cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced derivation of mouse ESC-derived cortical interneurons by expression of Nkx2.1

Forebrain GABAergic interneurons are divided into subgroups based on their neurochemical markers, connectivity and physiological properties. Abnormal interneuron function is implicated in the pathobiology of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. Studies on interneuron development and their role in disease would benefit from an efficient mechanism for the production and selection of specific interneuron subgroups. In this study, we engineered a mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line for doxycycline-inducible expression of Nkx2.1, a required transcription factor for cortical interneurons derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). This mESC line was modified to express GFP in Lhx6(+) cells, a marker of newly postmitotic and mature MGE-derived cortical interneurons. The addition of doxycycline to differentiating ESCs efficiently induced Nkx2.1 protein and increased the production of GFP(+) cells. Transplantation of GFP(+) putative interneuron precursors resulted in migratory, morphological, and neurochemical features consistent with cortical interneuron fates. To test the hypothesis that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) primarily influences cortical interneuron fate determination through the induction of Nkx2.1, ESCs were grown with doxycycline and the Shh antagonist cyclopamine. We found induced Nkx2.1 renders Shh signaling dispensable for the generation of MGE-derived interneurons. These results demonstrate that inducible expression of fate determining genes in embryonic stem cells can be used to study fate determination of the developing forebrain.
Reducing Encoder Bit-Rate Variation in MPEG Video

A shortcoming of current video transmission using the MPEG standard is that its encoder produces a variable bit rate (VBR). Due to this, the encoder output has to be buffered and released over the network at a constant rate. This buffering of the encoder output introduces an additional delay between the encoding and decoding phases of the video transmission. To remedy this problem, we present a strategy to distribute the load produced by the encoder as evenly as possible, i.e., try to have a constant bit rate (CBR). This is done by treating the slices in each frame separately while compressing them and then mixing the different kinds of slices that are sent over the network. The resulting load variation is much more uniform, reducing the buffering delay and making future bandwidth requirement estimates more accurate.
A design diversity metric and analysis of redundant systems

Redundant systems are designed using multiple copies of the same resource (e.g., a logic network or a software module) in order to increase system dependability. Design diversity has long been used to protect redundant systems from common-mode failures. The conventional notion of diversity relies on "independent" generation of "different" implementations. This concept is qualitative and does not provide a basis for comparing the reliabilities of two diverse systems. In this paper, for the first time, we present a metric to quantify diversity among several designs and illustrate its effectiveness using several examples. Applications of this metric in analyzing reliability and availability of diverse redundant systems, and deriving simple relationships between diversity, system failure rate, and mission time are also demonstrated.
Role of Interhelical H-Bonds (Wα14−Tα67 and Wβ15−Sβ72) in the Hemoglobin Allosteric Reaction Path Evaluated by UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Site-Mutants

Hemoglobin residues Thrα67 and Serβ72 have been mutated to Val and Ala, respectively, to test the hypothesis that tertiary H-bonds involving these residues play a key role in the allosteric reaction path between the R and the T state. The H-bonds are donated by the indole side chains of Trpα14 and Trpβ15; they bridge the outer A helices to the inner E helices, which line the distal side of the heme pocket. The mutants fold properly (CD measurements) and form native-like T state contacts, as revealed by UVRR (RR = resonance Raman) difference spectra between deoxyHb and HbCO, and by the Fe−N (histidine) stretching band in the visible RR spectra of deoxyHb. However, the UVRR intensity of tryptophan bands is diminished in the mutants. This is the expected effect of H-bond elimination, because H-bonding shifts the tryptophan excitation profiles to longer wavelengths, raising the intensity at 229 nm, the wavelength employed in this study. Consistent with this interpretation, the intensity loss for the W3 band i...
Ecosystem-based management of predator-prey relationships: piscivorous birds and salmonids.

Predator-prey relationships are often altered as a result of human activities. Where prey are legally protected, conservation action may include lethal predator control. In the Columbia River basin (Pacific Northwest, USA and Canada), piscivorous predators have been implicated in contributing to a lack of recovery of several endangered anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.), and lethal and nonlethal control programs have been instituted against both piscine and avian species. To determine the consequences of avian predation, we used a bioenergetics approach to estimate the consumption of salmonid smolts by waterbirds (Common Merganser, California and Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Tern, Double- crested Cormorant) found in the mid-Columbia River from April through August, 2002-2004. We used our model to explore several predator-prey scenarios, including the impact of historical bird abundance, and the effect of preserving vs. removing birds, on smolt abundance. Each year, ,1% of the estimated available salmonid smolts (interannual range: 44 830-109 209; 95% CI ¼ 38 000-137 000) were consumed, 85-98% away from dams. Current diet data combined with historical gull abundance at dams suggests that past smolt consumption may have been 1.5-3 times current numbers, depending on the assumed distribution of gulls along the reaches. After the majority (80%) of salmonid smolts have left the study area, birds switch their diet to predominantly juvenile northern pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis), which as adults are significant native salmonid predators in the Columbia River. Our models suggest that one consequence of removing birds from the system may be increased pikeminnow abundance, which—even assuming 80% compensatory mortality in juvenile pikeminnow survival—would theoretically result in an annual average savings of just over 180 000 smolts, calculated over a decade. Practically, this suggests that smolt survival could be maximized by deterring birds from the river when smolts are present, allowing bird presence after the diet switch to act as a tool for salmonid-predator control, and conducting adult-pikeminnow control throughout. Our analysis demonstrates that identifying the strength of ecosystem interactions represents a top priority when attempting to manage the abundance of a particular ecosystem constituent, and that the consequences of a single-species view may be counterintuitive, and potentially counterproductive.
Theoretical Studies of the Potential Energy Surfaces and Compositions of the d-Aldo- and d-Ketohexoses

The potential energy surfaces of all eight d-aldohexoses and four d-ketohexoses have been extensively studied, employing quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical calculations. Anomeric preferences for the axial OH positions were observed for all of the hexoses studied. Several stability factors determining the potential energy surface were examined, and we found that the Hassel−Ottar effect, the delta-two effect and the cis−trans effect are not discernible on the gas-phase potential energy surfaces of the cyclic hexoses. Instead, the anomeric effect and intramolecular hydrogen bonding effects dominate. The most important finding in this study is that in the gas phase, furanose forms are more stable than pyranose forms for all of the hexoses except galactose, idose, psicose, and sorbose, in contrast to the generally greater stability of pyranose forms observed in solution. The decrease of intramolecular hydrogen bonding stabilization in solution was found to be primarily responsible for the composition ...
The design and optimization of detectors for adaptive optics wavefront sensing

The most common detector configuration for Shack Hartmann (SH) wavefront sensors used for adaptive optics (AO) wavefront sensing is the quad cell. Advances in detectors, such as the CCDs being developed in a project on which we are collaborators (funded by the Adaptive Optics Development Program), make it possible to use larger pixel arrays. The CCD designs incorporate improved read amplifiers and novel pixel geometries optimized for laser guide star (LGS) AO wavefront sensing. While it is likely that finer sampling of the SH spot will improve the ability of the wavefront sensor to accurately determine the spot displacement, particularly for elongated or aberrated spots such as those seen in LGS AO systems, the optimal sampling is not dependent simply on the number of pixels but must also take into account the effects of photon and detector noise. The performance of a SH wavefront sensor also depends on the performance of the algorithm used to find the spot displacement. In the literature alternatives have been proposed to the common center of mass algorithm, but these have not been simulated in detail. In this paper we will describe the results of our study of the performance of a SH wavefront sensor with a well sampled spot. We will present results for simulations of the wavefront sensor that enable us to optimize the design of the detector for varying conditions of signal to noise and spot elongation. We will also discuss the application of correlation algorithms to SH wavefront sensors and present results regarding the performance and statistics of this algorithm.
Internal convective and conductive heat loss in the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus

1. 1. Intestinal temperatures of 10 mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus) subjected to an instantaneous decrease of 6.0°C in water temperature were monitored while animals were alive, alive with gills tied and dead. 2. 2. The rates of cooling: alive > alive gills tied > dead, were consistent in all animals. 3. 3. Comparisons of data for live and dead mudpuppies indicated that conduction accounted for a mean of 68.5 and therefore convection 31.5% of total heat loss in these experiments. 4. 4. The external gills were the site of approximately half (54.4%) of total internal convective heat transfer with the remainder occurring through the body surface.
Echocardiographic contrast agents and left ventricular contractility: Evaluation using an isolated rabbit heart model

Abstract The effects of Albunex (Molecular Biosystems, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) and a second generation contrast agent, FS069, on left ventricular (LV) contractility were evaluated using an isolated rabbit heart model under constant loading conditions and heart rate. Contrast injections (2 ml total volume) were performed in two separate protocols (N 1 = 6, N 2 = 6). In protocol 1, various doses of Albunex (0.1 to 2.0 ml in saline solution) were used, and paired control injections of a matched dose of 5% solution of human albumin in saline solution were administered. In protocol 2, LV contractility was assessed during injections of the following solutions: (1) 1:250 suspension of FS069 in saline solution, which caused optimal myocardial contrast enhancement; (2) a 1:25 suspension of FS069; (3) a 1:25 suspension of FS069 prefiltered using an 8μm pore filter; and (4) 2 ml saline solution as a control. Instantaneous LV pressure was analyzed for variations in peak systolic pressure (peak P) and maximum pressure derivative (peak P′), both indices of LV contractility under conditions of fixed heart rate and chamber volume. Albumin alone caused a transient, dose-dependent depression of LV contractility, reflected by decreases in both peak P and peak P′ values. These decreases presumably were caused by the decreasing availability of ionized calcium as a result of calcium binding. No further decrease in contractility was noted when Albunex microspheres were present in the solution. Saline injections caused a transient minor increase in LV contractility, reflected by increases of 4.5% ± 1.1% and 10.6% ± 3.8% in peak P and peak P′ values, respectively. These levels returned to baseline levels within 2 minutes. A similar response was observed when a 1:250 suspension of FS069 was used. The 1:25 suspension of FS069 caused a bimodal response, with initial rises in peak P and peak P′ levels (5.2% ± 3.6% and 12.8% ± 6.5%, respectively), followed by minor reductions in contractility (2.0% ± 2.4% and 1.7% ± 2.1%, respectively). The latter decrease in contractility caused by the 1:25 suspension of FS069 was eliminated by filtering. The isolated rabbit heart model is a highly sensitive tool that allows accurate and direct assessment of possible adverse effects of intravascular contrast agents on LV contractility. Using this model, we showed that neither Albunex microspheres nor FS069 microspheres impaired myocardial contractility.
Cinchoninone: Nadph oxidoreductases i and ii-novel enzymes in the biosynthesis of quinoline alkaloids in Cinchona ledgeriana

Abstract An enzyme (cinchoninone :NADPH oxidoreductase) which catalyses the reduction of cinchoninone to an unequal mixture of cinchonine and cinchonidine has been isolated from cells of Cinchona ledgeriana in suspension culture and its properties have been studied. It is present in two isoenzymic forms which can be separated by ionexchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Both forms of the enzyme are cytosolic and have an absolute requirement for NADPH. They both catalyse reversible reactions. Isoenzyme I acts specifically on cinchoninone in the forward direction and cinchonidine, cinchonine, cupreine and cupreidine in the reverse direction, while isoenzyme II has a broad specificity acting on all the quinoline alkaloids of Cinchona . The kinetic properties of these two isoenzymes are presented. This is the first description of an enzyme wholly committed to the biosynthesis of Cinchona quinoline alkaloids.
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Exposure Therapy During Late Term Pregnancy

This paper illustrates the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with exposure therapy, on a woman who was in later term pregnancy. The client was successfully treated in 14 sessions w...
Isolation of protoplasts from zygotes of Fucus distichus (L.) powell (Phaeophyta)

Abstract Two-step procedures were developed for the isolation of protoplasts from 6-hour-old zygotes of Fucus distichus L., using commercial cellulases and alginate-lyases from marine molluscs. Protoplasts were obtained either as a suspension or attached to a substratum. Protoplasts yields were greater than 95% of the cell population and over 80% regenerated a wall, germinated and divided into a polar, multicellular embryo. Zygote development from regenerated protoplasts was also quite synchronous. The same procedures were less effective in removing the cell wall from zygotes older than 8 h, and did not yield significant numbers of protoplasts from two-celled embryos.
Form in the second and third movements of the classical violin concerto

(1986). Form in the second and third movements of the classical violin concerto. Journal of Musicological Research: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 269-289.
Effect of Light upon the Behaviour of Citric Acid in Leaves of Bryophyllum Calycinum Salisb.

One other group of investigators has reported that treatment with gibberellin increases the peroxidase level (3). These investigators used guaiacol as a substrate. In repeating our work with this substrate we were able to confirm their results. Thus, it appears that the effect of GA on peroxidases involves a change in substrate specificity such that there is lower activity toward pyrogallol and higher activity toward guaiacol.
STAT5 and Prolactin Participate in a Positive Autocrine Feedback Loop That Promotes Angiogenesis

We have shown previously that the murine prolactin/growth hormone family member proliferin plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis induced by the FGF2/STAT5 signaling cascade. To delineate the signaling pathway downstream of STAT5 in the human system, where proliferin does not exist, we expressed constitutively active (CA) or dominant-negative (DN) mutant STAT5A in hCMEC/D3 human brain endothelial cells. We found that conditioned medium from CA-STAT5A- but not from DN-STAT5A-overexpressing endothelial cells (EC) is sufficient to induce EC migration and tube formation but not proliferation, indicating that STAT5A regulates the secretion of autocrine proangiogenic factors. We identified prolactin (PRL) as a candidate autocrine factor. CA-STAT5A expression stimulates PRL production at the RNA and protein level, and STAT5A binds to the PRL promoter region, suggesting direct transcriptional regulation. Medium conditioned by CA-STAT5A-overexpressing EC induces phosphorylation of the PRL receptor and activates MAPK. Knockdown of PRL expression by shRNA or blocking of PRL activity with neutralizing antibodies removed the CA-STAT5A-dependent proangiogenic activity from the conditioned medium of EC. The addition of recombinant PRL restores this activity. STAT5A-induced PRL in the conditioned medium can activate STAT5, STAT1, and to a lesser extent STAT3 in hCMEC/D3 cells, suggesting the existence of a positive feedback loop between STAT5 and PRL that promotes angiogenesis. Furthermore, we find that VEGF, a potent proangiogenic factor, is induced by activation of STAT5A, and VEGF induction depends on PRL expression. These observations demonstrate a STAT5/PRL/VEGF signaling cascade in human brain EC and implicate PRL and VEGF as autocrine regulators of EC migration, invasion, and tube formation.
Boundedness, empty channel detection, and synchronization for communicating finite automata

Abstract In this paper, we consider networks of communicating finite state machines (CFSM's) that explicitly allow zero testing (i.e., empty channel detection). In our main result, we show that the boundedness problem is decidable for the class of FIFO networks consisting of two such CFSM's, where one of the two machines is allowed to send only a single type of message to the other. This result, we feel, is somewhat surprising since the zero testing capability is precisely the required extension needed in order to render the problem undecidable for the related class of vector addition systems with states (VASS's) of dimension two. Note that both have the ability to store two nonnegative integers which can be conditionally tested for zero. The reason for the disparity appears to be that such a class of extended VASS's would be capable of more synchronized behaviour (since the actions of the two counters can be controlled by a single finite state control). The rest of the paper examines other classes of networks which allow empty channel detection. These results seem to indicate that our main result cannot be extended.
Outpatient management of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer.

The objectives of this article are to review the studies that have examined the safety and feasibility of outpatient management for children with febrile neutropenia, and to provide recommendations as to which patient populations and treatment strategies are most appropriate for this approach. The outpatient strategies have included either complete outpatient management or employment of early discharge, with the latter methodology predominating in most published studies. Common criteria relied upon to identify children with febrile neutropenia at low risk of serious infections included evidence of hematopoietic recovery and/or an absolute monocyte count ≥100/mm3, and the absence of both comorbidity and culture positivity. A wide variety of different antibacterial regimens have been employed, with some trials investigating either early discontinuation of treatment or conversion to an oral administration strategy. Trials performed to date among this low risk population indicate a very low rate of readmission and/or complications. Some studies have also estimated substantial overall cost savings with this approach. However, many of these trials are significantly underpowered to detect the low rate of serious complications in the pediatric population with febrile neutropenia. At present, the available evidence indicates that a carefully chosen subpopulation of children with febrile neutropenia can be safely managed on an outpatient basis. Regardless of setting, current clinical guidelines for febrile neutropenia management indicate that all children with febrile neutropenia should be managed with appropriate antibacterial therapy until resolution of febrile neutropenia. Treatment with either an oral antibacterial regimen as initial therapy, or early discontinuation of antibacterial therapy in the outpatient setting should remain investigational at the present time.
Optimality of routing and servicing in dependent parallel processing systems

In a system of dependent, parallel processing service stations, when is it optimal to route customers to the shortest queue and to devote auxiliary capacity to serve the longest queue? We show that this RSQ/SLQ policy is optimal for a wide class of Markovian systems, where the arrival and service rates at the stations, which may depend on the numbers of customers at all the stations, satisfy certain symmetry and monotonicity conditions. Under this policy, the queue lengths will be stochastically smaller in the weak submajorization ordering than the queue lengths under any other policy. Furthermore, this policy minimizes standard discounted and average cost functionals over finite and infinite horizons.
Using spectral analysis and multinomial logit regression to explain households’ choice patterns

Many methods are available to analyze rank-ordered data. We used spectral analysis to identify the most preferred option of Formosan subterranean termites (FSTs) control as ranked by Louisiana homeowners. Respondents were asked to rank four termite control methods from the most preferred option to the least preferred option. Spectral analysis of complete ranked data indicated that the most preferred FST control choice is a relatively cheap ($0.13/square foot) option of a liquid treatment. Similarly, analysis indicated that liquid and bait treatments are the two most desired control choices. Multinomial logit analysis indicated that survey location, household pre-tax income, and knowledge of FSTs determined Louisiana homeowners’ ranking pattern choices.
Application of hydride generation to the determination of trace concentrations of arsenic by capacitively coupled microwave plasma

Abstract Studies are presented describing an application of the NaBH4 reduction of soluble arsenite to form arsine for ultra-trace level arsenic determination by capacitively coupled microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The arsine was condensed in a liquid nitrogen cooled trap, and introduced into the plasma after the elimination of reaction by-products that would reduce the excitation efficiency of the plasma. Use of a photodiode array detector provided a means of background correction. The procedure resulted in a limit of detection of 110 pg and linear dynamic range of 104 for arsenic.
Generalized normal window for digital signal processing

The bandwidth and smoothness of windows play an important role in digital signal processing. In applications such as manufacturing process and quality monitoring, to radar target tracking and cellular communications, the design of appropriate windows is one of the crucial steps. In this paper the generalized normal function is introduced as a smooth and configurable window. With the aid of illustrations, the advantage of using this window over conventional windows is discussed.
Facilitating photographic documentation of accessibility in street scenes

We present two interactive approaches for assisting users with visual impairments during photographic documentation of transit accessibility. We are working on an application for camera-enabled mobile devices that drives image composition towards highlighting visual information that is expected to be most relevant. In one interaction modality the user is guided trough small device motions that are expected to center the estimated region of interest in street photographs. In the other modality, the user captures the scene while pictures are processed, and the system alerts when enough data has been collected. The image that best aligns with our attention-getting composition model is then selected for documentation purposes. The specific design of these interactions is evolving to promote small motion behaviors by the user. Future work includes user studies.
Fungus balls of the paranasal sinuses

Fungus balls of the paranasal sinuses represent a noninvasive manifestation of fungal sinusitis. Patients are linmunocompetent but no more allergic than the general population. There is littie tissue reaction to the tangled mat of hyphae. If the patient becomes finmunocompromised, then the fungus ball may become invasive, as ifiustrated by an included case report. One hundred sixty-three additional cases of patients with paranasal sinus fungus balls are reviewed from the literature.
Advances and New Insights in Monitoring

The field of anesthesiology has been at the forefront of advancing the standards and science of patient monitoring. New innovations and guidelines in patient monitoring and evaluation have helped make new surgical techniques possible and better health care a reality. Although it has not been proved that monitoring affects outcome, circumstantial evidence suggests that basic cardiorespiratory monitoring decreases the incidence of serious accidents [1]. In the Australian Incident Study, 52% of incidents related to anesthesia were detected by a monitor first [2]. After the introduction of basic cardiorespiratory monitoring in the Harvard hospitals during the 1980s, the numbers of serious accidents and deaths were substantially reduced [1]. Before the 1960s, patient monitoring during anesthesia consisted primarily of observation, palpation, auscultation, and assessment of vital signs [3]. In 1986, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) first published the Standards for Basic Anesthesia Monitoring [4]. As health care continues to overcome challenging ailments, the need for new techniques of patient monitoring has never been greater. Although there have been some important advances in monitoring technology, a thorough understanding of the application of available technology is just as important to safe, state-of-the-art patient care. This article summarizes basic principles of patient monitoring as they relate to technologic advances, reviews pitfalls of commonly used patient monitors, and describes advances in monitoring technology that promise to improve patient care. Standards of monitoring
Comparisons of deep well and insulated shallow earth storage of solar heat

Abstract Four techniques for storing solar heat in earth are described and their costs are compared by a hypothetical example. They include heat storage by: (a) deep well; (b) deep well with a storage membrane; (c) insulated shallow earth heat exchange bed; and (d) insulated shallow earth tube exchanger. The cost comparison obtains optimal design parameters for each storage method and optimal surface area for an attached solar collector. Heat loss equations for insulated shallow earth storage are obtained by electrolytic tank models. Heat loss for deep well storage is derived by superposition of radial flow of water and diffusion of heat.
Ammonium ions enhance proteolytic activation of adenylate cyclase and decrease its senszsitivity to inhibition by “P”-site agonists☆

A detergent-dispersed adenylate cyclase from rat brain was used to study the effects of ammonium salts and polyamines on the proteolytic activation of the enzyme by a sperm protease and on the sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to inhibition via its "P"-site. A purified preparation of a trypsin-like, serine protease from bovine sperm was used to activate solubilized adenylate cyclase in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S). The proteolytically activated form of adenylate cyclase was found to be particularly sensitive to further activation by ammonium bicarbonate. The activation by NH4HCO3 was found to be due to the NH+4 cation and was characterized by an increased Vmax and by a decreased sensitivity of adenylate cyclase to inactivation by elevated concentrations of the sperm protease or by trypsin. NH4Cl and (NH4)2SO4 also caused biphasic effects on adenylate cyclase, which mimicked but were less effective than those caused by NH4HCO3. Consistent with observations of others, adenylate cyclase activity was enhanced by ammonium ions whether in the presence of reversible (Mn2+) or irreversible (GTP gamma S) activators. Mn2+- and GTP gamma S-stimulated activities were similarly optimally enhanced by 30 mM (NH4)2SO4 and by 30 to 150 mM NH4Cl or NH4HCO3. Ammonium ions did not increase the activity of the purified catalytic unit. Moreover, the effect of ammonium ions was not accompanied by an increased rate of activation by GTP gamma S, suggesting that the activation of Gs (guanine nucleotide-dependent stimulatory component) may not be the primary cause of stimulation by ammonium salts. Several polyamines at millimolar concentrations blocked the stimulatory effect of NH+4. This was observed when adenylate cyclase was activated by Mn2+, but not when it was activated by GTP gamma S or by the sperm protease + GTP gamma S. The inhibitory effect of polyamines was not due to the formation of a complex with ATP. Both the increase in Vmax of the Mn2+-stimulated enzyme by NH+4 and the decrease in Vmax caused by spermine were accompanied by an increase in the enzyme's Km MnATP app. Spermine increased the IC50 for inhibition of Mn2+-activated adenylate cyclase by 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (2',5'-ddAdo) from 0.75 to 4.6 microM, consistent with the idea that increased sensitivity of P-site-mediated inhibition is associated with increased enzyme activity. In contrast, activation of Mn2+-stimulated adenylate cyclase by 30 mM (NH4)2SO4 also reduced sensitivity to inhibition by 2',5'-ddAdo(IC50 1.1 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Crystallographic relationships for the Lee-Leighly mechanism in UAI4

A homogeneous matrix operator combining rotation, coordinate change, slip and distortion has been developed to describe the relationship between the crystallographic directions and plane normals for the UA13 and UA14 crystal lattices. This matrix operator has been based on the Lee-Leighly mechanism, which describes the transformation that occurs in UA13 as it undergoes peritectic reaction to yield UA14. This mechanism produces a UA14 unit cell that exactly duplicates the unit cell found experimentally.
A scintillation telescope mass spectrometer for deuterons and protons with energies in the range 50 to 150 MeV

Abstract A telescope consisting of scintillation counters and subtending a relatively large solid angle has been devised which can distinguish deuterons in a sea of protons and pions. Pulse heights from the counters are used to determine the energy E and the specific energy loss d E /d X of the particles. Use was made of the fact that the product E d E /d X is a fairly sensitive function of the particle mass. The device described was used to detect deuterons with energies between 100 and 150 MeV and protons with energies between 50 and 100 MeV. These ranges can be extended subject to the usual limitations of counter telescopes.
INFLUENCE OF DIETARY FIBER ON THE GROWTH AND PROTEIN METABOLISM OF THE RAT

Growth study was made on 96 male rats with treatments (15g diet, 03.g N/day): wheat bran (B) 5%, 2.1% neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibers, pectin (P), cellulose (C) and no-fiber (No-F) at two levels of energy (57 and 67 Kcal/day) for 4 wk and extended period. II. until 8 wk. In Period II. B and NDF diet resulted in significantly higher (P < 0.05) weight gain and protein efficiency ratio than No-F, in spite of increased fecal N excretion. Urinary N excretion was the most for NoF and the biological value the least (P < 0.05). Data suggest, at marginal intake of protein and energy closer to the requirement, dietary fiber has a role in the rat's growth and improved utilization of absorbed N.
Letters From Andrew Weil: Mushroom Hunting in Oregon

(1975). Letters From Andrew Weil: Mushroom Hunting in Oregon. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 7, Polydrug Abuse, pp. 89-102.
Ways of Coping and Perceived Stress in Women with Spinal Cord Injury

Using a cross-sectional design, this research aimed to assess whether a three-factor model of Positive Reappraisal, Escape-Avoidance, and Seeking Social Support based on the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ) appropriately depicts coping within a sample of women with spinal cord injury (SCI). Forty-four community-dwelling women with spinal cord injury were interviewed from two urban rehabilitation facilities in the Midwestern United States. The main outcome measures used were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the WOCQ. The Positive Reappraisal, Escape-Avoidance, and Seeking Social Support scales of the WOCQ significantly accounted for variance in perceived stress. These three scales appear to be most relevant to perceived stress in women with SCI. Implications for coping research in this population are discussed.
Makers of the microchip: a documentary history of Fairchild Semiconductor

Makers of the microchip: a documentary history of Fairchild Semiconductor, by Christophe Lecuyer and David Brock, Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, 2010, vii + 312 pp., illus., £17.95 (hardback), £13.98 (K...
Convergence of the ghost fluid method for elliptic equations with interfaces

This paper proves the convergence of the ghost fluid method for second order elliptic partial differential equations with interfacial jumps. A weak formulation of the problem is first presented, which then yields the existence and uniqueness of a solution to the problem by classical methods. It is shown that the application of the ghost fluid method by Fedkiw, Kang, and Liu to this problem can be obtained in a natural way through discretization of the weak formulation. An abstract framework is given for proving the convergence of finite difference methods derived from a weak problem, and as a consequence, the ghost fluid method is proved to be convergent.
Evaluation of automated direct sample introduction with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the screening analysis of dioxins in fish oil.

Abstract An automated direct sample introduction technique coupled to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (DSI-GC × GC/TOF-MS) was applied for the development of a relatively fast and easy analytical screening method for 17 polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and 4 non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish oil. Comparison of instrumental performance between DSI-GC × GC/TOF-MS and the traditional gas chromatographic high resolution mass spectrometric (GC-HRMS) method showed good agreement of results for standard solutions analyzed in blind fashion. Relatively high tolerance of the DSI technique for lipids in the final extracts enabled a streamlined sample preparation procedure that only required gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) cleanup with graphitized carbon black. The sample size for the method was 2 g of cod liver oil, which achieved limits of quantitation (LOQs) of 0.019–7.8 pg/g toxic equivalent quotients for the individual PCDD/Fs. Lower detection limits can be achieved by using larger sample size and scaling up the sample preparation procedure, but this adds to the labor, time, solvent consumption, and expense of the approach. However, the streamlined method yielded 0.94 pg/g and 2.3 pg/g LOQs for 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro dibenzofuran (TCDF) and 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachloro biphenyl (CB126), which were sufficiently low for regulatory monitoring of 2 g samples. Therefore, instead of congener specific analysis, this streamlined analytical screening method for TCDF and CB126 has the potential to monitor fish oil contaminated with dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs at or above current food safety limits. Acceptable recoveries for nearly all analytes at three different spiking levels in fish oil samples were achieved with good repeatability.
Circuit enhancement by eliminating long false paths

The authors propose to identify and perform logic replacement for a portion; called a segment, of a long path instead of the path itself. This results in less gate and lead duplication and hence reduction in the increase of circuit area. They give sufficient conditions for the choice of segments that can maintain the performance of the circuit. If the restriction on the choice of segments is relaxed then two very effective heuristics are obtained for removing long false paths. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm and heuristics are feasible for large designs and the increase in circuit area is significantly reduced. >
The Politics of Black Evangelicals What Hinders Diversity in the Christian Right

Despite the fact that African Americans hold evangelical beliefs, belong to evangelical denominations, and show high levels of religiosity, Black Evangelicals do not mobilize with the Christian Rig...
An $\alpha$ -Stable Model-Based Linear-Parameter-Varying Control for Managing Server Performance Under Self-Similar Workloads

Applying control-theoretic approaches to capacity provisioning and performance management of Web servers is gaining increasing popularity in the past several years. This paper presents a novel control-theoretic approach that is a combination of linear-parameter-varying (LPV) techniques and workload characterization using alpha-stable-model based stochastic envelopes. In particular, we parameterize a control-oriented Web-server model and resulting controller using scheduling variables that are workload-distribution parameters. By further applying an alpha-stable modeling technique to identify the load parameters and using them to online schedule the LPV model and controller, the presented solutions not only allow the system to adapt to load variations, but also show great promise in handling self-similar workloads. The proposed framework is applied to a Web-server CPU management problem, where the server CPU frequencies are dynamically tuned and implemented via the dynamic voltage scaling mechanism to achieve the target response time. Simulations using real Web-server traces are conducted to show the strength of the proposed approach.
Evaluation of mathematical models for analyzing flocculent settling data

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the reliability of four mathematical models—Berthouex and Stevens' [4], San's [14], Ozer's [6], and the rule-based method—that can be used to fit flocculent settling data. Each approach was critically reviewed for its strengths and limitations, and investigated for its fitting capability using the data obtained from the authors' research and the related references. Three comparison criteria, goodness-of-fit, mathematical consistency, and design results, were used. The results from this study show that the rule-based approach yielded considerably lower sum of square error (SSE) than the other approaches. Berthouex and Stevens' approach violated the criterion of constraints for all the data sets. For the design results for average TSS removal efficiency, all approaches except Berthouex and Stevens' method showed relatively consistent results. But, in terms of reliability, the rule-based approach provided better results than the other approaches.
Experimental and theoretical evaluation of a fiber-optic approach for optical property measurement in layered epithelial tissue

Improvements in measurement of epithelial tissue optical properties (OPs) in the ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis) may lead to enhanced understanding of optical techniques for neoplasia detection. In this study, we investigated an approach based on fiber-optic measurement of reflectance to determine absorption and reduced scattering coefficients (μa and μs′) in two-layer turbid media. Neural network inverse models were trained on simulation data for a wide variety of OP combinations (μa=1–22.5, μs′=5–42.5 cm−1). Experimental measurements of phantoms with top-layer thicknesses (D) ranging from 0.22 to 0.66 mm were performed at three UV–Vis wavelengths. OP estimation accuracy was calculated and compared to theoretical results. Mean prediction errors were strongly correlated with D and ranged widely, from 1.5 to 12.1 cm−1. Theoretical analyses indicated the potential for improving accuracy with alternate probe geometries. Although numerous challenges remain, this initial experimental study of an unconstrained approach for fiber-optic-based OP determination in two-layer epithelial tissue indicates the potential to provide useful measurements.
How illumination and contrast affect the area measurement of small particles by digital imaging

Images from conventional video systems are being digitized in computers for the analysis of small particles. The method was developed to automate particle counting and area measurements of dark trash partides in cotton. However, it can be applied to many similar area measurement problems. Because video output is linearly proportional to the amount of light reflected, the best spectral band for optimum particle discrimination should be centered at the wavelength of maximum difference in reflectance between particles and their surroundings. However, due to the distribution of the illumination energy and the distribution of the detector sensitivity, peak performance bands are shifted. Reflectance from cleaned cotton samples and trash particles were measured to define spectral contrast. Pixel intensity histograms from the video system are reported for simulated area reference samples (painted dots on panels) and for actual cotton samples to demonstrate the particle discrimination mechanism. Particles from different parts of the cotton plant were used to demonstrate the importance of considering a particle's contrast in its area measurement.
Fibrillary glomerulonephritis associated with hepatitis C viral infection

R ECENT STUDIES have associated hepati.tis C viral (HCV) infection with glomerular diseases. Both membranous and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis have been reported, which suggests an immune-mediated mechanism for the renal lesion complicating the HCV infection. Renal biopsy specimens from these patients have shown deposition of irnmunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, and C3 in the glomeruli. 1'2 HCV RNA has not been localized in the glomerular lesions; however, the HCV core protein has been identified in patients with HCV-associated glomerulonephritis. 3 We report a case of fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) complicating HCV infection and the favorable response to alpha-interferon treatment (a-IFN). To our knowledge this is the first reported association of fibrillary glomerulonephritis with HCV infection.
Unexpectedly complex structure and dynamic behavior of bis [(η5-cyclopentadienyl)dicarbonyl molybdenum ]-μ-pent-3-yne (MoMo)

Abstract The title compound, (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) 2 Mo 2 (CO) 4 (μ-EtCCEt) in its crystalline form, has a molecular structure that lacks symmetry. Two (ηs-C 5 H 5 )Mo groups are connected by an MoMo bond 2.977(1) A in length with the usual sort of crosswise acetylene bridge. There are two terminal CO groups on Mo(1) and one on Mo(2). The fourth CO group is in a semi-bridging posture with Mo(2)—C = 1.936(6) and Mo(1)—C = 2.826(6). The 13 CO NMR spectrum at −126°C has six lines, indicative of the presence of two isomers, in each of which two CO's are either statically or dynamically equivalent. Complex changes occur in the spectrum as the temperature is increased so that at −40°C there is only a single line. A detailed interpretation of these spectra is not yet available.
Influence of pH and iota-carrageenan concentration on physicochemical properties and stability of beta-lactoglobulin-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions

The influence of pH and ι-carrageenan concentration on the properties of β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg)-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions was investigated by measuring the particle charge, particle size distribution, and creaming stability. Emulsions containing droplets stabilized by β-Lg were produced by homogenization, and then, ι-carrageenan was added. At pH 3, the droplet charge did not change for ι-carrageenan concentrations ≤0.1 wt % but decreased rapidly at high concentrations, while the mean particle diameter increased slightly as the ι-carrageenan concentration was increased. These results suggest that the interaction between ι-carrageenan and β-Lg was weak at pH 3 probably because some sulfate groups were protonated (pKa = 2). At pH 4 and pH 5, the droplet charge decreased dramatically as the ι-carrageenan concentration was increased from 0 to 0.15 wt %, but droplet aggregation and creaming occurred in the emulsions, indicating that interfacial complexes between ι-carrageenan and β-Lg could not stabiliz...
Effects of an "inside-out" limb-bud ectoderm on development of the avian limb.

Abstract Leg-bud mesoderm of the 3-day chick embryo was encased in inside-out wing or leg bud ectoderm and grafted to the somite region of a host chick embryo. In each case the inverted apical ridge of the ectoderm overlaid the mesodermal apex. The normal inside-outside histology of the ectoderm was restored in a few hours, but 3 days or more were required before the apical ectodermal ridge regained its normal appearance. Meanwhile, however, growth of the recombinants resumed 24 hr after the operation, resulting in the formation of legs with skeletal parts in normal proximodistal order. In all cases where identifiable, the anteroposterior axis of the foot corresponded to that of the mesoderm, but its dorsoventral axis conformed to the dorsoventral polarity of the ectoderm. These results are essentially identical with those obtained when right-side-out ectodermal hulls are used in making recombinants. The ectoderm is, therefore, capable of exercising its characteristic morphogenetic effects both during and after the reorganization that follows its inversion. Most importantly these results suggest that the action of the apical ectodermal ridge in promoting proximodistal growth does not require the constant expression of its usual configuration.
Notes on Costia Necatrix

Abstract Costiasis, or the disease produced by the flagellated protozoan ectoparasite, Costia necatrix, is of considerable importance in the artificial propagation of both warm- and cold-water fishes. In spite of its importance, costiasis seldom is accurately diagnosed probably because of the extremely small size and sedentary nature of the causative organism. A general resume of the specific diagnostic characteristics, pathology, and recommended measures for the prevention and control of Costia necatrix are presented. The application of available information concerning the parasite may eliminate effectively the losses of fish in hatcheries occasioned by it.
Associations Between the Ancient Star Catalogues

A travers l'etude de l'Almageste de Ptolemee et du Commentaire aux Phenomenes d'Aratos d'Hipparque, l'auteur revient sur les points communs residant dans la retranscription de certaines donnees relatives aux deux catalogues stellaires, et s'interesse a la controverse relatant la copie par Ptolemee des theses et observations d'Hipparque a partir d'un document aujourd'hui perdu de ce dernier...
Computerized integration of electron beam rapid solidification and heat treatment

Abstract A new type of carbide distribution is observed in rapidly solidified M7 steel by introducing a short “thermal arrest” in the austenite range during cooling. This is accomplished using microcomputer-controlled electron beam deflection for the generation of preselected scanning patterns that modify the cooling curves.