cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skeletal effects of short-term exposure to dexamethasone and response to risedronate treatment studied in vivo in rabbits by magnetic resonance micro-imaging and spectroscopy

Supraphysiological levels of glucocorticoids (GC) cause bone atrophy and growth retardation. In this study, we examine whether these adverse structural effects are reversible and whether treatment with bisphosphonate is protective by in vivo serial micro-magnetic resonance (µ- MR) imaging and spectroscopy. Rabbits (n = 16) were divided into four groups, a control group (n = 4) and three groups (n = 4 each) receiving GC in the form of dexametha- sone (0.45 mg/kg/day). In one of the GC groups dexametha- sone exposure was discontinued after 2 weeks, the other two groups were maintained on dexamethasone, with one receiving risedronate (5 µg/kg twice per week) from the beginning of treatment, the other one receiving risedronate after 2 weeks. Animals were imaged at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Trabecular bone volume fraction (trabecular bone volume/tissue volume, TB/TV), trabecular bone thick- ness (Tb.Th), and topological structural parameters were measured in the distal femoral epiphysis, as was the epiphy- seal growth plate (EGP), and marrow fat fraction, which was computed from the integrated proton spectra. Two weeks of dexamethasone exposure substantially reduced TB/TV, along with thinning of the epiphyseal growth plate and conversion of hematopoietic to adipocytic marrow. However, TB/TV recovered to normal levels within 2 weeks after cessation of GC exposure and remained constant throughout the remainder of the protocol. In contrast, nei- ther EGP thickness nor marrow composition returned to control levels after cessation of GC exposure as rapidly as did TB/TV. Besides increased TB/TV, bisphosphonate treatment resulted in a more connected platelike network than observable at baseline, but GP atrophy and marrow conversion caused by GC exposure were not affected. The data lend support to a protective effect of risedronate on trabecular architecture during GC exposure. The improve- ment in trabecular network parameters beyond baseline values further suggest a therapeutic effect of risedronate.
Simulated variability in the mean atmospheric meridional circulation over the 20th century

[1] The variability in the zonally averaged atmospheric meridional circulation over the last 150 years is investigated using two atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs). A multi-decadal signal, with an approximately 70 year timescale, is identified in the cross-equatorial circulation. This signal is associated with a latitudinal shift in the ascending branch of the Hadley cell and precipitation in the tropics, as well as a change in the atmospheric meridional heat transport. These changes are well-correlated with the inter-hemispheric SST difference: When Northern Hemisphere sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are colder than the Southern Hemisphere, the ITCZ and precipitation shift to the south in a zonal mean sense, and the northward atmospheric energy transport increases. Previous studies with idealized climate forcings have shown similar results, but the findings presented here highlight the potential relevance of the inter-hemispheric SST contrast for understanding 20th century climate changes.
On m-Accretivity of Perturbed Bochner Laplacian in Lp Spaces on Riemannian Manifolds

We consider a differential expression $${H=\nabla^*\nabla+V}$$ , where $${\nabla}$$ is a Hermitian connection on a Hermitian vector bundle E over a manifold of bounded geometry (M, g) with metric g, and V is a locally integrable section of the bundle of endomorphisms of E. We give a sufficient condition for H to have an m-accretive realization in the space L p (E), where 1 < p < +∞. We study the same problem for the operator Δ M + V in L p (M), where 1 < p < ∞, Δ M is the scalar Laplacian on a complete Riemannian manifold M, and V is a locally integrable function on M.
Implicit returns on conventional demand deposits: An empirical comparison☆

Abstract This paper compares the relative performance of alternative series of implicit returns on conventional demand deposits by estimating for each series a set of equations derived from a generalized CES utility model for a liquid asset portfolio. This approach offers the unique advantage of explaining money holdings with a substantially larger number of degrees of freedom than originally available, while avoiding multicollinearity even in the presence of several interest rate variables in the model. An implicit return series obtained by Barro and Santomero (1972) performs the best among all of the available seven series tested based on the criteria of a generalized measure of goodness-of-fit and a robustness of coefficient estimates.
Enhancement of synaptic transmission by cyclic AMP modulation of presynaptic Ih channels

Presynaptic activation of adenylyl cyclase and subsequent generation of cAMP represent an important mechanism in the modulation of synaptic transmission. In many cases, short- to medium-term modulation of synaptic strength by cAMP is due to activation of protein kinase A and subsequent covalent modification of presynaptic ion channels or synaptic proteins. Here we show that presynaptic cAMP generation via serotonin receptor activation directly modulated hyperpolarization-activated cation channels (Ih channels) in axons. This modulation of Ih produced an increase in synaptic strength that could not be explained solely by depolarization of the presynaptic membrane. These studies identify a mechanism by which cAMP and Ih regulate synaptic plasticity.
Mixed action simulations on a staggered background: Interpretation and result for the 2-flavor QCD chiral condensate

Growing evidence indicates that in the continuum limit the rooted staggered action is in the correct QCD universality class, the nonlocal terms arising from taste breaking can be viewed as lattice artifacts. In this paper we consider the 2-flavor Asqtad staggered action at lattice spacing $a\ensuremath{\approx}0.13\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{fm}$ and probe the properties of the staggered configurations by an overlap valence Dirac operator. By comparing the distribution of the overlap eigenmodes to continuum QCD predictions we investigate if/when the lattice artifacts are small as a function of the staggered quark mass. We define a matching overlap quark mass where the lattice corrections are minimal for the topological susceptibility and from the eigenmode distribution we predict the 2-flavor chiral condensate. Our results indicate that the staggered configurations are consistent with 2-flavor continuum QCD up to small lattice artifacts, and predict a consistent value for the infinite volume chiral condensate.
Use of soil tests among organic farmers in New England

This research explores the soil testing practices and interests of organic farmers in New England. Data were collected through telephone surveys conducted between December 1998 and January 1999 with 81 certified organic farmers. Organic farmers' commitment to the maintenance of healthy soils necessitates the use of soil evaluation tools. However, it is becoming increasingly understood that a complete picture of soil quality cannot be created solely through the use of laboratory soil tests. For example, many of the soil's critical physical characteristics are more suited to in-field assessment than to laboratory analysis. For this reason, utilization of both laboratory and on-farm tests was investigated. The use of evaluation tools can be influenced by the degree to which laboratory and farming services help organic farmers put test results into practice. Thus, additional questioning focused on the ease of understanding test results, the usefulness of soil test results and recommendations to organic farmers, and the likelihood of turning to expert help when soil management issues arise. Results indicate that in managing their soils, organic farmers in New England rely heavily on laboratory tests provided by public institutions. Most farmers were satisfied with laboratory services and found test results easy to interpret. Over one-quarter (31%) of the farmers surveyed were employing on-farm tests, but very few of these tests assessed physical or biological characteristics of the soil. Organizations most often sought by organic farmers for information on soil quality management were Extension services, followed by local organic certifying agencies, and state agriculture departments.
Comments on `Electron impact ionization of methane'

It has been claimed by Khare et al ( 1999 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 32 3147) that the binary-encounter dipole (BED) model and its simpler version, binary-encounter Bethe (BEB) model, for electron-impact ionization of atoms and molecules published earlier by the present authors (1994 Phys. Rev. A 50 3954) (a) are approximations to their theory, (b) contained an error in the derivation of one of our basic formulae and (c) contained a value of a parameter associated with the Born approximation that differed from the known value by almost two orders of magnitude. We show that these claims and some other statements by Khare et al are incorrect and originate from a misunderstanding of the approximations we have made.
Use of Communications Based Train Control Systems in the Presence of Radio Frequency Noise and Interference

A common concern with Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) systems is that the wireless subsystem (usually referred to as the data communications subsystem or DCS) is susceptible to radio frequency (RF) interference from the plethora of wireless devices (especially wireless local area networks or WLANs) that generally share the same 2.4 GHz spectrum as that used by the DCS. This concern is investigated in greater detail given the operational histories of two CBTC-equipped public transit lines: NYCT’s “L” or Canarsie Line in New York City and the Las Vegas monorail. Measurements of the RF environment in both locations showed a substantial level of activity in the 2.4 GHz band from WLANs and other devices but with no obvious adverse impact on the operational performance of either line. This paper presents RF measurements at 4 locations in New York City and 1 location in Las Vegas, discusses the relative severity of the RF noise and interference environment and explores why both CBTC systems are able to perform in the presence of in-band RF noise and interference without any obvious adverse impact.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Direction finding measurements of type III bursts in both elevation and azimuth

Direction finding measurements with the plasma wave experiments on the HAWKEYE 1 and IMP-8 satellites are used to find the source locations of type III solar radio bursts in elevation (geocentric solar ecliptic latitude) and azimuth (geocentric solar ecliptic longitude) in a frequency range from 31.1 kHz to 500 kHz. IMP-8 has its spin axis perpendicular to the ecliptic plane, hence by analyzing the spin modulation of the signals the location of the type III burst projected into the ecliptic can be found. HAWKEYE 1 has its spin axis nearly parallel to the ecliptic plane, hence the elevation of the source may also be determined. The trajectory of the electrons generating the burst, projected onto the ecliptic plane, follows an Archimedean spiral. Out of the ecliptic plane the trajectory is at a nearly constant heliographic latitude. The electrons originate from a region near a solar flare. With direction measurements of elevation and azimuth along with the modulation factor it is possible to determine the source size. Typical half angle source sizes range from ∼60° at 500 kHz to ∼40° at 56.2 kHz as viewed from the sun.
Metabolism of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide/aldophosphamide in vitro

The metabolism of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide/aldophosphamide (HCP/AP), the primary metabolitc of cylophosphamide, was studied in vitro. Rabbit muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and bovine-liver catalase did not metabolize HCP/AP. Neither did a rat hepatic 1000 g soluble fraction when conditions were made optimal for phosphamidase-catalyzed metabolism. Purified horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase converted HCP/AP to a metabolite tentatively identified as alcophosphamide. This metabolite was also found when HCP/AP was incubated with murine hepatic 105,000 g soluble fractions under conditions optimal for the expression of alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Murine hepatic 105,000 g soluble and solubilized 105,000g particulate fractions catalyzed the oxidation of HCP/AP to carboxyphosphamide when incubation conditions were made optima] for the expression of NAD-linked aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Acrolein, disulfiram and butyraldehyde inhibited carboxyphosphamide formation in this system whereas pyridoxal, menadione and allopurinol did not. Oxidation of HCP/AP to carboxyphosphamide by murine hepatic 105,000 g soluble or solubilized 105,000 g particulate fractions was not observed in the absence of NAD or when incubation conditions were made optimal for the expression of aldehyde oxidase activity. NAD-linked aldehyde dehydrogenase activity was found in all of the normal and neoplastic tissues examined when butyraldehyde or benzaldehyde was used as the substrate. Aldehyde oxidase activity was found in some of the normal tissues but not in the neoplasms. NAD.linked aldehyde dehydrogenase activity greatly exceeded aldehyde oxidase activity in all tissues. These findings suggest that carboxyphosphamide formation from HCP/AP is predominantly catalyzed by NAD-linked aldehyde dehydrogenases.
Extension of relative α-decay rate theory to spherical doubly odd nuclei [210At]

Abstract The one-level R-matrix α-decay rate theory has been extended to the α-decay of doubly odd nuclei by carrying out the more involved recoupling and fractional parentage expansion. Graphical representations are employed to carry out the expansion which greatly simplifies the calculations. Relative α-decay rates of 210At were calculated assuming shell-model wave functions of the pure configurations {π( h 9 2 )ν( f 5 2 ) −1 ν( p 1 2 ) −2 } and {π( h 9 2 )ν( f 5 2 ) −2 ν( p 1 2 ) −1 } for the low-lying states in 206Bi that are fed in the decay. The overall agreement with experiment is good except for decay to the 4+1, 5+1 and 5+2 states. It is shown that agreement for these states can be greatly improved if mixtures from the two pure configurations assumed above are admixed with the higher {π( h 9 2 )ν( p 3 2 ) −1 ν( p 1 2 ) −2 } configuration in the description of the 4+1, 5+1, and 5+2 wave functions.
Characterizing patterns of endothelialization following coil embolization: a whole-mount, dual immunostaining approach.

Background The extent, rate, and source of endothelialization following coil embolization of saccular aneurysms remains poorly understood. We performed a whole tissue mount, dual immunohistochemical analysis of experimental aneurysms to characterize the state of endothelialization over time after platinum coil embolization. Method and material Elastase-induced rabbit aneurysms were created and treated with bare platinum coils. Samples were harvested at 4 and 8 weeks (n=6 for each). En face whole tissue mount staining with antibodies to CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin was used to identify endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, respectively. Sytox green stain was used to demonstrate nuclear morphology for identification of inflammatory cells. The extent of endothelialization was measured in relation to the aneurysm neck–parent artery interface. Results At 4 weeks after coil embolization, very localized membranous tissue and neoendothelial cells were detected on the coil loops immediately adjacent to the parent artery–neck interface, but the remainder of the coil loops remained devoid of endothelial cells. At 8 weeks neoendothelial cells were more confluent over the coils than at 4 weeks, and extended up to 900 µm from the parent artery–neck interface. However, the surfaces of the coils farther away than this region harbored no endothelial cells. Scattered inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and monocytes, were seen on the coil surface at the neck central area, where the coil surface was bare at the 4 and 8 weeks’ follow-up. Conclusions Platinum coil embolization supports gradual but limited endothelialization, where endothelial cells migrate directly from the adjacent parent artery.
Synesthesia and the phenomenological experience: implications for ecological mindfulness and beginning scholars in science education

Phenomenological experiences based on an openness to the synesthesia of natural environments are a powerful pathway to the development of erotic relationships with and within a place. These relationships are beneficial for beginning scholars and those taking new jobs who find themselves adapting to a new place and career. First, I describe the value and formation of erotic relationships and how they can be constructed through synesthesia and the phenomenological experience through my understanding of the ocean Other. Second, I describe how I have used mindfulness and lived experiences in the natural world to mediate the demands of being a new faculty, and how these provide a pathway to develop and foster relationships that are mutually beneficial and conserving. Among other sustaining qualities, mindfully experiencing natural phenomena reduce stress and increase mental function and emotional well-being. These experiences also connect us with the larger community, where we gain a sense of belonging, more readily establish roots and reasons for care of the Other that sustains us.
Total Absorptance of Carbon Monoxide and Methane in the Infrared

The total absorptance ∫A(ν)dν of the major infrared bands of carbon monoxide and methane has been measured as functions of absorber concentration w and equivalent pressure Pe over wide ranges of these variables. The experimental results are presented graphically, and empirical equations relating ∫A(ν)dν, w, and Pe are presented. By employing small values of w and large values of Pe, it has been possible to determine the band strengths or intensities ∫k(ν)dν for the fundamental band of carbon monoxide and for ν2, ν3, and ν4 fundamentals of methane; the values obtained are compared with results of other investigators.
A cohesive zone model for low cycle fatigue life prediction of solder joints

A cohesive zone model is proposed in this paper in an effort to predict the low cycle fatigue life of solder joints plastically deformed under cyclic loading. Damage mechanics is incorporated into the cohesive law to account for the gradual loss of stiffness and strength of solder materials under cyclic loading. The damage evolution law is assumed to be a function of accumulated plastic strain. It has been demonstrated that, once the parameters of the cohesive zone model are determined via one particular cyclic test, it is then able to predict the fatigue life of solder joints made of the same materials system under different loading conditions.
Collisionless dissociation and isotopic enrichment of SF6 using high-powered CO2 laser radiation

Dissociation of S-32F6 and the resultant isotopic enrichment of S-34F6 using high-powered CO2 laser radiation has been studied with higher experimental sensitivity than previously reported. Enrichment factors have been measured as a function of laser pulse number, wavelength, energy and time duration. A geometry independent dissociation cross section is introduced and measured values are presented. Threshold energy densities, below which no dissociation was observed, were also determined.
Quantum field theory in curved spacetime

Quantum field theory predicts a number of unusual physical effects in non-Minkowskian manifolds (flat or curved) that have no immediate analogs in Minkowski spacetime. The following examples are reviewed: (1) The Casimir effect; (2) Radiation from accelerating conductors; (3) Particle production in manifolds with horizons, including both stationary black holes and black holes formed by collapse. In the latter examples curvature couples directly to matter through the stress tensor and induces the creation of real particles. However, it also induces serious divergences in the vacuum stress. These divergences are analyzed, and methods for handling them are reviewed.
A one-trial non-shock passive avoidance task for rats

Apparatus and procedure are described for providing a one-trial nonshock passive-avoidance task.
Infrared Laser Spectroscopy Of Diacetylene And Cyclopropane In Helium Nanodroplets

High resolution infrared laser spectroscopy has been used to obtain rotationally resolved vibrational spectra of diactyelene and cyclopropane in helium nanodroplets. In part, this work was motivated by the need for a large database of rotational constants for molecules solvated in liquid helium. Data of this type provides benchmarks with which to test the theoretical methods that are currently being developed for calculating the effect of the helium on the rotational dynamics of these solvated molecules. In general, the correlated motion of the helium and the molecule results in an effective moment of inertia that is considerably larger than that of the gas phase molecule.
Macroscopic polarization as a geometric quantum phase: Many-body formulation.

During past decades, concepts about the electrostatics of infinite systems have been a challenge for theoretical physicists. In particular, the question of whether the absolute macroscopic polarization or the difference between the polarizations of two states of an insulating crystal is a well-defined bulk property has remained a controversial one. Recently, King-Smith and Vanderbilt, and Resta have provided an approach in terms of the geometric Berrys phase of electronic orbitals in an independent-particle approximation. Here we extend the derivation of Niu and Thouless for quantized charge transport to the case where the quantum adiabatic evolution is noncyclic, and we show how this polarization difference can be written in terms of a Berrys phase for a system with many-body interactions. We also discuss the origin and magnitude of the ``quantum uncertainty'' that appears when a path-independent gauge is used to compute those geometric quantum phases. This geometric viewpoint not only helps us understand the issues raised above but provides a mathematical method to compute polarizations in a many-body framework.
Modeling in measurement and instrumentation—An overview

Abstract The paper presents an overview of the nature and application of models in measurement and instrumentation science and technology. It considers the nature of models and the modeling process as well as the role of computers. It reviews representation schemes and models appropriate to various levels of abstraction. It concludes by a consideration of applications of models to design and in model-based measurement.
Radio Reflection by Free Radicals in Earth's Atmosphere

Reflections of megacycle-per-second radio signals by free radicals in Earth's ionosphere are observed having about the intensity predicted for induced magnetic-dipole transitions. It seems that magnetic atoms, ions, and molecules in planetary atmospheres may be detected by this method. These cbservations were made with the topside ionosonder of the Canadian satellite Alouette II.
ACTH Stimulation of Aldosterone Secretion in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency

ABSTRACT Aldosterone secretion was measured in normal subjects under conditions of high and low salt intake prior to and during 2 days of maximal and continuous ACTH stimulation. For comparison, patients with chronic adrenocortical insufficiency were also studied. The data show that in normal subjects ACTH is a potent stimulus to aldosterone secretion. In contrast to its effect on cortisol, however, ACTH stimulation of aldosterone is self limiting in nature in that, with continued ACTH administration, aldosterone secretion fell sharply in all subjects. Salt restriction resulted in an increase in aldosterone secretion, and augmented the response to ACTH stimulation. Secretion of aldosterone in the patients with chronic adrenocortical insufficiency was low despite ACTH stimulation.
A game-theoretic approach for optimal time-of-use electricity pricing

Demand for electricity varies throughout the day, increasing the average cost of power supply. Time-of-use (TOU) pricing has been proposed as a demand-side management (DSM) method to influence user demands. In this paper, we describe a game-theoretic approach to optimize TOU pricing strategies (GT-TOU). We propose models of costs to utility companies arising from user demand fluctuations, and models of user satisfaction with the difference between the nominal demand and the actual consumption. We design utility functions for the company and the users, and obtain a Nash equilibrium using backward induction. In addition to a single-user-type scenario, we also consider a scenario with multiple types of users, each of whom responds differently to time-dependent prices. Numerical examples show that our method is effective in leveling the user demand by setting optimal TOU prices, potentially decreasing costs for the utility companies, and increasing user benefits. An increase in social welfare measure indicates improved market efficiency through TOU pricing.
Computational intelligence-based energy management for a large-scale PHEV/PEV enabled municipal parking deck

Abstract There is a growing need to address the potential problems caused by the emergence of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) within the next 10 years. In the near future, a large number of PHEVs/PEVs in our society will add a large-scale energy load to our power grids, as well as add substantial energy resources that can be utilized. The large penetration of these vehicles into the marketplace poses a potential threat to the existing power grid. The existing parking infrastructure is not ready for the large penetration of plug-in vehicles and the high demand of electricity. Nowadays, the advanced computational intelligence methods can be applied to solve large-scale optimization problems in a Smart Grid environment. In this paper, authors propose and implement a suite of computational intelligence-based algorithms (e.g., Estimation of Distribution Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization) for optimally managing a large number of PHEVs/PEVs charging at a municipal parking station. Authors characterize the performance of the proposed methods using a Matlab simulation, and compare it with other optimization techniques.
Recent Advances in Chemical Process Optimization

Systematic optimization strategies are essential in process design, operations and control. This study provides a concise overview of recent advances in process optimization, with a particular focus on nonlinear programming. Here, derivative-free, SQP, reduced gradient, and interior point methods are described. Moreover, state of the art problem formulations and modeling environments are described, and contrasted with popular process simulation tools. Finally research directions are identified for future trends in multi-scale optimization within large-scale equation-oriented optimization environments.
Accommodating stochastic departures from percentile invariance in causal models

Summary. Consider a clinical trial in which participants are randomized to a single-dose treatment or a placebo control and assume that the adherence level is accurately recorded. If the treatment is effective, then good adherers in the treatment group should do better than poor ad- herers because they received more drug; the treatment group data follow a dose–response curve. But, good adherers to the placebo often do better than poor adherers, so the observed adherence–response in the treatment group cannot be completely attributed to the treatment. Efron and Feldman proposed an adjustment to the observed adherence–response in the treatment group by using the adherence–response in the control group. It relies on a percentile invariance assumption under which each participant's adherence percentile within their assigned treatment group does not depend on the assigned group (active drug or placebo). The Efron and Feldman approach is valid under percentile invariance, but not necessarily under departures from it. We propose an analysis based on a generalization of percentile invariance that allows adherence percentiles to be stochastically permuted across treatment groups, using a broad class of stochastic permutation models. We show that approximate maximum likelihood estimates of the underlying dose–response curve perform well when the stochastic permutation process is correctly specified and are quite robust to model misspecification.
Role of Macroscopic Deformations in Energetics of Vacancies in Aluminum

Electronic structure calculations on million-atom samples are employed to investigate the effect of macroscopic deformations on energetics of vacancies in aluminum. We find that volumetric strain associated with a deformation largely governs the formation energies of monovacancies and divacancies. The calculations suggest that nucleation of these defects is increasingly favorable under volumetric expansion, so much to the point that they become thermodynamically favorable under large positive volumetric strains. On the contrary, on an average, existing vacancies are found to bind preferentially under compressive volumetric strains. Shear deformations did not affect the formation energies of vacancies, but strongly influenced the $⟨110⟩$ divacancy binding energies, causing them to orient under energetically preferential directions.
Field Trials on the Use of Sulfamerazine for a Respiratory Disease of Turkeys

Abstract FOR many years the turkey industry has suffered serious losses from outbreaks of a respiratory disease, known as infectious sinusitis (Hinshaw, 1943). It is characterized by swelling of the nasal and orbital sinuses which are filled with a gelatinous or cheesy exudate. The air sacs, trachea and lungs are sometimes also involved, which results in coughing. Recent reports from the field indicate that the incidence of cases with severe involvement of the air sacs is increasing. Birds of all ages above 4 weeks may be affected. This has resulted in heavy mortality due to pneumonia and to suffocation when the exudate forms a plug in the trachea. It has also resulted in low egg production and low fertility, since the birds are definitely in a subnormal condition. Dickinson and Hinshaw (1938) reported good results in the treatment of the sinus involvement by use of 15 percent argyrol or 4 percent . . .
Mature erythroid burst-forming units are target cells for friend virus-induced erythroid bursts friend

Abstract The treatment of plethoric mice with endotoxin results in a marked increase in the number of mature burst-forming units-erythroid (mature BFU-E) in the spleen without increasing the number of colony-forming units-erythroid (CFU-E). This increase in the mature BFU-E is accompanied by an increase in the number of target cells for Friend polycythemia virus-induced erythroid bursts, the vBFU-E. Plethoric mice which have a reduced number of vBFIJ-E also have a decreased number of mature BFU-E, whereas the number of primitive BFU-E is unchanged. Following separation of the spleen cells from plethoric endotoxin-treated mice, by both velocity sedimentation and equilibrium density centrifugation, maximum numbers of vBFU-E, per nucleated cell, are found in those fractions which also contain a maximum number of mature BFU-E.
Adaptive mesh compression and transmission in Internet-based interactive walkthrough virtual environments

An Internet-based interactive walkthrough virtual environment is presented in this work to facilitate interactive streaming and browsing of 3D graphic models across the Internet. The models are compressed by the view-dependent progressive mesh compression algorithm to enable the decorrelation of partitions and finer granularity. Following the fundamental framework of mesh representation, an interactive protocol based on the real time streaming protocol (RTSP) is developed to enhance the interaction between the server and the client. Finally, the data of the virtual world is re-organized and transmitted according to the viewer's requests. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm reduces the required transmission bandwidth, and provides an acceptable visual quality even at low bit rates.
ON QUANTIFICATION OF HELIUM EMBRITTLEMENT IN FERRITIC/MARTENSITIC STEELS

Abstract Helium accumulation due to transmutation has long been considered a potential cause for embrittlement in ferritic/martensitic steels. Three Charpy impact databases involving nickel- and boron-doped alloys are quantified with respect to helium accumulation, and it is shown that all predict a very large effect of helium production on embrittlement. If these predictions are valid, then use of ferritic/martensitic steels for fusion first wall applications is highly unlikely. It is therefore necessary to reorient efforts regarding development of these steels for fusion applications to concentrate on the issue of helium embrittlement.
On the low temperature optical absorption of CoCl2 6H2O and CoBr2. 6H2O

Abstract The optical absorption of crystals of CoCl2 6H2O and CoBr2 6H2O was studied at room temperature, 90°x and 20°x. Some peculiarities in these spectra are reported and discussed. A tentative assignment of the observed transitions to levels predicated in terms of crystal field theory is made, obtaining a satisfactory agreement, if an appropriate set of parameters is used.
A flexible approach to modeling and simulation of polymeric composite materials processing using object oriented techniques

Abstract Process modeling and simulation is a key requirement for improved design and quality control of the evolving composite manufacturing technology. However in order to effectively use the available simulation software in this field a thorough knowledge of mathematical modeling techniques and material science is required. This work explores the use and ramifications of the object-oriented modeling and design (OOD) methodology in developing flexible process simulators for composites processing. Specifically, we have developed an object-oriented based simulator that possesses the required flexibility to model a large class of composite materials processing operations. The flexibility of the simulation software is demonstrated by simulating two widely used composite manufacturing processes (i.e. injected pultrusion and autoclave curing). In addition, through these examples we have clearly demonstrated that the object-oriented framework greatly facilitates development of hi-fidelity process models with significantly less time, efrort and expertise than the conventional procedural coding approaches.
Stochastic scheduling for multiclass applications with availability requirements in heterogeneous clusters

High availability plays an important role in heterogeneous clusters, where processors operate at different speeds and are not continuously available for processing. Existing scheduling algorithms designed for heterogeneous clusters do not factor in availability. We address in this paper the stochastic scheduling problem for heterogeneous clusters with availability constraints. Each node in a heterogeneous cluster is modeled by its speed and availability, and different classes of tasks submitted to the cluster are characterized by their execution times and availability requirements. To incorporate availability and heterogeneity into stochastic scheduling, we introduce metrics to quantify availability and heterogeneity in the context of multiclass tasks. A stochastic scheduling algorithm SSAC (stochastic scheduling with availability constraints) is then proposed to improve availability of heterogeneous clusters while reducing average response time of tasks. Experimental results show that our algorithm achieves a good trade-off between availability and responsiveness.
Predicting the rheology of food biopolymers using constitutive models

Abstract Several constitutive models have been discussed to explain data for some foods in diluted and concentrated systems. Firstly, the theories of Rouse and Zimm, as well as rod-like theory, were used to study the conformation of the pectins in dilute solution. Among the dilute theories, the random coil theory of Zimm best explained the experimental data and suggested a certain level of intermolecular interaction present in the dilute pectin solution. The Bird-Carreau constitutive theory with four empirical constants and zero shear limiting viscosity was used to describe the viscoelastic properties of the solutions of the guar, CMC/guar, glutenin, gluten and wheat flour doughs. The Bird-Carreau model was able to predict η and η′ in the high and low frequency regions for 1% guar solution. In the case of CMC/guar blend, the Bird-Carreau model explained steady shear and dynamic properties very well in the higher shear rate or frequency region of 1–100 s −1 . However, η″/ω does not tend to a zero shear constant value. The Bird-Carreau model also gave good predictions on the rheological properties of gluten and glutenin biopolymers in the free-flow region. The polydisperse type, Doi-Edwards model, fits the experimental G ′ and G ″ better than the monodisperse model for 5% apple pectin dispersion. However, there is still a discrepancy between experimental and predicted values.
X-Ray Electro-Optical Imaging In Vivo

When a radiologist examines an organ angiographically, he injects a radiopaque contrast material into selected vessels and takes a series of radiographs of the opacified vascular network. Then he searches the vessel images for abnormalities that indicate either pathology or pathophysiology within the organ. Some of his diagnostic criteria for an abnormality are (1) displacement and deformity of vessel complexes or individual vessels, (2) intrinsic changes within the vessels such as variations in caliber and contour, and (3) alteration of the circulation time or the direction of the flow of contrast material within arteries and veins. In cases of tumors he also searches for clues as to the nature of the growth, i.e., whether benign or malignant. Obviously his ability to record small vessels clearly has a decided effect upon the accuracy of his diagnosis.
Lack of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase change during human senescence

Abstract Superoxide dismutase (SOD), widely distributed in aerobic organisms, catalyzes dismutation of the superoxide free radical, O 2 − , to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide and apparently protects against oxygen toxicity. In human erythrocytes, O 2 − arises from autoxidation of oxyhemoglobin and SOD activity is copper-dependent. Since human erythrocyte copper content has been reported to decline in the fifth decade of life, we investigated the age dependence of human erythrocyte SOD activity. The mean SOD activity, assayed by inhibition of epinephrine autoxidation, was 415 ± 66 units/g cells or 50 ± 11 units/mg non-Hb protein. No significant difference was observed between young and old adults, and no correlations were detected with sex, state of health of the donor, or with blood hemoglobin content. The lack of general decline of SOD activity with age narrows the possible mechanisms for an involvement of O 2 − in senescence. SOD may yet decline in other longer-lived tissues or, as suggested by Fridovich, a constant low level of damage may be caused by imperfect scavenging of O 2 − by SOD. If such a mechanism is operative, it appears not to affect synthesis of SOD in erythrocyte precursor cells into the eighth decade of human life.
Doctoral Comprehensive Exams in Marketing: Current Practices and Emerging Perspectives

Current and emerging issues concerning the written comprehensive exam process are addressed. Both the purpose and structure of this exam are considered. Survey results are presented that describe the purposes of the exam from the perspective of doctoral coordinators. Also included is a description of how marketing departments are currently administering these exams. The movement to nontraditional exam structures is documented, and a description of several of these nontraditional approaches is provided. The authors conclude with a discussion of comprehensive exam issues and provide a recommendation for ongoing assessments of exam choices based on specific program objectives.
Phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate is mediated principally by phospholipase D in endothelial cells

The mechanism of phosphatidylcholine (PC) degradation stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was investigated in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells prelabeled with [methyl-3H]choline ([3H]choline) or [9,10-3H]myristic acid ([3H]myristic acid). Both labels were selectively incorporated into PC, and addition of PMA stimulated comparable losses of 3H from PC in cells prelabeled with [3H]choline or [3H]myristate. In cells prelabeled with [3H]choline, the loss of 3H from PC correlated with a rapid increase in intracellular free [3H]choline. The increase in intracellular [3H]choline stimulated by PMA was not preceded by an increase in any other 3H-labeled PC degradation product. PMA did not stimulate the formation of PC deacylation products in cells prelabeled with [3H]choline. In permeabilized cells prelabeled with [3H]choline, PMA stimulated the formation of [3H]choline but not [3H]phosphocholine. In intact cells prelabeled with [3H]myristate, the loss of 3H from PC induced by PMA correlated with the formation of [3H]phosphatidic acid ([3H]PA) and [3H]diacylglycerol. In the presence of ethanol, PMA stimulated the formation of [3H]phosphatidylethanol ([3H]PEt) at the expense of [3H]PA. The time-course of [3H]PEt formation was similar to the time-course of intracellular [3H]choline formation in cells stimulated with PMA. These data taken together support the notion that PC degradation in endothelial cells stimulated with PMA is mediated principally by phospholipase D. PC breakdown via phospholipase D was not observed in cells treated with phorbol esters incapable of interacting with protein kinase C. Activation of phospholipase D by phorbol esters was inhibited by long-term pretreatment of cells with PMA to down-regulate protein kinase C and by pretreatment of the cells with staurosporine. These data support the notion that activation of phospholipase D by phorbol esters is dependent upon protein kinase C.
Efficacy of 1-ethanesulfonyl-4-ethyl-piperazine hydrochloride in treatment of controlled hemorrhagic shock.

Summary1. When dogs which had been subjected to severe hemorrhage were treated within 30 minutes with 50 to 100 mg/kg of 1 -ethanesulfonyl-4-ethyl-piperazine administered intravenously, survival time was prolonged or mortality decreased in comparison to untreated control animals. 2. No protective action was evident when treatment was withheld until there had been 90 minutes of hypotension. 3. The piperazine compound is definitely toxic and was considered responsible for death of 3 of 30 dogs in which it was used for treatment. 4. The drug imposed a decided hypotensive factor on the acute 40 mm Hg state produced deliberately by controlled hemorrhage.
Hybridization leads to host-use divergence in a polyphagous butterfly sibling species pair

Climate warming has lead to increased genetic introgression across a narrow hybrid zone separating the eastern and Canadian tiger swallowtails (Papilio glaucus and Papilio canadensis). This situation has led to the formation of an allochronically separated hybrid population with a delayed emerging phenotype or “late flight”. Here, we assess how the recombination of the parental genomes that lead to this phenotype may have facilitated another major ecological shift, host-use divergence. We first contrast the ovipositional profiles of the late flight population to that of the parental species P. glaucus and P. canadensis. Subsequently we contrast the larval survival and growth of the late flight, a P. canadensis and a P. glaucus population, and a population from the northern edge of the hybrid zone on five hosts. Our results indicate that the ovipositional preference of this hybrid swarm is identical to that of the introgressing parental species, P. glaucus. Due to the absence of the preferred hosts of P. glaucus (Liriodendron tulipifera L. and Ptelea trifoliata L.) where the late flight occurs, this ovipositional pattern implies a functional specialization onto a secondary host of both parental species, Fraxinus americana L. In contrast, the larval host-use abilities represent a mixture of P. glaucus and P. canadensis, indicating divergence in larval host-use abilities has not taken place. However, high genetic variability (genetic coefficient of variation) is present for growth on F. americana in the late flight hybrid swarm and tradeoffs for larval performance on the preferred hosts of the parental species are evident; indicating a strong potential for future specialization in larval host-use abilities. This current scenario represents an instance where a shift in a major ecological trait, host use, is likely occurring as a byproduct of a shift in an unrelated trait (delayed emergence) leading to partial reproductive isolation.
A Knowledge-Based System for Designing Testable VLSI Chips

The complexity of VLSI circuits has increased the need for design for testability (DFT). Numerous techniques for designing more easily tested circuits have evolved over the years, with particular emphasis on built-in testing approaches. What has not evolved is a design methodology for evaluating and making choices among the numerous existing approaches. This article describes efforts to build a knowledge-based expert system for designing testable VLSI chips. A framework for a methodology incorporating structural, behavioral, qualitative, and quantitative aspects of known DFT techniques is introduced. This methodology provides a designer with a systematic DFT synthesis approach. The process of partitioning a design into subcircuits for individual processing is described and a new concept?I-path?is used to transfer data from one place in the circult to another. Rules for applying testable design methodologies to circuit partitions and for evaluating the various solutions obtained are also presented. Finally, a case study using a prototype system is described.
Observers in the sliding mode control of uncertain nonlinear nonaffine systems with matched and unmatched uncertainties

The paper considers the variable-structure control of nonlinear uncertain nonaffine systems when the state vector is not completely available and the use of observers is required. The strategy of introducing integrators in the input channel is exploited to enlarge the class of tractable control systems. A full-order observer is proposed and conditions are found under which it is proven the convergence to the unique ideal solution of both system and observer. The control problem is solved by forcing a sliding regime for the observer, while satisfying an exponential stability criterion for the observation error state equation.
Therapy for Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Significant progress has been made in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. This has included the identification of a number of new chemotherapeutic and biological agents that have clinical activity against colorectal cancer as well as the development of combinations of agents which have led to an approximate doubling in the median overall survival of patients. In addition, a number of genetic or tumor specific factors important in defining potential toxicity or response to therapy have been identified. This holds promise for the ability to define the best treatment approach for each patient based on these biomarkers. This progress provides additional impetus for research into better understanding this disease and identifying improved and potentially curative therapeutic approaches.