cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processes of flats induced by higher dimensional processes III

Stationary processes of k-flats in $$\mathbb{E}$$ d can be thought of as point processes on the Grassmannian $$\mathcal{L}$$ k d of k-dimensional subspaces of $$\mathbb{E}$$ d . If such a process is sampled by a (d−k+ j)-dimensional space F, it induces a process of j-flats in F. In this work we will investigate the possibility of determining the original k-process from knowledge of the intensity measures of the induced j-processes. We will see that this is impossible precisely when 1<k<d−1 and j=0,...,2[r/2]−1, where r is the rank of the manifold $$\mathcal{L}$$ k d . We will show how the problem is equivalent to the study of the kernel of various integral transforms, these will then be investigated using harmonic analysis on Grassmannian manifolds.
Consignment contracts with retail competition

Abstract Consignment contracts have been widely employed in many industries. Under such contracts, items are sold at a retailer’s but the supplier retains the full ownership of the inventory until purchased by consumers; the supplier collects payment from the retailer based on actual units sold. We investigate how competition among retailers influences the supply chain decisions and profits under different consignment arrangements, namely a consignment price contract and a consignment contract with revenue share. First, we investigate how these two consignment contracts and a price only contract compare from the perspective of each supply chain partner. We find that the retailers benefit more from a consignment price contract than from a consignment contract with revenue share or a price only contract, regardless of the level of retailer differentiation. The supplier’s most beneficial contact, however, critically depends upon the level of retailer differentiation: a consignment contract with revenue share is preferable for the supplier if retailer differentiation is strong; otherwise a consignment price contract is preferable. Second, we study how retailer differentiation affects the profits of all supply chain partners. We find that less retailer differentiation improves the supplier’s profit for both types of consignment contract. Moreover, less retailer differentiation improves profits of the retailers in a consignment price contract, but not necessarily in a consignment contract with revenue share.
Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Background. Primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare tumor with an increased incidence among Eskimos and Orientals. We reviewed our experience with parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma and investigated its pathophysiology and possible association with Epstein-Barr virus. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of records of patients diagnosed with lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland. Results. We identified two women of Hispanic origin diagnosed with primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland. In one of the cases, the carcinoma was intimately associated with a benign lymphoepithelial lesion. In both cases, there was no demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus. Conclusion. Primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland may arise from malignant transformation of a benign lymphoepithelial lesion. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Real world experience in the era of first generation protease inhibitors in the treatment of hepatitis C

The treatment for hepatitis C has been revolutionized with the new era of protease inhibitors. Boceprevir (BOC) and telaprevir (TVR) are potent first generation direct acting antivirals which have demonstrated significantly improved response rates compared to interferon and ribavirin in phase III trials. However there are multiple real-life data sets showing increased adverse events and treatment discontinuations compared to clinical trials, especially in the cirrhotic patient. The advent of all oral, non-interferon regimens offers a promising treatment paradigm for hepatitis C infected patients.
Nanoglycan Complex-Formulation Extends VEGF Retention Time in the Lung

To extend the retention time of aerosol-delivered growth factors in the lung for stem cell homing/activation purposes, we examined a formulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) complexed to dextran sulfate (DS) and chitosan (CS) polyelectrolytes. Optimal incorporation of VEGF was found at a VEGF/DS/CS ratio of 0.12:1:0.33, which resulted in nanoparticle complexes with diameters of 612+/-79 nm and zeta potentials of -31+/-1 mV. The complexes collapsed in physiological solution, and released VEGF in a biphasic time course in vitro. In rat lungs, however, VEGF delivered in the complex was cleared at a constant exponential decay rate, 8-fold slower than that delivered in free form. The extended VEGF retention was likely due to equilibrium binding of VEGF to DS and to endogenous glycosaminoglycans. A similar retention effect is expected with other glycosaminoglycans-binding proteins (including many growth factors) when complexed with these glycans. Owing to its unique application, this type of complex is, perhaps, better described as a nanoglycan complex.
The shapes of cooperatively rearranging regions in glass-forming liquids

The cooperative rearrangement of groups of many molecules has long been thought to underlie the dramatic slowing of liquid dynamics on cooling towards the glassy state. For instance, there exists experimental evidence for cooperatively rearranging regions (CRRs) on the nanometre length scale near the glass transition. The random first-order transition (RFOT) theory of glasses predicts that, near the glass-transition temperature, these regions are compact, but computer simulations and experiments on colloids suggest CRRs are string-like. Here, we present a microscopic theory within the framework of RFOT, which unites the two situations. We show that the shapes of CRRs in glassy liquids should change from being compact at low temperatures to fractal or ‘stringy’ as the dynamical crossover temperature from activated to collisional transport is approached from below. This theory predicts a correlation of the ratio of the dynamical crossover temperature to the laboratory glass-transition temperature, and the heat-capacity discontinuity at the glass transition. The predicted correlation quantitatively agrees with experimental results for 21 materials.
Variable-sampling-interval control charts with sampling at fixed times

When control charts are used for process monitoring, the traditional practice is to take samples from the process by using a fixed sampling interval (FSI) between samples. Recently developed variable-sampling-interval (VSI) charts vary the sampling interval as a function of the process data to give faster detection of process changes. This paper considers a type of VSI control chart in which samples are always taken at specified equally spaced fixed time points, but additional samples are allowed between these fixed times when indicated by the data from the process. The location of the fixed times would typically be determined by administrative considerations such as testing schedules or by the desirability of sampling according to natural periods in the process. Markov process methods are given for analyzing the performance of these VSI with fixed times (VSIFT) charts. The VSIFT feature is considered for the X¯-chart, the EWMA chart and the CUSUM chart. It is shown that VSIFT charts will detect most proc...
Multifunctional Electrode Arrays: Towards a Universal Detection Platform

In this article we review recent work in our laboratory towards the realization of a multianalyte microelectrode detection platform capable of discriminating chemicals and different biomolecules simultaneously. The functionalization of electrodes with aryl diazonium salts provides an electrically addressable deposition procedure capable of immobilizing a wide range of molecules. We demonstrate control over surface density and electron transfer kinetics as well as the activation of individual electrodes in an array. The direct electrically-addressable immobilization of diazonium-modified proteins is shown to be suitable for the construction of multianalyte immunosensors and the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase leading to the direct electron transfer between the redox enzyme and the electrode. The use of catalytic nanoparticles leads to the construction of a reagent-less immunosensor and the simultaneous detection of DNA and proteins on the same electrode array is demonstrated.
Map Use Across the Disciplines

Abstract University map libraries are not just for geographers, geologists, and the occasional archaeologist or historian. In running the Edwin J. Foscue Map Library at Southern Methodist University for the past five years, the author observed persons from a wide array of disciplines using map library resources. The research performed for this article demonstrates that maps are a useful expression of knowledge in every major academic discipline. The result is a better understanding of the scope of map use in academia, and of the broad role that map libraries serve in virtually every discipline.
Effect of seizure activity and calpain inhibitor I on LTP in juvenile hippocampal slices.

Abstract Kainic acid-induced seizure activity in adult rats produces an impairment of long-term potentiation induction in hippocampal slices. As the consequences of seizure activity are different in adult and juvenile rats, we tested the ability of hippocampal slices prepared from kainate-treated juvenile rats to exhibit long-term potentiation. Long-term potentiation was induced by theta-burst stimulation and was not significantly different in slices prepared from control or kainate-injected juvenile rats (16–18 postnatal days). Short-term potentiation, however, was reduced in the kainate-treated juveniles. Calpain inhibitor I has been shown to prevent long-term potentiation formation in adult hippocampal slices, and we evaluated its effect on long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices from juvenile rats. Calpain inhibitor I produced a significant reduction in the degree of long-term potentiation induced by theta-burst stimulation in hippocampal slices prepared from 14–20 postnatal day-old animals. The results are consistent with the notion that, although similar mechanisms participate in the formation of long-term potentiation in juvenile and adult animals, juvenile animals are much more resistant than adult animals to the consequences of seizure activity.
The Stories Told in Science Fiction and Social Science: Reading The Thing and Other Remakes From Two Eras

We re-examine science fiction films of the 1950s (made during the cold war), and their remakes in the 1970s and 1980s (made in the post-sixties, after Vietnam and Watergate) in conjunction with sto...
Thermoresponsive, Optically Active Films Based On Diels–Alder Chemistry

Reversible Diels-Alder chemistry was exploited to develop polymer films in which a change in optical clarity can be thermally triggered. SiO 2 nanoparticles of various sizes were functionalized with maleimido moieties. A furyl-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) linker was prepared and tethered to the SiO 2 nanoparticles via a Diels-Alder (DA) linkage. The pegylated SiO 2 nanoparticles were randomly distributed within a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix, resulting in an optically transparent film. Annealing the film cleaves the DA linkage and effectively renders the SiO 2 particles immiscible within the PMMA matrix creating a driving force for particle aggregation. The large aggregates were able to scatter light and resulted in an optically opaque film.
A 545-Year Drought Reconstruction for Central Oregon

Using a 545-year ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) tree-ring chronology, we examine the drought history of central Oregon to: (1) determine the relationship among drought, ENSO (El Nino/Southern Oscillation), and the PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation), and (2) compare the climatic sensitivity of ponderosa pine and western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) to determine their suitability as interchangeable climate proxies. Our climatic reconstruction explained 35% of the variance in historical Palmer's Drought Severity Index (PDSI) values and revealed severe drought periods during the 1480s, 1630s, 1700s, and 1930s. The most sustained drought period in our reconstruction occurred during the 1930s, with the most severe single drought year occurring in 1489. We found a significant (p ≤ .01) but weak relationship between our ponderosa pine chronology and ENSO and the PDO, explaining 9% and 12% of the variation respectively. Both ponderosa pine and western juniper record periods of severe regional drought, but wes...
Relationship of Participation in an Optional Student-Run Clinic to Medical School Grades

Background: Medical school is arduous and participating in optional service-learning activities may compete with the required curriculum. The student-run SHARING Clinics at the University of Nebraska are managed by a Board of students who commit to extensive voluntary participation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether optional service-learning participation resulted in compromised medical school grades. Methods: Of 908 students who matriculated between 1999 and 2006, 87 served on the SHARING Board. A 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the grade point averages of Board members and non-members before and after participating on the Board. Results: The grades for SHARING Board members and non-members were not statistically different. The study had sufficient statistical power to detect even a small effect size. Conclusions: Concern about compromised academic performance appears to be an invalid reason to avoid service-learning participation. The benefits of participation...
Composite materials with poisson's ratios close to — 1

A family of two-dimensional, two-phase, composite materials with hexagonal symmetry is found with Poisson's ratios arbitrarily close to — 1. Letting k∗, k1,k2 and μ∗,μ1,μ2 denote the bulk and shear moduli of one such composite, stiff inclusion phase and compliant matrix phase, respectively, it is rigorously established that when k1 = K2r and μ1 = μ2r there exists a constant c depending only on k2, μ2 and the geometry such that k∗/μ∗ <c√r for all sufficiently small stiffness ratios r (specifically for r <frcase|1/9). This implies that the Poisson's ratio approaches — 1 as r → 0 and in this limit it is conjectured that the material deforms conlbrmally on a macroscopic scale. By introducing additional microstructure on a smaller length scale a second family of composites is obtained with substantially lower Poisson's ratios, each satisfying k/μ∗ <crThese two families provided conclusive proof that isotropic materials with negative Poisson's ratio exist within the framework of continuum elasticity. It is also shown that elastically isotropic two- and three-dimensional composites with Poisson's ratio approaching — 1 as r → 0 can be generated simply by layering the component materials together in different directions on widely separated length scales.
Effects of left atrial ablation of atrial fibrillation on size of the left atrium and pulmonary veins.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of left atrial circumferential ablation on the size of the left atrium and pulmonary veins (PVs). Background The long-term effects of left atrial circumferential ablation on left atrial and PV size and anatomy have not been analyzed in quantitative fashion. Methods PV and left atrial sizes were analyzed in 41 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal (n = 25) or chronic (n = 16) atrial fibrillation. Computed tomography of the chest with three-dimensional reconstruction was performed before and 4 ± 2 months after left atrial circumferential ablation. Left atrial circumferential ablation was performed to encircle the PVs 1 to 2 cm from the ostia, using a power output of 70 W. Additional ablation lines were created in the posterior left atrium and mitral isthmus. Radiofrequency energy also was delivered within the circles and at the PV ostia in 51% of patients at a reduced power output of 35 W. Results At 6 months, 36 patients (88%) were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drug therapy, including 3 patients (7%) who developed persistent left atrial flutter and underwent subsequent successful ablation of atrial flutter. There was a 15 ± 16% decrease in left atrial volume ( P P Conclusions Maintenance of sinus rhythm after left atrial circumferential ablation is associated with reduced left atrial and PV ostial size. Left atrial circumferential ablation for atrial fibrillation does not cause PV stenosis.
Weathering of Asphalts as Characterized by Infrared Multiple Internal Reflection Spectra

Identification and prediction of durability and weathering properties of paving asphalts are problems faced by highway material engineers. Correlation between accelerated laboratory durability tests and asphalt field performance is established on four asphalts. Double beam multiple internal reflection spectra are obtained for both laboratory-aged and field samples up to 48 months. Rheological properties and chemical analyses are also made. The kinetic model for weathering is found to be Δy = T/(a + bT) where Δy is the property change, T is the weathering time, and a and b are constants. Weathering of asphalts is characterized by changes in absorption at wavelengths of 5.88 μm and is correlated with chemical changes and aging index defined by viscosity change.
Numerical solution of the Graetz problem for a bingham plastic in laminar tube flow with constant wall temperature

Calcul du nombre de Nusselt local, du nombre de Nusselt moyen et de la temperature d'un fluide plastique de Bingham en ecoulement d'entree laminaire dans une conduite verticale circulaire a temperature de paroi constante en fonction de longueur d'entree sans dimension
MitoNEET-mediated effects on browning of white adipose tissue

MitoNEET is an outer mitochondrial membrane protein that, upon overexpression in white adipose tissue (WAT), exerts a positive impact on tissue expansion and whole-body lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis by altering mitochondrial matrix iron metabolism. Here we determine the key transcriptional events in subcutaneous WAT of mice in response to mitoNEET overexpression and a high-fat diet (HFD). Microarray analyses at key points during weight gain upon body weight divergence with wild-type mice demonstrate that mitoNEET-enriched sWAT early on, upregulates a browning signature programme that limits WAT expansion in transgenic mice for a period of up to 12 weeks of HFD. This compensatory browning phenotype is subsequently lost, resulting in rapid WAT expansion and body weight gain. Exposure to thermoneutral temperatures during HFD prompts weight gain significantly earlier. Similar WAT expansion is achieved upon infection with an adeno-associated virus expressing mitoNEET. Collectively, the mitoNEET-enriched fat pads feature a more vascularized, anti-inflammatory and less fibrotic environment.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma masquerading as diffuse inflammatory interstitial lung disease

Abstract Pulmonary adenocarcinoma has long intrigued both internists and pulmonologists because it seems to have unique epidemiologic, pathologic and clinical features. We report a case of multifocal well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, mimicking honeycombing and diffuse inflammatory interstitial lung disease.
The construction of trend-free run orders of two-level factorial designs

Abstract In experimental situations where a factorial design with all factors occurring at two levels is to be run in a time sequence, the usual advice given to the experimenter is that the order of runs should be randomized before the experiment is performed; however, randomization may lead to an undesirable run order. For example, in a factory experiment, there may be a certain learning process that occurs over time as a result of making level changes in the factors being studied, or there may be equipment wear-out. In either case the observations obtained will be affected by uncontrollable variables that are highly correlated with the time or position in which they occur, and randomization may lead to a run order in which the estimates of factor effects are adversely effected by the presence of the trend. Joiner and Campbell (1976) gave some more specific examples as to when trend effects can occur in sequential experiments. Therefore, it is important to consider systematic designs in which the estimat...
Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Thin Film Disk Lubricant Mobility

Lubricant loss, degradation and mobility of perfluorinated poly-ether (PFPE) on carbon coated disks were investigated by observing friction during sliding contact while controlling temperature and humidity. Lubricant loss from asperity contacts and its replenishment from adjacent areas were investigated for Al2O3-TiC and Mn-Zn ferrite sliders at various sliding velocities by continuous and oscillating rotation of the disk.
The evolution of Msx gene function: expression and regulation of a sea urchin Msx class homeobox gene.

Msx-class homeobox genes, characterized by a distinct and highly conserved homeodomain, have been identified in a wide variety of metazoans from vertebrates to coelenterates. Although there is evidence that they participate in inductive tissue interactions that underlie vertebrate organogenesis, including those that pattern the neural crest, there is little information about their function in simple deuterostomes. Both to learn more about the ancient function of Msx genes, and to shed light on the evolution of developmental mechanisms within the lineage that gave rise to vertebrates, we have isolated and characterized Msx genes from ascidians and echinoderms. Here we describe the sequence and expression of a sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) Msx gene whose homeodomain is very similar to that of vertebrate Msx2. This gene, designated SpMsx, is first expressed in blastula stage embryos, apparently in a non-localized manner. Subsequently, during the early phases of gastrulation, SpMsx transcripts are expressed intensely in the invaginating archenteron and secondary mesenchyme, and at reduced levels in the ectoderm. In the latter part of gastrulation, SpMsx transcripts are concentrated in the oral ectoderm and gut, and continue to be expressed at those sites through the remainder of embryonic development. That vertebrate Msx genes are regulated by inductive tissue interactions and growth factors suggested to us that the restriction of SpMsx gene expression to the oral ectoderm and derivatives of the vegetal plate might similarly be regulated by the series of signaling events that pattern these embryonic territories. As a first test of this hypothesis, we examined the influence of exogastrulation and cell-dissociation on SpMsx gene expression. In experimentally-induced exogastrulae, SpMsx transcripts were distributed normally in the oral ectoderm, evaginated gut, and secondary mesenchyme. However, when embryos were dissociated into their component cells, SpMsx transcripts failed to accumulate. These data show that the localization of SpMsx transcripts in gastrulae does not depend on interactions between germ layers, yet the activation and maintenance of SpMsx expression does require cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions.
Stereophotogrammetry of Oceanic Clouds

AbstractThis study extends ground-based stereophotogrammetry of clouds to oceanic settings, where there are often none of the landmarks used in traditional camera calibration. This paper introduces a zero-landmark calibration technique and tests it with two off-the-shelf digital cameras situated about 1 km apart facing Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. The precision of the stereo reconstruction is studied theoretically, and the accuracy of the reconstructions is validated against lidar and radiosondes. The stereo cameras are able to accurately reconstruct a histogram of cloud-base heights from a single-image pair, a task that requires tens of minutes of observation from a cloud lidar. The stereo cameras are also able to accurately reconstruct horizontal winds in cloud layers with a temporal resolution in the range of 30 s to 5 min, compared to once every 12 h for a typical radiosonde launch site.
Oxime-induced decarbamylation and atropine/oxime therapy of guinea pigs intoxicated with pyridostigmine.

Abstract The generally accepted explanation for the effects of oximes in countering organophosphorus (OP) anticholinesterase is reactivation of the inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE). With soman, the inhibited AChE rapidly becomes resistant to oxime reactivation due to a phenomenon called aging. Thus, pretreatment with pyridostigmine (Py) or physostigmine (Ph) followed by atropine sulfate therapy is required to achieve significant protection against soman; the effectiveness of a pretreatment/therapy ((P/T) regimen can be further increased against certain OPs (e.g. sarin and VX) by including an oxime in the therapy regimen. The P/T regimen is clouded by a controversy concerning the use of oximes in the treatment of carbamate intoxication, because 2-PAM has been reported to exacerbate intoxication by some carbamates and to have no effect on decarbamylation rates. To better understand the role of oxime therapy in the theory of pretreatment of OP intoxication we examined the effects of 2-PAM and HI-6 on the rate of decarbamylation of Py-inhibited erythrocyte AChE in vitro and in vivo , and studied the effects of atropine plus 2-PAM or HI-6 on Py toxicity. In decarbamylation experiments. Py-inhibited guinea pig erythrocytes were washed free of excess Py and incubated with vehicle or oxime (2 × 10 −4 M, pH 7.3 and 37°C). Aliquots were assayed for AChE activity at various times during a 60 min incubation period. Rate constants were calculated and compared to determine whether the presence of oxime affected decarbamylation. The data from in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that oximes accelerated the decarbamylation (p
The Preindustrial City Reconsidered

(1964). The Preindustrial City Reconsidered. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 133-144.
Challenges of DEM: II. Wide particle size distributions

Abstract Realistic granular systems consist of particles of differing sizes, shapes, and material properties. One method commonly used when examining granular systems is the discrete element method (DEM). Here we seek to examine the effect of polydispersity, particularly wide particle size distributions (PSDs), on the computational expense of a DEM model. In particular, three factors can significantly increase the computational expense when simulating a wide PSD, either for a binary mixture or continuous distribution. First, the number of particles required increases significantly when compared to an equivalent monodisperse system. Second, the time step required to simulate the system is typically very small in order to properly resolve collisions involving the smallest particles. Finally, polydispersity results in additional computation and communication costs specific to running on a parallel architecture compared to simulating a monodisperse system. Together, these three factors make extremely wide PSDs prohibitively long and expensive to simulate with modern computing technology. Alternative methods, such as continuum models, are needed to simulate such systems.
Adsorption of chlorinated pesticides from river water with XAD-2 resin.

Abstract Pesticides in river water at levels as low as parts per billion (1012), can be recovered by sorption on a column of XAD-2 resin, followed by elution with acetonitrile. Water is added to the acetonitrile and the pesticides are extracted by petroleum ether and determined by gas chromatography. The new procedure is more convenient to use than the solvent extraction procedure and gives comparable results for dieldrin.
Modification of the acceptor binding site of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase by the diazonium derivatives of p-aminohippurate and p-aminobenzoate☆

Abstract Hippurate and maleate have been shown to bind to the aminoacylglycine (acceptor) binding site of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, thereby stimulating the hydrolysis of γ-glutamyl compounds at the expense of transpeptidation (Thompson, G. A., and Meister, A. (1979) J. Biol. Chem.254, 2956–2960; Thompson, G. A., and Meister, A. (1980) J. Biol. Chem.255, 2109–2113). It has now been found that a number of benzoate derivatives also bind and modulate rat kidney transpeptidase, as indicated by their ability to enhance the rate of inactivation of transpeptidase by the glutamine antagonist l -(αS, 5S)-α-amino-3-chloro-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazoleacetic acid (AT-125). Furthermore, rapid loss of transpeptidase activity results upon preincubation of the enzyme with the diazonium derivatives of p-aminohippurate and p-aminobenzoate. The modified enzyme can still hydrolyze γ-glutamyl substrates but is no longer modulated by hippurate and maleate. Loss of transpeptidase activity was not associated with incorporation of radioactive label from diazotized [14C]p-aminohippurate. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the modified enzyme revealed a nondissociable species, Mr 68,000, shown to result from crosslinking of the two subunits of transpeptidase (Mr 46,000 and 22,000, respectively). The crosslinking of the subunits paralleled the extent of inactivation of transpeptidation activity and both crosslinking and inactivation were prevented by treatment with the diazotized derivatives in the presence of either hippurate or maleate. These and other data indicate that the diazonium derivatives of p-aminohippurate and p-aminobenzoate interact with the acceptor binding site and produce a stable bond between amino acid residues in the vicinity of this site which, thus, appears to be located in the intersubunit contact region.
Discrete temporal solitons along a chain of nonlinear coupled microcavities embedded in photonic crystals

We demonstrate that spatiotemporal discrete solitons are possible in nonlinear photonic crystal structures. Analysis indicates that these states can propagate undistorted along a series of coupled resonators or defects by balancing of the effects of discrete lattice dispersion with material nonlinearity. In principle, these self-localized entities are capable of exhibiting very low velocities, depending on the coupling coefficient among successive microcavities. This class of solitons can follow any preassigned path in a three-dimensional environment.
Developmental toxicity of inorganic arsenic in whole embryo culture : Oxidation state, dose, time, and gestational age dependence

Arsenic is a known teratogen and developmental toxicant in many animal models. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of arsenic oxidation state, concentration, duration of exposure, and embryonic gestational age on arsenic-induced developmental toxicity. For these studies whole embryo culture was used since this experimental model allows an assessment of the direct effect of the toxicant on the embryo and precise control of the variables of interest. ICR and CD1 mouse embryos were prepared for whole embryo culture and exposed to concentrations of trivalent (1, 2, 5, 7.5, 10, 20, and 30 microM of sodium arsenite) and pentavalent arsenic (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 microM of sodium arsenate) at different developmental stages (3, 4-6, 8-10, or 20-23 pairs of somites) and for different exposure periods (1, 4, 6, or 24 hr). Embryonic growth, development, malformation rates, and viability were evaluated. A comparison of the ED50s of the two oxidation states showed that arsenite was about three times more potent than arsenate with respect to both malformations and lethality. The pattern of malformations was similar for both arsenite and arsenate and involved nonclosure of the cranial neural tube, prosencephalic hypoplasia, dysmorphogenesis of the optic and otic anlagen, and pharyngeal arch defects. ICR conceptuses were more sensitive than CD1s with regard to perturbation in embryonic growth by both forms of arsenic. ICRs were also more sensitive to otic, pharyngeal arch, and somite dysmorphogenesis induced by arsenite. With increasing gestational age there was an increasing resistance to arsenic-induced effects. In comparison to the 4-6 somite stage, the ED50 for induction of dysmorphogenesis was increased about twice at the 8-10 somite and over three times in 20-23 somite stage embryos. Exposure to arsenite/arsenate for a 1-hr period was sufficient to induce maldevelopment. A 6-hr exposure induced prosencephalic, otic, and optic abnormal development at a rate similar to that produced by a 24-hr exposure. The malformation pattern produced by exposure to arsenite/arsenate in vitro closely corresponds to that produced by maternal administration at the same gestational stage. This indicates that the arsenic embryopathy may be the result of a direct impact of the agent on the conceptus.
Duplex-guided balloon angioplasty and stenting for femoropopliteal arterial occlusive disease: an alternative in patients with renal insufficiency.

Background The technique of balloon angioplasty of infrainguinal arteries requires standard arteriography and fluoroscopic guidance. We attempted to perform this procedure under duplex guidance to avoid the use of nephrotoxic contrast material and radiation exposure in patients with renal insufficiency. Methods Over 16 months, 28 patients (17 men) with serum creatinine levels of 1.5 mg/dL or more underwent 37 lower extremity duplex-guided balloon angioplasties at our institution. Ages ranged from 58 to 92 years (mean ± SD, 74 ± 9 years). Disabling claudication was the indication in 24 cases (65%), and critical ischemia, in 13 cases. Preoperative duplex arterial mapping showed severe superficial femoral artery and/or popliteal artery stenoses in all cases. No arterial occlusions were treated in this series. Seven procedures (19%) were performed for restenosis. The ipsilateral common femoral artery was cannulated in 32 cases (86%), and the contralateral common femoral artery, in 5 cases (14%), under direct duplex visualization. Contralateral common iliac artery cannulations were performed with the help of fluoroscopy. By using sonographic visualization, a guidewire was directed into the origin of the superficial femoral artery, across the diseased segment, and into the popliteal artery. The diseased segment was then balloon-dilated. Balloon diameter and length were chosen according to arterial measurements obtained by duplex scan. Plaque dissections and recoils causing stenosis of 30% or more, a peak systolic velocity ratio of 2 or more, or both were stented under duplex guidance. Arterial duplex examinations and ankle/brachial indexes were obtained before hospital discharge, within 1 month after the procedure, and every 3 months thereafter. Results Thirty-day survival was 100%. Local complications included one open exploration for expanding hematoma. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Placement of intraluminal stents was deemed appropriate in 23 (62%) of 37 cases. The 1-month patency and limb salvage rates were 100%. Preprocedure and postprocedure ankle/brachial indexes ranged from 0.3 to 0.9 (mean ± SD, 0.64 ± 0.16) and 0.64 to 1.2 (mean ± SD, 0.92 ± 0.15), respectively ( P Conclusions Duplex-guided balloon angioplasty seems to be a safe and effective technique that allows renal patients to experience continued limb salvage and relief from claudication without the risk of developing dye-induced acute renal failure. Other advantages include direct visualization of the puncture site, accurate selection of the proper size of balloon and stent, confirmation of the adequacy of the technique by hemodynamic and imaging parameters, and avoidance of radiation. Although this technique holds considerable potential, longer follow-up will help to fully evaluate its broader applicability.
Demographic, Background, and Treatment Factors That Affect Gay and Bisexual Clients in Substance Abuse Programs

In New York City, a convenience sample of 180 gay/bisexual former clients of substance abuse programs completed surveys that included questions regarding their demographic, background, and treatment factors. Multivariate analysis was utilized to determine which factors predicted differences in reported abstinence rates after treatment, reasons for leaving treatment, and perceptions of treatment. Specialized lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender programs and groups, individual counseling, and frequent 12-step program attendance appeared to be beneficial for gay/bisexual clients in substance abuse treatment. Furthermore, gay/bisexual men reported lower abstinence levels after treatment than did gay/bisexual women, and bisexual clients appeared to have more treatment difficulties than did gay/bisexual clients.
ANTIGENIC VARIANTS OF INFLUENZA A VIRUS (PR8 STRAIN) : IV. SEROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SECOND LINE OF VARIANTS DEVELOPED IN MICE GIVEN POLYVALENT VACCINE

A second series of four variants of PR8-S virus has been produced by passage of the variants in the lungs of mice immunized with the PR8-S virus as well as the homologous strain. The PR8-S virus was added as a constant component of the vaccine so that a high antibody titer to it would suppress selectively the development of variants with PR8-S characteristics. Comparative H.I. and in ovo neutralization tests with the first and second series of variants revealed that the three variants, Fd/s, Gf/s, and Hg/s, of the second series, failed to react with PR8-S antisera and produced significantly smaller amounts of antibody which reacted with PR8-S, the variants of the first series, and the first variant (D/s) of the second series. Although these three variants reacted quite similarly in the H.I. and neutralization tests cross-absorption of these sera with the PR8-S virus and themselves revealed individual antigenic characteristics. While these studies emphasize the importance of the immune state of the host the precise mechanism in the selection of a new antigenic component in the emerging variant must yet be determined.
A Dominant Jurkat T Cell Mutation That Inhibits LFA-1-Mediated Cell Adhesion Is Associated with Increased Cell Growth

LFA-1 exists in a low avidity state on resting leukocytes and is believed to adopt a high avidity state when the cells are exposed to a stimulus. Current evidence supports both aggregation of LFA-1 on the cell surface and conformational changes in the reversible acquisition of a high avidity state. We studied this regulation by selecting a Jurkat T cell clone, J-lo1.3, that expresses LFA-1 yet fails to bind to purified ICAM-1 despite treatment of the cells with PMA or Mn2+. Several lines of evidence demonstrated the absence of any changes within LFA-1 itself. LFA-1 protein purified from the J-lo1.3 clone and the wild-type Jurkat clone, Jn.9, were found to be functionally equivalent. The cDNA sequences encoding the LFA-1 alpha- and beta-chains from J-lo1.3 were identical with the published sequences except for nine base pairs. However, these differences were also found in a Jurkat mutant with a constitutively avid phenotype, J+hi1.19 or the wild-type Jn.9 genomic or cDNA. Fusion of J-lo1.3 with Jn.9 yielded hybrids that exhibited the J-lo1.3 adhesion phenotype, which indicated a dominant mutation in J-lo1.3. This phenotype was relatively specific for LFA-1 among all integrins expressed by Jurkat. Interestingly, the J-lo1.3 cells had a 1.2-fold faster doubling time than did the Jn.9 cells. Reversion of J-lo1.3 to the wild-type adhesion phenotype by mutagenesis and selection also decreased the growth rate. These data support a connection between cellular growth and cellular adhesion in lymphocytes.
Abdominal counterpulsation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: animal models and theoretical considerations.

Abstract Abdominal counterpulsation improves blood flow during other-wise standard CPR in animal models and in electronic models of the circulation. The method generates both central aortic and central venous pressure pulses. Success depends upon maximizing the former and minimizing the latter. Solution of a simple, first-order, differential equation may provide insight into proper technique. The equation suggests that the central arteriovenous pressure difference is maximized when pressure is applied directly over the abdominal aorta and when fluid loading is avoided. Proper technique may be critical in generating the largest possible arteriovenous pressure difference.
Antibody-based sensors for heavy metal ions☆

Competitive immunoassays for Cd(II), Co(II), Pb(II) and U(VI) were developed using identical reagents in two different assay formats, a competitive microwell format and an immunosensor format with the KinExA 3000. Four different monoclonal antibodies specific for complexes of EDTA-Cd(II), DTPA-Co(II), 2,9-dicarboxyl-1,10-phenanthroline-U(VI), or cyclohexyl-DTPA-Pb(II) were incubated with the appropriate soluble metal-chelate complex. In the microwell assay format, the immobilized version of the metal-chelate complex was present simultaneously in the assay mixture. In the KinExA format, the antibody was allowed to pre-equilibrate with the soluble metal-chelate complex, then the incubation mixture was rapidly passed through a microcolumn containing the immobilized metal-chelate complex. In all four assays, the KinExA format yielded an assay with 10-1000-fold greater sensitivity. The enhanced sensitivity of the KinExA format is most likely due to the differences in the affinity of the monoclonal antibodies for the soluble versus the immobilized metal-chelate complex. The KinExA 3000 instrument and the Cd(II)-specific antibody were used to construct a prototype assay that could correctly assess the concentration of cadmium spiked into a groundwater sample. Mean analytical recovery of added Cd(II) was 114.25+/-11.37%. The precision of the assay was satisfactory; coefficients of variation were 0.81-7.77% and 3.62-14.16% for within run and between run precision, respectively.
The computational complexity of component selection in simulation reuse

Simulation composability has been much more difficult to realize than some initially imagined. We believe that success lies in explicit considerations for the adaptability of components. In this paper, we show that the complexity of optimal component selection for adaptable components is NP-complete. However, our approach allows for the efficient adaptation of components to construct a complex simulation in the most flexible manner while allowing the greatest opportunity to meet all requirements, all the while reducing time and costs. We demonstrate that complexity can vary from polynomial, to NP, and even to exponential as a function of seemingly simple decisions made about the nature of dependencies among components. We generalize these results to show that regardless of the types or reasons for dependencies in component selection, just their mere existence makes this problem very difficult to solve optimally.
Pharmacokinetic‐hemodynamic interactions between vasopressin and nitroglycerin: Comparison between intravenous and cutaneous routes of nitrate delivery

Addition of nitroglycerin (NTG) improves the hemodynamic response to vasopressin and may thus be useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We studied in the rat the influence of vasopressin on the disposition of a constant intravenous infusion of NTG and the cutaneous absorption of NTG ointment. The effect of NTG on the pharmacokinetics of vasopressin was also determined. Animals were divided into four groups: control, NTG, vasopressin and vasopressin + NTG. Infusions (or ointments) were maintained for 70 min; cardiac output and regional blood flows were determined with the microsphere technique. Both intravenous and cutaneous NTG resulted in similar hemodynamic responses. Vasopressin caused generalized vasoconstriction, while the addition of NTG reversed the deleterious systemic hemodynamic effects of vasopressin. Addition of vasopressin to NTG did not alter NTG systemic clearance nor did NTG affect vasopressin clearance. Of note, the systemic clearance of NTG was directly correlated with the cardiac output (r = 0.804), supporting a model of NTG distribution where blood vessels and/or extrahepatic tissues are the site of elimination of the drug. The marked reduction in skin blood flow by vasopressin did not decrease the steady-state plasma concentration of NTG nor the estimated cutaneous absorption rate of NTG ointment, indicating that cutaneous blood flow is not an important determinant in the absorption of NTG ointment. The skin is an appropriate route of delivery for NTG when combined with vasopressin.
Perception-based control for a quadruped walking robot

The progress made so far in the study of legged robots has dealt mostly with the issues of leg coordination, gait control, stability, incorporation of various types of sensors, etc. But what is missing in most of these robots is some perception-based high-level control that would permit a robot to operate intelligently. For the high-level control, a model-based method to recognize a staircase using a single 2D image of a 3D scene is studied. The staircase recognition is achieved by obtaining the pose of a camera coordinate frame which aligns model edges with image edges. The method contains the matching, the pose estimation, and the refinement procedures. A new matching scheme is proposed to reduce the complexity of correspondence search between model and image features. This is accomplished by grouping edges with certain geometric characteristics together. The refinement process uses all matched features to tightly fit the model edges with camera image edges. The resulting recognition is used to guide the robot to climb stairs.
The Mystique of Beachrock

Parallel rows of intertidal beachrock composed of large (up to 4 m), oblong, pillowshape blocks submerged by rising Holocene sea level occur throughout the Caribbean. Such blocks have recently been discovered in 90 m of water off southwest Florida. The best known example is in 5–7 m of water off the northwest side of Bimini, Bahamas, where the feature is known as the Bimini Road. ‘New-Age’ alternative thinkers assert that the arrangement of the Bimini stones, and similar stones off Andros Island in the Bahamas, is actually man-made. The theory holds that ancient humans, principally citizens of the mythical city of Atlantis rearranged blocks of beachrock to form a harbour. This paper demonstrates that the stones and their arrangement are natural and suggests that some villages protected by ancient harbours in the Mediterranean may in fact have been developed on naturally occurring beachrock.
What Constitutes a Psychiatric Emergency: Clinical and Legal Dimensions

In true medical emergencies, informed consent is presumed or implied without application of the usual standard. In the litigation over the right to refuse treatment in psychiatry, a limited right for involuntarily committed patients to refuse treatment has been upheld, absent a finding of a psychiatric emergency. Increasingly, clinicians may find that their sole extrajudicial option in instituting treatment over the patient's objection is in invoking a psychiatric emergency. The purpose of this communication is to discuss the clinical and legal issues in defining and invoking a psychiatric emergency in treatment refusal. The substantive and procedural issues in the use of the emergency exception in treatment refusal are discussed with recommendations for their use in clinical practice.
The commutativity of up/downsampling in two dimensions

The authors state and prove a theorem solving the problem of commutativity in two dimensions. It is shown under which conditions upsampling and downsampling can be interchanged in two dimensions. This is the generalization to arbitrary two-dimensional lattices of the result that one-dimensional upsampling and downsampling commute if and only if their sampling rates are coprime. Some illustrative examples are given. The result holds for arbitrary sampling lattices. >