. These observations suggest that the EGFR is involved, in vivo, in the regulation of gastric acid secretion.
Semiclassical Theory of Saturated Absorption in Gases

A three-dimensional theory for the resonant interaction of electromagnetic waves with a gas of two-level atoms is formulated in terms of macroscopic variables. The theory is utilized to find the steady-state attenuation of a plane wave in the presence of another plane wave running in the opposite direction with different amplitude. Contributions are included from the reflection of the oppositely running wave by an induced standing-wave inhomogeneity in the population inversion of the medium. The resulting attenuation and reflection coefficients are expressed as velocity integrals of continued fractions. Correspondence is made with existing gas-laser theories, yielding the formulation of a high-intensity ring-laser theory. Analytic approximations for the coefficients are presented for the Doppler-limit cases of both waves weak, one wave weak, and negligible reflection (rate-equation approximation). More-general cases have been calculated numerically. The attenuation coefficients exhibit a Lamb-dip feature. The relative depth of the dip increases rapidly with power at low saturation levels, slowly at high saturation, and is greater in the attenuation of the weaker wave. The width of the dip is nonlinearly power broadened. The shape of the dip is very nearly Lorentzian, except for one special case at high power in which the line splits. The propagation equations for the two waves are integrated over long absorption paths. A large resulting attenuation increases the relative size of the dip while decreasing the power broadening.
A study of mechanical isotropy of continuous cast and direct chill cast AA5182 Al alloys

Abstract Hot band of an AA5182 Al alloy produced by a continuous cast (CC) method was heat treated at 400 °C and two heating rates, 0.65 °C/min for 3 h in an air furnace and 833 °C/min for 15 min in salt bath annealing, respectively. It was found that rapid heating led to a much smaller, more equiaxed and uniform grain structure, and a stronger cube texture than slow heating. The cube texture in the CC hot band annealed at the rapid heating rate was equivalent to that found in the direct chill (DC) cast AA5182 Al alloy hot band. Tensile, earing cup and bending tests were conducted on the CC hot band before and after heat treatments and on the DC hot band for comparison. The mechanical isotropy of the CC hot band was significantly improved after both the heat treatments and that it was comparable to that of the equivalent DC hot band within the rolling plane. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the CC hot band after annealing were comparable to those of the DC hot band.
Dynamic display of biomolecular patterns through an elastic creasing instability of stimuli-responsive hydrogels

Surfaces with physicochemical properties that can be modulated using external stimuli offer great promise for designing responsive or adaptive materials. Here, we describe biocompatible dynamic scaffolds based on thin hydrogel coatings that reversibly hide and display surface chemical patterns in response to temperature changes. At room temperature, the gel absorbs water, triggering an elastic creasing instability that sequesters functionalized regions within tight folds in the surface. Deswelling at approximately 37 degrees C causes the gel surface to unfold, thereby regenerating the biomolecular patterns. Crease positions are directed by topographic features on the underlying substrate, and are translated into two-dimensional micrometre-scale surface chemical patterns through selective deposition of biochemically functionalized polyelectrolytes. We demonstrate specific applications of these dynamic scaffolds--selective capture, sequestration and release of micrometre-sized beads, tunable activity of surface-immobilized enzymes and reversible encapsulation of adherent cells--which offer promise for incorporation within lab-on-a-chip devices or as dynamic substrates for cellular biology.
Chronic nicotine reverses working memory deficits caused by lesions of the fimbria or medial basalocortical projection

Nicotine has been found in a variety of studies to improve performance in memory tasks. This study was conducted to determine if chronic nicotine administration is useful in counteracting the working memory deficits seen after lesions of the fimbria or the medial basalocortical projection. Rats were trained to asymptotic performance on a working memory version of the radial-arm maze. Then, they were given knife cut lesions of the fimbria or the medial basalocortical projection or underwent sham surgeries. At the time of surgery, rats in each treatment group were implanted with either nicotine-containing or placebo glass and Silastic pellets. Rats with fimbria or basalocortical lesions showed a significant decline in working memory performance. Chronic nicotine significantly improved choice accuracy in both lesioned and unlesioned rats. Nicotine treatment restored performance of the lesioned rats to control levels. These data show that in addition to improving memory performance in normal rats, nicotine can counteract lesion-induced memory impairments. Nicotine also may be useful for treatment of disease-related memory impairments such as seen in Alzheimer's disease.