cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motoneuron excitability: the importance of neuromodulatory inputs

The excitability of spinal motoneurons is both fundamental for motor behavior and essential in diagnosis of neural disorders. There are two mechanisms for altering this excitability. The classic mechanism is mediated by synaptic inputs that depolarize or hyperpolarize motoneurons by generating postsynaptic potentials. This "ionotropic" mechanism works via neurotransmitters that open ion channels in the cell membrane. In the second mechanism, neurotransmitters bind to receptors that activate intracellular signaling pathways. These pathways modulate the properties of the voltage-sensitive channels that determine the intrinsic input-output properties of motoneurons. This "neuromodulatory" mechanism usually does not directly activate motoneurons but instead dramatically alters the neuron's response to ionotropic inputs. We present extensive evidence that neuromodulatory inputs exert a much more powerful effect on motoneuron excitability than ionotropic inputs. The most potent neuromodulators are probably serotonin and norepinephrine, which are released by axons originating in the brainstem and can increase motoneuron excitability fivefold or more. Thus, the standard tests of motoneuron excitability (H-reflexes, tendon taps, tendon vibration and stretch reflexes) are strongly influenced by the level of neuromodulatory input to motoneurons. This insight is likely to be profoundly important for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Colorado's Voucher Legislation and The Consequences for Community Colleges

In this article, the authors examine the new voucher program used to subsidize undergraduate education at Colorado community colleges and four-year institutions. The authors explain the voucher program and discuss the fiscal and policy conditions that led to its adoption. This baseline account of the voucher program and the underlying conditions leading to its enactment provides a foundation for further community college research concerning open access, the comprehensive mission, student participation, and organizational culture.
Entrepreneurial Bureaucrats and Democratic Accountability The Experience at the State Level

RELYING ON DATA SUPPLIED BY TWO PANELS OF BUREAUCRATIC ENTREPRENEURS, THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES THE ROLE OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL AGENCY ACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY IN STATE GOVERNMENT. THE ENTREPRENEURS ARE CLASSIFIED BY THEIR EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE INNOVATION FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE; HYPOTHESES AND ANALYSES ARE PRESENTED BASED UPON HOW A DEMOCRATICALLY CONTROLLED ENTREPRENEUR WOULD OPERATE. THE RESULTS INDICATE THAT EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND MAGNITUDE OF INNOVATION AFFECT WHO THE BUREAUCRAT DEALS WITH AS THE NEW IDEA BECOMES OPERATIONAL.
Development of high latitude phase fluctuationsduring the January 10, April 10–11, and May 15, 1997magnetic storms

Abstract GPS satellite transmissions have been used to study the development of moderateionospheric phase irregularities. The use of the multi-station, multi-path observations of the GPSbeacons has allowed the study of the time development of irregularities as a function of latitudeand longitude of individual storms. The basic storms studied were those of January 10, April10–11, and May 15, 1997. The results from studying these storms showed the unique nature ofeach storm. For the three storms, data were available from four stations near 65° CorrectedGeomagnetic Latitude (CGL); the stations ranged from Fairbanks to Tromso. In addition, datafrom higher latitude stations are analysed. For the January storm, irregularity development startedat Fairbanks. Then as magnetic midnight approached longitudes to the west, the storm effectsreached the Tromso–Kiruna longitudes. For the April magnetic storm, at 65° CGL, irregularitydevelopment maximized at approximately the same UT at stations ranging in longitude fromFairbanks to Kiruna. For this storm, the development of irregularities was dominated by stormtime. The May storm irregularities were dominated by magnetic local time once the stormcommenced. With both total electron content and rate of change of total electron content (phasefluctuations) available, it was noted that over periods of minutes, clumps of irregularities wereaccompanied by increases in TEC. In addition total electron content increased over large areasduring maximum magnetic activity in the auroral oval. During the storms, ionograms showed thatthe altitude of maximum electron density fluctuated; at times the dominant maximum frequencywas noted in the E layer and at other times in the F layer. This fluctuation of electron density ineach layer during storms led to the conclusion that the turbulent activity within the auroral regiondominated the development of irregularities. The irregularities that are noted on trans-ionosphericpaths are therefore thought to be in both the E and the F layers with a combination of structuredhard and soft electron precipitation and coupling initiating the turbulent activity. The generalpositive correlation of one periods phase scintillation data with the Ultra Violet Imagerobservations as shown on POLAR indicates the importance of 100–200 km precipitation.However the very high occurrence of spread F at high latitudes as shown by both ground andsatellite ionosondes indicates the considerable contributions of F layer irregularities.
The development and effect of genetic background on expressivity and penetrance of the Brachyury mutation in the mouse: a study in developmental genetics.

The development of the posterior axial structure of the heterozygous Brachy (T/+) mutant was studied and the expressivity and penetrance of this gene on several genetic backgrounds was analyzed. The Brachy mutant in heterozygous conditions is a dominant non-lethal and interferes with the normal development of the caudal axis, leading to blunting, shortening and bending of the tail. Study of the developmental changes encountered in T/+ mice from the sixteenth day of gestation until the tenth day of postnatal age revealed that three different processes contribute to the tail abnormalities, these are: (1) reduction in number of tail vertebrae, (2) fragmentation of vertebral processes, (3) fusion of vertebrae or vertebral fragments. The expressivity and penetrance of the T gene in heterozygous condition was tested on four different genetic backgrounds provided by the Black Spot strain, the C57B1/6 strain, the DBA/2 strain and the Swiss Albino strain. On the DBA/2 strain, the effect of the T gene on reduction of caudal vertebrae was considerably modified when the DBA background was provided by the female parent. In reciprocal crosses of ♀T/ × ♂DBA ±, the expression of the T gene on that aspect of development was not changed. The penetrance of the T gene was, however, changed to a 2:1 ratio instead of the expected 1:1 ratio in both reciprocal crosses between T/+ heterozygotes with DBA mice. These results are interpreted as suggesting that the genetic background consists of several “factors,” each controlling independently the expression of some distinct aspect of the T gene, probably by stimulating some kind of correcting processes. The results are further interpreted to mean that some of the modifiers of T gene expressivity are probably non-nuclear or cytoplasmic in origin, whereas the factors changing penentrance of the T gene are probably provided by more orthodox nuclear genetic loci that operate to inhibit its total activity.
Contorted mirror reduction of projected image distortion.

An analysis is made of the degree to which a simple contorted mirror can reduce distortion in a projected image. Although it is impossible in general to remove the distortion completely by this means, significant reduction may be achieved. Equations are derived for the shape of a mirror which will give the maximum reduction possible. Equations are also developed for how to stress a planar mirror to create the desired optimal shape. Image blurring is estimated. An example is presented in which this technique is used to reduce the distortion which results when a projection lens appropriate for projection onto a flat screen is used instead to project onto a spherical surface from an oblique angle.
Use of path analysis as a statistical technique for the analysis of qualitative nutritional data

The present study sampled 113 preschool children from Tompkins County (Ithaca, New York) Well Baby Clinics and their families to investigate factors affecting the dietary and the nutritional status of the children. Twenty‐two percent of this population were determined to be anemic; 31 percent of the childrens’ weights and 27 percent of the heights fell below the twenty‐fifth percentile of the Boston Growth Standards. Path analysis indicated that the variables exerting predictive influence of the dietary quality were those of sex, ordinal position, mother's employment status, education, and her nutrition education. The model developed accounted for greater than 50 percent of the variance in the dependent variable of dietary quality.
Microfoundations of a mortgage prepayment function

This article focuses on the following question: how much of an interest rate decline is needed to justify refinancing a typical home mortgage? Modern option pricing theory is used to answer the question; this theory indicates that the answer depends upon several factors, which include the volatility of interest rates and the expected holding period of the borrower. The analysis suggests that the commonly espoused “rule of thumb” refinance if the interest rate declines by 200 basis points — is a fair approximation to the more precisely derived differential for many households. We also construct the prepayment behavior of a pool of mortgages in which the expected holding periods of the borrowers in the pool vary. The prepayment behavior of this simulated pool is used to generate a series of empirically testable hypotheses regarding the likely shape of an actual prepayment function and its determinants. Finally, actual prepayment data are used to estimate a hazard function that explains prepayment behavior. We find that the estimated model understates prepayment behavior relative to that predicted by the simulation model, which suggests that the simple option pricing model is not adequate to explain aggregate prepayment behavior.
Barriers to drug abuse treatment for Latino migrants: treatment providers' perspectives

This article disseminates findings from a pilot study undertaken to learn more about treatment providers’ perceptions of treatment access barriers faced by Latino migrants with substance use disorders (SUDs) in Northern California. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with treatment providers (N = 11) at 7 residential treatment programs with Spanish-language services. Interviewees identified and described three primary types of treatment barriers: language, legal, and gender based. In response to these barriers, Latino migrants with SUDs have opened their own residential recovery houses called anexos (annexes). Collaborative efforts by community clinics and public health agencies are needed to facilitate Latino migrants’ access to SUD treatment.
Preeclampsia is associated with widespread apoptosis of placental cytotrophoblasts within the uterine wall.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication diagnosed by signs of widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction. In normal pregnancy, a subpopulation of placental cytotrophoblast stem cells executes an unusual differentiation program that leads to invasion of the uterus and its vasculature. This process attaches the conceptus to the uterine wall and starts the flow of maternal blood to the placenta. Preeclampsia is associated with abnormal cytotrophoblast differentiation, shallow invasion, and decreased blood flow to the placenta. To determine whether abnormal differentiation and/or hypoxia leads to cytotrophoblast apoptosis, we used the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) method to label DNA strand breaks in tissue sections of the placenta and the uterine wall to which it attaches. Control samples (n = 9) showed almost no apoptosis, but in samples from patients with preeclampsia, 15–50% of the cytotrophoblasts that invaded the uterine wall were labeled (8/9 samples). These same cells failed to stain for Bcl-2, a survival factor normally expressed by trophoblasts in both the placenta and the uterine wall. Our results show that preeclampsia is associated with widespread apoptosis of cytotrophoblasts that invade the uterus. The magnitude of programmed cell death in this population may account for the sudden onset of symptoms in some patients, as well as the associated coagulopathies.
Surface Characterization of the Spinel LixMn2O4 Cathode before and after Storage at Elevated Temperatures

Surface chemistry of the capacity fading of the Li x Mn 2 O 4 cathode was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Measurements show a decrease in the cathode capacity from 124 mA h g -1 before storage to 102 mA h g -1 after storage in an electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6/EC + DMC + DEC at 70 °C for 5 days. Surface morphological changes of the Li x -Mn 2 O 4 cathode were monitored using contact and tapping AFM and lateral force microscopy in air. Nanoscale changes of the charged cathode before and after storage at 70 °C were observed. Before storage, homogeneous grains of approximately 100-200 nm are seen. After storage, fine and nearly round shaped structures of 10-30 nm in size are observed covering the larger grains on the surface of the cathode. This change in morphology suggests film deposition on the cathode's surface, which increases the resistance for Li + ion transport in and out of the cathode. Results from EDAX show that compounds containing phosphorus and fluorine are also deposited on the surface of the cathode. Surface analysis of the cathode with XPS suggests the presence of MnF 2 . The conversion of the oxidation state of manganese on the surface of the cathode from MnO 2 to MnO during storage at the elevated temperature was observed with XPS.
An evaluation of inventory and transportation policies of a regional blood distribution system

Abstract Blood is a valuable but perishable community resource. Regional blood centers coordinate the blood drawing and inventory policies of the hospital blood banks in a region for more efficient use of the resource. This study used a simulation model to analyze the costs and effects of several different operational policies for a regional blood center. Simulated experiments were carried out in four areas: (1) increasing the amount of blood available, (2) changing the number of delivery vehicles, (3) comparing two types of inventory consignment policies (shipping blood to hospitals with a recall privilege and frequent redistribution of blood amongst regional hospitals) to a direct-sale, no-redistribution policy, and (4) examining the effect of sending fresher blood supplies as inventories to hospitals with lower probabilities of transfusion. The results of the third experiment are presented in detail. It was found that periodic redistribution of the regional inventory yielded lower expiration rates and lower shortage rates. The results of the other three experiments are presented briefly.
Abstract 5136: Sulfiredoxin promotes cell migration through direct interaction with non muscle myosin IIa

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Redox homeostasis is frequently dysregulated in cancer cells. In particular, glutathione pathways can be imbalanced and impact cell proliferation and death pathways. S-glutathionylation is the addition of glutathione to basic cysteine residues in certain proteins producing significant changes in their structure/function. Because this post-translational modification is dynamic and reversible, the S-glutathionylation cycle can provide the framework for important cell signaling events in cancer cells. We have shown that sulfiredoxin (Srx) plays a role in deglutathionylation and interacts with proteins such as the phosphatase PTP1B, actin and peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx 6). Redox regulation of actin modulates cell adhesion and focal contacts. In the present study, we examined the role of Srx in cell migration, invasion and potentially metastasis. Srx was over-expressed by transfection in lung cancer cells (A549). Phalloidin staining showed that Srx over-expression (A549-Srx) led to phenotypic changes in cell adhesion through altered focal adhesion contact points and the cells were more refractory to trypsin release. Relative to wild type, A549-Srx cells showed enhanced migration and invasion in the scratch- and Boyden chamber assays. Proteomic analysis through mass spectrometry demonstrated that Srx interacts with non-muscle myosin IIa (NMIIa) in A549 cells. Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation of Srx and NMIIa validated this interaction under non-stressed conditions. Either through protein: protein interaction or through redox regulation (or both), Srx appears to be an important mediator of the cell motility and invasive properties of the A549 human lung cancer cell line. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5136.
Mutation analysis of the cystic fibrosis and cationic trypsinogen genes in patients with alcohol‐related pancreatitis

Cationic trypsinogen and cystic fibrosis mutations have been identified in pancreatitis patients, although no study has looked for mutations in both genes in the same patient. Pancreatitis can be induced by alcohol, although not all alcoholics develop pancreatitis. We hypothesize that this phenomenon is due to a genetic predisposition in persons with alcohol-related pancreatitis. We performed sequence analysis of the cationic trypsinogen-coding region in 46 alcohol-related pancreatitis patients and 16 patients with pancreatitis due to causes other than alcohol. We also screened for 40 cystic fibrosis mutations including the 5T allele. No cationic trypsinogen mutations were identified. Cystic fibrosis mutation screening identified the DeltaF508 mutation in two Caucasian alcoholic patients (P<0.025). The cystic fibrosis mutation carrier frequency in African-American alcoholic patients was 3%, which was not significantly increased compared with the normal carrier frequency. The frequency of the 5T allele was not significantly increased compared with the normal population carrier frequency in either racial group. These results may suggest a role for the cystic fibrosis gene in alcohol-related pancreatitis but indicate that cationic trypsinogen mutations are not a common predisposing risk factor for alcohol-related pancreatitis. A multicenter study is necessary to attain sufficient numbers to come to a conclusion.
Clique Migration: Affinity Grouping of Virtual Machines for Inter-cloud Live Migration

Affinity is common among Virtual Machines (VMs) in cloud environments. If VMs collaborating on a job are split in geographically distributed clouds, the low bandwidth and high latency inter-cloud communication via a wide area network (WAN) will dramatically degrade the system performance. A potential solution is migrating all of the VMs collaborating on a job in parallel, so as to avoid wide area communication. However, if the job is too large, it becomes impractical to migrate all of the VMs simultaneously due to limited WAN bandwidth and high block dirty rate. We propose a migration optimization mechanism called Clique Migration to partition a large group of VMs into subgroups based on the traffic affinities among VMs. Then, subgroups are migrated one at a time. Based on Clique Migration, we propose and implement two algorithms called R-Min-Cut and Kmeans-SF. Analysis of the traffic trace of 68 VMs in an IBM production cluster shows that our algorithms can reduce inter-cloud traffic by 25% to 60%, when the degree of parallel migration is from 2 to 32. Tests of MPI multi-Ping Ping benchmark running on simulated inter-cloud environments, show that our algorithms can significantly shorten the period during which applications undergo performance degradation. Tests of MPI Reduce scatter benchmark show that R-Min-Cut can keep the performance during migration at 26% to 75% of the non-migration scenario.
Teachers' Knowledge of Children's Mathematics after Implementing a Student-Centered Curriculum

Our study investigated the knowledge 13elementary teachers gained implementing astudent-centered curriculum in the context ofdistrict-wide reform. Participants comprisedall the teachers in grades three, four and fiveat a single elementary school. We believed thatinvestigating teachers' responses to fictionalpedagogical scenarios involving nonstandardalgorithms would yield insights into criticalcomponents of their knowledge base. We lookedin particular at teachers' knowledge of children's mathematics. We found that teacherswere in the midst of creating a knowledge basefocused on children's mathematics and groundedin knowledge about alternative conceptualtrajectories through the elementary curriculum.Teachers' knowledge of nonstandard strategiessupported by the curriculum materials wasstronger and more coherent than their knowledgeof students' novel nonstandard strategies.Strong mathematical knowledge was notnecessarily associated with strong knowledge ofchildren's mathematics. Teachers' thinkingvaried by a topic's treatment in the writtencurriculum materials used, suggestingimplementation of the curriculum as a source oflearning.
Selective serotonin1A/1B agonists differentially affect spinal nociceptive reflexes

Abstract The purpose of the present experiments was to determine whether serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) and serotonin-1B (5-HT1B) binding sites, recently characterized in the spinal cord of the rat, mediate differential effects of 5-HT on spinal nociceptive processing. Several days after spinal transection at T10, rats were injected intraperitoneally at 20 min intervals, with increasing doses (0, 0.1, 0.4, 2.0, 9.0 mg kg ) of either a 5-HT1A selective agonist (8-OH-DPAT, buspirone) or a 5-HT1B agonist (mCPP, TFMPP). Nociceptive sensitivity was determined by quantifying, in cm2, changes from baseline in the receptive field areas of three spinal nociceptive withdrawal reflexes after noxious (> 400 mmHg) levels of mechanical stimulation. The 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner the receptive field areas of the three reflexes, with the following log ED50 values ( nmol kg ): ventroflexion reflex—buspirone (2.75), 8-OH-DPAT (2.70); dorsiflexion reflex—buspirone (2.91), 8-OH-DPAT (2.67); lateral flexion reflex—buspirone (3.51), 8-OH-DPAT (2.77). The hypersensitivity of the reflexes after pretreatment with buspirone was effectively blocked by the 5-HT1A selective antagonist spiperone, at all doses (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg ) tested. The 5-HT1B selective agonists mCPP and TFMPP significantly decreased the receptive field are of the ventroflexion reflex (log ED50 values: mCPP, 3.79 nmol kg ; TFMPP, 3.61 nmol kg ) with no significant effect on the dorsiflexion or lateral flexion reflexes. Maximal expansion of the receptive field areas of the reflexes by the 5-HT1A agonists was approximately 125%; maximal decrease in the receptive field area of the ventroflexion reflex by the 5-HT1B agonists was approximately 80%. The greater potency of the 5-HT1A agonists may reflect their greater selectivity at the 5-HT1A binding site. The present data suggest that the 5-HT1A and the 5-HT1B receptor subtypes mediate differential effects of 5-HT on nociceptive processing in the spinal cord of the rat.
Preparation, Characterization, and Catalytic Properties of Tungsten Trioxide Cyclic Trimers on FeO(111)/Pt(111)

The structure and catalytic activity of tungsten oxide clusters formed via sublimation of monodispersed cyclic (WO3)3 onto FeO(111)/Pt(111) has been studied by a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and density functional theory (DFT). After (WO3)3 deposition, STM images reveal new features composed of three bright maxima arranged in a equilateral triangular configuration with an edge length of ∼10 A. This length is significantly larger than the size of (WO3)3, indicating that the clusters dissociated. This conclusion is corroborated by DFT calculations showing that cluster dissociation into surface-bound WO3 monomers is exothermic and kinetically feasible at 300 K. The dissociation is accompanied by significant FeO(111) rearrangements with the Fe ions being pulled on top of the surface and bonded to the WO3 fragments. Both surface spectroscopies (XPS and IRAS...
Juxtapositions between the somatostatinergic and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons in the human hypothalamus.

Abstract Somatostatin is a 14–28 amino acid peptide that is located not only in the gastrointestinal system but also in multiple sites of the human brain. The inhibitory effect of somatostatin on the growth hormone (GH) secretion of the pituitary gland is a well-established phenomenon. There is a general consensus that somatostatin is released into the hypophysial portal blood and modulates GH secretion by hormonal action. In the present study, we explored the possibility that in addition to the hormonal route, somatostatin may also influence GH secretion via influencing the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) secretion by direct contacts that may be functional synapses. Since the verification of these putative synapses by electron microscopy is virtually impossible in humans due to the long post mortem time, in order to reveal the putative somatostatinergic-GHRH juxtapositions, light microscopic double-label immunohistochemistry was utilized. By examining the slides with high magnification, we observed that the vast majority of the GHRH perikarya received contacting somatostatinergic axonal varicosities in the arcuate nucleus. In contrast, GHRH axonal varicosities rarely contacted somatostatinergic perikarya. The morphology and the abundance of somatostatin to GHRH juxtapositions indicate that these associations are functional synapses, and they represent, at least partially, the morphological substrate of the somatostatin-influenced GHRH secretion. Thus, in addition to influencing the GH secretion directly via the hypophysial portal system, somatostatin may also modulate GH release from the anterior pituitary by regulating the hypothalamic GHRH secretion via direct contacts. The rare GHRH to somatostatin juxtapositions indicate that the negative feedback effect of GH targets the somatostatinergic system directly and not via the GHRH system.
Androgen-Induced Activation of Gonadotropin-Regulated Testicular RNA Helicase (GRTH/Ddx25) Transcription: Essential Role of a Nonclassical Androgen Response Element Half-Site

GRTH, a testis-specific member of the DEAD-box family of RNA helicases essential for spermatogenesis, is present in Leydig cells (LC) and germ cells. In LC, it exerts an autocrine negative regulation on androgen production induced by gonadotropin. GRTH is transcriptionally upregulated by gonadotropin via cyclic AMP/androgen through androgen receptors (AR). For studies of GRTH regulation by androgen in LC, we utilized in vitro/in vivo models. Androgen-induced GRTH expression was prevented by an AR antagonist. Two putative atypical ARE half-sites are present at bp -200 and -827 (ARE1 and ARE2). Point mutation of ARE2 prevented androgen-induced AR binding/function and upregulation of GRTH transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed recruitment of AR, SRC-1, Med-1, transcription factor IIB (TFIIB), and polymerase II (PolII) to GRTH ARE2 (bp -980/-702) and to the promoter region (bp -80/+63). ChIP3C assays revealed short-range chromosomal looping between AR/ARE2 and the core transcriptional machinery at the promoter. Knockdown of Med-1 and/or SRC-1 demonstrated the presence of a nonproductive complex which included AR, TFIIB, and PolII and the essential role of these coactivators in the transcriptional activation of GRTH. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of androgen-regulated transcription in LC.
Computer modeling and simulation of camera defocus

A computer model is presented for the formation and sensing of defocused images in a typical CCD camera system. A computer simulation system named IDS has been developed based on the computer model. IDS takes as input the camera parameters and the scene parameters. It produces as output a digital image of the scene as sensed by the camera. IDS consists of a number of distinct modules each implementing one step in the computer model. The modules are independent and can be easily modified to enhance the simulation system. IDS is being used by our group for research on methods and systems for determining depth from defocused images. IDS is also being used for research on image restoration. It can be easily extended and used as a research tool in other areas of machine vision. IDS is a machine independent and hence portable. It provides a friendly user interface which gives the user full access and control to the parameters and intermediate results.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Design study results of a supersonic cruise fighter wing

A study has been conducted to explore the use of existing aerodynamic techniques to design a new supersonic cruise wing for an existing fighter wind-tunnel model. In addition to the usual wing design constraints of lift, pitching moment, and minimum drag, a ground rule was imposed that the wing had to fit on the existing fuselage. Experimental wind-tunnel results were obtained for a camber design and a reference flat wing. The flat wing was also fitted with leading-edge flaps which approximate the cruise camber design. The experimental results indicate that significant improvements in supersonic cruise capability can be obtained by a new wing designed using existing supersonic aerodynamic techniques.
Ft-Ir and Ft-Raman Spectroscopy Study of the Cyclic Anhydride Intermediates for the Esterification of Cellulose: Ii. Formation of Anhydrides Catalyzed By Sodium Hypophosphite

A five-membered cyclic anhydride is the reactive intermediate of polycarboxylic acids for esterifying cellulose. In our previous research, we found that polycarboxylic acids in a crystalline state start to form 5-membered cyclic carboxylic anhydrides when the temperature reaches the vicinity of their melting points, and that hydrogen bonding between carboxylic acid groups prevents the formation of the cyclic anhydride intermediates at lower temperatures. In this research, we studied the formation of cyclic anhydride intermediates by 1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and itaconic acid (IA) in the presence of sodium hypophosphite (NaH 2 PO 2 ) ' We found that NaH 2 PO 2 weakens the hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic acid groups of BTCA. In the presence of NaH 2 PO 2 , BTCA forms the cyclic anhydride at temperatures significantly lower than its melting point. NaH 2 PO 2 also reduces the temperatures required for the formation of the anhydride intermediate of IA on cotton fabric. The catalysis for the formation of anhydride intermediates by NaH 2 PO 2 contributes to the acceleration of esterification of cotton cellulose by polycarboxylic acids.
The Effects of Using Wood Treated With Chromated Copper Arsenate in Shallow-Water Environments: A Review

Studies published over the past several years have documented that copper, chromium, and arsenic leach from pressure-treated wood placed in estuaries, and that these toxic metals accumulate in nearby sediments and biota. We have found bioaccumulation and deleterious effects in the epibiotic (“fouling”) community, particularly in poorly flushed areas and on new wood. The epibiota showed reduced species richness, diversity, and biomass. Barnacles and encrusting bryozoa that settled on new treated wood grew more slowly than those that settled on untreated wood or plastic substrate. In laboratory studies, trophic transfer of the contaminants from epibiota to their consumers has also been demonstrated. We have also found accumulation of the treatment metals in the fine-grained fraction of nearby sediments and in the benthic infauna. Infauna also had reduced species richness and diversity in sediments adjacent to treated-wood structures. While standard toxicity tests with amphipods did not demonstrate acute toxicity of these sandy sediments, sublethal effects on development were seen in juvenile mysids. Overall, the extent and severity of effects of pressure-treated wood in an estuary depends on the amount and age of the wood and the degree of dilution by water movements.
Effect of base plate thickness on wave size and wave morphology in explosively welded couples

The influence of plate thickness on the wave morphology generated in explosive welding is analysed by the use of mild steel base plates machined into steps of different thicknesses and a constant-thickness mild steel flyer plate, to ensure similar impacting conditions. It is found that wave shape, at the same distance from the collision point, remains unchanged for the different thicknesses. However, wavelength and wave amplitude are observed to decrease for thinner base plates, while the incubation distance for stable wave generation is observed to increase with decreasing base plate thickness. Previously suggested mechanism for explosive wave generation are analysed in terms of the present experiments. It is apparent that most of the theories proposed to date for wave formation are in one way or another incomplete.
VILO: a rapid learning nearest-neighbor classifier for malware triage

VILO is a lazy learner system designed for malware classification and triage. It implements a nearest neighbor (NN) algorithm with similarities computed over Term Frequency $$\times $$ Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) weighted opcode mnemonic permutation features (N-perms). Being an NN-classifier, VILO makes minimal structural assumptions about class boundaries, and thus is well suited for the constantly changing malware population. This paper presents an extensive study of application of VILO in malware analysis. Our experiments demonstrate that (a) VILO is a rapid learner of malware families, i.e., VILO's learning curve stabilizes at high accuracies quickly (training on less than 20 variants per family is sufficient); (b) similarity scores derived from TDIDF weighted features should primarily be treated as ordinal measurements; and (c) VILO with N-perm feature vectors outperforms traditional N-gram feature vectors when used to classify real-world malware into their respective families.
A goodness-of-fit test for GARCH innovation density

We prove asymptotic normality of a suitably standardized integrated square difference between a kernel type error density estimator based on residuals and the expected value of the error density estimator based on innovations in GARCH models. This result is similar to that of Bickel–Rosenblatt under i.i.d. set up. Consequently the goodness-of-fit test for the innovation density of GARCH processes based on this statistic is asymptotically distribution free, unlike the tests based on the residual empirical process. A simulation study comparing the finite sample behavior of this test with Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the test based on integrated square difference between the kernel density estimate and null density shows some superiority of the proposed test.
Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral

(1968). Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 99-106.
Computation with Two Dimensions of Uncertainty - Fuzzy Computers -

This paper presented the basic framework for defining multidimensional information and computing devices. This work is a result of continued research aimed at trying to gain an understanding of new, seemingly more complex computing paradigms. This framework provides a way to not only compare and contrast new types of computers, but also to relate them to one another. The fuzzy computer presented here is particularly important because it is the lowest dimensional, non-deterministic computer and therefore a gateway to all other forms of non-deterministic computing. Any further understanding of the fuzzy computer can only help to shed light on high-uncertainty computing.
Synthesis of dibenzocrown ethers with pendent amide groups

Synthetic routes to twenty six crown ether compounds with pendent amide, N-alkylamide, or N,N-dialkyl-amide groups are reported. The new crown ether compounds are based on sym-dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetamide and sym-(propyl)-dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetamide and are obtained in high yields.
Michael J. Rabins (1932-2008) [Obituary]

Recounts the life and career of Michael J. Rabins, a fellow of the ASME, who passed away on September 30, 2007.
Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis secondary to chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease

Abstract A patient is described with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease and clinical and cardiac catheterization findings indicating stenosis of a branch of the right pulmonary artery. A continuous murmur over the lung, present in this case, may serve as a clue to the diagnosis and should be looked for in patients with recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism. Although symptoms and exercise tolerance improved after pulmonary thromboembolectomy, severe pulmonary hypertension persisted and hemodynamics were unchanged.
Exploring the relationship between user satisfaction and relevance in information systems

The goal of this research was to better understand the relationship between relevance and user-satisfaction, the two predominant aspects of user-based performance in information systems. This project unconfounds relevance and user-satisfaction assessments of system performance at the retrieved item level. To minimize the idiosyncracies of any one system, a generalized, naturalistic information system was employed in this study. Respondents completed sense-making timeline questionnaires in which they described a recent need they had for geographic information. Retrieved documents from the generalized system consisted of the responses users obtained while resolving their information needs. Respondents directly provided process, product, cost-benefit, and overall satisfaction assessments with the generalized geographic system. Relevance judgments of retrieved items were obtained through content analysis from sense-making questionnaires as a secondary observation technique. The content analysis provided relevance values on both five-category and two-category scales. Results indicate that relevance has strong relationships (gamma values from 0.74 to 0.89) with process, product and overall user satisfaction measures while relevance and cost-benefit satisfaction measures have no significant relationship (gamma value of 0.049). This analysis also indicates that neither relevance nor user-satisfaction subsumes the other concept, and that understanding the proper units of analysis for these measures helps resolve the paradox of the management information system and information science literatures not informing each other concerning user-based information system performance measures.
GRAMY: A Geometry Theorem Prover Capable of Construction

This study investigates a procedure for proving arithmetic-free Euclidean geometry theorems that involve construction. “Construction” means drawing additional geometric elements in the problem figure. Some geometry theorems require construction as a part of the proof. The basic idea of our construction procedure is to add only elements required for applying a postulate that has a consequence that unifies with a goal to be proven. In other words, construction is made only if it supports backward application of a postulate. Our major finding is that our proof procedure is semi-complete and useful in practice. In particular, an empirical evaluation showed that our theorem prover, GRAMY, solves all arithmetic-free construction problems from a sample of school textbooks and 86% of the arithmetic-free construction problems solved by preceding studies of automated geometry theorem proving.
Ca2+-induced permeabilization promotes free radical release from rat brain mitochondria with partially inhibited complex I.

Mitochondrial complex I dysfunction has been implicated in a number of brain pathologies, putatively owing to an increased rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. However, the mechanisms regulating the ROS burden are poorly understood. In this study we investigated the effect of Ca2+ loads on ROS release from rat brain mitochondria with complex I partially inhibited by rotenone. The addition of 20 nm rotenone to brain mitochondria increased ROS release. Ca2+ (100 µm) alone had no effect on ROS release, but greatly potentiated the effects of rotenone. The effect of Ca2+ was decreased by ruthenium red. Ca2+-challenged mitochondria lose about 88% of their glutathione and 46% of their cytochrome c under these conditions, although this depends only on Ca2+ loading and not complex I inhibition. ADP in combination with oligomycin decreased the loss of glutathione and cytochrome c and free radical generation. Cyclosporin A alone was ineffective in preventing these effects, but augmented the protection provided by ADP and oligomycin. Non-specific permeabilization of mitochondria with alamethicin also increased the ROS signal, but only when combined with partial inhibition of complex I. These results demonstrate that Ca2+ can greatly increase ROS release by brain mitochondria when complex I is impaired.
Three-dimensional computer modeling of fabric evolution in igneous rocks

Abstract The fabric of an igneous rock is defined by the sizes, shapes and orientations of its crystals; the spatial distributions and concentrations of elements within the crystals; and the nature of the grain boundaries. FABRIC is the name of a collection of programs consisting of five main program files, four subroutine files, and a control block file for the graphical modeling of fabric development in three dimensions in the crystallization of magma. Crystals grow by the joining of nodes around the margins of crystals in a layered fashion. The nodal pattern for each type of crystal is unique, similar to the spacing of unit cells, and is defined by the user in the control block file. The model generates a database of the ( x , y , z ) coordinates and other attributes of each joined node in ascending order. The database can be sorted for records with special attributes with a database manager. The plotting of nodes in an ( x , y ) slice through the crystallized volume renders an animation of the joining of nodes to growing euhedral crystals in that slice. FABRIC is designed in a modular fashion for general use, but the present version deals with the simultaneous growth of euhedral crystals to their contiguity upon which growth collision boundaries rather than crystal faces develop. The angles that the growth collision boundaries make with the colliding faces may be used to determine the ratio of the velocities of advance of the faces in special cases. The final fabric resembles the allotriomorphic fabric found in some igneous rocks.
Development of infants and toddlers with clefts from birth to three years of age.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to use caregiver report measures to describe the developmental status of infants and toddlers with clefts. Method: Developmental assessment data were obtained on 186 infants and toddlers with cleft lip (n = 48), cleft palate (n = 46), and cleft lip/palate (n = 92) at one of the following age categories: 5 months (n = 47), 13 months (n = 46), 25 months (n = 47), and 36 months (n = 46). Developmental assessment measures used were the Kent Infant Developmental Scale and the Minnesota Child Development Inventory, both caregiver reports. Data were analyzed in separate 2-between ANOVAs (age x cleft type) for each developmental domain according to developmental assessment measure. Further, results were examined relative to the normative sample. Results: The ANOVA results indicated that at 5 months, lower motor and self-help developmental quotients (DQs) were evident compared to the 13-month-old level. When compared to the normative sample, the 5-month-old infants...
A Conserved Arginine-containing Motif Crucial for the Assembly and Enzymatic Activity of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia Protein-1 Core Complex *

The mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1) belongs to the SET1 family of histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferases. Recent studies indicate that the catalytic subunits of SET1 family members are regulated by interaction with a conserved core group of proteins that include the WD repeat protein-5 (WDR5), retinoblastoma-binding protein-5 (RbBP5), and the absent small homeotic-2-like protein (Ash2L). It has been suggested that WDR5 functions to bridge the interactions between the catalytic and regulatory subunits of SET1 family complexes. However, the molecular details of these interactions are unknown. To gain insight into the interactions among these proteins, we have determined the biophysical basis for the interaction between the human WDR5 and MLL1. Our studies reveal that WDR5 preferentially recognizes a previously unidentified and conserved arginine-containing motif, called the "Win" or WDR5 interaction motif, which is located in the N-SET region of MLL1 and other SET1 family members. Surprisingly, our structural and functional studies show that WDR5 recognizes arginine 3765 of the MLL1 Win motif using the same arginine binding pocket on WDR5 that was previously shown to bind histone H3. We demonstrate that WDR5's recognition of arginine 3765 of MLL1 is essential for the assembly and enzymatic activity of the MLL1 core complex in vitro.
Inappropriate use of inhaled short acting beta-agonists and its association with patient health status

ABSTRACTBackground: Despite the widespread distribution of guidelines on the proper use of inhaled asthma medication, the overuse of short acting bronchodilators (SABs) persists. This study aims to examine how inhaled asthma medications are used in the US and to examine whether inappropriate use of inhaled SABs is associated with poor patient health.Research design and methods: The study design was a retrospective analysis of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for asthmatic patients 5 years or older who had used SAB medication during the period from 1996 through 2000. Use of SAB medication was defined as inappropriate when a patient inhaled more than 225 defined daily doses (DDDs) of SABs but less than 45.625 DDDs of corticosteroids per year. Health status was evaluated using survey respondents’ perceptions on a 5‐point Likert scale. Five functional limitations (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, walking, social function, and cognitive function) were rated on a d...
Reporting a Test

Author's summary.— Description of a test of French composition, designed for the lower and intermediate levels, which can be scored objectively, and which, at the institution where it was developed, yields comparable results from year to year.