cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased epicardial fat is independently associated with the presence and chronicity of atrial fibrillation and radiofrequency ablation outcome

To determine whether intrathoracic fat volumes are associated with presence and chronicity of atrial fibrillation (AF) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment outcome. IRB approval was obtained and patient consent was waived for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study. 169 patients with AF (75 non-paroxysmal and 94 paroxysmal) and 62 control patients underwent cardiac CT examination. Extrapericardial (EPFV) and epicardial fat volumes (EFV) were measured on CT, the sum of which is the total intrathoracic fat volume. Associations between these three fat volumes and presence and chronicity of AF, and outcome after RFA, were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. EFV was significantly associated with presence [OR 1.01 (95 % CI 1.003–1.03), p = 0.01], chronicity of AF [1.008 (1.001–1.020), p = 0.03] and AF recurrence after RFA [1.009 (1.001–1.01), p = 0.02] after adjustment for age, gender and BMI. Patients with a larger EFV had a shorter time to AF recurrence (p = 0.017) and a higher rate of recurrence (54 % vs 46 %) (p = 0.002) after RFA. EPFV had no significant associations. Increased epicardial fat is associated with the presence and chronicity of AF, a higher probability of AF recurrence after RFA and a shorter AF-free interval. • Increased epicardial fat is associated with presence and chronicity of atrial fibrillation • Extensive epicardial fat is associated with earlier recurrences of AF after ablation • Extensive epicardial fat may reduce transmurality of ablation by affecting current dynamics
A note on pair production in the giant resonance region

Abstract The process of pair production by a decaying nucleus, excited by the incident photon, and the interference between this and the process of pair production by the incident photon in the field of the nucleus are considered. It is found that the nuclear contributions are pronounced for large scattering angles but the cross sections there are quite small. For forward scattering the Bethe-Heitler cross section is dominant.
Decomposition of benzoic acid derivatives in solid state.

A series of solid, substituted benzoic acids (p-XC6H4-COOH), which decompose into a liquid (XC6H5) and carbon dioxide, were studied. For decomposition to take place below the melting point, the σ value must be less than —0.35; the decomposition then follows Bawn-type kinetics. Neither solid (ks) nor liquid (k1) decomposition constants show isokinetic relations at their melting points. However, log ks is proportional to 1/Tm, where Tm is the absolute melting temperature, much as was found for vitamin A esters.
Differential regulation of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 transcription in ovine granulosa and large luteal cells.

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate second messenger regulation of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2) mRNA and PGS-2 promoter in ovine granulosa cells and large luteal cells. In granulosa cells, PGS-2 mRNA was induced by forskolin (PKA activator) but not by phorbol didecanoate (PDD; PKC activator) with maximal stimulation at 24 h. In contrast, PDD was the more potent inducer in large luteal cells with the most dramatic effect by 4 h. Similarly, forskolin but not PDD increased media PGF 2α in granulosa cells at 24 h; whereas, PDD but not forskolin increased PGF 2α at 4 h and 24 h in large luteal cells. To evaluate if these effects were due to activation of transcription, a plasmid was constructed containing 1500 bp of PGS-2 promoter linked to a luciferase gene. Forskolin stimulated transcription from this construct in granulosa cells (5-fold); whereas, PDD but not forskolin stimulated transcription in large luteal cells (40-fold). Taking these findings together, we propose that transcriptional regulation of the PGS-2 gene changes from PKA-dependence in granulosa cells to PKC-dependence in large luteal cells after luteinization.
Cloning of a mouse protein kinase A catalytic subunit pseudogene and chromosomal mapping of C subunit isoforms

Two isoforms of the protein kinase A catalytic subunit, Cα and Cβ, have previously been described in the mouse. We now report the cloning and characterization of a novel C-related sequence, Cx, from a murine genomic library. Cx is 89.8% identical to part of the Cα coding region, but lacks all of the introns present in this gene, suggesting that is arose via retroposition. The existence of several frameshift mutations, premature termination codons, and missense mutations at critical sites confirms that it is a pseudogene. Furthermore, we are unable to detect any expression. Homology with functional protein kinase genes commences exactly at the first intron splice junction in Cα, downstream of the expected translational start codon. Cx is also truncated at its 3′ end by the interposition of two distinct, contiguous LINE-1 elements. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that Cx is located on the X Chromosome (Chr), at band F3. This is displaced from its functional homologs, Cα and Cβ, which we map to mouse Chrs 8 (band C3) and 3 (band H3), respectively.
A multi‐length‐scale USAXS/SAXS facility: 10–50 keV small‐angle X‐ray scattering instrument

Coupling small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) provides a powerful system of techniques for determining the structural organization of nanostructured materials that exhibit a wide range of characteristic length scales. A new facility that combines high-energy (HE) SAXS and USAXS has been developed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The application of X-rays across a range of energies, from 10 to 50 keV, offers opportunities to probe structural behavior at the nano- and microscale. An X-ray setup that can characterize both soft matter or hard matter and high-Z samples in the solid or solution forms is described. Recent upgrades to the Sector 15ID beamline allow an extension of the X-ray energy range and improved beam intensity. The function and performance of the dedicated USAXS/HE-SAXS ChemMatCARS-APS facility is described.
Evolving a Successful Acute Care Surgical/Surgical Critical Care Group at a Nontrauma Hospital:

A large acute care but nontrauma teaching hospital in Manhattan, New York performing 24 000 operations/year has evolved a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Service with 3 attendings and 5 physician assistants over 9 years. The division follows nationally recognized, published best practices in shock, sepsis, ventilator management, nutrition, and antibiotic use and has maintained a total mortality of 1.9% (varying between 1.5% and 2.1%) for 9 years. Although PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents rotate through SICU, the division relies heavily on experienced, Fundamentals of Critical Care Support–trained physician assistants for organized consultation and ensuring adherence to best practices in daily patient care. For the past 4 years, the division has provided 24/7 in-house attending coverage in collaboration with the Division of Cardiac Surgery. In-house attending intensivist/cardiac surgeon coverage did not improve mortality. The division also provides approximately one third of the institution’s acute care surge...
Mechanism of Direct Molecular Oxygen Insertion in a Palladium(II)−Hydride Bond

The mechanism of the direct insertion of molecular oxygen into a palladium hydride bond has been elucidated using quantum mechanics (B3LYP/LACVP** with the PBF continuum solvent model). The key step is found to be the abstraction of the hydrogen atom resulting in the formation of a PdI/HO2 (triplet) radical pair, which then proceeds to form a singlet palladium hydroperoxo species. Potential palladium(0) pathways were explored and were found to be inaccessible. The results are in agreement with recent experimental results and are consistent with our previously predicted mechanism for an analogue system.
Correlation between enhancement of [3H]flunitrazepam binding and suppression of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures by L-lysine.

Abstract L-Lysine enhanced the specific [3H]flunitrazepam (FTZ) binding of bovine brain membranes in vitro. Inhibition of specific [3H]FTZ binding to brain membranes in vitro by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) at concentrations 0.46 mM and below was reversed by increasing L-lysine concentrations in the incubation mixture; further increase of L-lysine concentration enhanced this binding. However, inhibition of [3H]FTZ binding by PTZ higher than 2.3 mM was reversed only partially by L-lysine. L-Lysine enhanced specific [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding on mouse brain membranes in a dose-dependent manner (EC ≈ 5 μM). This enhancement was inhibited by PTZ dose dependently. Inhibition of [35S]TBPS binding by PTZ was attenuated slightly by L-lysine. L-Lysine enhanced [3H]FTZ binding in intact mice in a dose- or concentration-dependent manner with an ED50 of 6 mmol/kg body weight or EC50 of 3 μmol/g brain tissue, respectively. Similar effect was observed for L-lysine in ex vivo [3H]FTZ binding study when [3H]FTZ was incubated in vitro with an ED50 of 1 mmol/kg mouse or EC50 of 0.7 μmol/g brain. PTZ not only induced seizures, but also inhibited specific [3H]FTZ binding to brain membranes in a dose-dependent manner. L-Lysine, in a dose-dependent manner, suppressed seizures caused by PTZ at 50 or 60 mg/kg, or prolonged the time of seizure onset (seizure latency) caused by higher doses of PTZ (90 or 100 mg/kg). Pretreatment with L-lysine at 1, 5, 10 or 20 mmol/kg not only reversed the inhibition of the specific [3H]FTZ binding caused by PTZ at 50, 90 or 100 mg/kg, but also enhanced this binding above control level. A positive correlation with correlation coefficient of 0.79 to 0.98 was observed between the enhancement of specific [3H]FTZ binding and increase of seizure latency against PTZ-induced seizures for mice pretreated with L-lysine.
The Clinical Utility of Behavior Rating Scales: Comments on the Diagnostic Assessment of ADHD.

Abstract Responding to Reid and Maag's critique of behavior rating scales in assessing ADHD, published in a previous issue of the Journal of School Psychology, we provided specific recommendations for improving the accuracy of diagnostic decisions using rating scales and affirmed the importance of these procedures in the assessment of ADHD. Strategies for managing the error intrinsic to the use of diagnostic measures, specifically behavior rating scales, were outlined. A multiple stage procedure, involving one or more levels of screening prior to conducting a diagnostic assessment, was recommended as a strategy to increase diagnostic accuracy in a time- and cost-efficient manner.
Friction stir processing: a novel technique for fabrication of surface composite

Abstract A novel surface modifying technique, friction stir processing (FSP), has been developed for fabrication of surface composite. Al–SiC surface composites with different volume fractions of particles were successfully fabricated. The thickness of the surface composite layer ranged from 50 to 200 μm. The SiC particles were uniformly distributed in the aluminum matrix. The surface composites have excellent bonding with the aluminum alloy substrate. The microhardness of the surface composite reinforced with 27vol.%SiC of 0.7 μm average particle size was ∼173 HV, almost double of the 5083Al alloy substrate (85 HV). The solid-state processing and very fine microstructure that results are also desirable for high performance surface composites.
FOXD1 promotes nephron progenitor differentiation by repressing decorin in the embryonic kidney

Forkhead transcription factors are essential for diverse processes in early embryonic development and organogenesis. Foxd1 is required during kidney development and its inactivation results in failure of nephron progenitor cell differentiation. Foxd1 is expressed in interstitial cells adjacent to nephron progenitor cells, suggesting an essential role for the progenitor cell niche in nephrogenesis. To better understand how cortical interstitial cells in general, and FOXD1 in particular, influence the progenitor cell niche, we examined the differentiation states of two progenitor cell subtypes in Foxd1-/- tissue. We found that although nephron progenitor cells are retained in a primitive CITED1-expressing compartment, cortical interstitial cells prematurely differentiate. To identify pathways regulated by FOXD1, we screened for target genes by comparison of Foxd1 null and wild-type tissues. We found that the gene encoding the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin (DCN) is repressed by FOXD1 in cortical interstitial cells, and we show that compound genetic inactivation of Dcn partially rescues the failure of progenitor cell differentiation in the Foxd1 null. We demonstrate that DCN antagonizes BMP/SMAD signaling, which is required for the transition of CITED1-expressing nephron progenitor cells to a state that is primed for WNT-induced epithelial differentiation. On the basis of these studies, we propose a mechanism for progenitor cell retention in the Foxd1 null in which misexpressed DCN produced by prematurely differentiated interstitial cells accumulates in the extracellular matrix, inhibiting BMP7-mediated transition of nephron progenitor cells to a compartment in which they can respond to epithelial induction signals.
On the Effect of Diene Geometry in Intramolecular Allyl Cation Cycloadditions

Abstract Attempted intramolecular allyl cation cycloaddition of trienol 2a, which contains a conjugated diene of Z-configuration, affords monocyclic trienes 3a,b, in contrast to related trienols known to produce [5,5]-bicyclic and/or [5,7]-bicyclic products. Cyclopentyl trienes 3a,b are isomeric with multifidene, an algal pheromone. Dimethyl trienol 6 fails to cyclize (under identical conditions), but eliminates to yield tetraene 7.
Experiments with electric spark toughening

Abstract Investigation of the performance of commerical spark-hardening equipment has revealed that the electric parameters of the circuit must be mutually adjusted to prevent arcing damage. It was also established that very much higher spark energies than those available in the commercial equipment are required in order to obtain satisfactory results.
Factor bias and technical progress

Abstract The role of factor bias in technical progress has been a bone of contention between labor economists and international trade theorists. By considering progress that results in finite changes in techniques these two views can be reconciled. For example, labor-saving technical progress can result in lowered real wages, even if it is concentrated in the more labor-intensive of two commodities initially produced.
Synthesis of epoxy-functional microspheres by cationic suspension photopolymerization

This article describes the development of a novel rapid one-step cationic suspension photopolymerization method for the synthesis of epoxy-functional polymeric microspheres ranging in size from 50 nm to 100 μm. Multifunctional silicon-containing epoxy monomers and oligomers were photopolymerized to produce microspheres in both in aqueous and nonaqueous suspensions using a variety of cationic photoinitiators. Various solvents with controlled polarities were employed to produce macroporous particles. The effects of a variety of experimental and compositional variables on the particle diameter, size distribution, and epoxy content of the microspheres were examined. Among the parameters that were evaluated were the initiator composition and concentration, agitation method, UV irradiation time, viscosities of both the monomer and suspending medium, and type of porogen used. Following synthesis, the microspheres were characterized by SEM microscopy and by titration to determine the epoxy-functional group conten...
Experiencing Language: Phenomenography and Second Language Acquisition.

In educational psychology and other fields connected with education, the research technique known as phenomenography has long been used to investigate student perceptions of learning and how those perceptions impact what is learned. Although phenomenography has not yet been accepted as a mainstream methodological approach in second language studies, it has much to offer the field. This paper provides a detailed background of the perspective, focus, methods, and outcomes of phenomenography, along with an exploratory study that suggests the usefulness of this research approach in second language acquisition. Overall, the paper argues that phenomenographic inquiry may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how individual differences, framed by a learner's relationship with the context and object of learning, can influence the product of language acquisition.
Simple diagnosis of limb-lead reversals by predictable changes in QRS axis.

BACKGROUND Limb-lead reversals (LLRs) remain clinically problematic. Because the frontal QRS axis is derived from an equilateral Einthoven triangle and LLRs either rotate (180 degrees horizontally (mirror-image (M)) and/or 120 degrees vertically (clockwise (C)/counterclockwise (CC)) or distort the triangle (by forcing a bipolar lead to record across the lower extremities (LE) where electrical potentials approach zero (zero-potential lead)), we hypothesize that LLR axes changes from a baseline value (n) are predictable. METHODS Three hundred and sixty ECGs with all 24 limb-lead combinations from 15 individuals were analyzed. Predicted and actual QRS axes were compared using linear regression. RESULTS Twenty-four lead combinations produced only 12 (11 abnormal) ECG patterns and diagnosis depended upon identifying upper extremity (UE) cable configurations. Predicted formulas for rotation-type LLR axes (M, C, CC, MC, and MCC) were 180 - n, n - 120, n + 120, 300 - n, and 60 - n, respectively. Corresponding mean differences between predicted and actual values were 4 +/- 5 degrees , 4 +/- 2 degrees , 7 +/- 10 degrees , 5 +/- 7 degrees , and 3 +/- 4 degrees (all r = 0.99 - 1.00, P < 0.0001). The predicted formula for distortion-type LLR axes is (zero-potential lead axis) +/- 90 degrees . Actual mean values for zero-potential lead I, II, and III were 90 +/- 7 degrees or 266 +/- 17 degrees , -31 +/- 6 degrees or 148 +/- 14 degrees , and 26 +/- 14 degrees or 209 +/- 9 degrees , respectively. The mean difference between predicted and actual values for all LLRs was 5 +/- 8 degrees (r = 1.00, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS LLR axes are predictable within an average of 5 degrees . This might help differentiate an acute axis shift due to an LLR from serious medical conditions that may require treatment.
Stochastic packing-market planning

Motivated by the problem of centralized market clearing in a market with probabilistic supply and demand, we introduce the Stochastic Packing-Market Planning problem (SPMP), which is a stochastic generalization of the Maximum k-Set Packing problem. We provide an O(k) approximation algorithm for SPMP, as well as a O(k) approximation mechanism that is truthful in expectation. This matches up to constants the best approximation ratio known for Maximum k-Set Packing. Along the way, we develop techniques for obtaining sparse subhypergraphs of an input hypergraph that preserves Ep(•) up to an O(k) factor, where Ep(G) measures the expected weight of a maximum weight set packing in a random subhypergraph of G. We also give a linear programming based approximation for Ep(G). These techniques may be of independent interest.
Predictors of unstable anticoagulation in African Americans

Objective We sought to identify contributors to unstable anticoagulation in African Americans. Patients and methods Sixty African Americans on warfarin were enrolled. Cytochrome P450 2C9 and vitamin K epoxide reductase genotypes and vitamin K intake were assessed, and clinical and dietary data during the 12 months prior to enrollment were collected. Data were compared between stable and unstable patients, classified based on the proportion of international normalized ratio (INR) values outside the therapeutic range. Results The median proportion of out-of-range INRs among study participants was 44%; 28 patients had a higher proportion of INRs out-of-range and were included in the unstable group, with the remaining constituting the stable group. The median (IQR) number of clinic visits/year was higher among unstable versus stable patients [18 (15–22) vs. 16 (13–19); P = 0.03]. Higher warfarin doses, lower adherence, vomiting or diarrhea, and use of antiinfective agents were more common among unstable patients. Genotype was not associated with anticoagulation stability. After regression analysis, only poor adherence and gastrointestinal illness remained predictive of unstable anticoagulation. In a control group of Caucasians of similar age and sex distribution, poor adherence, but not gastrointestinal illness, was associated with unstable anticoagulation. Conclusion We conclude that poor warfarin adherence and gastrointestinal illness are major contributors to unstable anticoagulation in African Americans. Our data suggest that, similar to Caucasians, improving warfarin adherence rates may be an important mean to improve anticoagulation control in African Americans. In addition, close monitoring during acute illness may be particularly important in this population.
A Near and Far-Field Projection Algorithm for Finite-Difference Time-Domain Codes

The class of problems to which the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method can be applied is extended through the use of near and far-field projection techniques. These methods are developed by applying the equivalence principle to a surface within the FDTD problem space. Algorithms are found to project the equivalent electric and magnetic currents on this surface to any point in space either in the time or the frequency domains. A summary of extensive validation and error checking results is presented which shows the routines to be robust and accurate to within a few percent. As a result, the FDTD approach can be applied to a number of previously impractical problems.
Postural changes in cardiac volumes in men in relation to adult age

Cardiac volumes by equilibrium gated cardiac blood pool scans and heart rate were measured in the supine and sitting positions in 64 male volunteer subjects (age 25-80 yrs) who had been rigorously screened to exclude cardiovascular disease. After the upright position was assumed, the average cardiac output of all subjects was unchanged but heart rate increased and stroke volume decreased due to a decrease in end diastolic volume. Neither the supine or sitting cardiac output nor the average postural change in cardiac output, cardiac volumes or heart rate was age-related. While the average cardiac output among the subjects was unaltered with a change in posture, in some individuals it increased slightly while in others it decreased. The postural change in cardiac output among the individuals correlated by linear regression analysis with a change in heart rate only in younger subjects and with a change in stroke volume in all age groups, but the slope of this relationship was greater in older than in younger subjects. The postural change in stroke volume was strongly correlated with a change in end diastolic volume and this relationship did not vary with age. Thus, although the average postural change in cardiac output among healthy subjects is not age-related, a given change in cardiac output with posture in an older individual depends more on a change in stroke volume and less on a heart rate change than in a younger one. This result, like the response to vigorous upright exercise previously demonstrated to occur with aging, indicates a greater reliance in the elderly on the Frank-Starling mechanism than on heart rate for a given change in cardiac output in response to perturbations from the basal supine state.
A RAPID, DIRECT CHEMICAL ASSAY FOR THE QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF THIOBARBITURIC ACID REACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN RAW, COOKED, AND COOKED/STORED MUSCLE FOODS

A study was performed to compare two procedures for the determination of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) levels in meat, i.e., the widely accepted distillation procedure versus a more rapid and direct extraction technique. Both methods produced statistically identical values for the rate of increase in TBA levels upon storage of precooked muscle foods. Addition of the antioxidant propyl gallate (PG) and the chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at concentrations of 200 ppm and 400 ppm, respectively, to the tissue samples prior to homogenization was found to be necessary both to retard further lipid oxidation and to serve as a ‘blank’or control to distinguish the color products formed between malondialdehyde (MDA) and TBA with those produced between other peroxides and TBA. The need for use of a control appears to be species dependent.
Physiological effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on peripheral nerves: possible role in pain relief.

Abstract When DMSO is applied directly to a peripheral sensory nerve, it will initially block conduction in C fibers. If application is continued, it progressively blocks fibers from small to large. As small fibers are important for the recognition of noxious stimuli, the blockade of these fibers by DMSO may offer an explanation for the reported relief of pain following its application.
Passing the Torch and Moving on

This December issue marks the last issue of the sixth volume of the Journal for Specialists in Group Work that I have edited. As in the editorials in the previous five December issues, I will refle...
Conclusion: Is Stress Likely to Abate for Faculty?

SUMMARY Work stress is first analyzed as a socio-cultural device to make sense of and respond to problems at work. Then, a number of factors are examined that will significantly affect the future of faculty work and the stress that will be associated with this work.
Elevated levels of M(r) 92,000 type IV collagenase during tumor growth in vivo

Our previous studies demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) levels were significantly higher in human glioblastoma tissue samples than in low-grade brain tumors and normal brain tissue (Raoet al., Cancer Res.53, 2208–2211, 1993). In the present study, we measured the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 during the growth of glial tumors in nude mice by intracerebral injection of glioblastoma cells. Using gelatin zymography, densitometry, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we found that the enzyme activity and protein count of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were a respective 3- to 10- and 2- to 30-fold higher in tumors at day 14 and 28 than in normal tissue. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9 showed strong immunoreactivity in tumor cells and the staining intensity was much higher at day 28, compared to day 14. These results suggest that upregulation of MMP-9 plays a major role in the glioma tumor growthin vivo.
“YES to the Europe I want; NO to this one.” Some Reflections on France's Rejection of the EU Constitution

I spent the 2004–2005 academic year in France, culminating with the May 29th referendum on the European Union constitutional treaty. Fifty-five percent of voters rejected it. Three days later, 62% of Dutch voters followed suit. These were unexpected results, especially in France, a country where 80% declare themselves in favor of European integration. In other member states, a simple rule generally applies: those whose priority is to strengthen the EU are on the “yes” side, while the “no” is identified with those who emphasize national interests. In the Netherlands, though the murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by an Islamic radical was a factor, the “no” forces won essentially because they persuaded enough people that the direction the Constitution would take the Netherlands went against Dutch interests. To do so, they played on the resentment that Brussels took their money but ignored Dutch concerns—“the same people who fooled you with the euro are fooling you now with this constitution.”
Application of infinite-horizon EMPC to IGCC dispatch

The Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) possesses a number of benefits over traditional power generation plants, ranging from increased efficiency to flex-fuel and carbon capture opportunities. A lesser known benefit of the IGCC configuration is the ability to load track electricity demands. The idea being that process modifications will allow for a time-shift of power production away from periods of low energy value to periods of high value. This work illustrates the use of Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) as a vehicle to exploit dispatch capabilities by direct maximization of revenue. However, implementation of EMPC can result in unexpected and at times pathological closed-loop behavior, including inventory creep and bang-bang actuation. To address these issues, an infinite-horizon version of EMPC is developed and shown avoid many of the performance issues observed in the finite-horizon version.
High maneuverability projectile flight using low cost components

Abstract This paper examines the problem of enhancing maneuverability of gun-launched munitions utilizing low cost technologies. Two ideas are proposed for reducing cost: (1) designing algorithms that reduce the sensor or actuator burden, and (2) performing high fidelity modeling and simulation of the entire system with realistic data input. The fundamental theory underpinning guided projectile flight systems, including nonlinear equations of motion for projectile flight, aerodynamic modeling, actuator dynamics, and measurement modeling, is outlined. Manipulation of these nonlinear models into linear system models enables airframe stability investigation and flight control design. A basic framework for low cost guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of high maneuverability projectiles is formulated. Theory was implemented in simulation and exercised for a guided projectile system. Results support the hypothesis that algorithms can compensate for poor actuator performance and identified critical trade study parameters. Monte Carlo analysis indicated that the cost associated with measurements of a threshold accuracy rather than actuation technologies prescribes guided system performance.
The onset of the 1991–92 El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean: The NECC subsurface pathway

n n Based on the NCEP ocean re-analysis data, the three-dimensional co-evolution of the tropical Pacific climate system is examined to explain the onset of the 1991-92 El Nino event. A logical sequence is discovered that links subsurface and surface temperature anomalies off and on the equator in the western and central Pacific. Along the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) path, subsurface temperature anomalies propagated coherently eastward from the western boundary in mid-1989 to the date line in mid-1990, at a speed of about 10-20 cm(-1). As the thermocline shoals eastward along the NECC, the subsurface anomalies outcropped in the regions near the date line, initiating warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies which further amplified while advectively extending into the equatorial wave guide. These subsurface-induced SST anomalies could then trigger local coupled air-sea interactions producing atmospheric-oceanic anomalies that developed and evolved in 1991, thus setting onset conditions for the 1991-92 El Nino. These results differ markedly from the delayed oscillator physics in that a major role can be played by the eastward advection of off-equatorial subsurface thermal anomalies and their outcropping along the NECC subsurface pathways, not necessarily involving wave reflections along the western boundary for triggering El Nino. This mechanism explains well the observed, otherwise unaccounted for, surface warming near the date lint: during late 1989 and early 1990.
Sterol analysis of the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes in yeast

The membranes of yeast mitochondria were separated and analyzed for lipid content. The sterolto-phospholipid molar ratio was found to be very similar between the inner and outer membranes (1∶30). These observed ratios could be substantially altered by using a crude mitochondrial pellet contaminated with a “floating lipid layer”. In this case, the sterol-to-phospholipid molar ratios were 1∶8 to 1∶26 for the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes, respectively.
In Vivo Function of Desmosomes

Desmosomes are morphologically and biochemically defined cell-cell junctions that are required for maintaining the mechanical integrity of skin and the heart in adult mammals. Furthermore, since mice with null mutations in desmosomal plaque proteins (plakoglobin and desmoplakin) die in utero, it is also evident that desmosomes are indispensable for normal embryonic development. This review focuses on the role of desmosomes in vivo. We will summarize the effects of mutations in desmosomal genes on pre- and post-embryonic development of mouse and man and discuss recent findings relating to the specific role of desmosomal cadherins in skin differentiation and homeostasis.
Intraoperative virtual brain counseling

Our objective is to offer online real-tim e intelligent guidance to the neurosurgeon. Different from traditional image-guidance technologies that offer intra-operative visualization of medical images or atlas images, virtual brain counseling goes one step further. It can distinguish related brain structures and provide information about them intra-operatively. Virtual brain counseling is the foundation for surgical planing optimization and on-line surgical reference. It can provide a warning system that alerts the neurosurgeon if the chosen trajectory will pass through eloquent brain areas. In order to fulfill this objective, tracking techniques are involved for intra- operativity. Most importantly, a 3D virtual brian environment, different from traditional 3D digitized atlases, is an object-oriented model of the brain that stores information about different brain structures together with their elated information. An object-oriented hierarchical hyper-voxel space (HHVS) is introduced to integrate anatomical and functional structures. Spatial queries based on position of interest, line segment of interest, and volume of interest are introduced in this paper. The virtual brain environment is integrated with existing surgical pre-planning and intra-operative tracking systems to provide information for planning optimization and on-line surgical guidance. The neurosurgeon is alerted automatically if the planned treatment affects any critical structures. Architectures such as HHVS and algorithms, such as spatial querying, normalizing, and warping are presented in the paper. A prototype has shown that the virtual brain is intuitive in its hierarchical 3D appearance. It also showed that HHVS, as the key structure for virtual brain counseling, efficiently integrates multi-scale brain structures based on their spatial relationships.This is a promising development for optimization of treatment plans and online surgical intelligent guidance.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization of Femtosecond Laser Induced Nanogratings in Fused Silica

We analyze different variables for controlling birefringence induced in glass by a femtosecond laser. Parameters such as writing power, speed, polarization and the number of written layers can control the resulting retardance and orientation.
Effect of BMY-28100, a new cephalosporin, on Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage.

In order to examine the in vivo activity of BMY-28100, serial quantitative nasal cultures were taken from 52 nasal carriers ofStaphylococcus aureusfollowing administration of the antimicrobial. Nasal carriage rates and mean log titers decreased significantly during (days 2–4 and 5–8) and following (days 1–2 and 6–7) treatment. No change in antibiotic sensitivities was noted in follow-up isolates, and the MIC90 remained at 2mcg/ml. BMY-28100 demonstrated good in vivo activity againstStaphylococcus aureus.
Flexor Tendon and Synovial Gliding During Simultaneous and Single Digit Flexion in Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The characteristic pathological finding in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is non-inflammatory fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT), which lies between the flexor tendons and the visceral synovium (VS). How this fibrosis might affect tendon function is unknown. To better understand the normal function of the SSCT, the relative motion of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS III) tendon and VS was observed during finger flexion in patients with CTS and cadavers with a history of CTS and compared to normal cadavers. A digital camcorder was used to monitor the gliding motion of the FDS III tendon and SSCT in eight patients with idiopathic CTS undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery (CTR), in eight cadavers with an antemortem history of CTS and compared these with eight cadaver controls. There were no significant differences noted in the total movement of the SSCT relative to the FDS III. However, the pattern of SSCT movement relative to the FDS III in the CTS patients and cadavers with an antemortem history of CTS differed from the controls in one of two patterns, reflecting either increased SSCT adherence to FDS III or increased SSCT dissociation from FDS III. In CTS, the gliding characteristics of the SSCT are qualitatively altered. These changes may be the result of increased fibrosis within the SSCT, which in some cases has ruptured, resulting in SSCT-tendon dissociation. Similar changes are also identified postmortem in the CTS patient.
Complex networks: Behind enemy lines

Computer viruses can spread through networks with alarming speed. But there is hope that those fighting the plague can keep up with the pace.
An Integrated Sustainable Business and Development System: Thoughts and Opinions

Companies understand the importance of monitoring and managing their environmental impacts and aim to integrate, with consistent quality control, effective reduce-reuse-recycle programs and risk preventions. By building an integrated sustainable business and development system to meet certain environmental standards, many companies are eligible to be “green” certified. Companies may consider recognizing global visions on sustainability while implementing local best practices. An integrated sustainable business and development system includes talent management, sustainable supply chain, practicing strategies of leveraging resources effectively, implementing social responsibilities, initiating innovative programs of recycling, reducing, and reusing, advancing leaders’ perceptions towards sustainability, reducing innovation barriers, and engaging sustainable practices strategically.
Forgery Quality and Its Implications for Behavioral Biometric Security

Biometric security is a topic of rapidly growing importance in the areas of user authentication and cryptographic key generation. In this paper, we describe our steps toward developing evaluation methodologies for behavioral biometrics that take into account threat models that have been largely ignored. We argue that the pervasive assumption that forgers are minimally motivated (or, even worse, naive) is too optimistic and even dangerous. Taking handwriting as a case in point, we show through a series of experiments that some users are significantly better forgers than others, that such forgers can be trained in a relatively straightforward fashion to pose an even greater threat, that certain users are easy targets for forgers, and that most humans are a relatively poor judge of handwriting authenticity, and hence, their unaided instincts cannot be trusted. Additionally, to overcome current labor-intensive hurdles in performing more accurate assessments of system security, we present a generative attack model based on concatenative synthesis that can provide a rapid indication of the security afforded by the system. We show that our generative attacks match or exceed the effectiveness of forgeries rendered by the skilled humans we have encountered.
Deciphering Cellular Forces during Myoblast Fusion

The fusion of mammalian myoblast cells is an integral part of muscle growth and regeneration. Although the biochemical aspects of cell fusion have been extensively investigated, a quantitative description of the physical phenomena underlying this process has not yet been explored. This study aims to quantify and distinguish both the extracellular and intercellular forces generated by two myoblasts during fusion or the lack thereof. To achieve this goal, we fabricated a protein-patterned polyacrylamide hydrogel with embedded fluorescent particles to employ time-lapse traction force microscopy on isolated pairs of cells. Our results indicate the presence of large intracellular stresses due to the polarizing tangential traction vectors pointing away from the cell-cell interface in both fusing and non-fusing cells. For non-fusing cells, these polarizing stresses were maintained throughout the duration of the time-lapse microscopy as the cells shift to and fro on the protein patterns. However, for cells undergoing fusion, the polarization of the traction vectors ceases as the stresses generated by the cell injecting its nuclei dominates the other. In addition to the tangential forces, we also analyzed the particle displacement field for normal stresses, which are revealed to be negligible under all circumstances. The magnitudes of the normal stresses have been shown to exist at an order of magnitude lower than that of the tangential stresses.
Eurobond Issue and Firm Value

This study explores differences between US-bonds and Eurobonds and analyzes the effect of some Eurobond characteristics on firm value. First, it attempts to determine if investors view U.S. and Eurobonds similarly, especially after the change in tax laws that exempted U.S.-bond holders from paying 30 percent withholding taxes. Then, the paper analyzes the effect of some of the Eurobond issue characteristics such as issue size, issue frequency, yield spread, and maturity term on firm value. The results show that Eurobonds provide investors an alternative for portfolio diversification, and as a result, the bond market remained segmented. Also, the increase in firm value was statistically significant for the firm’s first Eurobond issue. The increase in firm value for the subsequent Eurobond issues was not statistically significant.
A Security Policy And Formal Top Level Specification For A Multi-Level Secure Local Area Network

This paper describes a Gypsy[l] realization of a formal security policy model and top level specification for a secure, multi-level loud area network (LAN). The network, which is being developed by the Verdix Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia, is one of the fmt network products to be accepted for developmental evaluation by the Computer Security Center leading to, we hope, an eventual certification at the A-1 level. Because network criteria are still undergoing development, the LAN will be evaluated under the TCSEC [2] criteria for multi-level secure computer systems. The remainder of the paper briefly describes the LAN itself, the policy model and its Gypsy representation,and FTLS. This is followed by a discussion of related issues such as covert channel analysis. The conclusions will cover both the applicability of the TCSEC criteria to network products such as this and the use of such products as building blocks for distributed semre systems.
Influence of agricultural landscape structure on a Southern High Plains, USA, amphibian assemblage

Landscape structure can influence demographics of spatially structured populations, particularly less vagile organisms such as amphibians. We examined the influence of agricultural landscape structure on community composition and relative abundance of the 4 most common amphibians in the Southern High Plains of central USA. Amphibian populations were monitored using pitfall traps and drift fence at 16 playa wetlands (8 playas/year) in 1999 and 2000. We quantified landscape structure surrounding each playa via estimating 13 spatial metrics that indexed playa isolation and inter-playa landscape complexity. Multivariate ordination and univariate correlations and regressions indicated that landscape structure was associated with community composition and relative abundance for 2 of the 4 amphibians. Spadefoots (Spea multiplicata, S. bombifrons) generally were positively associated with decreasing inter-playa distance and increasing inter-playa landscape complexity. Great Plains toads (Bufo cognatus) and barred tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium) usually were negatively associated with spadefoots but not influenced by landscape structure. Composition and relative abundance patterns were related to amphibian body size, which can influence species vagility and perception to landscape permeability. Spatial separation of these species in the multivariate ordination also may have been a consequence of differential competitive ability among species. These results suggest agricultural landscape structure may influence abundance and composition of spatially structured amphibian populations. This also is the first applied documentation that inter-patch landscape complexity can affect intra-patch community composition of amphibians as predicted by metapopulation theory. In the Southern High Plains, landscape complexity is positively associated with agricultural cultivation. Agricultural cultivation increases sedimentation, decreases hydroperiod, alters amphibian community dynamics, and negatively impacts postmetamorphic body size of amphibians in playa wetlands. Thus, conservation efforts should focus on preserving or restoring native landscape structure, hydroperiod, and connectivity among playas to maintain native amphibian populations and historic inter-playa movement.
Beyond safety: customized SAT-based model checking

Model checking of safety properties has taken a significant lead over non-safety properties in recent years. To bridge the gap, we propose dedicated SAT-based model checking algorithms for properties beyond safety. Previous bounded model checking (BMC) approaches have relied on either converting such properties to safety checking, or finding proofs by deriving termination criteria using loop-free path analysis. Instead, our approach uses a customized SAT-based formulation for bounded model checking of non-safety properties, and determines the completeness bounds for liveness using unbounded SAT-based analysis. Our main contributions are: 1) Customized property translations for LTL formulas for BMC, with novel features that utilize partitioning, learning, and incremental formulation. Customized translations not only improve the BMC performance significantly in comparison to standard monolithic LTL translations, but also allow efficient derivation and use of completeness bounds. Though we discuss the translation schemas for liveness, they can be easily extended to handle other LTL properties as well. 2) Customized formulations for determining completeness bounds for liveness using SAT-based unbounded model checking (UMC) rather than using loop-free path analysis. These formulations comprise greatest fixed-point and least fixed-point computations to efficiently handle nested properties using SAT-based quantification approaches. We show the effectiveness of our overall approach for checking liveness on public benchmarks and several industry designs.