cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SAR refinement of antileishmanial N2,N4-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines

Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease that has a high fatality rate in the absence of treatment. New drugs that are inexpensive, orally active, and effective could be useful tools in the fight against this disease. We previously showed that N(2),N(4)-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines displayed low- to sub-micromolar potency against intracellular Leishmania, and lead compound N(4)-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-N(2)-isopropyl-7-methylquinazoline-2,4-diamine (4) exhibited modest efficacy in an acute murine model of visceral leishmaniasis. In the present work, thirty-one N(2),N(4)-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines that had not previously been examined for their antileishmanial activity were evaluated for their potency and selectivity against Leishmania donovani, the causative parasite of visceral leishmaniasis. Quinazoline-2,4-diamines with aromatic substituents at both N(2) and N(4) exhibited potent in vitro antileishmanial activity but relatively low selectivity, while compounds substituted with small alkyl groups at either N(2) or N(4) generally showed lower antileishmanial potency but were less toxic to a murine macrophage cell line. Based on their in vitro antileishmanial potency, N(4)-benzyl-N(2)-(4-chlorobenzyl)quinazoline-2,4-diamine (15) and N(2)-benzyl-N(4)-isopropylquinazoline-2,4-diamine (40) were selected for in vivo evaluation of their pharmacokinetic and antileishmanial properties. While 15 displayed a longer plasma half-life and a greater area under the curve than 40, both compounds showed low efficacy in an acute murine visceral leishmaniasis model. Although the present study did not identify new quinazoline-2,4-diamines with promising in vivo efficacy, the reduced in vitro toxicity of derivatives bearing small alkyl groups at either N(2) or N(4) may provide clues for the design of safe and effective antileishmanial quinazolines.
Phase-resolved detection in ion-mobility spectrometry

Throughput has been improved in an ion-mobility spectrometer by means of continuous ion-beam modulation and phase-resolved detection. Conventional ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) utilizes brief packets of ions for separation in the gas phase. In contrast, this preliminary report outlines a new detection method based on phase resolution and involves monitoring the ion signal continuously, which raises the duty cycle of the instrument from approximately 1% (conventional IMS) to 50%. The greater duty cycle is shown to improve signal-to-noise ratios (S/N). However, the higher S/N levels did not translate into higher sensitivity values when calibration plots were constructed. It is demonstrated that even analytes with small differences in drift times can be modulated at frequencies that maximize the measured phase differences between ions. Phase-resolved signals can be processed with a Fourier transform and chemometric data reduction to simplify identification of the analyte from its phase spectra.
Evaluation of spacecraft modal test methods

Modal testing methods have undergone great changes in recent years as new testing methods are being created. Although devoted advocates of each method can be found to argue the relative advantages and disadvantages, the general superiority, if any, of one or the other is not yet evident. The present paper evaluates various modal testing methods based on the results of tests performed on a complex, realistic spacecraft structural system. It concludes that the selection of a modal testing method should be determined by the test requirement, constraints, and nature of the test article.
Discovery, purification, and properties of o-phthalyl amidase from Xanthobacter agilis

Abstract A selective screen for organisms that would metabolize o -phthalyl protected beta-lactams resulted in the discovery of a Xanthobacter agilis strain that contains an o -phthalyl amidase. The low level of enzyme expression in this organism could be enhanced by growing it on medium containing o -phthalate. The enzyme was purified to near homogeneity by a 6-step procedure. The phthalyl amidase was characterized for its molecular mass, amino acid composition, internal sequences, catalytic and kinetic properties. No metal ion was required by or stimulatory to the enzyme. The amidase catalyzed conversion could be complete with a reaction stoichiometry of 1:1. The pH and temperature stability of the enzyme is improved significantly by increasing ionic strength of the buffer. The enzyme exhibits a broad substrate specificity for o -phthalylated amides; however, it demonstrates an absolute requirement for the o -phthalyl protecting group. The broad substrate acceptance, high catalytic activity, and stability at high salt or substrate concentration of the enzyme indicates that it can serve as a gentle method for deprotecting phthalimido and o -phthalyl protected amides in new chemo-enzymatic synthetic routes.
Interdisciplinary Research Funding: Reaching Outside the Boundaries of Kinesiology

Interdisciplinary research requires that experts from multiple disciplines work together to combine methods and ideas in an integrative fashion to generate new knowledge. In many respects, the field of kinesiology is ideally positioned to take advantage of its inherent multidisciplinary design. Because of the multidisciplinary structure of kinesiology, we can develop research programs that draw on multiple disciplines within our departments. This kind of work is ongoing in fields such as biomechanics and motor control—working together in an integrative manner to produce new knowledge. We must also extend our work outside the boundaries of kinesiology and draw on expertise in such fields as engineering, biology, public health, and psychology and other disciplines to develop research programs that are competitive in federal funding initiatives. We must maintain our identity as a field of study and emphasize the fundamental importance of movement and physical activity for health and well-being.
Correlations of peaks of Gaussian random fields

The high peaks of a Gaussian random field are studied. Asymptotic expansions, appropriate for high peak thresholds and large spatial separations, are developed for the N-point correlation functions of the number density of high peaks, in terms of the two-point correlation of the underlying Gaussian field. Similar expressions are derived for the correlations of points, not necessarily the positions of peaks, where the field exceeds a high threshold.
Studies of the regulation and function of the Gsα gene Gnas using gene targeting technology

The heterotrimeric G protein alpha-subunit G(s)alpha is ubiquitously expressed and mediates receptor-stimulated intracellular cAMP generation. Its gene Gnas is a complex imprinted gene which uses alternative promoters and first exons to generate other gene products, including the G(s)alpha isoform XL alpha s and the chromogranin-like protein NESP55, which are specifically expressed from the paternal and maternal alleles, respectively. G(s)alpha itself is imprinted in a tissue-specific manner, being biallelically expressed in most tissues but paternally silenced in a few tissues. Gene targeting of specific Gnas transcripts demonstrates that heterozygous mutation of G(s)alpha on the maternal (but not the paternal) allele leads to early lethality, perinatal subcutaneous edema, severe obesity, and multihormone resistance, while the paternal mutation leads to only mild obesity and insulin resistance. These parent-of-origin differences are the consequence of tissue-specific G(s)alpha imprinting. XL alpha s deficiency leads to a perinatal suckling defect and a lean phenotype with increased insulin sensitivity. The opposite metabolic effects of G(s)alpha and XL alpha s deficiency are associated with decreased and increased sympathetic nervous system activity, respectively. NESP55 deficiency has no metabolic consequences. Other gene targeting experiments have shown Gnas to have 2 independent imprinting domains controlled by 2 different imprinting control regions. Tissue-specific G(s)alpha knockout models have identified important roles for G(s)alpha signaling pathways in skeletal development, renal function, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Our present knowledge gleaned from various Gnas gene targeting models are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of human disorders with mutation or abnormal imprinting of the human orthologue GNAS.
Generation and Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Keratinocyte Precursors

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) hold tremendous potential in the future of tissue engineering, offering promise as a source of virtually unlimited quantities of desired cell and tissue types. We have identified soluble chemical and extracellular matrix factors that permit isolation of keratinocyte precursors from hESCs. Culturing embryoid bodies (EB) formed from hESCs in a defined serum-free keratinocyte growth medium on a gelatin matrix generated keratin 14 (K14) expressing cells with an epithelial morphology. These K14 expressing cells could be subcultured in medium supplemented with hydrocortisone and induced to stratify and terminally differentiate by addition of calcium. Optimum times for obtaining K14 expressing cells were found for EB formation and for differentiation and growth of cultures after EB plating. EB formation was not necessary to generate keratinocyte precursors; direct transfer of hESC colonies to keratinocyte growth medium permitted differentiation into the keratinocyte lineage. With further studies to optimize generation and purification of hESC-derived keratinocyte precursors, these cells could provide a source of epidermal cells for skin tissue engineering applications in vitro or in vivo.
Influence of nitrovasodilators on bovine pulmonary histamine release

The organic nitrates and related nitrovasodilators are relaxants of vascular and airway smooth muscle. Very little information is currently available regarding the influence of nitrates and related nitrovasodilators on pulmonary autacoid release. This study examined the influence of glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide dinitrate and sodium nitroprusside on histamine release from bovine lung mince. Spontaneous histamine release from bovine lung mince was not altered by 0.1 nM to 1 microM glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide dinitrate or sodium nitroprusside. Glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide dinitrate and sodium nitroprusside produced a concentration-dependent decrease in A23187 (10 microM) stimulated histamine release. Glyceryl trinitrate also inhibited histamine liberation following the addition of compound 48/80. Further studies indicated that the inhibitory action of glyceryl trinitrate was reversed by coincubation with the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (10 microM). These findings indicate that glyceryl trinitrate, sodium nitroprusside and isosorbide dinitrate inhibit non-immunologically stimulated pulmonary histamine release and suggest that alterations in guanylate cyclase activity may influence pulmonary histamine release.
Efficient Synthesis of a β-Peptide Combinatorial Library with Microwave Irradiation

The predictable relationship between β-amino acid sequence and folding has inspired several biological applications of β-peptides. For many such applications, it would be desirable to prepare and screen β-peptide libraries. However, standard peptide synthesis protocols are not efficient enough to support a library approach for many types of β-peptides. We recently optimized the solid-phase synthesis of β-peptides using microwave irradiation, and we have now adapted this approach to synthesis on polystyrene macrobeads. We rapidly prepared a high-quality β-peptide combinatorial library via a split-and-mix strategy. This library was screened in search of β-peptide antagonists of the p53-MDM2 protein−protein interaction.
New approach to single-particle time-correlation function theory: Application to intramolecular dephasing in the condensed phase

Abstract A new approach to solve the linewidth expression of infrared line shape based on the Kim-Wilson single-particle time-correlation function theory is presented. A projection-operator technique coupled with an explicit series-expansion method is used to reduce the unusual operator exp[1(1 - P ) Lt ] in the damping function to the usual operator exp(i L 0 t ). This approach is applied to a study of a temperature dependence of the width and shift of the infrared line shape for intramolecular dephasing of a polyatomic molecule in the condensed phase.
Computation of bounds for digital filter quantization errors

Spectral theory of operators is used to determine a general procedure for determining bounds on the difference between the states and outputs of a finite precision fixed-point digital filter and its infinite precision ideal counterpart. The results bound quantization errors for transients as well as limit cycles and apply when input signals are present. The procedure is extended to digital filters associated with difference equations, including the important special case of the basic second-order section.
Biosensors based on release of compounds upon disruption of lipid bilayers supported on porous microspheres.

The authors describe a biosensing concept based on the release of compounds, which are encapsulated within lipid-coated porous silica microspheres, by detergents and toxins that disrupt supported lipid bilayers SLBs on the microspheres. Suspension and microfluidic based methods have been developed to monitor the release of the encapsulated compounds in response to membrane disruption. The authors established that the SLBs on porous microspheres can endure experimental conditions necessary for their incorporation into packed microchannels while maintaining the bilayer integrity and functionality. Model compounds including a nonionic detergent Triton X-100, a membrane active protein (α-hemolysin, and a membrane lytic antimicrobial peptide melittin were successfully utilized to interact with different formulations of SLBs on porous silica microspheres. The results demonstrate the stability of the SLBs on the microspheres for several weeks, and the feasibility of using this system to detect the release of fluorescent dyes as well as other molecular reporters. The latter were detected by their involvement in subsequent biospecific interactions that were detected by fluorescence. This study exemplifies proof of concept for developing new chemical and biochemical sensors and drug delivery systems based on the disruption of lipid membranes coating porous silica microspheres that encapsulate dyes or bioactive compounds.
Women and retirement

A feminist analysis of retirement is presented by questioning the applicability of traditional definitions and theories of retirement to retired women. The effects of marriage, caregiving and other family obligations on women's retirement are examined within the context of salient social, psychological and economic factors. An empowerment-oriented perspective that considers interactions and connections between family and work roles, public and private and personal and political levels are recommended to alleviate the high poverty rates among older women, to promote parity among men and women during retirement and to emancipate women from substantial involvement in unpaid work, specifically, caregiving and home labor.
Enhanced biosurfactant production by a mutant Bacillus subtilis strain

Ultraviolet mutation of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 21332 yielded a stable mutant that produced over three times more of the biosurfactant, surfactin, than the parent strain. By protoplast fusing the mutant (Suf-1) with the marker strain, B. subtilis BGSC strain IA28, the mutation was located between argC4 and hisA1 on the genetic map.
Determination of the kinetic order and reaction parameters for Cd3(PO4)2 and MnHPO4

Abstract The kinetics of the formation of MnHPO4 and Cd3(PO4)2 in solution were studied in order to determine the overall reaction order and the rate constant at various temperatures for each reaction. Known concentrations of cation were added to a saturated solution of monopotassium phosphate (MKP) which was kept at a constant temperature. Aliquots of the reaction solution were removed at various time intervals and analyzed. The reaction temperatures ranged between 20–60°C with the reaction time varied between 3 and 12 hours. Results indicate that both MnHPO4 and Cd3(PO4)2 are second order overall reactions, with Mn(II), Cd(II), HPO4 ‐2, and PO4 ‐3 being first order with respect to their appropriate reactions. The rate constant for each reaction was found to increase with temperature and to conform to the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy and the pre‐exponential constant for each reaction was calculated from the Arrhenius equation.
WITHDRAWN: Student separateness–connectedness as a determinant of acceptable faculty involvement in students' social networks

This article has been retracted at the request of the editor as the authors have plagiarized part of a paper by another author that had not yet been made publicly available. One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors ensure that permission is acquired from authors of any unpublished, not-publicly available, work that is included. Re-use of any data should be appropriately cited. As such this article represents an abuse, albeit unintentional, of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process. The author of this paper intends to rectify this infringement and publish a revised version of this paper at a later date. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy .
The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air

The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air. Henry Threadgill and others. Produced by Michael Cuscuna. Boxed set of 8 CDs and a 13 pp. Booklet. Liner notes by Hank Shteamer. ...
Aspect-oriented relational algebra

In this paper we apply the aspect-oriented programming (AOP) paradigm to the relational algebra. AOP is a way to add support for cross-cutting concerns to existing code without directly modifying that code. Data, like code, also has cross-cutting concerns such as versioning, privacy, and reliability. AOP techniques can be used to weave metadata around an application's data. The metadata imbues the data with additional semantics that must be observed in constraint and query processing. In this paper we show how to modify the relational algebra to process data woven together with metadata. We also analyze the overhead on evaluating an aspect-enhanced query.
The new politics meets the old rhetoric: New directions in campaign communication research

Because of conceptual and methodological limitations, studies of campaign speaking and of voting behavior have failed to confront the issues raised by the innovative communication methods of the “new politics.” To overcome these limitations, researchers should employ an expansionistic view of campaign rhetoric, adopt a functional perspective in analyzing specimens of campaign communication and strategy, and draw their critical standards for evaluation from the voters themselves.
Positive dependence properties of elliptically symmetric distributions

Let X1, …, Xp have p.d.f. g(x12 + … + xp2). It is shown that (a) X1, …, Xp are positively lower orthant dependent or positively upper orthant dependent if, and only if, X1,…, Xp are i.i.d. N(0, σ2); and (b) the p.d.f. of |X1|,…, |Xp| is TP2 in pairs if, and only if, In g(u) is convex. Let X1, X2 have p.d.f. f(x1, x2) = |Σ|−12 g((x1, x2) Σ−1(x1, x2)′). Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for f(x1, x2) to be TP2 for fixed correlation ϱ. It is shown that if f is TP2 for all ϱ >0. then (X1, X2)′ ∼ N(0, Σ). Related positive dependence results and applications are also considered.
Cell-growth quantitation methods for the evaluation of antiestrogens in human breast cancer cells in culture.

Abstract The antiproliferative activity of the antiestrogen, tamoxifen, on the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was evaluated using the hemocytometric trypan blue exclusion method, [3H]-thymidine incorporation, and a total protein determination. Tamoxifen was evaluated over a concentration range from 10−9 to 10−6M. The hemocytometric trypan blue exclusion method and [3H]-thymidine incorporation were sensitive enough to demonstrate the inhibitory influence of tamoxifen on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells at a concentration as low as 10−9M. A very good correlation of these two methods was observed in the submicromolar concentration range of tamoxifen. The total protein determination method was only sensitive enough to detect the antiproliferative influence of tamoxifen at concentrations above 10−6M. In conclusion, the [3H]-thymidine incorporation method was found to be effective and much less time consuming than the hemocytometric trypan blue exclusion method for evaluating the antiproliferative effects of antiestrogens in cultured MCF-7 cells. However, when evaluating antiestrogens, which are cell-cycle specific, the results of the [3H]-thymidine incorporation method should be interpreted with caution.
A Planar Labyrinth Micromixer

Rapid mixing of two fluids in microchannels has posed an important challenge to the development of many integrated lab-on-a-chip systems. In this paper, we present a planar labyrinth micromixer (PLM) to achieve rapid and passive mixing by taking advantage of a synergistic combination of the Dean vortices in curved channels, a series of perturbation to the fluids from the sharp turns, and an expansion and contraction of the flow field via a circular chamber. The PLM is constructed in a single soft lithography step and the labyrinth has a footprint of 7.32 mm × 7.32 mm. Experiments using fluorescein isothiocyanate solutions and deionized water demonstrate that the design achieves fast and uniform mixing within 9.8 s to 32 ms for Reynolds numbers between 2.5 and 30. Compared to the mixing in the prevalent serpentine design, our design results in 38% and 79% improvements on the mixing efficiency at Re = 5 and Re = 30 respectively. An inverse relationship between mixing length and mass transfer Peclet number (Pe) is observed, which is superior to the logarithmic dependence of mixing length on Pe in chaotic mixers. Having a simple planar structure, the PLM can be easily integrated into lab-on-a-chip devices where passive mixing is needed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Efficiency of GaAs1 − xPx electroluminescent diodes

Abstract As the GaP concentration increases in alloys of GaAs1 − xPx, the indirect valleys of the conduction band approach the direct valley and by virtue of their high density of states rob electrons from the direct valley. Direct radiative recombination is therefore reduced. This behavior, which manifests itself in reduced emission efficiency, was studied both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results at 78°K show a faster drop in efficiency with increasing x beyond x= 0.37 than predicted by calculation. At 300°K, the drop in efficiency occurs at x > 0.34; below this composition, it is possible in some cases to obtain room temperature efficiencies which are only about 10 times lower than the 78°K value. There seems to be an optimum doping of 4 × 1017 donors/cm3 at which maximum sub-threshold efficiency is obtained (2.7 percent at 78°K, 0.21 percent at 300°K).
A hierarchical duality approach to bounds for the outputs of partial differential equations

Abstract We present a technique for generating lower and upper bounds to outputs which are linear functionals of the solutions to (finiteelement discretizations of) symmetric or nonsymmetric coercive linear partial differential equations. The method is based upon the construction of an augmented Lagrangian which integrates (i) a quadratic ‘energy’ reformulation of the desired output as the objective to be minimized, with (ii) the finite-element equilibrium equations and (conforming) ‘hybridized’ intersubdomain continuity conditions as the constraints to be satisfied. The bounds are then derived by appealing to the associated dual unconstrained max min problem evaluated for optimally chosen candidate Lagrange multipliers generated by a less expensive approximation, such as a low-dimensional finite-element discretization. As in many a posteriori error estimation techniques, the bound calculation requires only the solution of subdomain-local symmetric (Neumann) problems on the refined ‘truth’ mesh. The technique is presented and illustrated for the case of the one-dimensional convection-diffusion equation.
Clinical impact of primary infection with roseoloviruses

The roseoloviruses, human herpesvirus-6A -6B and -7 (HHV-6A, HHV-6B and HHV-7) cause acute infection, establish latency, and in the case of HHV-6A and HHV-6B, whole virus can integrate into the host chromosome. Primary infection with HHV-6B occurs in nearly all children and was first linked to the clinical syndrome roseola infantum. However, roseolovirus infection results in a spectrum of clinical disease, ranging from asymptomatic infection to acute febrile illnesses with severe neurologic complications and accounts for a significant portion of healthcare utilization by young children. Recent advances have underscored the association of HHV-6B and HHV-7 primary infection with febrile status epilepticus as well as the role of reactivation of latent infection in encephalitis following cord blood stem cell transplantation.
Gas-phase basicities of histidine and lysine and their selected di- and tripeptides

The gas-phase basicities (GB) of histidine, lysine, and di- and triglycyl peptides containing either one histidine or one lysine residue have been determined. In all, 12 compounds were examined in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The GBs of the biomolecules were evaluated by proton transfer reactions employing a range of reference compounds with varying gas-phase basicities. In addition, the GBs were determined by using the kinetic method of collision-induced dissociation on a proton-bound dimer containing the peptide and a reference compound. The GBs of histidine and lysine were both found to be 220.8 kcal/mol via proton transfer reactions. The kinetic method experiments, including dissociation of a proton-bound dimer containing both histidine and lysine, also suggest equivalent GBs for these amino acids. However, the small peptides containing lysine are generally more basic than the corresponding histidine-containing peptides. For the peptides, the data suggest that the protonation site is on the basic side chain functional group of the histidine or lysine residues. The GBs of the di- and tripeptides are dependent upon the location of the basic residue. For example, the GBs of the tripeptides glycylglycyl-l-lysine (GlyGlyLys) and l-lysylglycylglycine (LysGlyGly) were both determined to be 230.7 kcal/mol while a GB of kcal/mol was obtained for glycyl-l-lysylglycine (GlyLysGly). A similar GB trend is seen with the histidine-containing tripeptides. Generally, the GBs obtained by using the kinetic method are slightly higher than those obtained by deprotonation reactions; however, the trends in relative GB values are essentially the same with the two techniques.
Antler growth and osteoporosis I. Morphological and morphometric changes in the costal compacta during the antler growth cycle

Three three-year-old Rocky Mountain mule deer were studied for a year to determine the role of skeletal mineral in antler growth. Costal biopsy material, which was obtained at four-week intervals, was analyzed histologically and histometrically. There was a cyclic mobilization of costal cortical bone during antler growth despite the dietary access to high quantities of elements essential for bone development. Following antler growth the ribs returned to a stable configuration with few resorption spaces. Corresponding to the period of possible weakening from the internal remodeling, there also appeared to be a thickening of the cortical bone by circumferential lamellar addition. A cyclic physiological osteoporosis was produced.
Use of graph-theoretic models for optimal relational database accesses to perform join

A graph model is presented to analyze the performance of a relational join. The amount of page reaccesses, the page access sequence, and the amount of buffer needed are represented in terms of graph parameters. By using the graph model formed from the index on the join attributes, we determine the relationships between these parameters. Two types of buffer allocation strategies are studied, and the upper bound on the buffer size with no page reaccess is given. This bound is shown to be the maximum cut value of a graph. Hence, the problem of computing this upper bound is NP-hard. We also give algorithms to determine a page access sequence requiring a near optimal buffer size with no page reaccess. The optimal page access sequence for a fixed buffer size has also been considered.
Temperature Insensitive Fiber Optic Interferometric Sensor

ABSTRACTWe present a Michelson -type fiber -optic interferometric displacement sensor that is insensitive to temperaturevariations. A fused biconical tapered coupler was built and cleaved immediately after the coupled length. Thecleaved coupler was fixed with epoxy in a cylindrical glass tube and polished until two cores, very close to eachother, could be observed. The end of one core was selectively coated using an aluminium deposition process,and was used as part of the reference arm; the other core was used as the sensing arm. Displacements of a vi-brating reflective surface were measured for frequencies ranging from dc to 100 klIz and extremely stable outputsignals, devoid of thermal drifts, were observed over sustained periods of time.1. INTRODUCTIONSingle mode fiber optic interferometric sensors (FOIS) have been shown to possess high sensitivities for variousapplications. Measurement of real time phase -shifts has been demonstrated in acoustic, temperature, magnetic and strain sensors [1 -3].
Measurement preprocessing approach for target tracking in a cluttered environment

The paper presents a novel measurement preprocessing technique to enhance the performance of conventional Kalman-filter-based tracking algorithms. Received measurements are preprocessed, based on a maximum-likelihood estimation approach. Simulation results show the superior performance of this approach both in clean and cluttered environments.
Xylem morphology of Pierce's disease-infected grapevines with different levels of tolerance

Abstract Pierce's disease bacteria formed aggregates in the xylem of susceptible grapevines that appeared to hinder the flow of water and mineral nutrients through the plant. Similar aggregates were present in tolerant grapevines, but in substantially lower numbers. Pierce's disease iunduced the formation of tyloses and gums in the tracheary elements of infected grapevines. Thwe frequencies of tyloses and gums in tolerant muscadine and wild grapevines were 7 or 8 times those in susceptible bynch grapevines. These tyloses and gums often encapsulated the bacteria and occasionally filled the infected elements of the xylem. The results suggest that gums and tyloses restrict the spread of infecting bacteria, thus imparting tolerance to Pierce's disease in certain types of grapevines.
Finite element analysis of slow crack growth

Abstract A finite element analysis of the process of slow crack growth is made for center-cracked specimens subjected to monotonically increasing load until the point of fast fracture is reached. The formulation is based on an incremental theory of plasticity with isotropic hardening. Numerical results and experimental data are compared. The need and the source of the governing equation for crack growth are discussed.
Atomistic models of dislocation formation at crystal surface ledges in Si1-xGex/Si(100) heteroepitaxial thin films

Abstract Mechanisms of defect formation near surface ledges of a diamond cubic crystal subjected to compressive strain parallel to the surface are investigated as precursory processes to dislocation nucleation in Si1-xGex/Si(100) heteroepitaxial thin films under surface diffusion conditions. This study is motivated by our preliminary calculations of dislocation formation at surface ledges in a model crystal characterized by the 6–12 Lennard-Jones interatomic potential, and by our controlled annealing experiments on evolution of a Si1-xGex/Si(100) film from an atomically flat, defect-free, surface morphology to an undulating surface morphology with cusp-like surface features and dislocation formation at the cusp valley. When subjecting such films to high temperature anneals, we observed nucleation and growth of three types of dislocations: the 60° glide dislocations, the 90° Lomer-Cottrell dislocations with stair rod Shockley partials and twinned wedge disclinations with twofold ∑9 coincidence boundaries b...
Research Note: How Valuable are Organizational Capabilities?

Organizational capabilities, appropriately defined, can meet the conditions, articulated by the resource-based view of the firm, for being a source of sustainable competitive advantage. However, this paper observes that there are limits to the extent of the importance of such capabilities. They are vulnerable to threats of erosion, substitution, and above all to being superseded by a higher-order capability of the ‘learning to learn’ variety. This suggests that there can be an infinite regress in the explanation for, and prediction of, sustainable competitive advantage. The problem is resolved by arguing that the value of organizational capabilities is context dependent, and by recognizing that the strategy field will never find the ultimate source of sustainable competitive advantage.
Selective benzylic C–H activation of solvent toluene and m-xylene by an iron–tin cluster complex: Fe2(μ-SnBu2t)2(CO)8

Abstract The bimetallic cluster complex Fe2(μ- SnBu 2 t )2(CO)8, 1, selectively activates the benzylic C–H bond in solvent toluene at reflux conditions to afford the complex Fe2[μ-SnBut(CH2Ph)]2(CO)8, 3, where two of the But groups in 1 have been replaced with benzyl groups. Similarly 1 also activates the benzylic C–H bond in solvent m-xylene to yield complexes Fe2[μ-SnBut(m-CH2PhMe)]2(CO)8, 4, Fe2[μ-SnBut(m-CH2PhMe)][μ-Sn(m-CH2PhMe)2](CO)8, 5, and Fe2[μ-Sn(m-CH2PhMe)2]2(CO)8, 6, where two, three and four of the But groups in 1 have been replaced by m-tolyl groups, respectively. A mechanism based on a radical pathway is proposed for the C–H activation by 1.
HISTOPATHOLOGY OF HUMAN RENAL TUMORS AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC RENAL CRYOSURGERY

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Laparoscopic renal cryoablation is a nephron sparing treatment alternative for selected patients with small renal tumors. The acute tumoricidal effects of cryosurgery on human renal tumors and in experimental models have been reported previously. For cryoablation to be a viable option in the treatment of renal tumors, it must induce not only acute tissue injury but also sustain permanent tissue necrosis and cellular death, in addition to affording an adequate surgical margin free of viable tumor. We report on the longer term effects of in vivo human tumor tissue destruction by cryosurgery and describe the histopathology of a cryoablated renal lesion.Materials and Methods:: Three patients in our series who were treated with laparoscopic renal cryosurgery subsequently underwent radical nephrectomy of the cryoablated renal unit.Results:: All patients underwent uneventful cryosurgery. Two patients were found to have positive post-cryosurgery biopsies, while a new, metachronous lesion develop...
An improved simulated annealing simulation optimization method for discrete parameter stochastic systems

This paper proposes a new heuristic algorithm for the optimization of a performance measure of a simulation model constrained under a discrete decision space. It is a simulated annealing-based simulation optimization method developed to improve the performance of simulated annealing for discrete variable simulation optimization. This is accomplished by basing portions of the search procedure on inferred statistical knowledge of the system instead of using a strict random search. The proposed method is an asynchronous team-type heuristic that adapts techniques from response surface methodology and simulated annealing.Testing of this method is performed on a detailed simulation model of a semi-conductor manufacturing process consisting of over 40 work-stations with a cost minimization objective. The proposed method is able to obtain superior or equivalent solutions to an established simulated annealing method during each run of the testing experiment.
Plasma cortisol and elective cataract surgery.

The stress resulting from general anesthesia and major surgery is reflected by a postsurgical increase in plasma cortisol. 1,2 The recognition of this response raises questions as to the need for supplementary corticosteroids in surgical patients with adrenal insufficiency, either caused by primary disease or secondary to corticosteroid therapy. 3 The present study evaluates the normal patient's response to elective cataract surgery under local or general anesthesia as measured by changes in plasma cortisol.
Aerodynamic pursuit curves for overhead attacks

Abstract The determination of the proper deflection which the gunner in a bomber should make to defend his plane against a fighter attack during the bombing run necessitates the study of the pursuit curve followed by the fighter plane during such a maneuver. This paper is concerned with the study of the aerodynamic pursuit curve for an overhead attack. The basic assumptions for the problem are discussed in some detail and the corresponding differential equations set up. These have been integrated graphically and the results and conclusions are considered at length. The paper closes with a short discussion of the method of obtaining the basic constants in the problem and a brief description of the graphical technique employed in integrating the basic equations.
A theoretical and experimental investigation of annular, annular sector, and circular sector microstrip antennas

An analysis is presented for three related shapes of microstrip antenna elements: the annular; annular sector; and circular sector. The method of analysis involves the full expansion of resonant modes within the cavity formed by the radiating patch and the ground plane. Experimental results for representative radiators are also included for comparison.
Hiroshima, the holocaust, and the politics of exclusion

In most societies, there is an ongoing contest over who is the "we," to whom specific moral obligations apply, and who is the "they," to whom they do not. This paper explores and contrasts the most blatant forms of active exclusion, which includes genocide, and indirect exclusion, which is characterized by subtle forms of exclusion through social invisibility. In genocide, the targeted groups are not simply excluded from life integrity rights, but offenses against them are explicitly encouraged, rewarded, and sanctioned by the regime. In indirect exclusion, the exclusion is implicit in cultural and institutional practices and is often unintentional. I examine the difficulties and dilemmas involved in resisting and preventing active exclusion and in challenging the cultural codes that maintain indirect exclusion. O ) n this day, the 49th anniversary of the nuclear dawn, our world is full of contradictions. On the one hand, there is abundant evidence of an increasing global consciousness. A transnational environmental movement promotes the idea of planetwide ecological interdependence. Ideas of common security, which assume mutual interdependence, were once treated as the baggage of soft-minded peaceniks, but are now respectable fare in official discourse. Observations about worldwide economic interdependence are now cliches and have become part of the operating assumptions of governments and corporate players.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleep.

To the Editor .— As an epidemiologist who studies attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I read with great interest the recent report by Chervin et al1 on the association between symptoms of ADHD and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). I am concerned, however, that their conclusions are preliminary and that the statistical analysis is potentially misleading. In particular, the conclusion that from 15% to 39% of ADHD cases may be attributable to SDB cannot be justified at this time. This statistic, the population attributable risk percent, describes the proportion of cases in a population comprised of exposed and nonexposed individuals that is caused by the exposure of interest. As the authors point out, this requires that a causal link be established between exposure and disease. The presentation of this statistic is premature because it has not been established that SDB is causally related to symptoms of ADHD, and questions regarding the validity of the association reported by Chervin et al are raised by methodological limitations. The authors indicate in the limitations section of their report that the association they found was cross-sectional and did not allow them to demonstrate if SDP preceded the symptoms of ADHD or vice versa. Establishing such a time sequence is a minimal criterion for demonstrating causality. Furthermore, the current state of knowledge regarding sleep problems in ADHD subjects is very sparse and is far from establishing a consistent pattern of results that could reasonably suggest that SDB is causally linked with ADHD or its symptoms. Thus, it was inappropriate to calculate and present the population attributable risk percent because there is no convincing evidence that SBD is causally related to symptoms of …
Effect of concentration-dependent binding to plasma proteins on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of disopyramide.

Disopyramide exhibits concentration-dependent binding to plasma proteins at therapeutic plasma concentrations. This paper reviews the effect of this type of binding on both the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug. For a drug with capacity-limited, binding-sensitive elimination like disopyramide, concentration-dependent binding to plasma proteins produces a non-linear relationship between dosing rate and total plasma concentrations of the drug. However, when dosing rate is related to unbound concentrations of drug, the relationship is linear. Renal clearance of total disopyramide has been found to depend on the unbound fraction whereas renal clearance of unbound drug may be dependent upon time after drug administration as well as route of drug administration. However, due to some potential methodological problems, these data need verification. The concentration-dependent binding of disopyramide to plasma proteins, with its resultant effects on clearance and distribution, produces a concave curvature in the log unbound concentration versus time curves and a log-linear decline in total plasma concentration versus time after intravenous administration of the drug.
Brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in Alzheimer disease: changes after treatment with xanomeline.

Patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease received transdermal xanomeline, an M 1 -selective cholinergic agonist, or placebo for 4 months. Clinical assessments and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging examinations were carried out at baseline, and after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment. There was a positive correlation between change from baseline in parietal lobe gray-matter cytosolic choline, expressed in terms of choline/creatine resonance ratios, and cognitive performance as measured with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale. Specifically, increased levels of cytosolic choline, a precursor pool for acetylcholine synthesis, were associated with greater progression in memory impairment during treatment.
Digital Phase Lock for Optimum Demodulation

This paper considers the discrete-time demodulation of random angle modulated signals embedded in Gaussian noise. It is first shown, with the aid of the discrete Karhunen-Loeve expansion, that under suitable conditions, a particular nonuniform sampling digital phase lock loop (DPLL) is the approximately optimum digital al demodulator in the maximum a posterior (MAP) sense. significance is the fact that the phase detector of this digital loop consists merely of a sampler; a digital multiplier is not required at the loop input. Next, an approximate nonlinear analysis is carried out for the condition in which random phase modulation is present at the input of a first order loop of the above class. These results are confirmed by simulation. Finally, the optimum demodulators for phase and frequency modulation are derived via Kalman filtering techniques and their performances presented.
A Periodic Density Functional Theory Analysis of the Effect of Water Molecules on Deprotonation of Acetic Acid over Pd(111)

Nonlocal gradient corrected periodic density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the effect of water on the dissociation of acetic acid to the acetate anion and its corresponding proton on the Pd(111) surface. In the gas phase, the homolytic dissociation of acetic acid into acetate and hydrogen radicals (+468 kJ/mol) is clearly favored over its heterolytic dissociation into the acetate anion and proton (+1483 kJ/mol). In the presence of water, however, the heterolytic dissociation of acetic acid was found to be thermoneutral. The charged products (acetate ion and proton) are strongly stabilized by water. The metal surface acts to lower the endothermicity of the dissociation step. The energy of dissociation of acetic acid over Pd(111) was found to be +28 kJ/mol in the vapor phase. An analysis of the charge indicates that the dissociation of acetic acid over Pd(111) in the vapor phase is homolytic, forming products which are free radical like. The dissociation of acetic acid over Pd in the prese...
The profile distribution of total and DTPA‐extractable manganese in selected soils from the major mineral soil areas in Louisiana

Abstract The total and DTPA‐extractable Mn contents in the profiles of selected soils from six major mineral soil areas in Louisiana were determined. The concentration of the total Mn in the soil profiles showed great variations both among the horizons and among the soil areas studied. The highest concentration of total Mn found in the young alluvial soils occurred in the B horizons. In contrast, the older soils from the other areas showed accumulation in the Ap horizons, with few exceptions. The variations of the total Mn appeared to vary more with parent material and clay than with the soil reaction or organic matter content. The range in total Mn for all horizons and soils was between 25 and 2,229 ppm. The DTPA‐extractable Mn was concentrated in the plowed Ap horizons of all soils studied, and there was considerable decrease in the extractable Mn as soil depth was increased. There were as much variation in the extractable Mn among the soil profiles in each major soil area, as among the six soil areas. ...