cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical-Applied Aspects of the Composition of Regression Models for Combined Propulsion Complexes Based on Data of Experimental Research

Based on the study into internal properties of components of the ship power plants (SPP) in the combined propulsion complexes (CPC) and considering special features in the construction of equations that characterize energy processes in the specific SPP of the particular CPC, we developed the principles of constructing their regression models according to data from experimental research. The function is defined that connects input variables and the output variable based on data of the experiment with the certain number of common observations of the input and output parameters. The check for adequacy of the obtained model was performed according to the experimental data. Such studies are necessary in order to develop specialized software modeling tools that are used when designing CPC SPP whose structure may vary in certain specified operational limits and situational factors. Similar empirical models also make it possible to improve simulation modeling algorithms involving the use of statistical tests and construction of CPC SPP models based on experimental data. As the result of present research, according to data obtained in the course of experiment, which contained 14 joint observations of the input and output parametric coordinates of the thruster drives (TDs) of CPC of the ship that operates under dynamic positioning mode, we estimated variation in the coefficients of regression equation and determined coefficients b0=0.4527; b1=–0.1126; b2=0.0848; b3=–0.0277; b4=0.0856, which refine the structure of regression model of SPP of CPC. For different levels of significance and degrees of freedom, the Student's t-criterion was computed for significance level α=0.06 and for the number of degrees of freedom 30 fy=30t(0.06; 30)=t(0.06; 2)=4.823, as well as the Fisher’s F-criterion Fe (0.06; 12; 2)=5.43, on the basis of which the conclusion was made that confirms adequacy of the obtained model according to the experimental tests. Based on the constructed regression model, it is possible to adjust the position of CPC TD relative to each other and to the diametrical plane of the ship, as well as directions of TD rotation in the process of optimization of parameters of physical models of control systems of TD electric engines.
A Reality-Conforming Approach for QoS Performance Analysis of AFDX in Cyber-Physical Avionics Systems

AFDX (Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet) is developed to support mission-critical communications while providing deterministic Quality of Service (QoS) across cyber-physical avionics systems. Currently, AFDX utilizes FP/FIFO QoS mechanisms to guarantee its real-time performance. To analyze the real-time performance of avionic systems in their design processes, existing work analyzes the deterministic delay bound of AFDX using NC (Network Calculus). However, existing analytical work is based on an unrealistic assumption leading to assumed worst cases that may not be achievable in reality. In this paper, we present a family of algorithms that can search for realistic worst-case delay scenarios in both preemptive and non-preemptive situations. Then we integrate the proposed algorithms with NC and apply our approach to analyzing tandem AFDX networks. Our reality-conforming approach yields tighter delay bound estimations than the state of the art. When there are 100 virtual links in AFDX networks, our method can provide delay bounds more than 25% tighter than those calculated by the state of the art in our evaluation. Moreover, when using our reality-conforming method in the design process, it leads to 27.2% increase in the number of virtual links accommodated by the network in the tandem scenario.
The effect of converter thickness on the ƒ-factor used in the IEC method

Abstract The effect of converter thickness on the ƒ- factor used in the IEC method has been investigated for a particular geometry at energies of 300, 340, 364, and 412 keV and with seven different converters with thickness ranging from 0.39 to 3.71 mg/cm 2 . The known K-shell conversion coefficients of the 364 keV transition in 131 Xe and the 412 keV transition in 198 Hg were used to calculate ƒ. The experimental results differ greatly from scatter-corrected calculations of ƒ.
Differential production of superoxide dismutase and catalase isozymes during infection of wheat by a Fusarium proliferatum -like fungal isolate

AOS are produced during interactions between pathogens and incompatible and compatible plant hosts. Wheat cv. Super Dwarf infected with a Fusarium proliferatum -like species showed increased deposition of lignin-like polymers and dimers of ferulic acid in plant cell wall structures denoting phenolic oxidation. Consequently, we examined whether enzymes connected with AOS metabolism were modified during the interaction between wheat and this Fusarium isolate. Neither SOD nor catalase activities of wheat were altered by Fusarium -infection of sheath tissue. In liquid in vitro cultures, Fusarium produced three anionic SODs, and anionic and cationic catalase isozymes. OneFusarium MnSOD was expressed in infected wheat, while one Cu/ZnSOD and a second MnSOD were not detected. The Cu/ZnSOD was not expressed during growth on carbon- or nitrogen-limited cultures. The fungal anionic catalases that were highly expressed in carbon-limited in vitro culture, but not the cationic catalase, were detected in Fusarium -infected wheat tissue. Thus, specific isozymes of both fungal SOD and catalase appear not to be produced in the wheat sheath. The fungal enzyme expression patterns are consistent with the fungus experiencing nutrient limitation and/or oxidative stress during its process of colonization of the wheat sheath.
From security protocols to systems security

Pekka Nikander: Do you have any feeling for how much of this system you can model? Reply: It's a moveable feast: you can choose the boundary. But if you don't have any boundary at all then I don't think you've got enough context...you need to talk about conditions that are established through combinations of sub-protocols, and they have to be in context. I think it's not just a simple matter of fact, of saying “OK, we'll just work with the protocol and hope everything else will go away.” It won't. And I don't yet know where to stop. Bruce Christianson: When you say “the protocol” I assume you're using that in a narrow sense of just meaning the messages and the state of the protocol itself, is that right? It's clear that you need to model some of the other aspects of those systems on which the protocols run. Reply: Yes, that's where I was coming from. I originally started doing this work on very constrained message sequence charts. When people asked if I could prove completeness, I said that there may be a key to prove completeness for this very narrow class of protocols, but what was the point, because the real problems were all around the side. You need to broaden out the model and then completeness questions probably disappear.
The Inverse Problem

All the ingredients for the solution of the inverse scattering problem via the Gel’fand-Levitan procedure have now been assembled. What is actually going to be solved is an inverse spectral problem posed for the regular solution. This inverse spectral problem is of relatively little intrinsic interest because in dimensions higher than one (for noncentral potentials) the regular solution is not a natural solution of the Schrodinger equation. As we saw in Chapter 3, it has to be defined in a very indirect manner and the inverse spectral problem for it does not arise naturally. However, solving this inverse spectral problem, in which the spectral function, defined in Section 3.3, is the input, solves at the same time the inverse scattering problem because the Jost function forms a direct link from the scattering data, that is, the S matrix, to the spectral function. Thus, solving the problem of finding the potential that underlies a given spectral function also solves the problem of finding the potential that underlies a given S matrix. Once the Wiener-Hopf factorization problem has been solved and the Jost function has been constructed from the S matrix, the spectral function is known.
Functorial properties of Stark units in multiquadratic extensions

The goal of this paper is to present computations investigatingthe "functorial" properties of Stark units, that is, how specificroots of Stark units from certain subfields of a top field are placed withrespect to the top field and how these roots relate to the Stark unit inthe top field. This type of question is of particular relevance to gaininga better understanding of the somewhat mysterious "abelian condition"in Stark's Conjecture.
The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs

Introduction A Brief History of Chinese Medicine The Cardiovascular System Herbs with Multiple Actions Cardiac Herbs Antiarrhythmic Herbs Antihypertensive Herbs Antianginal Herbs Antihypercholesteroliemic Herbs Antishock Herbs The Nervous System Anesthetics and Muscle-Relaxing Herbs Sedatives and Hypnotic Herbs Anticonvulsive Herbs Anti-Alzheimer and Nootropic Herbs Analgesic Herbs Antipyretic Herbs Antirheumatic Herbs Central Stimulating Herbs The Alimentary System Stomachic and "Wind"-Dispelling Herbs Herbs Promoting Digestion Antacid and Antiulcer Herbs Laxative Herbs Antidiarrheal Herbs Emetic and Antiemetic Herbs Choleretic and Antihepatitis Herbs Tonics and Supporting Herbs The Respiratory System Antitussives Expectorants Antiasthmatic Herbs The Genitourinary System Diuretic Herbs Herbs Affecting the Uterus Fertility and Contraceptive Herbs The Hematopoietic System Herbs Promoting Blood Formation Immunoenhancing and Immunosuppressing Herbs Hemostatic and Antistasic Herbs The Endocrine System Herbs Affecting the Thyroid Gland Herbs Affecting the Adrenal Cortex Antidiabetic Herbs Chemotherapy Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungus Herbs Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Viral (HIV) Herbs Antitubercular Herbs Antiseptics and Disinfectants Anthelmintics Antiamebial and Antitrichomonial Herbs Antimalarial Herbs Anticancer Herbs Appendix Index
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN ITALIAN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Objective â€“ The aim of this paper is to describe the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in an unselected hospital-based cohort of patients with Cystic fibrosis (CF), and to explore the association between HRQoL and psychological status. Study design â€“ 115 patients with CF (47 children, 26 adolescents and 42 adults) attending the Bambino GesA¹ Pediatric Hospital in Rome, Italy, were recruited. HRQoL was measured through the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (CFQ), child and adult versions. The Youth Self Report Form and the General Health Questionnaire were used to screen for psychological distress in patients aged below and above 18 respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between CFQ scores and psychological distress, adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical variables. Results â€“ HRQoL was high, except for Social Limitations, Energy/Wellbeing and Treatment Constraints. Twenty-eight patients (24.4%) scored positive for psychological distress. HRQoL scores below median for Symptoms, Body Image and Social Limitations, and unemployment were significantly associated with the presence of psychological distress, while age, screening-based diagnosis, gender and medical factors were not. Conclusions â€“ Screening for psychological distress should be part of routine management of patients with CF. Opportunities for age-appropriate socialization, work and leisure time should be allowed and encouraged.
Mortality factor 4 like 1 protein mediates epithelial cell death in a mouse model of pneumonia

Unchecked epithelial cell death is fundamental to the pathogenesis of pneumonia. The recognition of unique signaling pathways that preserve epithelial cell viability may present new opportunities for interventional strategies. We describe that mortality factor 4 like 1 (Morf4l1), a protein involved in chromatin remodeling, is constitutively expressed at low levels in the lung because of its continuous degradation mediated by an orphan ubiquitin E3 ligase subunit, Fbxl18. Expression of Morf4l1 increases in humans with pneumonia and is up-regulated in lung epithelia after exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa or lipopolysaccharide. In a mouse model of pneumonia induced by P. aeruginosa , Morf4l1 is stabilized by acetylation that protects it from Fbxl18-mediated degradation. After P. aeruginosa infection of mice, overexpression of Morf4l1 resulted in lung epithelial cell death, whereas its depletion restored cell viability. Using in silico modeling and drug-target interaction studies, we identified that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved thrombin inhibitor argatroban is a Morf4l1 antagonist. Argatroban inhibited Morf4l1-dependent histone acetylation, reduced its cytotoxicity, and improved survival of mice with experimental lung injury at doses that had no anticoagulant activity. These studies uncover a previously unrecognized biological mechanism whereby pathogens subvert cell viability by extending the life span of a cytotoxic host protein. Morf4l1 may be a potential molecular target for non-antibiotic pharmacotherapy during severe pulmonary infection.
Time-frequency analysis using the residual interference signal canceller filter bank

We describe a procedure for tracking the nonstationary components present in a real-valued signal. Each component is assumed to be a generalized sinusoid whose envelope and frequency vary slowly with time. This method is an extension of our previously proposed algorithm for tracking complex-valued components. When applied to voiced-speech signals, we demonstrate that if the number of trackers and their bandwidths are appropriately chosen, either the formants or the harmonics can be tracked. >
Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of iron overload in a leukemic patient after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Iron overload (IO) is increasingly recognized as a common cause of hepatic dysfunction in leukemic patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive method of making the diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia presented with severe liver dysfunction during salvage chemotherapy for leukemia relapse after undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The liver dysfunction was originally attributed to graft-versus-host disease; however, findings on MRI and liver biopsy were consistent with hepatic IO. CONCLUSIONS: As illustrated by our case, MRI can be a reliable, noninvasive modality that should be employed in the work-up of these patients.
THE ASSOCIATIVE REACTIONS OF PNEUMONIA VIRUS OF MICE (PVM) AND INFLUENZA VIRUSES: THE EFFECTS OF pH AND ELECTROLYTES UPON VIRUS-HOST CELL COMBINATIONS

Combination between PVM and erythrocytes as well as between the influenza viruses and erythrocytes is inhibited at low electrolyte concentrations. Combination between PVM and lung particles as well as between the virus and erythrocytes can be dissociated in solutions of low electrolyte concentration. The rate of elution of influenza virus is decreased under similar conditions. PVM can combine with and be dissociated from erythrocytes repeatedly without affecting the combining capacity of the ceils and does not possess an enzyme-like activity similar to that of the influenza viruses. Because dissociation depends on electrolyte concentration and pH, it appears that the PVM-cell component complex may be in the nature of a weak salt.
How acute brain failure becomes chronic : a view of the mechanisms of dementia related to stroke

My aim in this review is to review some current ideas about the independent and interacting contributions of vascular disease and brain degeneration to dementia syndromes related to stroke, and to formulate these ideas into the potential vascular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of dementia from cerebrovascular disease
Collagen meniscus implantation: a systematic review including rehabilitation and return to sports activity

Purpose To determine collagen meniscus implant (CMI) efficacy for improving patient function, symptoms, and activity level. Study methodologies, rehabilitation, and return to sports guidelines were also reviewed.
Priming effects on lexical access and decision processes: A signal-detection analysis

Signal-detection methodology was employed to examine the assumption that in a lexical-decision task context effects are primarily the result of post-access processes. Experiment 1, in which prime-relatedness was varied within subjects, found changes in target sensitivity (d′) without corresponding changes in the response criterion. This outcome was interpreted as evidence that prior context facilitates lexical access, whereas post-access contributions remain constant across conditions. When prime-relatedness was varied between subjects in Experiment 2, the lexical-decision task showed differing context effects on access processes as well as on post-access processes. It was concluded that subjects adopt a single response criterion suited to maximize task performance. The particular response criterion adopted is a function of the stimulus set rather than a function of the relationship between prime and target on any single trial. Finally, it was concluded that post-access strategies alone are insufficient to account for context effects obtained when typical lexical-decision-task procedures are used, or to account for the magnitude of the differences obtained between the present experiments.
Incorporation of Metals into Fluoropolymer Films Synthesized by Plasma Techniques

Abstract A method is described to incorporate metals into fluorocarbon polymer films produced in a plasma environment by a simultaneous etching and polymerization process. The emphasis of this work is on a molybdenum-perfluoropropane system, and films produced in this manner were found to contain as much as 20% molybdenum by weight. Some aspects of their structure are discussed.
Association Between Glutathione S-Transferase M1, P1, and T1 Genetic Polymorphisms and Development of Breast Cancer

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are encoded by a superfamily of genes and play a role in the detoxification of potential carcinogens. In a nested case-control study, we investigated associations between genetic variability in specific GST genes (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) and susceptibility to breast cancer. Methods : In 1989, a total of 32898 individuals donated blood samples to a research specimen bank established in Washington County, MD. Genotypes of blood specimen DNA were determined for 110 of 115 women with incident cases of breast cancer diagnosed during the period from 1990 through 1995 and up to 113 of 115 control subjects. Associations between specific genotypes and the development of breast cancer were examined by use of logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The GSTM1 homozygous null genotype was associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.22-3.64), principally due to an association with postmenopausal breast cancer (OR = 2.50; 95%CI = 1.34-4.65). For GSTP1, the data were suggestive of a trend of increasing risk with higher numbers of codon 105 valine alleles (compared with isoleucine alleles); a 1.97-fold increased risk of breast cancer (95% CI = 0.77-5.02) was associated with valine/valine homozygosity. The risk of breast cancer associated with the GSTT1 homozygous null genotype was 1.50 (95 % CI = 0.76-2.95). The risk of breast cancer increased as the number of putative high-risk genotypes increased (P for trend <.001) (OR = 3.77; 95% CI = 1.10-12.88 for a combined genotype of GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and either GSTP1 valine heterozygosity or GSTP1 valine homozygosity). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that genetic variability in members of the GST gene family may be associated with an increased susceptibility to breast cancer.
Effect of 17-Ethyl-19-nortestosterone 3-Enol Propionate (SC-7294) on the Metabolism of Adrenal Cortical Steroids

ABSTRACT. 17-Ethyl-19-nortestosterone 3- enol propionate (SC-7294) administration reduced total urinary neutral 17-KS by interfering with the liver degradation of their adrenal cortical and gonadal precursors. No change in total urinary 17-hydroxy corticoids was noted following this drug. However, it was demonstrated that reduction in ring A of C-21 adrenal cortical steroids by the liver is impaired following the administration of SC-7294 without any significant effect on conjugation of these steroids. This study does not support the hypothesis that SC-7294 reduced urinary neutral 17-KS excretion because of an effect on either pituitary ACTH release or adrenal cortical steroid synthesis.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum après pontage distal du membre inférieur

Un homme de 66 ans atteint d'une ischemie du membre inferieur a subi un pontage femoro-tibial posterieure en veines composites du bras. Dix jours plus tard, il s'est presente au service des urgences avec une douleur, une cicatrice inflammatoire et suintante. En depit d'un traitement prolonge par antibiotiques intraveineux et des mises-a-plats chirurgicales periodiques, les bords de la plaie necrosaient a plusieurs reprises apres chaque procedure. La greffe veineuse restait viable. Des biopsies par poincon des bords de la plaie etaient compatibles avec un pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). L'etat du patient s'est ameliore sous traitement immunosuppresseur. Bien qu'etant une entite clinique rare, le PG post-chirurgical est un phenomene bien decrit dont le diagnostic est souvent retarde. Sa recherche clinique est imperative pour assurer un traitement efficace et pour reduire au minimum sa morbidite.
Pregnenolone sulfate increases intracellular Ca2+ levels in a pituitary cell line.

Abstract We have investigated the rapid steroid effects on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i levels in a clonal pituitary cell line (GH3). Among the steroids tested only pregnenolone sulfate induced a rapid and transient [Ca2+]i increase within 1 min. The specificity of pregnenolone sulfate-induced [Ca2+]i increase with respect to steroid structure was pronounced. Other steroids (5–40 μM) including pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, progesterone, estradiol-17β, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone were found to be ineffective. The [Ca2+]i increase with pregnenolone sulfate (30 μM) was completely abolished in a Ca2+-free medium or in the presence of La3+ (0.1 mM) and Co2+ (5 mM). The organic Ca2+ channel blockers methoxyverapamil (100 μM) and nicardipine (5 μM) both showed similar inhibitions (> 73%). The interaction between pregnenolone sulfate and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) was shown by coapplication of pregnenolone sulfate (10 μM) with Bay K 8644 (0.1 mM) or KCl (15 mM). Coapplication of pregnenolone sulfate with KCl increased the [Ca2+]i in an additive manner. However, with the specific agonist Bay K 8644(±), the pregnenolone sulfate effect was potentiated in a majority of the cells, suggesting cooperative interaction between the two. The results demonstrate that pregnenolone sulfate induces a rapid Ca2+ influx in GH3 cells. The marked nicardipine block also suggests that most of the Ca2+ influx is mediated through L-type VGCC.
A comparison of Caucasian and Southeast Asian Hmong uterine fundal height during pregnancy.

Background. Fundal height measurement is a standard clinical assessment tool used in prenatal care. This study compared the fundal heights growth curves of two ethnically distinct groups of pregnant women. We were motivated by our clinical experience with one group where fundal heights seemed 'small for date' and by the reluctance of this group to undergo further testing, especially ultrasound. Methods. A prospective cohort study compared the fundal heights growth curve of 48 Caucasian and 40 Hmong women from two clinics in central Wisconsin (USA). Results. Southeast Asian Hmong women were found to have a slower rate of fundal height growth than Caucasian women (significantly different average slopes of.88 vs..95, respectively). An expectation of linear growth appeared more valid for Caucasian than Hmong women. At 40 weeks, regression based estimates overestimated the Caucasian sample by 1.3 weeks and the Hmong sample by 2.7 weeks. ANCOVA procedures remained significant while controlling for group differences in height. Fundal height measurements were moderately predictive of birth weight for the Hmong sample but not the Caucasian sample (multiple r= .39). Conclusions. Considerable differences emerged between fundal height measures for the Hmong and Caucasian samples. The improved ability to differentiate groups following control of variance due to height as well as the ability to predict birth weight from fundal height curve in the Hmong group argue for value of normative development using more homogeneous groups. Clinicians should consider the applicability of fundal height norms to their clinical populations and may be able to have more confidence in using fundal height as an evaluative tool with more appropriate norms.
Interindustry Factor Mobility and Technological Change: Evidence on Wage and Profit Dispersion Across U.S. Industries, 1820-1990

Interindustry factor mobility is a crucial determinant of the income-distribution effects of exogenous changes in relative commodity prices. This examination of interindustry variation in wages and profits using data from manufacturing industries from 1820 to 1990 suggests that interindustry factor mobility may be strongly related to the processes of industrialization. Development in the nineteenth century produced a sharp rise in mobility (a decline in interindustry wage and profit differentials) due to rapid improvements in transportation and the introduction of factory production. Twentieth-century industrialization, involving greater reliance on specialized equipment and knowledge, reduced levels of interindustry mobility.
Architecture Development for Web-Based Geographic Information System Applications in Transportation

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based system that integrates computer software and hardware to collect, store, and analyze objects and phenomena for which geographic location information is critical to the analysis. A variety of transportation management and planning applications can benefit from the abundant information contained in a GIS. Advances in information technology and the Internet enable the once resource-intensive GIS transportation application to be widely available. Transportation agencies and companies are publishing these applications on the Internet and offering travelers convenient trip-planning features and traveler information. Proposed in this paper is a three-tier architecture for implementing GIS database applications on the Internet. This architecture uses a platform-independent Java applet as the front end for the client. The Java applet can run in any Java-enabled web browser, regardless of the operating system used. This capability simplifies the deployment i...
Green: The New Computing Coat of Arms?

Although currently there's a lot more hype than science or engineering behind green computing, there's also great promise behind achieving the goals that are being articulated.
Asthma exacerbations during Santa Ana winds in southern California.

This study investigated the relationship between Santa Ana wind conditions and visits for asthma at a southern California emergency department. Visits to the emergency department for asthma were analyzed retrospectively to determine whether the incidence increased during Santa Ana wind conditions. These northeasterly winds are common during fall and winter in southern California and belong to a class known as Foehn winds. They are characterized by gusty winds, decreased relative humidity, warm temperatures, and decreased levels of airborne pollutants. During a 4-year period, we noted that emergency department visits for asthma increased (3.12 vs. 2.16 visits per day, P
Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials in Nonlesional Partial Epilepsy

Abstract Event-related potentials have been occasionally investigated in epilepsy. We recorded slow vertex responses or long-latency auditory evoked potentials (LLAEPs) to auditory stimuli in patients with complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures. Fifty consecutive neurologically-normal patients with normal imaging studies and 50 controls were compared. Slow vertex response (SVR) recordings utilized monaural condensation clicks presented at 0.5 Hz and 100 dB sound pressure level (SPL) with 40 dB contralateral masking; filter bandpass was 1–50 Hz, analysis time was 500 mseconds, and 200 averages were recorded and replicated. Long-latency auditory evoked potentials were recorded from Fz and Cz to linked-ear and ipsilateral-ear reference. Long-latency auditory evoked potential latencies of N100 potentials were significantly prolonged in patients as compared to controls, while P180 and N200 were longer in latency among patients but did not achieve statistical significance. N100 and P180 were significantly prolonged in latency on the side of the electroencephalogram (EEG)-documented epileptogenic focus in the seizure patients. These findings support previous suggestions of frontal or temporal cortical origin for SVRs, and suggest that LLAEP components may be prolonged in latency on the side of an irritative focus. Long-latency auditory evoked potential latency prolongation or asymmetry may therefore assist in the noninvasive neurophysiologic assessment of epilepsy patients.
Imaging of high-risk plaque.

‘High-risk’ or ‘vulnerable’ plaques in the coronary arteries have characteristics that make them more prone to disruption and subsequent thrombosis – the mechanisms of most acute coronary syndromes (A
Intrinsic Disorder, Scaffolds, and Stochastic Machines

Scaffold proteins bind additional proteins that then carry out multi-step pathways. How do such machines work? Here a new hypothesis is proposed for the complex consisting of axin, two kinases - GSK3β and CK1α - and β-catenin. The pathway involves four discrete phosphorylations of β-catenin by the kinases. Like many other scaffold proteins, axin is mostly unstructured [1]. With a length of about 800 residues, axin forms two small domains of less than 100 residues each, and uses only a small number of residues, about 20 per interaction, to bind to GSK3β and β-catenin [1], and presumably also to bind to CK1α. Thus, even with the two domains and 3 partners, axin remains mostly unfolded. The hypothesis is that the unstructured axin molecule holds the three globular proteins in very high local concentrations, like three globules on a rope, and that, by random motions, first CK1α and then GSK3β phosphorylate the disordered tail of β-catenin successively four times. The “conformational changes” of axin that lead to acceleration of phosphorylation are neither specific nor coordinated, but rather are entirely stochastic, with stereochemical fit between the enzymes and their targets leading to the correct ordering of the four phosphorylation steps. In this hypothesis, the scaffold protein acts simply as a flexible tether that leads to acceleration of the multiple steps in the pathway by raising the local concentrations of the key components and by allowing the various components the freedom to collide in various orientations until productive collisions result. Thus, the steps of the pathway are carried out by a stochastic machine. This may be a general mechanism for scaffold-based molecular machines.[1] Cortese, MS, Uversky, VN, and Dunker, AK. Intrinsic disorder in scaffold proteins: getting more from less. Prog. Biophys. Mol. Biol. 98: 85-106 (2008)
Site Response, Shallow Shear-Wave Velocity, and Damage in Los Gatos, California, from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake

Aftershock records of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake are used to calculate site response in the frequency band of 0.5–10 Hz at 24 locations in Los Gatos, California, on the edge of the Santa Clara Valley. Two different methods are used: spectral ratios relative to a reference site on rock and a source/site spectral inversion method. These two methods complement each other and give consistent results. Site amplification factors are compared with surficial geology, thickness of alluvium, shallow shear-wave velocity measurements, and ground deformation and structural damage resulting from the Loma Prieta earthquake. Higher values of site amplification are seen on Quaternary alluvium compared with older Miocene and Cretaceous units of Monterey and Franciscan Formation. However, other more detailed correlations with surficial geology are not evident. A complex pattern of alluvial sediment thickness, caused by crosscutting thrust faults, is interpreted as contributing to the variability in site response and the presence of spectral resonance peaks between 2 and 7 Hz at some sites. Within the range of our field measurements, there is a correlation between lower average shear-wave velocity of the top 30 m and 50% higher values of site amplification. An area of residential homes thrown from their foundations correlates with high site response. This damage may also have been aggravated by local ground deformation. Severe damage to commercial buildings in the business district, however, is attributed to poor masonry construction.
Urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion in man: the role of protein-bound and soluble 3-methylhistidine

1. The influence of dietary meat and meat stock intake on urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine (3MH) was examined in human adults.2. In the absence of 3MH ingestion for 48 h, the study subjects adjusted to an intrinsic urinary 3MH: creatinine value. If the meat and meat stock-free diet was maintained on subsequent days, only minute diurnal variations occurred, and the values of random urine samples during the day were representative of the 24 h 3MH: creatinine value.3. The mean 3MH: creatinine value (SD) for a group of adults (n 7) was 0·105 ± 0·023 (μmol of 3MH/mg creatinine), which is approximately 35% lower than the corresponding value in healthy growing infants (0·148 ± 0·039) (Seashore et al. 1981).4. Ingestion of meat soup and meat causes different patterns of urinary excretion of 3MH which are consistent with the finding that meat extracts, such as soup and stock, contain considerable amounts of 3MH. The 3MH contents of beef, chicken and turkey were 3·8 ± 0·15, 3·0 ± 0·09 and 2·3 ± 0·29 μmol/g dry wt meat respectively. All three meats contained a water-soluble 3MH-fraction (% total 3MH: beef 8, chicken 21, turkey 23). Amino acid analysis of the soluble fraction with or without hydrochloric acid hydrolysis demonstrated free 3MH in chicken and turkey (5·2 and 2·8% of the total respectively) but not in beef.5. Patients undergoing urinary 3MH measurements should maintain a diet that is free not only of solid meats, but also of meat stock. The ingestion of commercial food products (e.g. frozen or canned meals, sauces, pizza, etc.) may impair the validity of such measurements because of their meat-stock content.6. A dietary regimen is presented which is based on a shorter 12 h urine collection. The shorter collection time is satisfactory in the light of the steady rate of 3MH-excretion after 2 d of a diet free of meat and meat stock.
Selectivity of carrier-based ion-selective electrodes: is the problem solved?

Abstract Traditional experimental and theoretical tools to describe the selectivity behavior of solvent polymeric membrane ion-selective electrodes are in many cases inadequate. Even in ideal situations, the generally applied Nicolskii-Eisenman equation is often not applicable. Moreover, real-world ion-selective electrodes often show non-ideal behavior, thus questioning the usefulness of reporting Nicolskii coefficients as a measure of selectivity. In recent years, a number of reports have aimed at resolving these issues. Empirical methods such as the matched potential method have emerged as additional tools to characterize the apparent selectivity in real-world samples, unrestricted by theoretical assumptions. On the other hand, a number of experimental procedures are now available to determine the relevant ionexchange selectivity of potentiometric membranes. New formalisms have been reported recently to describe the mixed ion response of ion-selective electrodes, which is incorrectly described by the Nicolskii-Eisenman equation. These recent efforts are discussed and compared in view of their practical significance.
Simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of ketoconazole in human plasma

A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method using fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of ketoconazole in human plasma. The method entailed direct injection of the plasma sample after deproteinization using acetonitrile. The mobile phase comprised 0.05 M disodium hydrogen orthophosphate and acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) adjusted to pH 6. Analysis was run at a flow-rate of 1.5 ml/min with the detector operating at an excitation wavelength of 260 nm and an emission wavelength of 375 nm. The method is specific and sensitive with a quantification limit of approximately 60 ng/ml and a detection limit of 40 ng/ml at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. Mean absolute recovery value was about 105%, while the within-day and between-day coefficient of variation and percent error values of the assay method were all less than 14%. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 62.5-8000 ng/ml.
Association of IL-13, RANTES, and leukotriene C4 synthase gene promoter polymorphisms with asthma and/or atopy in African Americans

Purpose: IL-13, RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T cells Expressed and Secreted), and cysteinyl leukotrienes are asthma and atopy mediators. Two RANTES −403(G to A) and −28(C to G), an −1055 IL-13(C to T), and a −444(A to C) leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown in Caucasians and Asians as asthma and atopy risk factors. We studied these SNPs in African Americans with asthma and/or atopy. Methods: We studied 61 patients with asthma and/or atopy and 129 to 157 newborn controls for the −403 RANTES, −28 RANTES, and −1055 IL-13 SNPs, as well as 47 patients and 60 newborn controls for the −444 LTC4S SNP. Results: The two groups did not significantly differ at the genotypes of the −403 and −28 RANTES SNP. On the other hand, the mutant TT genotype for the −1055 IL-13 SNP was detected in 19.7% of patients versus 12.7% in controls (P 0.28); mutant C allele had an OR of 2.1 (95% CI 0.7–6.3). Conclusion: African American asthmatics/atopics had higher frequency of the TT mutant gene for the −1055 IL-13 SNP and of its mutant T allele. Regarding the −444 LTC4S SNP, there was a definite difference, although not statistically significant, with an OR of 2.1 for the mutant AC genotype in patients. If these findings become reproduced by larger studies, it may suggest that IL-13 and LTC4S SNPs can be used as predictive markers for asthma/atopy in African Americans.
The analysis of multidimensional contingency tables when some variables are posterior to others: a modified path analysis approach

S-UMMARY Models and methods for analyzing the relations among a set of polytomous variables, when some of the variables are posterior to others, are presented. The techniques proposed here yield 'path diagrams' that are somewhat analogous to those used in path analysis. Earlier path analysis models are not suited to the case where the variables are polytomous, or dichotomous, but the models proposed herein are. For each of our models, methods are presented for (a) testing whether the model fits the data, (b) partitioning the test statistic into components that can be used to test submodels within the overall model, and (c) estimating the parameters in the model. An illustrative application is also included.
EUVL mask inspection at Hydrogen Lyman Alpha

Mask inspection is an outstanding challenge for Extreme Ultra-Violet Lithography (EUVL). The purpose of this investigation is to compare imaging characteristics of ArF and KrF inspection sources to imaging characteristics using a source at the Lyman-alpha line of Hydrogen at 121.6nm (HLA). HLA provides a raw resolution improvement of 37% to ArF and 51% to KrF, based on proportional wavelength scaling. The HLA wavelength is in an atmospheric transmission window, so a vacuum environment is not required. Our comparison uses rigorous vector imaging techniques to simulate partially coherent illumination schemes and reasonably accurate mask material properties and dimensions. Contrast is evaluated for representative spatial frequencies. Imaging and detection of defects are also considered with NILS and MEEF. The goal is high throughput inspection with maximum resolution, contrast, and sensitivity.
Inhaled nitric oxide dilates retinal arterioles in minipigs

Purpose To investigate the effect of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on the retinal arteriolar diameter in minipigs. Methods Seven minipigs were anesthetized, intubated and mechanically ventilated. A Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted for measuring cardiac output by the thermodilution technique. Fundus image (one eye per animal) was recorded in a digital videotape under stable hemodynamic and ventilatory conditions. After baseline recordings, NO was added to the breathing circuit first at 20 ppm for 30 minutes and then at 40 ppm for another 30 minutes. NO was then weaned off. Retinal arteriolar diameter was measured in arbitrary units (AU) at baseline and 30 minutes after each manipulation, using Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were also measured. Results Mean baseline retinal arteriolar diameter was 231.0±38.1 AU. Thirty minutes after initiation of 20-ppm NO inhalation, this diameter had increased only by 3.2±3.5% compared to baseline (p>0.05), to 237.9±36.5 AU. Thirty minutes after initiation of 40-ppm NO inhalation, this diameter had increased by 7.6±4.7% compared to baseline (p 0.1 compared to baseline). Hemodynamic parameters (mainly cardiac output, blood pressure, and systemic vascular resistance) did not change significantly. Conclusion In minipigs, NO inhalation at a concentration increased stepwise from 20 to 40 ppm induces a retinal arteriolar vasodilation which is reversed 30 minutes after weaning off the inhaled NO. A potential clinical application of this treatment modality in vascular diseases of the retina needs to be evaluated.
Complexation of neptunium(V) with Bacillus subtilis endospore surfaces and their exudates

Abstract The neptunyl ion is very toxic and has the potential to be highly mobile in the environment. In an effort to understand how its interactions with biological surfaces may affect its movement in the environment, we investigated neptunyl interactions with Bacillus subtilis endospores and their exudates. The exudates were dominated by dipicolinic acid. Spectrophotometric investigations of the chemical form of neptunyl in exudate solutions are consistent with the formation of 1:1 neptunyl–dipicolinate complexes. Using neptunyl–endospore adsorption data and spectrophotometric measurements of neptunyl–dipicolinate complexes, we determined thermodynamic stability constants for both species. Neptunyl adsorption onto the endospore surface decreased with an increasing pH, which corresponds to increasing aqueous complexation of neptunyl by dipicolinate. Adsorption was also highly ionic strength dependent with adsorption increasing as ionic strength decreased. With stability constants determined in this work, we compared controls on neptunyl partitioning in a simulated system with B . subtilis endospores, vegetative cells, and generic natural organic matter. Neptunyl complexation by B . subtilis endospore exudates exerted the greatest biological control in the simulated systems.
Voronoi Diagrams of Moving Points in the Plane

Consider a set of n points in the Euclidean plane each of which is continuously moving along a given trajectory. At each instant in time, the points define a Voronoi diagram. As the points move, the Voronoi diagram changes continuously, but at certain critical instants in time, topological events occur that cause a change in the Delaunay diagram. In this paper, we present a method of maintaining the Voronoi diagram over time, while showing that the number of topological events has a nearly cubic upper bound of O(n2λs(n)), where λs,(n) is the maximum length of an (n, s)-Davenport-Schinzel sequence and s is a constant depending on the motions of the point sites. In the special case of points moving at constant speed along straight lines, we get s = 4, implying an upper bound of O(n32α(n)), where α(n) is the extremely slowly-growing inverse of Ackermann 's function. Our results are a linear-factor improvement over the naive quartic bound on the number of topological events.
Searching a mid-infrared spectral library of solids and liquids with spectra of mixtures

Abstract A novel method for searching spectral libraries with spectra of mixtures has been extensively tested and the results of these tests are presented herein. The algorithm, referred to as a Mix–Match search, uses principal component regression (PCR) to model a library of spectra and to predict pseudo concentrations of components in the spectrum of a mixture. The PCR method is combined with an adaptive filter which selectively removes target components from a subgroup of the library and from the spectrum of the mixture in order to identify successive components. In the present study, the Mix–Match search algorithm was successfully used to search a mid-infrared library of 1,021 solid and liquid organic compounds with two- and three-component mixtures. All components in these mixtures were identified correctly with the Mix–Match search, whereas traditional search methods such as the Euclidean distance search identified only 4 out of the possible 12 components in the five mixtures. In a statistical test of the library, 435 synthetic two-component mixture spectra were generated from 30 measured spectra of pure compounds. The Mix–Match algorithm correctly identified 832 out of a possible 870 components in these mixtures for 96% accuracy, whereas a Euclidean search correctly identified only 600 out of the possible 870 components for 69% accuracy. It was also shown the algorithm could correctly identify components at the 5 to 10% concentration levels. The major advantage of the Mix–Match algorithm is its ability to identify components in mixtures without any prior knowledge of compositions. In the presently investigation, it was also shown that processing times and computer memory requirements could be greatly reduced by taking the Fourier transforms of the spectra in order to compress the data.
Hometown Competitiveness: A Come Back-Give Back Approach to Rural Development

For the past few years, a collaborative of nonprofit organizations in Nebraska has been evolving a model for community intervention and self-help. The program, called Hometown Competitiveness, has emerged as a new model for interdisciplinary rural development. Combining outside technical assistance with local capacity building, the program features four distinct strategies for entrepreneurship identification and support, leadership training, youth engagement and the creation of local charitable assets. The HTC collaborative is one of 6 programs nationally that received awards from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Entrepreneurship System Development Initiative. The upcoming paper will offer descriptions of the assessment and engagement tools that have been developed by the HTC team as well as a look at how the collaborative developed and has changed over time. More information is available at: www.htcnebraska.org