cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation of soluble adenylate and guanylate cyclases from the mature rat testis

Abstract The mature rat testis contains both a soluble guanylate cyclase and a soluble adenylate cyclase. Both these soluble enzymes prefer manganous ion for activity. It is known that guanylate cyclase can, when activated by a variety of agents, catalyze the formation of cyclic AMP. The following experiments were performed to determine whether the testicular soluble adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities were carried on the same molecule. Analysis of supernatants from homogenized rat testis by gel filtration and sucrose density gradient centrifugation showed that the two activities were clearly separable. The molecular weight of guanylate cyclase is 143 000, while that of adenylate cyclase is 58 000. Treatment of the column fractions with 0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside allowed guanylate cyclase activity to be expressed with Mg2+ as well as with Mn2+. Sodium nitroprusside did not affect the metal ion or substrate specificity of adenylate cyclase. These experiments show that adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities are physically separable.
Spectroscopic and Computational Investigations of the Temperature-Dependent Emission Behavior of [Re(CNx)5Cl] and [Re(CNx)6]+ Complexes

[Re(CNx)5Cl] and [Re(CNx)6](PF6) complexes form with the isocyanide ligand, 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide (CNx). [Re(CNx)5Cl] crystallizes in the space group P(2)1/c with a Re−Cl bond length of 2.52...
Cellular Logic With Hierarchical Extensions

A cellular logic operation traditionally consists of the parallel application of a local image transformation at all cells of a two dimensional array. In order to compute certain global image properties efficiently, it sometimes behooves one to extend the notion of an operation so that it operates on a hierarchical domain rather than just an image. In this paper, the definitions for hierarchical cellular logic operations are given and applied to the problem of selecting key pixels of a binary image. Such key pixels may be used as features themselves or used as seed points for object extraction algorithms.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE FLUID FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER DUE TO A HEATED PLATE MOVING IN A UNIFORM FORCED FLOW

Fluid flow and thermal transport have been numerically investigated for a heated plate moving with and within a uniform forced flow. Two forced-flow circumstances involving a plate moving in a channel are considered in this study, one with uniform flow at the inlet and one in a uniform free stream in an extensive medium. These circumstances are of interest in a wide variety of manufacturing processes, such as continuous casting, extrusion, wire drawing, and fiber drawing. A detailed numerical study is carried out, assuming two-dimensional, laminar, transient flow. The governing full elliptic equations are solved by employing finite-difference and finite-volume methods. The transport in the solid material is coupled with that in the fluid through the boundary conditions, and simultaneous solutions for the two are obtained. The numerical simulation of such conjugate transport processes is discussed, and the considerations important to obtain accurate results for a wide variety of practical problems that inv...
Invasive Tipula (Diptera: Tipulidae) in Turfgrass of the Northeast United States: Geographic Distribution and Local Incidence Three Years After Detection

Two species of invasive crane flies are damaging pests of turfgrass in the Great Lakes region after their inadvertent introduction and establishment. In New York, where Tipula paludosa Meigen and Tipula oleracea L. (Diptera: Tipulidae) were first detected in 2004, baseline data on the extent of establishment is needed to monitor range expansion, make predictions about pest status, and guide management efforts. The incidence of both species was therefore addressed at two spatial scales to ascertain how widespread they were across the state and across sites of recent local establishment. Based on divergent natural history, T. oleracea was predicted to be more widespread both geographically and locally than T. paludosa. To delimit the current area of occurrence, surveys were conducted from 2004 to 2006. T. paludosa was detected in four counties and T. oleracea in 12 counties. In western New York, T. oleracea was established in more than a six-fold greater area than T. paludosa. T. oleracea was additionally detected on Long Island, shown to be a geographically disjunct area of establishment. To measure local incidence, putting greens and tee boxes were scouted on golf courses. Contrary to predictions, 56-97 and 22-56% of those surfaces were already infested by T. paludosa and T. oleracea, respectively, within one or two seasons after initial detection. Because damage thresholds are relatively high, scouting for the insect, rather than its injury, will promote earlier detection. Given the impact of invasive Tipula across diverse turf habitats, continued range expansion will have serious repercussions for regional turfgrass management.
Orthogonal codes and cross-talk in phase-code multiplexed volume holographic data storage

Multiple holograms can be stored in a volume holographic medium using the phase encoding technique. The cross-talk noise between volume holograms multiplexed with various orthogonal phase codes is analyzed. Compared with the common Hadamard codes of order of a power of 2, the Hadamard codes whose order is not a power of 2 show a different cross-talk behavior. To achieve the maximum possible storage capacity of a phase-code multiplexed holographic memory, the orthogonal phase codes need to be carefully selected by considering both the available pixel numbers of spatial light modulators and the cross-talk effect between stored holograms.
Idiopathic Anaphylaxis: a Series of 335 Cases

Background Idiopathic anaphylaxis is anaphylaxis with no definable etiology and no trigger by exogenous allergens. Initially described in 1978, idiopathic anaphylaxis has been subsequently characterized and treatment protocols have been established. Objective The demographics and course of 335 patients (225 previously reported) treated with prednisone, hydroxyzine, and albuterol are now reported. Results Ages ranged from 5 to 83 years. There were nine new pediatric patients in this series totaling 14 (4.2%). Atopy was common (48%) with 34 new patients with asthma. The duration of symptoms prior to presentation ranged from three days to 27 years. One hundred thirty-two patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis were available for follow-up. Twenty of these are currently receiving prednisone for control of idiopathic anaphylaxis, seven of them as part of their initial therapy, and ten for control of recurrence of symptoms. Three patients required continuous alternate day prednisone for control of symptoms (corticosteroid-dependent idiopathic anaphylaxis). Of the 335 patients, there were no longer any patients with the diagnosis of malignant idiopathic anaphylaxis defined as requiring prednisone, 20 mg daily, or 60 mg every other day, for control of idiopathic anaphylaxis. Of the six patients previously diagnosed with malignant idiopathic anaphylaxis, five no longer required prednisone and one has a decreased prednisone requirement of 20 mg on alternate days. Hospital visits were significantly reduced by the management regimens. There were no fatalities from idiopathic anaphylaxis in this series. Conclusions The incidence of idiopathic anaphylaxis is increasing in our practice with more patients being evaluated each year. During 1,104 patient years of observation (the longest period of single patient observation being 24 years), no inciting agent has been found responsible for the anaphylactic symptoms. Prognosis continues to remain good with the majority of patients achieving remission with pharmacotherapy.
Fast electron beam scanlaser

The electron beam scanlaser (EBS) is a device in which a modified electrooptic light valve is used as a mode selector in the highly degenerate flat-field conjugate laser resonator to provide a scanning light spot. This paper describes improvements in the mode selection portion of the EBS which make the device far more promising. In particular, 1) the charge storage time is now under control, and can be as short as needed, 2) the KDP is protected from the electron beam, 3) the electron gun is protected from the KDP, 4) provision can be made for the needed high-quality optical surfaces in the mode selector, and 5) the transparent conducting coating on the mode selector's KDP crystal has been removed, indicating that the insertion loss of the mode selector can be reduced to less than 1.5 percent.
Women in medicine and dermatology: history and advances

The history of women in medicine has been marked by many challenges and achievements. Although the role of women in the "art of healing" can be traced back many centuries, only males are traditionally highlighted in history. Across antiquity, access to medical education was denied to females. Dermatology is a medical specialty in which women displayed particular skill and proficiency. Gradually, determination and competence allowed women to lay claim in an essentially male-dominated world. This article presents a brief review of the performance, progress and achievements of women in the history of medicine and dermatology.
Activation-associated marker proteins: peptide mapping and their expression in macrophage cell lines.

Summary The activation-associated markers, p47b and p71/73, have been recognized as minor proteins in peritoneal and bone marrow culture-derived macrophages activated for tumor cell killing. Proteins with identical characteristics of migration on 2-dimensional gels and comparable Cleveland peptide maps are described here in macrophage cell lines that could be activated for tumor cell killing (J774A.1, RAW 264, UNC-2). Macrophage cell lines that could not be activated (P388D 1 and PU5-1.8) did not express the markers. The expression of these markers in activatable macrophage cell lines strengthens their association with the activation process and provides a bulk source of the proteins for purification studies.
Reduced urinary bladder afferent conduction velocities in streptozotocin diabetic rats

Previous experiments in our laboratory have described the method used to measure the conduction velocity distribution of a selected group of fibers (Brain Res., 520 (1990) 83-89). We have applied this technique to the 2 month streptozotocin-diabetic rat. Glycosylated hemoglobin values measured at the time of death were 17.19 +/- 4.74% (diabetic, n = 8) and 4.07 +/- 0.74% (controls, n = 6). Diabetic bladders were thicker and heavier. The wet weights were 0.50 +/- 0.11 g (diabetic, n = 7) and 0.16 +/- 0.01 g (controls, n = 6). The conduction velocities of a total of 151 and 86 single afferent fibers were measured in the diabetic and control animals respectively. The conduction velocity distribution of the diabetics showed a shift towards slower speeds when compared to controls. The mean conduction velocities were 1.70 m/s for diabetics and 2.84 m/s for controls. The percent of units with conduction velocities greater than 2.5 m/s was 17.2 for diabetics and 36.0 for controls. This experiment demonstrates, for the first time, that diabetes causes a significant reduction of afferent conduction velocities in a functionally well-defined system.
Analysis of piezoelastic structures with laminated piezoelectric triangle shell elements

In the recent development of active structural systems and microelectromechanical systems, piezoelectrics are widely used as sensors and actuators. Because of the limitations of theoretical and experimental models in design applications, finite element development and analysis are proposed and presented in this paper. A new laminated quadratic C° piezoelastic triangular shell finite element is developed using the layerwise constant shear angle theory. Element and system equations are also derived. The developed piezoelastic triangular shell element is used to model 1) a piezoelectric bimorph pointer and 2) a semicircular ring shell. Finite element (triangular shell finite element) solutions are compared closely with the theoretical, experimental, and finite element (thin solid finite element) results in the bimorph pointer case. Natural frequencies and distributed control effects of the ring shell with piezoelectric actuators of various length are also studied. Finite element analyses suggested that the inherent piezoelectric effect has little effect on natural frequencies of the ring shell. Vibration control effect increases as the actuator length increases, and it starts leveling off at the seven-patch (70%) actuator. Coupling and control spillover of lower natural modes are also observed.
Native and Modified Low Density Lipoproteins Increase the Functional Expression of the Macrophage Class B Scavenger Receptor, CD36 *

The uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) by macrophages is a key event implicated in the initiation and development of atherosclerotic lesions. Two macrophage surface receptors, CD36 (a class B scavenger receptor) and the macrophage scavenger receptor (a class A scavenger receptor), have been identified as the major receptors that bind and internalize OxLDL. Expression of CD36 in monocyte/macrophages in tissue culture is dependent both on the differentiation state as well as exposure to soluble mediators (cytokines and growth factors). The regulatory mechanisms of this receptor in vivo are undetermined as is the role of lipoproteins themselves in modulating CD36 expression. We studied the effect of lipoproteins, native LDL and modified LDL (acetylated LDL (AcLDL) and OxLDL) on the expression of CD36 in J774 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. Exposure to lipoproteins resulted in a marked induction of CD36 mRNA expression (4-8-fold). Time course studies showed that maximum induction was observed 2 h after treatment with AcLDL and at 4 h with LDL and OxLDL. Increased expression of CD36 mRNA persisted for 24 h with each treatment group. Induction of CD36 mRNA expression was paralleled by an increase in CD36 protein as determined by Western blot with the greatest induction by OxLDL (4-fold). In the presence of actinomycin D, treatment of macrophages with LDL, AcLDL, or OxLDL did not affect CD36 mRNA stability, implying that CD36 mRNA was transcriptionally regulated by lipoproteins. To determine the mechanism(s) by which lipoproteins increased expression of CD36 we evaluated the effects of lipoprotein components on CD36 mRNA expression. ApoB 100 increased CD36 mRNA expression significantly, whereas phospholipid/cholesterol liposomes had less effect. Incubation of macrophages with bovine serum albumin or HDL reduced expression of CD36 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, to evaluate the in vivo relevance of the induction of CD36 mRNA expression by lipoproteins, peritoneal macrophages were isolated from mice following intraperitoneal injection of lipoproteins. Macrophage expression of CD36 mRNA was significantly increased by LDL, AcLDL, or OxLDL in relation to mice infused with phosphate-buffered saline, with OxLDL causing the greatest induction (8-fold). This is the first demonstration that exposure to free and esterified lipids augments functional expression of the class B scavenger receptor, CD36. These data imply that lipoproteins can further contribute to foam cell development in atherosclerosis by up-regulating a major OxLDL receptor.
Discourse analysis, non-native Englishes and second language acquisition research

ABSTRACT: Recent research in discourse analysis clearly demonstrates the relevance of shared sociocultural conventions in successful linguistic interactions. Most recent studies in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), however, ignore this aspect of language behavior completely. In general, researchers in SLA have been interested in evaluating and falsifying or corroborating hypotheses such as contrastive analysis, error analysis, interlanguage, critical period, similarity between first and second language acquisition, linguistic markedness, natural approach and monitor. Very little attention has been paid so far to the communicative needs of the second language learners who may not share the standards of communicative competence that the native speakers of the target language value. Recent studies of non-native varieties of English establish beyond doubt the fact that these varieties differ from the native varieties of English precisely because their users have norms of communicative competence entirely different from those of native speakers of English. In this paper, evidence is presented to show that the development and institutionalization of nonnative varieties of English around the world pose a serious problem for all existing theories of SLA. The issues that need to be addressed in future research are clearly identified.
Depreciation for regulated firms given technological progress and a multi-asset setting☆

Abstract Depreciation allowances directly affect the economic returns of regulated firms yet are frequently based on inappropriate accounting concepts of value and obsolescence. Regulated rates are correctly set only under economic (Hotelling) depreciation which turns out to be an accelerated recovery schedule for assets with high rates of technological progress. Nonetheless, regulators widely use straight-line or even back-loaded schedules for fear that accelerated recovery will raise rates paid by consumers. Using a multiasset model it is shown that, contrary to widely held beliefs, accelerated depreciation leads to lower regulated rates for mature firms in the steady state.
Permeability of Packed Beds Filled with Polydisperse Spherical Particles

The effective medium approximation (EMA) has been applied for the prediction of the permeability of packed beds filled with polydisperse spheres. The EMA assumes a model system in which a packing particle is surrounded by a fluid envelope and an effective medium beyond the envelope. This model provides an analytical expression for the permeability of the packed bed as a function of the packing size distribution and the porosity. Unlike the present model, most existing models utilize an average packing size for the permeability prediction as they are not capable of fully incorporating the packing size distribution. The permeability prediction of the present model has been compared with those of recent numerical calculations, the semiempirical Kozeny−Carman correlation, and experimental data that are available. The Kozeny−Carman correlation, which is widely accepted in industrial applications, uses a mean particle size to account for the packing size distribution. Both the present model and the Kozeny−Carma...
Preparation of Segmented Copolymers in the Presence of an Immobilized/Soluble Hybrid ATRP Catalyst System

A hybrid catalyst system (CuBr/PS8-dMbpy)/(CuBr2/Me6TREN) for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was successfully used for preparation of polymers with complex polymeric architectures incl...
Mixed Models: Theory and Applications [Book Review]

This book can be roughly divided in three parts. In the first part (comprising the first eight chapters) the author lays out the foundation for the mixed effects model. The second part of the book (comprised by Chapter 9) discusses methods of model diagnostics and influential analysis, whereby influence is the equivalent of sensitivity analysis, in that they both aim to determine the effect of a small (or infinitesimal) perturbation over data or a model. The third part of the book deals with applications, with Chapter 10 covering tumor growth, and Chapters 11 and 12 covering statistical shape and image analysis. The book is written in a way that will satisfy both a statistician and a computer scientist. Helpful summary points are provided at the end of each chapter. In addition, the book cites a vast range of references, which make it possible for anyone wanting further information on any subject. One gripe is that the book does not include exercises at the end of each chapter, which could have been ideal if one were to adopt it for a graduate-level course.
Design and testing of a mega pixel CMOS charge dump and read camera

The National Ignition Facility requires a radiation-hardened, megapixel CMOS imaging sensor-based camera to be a direct physical and operational replacement for the CCD cameras currently used in x-ray streak cameras and gated imaging detectors. The first phase is a radiation-tolerant camera for characterization of radiation effects on the imaging sensor. This will be followed by a fully hardened version. The radiation-tolerant camera, based on the 2k by 2k CMV4000 sensor from CMOSIS Inc., has been built and optical performance was measured. Camera parts were selected to operate up to 10 krad(Si) and the camera incorporates a fast charge and dump of the sensor pixels, followed by image readout. This allows the dumping of charge due to the prompt radiation noise and then readout of the longer persistence phosphor signal from the x-ray diagnostics.
Infrastructure Interdependencies and Homeland Security

As we can see from the following quotes, infrastructure interdependencies have a strong impact on homeland security. “The speed, virulence, and maliciousness of cyber attacks have increased dramatically in recent years. More and more people are capable of launching significant assaults against the nation’s infrastructure and cyberspace because of the increasing sophistication of computer attack tools. The consequences of a cyber attack on our critical information networks and infrastructures, which are composed of private and public institutions in many different sectors under the guidance of federal-led departments and agencies, can have significant negative effects on the United States” ~Dept. of Homeland Security, 2004!. “Our national defense, economic prosperity, and quality of life have long depended on the essential services that underpin our society. These critical infrastructures—energy, banking and finance, transportation, vital human services, and telecommunications—must be viewed in a new context in the information age. The rapid proliferation and integration of telecommunications and computer systems have connected infrastructures to one another in a complex network of interdependence. This interlinkage has created a new dimension of vulnerability, which, when combined with an emerging constellation of threats, poses unprecedented national risk” ~President’s Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection 1997!. The quantification of infrastructure interdependencies is central to an effective assessment and management of risks of terrorism to critical infrastructures.
Internet routing resilience to failures: analysis and implications

Internet interdomain routing is policy-driven, and thus physical connectivity does not imply reachability. On average, routing on today's Internet works quite well, ensuring reachability for most networks and achieving reasonable performance across most paths. However, there is a serious lack of understanding of Internet routing resilience to significant but realistic failures such as those caused by the 911 event, the 2003 Northeast blackout, and the recent Taiwan earthquake in December 2006. In this paper, we systematically analyze how the current Internet routing system reacts to various types of failures by developing a realistic failure model, and then pinpoint reliability bottlenecks of the Internet. For validity of our simulation results, we generate topology graphs by addressing concerns over the incompleteness of topology and the inaccuracy of inferred AS relationships. By focusing on the impact of structural and policy properties, our analysis provides guidelines for future Internet design. The simulation tool we provide for analyzing routing resilience is also efficient to scale to Internet-size topologies.
Laser-deposited carbon nanotube reinforced nickel matrix composites

Composites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersed in nickel matrix have been processed using the laser-engineered net shape technique. The present study focuses on the survival of nanotubes in liquid nickel matrix during melt processing. The stability of nanotubes versus graphite powders in liquid nickel has been compared by processing both types of composites under identical conditions and subsequently characterizing their microstructure and chemical stability in detail using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy.
Using Words as Data in the Study of the French Political Elite

This essay states the principles and procedures of the ‘words as data’ approach to the study of political leadership, and illustrates the value of the technique through the analysis of materials produced by Charles de Gaulle and Jacques Chirac. The ‘words as data’ approach offers an escape from two methodological problems: (1) the lack of access to elites, and (2) the subjective nature of elite studies. In addition, the development of computer-assisted textual analysis software radically reduces the labour costs associated with context analytical approaches. The benefit to scholars of French politics is the generation of reliable, quantified data, which can aid in understanding the role of leaders in the French polity.
Design and implementation of coating hardware for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope wide-field corrector

A major upgrade of the HET is in progress that will substantially increase the pupil size to 10 meters and the field of view to 22 arc-minutes by replacing the spherical aberration corrector. The new Wide Field Corrector is a 4-element assembly weighing 750kg and measuring 1.34 meters diameter by 2.1 meter in length. Special fixtures were required in order to support the mirrors of the Wide-Field Corrector and adapt them to the coaters chamber, during the vacuum coating process. For the 1 meter-class mirrors, the only suitable support interface was located on a 80mm wide cylindrical surface on the periphery of each mirror. The vacuum compatible system had to support the mirrors with the surface facing downward, and accommodate thermal ranges from ambient to 100C without inducing stresses in the substrate. The fixture also had to accommodate washing, as well as support of witness samples during testing and production runs, and provide masking for alignment fixtures in the center apertures of each mirror. Design principles, materials, implementation details, as well as lessons learned are covered.
Lifestyle factors and Ki-ras mutations in colon cancer tumors

Heterogeneity in colon tumors implies that environmental, lifestyle, or genetic factors influence the type of mutations seen in tumors. In this study we evaluate the association between previously identified risk factors for colon cancer and Kirsten-ras (Ki-ras) mutations in tumors. The presence of Ki-ras mutations in codons 12 and 13 were determined in a population-based case-control study of colon cancer. Participants were between 30 and 79 years of age at time of diagnosis and include both men and women. Questionnaire data were used to obtain information on lifestyle factors. Valid study data and Ki-ras mutational status were available from 1428 cases of colon cancer, data from 2410 controls were available for comparative purposes. Participants with Ki-ras mutations were more likely to have proximal rather than distal tumors. Cigarette smoking, use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs, use of vitamin/mineral supplements, and consumption of caffeine were associated with both Ki-ras+ and Ki-ras- tumors; the associations were not confounded by dietary intake or other lifestyle factors. Among men, but not among women, those with low levels of physical activity were more likely to have a tumor with a Ki-ras mutation than one without a Ki-ras mutation. However, among women, those with a larger BMI were more likely to have a Ki-ras mutation in their tumor. Given the limited information available on what causes Ki-ras mutations, the information generated from this study indicates that these factors previously associated with colon cancer work through other disease pathways.
Movement, technology and discovery in the zebrafish

Zebrafish provide unique opportunities for optogenetic studies of behavior. Here, we review the most recent work using optogenetic and imaging approaches to study the neuronal circuits controlling movements in the transparent zebrafish. Specifically, we focus on what we have learned from zebrafish about neuronal migration, network formation and behavioral control, and what the future may hold.
Apparent equivalence of the active-site glutamyl residue and the essential group with pKa 6.0 in triosephosphate isomerase

Summary An anomaly has existed with respect to the catalytic group of triosephosphate isomerase that effects proton transfer: Based on kinetic studies the group has a pKa of 6.0, whereas based on studies with affinity labels the group is a glutamyl carboxyl with pKa of 3.9. To ascertain if these two pKas represent two different active-site residues, we selected yeast isomerase for an evaluation of the pH-dependencies of Vmax and KM, since this enzyme, in contrast to muscle isomerase used in earlier kinetic work, is sufficiently stable to permit studies at the low pHs necessary to discern a catalytic group with pKa 3.9. From pH 4.2 to 7.4 profiles of both Vmax vs. pH and Vmax/KM vs. pH exhibit single ionizations that correspond to groups with pKas of 4.6 and 5.9, respectively. Since only one group can be detected in the Vmax profile, we conclude that it represents the essential glutamyl carboxyl and that the acidity of this carboxyl is lowered to different extents in the muscle and yeast enzymes upon substrate binding. We propose that the group with pKa 5.9 seen in the Vmax/KM profile is the secondary ionization of the substrate's phosphate group.
Residual stresses and sliding wear

Abstract The residual stresses that develop during the wear of AISI-SAE 1018 and 4340 steels have been examined. The entire three-dimensional stress tensor was obtained. A normal stress perpendicular to the surface, predicted by theory, has been found, but its magnitude is too small to affect the wear rate. There are also significant shear stresses. The wear process rapidly alters any initial stress distribution produced by heat treatment or peening to such a degree that the wear rate is not affected by these stresses, unless they are initially larger than those that can be produced by the wear parameters.
Segmentation of chromatic images

Abstract When analyzing color pictures one often requires that the image be segmented into meaningful regions based upon the color characteristics of the scene. Such a problem can assume two different forms. The first variation arises when particular color space characteristics are known and the goal is to detect and extract image regions which possess the given color characteristics. The second case arises when there is no a priori knowledge about the color space characteristics of the scene and the goal is to segment the scene into meaningful regions which possess uniform color space characteristics. This paper describes an interactive system which uses a decision surface modeling approach to solve the first case and uses clustering techniques in the three-dimensional color space to solve the second case. A set of examples is presented and the performance of the system is evaluated.
Internal energy balance and energy transfer in the lower thermosphere.

The earth’s upper atmosphere is drastically out of local thermodynamic equilibrium as a result of solar irradiation and the consequent photochemistry and as a result of the transport of energy by both radiative and fluid mechanical mechanisms, so that the lower thermosphere provides an excellent potential laboratory for the observation of nonequilibrium processes. The atmospheric energy partition in different degrees of freedom (translational, rotational, vibrational, electronic, chemical, and ionization) is presented over the altitude range 0–300 km in terms of effective population temperatures for these different forms of energy. The vibration of molecular oxygen and nitrogen is excited mainly by chemical and energy transfer mechanisms and de-excited by vibration-vibration and vibration-translation energy transfer processes. The vibrational population temperature for various molecules may be either lower or higher than the kinetic temperature, and a number of models for the vibrational population of various atmospheric molecules are outlined here.
Influence of additives on preparation of aluminum foam

Aluminum foam was fabricated by using powder compact metallurgy method. The variation of magnesium particle as the metal additive during sintering was investigated. The addition of SiC particles on the morphology of the foams was discussed. The results revealed that for the foamable precursor with magnesium powders (1wt.%) added, the diffusion boundary between magnesium and the matrix could be increased with extending the sintering time. It was thought that the viscosity of melt increased by adding SiC particles so that the coalescence among the pores during foaming was relieved. As a result, the stability of the aluminum foam would be increased during foaming.
Fission: A filter for the study of nuclear reaction mechanisms☆

Abstract The use of nuclear fission as a reaction filter to study the dynamics of low-to-intermediate energy nucleus-nucleus collisions has been widely exploited over the past decade. In particular, the fission fragment angular correlation (folding-angle) technique has been utilized to derive an understanding of linear momentum and energy transfer in projectile-nucleus interactions. These results illustrate the systematic evolution in reaction mechanisms from relatively simple processes such as complete fusion and peripheral transfer reactions at near-barrier bombarding energies to highly complex interactions dominated by precompound processes at intermediate energies. Studies of light charged particles, neutrons and complex fragments in coincidence with fission-tagged events demonstrate the growing influence of nucleon-nucleon collision mechanisms relative to the dinuclear mean field in determining the reaction dynamics with increasing projectile energy. The application of these same techniques to the investigation of the inverse fission process--damped collisions--has also yielded important new insights into this class of reactions and recent results for nuclide distributions and excitation energy sharing are described.
Around the World – Back to Nigeria The Information Technology (IT) Centre at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Purpose – To see the implications and challenges of an Information Technology Centre in higher education institutions and libraries for instruction and learning.Design/methodology/approach – Describes how the Rivers State University of Science and Technology contributed to improved student competencies and higher rates of information and overall literacy and developed a new online presence.Findings – Sustaining an IT Centre requires significant planning and ongoing resources not always readily available causing stress in the uncertainty of continued growth for the future.Research limitations/implications – Supporting IT Centres is a management and financial challenge and as the success factors spread, the potential disappointments are greater when sustaining the accomplishments is such a challenge. Collaboration and partnerships are critical to the success of such programs.Practical Implications – Start small, dream big and demonstrate the utility an IT Centre has for the entire campus and external commun...
The correlation between elevated cardiac troponin I and pulmonary artery obstruction index in ED patients with pulmonary embolism

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between cardiac troponin I (cTnI) values and the pulmonary artery obstruction index assessed with spiral computed tomography (CT) scan in emergency department (ED) patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of all 179 ED patients diagnosed with PE between December 2004 and January 2007. Study population consisted of 104 (58.1%) of 179 patients with PE in whom both cTnI was measured and a contemporaneously performed CT scan was available for review. In these patients, the levels of cTnI measured in the ED were correlated with the degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction determined by applying the modified Computed Tomography Obstruction Index to the spiral CT scan performed in the ED. Results Troponin values were elevated in 20 (19.2%) of 104 patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.6-26.8) with a mean cTnI concentration of 0.38 ± 0.44 μg/L. Elevated cTnI value had a significant correlation with main pulmonary arteries involvement using the modified Computed Tomography Obstruction Index score (P = .0001). Elevated ED cTnI value had 53.8% (95% CI, 37.6-66) sensitivity and 92.3% (95% CI, 87-96.4) specificity, 70% (95% CI, 49-86) PPV, and 85.7% (95% CI, 80.7-90) NPV for predicting main pulmonary artery obstruction on CT. Increased cTnI values were highly correlated to intensive care unit admission of patients with PE (RR, 12.83; 95% CI, 3.87-42.4). Conclusions Measuring cTnI value might be considered in ED patients who are suspected of having PE. Elevated cTnI should raise the clinician's concern for the possibility of central pulmonary vascular obstruction.
SIMULATED BEHAVIOR OF AN AUTOTHERMAL REACTOR UNDER RELAXED STEADY-STATE OPERATION

Abstract This paper examines the theoretical relaxed steady-state limit of an autothermal reactor under forced concentration operation. Simulations of a laboratory-scale autothermal ammonia synthesis reactor with a transient high-pressure ammonia synthesis kinetic model show that time-averaged production rates more than twice the optimal steady-state rate are possible. Moreover, milder temperature profiles generally acompany these higher rates, which in practice should increase catalyst and equipment life.
Music Assessment in Higher Education

The purpose of this study is to determine the type and level of assessment being done at selected music departments in higher education. A twelve-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to twenty-two universities. Sixteen universities were chosen because they are the peer institutions to the author’s campus. The others do not have music major but possess other strengths including several ensembles, many courses for students to choose from and in many cases, a minor in music. Cover letters and questionnaires were emailed to the Director of each Music Department. The cover letter explained the purpose of the questionnaire and asked that the director forward it to the individual in charge of assessment. Eleven universities responded. Results of this study indicate that assessment is going on in higher education in music. Although there were only eleven institutions involved in the study, every responding university indicated that they were doing some kind of assessment in music. The degree of assessment varied from campus to campus. Assessment training and support was limited. But, eleven music departments nationwide feel the need (and responsibility) to examine what and how they are teaching and then to come up with decisions on how to improve their teaching. Further, they feel that implementation of reviewed assessment techniques will improve students’ learning.
Total synthesis of gliotoxin, dehydrogliotoxin and hyalodendrin

Two general methods, Method A and Method B in Scheme 19, to synthesize epidithiapiperazinediones, are described. A total synthesis of racemic and optically active gliotoxin (1) and of racemic dehydrogliotoxin (53) was achieved by using Method A, whereas a total synthesis of racemic hyalodendrin (52) was completed by using Method B.
Comparative toxicity of kainic acid and other acidic amino acids toward rat hippocampal neurons.

Abstract Acidic amino acids were tested by histological criteria for their ability to destroy rat hippocampal neurons. When injected directly into the hippocampal formation, kainic acid preferentially destroyed CA3-CA4 pyramidal cells and was least toxic toward dentate granule cells and pyramidal cells of the h2 area. All other acidic amino acids tested destroyed hippocampal neurons non-selectively, the vulnerability of these neurons depending simply on their proximity to the injection site. At sufficient doses, kainic acid destroyed neurons in distant limbic regions, but the other acidic amino acids did not. All amino acid excitants tested were neurotoxic, the order of potency being:kainate>ibotenate>N-methyl- dl -aspartate>dihydrokainate> dl -homocysteate> l -cysteate> l -aspartate> l -glutamate. Most excitatory amino acid antagonists were only very weakly neurotoxic, but the phosphonate analogues of glutamate and aspartate were about as potent as the strong excitants, dl -homocysteate and l -cysteate. Intraventricular injections similarly revealed a distinction between selective hippocampal lesions made by kainic acid and non-selective hippocampal lesions made by high doses of other acidic amino acids. These results generally support previous correlations between neuro-excitatory and neurotoxic effects of acidic amino acids. However, the considerable neurotoxic potency of the phosphonate antagonists is difficult to reconcile with the conventional view that the ability of acidic amino acids to destroy neurons is determined solely by their ability to depolarize them. Several mechanisms are discussed to account for the different patterns of neuronal cell death observed after injection of kainic acid and other acidic amino acids. Finally,N-methyl- dl -aspartate is suggested as a useful agent for making localized axonsparing lesions.
Piezoelectric optical MEMS scanning fluorescence biosensor

Fluorescence spectroscopy plays a key role in a broad area of biological and medical applications. Development of fluorescence spectroscopy micro-devices will enable construction of fully integrated platforms for clinical diagnostics. We report the design, microfabrication and testing of a piezoelectric MEMS micro-grating as a part of the development of a combined spectral/time-resolved fluorescence biosensor for tissue characterization. For the design of the device, we simulated its theoretical performance using a piezoelectric multi-morph model with appropriate diffraction geometry. The microfabrication process was based on a SiN diaphragm (formed via KOH bulk-micromachining) on which the supporting layer of the micro-cantilevers was patterned. Piezoelectric ZnO was then magnetron sputtered and patterned on the cantilever as the physical source for linear actuation with low voltage (>32V). E-beam evaporation of aluminum formed the final reflective diffraction pattern as well as the electrode connections to the device units. The device actuation and displacement were characterized using LDDM (Laser Doppler Displacement Meter). Current cantilevers designed with 500 μm wide gratings (20 μm spacing) produced a maximum 38 μm bi-polar deflection at 3.5 kHz, with scanning from 350-650 nm at 26 nm resolution (10 nm with new 10 μm period prototype). The MEMS device was designed to be integrated with a fast response photomultiplier, and thus can be used with time-resolved fluorescence detection. Because in the case of time-resolved measurements, spectral resolution is not a crucial element, this configuration allows for the compensation of the geometric limitations (linear dispersion) of a micro-scale device that require wavelength differentiation and selection.
Diffraction of Continental Shelf Waves by Irregular Alongshore Geometry

Abstract Diffraction of continental shelf waves by irregular alongshore geometry, such as ridges, canyons and bumps, is examined. The full barotropic, shelf-wave equation is treated, and the solutions include forward and back scattering, and a description of the near-field circulation around the topographic feature. Reflection of long waves by the convergence/divergence of depth contours is small. On the other hand, velocity amplitude of the transmitted wave can become much larger (smaller) than the incident amplitude, in the case of convergence (divergence). Back scattering becomes important, when the incident wave approaches critical frequency (zero group speed). Above critical frequency, the incident long wave is totally reflected as a short wave. Wave diffraction by ridges or canyons leads to both forward and back scattering. Local amplitude amplification occurs near the depth convergence zone. The amplitude amplification is more intense when higher modes are excited. The reflected short wave is also ...
Introduction: The Lebenswelt origins of the sciences

Ethnomethodology’s initiatives originated with Husserl’s program; however, it has developed its own rival program for investigating the lebenswelt origin of the sciences, a program that is one of ethnomethodology’s central research areas. These lebenswelt origins are also properly a central subject for sociological studies of social order, including peer reviewed social studies of science. Unfortunately, while these ‘‘origins’’ are mentioned and described by Husserl, they witnessably escape Husserl’s formal descriptions of his program and are left to live undisclosed and unmentioned behind the disciplinary particulars of the various sciences. Husserl’s Gottingen lectures already exhibit the policies of Husserl’s program. And still in The Crisis of the European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology, Husserl’s program is discussed as the lebenswelt origin of the sciences. Ethnomethodology’s Hybrid Studies of work and science specify Husserl’s program, offering a more detailed description of the lebenswelt This Introduction was written and delivered by Kenneth Liberman as part of the Alfred Schutz Memorial Lecture at the 2004 meeting of the Society for Phenomenology and the Human Sciences. See the Editor’s Note by George Psathas.
The MultiRank Bootstrap Algorithm: Semi-Supervised Political Blog Classification and Ranking Using Semi-Supervised Link Classification

We present a new semi-supervised learning algorithm for classifying political blogs in a blog network and ranking them within predicted classes. We test our algorithm on two datasets and achieve classification accuracy of 81.9% and 84.6% using only 2 seed blogs.
Patient Participation in Physical Therapy Goal Setting

Background and Purpose. An important part of treatment planning in physical therapy is effective goal setting. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice recommends that therapists should identify the patient's goals and objectives during the initial examination in order to maximize outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether therapists seek to involve patients in goal setting and, if so, what methods they use. Therapists' attitudes toward participation and patient satisfaction with the examination were also examined. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two physical therapists audiotaped the initial examination of 73 elderly patients (X=76.4 years of age, SD=7.1, range=65–94). The audiotaped examinations were then scored using the Participation Method Assessment Instrument (PMAI) to determine the frequency of attempts made by therapists to involve patients in goal setting. Therapists and patients completed surveys following the examinations. Results. Therapists' use of participation methods during examinations ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 19 out of 21 possible items on the PMAI. The therapists stated that they believed that it is important to include patients in goal-setting activities and that outcomes will be improved if patients participate. Patients also indicated that participation is important to them. Discussion and Conclusion. In most cases, the therapists did not fully take advantage of the potential for patient participation in goal setting. Patient and therapist education is needed regarding methods for patient participation during initial goal-setting activities.