cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation in the avian song control circuit of an mRNA predicting a highly conserved protein related to protein kinase C and the bcr oncogene

An RNA identified by differential cDNA cloning (HAT-2) is highly enriched in canary forebrain in areas associated with the control of complex learned behaviors and higher perceptual processes. The nucleotide sequence predicts a protein that is 96% identical to the product of the n-chimaerin gene isolated from human brain and contains two identifiable domains suggesting a novel role in signal transduction processes. One domain is similar to the sequence in protein kinase C which mediates diacylglycerol binding and regulation. The second domain is similar to a portion of BCR, a GTPase-activating protein encoded by the breakpoint cluster region gene. In male canaries examined during the song season, HAT-2 RNA shows variable expression within the song control circuit, and is notably less abundant in the three nuclei which concentrate androgens (HVC, RA and L-MAN). A fundamental function in the vertebrate forebrain and a possible role in the regulation of neural plasticity are suggested by the conserved structure and pattern of expression of this gene in the brain.
Prayers of Communication and Organizational Learning

According to the author, for organizations to learn, their members must constantly engage in a particular type of prayer, which he calls 'prayers of communication'. The paper begins by describing several such prayers as they occur in everyday organizational settings. It then defines 'prayers of communication' and ruminates about their essential nature and the impact of praying and not praying on individual and organizational learning. The author examines the fear that exploration of prayer generates in many of those engaged in the study of organizational learning and the negative impact that such fear has on understanding how organizations actually learn.
The development of a repository of innovative products (RIP) for inspiration in engineering design

The research presented in this paper introduces a new methodology for creative inspiration in product design using archived innovation information to emphasize a quick and efficient creative design process. The research presents a method to identify the innovative subsystems in a product and archive that information in a quick, efficient database for inspiration in concept design. The innovation information, when archived in a design repository, can support automatic concept generation that is biased toward creative concepts. This concept generation method is proposed as a tool for engineers to aid the creativity of designs and to assess their concepts based on creativity and innovation. Products featured in recent published lists of innovative products are reverse engineered to expose the component and functional relationships. A function subtraction method based on difference rewards is introduced to isolate innovation-related functions and components in order to populate a repository of innovative prod...
Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi in the tick and the mammalian host

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, shows a great ability to adapt to different environments, including the arthropod vector, and the mammalian host. The success of these microorganisms to survive in nature and complete their enzootic cycle depends on the regulation of genes that are essential to their survival in the different environments. This review describes the current knowledge of gene expression by B. burgdorferi in the tick and the mammalian host. The functions of the differentially regulated gene products as well as the factors that influence their expression are discussed. A thorough understanding of the changes in gene expression and the function of the differentially expressed antigens during the life cycle of the spirochete will allow a better control of this prevalent infection and the design of new, second generation vaccines to prevent infection with the spirochete.
Electron energy loss studies of potassium intercalated graphite

Abstract Using a scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with a magnetic electron energy analyzer, electron energy loss spectra at various momentum transfers, q , have been obtained from single crystal samples of pristine graphite, stage 1 potassium intercalated graphite, KC 8 , and stage 2 potassium intercalated graphite, KC 24 . By comparison with pristine graphite, KC 24 and KC 8 show additional small- q energy loss peaks at 1.8 and 2.5 eV, respectively. They are assigned as plasmons of free carriers donated by potassium atoms. The 7.0 eV energy loss peak in graphite shifts to 6.7 and 6.3 eV in KC 24 and KC 8 , respectively, and still disperses quadratically with q . In graphite, the 27 eV energy loss peak develops into double peaks as q increases, while in both KC 24 and KC 8 , double peak features are observed around 27 eV at small q which merge into single peaks as q increases. By Kramers-Kronig analysis, the π-electron critical point transition energies are found to be 4.5, 4.2 and 3.8 eV for graphite, KC 24 , and KC 8 , respectively. These results are consistent with the prediction of theoretical band structure calculations.
Starvation-realimentation overshoot in glycerophosphate acyltransferase in adipose tissue and liver of rats is influenced by type of dietary fat

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine effects of dietary fat source on changes in glycerophosphate acyltransferase that occur with starvation-realimentation. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to dietary treatments at 209 ± 3 g of body weight. Ten rats each were assigned to a 65 g/100 g sucrose diet that contained 5 g/100 g fat from the following sources: stearate (42% stearate, 41% oleate): oleate (high-oleate safflower oil); palm oil; or beef tallow. Five rats received free access to their diet for 4 days and five rats were starved for 2 days and then fed for 2 days. Rats were then killed and liver and epididymal adipose tissue dissected and homogenized for glycerophosphate acyltransferase assay. The starvation-realimentation regimen on the stearate diet stimulated adipose tissue glycerophosphate acyltransferase above non-starved controls. Realimentation on high-oleate and high-palmitate diets stimulated liver glycerophosphate acyltransferase most, as well as produced a starvation-realimentation overshoot in steady-state glycerolipid production. Results indicate that ad libitum consumption of diets containing high proportions of stearate after a period of starvation could overshoot liver glycerophosphate acyltransferase to a lesser extent than if the diet contained low proportions of this fatty acid. Diet fatty acid composition had less impact on adipose tissue than liver glycerophosphate acyltransferase activity in rats subjected to starvation-realimentation.
Ischemic Stroke Prevention.

More than 700,000 strokes occur annually in the United States—one every 40 to 50 seconds. Although stroke is one of the nation’s most expensive diseases to treat, costing $41 billion per year, most strokes (perhaps as many as two thirds) are preventable. Twenty percent of the United States population will have 80% of all strokes; this estimate is based on five established, major risk factors for stroke: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease. Therefore, stroke is not random but is generally predictable. It is an ideal target for effective prevention strategies that are simple and inexpensive. Ischemic stroke prevention has been shown to be effective in several scenarios: primary prevention, prevention after a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and secondary prevention. Dietary, lifestyle, and risk factor modification; use of aspirin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and warfarin; and carotid endarterectomy all have a role in stroke prevention in selected persons. Emerging therapies include the use of vitamins, cerebral arterial angioplasty, and stenting. Annual risk assessment, screening, and intervention should be part of a concerted national effort to reduce the incidence of the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the United States.
Increased Plasma Testosterone in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Female Rats*

We have examined the effect of experimental diabetes on plasma testosterone levels in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Within 24 h after the injection of streptozotocin (SZ), plasma testosterone concentrations increased from 46.5 ± 3.16 (mean ± SE) to 270 ± 43.5 ng/dl (P < 0.001), levels observed in normal, reproductively competent male rats. This elevation persisted for the entire 4-week period studied and appeared to be closely correlated with plasma ketone levels (r = 0.895). Animals made diabetic with alloxan had less severe diabetes with minimal ketosis, but still had testosterone levels more than 3 times those of controls. Prevention of diabetes by injection of 3-O-methylglucose before SZ administration abolished the increase in testosterone. Insulin therapy, initiated 16 h after SZ and continued every 4 h for an additional 32 h to maintain normoglycemia, maintained plasma testosterone at normal female levels. The plasma precursor steroids 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were elevated (P...
Recent progress of the Los Alamos advanced free electron laser

The Los Alamos advanced FEL has been built specifically for industrial and research applications. Advanced technologies such as a high-brightness photoinjector, a high-gradient compact linac, and permanent magnet components reduce the Advanced FEL size and yet maintain its high-average-power capability. The Advanced FEL has been in operation in the near IR since (4 to 6 micrometers since early 1993. Recent results of the Advanced FEL lasing characteristics and high-average-power upgrades are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Participation of PI3K and ERK1/2 pathways are required for human brain vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

Abstract Human brain vascular smooth muscle cell (HBVSMC) migration contributes to angiogenesis and several pathological processes in the brain. However, the molecular mechanism of angiogenesis, in which smooth muscle cell contributes, remains unclear. Our study investigates the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the HBVSMC migration and elucidates the chemotactic signaling pathway mediating this action. We used the in vitro ‘scratch’ wound method to detect the HBVSMC migration. VEGF165 (1–40 ng/ml) induced the HBVSMC migration in a dose-dependent manner (P
Gold nanoparticle-based thermal history indicator for monitoring low-temperature storage

We describe a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based thermal history indicator (THI) for monitoring low-temperature storage. The THI was prepared from tetrachloroaurate using gelatin as a reducing reagent. Gelatin also acts as a stabilizer to control the growth of the AuNPs. The size and shape of the AuNPs were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy and are initially found to be spherical with an average particle size of ~19 nm. Initially, the color of the THIs is slightly pink, but after a 90-day storage in the freezer, as both the size and shape of the AuNPs change, the color of the THIs turns to red. After 90 days the absorbance peaks of THIs held at room temperature are red-shifted from 538 to 572 nm and possessed larger amplitude compared to those stored in the freezer. The color change is a function of both storage time and temperature. The observed increase in size is mainly due to storage temperature while the change in shape is mainly due to storage time. The THIs experiencing higher temperature treatments exhibit a more intense color change which is attributed to a localized surface plasmon resonance effect. Thus, the observed visual color changes can provide information regarding the thermal history the material has experienced. Accordingly, when used in conjunction with time-temperature sensitive products, the THI may serve as a proactive system for monitoring and controlling product quality and/or safety. For example, the THI is useful in safeguarding high-value biological products such as enzymes, antibodies, plasma, stem cells and other perishables that have to be stored at low temperatures.
Fouling-resistant, polymer-modified graphite electrodes

Abstract Oxidation of several biochemically important phenols (phenol and tyrosine) and methoxyphenols (homovanillic acid, eugenol, vanillin and p-methoxyphenol) at spectroscopic graphite electrodes results in deactivation or fouling of the electrode surface. As has been previously well described, fouling is often due to the build-up of the oxidation products of these compounds at the electrode surface. Electrodes coated with gamma-irradiated immobilized films of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) do not exhibit the decrease in response with time observed at bare electrodes during the oxidation of these compounds. In some instances, this may be due to the structure of the polymer which may prevent large amounts of oxidation products from forming. In other instances, however, the nature of the products formed may differ at the coated electrodes. In this situation, responses as high as those initially obtained at bare electrodes may be obtained without the decrease in response as a function of time associated with bare electrodes.
Aspects of high-temperature capillary gas chromatography

This study was undertaken in two parts; first to investigate cold split/splitless injection in comparison to cold on-column injection for compounds up to n-C 80 , and second to investigate thermal effects in the column for a series of pure triglycerides
Optical in situ sputter rate measurements during ion sputtering

A laser optical technique is applied to secondary ion mass spectrometry/Auger electron spectroscopy for in situ sputter rate measurements. Phases and reflectances as measured during sputtering of opaque and transparent material give reliable results yielding the sputter rate interface position and interface region width. For opaque material there is a simple linear relation between the phase and the sputter rate. In the case of transparent material the sputter rate is determined from the phase or reflectance by using a more complex calculation.
Further characterization of the nucleoprotein components of bean pod mottle virus

Abstract Fractionated nucleoprotein components of bean pod mottle virus were shown to differ in base composition. The infectious bottom component (112 S) displayed a guanylic acid and uridylic acid enrichment over the noninfectious middle component (91 S). Sedimentation rates of extracted ribonucleic acid (RNA) suggest that the RNA deficiency of the middle particles results from the absence of a terminal or near-terminal portion of the RNA chain. A precursor-product relationship between the BPMV components could not be demonstrated by P32 pulse labeling.
Hydrologic modeling as a predictive basis for ecological restoration of salt marshes

Roads, bridges, causeways, impoundments, and dikes in the coastal zone often restrict tidal flow to salt marsh ecosystems. A dike with tide control structures, located at the mouth of the Herring River salt marsh estuarine system (Wellfleet, Massachusetts) since 1908, has effectively restricted tidal exchange, causing changes in marsh vegetation composition, degraded water quality, and reduced abundance of fish and macroinvertebrate communities. Restoration of this estuary by reintroduction of tidal exchange is a feasible management alternative. However, restoration efforts must proceed with caution as residential dwellings and a golf course are located immediately adjacent to and in places within the tidal wetland. A numerical model was developed to predict tide height levels for numerous alternative openings through the Herring River dike. Given these model predictions and knowledge of elevations of flood-prone areas, it becomes possible to make responsible decisions regarding restoration. Moreover, tidal flooding elevations relative to the wetland surface must be known to predict optimum conditions for ecological recovery. The tide height model has a universal role, as demonstrated by successful application at a nearby salt marsh restoration site in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Salt marsh restoration is a valuable management tool toward maintaining and enhancing coastal zone habitat diversity. The tide height model presented in this paper will enable both scientists and resource professionals to assign a degree of predictability when designing salt marsh restoration programs.
Modeling dynamics of underwater vehicles actuated by ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators

In this paper, a finite element-based dynamic model is developed for a miniature underwater vehicle propelled by Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuator. The proposed approach describes the electro-mechanical actuation using a large deflection beam model. Hydrodynamic forces including frictional effects are also considered. The hydrodynamic force coefficients are identified based on the results of extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Experimental results have shown that the proposed model predicts the motion of the vehicle accurately for different actuation signals. The proposed model can lead to the development of an underwater vehicle, which can achieve complex set of maneuvers. It can also contribute to developing both open and closed-loop control algorithms for the robotic vehicles.
Performance analysis of BitTorrent-like systems with heterogeneous users

Among all peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, BitTorrent seems to be the most prevalent one. This success has drawn a great deal of research interest on the system. In particular, there have been many lines of research studying its scalability, performance, efficiency, and fairness. However, despite the large body of work, there has been no attempt mathematically to model, in a heterogeneous (and hence realistic) environment, what is perhaps the most important performance metric from an end user's point of view: the average file download delay. In this paper we propose a mathematical model that accurately predicts the average file download delay in a heterogeneous BitTorrent-like system. Our model is quite general, has been derived with minimal assumptions, and requires minimal system information. Then, we propose a flexible token-based scheme for BitTorrent-like systems that can be used to tradeoff between overall system performance and fairness to high bandwidth users, by properly setting its parameters. We extend our mathematical model to predict the average file download delays in the token- based system, and demonstrate how this model can be used to decide on the scheme's parameters that achieve a target performance/fairness.
Fluorescence of highly insulating dielectrics produced by X- and gamma-radiations.

IN the course of experiments designed to study photographically the secondary electron emission from various light-atom materials when they are irradiated with high-voltage X-rays, we have found that under certain radiation conditions some highly insulating dielectrics fluoresce when so irradiated, visible and possibly ultra-violet light being emitted. Polystyrene in the commercial form known as 'Distrene' shows the phenomenon quite markedly.
Murine hepatic p53, RB, and CDK inhibitory protein expression following acute 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure

Abstract This study examined the expression of murine hepatic tumor suppressor and cell cycle inhibitory proteins in response to acute 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) dosing in Balb/c mice. Elevations in expression of p53, retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, p16 Ink4 , p21 Wafl and p27 Kipl were observed six days after a single dose of 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 μg TCDD/kg. These data suggest that the TCDD-induced inhibition of hepatocyte proliferation in vivo could be attributed to the expression of cell cycle inhibitory proteins.
A new Mallows distance based metric for comparing clusterings

Despite of the large number of algorithms developed for clustering, the study on comparing clustering results is limited. In this paper, we propose a measure for comparing clustering results to tackle two issues insufficiently addressed or even overlooked by existing methods: (a) taking into account the distance between cluster representatives when assessing the similarity of clustering results; (b) constructing a unified framework for defining a distance based on either hard or soft clustering and ensuring the triangle inequality under the definition. Our measure is derived from a complete and globally optimal matching between clusters in two clustering results. It is shown that the distance is an instance of the Mallows distance---a metric between probability distributions in statistics. As a result, the defined distance inherits desirable properties from the Mallows distance. Experiments show that our clustering distance measure successfully handles cases difficult for other measures.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation and Bone Turnover in Middle-Aged to Elderly Men

In the present placebo-controlled, double-blind study, we assessed the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation (90 mg orally/d) on bone turnover in 43 healthy men, 56–80 yr old. Placebo or steroid was given for 6 months, followed by a 1-month washout period and then a further 6 months of the opposite agent. Serum samples were collected at baseline 3, 6, 7, and 13 months and assayed for procollagen peptide, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, all markers of bone formation. Measurements were also made of serum cortisol, DHEA/DHEA-S, E2 and free and total T. First void, fasting urine was collected at baseline, 6, 7, and 13 months and assessed for deoxypyridinoline, a marker of bone resorption. Mean serum DHEA and DHEA-S levels in treated men were increased approximately 3-fold (∼2.2 ng/ml to ∼6 ng/ml) and 4.5-fold (∼1000 ng/ml to ∼4500 ng/ml), respectively, after 6 months and returned to baseline after washout. Similarly, circulating E2 concentrations were also increased 1.4-...
Sequential design of phase II–III cancer trials

Although traditional phase II cancer trials are usually single arm, with tumor response as endpoint, and phase III trials are randomized and incorporate interim analyses with progression-free survival or other failure time as endpoint, this paper proposes a new approach that seamlessly expands a randomized phase II study of response rate into a randomized phase III study of time to failure. This approach is based on advances in group sequential designs and joint modeling of the response rate and time to event. The joint modeling is reflected in the primary and secondary objectives of the trial, and the sequential design allows the trial to adapt to increase in information on response and survival patterns during the course of the trial and to stop early either for conclusive evidence on efficacy of the experimental treatment or for the futility in continuing the trial to demonstrate it, on the basis of the data collected so far.
Gene targeting in gram-negative bacteria by use of a mobile group II intron ("Targetron") expressed from a broad-host-range vector.

Mobile group II introns (“targetrons”) can be programmed for insertion into virtually any desired DNA target with high frequency and specificity. Here, we show that targetrons expressed via an m-toluic acid-inducible promoter from a broad-host-range vector containing an RK2 minireplicon can be used for efficient gene targeting in a variety of gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Targetrons expressed from donor plasmids introduced by electroporation or conjugation yielded targeted disruptions at frequencies of 1 to 58% of screened colonies in the E. coli lacZ, P. aeruginosa pqsA and pqsH, and A. tumefaciens aopB and chvI genes. The development of this broad-host-range system for targetron expression should facilitate gene targeting in many bacteria.
Accuracy of perception of psychotherapeutic content as a function of observers' level of facilitation

Eight high-functioning and eight low-functioning Master's-level psychologists viewed 11 1-hour individual therapy sessions. The level of functioning of the psychologists was determined by ratings based on the Carkhuff global level of facilitation scale. After each session the observers completed a Therapy Session Report questionnaire that asked them to indicate what the patient and therapist were feeling and concerned with during the session. Analysis of variance indicated that high-functioning observers were more accurate in their perceptions than low-functioning observers and that all observers were more accurate with regard to their perceptions about the therapist. Results were discussed in terms of the validity of the Carkhuff scales.
Construction and calibration of a 50 T/m z-gradient coil for quantitative diffusion microimaging

Abstract q-Space imaging is capable of providing quantitative geometrical information of structures at cellular resolution. However, the size of restrictions that can be probed hinges on available gradient amplitude and places very high demands on gradient performance. In this work we describe the design and construction of a small, high-amplitude (50 T/m) z-gradient coil, interfaced with a commercial 9.4 T microimaging system. We also describe a method to calibrate the coil for quantitative measurements of molecular diffusion at very high-gradient amplitudes. Calibration showed linear current response up to 50 T/m, with a gain = 1.255 T/m/A. The z-gradient coil was combined with the commercial x- and y-gradients for tri-axial imaging, and its performance was demonstrated by ADC maps of free water and by q-space experiments on water sequestered around polystyrene microspheres (4.5 μm diameter), which showed the expected diffraction peak. In addition, diffusion-weighted images of a fixed mouse spinal cord illustrated the capability of this coil for quantitative imaging of tissue microstructure.
Symmetry in auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo calculations

We show how symmetry properties can be used to greatly increase the accuracy and efficiency in auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFQMC) calculations of electronic systems. With the Hubbard model as an example, we study symmetry preservation in two aspects of ground-state AFQMC calculations, the Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation and the form of the trial wave function. It is shown that significant improvement over state-of-the-art calculations can be achieved. In unconstrained calculations, the implementation of symmetry often leads to shorter convergence time and much smaller statistical errors and thereby a substantial reduction of the sign problem. Moreover, certain excited states become possible to calculate which are otherwise beyond reach. In calculations with constraints, the use of symmetry can reduce the systematic error from the constraint. It also allows release-constraint calculations, leading to essentially exact results in many cases. Detailed comparisons are made with exact diagonalization results. Accurate ground-state energies are then presented for larger system sizes in the two-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model.
Revisiting Server Energy Proportionality

Server energy proportionality refers to a proposed ideal that a server consumes energy proportional to its utilization level. Since its introduction in 2007, the ideal has been adopted by the server industry as a design goal to further optimize the energy efficiency of their servers. There have also been studies on how energy proportionality has evolved over time. However, most of these efforts assume linear proportionality. Must energy proportionality be linear? In this paper we look into this problem. We analyze 410 SPECpower_ssj2008 benchmark results published from 2007 to 2012, and find that modern servers have pushed server energy proportionality from linear to quadratic. We also observe a strong correlation in time between this change and dynamic over-clocking (such as Intel Turbo Boost). We present all these findings in the paper, along with discussions on the implications of super-linearity in server energy proportionality.
Epidemiology of subway-related fatalities in New York City, 1990-2003.

Abstract Problem Subway transit is a relatively safe mode of transportation, yet compared to all other forms of mass transit in the United States (U.S.), subways have the highest fatality rate. The aim of this paper is to characterize subway-related fatalities in order to identify opportunities for risk reduction. Method Medical examiner records for all New York City (NYC) subway-related deaths (1990-2003) were reviewed. Data were abstracted on decedents' demographics and autopsy findings, including laboratory findings. Results There were 668 subway-related fatalities, of these, 10 (1.5%) were homicides, 343 (51.3%) were determined to be suicides, and 315 (47.2%) were accidental. Although decedent characteristics varied between fatality categories, they were not particularly informative with regard to prevention. Conclusion Prevention strategies that focus on structural controls are likely to be most efficacious in improving the overall safety of the NYC subway systems. Impact on industry These findings suggest that structural rather than individual-level interventions would be most successful in preventing subway fatalities.
Design and testing of a prototype transmission-based robot servoactuator

A novel actuator concept has been developed and prototyped. By integrating a multi-speed transmission with a high performance permanent magnet DC servomotor, it has been shown that an electrical drive can provide power/torque density and physical size that approaches the capabilities of electrohydraulics. Preliminary experimental tests of the prototype are encouraging and the first steps toward verifying the concept.
Screening for Child-Reported Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Primary Care Pediatrics

In light of the findings that mother-completed checklists do not adequately reflect children's perceptions of their own adjustment, two child-completed questionnaires were assessed as screening measures for behavioral or emotional problems with 50 children seen for well-child examinations. Case criterion was child-reported DSM-III symptoms through a clinical interview. Support was provided for the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale but not the Children's Depression Inventory as a child-reported screening measure. Moreover, the findings indicated that both mother-completed and child-completed measures are needed to screen adequately for behavioral or emotional problems of children seen in a primary care pediatric clinic.
Quality issues in the use of ion mobility spectrometry

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is often used in the detection of explosives and drugs in the laboratory and field scenarios. It is gaining popularity in the semiquantitative analysis of these and related compounds. We have successfully used IMS in studies with cocaine, 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene (TNT) and similar chemicals, and have developed a protocol to access and ensure the quality of our data. This protocol employs TNT as the reference standard in the IMS negative mode and cocaine hydrochloride as the reference standard in the IMS positive mode. A five-point calibration curve is normally generated for each reference compound in order to determine a concentration level suitable for quality control (QC) check solutions. We have established peak amplitudes and reduced mobility constants for the QC solutions that must be met each day before proceeding with analyses. Any deviation from these criteria requires assessment of the problem and appropriate corrective action. We have found this procedure helpful in maintaining data quality, and in providing an early indication of potential problems. The present paper focuses on the use of IMS with explosives though several examples are given with cocaine hydrochloride.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Changes in U.S. trade policies: the wealth effects on Japanese steel firms

Abstract This paper tests the claims of recent theoretical studies that foreign producers are able to capture the economic rents created by U.S. trade restrictions. We test directly whether Japanese steel producers experience wealth gains when U.S. trade policies are implemented. The results from both a portfolio and an individual firm analysis do not support the theoretical arguments that foreign firms capture a share of the economic rents. Instead, we find that the Japanese steel firms experienced wealth losses as a result of the imposition of the U.S. trade policies. We also find that the effect of the protection varies depending on the type of policy and the type of Japanese steel producer.
A 10 µs hybrid optical-circuit/electrical-packet network for datacenters

We built and evaluated a hybrid electrical-packet/optical-circuit network for datacenters using a 10 μs optical circuit switch using wavelength-selective switches based on binary MEMs. This network has the potential to support large-scale, dynamic datacenter workloads.
Synthesis of (-)-fortamine and (+)-2-deoxyfortamine from resolved 3S,4S-N-carbomethoxy-3-aminocyclohexen-4-ol

Abstract A three step sequence (Scheme I) starting with racemic 3,4-epoxycyclohexene (5) and (S)-α-methylbenzylamine gave 3S,4S-N-carbomethoxy-3-aminocydohexen-4-ol (10) with chromatographic removal of the undesired 3R,4R byproduct. The absolute configuration of 10 was established by x-ray crystallographic analysis of its precursor, 6 (as the HCl salt). Resolved 10 was converted to the aminocyditols (-)-fortamine (1) and (+)-2-deoxyfortamine (2) by efficient routes which parallel those previously developed in the racemic series.
A diffusion and reaction model for simple polycondensation

Abstract The class of continuous film-forming reactors used in the diffusion limited stages of polycondensation processes can be modeled approximately as a finite thickness slab in which reaction and simultaneous diffusion of the volatile by-product toward the free surface must be coupled with a step to account for periodic mixing of the film. Solutions of the resulting partial differential equation model are shown to correlate adequately by a single algebraic equation over a wide range of values of the three independent parameters. Rearrangement of this “ mixing film model” into an “efficiency factor” yields an expression for the importance of diffusional resistances in the reactor.
Surgical stapling devices in veterinary medicine: a review.

Objectives— To review indications, benefits, and complications of surgical stapling in animals. Study Design— Literature review. Results— Benefits and complications of surgical stapling depend on the procedure performed. Use of surgical staplers does not improve wound strength but may decrease surgical time. Clinical Relevance— In patients at significant risk for intraoperative contamination or morbidity from prolonged anesthesia time, use of stapling devices should be considered.
Quality of Life in Atrial Fibrillation: Measurement Tools and Impact of Interventions

Quality of life (QoL) is of central importance in atrial fibrillation as both a treatment goal and an endpoint in the evaluation of new therapies. QoL appears to be impaired in the majority of patients with AF. A number of interventions for AF have been shown to improve QoL, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic rate control, antiarrhythmic drugs, and nonpharmacologic rhythm control strategies. This paper will review the rationale, design, strengths, and limitations of the questionnaires most commonly used to assess QoL in AF studies, and present QoL outcomes from major studies of AF interventions.
Polymer Wire Chemical Sensor Using a Microfabricated Tuning Fork

We have measured the mechanical properties of a polymer wire bridged across the two prongs of a microfabricated tuning fork. The polymer wire is formed by stretching so that it has a built-in mechanical stress. Upon exposure to organic vapors, the stress in the polymer wire diminishes, which is sensitively detected from the changes in the resonance of the tuning fork. We have also shown that by trimming the polymer wire from micrometers down to nanometers the sensitivity and response improve considerably because of an increased surface-to-volume ratio and sharper resonance of the polymer wire-tuning fork system.
Some comments on the Arcan mixed-mode (I/II) test specimen☆

Although the Arcan specimen has been used frequently for mixed-mode crack growth testing using single-axis servohydraulic test equipment, the specimen and its commonly-used fixturing have features and behaviors that have implications to the proper understanding of results garnered from their use. These implications extend to hardware issues as well, as the Arcan specimen (when mounted at off-axis angles) can generate significant and even potentially damaging side loads on the load frame actuator. This paper discusses a number of the issues associated with the Arcan specimen and Arcan testing.
Assessing social dominance in pairs of male rats by measuring weight gain

It was found that pairs of male rats exhibit the same dominance hierarchy competing for food as evidenced in competition for water. There was, however, greater stability in the hierarchy competing for food than competing for water. Both measures of dominance examined in this study, percent gain in weight and actual gain in weight, appear to be more reliable and perhaps more meaningful measures of dominance than time spent at food cup or judgments as to which rat is the dominant member of the pair.
Timing of calcium hydroxide therapy in the treatment of root resorption in replanted teeth in dogs

The effect of time of the onset of calcium hydroxide (CH) pulpectomy on root resorption of 31 permanent dog incisors was investigated. CH pulpectomy was delayed 4, 9, 14 and 18 days after the teeth were extracted and replanted. Control teeth were replanted 1) without pulpectomy, 2) with a pulpectomy only or 3) with a pulpectomy and CH filling. All teeth were prepared for histologic evaluation 8 weeks after the teeth were replanted. Cross section were examined using a computer microscope and linear (micron) and/or square areas (micron 2) of surface (SRR), inflammatory (IRR), and replacement (RRR) root resorption were calculated. From this data the percentage of linear and area resorption was averaged for each group. Duncan multiple range t-test (P < or = 0.05) revealed that teeth in which a pulpectomy with CH filling was done extraorally had significantly greater SRR than the rest of the groups; teeth in which a pulpectomy without CH filling was done extraorally had significantly greater RRR than teeth in which CH pulpectomy was delayed for 18 days; there was no significant difference in SRR, IRR or RRR when CH placement was delayed 4, 9, 14 or 18 days after replantation. Although it was not significant the overall resorption was least when CH pulpectomy was delayed 18 days.
Low-density microcellular polymer foams: Applications in biomaterials

Microcellular polymer foams are of interest as biomaterials for uses such as artificial skin, synthetic vascular replacements, artificial organs, and for use in permeable drug delivery systems. This report describes the use of thermally induced phase separation as a technology by which a variety of polymer foams can be prepared. This process permits control of foam morphology, cell size, and density. The phase separation process results in fully open-celled foam structures. Additives such as small molecules and functionalized polymers have been incorporated into these microcellular foams resulting in polymer surfaces with controlled porosity and chemical modification. Microcellular polyurethane foams, with chemically modified surfaces, have potential application as small diameter vascular replacements. 6 refs., 3 figs.
A stable GaAs 6-20 GHz high gain and power TWA

A stable power cascode distributed amplifier is demonstrated over the 6 to 20 GHz band. This monolithic GaAs traveling wave amplifier exhibits a minimum gain above 11 dB with +or-0.5 dB of gain flatness over the band. The output power at the 1 dB gain compression point is over 24 dBm at 20 GHz. The input/output return loss is better than 12 dB over the band. This chip was fabricated using a 0.4 mu m MESFET process and measures 3.02 mm*0.89 mm (area of 2.7 mm/sup 2/). This power wideband amplifier employs 7 cascode stages. The excellent performance is achieved with specially chosen transmission lines connecting the second gates and vias of each stage. This technique yields stability along with higher gain and power by eliminating the need for damping networks. >
The New Macroeconomics of Agriculture

Most of the literature on the macroeconomics of U.S. agriculture is cast in the context of a closed economy. Moreover, it considers a world in which there is rapid technological change, and focuses on the problems involved in the so-called agricultural transformation the process whereby an important share of the agricultural labor force is transferred out of agriculture and new modern inputs produced in the nonfarm sector are introduced Consequently , it tends to ignore our linkages to an international economy, and focuses instead on the secular income problems that agriculture faces as it is subjected to the processes of economic growth.
Setting reactions in dental amalgam. Part 2. The kinetics of amalgamation.

The literature on the setting mechanisms of dental amalgams made from powders of silver-rich alloys of tin and/or copper has been critically reviewed. Part 2 is a review of the kinetics of the reactions that convert the mixture of alloy powder and liquid mercury to hardened amalgam containing the phases and microstructures described in Part I . It is emphasized that amalgamation is a non-equilbrium process in which hardened microstructures are determined as much by kinetics as by chemistry. The setting reaction begins with dissolution of silver and tin into liquid mercury; most of the product phases precipitate in the liquid mercury. The processes that produce supersaturation in the liquid mercury and the subsequent nucleation and growth of solid phases are considered. Mass balance relationships that provide insight into the factors that control the volume fraction of the undesirable γ2 Sn-Hg phase are described. The nucleation and growth of η' Cu-Sn crystals are also discussed : it is found that these cr...
Progress in atmospheric adaptive optics

Significant advances have been made in the development and performance of large scale adaptive optical systems in recent years. Technological innovations in sensors, processors, wave front correctors, and laser guide stars have all contributed to the rapid growth of adaptive optics as an enabling technology for ground based optical astronomy in the 21st century.
Novel projection pursuit indices for feature extraction and classification: An inter-comparison in a remote sensing application

Projection pursuit (PP) techniques are used to search for statistically interesting low-dimensional projections of complex, high-dimensional data. These projections reveal data structure useful for automatic classification applications. We derive a novel class of PP algorithms, comparing them with known PP algorithms. Texture-based cloud detection in airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) imagery from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is provided as a basis for inter-comparison.
Positioning and integrating medication therapy management.

Abstract Objectives To summarize findings from medication therapy management (MTM) “environmental scans” conducted from 2007 through 2010, interpret findings from the environmental scans using insights gained from the Future of MTM Roundtable convened in October 2010, and propose ideas for future positioning and integrating of MTM programs in the U.S. health care system. Methods Data for the environmental scans were collected from purposive samples of MTM pharmacist providers and MTM payers throughout the United States using self-administered online surveys in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Results Based on the findings, it appears that MTM is becoming more developed and that some aspects of MTM have become established within the organizations that are providing and paying for these programs. However, the findings also revealed that a need exists to better integrate MTM between organizations and patients serviced (business-to-consumer relationships), between partnering organizations (business-to-business relationships), and between collaborating practitioners (peer-to-peer relationships). Conclusion The findings suggest that a “channel of distribution” is emerging in which organizational relationships and cost efficiencies will be important considerations in the near term. We propose that applying (1) customer portfolio management and (2) transaction cost economics would help improve positioning and integrating MTM into the U.S. health care system.
Traumatic hypopituitarism due to maternal uterine leiomyomas

Hypopituitarism has been associated with different types of head trauma including traumatic delivery. We report a case of hypopituitarism in a boy with a history of induced traumatic labor associated with maternal uterine leiomyomas. He also had head and face deformations that were apparently caused by spatial restriction due to the enlarging leiomyomas while the patient was growing in utero. Trauma to the pituitary stalk could have occurred by cerebral entrapment and the pressures of labor. Although hypopituitarism has been associated with traumatic delivery and breech delivery, there are no reported cases related to uterine leiomyomas.
Future Spin Experiments at SLAC

A series of three photo‐production experiments using a new polarized coherent quasi‐mono‐energetic photon beam have been approved at SLAC. Experiment E159 will measure the high energy end of the GDH sum rule. E160 will measure the A dependence of J/Ψ and Ψ′ to determine ordinary nuclear attenuation and compare with that observed in heavy ion collisions. E161 will measure the gluon polarization in the nucleon using open charm production.
Stochastic recruitment: Controlling state distribution among swarms of hybrid agents

This paper introduces a control architecture for centrally controlling the ensemble behavior of many identical agents. A swarm of robots or other agents performing a variety of tasks is often modeled as a collection of hybrid-state agents, whose discrete switching behaviors are controlled by finite state machines. The number of agents in the swarm in a particular discrete state is a function of the rate at which agents transition between state. These state transitions are often modeled as stochastic interactions with the environment. We show that effective control over the distribution of agents in each discrete state can be achieved by designing the agents to transition between tasks randomly, according to a centrally determined state transition probability graph. The centrally-determined policy varies with time and with feedback information by rebroadcasting the probability graph to all agents. Feedback policies will be presented for the case in which the central controller has limited or no knowledge of the states of each agent.