cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluctuations of Transfer RNAs between Classical and Hybrid States

Adjacent transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in the A- and P-sites of the ribosome are in dynamic equilibrium between two different conformations called classical and hybrid states before translocation. Here, we have used single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer to study the effect of Mg2+ on tRNA dynamics with and without an acetyl group on the A-site tRNA. When the A-site tRNA is not acetylated, tRNA dynamics do not depend on [Mg2+], indicating that the relative positions of the substrates for peptide-bond formation are not affected by Mg2+. In sharp contrast, when the A-site tRNA is acetylated, Mg2+ lengthens the lifetime of the classical state but does not change the lifetime of the hybrid state. Based on these findings, the classical state resembles a state with direct stabilization of tertiary structure by Mg2+ ions whereas the hybrid state resembles a state with little Mg2+-assisted stabilization. The antibiotic viomycin, a translocation inhibitor, suppresses tRNA dynamics, suggesting that the enhanced fluctuations of tRNAs after peptide-bond formation drive spontaneous attempts at translocation by the ribosome.
The isolation of enteroviruses from blood: a comparison of four processing methods

Blood from 28 children hospitalized with symptomatic enterovirus infections was processed by four different methods in an effort to define optimum conditions for detecting viremia. Enteroviremia was demonstrated in 11/28 children. Virus was isolated by method 1 (serum) in 7/11 children and by method 2 (mononuclear leukocytes) in 9/11, but in only 3/10 and 3/11 children by methods 3 and 4 (granulocytes and plasma-mixed leukocytes, respectively). In four children, the only blood isolate was from mononuclear leukocytes, and in two, serum was the only positive blood preparation. This suggests that viremia can be often detected in hospitalized children with enterovirus disease and shows that the methods used for processing blood may significantly influence the isolation rate.
Antagonistic actions of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine on color changes in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator☆

Abstract 1. 1. Dopamine (DA) produces pigment concentration in the erythrophores of intact fiddler crabs, but has no effect on the erythrophores in isolated legs. 2. 2. DA antagonizes the red pigment-dispersing action of 5-hydroxytryptamine. 3. 3. It is hypothesized that DA triggers release of red pigment-concentrating hormone.
The role of chemiosmotic lysis in the exocytotic release of insulin.

The role of chemiosmotic lysis in the exocytotic release of insulin has been studied using perifused rat pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Established criteria for osmotic lysis of secretory granules requires proton translocation across the secretory granule membrane and the influx of a permeant anion. The consequent increase in granule osmolarity induces water entry and granule lysis. A proton gradient has been previously established to exist across the insulin secretory granule membrane. We have examined the sensitivity of insulin release to 1) hyperosmolar solutions, 2) replacement of medium Cl−, 3) replacement of medium Na+, and 4) anion transport inhibitors. The addition of 200–600 mm sucrose resulted in a 32–69% inhibition of insulin release due to 16.7 mm glucose. Replacement of Cl− by isethionate or SO4— reversibly inhibited glucoseinduced insulin release by 47% and 78%, respectively. Na+ replacement by choline did not influence the secretory response. 4,4′-Diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbene disulfonic a...
Altered tectorial membrane development and outer hair cell physiology in an α-tectorintransgenic mouse

Figure 5. Increased presti n expression in OHCs from mutant mice. (A) Prestin immunolabeling demonstrated higher fluorescence intensity within the lateral wall of OHCs in heterozygous and homozygous mice compared to wild-type mice. Each OHC row is labeled (1, 2, 3). All images were taken from the mid-basal turn. Scale bar is 8 μ m. (B) Quantification of prestin immunofluorescence intensity within the OHC lateral wall demonstrated statistically significant increases in heterozygous and homozygous OHCs relative to wild-type OHCs. (C) Comparison of the fluorescence intensity between OHCs of different rows did not reveal differences (ANOVA p>0.05 for each genotype). (D) Western blot demonstrated an increase in prestin in cochleae from heterozygous and homozygous mice compared to cochleae from wild-type mice. Myosin VIIa levels from the same blot were qualitatively similar. (E) Quantitative RTPCR analyses demonstrated elevated prestin transcript levels in both heterozygous and homozygous mice. Wildtype, +/+; heterozygous, +/Gly; homozygous, Gly/Gly. Model
Innominate and Subclavian Arteries as an Inflow of Free Arterial Graft

To find a suitable inflow site for free arterial grafts in myocardial revascularization, I used the innominate artery for the radial artery graft in 4 patients and the left subclavian artery for three radial grafts and one free gastroepiploic artery graft. All 8 patients were alive, and all five restudied grafts were all patent. The innominate and subclavian arteries are suitable in terms of better wall matching and avoidable aortic clamping in cases of atherosclerotic ascending aorta.
Nonparametric testing against restricted alternatives under progressive censoring

Nonparametric testing procedures under progressive censoring schemes are often adopted in clinical trials and life testing experimentations. In a variety of situations, a null hypothesis (of the homogeneity of distributions) may be tested against a restricted viz., orthant or ordered alternative. Though such tests in a general setup have been considered in a complete sample or a single point censored (or truncated) experimental scheme, there has not been much progress with these tests in a progressively censored setup. Genuinely distribution free tests based on simple linear rank statistics and the classical union intersection principle are considered. The theory of such time sequential tests rests heavily on some basic invariance principles, and these are studied as well. The case of proportional hazard models is also treated briefly. The main emphasis is laid on the development of the relevant asymptotic theory, and in this context, some (sub) martingale characterizations of progressively censored rank ...
Emerson’s Transatlantic Romanticism; Transatlantic Transcendentalism: Coleridge, Emerson, and Nature

Throughout his career as the foremost public philosopher during the United States' adolescent century, Ralph Waldo Emerson carried deep intellectual debts to Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas Carl...
Thermal probes: What’s available in 2004

Thermal energy has had a wide array of applications over the course of modern medicine. In the past decade, orthopedic surgeons have used both monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency probes to deliver thermal energy for the treatment of various orthopedic maladies. There are several systems available to orthopedic surgeons, each with a manufacturer-suggested indication and use. This article provides a synopsis of each manufacturer's system in table format and briefly reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Coherent states for general potentials. VI. Conclusions about the classical motion and the WKB approximation

The minimum-uncertainty coherent states empirically provide an approximation to the motion of a classical particle. This can be understood conceptually. One can obtain a relationship between the WKB approximation and the definition of the minimum-uncertainty coherent states. This definition is in terms of the ''natural'' quantum operators, which connect only adjacent energy eigenstates. The classical form of these operators is also related to the WKB approximation. In the Appendix we comment on the origin of ''exact'' WKB results.
The liver in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated strongly with NAFLD. It is not clear if one of these conditions causes the others, or if all are consequences of another process. Although NAFLD is known to occur in overly lean individuals, which indicates that excessive adiposity is not required for the development of NAFLD, the severities of insulin resistance and NAFLD tend to parallel each other, and the greatest prevalence of type 2 diabetes occurs in patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis. This observation suggests that insulin resistance and NAFLD may be related pathogenically. Experiments in mice demonstrate that insulin resistance and NAFLD result from a chronic inflammatory state that is characterized by increased levels of TNF alpha. The mechanisms that drive this chronic inflammation are unknown but might involve the oxidative stress that develops during fatty acid metabolism or when products from intestinal bacteria escape into the mesenteric blood to trigger a sustained hepatic inflammatory cytokine response in genetically susceptible individuals, promoting a positive feedback loop that reinforces insulin resistance and inflammation. This hypothesis is supported by some animal and human studies; however, more research is needed to evaluate this theory. Additional studies also are required to determine the benefits of treatments that interrupt this pathogenic cascade at various points. Preliminary work in animal and human studies suggests that diverse strategies that inhibit production of TNF alpha and improve insulin resistance also ameliorate NAFLD.
Significance testing for wavelet bicoherence and its application in analyzing nonlinearity in turbulent shear flows.

Wavelet-based bispectral analysis has been applied in various physical and engineering fields in recent years, but discussion of its significance testing, which distinguishes statistically meaningful results from those due to random noise, has been scarce and incomplete in the literature. Previously derived significance levels for wavelet bicoherence were either preliminary or based on numerical simulations of a limited sample size. The present study reviewed relevant previous works analytically identified the sampling distribution of the estimated wavelet bicoherence and derived expressions for its significance levels for any given probability value. Its application in analyzing a turbulent shear flow around a bluff body was demonstrated in detail. The significance testing developed here helped to identify significant quadratic couplings among a triad of scales in. a separated turbulent shear layer over very short time intervals. The results obtained here can be applied to a wide variety of research topics for detecting nonlinearity in physical systems.
Consultants for Interlibrary Loan

A consultant can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of interlibrary loan by giving expert advice in such matters as the interlibrary loan interview, public relations, verification and location, copyright law, automation, and management. Consultants are usually available from a wide variety of sources. Both consultants and those who request the consultation should fulfill specific obligations in order to achieve the desired goal.
Optically detected magnetic resonance studies of pi-conjugated polymer-based light-emitting diodes

The X-band photoluminescence (PL)-, electroluminescence (EL)-, conductivity ((sigma) )-, and photoconductivity ((sigma) ph)-detected magnetic resonance of poly(p- phenylenevinylene) (PPV) and poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) (PPA)-based LEDs is described and discussed. A strong narrow PL-enhancing and EL-quenching resonance is observed at g approximately equals 2.0023 in all cases. However, while the (sigma) - and (sigma) ph-detected resonances are also quenching in the PPV-based diodes, the (sigma) -detected resonance of the PPA-based diodes is enhancing. The g-values and lineshapes of all of the resonances are identical in each type of diode, and they are attributed to polaron-polaron fusion to singlet excitons or bipolarons. The implications of this picture to the issues of polaron and bipolaron mobility in these diodes and a potential upper limit of their efficiency is discussed. In addition to the narrow resonance, half-field PL-, EL-, (sigma) - and (sigma) ph-detected resonances due to the (Delta) ms equals 2 transitions of triplet excitons are also observed. These resonances are believed to result from singlet exciton generation via triplet-triplet fusion.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years. Part II-medical management.

Summary Abnormal uterine bleeding occurs secondary to a wide variety of functional and structural abnormalities. Whereas surgery clearly has a place, medical therapy has the potential to improve symptoms in the short or long term for a number of women, especially those with DUB. However, optimum outcomes likely depend at least to a degree on the ability of the clinician to match therapeutic options to each patient. Consequently, to provide women with appropriate options for therapy, the clinician must be prepared to distinguish abnormal bleeding that is associated with ovulation from that which is anovulatory, and to perform appropriate ancillary tests to identify structural and endocrinologic anomalies or lifestyle factors that may explain the bleeding. In undertaking such an investigation, it is important to be able to distinguish lesions that may be asymptomatic and unrelated to bleeding from those that truly are the source of the problem. With this information, a rationally determined set of medical and, if appropriate, surgical therapeutic options may be presented to the woman. Among the former are a number of treatments that have not seen widespread application in North America, but are inexpensive, effective, and well tolerated. It is clear that medical therapy is not for everyone. For many women it simply does not work, or not adequately to justify continuing it. Nevertheless, most women deserve the opportunity at least to attempt medical therapy before they commit themselves to surgery that might remove the opportunity for future pregnancy.
Trocar transrectal abscess drainage in children: a modified technique

We describe our 6-year experience with an US-guided one-step trocar technique for transrectal abscess drainage in a pediatric population. Although transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses has been proved effective, the technique described here simplifies the procedure into a single step, minimizing potential injury to the operator and patient and eliminating potential fluoroscopic radiation while maintaining an excellent clinical success rate. Additionally, our technique obviates the need for protective techniques for sharp instrumentation while advancing the needle from the anus through the rectum into the abscess.
Exchange rate volatility and deviations from unbiasedness in a cash-in-advance model

Abstract This paper examines time-series properties of exchange rate changes, the forward premium and the forward bias in the context of a variant of Svensson's cash-in-advance model. The model is solved and simulated using realistic forcing processes whose law of motion is estimated from U.S.-Japan data and then approximated by a Markov chain. Although method of moments estimation shows that the over-identifying restrictions implied by the model are not rejected, it fails dramatically in producing a sufficiently variable risk premium on forward market speculation. This result is robust to various pertubations to the model's parameters, forcing processes and preference structure. The model also fails to match exchange rate and forward premium volatility simultaneously.
A time-optimal parallel algorithm for three-dimensional convex hulls

In this paper we present an O(1/ź logn)-time parallel algorithm for computing the convex hull ofn points in ź3. This algorithm usesO(@#@ n1+a) processors on a CREW PRAM, for any constant 0 < ź ≤1. So far, all adequately documented parallel algorithms proposed for this problem use time at least O(log2n). In addition, the algorithm presented here is the first parallel algorithm for the three-dimensional convex hull problem that is not based on the serial divide-and-conquer algorithm of Preparata and Hong, whose crucial operation is the merging of the convex hulls of two linearly separated point sets. The contributions of this paper are therefore (i) an O(logn)-time parallel algorithm for the three-dimensional convex hull problem, and (ii) a parallel algorithm for this problem that does not follow the traditional paradigm.
Patient Selection for Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

Cervical intervertebral disc replacement is a current area of much interest. The primary indication for surgery is to remove symptomatic spinal cord or nerve root compression. The intended purpose of the disc prosthesis is to maintain normal physiologic motion at the operated disc level. Anterior cervical disectomy and fusion has an excellent track record in treating radiculopathy and myelopathy. However there are some disadvantages to fusions. The premise of cervical arthroplasty is that by preserving motion it will reduce the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration while avoiding the postoperative restrictions and complications inherent in any fusion. The ideal candidate should have a single- or two-level disc herniation with minimal spondylosis causing symptoms and signs of radiculopathy or myelopathy that have failed nonoperative management. Axial neck pain should not be the chief complaint, and the posterior facets should be free of arthrosis. The bone must be of good quality to allow implant to bone fixation without settling. Cervical arthroplasty is contraindicated in the setting of deformity or instability.
Impact of electrode composition on electricity generation in a single-compartment fuel cell using shewanella putrefaciens

The production of electricity by Shewanella putrefaciens in the absence of exogenous electron acceptors was examined in a single compartment fuel cell with different types of electrodes and varying physiological conditions. Electricity production was dependent on anode composition, electron donor type and cell concentration. A maximum current of 2.5 mA and a current density of 10.2 mW/m2 electrode was obtained with a Mn4+ graphite anode, 200 mM sodium lactate and a cell concentration of 3.9 g cell protein/ml. Current production by S. putrefaciens was enhanced 10-fold when an electron mediator (i.e., Mn4+ or neutral red) was incorporated into the graphite anode.
High prevalence of repolarization abnormalities in children with simple ventricular ectopy.

Background Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may occur in 0.3 to 2.2% of routine resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) in children with structurally normal hearts. Hypothesis This study tests the hypothesis that repolarization abnormalities are present more frequently on the surface ECG in pediatric patients with benign ventricular ectopy. Methods A retrospective study was performed examining 32 children with benign ventricular ectopy and structurally normal hearts. The surface ECG was carefully reviewed, concentrating on repolarization abnormalities as evidenced by a prolonged QTc, a prolonged JTc, and/or an abnormal T-wave vector. QTc was calculated using Bazett's formula and considered prolonged if > 440 ms, and the JTc was calculated using a formula analogous to Bazett's formula and considered prolonged if > 340 ms. The T-wave vector was considered normal if between 0 to +90 degrees, concordant with the frontal QRS axis and within 60 degrees of the QRS axis. There were 13 females (41%) and 19 males (59%) with an average age of 9.1 years (range 1-16.1 years). These patients were then compared with age- and gender-matched controls. Fourteen of 32 study patients (44%) and 2 of 32 controls (6%) had evidence of repolarization abnormalities. Results Using chi 2 analysis, there was a significant difference between groups (p = 0.0005). No patient had an abnormal T-wave vector and there were no other significant ECG abnormalities. There was no significant relationship between repolarization abnormalities and patient gender or age. Conclusion A significant percentage (44%; P = 0.0005) of children with benign ventricular ectopy have associated repolarization abnormalities as evidenced by a prolonged QTc and/or JTc. This finding suggests that children with "benign PVCs" may have repolarization changes indicative of underlying substrate abnormalities.
Incidence of reentry with an excitable gap in ventricular tachycardia: a prospective evaluation utilizing transient entrainment.

AbstractThe demonstration of transient entrainment has been proposed as evidence of reentry, with an excitable gap as the probable mechanism of tachycardia. A prospective series of 27 consecutive p...
Eating When There is Not Enough to Eat: Eating Behaviors and Perceptions of Food Among Food-Insecure Youths

Objectives. We explored differences in adolescents' eating habits, perceptions, and dietary intakes by food security status.Methods. As part of Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), we surveyed 4746 multiethnic middle and high school students in 31 primarily urban schools in the Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, area during the 1998–1999 academic year. Participants completed in-class surveys. We used multiple regression analysis to characterize associations between behaviors, perceptions, nutritional intake, and food security status.Results. Compared with food-secure youths, food-insecure youths were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Additionally, food-insecure youths reported eating more fast food but fewer family meals and breakfasts per week than did youths who were food secure. Food-insecure and food-secure youths perceived similar benefits from eating healthfully (P = .75). Compared with those who were food secure, food-insecure yout...
Proton-oxygen bremsstrahlung calculation

The proton-oxygen bremsstrahlung cross section is calculated near the 2.66-MeV elastic scattering resonance by using two model-independent approximations, the Feshbach-Yennie approximation and the soft-photon approximation. The soft-photon approximation predicts a typical smooth spectrum, while the Feshbach-Yennie approximation predicts structure in the resonance region. Both the principal term and the correction term are included in our Feshbach-Yennie calculation, but the contribution from the correction term is found to be insignificant. The structure predicted in the Feshbach-Yennie approximation has various forms, from a peak to a dip, depending upon the proton scattering angle. This interesting structure, if verified experimentally, can be used to study the resonance effects, to test the Feshbach-Yennie approximation, and to extract the nuclear time delay. Measurement of the proton-oxygen bremsstrahlung cross section near 2.66 MeV for various proton scattering angles is strongly suggested.
Test anxiety and the bargaining behavior of preadolescent males.

Summary The bargaining behavior and types of agreements reached on a competitive allocation problem by pairs of high and low test anxious preadolescent males (TASC) were examined. Dyads composed of same and opposite type test anxious boys were constituted and one randomly determined member in each pair passed an arithmetic test which made toys available for play. It was hypothesized that the dyads composed of two high test anxious boys would evidence equalitarian tendencies, while those composed of at least one low test anxious member would relatively quickly agree to an equity distribution. The former prediction received support. Unexpectedly, however, the dyads with a low test anxious failer more often agreed to nonequitable rather than equitable divisions and did so after prolonged, competitive negotiations. The findings were discussed in terms of differences between high and low test anxious boys in their response to evaluation.
Market Structure, Competition from Assisted Living Facilities, and Quality in the Nursing Home Industry

The effort to provide more long-term care in community-based settings has caused an expansion in the supply of assisted living beds, yet little is known about the interrelationship between this expansion and nursing home quality. This paper studies data from the State of Ohio to determine if nursing home market structure and the expansion in the supply of assisted living beds impact the quality of care provided by nursing homes. The findings suggest that nursing home quality can be lower in markets with a greater supply of nursing homes. Further, assisted living facility market structure is found to have a mixed effect on nursing home quality. The results of this paper suggest a need for a more integrated approach to regulating long-term care providers. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Neurocognitive Deficits in Alcoholics and Social Drinkers: A Continuum?

Our research program has investigated neurocognitive deficits in sober alcoholics for several decades. We have shown that both male and female adult alcoholics- compared with peer nonalcoholic controls- have deficits on tests of learning, memory, abstracting, problem-solving, perceptual analysis and synthesis, speed of information processing, and efficiency. The deficits are equivalent to those found in patients with known brain dysfunction of a mild to moderate nature. Attempts to identify factors other than alcoholism to account for these differences have been unsuccessful. The deficits appear to remit slowly over 4 to 5 years. Relapse of recovering alcoholics is predicted by behavioral (e.g., depressive symptoms and neurocognitive performance) and biological measures (e.g., event-related potentials) obtained at the end of treatment. Results of recent studies support the hypothesis of a continuum of neurocognitive deficits ranging from the severe deficits found in Korsakoff patients to moderate deficits found in alcoholics and moderate to mild deficits in heavy social drinkers (more than 21 drinks/week). Individual differences in the presence and magnitude of neurocognitive deficits in social drinkers and alcoholics are hypothesized to be due, in part, to individual differences in vulnerability of the brain to alcohol or its metabolites' toxic effects.
How Old Am I? Perceived Age in Middle and Later Life.

Literatures on perceived age and developmental issues in middle and later life are joined in analyzing perceived age and its implications for well-being. Respondents aged 40-74 (N = 2,696) are drawn from the national MIDUS survey, containing developmental variables such as personal growth and insight into past. People generally "feel" (felt age) and would "like" (ideal age) to be younger, but these exhibit different predictors and outcomes. Younger felt age is associated with positive developmental assessments and enhanced well-being, whereas younger ideal age is associated with less positive assessments and lower well-being. The association between felt age and well-being is moderated by developmental assessments. The contrasting patterns exhibited by felt age and ideal age reflect the complexities of age perceptions. It is suggested that felt age entails perceptions of current circumstances as they relate to expectations about aging, whereas ideal age reflects a comparative overview of the life cycle.
Rapid method for quantitation of androgen binding protein in Sertoli cell cultures and its use for measurement of binding kinetics.

The accurate measurement of the kinetics of binding of 5α-dihydrotestosterone to the Sertoli cell specific protein, androgen binding protein (ABP), has been frustrated by the extremely rapid rate of dissociation of the ABP-dihydrotestosterone complex. We describe a rapid and highly sensitive assay suitable for ABP quantitation which utilizes DEAE Bio-Gel and [3H]dihydrotestosterone. The assay has been used to accurately measure the rate of dissociation (8.25 × 10−4s−1, t12 14min) and the rate of association (2.04 × 105M s−1) of the binding of [3H]dihydrotestosterone to rat ABP. The ratio of these rate constants is in perfect agreement with the equilibrium dissociation constant determined by Scatchard analysis (4.0 nM). This multipoint assay is extremely rapid such that binding can be measured at equilibrium, it has high precision (coefficient of variation 3%), and is particularly useful at low protein concentrations (50 ng/ml); furthermore, the assay background of nonspecific 3H-binding is extremely low (0.2%). Since at such low protein concentrations a 10 point Scatchard analysis can be performed on 1 ml culture medium containing as little as 3 fmol ABP, the assay is suitable for monitoring changes in ABP secretion resulting from manipulations of cells in culture. The assay which utilizes DEAE Bio-Gel A is compared to five alternative methods: the standard method of steady state gel electrophoresis, Dextrancoated charcoal assay, hydroxylapatite assay, DEAE filter assay, and radioimmunoassay. The DEAE Bio-Gel assay has advantages over all of these alternative methods. In summary, this new assay is particularly useful for monitoring temporal changes in the secretion of ABP, and the method is equally effective in quantitating ABP in rat, rabbit and hamster Sertoli cell cultures.
Potassium transport across rabbit descending colonin Vitro: Evidence for single-file diffusion through a paracellular pathway

The results of previous studies indicate that the bidirectional fluxes of K across short-circuited rabbit descending colon are attributable to passive diffusion through paracellular pathways and that this route is ten times more permeable to K than to Na and Cl. However, transepithelial diffusion potentials in the presence of large transepithelial Na and K concentration differences are much lower than those predicted by the “constant field equation” and appear to be inconsistent with this high K selectivity.
Accuracy and Repeatability of Electronic and Static-Film Pressure Sensors Under Controlled Test Conditions

The accuracy and repeatability of both electronic pressure sensors and static-film sensors, when used for in situ pressure distribution testing has previously been performed for various joints. Although both methods are reported to yield reasonable levels of accuracy, our initial experiments did not yield such good results. In addition, our joint of interest, the radiocarpal joint, was different from those previously studied. To be certain of the maximum accuracy that could be expected from each measurement system, we devised a controlled experiment to determine the accuracy of both systems in an idealized test configuration. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and variability of a static-film pressure measurement system and an electronic pressure measurement system. We hypothesized that the static-film pressure measurement system would be more accurate under ideal conditions, due to its higher resolution.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
COMPENSATORY CYCLICAL BANK ASSET ADJUSTMENTS: REPLY

IN HIS COMMENT ON MY recent note in this Journal,' H. Peter Gray finds four inadequacies in my analysis. His bill of particulars reads as follows: (a) my "capital adequacy argument" ignores the historical record; (b) I have erred twice in my (one-paragraph) statement of why a bank may exhibit less short-run concern over capital losses than over its liquidity position; (c) my explanation of the observed bank behavior is not the only hypothesis that will account for the facts; and, finally, (d) the policy implications of my note are not as I have described them. I shall discuss each of these in turn. a) Gray's thesis that my "capital adequacy argument" neglects the increase in bank capital which has occurred over the past decade rests on a misinterpretation of my position. By my use of the "Form for Analyzing Bank Capital" I did not mean to imply that banks are particularly concerned about cyclical movements in their capital positions; I seriously doubt that they are. Rather, my use of the form was solely to provide an illustration of the liquidity effects on a bank of alternative sales of shortor long-term securities. I still believe that the form illustrates these liquidity effects very nicely, notwithstanding the fact that it is couched in terms of capital adequacy. In my discussion on page 54 and again on pages 56-57, I thought I had made this distinction clear; evidently I did not.2 b) Gray finds two "flaws" in my view that banks will be less concerned with short-run capital losses than with their liquidity positions. It should be noted at the outset that Gray does not consider these errors critical, observing that my argument is "undoubtedly true in ordinary situations." Nevertheless, let us consider them.
Occurrence of magnetism in CeMIn5-xHgx (M=Rh, Ir)

Abstract The physical properties of CeM ( In 1 - x Hg x ) 5 ( M = Rh , Ir) including specific heat and magnetic susceptibility are reported. Two magnetic phases exist in CeRhIn ( In 1 - x Hg x ) 5 with some evidence of a change from incommensurate magnetic order to a commensurate structure near 10% nominal Hg substitution. In CeIr ( In 1 - x Hg x ) 5 , an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point near x = 3 % (followed by robust long-range antiferromagnetism for x > 5 % ) appears to be separated from superconductivity in CeIrIn5. The multitude of magnetic ground states observed in the CeM ( In 1 - x Hg x ) 5 materials is quite sensitive to doping and magnetic fields.
Lifetime measurements and blinking statistics of nonradiative energy transfer from single halide-terminated nanocrystals onto graphene

Time-resolved Forster energy transfer from single halide-terminated nanocrystals with n-butylamine ligands (0.6 nm) onto two-dimensional graphene is measured with time-correlated single-photon counting. Remarkable 4× reduction in spontaneous emission is observed (237 MHz) and modified LDOS.
Modified mixed oxide perovskites 0.7Sr(Al1/2B1/2) O3·0.3LaAlO3 and 0.7Sr(Al1/2B1/2) O3·0.3NdGaO3 (B=Ta5+ or Nb5+) for high-Tc superconductor substrate applications

Single-crystal fibres of modified strontium aluminium tantalum oxide (1-x)Sr(Al1/2Ta1/2) O3·xLaAlO3(SAT-LA) and (1-x)Sr(Al1/2Ta1/2)O3·xNdGaO3 (SAT·NG), and modified strontium aluminum niobium oxide (1-x)Sr(Al1/2Nb1/2)O3·xNdGaO3(SAT·NG) and (1-x)Sr (Al1/2Nb1/2)O3·xLaAlO3 (SAN·LA) were grown using a laser-heated pedestal growth technique. 0.7SAT·0.3LA grows congruently and retains a twin free simple cubic perovskite structure (as the SAT) when cooled down to room temperature. 0.7SAT·0.3LA crystals have a moderate dielectric constant (κ = 21.7) and low dielectric loss (tan δ = 7.5 × 10−5) at 10 kHz and 90 K. The reduction problem of Ta5+ is eliminated (which is common in the case of SAT growth). 0.7SAT·0.3NG and 0.7SAN·0.3NG have lower melting temperatures and crystal growth is easier. NdGaO3 addition to the SAT and SAN enhances the potential of SAT and SAN as large-area substrates for high-Tc superconductor growth. However, the dielectric constants increased from κ∼-12 to κ∼-16(0.7SAT·0.3NG) and from κ∼18 to κ∼23 (0.7SAN·0.3NG) as a result of NdGaO3 incorporation.
Supporting Education Reform: Mayoral and Corporate Paths

There is a general consensus that broad community support is important for successful urban education reform. More controversial, however, is how to achieve that support. This article analyzes two paths to creating a support network. The first is a mayoral path, exemplified by Boston, in which the mayor assumes political and fiscal responsibility for the school system. The second is a corporate path, exemplified by Pittsburgh in the 1980s, in which the private sector, led by the business community, establishes a supportive environment for school reform. Each path involves a different process of building support through the interactions of key leaders and institutions. Other cities seeking to develop a support network should do so in a manner consistent with their own constellation of leaders, institutions, and civic traditions.
Turing computability with neural nets

Abstract This paper shows the existence of a finite neural network, made up of sigmoidal neurons, which simulates a universal Turing machine. It is composed of less than 105 synchronously evolving processors, interconnected linearly. High-order connections are not required.
High-spatial-resolution nulling microellipsometer using rotational polarization symmetry

We report the design and experimental testing of a high-spatial-resolution nulling microellipsometer. This microellipsometer design is based on the previously reported principle of rotational polarization symmetry to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of spatially resolved ellipsometric measurements. Through the use of an electro-optic polarization rotator, a null detection scheme is made possible and implemented. Surface profiling of a lithographically patterned microstructure is demonstrated with the nulling microellipsometer. A lateral spatial resolution of 0.48 microm is calculated with a numerical aperture of 0.9 and an illumination wavelength of 632.8 nm.
Contemporaneous Time Series and Forecasting Methodologies for Predicting Short-Term Productivity

Productivity has a profound impact on projects that depend on time and cost of construction operations. In addition, time and cost estimates are derived from productivity. Thus, accurate prediction of productivity is essential to effectively plan and control construction operations. Predicting productivity of ongoing operations, however, is challenging. Due to dynamic and stochastic changes in productivity over time during construction, frequent and regular forecasting of short-term productivity is critical in managing ongoing operations. The present research investigated the characteristics of series of periodic productivity that should be taken into consideration to effectively predict short-term productivity continually and proactively. Given the identified characteristics, this study reviewed a few potential statistical methodologies that can make full use of contemporaneous time series data related to production for the purpose of predicting short-term productivity by using trend analysis. The methodologies were demonstrated in this paper using an example case, through which data processing and modeling procedure for modeling contemporaneous series data were explained.
Bit error rate estimation techniques for digital land mobile radios

Two methods are shown to provide reliable estimates of the raw channel BER (bit error rate) over channels which are characterized as having Rayleigh fading. In the first method, it is shown that pseudorandom noise sequences when interleaved within the transmitted data can be used to compute an autocorrelation parameter in the receiver from which the channel BER may be estimated. The accuracy of this estimate is shown to be a function of the sequence length for a given channel signal-to-noise ratio. In the second method, it is shown that if symbol interleaving is used in a Reed-Solomon-based system, side information from bounded distance decoders can be used to provide an estimate of the raw channel BER. Further, it is shown that decoder failure and error events do not significantly affect this BER estimate. >
Multiparametric MRI ISODATA ischemic lesion analysis: correlation with the clinical neurological deficit and single-parameter MRI techniques.

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to show that the computer segmentation algorithm Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA), which integrates multiple MRI par...
Target detection: Magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion–guided prostate biopsy

Recent advances in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enabled image-guided detection of prostate cancer. Fusion of MRI with real-time ultrasound (US) allows the information from MRI to be used to direct biopsy needles under US guidance in an office-based procedure. Fusion can be performed either cognitively or electronically, using a fusion device. Fusion devices allow superimposition (coregistration) of stored MRI images on real-time US images; areas of suspicion found on MRI can then serve as targets during US-guided biopsy. Currently available fusion devices use a variety of technologies to perform coregistration: robotic tracking via a mechanical arm with built-in encoders (Artemis/Eigen, BioJet/Geoscan); electromagnetic tracking (UroNav/Philips-Invivo, Hi-RVS/Hitachi); or tracking with a 3D US probe (Urostation/Koelis). Targeted fusion biopsy has been shown to identify more clinically significant cancers and fewer insignificant cancers than conventional biopsy. Fusion biopsy appears to be a major advancement over conventional biopsy because it allows (1) direct targeting of suspicious areas not seen on US and (2) follow-up biopsy of specific cancerous sites in men undergoing active surveillance.
Formation of inverted hexagonal phase in SDPE as observed by solid-state (31)P NMR.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the longest and most unsaturated fatty acid commonly found in biological membranes, is known to affect various membrane properties. In a variety of cell membranes, DHA is primarily incorporated in phosphatidylethanolamines, where its function remains poorly understood. In order to understand the role of DHA in influencing membrane structure, we utilize 31P NMR spectroscopy to study the phase behavior of 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycerophosphoethanolamine (SDPE) in comparison to 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerophosphoethanolamine (POPE) from 20 to 50°C. Spectra of SDPE phospholipids show the formation of inverted hexagonal phase (HII) from 20 to 50°C; in contrast, POPE mutilamellar dispersions exist in a lamellar liquid-crystalline phase (Lα) at the same temperatures. The ability of SDPE to adopt nonbilayer phases at a physiological temperature may indicate its role in imparting negative curvature stress upon the membrane and may affect local molecular organization including the formation of lipid microdomains within biological membranes.
Effects of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 and 1A7 pharmacogenomics and patient clinical parameters on steady-state mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in glomerulonephritis

Purpose The role of pharmacogenomics, clinical and demographic parameters in pharmacokinetic predictions was evaluated in patients receiving mycophenolic acid (MPA).
The voigt-type magneto-kerr effect in cubic semiconductors having ellipsoidal constant energy surfaces

Abstract A plane-wave analysis is given for the Voigt orientation of an applied static magnetic field − B in cubic semiconductors having ellipsoidal constant energy surfaces. The effect is shown to be highly anisotropic with respect to the orientation of − B (magneto-anisotropy) as well as to the initial polarization direction of the incident wave with respect to − B (polarization anisotropy). The character and extent of the magneto-anisotropy depends not only on the location of the energy extrema, but on the anisotropy of the energy surfaces and on the energy dependence and anisotropy of the scattering processes. Calculations are given for the cases of propagation along 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 crystallographic directions in n -type germanium. High-field effects and infrared (IR) behavior are considered; however, the low-field quadratic range for microwaves in high-loss material is emphasized. A useful approximation for the high-loss case is given. Particular attention is given to the potential diagnostic applications of the effect. Room-temperature measurements of the Voigt-type Kerr effect for the TE 11 circular-waveguide mode at 35 GHz in n -type Ge are presented and compared with plane-wave calculations for propagation along 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 directions. Good quantitative agreement is obtained when the plane-wave calculations are reduced by the same mode-reduction factor as is applicable for the Faraday orientation.
Nitrite Inhalant Abuse in Antisocial Youth: Prevalence, Patterns, and Predictors

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of nitrite inhalant use in antisocial adolescents. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 723 Missouri youth (M age = 15.5, SD = 1.2) in residential care for antisocial behavior. The lifetime prevalence of nitrite inhalant use was 1.7% (1.3% for boys; 4.3% for girls, p = .06), a figure somewhat higher than comparable estimates from the MTF and NSDUH national surveys. Most lifetime users reported nitrite use in the prior year (92%) and experienced intoxication (83%) during periods of nitrite inhalation. Nitrite users had significantly higher scores on measures of somatization, obsessive-compulsive traits, interpersonal sensitivity, impulsivity, fearlessness, suicidality, and polydrug use and were significantly more likely to have suffered a serious head injury and to be White than their non-nitrite-using counterparts. Nitrite users also reported significantly higher levels of current psychiatric distress related to periods of faintness or dizziness, hot or cold spells, difficulty making decisions, and their "mind going blank" than did non-nitrite users. Antisocial adolescent nitrite users are at substantially elevated risk for serious functional impairments given their high rates of lifetime head injury, comparatively more varied and intensive levels of involvement with psychoactive drugs, and symptom reports suggestive of psychiatric and cognitive dysfunction.
Circulating forms of parathyroid hormone: peeling back the onion.

Circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates normal bone and mineral ion homeostasis and is central in the pathogenesis of bone disease in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, especially in advanced renal insufficiency (1). The major biological effects of PTH, a linear polypeptide 84 amino acids in length, reflect activation of the G-protein-coupled PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTHR) expressed on target cells in the renal tubules and the osteoblastic lineage of bone (2). Activation of PTHRs requires only the most N-terminal portion of PTH [PTH(1–34) is a full agonist] and is mostly eliminated if the N-terminal serine residue of the human hormone is removed. PTH, secreted by the parathyroid glands primarily in response to changes in blood ionized calcium, undergoes rapid endopeptidic cleavage, mainly by Kupffer cells in the liver (3). This event generates a series of N-truncated “CPTH” fragments (the corresponding N-terminal segments are destroyed in situ) that reenter the circulation and are cleared mainly by glomerular filtration, an important route for PTH clearance as well (4). Chemical analysis of PTH fragments isolated from rat blood after administration of radiolabeled bovine PTH established that hepatic metabolism yields a family of CPTH fragments with NH2 termini ranging between residues 34 and 43, although the methods used likely would not have detected substantially larger CPTH fragments (5). Interestingly, chemically similar CPTH fragments are secreted directly from the parathyroid glands as well, and the ratio of secreted CPTH fragments to intact PTH increases as blood calcium increases (6)(7). CPTH fragments typically circulate at a three- to fivefold molar excess over intact PTH, but this ratio may increase dramatically in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), depending on the severity and chronicity of renal insufficiency and the blood concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, all of which regulate PTH secretion (1)(8). Measurement of …