cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronary sinus is dilated and outwardly displaced in patients with mitral regurgitation : Quantitative angiographic analysis

Objectives: Our aim was to define the anatomy of the coronary sinus (CS) by venography. These measurements are essential in the selection of physical characteristics of percutaneous annuloplasty devices for mitral regurgitation (MR). Background: Clinical trials of percutaneous annuloplasty of the CS for MR are now underway. Although the CS is in close proximity to the mitral annulus, there is as yet no published quantitative data defining the magnitude of change in CS dimensions in MR, and how these changes might reflect the magnitude of MR. Methods: We studied 57 patients (27 patients with MR and 30 patients with no MR) who were referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy and underwent CS venography. Echocardiography was used to assess the degree of MR, cardiac dimensions, and right heart filling pressures. The diameter of the ostial and proximal CS and perimeter of the CS-great cardiac vein (GCV) were assessed by quantitative coronary analysis. RESULTS: Patients with MR had a larger ostial CS diameter (19.4 ± 3.9 mm vs. 16.9 ± 4.6 mm, P = 0.02) and proximal CS diameter (8.2 ± 1.7 mm vs. 7.4 ± 2.3 mm, P = 0.05) and larger CS-GCV perimeter (104.4 ± 15.6 mm vs. 86.5 ± 15.3 mm, P = 0.005) compared with patients with no MR. The CS-GCV perimeter is positively correlated to the severity of MR (P = 0.02) and pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.32, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with MR have a dilated and outward displacement of the CS. The CS-GCV perimeter is positively correlated with the degree of MR and pulmonary artery pressure. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Work of Flexion after Tendon Repair with Various Suture Methods A human cadaveric study

After flexor tendon repair there is often increased resistance to tendon gliding at the repair site, which is greater for techniques using increased suture strands or suture material. This increased “friction” may be measured as the “work of flexion” in the laboratory setting. Tendon repairs performed in zone 2 in human cadaver hands using the two strand Kessler, the lateral Becker, the six strand Savage, internal and dorsal tendon splint, or the external mesh sleeve techniques, had “work of flexion” measurements made both before and after the laceration and repair. The average increase in work of flexion was 4.8% for Kessler; 6.5% for Becker; 10.9% for Savage; 19.3% for the internal tendon splint, 16.2% for the dorsal tendon splint and 44.3% for the external mesh sleeve. The work of flexion was found to increase in direct proportion to the amount of suture material at the repair site.
Fine structural studies of P-proteins in Cucurbita, Cucumis, and Nicotiana.

P-protein filaments have been observed in negatively stained and metal-shadowed preparations of phloem exudate from Cucurbita maxima, Cucumis sativus, and Nicotiana tabacum, and have been compared with P-protein filaments observed in fixed sectioned material. In Cucurbita and Cucumis, the exudate contained numerous fine fibrils 80 A in diameter, and in Cucurbita 230 A tubules were also observed. These fibrils and tubules appear to be morphologically similar to the 60 A fibrils and the 240 A tubules seen in fixed sectioned sieve elements. Treatment with 8 M urea or 50 mM sodium sulfite caused a breakdown of the fibrillar material. Potassium chloride, 0.6 M, and colchicine appeared to have no morphological effect. Nicotiana exudate contained filaments which appeared to be constructed from two helical subfibrils, and these filaments most probably represent the P-protein tubules observed in sectioned sieve elements. Some filaments were seen in sectioned material which also appeared to contain two helical subfibrils. A hypothetical model is presented for P-protein tubules constructed of two helical subfibrils built of globular subunits with six subunits per turn.
How elastic is your virtualized datacenter fabric

Key to the economic viability of clouds and datacenters is their elastic scalability. Therefore most active related research areas focus on the datacenter fabric scalability, efficiency, performance, virtualization, optimal virtual machine (VM) allocation and migration. Here we ask the questions: Given a set of tenant workloads running on generic servers interconnected by a 10--100G Ethernet fabric with modern network virtualization and transport protocols, how can the datacenter operator reach the optimal operation region? How is this optimum defined, traded between operator and tenants, and measured with what metrics? In this paper we propose an evaluation methodology and a set of simple, but descriptive, metrics as a first attempt to answer the questions raised above. As proof of concept, we investigate a multitenant virtualized datacenter network running a 3-tier workload. Our proposal enables a quantitative comparison between competing datacenter fabrics and virtualization architectures.
Molecular identification of hemolymph-associated symbiotic bacteria in red imported fire ant larvae.

The red imported fire ant (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta Buren), an exotic insect pest in Texas, has become well established throughout the eastern part of the state. More aggressive than native ant species, RIFA gradually have enlarged their range and spread north and west despite intense efforts to stop them. Symbiotic bacteria have an important relationship in the midgut of fourth instar RIFA larvae. However, the presence of symbiotic bacteria in hemolymph has not been explored. In this study, symbiotic bacteria isolated from the hemolymph of fourth instar larvae of RIFA were genetically identified in terms of genus using a partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. Using three different primer sets to amplify regions of the gyrA, gyrB, and SG850 genes, multiple species of the genus Bacillus were identified as inhabitants of fire ant hemolymph. Analysis of gyrA gene identified Bacillus cereus with a percentage match of 94.13–99.20% with DNA sequences from GenBank BLAST (www.ncbi.nih.gov). Using the gyrB gene, Bacillus species were identified with a percentage match of 95.48% to 100% using DNA sequences from GenBank. Finally, analysis of the SG850 gene identified Bacillus cereus with a percentage match of 96.20% to 99.83% using DNA sequences from GenBank.
Project-based learning in an internship program: A qualitative study of related roles and their motivational attributes

The roles of task, learner, and mentor in a successful project-based instructional technology (IT) internship program were studied in light of contemporary motivation theories. Interns in four different locations were asked to apply their academic experiences in constructing real projects at work under the supervision of their site mentors and academic advisor. Data included tape-recorded intern interviews, status-review notes, e-portfolios, mentor interviews, and mentor evaluations. Data were collected over 6 semesters, from 18 different cases, 4 of which are highlighted here. The study considered the roles of task, learner, and mentors as they are needed to make the most of project-based internship programs. Implications for the design and development of internship and capstone programs, and specifically successful student performance in internship programs, are considered.
The influence of additives on the growth kinetics and mechanism of l-alanine crystals

Abstract Results for the characterization of the growth kinetics and mechanism of l -alanine crystals, grown from aqueous solution in the presence and absence of tailor-made additives are reported. l -Alanine crystals grown from water in the absence of additives are prismatic, elongated along the crystallographic c-axis bounded by the {120}, {010}, {110}, {210} and {011} faces. The growth rate of l -alanine crystals was measured by monitoring the change of size of individual crytals as a function of time. Examination of both the growth rate dependence on supersaturation and the structure of the crystal surface, reveals that the {120}, {010}, and {011} crystal faces of l -alanine grow following the spiral growth mechanism, both in the presence and absence of additives. This mechanism was confirmed by examining the surface topography of crystals by atomic force microscope. The growth rate of l -alanine crystals in the presence of l -leucine and l -phenylalanine at concentrations as low as 0.02 m (i.e., 0.3 g additive/100 g solvent or 0.18 g additive/100 g l -alanine) is drastically reduced and the crystals are bounded by the {120} and {011} faces. The inhibitory effect of these additives is explained by a Langmuir isotherm, assuming that the inhibition of the growth rate is proportional to the degree of surface coverage and that the crystal surface is homogeneous with respect to the energy of adsorption sites.
Characterization of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran-Dependent Suppression and AH Receptor Pathway Gene Expression in the Developing Mouse Mammary Gland

Abstract The AH receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and member of a growing family of homologous proteins implicated in development. In this study we have characterized the actions of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), a well-studied AHR ligand, and the expression of AHR and selected AHR signal transduction pathway genes in the developing mouse mammary gland. High levels of AHR protein were observed in the mammary glands of C57Bl/6J (AHR +/+) mice during estrous-stimulated growth and branching of terminal end buds (TEBs). Comparative analysis of mammary gland development in AHR −/− and +/+ littermates revealed a 50% reduction in TEBs and an increase in blunt-ended terminal ducts in the AHR null animals. Treatment of mammary glands, removed from estrogen/progesterone-primed C57Bl/6J mice and maintained in organ culture, with TCDF suppressed lobule development (greater than twofold decreases in lobule number and size), with a concomitant suppression of DNA synthesis, as judged by a 35 to 45% decrease in [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in the TEBs. Immunohistochemical staining patterns for AHR, aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT; the heterodimerization partner of AHR), and two AHR-regulated genes, Cyp 1A1 and Cyp 1B1, were similar and not altered by treatment of mammary glands in organ culture with TCDF. The observed differences in the development of mammary glands from AHR +/+ and −/− mice, associated expression of the AHR protein with hormone-dependent lobule development, and suppressive actions of TCDF support the position that, in C57Bl/6J mice, development of the mammary gland is at least in part AHR dependent. Development occurs in the absence of exogenous AHR ligand, suggesting that the unoccupied receptor may function to support the proliferative stages required for full lobule development.
Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) δ15N as a bioindicator of nitrogen sources: observations and modeling.

Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in bioindicators are increasingly employed to identify nitrogen sources in many ecosystems and biological characteristics of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) make it an appropriate species for this purpose. To assess nitrogen isotopic fractionation associated with assimilation and baseline variations in oyster mantle, gill, and muscle tissue δ15N, manipulative fieldwork in Chesapeake Bay and corresponding modeling exercises were conducted. This study (1) determined that five individuals represented an optimal sample size; (2) verified that δ15N in oysters from two locations converged after shared deployment to a new location reflecting a change in nitrogen sources; (3) identified required exposure time and temporal integration (four months for muscle, two to three months for gill and mantle); and (4) demonstrated seasonal δ15N increases in seston (summer) and oysters (winter). As bioindicators, oysters can be deployed for spatial interpolation of nitrogen sources, even in areas lacking extant populations.
Vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy with severe equatorial fibrovascular proliferation.

Purpose We studied the surgical treatment and visual outcome in a consecutive series of eyes with an unusual syndrome of diabetic retinopathy and severe peripheral fibrovascular proliferation involving the equatorial and pre-equatorial fundus. Methods In a retrospective study of 276 eyes (245 patients) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy between November 1988 and February 1993, nine eyes of eight patients (3.3% of eyes and 3.3% of patients) had severe equatorial fibrovascular proliferation. The condition occurred primarily in previously unoperated-on eyes (except for panretinal photocoagulation) and resulted in peripheral traction or traction-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (six eyes), severe vitreous hemorrhage (two eyes), and severe hypotony (one eye). Relief of traction from peripheral fibrovascular membranes was obtained with an encircling scleral buckle (nine eyes) and limited delamination and segmentation (five eyes) or relaxing retinectomy (two eyes). Lensectomy was required for adequate membrane dissection in three eyes. Results After follow-up of six to 52 months (mean, 20.4 months), the visual acuity was 20/200 or better in seven of nine eyes, with complete retinal attachment in seven of nine eyes and postequatorial attachment in all eyes (100%). Poor outcome resulted from a persistent response resembling Coats' disease in one eye and pre-existent long-standing retinal detachment in one eye. Conclusions Vitrectomy for severe equatorial fibrovascular proliferation differs from conventional approaches to diabetic retinopathy in that relief of retinal traction must be attained by scleral buckling and adequate dissection of peripheral fibrovascular tissue. In advanced cases, lensectomy and relaxing retinotomy may be required.
Interactive effect of ractopamine and dietary fat source on quality characteristics of fresh pork bellies.

Crossbred pigs (n = 216) were used to test the interaction, if any, of ractopamine (RAC) and dietary fat source on the characteristics of fresh pork bellies. Pigs were blocked by BW (77.6 +/- 6.5 kg) and allotted randomly to pens (6 pigs/pen). After receiving a common diet devoid of RAC for 2 wk, pens within blocks were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design, with 5% fat (beef tallow vs. soybean oil) and RAC (0 vs. 10 mg/kg). At the conclusion of the 35-d feeding period, pigs were slaughtered at a commercial pork packing plant (average BW of 108.8 +/- 0.6 kg), and fresh bellies were captured during carcass fabrication. Neither RAC (P = 0.362) nor fat source (P = 0.247) affected belly thickness. Subjective (bar-suspension) or objective (compression test) measures of belly firmness were not (P > or = 0.148) affected by the inclusion of RAC in the diet; however, bellies from pigs fed soybean oil (SBO) were softer than those from pigs fed beef tallow (BT), as indicated by perpendicular (P or = 0.131) affected by RAC, and lean color was similar (P > or = 0.262) between fat sources; however, belly fat from BT-fed pigs was lighter (P = 0.030) and redder (P = 0.013) in color than belly fat from SBO-fed pigs. Bellies of SBO-fed pigs had greater (P < 0.001) proportions of PUFA and lower (P < 0.001) proportions of SFA and MUFA than belly fat from pigs fed BT. Regardless of the RAC inclusion level, PUFA:SFA and iodine values were lower in belly fat from pigs fed BT than SBO; however, within SBO-fed pigs, PUFA:SFA and iodine values were further increased by feeding RAC (RAC x fat source, P < 0.001). As expected, dietary fat source altered the fatty acid composition of fresh pork bellies, which subsequently impacted fresh belly firmness. Interestingly, including RAC in swine finishing diets exacerbated the effect of feeding SBO on pork fat polyunsaturation.
Aerodynamics of bodies of revolution in coning motion.

Aerodynamics of bodies of revolution in nonplanar motion using nonlinear functional analysis of moments for motion about center of gravity
Targeting a Nuclear Anthranilate Synthase α-Subunit Gene to the Tobacco Plastid Genome Results in Enhanced Tryptophan Biosynthesis. Return of a Gene to Its Pre-Endosymbiotic Origin

Anthranilate synthase (AS), the control enzyme of the tryptophan (Trp) biosynthetic pathway, is encoded by nuclear genes, but is transported into the plastids. A tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cDNA (ASA2) encoding a feedback-insensitive tobacco AS alpha-subunit was transformed into two different sites of the tobacco plastid genome through site-specific insertion to obtain transplastomic plants with normal phenotype and fertility. A high and uniform level of ASA2 mRNA was observed in the transplastomic plants but not in the wild type. Although the plants with the transgene insertion at ndhF-trnL only expressed one size of the ASA2 mRNA, the plants with the transgene incorporated into the region between accD and open reading frame (ORF) 184 exhibited two species of mRNA, apparently due to readthrough. The transplastomic plants exhibited a higher level of AS alpha-subunit protein and AS enzyme activity that was less sensitive to Trp-feedback inhibition, leading to greatly increased free Trp levels in leaves and total Trp levels in seeds. Resistance to an AS inhibitor, 5-methyl-Trp, was found during seed germination and in suspension cultures of the transplastomic plants. The resistance to the selection agent spectinomycin and to 5-methyl-Trp was transmitted maternally. These results demonstrate the feasibility of modifying the biosynthetic pathways of important metabolites through transformation of the plastid genome by relocating a native gene from the nucleus to the plastid genome. Very high and uniform levels of gene expression can be observed in different lines, probably due to the identical insertion sites, in contrast to nuclear transformation where random insertions occur.
Lithium levels in monkey and human brain after chronic, therapeutic, oral dosage

Abstract Lithium levels in 32 different brain areas of 5 macacus rhesus receiving 13 mg/kg daily orally of lithium carbonate for 3–6 weeks are reported. These vary from 0.36 ± 0.08 to 0.82 ± 0.35 meq/kg. Levels have also been determined for most of the tissues and organs of these monkeys. They vary from 0.25 meq/kg for the carotid artery to 13.71 and 13.61 meq/liter or kg for urine or toe nails. The manic-depressive patient involved died of acute alcoholic and darvon toxicity. His whole blood level of Li was 0.86 meq/L. Two of the 16 brain levels investigated amounted to 1.49 and 1.21 meq/kg (retrosplenial cingulate gyrus and caudate nucleus). Others were as low as 0.09 meq/kg (brain stem). Li levels in a number of organs of this patient were similar to those in monkeys. Possible conclusions from these values are discussed.
Fiber Optics Produced By Phase Separation

This paper was presented at the meeting, but is not being published in these Proceedings. Herewith are the questions and answers which followed the oral presentation:© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determining the Sex of Adult Astyanax mexicanus

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes methods for determining the sex of an individual Astyanax mexicanus. Adult males and females differ most obviously in body shape and in form of the anal fin. However, if the sex of an adult cannot be determined by these differences, it can be assessed by testing the anal fin for the presence (or absence) of denticle or hook-like bony elements on the anterior fin rays of the anal fin. These features are observed as an opacity toward the anterior half of the male's anal fin, detected as described in the method presented here.
Electron-Hole Scattering And Minority-Electron Transport in In 0 . 53 Ga 0 .47 As, InAs, and InP: The Role Of The Split-Off Band

We report a Monte-Carlo investigation of Coulomb electron-hole scattering processes involving the split-off band in selected III-V semiconductors in the context of steady-state high-field minority-electron transport. Due to the small value of the relevant hole overlap factors, as well as the relative values of the r-L energy separation and the split-off energy, such processes do not make a significant contribution to the minority electron energy loss rate in In0.53Ga0.47As. In InP, however, the rhrs process accounts for a significant fraction of the total r-electron energy loss to holes.
Temporary intraoperative external fixation in mandibular reconstruction.

Objectives: To describe the use of a temporary intraoperative external fixation device to assist in the optimal bony reconstruction of the mandible in the setting of vascularized bone grafts. Study Design: A retrospective review of six patients who underwent composite resection of the mandible and subsequent reconstruction with osteocutaneous free tissue transfer in a tertiary care center. Methods: Six cases of mandibular reconstruction using an intraoperative external fixation system to assist the positioning of vascularized bone grafts are presented. All patients had composite resection of the mandible and subsequent reconstruction with either a scapula or fibula osteocutaneous flap. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 16 months. Results: Successful reconstruction as defined by acceptable contour, occlusion, and condylar position was achieved in all cases. Complications were limited to a postoperative cerebrovascular accident requiring anticoagulation and subsequent neck hematoma. Conclusions: Use of intraoperative external fixation maintains the proper alignment of mandibular segments without the use of a bridging reconstruction plate. This technique is particularly valuable with tumors involving the outer cortex of the mandible.
Spectral Analysis of Encrypted Chaotic Signals Using Fast Fourier Transforms and Laboratory Spectral Analyzers

The use of acousto-optic chaos, as manifested via first-order feedback in an acousto-optic Bragg cell, in encrypting a message wave and subsequently recovering the message in the receiver using a chaotic heterodyne strategy, has been reported recently [1-3]. In examining the dynamical system analytically using computer simulation, (expected) modulated chaos waveforms are obtained within specified observation windows. Because of the relatively random nature inherent in chaos waveforms, it is essentially impossible to ascertain from the visual display of the chaotic wave whether a given message signal has in fact modulated the chaotic "carrier". In fact, it has been observed from earlier work that by appropriately controlling the chaos parameters, one may "hide" the silhouette of the message from the envelope of the modulated chaos [1]. This was found to be especially true for low-frequency chaos (in the KHz range). For chaos in the mid-RF (up to 10s of MHz) range, it is seen that the silhouette is more difficult to suppress (even though this does not affect the robustness of the encryption). To adequately determine whether modulation has in fact occurred by passing the AC signal through the sound cell bias input, one needs to examine the spectral content of the chaos wave. In this paper, we discuss the results of such spectral analyses using two different approaches, (i) fast Fourier transforms applied to the displayed waveform; and (ii) transferring the intensity-vs-time data to an Excel spreadsheet, and then applying this information to a laboratory spectrum analyzer with adequate bandwidth. The results are mutually compared and interpreted in terms of encryption and decryption properties.
Characterization of micromanipulator-controlled dry spinning of micro- and sub-microscale polymer fibers

No current microfabrication technique exists for producing room- temperature, high-precision, point-to-point polymer micro- and sub- microscale fibers in three dimensions. The purpose of this work is to characterize a novel method for fabricating interconnected three- dimensional (3-D) structures of micron and sub-micron feature size. Poly- (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) micro- and sub-microscale fiber suspended bridges are fabricated at room temperature by drawing from pools of solvated polymer using a nano-tipped stylus that is precisely positioned by an ultra-high-precision micromilling machine. The fibers were drawn over a 1.8 mm silicon trench, and as the solvent in the solution bridge rapidly evaporates, a suspended, 3-D PMMA fiber remained between the two pools. The resulting fiber diameters were measured for solutions of PMMA in chlorobenzene with concentrations ranging from 15.5 to 23.0 wt% 495k g mol−1 PMMA and 13.0 to 21.0 wt% 950k g mol−1 PMMA. Fibers were found to increase in diameter from 450 nm to 50 µm, roughly corresponding to the increase in concentration of PMMA. To minimize fiber diameter variance, different stylus materials were investigated, with a Parylene®-coated stylus producing fibers with the lowest variance in diameter. Overall, the fiber diameter was found to increase significantly as the solution concentration and polymer molecular weight increased.
Colorimetric Prednisolone Assay and Its Application to Dissolution Studies

Abstract The colorimetric method of Porter and Silber, originally developed for assaying cortisone and related corticosteroids, was adapted to the assay of prednisolone in the presence and absence of a surfactant, octoxynol 9. Optimal conditions for the colorimetric reaction between prednisolone and acidified phenylhydrazine solution were 30 min at 50°C. The slight interference of octoxynol 9 with the absorbance of the yellow prednisolone-phenylhydrazine complex at 410 nm was corrected by adding an equal surfactant concentration to the blank. When freshly prepared acidified phenylhydrazine solutions were used, the colorimetric method had a sensitivity of 0.2 μg/mL and a precision of 0.1 μg/mL. Its averaged relative standard deviation was 3.7% in the prednisolone concentration range of 10-300 μg/mL.
Fluorine in Tea and Caries in Rats

FLUORIDATION of communal water supplies is expanding rapidly in the United States, and it has been recommended that water supplies in Britain should also be treated1. Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that Britons already take appreciable amounts of fluorine in their tea, which is rich in this element. Experiments detailed in this communication deal with the effect of tea infusion on dental caries in the rat.
Silencing the Killers: Paracrine Immune Suppression in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancers are characterized by high levels of inflammatory cells and profound immune suppression. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Bayne et al. and Pylayeva-Gupta et al. show that KRAS-driven, tumor cell-secreted GM-CSF recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the stroma to abrogate tumor cell immune clearance by killer T lymphocytes.
The effect of ionophore A23187 and 2,4-dinitrophenol on the structure and function of cultured liver cells

Abstract Adult rat hepatocytes maintained in primary culture have been used as a model system to study cellular injury dependent upon extracellular calcium. Incubation of hepatocytes with ionophore A23187 (1 to 5 μ m ) resulted in leakage of cytoplasmic enzymes, an increase in the number of cells stained with trypan blue, blebing of the plasma membrane, and changes in mitochondrial structure characterized by mitochondrial swelling. Moreover, a 60% decrease in cellular ATP was observed to precede changes in cellular permeability. These cytotoxic alterations induced by ionophore were dependent upon the presence of extracellular calcium. In contrast, 2,4-dinitrophenol depleted ATP much more extensively and induced extensive swelling of mitochondria at concentrations which failed to induce significant leakage of cytoplasmic enzymes. Cytotoxic changes induced by ionophore were potentiated by 2,4-dinitrophenol but not ethionine which has been shown to cause a reduction in cellular ATP levels. However, ethionine potentiated the cytotoxicity induced by 2,4-dinitrophenol.
Lake Districts — A Unique Organization with a Special Purpose

Abstract This article describes the statutory basis for direct involvement of local property owners in the management of Wisconsin lakes through the creation and operation of a lake district. Although the statute is less than five years old, over 100 communities have begun a management program and several have completed major projects.
Computer-aided process planning for parallel machines

Abstract In this paper, we extend the domain of computer-aided process planning to include a new and powerful class of machine tools. A unique feature that characterizes these machine tools is their ability to perform machining in parallel. In particular, multiple tools can simultaneously machine a single workpiece and multiple workpieces can be machined simultaneously. Such machines can finish a part in a single setup resulting in shorter cycle times. These machines can also provide higher machining accuracy by drastically reducing the potential for tolerance buildup. We introduce and formalize a concept for parallel machines that can be extended to include machines more powerful and capable than the ones being used today. Next, we study the effects of parallelism on computer-aided process planning by identifying and examining some new issues that arise in the parallel machining domain. Finally, we propose and discuss a framework for a computer-aided process planning system in which these issues are incorporated.
The influence of SV40 immortalization of human fibroblasts on p53-dependent radiation responses

The simian virus 40 large tumor antigen (SV40 Tag) has been ascribed many functions critical to viral propagation, including binding to the mammalian tumor suppressor p53. Recent studies have demonstrated that SV40-transformed murine cells have functional p53. The status of p53 in SV40-immortalized human cells, however, has not been characterized. We have found that in response to ionizing radiation, p53-dependent p21 transactivation activity is present, albeit reduced, in SV40-immortalized cells and that this activity can be further reduced with either dominant negative p53 expression or higher SV40 Tag expression. Furthermore, overexpression of p53 in SV40-immortalized ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) cells restores p53-dependent p21 induction to typical A-T levels. All SV40-immortalized cell lines exhibited an absence of G1 arrest. Moreover, all SV40-immortalized cell lines exhibited increased apoptosis relative to primary cells in response to ionizing radiation, suggesting that SV40 immortalization results in a unique phenotype with regard to DNA damage responses. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
The bacteriophage P1 restriction endonuclease

Abstract The bacteriophage P1 restriction endonuclease has been purified from Escherichia coli lysogenic for P1. This restriction endonuclease P has a sedimentation coefficient of 9.3 S. Unlike the E. coli K restriction endonuclease, endonuclease P does not require S-adenosylmethionine for breakage of DNA. S-adenosylmethionine does, however, stimulate the rate of double-strand breakage of DNA by endonuclease P. Hydrolysis of ATP by endonuclease P could not be detected under conditions in which the K restriction endonuclease massively degrades ATP. The enzyme makes a limited number of double-strand breaks in unmodified or heterologously modified λ DNA. In the presence of S-adenosylmethionine, it does not cut every DNA molecule to the same extent. Incubation of λ DNA with excess amounts of enzyme in the presence of S-adenosylmethionine results in less breakage of the DNA than with smaller amounts of enzyme. This effect is not seen in the absence of S-adenosylmethionine. The maximum amount of cutting in the absence of S-adenosylmethionine appears to be greater than the maximum amount of cutting in its presence. This is most likely due to the modification methylase activity of P1 restriction endonuclease.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE NORMAL CAT

Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and M-mode echocardiography were used to image the heart of 13 clinically healthy cats. Seven awake cats and six cats tranquilized with a combination of acetylpromazine and ketamine were studied. Six cats were studied by 2DE on 3 consecutive days to assess repeatability of the study. Long-axis and short-axis echocardiographic tomograms were obtained from the right parasternal location, and these images were used to determine internal cardiac dimensions, ventricular and septal wall thicknesses, repeatability of the study, and interobserver variability. Some but not all parameters were significantly (P< 0.05) related to body weight. Significant correlations (P <0.05) were found between measurements obtained by long-axis and by short-axis image planes. Comparison of parameters measured by 2DE and M-mode echocardiography demonstrated minimal differences between mean values. Repeatability of the 2DE study was good with 14 of 16 parameters having a mean percent error less than 10%. Interobserver variability was acceptable for some but not all parameters. The study indicates that repeatable 2DE tomograms can be obtained in the cat and that quantitation of cardiac anatomy is possible with this imaging technique.
Plasticity in the rat olfactory cortex

The relationship of age to deafferentation plasticity was studied in the rat olfactory cortex (OC). Ablation of a single olfactory bulb (OB) was performed in each of several rats of selected postnatal (PN) ages: PN2.5, 6, 9, 13, and 21 days and in adults of PN100 days. Following survival times sufficient to remove the resultant degeneration, a cortical lesion was placed in the ipsilateral OC. The patterns of degeneration from the OC lesion were studied and mapped in the adjacent deafferented OC. The results show a spread or sprouting of the usually deep-lying afferents (interrupted by the OC lesion), onto the deafferented superficial dendrites (normally occupied by the OB afferents) in all of the ages. The spread is most striking at PN2.5 to PN9, gradually reduced by PN13 to PN21, and least in the adult (PN100). There is also an apparent increase of afferents to the deeper dendrites nearer the cell bodies in all cases except in the PN 100 group. Shrinkage of layer I is not seen in PN2.5 subjects, is minimal by PN9, but is most marked in the adult PN100 with total OB lesions. Incomplete OB lesions sparing some lateral olfactory tract (LOT) fibers greatly reduce the shrinkage of layer I and the spread of afferents in all ages. Thus, a capacity for reorganization of afferents occurs at least through PN9, with PN13-21 a possible "critical period" after which plasticity is limited and transneuronal effects are more permanent. The association, centrifugal, and olfactory-entorhinal pathways are possible origins for this plasticity. Factors contributing to limitations in this reorganization are discussed.
Multi-Issue, Internet-Mediated Interest Organizations and their Implications for US Politics: A Case of MoveOn.org

The dramatic rise of advocacy groups in US politics over the last three decades now provides alternative modes of interest aggregation and articulation to citizens. One of the most influential advocacy groups in recent elections has been MoveOn.org, which has embraced both disruptive and institutional politics (and vacillating support for the Democratic Party). This manuscript suggests that MoveOn's organizational model and mobilizing tactics call for new theorization of Internet-mediated independent political groups and their affect on US politics and collective behavior. It examines the variables related to MoveOn's posturing and choice of activities across divergent tactical repertoires, and adds to the extant literature on the blurring tactics between contentious and institutional politics by addressing the complexities of groups that fit neither into the category of social movement organization nor into interest group, but rather focus on multiple-issue agendas.
Modulation-Based Digital Noise Reduction for Application to Hearing Protectors to Reduce Noise and Maintain Intelligibility

Objective: The objective of this study was to test the effects of modulation-based digital noise reduction (MB-DNR) on noise levels, speech intelligibility, and listening preference in four real-world noises. Background: A significant challenge in hearing protection device (HPD) design is to reduce ambient noise levels while maintaining users' ability to understand speech. MB-DNR technology, currently employed in hearing aids, potentially could be used to achieve these objectives. Methods: Speech and noise calibrated to signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of 0, —5, and —10 dB in the sound field were recorded at the outputs of two digital hearing aids in the ears of a Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research with and without MB-DNR activated (i.e., NR and noNR, respectively). Listeners' speech intelligibility scores and sound quality preferences were evaluated while they listened to the recordings presented via ER-3A insert earphones at 85 dB SPL. Results: MB-DNR reduced the overall noise level by approximately 4 to 7 dB. Listeners obtained significantly higher speech intelligibility scores in the NR condition at an SNR of —10 dB in two noises and similar scores in the noNR and NR conditions in all other cases. They preferred the NR condition in all cases. Conclusion: MB-DNR reduced overall noise level, enhanced sound quality, and maintained or improved speech intelligibility in the four military noises tested. Applications: MB-DNR algorithms potentially could be incorporated into HPDs to enhance performance and increase user acceptance.
Risk factors for cisplatin‐associated ototoxicity in pediatric oncology patients

Background Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy agent against several pediatric malignancies. One of its side effects is irreversible sensorineural hearing damage that is highly variable with a reported incidence of 22–70%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and identify clinical predictors of cisplatin-related ototoxicity.
Gentrification and Violent Crime in New York City

Research has frequently referenced the influence of gentrification on crime, but only a few studies empirically assessed this relationship. Recent research has utilized innovative measures of gentrification and advanced statistical techniques, but many questions remain unanswered. One such question is whether and to what extent gentrification influenced crime in New York City. The current study used a quantitative operationalization of gentrification that was grounded in qualitative information and hybrid fixed-effects regression to assess whether changes in violent crime rates in New York City were associated with gentrification. Results indicate that sub-boroughs that experienced greater rates of gentrification featured significantly larger declines in assault, homicide, and robbery and that this relationship did not vary significantly over time.
Design and Effectiveness of an Animated Module that Integrates Basic and Clinical Pulmonary Mechanics for Medical Students

Animated modules tailored for medical students and controlled trials to test them are rare. Our multidisciplinary team designed and created an animated module that teaches the fundamentals of pulmonary function testing integrating the basic and clinical sciences. We evaluated the module’s effectiveness on 163 first and second year medical students in a stratified randomized controlled trial with equal representation of different Kolb learning styles in the control and experimental groups. The control group completed a test with questions drawn from two independent question banks (USMLEWorld and USMLERx) plus two pulmonary function test interpretations before seeing the module, while the experimental group saw the module then completed the test. All students took a post-module satisfaction survey. Performance was 10 % higher in the experimental group (P < 0.004 for first year students, P < 0.006 for second year students). There was no difference in the performance among the different Kolb learning styles or self-reported learning preferences, regardless of year in medical school or assignment to the control or experimental group. Students reported satisfaction or high satisfaction with the aesthetics (82 %), user-friendliness (83 %), integration of multidisciplinary concepts (91 %), and applicability to real clinical scenarios (83 %); 90 % of respondents would recommend the module, and 88 % would use it as a study aid. The module was successful in improving student performance. Our module, approach to module design, and study strategy can be utilized at other institutions to pave way for endeavors that bridge the gap between clinical and basic sciences.
Stanford MAMA detector characterization facility

We have designed and fabricated a high-vacuum facility for the detailed characterization of the Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) detector systems at Extreme Ultraviolet and Far Ultraviolet wavelengths between about 300 angstroms and 3000 angstroms. The first task for this facility is the characterization of the MAMA detectors for the European Space Agency/NASA Solar and Heliosphere Observatory (SOHO) mission. This paper describes the different configurations of the characterization facility and outlines the SOHO MAMA characterization procedures.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impaction and rebound of particles from surfaces

Abstract Previous theoretical models on particle interaction with surfaces have been extended to include secondary elastic deformation in the plastically deformed layer of the particle and lateral rotation during impact at an angle. A particle bounce monitor has been developed to determine the bounce properties of unknown aerosols.
The role of pharmacists in the delivery of influenza vaccinations

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine whether influenza vaccine rates have increased in states where pharmacists can give vaccines. Methods: Secondary analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from the years 1995 and 1999. Information regarding legislation allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines was obtained from the American Pharmaceutical Association. Results: Individuals aged 65 years and older who lived in states where pharmacists could provide vaccines had significantly higher (P<0.01) influenza vaccine rates than individuals of this age who resided in states where pharmacists could not provide vaccines. Conclusions: Allowing pharmacists to provide vaccinations is associated with higher influenza vaccination rates for individuals aged 65 years and older.
Nonlinear 1D laser pulse solitons in a plasma

A class of exact one-dimensional solutions for modulated light pulses coupled to electron plasma waves in a relativistic cold plasma is investigated. The solutions are in the form of isolated envelope solitons and the nonlinear relationship between their group velocity, amplitude, and frequency are discussed. Numerical results are presented for intense pulses propagating close to the velocity of light; such pulses are of great interest from the point of view of particle and photon accelerators.
The position of subjects

we say that Bill occupies its canonical position in (la) but not in (lb). Adopting the terminology of the Extended Standard Theory, we can think of the canonical position of a phrase as its D-structure position. Since the concept of canonical position is available, it becomes legitimate to ask of each syntactic unit in a given sentence what its canonical position is, relative to the other units of the sentence. The central question we address in this article is: what is the canonical position of subjects1 Starting with English, we propose that the structure of an English clause is as in (2):
Atonal, Senseless, and Abdominal-A regulate rhomboid enhancer activity in abdominal sensory organ precursors

The atonal (ato) proneural gene specifies different numbers of sensory organ precursor (SOP) cells within distinct regions of the Drosophila embryo in an epidermal growth factor-dependent manner through the activation of the rhomboid (rho) protease. How ato activates rho, and why it does so in only a limited number of sensory cells remains unclear. We previously identified a rho enhancer (RhoBAD) that is active within a subset of abdominal SOP cells to induce larval oenocytes and showed that RhoBAD is regulated by an Abdominal-A (Abd-A) Hox complex and the Senseless (Sens) transcription factor. Here, we show that ato is also required for proper RhoBAD activity and oenocyte formation. Transgenic reporter assays reveal RhoBAD contains two conserved regions that drive SOP gene expression: RhoD mediates low levels of expression in both thoracic and abdominal SOP cells, whereas RhoA drives strong expression within abdominal SOP cells. Ato indirectly stimulates both elements and enhances RhoA reporter activity by interfering with the ability of the Sens repressor to bind DNA. As RhoA is also directly regulated by Abd-A, we propose a model for how the Ato and Sens proneural factors are integrated with an abdominal Hox factor to regulate region-specific SOP gene expression.
Impact of Incentives and System Efficiency on the Life Cycle Cost of Photovoltaic Systems

The solar photovoltaic (PV) market has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade. Europe leads the PV market while the US lags behind. While the feed-in tariff (FIT) mechanism, a performance-based solar energy incentive scheme, is popular in Europe, the US has been devising capacity-based incentive programs. A capacity-based incentive scheme includes tax credits, state and local rebate programs, and even property tax credits. It helps in reducing the large, upfront cost which is considered as one of the barriers of quickly deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the US and in some high solar resource states. The other concern is the aggregate unit price which is a measure in evaluating the investment of solar PV systems. The study applies the life cycle cost analysis method to analyze the feasibility and affordability of deploying residential PV systems in the United States, especially Florida. It helps potential users to determine the most economical PV system, in terms of upfront cost a...
The effect of TPS on US manufacturing during 1981–1998: inventory increased or decreased as a function of plant performance

More than 14 000 firm years of data (average number of firms per year times 18 years) were processed to investigate the effect of Toyota Production System (TPS) in high and low performing firms. This is a longitudinal study of the records of US manufacturing firms operating for the entire duration of 18 years from 1981 to 1998. Using industry data from COMPUSTAT† files, manufacturing firms covered by SIC 3400–3900 were ranked on performance. Evidence from the ranked companies shows that the ratio TI/S ((total inventory)/(sales)) declined significantly in the top and middle performers (top 10% and middle 10% in performance). In contrast, the study discovered that firms making the bottom 10% showed an unhealthy “inventory growth” trend in TI/S during 1981–1998; the better performers got better, and the weak performers got weaker with time. This discovery of the unwanted and unexpected growth in TI/S in bottom performers opens many new avenues for research stemming from questions such as: what is the source ...
ANS fluorescence as an indicator of ANS-dependent Mg2+ transport in energized mitochondrial particles

Summary When mitochondrial particles are energized by addition of substrate and O2 in presence of ANS and a saturation level of Mg2+ (3.3 mM), a change in fluorescence intensity is consistently observed first in presence and then in absence of O2. These changes have been correlated with the properties of ANS as both a cationic ionophore and uncoupler—properties hitherto unrecognized. Divalent metal (Mg2+ or Ca2+) is absolutely required for these changes in fluorescence intensity induced by energization. The causal sequence of events appears to be that energization leads to active transport and redistribution of the Mg2+ complex of ANS in the inner membrane, and this change in localization inevitably leads to a change in fluorescence intensity. Thus it is the cation transport capability of ANS that underlies the changes in fluorescence induced by energization of mitochondrial particles.