cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Canonical Transfer-function Realization for Schur-Agler-class Functions on Domains with Matrix Polynomial Defining Function in $$\mathbb{C}^n$$

It is well known that a Schur-class function \( \mathbf{S}(z)\), i.e.,a holomorphic function on the unit disk whose values are contraction operators between two Hilbert spaces u(the input space) and y (the output space), can be written as the characteristic function \( \mathbf{S}(z)=D+{_Z}C(I-{_Z}A)^{-1}B\) of the unitary colligation \(\mathbf{U}=\begin{array}{llll}[A & B \\ C & D] \end{array}\) (or as the transfer function of the associated conservative linear system) where U defines a unitary operator from \( \mathbf{X}\bigoplus\mathbf{U}\; to \; \mathbf{X}\bigoplus\mathbf{Y}\) where the Hilbert space X is an appropriately chosen state space. Moreover, this transfer function is essentially uniquely determined if U is also required to satisfy a certain minimality condition (U should be “closely-connected”). In addition, by choosing the state space X to be the two-component de Branges-Rovnyak reproducing kernel Hilbert space \(\mathcal{H}({\hat{K}})\), one can arrive at a unique canonical functional-model form for a U meeting the minimality requirement. Recent work of the authors and others has extended the notion of Schur class and transfer-function representation for Schur-class functions to several-variable complex domains with matrix-polynomial defining function. In this setting the term “Schur-Agler class” is used since one also imposes that a certain von Neumann inequality be satisfied. In this article we develop an analogue of the two-component de Branges-Rovnyak reproducing kernel Hilbert space for this more general setting and thereby arrive at a two-component canonical functional model colligation for the analogue of closely-connected unitary transfer-function realization for this Schur-Agler class. A number of new technical issues appear in this setting which are not present in the classical case.
The Role of Theory in the Evaluation of Image Motion Algorithms

Undeniably, the numerical evaluation of Computer Vision algorithms is of utmost importance. However, often neglected is the role of theoretical knowledge to interpret the numerical performance of those algorithms. In addition, the lack of theoretical research in Computer Vision has long been recognized. In this contribution, we demonstrate that extended theoretical knowledge of a phenomenon enables one to design algorithms that are better suited for the task at hand and to evaluate the theoretical assumptions of other, similar algorithms. For instance, the problem posed by multiple image motions was poorly understood in the frequency domain yet frequency-based multiple motions algorithms were developed. We present algorithms for computing multiple image motions arising from occlusion and translucency which are capable of extracting the information-content of occlusion boundaries and distinguish between those and additive translucency phenomena. These algorithms are based on recent theoretical results on occlusion in the frequency domain and demonstrate that a complete theoretical understanding of a phenomenon is required in order to design adequate algorithms. We conclude by proposing an evaluation protocol which includes theoretical considerations and their influence on the numerical evaluation of algorithms.
Resistance to disturbance is a diverse phenomenon and does not increase with abundance: the case of oribatid mites.

The resistance of a population to a disturbance can be described by different proxies, such as abundance, long-term abundance trend, and relative abundance in the more disturbed part of the habitat...
Mesh configurations in laparoscopic extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy A comparison of techniques

Background: Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair utilizes slit mesh that is placed around the spermatic cord to secure the prosthesis and prevent recurrence. Because of concern that encircling of the cord might increase pain and morbidity, we compared patients with mesh repairs using encircled and nonencircled techniques.
Codelet parsing: quadratic-time, sequential, adaptive algorithms for lossy compression

The codelet parsing algorithms were proposed for lossy compression. The algorithms sequentially parse a given source sequence into phrases, say, sourcelets, and map each sourcelet to a distorted phrase, say, a codelet, such that the pre-letter distortion between the two phrases does not exceed the desired distortion. The algorithms adaptively maintain a codebook, and do not require any a priori knowledge of the source statistics. The algorithms use approximate string matching and, at each epoch, carefully select one of the many approximately matching codewords to balance between the code rates in the current epoch versus the code rate from the resulting codebooks in future epochs. The algorithms are quadratic-time in the length of the source sequence and output a distorted sequence that can be naturally losslessly compressed using the Lempel-Ziv algorithm.
Automated morphometric analysis of coronary artery lesions: an extension of quantitative coronary arteriography

The authors describe an extension to standard quantitative coronary artery analysis which provides automated objective quantitative evaluation of morphologic features of coronary-artery lesions. Standard edge detection has been enhanced with a sequential edge-linking algorithm to provide increased spatial sampling of arterial borders. These edges are analyzed using previously developed shape-analysis techniques. Morphometric parameters describing edge features such as the presence of thrombi, lumen roughness, and the abruptness of the stenosis are extracted and quantified. The performance of the method was evaluated by substituting mathematical functions for artery edges. An initial clinical study showed significant differences in morphometric parameters measured in patients with stable angina as compared to patients with unstable angina. This work demonstrates that shaped analysis of adequately sampled arterial borders provides clinically meaningful morphometric information. >
Compensation for missing array elements by direct beam synthesis

A theoretical formulation allowing optimization of phased-array beam patterns in the presence of missing elements is described. The approach specifies the desired beam pattern at a set of control points (directions) in the focal plane covering both the main beam and sidelobes. Complex element weights (for either transmit or receive) are found as the vector with minimum norm (i.e. minimum energy) minimizing the square error between the realized and the specified beam patterns at the control points. The method lends itself to a robust efficient numerical calculation permitting online implementation. >
Market based price support program: an alternative approach to large scale food procurement and distribution system

Abstract In most developing countries of the world, large scale public food procurement and distribution systems (PFDS) have become too expensive for the country governments to support from their own resources. Despite high financial and administrative costs of the programs, the degree of seasonal price stabilization and price support achieved through the activities remain quite low. Using the Bangladesh PFDS as a case study, this research indicates that considerable improvements in price support can be achieved by providing credit to the farmers immediately after the harvest. If the government procurement is reduced by 50 per cent in Bangladesh, and providing 150 per cent of the cost of running PFDS as credit, Bangladesh can improve the farmers' income and achieve better stability of cereal prices at a cost less than one-third of the current costs of the PFDS.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for traumatic gallbladder perforation

In trauma, laparoscopic surgery is commonly utilized as a diagnostic rather than therapeutic measure (1). Its use is often negated because of exigency or limitations in visibility due to haemorrhage. In the present case, a 35-year-old male was involved in a motor vehicle collision and arrived haemodynamically stable with abdominal pain. Abdominal CT revealed liver laceration and active contrast extravasation near the gallbladder fossa. Although angiography with embolization would normally be used, exploratory laparoscopy was performed because of concern for gallbladder injury. The gallbladder was found to be perforated and nearly completely avulsed from the fossa. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and the patient recovered uneventfully. Gallbladder perforation after trauma is typically an incidental finding during operation for haemorrhagic shock or other indication. Early diagnosis and swift surgical intervention are required, usually via laparotomy. However, when diagnosed preoperatively in the stable trauma victim, gallbladder perforation can be treated successfully with laparoscopy.
Effects of prenatal exposure to lithium on indoleamines in maturing mouse brain.

Abstract 1. 1. Levels of the intermediates 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and activities of the enzymes 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase (5-HTPD) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) were measured in 4 different brain regions of maturing mice exposed to LiCl during prenatal and postnatal development. 2. 2. 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were reduced significantly in all brain regions of 1 day old mice. 5-HIAA was also reduced in hemispheres of 1 week olds. 3. 3. There were some marginally significant elevations and reductions in 5-HTPD and MAO activity at various ages. 4. 4. It is suggested that lithium is reducing 5-HT synthesis and perhaps storage also but that neonates recover quite rapidly from the prenatal exposure.
Consistent factor ordering of general-relativistic constraints

Our recent analysis of the quantization of theories with constraints has demonstrated that in a quantum theory with a nontrivial gauge group the constraints must never be realized by Hermitian operators. Thus, abandoning the Hermiticity requirement, we have succeeded in discovering an essentially unique, consistent factor ordering of the Dirac constraints for the general theory of relativity.
Applying Ant Colony Optimization to the partitioned scheduling problem for heterogeneous multiprocessors

The problem of determining whether a set of periodic tasks can be assigned to a set of heterogeneous processors in such a way that all timing constraints are met has been shown, in general, to be NP-hard. This paper presents a new algorithm based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) metaheuristic for solving this problem. Experimental results show that our ACO approach can outperform the major existing methods. In addition to being able to search for a feasible assignment solution, our ACO approach can further optimize the solution to reduce its energy consumption.
Calpain Modulates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1B (p27Kip1) in Cells of the Osteoblast Lineage

The ubiquitously expressed calpains-1 and -2 belong to a family of calcium-dependent intracellular cysteine proteases. Both calpains are heterodimers consisting of a large catalytic subunit and a small regulatory subunit encoded by the gene Capn4. Ablation of the calpain small subunit eliminates calpain activity and leads to embryonic lethality. We previously created osteoblast-specific Capn4 knockout mice to investigate a physiological role for the calpain small subunit in cells of the osteoblast lineage. Deletion of Capn4 reduced trabecular and cortical bone, mainly due to impaired proliferation and differentiation of cells of the osteoblast lineage. To further investigate an underlining mechanism by which osteoblast-specific Capn4 knockout mice develop an osteoporotic bone phenotype, we established osteoblastic cell lines stably expressing either control or Capn4 RNA interference for this study. Capn4 knockdown cells showed reduced cell proliferation, accumulation of total and phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27Kip1) on serine 10, and reduced phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein on threonine 821. Moreover, ablation of Capn4 increased 27Kip1 mRNA levels, likely due to stabilized binding of Akt to protein phosphatase 2A, which presumably results in reduced phosphorylation of Akt on S473 and forkhead Box O (FoxO) 3A on T32. Collectively, calpain regulates cell proliferative function by modulating both transcription and degradation of p27Kip1 in osteoblasts. In conclusion, calpain is a critical modulator for regulation of p27Kip1 in cells of the osteoblast lineage.
A chronic outcome of shock wave lithotripsy is parenchymal fibrosis

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is widely viewed as an effective noninvasive method to break stones within the kidney and ureter. However, it is a technology that is not without trauma to the kidney—acute vascular, tubular and interstitial damage is often reported that if severe enough can lead to renal fibrosis (scarring) and permanent loss of functional parenchyma. These chronic changes can potentially lead to serious long-term adverse effects. The risk of developing chronic fibrotic lesions after lithotripsy is influenced by the number of shock waves (SWs) administered, SW power, rate of SW delivery and the number of SWL treatment sessions. The interplay between these risk factors is largely unknown, but progress has been made in identifying SWL protocols and pharmacologic therapies that can ameliorate the acute and chronic tissue damage that is an unintended consequence of SWL treatment.
Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage and Transcatheter Embolotherapy: Clinical and Technical Factors Impacting Success and Survival

PURPOSE To identify clinical and technical factors influencing the outcome of transcatheter embolotherapy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage and to quantify the impact of successful intervention on patient survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients ( n = 163) who underwent arterial embolization for acute upper GI hemorrhage at a university hospital over an 11.5-year period. Clinical success was defined as target area devascularization that resulted in the clinical cessation of bleeding and stabilization of hemoglobin level. The clinical condition of each patient at intervention was defined by history, laboratory examination, and two composite indicator variables. With use of logistic regression, the dependent variable, clinical success, was modeled on two categories of clinical and technical variables. A final model regressed patient survival on clinical success and other clinical variables. RESULTS None of the procedural variables analyzed had a significant influence on clinical success. Several clinical variables did impact clinical success, including multiorgan system failure (OR, 0.36; P = .030), coagulopathy (OR, 0.36; P = .026), and bleeding subsequent to trauma (OR, 7.1; P = .040) or invasive procedures (OR, 6.5; P = .009). Regardless of their clinical condition at intervention, patients who underwent clinically successful embolization were 13.3 times more likely to survive than those who had an unsuccessful procedure (CI, 4.54–39.2; P = .000). Nevertheless, patients with multiorgan system failure were 17.5 times more likely to die, independent of the outcome of the procedure (CI, 0.014–0.229; P = .000). CONCLUSION Arresting nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage with transcatheter embolotherapy has a large positive effect on patient survival, independent of clinical condition or demonstrable extravasation at intervention. Aggressive treatment with transcatheter embolotherapy is advisable in patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage.
Examining the mechanism of action of a kinesin inhibitor using stable isotope labeled inhibitors for cross-linking (SILIC).

It is difficult to determine a chemical inhibitor’s binding site in multi-protein mixtures, particularly when high-resolution structural studies are not straightforward. Building upon previous research involving photo-crosslinking and the use of mixtures of stable isotopes, we report a method, Stable Isotope Labeled Inhibitors for Crosslinking (SILIC), for mapping a small molecule inhibitor’s binding site in its target protein. In SILIC, structure-activity relationship data is used to design inhibitor analogs that incorporate a photo-crosslinking group along with either natural or ‘heavy’ stable isotopes. An equimolar mixture of these inhibitor analogs is crosslinked to the target protein to yield a robust signature for identifying inhibitor-modified peptide fragments in complex mass spectrometry data. As a proof of concept, we applied this approach to an ATP-competitive inhibitor of kinesin-5, a widely conserved motor protein required for cell division and an anti-cancer drug target. This crosslinking analysis, along with mutagenesis studies, suggests that the inhibitor binds at an allosteric site in the motor protein.
Prediction of ductile fracture in tension by bifurcation, localization, and imperfection analyses

Abstract In this investigation, it is shown that the onset of ductile fracture in tension can be interpreted as the result of a supercritical bifurcation of homogeneous deformation and that this fact can be applied to predict ductile fracture initiation of materials with general imperfections or flaws. We focus on one dimensional quasi-static simple tension for rate-independent isotropic plastic materials. For deformation beyond the bifurcation point, multiple equilibrium paths appear. The homogeneous deformation, as one of the equilibrium paths, loses stability while the inhomogeneous paths are stable, thus indicating the occurrence of strain localization. This investigation also provides a physical example for the application of the Lambert W function in material localization analyses. Material instability is treated as the instability of a static system with dynamic perturbation. We also address the presence of microvoids in a power law plastic material as an unfolding of the supercritical pitchfork bifurcation. The imperfect system, idealized as spherical voids within the plastic matrix, is analyzed using the familiar Gurson model which is based on the presumption of a randomly voided material and characterized by the volume fraction of voids. If, in addition, the sizes of the microvoids are known, this then provides a length scale for the imperfection zone. In this manner, relevance to the sample size effects of strain-to-failure for ductile fracture initiation is addressed by considering separate zones with variations in void volume fractions. Fracture initiation predictions are presented and compare very well to existing experimental results.
The root of all evil: Lessons of an Epigram

(1993). The root of all evil: Lessons of an Epigram. International Journal of Philosophical Studies: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 1-20.
Luminescence of Sb3+ in rare earth orthoborates LnBO3 (Ln = Sc, Y, La, Gd, Lu)

The luminescence of several Sb/sup 3 +/-activated rare earth orthoborates (LnBO/sub 3/-Sb/sup 3 +/; Ln = Sc, Y, La, Gd, Lu) are reported. In all compositions the Stokes shift of the Sb/sup 3 +/ luminescence is rather large, resulting in rather low quenching temperatures (200 K or lower). The Stokes shift appears to be dependent on the coordination number and on the radius of the host lattice cation. This is explained from the assumed tendency of the Sb/sup 3 +/ ion to occupy an off-center position which becomes more apparent when the space available for the Sb/sup 3 +/ ion increases. The present results are compared with those on LnBO/sub 3/-Bi/sup 3 +/. It appears that the Stokes shift of the Bi/sup 3 +/ luminescence is more sensitive to the host lattice and is smaller than the Stokes shift of the Sb/sup 3 +/ luminescence. This is explained by the large radius of the Bi/sup 3 +/ ion compared to the Sb/sup 3 +/ ion. In GdBO/sub 3/-Sb/sup 3 +/ thermally activated energy transfer is observed from Gd/sup 3 +/ to Sb/sup 3 +/.
Parenteral Glutathione Monoester Enhances Tissue Antioxidant Stores

Glutathione (GSH) is a potent endogenous antioxidant that protects major organs from oxidant injury. However, present nutrition regimens may inadequately support tissue stores of this tripeptide during critical illness. To determine whether GSH reserves can be enhanced in vivo with intravenous (IV) supplements, rats underwent central venous catheterization, were given chow and water ad libitum during a 2-day recovery period, and were then randomized to receive one of three treatments as an IV bolus: (1) dextrose, (2) glutathione (GSH), or (3) glutathione monoethyl ester. GSH monoethyl ester is transported into cells more easily than is GSH. Tissue and plasma samples were analyzed for GSH at 2 and 4 hours after drug administration. Liver, renal, and ileal mucosal GSH were significantly increased in the GSH-monoethyl ester rats compared with dextrose-treated animals. In addition, plasma GSH was dramatically increased after monoester injection. In contrast, GSH administration depressed liver GSH stores and did not significantly affect GSH concentration in the other organs analyzed. Plasma GSH concentration was elevated 2 hours after GSH administration. We conclude that: (1) the monoethyl ester of glutathione can be used in vivo to enhance tissue and plasma GSH concentration and (2) IV GSH administration does not significantly increase tissue GSH levels and may paradoxically depress hepatic GSH in normal rats. Because the malnourished and critically ill are likely to have depleted GSH stores, nutrition strategies that include the provision of GSH monoester may lend additional support to those organs that are at risk for injury from oxygen free radicals during catabolic states.
Are Southern-poor Countries’ Governments more Profligate than their Northern-rich Counterparts? Fiscal Criteria and Impulse Responses

This study examines the health of public finances in different geographical regions by emphasising the discrepancies in North versus South and rich versus poor countries. The last decade's debt and deficit figures depicting a general fiscal consolidation across regions and income levels show signs of worsening. When the fiscal criteria are adjusted for cyclical factors, fiscal pressure appears in most countries since the end of the 1990s, but has been more persistent in poor countries, and in Asia. The dynamics of governments’ reaction to debt accumulation reveals, however, that most regions exhibit consistent anti-debt policies to various degrees. The exception is the Latin American and Caribbean region where results suggest a lack of debt-fighting policies. Among income categories, rich countries generate the highest primary surpluses when confronted with debt accumulation.
Spiritual support for caregivers of dementia patients.

Dementia is considered the “major psychiatric disorder of old age” and affects over 4 million people in the United States. As Alzheimer's disease and other dementias progress, the patient can become increasingly dependent on the family for care. This dependency can place the caregiver in a role that is both difficult and demanding. In this study coping strategies used by family caregivers of dementia patients and caregivers' sense of burden were assessed. Burden scores were significantly correlated with spiritual support, an external coping strategy. When spiritual well-being is integrated with medical and psychosocial needs, the clergy and spiritual community can play an integral role in the care for families and dementia patients.
Susceptibility and immunity to influenza A strains in Ig−/−mice

Abstract Background: Broad cross-protection to influenza strains of different subtypes, termed heterosubtypic immunity, can be observed in animal models and is the goal of new approaches to human vaccines. Knockout mouse models, such as doubly inactivated (DI) mice lacking B cells and Ig, can be used to focus on the role of T cells in heterosubtypic immunity. We previously demonstrated that DI mice immunized with influenza B/Ann Arbor were protected from homologous challenge. We wished to identify influenza A strains that could be used in DI mice to examine the contributions of T-cell subsets to heterosubtypic immunity. Methods: DI mice were infected intranasally (i.n.) under anesthesia with influenza strains at varying doses. Mice were monitored for mortality, and lung titers were assessed for non-lethal strains. Results: Commonly used mouse-tropic influenza A strains were lethal to DI mice, even at low doses. Several other isolates were found to replicate to high titers in the lungs for several days until being cleared to undetectable levels. Conclusion: Non-lethal strains that replicate in the lungs can be used to study heterosubtypic protection in DI mice measured as reduction in lung virus titers.
Delay-Line Multiplexing Method for Storage and Display of Information from Magnetostrictive Spark Chambers

A system is described that can decrease the number of scalers required in a magnetostrictive spark-chamber readout system by a factor of four. Information from magnetostrictive sensors is impressed upon six magnetostrictive delay lines and digitized in sequence by six sets of scalers. In addition, an oscilloscope display is produced which correlates the delayed time-domain information with its digitized form.
Iron control of erythroid development by a novel aconitase-associated regulatory pathway

Human red cell differentiation requires the action of erythropoietin on committed progenitor cells. In iron deficiency, committed erythroid progenitors lose responsiveness to erythropoietin, resulting in hypoplastic anemia. To address the basis for iron regulation of erythropoiesis, we established primary hematopoietic cultures with transferrin saturation levels that restricted erythropoiesis but permitted granulopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. Experiments in this system identified as a critical regulatory element the aconitases, multifunctional iron-sulfur cluster proteins that metabolize citrate to isocitrate. Iron restriction suppressed mitochondrial and cytosolic aconitase activity in erythroid but not granulocytic or megakaryocytic progenitors. An active site aconitase inhibitor, fluorocitrate, blocked erythroid differentiation in a manner similar to iron deprivation. Exogenous isocitrate abrogated the erythroid iron restriction response in vitro and reversed anemia progression in iron-deprived mice. The mechanism for aconitase regulation of erythropoiesis most probably involves both production of metabolic intermediates and modulation of erythropoietin signaling. One relevant signaling pathway appeared to involve protein kinase Cα/β, or possibly protein kinase Cδ, whose activities were regulated by iron, isocitrate, and erythropoietin.
Integrating neuroscientific data across spatiotemporal scales.

Abstract A major challenge confronting neuroscientists is associated with the multiple spatial and temporal scales of investigation of neural structure and function. I shall discuss the use of computational neural modeling as one method to bridge some of the different spatial and temporal levels. This approach will be illustrated using large-scale, neurobiologically realistic network models of auditory and visual pattern recognition that relate neuronal dynamics to fMRI data. It will be demonstrated that the models are capable of exhibiting the salient features of both electrophysiological neuronal activities and fMRI values that are in agreement with empirically observed data. To cite this article: B. Horwitz, C. R. Biologies 328 (2005).
Origin of titaniferous lunar basalts

Delineation of low pressure phase equilibria in the composition space relevant to titaniferous lunar basalts demonstrates a significant degree of control by those equilibria on the compositions of the basalts. The existence of two distinct chemical groups of basalts (high and low-K) which cannot be related one to the other by fractional crystallization at any pressure, suggests that melting is responsible for the two groups. Consideration of the pressure shift required to produce the differences between groups constrains magma segregation to have occurred in the outer 150 km of the Moon. It is difficult to relate low-Ti and high-Ti basalts to the same source region. The preferred source region of high-Ti basalts, based on phase equilibrium considerations, is a late ilmenite-rich cumulate produced from the residual liquid of the primordial differentiation of the outer portions of the Moon. This ilmenite-rich layer is sandwiched between the lunar feldspathic crust and a complementary mafic cumulate.
Tc-99m-labeled tropanes as dopamine transporter imaging agents

The development of novel Tc-9m-labeled tropane derivatives as dopamine transporter imaging agents is reported. A series of neutral and lipophilic conjugated complexes, containing N-(alkylthiolato)-tropane, aminobis(ethylthiolato), and a [99mTc]TcO3+ center core, were prepared and evaluated as central nervous system (CNS) dopamine transporter imaging agents in rats. One of the compounds, [99mTC]technetium, [methyl 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-8-(2-mercaptoethyl-8-azabicyclo [3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylato-S][[2,2'-(methylimino)bis[eth anethiolato]] (2-)-N,S,S']oxo (25), displayed low initial uptake in rat brain (0.1% at 2 min post i.v. injection); the striatal/cerebellar (ST/CB) ratio reached 3.50 at 60 min after an i.v. injection. The specific uptake can be blocked by pretreating rats with a competing dopamine transporter binding agent, beta-CIT (RTI-55, N-methyl-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane; i.v. 1 mg/kg), which reduced the regional brain uptake ratio (ST/CB) to 1.0. In contrast, the specific uptake in striatum was not affected by pretreating rats with a noncompeting ligand, haldol (i.v., 1 mg/kg). In vitro autoradiography of rat brain sections exhibited elevated labeling in striatum, major islands of Calleja, and olfactory tubercle regions, where dopamine neurons are known to be concentrated. This series of compounds is the first example of technetium-99m labeled CNS receptor-specific imaging agents and may provide a convenient source of short-lived imaging agents for routine diagnosis of CNS abnormality in conjunction with single photon emission computed tomography.
Effect of sodium bentonite or hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate on growth performance and tibia mineral concentrations in broiler chicks fed nutrient-deficient diets

An experiment was conducted to determine whether sodium bentonite (NaB) or hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCA) would affect growth performance and tibia mineral concentrations in chicks fed nutrient-deficient diets. Two identical trials were conducted; each using 240 5- to 19-d-old broiler chicks (4 replicates of 5 chicks each) in a completely random design. A factorial arrangement of treatments consisted of four types of nutrient deficiencies [nutritionally complete basal (C), macromineral-deficient (-MM), trace mineral- and vitamin-deficient (-TMV), and crude protein-deficient (-CP)], and three types of additive (none, .5% NaB, and .5% HSCA). The -MM and -TMV diets reduced (P .10) feed intake. Sodium bentonite increased feed intake (P < .01) of all diets; resulting in an increase in gain (P < .09). Sodium bentonite increased gain:feed in chicks fed the -MM diet but did not affect gain:feed in chicks fed the C, -TMV, or -CP diets (NaBx-MM interaction, P < .02). The -MM and -TMV diets decreased (P < .01) tibia ash, but the -CP diet increased (P < .01) tibia ash. The -MM diet decreased (P < .01) tibia Ca but increased (P < .01) tibia P. Neither NaB nor HSCA affected percentage of tibia ash, Ca, or P. Tibia Zn and Mn concentrations were increased (P < .01) by the -MM diet and decreased (P < .01) by the -TMV diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Redistribution of blood flow after carotid endarterectomy

Abstract Purpose: We wanted to characterize the immediate effect of endarterectomy on flow of the arteries composing the extracranial carotid artery system. Methods: Transit time ultrasound probes were used to measure flow through the carotid bifurcation in 48 patients undergoing endarterectomy. Maximum single-diameter stenosis affecting the internal carotid artery (ICA) was determined by angiography. The significance of differences between means were determined by t tests and analysis of variance; linear and nonparametric correlation analyses were also applied to analyze the relation between stenosis and several flow-derived parameters. Results: Common carotid artery flow significantly increased ( p = 0.0043) from a mean value of 264 ± 99 ml/min to 314 ± 98 ml/min, corresponding to an average percent increase of 34.3% ± 71.3%. ICA flow increased from 128 ± 69 ml/min to 173 ± 66 ml/min ( p p = 0.0098), representing an average percent decrease of -5.2% ± 48.2%. The difference between ECA and ICA mean flow changes is highly significant ( p r = 0.31, p = 0.032), indicating that more severe stenosis led to a greater distribution of blood into the ECA. The ECA/ICA flow ratio fell from an initial value (ECF bef /ICF bef ) of 1.52 ± 1.74 before endarterectomy to 0.69 ± 0.37 (ECF aft /ICF aft ) after endarterectomy ( p = 0.0006). Conclusions: The data are consistent, with the ECA being an important collateral path for cerebral perfusion when ICA stenosis exists. When endarterectomy relieves bifurcation stenosis, common carotid artery blood flow is redistributed preferentially to the ICA at the expense of ECA flow, consistent with a change in the relative resistances of the two vessels resulting from operative reconstruction. (J VASC SURG 1995;22:349-60.)
Role of the Alanine at Position 363 of Cytochrome P450 2B2 in Influencing the NADPH- and Hydroperoxide-Supported Activities☆☆☆

Escherichia coli was used to express the two closely related cytochromes P450 2B1 and 2B2 and two mutants of 2B2 in which residues Gly-303 and Ala-363 were replaced by Ser and Val, respectively. The expressed proteins were partially purified and assayed for benzphetamine and n-octylamine (NOA) binding and 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-deethylation (EOD), benzphetamine N-demethylation (BND) and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) hydroxylation activities in the presence and absence of cytochrome b5. The Kd values for benzphetamine and NOA obtained for the wild-type enzymes were similar to reported values. The Ala-363 --> Val mutant (A363V) of 2B2 exhibited Kd values for both ligands that were more similar to 2B1 than to 2B2. The EOD and BND activities of the A363V mutant were 10- and 3.8-fold those exhibited by 2B2, respectively. With DMBA, the A363V mutation led to a 6-fold increase in the hydroxylation activity at the 7-methyl substituent while the hydroxylation activity at the 12-methyl substituent was slightly suppressed. The 7-hydroxymethyl:12-hydroxymethyl product ratio obtained with the A363V mutant (1.3) was much closer to the ratio obtained with 2B1 (1. 9) than to that obtained with 2B2 (0.17). Conversely, the Gly-303 --> Ser substitution did not influence the characteristics of the 2B2-catalyzed metabolism of DMBA to the same magnitude. When cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) was used to support the EOD activities of the proteins, 2B2 exhibited a 2- to 20-fold greater activity than 2B1 or either of the mutants. Examination of the CHP-derived products of the EOD reactions revealed the formation of mainly 2-phenyl-2-propanol due to the heterolytic cleavage of CHP. However, only the 2B1 EOD-reaction mixture also contained the P450-mediated CHP-isomerization products 2-phenyl-1,2-propanediol and 2-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propanol. The formation of these products with 2B1 but not 2B2 may explain why 2B1 is not as efficient as 2B2 or 2B2-G303S in carrying out the CHP-supported reactions.
Mechanical properties of polyphenylene-sulfide (PPS) bonded Nd–Fe–B permanent magnets

Abstract Mechanical properties, namely tensile and flexural strengths and elastic modulus, of polyphenylene-sulfide (PPS) bonded Nd–Fe–B magnets have been studied from −40 to 180 °C. The ultimate tensile strength (Sut) of PPS bonded magnets decreases with increasing temperature. The tensile strength of PPS bonded Nd–Fe–B magnets was reduced significantly above 100 °C. At 180 °C, the PPS bonded magnets still exhibit a Sut of 16–18 MPa. For bonded magnets with about 60% volume fraction of Nd–Fe–B powder, the PPS bonded magnet shows about twice the tensile strength and half the ultimate strain compared to that of Nylon bonded magnet. At room temperature, the flexural strength is, in general, comparable to the tensile strength. Dynamic elastic modulus measured using the impact resonance method was in good agreement with the elastic modulus obtained from tensile tests. Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses of the fractured surfaces revealed two distinct failure mechanisms. Debonding along the Nd–Fe–B particle and PPS interface is the main cause for failures at 100 and 180 °C. The fracture of Nd–Fe–B particle was observed on the fracture surface of specimens tested at −40 and 23 °C.
Analgesia induced by vaginal stimulation in rats is apparently independent of a morphine-sensitive process

Previous studies have suggested that in rats probing against the vaginal cervix with a glass rod is analgesic, for this stimulus elevates the threshold for eliciting vocalization in response to tail shock. In the present studies pretreatment with naloxone HCl (1 or 10 mg/kg), a potent narcotic antagonist, did not antagonize this vaginal stimulation-induced analgesia. Furthermore, vaginal stimulation was found to exert its analgesic effect even in rats made tolerant to, and dependent upon, morphine sulfate. These results suggest that the analgesic effect of vaginal stimulation is not necessarity mediated by an opiatesensitive neural system. However, we hypothesize that even though vaginal stimulation and other analgesic manipulations may act via different neural substrates, they may nevertheless converge onto a final common mechanism for pain suppression.
Photochromic superabsorbent polymers

Photochromic superabsorbent polymers (PSAPs) with a hydrophilic core and a photochromic shell were prepared by inverse suspension polymerization using acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM) as monomers, potassium persulfate as the initiator, N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (BIS) as a cross-linker, sorbitan monostearate (Span60) as the dispersant, cyclohexane as the solvent and bis(methacryloylamino)azobenzene (AC) as the photochromic surface cross-linker. The polymer was characterized by NMR, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Water absorption (Q) and the photoresponse of the PSAPs was investigated. The PSAPs prepared have excellent water absorption (2800 g g−1). When the sample is irradiated at 350 nm water expulsion from the swollen PSAPs was observed.
Individual differences in authenticity and mindfulness as predictors of verbal defensiveness

Abstract We examined the extent to which individual differences in authenticity and mindfulness predicted verbal defensiveness. Participants first completed measures of authenticity [Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity: Theory and research. In M. P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology , Vol. 38 (pp. 283–357).] and mindfulness [Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84 , 822–848]. Within the next few weeks, participants completed the Defensive Verbal Behavior Assessment [Feldman Barrett, L., Williams, N. L., & Fong, G. T. (2002). Defensive verbal behavior assessment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28 , 776–788]. Their responses to potentially self-threatening experiences subsequently were rated for the extent to which they reflected openness and honesty as opposed to defensiveness. Our findings indicated that authenticity and mindfulness correlated positively and that higher scores on each related to lower levels of verbal defensiveness. Additional analyses revealed that the relation between authenticity and verbal defensiveness was indirect, mediated by mindfulness. These findings support the view that higher authenticity and mindfulness relate to greater tendencies to engage self-relevant information in a relatively non-defensive manner.
TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN A COMPLETELY IONIZED GAS

The coefficients of electrical and thermal conductivity have been computed for completely ionized gases with a wide variety of mean ionic charges. The effect of mutual electron encounters is considered as a problem of diffusion in velocity space, taking into account a term which previously had been neglected. The appropriate integro-differential equations are then solved numerically. The resultant conductivities are very close to the less extensive results obtained with the higher approximations on the Chapman-Cowling method, provided the Debye shielding distance is used as the cutoff in summing the effects of two-body encounters.
EXAFS measurements of bond-stretching force constants in arsenic and arsenic compounds

Abstract The Einstein frequency νE obtained from temperature-dependent EXAFS measurements for the bond between an arsenic atom and a nearest neighbor in arsenic and certain arsenic halides and chalcogenides is considered. It is shown theoretically that in these materials νE should be approximately equal to the “natural” frequency of the bond, and hence that νE2 is proportional to the bond-stretching force constant ⨍r. Experimental EXAFS measurements on crystalline (c-) AsBr3 and AsI3, glassy (g-) As2S3 and As2Se3, and amorphous (a-) As yield force constants in reasonable agreement with those obtained from Raman and infrared studies.
Elektrochemische erzeugung von triplettzustanden V.[1] elektrochemische lumineszenz des systems 2,4,6-triphenylpyryliumperchlorat-rubren

Zusammenfassung Bei der elektrochemischen Reduktion von 2,4,6-Triphenyl-pyryliumkationen in Acetonitril und Dimethylformamid werden rot gefarbte Triphenylpyranyl-Radikale gebildet, die in einem reversiblen Gleichgewicht mit ihren Dimeren stehen. Die homogene Elektronenubertragung zwischen diesen Radikalen und den Rubren-Radikalkationen fuhrt uber den Triplettzustand des Rubrens zur elektrochemischen Lumineszenz. Hieraus geht hervor, daβ neben der allgemein beschriebenen Anionen-Kationen-Annihilation auch Elektronentransferprozesse mit Radikalen in Losung unter Bildung angeregter Zustande verlaufen konnen.
Mutations in laminin alpha 1 result in complex, lens-independent ocular phenotypes in zebrafish

We report phenotypic and genetic analyses of a recessive, larval lethal zebrafish mutant, bal(a69), characterized by severe eye defects and shortened body axis. The bal(a69) mutation was mapped to chromosome 24 near the laminin alpha 1 (lama1) gene. We analyzed the lama1 gene sequence within bal(a69) embryos and two allelic mutants, bal(arl) and bal(uw1). Missense (bal(a69)), nonsense (bal(arl)), and frameshift (bal(uw1)) alterations in lama1 were found to underlie the phenotypes. Extended analysis of bal(a69) ocular features revealed disrupted lens development with subsequent lens degeneration, focal cornea dysplasia, and hyaloid vasculature defects. Within the neural retina, the ganglion cells showed axonal projection defects and ectopic photoreceptor cells were noted at inner retinal locations. To address whether ocular anomalies were secondary to defects in lens differentiation, bal(a69) mutants were compared to embryos in which the lens vesicle was surgically removed. Our analysis suggests that many of the anterior and posterior ocular defects in bal(a69) are independent of the lens degeneration. Analysis of components of focal adhesion signaling complexes suggests that reduced focal adhesion kinase activation underlies the anterior segment dysgenesis in lama1 mutants. To assess adult ocular phenotypes associated with lama1 mutations, genetic mosaics were generated by transplanting labeled bal cells into ocular-fated regions of wild-type blastulas. Adult chimeric eyes displayed a range of defects including anterior segment dysgenesis and cataracts. Our analysis provides mechanistic insights into the developmental defects and ocular pathogenesis caused by mutations in laminin subunits.
Arthur Samuel: pioneer in machine learning

Professor Emeritus Arthur L. Samuel died July 29, 1990, in Stanford, california at the age of 89. He was a pioneer of artificial intelligence research whose life spanned a broad personal and scientific history.
Discovery search tools: a comparative study

Purpose – This review allows librarians to compare three of the major discovery services – EBSCO Discovery Service, Ex Libris’ Primo and Serials Solutions’ Summon – on the basis of price, content, user experience, features and functionality and back-end configuration to make informed decisions about the best tool for their institutions. Design/methodology/approach – The comparisons were made through a literature review, study of the vendors’ websites, several interviews and personal usability testing of each tool. Findings – The tools each have their strengths and weaknesses, and a decision of which tool is most appropriate for an institution varies depending on the institution’s needs and current situation. Originality/value – A literature review shows that no study has yet been conducted comparing these three discovery tools, and few comparative studies of discovery tools have been published recently.
Transfer RNA metabolism in Escherichia coli cells deficient in tRNA nucleotidyltransferase

We have investigated the role of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase in transfer RNA metabolism using mutants ( cca mutants) of Escherichia coli deficient in this enzyme. Extracts of the most defective strain contained cca mutation into a variety of genetic backgrounds. However, tRNA from stationary phase cells was somewhat more defective. Aminoacylation studies revealed that most tRNAs were unaffected by the presence of the cca mutation, but a few species were as much as 20 to 60% defective, and this was true for all the isoacceptors for a given amino acid. Incubation of the mutant cells with the antibiotics chloramphenicol and rifampicin, alone or in combination, indicated that most defective tRNA species arose from end-turnover of the terminal AMP residue. However, the possibility exists that tRNA Cys , the most defective tRNA species, may require tRNA nucleotidyltransferase for its biosynthesis. No evidence was obtained for a role of the enzyme in the biosynthesis of any other tRNA species. End-turnover of terminal residues was shown to be related to the state of charging of a tRNA molecule, but the physiological significance of this process remains to be determined. Possible explanations for the apparently limited role of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase in E. coli are discussed.
Comment on first-passage times for processes driven by dichotomous fluctuations

The recent derivation of the mean first-passage time for one-dimensional processes driven by additive dichotomous random processes (J. Masoliver, K. Lindenberg, and B. J. West, Phys. Rev. A 34, 2351 (1986)) can be extended to situations where the noise occurs multiplicatively and nonlinearly in the stochastic differential equation. For equations with Markovian dichotomous fluctuations in particular, this result allows for a complete and general probabilistic description of the statics and dynamics of the non-Markovian solution process in terms of stationary probability distributions and first-passage time statistics.