cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of prednisone (meticorten) in respiratory disease: II. Pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract The effect of prednisone was studied in 50 patients with pulmonary emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. The clinical results differ from those obtained with cortisone and ACTH in the following ways: 1. 1. Moderate to excellent improvement with relief of dyspnea and increased exercise tolerance in 86 per cent of the patients treated with a daily dosage averaging one-quarter that employed with cortisone. 2. 2. The onset of subjective improvement was significantly more rapid than cortisone, usually within forty-eight hours of initiation of therapy. 3. 3. A striking weight loss ranging between 3 to 9 pounds occurred in 12 of the 50 patients during the first week of therapy including cases of cor pulmonale who had not responded favorably to cortisone. Of interest was the finding of loss in body weight in 4 patients with pulmonary fibrosis who had not previously been treated with cortisone. There was a decrease of 8 and 9 pounds, respectively, in 2 of these patients during the first week of treatment. The possible mechanism of this weight loss at a time when appetite and food intake was increased deserves further study. 4. 4. With the exception of salt and water retention, and the decreased incidence of facial mooning or fat deposition, other adverse reactions observed with cortisone have been encountered, especially gastrointestinal disturbances and reactivation of sinobronchial infection. Appropriate measures to counteract or prevent these conditions have been suggested. The case histories of 5 patients who exhibited significant weight loss are reported.
Cytochrome p-450 epoxygenase metabolites of docosahexaenoate potently dilate coronary arterioles by activating large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels.

Diets enriched in docosahexaenoic acid, a major n-3 fatty acid in fish oil, have hypotensive properties. One mechanism that can lower blood pressure is the direct dilation of arterioles by docosahexaenoic metabolites. Vascular endothelium contains cytochrome P-450 epoxygenases that transform the n-6 fatty acid arachidonate into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), potent dilators of coronary arterioles and activators of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channels. To test whether analogous activations occur for docosahexaenoate, we compared the potency of docosahexaenoate and its five cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase metabolites, epoxydocosapentaenoates (EDPs), in dilating porcine coronary arterioles ( or =1.0 microM (n = 7). Using patch-clamp techniques in the inside-out configuration, we determined that the 13,14-EDP regioisomer potently activated (EC(50) value of 6.6 +/- 0.6 pM; n = 5) BK(Ca) channels in myocytes from the porcine coronary arterioles. Moreover, 13,14-EDP potently activated BK(Ca) channels in myocytes from rat coronary small arteries (150-300 microm in diameter); with an EC(50) value of 2.2 +/- 0.6 pM (n = 7), 13,14-EDP was 1000-fold more potent than EETs in activating BK(Ca) channels. We conclude that EDPs potently dilate coronary microvessels and are the most potent fatty epoxides known to activate BK(Ca) channels in coronary smooth muscle cells. Both actions may contribute to the hypotensive effects of dietary fish oils.
Changes in maps of language activity activation following melodic intonation therapy using magnetoencephalography: Two case studies

Two patients with chronic expressive aphasia underwent two blocks of melodic intonation therapy (MIT) each. Maps of language-specific neurophysiological activity were obtained prior to and after each MIT block during a covert action naming task using magnetoencephalography. Both patients exhibited increased left hemisphere activation after MIT. The patient who responded positively to therapy exhibited decreasing activation within areas of the right hemisphere homotopic to left hemisphere language areas compared to baseline after both blocks of MIT. In contrast, the patient who did not show improvement after therapy exhibited increasing activation in these areas of the right hemisphere after therapy. Results are consistent with hypotheses that melodic intonation therapy acts through promotion of left hemisphere activation.
On material selection for ultra-high accuracy and high-speed machine table for applications such as E-beam lithography

Abstract The selection of the right material for the mechanical stage of an electron beam lithography system is an important step in achieving the high accuracy required for submicron lithography. The material must be nonmagnetic, vacuum compatible, and strong enough for operation. It must possess mechanical properties to reduce static errors and dynamic errors, as well as electrical properties to minimize the E-beam deflection errors. After comparison of the most promising materials, silicon carbide is concluded to be the best material for an E-beam stage because of its low coefficient of thermal expansion, very high elastic modulus, light weight, and excellent hardness. Being semiconductive, it resolves both electric charge-up problems and beam deflection errors due to eddy current.
The “ideograph”: A link between rhetoric and ideology

This essay attempts to describe political consciousness in collectivities. Symbolist thought, focused on the idea of “myth,” seems linked with material thought, focused on the concept of “ideology.” It is suggested that a description of political consciousness can be constructed from the structures of meaning exhibited by a society's vocabulary of “ideographs.”
Translation numbers in negatively curved groups

Abstract We give a very short proof of the claim of Gromov that the translation numbers of elements in a negatively curved group are rational with bounded denominator. The proof provides a new bound for the size of denominator of these numbers.
Astrocyte toxicity in motor neuron disease: progress and future hopes

ABSTRACT: Motor neuron disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a complex multicompartmental disorder that belongs to a spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions ranging from pure motor neuron disease to frontotemporal dementia. The symptoms and causes of death are determined by the progressive and relentless loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex and spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and respiratory failure. However, in the past 10 years, compelling evidence has demonstrated that astrocytes are also affected by the disease mechanisms and actively contribute to the neurodegenerative process. This review focuses on the pathways that are dysregulated in astrocytes and how they affect the relationship between astrocytes and motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ongoing research using new methodologies to unravel the contribution of specific cell types to the disease are predicted to open the door to new therapeutic interventions to slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Technology transfer to the hardwood industry: Testing new strategies

The National Agricultural Library and the Extension Service, US Department of Agriculture, are collaborating on a technology-transfer strategy with the hardwood industry. The strategy is based on the premises that 1) industry associations can serve as vehicles for identifying industry-wide needs, 2) non-traditional research bases are fertile sources of alternative technologies, 3) technology agents can uncover existing technologies and evaluate the feasibility of commercializing them, and 4) state-of-the-art reports and promotion of new cost-saving technologies provide industry with new products and new processes.
Semielliptic Pseudodifferential Operators

Abstract This paper deals with boundary value problems for a class of semielliptic pseudodifferential operators. First we show how a factorization for the principal symbol of the pseudodifferential operator induces a factorization for the pseudodifferential operator itself. Such a factorization is used to set up a class of boundary value problems in a half space and to study regularity, up to the boundary, of the solutions. Our method relies on an explicit construction of parametrices for the boundary value problem.
Melatonin in the Afternoons of a Gradually Advancing Sleep Schedule Enhances the Circadian Rhythm Phase Advance

We test methods to advance (shift earlier) circadian rhythms without producing misalignment between rhythms and sleep. We previously tested (1) a gradually advancing sleep/dark schedule plus morning bright light and afternoon/evening melatonin and (2) the same sleep schedule with only morning bright light. Now we report on the same sleep schedule with only afternoon/evening melatonin. This study aims to examine phase advances, sleepiness, and performance in response to melatonin compared to placebo. Twelve adults (five female individuals) aged 20–45 years (mean ± SD = 28.3 ± 7.3 years) completed this within-subjects placebo-controlled counterbalanced study. The participants slept on fixed 8-h sleep schedules for nine days. Then, sleep/dark was advanced by 1 h/day for three consecutive days of treatment. The participants took 3 mg of melatonin or placebo 11 h before baseline sleep midpoint (the optimal time to produce phase advances) on the first treatment day and 1 h earlier on each subsequent day. We measured the dim light melatonin onset before and after treatment. The participants rated subjective symptoms throughout the study. They completed the Psychomotor Vigilance Task and rated sleepiness from 1 h before pill ingestion until bedtime on each treatment day. Melatonin produced significantly larger advances (1.3 ± 0.7 h) compared to placebo (0.7 ± 0.7 h); however, in the hours between melatonin ingestion and bed, melatonin caused sleepiness and performance decrements. Adding afternoon/evening melatonin to the gradually advancing sleep schedule increased the phase advance, but given the side effects, like sleepiness, it is better to use morning bright light and perhaps a lower dose of melatonin.
Clinical experience in pemphigoid gestationis: Report of 10 cases

Background Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that occurs during pregnancy. Objective This study reviewed our clinical experience with pemphigoid gestationis. Methods We reviewed medical records of 10 patients with pemphigoid gestationis seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between 1976 and 2004. Results Urticarial papules were the most frequent clinical presentation followed by blisters and rash. Pruritus was the cardinal symptom. Lesions presented initially on the legs, thighs, back, and chest. Direct immunofluorescence had the highest diagnostic test sensitivity. Systemic corticosteroids were the mainstay of treatment. Fetal and maternal outcome was good in all cases. Limitations This was a retrospective, single-institution study. Conclusions This condition can be easily confused with other dermatoses of pregnancy, for example, pruritic urticarial papules of pregnancy. Biopsy for direct immunofluorescence is the preferred test for confirmation of diagnosis. On the basis of good patient outcomes, conservative treatment seems warranted.
Inversion of chromosome 12 and lineage promiscuity in hematologic malignancies

Rearrangements of the short arm of chromosome 12 are among the most common aberrations found in hematologic malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myelocytic leukemias, acute lymphoblastic leukemias, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We report on a group of 46 patients with a variety of myelocytic and lymphoid malignancies, all with an inversion of chromosome 12. Both pericentric and paracentric inversions occurred. The identified hotspots for breakage were p13 and q24. These correspond to gene-rich areas of known chromosome instability. The inv(12) is difficult to detect and may be misinterpreted as a partial deletion by routine cytogenetics. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies revised the G-banding interpretations of a deleted 12p in some cases to an inversion. The inv(12) may occur as the sole abnormality in both myelocytic and lymphoid malignancies, suggesting lineage promiscuity as seen with MLL and ETV6 gene disruptions. The majority of patients with the inv(12) had complex karyotypic changes that predicted a poor prognosis. Of the 24 patients with known clinical follow-up, many were refractory to chemotherapy and overall survival was short.
Exploration of nondeprived male Sprague-Dawley rats as a function of age.

Groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats 31 to 730 days old were placed in an open field and scores were obtained of ‘exploratory’ and ‘nonexploratory’ responses. Young recently weaned rats (31-day-old) ...
Host‐Integrated Development in the Amoebidiales

SYNOPSIS. Induction of the resistant stage in the Amoebidiales appears to be dependent upon a morphogenetic factor derived from the host animal. This triggering substance is released either at death or ecdysis of the host arthropod. Growth of the epizoon, Amoebidium parasiticum, in both complex and defined media, follows a sporangiospore sporangium pattern. The amoeba-cyst phase, however, was only noted after crushed host material (Cladocera) was added to the axenically grown thalli. Subsequent tests, evaluated with a quantitative assay, indicate that amoebagenesis is influenced by pH, temperature, condition of the protist, and concentration of the active principle. Commercial “dried daphnia” has consistently yielded an active extract. A large number of complex and simple materials has been screened for activity, and only extracts of ground crab show promise as an alternate source. The amoebagenic factor is heat stable, relatively small, and not soluble in ether, acetone or chloroform. Paper chromatography with polar solvent systems yields a single active band, and this is the best evidence that amoebagenesis is induced by a single, rather than a multiple factor. Paramoebidium, the second genus in this obscure order, undergoes amoebagenesis at ecdysis of the host. The possibility that Amoebidium and Paramoebidium are simply different growth forms of the same protist is discussed.
Calculation of decoupling from an effective action for light-particle irreducible vertex functions

A method for calculating the decoupling of light particles from heavy particles is developed in terms of the generating functional or effective action for light-particle irreducible vertex functions. Several applications of the method at the one-loop level are given including models with spontaneously broken global and local continuous symmetries. In the case of non-Abelian gauge theories the gauge independence of the result is proved explicitly.
Further comments on the role of autocatalytic nucleation in hydrothermal zeolite syntheses

Abstract The question of the mechanism of zeolite crystal nucleation in hydrothermal syntheses has received much attention in the last 10 years, and there has been little agreement on the subject from various research groups. The concept of autocatalytic nucleation, in which nuclei lie dormant inside the amorphous gel phase and emerge as the gel dissolves, has been suggested since the 5th IZA Meeting in Naples, Italy, in 1980. The consequences of this mechanism have been analyzed mathematically and supported on the basis of experimental data, and yet the concept still is not uniformly accepted. It is demonstrated in this study that the mechanism, as originally formulated, cannot adequately explain data recently reported, in which it was concluded that the autocatalytic nucleation mechanism was evident. The data also do not support a classical homogeneous nucleation mechanism. However, the data can be used to suggest that nuclei of some form may be present near the outer “surfaces” of the gel particles, i.e., not uniformly distributed throughout the gel, and are activated rather earlier in the synthesis than previously proposed.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of edta in the presence of excess calcium or strontium

Abstract The equilibria which exist between metal ions, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the resulting chelates have been thoroughly investigated by many techniques, emphasis being placed on the study of complexes containing a 1:1 ratio of metal ion to ligand. The results presented here are concerned with the observation of the chemical shift of the nonlabile protons of EDTA when excess calcium or strontium ions are present. The results yield evidence for a 2:1 complex. Formation constants for the equilibria believed to be in effect are given and a possible structure of the 2:1 complex is discussed.
ATP-citrate lyase and other enzymes of acetyl-CoA metabolism in fractions of small and large synaptosomes from rat brain hippocampus and cerebellum.

: The activities of choline acetyltransferase and ATP-citrate lyase were significantly correlated (r = 0.995) in fractions of small and large synaptosomes isolated from rat hippocampus and cerebellum. The activities of these two enzymes did not correlate with those of pyruvate dehydrogenase, carnitine acetyltransferase, citrate synthase, acetyl-CoA synthetase, lactate dehydrogenase, or with the rate of high-affinity glutamate uptake in the synaptosomal fractions. The results provide additional evidence linking ATP-citrate lyase to the cholinergic system in the brain.
Effect of naloxone on baroreflex, sympathetic tone and blood pressure in the cat.

Abstract Studies were designed to determine the effect of naloxone on sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure and, also to investigate the central effect of naloxone in relation to the baroreflex system in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats. Following intravenous injection of naloxone (2 mg/kg), preganglionic splanchnic nerve (PSN) activity significantly increased in parallel to the increase in blood pressure. Set gain (mmHg −1 ) of carotid sinus baroreflex together with the operational range (mmHg) was increased after naloxone. Intraventricular (4th) injection of naloxone (0.2 mg/kg) produced identical responses in blood pressure and PSN activity as well as an altered set gain and range of the baroreflex. Additionally, the pressor response to carotid hypotension and medullary pressor area stimulation were augmented during naloxone activation but not the pressor response to posterior hypothalamus stimulation. The depressor responses to stimulation of both carotid sinus nerve and medullary depressor region were facilitated by naloxone. These data suggest that naloxone has an effect on the central autonomic blood pressure regulatory circuits which participate in the carotid sinus baroreflex system.
Use of the remount jig as an aid in relining upper dentures

A remount jig record is used to reposition the teeth of an upper denture reline in their original position. A face-bow record is used to position the upper edentulous cast in the correct relation to cranial planes. The impression may be developed as is done in any other impression procedure, and the repositioning can be accomplished in the laboratory with reasonable assurance that the upper denture is positioned occlusally as it was when the denture was constructed originally. This procedure relieves the dentist of the monumental task of making a reline impression and adjusting the position of the denture in one three-minute operation.
On an ( s, Q ) Production Policy for an Integrated Inventory Model for a Single Product with Linearly Increasing Demand

We analyse an (s, Q) production policy for an inventory system consisting of a single finished product and the raw materials used for manufacturing it, and where the demand rate of the product increases linearly with time. We formulate a mathematical programming model with the objective of minimizing total inventory cost per unit time. The problem of grouping raw materials optimally so that common replenishment periods may be used is considered. Solution procedures are developed, and numerical examples are presented.
Graphics abstraction model for SEICAD

The data abstraction approach to design of a Graphics Abstraction Model (GAM) for 3D solid objects and 2D picture views is described. The main idea is to represent graphical objects including instances of certain views by abstraction data types and data abstraction models using functional dependencies, which basically use the algebraic approach.Compound objects constructed by several ACTION operations (ASSEMBLE, UNION, etc.) on primitive 3D entities can be handled as compound entities. Points, lines, and faces are defined as data abstractions. General drawing facilities such as points, lines and faces also can be used by commands under 3D coordinates data.
Application of ionic liquid doped ionomers for organic vapor sensing

In this work we explore the use of room temperature ionic liquid doped ionomers as the sensing material for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Pixels of a monolithic, micromachined quartz crystal resonator (μQCR) array were functionalized using a sulfonated, aromatic, high thermal stability polymer as a template which is able to contain high amount of ionic liquids (up to 200 wt %). Ionic liquid: [C 4 mim][BF 4 ] (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroburate) was used as the detection material. Exposure to VOCs results in mass loading and changes in the viscoelastic properties of the ionomer and manifests as changes in the frequency and phase of the quartz resonators.
Climate Change: The Health of a Planet in Peril

A History of the Science and Politics of Climate Change: The Role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Bert Bolin. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007. xiv and 277 pp. $36.99 pa...
Investigation of the stability and convergence of difference schemes for a polytropic gas with subsonic flows

We analyze the stability with respect to the initial data and the convergence in the uniform norm of difference schemes approximating the equations of a polytropic gas in terms of the Riemann invariants. We obtain conditions on the initial data providing the presence of only subsonic flows and the absence of shock waves in the medium in the course of time. We discuss the relationship between the notions of stability and monotonicity of difference schemes for nonlinear problems. We present the results of a numerical experiment that justify the obtained theoretical conclusions.
Transient heat transfer to a fluid sphere suspended in an electric field

Abstract The unsteady heat transfer to a droplet suspended in an electric field is numerically investigated, for the case where the bulk of the resistance is in the droplet. It was found that, like the case of a translating droplet, there is a maximum steady-state Nusselt number. In this case, for a stationary drop in an electric field, the maximum steady Nusselt number was found to be about 30. An alternating direction implicit scheme was employed to integrate the energy equation. The range of interior Peclet numbers investigated, based on the maximum velocity in the droplet, was from 5 to 2000.
Determination of VOC Emission Rates and Compositions for Offset Printing

Abstract The release rates of volatile organic compounds (VOC) as fugitive emissions from offset printing are difficult to quantify, and the compositions are usually not known. Tests were conducted at three offset printing shops that varied in size and by process. In each case, the building shell served as the test “enclosure,” and air flow and concentration measurements were made at each air entry and exit point. Emission rates and VOC composition were determined during production for (1) a small shop containing three sheetfed presses and two spirit duplicators (36,700 sheets, 47,240 envelopes and letterheads), (2) a medium-size industrial in-house shop with two webfed and three sheetfed presses, and one spirit duplicator (315,130 total sheets), and (3) one print room of a large commercial concern containing three webfed, heatset operations (1.16 x 106 ft) served by catalytic air pollution control devices. Each test consisted of 12 one-hour periods over two days. Air samples were collected simultaneously...
Cross‐termination rate constants in copolymerizations of some methacrylates and styrene

Cross-termination rate constants in the copolymerization of some methacrylates with styrene were determined. The rate constants obtained decrease with increasing r1 and increase with decreasing r2. The relationship between the cross-termination and propagation rate constants was discussed on theoretical and experimental bases.
Genetic and developmental basis for urinary tract obstruction

Urinary tract obstruction results in obstructive nephropathy and uropathy. It is the most frequent cause of renal failure in infants and children. In the past two decades studies of transgenic models and humans have greatly enhanced our understanding of the genetic factors and developmental processes important in urinary tract obstruction. The emerging picture is that development of the urinary tract requires precise integration of a variety of progenitor cell populations of different embryonic origins. Such integration is controlled by an intricate signaling network that undergoes dynamic changes as the embryo develops. Most congenital forms of urinary tract obstruction result from the disruption of diverse factors and genetic pathways involved in these processes, especially in the morphogenesis of the urinary conduit or the functional aspects of the pyeloureteral peristaltic machinery.
Analytical and preparative separation of the diastereomers of L-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine, a potent inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis.

Buthionine sulfoximine inhibits γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the enzyme catalyzing the first reaction of glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis. GSH synthesis is blocked in animals or cultured cells exposed to buthionine sulfoximine, and GSH is substantially depleted in cells or tissues with moderate to high rates of GSH utilization. Studies reported to date have used dl-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine or l-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine, mixtures of four and two isomers, respectively. The present report describes a chiral solvent HPLC procedure for the analytical separation of the diastereomers of l-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine and the separation of those isomers from the unresolved diastereomers of l-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine. l-Buthionine (R)-sulfoximine was isolated preparatively by repeated crystallization of l-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine from water; l-buthionine (S)-sulfoximine was obtained by crystallization as the trifluoroacetate salt in ethanol/hexane mixtures. The absolute configuration, bond lengths and angles of l-buthionine (R)-sulfoximine were determined by X-ray diffraction. In vitro studies demonstrate that l-buthionine (R)-sulfoximine is a relatively weak inhibitor of rat kidney γ-glytamylcysteine synthetase; binding is competitive with l-glutamate. l-Buthionine (S)-sulfoximine is a tight-binding, mechanism-based inhibitor of the enzyme. Since l-buthionine sulfoximine is initially bound as a transition-state analogue, identification of the inhibitory diastereomer elucidates the steric relationships among ATP, glutamate, and cysteine within the active site. When administered to mice, l-buthionine (S)-sulfoximine (0.2 mmol/kg) was as effective as l-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine (0.4 mmol/kg) in causing GSH depletion in liver, kidney, and pancreas. l-Buthionine (R)-sulfoximine (0.2 mmol/kg) did not cause significant GSH depletion in liver or pancreas. The l-(R)-diastereomer caused a modest GSH depletion in kidney that is tentatively attributed to interference with γ-glutamylcyst(e)ine transport.
Flip-chip bonded optoelectronic integration based on ultrathin silicon (UTSi) CMOS

We describe the design and test of flip-chip bonded optoelectronic CMOS devices based on Peregrine Semiconductor's 0.5 micron Ultra-Thin Silicon on sapphire (UTSi) technology. The UTSi process eliminates the substrate leakage that typically results in crosstalk and reduces parasitic capacitance to the substrate, providing many benefits compared to bulk silicon CMOS. The low-loss synthetic sapphire substrate is optically transparent and has a coefficient of thermal expansion suitable for flip-chip bonding of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and detectors. We have designed two different UTSi CMOS chips. One contains a flip-chip bonded 1 x 4 photodiode array, a receiver array, a double edge triggered D-flip flop-based 2047-pattern pseudo random bit stream (PRBS) generator and a quadrature-phase LC-voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The other chip contains a flip-chip bonded 1 x 4 VCSEL array, a driver array based on high-speed low-voltage differential signals (LVDS) and a full-balanced differential LC-VCO. Each VCSEL driver and receiver has individual input and bias voltage adjustments. Each UTSi chip is mounted on different printed circuit boards (PCBs) which have holes with about 1 mm radius for optical output and input paths through the sapphire substrate. We discuss preliminary testing of these chips.
BK channels and a new form of hypertension

Large, Ca-activated K channels (BK) are comprised of an α pore (BKα) and one of four β subunits (BKβ1–4). When the gene for BKβ1 is knocked out (BKβ1-KO), the result is increased myogenic tone of vascular smooth muscle and hypertension. We reexamined whether the hypertension is entirely due to increased vascular tone, because most monogenic forms of hypertension have renal origins and BKβ1 resides in renal connecting tubule (CNT) cells. Moreover, BKβ1 is localized in the adrenal glands, where it may control production of aldosterone. This review will summarize our report that a majority of the hypertension of BKβ1-KO is the result of insufficient handling of dietary K, resulting in increased plasma K and hyperaldosteronism, the latter promoting Na and fluid retention. The fluid retention and hypertension are exacerbated by a high-K diet and reduced by eplerenone, an aldosterone receptor inhibitor. Genetic knockout of BKβ4 (BKβ4-KO), which resides in intercalated cells, also exhibits deficient K excretion, fluid retention, and mild hypertension that is not exacerbated when animals are treated with a high-K diet. These results show that the hypertension associated with BKβ1-KO occurs because of enhanced fluid retention, as well as because of the previously described vascular dysfunction.
Distribution of Charge in Th 232 and U 238 Determined by Measurements on Muonic X Rays

The energies and intensities of the x rays of muonic atoms of ${\mathrm{Th}}^{232}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ were measured. Analysis of the data was performed using the rotational model of strongly deformed nuclei to include dynamic quadrupole interactions. The distribution of nuclear charge was represented by a modified Fermi distribution which involves three parameters, namely, the intrinsic quadrupole moment ${Q}_{0}$, the half-density radius $c={c}_{0}{A}^{\frac{1}{3}}$, and the skin thickness $t$. It was found that the allowed ranges of values for ${Q}_{0}$, ${c}_{0}$, and $t$ were for thorium 9.58-9.83 b, 1.155-1.143 F, and 1.54-1.87 F, and for uranium 11.20-11.41 b, 1.150-1.142 F, and 1.600-1.87 F, respectively. However, if specific values for two of these parameters are chosen, the third is determined with an error smaller than the above ranges: 0.5% for ${Q}_{0}$, 0.25% for ${c}_{0}$, and 0.6% for $t$.
Silicon carbide optoelectronic switches

We will discuss here our efforts to fabricate and test new SiC opto-electronic high voltage switches. We report the ultrafast switching of novel silicon carbide devices using an optical trigger. The switching properties of both commercial SiC pn diodes and in-house fabricated SiC thyristors were investigated. Subnanosecond risetime was observed with both devices. A comparison of SiC pn diode and thyristor switching shows that the thyristor has the highest switching speed and efficiency, and triggers with the least optical energy. We report the first optical triggering of a silicon carbide thyristor into the latched-on state. This switching is characteristic of electrically triggered thyristors, however the optical triggering produced a significantly faster risetime, 370 picosecond, than is possible with electronic triggering. The thyristor switched 100 volts bias with 96% efficiency, corresponding to a device on-state of 4 volts at an average current density of 750 A/cm2. The singular advantages of optical triggering, isolation from the trigger source, synchronized triggering of stacked devices, and switching speed, are highly desirable for high voltage, high power operation of conventional power devices. These results provide enabling technology for high-repetition rate, high-voltage impulse generators and expedite the development of high-power electrically triggered silicon carbide devices.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mesonic decay of helium hyperfragment

An event was observed in G-5 stripped emulsions of 400- mu m thickness which was interpreted as a mesonic decay of a He/sup 4/ hyperfragment. The interaction was observed in one emulsion with the exception of two particles which went into the facing emulsion. (W.D.M.)
Quantitative analysis of NMR spectra by linear prediction and total least squares

The inherent limitations of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) ( I, 2) have led to the introduction of other methods for quantitative analysis of time-domain signals in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In particular, methods based on the theory of linear prediction (LP) (3-8) have been shown to produce more accurate spectral estimates (i.e., amplitude, frequency, decay rate, and phase) than standard FFI, especially from free induction decays characterized by low signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios or truncation. The theory of LP assumes a certain functional form for the data (e.g., exponentially damped sinusoids). Provided the NMR data consist of such signals, that spectral estimate will always achieve a higher degree of resolution than FFT. Linear prediction analysis in NMR is practical, in part, because the spectral parameters are determined by a linear-least-squares procedure. This is in contrast to nonlinear-least-squares schemes, which require initial values and iterative solutions ( 9). Barkhuijsen et al. have described a method for applying LP to the analysis of NMR data (3, 4). Their method applies singular value decomposition (SVD) to the noisecorrupted LP data matrix and replaces it with a matrix of lower rank in terms of least squares (LS). The rank of the reduced matrix, in principle, equals the number of sinusoids present. This is reflected in the magnitude of the singular values and therefore requires no a priori information. A similar method uses Householder triangularization (QRD) to solve the LP equations in a more efficient manner, LPQRD (5)) although no further improvement in the spectral estimate is achieved. A more accurate estimate of the spectral parameters in low S/N environments has been demonstrated by Levy et al. (8)) by incorporating a forward-backward approach ( 10) to the linear prediction equations as compared to backward LPSVD. All of the above methods rely on a decomposition of the noise-corrupted LP data matrix. This provides an improved estimate of the NMR signal and reduces the perturbation effect on the “observation” vector from a least-squares viewpoint. A more realistic formulation incorporates the effects of noise into both the LP data matrix and the observation vector simultaneously. In this case the LP equations may be solved using the total least squares (TLS) method of fitting data ( 1 l-13). Consider the case where the data consist of exponentially damped complex sinusoids plus complex Gaussian white noise ( w[ n]) in the form
Effects of Embedding Caregiver-Implemented Teaching Strategies in Daily Routines on Children's Communication Outcomes:

Effects of instructing caregivers to implement teaching strategies within daily routines were investigated using a multiple baseline design across caregiver strategies and participants. Four toddlers with developmental delays participated in intervention conducted by their primary caregiver within the family's preferred play routines. To assess generalization, caregiver teaching strategy use was observed during other caregiving and outdoor play routines. Caregiver strategy use increased subsequent to instruction within indoor play routines. Generalization to other routines, however, was limited in three of the four dyads. All four children demonstrated gains in communication objectives and test scores across multiple developmental domains improved. This study demonstrates the viability of teaching caregivers to embed effective teaching strategies within daily routines to improve the communication skills of toddlers.
Diaryliodonium salts as thermal initiators of cationic polymerization

Diaryliodonium salts (I) undergo efficient thermal decomposition in the presence of copper (II) compounds. Such systems can be employed as a novel class of latent thermal initiators for cationic polymerization. An investigation of the mechanism of the reaction demonstrated that the copper (II) compound is first reduced to the corresponding copper (I) compound, which subsequently reduces the diaryliodonium salt. The cationic polymerization of some typical monomers using these new initiators was carried out to demonstrate the scope of their utility.
Small community airport choice behavior analysis: A case study of GTR

Abstract The issue of airport selection attracts considerable attention. However, most studies focus on using advanced discrete choice models to analyze airport choice behavior in metropolitan areas with several closely located, competing airports. This paper addresses passengers’ choice behavior in selecting between local small community airports and more distant major commercial airport. It looks at factors affecting air travelers’ airport choice behavior in cities with small community air service. Data relating to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Mississippi is used in logistic regressions to identify the key factors that influence air travelers’ airport choices. Ticket price, experience with Golden Triangle Regional Airport and flight schedule were found to be the strongest effects.
Development and evaluation of a universal contoured cushion

A new wheelchair seat cushion has been developed which reduces the ischaemia producing forces and redistributes them to the more tolerant areas of the posterior thighs and lateral gluteal muscles. The cushion is fabricated of foam materials and designed to stabilise the pelvis and promote proper spinal-pelvic alignment. Pressure measurements were recorded at the skin cushion interface for 66 subjects while seated on the cushion in their own wheelchair. The cushion was considered effective if maximum interface pressures recorded were: coccyx: less than 20 mmHg, ischii: less than 65 mmHg, trochanters: less than 70 mmHg, and posterior thighs: less than 80 mmHg. The cushion was considered ineffective if the interface pressure at any one location exceeded these criteria. The cushion was found effective for 52 of the subjects. The cushion was more effective (90 per cent versus 58 per cent) for subjects without certain skeletal deformities (pelvic obliquity, bony resections). Eighty-three per cent of the respondents who were followed on the cushion reported that they preferred the cushion to their previous cushions with improved posture, balance and comfort being the most commonly cited reasons. This study has shown the cushion to be a preferred alternative to other commercially available wheelchair cushions for those who are paraplegic.
Entrainment and budgets of heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide in a convective boundary layer driven by time-varying forcing

[1] A large-eddy simulation (LES) code is coupled with a land surface model to investigate the diurnal variation of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The diurnal evolution of the ABL is driven by a time-varying incoming solar radiation. The results show that the domain average surface fluxes of sensible heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide are smooth functions of time but the fluxes at any given surface grid point show random variations, especially the sensible heat flux. At the ABL top, the LES-resolved entrainment fluxes of these scalars also evolve with time and are not fixed fractions of their respective surface fluxes. Entrainment efficiency (the ratio of entrainment flux at zi to weδϕ, where zi is the ABL height, we is entrainment velocity, and δϕ is the jump of scalar across the entrainment zone) is highest for CO2 and lowest for sensible heat. The first-order jump condition model is very good approximation to simulated entrainment fluxes which are largely controlled by the vertical gradients of the scalars across the capping inversion. Our results suggest that over the range of geostrophic winds considered (0–5 m s−1), neither the surface nor the entrainment flux reveals sensitivity to the geostrophic wind speed variations.
PEP-Bound Rotation Angle Optimization of 8-Transmit-Antenna Quasi-Orthogonal Space-Time Block Codes

We derive a new expression for the rotation angles that maximize the diversity (eigenvalue) product of the 8×8 two-symbol decodable quasi-orthogonal space-time block code (QO-STBC). We show that the previously proposed sum-eigenvalue maximization criterion for the design of rotation angles is not relevant/applicable to the 8-transmit-antenna QO-STBCs and we suggest, instead, minimum eigenvalue maximization. Finally, working directly with the pairwise-error-probability (PEP) upper bound expression, we obtain new true PEP-upper-bound optimal rotation angles. Simulation studies demonstrate and compare the error rate of the three design criteria (diversity product, minimum eigenvalue, PEP upper bound).
Detectability of a luminance increment: Effect of superimposed random luminance fluctuation*

Detectability, d′, of foveal luminance increments obscured by luminance noise was tested in human observers. For low noise, d′ was constant. For high noise, d′ decreased more rapidly than would be predicted for the ideal observer. An ideal observer degraded by internal noise and uncertainty would match this behavior.
Sensitivity of Magnetic Resonance Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Regional Relationship Between the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Cerebral Blood Flow in Rat Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Purpose Magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a noninvasive procedure, may play an important role in detecting and accurately localizing the extent of evolving infarction within the period immediately following stroke. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of DWI in detecting ischemia and compared a quantitative measure derived from the DWI, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), with autoradiographic cerebral blood flow (CBF) in an experimental model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods MR imaging data were obtained with a General Electric 4.7-T horizontal bore magnet CSI II system with self-shielded gradients. DWI was acquired within 41±6 minutes (mean±SD) after onset of ischemia and repeated at 169±14 minutes, followed by CBF determination at 237±21 minutes. DWI, ADC, and CBF images from each animal were then compared. Results The sensitivities for detecting an abnormality at 1 and 3 hours for DWI were significantly different, and the sensitivity of 3-hour DWI did not differ from the CBF sensitivity of 99%. A mean±SD ADC threshold of 460±95 μm2/s was defined as 45% higher than the low ADC in the ischemic core compared with the contralateral ADC. Subthreshold ADC area and ischemic area were significantly correlated ( r 2=.69, P <.05). In 19 of 48 regions of interest classified as ischemic (<35 mL · 100 g−1 · min−1) from both the 3-hour ADC and CBF images, 3-hour ADC correlated significantly with CBF ( r 2=.27, n=19, P <.05), whereas in the nonischemic regions ADC was inversely correlated with CBF. Several ischemic regions showed a sharp drop in ADC to 37% ( P <.001, n=5) compared with all other regions (n=43) from 1 to 3 hours. Conclusions Because of the change in the sensitivity of detecting ischemia with DWI, the difference in correlation of CBF with ADC between ischemic and nonischemic cortex, and the presence of several regions in which ADC dropped to 37% from 1 to 3 hours, our data suggest that ADC values potentially can be used to monitor evolving infarction.
Feature Interaction Faults Revisited: An Exploratory Study

While a large body of research is dedicated to testing for feature interactions in configurable software, there has been little work that examines what constitutes such a fault at the code level. In consequence, we do not know how prevalent real interaction faults are in practice, what a typical interaction fault looks like in code, how to seed interaction faults, or whether current interaction testing techniques are effective at finding the faults they aim to detect. We make a first step in this direction, by deriving a white box criterion for an interaction fault. Armed with this criterion, we perform an exploratory study on hundreds of faults from the field in two open source systems. We find that only three of the 28 which appear to be interaction faults are in fact due to features' interactions. We investigate the remaining 25 and find that, although they could have been detected without interaction testing, varying the system configuration amplifies the fault-finding power of a test suite, making these faults easier to expose. Thus, we characterize the benefits of interaction testing in regards to both interaction and non-interaction faults. We end with a discussion of several mutations that can be used to mimic interaction faults based on the faults we see in practice.
Analysis of pollen contained in middens from the White Mountains and volcanic tableland of eastern California

Abstract The pollen from five packrat middens from the White Mountains region of California were analyzed and compared to previously analyzed macrofossils from the same middens. The middens span the time from ca. 20,000 yr B. P. to the middle Holocene. While there are similarities in the pollen and macrofossil data, there are some subtle differences between the two types of data. The pollen data would support the macrofossil evidence that indicates the arrival of Pinus by the early Holocene. In spite of this general agreement, the pollen evidence suggests that Pinus was not common in the vicinity of the early Holocene midden sites. The results of this study would indicate the importance of using both the macrofossil and pollen evidence from packrat middens.
Maternal directive and facilitative interaction styles: associations with language and cognitive development of low risk and high risk toddlers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of maternal interaction styles to the development of a sample of 56 toddlers (19 low risk, 37 high risk) seen at 12 and 24 months of age. At 12 months, videotapes of mother–child interaction were coded for directiveness, sensitivity, and elaborativeness. At 12 and 24 months, cognitive and language measures were collected. A directive maternal style was negatively correlated with sensitivity and elaborativeness, whereas sensitive and elaborative ratings were positively correlated, suggesting a facilitative style. Regression models significantly predicted receptive language and cognitive development at 24 months but not expressive language. Maternal directiveness at 12 months was negatively related to later receptive language skills, whereas elaborativeness at 12 months was positively predictive of later cognitive development. Child status variables and maternal interactional styles contributed about equally to the prediction of later cognitive and language outcomes.