cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unusual voltammetry of manganese-substituted myoglobin in surfactant film: evidence for two redox pathways

The surfactant film methodology is used to examine the electrochemistry of manganese-substituted myoglobin. Cyclic voltammograms at different scan rates depict a dynamic exchange between two redox couples, E 1 (–0.25 V vs. SCE) and E 2 (–0.41 V). Similar behavior is seen for Mn-substituted cytochrome c peroxidase, but the free cofactor, Mn(protoporphyrin IX) yields a single couple (–0.32 V) under the same conditions. A square scheme is proposed which describes equilibration between two different redox pathways associated with different forms of the protein. Overlapping oxidative currents from these two couples can be deconvoluted, and a pseudo first-order rate constant of 2.3 s–1 is obtained for the reaction following reduction of MnIIIMb. Experiments have been performed to probe possible mechanisms for this equilibrium, such as ligand dissociation or reversible adsorption at the electrode surface. A cofactor-induced reorganization of the protein structure is suggested as the basis of the behavior.
The relationship between prestimulus-alpha amplitude and visual evoked potential amplitude.

Root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude derived from power spectral measures in the alpha band of the 1 s prestimulus EEG were related to the peak-to-peak amplitude of the N1 and P2 components (N1P2PP) of the visual evoked potential (VEP) in 7 male subjects. Stimuli were low intensity flashes delivered randomly between 2 and 6 whole seconds. Trials were rank ordered according to the levels of prestimulus alpha amplitude and were partitioned into groups of 40 trials each (25 groups per data set). Averaged VEPs were computed from these groups and scattergrams of N1P2PP and enhancement factor (following the approach by Basar, 1980) vs. prestimulus alpha amplitude were produced. There was a correlation of 0.74 (p less than .0001) between prestimulus alpha amplitude and N1P2PP, and all seven subjects displayed a general inverse relationship between VEP enhancement and prestimulus alpha amplitude, replicating the results of Basar. However, we observed an exponential relationship, rather than the linear relationship reported by Basar.
Estrogen receptors and growth response in cultured human periodontal ligament cells

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a connective tissue involved in the remodeling process associated with tooth development and positioning. PDL cells grown in culture were analyzed for the capacity to specifically bind steroid hormones and for growth response to estradiol-17 beta. Using [3H]estradiol-17 beta as the ligand, PDL cells in first passage cultures exhibited a specific estrogen binding capacity of 881 fmol/mg cell protein. With [3H]dexamethasone as a ligand, the binding capacity of the glucocorticoid receptor was 143 fmol/mg protein. With [3H]R5020 as a ligand, the progestin receptor exhibited a binding capacity of 5 pmol/mg protein. Scatchard analysis of estradiol binding at 37 degrees revealed a dissociation constant of 2.7 X 10(-9) M, representative of the estrogen receptor. The addition of estradiol-17 beta at concentrations of 10(-9) and 10(-8) M to culture media induced a dose-dependent decrease in growth (DNA content) to 62% and 38% control values, respectively. The addition of the antiestrogens tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen at concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-6) M similarly depressed cell growth. These results show that PDL cells contain high affinity receptors for several steroid hormones and further that these cells are targets for the action of estrogens.
Catecholamine concentration in discrete brain areas following the withdrawal of barbital dependent rats

Abstract Noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) concentrations were measured in 5 discrete brain areas of barbital dependent rats following 0, 1 or 2 days of drug withdrawal. Statistically significant decreases in NA concentration were observed in the cerebral cortex and the thalamus of 1 day withdrawn rats while NA concentration in the hypothalamus was significantly reduced during the second day of withdrawal. The concentration of DA was significantly elevated in barbital dependent rats but declined following barbital withdrawal. Compared to control or nonwithdrawn rats, the concentration of DA in the thalamus was elevated by the second day of withdrawal. The changes in catecholamine concentration presumably reflect underlying effects of chronic barbital consumption or subsequent withdrawal on the synthesis, metabolism or utilization of these neurohumors.
A Comparison of Analytical Methods With Experimental Data for Earthquake Ductility Assessment

A two-part study was conducted to help evaluate analytical methods used to assess the ductile behavior of offshore structures subjected to severe earthquake ground motion. Part I of the study consisted of a comparison between analytical time-history responses predicted using the Inelastic Tower Response Analysis (INTRA) program and experimental data gathered during a shake-table experiment performed by the University of California at Berkeley in March 1981. The experiment involved a series of tests on a scaled, two-dimensional model of a prototype offshore platform subjected to various levels of simulated ground motion. Part II of the study consisted of a comparison between the ductile behavior predicted using simplified analysis methods (static pushover and impulse velocity) and the ductile behavior demonstrated by the experimental and analytical time-history results. Results of Part I indicated that the analytical time-history analyses predicted within reasonable accuracy the response of the test structure as measured during the experiment. The results of Part II demonstrated that the simplified methods produce conservative estimates of the test structure's energy absorption capacity and ductile behavior during intense ground motion.
Grain Growth and Phase Transformation of Titanium Oxide During Calcination

Additions of NiO, CoO, MnO2, Fe2O3, and CuO promote the anatase-rutile transformation and grain growth of TiO2. Additions of Na2O and WO3 retard the transformation and have no effect on the grain growth. The addition of MoO3 strongly promotes the grain growth but has only a slight effect on the phase transformation. Both the grain growth and transformation are promoted slightly by Cr2O3. The transformation is significantly affected by the method of preparing TiO2. The grain size of TiO2 heated in H2 exceeds that of TiO2 heated in O2, in air, in argon, and in vacuum. The rate of transformation decreases with an increase in the partial pressure of oxygen of the atmosphere.
Geometric relaxation of nanoporous metals: The role of surface relaxation

Atomic scale computer simulations are used to probe the dominant mechanisms for the geometric relaxation of bicontinuous nanoporous (np) metals. We utilize a method for creating digital samples amenable to atomic simulations that are quantitatively similar to those prepared experimentally. Simulated relaxations of these structures, as well as the relaxation of model spherical clusters, indicate that the surface relaxation effect dominates the overall dimensional relaxation of np-metals post processing. Capillary effects play a secondary role in the overall relaxation.
Root Zone Soil Moisture Assessment Using Remote Sensing and Vadose Zone Modeling

Soil moisture is an important hydrologic state variable critical to successful hydroclimatic and environmental predictions. Soil moisture varies both in space and time because of spatio-temporal variations in precipitation, soil properties, topographic features, and vegetation characteristics. In recent years, air- and space-borne remote sensing campaigns have successfully demonstrated the use of passive microwave remote sensing to map soil moisture status near the soil surface (»0–0.05 m below the ground) at various spatial scales. In this study root zone (e.g., »0–0.6 m below the ground) soil moisture distributions were estimated across the Little Washita watershed (Oklahoma) by assimilating near-surface soil moisture data from remote sensing measurements using the Electronically Scanned Thinned Array Radiometer (ESTAR) with an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) technique coupled with a numerical one-dimensional vadose zone flow model (HYDRUS-ET). The resulting distributed root zone soil moisture assessment tool (SMAT) is based on the concept of having parallel noninteracting streamtubes (hydrologic units) within a geographic information system (GIS) platform. The simulated soil moisture distribution at various depths and locations within the watershed were compared with measured profile soil moisture data using time domain reflectometry (TDR). A reasonable agreement was found under favorable conditions between footprint-scale model estimations and point-scale field soil moisture measurements in the root zone. However, uncertainties introduced by precipitation and soil hydraulic properties caused suboptimal performance of the integrated model. The SMAT holds great promise and offers flexibility to incorporate various data assimilation techniques, scaling, and other hydrological complexities across large landscapes. The integrated model can be useful for simulating profile soil moisture estimation and for predicting transient soil moisture behavior for a range of hydrological and environmental applications.
Dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene and susceptibility to posttraumatic stress disorder: A study and replication

Subjects on an addiction treatment unit who had been exposed to severe combat conditions in Vietnam were screened for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of 24 with PTSD, 58.3% carried the D2A1 allele. Of the remaining eight who did not meet PTSD criteria, 12.5% carried the D2A1 allele (p = 0.04). In a replication study of 13 with PTSD, 61.5% carried the D2A1 allele. Of the remaining 11 who did not meet criteria for PTSD, 0% carried the D2A1 allele (p = 0.002). For the combined group 59.5% of those with PTSD carried the D2A1 allele versus 5.3% of those who did not have PTSD (p = 0.0001). These results suggest that a DRD2 variant in linkage disequilibrium with the D2A1 allele confers an increased risk to PTSD, and the absence of the variant confers a relative resistance to PTSD.
Periodontal wound healing with and without platelet-rich plasma: histologic observations and assessment of flap tensile strength.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been promoted as a surgical adjunct to enhance hard and soft tissue wound healing. Although anecdotally reported to be of value, the results of controlled studies examining the added effects of PRP on surgical procedures have been mixed. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of PRP on flap strength at various post-surgical time points in a minipig animal model.Methods: Twelve Yucatan minipigs provided four sites per animal. PRP was prepared from each animal at the time of surgery. Following reflection of a mucoperiosteal flap in each quadrant, subgingival plaque and calculus were removed. Each surgical site was irrigated with sterile saline; prior to suturing, one randomly selected test quadrant in each arch was treated with PRP. Four animals were euthanized at day 14, and two animals were euthanized at 2, 7, 10, and 28 days. The flap strength in each quadrant was tested by attaching to a loop of 3-0 silk suture through the tissue; the force required t...
Formative research on adolescent and adult perceptions of risk factors for breast cancer

Abstract This study uses the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework to guide formative research of the lay public's perceptions of risks associated with breast cancer. Data were collected from adolescent females and adult females across four counties in Michigan, US. Ten focus groups (N=91) were conducted and analyzed with a coding scheme based on the HBM. Participants’ responses to focus group questions (N=5168 thought units) reveal beliefs about severity, susceptibility, and efficacy pertaining to breast cancer, nutrition, activity, environment, and the role of government and industry. Chi-squares examined the distribution of statements across categories between adult females and adolescent females. Results revealed that both adolescent and mother groups recognized gender and heredity as relevant risk factors related to susceptibility, and detection as a strategy to decrease severity of breast cancer through early treatment. Beliefs about environmental factors were characterized by uncertainty for both groups. Also, while adolescent girls communicated more about efficacy issues, mothers focused significantly more than adolescent girls on the role of government and industry in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Representative qualitative thought units are included based on their frequency, salience, and relevance to HBM message design guidelines. Formative research is the first phase in the development of health campaigns, informing the creation of health messages for target audiences.
Chemoreceptive responses of two sympatric water snakes to extracts of commonly ingested prey species

Newborn of two locally sympatric species of water snakes,Nerodia fasciata andN. erythrogaster, were exposed to skin extracts of frequently ingested prey. In southern Louisiana, fish account for 78% of the diet of adultNerodia fasciata and about 15% forNerodia erythrogaster. Anurans comprise most of the remainder of the diets of these water snakes. Responses of naive individuals were compared to the chemoreceptive response profiles of groups of snakes reared on limited diets of fish and/or frogs. All snakes were tested seven times over a nine-month period and ontogenetic changes were apparent. NewbornNerodia fasciata have a strong chemoreceptive response for fish extract that remains unchanged by early dietary restrictions for the first six months of life. After that time their responses are more variable and can be altered by recent feeding experience. In southern Louisiana, this species is the least specialized water snake, an observation supported by these laboratory results. While newbornN. erythrogaster did not respond preferentially to any of the prey extracts, a significant response rate for fish extract is established by two months of age that persists for several months regardless of dietary restrictions. A subsequent shift of the response to frog extract at eight months of age regardless of diet may reflect a maturational process. Field studies are in agreement with these results and support the notion of ontogenetic changes related to predator size and age. This is the first demonstration of an ontogenetic change in chemoreceptive response that is not related to dietary experience.
Osteoarthritic knee pain: a behavioral analysis

Abstract This study used behavioral assessment techniques to analyze pain in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Elghty-seven OA patients having chronic knee pain served as subjects. Pain behavior was evaluated using a standard observation method and functional impairment was assessed using the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. Data analysis revealed that pain and limitations in physical activities were the most common functional impairments and that the most frequently observed pain behavior was guarded movement. Predictive analyses indicated that disability support status and scores on a Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) were predictive of functional impairment. Patients receiving disability support payments were much more functionally limited than those not receiving this financial support. Patients scoring high on the Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor of the CSQ were much less functionally impaired, walked a 5 m course more rapidly and moved from a standing to a sitting or reclining position more quickly than patients scoring low on this factor. The implications of these results for behavioral treatment of OA knee pain are discussed.
Free estradiol in serum and brain uptake of estradiol during fetal and neonatal sexual differentiation in female rats.

Circulating estradiol is assumed not to contribute to sexual differentiation of the brain or other estrogen target tissues. The only estradiol available for binding to estrogen receptors is thought to be produced within brain cells by the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol as part of the action of androgen in the brain. However, we report that the concentration of free, biologically active serum estradiol (the concentration not bound to plasma proteins) was 0.54-2.17 pg/ml during the fetal and early neonatal period of sexual differentiation. These values were within the same concentration range for free estradiol observed in adult female rats throughout the estrous cycle (diestrus = 0.53 pg/ml; proestrus = 2.26 pg/ml), and estradiol clearly has physiological effects during diestrus as well as proestrus in adult females. When a stable, physiological blood concentration of [ 3 Hlestradiol of 49 pg/ml total (0.61 pg/ml free) was achieved with Silastic capsules in 2-day-old female pups, [ 3 Hlestradiol was recovered specifically bound to brain cell nuclei at approximately 2.7 fmol per pup brain or 12.4 fmol/mg DNA. The finding of brain uptake of circulating estradiol is contrary to current hypotheses. These findings suggest that estradiol in the fetal and neonatal circulation may be able to interact with testosterone and its metabolites to regulate sexual differentiation of the brain and other estrogen target tissues.
Stereochemical studies of enzyme-catalyzed alkyl-transfer reactions. An NMR method for distinguishing between the two prochiral hydrogens at C-1′ of spermidine

Abstract A simple NMR method is described that differentiates between the two prochiral hydrogen atoms at C-1′ of spermidine, thereby providing a means of distinguishing between a single- and double-displacement mechanism for the spermidine synthase reaction.
Improving Glucose Management with Point-of-Care Testing in the Emergency Department

Hyperglycemic emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states (HHS) have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing these severe metabolic complications and often present to the emergency department requiring fluid management, electrolyte replacement, and insulin therapy for rapid and safe reversal. Early identification of hyperglycemic patients with the use of point-of-care (POC) testing may facilitate implementation of an institutional treatment algorithm in those patients presenting with DKA and HHS. There are limited studies evaluating the use of POC testing for early identification of hyperglycemic emergencies and the utilization of a standardized insulin protocol. The aim of this article is to review the literature evaluating POC testing and its applicability for implementation of institutional hyperglycemic emergency protocols in the emergency department.
The Alpha Defensin-1 Biomarker Assay can be Used to Evaluate the Potentially Infected Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background Diagnosing a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) requires a complex approach using various laboratory and clinical criteria. A novel approach to diagnosing these infections uses synovial fluid biomarkers. Alpha defensin-1 (AD-1) is one such synovial-fluid biomarker. However little is known about the performance of the AD-1 assay in the diagnosis of PJI.
Growth and characterization of nonlinear optical crystals suitable for frequency conversion

Abstract During the past decade, important advances have been made in the development of nonlinear optical materials suitable for frequency conversion. Better understanding of the microscopic origins of optical nonlinearities has provided qualitative guidelines for the systematic search and synthesis of many new materials, organic and inorganic, which are particularly promising for the construction of practical devices. Significant progress in the crystal growth technology has allowed the development of many excellent crystals that were once plagued by growth difficulties. We review here some of these advances, placing special emphasis on the high temperature solution growth of nonlinear optical crystals. In particular, we discuss in somewhat more detail the growth and characterization of the newly discovered crystal, barium metaborate (β-BaB2O4).
DNA end processing by polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase

Scission of one or both strands of the DNA duplex occurs as ionizing radiation and oxidative DNA damage mount a constant assault our genomes. Like a broken limb, or split piece of wood, DNA strand breaks are typically not clean. That is, they lack the DNA 3′-hydroxyl and 5′-phosphate moieties needed for DNA repair synthesis by DNA polymerases and DNA end joining by DNA ligases (Fig. 1A). For instance, IR-induced DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) or double-strand breaks (DSBs) harbor “dirty” chemically heterogeneous termini including 3′-phosphates (3′-PO4) and 5′-hydroxyl (5′-OH) DNA ends (Fig. 1A) (1). Variably adducted DNA termini also arise during the metabolism of DNA base damage by DNA glycosylases, from failed topoisomerase reactions (i.e., 3′ and 5′ topoisomerase protein adducts), and from aborted DNA ligation reactions (i.e., 5′-adenylate adducts) (2⇓–4). To cope with structurally diverse DNA termini, eukaryotic cells have acquired an extensive array of enzymatic activities to tailor DNA ends for ligation. Now, in PNAS, key molecular insights into the mechanisms of DNA end recognition and processing are emerging (5).
STUDIES ON X-RAY EFFECTS : V. EFFECT OF SMALL DOSES OF X-RAYS OF LOW PENETRATION ON THE LYMPHOID TISSUE OF MICE.

A dose of x-rays governed by the following factors induces a stimulation of lymphoid tissue in mice: spark-gap (7/8) inch, milliamperage 25, distance 8 inches, time of exposure 10 minutes. Within 4 days after this dose there appeared an abnormally large number of mitotic figures in the lymphoid tissue of spleen and lymph glands, indicating an acceleration of the proliferative activity of the tissue.
Christian Witness and Respect for Persons

Respect for persons has been widely acknowledged and discussed as a key moral dimension in education and teaching English to speakers of other languages. Christians believe in this value, particularly as it is articulated within scripture and tradition. Recent critics, however, seem to perceive a basic incompatibility between a Christian religious imperative to bear witness to one's faith and a moral imperative to respect other persons. Beginning from an argument that all teaching is teaching for change, this essay makes a case that the two are not only not contradictory, but in fact should be consanguineous. Key issues explored include what it means to believe in absolute truths, why such belief paradoxically requires humility, and the moral/interpersonal conditions for witnessing and conversion.
MO‐E‐M100J‐02: Functional Imaging

Functional imaging is being increasingly used in radiation therapy for target definition and treatment planning. In this talk I will summarize recent advances in functional and molecular imaging techniques and discuss various issues related to the integration of the newly emerged imaging data into radiation therapy planning. In particular, techniques of time resolved 4D PET acquisition will be discussed and a few method of enhancing 4D PET images will be described. It is anticipated that the new imaging modalities will make significant impact in cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and monitoring of therapeutic response. The potential impact of biologically conformal radiation therapy (BCRT) or biologically guided radiation therapy (BGRT) will be discussed. Finally, issues related to the quality assurance of functional and molecular imaging and BCRT will also be addressed. Educational Objectives: 1. Introduce the concept of functional and molecular imaging. 2. Illustrate the steps involved in integrating molecular imaging such as PET and MRSI into treatment planning process. 3. Introduce PET/MRI/MRSI and CTimage fusion techniques (including deformable image registration). 4. 4D PET data acquisition and image enhancement. 5. Provide an overview on recent advances in PET/CT and MRSI, and update on the development of new PET tracers and data acquisition techniques. This work was supported in part by NCI 5R01 CA98523‐01.
Minimizing Mean Absolute Deviations to Exactly Solve Expected Utility Problems: Reply

The main purpose of our paper was to show that in many cases when expected utility problems can be transformed into mean-variance problems, they can also be transformed into mean-mean absolute deviation problems. In other words, knowledge of population mean absolute deviations would enable one to solve expected utility problems as accurately as if one had knowledge of the population variances. In that sense, our proof is correct. We believe the main point of the comment is that we did not adequately consider sampling error, which is true. We would like to correct that deficiency and, in so doing, show that the comment is a specific counter-example, not a general refutation of our arguments. Central to that purpose we will argue that a sample statistic may not be the best estimator of the corresponding population parameter. That is, the sample variance may not always be the best estimator of the population variance; and the sample mean absolute deviation, the best estimator of the population mean absolute deviation. Several methods of determining point estimators are available; one which has some optimum properties is the method of maximum likelihood (Mood, Graybill, Boes, p. 358). It is widely known that the quantity
Establishing standards for usable and accessible user services web sites

The University of Delaware provides nearly all of its information on the World Wide Web; in fact, much of it can be found only on the Web. With this focus, it is critical that all people be able to access the information they seek through usable and accessible Web sites.Responding to this need, User Services has developed a process for designing its new and revised Web pages with the philosophy that: 1. Web pages should allow all people to find the information they seek (usability). 2. Web pages should work on all browsers and platforms User Services supports and for all supported populations (accessibility).
Pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA and peptide co-expression in the developing rat pituitary

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is synthesized in both the pituitary gland and the brain. Various peptide products of this precursor, namely beta-endorphin, ACTH and alpha-MSH are co-localized in the anterior lobe corticotrophs, all intermediate lobe cells and in hypothalamic neurons. Messenger RNA (mRNA) for POMC has further been shown to exist in these tissues. In this study, we have shown that POMC mRNA, and peptide accumulation as detected by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, respectively, occur simultaneously within the rat pituitary gland during ontogeny and that their maturation occurs in parallel during prenatal and early postnatal development.
Saccade selection when reward probability is dynamically manipulated using Markov chains

Markov chains (stochastic processes where probabilities are assigned based on the previous outcome) are commonly used to examine the transitions between behavioral states, such as those that occur during foraging or social interactions. However, relatively little is known about how well primates can incorporate knowledge about Markov chains into their behavior. Saccadic eye movements are an example of a simple behavior influenced by information about probability, and thus are good candidates for testing whether subjects can learn Markov chains. In addition, when investigating the influence of probability on saccade target selection, the use of Markov chains could provide an alternative method that avoids confounds present in other task designs. To investigate these possibilities, we evaluated human behavior on a task in which stimulus reward probabilities were assigned using a Markov chain. On each trial, the subject selected one of four identical stimuli by saccade; after selection, feedback indicated the rewarded stimulus. Each session consisted of 200–600 trials, and on some sessions, the reward magnitude varied. On sessions with a uniform reward, subjects (n = 6) learned to select stimuli at a frequency close to reward probability, which is similar to human behavior on matching or probability classification tasks. When informed that a Markov chain assigned reward probabilities, subjects (n = 3) learned to select the greatest reward probability more often, bringing them close to behavior that maximizes reward. On sessions where reward magnitude varied across stimuli, subjects (n = 6) demonstrated preferences for both greater reward probability and greater reward magnitude, resulting in a preference for greater expected value (the product of reward probability and magnitude). These results demonstrate that Markov chains can be used to dynamically assign probabilities that are rapidly exploited by human subjects during saccade target selection.
Application of algorithm-based fault tolerance to high-level synthesis of signal flow graphs

Algorithm based fault tolerance techniques have been used for systolic processors and general purpose multiprocessors. In this paper, we have applied an algorithm based fault tolerance technique to high-level synthesis of signal flow graphs. The technique incorporates reliability into synthesized DSP filters. Given a Signal Flow Graph representation for these filters, our schemes synthesize a reliable schedule for the operations in them and allocate functional units to the operations subject to hardware and reliability constraints. We impose reliability constraints to avoid compensating errors in fault detection. Our first scheme uses the well known duplicate and compare approach, while the second uses a novel linearity based checking approach used in algorithm based fault tolerance methods for matrix computations. The schemes have been implemented and results obtained by using them on sample signal flow graphs are presented. These results show the linearity based scheme to have a low time overhead. For example, this scheme takes about 10% extra time for the reliable synthesis of a 10th order IIR filter. Our proposed work extends previous work in the area in three directions: (1) use of linearity based checks, over duplication based checks, (2) handling cyclic flow graphs, over previous proposals for acyclic graphs, and (3) reliability constrained hardware mapping. Extensions of the schemes to nonlinear flow graphs is also proposed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of free energy approximation on superconducting surface sheath calculations

Abstract The order parameter of the Ginzburg-Landau theory is calculated for magnetic fields in the nucleation region by using the first four terms in the free energy expansion. The highest order term is shown to be effective well above the bulk critical field, making necessary a more detailed study of its coefficient.
The anti-curare action of sodium fluoride at the neuromuscular junction of cat tenuissimus muscle.

Abstract The anti-curare action of sodium fluoride was investigated in cat tenuissimus muscle by means of intracellular micro-electrode techniques. Eight millimoles of sodium fluoride augmented the amplitude of end-plate potentials in the presence of d -tubocurarine by elevating quantal content. This presynaptic effect was consistent with a concomitant rise in readily releasable stores of transmitter. In the absence of d -tubocurarine, eight millimoles of sodium fluoride depressed end-plate potential amplitude and prolonged half-decay. These latter responses appear to be in part the result of a depressant action of sodium fluoride on transmitter mobilization rate.
An Accurate Theoretical Prediction of the Zero Point Vibrational Energy of CH5

A recently developed signal processing method has been applied to a time evolved Gaussian wave packet roughly corresponding to the ground vibrational state of protonated methane at time zero. The time evolution of the wave packet was described by semiclassical initial value representation theory where classical trajectories are used to evaluate the quantum mechanical propagator, exp[-iHt/h]. We show that only about 25 000 relatively short time trajectories are necessary to yield a well converged eigenvalue of the ground vibrational state. The calculations reveal an unusually large red shift of 448 cm - 1 from the harmonic zero point level placing the ground state at 10 973 cm - 1 , with a statistical error of ′30 cm - 1 . These results agree remarkably well with full-dimensionality quantum mechanical calculations.
Updating Belief in Concept Selection of a Public Project Using a Mathematical Model

Acquiring information about uncertainty and updating belief before making the final decision are important steps in decision analysis. In this paper, a national laboratory (lab hereafter) uses decision analysis to choose the optimal project proposal for a public project submitted to the government. A project proposal consists of a system concept (system technology and specifications) and a budget. When choosing a project proposal, the lab may not know what might happen when the cost of the project exceeds the budget. If the cost only exceeds the budget for a small amount, the government may allow the project to continue. On the other hand, if the cost substantially exceeds the budget, the project may be cancelled. To assess this uncertainty, experts’ opinions are useful source of information. However, experts’ opinions may not always be available. This paper proposes a mathematical model to simulate the government’s actions and to update the lab’s belief about this uncertainty when experts’ opinions cannot be obtained. Information obtained from analyzing a mathematical model should help the lab update its belief and make better decisions.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Isolation of DNA from fungal mycelia and sclerotia without use of density gradient ultracentrifugation.

Abstract A rapid method for extracting total DNA from Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus has been developed. The procedure can be completed in 2 h and yields 200 to 350 μg of DNA from 0.5 to 1.0 g wet wt of mycelia and 150 μg from 0.5 g of sclerotia. DNA samples had an OD 260 OD 280 of 1.6 to 1.8. Most of the DNA was at least 50 kb pairs in size and showed little degradation. DNA prepared by this method was used for restriction endonuclease digestion and Southern blotting. A DNA fragment containing the repeat unit of the ribosomal RNA genes of A. flavus has been identified.
The unique and shared properties of neuronal growth cones that enable navigation and specific pathfinding

The neuronal growth cone has as one of its primary functions the role of guiding the elongating neurite to its appropriate target. The events during pathfinding require that the neuronal growth cone responds to particular molecules in the environment by making appropriate changes in the behavior of the growth cone. This paper discusses the role of intracellular calcium as a signalling system mediating these responses. The specific roles of the growth cone filopodia in acting as antennae in advance of the motile growth cone are discussed in the context of calcium mediated pathfinding events.
Concerning the Division of the Plane by Continua.

In a paper recently published in the Fundamenta Mathematicae,1 I proved that if M is a closed connected set which contains more than one point and remains connected (in the weak sense),2 upon the removal of any connected subset g, then M is a simple closed curve. In the same number of the Fundamenta, Kuratowski3 proved that if C is a bounded continu, which remains connected in the strong sense upon the removal of any subcontinu, then C is a simple closed curve. Kuratowski's theorem would not be true provided it were merely required that C remain connected in the weak sense upon the removal of any subcontinu. For consider the set M = 4= = Mi, where M1 is the point set composed of y sin 1/x for o<x<l/7r, M2 the interval (l/7r, o) to (l/1r, -2), M3 is the interval (I/xr, -2) to (0, -2) while M4 is the interval (0, -2) to (0, + 1). The set M does not remain connected in the strong sense provided the interval from (0, 0) to (0, --2) is removed. But the set M remains connected in the weak sense no matter what subcontinu is removed. In
Influence of BMI on level of circulating progenitor cells

Obesity complicates a number of diseases through mechanisms that are poorly defined. Mobilization and recruitment of progenitor cells to pathological sites is an important factor in disease progression. Here, we analyzed the influence of obesity on the systemic circulation of CD34+ cell populations and correlated frequencies of cells displaying previously established cell marker signatures with the BMI. Comparative analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 12 nonobese (BMI 30 kg/m2) disease-free donors by flow cytometry revealed that obesity is associated with a fivefold increased frequency of circulating progenitor cells (CPC), a population consisting of hematopoietic and endothelial precursors. Our data also indicate that obesity is associated with increased frequency of circulating mesenchymal stromal progenitor cells (MSC). In contrast, the frequencies of mature endothelial cells (EC) and CD34-bright leukocytes are unaffected by obesity. Combined, our results indicate that obesity promotes mobilization of progenitor cells, which may have clinical relevance.
Ending the 2000 Presidential Election : Gore's Concession Speech and Bush's Victory Speech

In an effort to bring closure to the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore and George W. Bush adapted the traditional themes of victory and concession speeches to the extraordinary circumstances of the 2000 campaign. They amplified the more salient of the traditional themes—declaring victory or defeat, calling for national unity, and praising American democracy. The unconventional election result required the speakers to make artful reinterpretations of the theme on American democracy. At the same time, the speakers truncated the remaining traditional themes for victory and concession speeches—affirming the candidate's campaign, assuming a postcampaign role, and thanking supporters. Both speeches included religious references in a greater degree than has normally been the case in such addresses. In addition, the candidates created settings for their speeches that served their political and rhetorical purposes.
Adoption of Medical Technology

This chapter introduces the processes by which health care organizations adopt medical technology, and the flow of such technology across the health care sector.
Assessing the human immune system through blood transcriptomics

Blood is the pipeline of the immune system. Assessing changes in transcript abundance in blood on a genome-wide scale affords a comprehensive view of the status of the immune system in health and disease. This review summarizes the work that has used this approach to identify therapeutic targets and biomarker signatures in the field of autoimmunity and infectious disease. Recent technological and methodological advances that will carry the blood transcriptome research field forward are also discussed.
Quality-of-Service Routing in Heterogeneous Networks with Optimal Buffer and Bandwidth Allocation

We present an interdomain routing protocol for heterogeneous networks employing different queuing service disciplines. Our routing protocol finds optimal interdomain paths with maximum reliability while satisfying the end-to-end jitter and bandwidth constraints in networks employing heterogeneous queuing service disciplines. The quality-of-service (QoS) metrics are represented as functions of link bandwidth, node buffers and the queuing service disciplines employed in the routers along the path. Our scheme allows smart tuning of buffer-space and bandwidth during the routing process to adjust the QoS of the interdomain path. We formulate and solve the bandwidth and buffer allocation problem for a path over heterogeneous networks consisting of different queuing services disciplines such as generalized processor sharing (GPS), packet by packet generalized processor sharing (PGPS) and self-clocked fair queuing (SCFQ).
The mitochondrial DNA of drosophila melanogaster exists in two distinct and stable superhelical forms

Abstract We have studied the structure and replication of mitochondrial DNA from Drosophila melanogaster embryos, larvae, adult flies and two established tissue culture lines. The most striking observation is that the organism maintains at least two stable, distinct closed circular forms of mitochondrial DNA throughout development of the early embryo and in the adult fly. The major closed circular monomeric form comprises ∼75% of the population and has a normal number of superhelical turns (∼100). The minor form comprises ∼25% of the population and has very few, if any, superhelical turns. In contrast, closed circular mitochondrial DNA isolated from Drosophila tissue culture cells is comprised almost entirely of molecules with the low superhelix density. We have been unable to detect the D loop form of mitochondrial DNA present in other eucaryotic systems, and find by electron microscope and pulse-chase labeling techniques that the time required to replicate Drosophila mitochondrial DNA is very short ( 1 hr). We conclude that Drosophila mitochondrial DNA utilizes a replication mechanism different from that of other higher eucaryotes. We postulate that the maintenance of markedly different topological forms of mitochondrial DNA is most probably related to different demands for replication and transcription of the genome in these sources.
toro muerto, vaca es: an interpretation of the Spanish bullfight

The key to the interpretation of the Spanish bullfight is “honor.” Honor has been the structuring value for most of Spanish society, but it is based on the definition of male and female. In the bullfight, the relationship between the torero and the bull is homologous to that between man and woman in Spain. Since the sexual hierarchy often represents the social hierarchy, the bullfight is a metaphor that makes a statement about the social order. [honor, male/female, hierarchy/equality, bullfights]
Characteristics of far-field scattering by means of surface roughness and variations in subsurface permittivity.

Abstract Using a first-order vector perturbation theory, we calculate some scattering characteristics of surfaces which have both surface roughness and subsurface permittivity variations. These variations are treated as random variables where the roughness yields phase perturbations and the permittivity variations yield reflectance perturbations. Numerical results are given for both types of scattering.
Emergencies in Pediatric Oncology

Spontaneous or chemotherapeutic drug-induced cell lysis causes hyperkalemia, uric acid elevation, hyperphosphatemia, and hypokalemia, and occurs in tumors with high proliferation rate, for example, Burkitt lymphoma, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), less frequently precursor B-cell ALL, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and neuroblastoma stage IVS
Hydroacoustical evidence of autumn inshore residence of the pelagic red crab Pleuroncodes planipes at Punta Eugenia, Baja California, Mexico

A previously published conceptual model of the life history of the red crab Pleuroncodes planipes (Galathei- dae) (Stimpson, 1860) reports that the center of distribution of this micronektonic crustacean is located at Bahia Magdalena, on the southwest coast of Baja California (25 to 24° 20' N). During spring, the highest abundance of mature females is found nearshore with abundance peaks of larval stages dur- ing February and March. Larval drift offshore is associated with a strong Ekman transport system, and the virtual disap- pearance of the adult pelagic and benthic population from the neritic region at Bahia Magdalena in late summer and autumn can be explained by an inshore-offshore migration. However, huge benthic-pelagic concentrations of this crus- tacean occur nearshore during autumn at Punta Eugenia (27 to 29° N). Circadian cycles of the spatial distribution of these aggregations were recorded with a single beam echosounder Simrad EY-200 (200 kHz) along Baja California during Octo- ber 1994, March, June, and October 1995, and March and June 1996. Data obtained from Isaacs-Kidd midwater net trawls during October 1994 along Baja California were used to identify the red crab aggregations using hydroacoustics. The target strength of the red crab ranged between -50 and -54 dB. The largest aggregations were found in Bahia Mag- dalena during summer (June 1995 and 1996; 24 to 25° N) and nearshore at Punta Eugenia (27 to 28° N) during autumn and spring (March 1995 and 1996, October 1994 and 1995). These observations suggest that the conceptual model of inshore- offshore adult population migration is valid for Bahia Mag- dalena, but apparently not for Punta Eugenia at least during autumn. At Punta Eugenia an abrupt change in the orienta- tion of the shoreline enhances upwelling events and promotes semipermanent eddies, thus supporting the inshore residence of this adaptive omnivorous-detritivorous crustacean.
Word based data compression schemes

Documents, papers, and reports contain large amounts of redundancy. This redundancy can be minimized by data-compression techniques to save storage space or to increase transmission efficiency. Several data-compression algorithms that are character based have been proposed in the literature. In English test files, however, the natural units of repetition are words or phrases, rather than characters. Three different source models for word-based data compression are proposed: move to front, frequency to front, and alpha-numeric to front. Their principles and methods for encoding their gathered data context are presented. Results of compression ratios obtained are included and compared. Comparisons with the performances of the Lempel-Ziv algorithm and fourth-order arithmetic encoding are also made. Some ideas for further improving the performance already obtained are proposed. >
Organizational Performance and Top-Management Turnover

What impacts on corporate performance does a new chief executive have? To explore this and related questions, this study compares the performance records of 61 United States corporations wherein the chief executive changed at the mid-point of a seven-year period, with the performance of 61 matched companies where top management remained the same and with industry averages. Among other results, it is found that the changes in the leadership position do not affect revenues and rates of return significantly, but there is evidence that new managers tend to be more cautious about financial risks than tenured managers.
Detection of outliers in linear model when the regression parameters are stochastic

Procedures for detection of outliers in linear model with stochastic regression parameters are given for mean-slippage and dispersion slippage outlier model. The distributions of the test statistics are derived and the values of significant probabilities are given using Bonferroni's bounds and Doornbos's bounds. Some simulation results are also presented.