cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection and segmentation of generic shapes based on vectorial affine modeling of energy in eigenspace

This paper presents a novel approach for detection and segmentation of generic shapes in cluttered images. We use vectorial eigenvectors to compactly represent a large set of possible appearances of primitive shapes. A posterior energy probability map of the image is calculated in the vectorial eigenspace to yield a relative similarity measure. The detection of genetic shapes is realized by detecting local peaks of the probability map. We find that eigenspace energy is more suitable for representation of sparse sets such as our affine set. At each local probability maxima, a fast search approach based on a novel representation by an angle space is employed to determine the best matching between models and the underlying sub-image. We find that angular representation in multidimensional search corresponds better to Euclidean distance than conventional projection and yields improved classification of noisy shapes. Experiments are performed in various interfering distortions, and robust detection and segmentation are achieved.
The Amyloid Precursor Protein and Its Regulatory Protein, FE65, in Growth Cones and Synapses In Vitro and In Vivo

Although the Alzheimer amyloid protein precursor (APP) has been studied intensely for more than a decade, its function in neurons is unresolved. Much less is known about its binding partner FE65. We have shown recently that APP and FE65 synergistically regulate the movement of transfected cells. It remained to be shown whether endogenous APP and FE65 could play a similar role in vivo. Here, we show that FE65, like APP, is expressed at high levels in neurons. Using a combination of immunofluorescence, live imaging, and subcellular fractionation, we find that FE65 and APP localize in vitro and in vivo to the most motile regions of neurons, the growth cones. Within growth cones, APP and FE65 concentrate in actin-rich lamellipodia. Finally, APP and FE65 interact in nerve terminals, where they associate with Rab5-containing synaptic organelles but not with synaptic vesicles. Our data are consistent with a role for the APP/FE65 complex in regulation of actin-based membrane motility in neurons, which could be important for highly dynamic processes such as neurite growth and synapse modification.
Different effects of free and conjugated bile acids and their keto derivatives on (Na+, K+)-stimulated and Mg2+-ATPase of rat intestinal mucosa

Abstract 1. 1. Rat intestinal Mg 2+ -ATPase present in a semipurified brush border preparation or membrane fraction of a mucosal homogenate was stimulated by the free dihydroxy bile acids, chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid; the keto derivatives of cholic acid, a trihydroxy bile acid, caused an even greater stimulation. 2. 2. The glycine or taurine N-conjugates of these dihydroxy bile acids inhibited Mg 2+ - and (Na + , K + )-stimulated ATPase. 3. 3. Lauric and oleic acid stimulated Mg 2+ -ATPase but the glycine and taurine N-conjugates of lauric acid inhibited both Mg 2+ - and (Na + , K + )-ATPases. 4. 4. Bile acids influenced the rate of phosphate release at a concentration below the critical micellar concentration (CMC). Effects were linearly related to both concentration and time. 5. 5. The data suggest that activation of Mg 2+ -ATPase by surface-active agents such as dihydroxy bile acids and fatty acids is related to their p K a , since conjugates with a lower p K a were inhibitory.
A plasma membrane-type Ca2+-ATPase co-localizes with a vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase to acidocalcisomes of Toxoplasma gondii

Ca2+-ATPases are likely to play critical roles in the biochemistry of Toxoplasma gondii, since these protozoa are obligate intracellular parasites and the Ca2+ concentration in their intracellular location is three orders of magnitude lower than in the extracellular medium. Here, we report the cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding a plasma membrane-type Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) of T.gondii (TgA1). The predicted protein (TgA1) exhibits 32–36% identity to vacuolar Ca2+-ATPases of Trypanosoma cruzi, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Entamoeba histolytica and Dictyostelium discoideum. Sequencing of both cDNA and genomic DNA from T.gondii indicated that TgA1 contains two introns near the C-terminus. A hydropathy profile of the protein suggests 10 transmembrane domains. TgA1 suppresses the Ca2+ hypersensitivity of a mutant of S.cerevisiae that has a defect in vacuolar Ca2+ accumulation. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analysis indicate that TgA1 localizes to the plasma membrane and co-localizes with the vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase to intracellular vacuoles identified morphologically and by X-ray microanalysis as the acidocalcisomes. This vacuolar-type Ca2+-ATPase could play an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis in T.gondii.
On the ontological status of visual mental images

There has long been considerable controversy over the ontological status of mental images. Most recently, members of the A.I. community have argued for the sufficiency of "propositional representation" and have resisted the notion that other sorts of representations are functional in the human mind. The purpose of this paper is to review what I take to be the best evidence that images are distinct functional representations in human memory. Before reviewing these data, however, I offer a preliminary definition of what I mean by a "visual mental image." This definition arises out of the "cathode ray tube" metaphor originally introduced in Kosslyn (1974, 1975, 1976) and later implemented in a computer simulation by Kosslyn & Shwartz (1977a, in press). On this view, images are spatial representations in active memory generated from more abstract representations in Long-term memory; these spatial representations are able to be interpreted ("inspected") by procedures that classify them into various semantic categories. 1.0 A preliminar 7 definition of a visual mental image I wish to define a "visual mental image" in terms of five basic kinds of properties. Images are often distinguished from more discrete, propositional or linguistic representations because they supposedly have "analogue" properties. Thus, the first two properties noted below describe analogue representations as a class. Goodman (1968), Palmer (in press), Shepard (1975), Sloman (1975), and others have provided informative and detailed discussions of relevance here, and I will draw freely on these sources in the present discussion. 1) Images can capture continuous variations in shape. This continuity
Estimating Differential Equation Models On Time Series: Some Simulation Evidence

This paper explores the statistical properties of estimates proposed by Doreian and Hummon (1976) for systems of simultaneous differential equation systems. Since these procedures are iterative and computationally burdensome, alternative simpler methods are also explored via Monte Carlo Simulations. The simpler methods provide reasonably good diagnostics as to whether or not the more com plicated procedures are worthwhile. Problems of autocorrelation, interequation linkage, and error variance are systematically varied, and the effects of these varia tions on the parameter estimates are detailed.
Computational and experimental study of a forced, time-dependent, methane–air coflow diffusion flame

Abstract Forced, time-varying flames are laminar systems that help bridge the gap between laminar and turbulent combustion. In this study, we investigate computationally and experimentally the structure of a periodically forced, axisymmetric laminar methane–air diffusion flame in which a cylindrical fuel jet is surrounded by a coflowing oxidizer jet. The flame is forced by imposing a sinusoidal modulation on the steady fuel flow rate. Rayleigh and spontaneous Raman scattering are used to generate the temperature and major species profiles. Particle image velocimetry is used to determine the magnitude of the velocity at the exit of the burner and the phase of the forcing modulation. CH∗ flame emission measurements are used to provide an indication of the overall flame shape. Computationally, we solve the transient equations for the conservation of total mass, momentum, energy, and species mass with detailed transport and finite rate chemistry submodels. The governing equations are written using a modified vorticity–velocity formulation and are solved on an adaptively refined grid using implicit time stepping and Newton’s method nested with a Bi-CGSTAB iterative linear system solver. Results of the study include an investigation of the start-up features of the time-dependent flames and the time it takes for initial transients to dissipate. We include a detailed description of the fluid dynamic-thermochemical structure of the flame at a 20 Hz forcing frequency for both 30% and 50% sinusoidal velocity perturbations. Comparisons of experimentally determined and calculated temperature, CO and H2O mole fraction profiles provide verification of the accuracy of the model.
Health reform for the 21st century? It may have to wait until the 21st century

Objectives. —To assess the likelihood of health care legislation in the forthcoming 105th Congress in 5 areas: health care coverage, tax and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) policy, Medicaid, Medicare, and managed care. Design. —Informal, semistructured conversations that took place in the months prior to the 1996 elections. Population. —Congressional health staff and administration officials. Outcome Measures. —Unofficial, off-the-record personal opinions. Results. —Health care coverage initiatives to benefit children and unemployed persons are likely to be proposed, but have little chance of enactment; children are seen as well provided for under current Medicaid law, the strong economy and high employment levels lower concern for unemployed issues, and the effort required to pass the Kassebaum-Kennedy legislation needs time to settle. Tax proposals, such as medical savings accounts (MSAs), and ERISA amendments have no constituency; also, the MSA demonstration in Kassebaum-Kennedy will forestall further action. Medicaid is far less an issue than in the previous Congress, because spending has fallen unexpectedly, the bitter fight over block grants makes them unlikely to be revisited, and the administration is likely to enhance state flexibility through waivers. Medicare will be the subject of substantial action to defer impending insolvency temporarily, but there is virtually no chance that definitive long-term solutions will be enacted even though the underlying fiscal problems are thoroughly understood and recognized. Managed care will be the venue for numerous proposals designed to address specific consumer and quality issues. Conclusions. —Four bitter years of fighting over health care issues has raised awareness of the problems, but has produced a political chemistry that is too rancorous to permit passage of significant legislation in the near future.
Adding a club with finite conditions, Part II

We define a forcing poset which adds a club subset of a given fat stationary set $${S \subseteq \omega_2}$$ S ⊆ ? 2 with finite conditions, using S-adequate sets of models as side conditions. This construction, together with the general amalgamation results concerning S-adequate sets on which it is based, is substantially shorter and simpler than our original version in Krueger (Arch Math Logic 53(1---2):119---136, 2014).
Evaporative water loss and skin lipids of anuran amphibians

African reed frogs (Hyperolius spp) and tree frogs (Chiromantis spp), an Australian tree frog (Litoria gracilenta) and a South American tree frog (Phyllomedusa azurae) have much lower rates of evaporative water loss from their dorsal skin (0.2 to 2 mg g−1 h−1) than most anuran amphibians, which evaporate water at a rate equivalent to a free water surface. Evaporative water loss rates of Chiromantis, Hyperolius, and Litoria are considerably higher when their ventral skin is exposed. Other anuran amphibians, Hylagratiosa, Agalychnis callidryas, and Afrixalus spp, appear to be moderately waterproof. The mechanism for reduction of evaporative water loss from the skin of the waterproof frogs is unclear, but it appears to involve a lipid barrier. This barrier is disrupted by treatment with a chloroform-methanol mixture. Thin layer chromatographic analysis of lipids extracted from the dorsal and ventral skin of waterproof and nonwaterproof amphibians revealed a considerable variety of neutral and polar lipids. However, few of the lipid components were unique to the dorsal skin of waterproof frogs. We conclude that the presence per se of many of the intradermal lipids (including cholesterol, cholesterol esters, fatty acids, triglycerides, and phospholipids) is not correlated with a waterproofing barrier, although these lipids might contribute to a structural lipid barrier.
Ba1-x Sr x TiO3 ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES-SCALE AND THERMAL PROCESSING

ABSTRACT Bulk charge-balance substituted Ba1-xSrxTiO3 provides a benchmark for low-loss, tunable ferroelectric phase shifter performance over US Military and commercial temperature specification ranges. Thin film dimensions and processing techniques are more amenable to portability requirements. Thin-film Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 was deposited on Pt/Si(100) at 400 to 700°C. At room temperature, state-of-the-art thin-film tunability was obtained and was found to improve with deposition temperature, but losses also increased. The results are compared to those of bulk charge-balance substituted Ba1-xSrxTiO3.
Comparison of the electronic spin-orbit splitting in CH3O using UHF and RHF wavefunctions

The electronic spin-orbit splitting λe of methoxy was calculated using RHF wavefunctions and a semiempirical spin-orbit hamiltonian. The result, λe = -158 cm-1, agrees well with a calculation that used a RHF wavefunction and the relativistic Breit hamiltonian (λe = -142 cm-1). However, this result does not agree with a calculation that used the same semiempirical spin-orbit hamiltonian and an UHF wavefunction (λe = -78 cm-1). The disagreement arises from the form of the UHF and RHF wavefunctions. The experimental evidence is not sufficiently conclusive for one to decide which wavefunction gives a better description of methoxy.
Probabilistic performance modeling of virtualized resource allocation

Virtualization technologies enable organizations to dynamically flex their IT resources based on workload fluctuations and changing business needs. However, only through a formal understanding of the relationship between application performance and virtualized resource allocation can over-provisioning or over-loading of physical IT resources be avoided. In this paper, we examine the probabilistic relationships between virtualized CPU allocation, CPU contention, and application response time, to enable autonomic controllers to satisfy service level objectives (SLOs) while more effectively utilizing IT resources. We show that with only minimal knowledge of application and system behaviors, our methodology can model the probability distribution of response time with a mean absolute error of less than 6% when compared with the measured response time distribution. We then demonstrate the usefulness of a probabilistic approach with case studies. We apply basic laws of probability to our model to investigate whether and how CPU allocation and contention affect application response time, correcting for their effects on CPU utilization. We find mean absolute differences of 8-10% between the modeled response time distributions of certain allocation states, and a similar difference when we add CPU contention. This methodology is general, and should also be applicable to non-CPU virtualized resources and other performance modeling problems.
MO-A-BRB-04: Treatment Plan Data Collection, Beam Modeling and Clinical Validation for Unfiattened Beams.

The use of an unfiattened photon beam for radiotherapytreatment is a new concept in the RadiationOncology field. In the past, the non‐optimal radiation area coverage obtained with unfiattened photon beams was of concern, and the flattening filter was introduced to overcome this pitfall. With the advance of technology, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy(IMRT) emerged and non‐optimal coverage was no longer an issue since the beam intensity could be modulated to obtain the desired target coverage. Unfiattened photon beams offer several advantages over flattened beams, namely: (1) they provide 2 to 4 times the dose rate, which significantly shortens the treatment time, especially for the high dose irradiation techniques, (2) they provide a purer beam spectrum, which is easier to model in a treatment planning system, (3) the head scatter is dramatically reduced, giving a lower dose outside of the field and (4) they provide a sharper penumbra, which makes planning easier. This lecture will provide an overview of the data collection, the treatment planning system (TPS) parameter modeling and the TPS validation for clinical implementation of unfiattened photon beams. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the physics data collection and related issues. 2. Understand the TPS parameter modeling, planning validation and related issues. 3. Understand the optimal usage of unfiattened beams with clinical examples.
Model for the allocation of electronics components to reuse options

This paper develops an optimal allocation procedure for the disassembled components of electronic equipment. It also reviews and discusses the reuse options available to high-tech companies when it comes to disassembly. A piecewise linear concave program is formulated to find the optimal disassembly strategy. The model is then applied to actual data from an electronics manufacturer. It is concluded that the landfill option, the most undesirable option available to most manufacturers, can be avoided if the manufacturer can find other options with non-negative returns.
183 Assessment of quality of life in sleep apnea

An important goal of the management of patients with sleep apnea is to alleviate symptoms and dysfunction attributable to the disease. Because symptoms are usually poorly correlated with physiological indices measured in laboratory, quality of life should be assessed directly. The concept of ‘‘quality of life’’ usually refers to the patients’ perception of performance in at least one of four important domains: (1) somatic sensation; (2) physical function, (3) emotional state, and (4) social interaction. The term ‘‘health-related quality of life’’ is often used when widely valued aspects of life not directly related to health, such as income and freedom, are not considered. In clinical studies, the selection of quality-of-life questionnaires must be guided by the investigators’ objectives. Discriminative questionnaires distinguish between groups of patients and are most often used to describe study populations. Discriminative questionnaires must have validity (which refers to whether the instrument is measuring what it claims to measure) and reliability (the ability of the instrument to consistently discriminate between more and less affected patients). Evaluative questionnaires measure change over time. Responsiveness (i.e., the ability of an evaluative instrument to detect real change, even when it is small) is a necessary property for evaluative instruments. For a discriminative instrument, a score is interpretable when it tells to the reader whether the difference between two patients’ function is negligible, small, moderate, or large. For an evaluative instrument, a score is interpretable when it tells to the reader whether a particular change in score represents a small, moderate, or large clinical improvement or deterioration. Clinicians and policymakers are more and more recognizing the importance of measuring health-related quality of life to inform patient management and policy decisions. A clear understanding of the fundamentals of quality-of-life measurement is essential.
A Novel hnRNP Specifically Interacts with HIV-1 RRE RNA.

We have identified and obtained the full-length clone of RREBP49, a human nuclear factor which specifically interacts with the Rev-responsive element (RRE) sequence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Sequence analysis revealed that RREBP49 is highly homologous to hnRNP F protein and contains three repeated RNA-binding domains. Binding assays demonstrated that Rev and RREBP49 bind to different subregions on the RRE sequence and that binding is mutually nonexclusive. Blocking of endogenous RREBP49 expression by an antisense construct increases Rev activity in CV-1 cells, indicating that RREBP49 and Rev may play antagonistic roles in HIV-1 replication. RREBP49 may function as a splicing factor or a nuclear retention factor for unspliced mRNAs. However, only a slight decrease of Rev activity was observed when exogenous RREBP49 was introduced into CV-1 cells by pSVL-RREBP49 expression vector. This may be explained by a high endogenous level of RREBP49 which is above optimal. Alternatively, additional cellular factors may be required for RREBP49-mediated inhibition of Rev.
Evidence for Seed-Mediated Nucleation in the Chemical Reduction of Gold Salts to Gold Nanoparticles

Central to the concept of seed-mediated growth of nanoparticles is that small nanoparticle seeds serve as nucleation centers to grow nanoparticles to a desired size. We have examined this common assumption in a model system, the wet chemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles via reduction of a gold salt, by transmission electron microscopy and electronic absorption spectroscopy. We find that changing the seed concentration does affect the size of the product nanoparticles, but the method of reagent addition drastically affects the outcome even more. For fast addition of reducing agent, the presence of seeds appears to promote the formation of more seeds instead of growth. The observed nucleations are drastically enhanced (99%) compared to particle growth. For slow addition of reducing agent, the seeds do grow, but the product nanoparticle's degree of homogeneity in shape is compromised. For higher concentrations of seeds, nanoparticle growth is better controlled for slow addition of reducing agent compared ...
Reaction centers from three herbicide-resistant mutants of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1: sequence analysis and preliminary characterization.

Many herbicides that inhibit photosynthesis in plants also inhibit photosynthesis in bacteria. We have isolated three mutants of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides that were selected for increased resistance to the herbicide terbutryne. All three mutants also showed increased resistance to the known electron transfer inhibitor o-phenanthroline. The primary structures of the mutants were determined by recombinant DNA techniques. All mutations were located on the gene coding for the L-subunit resulting in these changes Ile229 → Met, Ser223 → Pro and Tyr222 → Gly. The mutations of Ser223 is analogous to the mutation of Ser264 in the D1 subunit of photosystem II in green plants, strengthening the functional analogy between D1 and the bacterial L-subunit. The changed amino acids of the mutant strains form part of the binding pocket for the secondary quinone, QB. This is consistent with the idea that the herbicides are competitive inhibitors for the QB binding site. The reaction centers of the mutants were characterized with respect to electron transfer rates, inhibition constants of terbutryne and o-phenanthroline, and binding constants of the quinone UQ0 and the inhibitors. By correlating these results with the three-dimensional structure obtained from x-ray analysis by Allen et al. (1987a, 1987b), the likely positions of o-phenanthroline and terbutryne were deduced. These correspond to the positions deduced by Michel et al. (1986a) for Rhodopseudomonas viridis.
Transmission, reflection and dwell times within Bohm's causal interpretation of quantum mechanics

Abstract Although many approaches have been developed within the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics for calculating the mean times τ T and τ R spent by transmitted and reflected particles inside a one-dimensional barrier, a completely satisfactory solution remains elusive. In this paper it is argued that Bohm's causal or trajectory interpretation provides a simple, well-defined, and unambiguous method for calculating transmission, reflection and dwell times with physically reasonable properties.
Surface resistance of large-area Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 thin films at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies measured by three noncavity techniques

The surface resistanceR s of Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 films fabricated on LaAlO3 wafers up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter through a post-deposition anneal process was measured over the frequency range 5.55–94.1 GHz by the following techniques: 5.55 and 27.5 GHz high-temperature superconductor (HTS)-sapphire resonators, 10 GHz parallel plate resonator, and 94.1 GHz scanning confocal resonator.R s was found to exhibit a quadratic dependence on frequencyf at 77 K:R s ∝f 2.0±0.1. The highest-quality films yieldR s =145±15μΩ at 10 GHz and 77 K. Scanning confocal resonator mapping ofR s across a 2-inch (5.1 cm) diameter wafer yielded a base value forR s of 16±1 mΩ at 77 K and 94.1 GHz (equivalent to 180±10μΩ at 10 GHz) and good uniformity inR s across the wafer. HTS-sapphire resonator measurements ofR s for fifteen 1.2 cm square parts cut from a 3-inch diameter wafer yieldedR s values scaled to 10 GHz of 196±10μΩ at 80 K. Similar values were measured for Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 films prepared on both sides of a 2-inch diameter wafer.Rs values at 10 GHz and 80 K of 147−214μΩ were maintained over the course of 40 independent and successive deposition runs and corresponding anneals under nominally identical film fabrication conditions. Surface resistance at 5.55 GHz remained below 80μΩ for maximum rf magnetic fields up to 85 Oe at 4.2 K and 7 Oe at 80 K, respectively. Results are compared with predictions of the two-fluid model. The relative advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques for measuring surface resistance are discussed.
The Effect of Interactional Fairness on the Performance of Cross‐Functional Product Development Teams: A Multilevel Mediated Model*

Cross-functional product development teams (CFPDTs) are receiving increasing attention as a fundamental mechanism for achieving greater interfunctional integration in the product development process. However, little is known about how team members' interactional fairness perception—fairness perception based on the quality of interpersonal treatment received from the project manager during the new product development process—affects cross-functional communication and the performance of CFPDTs. This study examines the effects of interactional fairness on both team members' performance and team performance as a whole. It was predicted that interactional fairness in CFPDTs would significantly affect team members' task performance, both task- and person-focused interpersonal citizenship behaviors, as well as team performance. Additionally, commitment would partially mediate the effects of interactional fairness on these performance outcomes. Analyzing survey responses from two student samples of CFPDTs with hierarchical linear modeling techniques, it was demonstrated that team members' task performance, interpersonal citizenship behavior, and team performance are enhanced when team members are dedicated to both the team and the project, and such dedication is fostered when project managers are fair to team members in an interpersonal way.
Application of Probability Analysis in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

The accuracy and applicability of probability analysis to the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is still an open question. Although earlier criticisms are well taken, much of the resistance to the application of probability analysis is based on tradition, rather than logic. Probabilistic algorithms, like any new technology, must be researched and developed and then withstand the test of time. They should not be dismissed simply because they are not traditional. On the other hand, probability analysis in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease must not be accepted just because it is attractive or because it appears to simplify clinical decisions. Application of probabilistic approaches should depend on their accuracy. There is evidence that results of tests and clinical data are not statistically independent. There is also evidence that sensitivities and specificities derived from pooled literature cannot be appropriately applied to just any patient in a particular institution. This is due to variability in the population of patients, a lack of standardization of testing methods, and methodologic problems in reporting results of sensitivities and specificities. In a large institution, where probabilistic formulae can be derived with some degree of confidence, probability analysis has an application today. Discriminant functions will be more accurate than Bayesian formulas, but whatever method one chooses, one must be certain that the parameters used are appropriate. Where the institution is not large enough to generate such a data base, there is presently no accurate approach to the estimation of the probability of coronary disease.
Effect of thromboxane synthetase inhibition in Raynaud's phenomenon

To determine whether thromboxane A2 may be of pathogenetic importance in Raynaud's phenomenon, finger hemodynamic and clinical responses to dazoxiben, a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, were studied in 25 subjects. Thirteen subjects had idiopathic Raynaud's disease and 12 subjects had secondary Raynaud's disease. A double-blind, 2-week crossover study design was used. Dazoxiben dose was 100 mg four times a day. Total fingertip blood flow (FBF) by venous occlusion plethysmography, fingertip capillary flow (FCF) by radioisotope disappearance rate, and finger systolic blood pressure (FSP) were measured in a 28.3 degree and a 20 degree room at the end of each period. Subjects kept diaries of vasospastic attacks. For the 25 subjects and the two subgroups, dazoxiben did not improve total FBF, FCF, or FSP. Subjects with idiopathic Raynaud's disease had a small decrease in the number of vasospastic attacks and an increase in percentage of attack-free days on dazoxiben, but in an overall evaluation by the subjects in both subgroups, dazoxiben did not improve symptoms. It is concluded that thromboxane is not of pathogenetic importance in Raynaud's phenomenon and that thromboxane synthesis inhibition is not of therapeutic benefit.
Direct and non-direct contributions to projectile fragmentation at 20 MeV/nucleon

Abstract The spectrum of projectile-like fragments in the scattering of 16 O on 208 Pb at 315 MeV is analyzed in terms of direct and non-direct contributions. The direct contribution comes from a one-step breakup process whereas the non-direct contributions consist of two terms: inelastic scattering following breakup and complex multi-step processes.
The convection-diffusion equation with periodic boundary conditions

Abstract Solutions of the convection-diffusion equation with decay are obtained for periodic boundary conditions on a semi-infinite domain. The boundary conditions take the form of a periodic concentration or a periodic flux, and a transformation is obtained that relates the solutions of the two, pure boundary value problems. Solution representations, which do not seem to appear in the literature, are obtained. Explicit, simple forms are derived when the boundary condition consists of a single harmonic, and it is determined how the phase shift depends upon the diffusion, convection, and decay factors, as well as frequency.
The evidence of gene duplication for S-form NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase in carp and goldfish.

In the present paper, allelic polymorphism for electrophoretic variants of supernatant-form of NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (S-form IDH) was described in the surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus), the goldfish (Carassium auratus), and the carp (Cyprinus carpio). As in most other vertebrates including mammals, S-form IDH of the smelt was specified by a single gene locus. The goldfish and the carp, on the other hand, were endowed with two separate gene loci for S-form IDH. This apparent gene duplication was attributed to tetraploid origin of the goldfish and carp.
Character of hearwaters adjustment to base level drop, investigated by digital modeling

Using a computer model written for dynamic river profile modeling (Snow and Slingerland, 1987), long-term profile adjustments to constant-rate base level lowering/tectonic block uplift have been simulated with varied conditions of outflow discharge (10 and 100 m3/s), sediment diameter (0.1, 0.4 and 2.0 mm) and sediment load (concentrations of 1200 and 400 ppm by weight). Tweleve sets of initially graded profile data cover all possible combinations of the variables. Each modeled stream has been subjected to each of three base level drop rates (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mm/yr), for 10,000 years of model time. Modeled histories of headwaters erosional response differ in two ways. The first is length of lag time of response, characterized by a period of quiescence in erosion at the headwaters prior to the channel steepening sufficiently for erosion to commence at this upstream point. Variations in discharge and sediment concentration affect the lag time of response in all cases. The second variable aspect of response is the relative magnitude of eventual headwaters erosion. The main control is the drop rate; a high drop rate yields a low relative magnitude whereas a low drop rate yields a high relative magnitude of response. The rate of base level drop also controls to what degree the other controlling variables of discharge, sediment concentration, and sediment diameter affect the eventual magnitude of headwaters erosion. Rates of trunk stream and headwaters erosion indicate that 21 out of 36 of the modeled stream systems attain a condition approximating parallel profile erosion after 10,000 years. Some examples, notably those with low power to erode and high imposed drop rates, exhibit headwaters erosion rates that continue to be well below rates of base level lowering, creating profile steepening with no apparent time limit.
Oral cancer knowledge and experience: a survey of South Carolina medical students in 2002.

Background. Compared to the U.S. states and District of Columbia, the adult population in South Carolina ranks in the high five in oral cavity and pharynx cancer mortality rate and top ten for incidence rate. Previous studies revealed a lack of knowledge related to the diagnosis of oral cancer among health professionals in the USA. This study assessed the oral cancer knowledge and experience of medical students in an academic setting. Methods. This IRB approved cross-sectional survey used a self-administered pilot-tested questionnaire and the census of the Medical University of South Carolina medical students. Data were summarized by frequencies and chi-square comparisons of pre-clinical (first and second year) and clinical (third and fourth year) students. Results. The overall response rate was 79% (450/571 students), range 61-91% by year. Significant (p < 0.001) differences were found between pre-clinical and clinical students for knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer, and tobacco...
Effect of Perfusion Rate and Distribution Factors on Drug Elimination Kinetics in a Perfused Organ System

The effects of flow rate and volume of perfusate on the elimination of a drug from a perfusion fluid by an organ or tissue such as the liver, kidney, or intestine are examined. It is shown that the volume of perfusate (or the apparent volume of distribution of a drug) has a pronounced effect on the rate constant for the decline of drug concentration in the perfusate, but that perfusion rate has an effect only if the concentration of drug in the perfusate leaving the organ is appreciably lower than the concentration in the fluid entering the organ.
Simple lifted cover inequalities and hard knapsack problems

We consider a class of random knapsack instances described by Chvatal, who showed that with probability going to 1, such instances require an exponential number of branch-and-bound nodes. We show that even with the use of simple lifted cover inequalities, an exponential number of nodes is required with probability going to 1.
A spectroscopic study of mercury vapor adsorption on gold nanoparticle films.

Abstract We have modified the surfaces of glass and Si(100) with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy silane, a fourth generation amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimer, and poly(diallydimethyl ammonium chloride) to facilitate adsorption onto colloidal gold particles (average diameter 3, 5, 12, and 22 nm). UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy monitored the adsorption process, which is governed by particle diffusion to the surface. The differences in adsorption to the three adhesion layers as a function of pH are discussed. Mercury vapor was exposed to the gold particle films and quantified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The surface plasmon oscillation of 5-, 12-, and 22-nm particles blue-shifts after exposure to parts-per-million levels of mercury vapor in air. Particle films prepared from the 3-nm gold particles develop a broad peak centered near 530 nm after exposure to mercury vapor. The results demonstrate a novel “litmus” film for mercury vapor.
Effect of thyroxine on the immune response of mice in vivo and in vitro.

The effect of thyroxine on the immune response of BALB/c mice to sheep erythrocytes was investigated. In mice rendered hypertiyroid by subcutaneous injections of T4 the primary immune response to an injection of SRBC in vivo did not show a consistent increase in splenic anti-SRBC plaque-forming cells. However, the total number of splenic cells in T4-treated mice was generally decreased, and thus, the number of PFC per 106 splenic cells in T4-treated mice was higher than those of saline and buffer controls. In in-vitro primary response to SRBC PFC per culture (3×107 splenic cells) increased significantly in T4-injected animals as compared with controls. The calculated PFC per spleen also increased significantly. The addition of T4 to normal splenic cell cultures enhanced the primary immune response to SRBC in vitro. The optimum concentration of T4 was found to be 10−8 M. These results indicate a direct enhancing effect of T4 on the immune response of lymphoid cells. This enhancing effect, however, may be a...
Legitimation endeavors: Impression management strategies used by an organization in crisis

The impression management strategies embedded in the external discourse of an organization in crisis are identified and a typology of impression management strategies used by organizations is developed. Existing documents were used to collect 799 statements dealing with how stakeholders presently viewed or should view the organization. Ingratiation was the primary strategy appearing in the statements, with most ingratiation being self‐enhancing communication. No apologies were present. Different impression management strategies occurred in messages directed to different stakeholders. Intimidation was used with special interest groups. Denouncement strategies were embedded in messages to competitors, special interest groups, and suppliers. Results are discussed in light of institutional theory and the impression management literature.
Phylogenetic Signal of Threatening Processes among Hylids: The Need for Clade-Level Conservation Planning

Rapid, global declines among amphibians are partly alarming because many occur for apparently unknown or enigmatic reasons. Moreover, the relationship between phylogeny and enigmatic declines in higher clades of the amphibian phylogeny appears at first to be an intractable problem. I present a working solution by assessing threatening processes potentially underlying enigmatic declines in the family, Hylidae. Applying comparative methods that account for various evolutionary scenarios, I find extreme concentrations of threatening processes, including pollution and habitat loss, in the clade Hylini, potentially influenced by traits under selection. The analysis highlights hotspots of declines under phylogenetic influence in the genera Isthmohyla, Plectrohyla and Ptychohyla, and geographically in Mexico and Guatemala. The conservation implications of concentrated phylogenetic influence across multiple threatening processes are twofold: Data Deficient species of threatened clades should be prioritized in future surveys and, perhaps, a greater vulnerability should be assigned to such clades for further consideration of clade-level conservation priorities.
Sodium lauiyl sulphate damaged skin in vivo in man: a water barrier repair model.

Background/aims: Few studies describe enhancing the repair of surfactant-induced damaged skin. In vivo human studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a topical agent after sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) induced water barrier disruption. Methods: Occlusive chambers with 1 % SLS were applied to the upper-backs of volunteers for 24 h, removed and topical agents applied on the SLS-treated skin sites daily for 5 days. Water barrier restoration was monitored by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Results: The data were expressed as the percentage of recovery representing normalization of water barrier function. Results showed that a topical agent produced more rapid improvement in barrier function than its placebo vehicle, markedly accelerating repair at 48 h (P<0.01), and persisting throughout the experiment (P<0.05), in comparison with SLS-control sites. Conclusions: This study suggests that topical agents may accelerate the repair rates of water barrier function in SLS-treated human skin. This model appears facile and robust for evaluating such repair.
An Approximation Property and the Sphere of L1

A normed linear space, E, has property P if for every @e>0 there is a @d>0 such that for all x@?E there is a z, with |z|=<@e, such that B[0, 1+@d]@?B[x, 1]@?B[z, 1]. This paper contains a simple proof that an infinite dimensional L"1(X, @S, @m) space does not satisfy property P.
A Distributed Approach to Real-Time Payments-Processing in a Partially-Connected Network of Banks: Modeling and Simulation

The payment-processing system in the banking industry consists of deposits, withdrawals, and transfers of monies through the use of cash, checks, magnetic tapes, and electronic transactions. Of these, nearly all of the check processing through the United States Federal Reserve System, most of the check processing in the private networks, and a part of the electronic transactions are realized through the utilization of the principles of batch- mode processing. Batch-mode processing suffers from many limitations, the principal ones being that (i) users are denied real-time access to their money and that (ii) a user's banking privileges cannot be extended anywhere in the USA — a facility that is increasingly being demanded by users.This paper observes that the banking process may be mathematically mapped to a discrete-event simulation system with feedback loops wherein deposits, withdrawals, and transfers may be modeled as events that are introduced into the system asynchronously i.e., at irregular intervals...
Framing the way to relate climate extremes to climate change

The atmospheric and ocean environment has changed from human activities in ways that affect storms and extreme climate events. The main way climate change is perceived is through changes in extremes because those are outside the bounds of previous weather. The average anthropogenic climate change effect is not negligible, but nor is it large, although a small shift in the mean can lead to very large percentage changes in extremes. Anthropogenic global warming inherently has decadal time scales and can be readily masked by natural variability on short time scales. To the extent that interactions are linear, even places that feature below normal temperatures are still warmer than they otherwise would be. It is when natural variability and climate change develop in the same direction that records get broken. For instance, the rapid transition from El Nino prior to May 2010 to La Nina by July 2010 along with global warming contributed to the record high sea surface temperatures in the tropical Indian and Atlantic Oceans and in close proximity to places where record flooding subsequently occurred. A commentary is provided on recent climate extremes. The answer to the oft-asked question of whether an event is caused by climate change is that it is the wrong question. All weather events are affected by climate change because the environment in which they occur is warmer and moister than it used to be.
Modulating fibroblast adhesion, spreading, and proliferation using self-assembled monolayer films of alkylthiolates on gold.

Ultrathin, highly organized functionalized alkylthiol monolayers were applied as model substrates for cell growth and protein adsorption studies. The aim of this approach was to improve the understanding of molecular surface determinants required for adhesion-dependent cell growth and proliferation using well-controlled surface chemistry. Carboxyl- and methyl-terminated alkylthiol monolayers on gold were used to monitor Swiss 3T3 fibroblast adhesion, spreading, and growth. Stress fiber and focal contact formation were determined by immunostaining of actin filaments and paxillin. Fibronectin deposition and conformation on these surface chemistries in the presence and absence of competing proteins were also determined. The relative levels of adsorbed fibronectin were assessed using radiolabeled proteins. Exposure of the 10th type III cell integrin binding domain of fibronectin was assessed using a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody. Distinct alkylthiol substrate chemistry-dependent differences were observed in fibroblast adhesion, spreading, and growth. The formation of focal contacts and stress fibers was enhanced on the carboxyl-terminated surface relative to the methyl surface. Relative deposition and conformations of adsorbed fibronectin were shown to be dependent on surface chemistry in both the presence and absence of competing proteins. The results indicated that well-controlled culture surfaces modulate differential cell adhesion, spreading, and growth through modulations of the amounts and conformations of adsorbed extracellular matrix molecules (e.g., fibronectin).
Modeling the dynamically tuned gyroscope in support of high-bandwidth capture loop design

The 'dynamic tuning' of a dynamically tuned gyroscope (DTG) refers to a clever gimbal configuration that balances the torques from the support flexures with dynamic spring torques created by gimbal 'flutter' while the gyro rotor spins. This configuration allows the gyro rotor to spin to a 'free' rotor in two axes. The dynamics of a free rotor are widely known and easily summarized in the right-hand rule for gyro precession and a simple second order system equation with a natural frequency, known as the nutation frequency, as a function of the angular momentum and transverse inertia. Not much more is needed for design of capture loops for the DTG, as long as the bandwidth of the capture loop does not approach the nutation frequency of the gyro. However, the complete dynamical equations of motion of the DTG include other parameters such as windage, mistuning and friction torques that must be considered when designing capture loops with higher than nominal bandwidths. These equations, which are well known and widely published, are discussed in regard to capture loop design. The application of active nutation damping in the capture loop compensation is outlined. Typically results are presented.