cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
StructJumper: A Tool to Help Blind Programmers Navigate and Understand the Structure of Code

It can be difficult for a blind developer to understand and navigate through a large amount of code quickly, as they are unable to skim as easily as their sighted counterparts. To help blind developers overcome this problem, we present StructJumper, an Eclipse plugin that creates a hierarchical tree based on the nesting structure of a Java class. The programmer can use the TreeView to get an overview of the code structure of the class (including all the methods and control flow statements) and can quickly switch between the TreeView and the Text Editor to get an idea of where they are within the nested structure. To evaluate StructJumper, we had seven blind programmers complete three tasks with and without our tool. We found that the users thought they would use StructJumper and there was a trend that they were faster completing the tasks with StructJumper.
Evaluation of the uncertainty in accelerated stress testing

Within the photovoltaic standards community there is a desire to create a standardized set of tests suitable for predicting service life. Ideally, one would want to link a set of exposure conditions to an equivalent number of years in the desired use location, or to predict the performance as a function of time. However, the inherent uncertainties in the acceleration factors lead to large uncertainties in the results. Here we use literature values of the chemical degradation kinetics for some polymeric components, and extrapolate these to the field use. We show that without a well documented understanding of the degradation mechanisms, uncertainties in the kinetics lead to very large uncertainties in the prediction of field performance even when the general degradation factors are understood.
Influence of zinc on development of the endomycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae and its mediation of phosporus uptake by glycine max ‘Amsoy 71’☆

Abstract Germination of spores of Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe was stimulated on agar media supplemented with trace amounts (0.1–1.0 μg/ml) of zinc. Spore germination was inhibited at higher concentrations. Mycorrhizal development on soybean plants grown in the greenhouse in soil amended with ZnSO4 was enhanced by 18 mg zinc per kg soil on a dry weight basis. Higher rates of 45 and 135 mg/kg Zn resulted in decreased infection. The percent root length colonized was slightly stimulated by lower rates of added zinc but the higher rates were inhibitory. Increased development of the mycorrhizal fungus in roots was positively correlated with higher concentrations of phosphorus in the foliage. The number of infections per cm of root was the most important factor in determining increased phosphorus uptake. Phosphate soil amendments resulted in a consistent trend of decreased mycorrhizal colonization on soybean roots.
On the nature of mathematical thinking

(1923). On the nature of mathematical thinking. Australasian Journal of Psychology and Philosophy: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 268-272.
Analysis of visual similarity in news videos with robust and memory-efficient image retrieval

Many large collections of news videos dating back several decades can now be accessed online. For users to easily retrieve a compilation of stories on a particular event/topic and to quickly sample each story clip, all the news videos must be precisely segmented into stories and a representative video summary must be generated for each story. In this paper, we demonstrate that effectively exploiting the visual similarities pervasive in all news videos can greatly help to fulfill these technical requirements and thus enable the dynamic retrieval and mixing of small news video fragments. Two new algorithms are developed to accurately detect two important sources of visual similarity: (1) similar preview and story frames, and (2) repeated appearances of a news anchor. As a result, valuable sources of preview clips and informative clues about story boundaries are obtained from identification of these visual similarities. The retrieval engine implemented in both algorithms employs compact global image signatures and requires a small memory footprint, so that many instances of the detection algorithms can run concurrently on the same server for fast processing of a large collection of news videos. At the same time, the retrieval engine is robust to the large appearance variations encountered in the preview matching and anchor detection problems. In addition, since the video frame's color information is not required in our algorithms, both modern color and vintage black-and-white news footage can be processed in the same framework.
Protein and DNA oxidation in spinal injury: neurofilaments—an oxidation target

Abstract This study measured the time courses of protein and DNA oxidation following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats and characterized oxidative degradation of proteins. Protein carbonyl content—a marker of protein oxidation—significantly increased at 3–9 h postinjury and the ratio 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine—an indicator of DNA oxidation—was significantly higher at 3–6 h postinjury in the injured cords than in the sham controls. This suggests that oxidative modification of proteins and DNA contributes to secondary damage in SCI. Densities of selected bands on coomassie-stained gels indicated that most proteins were degraded. Neurofilament protein (NFP) was particularly evaluated immunohistochemically; its light chain (NFP-68) was gradually degraded in nerve fibers, neuron bodies, and large dendrites following SCI. A mixture of Mn (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (10 mg/kg)—a novel SOD mimetic—and nitro- L -arginine (1 mg/kg)—an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase—injected intraperitoneally, increased NFP-68 immunoreactivity and the numbers of NFP-positive nerve fibers post-SCI, correlating NFP degradation in SCI to free radical-triggered oxidative damage for the first time. Therefore, blockage of protein and DNA oxidation in the secondary injury stage may improve long-term recovery—important information for development of the SCI therapies.
Business on the Web: strategies and economics

Abstract The World Wide Web has literally burst upon the businesses in recent times. With the Web doubling in size every 53 days or so, the growth is biological. With a technology as recent and fast proliferating as this one, paradigms often lag behind action, and the hype. Still, paradigms alone provide an objective coasting course through turbulent waters. Two paradigms which are thought to be helpful in formulating a strategy for doing business on the Internet are the value chain analysis and transaction cost economics. Value chain analysis helps businesses identify specific areas where the Internet can add value and the transaction cost analysis provides a basis for why value is added as transactions move across boundaries in value chains. In this paper we employ these twin analyses and propose a framework for strategic planning to develop business opportunities in the new arena of the Internet. This is expected to provide a basis for further analysis of Web-based business. Some examples from the real world help put this twin analysis in perspective.
Modeling of Convective Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics of Anode-Supported Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Convective heat and mass transfer in a planar, trilayer, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module is considered for a uniform supply of volatile species (80% H 2 +20% H 2 O vapor) and oxidant (20% O 2 +80% N 2 ) to the electrolyte surface with a uniform electrochemical reaction rate. The coupled heat and mass transfer is modeled by steady incompressible fully developed laminar flow in the interconnect ducts of rectangular cross sections for both the anode-side fuel and cathode-side oxidant flows. The governing three-dimensional mass, momentum, energy, species transfer, and electrochemical kinetics equations are solved computationally. The homogeneous porous-layer flow, which is in thermal equilibrium with the solid matrix, is coupled with the electrochemical reaction rate to properly account for the flow-duct and anode/cathode interface heat/mass transfer. Parametric effects of the rectangular flow-duct cross-sectional aspect ratio and anode porous-layer thickness on the variations in temperature and mass/species distributions, flow friction factor, and convective heat transfer coefficient are presented. The thermal and hydrodynamic behavior is characterized for effective convective cooling performance, and interconnect channels of cross-sectional aspect ratio of ∼2-3 along with relative anode porous-layer thickness of ∼0.5-1.5 are seen to provide optimal thermal management and species mass transport benefits in the SOFC module.
OROPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA TREATED WITH RADIOTHERAPY: A 30-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Purpose : This study was done to determine the outcome in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated at the University of Florida with radiotherapy alone to the primary site, for comparison with reported results of other types of treatment. Methods and Materials : Of a consecutive cohort of 785 patients with biopsy-proven, previously untreated, invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, this report is based on the 490 patients who had continuous-course irradiation with curative intent at the University of Florida between October 1964 and January 1991. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Forty-eight percent had Stage T3 or T4 disease, and 64% had clinically apparent neck node metastases. The median radiation dose was 68 Gy for once-a-day treatment and 76.8 Gy for twice-a-day treatment. Patients with advanced neck node disease had planned neck dissection(s) after radiotherapy. Results : The overall local control rate after radiotherapy alone was 73%. The ultimate local control rate (including surgical salvage) was 78%. At 5 years, the probability of control of neck disease was 85% ; control above the clavicles, 67% ; absolute survival, 44% ; cause-specific survival, 77% ; distant metastasis (as the first or only site of failure), 11%. Thirteen patients (2.6%) experienced severe treatment complications. Conclusion : Radiotherapy results in tumor control and survival rates comparable with rates achieved with combined irradiation and surgery, with less morbidity.
A Fast and Efficient Algorithm for the Estimation of Parameters in Models with the Box-and-Cox Transformation

Abstract A modified Newton algorithm for the estimation of parameters in models containing the Box-Cox transformation is presented. It is shown that the usual maximum likelihood estimator for the k linear parameters and the m power transformation parameters may be specified as an m-parameter nonlinear least squares estimator. Several models containing Box-Cox transformations are estimated and the speed and efficiency of the modified algorithm compared with three other gradient estimation techniques. The modified Newton algorithm obtains the same parameter estimates, but two to four times faster.
3488 A prospective evaluation of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy utilizing a new disposable 22 gauge fna needle device: results of diagnostic accuracy and complications from a large single center series.

EUS-guided FNA is useful for obtaining a tissue diagnosis in suspicious GI lesions. Previous studies utilized a reusable 22 gauge EUS FNA needle system (GIP, Mediglobe, Tempe, AZ).We report our experience with a new disposable EUS-guided FNA needle (Echotip, Wilson-Cook,Winston- Salem,NC. METHODS:188 subjects (98M/90F)mean age 61 yrs (range: 16- 87, SD 14.1) underwent EUS-guided FNA between December,97 and December,99. EUS-guided FNA was performed with linear array EUS (FG36UX, Pentax, Orangeburg, NY)using this new disposable FNA device. Data was collected for: lesion types sampled, # of passes performed, specimen adequacy, complications and diagnostic accuracy. Operating characteristics of the study group were also calculated and compared to the GIP EUS FNA studies for similar lesion types using the reusable GIP device. The gold standard was positive cytology,surgical path,long term follow-up. RESULTS: 201 lesions were targeted for a total of 643 FNA passes (mean 3.2 passes, range:1-6). Cytology was positive for malignancy in 57% of pancreatic masses, 53% of mediastinal nodes, 31% of submucosal masses, 25% of regional nodes and 100% of peri-rectal lesions.The FNA had a diagnostic cytology in 87% that was confirmed by surgery in 18%, positive cytology in 51% or long term follow up(median 10 months, range 1-24 months)in 59/188 or 31%. This new disposable EUS FNA needle had an overall sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 100% for the cytological diagnosis of pancreatic masses,lymphadenopathy, and submucosal masses.Our findings are similar to the operating characteristics published for the GIP FNA needle. There were no complications noted. In 8 cases (4%) the new FNA needle had to be replaced due to suboptimal functioning. Common problems included poor visualization of the needle tip as it was inserted into the target lesion, excessive bending of the catheter and failure of the catheter to completely exit the biopsy channel.These earlier problems have been rectified. One useful feature of this device is the self-locking syringe which simplifies aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided FNA with this new disposable FNA needle device appears to: 1) be technically safe and accurate for obtaining diagnostic tissue of suspicious lesions accessible via the GI tract and 2) provides similar accuracy as reported in previous studies using the reusable GIP FNA device.
Use of Song as an Effective Teaching Strategy for Nutrition Education in Older Adults

The objective of this study was to explore whether singing an educational song would be effective in improving older adults' knowledge about nutrition. We used a randomized controlled design to determine whether singing an educational song would result in increased nutrition knowledge in a low-income population of older adults compared to a control group of similar adults who did not sing the song. Eighteen congregate nutrition sites were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Analysis via independent samples t-test showed the knowledge gain mean scores for the treatment group were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than those of the control group. This study supports a unique new approach to increasing nutrition knowledge of older adults by using music.
A multimicroprocessor approach to numerical analysis: An application to gaming problems

A parallel processing system is described that consists of a minicomputer host and a set of bipolar microcomputer modules. It is argued that such a system in which the microcomputers operate with little mutual interaction should be effective for an important class of problems in numerical analysis. In particular, estimates are given for the operation of the system on a problem in gaming theory. In this problem, the extensive I/O and software capabilities of the minicomputer provide ease of use for a large part of the problem. The relatively simple part of the problem, which requires almost all of the computational time, is executed in parallel on the microcomputers. It is argued that the system, with 10 to 20 modules, would offer one to two orders of magnitude more speed at several orders of magnitude less cost than current large general-purpose machines. The potential for the development of new algorithms that exploit fully the characteristics of the new devices is discussed.
The structure and function of the Niemann-Pick C1 protein.

Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease is a recessive cholesterol storage disorder characterized by severe, progressive neurodegeneration. The primary causative gene found on chromosome 18q11-12 was identified by a positional cloning approach. The NPC1 gene product is predicted to be a large polytopic glycoprotein with a cytoplasmic tail containing a dileucine endosome-targeting motif. The NPC1 protein sequence shares strong homology with a newly identified homologue, NPC1L1, and the morphogen receptor Patched. In addition, a group of five NPC1 transmembrane domains share homology with the sterol-sensing domain of proteins involved in cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Subcellular localization studies have shown NPC1 to reside in late endosomes and to transiently associate with lysosomes and the trans-Golgi network. Analysis of its topological arrangement in membranes suggests that NPC1 contains 13 transmembrane domains and three large, hydrophilic, lumenal loops. Currently, there is no direct evidence as to the function of the NPC1 protein; however, a number of observations suggest that NPC1 may be related to a family of prokaryotic efflux pumps and thus it may also act as a molecular pump.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL BLAST-WAVE-DRIVEN RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY: EXPERIMENT AND SIMULATION

This paper shows results from experiments diagnosing the development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability with two-dimensional initial conditions at an embedded, decelerating interface. Experiments are performed at the Omega Laser and use ~5 kJ of energy to create a planar blast wave in a dense, plastic layer that is followed by a lower density foam layer. The single-mode interface has a wavelength of 50 μm and amplitude of 2.5 μm. Some targets are supplemented with additional modes. The interface is shocked then decelerated by the foam layer. This initially produces the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability followed and then dominated by Rayleigh-Taylor growth that quickly evolves into the nonlinear regime. The experimental conditions are scaled to be hydrodynamically similar to SN1987A in order to study the instabilities that are believed to occur at the He/H interface during the blast-wave-driven explosion phase of the star. Simulations of the experiment were performed using the FLASH hydrodynamics code.
Hypermnesia and the role of imagery

Subjects were instructed to produce images to either high-imagery or low-imagery word lists. Recall over three trials indicated that hypermnesia occurred in the high-imagery condition, but that a decline in performance occurred in the low-imagery condition. Furthermore, analyses of the recall of individual items indicated that the difference in recall occurred because there was less forgetting and more reminiscence in the high-imagery condition than in the low- imagery condition. The relationship between imagery and hypermnesia is discussed.
Distribution of Three Cariogenic Bacteria in Secondary Carious Lesions around Amalgam Restorations

Secondary dental caries remains an unresolved problem in dentistry and little is known of its microbial etiology. The purpose of this study was to compare the distribution of the three most suspected
Measurements of the Growth of the Ice Budget in a Persisting Contrail

Abstract An experiment was conducted with the NCAR Sabreliner to measure the ice water content (IWC) and the total ice budget within its contrail. Particle size distributions were measured with an optical-array particle size spectrormeter. The experiment was performed in a region of the atmosphere void of natural ice crystals (cirrus) but estimated to be above ice saturation and favorable to ice crystal growth. The IWC measured was found to be in excess of 0.1 gm m−3 near the contrail axis with average values of a few hundredths of a gram throughout the contrail. The measured water mass within the contrail was found to be four orders of magnitude greater than that computed as a combustion product. Average crystal sizes of nearly 0.5 mm allow for a transfer of moisture at generation level to much lower levels before re-evaporation. Because of the magnitude of the measured effect and its believed frequent occurrence, the overall effect of sub-tropopause jet traffic is likely to lower the water abundance at ...
CLINICAL IMPROVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH EXERCISE INDUCED PULMONARY ARTERY HYPERTENSION AFTER 6 MONTHS OF PHOSPHODIESTERASE-5 INHIBITORS OR ENDOTHELIAL RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS OR BOTH

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rapidly progressive disorder with high mortality rates despite traditional medical treatment. With the availability of PA targeted therapy, early PAH detection improves treatment outcomes. Exercise- induced Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (EiPAH) represents
Synaptic extensions from the mossy fibers of the fascia dentata.

In the hilar region of the rat hippocampus, filamentous extensions have been observed to originate from the en passant synaptic expansions on the so-called mossy fibers, which are the axons of the dentate granule cells. These extensions range in length from about 1 μm to 30 μm, are often branched, and appear to contact the processes of various cell types in the hilar region. In 28-day-old rats, there are between 4 and 9 such extensions from most mossy fiber expansions, and the total length of the extensions from any one expansion is on the order of 75 μm. Analysis of serial electron micrographs through normal and Golgi-impregnated mossy fibers has confirmed that these extensions are, indeed, presynaptic processes. Each contains one or more vesicle-rich foci along its length, and is associated with asymmetric membrane specializations. At these sites, the extensions are in synaptic contact with dendrites and dendritic spines of, as yet, unknown origin. A quantitative analysis of these extensions in Golgi material from rats at different ages indicates that they reach their greatest length around 14 days and then decline to adult values by 28 days.
Linearization of the boundary-layer equations of the minimum time-to-climb problem

Ardema (1974) has formally linearized the two-point boundary value problem arising from a general optimal control problem, and has reviewed the known stability properties of such a linear system. In the present paper, Ardema's results are applied to the minimum time-to-climb problem. The linearized zeroth-order boundary layer equations of the problem are derived and solved.
Phosphorylation at Conserved Carboxyl-terminal Hydrophobic Motif Regulates the Catalytic and Regulatory Domains of Protein Kinase C

Mature protein kinase C is phosphorylated at a conserved carboxyl-terminal motif that contains a Ser (or Thr) bracketed by two hydrophobic residues; in protein kinase C betaII, this residue is Ser-660 (Keranen, L. M., Dutil, E. M., and Newton, A. C. (1995) Curr. Biol. 5, 1394-1403). This contribution examines how negative charge at this position regulates the function of protein kinase C. Specifically, Ser-660 in protein kinase C betaII was mutated to Ala or Glu and the enzyme's stability, membrane interaction, Ca2+ regulation, and kinetic parameters were compared with those of wild-type protein phosphorylated at residue 660. Negative charge at this position had no significant effect on the enzyme's diacylglycerol-stimulated membrane interaction nor the conformational change accompanying membrane binding. In contrast, phosphate caused a 10-fold increase in the enzyme's affinity for Ca2+ and a comparable increase in its affinity for phosphatidylserine, two interactions that are mediated by the C2 domain. Negative charge also increased the protein's thermal stability and decreased its Km for ATP and peptide substrate. These data indicate that phosphorylation at the extreme carboxyl terminus of protein kinase C structures the active site so that it binds ATP and substrate with higher affinity and structures determinants in the regulatory region enabling higher affinity binding of Ca2+. The motif surrounding Ser-660 in protein kinase C betaII is found in a number of other kinases, suggesting interactions promoted by phosphorylation of the carboxyl terminus may provide a general mechanism for stabilizing kinase structure.
Ultrastructure of carnation etched ring virus-infected saponaria vaccaria and dianthus caryophyllus

Carnation etched ring virus (CERV), a member of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) group, forms cytoplasmic inclusions similar to those produced by other members of the group. CERV virions in cytoplasmic inclusions are reportedly synthesized in the nucleus and transported as fully assembled particles to the cytoplasm. In contrast, all other members of the CaMV group are reported to form virions in association with cytoplasmic inclusions, and virions have not been observed in nuclei of cells infected with CaMV, dahlia mosaic virus, and mirabilis mosaic. We made an ultrastructural study of CERV-infected leaf cells of Saponaria vaccaria, Pink Beauty and Dianthus caryophyllus, florists' carnation, to further study the unique nuclear origin of CERV. We found CERV particles in nuclei of some infected cells of inoculated and systemically infected leaves of S. vaccaria, but not in nuclei of systemically infected D. caryophyllus. Cells of S. vaccaria that contain virions in the nuclei may also contain intranuclear membranes. Since nuclear virions are absent in some cells that contain cytoplasmic inclusions, we postulate that CERV is assembled in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm in separate processes in S. vaccaria. The absence of nuclear virions in the two cultivars of D. caryophyllus we examined suggests that nuclear assembly of CERV is host specific. CERV is the first DNA plant virus proposed to have two separate processes of virus assembly.
CA 125 and CA 19-9 immunolocalization in normal, hyperplastic, and carcinomatous endometrium.

Background. Elevated levels of tumor-associated antigens, such as CA 125, have been reported in patients with endometrial carcinomas. This study was done to evaluate the frequency and tissue distribution of CA 125 and CA 19-9 in normal and neoplastic endometrium. Methods. Consecutive tissue sections were immunohistochemically evaluated using primary antibodies directed against CA 125 and CA 19-9. Antibody-antigen binding was demonstrated using the avidin-biotin technique. Results. CA 125 expression was related to the phase of the menstrual cycle and was most prominent during secretory phase. Positive staining (5% or more of the glandular epithelium) for CA 19-9 was noted in only 4 of 20 patients with normal endometrium. Positive staining for CA 125 (5% or more of the epithelium) was present in 68% of the carcinomas; another 8% of the tumors contained focal staining for CA 125. Positive staining for CA 19-9 was demonstrated in 60% of tumors; another 8% of the tumors showed focal staining for CA 19-9. The markers were concordant in 76% of the tumors evaluated. Conclusions. Although CA 125 was uniformly expressed by the glandular cells in normal endometrium, CA 19-9 expression appeared to be related to the prevalence of the Lewis A phenotype. Endometrial carcinomas also frequently express these antigens, and the degree of expression was related to the grade and cell type of the tumor.
The influence of taper ratio on vortex-induced vibration of tapered cylinders in the crossflow direction

Abstract A series of experiments were conducted to study vortex-induced vibration of tapered cylinders free to oscillate in the crossflow direction. These experiments were performed in a re-circulating water tunnel with an open-surface test section for a Reynolds number range of Re=370–2300. Three linearly tapered cylinders with taper ratios of 29:1, 17:1 and 10:1 and a cylinder with a nonlinear taper were studied. For all tests, the mass ratio was kept constant. The maximum amplitude of the crossflow oscillations stayed almost constant for all taper ratios, at a value close to the maximum amplitude of a uniform cylinder with the same mass ratio. As the taper ratio was decreased, the lock-in range started at larger reduced velocities and sustained through higher reduced velocities. Tests were conducted for cylinders placed vertically in the test-section of the water tunnel, both with their diameter increasing downward and upward to show that the results were independent from the cylinder׳s orientation. Hybrid shedding modes (both 2S and 2P shedding over the cylinder׳s length) were observed for all the linearly tapered cases for reduced velocities up to the value corresponding to the peak amplitude of oscillations. For higher reduced velocities, only 2P shedding was observed along the length.
WE‐G‐18C‐05: Characterization of Cross‐Vendor, Cross‐Field Strength MR Image Intensity Variations

Purpose: Variations in MR image intensity and image intensity nonuniformity (IINU) can challenge the accuracy of intensity-based image segmentation and registration algorithms commonly applied in radiotherapy. The goal of this work was to characterize MR image intensity variations across scanner vendors and field strengths commonly used in radiotherapy. Methods: ACR-MRI phantom images were acquired at 1.5T and 3.0T on GE (450w and 750, 23.1), Siemens (Espree and Verio, VB17B), and Philips (Ingenia, 4.1.3) scanners using commercial spin-echo sequences with matched parameters (TE/TR: 20/500 ms, rBW: 62.5 kHz, TH/skip: 5/5mm). Two radiofrequency (RF) coil combinations were used for each scanner: body coil alone, and combined body and phased-array head coils. Vendorspecific B1- corrections (PURE/Pre-Scan Normalize/CLEAR) were applied in all head coil cases. Images were transferred offline, corrected for IINU using the MNI N3 algorithm, and normalized. Coefficients of variation (CV=σ/μ) and peak image uniformity (PIU = 1−(Smax−Smin)/(Smax+Smin)) estimates were calculated for one homogeneous phantom slice. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests compared mean MR signal intensities and differences between original and N3 image CV and PIU. Results: Wide variations in both MR image intensity and IINU were observed across scanner vendors, field strengths, and RF coil configurations. Applying the MNI N3 correctionmore » for IINU resulted in significant improvements in both CV and PIU (p=0.0115, p=0.0235). However, wide variations in overall image intensity persisted, requiring image normalization to improve consistency across vendors, field strengths, and RF coils. These results indicate that B1- correction routines alone may be insufficient in compensating for IINU and image scaling, warranting additional corrections prior to use of MR images in radiotherapy. Conclusions: MR image intensities and IINU vary as a function of scanner vendor, field strength, and RF coil configuration. A two-step strategy consisting of MNI N3 correction followed by normalization was required to improve MR image consistency. Funding provided by Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin.« less
Overexpression of CuZnSOD in coronary vascular cells attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Abstract Superoxide dismutase scavenges oxygen radicals, which have been implicated in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the heart. Our experiments were designed to study the effect of a moderate increase of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) on myocardial I/R injury in TgN(SOD1)3Cje transgenic mice. A species of 0.8 kb human CuZnSOD mRNA was expressed, and a 273% increase in CuZnSOD activity was detected in the hearts of transgenic mice with no changes in the activities of other antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis revealed no changes in the levels of HSP-70 or HSP-25 levels. Immunocytochemical study indicated that there was increased labeling of CuZnSOD in the cytosolic fractions of both endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, but not in the myocytes of the hearts from transgenic mice. When these hearts were perfused as Langendorff preparations for 45 min after 35 min of global ischemia, the functional recovery of the hearts, expressed as heart rate × LVDP, was 48 ± 3% in the transgenic hearts as compared to 30 ± 5% in the nontransgenic hearts (p
Optical spectroscopic characterization of single tryptophan mutants of chicken skeletal troponin C: evidence for interdomain interaction.

The effects of metal ion binding on the optical spectroscopic properties and temperature stability of two single tryptophan mutants of chicken skeletal TnC, F78W and F154W, have been examined. The absence of tyrosine and other tryptophan residues allowed the unambiguous assignment of the spectral signal from the introduced Trp residue. Changes in the molar ellipticity values in the far-UV CD spectra of the mutant proteins on metal ion binding were similar to those of wild-type TnC suggesting that the introduction of the Trp residue had no effect on the total secondary structure content. The fluorescence and near-UV absorbance data reveal that, in the apo state, Trp-78 is buried while Trp-154 is exposed to solvent. Additionally, the highly resolved 1Lb band of Trp-78 seen in the near-UV absorbance and CD spectra of the apo state of F78W suggest that this residue is likely in a rigid molecular environment. In the calcium-saturated state, Trp-154 becomes buried while the solvent accessibility of Trp-78 incre...
h-Blossoming: A new approach to algorithms and identities for h-Bernstein bases and h-Bézier curves

A new variant of the blossom, the h-blossom, is introduced by altering the diagonal property of the standard blossom. The significance of the h-blossom is that the h-blossom satisfies a dual functional property for h-Bezier curves over arbitrary intervals. Using the h-blossom, several new identities involving the h-Bernstein bases are developed including an h-variant of Marsden@?s identity. In addition, for each h-Bezier curve of degree n, a collection of n! new, affine invariant, recursive evaluation algorithms are derived. Using two of these recursive evaluation algorithms, a recursive subdivision procedure for h-Bezier curves is constructed. Starting from the original control polygon of an h-Bezier curve, this subdivision procedure generates a sequence of control polygons that converges rapidly to the original h-Bezier curve.
The challenging case conference: initial observations and feedback.

or missed cases. Presentation content is left to the presenter’s discretion but generally involves discussing the pertinent imaging findings, differential diagnosis, final diagnosis, and any interpretive difficulties. A group discussion of the case follows. Typically, 3 to 5 residents present a total of 10 to 12 cases per conference. Presenting at challenging case conferences is voluntary. Presenters are permitted to show only cases they themselves have read. Before presenting cases, residents are required to review each case with the attending physician who signed out the case or another attending physician in the relevant subspecialty. Finally, attending physicians and fellows may not attend challenging case conferences. After each conference, a resident (S.H.P.) drafts a summary of the conference, including detailed information about each case presented. The summaries are submitted to the residency program director (M.M.A.) and the department vice chair of education and academic affairs (G.M.) for review. The summaries include no searchable examination information (medical record numbers, accession numbers, patient names, etc), nor the names of the presenting residents. Resident participation data are recorded separately, without associating particular residents to particular cases.
Large families of sequences with near-optimal correlations and large linear span

In order to build spread-spectrum communication systems based on the CDMA paradigm, it is necessary to have large families of binary sequences with low pairwise correlation values. For these systems to have resistance to certain cryptanalytic attacks and resistance to jamming, the sequences must have large linear span. We describe certain families of sequences that have these desirable properties. The sequences are based on families of quadratic forms over finite fields.
Power stabilisation of uncooled 980 nm pump laser modules from 10 to 100°C

Efficient fibre Bragg grating wavelength and power stabilisation of 980 nm pump lasers at high fibre-coupled output power (250 mW at 10/spl deg/C and 95 mW at 100/spl deg/C) over a wide temperature range of 90/spl deg/C is demonstrated.
Measurement of user frustration: a biologic approach

This paper describes the use of facial EMG to provide a continuous measure of the user's emotional state. Facial EMG was recorded while female users performed five tasks to one of two web sites. Frustration index scores were developed from the corrugator EMG data by calculating a percentage score of a pre-task baseline. As predicted, the frustration index was greater for (1) novices as compared to experienced users, (2) incorrect as compared to correct answered tasks, and (3) for the web site that was rated more difficult. The frustration index was able to provide important information on web page performance.
Models of H II regions - Heavy element opacity, variation of temperature

A detailed set of H II region models that use the same physics and self-consistent input have been computed and are used to examine where in parameter space the effects of heavy element opacity is important. The models are briefly described, and tabular data for the input parameters and resulting properties of the models are presented. It is found that the opacities of C, Ne, O, and to a lesser extent N play a vital role over a large region of parameter space, while S and Ar opacities are negligible. The variation of the average electron temperature T(e) of the models with metal abundance, density, and T(eff) is investigated. It is concluded that by far the most important determinator of T(e) is metal abundance; an almost 7000 K difference is expected over the factor of 10 change from up to down abundances.
SMOOTH MUSCLE MYOSIN HEAVY CHAINS ARE DEVELOPMENTALLY REGULATED IN THE RABBIT BLADDER

Purpose: In smooth muscle (SM), myosin heavy chain (MHC) is expressed predominantly as two isoforms, SM1 and SM2, which are encoded by a single gene and expressed by alternative splicing mechanisms. Although functional differences of these isoforms are unknown, changes in SM1/SM2 ratio have been reported in various pathophysiologic conditions. We analyzed MHC composition of bladder detrusor SM from rabbits of different ages to determine whether SM1 and SM2 isoform expressions are developmentally regulated.Materials and Methods: Rabbit bladders on the −11, −4, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 90th days of life were analyzed for SM MHC isoform expression at protein and mRNA levels. Porous sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), S1 protection assay, and histological analysis were employed.Results: The predominant MHC isoform in fetal and neonatal bladders was SM1. In the third postnatal week, the SM1/SM2 ratio decreased from 2.3 to 1.0. A stable SM1/SM2 ratio of 0.6 was observed in the adult a...
Strategizing surveillance for resource-constrained event monitoring

Surveillance systems, such as sensor networks and surveillance camera networks, have been widely deployed to monitor events in many different scenarios. One common way to conserve resource (such as energy) usage is to have only a subset of devices activated at any give time. In this paper, we look at this classic problem from a new perspective: we do not try to cover all the event areas as usually studied, but aim to find the most valuable event areas among all the event areas (i.e., the ones leading to the most utility) to monitor, subject to resource constraints. This problem poses two major challenges. First, the utility brought by monitoring an event area is not known beforehand. Second, even if this information is known in advance, solving the problem of which event areas should be monitored to maximize the total utility, subject to resource constraints, is NP-hard. We formulate this problem as a novel programming system, called online integer linear programming, and present a polynomial time algorithm to solve this problem. For any given σ∈(0, 1), we prove a bound on the gap between the expected utility obtained by constantly using the global optimal strategy multiplied by σ and the expected utility obtained by following our algorithm.
Toxocariasis: An occult cause of childhood neuropsychological deficits and asthma?

Abstract Toxocara infection traditionally has been associated with three possible manifestations: asymptomatic toxocariasis, visceral larva migrans, and ocular larva migrans. Recent literature, however, suggests that Toxocara infection may be associated with yet another clinical form, covert or “nonclassic” toxocariasis. This nonclassic toxocariasis is neither asymptomatic toxocariasis nor the full-blown syndrome of visceral or ocular larva migrans. Individuals with covert toxocariasis will not present with the full spectrum of symptoms but with a variety of individual and separate clinical entities, such as asthma, seizures, or neurocognitive disorders. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Subject knowledge of the Experimenter's interest in handedness and familial sinistrality variables and laterality test outcomes

Abstract We investigated the possible influence of common “demand characteristics” on the results on behavioral language laterality tasks. The demand characteristics were (1) whether Ss were or were not recruited for study according to their handedness, and (2) whether a detailed familial sinistrality inquiry was conducted before or after the tasks. Tasks were the Dichotic Consonant Vowel Task (DCVT) and the Bilateral Object Naming Latency Task (BONLT). Results showed no effect of demand characteristics on the BONLT. On the DCVT, however, prior inquiry regarding familial sinistrality was associated with significantly reduced right ear advantages (REAs). Interactions showed that the greatest reduction in REAs occurred in Ss with left-handedness in their families, who were asked about familial sinistrality prior to the tasks, who took the DCVT after the BONLT, and who were also recruited by handedness. Results, though generally reassuring regarding the robustness of the tasks against these sources of bias, raise some cautions for the DCVT.
Solubility of Organic Compounds in Rubber

Abstract While a few methods for solubility determination in rubber have been available, they are somewhat difficult and susceptible to large errors. A new method has been developed which has the advantage of being simple, rapid, and accurate, and applicable to all solids soluble in rubber. The apparatus developed can be used for any problem where microscopic observation at elevated temperature will yield information. The results thus far obtained are of use in explaining the peculiarities of certain organic compounds when used with rubber. It is hoped that sufficient data may be obtained to establish accurately the solubility properties of entire classes of compounds as well as mixtures of several components. In addition to molecular weight determination, the method may yield further results of theoretical interest.
Evidence for an adsorbate-dependent mechanism for surface resistivity: formic acid, oxygen and CO on Cu(100)

Abstract When epitaxial Cu(100) films are exposed to formic acid, oxygen or CO gas at low temperature, both the dc electrical resistance and the infrared reflectance of the film change. The ratio of the resistance change to the reflectance change, however, is approximately twice as large for formic acid and CO as for oxygen, on identically prepared samples. This difference in slope is inconsistent with models in which the increase in film resistance arises solely from scattering of conduction electrons by the adsorbates. Changes in conduction electron density may also be important for some systems, especially when the chemisorption bond involves large charge transfer.
Complete heart block with Stokes Adams attack from transient ventricular fibrillation.

A patient with complete heart block is described who developed a Stokes Adams attack due to transient ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The probable mechanism of the ventricular arrhythmia is discussed.
Identification of the phenolic components of chrysanthemum flower (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)

A standardised profiling method based on liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray ionisation/mass spectrometry (LC–DAD–ESI/MS) was used to identify 46 flavonoids and 17 caffeic acid derivatives in the aqueous methanol extract of Flos chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) (Compositae), an important Chinese herb. Fifteen caffeoylquinic acids and 15 flavonoids were positively identified and the remaining compounds were provisionally identified. The detected phenolics were present at concentrations greater than 0.001% of the dry plant material. Many of these phenolics have been reported to have human health benefits. Twenty-five compounds, including C-glycosylated flavones and aliphatic acid-containing caffeoylquinic acids, are reported for the first time in chrysanthemum flower, and this comprehensive analysis of the phenolic components of herb Flos chrysanthemum will be helpful for the quality control of this herb and its products, and to understand the usage and function.
Place Matters, But How? Rural identity, environmental decision-making and the social construction of place

This article investigates the relationship between environmental policy and the social construction of place in two neighboring California counties. We examine two counties with dramatic geographic...
A model of photon-induced self-driven electrochemical cell for water splitting to hydrogen

Abstract An equation for cell current in a self-driven photon-induced electrochemical cell, having both electrodes as semiconducting photoelectrodes, has been derived and applied to water splitting to hydrogen. The cell current and the cell potential depend on various semiconductor properties and the properties of the ions in solution. The computed dependence of cell current and potential for specific combinations of electrodes, e.g. nSrTiO 3 /p-GaP and nTiO 2 /p-GaP, show the same trends as the experimental observation. Further calculations suggest that it should be possible to attain an efficiency of conversion of light up to 18% for water splitting to hydrogen with p-InP (Pt-electrocatalyst)/n-Si (electrocatalyst) and up to 17% with p-Si (Pt)/n-InP(c) using appropriate electrocatalyst on the nSi and on the nInP electrodes.
Biochemical and biophysical analysis of five disease-associated human adenylosuccinate lyase mutants

Adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL), a catalyst of key reactions in purine biosynthesis, is normally a homotetramer in which three subunits contribute to each of four active sites. Human ASL deficiency is an inherited metabolic disease associated with autism and mental retardation. We have characterized five disease-associated ASL mutants: R194C and K246E are located at subunit interfaces, L311V is in the central helical region away from the active site, and R396C and R396H are at the entrance to the active site. The Vmax (at 25 °C) for R194C is comparable to that of WT; while those of L311V, R396C, R396H and K246E are considerably reduced and affinity for adenylosuccinate is retained. The mutant enzymes have decreased positive cooperativity as compared to WT. K246E exists mainly as dimer or monomer, accounting for its negligible activity; whereas the other mutant enzymes are similar to WT in the predominance of tetramer. At 37 °C, the specific activity of WT and these mutant enzymes slowly decreases 30-40% with time and reaches a limiting specific activity without changing significantly the amount of tetramer. Mutant R194C is unique in being rapidly inactivated at the harsher temperature of 60°C, indicating that it is the least stable enzyme in vitro. Conformational changes in the mutant enzymes are evident from protein fluorescence intensity at 25 °C and after incubation at 37 °C, which correlates with the loss of enzymatic activity. Thus, these disease-associated single mutations can yield enzyme with reduced activity either by affecting the active site or by perturbing the enzyme’s structure and/or native conformation which are required for catalytic function.