cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shear wave generation with steered ultrasound push beams

Elasticity imaging is becoming established as a means of assisting in diagnosis of certain diseases. Shear wave-based methods have been developed to perform elasticity measurements in soft tissue. We propose a novel method that uses steered push beams (SPB) that can be applied for beam formation for shear wave generation. In SPB methods we use unfocused beams that are steered at specific angles. The interaction of these steered beams causes shear waves to be generated in more of a random nature than conventional methods. We designed an optimization scheme for designing different configurations. We tested these configurations in elastic phantoms along and compared with results with measurements made with Comb push Ultrasound Shear Elastography (CUSE). The SPB method provides a flexible method to obtain shear wave speed maps with high depth-of-field.
Guillaume Du Fay's benefices and his relationship to the court of Burgundy*

In the years since Craig Wright published his study of Du Fay at Cambrai interest in the composer has grown apace. In his recent study of the composer David Fallows has given us a ‘rich harvest of “adjusted” information’ concerning Du Fay's life as well as valuable insights into the music. This study is a continuation of the process of adjusting details in our view of Du Fay's life and his work. It presents new documents and some hypotheses based upon them and upon consideration of the cultural and liturgical traditions that shaped Du Fay's life and his work. I shall start with what is perhaps the most tenuous of these hypotheses because it comes chronologically at the beginning: it concerns the matter of Du Fay's birth date.
Organic anion transporter 3 inhibitors as potential novel antihypertensives

Hypertension is an exceedingly common disease with potentially devastating complications. Unfortunately, existing treatments are often only partially effective, indicating the utility of the development of novel therapeutics. It has recently been discovered that loss of renal organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) results in decreased blood pressure. This suggests (regardless of the underlying mechanisms, which are, as yet, unclear) that inhibition of Oat3 function might also decrease blood pressure, and, therefore, that inhibitors of Oat3 might serve as novel drugs in the treatment of hypertension. In support of this hypothesis, it has been found that at least some potent Oat3 inhibitors can lower blood pressure. These recent findings are discussed in the context of the alternating access model that has been proposed for organic anion transporter function, with particular attention to the little-appreciated phenomenon of trans-inhibition.
Vector biodiversity did not associate with tick-borne pathogen prevalence in small mammal communities in northern and central California

Vector and host abundance affect infection transmission rates, prevalence, and persistence in communities. Biological diversity in hosts and vectors may provide “rescue” hosts which buffer against pathogen extinction and “dilution” hosts which reduce the force of infection in communities. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-transmitted zoonotic pathogen that circulates in small mammal and tick communities characterized by varying levels of biological diversity. We examined the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in Ixodes spp. ticks in 11 communities in northern and central California. A total of 1020 ticks of 8 species was evaluated. Five percent of ticks (5 species) were PCR-positive, with the highest prevalence (6–7%) in I. pacificus and I. ochotonae. In most species, adults had a higher prevalence than nymphs or larvae. PCR prevalence varied between 0% and 40% across sites; the infection probability in ticks increased with infestation load and prevalence in small mammals, but not tick species richness, diversity, evenness, or small mammal species richness. No particular tick species was likely to “rescue” infection in the community; rather the risk of A. phagocytophilum infection is related to exposure to particular tick species and life stages, and overall tick abundance.
Tobacco use and dependence

Abstract Objectives To review tobacco use and dependence including nicotine pharmacology and addiction, and pharmacologic treatment. Data sources Professional journals, books, government publications. Conclusion Smoking is addictive and a major health problem. Habitual nicotine use is central to sustaining smoking dependence. This article provides the necessary basis for understanding nicotine addiction and pharmacologic therapies. Implications for nursing practice Nurses’ knowledge about nicotine addiction is important in helping patients to quit smoking.
Imide-aryl ether benzothiazoles

Abstract Novel imide-aryl ether benzothiazole copolymers were prepared and their morphology and mechanical properties investigated. Diamines containing preformed benzothiazole rings were prepared and used in conventional polyimide syntheses. The preparation of these diamines involved the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of 2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[1,2,4,5]bisthiazole with either 3- or 4-aminophenol in the presence of K 2 CO 3 in N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone to afford 2,6-bis(4-aminophenoxy-4-phenyl)benzo[1,2,4,5]dithiazole and 2,6-bis(3-aminophenoxy-4-phenyl)benzo[1,2,4,5]dithiazole, respectively. The monomers were each reacted with pyromellitic dianhydride to synthesize the desired poly(amic acids). Films were cast and cured to 350°C to effect imidization, producing films with good mechanical properties. The copolymers exhibited good dimensional ( T g > 400°C) and thermal stability. Wide angle X-ray diffraction measurements showed that in one case a semicrystalline morphology was obtained producing a film with both a high modulus and low thermal expansion coefficient.
NPOESS VIIRS: dramatically improved operational capability

This paper summarizes design, performance estimates and applications of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). VIIRS is approaching Engineering Development Unit (EDU) integration and flight model assembly for delivery in late 2005 for launch on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite in 2006. Applications of VIIRS are anticipated to represent dramatic improvements over heritage capability from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Line-scanning System (OLS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). VIIRS draws heavily on the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS), offering similar spectroradiometry at better spatial resolution. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed VIIRS on-orbit performance simulations based on MODIS data to illustrate the dramatic improvements VIIRS will offer compared to current operational satellites for meteorology.
Level spectrum of 219Ra and weak coupling in the light actinide region.

We present a level spectrum for /sup 219/Ra derived from data on the reaction /sup 208/Pb(/sup 14/C,3n) studied at beam energies near the Coulomb barrier. Measurements of ..gamma..-ray excitation functions, ..gamma..-..gamma.. coincidences, ..gamma..-ray angular distributions, and electron conversion coefficients were made. The ground state band shows an alternating parity structure and is consistent with an interpretation in terms of a g/sub 9/2/ neutron weakly coupled to an even-even core. A nonyrast side band is observed and may arise from the anomalous coupling of a j/sub 15/2/ neutron to the core. The dependence of particle-core coupling behavior on the quadrupole deformation of the core and on the orbital in which the odd nucleon is located is discussed.
Predictors of family participation in a multiple family group intervention for aggressive middle school students

The authors examine predictors of family participation in the G.R.E.A.T. Families Program of the Multisite Violence Prevention Project (MVPP), a four-site collaboration examining student, teacher, and family interventions for middle school students. Teachers recruited two cohorts of sixth grade students, recognized as being aggressive and influential with their peers, and their families into a voluntary, 15-session weekly program. Among the 643 families that consented (66%), the mean number of sessions attended was 8.13, with almost half (48.3%) attending 11 or more sessions. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were developed to predict the number of sessions attended based on a cluster of demographic variables and scales designed to measure aggression, problem behaviors, family factors, and other psychosocial constructs. Three of the nine clusters held significance when associated with attendance: level of aggression as rated by the child (negative association), parent–child bond (negative association), and level of child victimization (positive association). Somewhat surprisingly, the variance component due to interventionist turned out to be small and to constitute a nonsignificant component of the overall variability in attendance. Results suggest that family recruitment for multiple family group programs can be achieved with substantial effort and that resources available for recruitment might be differentially applied across families based on predictors of attendance. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age, social-cognitive development, and the use of comforting strategies

Although considerable research indicates that both functional communication skills and prosocial behaviors increase across childhood and adolescence, relatively few studies have examined developmental and individual differences in the prosocial communication skill of comforting. The present study examines relationships among age, social‐cognitive development, and comforting skill and investigates how these relationships change over the course of development. Assessments of several social‐cognitive indices and the use of listener‐sensitive comforting strategies were obtained from 137 students enrolled in grades one through 12. All of the social‐cognitive indices were moderate to strong predictors of comforting skill, and remained moderate predictors even when controlling for the effects of age. Each of the indices made an independent contribution to the prediction of comforting skill. Moreover, the relationship between social‐cognitive ability and comforting skill apparently is contingent on age; social‐co...
In Context: Healthcare and Public Policy: Patterns of Health and Illness: The Effects of Poverty on Health

(2002). In Context: Healthcare and Public Policy: Patterns of Health and Illness: The Effects of Poverty on Health. Hospital Topics: Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 34-36.
256 Channel Fiber & Free-space Hybrid Interconnect Module

We demonstrate a 256 channel, compact, fully packaged and connectorized fiber & free-space interconnect module. Key performance parameters, such as insertion loss, cross-talk, and bit-error-rate for 1.5 Gb/s/channel transmissions are presented.
Einfluss der Beanspruchungsmechanismen und ‐intensitäten auf die Produkteigenschaften beim Feststoffmischen

Beim Feststoffmischen wird eine charakteristische spezifische Leistung in das Mischgut eingetragen. Diese kann eine Anderung der Produkteigenschaften der beteiligten Komponenten herbeifuhren. Hierbei bestimmen insbesondere wirkende Beanspruchungsmechanismen und -intensitaten, ob die geforderte Mischaufgabe erfullt wird und somit die gewunschten Produkteigenschaften erzeugt werden konnen. Wie jedoch Beanspruchungsmechanismen und -intensitaten mit den Produkteigenschaften gekoppelt sind, ist bislang ungeklart. In solid mixing a characteristic specific power is entered in the bulk solid. This power can cause change of product properties of the involved components. Here, especially operating stress mechanism and intensities determine if required mixing tasks can be fulfilled and desired product properties can be generated. How stress mechanism and intensities are coupled with product properties is unknown so far.
Differentiation of pseudoinflammatory colloid carcinoma from colitis cystica profunda.

Differentiation of pseudoinflammatory colloid carcinoma from colitis cystica profunda is important. Despite the many clinical and histologic similarities, there are distinguishing features of which the surgeon should be aware. A favorable factor is the tendency of colloid carcinoma to grow slowly and metastasize late. Consequently, although it may be necessary to postpone radical treatment while establishing a diagnosis, the delay does not appear to affect prognosis adversely.
The effect of motion on wind tunnel drag measurement for athletes

Abstract To optimize the reduction of the drag area coefficient of a speed skater, mannequins in static positions wearing suits were tested in the NRC 2m x 3m Wind Tunnel to find the lowest drag for a given range of speeds. The results obtained from this study can only be interpreted and applied to a speed skater if the aerodynamic drag coefficient is not affected significantly by the motion of the skater. It has been assumed that, for a representative cadence or frequency of oscillation of a speed skater lower than 1 Hz which is representative of the motion in a race, the aerodynamics could be considered quasi-stationary. The quasi-steady state is defined by the flow that developed around the body and the wake both governing the aerodynamic drag compared to the contribution of the low frequency of oscillation of the body. To verify this hypothesis and to determine to what extent the quasi-steady assumption is valid for a human body in a speed skating position, a study was carried out in a wind tunnel using a moving life-size mannequin. A mechanism was devised so that a mannequin in a sidepush position could be oscillated to mimic the sinusoidal path of a speed skater. The amplitude of motion was kept constant and the frequencies of oscillation and wind speeds were changed to cover the equivalent of 500 m to 10,000 m races. The experiments have revealed that the variations of the drag area coefficient with wind speed were similar for static positions and for cases where the mannequin was oscillating at frequencies lower than 0.67 Hz or for a period of rotation of 1.5 s. The drag reduction occurred at the same wind speeds for the static and dynamic cases. This paper presents details of the experiments and a summary of the main findings.
Writing approaches of nursing students.

Summary Over the past 20 years, research has focused on the writing processes of college students, however, despite recent support for writing as a tool of reflection in nursing education, little is known about how it is that nursing students go about writing papers and assignments as part of their professional education. In order to determine the writing processes of nursing students, the Inventory of Processes in College Composition, a self-response questionnaire, was administered to 169 nursing students. Results support the independence of the writing approaches that nursing students use and similarity to the writing approaches of a general college student population.
What we don’t understand about public interest in organics

In a demographically and geographically representative US-based telephone survey of 1201 persons in 2003, it was found as expected that those who purchase organic foods tend to consider organic production methods when they decide what foods to eat. Yet a number of surprising sub-groups showed a disconnect between those who buy organics and those who place importance on organic production. For example, the religiously observant and those for whom food plays an integral role in their lives (eating for pleasure, love, and tradition), on lower income or with less education are more interested in how food is produced than are higher income and more educated groups. We argue that these sub-groups may be overlooked in industry and public policy decisions related to organic food markets and production. Additionally, the highly correlated high income and more education subgroups who purchase organics may be doing so more because of fashion and peer-related influence than because they place importance on organic production methods. (However, women both buy organics frequently and think about organic production methods in their eating decisions.) These findings complicate the literature that shows simpler relationships between organic purchases and education and income. We suggest that further research needs to be done on the influence of affordability, availability, and trust in labeling on organic purchases and support for organic production systems.
Cyclosporine-induced neurotoxicity during treatment of Crohn's disease: lack of correlation with previously reported risk factors

A 13-yr-old boy with severe Crohn's disease was admitted with persistent hematochezia requiring transfusion. Cyclosporine A was begun on hospital day 22 because of continued diarrhea and rectal bleeding despite high doses of i.v. corticosteroids. Six days into cyclosporine therapy, the patient developed multiple episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures accompanied with magnetic resonance imaging findings typical, although not pathognomonic, of cyclosporine A central nervous system neurotoxicity. Further investigations demonstrated that severe cyclosporine neurotoxicity may occur in the absence of previously reported clinical risk factors. Experience from the pediatric and adult GI transplant and neurological literature is discussed.
Framing Prospective Elementary Teachers' Conceptions of Dissolving as a Ladder of Explanations

The paper details an exploratory qualitative study that investigated 61 prospective teachers’ conceptual understanding of dissolving salt and sugar in water respectively. The study was set within a 15-week elementary science methods course that included a 5E learning cycle lesson on dissolving, the instructional context. Oversby’s (Prim Sci Rev 63:6–19, 2002, Aspects of teaching secondary science, Routledge Falmer, London, 2002) ladder of explanations for the context of dissolving, current scientific explanations for dissolving and perspectives on conceptions and misconceptions provided the unified framework for the study. Concept maps, interview transcripts, written artifacts, and drawings and narratives were used as data to investigate these prospective teachers’ conceptual understanding of dissolving throughout the 15-weeks of the methods course. Analysis revealed that participants’ explanations of dissolving were predominantly descriptive explanations (39 %) and interpretative explanations (38 %), with lower percentage occurrences of intentional (14 %) and cause and effect (9 %) level explanations. Most of these explanations were also constructed by a set of loosely connected and reinforcing everyday concepts abstracted from common everyday experiences making them misconceptions. Implications include: (1) the need for science teacher educators to use multiple platforms to derive their prospective elementary teachers’ conceptual understandings of science content; and (2) to identify and help them identify their own scientific conceptions and misconceptions and how they influence the construction of scientific/nonscientific explanations. Science teacher educators also need to emphasize the role of meaningful frameworks associated with the concept that is being introduced during the Engage phase of the 5E learning cycle. This is important because, relevant prior knowledge is associated with the knowledge of the particle theory of matter and both are part of larger knowledge system comprised of interrelated scientific concepts.
Abundances of the light elements as probes of stellar structure and evolution

Abstract The abundances of the light elements, especially Li and Be, are key diagnostics of stellar structure and evolution in cool stars because they are readily destroyed by nuclear reactions in stellar interiors. Reactions with protons destroy Li at ∼2.5×10 6 K and Be at ∼3.5 × 10 6 K. The sun has destroyed almost all of its original Li but none of its Be during its main sequence lifetime. Other main sequence stars have lost both Li and Be, some have lost only a small amount of Li. Thus the present abundances provide sensitive probes into the envelopes of stars. Recent results on Li and Be in F and G dwarfs in galactic clusters and in the field are highlighted. As stars evolve toward the red giant phase, the outer envelopes expand and the observed light element abundances are diluted as the surface material containing Li and Be are mixed with material from deeper layers which is devoid of Li and Be. However, some carbon and S stars have an extremely strong resonance line of Li I, while others have virtually no Li. New observations of such stars are presented.
MECHANISM OF PROPHAGE P1B INDUCTION.

Abstract An analysis of the events associated with prophage induction has been made using a lysogenic thymine-requiring mutant of Escherichia coli, B3 (P1b). 1. 1. As a means of comparing the “repression” of the phage and enzyme systems, simultaneous analyses were made of the kinetics of the induction of the prophage and the enzyme β-galactosidase during and after treatments that alter DNA and protein synthesis. A lack of identity of some aspect of the two control mechanisms is suggested by: (a) the mutual independence of the induction of the lysogenic bacteria by thymine deprivation and enzyme induction by isopropyl-β- d -thiogalactopyrano-side; (b) the delays in enzyme induction following treatment with chloramphenicol, with and without thymine, which contrast with the enhancement of prophage induction after chloramphenicol treatment with thymine and the absence of any effect on prophage induction following chloramphenicol treatment without thymine; and (c) the treatment with 5-methyltryptophan which prevents enzyme synthesis and delays subsequent enzyme induction but does not even prevent phage induction. 2. 2. The dispensability of concurrent protein synthesis in prophage induction is suggested by experiments involving the use of the protein inhibitors 5-methyltryptophan and chloramphenicol: (a) induction occurs in the presence of 5-methyltryptophan; (b) 5-methyltryptophan alone (in the presence of thymine) proves to be an inducing agent; and (c) induction occurs in the presence of chloramphenicol when 5-bromouracil is in the medium. 3. 3. Experiments involving more specific alterations of DNA synthesis suggest a manner in which DNA may be involved in the initiation of prophage induction: (a) The kinetics of induction in cultures without thymine are identical with the kinetics observed in cultures maintained in the presence of 5-bromouracil, (b) Induction of P1b in the presence of chloramphenicol occurs only if bromouracil is also present, and not if thymine is present in place of bromouracil. Since all the procedures that result in activation of the prophage probably alter the DNA formed, it appears that the synthesis of an abnormal DNA may cause the induction of P1b.
Possible reasons of shock melt deficiency in the Bosumtwi drill cores

Pre-drilling numerical modeling of the Bosumtwi impact event predicted a 200 m thick coherent melt layer, as well as abundant highly shocked target material within the central part of the crater structure. However, these predictions are in disagreement with data from drill core obtained in 2004-2005. Here I provide a brief overview of previous results and discuss possible reasons behind melt deficiency, such as specific impact scenarios (low impact velocity and/or low impact angle), and specific target properties (different composition, high porosity, high content of volatiles). I conclude that the most likely explanation is the dispersion of impactites due to the vaporization of pore water, which was not included in the original numerical model.
Axial-selective H/D exchange of glycine-derived 1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-ones: kinetic and computational studies of enantiomerization.

Glycine-derived 1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-ones (BZDs) 5d−g featuring C9- and N1- substitution exhibit enantiomerization barriers too high to be measured by 1H NMR coalescence experiments. To address this problem, we found that room-temperature H/D exchange of these compounds is remarkably selective, affording only the axial-d1 isotopomers. 1H NMR spectroscopy was then employed to measure the rate of conformational inversion of these d1-compounds at elevated temperatures. These studies reveal the highest enantiomerization barriers (up to 28 kcal/mol) ever determined for a BZD. Density functional theory calculations match the experimental enantiomerization barriers within 1.2 kcal/mol.
Review of published adaptive optics science: a bright future for adaptive optics

In this review, the current (July. 2002) refereed astronomy journals have been surveyed for all AO papers dealing with astronomical science. In the last 9 years, 144 refereed pure science AO papers in solar system, stellar, and extra-galactic astronomy were selected. Of these 144 papers, 28% have been published in the last 18 months. The vast majority of these papers (67%) utilize broad-band near infrared imaging (J, H & K'). More complex techniques (narrowband NIR imaging, L band imaging, AO spectroscopy (2D & 3D), polarimetry, coronography) are becoming robust AO techniques in the NIR (1-2.5 μm). Of less current published success is visible (0.5-1 μm) AO, due in part from the complex technical issues, and also in part from the stiff competition from HST. As well there appears to have been little AO science in the M band. Laser guide stars have surprisingly not yet matured to a point where they enhance the science capabilities of the telescopes that have them. Now that the latest generation of 6-10m AO systems (and their facility AO camera/spectrographs) are finishing the commissioning phases we should see further robust growth in AO science in the immediate future and well into the decade.
A monotonicity property for gamma distributions

Abstract Let X 1 , … , X k be k ( ⩾ 2 ) independent identically distributed random variables having the gamma distribution with scale and shape parameters 1 and s ( ⩾ 1 ) , respectively. Denote the density and cumulative distribution function of X 1 by g s ( · ) and G s ( · ) , respectively. A quantity which naturally arises in certain ranking and selection procedures is P = P ( k , b , s ) = ∫ 0 ∞ [ G s ( x / b ) ] k - 1 g s ( x ) d x , where 0 b 1 . The quantity P is the probability that a specified one of the X j , say X 1 , is at least as large as b times the maximum of the X j . It is known that for a fixed k and P , k - 1 P 1 , an increase in s implies an increase in b. This note gives an elementary self-contained proof of this fact for k = 2 and integral values of s without recourse to a convex ordering property of the gamma family or a more complex analysis employed in earlier proofs.
Ultrasonically induced fragmentation and strain in alumina particles

High purity alumina particles were sonicated in distilled water at 20 kHz. Ultrasonic fragmentation of the alumina particles produced a fine particle fraction, which was less than 1 μm in diameter. This fraction became more pronounced with increased duration and applied power. Particle fragmentation was observed to increase slightly with large increases in slurry density, indicating that the formation and collapse of cavitation bubbles were relatively unaffected by the particulate loading levels. Of great importance, the sonified powders exhibited an exotherm consistent with lattice strain energy release, thereby potentially providing an additional driving force for densification during sintering.
Black-brown solidarity: racial politics in the new Gulf South

John D. Marquez begins his book by grounding his interest in the subject of racial politics with a very personal account of seeking an understanding of his own racial and cultural identity within t...
Alcohol and Information Processing

Three experiments are reported which investigate the effects of acute alcohol intoxication (average blood alcohol concentration 100 mg-%) on some aspects of human information processing. The results are interpreted within the framework of a general information processing model (Smith, 1968), using the Sternberg (1969b) additive-factor method of analysis. Alcohol consistently impaired information outputting operations (i.e., response selection-organization), rather than information inputting operations (i.e., stimulus preprocessing and encoding).
Surgery for Gastric Cancer: What the Trials Indicate

To optimize the therapeutic value of an operation for cancer, surgeons must weigh survival value against mortality/morbidity risk. As a result of several prospective, randomized trials, many surgeons feel that international opinion has reached a consensus. Reflexively radical surgical hubris has certainly given way to a more nuanced, customized approach to this disease. But issues remain. This article critically reviews existing data and emphasizes areas of continued controversy.
Vesicle movement in rat hepatocytes is reduced by ethanol exposure: Alterations in microtubule-based motor enzymes

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ethanol is known to alter vesicle-mediated protein trafficking in hepatocytes by undefined mechanisms. In this study, the effects of long- and short-term ethanol exposure on vesicle movements were measured in isolated hepatocytes, and alterations in the function of the microtubule-associated motor enzymes dynamin, kinesin, and dynein, which are believed to support the transport and/or budding of vesicles along microtubules, were tested. METHODS: Vesicular movements in isolated hepatocytes exposed to short- and long-term ethanol treatment were measured. Motor adenosine triphosphatase activities and their association with specific membrane organelles were assessed in response to long-term administration of ethanol in vivo or acetaldehyde in vitro. RESULTS: Hepatocytes exposed to short- or long-term ethanol treatment showed a significant reduction in the number of motile vesicles. No alterations in the levels of motor messenger RNA, protein, or enzymatic activity were observed. Interestingly, ethanol had no effect on the association of dynein and kinesin with membranes, whereas there was a significant increase in the amount of dynamin associated specifically with Golgi membranes. CONCLUSIONS: Long- and short-term ethanol exposure markedly reduces hepatocellular vesicle transport by a mechanism apparently independent of any alteration in the enzymatic activity of molecular motors, possibly involving a change in the function of dynamin. (Gastroenterology 1997 Dec;113(6):1938-48)
Tachycardia recognition algorithms for implantable systems

The detection algorithm of current antitachycardia pacing systems incorporates derivatives of heart rate as the only objective parameter used for recognition. Present pacing systems use one or more rate-related parameters: (1) rate cutoff, (2) sudden onset, (3) rate stability, and (4) sustained high rate. Recently, the development of antitachycardia systems has focused on combining the four detection criteria to form multiple recognition algorithms. Nevertheless, inability to differentiate between supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias at compatible rates remains a limitation. Incorporating atrial sensing capability, in addition to ventricular sensing capability, an alternative strategy that potentially could enhance diagnostic accuracy, is discussed. The incorporation of time and frequency analysis, arterial pressure, and stroke volume are also examined. >
Statistical intercomparison of idealized rainfall measurements using a stochastic fractional dynamics model

A statistical method is developed for comparing precipitation data from measurements performed by (hypothetical) perfect instruments using a recently developed stochastic model of rainfall. The stochastic dynamical equation that describes the underlying random process naturally leads to a consistent spectrum and incorporates the subtle interdependence of the length and time scales governing the statistical fluctuations of the rain rate field. The main attraction of such a model is that the complete set of second-moment statistics embodied in the space-time covariance of both the area-averaged instantaneous rain rate (represented by radar or passive microwave data near the ground) and the time-averaged point rain rate (represented by rain gauge data) can be expressed as suitable integrals over the spectrum. With the help of this framework, the model allows one to carry out a faithful intercomparison of precipitation estimates derived from radar or passive microwave remote sensing over an area with direct observations by rain gauges or disdrometers, assuming all the measuring instruments to be ideal. A standard linear regression analysis approach to the intercomparison of radar and gauge rain rate estimates is formulated in terms of the appropriate observed and model-derived quantities. We also estimate the relative sampling error as well as separate absolute sampling errors for radar and gauge measurements of rainfall from the spectral model.
‘Efficient’ market testing of the expectations-adjusted supply function hypothesis for Italy

(1985). ‘Efficient’ market testing of the expectations-adjusted supply function hypothesis for Italy. Applied Economics: Vol. 17, No. 6, pp. 1065-1070.
STUDIES TO DETERMINE IF RAT LIVER CONTAINS MULTIPLE CHAIN ELONGATING ENZYMES

According to the revised pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis three, rather than two acids, must be chain elongated for converting linoleate and linolenate, respectively, to 22:5(n-6) and 22:6(n-3) (Sprecher et al. (1995) J. Lipid Res. 36, 2471-2477). The present study was undertaken to determine whether microsomes contained chain-length specific chain-elongating enzymes and, secondly, whether reaction rates for any of these reactions might be rate limiting in the synthesis of 24:5(n-6) and 24:6(n-3), which are the immediate precursors of 22:5(n-6) and 22:6(n-3). Rates of total chain elongation products produced from both 18:4(n-3) and 20:5(n-3) were about 3 nmol/min/mg of microsomal protein while only about 0.5 nmol/min/mg of 24:5(n-3) plus 24:6(n-3) was synthesized from 22:5(n-3). The rate of 24:5(n-3) synthesis was similar to that for the desaturation of 24:5(n-3), at position 6, to yield 24:6(n-3) (Geiger et al. (1993) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1170, 137-142). The results suggest that the last chain elongation step in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis may be equally regulatory in governing the synthesis of fatty acids as is desaturation at position 6. When an enzyme saturating level of [1-(14)C]18:4(n-3) was incubated with increasing amounts of 18:3(n-6) there was a decrease in the production [1-(14)C]20:4(n-3). In a similar way it was observed that 18:4(n-3) inhibited the chain elongation of [1-(14)C]18:3(n-6). Identical cross-over inhibitory studies, using 20:4(n-6) and 20:5(n-3), as well as 22:4(n-6) and 22:5(n-3) also suggested that microsomes contain chain length specific chain-elongating enzymes. This conclusion was further supported by the finding that neither 20:5(n-3) or 22:5(n-3) inhibited the chain elongation of [1-(14)C]18:4(n-3). However, 18:4(n-3), and to a lesser degree, 22:5(n-3) did inhibit the chain elongation of [1-(14)C]20:5(n-3). This latter finding suggests that 18:4(n-3) and 20:5(n-3) might interact with the enzyme that chain elongates 20:5(n-3) to depress its ability to synthesize 22:5(n-3). Our results are most consistent with the presence of multiple chain-elongating enzymes, but a more definitive answer requires the purification of these membrane-bound proteins. In addition our results suggest that the channeling of acids between enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum may play an important role in regulating the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.
Bone cell mitogenic action of fluoroaluminate and aluminum fluoride but not that of sodium fluoride involves upregulation of the insulin-like growth factor system

The fluoroaluminate (AlF(4)(-)) ion and sodium fluoride (NaF) have previously been shown to be bone cell mitogens. This study sought to determine whether the bone cell mitogenic action of AlF(4)(-) and/or NaF would involve the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) regulatory system. We evaluated the effect of mitogenic doses of AlF(4)(-) and NaF on the mRNA levels and the protein level (in conditioned media [CM]) of several components of the IGF system (i.e., IGF-2, IGF binding protein [IGFBP]-4, and IGFBP-5) in human TE85 osteosarcoma cells. Aluminum fluoride (AlF(3)) was included for comparison. NaF, AlF(3), and AlF(4)(-), each at 50-100 micromol/L, increased [3H]thymidine incorporation in TE85 cells. Mitogenic concentrations of AlF(3) and AlF(4)(-): (1) increased the mRNA (up to twofold after 24 h treatment) and protein (in CM) levels (up to 2.5-fold after 48 h treatment) of IGF-2; (2) increased the mRNA level (twofold) and the protein level in CM (up to threefold) of stimulatory IGFBP-5; and (3) either reduced slightly or had no effect on the mRNA and protein (in CM) levels of the inhibitory IGFBP-4. Conversely, mitogenic concentrations of NaF had no significant effects on the protein (in CM) or mRNA level of IGF-2, IGFBP-4, or IGFBP-5. The addition of an inhibitory concentration of IGFBP-4 completely abolished the bone cell mitogenic activity of AlF(3) and AlF(4)(-) but not that of NaF. The findings of this study provide strong evidence that the bone cell mitogenic activity of AlF(4)(-) and AlF(3), but not that of NaF, is mediated by the upregulation of the IGF regulatory system.
Textile-Based Capacitive Sensors for Respiration Monitoring

Respiration monitoring in everyday life enables the early detection of the diseases and disorders that can suddenly manifest in a life threatening episode. Long-term monitoring can extend the capabilities of healthcare providers if reliability can be achieved economically. In this paper, the potential for using capacitive sensing to serve as an inexpensive method for long-term respiration sensing is explored. This paper proposes new designs of capacitive sensors for respiration sensing and describes the design and fabrication of a prototype textile-based capacitive-sensor respiration belt. Two capacitive sensors were designed and fabricated for detecting chest or abdominal circumference changes of up to 60 mm. These sensors gave good linearity, and the respiration measurements obtained with these new sensors show that they are capable of measuring respiration rate, and possibly lung function parameters.
Multi-source DOA estimation in a reverberant room

In a reverberant scenario, phase transformed weighted algorithms are more robust than maximum likelihood (ML) because of the insufficiency of the data model to incorporate reverberant information. This transformation has been applied to general cross-correlation and steered response power algorithms; the latter has been shown to be more robust. For a multiple known number of sources, both algorithms have problems separating the sources that are close together because of the limitation caused by the resolution. Recently, an approach was made using simple well-known statistical room acoustics to model room reverberation, and another parametric approach called the approximate maximum likelihood was made that was designed for multi-source estimations. By combining these methods, we developed an ML algorithm that is suitable for multi-source target estimates in a reverberant room.
Imaging electric properties of human brain tissues by B1 mapping: A simulation study

The electric properties (EPs) of biological tissues, i.e., the electric conductivity and permittivity, can provide important diagnostic information in cancer detection and characterization. The conductivity also plays an important role in specific absorption rate (SAR) calculation, which is a major concern in high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In MRI systems the radio frequency (RF) radiation is dependent on the object's EPs by Maxwell Equations, and we can reconstruct the EPs distribution by measuring the active transverse component of the applied rotating magnetic field in MRI systems (known as B1-mapping). Applying previously proposed Dual-excitation algorithm, we conducted a series of computer simulations on a three-dimensional five-tissue anatomically accurate head model using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The reconstruction results utilizing several RF coils were examined and compared, and the present simulation results indicate that the TEM coil could produce the optimal result. The Specific energy Absorption Rate (SAR) within the head was also estimated using the reconstructed electric properties distribution, and the promising results suggest our approach might provide an efficient way for in-vivo SAR determination in high field MRI.
Site-Specific Methionine Oxidation Initiates Calmodulin Degradation by the 20S Proteasome

The proteasome is a key intracellular protease that regulates processes, such as signal transduction and protein quality control, through the selective degradation of specific proteins. Signals that target a protein for degradation, collectively known as degrons, have been defined for many proteins involved in cell signaling. However, the molecular signals involved in recognition and degradation of proteins damaged by oxidation have not been completely defined. The current study used biochemical and spectroscopic measurements to define the properties in calmodulin that initiate degradation by the 20S proteasome. Our experimental approach involved the generation of multiple calmodulin mutants with specific Met replaced by Leu. This strategy of site-directed mutagenesis permitted site-selective oxidation of Met to Met sulfoxide. We found that the oxidation-induced loss of secondary structure, as measured by circular dichroism, correlated with the rate of degradation for wild-type and mutants containing Leu substitutions in the C-terminus. However, no degradation was observed for mutants with Met to Leu substitution in the N-terminus, suggesting that oxidation-induced structural unfolding in the N-terminal region is essential for degradation by the 20S proteasome. Experiments comparing the thermodynamic stability of CaM mutants helped to further localize the critical site of oxidation-induced focal disruption between residues 51 and 72 in the N-terminal region. This work brings new biochemical and structural clarity to the concept of the degron, the portion of a protein that determines its susceptibility to degradation by the proteasome.
Exposure of Intrascieral Implants

Exposure of an intrascleral implant occurred in 17 (2.4%) of 709 patients, between six days and 8.5 years after a scleral buckling procedure. Factors associated with the exposure process included (1) an implant located on the temporal portion of the globe and/or an anteriorly placed implant; (2) large implant; (3) thin sclera or scleral dehiscence; (4) multiple operations; and (5) bacterial contamination. The period between diagnosis of an exposed implant and surgical removal ranged between three days and seven months with an average interval of 2.1 months. Sixteen of the 17 exposed implants required removal. Retinal detachment with massive vitreous retraction associated with removal of the implant in one case was the only complication.
Opto-Mechanical Chaotic Behaviour of Micron-Scaled On-Chip Resonators

Opto-mechanical vibration of an on-chip oscillator is experimentally excited by radiation-pressure nonlinearity to a regime where oscillation is chaotic. Period-doubling and broad power spectra are measured in spherical and toroidal-resonators
Electrowetting Micro-prisms and Micro-mirrors

Electrowetting beam steering using prism refraction and mirror reflection is presented. Electrowetting at the sidewalls of a square liquid channel is able to tilt prism or mirror apex angles over +/- 55deg.
Thinking about Fantasy: Are Children Fundamentally Different Thinkers and Believers from Adults?

Young children are often viewed as being unable to differentiate fantasy from reality. This article reviews research on both children's and adults' beliefs about fantasy as well as their tendency to engage in what is thought of as "magical thinking." It is suggested that children are not fundamentally different from adults in their ability to distinguish fantasy from reality: Both children and adults entertain fantastical beliefs and also engage in magical thinking. Suggestions are offered as to how children and adults may differ in this domain, and an agenda for future research is offered.
Application of sample survey methods for modelling ratios to incidence densities

We describe ratio estimation methods for multivariately analysing incidence densities from prospective epidemiologic studies. Commonly used in survey data analysis, these ratio methods require minimal distributional assumptions and take into account the random variability in the at-risk periods. We illustrate their application with data from a study of lower respiratory illness (LRI) in children during the first year of life. One question of interest is whether children with passive exposure to tobacco smoke have a higher rate of LRI, on average, than those with no exposure and in a setting where age of child and season are taken into account. A second question is whether the relationship persists after adjusting for background variables such as family's socioeconomic status, crowding in the home, race, and type of feeding. The basic strategy consists of a two-step process in which we first estimate subgroup-specific incidence densities and their covariance matrix via a first-order Taylor series approximation. These estimates are used to test for differences in marginal rates of LRI between children exposed to tobacco smoke and those not exposed. We then fit a log-linear model to the estimated ratios in order to test for significant covariate effects. The ability to produce direct estimates of adjusted incidence density ratios for risk factors of interest is an important advantage of this approach. For comparison purposes and to address the limitations of the ratio method with respect to the number of covariates that can be controlled simultaneously, we consider survey logistic regression methods for the example data as well as logistic and Poisson regression models fitted via generalized estimating equation methods. Although the analysis strategy is illustrated with illness data from an epidemiologic study, the context of application is broader and includes, for example, data on adverse events from a clinical trial.
Progress in novel cognitive enhancers for cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease

Increased knowledge of the biology of synaptic function has led to the development of novel cognitive-enhancing therapeutic strategies with the potential for increased efficacy and safety. This editorial highlights a diverse array of approaches currently being explored to target cognitive dysfunction due to aging and/or Alzheimer’s disease.