cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the defibrillation efficacy for 5-ms waveforms.

Introduction: Empirical studies have shown that biphasic defibrillation waveforms are more efficacious than monophasic waveforms. However, a more systematic approach to waveform development might be more productive. This study tested 147 multiphasic waveforms uniformly sampled from all possible 5-ms waveforms. Methods and Results: One hundred ninety-eight guinea pigs (850–1,050 g) received 30 episodes of ventricular fibrillation followed by transthoracic defibrillation. The first 10 shocks were used to determine the ED50 for a biphasic control. Then, 20 waveforms including 2 controls were tested once at the ED50. Of the 147 waveforms tested here, 21 waveforms showed equivalent or greater efficacies than the biphasic control, with one being statistically more efficacious (P < 0.05). Two fundamental assumptions were addressed: (1) similarly efficacious waveforms are analytically similar, and (2) a single optimal waveform can be described. The mean percentage of similarly efficacious waveforms with similar shapes was greater than zero in the most efficacious 21 waveforms (P = 0.023), but less efficacious waveforms showed randomly distributed shapes. Cluster analysis revealed that the best waveforms share a major phase containing most of the defibrillation energy. The optimal waveform shape extrapolated from the sample waveforms was a 2.5/1-ms biphasic-type waveform (highest correlation r = 0.701, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This work supports the assumption that efficacious waveforms are similarly shaped and the notion that one single optimum exists. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 447-454, April 2004)
Synthesis of CuNbC nanocomposites by mechanical alloying

Abstract Elemental Cu and NbC powders were mechanically alloyed with either graphite or hexane to form nanocomposite CuNbC powders. These powders were consolidated by hotisostatic-pressing at one-third of the melting temperature of NbC to form a 100% dense compact, while maintaining a crystallite size well within the nano-regime.
Downward mobility of 14C-labeled simazine in a bermudagrass system vs. a fallow soil system.

Pesticides applied to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) can be captured by the canopy, absorbed by the roots, or bound in the thatch layer, which reduces the amount available to leach compared with a fallow soil system where pesticides may be applied directly to soil. 14 C-Simazine was applied to dormant bermudagrass and fallow soil in lysimeters in a cold growth chamber (5°C) (cold-fallow soil) and to actively growing bermudagrass and fallow soil in lysimeters in a greenhouse (25°C) (warm-fallow soil) in April. Following clipping collection, lysimeters were irrigated with 5 cm of water every 3-4 d, and leachate was collected. After 25 d, lysimeters were divided into 2-cm increments from 0 to 10 cm, then 5-cm increments from 10 to 30 cm. Because of evapotranspiration, actively growing bermudagrass and warm-fallow soil yielded significantly less leachate than dormant bermudagrass and cold-fallow soil indicating less moisture is available for downward movement during summer. After the addition of 31 cm of irrigation, the greatest quantities of 14 C-simazine were in the 0- to 2-cm increment for all treatments and decreased with depth. Although the greatest quantities of 14 C-simazine in leachate occurred in dormant bermudagrass, the reached factor was greatest for cold-fallow soil (0.20), followed by dormant bermudagrass (0.17), warm-fallow soil (0.16), and actively growing bermudagrass (0.14). Therefore, simazine is least mobile in bermudagrass during summer and most mobile in fallow soil in winter.
Clustering of Cyclostationary Signals with Applications to Climate Station Sitings, Eliminations, and Merges

This paper considers methods to classify and discriminate the multidimensional cyclostationary climatological time series. The methods take into account both the seasonal mean cycles and random behavior in the series, simultaneously considering means and all component-by-component autocovariances. This improves classical Hotelling ${T^2}$ statistics that classify through mean changes only, and constant-mean speech methods that classify exclusively through sample autocovariance differences. Here, two series are compared by assuming that both follow the same time series model; from this, a test statistic representing a distance between the two series is developed from linear prediction theory. This construction generates a level- $\alpha $ test statistic for Gaussian data that can be used to assess how different the two series are. The derived distances can be used in a clustering algorithm, e.g., to group series with similar behavior. Such information is useful to eliminate or merge the climate stations whose data are redundant to another station or to optimally locate a collection of stations. The techniques are first tested on simulated series with known structures, and then applied to 11 two-dimensional series in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s data buoy catalog. Natural clusters emerge which are geographically realistic. Specifically, the methods were able to perfectly group stations in the Gulf of Mexico, the Carolina Coast, the Pacific Ocean, and offshore New England.
Cascade Polymeric MRI Contrast Media Derived from Poly(ethylene glycol) Cores: Initial Syntheses and Characterizations

Diagnostic contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often applied to enhance the signal of blood allowing for quantitative definition of vascular functional characteristics including tissue blood volume, flow, and leakiness. Well-tolerated and safe macromolecular formulations are currently being sought that remain in the blood for a relatively long period and that leak selectively from diseased vessels, particularly cancer vessels. We synthesized a new class of macromolecular, water-soluble MRI contrast media by introducing two diverging polylysine cascade amplifiers at each end of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) backbone, followed by substitution of terminal lysine amino groups with Gd−DTPA chelates. Four candidate PEG cascade conjugates are reported here, PEG3400-Gen4-(Gd−DTPA)8, PEG6000-Gen4-(Gd−DTPA)8, PEG12000-Gen4-(Gd−DTPA)8, and PEG3400-Gen5-(Gd−DTPA)13 with descriptions of their basic physical, biological, and kinetic properties, including real and effective molecular sizes, proton T1...
Sterile inflammation: sensing and reacting to damage

Over the past several decades, much has been revealed about the nature of the host innate immune response to microorganisms, with the identification of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, which are the conserved microbial motifs sensed by these receptors. It is now apparent that these same PRRs can also be activated by non-microbial signals, many of which are considered as damage-associated molecular patterns. The sterile inflammation that ensues either resolves the initial insult or leads to disease. Here, we review the triggers and receptor pathways that result in sterile inflammation and its impact on human health.
Characterisation of a synthetic, voltage-dependent, cation-selective transmembrane channel

THE limitations of the gramicidin channel as a model for physiological channels are the apparent requirement of D-amino acids in the channel structure and the absence of a useful voltage dependence. The synthetic channel, HCO–(L-Ala–L-Ala–Gly)5–OMe, is shown here to form monovalent cation-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers where they exhibit a significant voltage dependence. The selectivity is similar to that of gramicidin; but the channel mean lifetime and voltage dependence are dramatically different, making the synthetic channel more similar to physiological channels.
Effect of sperm storage and selection techniques on sperm parameters

Sperm cryopreservation preserves the fertility of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, ensures sperm are available at the time of oocyte retrieval in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures and avoids the need for repeated sperm extraction surgeries in azoospermic patients. Conventional methods of cryopreservation involve storage in liquid nitrogen (LN2), which causes a significant decline in sperm parameters such as motility and viability and results in DNA damage. Newer methods of sperm cryopreservation such as the LN2 vapor method, vitrification, and experimental methods such as lyophilization, have significant advantages over the conventional methods in terms of cost effectiveness and ease of use. Density gradient centrifugation (DGC), swim up, and magnetic assisted cell sorting (MACS) can be used prior to or post-cryopreservation to improve post-thaw sperm quality. Cryopreservation in special carriers such as cryoloops and empty zona prevents the loss of small numbers of sperm during cryopreservation. This article will discuss these sperm preservation and selection techniques.
Further Aspects of Microgranulocytotoxicity

Some aspects influencing the serologic outcome of complement-dependent granulocyte cytotoxicity are presented. Ficoll-Hypaque (density 1.060) gradient centrif-ugation with hypotonic lysis of red blood cells yielded populations of granulocytes with greater than 90 per cent purity. Granulocytes exposed to papain (0.01%) at 24 C for 12 minutes showed enhanced serologic reactivity compared with untreated cells. In addition, enhanced cytotoxicity was promoted by 5 C (cold) as opposed to 22 C (warm) incubation of granulocytes and antibody in the first stage of the microcytotoxicity assay and emphasizes the temperature dependence of the serologic reactions. Neutrophil-specific leukoagglutinins were not cytotoxic under optimal in vitro conditions. Conversely, a significant proportion of antibodies selected for cytotoxicity failed to agglutinate granulocytes. Cold reactive granulo-cytotoxins are complement dependent, IgM in nature, and 2-mercaptoethanol sensitive and do not appear to be immune complexes. By optimizing reaction conditions, granulocyte microcytotoxicity is a valuable addition to in vitro assays detecting immune sensitization against granulocyte surface antigens.
Devil's Advocate: The Importance of Metaphors

As accounting practitioners, educators, researchers, and/or standard-setters, we devote much time and attention to develop the skills to perform our roles effectively. Paying close attention to the ways in which we frame our tasks and the tools that we use can contribute to our effectiveness. I believe that our most incorrect belief is that these framings, or what I refer to as metaphors in use, are inconsequential and, therefore, can be ignored. In the sections that follow, I highlight the pervasiveness of metaphors and the limits that a lack of awareness of metaphor place upon us. Specifically, I describe the significance of metaphors for accounting practice and research. This description is followed by a discussion of the benefits of metaphor to our research efforts and of the issues and problems that may arise if we fail to examine our metaphors in use.
The distal GATA sequences of the sid1 promoter of Ustilago maydis mediate iron repression of siderophore production and interact directly with Urbs1, a GATA family transcription factor

The sid1 and urbs1 genes encode L-ornithine N5-oxygenase and a GATA family transcription regulator, respectively, for siderophore biosynthesis in Ustilago maydis. The basic promoter and iron-regulatory sequences of the U. maydis sid1 gene were defined by fusing restriction and Bal31 nuclease-generated deletion fragments of the promoter region with the Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Sequences required for basal expression of sid1 mapped within 1043 bp upstream of the translation start site and include the first untranslated exon and first intron. Sequences needed for iron-regulated expression of sid1 were localized to a 306 bp region mapping 2.3 and 2.6 kb upstream of the ATG. The 306 bp region contains two G/TGATAA sequences, consensus DNA binding sites of GATA family transcription factors. Deletion or site-directed mutation of either or both GATA sequences resulted in deregulated expression of sid1. In vitro DNA binding studies showed that Urbs1 binds to the 3'-GATA site in the 306 bp iron-responsive region. However, deletion of 1.1 kb between the distal GATA sites and the basal promoter region led to deregulated expression of GUS, indicating that these GATA sequences are by themselves insufficient to regulate sid1. In vitro DNA binding and in vivo reporter gene analysis revealed that siderophores are not co-repressors of Urbs1.
Nicotine and alpha-bungarotoxin binding to axonal and non-neural tissues.

— Nicotine binds to homogenates of lobster walking leg nerve (Kd= 1.1 ± 0.3 μm, Bmax= 2.4 ± 0.5 nmol/g wet tissue), horseshoe crab leg nerve (Kd= 0.11 ± 0.06 μm, Bmax= 1.3 ± 0.6nmol/g), and kidney from 18-month-old rats (Kd= 0.8 ± 0.2 μm, Bmax= 23 ± 9 nmol/g). The pharmacological sensitivities of nicotine binding to lobster and horseshoe crab leg nerve homogenates are similar to that of the axonal cholinergic binding macromolecule (ACBM) (Denburget al., 1972) of lobster leg. nerve membrane, while the binding to rat kidney is sensitive to α-bungarotoxin but not atropine or curare. There was no nicotine binding to rat heart or spleen, or to kidney from younger rats; little or no binding to blue crab nerve or to Torpedo electroplax motor nerve; and little binding (around 0.1 nmol/g) to rat liver. [3H]α-Bungarotoxin bound reversibly (0.17 nmol/g) to lobster leg nerve membrane The implications of these results for the distribution and function of the ACBM, and for the specificity of α-bungarotoxin, are discussed.
Experimental determination of density and rotational temperature by an improved electron beam technique

Rotational temperature and density measurements in high speed gas flow by electron beam fluorescence technique
THREE POST-VIETNAM "RAP/THERAPY" GROUPS: AN ANALYSIS

An analysis is presented of the content and process over a one year's period of time of 81 sessions with three therapy groups of help-seeking Vietnam theater veterans. Data were collected concerning the frequency and content of the symptoms and issues that were discussed, the frequency and relationship of the discussion of current life issues versus Vietnam and pre- and post-Vietnam life issues, the predominant therapeutic themes that emerged in the groups, and the kinds of therapy interventions provided. Implications are discussed regarding the DSM-III inclusionary symptom criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, and the structure and format to facilitate a combined “rap” and “therapy” group process with Vietnam veterans.
Prognostic value of cyclin D2 mRNA expression in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma treated with high-dose chemotherapy and tandem autologous stem cell transplantations.

Prognostic value of Cyclin D2 mRNA expression in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma treated with high-dose chemotherapy and tandem autologous stem cell transplantations
Dietary antioxidants preserve endothelium dependent vasorelaxation in overfed rats.

Abstract Objective: A high fat diet contributes to obesity and acutely impairs endothelium dependent vasorelaxation. While a high cholesterol diet chronically impairs endothelium dependent vasorelaxation in rabbits, this model is associated with severe hypercholesterolemia. The effect of chronic high fat feeding on endothelial function in the setting of more normal lipid levels has not been studied. Our aim was to study vascular function in rats overfed for 6 months and to determine the role of oxidative stress in the alteration of vascular function associated with this diet. Methods: Forty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were placed on the following diets for 6 months, control diet, high fat diet or high fat diet supplemented with vitamins A, E and selenium. Six months later blood samples were collected and vascular function was assessed in the aorta. Results: The rats fed a high fat diet were heavier than controls (608.4±41.8 vs. 700.3±50.1 vs. 699.5±52.6 g, P P , NS). Relaxations to acetylcholine and calcium were significantly impaired in the high fat diet group compared with controls (EC 50 , 6.90±0.22, 7.12±0.32; AUC, 96.9±51.6, 155.5±73.7) but were not different between the antioxidant supplemented group and controls (EC 50 , 7.06±0.37; AUC, 151.9±67.4). Relaxations to DEA NONOate were similar in each group. Conclusions: Dietary antioxidants preserved endothelium dependent vasorelaxation in rats fed a high fat diet for 6 months.
In Vitro Methods and the Challenge of Exceptional Species for Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation1

Abstract For the majority of plant species of conservation concern, seed banking and traditional propagation methods are the most efficient ways of meeting the ex situ and recovery conservation goals of Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) Target 8. However, there are estimated to be 5000 or more endangered species for which these methods will not be adequate conservation tools. These “exceptional” species are those with recalcitrant seeds or those that produce few or no seeds. In vitro methods can provide alternative procedures for propagating and preserving germplasm in the long term for these species. Research at the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) with several U.S. endangered species has shown the potential of these methods. In vitro propagation can provide plants for reintroduction and research when traditional propagation methods are not adequate. Phytotissue banking can be used for long-term ex situ conservation when seed or embryo banking is not possible...
X-ray lines and magnetic field of Her X-1

THE report1 of a possible detection of an X-ray emission line with energy about 53 keV from the binary X-ray source Her X-1 created great excitement. Interpreting the line as arising from non-relativistic electron cyclotron emission at the surface of an accreting neutron star member of the binary star system, Trumper et al.1 deduce a neutron star surface magnetic field of 4.6 × 1012 G. If the line is real (of cosmic origin and not due to background effects), significant (not due to a statistical fluctuation) and correctly interpreted as arising from non-relativistic cyclotron emission) it could provide the first direct and quantitative measure of the magnetic field of a neutron star, and be direct support for our ideas on the formation of neutron stars and the role of magnetic fields in the radiation mechanisms of pulsars and binary X-ray sources. Furthermore, it would conclusively rule out the possibility that Her X-1 contains a rotating or pulsating white dwarf (which, for dynamical stability requires B≪G1/2MR−2≃1012G for M≃M⊙ and R=RWD≃ 109 cm).
Compound and unimodular matrices

Abstract If P is any square unimodular matrix of order n , it is proven that the n − 1 compound of P , P ( n −1) , is unimodular. If P is rectangular of order n × m , unimodular matrices of order k + 1 in P ( k ) are characterized. A sign rule for P ( k ) , n ⩽ m , is established: for certain pairs of rows in P ( k ) , the product of the elements in each column is always either -1, 0 or always -1, 0.
The Solution Method: 2-year trends in Weight, Blood Pressure, Exercise, Depression, and Functioning of Adults trained in Development Skills

Abstract This study describes changes observed during a 2-year period in participants enrolled in The Solution Method, a developmental skills training program for adult weight management. This Intervention is the adult application of a model of treatment previously used only in the management of pediatric obesity (The Shapedown Program). Developmental skills training integrates understandings and methods from developmental, family systems, biomedical, genetic, and behavioral theories of the etiology of obesity. Twenty-two subjects (mean age=43.4±8.5 years and mean body mass index=33.1+5.3) completed a group intervention based on this method, which was conducted by a registered dietitian and a mental health professional. Questionnaire responses indicated the extent to which their weight was a medical and/ or psychosocial risk. Subjects attended 2-hour weekly sessions for an average of 18 weeks during which they were trained in six developmental skills: strong nurturing, effective limits, body pride, good health, balanced eating, and mastery living. Data, which were collected at the beginning of treatment and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, included weight, blood pressure, 7-day exercise recalls, and responses to depression and functioning (psychosocial, vocational, and economic) questionnaires. Participants' weights decreased throughout the 2-year period of the study: mean weight change was −4.2 kg (3 months), −6.0 kg (6 months), −7.0 kg (12 months), and −7.9 kg (24 months). In addition, compared with baseline values, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, exercise, and depression improved throughout the study period. These improvements were statistically significant at 24 months for weight ( p p p p J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:1133–1138.
The formation and destruction of pollutants in combustion processes: Clearing the air on the role of combustion research

The first use of fire was no doubt accompanied by the production of air pollutants. The connection between the burning of coal and air pollution was well recognized by the seventeenth century. Even the impact of the automobile on air pollution was anticipated more than a hundred years ago. The rapid increase in the combustion of fossil fuels of the past thirty years, coinciding with the lifetime of The Combustion Institute, has resulted in well identified air pollution problems on both local and global scales. Oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and particulates may be traced directly to their combustion sources. The path between photochemical pollutants and their combustion generated precursors is indirect and only qualitatively understood. The possibility of a long term impact from carbon dioxide is disquieting because elimination of this product from the combustion of fossil fuels is most unlikely. The application of combustion research and technology has provided an efficient means, often the most cost effective, of reducing pollutant emissions. The fundamental understanding of the chemical and physical processes leading to the formation of pollutants has been critical to the modification of combustion processes for the minimization of pollutants. Both the prevention of formation and the promotion of destruction of pollutants have proven effective. While thermochemistry shows that there is no conflict between a reduction of pollutants and an increase of efficiency of the combustion processes, in application, compromise solutions have led, on occasion, to such trade-offs. Chemical kinetics can produce time scales for pollutant formation and destruction which are difficult to manipulate in practical combustors in a manner compatible with efficient combustion. The processing of combustion products to remove pollutants has been used, in some cases as the only possible approach, in other cases for pragmatic reasons or because combustion solutions were not pursued aggressively. The problems of air pollution have provided a fertile field for research, stimulating important advances in the fundamental understanding of combustion processes. Shifting fuel resources insure a new supply of problems awaiting combustion solutions.
A frequency-compensated high-voltage current-comparator-based capacitance bridge for shunt reactor loss measurement

A current-compensating technique for making a high-voltage current-comparator-based capacitance bridge insensitive to frequency fluctuations when used for measuring shunt reactor loss is described. A compensating current, proportional to twice the change in the current through the reference capacitor due to frequency fluctuations, is forced into the comparator winding through which the current from the reference capacitor passes resulting in a current in that winding having frequency characteristics similar to those of the reactor current. This compensating current is derived from a reduced replica of the applied high voltage or from the current through the reference capacitor. It need not be supplied with great accuracy for it is only a small fraction of the reference current. Thus the effect of frequency fluctuations on the inductive balance of the bridge is eliminated without sacrificing the inherent high accuracy of the high-voltage current-comparator-based capacitance bridge.
Nervelike Signals in Plants

While I appreciate the attention which Biology Briefs, BioScience 23:672, has given the research which constituted my Ph.D. dissertation at Washington University (St. Louis) and my postdoctoral research at Cornell University, the way in which the original Cornell press release has been edited1makes it appear as if the work was all done at Cornell. In fact the majority of the work mentioned was done at Washington University under the direction of Dr. B. G. Pickard and it was largely other more detailed research on the same system which was done with Dr. Roger Spanswick at Cornell. I therefore wish to gratefully acknowledge the support which was given me by the Biology Department and the Center for the Biology of Natural Systems at Washington University. Dr. Barbara G. Pickard was a major contributor to the research and is coauthor of the original papers in which the work was published. The omission of her name from the press release is an oversight for which I must bear the responsibility. Her review (Botanical Review 39: 172-201) of the subject of action potentials in higher plants, including much of the work done in her own laboratory, should interest BioScience readers with a curiosity about excitable plant systems.
Successful aging and longevity in older old women: the role of depression and cognition.

Based in successful aging theory and terminal cognitive drop research, this paper investigates cerebrovascular burden (CVB), depressive symptoms, and cognitive decline as threats to longevity. A subsample of stroke-free women over the age of 80 was identified in the Health and Retirement Survey (years 2000–2008). Mortality at 2, 6, and 8 year intervals was predicted using CVB (diabetes, heart disease, hypertension), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and cognitive decline (decline of 1 standard deviation or more on the 35-point Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status over 2 years). At most waves (2002, 2004, and 2006) mortality was predicted by CVB, depressive symptoms, and cognitive drop measured 2 years prior. CVB and depressive symptoms at the 2000 wave predicted mortality at 6 and 8 years. Older women with the greatest longevity had low CVB, robust cognitive functioning, and few depression symptoms, supporting successful aging theory and terminal cognitive drop.
Effects of intra-animal nephron heterogeneity on studies of glomerular dynamics

Effects of intra-animal nephron heterogeneity on studies of glomerular dynamics. Quintuplicate determinations of the parameters measured in studies of glomerular dynamics revealed that the intra-animal coefficients of variation for Bowman's space and star vessel pressures, nephron filtration rate, and filtration fractions were 54 to 72% larger than the corresponding interanimal coefficients of variation; those for glomerular capillary pressure were more nearly equal. With a net efferent filtration pressure (ΔP E ) of 10.6 ± SEM 1.92 mm Hg, the rats were far from filtration pressure equilibrium and the calculated ultrafiltration coefficient (K f ) of 2.1 ± SEM 0.2 nl/min ·2 mm Hg was lower than in many other studies. Statistical analysis revealed that the precision of estimates of both the measured and the derived parameters in glomerular dynamic studies is affected appreciably by ignoring the intra-animal effect. The importance of the intra-animal variance in glomerular dynamic studies is greatest when only one or two samples of each measured parameter are obtained in every rat (k = 1 or 2) and least when k is large. Triplicate sampling provides combined SEMS that are not greatly larger than those obtained with k = 5, however, and offers the greatest economy in studies of glomerular dynamics. The number of animals required to provide values with ΔP E and K f that are within ± 20% of the “true” values is rather large. Effets de l'heterogeneite nephronique intra-animale sur les etudes de la dynamique glomerulaire. Des determinations en quintuple des parametres mesures dans les etudes de la dynamique glomerulaire ont revele que les coefficients de variation intra-animale pour les pressions dans l'espace de Bowman et les vaisseaux etoiles, le debit de filtration glomerulaire et les fractions de filtration etaient 54 a 74% plus grandes que les coefficients de variation inter-animale correspondants; ceux de la pression capillaire glomerulaire etaient plus proches. Avec une pression de filtration efferente nette (ΔP E ) de 10,6 ± SEM 1,92 mm Hg, les rats etaient loin d'une pression de filtration en equilibre, et le coefficient d'ultrafiltration calcule (K f ) de 2,1 ± SEM 0,2 nl/min ·2 mm Hg etait plus faible que lors de nombreuses autres etudes. L'analyse statistique a revele que la precision des parametres mesures et deduits des etudes de la dynamique glomerulaire est affectee de facon appreciable en ignorant l'effet intra-animal. L'importance de la variance intra-animale dans les etudes de la dynamique glomerulaire est tres grande lorsque seulement un ou deux echantillons de chaque parametre mesure sont obtenus chez chaque rat (k = 1 ou 2), et moindre lorsque k est eleve. Un echantillon-age triple offre cependant des SEM combines qui ne sont pas beaucoup plus grands que ceux obtenus pour k = 5, cependant, et offre la plus forte economie lors des mesures de la dynamique glomerulaire. Le nombre d'animaux necessaires pour obtenir des valeurs avec Δ E et K f entre ± 20% des valeurs “vraies” est assez grand.
Anosognosia for hemiplegia with preserved awareness of complete cortical blindness following intracranial hemorrhage.

Abstract A 51-year-old woman presented with anosognosia for hemiplegia (AHP), neglect, and a complete loss of vision, for which she was almost immediately aware. Neuroimaging studies revealed intracranial hemorrhages in the medial temporal lobes bilaterally, extending back to the occipital cortex, but sparing the calcarine cortex. A large right frontal-parietal hemorrhage which extended to the posterior body of the corpus callosum was also observed. The patient’s vision slowly improved, and by 11 months post onset, formal visual fields revealed improvement primarily in the left upper quadrants only. In contrast, resolution of her AHP occurred between the 26th and 31st day post onset. Awareness of motor impairment was correlated with her ability to initiate finger tapping in her left hemiplegic/paretic hand. During the time she was unaware of her motor deficits but aware of her visual impairments, her dreams did not reflect concerns over visual or motor limitations. The findings support a “modular” theory of anosognosia.
The estrogen receptor in MCF-7 cells: Evidence from dense amino acid labeling for rapid turnover and a dimeric model of activated nuclear receptor

Upon treatment of MCF-7 cells with estradiol at 37 C, practically all of the estrogen receptor is found in the nuclear compartment. This nuclear estrogen receptor form sediments close to 5S on high salt sucrose density gradients, smilar to receptor activated in vitro by gentle heating. Upon extraction of the nuclear receptor, this 5S form is not stable at 0–4 C under our buffer conditions and is converted to a 4S form in 10–14 h. Incubation of cells in the presence of dense amino acids for various amounts of time in the absence of estradiol, followed by a 20- to 30-min labeling period with 3 nm [3H]estradiol at 37 C, permits separation of the newly synthesized estrogen receptor on sucrose gradients by means of its different sedimentation properties. With the fresh nuclear extract, we observe a progressive shift to a heavier form on sucrose gradients in proportion to the time of incubation in dense amino acids. The 5S nuclear receptor gradually becomes denser as the time of incubation of cells in dense med...
Sensor fusion and damage classification in composite materials

We describe a statistical method for the classification of damage in complex structures. Our approach is based on a Bayesian framework using hidden Markov models (HMMs) to model time-frequency features extracted from structural data. We also propose two different methods for sensor fusion to combine information from multiple distributed sensors such that the overall classification performance is increased. The proposed approaches are applied to the classification and localization of delamination in a laminated composite plate. Results using both discrete and continuous observation density HMMs, together with the sensor fusion, are presented and discussed.
A Hinge Migration Mechanism Unlocks the Evolution of Green-To-Red Photoconversion in GFP-Like Proteins

In proteins, functional divergence involves mutations that modify structure and dynamics. Here, we provide experimental evidence for an evolutionary mechanism driven solely by long-range dynamic motions without significant backbone adjustments, catalytic group rearrangements, or changes in subunit assembly. Crystallographic structures were determined for several reconstructed ancestral GFP-like proteins, and their chain flexibility was analyzed using molecular dynamics and perturbation response scanning. The photoconversion-competent (red) phenotype appears to have arisen from a common green ancestor by migration of a knob-like anchoring region away from the active site diagonally across the beta-barrel fold. The mutational sites appear allosterically coupled to the dampening region, while providing conformational mobility to active site residues via epistasis.We propose that light-induced chromophore twisting is enhanced in a reverse-protonated subpopulation, activating internal acid-base chemistry and backbone cleavage to provide red color. Photoconversion rate measurements provide a bell-shaped curve, indicating that the reaction is controlled by the two apparent pKa values 4.5 (± 0.2) and 7.5 (± 0.2) flanking the chromophore pKa of 6.3 (± 0.1). We tentatively assign these values to the salt-bridged residues Glu222(211) and His203(193), and suggest that reverse protonation may enhance light-induced active site remodeling. In combination, the crystallographic, dynamic and kinetic data support a mechanism that utilizes light to coordinate the transient enhancement of Glu222 proton affinity and His65(63) alpha-carbon acidity, suggesting a concerted process of proton abstraction and main-chain bond scission. Dynamics-driven hinge migration may represent a more general platform for the evolution of novel enzyme activities. (This work was supported by NSF Grant No. MCB-0615938 to R. M. W. and NIH Grant No. U54 GM094599 to R. M. W. and S. B. O.).
Reaction kinetics of vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization

Transport of free radicals out of latex particles into the aqueous phase plays an important role in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate. This so-called “desorption” process involves chain transfer to monomer which generates a mobile and rather stable monomer-unit free radical followed by the diffusion of this free radical out of the latex particle. A kinetic model is developed based on the reaction mechanisms of such an emulsion system. The experimental data available in the literature are used to test the model under various polymerization conditions. Reasonable agreement between the model predictions and experimental data is observed.
Modulation of transferrin receptor expression and function by anti-transferrin receptor antibodies and antibody fragments

Abstract It has been suggested that effects of anti-transferrin receptor antibodies on cell growth and receptor expression are the result of varying degrees of receptor crosslinking by biand multivalet binding agents. In order to study this question directly, we have cultured murine lymphoma cells in mono- and divalent fragments from IgG and IgM monoclonal anti-transferrin receptor antibodies and in intact antibodies. The studies presented here demonstrate that effects of antibody binding on transferrin receptor distribution, metabolism, and function depend, at least in part, on antibody valence, and therefore on the degree of crosslinking of receptors by antibody. We found that monovalent antibody fragments did not significantly alter cell growth, receptor surface expression, intracellular localizaton, or degradation. Diavalent antibody caused a uniform down-regulation of cell-surface receptor expression, which was accompanied by increased degradation only when antibody Fc was present. Normal receptor cycling apparently continued, despite the reduction in surface expression. Culture in multivalent IgM antibody, however, resulted in accumulation of antibody-complexed receptor on the cell surface without internalization and caused profound inhibition of cell growth. Thus, we show two mechanisms by which different degrees of antibody crosslinking can influence transferrin receptor function: by receptor down-regulation and blocking internalization.
Neutropenia-associated outcomes in adults with acute myeloid leukemia receiving cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy with or without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

tudy Objective To determine whether granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis after consolidation with high- or intermediate-dose cytarabine (H/IDAC) for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) reduces the frequency of neutropenia-associated complications. Design Retrospective medical record review. Setting Academic medical center. Patients Seventy-eight patients aged 18 years or older in whom H/IDAC consolidation chemotherapy was initiated for consolidation of AML between November 2004 and November 2010. Measurements and Main Results Patient demographic data, information on the hospitalization for consolidation, data on G-CSF use after H/IDAC chemotherapy, and details on any readmissions were collected. Patients were deemed to have received G-CSF prophylaxis if there was documentation of the intent for use of either filgrastim or pegfilgrastim. Outcome data also were collected, including dates of relapse or second induction treatment course, and death or last follow-up visit. We compared data based on patient receipt of G-CSF (G-CSF vs no G-CSF) after each chemotherapy cycle. We assessed differences in the duration of hospitalization, fever, intravenous antibiotic use, and neutropenia, as well as rate of documented infections, time to disease recurrence, and overall survival. Compared with no G-CSF, use of G-CSF after cycle 1 of H/IDAC significantly reduced the rate of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia (p=0.039); however, no significant differences were noted for subsequent cycles. No significant differences were seen in duration of hospitalization, rate of documented infections, or time to treatment failure between groups. Overall survival was longer for patients who received G-CSF during their first cycle (p=0.018) and for those who received G-CSF during any of their cycles (p=0.04). Conclusion Use of G-CSF prophylaxis after cycle 1 of H/IDAC consolidation for AML appears to reduce the frequency of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia and to increase overall survival compared with no G-CSF use. Prospective, controlled studies are needed to support our findings.
Disulfiram treatment of alcoholism.

Abstract purpose: For 40 years, disulfiram has been the alcohol-aversive drug used most frequently by American physicians in the treatment of alcohol dependency disorders. We reviewed the clinical literature regarding the risks, benefits, indications, and efficacy of this controversial drug and summarized current knowledge of this therapy. conclusions: Disulfiram will produce an aversive reaction with ethanol, usually at a dose between 250 mg/day and 500 mg/day, although some patients may not have an aversive reaction at this level. Cardiac, hepatic, and neurologic toxicity can also occur within this dosage range. If disulfiram is to be used, the patient must clearly understand the risks of drinking while taking the drug, and the physician and patient must agree about the need for continued clinical supervision and monitoring for efficacy and side effects. The physician must also recognize that disulfiram is only an adjunctive therapy and that continued support, supervision, and other therapeutic measures are required. Disulfiram is probably effective in reducing the frequency of alcohol consumption in the compliant patient over the short term (e.g., 6 months). Certain subgroups of patients, such as those who are older, those who are more socially stable, and those who are well-motivated, may experience a beneficial effect for longer periods. The drug may be most effective in reducing short-term alcohol consumption when the compliance of the patient is supervised, although consideration of this kind of therapy includes the practical problems of supervising the patient and concerns that the supervising person may be placed in a difficult position. Prescription of disulfiram without accompanying education, counseling, and concomitant alcoholism therapy is not beneficial. Disulfiram has no proven effect on the long-term outcome of alcoholism.
Proactive Secret Sharing Or: How to Cope With Perpetual Leakage

Secret sharing schemes protect secrets by distributing them over different locations (share holders). In particular, in k out of n threshold schemes, security is assured if throughout the entire life-time of the secret the adversary is restricted to compromise less than k of the n locations. For long-lived and sensitive secrets this protection may be insufficient.We propose an efficient proactive secret sharing scheme, where shares are periodically renewed (without changing the secret) in such a way that information gained by the adversary in one time period is useless for attacking the secret after the shares are renewed. Hence, the adversary willing to learn the secret needs to break to all k locations during the same time period (e.g., one day, a week, etc.). Furthermore, in order to guarantee the availability and integrity of the secret, we provide mechanisms to detect maliciously (or accidentally) corrupted shares, as well as mechanisms to secretly recover the correct shares when modification is detected.
Subband coding of images using eigen designed quadrature mirror filters

This paper presents a multi-resolution image coding method for achieving high levels of compression. The multi-resolution subband decomposition system used is implemented with our "eigen designed quadrature-mirror filters". Symmetric extension and windowing of the multi-scale subbands are incorporated to minimize the boundary effects. The Embedded Zerotree Wavelet (EZW) coding algorithm is then used for data compaction. Elimination of the isolated zero symbol for certain subbands, in fact, leads to an improved EZW algorithm. Additional compression is obtained with an adaptive arithmetic coder. For the Lena image we achieve a PSNR of 25.7 dB at a bit rate of 0.026, 31.1 dB at a bit rate of 0.137, and 38.7 dB at 0.89 bits/pixel.
Pitfalls Associated With Antibiograms

An accurate, appropriately collated antibiogram represents an integral resource for health care providers when assessing bacterial resistance and guiding antimicrobial selection and formulary decis...
Simultaneous localization, calibration, and tracking in an ad hoc sensor network

We introduce simultaneous localization and tracking, called SLAT, the problem of tracking a target in a sensor network while simultaneously localizing and calibrating the nodes of the network. Our proposed solution, LaSLAT, is a Bayesian filter that provides on-line probabilistic estimates of sensor locations and target tracks. It does not require globally accessible beacon signals or accurate ranging between the nodes. Real hardware experiments are presented for 2D and 3D, indoor and outdoor, and ultrasound and audible ranging-hardware-based deployments. Results demonstrate rapid convergence and high positioning accuracy.
Connecting to the audience: strategies for teaching students to write for translation

Technical communicators need to be prepared for the challenges of international communication. This article focuses on the need for technical communication faculty to prepare students to be skilled intercultural communicators and to play a role on the translation team. The article begins with a discussion of the importance of writing for translation in the international workplace and then presents specific assignments designed to instruct students in intercultural communication and give them experience writing for translation. In addition to introducing students to the cultural issues that impact the creation of documentation for international audiences, these assignments also serve to reinforce core skills recognized as vital to professional success in the field of technical communication. Taken together these assignments can be used as the basis for a course in international technical communication.
Robust control of ship fin stabilizers subject to disturbances and constraints

This paper is concerned with constrained roll control of ship fin stabilizers operating in wave fields. Our approach is based on a robust control algorithm for linear discrete-time systems subject to bounded additive disturbances and a general class of input-state constraints. The proposed method is applied to control of fin stabilizers. Simulation results show that the proposed robust control method reduces the ship roll motion while satisfying the input and dynamic stall constraints. The proposed control algorithm does not involve on-line optimization, except for a linear program solved at initialization. On the theory side, we present a generalized form of our robust constrained control algorithm to the case of mixed state-input constraints.
Cigarette Smoking and Other Risk Factors for Silent Cerebral Infarction in the General Population

Background and Purpose —Silent cerebral infarctions (SCIs) have a prevalence between 10% and 40% in the transient ischemic attack population and have been associated with increased mortality and morbidity; however, little is known about the prevalence and risk factors for SCI in the general population. This report focuses on the role of cigarette smoking and other risk factors for SCI in the general population. Methods —MRI scans were performed on 1737 participants selected from the general population as part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Smoking status and other major cerebrovascular risk factors were assessed, and associations between smoking status and SCIs were established with the use of ANCOVA. Results —Overall, the prevalence of SCI in this population aged 55 to 70 years was 11%. Cigarette smoking had an ordered association ( P =0.029) with the presence of SCI, with the odds ratio (OR) of nonsmoking participants exposed to environmental tobacco smoke being 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 1.75) times as great as for nonsmokers not exposed; the OR of past smokers was 1.16 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.83) times greater, and the OR of current smokers was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.13 to 3.13) times greater. An increased prevalence was also noted among black, older, and hypertensive participants. Conclusions —This report is among the first to examine the risk factors for SCI in the general population and finds a relatively high overall prevalence (11%). There is an ordered relationship between increasing exposure to cigarette smoke and the presence of SCI that parallels the relationship between smoking and carotid atherosclerosis. The magnitude of the association with smoking is substantial compared with the effect of hypertension and other traditional cerebrovascular risk factors. The reduction in prevalence of SCI between current and past smokers and the trend that increased pack-years of smoking is related to increased prevalence of SCI are both additional arguments for smoking avoidance and cessation.