cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulent fluctuation measurements in compressible, axisymmetric wakes.

References 1 Wilson, L. N., "Body shape effects on axisymmetric wakes: transition," AIAA J. 4, 1741-1747 (1966). 2 Clay, W. G., Labitt, M., and Slattery, R. E., "Measured transition from laminar to turbulent flow and subsequent growth of turbulent wakes," AIAA J. 3, 837-841 (1965). 3 Lees, L., "Hypersonic wakes and trails," AIAA J. 2, 417428 (1964). 4 Wilson, L. N., "Far wake behavior of hypersonic spheres," General Motors Defense Research Labs. TR 66-19 (1966); also AIAA J. (to be published). 5 Behrens, W., "Flow field and stability of the far wake behind cylinders at hypersonic speeds," PhD Dissertation, California Institute of Technology (1966). 6 Webb, L., Hromas, L., and Lees, L., "Hypersonic wake transition," AIAA J. 1, 719-721 (1963). 7 Hromas, L. and Lees, L., "Effect of nose bluntness on the turbulent hypersonic wake," Ballistics Systems Div. TDR-62354 (1962).
Modified microwave-assisted extraction of ergosterol for measuring fungal biomass in grain cultures.

Ergosterol is a measure for fungal biomass. The recovery rates using a previously described microwave-assisted-extraction (MAE) method for ergosterol analysis tended to be low for grain cultures (pure culture in sterilized 40% moisture content grain) inoculated with Fusarium graminearum. An improved MAE method for measuring ergosterol in grain cultures was developed and compared. Modification to the original MAE included alterations in duration of microwave exposure and extraction solvents. Four autoclaved grains (wheat, rice, barley, and corn) were inoculated with F. graminearum or spiked with ergosterol at concentrations from 0.88 to 100 μg/g and extracted with both methods. The ergosterol recovery rates were significantly different (p < 0.05) for the two methods in assaying both the spiked and grain culture samples. The modified method provided greater recovery rates than the previously reported MAE method for the spiked samples and F. graminearum grain cultures.
Ground-penetrating radar signal processing for the detection of buried objects

In this work the singular value decomposition (SVD) is used to analyze matrices of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data. The targets to be detected are Russian PMN antipersonnel landmines and improvised explosive devices constructed from 155mm artillery shells. Target responses are simulated with GPRmax 2D, a simulation package based on the Finite- Difference-Time-Domain method. First, the utility of the SVD for image enhancement and reconstruction is demonstrated. Then the singular values and singular vectors of the decomposed matrices are analyzed with the goal of finding properties that will aid in the development of automated underground detection algorithms.
Usage of fMRI for pre-surgical planning in brain tumor and vascular lesion patients: Task and statistical threshold effects on language lateralization

Abstract Background and purpose Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive pre-surgical tool used to assess localization and lateralization of language function in brain tumor and vascular lesion patients in order to guide neurosurgeons as they devise a surgical approach to treat these lesions. We investigated the effect of varying the statistical thresholds as well as the type of language tasks on functional activation patterns and language lateralization. We hypothesized that language lateralization indices (LIs) would be threshold- and task-dependent. Materials and methods Imaging data were collected from brain tumor patients (n = 67, average age 48 years) and vascular lesion patients (n = 25, average age 43 years) who received pre-operative fMRI scanning. Both patient groups performed expressive (antonym and/or letter-word generation) and receptive (tumor patients performed text-reading; vascular lesion patients performed text-listening) language tasks. A control group (n = 25, average age 45 years) performed the letter-word generation task. Results Brain tumor patients showed left-lateralization during the antonym-word generation and text-reading tasks at high threshold values and bilateral activation during the letter-word generation task, irrespective of the threshold values. Vascular lesion patients showed left-lateralization during the antonym and letter-word generation, and text-listening tasks at high threshold values. Conclusion Our results suggest that the type of task and the applied statistical threshold influence LI and that the threshold effects on LI may be task-specific. Thus identifying critical functional regions and computing LIs should be conducted on an individual subject basis, using a continuum of threshold values with different tasks to provide the most accurate information for surgical planning to minimize post-operative language deficits.
Gender and Future Salary: Disparate Trends in Internal Medicine Residents

Gender and Future Salary: Disparate Trends in Internal Medicine Residents Andrew J. Halvorsen, MS, Joseph C. Kolars, MD, Furman S. McDonald, MD, MPH Office of Educational Innovations, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; Education and Global Initiatives, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich; General Internal Medicine – Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Chemical Sensing Using Nanostructured Polythiophene Transistors

We show that the chemical sensing responses of organic field-effect transistors based on nanostructured regioregular polythiophene are strongly dependent upon the gate biasing field. With different applied gate voltages, the source-drain current response can be different both in sign and magnitude for the same analyte. This implies that multiple competing sensing mechanisms exist at the same time. We propose that the sensing mechanisms for polycrystalline semiconducting polymer thin films are mainly an intragrain effect, which yields a positive response, and a grain boundary effect, which yields a negative response.
Fruit and seed development inCucurbita foetidissima

Cucurbita foetidissimaHBK., a wild perennial xerophytic species indigenous to semi-arid lands of North America is reproduced primarily vegetatively, but is a prolific producer of fruit and seed. The seed contains an acceptable edible oil. Fruit development reaches its maximum weight 10 days after pollination, but seed development continues until 32 to 34 days after pollination. Physiological development of the seed as measured by germination is not coincidental with physical development.
Characterization of peatified and coalified wood by tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis

Abstract Seven samples of peatified and coalified wood, varying in rank from peat to subbituminous coal, have been analyzed using a new technique: thermochemolysis with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). The preserved lignin in the coal undergoes thermochemolysis reactions when subjected to treatment with TMAH at 300°C for 10 min, yielding a series of methylated guaiacyl derivatives that originate from the cleavage of β-O-4 bonds from preserved lignin. As rank increases from peat to subbituminous coal, the yields of lignin-derived monomers decreases and the ratio of methylated acids to methylated aldehydes increases systematically, describing a general increase in the level of alteration of the lignin side chain. This new technique of TMAH thermochemolysis lends itself well to studies of structural changes that may occur in lignin as it is being altered during coalification. Data obtained in this study along with structural models proposed in the past have given insight to mechanistic changes that occur in the lignin biopolymer during early coalification. We propose that the first reaction to occur is β-O-4 bond cleavage and subsequent re-alkylation of the aromatic ring, followed by demethylation of the methoxyl side chain functionalities to produce catechol-like structures.
Evaluation Of Optical Properties And Laser Effects On Arterial Tissue Using A Microlens Tipped Optical Fiber

A laser melting technique was used to obtain bulb microlens tipped optical fibers. These fibers, along with flat polished optical fibers, were characterized by photometric methods. The effect on arterial tissue produced by the use of these fibers was evaluated in air.
Ratio of perfluorochemical concentrations as a tracer of atmospheric deposition to surface waters

A major question regarding the global distribution of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) is one of transport. It has been suggested that atmospheric transport of volatile precursor compounds to remote areas and subsequent degradation to the nonvolatile PFCs is responsible for contamination of biota. This paper presents surface water PFC concentrations aimed at identifying tracers of atmospheric sources. Concentrations of PFCs including perfluorocarboxylates from C6 to C10 and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are presented here from urban surface waters with presumably both atmospheric and nonatmospheric sources of PFCs, remote waters with only atmospheric sources of PFCs, and Lake Michigan. Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in all surface water samples, and PFOS was detected in all but two samples. PFOS concentrations ranged from nondetect to 1.2 ng/L and from 2.4 to 47 ng/L in remote and urban surface waters, respectively. PFOA concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 0.66 ...
High-temperature deformation and fracture processes in sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride

Studies of the high-temperature deformation behaviour of sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SRBSN) materials were conducted at 1200 °C in air under selected stress levels, which were applied at a single stress or as a sequence of stepwise increasing stresses. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the fabrication methods (conventional versus microwave heating process), microstructure, and precursor silicon powder purity on the deformation and fracture processes during creep loading of SRBSN materials containing a mixture of 3 wt% Al2O3 and 9 wt% Y2O3 sintering additives. Results indicated that all of the SRBSN materials exhibited a threshold stress above which the dominant process underwent transition from creep to extensive creep-assisted crack growth (CACG) from existing pores. In addition, the microwave SRBSN materials exhibited a better resistance (higher threshold stress) to CACG process, compared with those fabricated by conventional heating with the same metallurgical grade of silicon powder. The higher threshold stress observed in microwave SRBSN is mainly associated with the increased number density of elongated grains and the related higher fracture toughness. However, the minimum creep rates and stress exponents obtained in the creep regime were independent of the heating method. The microwave SRBSN material fabricated with lower purity silicon also exhibited a higher threshold stress for multiple crack formation and growth as compared with that processed with higher purity silicon. Conversely, the creep rate of microwave SRBSN materials was decreased by decreasing the impurity level (i.e. iron) in silicon powder.
Tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 are potent inhibitors of angiotensin-II-induced aldosterone synthesis.

Cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), mediate many inflammatory and cellular responses. However, the effects of TNF and IL-1 on basal and angiotensin-II (AII)-stimulated aldosterone synthesis are not known. We studied the effect of recombinant and purified TNF and IL-1 on basal as well as AII-, ACTH-, and K+-induced aldosterone synthesis in isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Since we have previously shown that AII action is mediated by activation of the 12-lipoxygenase (12LO) pathway of arachidonic acid, we also evaluated the effects of these cytokines on the 12LO product 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12HETE) using a validated RIA technique. TNF at 2.5 and 5.0 ng/ml produced a dose-dependent inhibition of AII-induced aldosterone synthesis [AII, 39.0 +/- 3.3 ng/10(6) cells.h; AII plus TNF (5.0 ng/ml), 14.3 +/- 1.6; P less than 0.001 vs. AII; AII plus TNF (2.5 ng/ml), 24.7 +/- 3.2; P less than 0.01 vs. AII]. Similarly, TNF at 5.0 ng/ml also attenuated the stimulatory effect of ACTH (10(-9) M). However, K+-induced aldosterone synthesis was not altered. TNF also did not alter basal aldosterone levels. AII, as previously shown, stimulates 12HETE synthesis (basal, 608 +/- 114 pg/10(5) cells.h; versus AII, 1268 +/- 197; P less than 0.02). TNF at concentrations of 1.0-5.0 ng/ml produced a dose-dependent inhibition of AII stimulatory action on 12HETE synthesis [AII plus TNF (1.0 ng/ml), 650 +/- 26 pg, P less than 0.03 vs. AII; AII plus TNF (5.0 ng/ml), 390 +/- 46; P less than 0.01 vs. AII plus TNF (1.0 ng/ml)]. In addition, 12HETE at 10(-8) M completely restored the effects of AII during blockage by TNF. Purified human IL-1 (75% beta, 25% alpha) as well as recombinant human IL-1 beta at concentrations as low as 50 pg/ml inhibited AII-induced aldosterone synthesis. IL-1 beta did not alter ACTH- or K+-induced aldosterone synthesis and, in fact, had a tendency to potentiate ACTH effects. These results suggest that the cytokines TNF and IL-1 are potent inhibitors, particularly of AII action in the adrenal glomerulosa cell. Therefore, local or systemically produced TNF or IL-1 may be important negative modulators of aldosterone synthesis.
Diagnostic Exercise: Astrocytoma with Involvement of Medulla Oblongata, Spinal Cord, and Spinal Nerves in a Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Neoplasms affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems of wild animals are extremely rare. Described are clinical signs and pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in an adult female raccoon (Procyon lotor) with an astrocytoma that involved medulla, cervical spinal cord, and roots of the cervical spinal nerves. Microscopically, the neoplastic cells revealed some pleomorphism but generally had fusiform morphology and showed moderate numbers of mitotic figures. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was demonstrated within the neoplastic cells by immunohistochemistry. This appears to be the only reported case of astrocytoma that involved multiple anatomic sites in the central nervous system of this raccoon.
NOAA'S EXXON VALDEZ LONG-TERM SHORELINE ECOSYSTEM MONITORING PROGRAM—1990–1994 TRENDS

ABSTRACT Halfway through a 10-year monitoring program, NOAA continues to track biological, chemical, and shoreline profile recovery at nearly three dozen sites in Prince William Sound, Alaska. By simple measures (percent visible oil, percent plant cover) all but three or four sites recovered in two to three years. However, by a more integrated biological, chemical, and physical profile, most previously oiled and treated sites are still recovering.
Natural Products as Chemical Probes

Natural products have evolved to encompass a broad spectrum of chemical and functional diversity. It is this diversity, along with their structural complexity, that enables nature’s small molecules to target a nearly limitless number of biological macromolecules and to often do so in a highly selective fashion. Because of these characteristics, natural products have seen great success as therapeutic agents. However, this vast pool of compounds holds much promise beyond the development of future drugs. These features also make them ideal tools for the study of biological systems. Recent examples of the use of natural products and their derivatives as chemical probes to explore biological phenomena and assemble biochemical pathways are presented here.
ANALYSIS OF CORPORA LUTEA TO ESTIMATE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES OF WILD HAWAIIAN MONK SEALS (MONACHUS SCHAUINSLANDI)

Ovaries from 14 female Hawaiian monk seals, O-24 yr of age, collected from the northwestern Hawaiian Islands were analyzed by gross and histological examination for the presence of corpora hemorrhagica (CH), lutea (CL), albicantia (CA), and dominant follicles. Seven seals, 5-24 yr of age, were mature females, and another seven seals, O-5 yr of age, were immature based on the presence or absence of CL and CA in the ovaries. Two 5-yr-old seals did not have CL and CA, but one J-yr-old and both 6-yr-old seals had CL or CA. In addition, the weight of the more active ovary increased at 5 yr of age, indicating that puberty in these female Hawaiian monk seals occurred about 5 yr of age. The total number of CL and CA was significantly correlated to the ovarian weight, but not age of the seals, indicating that visible CA of Hawaiian monk seals probably degenerate within a year. If an ovulation resulted in pregnancy, we assumed that the resulting CL from that pregnancy persisted throughout gestation and regressed approximately 2 yr after ovulation. However, the CL of pregnancy were not easily differentiated from cyclic CL that did not result in pregnancy. Four of seven mature seals were clearly polyestrous from the analyses of their ovaries and reproductive histories. The remaining three seals were pregnant in previous consecutive years, and we could not positively determine whether they were also polyestrous. The ovaries from Hawaiian monk seals had unusually large, rounded granular cells containing the aging pigment, lipofuscin. These cells were located between loose fibrous tissues in all regressing CL and CA but were not present in any CH.
Sudden death immediately after a record-setting athletic performance.

Abstract Exercise-related sudden death in adults is frequently associated with advanced coronary artery disease.1 Recent studies have emphasized that even well-trained endurance athletes are vulnerable to such exercise-related cardiovascular events.1,2 These prior reports have provided little insight into the athletes' recent exercise performance, however, and it is possible that the exercise-related “sudden death” was only the culmination of a progressive decline in athletic ability produced by occult or ignored coronary artery disease. The present report describes an elite runner with coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy who died immediately after establishing an age-group record in a 3,000-meter race.
A miniaturized mouse mixed leukocyte culture in serum-free and mouse serum supplemented media.

Abstract This report describes a miniaturized version of the mouse mixed leukocyte culture utilizing serum-free and mouse serum supplemented media. Parameters that optimize cellular responses of mouse spleen cells against alloantigens are defined.
Multi-Channel Reflective Binary Phase Modulator Simultaneously Satisfying Phase Shift and Anti-Reflection Conditions

Two conditions must be simultaneously satisfied for effective reshaping of broad area multi-mode laser diode beam: phase shift condition and anti-reflection condition. We theoretically and experimentally analyzed phase modulator efficiency and evaluated its temporal limit.
p53 down-regulates human matrix metalloproteinase-1 (Collagenase-1) gene expression.

Abstract Recent studies show that the p53 tumor suppressor protein is overexpressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium and that somatic mutations previously identified in human tumors are present in RA synovium (Firestein, G. S., Echeverri, F., Yeo, M., Zvaifler, N. J., and Green, D. R. (1997)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 10895–10900; Firestein, G. S., Nguyen, K., Aupperle, K. R., Yeo, M., Boyle, D. L., and Zvaifler, N. J. (1996) Am. J. Pathol. 149, 2143–2151; Reme, T., Travaglio, A., Gueydon, E., Adla, L., Jorgensen, C., and Sany, J. (1998) Clin. Exp. Immunol. 111, 353–3581). We hypothesize that the abnormality of p53 seen in RA synovium may contribute to joint degeneration through the regulation of human matrix metalloproteinase-1 (hMMP-1, collagenase-1) gene expression. Transcription assays were performed with luciferase reporters driven by the promoter of the hMMP-1 gene or by a minimal promoter containing tandem repeats of the consensus binding sequence for activator protein-1, cotransfected with p53-expressing plasmids. The results revealed that (i) wild-type (wt) p53 down-regulated the promoter activity of hMMP-1 in a dose-dependent fashion; (ii) four of six p53 mutants (commonly found in human cancers) lost this repression activity; and (iii) this p53 repression activity was mediated at least in part by the activator protein-1 sites found in the hMMP-1 promoter. These findings were further confirmed by Northern analysis. The down-regulation of hMMP-1 gene expression by endogenous wt-p53 was shown by treatment of U2-OS cells, a wt-p53-containing osteogenic sarcoma line, and Saos-2 cells, a p53-negative osteogenic sarcoma line, with etoposide, a potent inducer of p53 expression. p53, activated by etoposide, appears to block hMMP-1 promoter activity induced by etoposide in U2-OS cells. In summary, we have shown for the first time that the hMMP-1 gene is a p53 target gene, subject to p53 repression. Because MMP-1 is principally responsible for the irreversible destruction of collagen in articular tissue in RA, abnormality of p53 may contribute to joint degeneration through the regulation of MMP-1 expression.
An adaptive chemistry approach to modeling complex kinetics in reacting flows

Abstract Existing algorithms use a single chemical kinetic model over the entire domain of a reacting flow simulation. However, it is well known that the chemistry varies significantly in different regions of a flame. For combustion and other reacting flows with very complex chemistry, computing all possible reactions and species everywhere in the computational domain (the full chemistry approach) is very computationally demanding. Here we propose an adaptive chemistry approach that avoids computing species and reactions in regions where they are negligible. In this approach, a set of reduced chemical kinetic models is used in a simulation, each reduced model being used only under reaction conditions where it is faithful to the full model. A procedure to implement adaptive chemistry is presented, and compared with the conventional full chemistry approach. Adaptive chemistry fairly accurately reproduces the full chemistry solutions, while reducing the cost of the computation both in terms of CPU time and in terms of memory requirements. This was demonstrated by simulating a turbulent planar hydrogen/air shear layer flame and two axisymmetric laminar co-flowing partially premixed methane-air flames. The challenges that need to be overcome to make this method more broadly useful are summarized.
A Brief History of Neuronal Reconstruction

The routes taken by peripheral nerves and the intricacy present even in the external features of the CNS had been understood in considerable detail at the time of Andreas Vesalius (1543) and Bartholomeo Eustatius (1552). But the astonishing underlying and microscopically symplectic character of CNS brain tissue only became evident in fitful stages and over the following 300 and 50 years. Today’s opportunity to precisely reconstruct individual neurons and circuits, presently expressed in the DIADEM challenge, is based on a long sequence of conceptual and technological advances in our understanding of brain. A selection among these are highlighted in the following abbreviated historical account, which focuses first on our means of knowing that neurons exist, and then on how we learned to record and analyze their shapes.
Personal and Family Adjustment in Later Life.

Most prior research on relationships of older parents and adult children, as well as their impact on the lives of the elderly, has examined quantitative variables such as frequency of interaction or residential proximity. The primary purpose of this study was to develop and test a theoretical model of qualitative dimensions in these relationships. Furthermore, the impact of these dimensions on the personal and family adjustment of the aged member was assessed. Data were collected from interviews with 171 parents 65 years or older, using a randomized multistage compact design, and from 143 mailed questionnaires returned by adult children. A path analysis procedure was performed on the data, showing the model to account for 36.4% of the total variance. The strongest predictor of the dependent variable, the psychological well-being of older parents, was health. The second strongest predictor was quality of the relationship. Moving backward in the recursive model, affection and communication positively influenced the quality of the relationship, filial responsibility held by the child had a positive impact on affection and communication, and filial expectations by the parent had a negative influence on communication. Several additional predictor variables representing the condition and life circumstances of aged parents indicated some moderate interrelationships and indirect effects on the parent-child interaction and psychological well-being of aged parents. Based on the results of the original model, a reconceptualized model is proposed to provide direction for future study of these intergenerational family relationships.
On Statistical Model Validation

In this paper we formulate a particular statistical model validation problem in which we wish to determine the probability that a certain hypothesized parametric uncertainty model is consistent with a given input-output data record. Using a Bayesian approach and ideas from the field of hypothesis testing, we show that in many cases of interest this problem reduces to computing relative weighted volumes of convex sets in R N (where N is the number of uncertain parameters). We also present and discuss a randomized algorithm based on gas kinetics, as well as the existing Hit-and-Run family of algorithms, for probable approximate computation of these volumes.
Virus-Directed Protein Synthesis in Different Animal and Human Cells

The relative proportions of viral gene products (viral proteins) that are synthesized in different types of animal cells infected with the same RNA virus inoculum were compared. The relative rates of synthesis of the various virus proteins late in infection were remarkably constant regardless of cell type infected. This was true in cell lines that produced only small amounts of virus and virus proteins, as well as in those that gave large yields of viruses and virus proteins.
Brevenal, a brevetoxin antagonist from Karenia brevis, binds to a previously unreported site on mammalian sodium channels

Abstract Brevetoxins are a family of ladder-frame polyether toxins produced by the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis . During blooms of K. brevis , inhalation of brevetoxins aerosolized by wind and wave action can lead to asthma-like symptoms in persons at the beach. Consumption of either shellfish or finfish contaminated by K. brevis blooms can lead to the development of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. The toxic effects of brevetoxins are due to binding at a defined site on, and subsequent activation of, voltage-sensitive sodium channels (VSSCs) in cell membranes (site 5). In addition to brevetoxins, K. brevis produces several other ladder-frame compounds. One of these compounds, brevenal, has been shown to antagonize the effects of brevetoxin. In an effort to further characterize the effects of brevenal, a radioactive analog ([ 3 H]-brevenol) was produced by reducing the terminal aldehyde moiety of brevenal to an alcohol using tritiated sodium borohydride. A K D of 67 nM and B max of 7.1 pmol/mg protein were obtained for [ 3 H]-brevenol in rat brain synaptosomes, suggesting a 1:1 matching with VSSCs. Brevenal and brevenol competed for [ 3 H]-brevenol binding with K i values of 75 nM and 56 nM, respectively. However, although both brevenal and brevenol inhibited brevetoxin binding, brevetoxin was completely ineffective at competition for [ 3 H]-brevenol binding. After examining other site-specific compounds, it was determined that [ 3 H]-brevenol binds to a site that is distinct from the other known sites on the sodium channel, including the brevetoxin site, (site 5) although some interaction with site 5 is apparent.
Preparação e caracterização de membranas poliméricas a partir da blenda polisulfona/poliuretano

Membranas de polisulfona/poliuretano foram preparadas pelo metodo de inversao de fases. As membranas preparadas com a adicao de fotoiniciador foram irradiadas com lâmpada ultravioleta para aumentar a interacao entre os polimeros e o suporte de poliester utilizado. As membranas com e sem adicao de fotoiniciador foram caracterizadas atraves dos testes de resistencia quimica, capacidade de adsorcao de agua, determinacao de densidade, porosidade, morfologia e fluxo permeado de agua. A membrana fotoiniciada apresentou poros com paredes bem definidas e maior estabilidade nos testes de resistencia quimica e fluxo permeado. Ambas as membranas apresentaram valores aproximados na adsorcao de agua e porosidade.
Quantitative demonstration of hyaluronidase activity in cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni by the streptococcal decapsulation test.

Abstract The streptococcal decapsulation test has been adapted to afford an extremely sensitive method for the quantitative assay of the activity of enzymes of the hyaluronidase complex. By this method, the activity of an enzymatic factor extracted from cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni has been quantitatively measured in terms of volumetric degradation of the hyaluronic acid capsules of a strain of group C, mucoid beta hemolytic streptococci as a function of cercarial concentration.
Performance of PSK modulation with serial concatenated turbo codes through a nonideal satellite channel

Turbo codes and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes are well known to provide Bit Error Rate (BER) performance close to the Shannon capacity limit. Bandwidth constrained satellite channels could potentially benefit by employing higher order PSK modulations. However, employing higher order PSK modulations may not be practical for satellite amplifiers due to the increased power requirements. The excellent performance of serial concatenated turbo codes could be used to maintain satellite amplifier power levels to those relatively close to the Shannon limit. The performance of the system, however, is dependent on the satellite channel, which typically includes phase noise and some degree of nonlinearity in the satellite amplifier. The performance of various waveforms and PSK modulations employing Serial Concatenated Turbo Codes are investigated using a model of a non-ideal satellite channel. The hardware complexity of the serial concatenated turbo decoder at the ground receiver is also considered.
Discretized Newton-relaxation solution of high resolution flux-difference split schemes

A method is presented for the implicit solution of high resolution flux-difference split schemes for which it is impractical to obtain the Jacobian matrix analytically. The method is used frequently in numerical schemes for solving nonlinear systems of equations, but apparently has not been used to date for approximating the Jacobian of the Roe numerical flux vectors. The method consists of obtaining a discretized Jacobian by using simple finite-differences of the flux vectors, and then using this discretized Jacobian in a Newton-relaxation solution method. The method is applied to both compressible and incompressible flows. Numerical results are presented that demonstrate the method works for both inviscid and viscous flows.
Sustained Selective Attention Skills of Preschool Children With Specific Language Impairment: Evidence for Separate Attentional Capacities

Purpose The present study was designed to investigate the performance of preschool children with specific language impairment (SLI) and their typically developing (TD) peers on sustained selective ...
Decreased levels of protein kinase C in Alzheimer brain.

Abstract Protein kinase C (PK-C) levels were determined using [3H]phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate (PDB) binding and the in vitro phosphorylation of histone H I (III-S), in autopsied human frontal cortex of age- and postmortem time-matched normal and Alzheimer patients. PK-C levels in Alzheimer particulate fractions determined by both methods were about 50% of those in controls. PK-C levels in Alzheimer cytosol fractions were not significantly different from those in controls. In a parallel study, we measured the phosphorylation of a Mr 86,000 protein (P86), the major protein kinase C substrate in the cytosol fraction prepared from Alzheimer frontal cortex, and found it to be reduced to 43% of that in control brains. This reduction in P86 protein phosphorylation compared to controls was not detected in brain samples prepared from demented patients without Alzheimer's disease. We considered 3 extraneous factors (postmortem delay, age and sex) which may have affected the extent of P86 phosphorylation and concluded that the reduced P86 phosphorylation in the Alzheimer samples is not due to any of them. Reduced PK-C levels and Mr 86,000 protein phosphorylation may reflect a biochemical deficit related specifically to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
THE PREPARATION AND CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF DIMOLYBDENUM TETRAFORMATE; PHOTOELECTRON SPECTRA OF THIS AND SEVERAL OTHER DIMOLYBDENUM TETRACARBOXYLATES

Abstract The compound Mo2 (O2CH)4 is described in detail for the first time and its crystal structure is reported. Crystallographic parameters are: Space group: P21 21 21; a = 12.288(4)A; b = 12.930(5)A; c = 5.500(1)A, and Z = 4. Using 952 reflections for which I < 3 [sgrave](I) the structure has been solved and refined to R 1 = 0.063 and R 2 = 0.071. The molecule has virtual symmetry D4 h and all comparable dimensions are virtually identical to those of Mo2 (O2 CCH3)4; for example, the Mo—Mo distance is 2.091(2)A. The Raman spectrum has a band at 403 cm−1 due mainly to Mo—Mo stretching. The photoelectron spectra of the Mo2 (O2CR)4 compounds with R = H, CH3 and CF3 are reported. The spectra are qualitatively similar and exhibit trends in accord with the relative electronegativities of the R groups, in harmony with the results of an earlier study which also included the formate and acetate.
Gamma-Ray-Driven Photovoltaic Cells via a Scintillator Interface

A new theoretical model of gamma ray photovoltaic cells is presented with calculations of efficiency η, open circuit voltage V∞, and maximum output power P0max. The model incorporates a scintillator interfaced between the high-energy nuclear isomer and the semiconductor materials of the photovoltaic cell. High-energy γ-photons, E γ1 = 1:333 MeV and E γ2 = 1:173 MeV, emanate from nuclear isomers Nickel-60m1/m2 of Nickel-60 in Cobalt-60 decay. The scintillator converts the γ-photons into large numbers of low-energy photons. The latter photons illuminate the semiconductor materials of the photovoltaic cell. Such devices can have enhanced η, V∞, and a much longer operational life than those driven by Thorium-229m1/m2. Results are reported for devices with scintillators of various maximum emission wavelengths λmax and yields y. One mol of Cobalt-60, combined with a high-y and short-λmax scintillator, can produce V∞ ~ 10V and P0max of several hundred W/m2 to few times the AM0 power at about 70%. These are signi...
An adaptive pre-emphasis technique with opposite directional training

This paper presents a novel adaptive pre-emphasis technique for half-duplex communication in asymmetric systems between electronic control units (ECUs) and automotive actuators. Both an adaptive decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and a DFE-like pre-emphasis circuit are implemented in only ECU side in order to compensate frequency dispersion of the automotive-grade harness. By transmittng the traning pattern from the actuator, the coefficients of both DFE and DFE-like pre-emphasis circuit are determined, providing the same equalization characteristics. The proposed pre-emphasis technique enables the actuator to receive already equalized signals without equalization circuit in it. Our simulation results demonstrate more than 200% improvement of the eye openinig for 400Mbps communication with a 5-m harness of more than 10-dB dispersion at the Nyquist frequency.
Zipping Dynamics and Turgor Pressure during Dorsal Closure in Early Drosophila Development

Biomechanical processes engaged in morphogenesis require forces to shape multiple tissues in a three-dimensional pattern during metazoan development. Dorsal closure, an essential stage of Drosophila embryogenesis, serves as an in-vivo model system for cell sheet movements during development and wound healing. During closure two flanks of lateral epidermis approach to close an eye-shaped gap that is initially occupied by a transient amnioserosa tissue in the dorsal opening. Based on a two-dimensional approximation, the time-dependent geometry of the dorsal opening previously has been quantified by four biomechanical processes collectively including apical constriction of amnioserosa cells, tension due to an actomyosin-rich purse string within each leading edge, adhesive zipping at each corner (canthus) of the eye-shaped opening, and resistance due to the lateral epidermis1. To more fully understand dorsal closure, we have moved beyond the two-dimensional approximation and report here our three-dimensional investigation. We investigated embryos with GFP/RFP labeled DE-cadherin, myosin, and/or moesin (actin) using time-lapsed confocal microscopy. We observed zipping to be an unexpectedly and remarkably three-dimensional process. The amnioserosa was pushed below the two leading edges of lateral epidermis as they zipped at each canthus. Just prior to zipping, the leading edges slid over the amnioserosa towards the anteroposterior axis. In addition, during early-to-mid stages of closure we observed the amnioserosa in the geometry of a dome. Segmenting this asymmetric dome and fitting with Laplace's formula quantified the turgor pressure. Furthermore, the purse strings that define the dorsal opening were curved in three dimensions with significant bends towards the embryo interior near each canthus. This research has been supported by the NIH, grant No. 33830.1. Science 300:145-149 (2003).
Modification of the Hillig-Charles theory for static fatigue of glass

Abstract The theory of Hillig and Charles is modified by using different failure time-stress relations. The results are simpler than the original, and confirm the conclusion of Hillig and Charles that fatigue in glass usually results because of sharpening of the crack tip rather than lengthening of the crack. Independent evidence to support this conclusion is sited.
The influence of initial hemoglobin and blood pressure levels on results of radiation therapy for carcinoma of the prostate.

Abstract A group of 914 patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated by definitive radiotherapy at Stanford between 1956 and 1985 was studied. Of these, the initial hemoglobin level was recorded in 656 cases and the initial blood pressure in 760 cases. End-points studied in actuarial analyses were survival, disease-specific survival, local control, freedom from distant relapse, and occurrence of late intestinal complications. Although the anemic group (Hb p = 0.02), there was no correlation with disease-specific survival or local control. The conclusion was that anemia per se did not affect the outcome of radiation therapy. A pulse pressure ≥ 60 mm Hg was significantly correlated with worse survival ( p = 0.01) and local control ( p = 0.04), but no correlation was found between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the end-points measured. Neither anemia nor hypertension were significantly correlated with late intestinal complications.
Sexual scripts for women

Male and female undergraduates were exposed to written and tape-recorded stimulus materials describing one of four target women: a feminine or masculine woman with heterosexual or homosexual feelings. Subsequent ratings of the woman's sex-role characteristics and sexual orientation indicated that information about either aspect of the woman's sexuality influenced subjects' perceptions of the other aspect. The woman who was described as masculine was also perceived as more homosexual, and vice versa. Additional measures indicated that the two women who did not fit this pattern — the masculine/heterosexual and feminine/homosexual targets—were perceived as having confused, unstable sexual identities. The results are discussed in the context of two sexual scripts for women: one that associates sexual orientation and sex-role characteristics, and one that associates unconventional female sexuality with sexual identity confusion.
Automated algorithm for retinal image exudates and drusens detection, segmentation, and measurement

Exudates and drusens detection and measurement from the retina background makes a significant impact on the diagnosis of retinal pathologies. These diseases usually appear as cotton wall spots, yellowish exudates and drusens (macula degeneration). Information about illness severity can be inferred by the measurement of the sizes of the exudates and drusens and comparing them to the retina background size. In this paper, we have proposed robust algorithm for automatic exudates and drusens detection, segmentation, and measurement on 2D retinal images. The applied methods we suggest for exudates and drusens measuring are mathematic (labeling function) and numerical methods. Numerical methods have more sophisticated calculation steps and can be used to approximate more complicated area of exudates using a poly Area function. In our algorithms, prior to measuring exudates and drusens (AMD), a preprocessing takes place, in which first exudates and drusens detection and segmentation were implemented. For these implemented processes, we applied preprocessing operations, including image filtration, correction of non-uniform illumination, and color contrast enhancement, and then the combined approaches for image segmentation and classification were implemented using: two methods of texture, an adaptive threshold, and morphological operators. Moreover, we introduce methods to eliminate the optic disc completely for exudates detection and measuring. After applying these approaches to a number of images provided from ophthalmologists as well as Drive database, this automated diagnostic algorithm resulted in more accurate yields of exudates and Drusens detection and measurements especially for low intensity and less color contrast images from non-dilated eye pupils. This automated algorithm helps ophthalmologists monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Markedly Elevated Cardiac Bio-Markers at Presentation With Normal Ventricular Function: A Novel Clinical Subset of Myocarditis Manifestation

We present a case of a 19-year-old woman with myocarditis who had significantly elevated cardiac markers at presentation even before any myocardial damage ensued. The patient had complicated clinical course with ventricular arrhythmia and cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation but eventually recovered completely. Though there is limited information available regarding such cases, the significantly elevated initial cardiac markers in the absence of left ventricular decompensation may probably represent a clinical subset of myocarditis and may portend an impending complicated clinical course. Further systematic research is required to define the clinical phenotype and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
The ALA Task Force on Gay Liberation: Effecting Change in Naming and Classification of GLBTQ Subjects

The American Library Association’s Task Force on Gay Liberation was the first professional organization in the U.S. to formally organize to protect rights and promote awareness of gays and lesbians. Founded in 1970, the Task Force has evolved to become the Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table (GLBTRT) of the A.L.A. In this paper I will discuss the influence of key members of the group, such as Barbara Gittings, Steve Wolf, Joan Marshall,and Michael McConnell, on Library of Congress classifications and subject headings.I will also discuss how the success and momentum of this agenda depended on the efforts of Sanford Berman, who advised the Task Force and pushed for revisions of gay and lesbian subject headings and classifications.This study significantly informs current classification research, as it documents the beginning of a movement to democratize subject cataloging practices. The actions taken by the Task Force and its individual members broke new ground, and arguably, led to present-day participatory, user-centered classification practices, such as social tagging.
The First Transmembrane Domain of a Drosophila Innexin is Loosely Packed

A tryptophan-scanning technique was applied to the first transmembrane domain (M1) ofthe Drosophila gap junction protein ShakB(lethal) variant A with the aim of identifying sites of transmembrane domain interaction. The tryptophan-scanning technique is based on the premise that the large bulky side-chain of tryptophan is tolerated when positioned in a lipid environment but disrupts protein function when inserted at a site of protein interaction. Tryptophan was substituted sequentially for sixteen amino acids within M1 of ShakB(lethal) and channel function was assayed using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Four sites of transmembrane domain interaction were identified, all positioned along the same helical face of M1. The results suggest that M1 interacts closely with only one other transmembrane helix.
Strain imaging with a deformable mesh.

Ultrasonic strain imaging has drawn much attention recently because of its ability to noninvasively provide information on spatial variation of the elastic properties of soft tissues. Traditionally, local strain is estimated by scaling and cross correlating pre-and postcompression ultrasound echo fields. However, when the motion field generated by compression is more complex, scaling and cross correlation can no longer provide precise displacement estimates because of signal decorrelation. We introduce a new algorithm based on the deformable mesh method. This algorithm can accommodate more general forms of motion, namely, the motion that can be described by bilinear transformations. We applied the new algorithm to three sets of data in order to evaluate its performance. In the first set of data, primitive motions such as shearing and rotation are simulated. The second set of data is collected by compressing a tissue-mimicking phantom with three hard inclusions. The third experiment involves an ex vivo pig...
Captured Money? Differences in the Performance Characteristics of Retail and Institutional Mutual Funds

Since the early 1990s, a number of mutual funds have emerged that cater exclusively to institutional investors, i.e. pension funds, trusts and corporate benefit plans. Information on the performance and flows into institutional mutual funds provides a unique opportunity to compare the factors influencing investment decisions of institutional investors to those of individual retail investors. We find that despite significantly lower expenses, on average institutional funds do not outperform retail funds. In addition, investors in institutional funds do not chase returns the same way that retail customers do. One explanation for the lack of any flow performance relationship is that some investors in these funds do not closely monitor the investment decisions made on their behalf by trustees and other institutional money managers. We refer to this as the capture hypothesis. To test the capture hypothesis we split institutional funds based on investor clientele and minimum investment requirements (a proxy for the costs of monitoring). Consistent with the capture hypothesis, we find institutional funds with relatively low investment requirements and funds with retail mates perform worse than other institutional funds both before and after adjusting for risk and expenses. Moreover, while cash flows into institutional funds are less sensitive to fund performance than are flows into retail funds, flows into institutional funds with high investment requirements are significantly more sensitive to risk-adjusted measures of performance than flows into retail funds. This suggests that some institutional investors focus on different performance criteria than retail investors.