cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-variance matrix adaptation evolution strategy for pavement backcalculation

Abstract The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) is the foremost and widely accepted tool for characterizing the deflection basins of pavements in a non-destructive manner. The FWD pavement deflection data are used to determine the in situ mechanical properties (elastic moduli) of the pavement layers through inverse analysis, a process commonly referred to as backcalculation (B/C). Several B/C methodologies have been proposed over the years, each with individual strengths and weaknesses. Hybrid methods (combining two methods or more) are recently proposed for overcoming problems posed by stand-alone methods, while extracting and compounding the benefits that are individually offered. This paper proposes a novel hybrid strategy that integrates co-variance matrix Adaptation (CMA) evolution strategy, Finite element (FE) modeling with neural networks (NN) non-linear mapping for backcalculation of non-linear, stress dependent pavement layer moduli. The resulting strategy, referred as CMANIA (CMA with neural networks for inverse analysis) is applied for asphalt pavement moduli backcalculation and is compared with a conventional B/C approach. Results demonstrate the superiority of this method in terms of higher accuracy, achieving nearer to global solutions, better computational speed, and robustness in predicting the pavement layer moduli over the conventional methods.
15N in soil research: appropriate application of rate estimation procedures

Abstract In soil research, 15N has most often been used to quantify the fate and efficiency of applied fertilizers. Useful information has been gained from these studies, but the greater power of 15N experiments, the ability to estimate gross rates, has been exploited less. Analytical solutions for differential equations describing mineralization and immobilization processes are an efficient means to obtain rate estimates, provided that certain important assumptions are met. Through the use of data from simulation models, we identified some of the conditions under which analytical solutions do, or do not, yield good estimates. These studies indicated that serious rate estimation errors are more likely to arise from an incorrect assumption about system structure than either (1) the use of incorrect kinetic order or (2) perturbations caused by the introduction of tracer atoms. Non-linear regression, coupled to numerical simulation, was explored as an alternative to analytical rate equations. Simulation is recommended as an aid to system identification, whereas non-linear regression is used to estimate rates and pool sizes, while providing an indication of statistical reliability. Non-linear regression is particularly useful in estimating rates of slower processes and difficult to measure pool sizes.
The influence of clouds and water vapor on atmospheric absorption

Observations during a field experiment in Oklahoma in the fall of 1995 have been analyzed to show the influence of clouds and water vapor on broadband absorption of solar radiation in the atmosphere. The fraction of solar flux incident at the top of the atmosphere absorbed during 34 days was 0.24±0.04. For a 7-day subset during which skies were clear, it was 0.22±0.02. Both clouds and water vapor contribute to day-to-day variability. The water vapor effect is systematic, increasing absorption by 0.04-0.05 per g cm -2 increase of column water vapor. Clouds, on the other hand, increase or decrease total column absorption, depending on cloud configuration. Most of the average cloud effect is due to water vapor, which was highly correlated with cloud amount during the experiment. Overall, model calculations underestimate atmospheric absorption by 0.06, with 25-55% of the discrepancy associated with water vapor, ∼15% with clouds, and the remaining 30-60% independent of either variable.
Making memories stick: cell-adhesion molecules in synaptic plasticity

Synapses are adhesive junctions highly specialized for interneuronal signalling in the central nervous system. The strength of the synaptic signal can be modified (synaptic plasticity), a key feature of the cellular changes thought to underlie learning and memory. Cell-adhesion molecules are important constituents of synapses, with well-recognized roles in building and maintaining synaptic structure during brain development. However, growing evidence indicates that cell-adhesion molecules also play important and diverse roles in regulating synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms through which adhesion molecules might regulate synaptic plasticity.
Outcome after radical cystectomy in patients with clinical T2 bladder cancer in whom neoadjuvant chemotherapy has failed

OBJECTIVE To analyse the outcome after radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with clinical T2 bladder cancer not responding to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). PATIENTS AND METHODS In a retrospective analysis, study patients received NAC for clinical T2 disease before RC and a control group had RC for clinical T2 disease with no NAC. Patients treated with NAC were further grouped based on the pathological response; failure to respond was defined as ‘no change in T stage or a higher T stage in the RC specimen (≥pT2)’, and the relevant clinical and pathological data were analysed. RESULTS In all, 53 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria for the study group and 200 for the control group. In the study group 18 (34%) responded to NAC (group 1) of whom 11 (61%) were pT0 and seven (39%) pT1, and among the non-responders (group 2) 19 (54%) were pT3/pT4 and 16 (46%) were pT2; 16 (46%) patients in group 2 had lymph node metastasis. The mean follow-up was 26 months. In group 2, local recurrence occurred in six (17%) vs none in group 1. Seven patients (20%) in group 2 developed metastases, vs one (5%) in group 1 (P = 0.01). The 5-year disease-free survival was significantly lower for group 2 (40%) than group 1 (91%, P = 0.007) and the control group (67%, P = 0.04). There were 14 deaths from bladder cancer in group 2, vs one in group I (P = 0.01). The 5-year disease-specific survival was significantly lower for group 2 (52%) than group 1 (83%, P = 0.008) and the control group (70%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION A lack of response to NAC is associated with a significantly higher local and distant recurrence, and with lower survival.
Conditions for start-up in crystal oscillators

The influence of parasitic elements on crystal oscillator start-up is examined. Both theoretical analysis and computer simulation are used to identify circuit parameters affecting oscillator start-up and methods of ensuring reliable operation are indicated. The results are verified by experimental measurements.
Electrolyte disturbances associated with cancer

Abstract Changes in electrolyte metabolism in patients with neoplastic disease can be divided into three categories: 1. 1. Alterations resulting from mechanical interference by the tumor with the function of an organ. 2. 2. Abnormalities in electrolyte metabolism observed in patients with chronic disease, inanition and wasting. 3. 3. Alterations in electrolyte metabolism resulting from humoral or hormonal action of the tumor itself. Secretion of ACTH by tumors of various organs has been established and is responsible for the development of hypokalemic alkalosis. Secretion of ADH induced by tumors of the bronchus and the brain has been described in patients with hyponatremia and urinary sodium loss.
Solubilities of Magnesia, Titania, and Magnesium Titanate in Aluminum Oxide

On heat treatment in air the solubility of MgO or TiO2, in Al23 is too small to detect by lattice parameter shifts. The solubility of MgTiO3 in Al2O3 in air increased to the measured values, expressed as atomic fractions Mg:A1or Ti:A1of0.82 × lo-2, 1.43 × 10-2, and 1.75 × 10-2 at 1250°, 1650°, and 1850°C, respectively. In 1 atm hydrogen the TiO2 solubility expressed as the atomic fraction Ti:A1 is 0.55 × lo-2, 0.75 × 10W2, 1.15 × 10-2, and 1.50 × 10p2 at 1400°, 1500°, 1600°, and 1700°C, respectively. The increased solubility in H2 was attributed to reduction of the titanium ion. The solubility of MgO in A12O3 in vacuum (0.3μ)expressed as the atomic fraction Mg:A1 was measured as 1.10 × loW4, 3.00 × 10”4, 6.80 × 10–4, and 1.40 × 10-3 at 1530°, 1630°, 1730°, and 183O°C, respectively. These contents did not cause an observable change in lattice parameter, but a slight change was observed when MgO was dissolved in A12O3 in a hydrogen atmosphere.
The Determination of the Food Grade of Streams

Abstract The volume and number of organisms per unit area of bottom is now widely used in determining the relative richness of streams. The food grade determined by the volume of organisms in square-foot samples is an important factor in the calculations used to determine the number of fish to plant per mile of stream. In spite of the fact that thousands of dollars may be wasted by making an incorrect estimate no one seems to have investigated some of the fundamental problems involved in the determinations. Some of these problems are: (1) What is an adequate sample; how many square-foot samples are needed to afford a reliable estimate? (2) What is the seasonal fluctuation in food organisms; can samples taken at different seasons be used as reliable estimates? (3) Do all the organisms taken in the samples become available to the same extent to the particular species of fish a stream is to support. Preliminary findings of the Laboratory have shown that there is considerable variation in the food grade as de...
Solid phase synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-4-pyridones: Reaction of Danishefsky's diene with polymer-bound imines

An efficient method for the construction of 2,3-dihydro-4-pyridones on solid support has been developed, which utilized the Lewis-acid catalyzed tandem Mannich-Michael reaction of Danishefsky's diene with polymer-bound aldimines.
Cartilage shear dynamics during tibio-femoral articulation: effect of acute joint injury and tribosupplementation on synovial fluid lubrication.

Summary Objective To determine the effects of acute injury and tribosupplementation by hyaluronan (HA) on synovial fluid (SF) modulation of cartilage shear during tibio-femoral articulation. Methods Human osteochondral blocks from the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) and tibial plateau (LTP) were apposed, compressed 13%, and subjected to sliding under video microscopy. Tests were conducted with equine SF from normal joints (NL-SF), SF from acutely injured joints (AI-SF), and AI-SF to which HA was added (AI-SF+HA). Local and overall shear strain ( E xz ) and the lateral displacement (Δ x ) at which E xz reached 50% of peak values (Δ x 1/2 ) were determined. Results During articulation, LFC and LTP cartilage E xz increased with Δ x and peaked when surfaces slid, with peak E xz being maintained during sliding. With AI-SF as lubricant, surface and overall Δ x 1/2 were ∼40% and ∼20% higher, respectively, than values with NL-SF and AI-SF+HA as lubricant. Also, peak E xz was markedly higher with AI-SF as lubricant than with NL-SF as lubricant, both near the surface (∼80%) and overall (50–200%). Following HA supplementation to AI-SF, E xz was reduced from values with AI-SF alone by 30–50% near the surface and 20–30% overall. Magnitudes of surface and overall E xz were markedly (∼50 to 80%) higher in LTP cartilage than LFC cartilage for all lubricants. Conclusion Acute injury impairs SF function, elevating cartilage E xz markedly during tibio-femoral articulation; such elevated E xz may contribute to post-injury associated cartilage degeneration. Since HA partially restores the function of AI-SF, as indicated by E xz , tribosupplements may be beneficial in modulating normal cartilage homeostasis.
Using membership fees to increase customer loyalty

Reports on a preliminary study which examined the impact of membership fees on consumer attitude and choice. Consumers participated in a computerized simulated shopping experiment in which repetitive choices were made from a set of videotape rental stores. Paying a membership fee had a short‐term impact on attitudes and choice. It is suggested that it is often a wise practice for retailers to build membership fees (even very small ones) into their pricing structure. Paying such a fee appears to make consumers resistant to the offers of competitors in the short run and may provide some insulation from competitive attacks.
Influences of pituitary-adrenal hormones on kindling.

Summary The kindling process represents a progressively augmenting electrical and behavioral response to brain stimulation, that has been proposed as a model for the development of epileptogenesis. The first experiment examined the effects of hypophysectomy on the kindling process. The effects of hypophysectomy were found to be dependent on the number of days between hypophysectomy and the beginning of kindling. The kindling rate was slowed, compared to intact controls, when hypophysectomy was performed less than 2 weeks prior to the first kindling stimulation. However, if more than 4 weeks had passed since hypophysectomy, the kindling rate was faster than that of intact controls. The second experiment tested the influence of systemic administration of cortisone (10 mg/animal), upon kindling of control and hypophysectomized animals. Cortisone was found to reverse the kindling deficit of hypophysectomized animals at less than 2 weeks and to slow kindling of intact controls, but to have no effect on hypophysectomized animals at more than 4 weeks (at this dose). These results are interpreted as indicating that pituitary-adrenal hormones have profound influences on the kindling process, but it is unclear whether the influence is upon brain excitability or more directly upon modification of synaptic function.
Multiple-object geometric deformable model for segmentation of macular OCT

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the de facto standard imaging modality for ophthalmological assessment of retinal eye disease, and is of increasing importance in the study of neurological disorders. Quantification of the thicknesses of various retinal layers within the macular cube provides unique diagnostic insights for many diseases, but the capability for automatic segmentation and quantification remains quite limited. While manual segmentation has been used for many scientific studies, it is extremely time consuming and is subject to intra- and inter-rater variation. This paper presents a new computational domain, referred to as flat space, and a segmentation method for specific retinal layers in the macular cube using a recently developed deformable model approach for multiple objects. The framework maintains object relationships and topology while preventing overlaps and gaps. The algorithm segments eight retinal layers over the whole macular cube, where each boundary is defined with subvoxel precision. Evaluation of the method on single-eye OCT scans from 37 subjects, each with manual ground truth, shows improvement over a state-of-the-art method.
Nutritive value of cashewnut extraction meal

Chemical analysis has shown that cashewnut meal extracted from whole kernels contains about 42% crude protein, about 1% crude lipid, a low content of crude fibre and 0.5 and 0.2% calcium and phosphorus, respectively. The meal has good quality protein containing 4.6% lysine, 1.3% tryptophan, about 2% cystine, and 1.6% methionine. The content of sulphur-containing amino acids is higher than that of soyabean and groundnut meals. The meal from cashewnut is shown to be superior to that of soyabean meal, judging from the weight gains obtained and‘protein score’calculated at 97 for cashew and 93 for soyabean meal.
Loneliness in older persons: a theoretical model and empirical findings.

Background: This study examines predictors of loneliness among low-income older adults through a framework named MODEL (Model of Depression and Loneliness), which we developed to address the need for a comprehensive and intervention-oriented theory of loneliness in old age. The framework is rooted in a cognitive-behavioral theory that conceptualizes behaviors as resulting from an interaction of cognitive processes and environmental events.Methods: 161 residents of five independent-living buildings for low-income older adults in Maryland were interviewed individually. The assessments were based on the theoretical framework, MODEL, which describes the influences that environmental resources, health, and psychological factors have on loneliness and depression.Results: MODEL explained a large percentage of the variance of both loneliness and depressed affect. Of all the barriers examined in the present study, our findings suggest that psychosocial factors/barriers have the strongest influence in the etiology of loneliness.Conclusion: In this population of low-income older persons, the importance of new contacts, mobility, and financial resources in predicting loneliness suggests that preventive social services should target these factors in developing opportunities for socialization.
Materials science in aquacultural engineering

Abstract The pertinent strength and durability properties of metallic and nonmetallic materials used in the construction of aquacultural systems are outlined. Recent advances in maximizing the performance of materials for components such as nets, cages, floats and screens used in floating systems are reviewed. Materials requirements are discussed for rigid versus flexible systems and for minimizing problems in marine systems caused by biofouling. Components of fixed structures such as water intake and supply lines, pumps and pond systems are also considered. Materials selection for aquacultural systems is ussed in terms of trade-offs between durability and performance on the one hand and capital and maintenance costs on the other. New developments in both metallic and nonmetallic composite materials and in seawater resistant stainless stells may benefit aquacultural engineering in the future.
SU‐FF‐T‐172: MU Reduction in Different Aperture Based Optimization Systems

Purpose: Depending on the different algorithms utilized in the direct aperture based optimization (DAO), the MU reduction may not be always guaranteed. The purpose of this study is to compare two commercially implemented DAO optimization methods, particularly investigating the difference in MU reduction. Materials and Methods: The Prowess and Pinnacle treatment planning systems were used for this study. Five nasopharynx patients, who underwent IMRT with DAO‐pinnacle plans, were randomly selected for this study. Using the Prowess treatment planning system, additional DAO‐IMRT plans for these patients were created with the same treatment planning goals and the similar delivery parameters, including the number of beams and the number of total segments. Furthermore, the Prowess DAO‐IMRT plans were recalculated in the Pinnacle system to eliminate difference in dose calculation algorithms. The IMRT plans were compared based on criteria of RTOG 0225 protocol, plan conformal indices, and homogeneity indices, and the total MUs. Results: Both types of DAO‐IMRT plans achieved similar planning goals and met with the requirement of RTOG 0225 protocol. The average total monitor unit in Prowess plan is much less than that of Pinnacle plans, 623 MU versus 1097 MU. Further analysis revealed that the most frequent segment size used in the pinnacle plans was in the range of 10 cm2 to 40 cm2 while the most frequent segment size in Prowess plans was in the range of 40 cm2 to 200 cm2. The most frequent MU/segment size ratio for the pinnacle plans was peak at 2.0 compared to the peak of 0.08 for the prowess plans, indicating large percentage of total MUs attribute to the small size segments. Conclusions: While achieving similar IMRT plan quality using similar delivery parameters in DAO IMRT plans, the level of MU reduction can be significantly varied between the different DAO optimization algorithms.
The Social History of British Medicine: An Essay Review

L'auteur propose une analyse des oeuvres majeures parues sur le theme de l'histoire de la medecine en Grande-Bretagne. En proposant une synthese bibliographique des ouvrages concernant la sante publique et l'histoire sociale de la medecine, il parvient a determiner l'orientation des historiens dans le traitement de ces themes.
Acylations of 1,10-dilithiophenothiazine. A new synthesis of 1-formylphenothiazine

The synthesis of 1-formyl-, 1-benzyyl-, 1-anisoyl-, and 1-nicotinyl-phenothiazines (1–4) resulting from the reaction of the corresponding amids with 1,10-dilithiophenothiazine (5) is reported. The site of attachment on 1,10-dilithiophenothiazine, based on the nature of some different acylating reagents, is also discussed.
Oscillation and integral norms of coefficients in second-order differential equations

Abstract By theorems of Sturm and Lyapunov, the L ∞ and L 1 norms of the coefficient q in a differential equation u ″ + q ( t ) u = 0 limit the oscillation of nontrivial solutions. This paper establishes similar results for the L p norms when 1 p ∞ .
The role of symmetry in shape perception.

Abstract Five experiments are reported that test a symmetry theory of contextual effects on the perceived shape of a class of ambiguous figures. The theory assumes that at least some aspects of shape perception necessarily take place within a perceptual reference frame and that the choice of frame is strongly biased toward axes of global symmetry. The amount of bias produced by configural symmetries was determined for a shape discrimination task by measuring reaction times to distriminate the shape of a target figure (as a square or a diamond) when it is embedded in contexts with horizontal and vertical symmetries versus left and right diagonal ones. Experiments 1 and 2 used configural lines of squares/diamonds to demonstrate that performance is much worse when symmetries exist only along diagonals and to establish that the present configural bias in shape perception is closely related to those previously demonstrated in perceived pointing of ambiguous triangles (Palmer and Bucher 1981). Experiment 3 generalizes the phenomenon along lines predicted by the symmetry theory by showing that the same results are obtained for discriminating a plus-sign (+) from the letter ‘X’ in configural arrays. Experiments 4 and 5 generalize it further by showing that the same kinds of bias effects can be produced by other symmetrical contexts: rectangular frames, bisecting lines, and stripes inside a single square/diamond. These results are interpreted as supporting the assumptions of the symmetry theory with the provision that local as well as global axes of symmetry are important.
Alfred Sutro, Marie Stopes, and her Vectia

A somewhat unlikely conjunction of personalities involving Marie Stopes, well-known sexologist and birth control advocate, and Alfred Sutro, writer of society dramas for London's West End, occurred during the last weeks of 1927. Part of the story has been told by Marie Stopes's biographer Ruth Hall, but hitherto unpublished letters from the vast Stopes Collection and elsewhere fill in the outlines of the brief, revealing encounter.
Using the personal software process to motivate good programming practices

A reduced form of the Personal Software Process was used in two introductory programming courses to help students learn the value of a proper programming methodology. Students collected data during the development of their programming projects and that data was summarised and presented to the class as a whole. From the data, students were able to conclude on their own the value of early software development stages (planning, design and review) in reducing debugging time and in producing better quality software.
Theory and experimental requirements of imperfect two-qubit linear optical photonic gates

We propose an experiment in Linear Optical Quantum Computing (LOQC) in the style rst suggested by Knill, La amme, and Milburn. This experiment is intended to test the theories proposed in the authors' previous work on imperfect LOQC gates using number-resolving photon-detectors. We develop a simple physical apparatus capable of producing controllable delity less than 1 and success rates higher than the current theoretical maximum (S=2/27) for perfect delity. This experimental setup is within the reach of many experimental groups and would provide an interesting experiment in photon-based quantum computing.
In situ evidence of rapid, vertical, irreversible transport of lower tropospheric air into the lower tropical stratosphere by convective cloud turrets and by larger-scale upwelling in tropical cyclones

The STEP tropical objectives were successfully met during the flight experiments conducted from Darwin, Australia, January 16 to February 16, 1987. Necessary and sufficient measurements were made in, above, and downwind from very cold cirrus clouds, produced by three convective cloud types, to demonstrate irreversible mass transports into and dehydration in the lower tropical stratosphere. The three types are defined and described in terms of the physical processes that produce them and illustrated by examples derived from in situ and remote measurements. Intense solar heating is shown to produce, in addition to the usual vertical, sea breeze circulations normal to the coastline, an unusual pair of continental spanning, horizontal circulations. An upper tropospheric-lower stratospheric anticyclonic circulation, inclined upward toward the tropics, contributes to the dehydration of dissipating cirrus anvils and intensifies the upper level, tropical easterlies. The lower tropospheric cyclonic circulation with tropical westerlies and extratropical easterlies is in direct conflict with the normal tropical easterlies and extratropical westerlies. Impulsive switches between these two opposing lower-level wind systems create conditions favorable for each of these cloud types and explain the summer season's aperiodic variability.
Brain angiotensin type 1 receptor expression and function in the Zucker obese rat.

The Zucker obese rat is a model with predisposition for hypertension. There is evidence that angiotensin II (ANG II) may play a role in the maintenance of this hypertension. However, the potential role of brain ANG II in this regard has been largely unexplored. The aim of the present study was to compare the pressor response produced by i.c.v. injection of ANG II in Zucker obese and lean rats, and to determine if functional differences could be correlated to changes in brain AT1 receptor protein and/or mRNA expression. The Zucker obese rat had a significantly greater increase in blood pressure after i.c.v. injection of ANG II compared to the lean rat. AT1 receptor protein expression was greater in the brainstem, but not the hypothalamus, of the obese rat. These data raise the possibility that increased central responsiveness to ANG II may play a role in the predisposition of the Zucker obese rat to hypertension.
On the Cascade Decomposition of Prefix Automata

Perles, Rabin and Shamir conceived prefix automata as realizations of k-definite deterministic automata. The structure theory of deterministic automata as developed by Zeiger reveals that a prefix automaton may be decomposed into a cascade of reset machines.
Roles of DNA Fragmentation Factor and Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 in Sensitization of Fibroblasts to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Induced Apoptosis

Abstract DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) comprises DFF45 and DFF40 subunits, the former of which acts as an inhibitor of the latter (the catalytic subunit) and whose cleavage by caspase-3 results in DFF activation. Disruption of the DFF45 gene blocks the generation of 50-kb DNA fragments and confers resistance to apoptosis. We recently suggested that the early fragmentation of DNA by DFF and the consequent activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase–1 (PARP-1), mitochondrial dysfunction, and activation of caspase-3 contribute to an amplification loop in the apoptotic process. To verify the existence of such a loop, we have now examined the effects of restoring DFF expression in DFF45-deficient fibroblasts. Co-transfection of mouse DFF45−/− fibroblasts with plasmids encoding human DFF40 and DFF45 reversed the apoptosis resistance normally observed in these cells. The DFF45−/− cells regained the ability to fragment their DNA into 50-kb pieces in response to TNF, which resulted in a marked activation of PARP-1 and a concomitant depletion of intracellular NAD. DFF expression also resulted in an increase both in cytochrome c release into the cytosol and in caspase-3 activation triggered by TNF. These results support the importance of DFF, PARP-1, mitochondria, and caspase-3 in an amplification phase of TNF–induced apoptosis.
Formation of Neutral and Cationic Methyl Derivatives of Titanium Containing Cyclopentadienyl and Aryloxide Ancillary Ligation

The series of dimethyltitanium compounds [CpTi(OAr)Me2], ligated by one cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and one 2,6-disubstituted aryloxide (OAr), have been prepared by the reaction of [CpTi(OAr)Cl2] with 2 equiv of LiMe or by the addition of parent phenol (HOAr) to a cold ether solution of [CpTiMe3]. The compounds are stable, except for those containing less bulky o-methyl substituents; the compounds [CpTi(OC6H2Me2-2,6-X-4)Me2] (X = H (19), Br (20)) undergo ligand exchange to produce [CpTi(OC6H2Me2-2,6-X-4)2Me] (X = H (22), Br (23)) and [CpTiMe3]. X-ray crystal structures have been obtained for the dimethyl compounds [CpTi(OC6H2Np-2-But2-4,6)Me2] (13), [CpTi(OC6H2{C10H9}-2-But2-4,6)Me2] (14), [Cp*Ti(OC6HPh2-2,6-But2-3,5)Me2] (15), [CpTi(OC6Ph4-2,3,5,6-Br-4)Me2] (18), [CpTi(OC6H2Me2-2,6-Br-4)Me2] (20), [CpTi(OC6H3Pri2-2,6)Me2] (21), and the monomethyl species 23. Reaction of the dimethyl compounds with [B(C6F5)3] generates the corresponding cationic methyl species [CpTi(OAr)Me][MeB(C6F5)3]. The compound [CpTi(OC6HP...
Enzyme-substrate complexes of ATP-sulfurylase from mouse mastocytoma.

Abstract 1. 1.|A highly purified mouse mastocytoma ATP-sulfurylase (ATP: sulfate adenylyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.4) preparation was observed to bind ATP, when incubated with the triphosphate. Upon addition of inorganic sulfate to the enzyme-ATP complex, the enzyme-bound ATP was converted to enzyme-bound adenylylsulfate. 2. 2.|When the enzyme-adenylylsulfate complex was incubated in the presence of adenylylsulfate kinase and ATP, a partial conversion of the bound adenylylsulfate to free 3′-phosphoadenylylsulfate was noted. 3. 3.|On the basis of these results a reaction sequence was suggested for the mechanism of sulfate activation, with ATP-sulfurylase-ATP and ATP-sulfurylaseadenylylsulfate complexes as intermediates.
Effects of liquid swine manure applications on NO3-N leaching losses to subsurface drainage water from loamy soils in Iowa

Long-term applications of organic or inorganic sources of N to croplands can increase the leaching potential of nitrate– nitrogen (NO3–N) for soils underlain by subsurface drainage ‘‘tile’’ network. A field study was conducted for 6 years (1993– 1998) to determine the effects of liquid swine manure and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution fertilizer applications on NO3–N concentrations and NO3–N losses with subsurface drainage water under continuous corn (Zea maize L.) and corn after soybean (Glycine max. L.) production systems. The field data collected at Iowa State University’s northeastern research center near Nashua, Iowa, under six N-management treatments and each replicated three times, were analyzed as a randomized complete block design. The flow weighted average (FWA) NO3–N concentrations in tile flow were affected significantly (P < 0.05) by N-application rates from swine manure, growing season and treatment effects. Peak (FWA) NO3–N concentrations values of 31.8 mg L 1 under swine manure and 15.5 mg L 1 under UAN in subsurface drain water were observed in 1995 following the dry year of 1994. The 6-year average crop rotation effects on NO3–N losses with tile flows were not found to be significantly affected either with swine manure or UAN-fertilizer applications but showed significant increase in corn grain yields under both the systems. Liquid swine manure, averaged across the 6-year period, resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) greater NO3–N losses with tile flows by 53% (26 kg N ha 1 versus 17 kg N ha 1 ) and showed no difference in corn grain yields in comparison with UAN-fertilizer applications under continuous corn production system. These results emphasize the need for better management of swine manure application system during the wet and dry growing seasons to reduce NO3–N leaching losses to shallow groundwater systems to avoid contamination of drinking water supplies. # 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.
A 3-GHZ PROFILER FOR PRECIPITATING CLOUD STUDIES

Abstract A 3-GHz profiler has been developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aeronomy Laboratory to observe the evolution and vertical structure of precipitating cloud systems. The profiler is very portable, robust, and relatively inexpensive, so that continuous, unattended observations of overhead precipitation can be obtained, even at remote locations. The new profiler is a vertically looking Doppler radar that operates at S band, a commonly used band for scanning weather radars (e.g., WSR-88D). The profiler has many features in common with the 915-MHz profiler developed at the Aeronomy Laboratory during the past decade primarily for measurement of lower-tropospheric winds in the Tropics. This paper presents a description of the new profiler and evaluates it in the field in Illinois and Australia in comparison with UHF lower-tropospheric profilers. In Illinois, the new profiler was evaluated alongside a collocated 915-MHz profiler at the Flatland Atmospheric Observatory. In Aust...
Redesigning a Special Education Teacher-Preparation Program: The Rationale, Process, and Outcomes

Teacher-preparation programs across the nation are faced with multiple mandates that aim to increase rigor and effectiveness of future educators. In the state of Illinois, all teacher-preparation programs must revise and redesign their coursework to align with the new professional teaching standards and licensure requirements. This article will describe an Illinois public university’s process for revising its special education program to increase rigor by aligning to the new teacher-preparation requirements.
Replication initiated at the origin (oriC) of the E. coli chromosome reconstituted with purified enzymes

A crude soluble enzyme system capable of authentic replication of a variety of oriC plasmids has been replaced by purified proteins constituting three functional classes: initiation proteins (RNA polymerase, dnaA protein, gyrase) that recognize the oriC sequence and presumably prime the leading strand of the replication fork; replication proteins (DNA polymerase III holoenzyme, single-strand binding protein, primosomal proteins) that sustain progress of the replication fork; and specificity proteins (topoisomerase I, RNAase H, protein HU) that suppress initiation of replication at sequences other than oriC, coated with dnaA protein. Protein HU and unidentified factors in crude enzyme fractions stimulate replication at one or more stages. Replication has been separated temporally and physically into successive stages of RNA synthesis and DNA synthesis.
The Utility of Structural Family Therapy Nomenclature: Between-Clinician Agreement in the Conjoint Family Assessment Interview.

As a pilot study of the reliability of the categories used to describe family structure in structural family therapy, five clinicians independently rated three initial conjoint family interviews in terms of: (a) general problem description; (b) triangular transactional patterns around the presenting problems; (c) family life cycle stage; and (d) overall problem-focused structural map of the family. The results which, at their worst, are comparable to early studies of the reliability of individual diagnostic categories, are discussed in terms of their demonstration of the utility of the structural nomenclature, some conceptual problems in the structural nomenclature, and methodological limitations of the study which suggest design changes that will improve future research.
Projections from the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus to the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus in young and aging C57BL/6 mice

Projections from the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) to the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) were studied in young and aging C57BL/6 mice. The latter animals demonstrate progressive loss of hearing. Wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was injected into the inferior colliculus and retrograde transport to the AVCN was evaluated. No age-related differences were found in the area of AVCN sections, quality or labelling, number of labelled neurons adjusted for injection size, or topographic organization of projections. Thus, despite progressing loss of auditory sensitivity, chronic profound hearing loss (oldest animals), and aging, projections from AVCN to ICC remain stable.
On minimal degree simultaneous pole assignment problems

In this paper, we show that a generic r-tuple of m-input p-output linear systems is simultaneously pole assignable if r< m+ p and the McMillan degrees of the systems are not too different. We also obtain upper bounds for the degrees of the compensators which simultaneously assign the characteristic polynomials of the r-tuple of closed loop systems. The upper bounds are obtained for each of the two cases r max(m, p) and max(m, p) < r < m + p. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Gender differences and risk of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation

Background Healthy women have longer QT intervals and more drug-induced proarrhythmia compared to men, yet those given implantable cardioverter-difibrillators (ICDs) for ischemic cardiomyopathy have fewer episodes of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) than men. The role of repolarization duration and stability in arrhythmogenesis in men and women with structural heart disease has not been explored. Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze repolarization differences between men and women and their relation to the risk of VT/VF. Methods Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Trial II study patients underwent 10-minute, resting digitized recordings at study entry. QT and heart rate were measured for each beat with a semiautomated method. QT variance was normalized for mean QT (QTVN) or for heart rate variance (QTVI). Spectral analysis of heart rate and QT time series was performed; coherence was indexed to quantify consistency of heart rate and QT power spectra. The incidence of VT/VF was determined by ICD interrogation. Results There were 805 usable recordings (142 females); 463 received ICDs (86 females). There was no gender difference in mean or median QT, QTc, or heart rate. QTVN and QTVI were slightly (but significantly) higher, and the mean coherence was lower in women. In a Cox multivariate analysis, increased QTVN or QTVI (top quartile) was associated with a significantly higher risk for VT/VF in men (QTVN hazard ratio (HR) 2.2; confidence interval [CI] 1.4–3.4; P = .001; QTVI HR 1.9; CI 1.2–3.0; P = .006) but not in women, while reduced coherence (bottom quartile) predicted VT/VF in women (HR 3.3; CI 1.2–9.0; P = .021) but not in men. Conclusions In post–myocardial infarcation patients with depressed ejection fraction, both women and men manifest increased temporal variability in the QT interval. In men, QT variability by itself raised arrhythmic risk. In women, however, QT variability dissociated from HR variability (low coherence) appeared to be a uniquely significant predictor of arrhythmic events.
Another nail in the AML coffin.

Abstract In this issue of Blood, Nervi and colleagues and Zeng and colleagues independently report similar findings in both in vitro and in vivo AML models, showing chemosensitization by blocking CXCR4/CXCL12 (SDF-1α:stromal cell–derived factor 1) signaling using novel CXCR4 antagonist bicyclams, namely AMD3100 (plerixafor) and AMD3465.
Comparison of multigated radionuclide angiography with ultrasonic sonomicrometry over a wide range of ventricular function in the conscious dog

Abstract This study compared the noninvasive assessment of left ventricular function with radionuclide angiography with that obtained with ultrasonic sonomicrometry. Left ventricular ejection fraction and rate of ventricular ejection (dV/dt) were measured with both techniques over a wide range of ventricular function. Six dogs were prepared with epicardlal crystals across the major and minor axes of the left ventricle, paired transmural wall thickness crystals and a left ventricular catheter. The animals were studied while awake after they had recovered from operation. Left ventricular volume was calculated from the ultrasonic sonomicrometric dimension measurements and the equation for a prolate ellipsoid; dV/dt was calculated from the stroke volume and ejection time. Radionuclide angiograms were performed using technetium-99m-labeled red blood cells and an Anger camera with a converging collimator interfaced to a computer programmed for multigated acquisition. A wide range of ventricular function was produced with sequential infusion of isoproterenol, propranolol, phenylepnrine and sodium thiamylal. Ejection fraction and dV/dt were measured simultaneously during each intervention using the time-activity curves of the multigated radionuclide anglogram and ultrasonic sonomicrometric dimensions. Regression analyses demonstrated a close correlation between the simultaneous measurements of ejection fraction (r values ranged from 0.95 to 0.99) and dV/dt (r values ranged from 0.87 to 0.99). these data indicate that noninvasive multigated radionuclide angiography accurately assesses changes in ejection fraction and dV/dt over a wide range of ventricular function.
Making sustainability sustainable: challenges in the design of eco-interaction technologies

The smart home is here. One area where smart home devices promise to deliver great benefits is in the control of home heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems. In this paper, we seek to inform the design of future heating and cooling systems by investigating users' experiences with the Nest Learning Thermostat, a commercially available smart home device. We conducted a qualitative study where we compared people's interactions with conventional thermostats with interactions with the Nest. A key finding was that the Nest impacted users' pattern of HVAC control, but only for a while, and caused new problems in unrealized energy savings. In leveraging these findings, we create a set of design implications for Eco-Interaction, the design of features and human-system interactions with the goal of saving energy.
Differential regulation of cardiac angiotensin converting enzyme binding sites and AT1 receptor density in the failing human heart.

Background—The regulation and interaction of ACE and the angiotensin II (Ang II) type I (AT1) receptor in the failing human heart are not understood. Methods and Results—Radioligand binding with 3H-ramiprilat was used to measure ACE protein in membrane preparations of hearts obtained from 36 subjects with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), 8 subjects with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), and 32 organ donors with normal cardiac function (NF hearts). 125I-Ang II formation was measured in a subset of hearts. Saralasin (125I-{Sar1,Ile8}-Ang II) was used to measure total Ang II receptor density. AT1 and AT2 receptor binding were determined with the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan. Maximal ACE binding (Bmax) was 578±47 fmol/mg in IDC left ventricle (LV), 713±97 fmol/mg in PPH LV, and 325±27 fmol/mg in NF LV (P<0.001, IDC or PPH versus NF). In IDC, PPH, and NF right ventricles (RV), ACE Bmax was 737±78, 638±137, and 422±49 fmol/mg, respectively (P=0.02, IDC versus NF; P=0.08, PPH versus NF). 125I-Ang...
Factor-VIII (Antihaemophilic Factor) Activity in Sickle-Cell Anaemia

SUMMARY Sickle-cell anaemia was found to be associated with elevated Factor-VIII activity in the absence of significant elevation of other coagulation factors. Factor VIII was normal in individuals with sickle-cell trait except during pregnancy. Following multiple transfusions Factor-VIII levels fell to within the normal range in three patients with sickle-cell anaemia. No relationship between Factor-VIII level and painful crisis was noted. It is suggested that the elevation of Factor VIII is directly related to the degree of haemolysis.
Cross-correlation of instantaneous phase increments in pressure-flow fluctuations: applications to cerebral autoregulation.

We investigate the relationship between the blood flow velocities BFV in the middle cerebral arteries and beat-to-beat blood pressure BP recorded from a finger in healthy and post-stroke subjects during the quasisteady state after perturbation for four different physiologic conditions: supine rest, head-up tilt, hyperventilation, and CO2 rebreathing in upright position. To evaluate whether instantaneous BP changes in the steady state are coupled with instantaneous changes in the BFV, we compare dynamical patterns in the instantaneous phases of these signals, obtained from the Hilbert transform, as a function of time. We find that in post-stroke subjects the instantaneous phase increments of BP and BFV exhibit well-pronounced patterns that remain stable in time for all four physiologic conditions, while in healthy subjects these patterns are different, less pronounced, and more variable. We propose an approach based on the cross-correlation of the instantaneous phase increments to quantify the coupling between BP and BFV signals. We find that the maximum correlation strength is different for the two groups and for the different conditions. For healthy subjects the amplitude of the cross-correlation between the instantaneous phase increments of BP and BFV is small and attenuates within 3‐5 heartbeats. In contrast, for post-stroke subjects, this amplitude is significantly larger and cross-correlations persist up to 20 heartbeats. Further, we show that the instantaneous phase increments of BP and BFV are cross-correlated even within a single heartbeat cycle. We compare the results of our approach with three complementary methods: direct BP-BFV cross-correlation, transfer function analysis, and phase synchronization analysis. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism of cerebral vascular control in healthy subjects, suggesting that this control mechanism may involve rapid adjustments within a heartbeat of the cerebral vessels, so that BFV remains steady in response to changes in peripheral BP.