cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Nonadaptive Processing of Radar Pulse Trains for Clutter Rejection

The problem of detecting coherent pulse trains with uniform amplitude in a clutter-plus-noise environment is considered. A radar processor for detecting targets moving radially with respect to the clutter is proposed. The minimum interpulse spacing of the transmitted signal is assumed long enough that returns are not received simultaneously from different ranges within a region of extended clutter, and the central frequency of the clutter power spectrum is postulated to be known. The processor is singled out as the linear filter, orthogonal to the clutter central frequency component, which yields the maximum ratio of peak signal power to average noise power. The filter can be implemented by slightly modifying the structure of the conventional matched filter. The performance of such a filter is compared with that achievable if full a priori knowledge of the input interference were available and with that of the conventional matched filter. This comparison is made on a signal-to-interference power ratio basis after assuming a transmitted signal consisting of equally spaced pulses and an interference characterized by an exponential covariance matrix.
HModel: An X Tool for Global Model Search

HModel is a global model search tool that has X window graphics capability. The user defines the largest generalized polynomial model to consider, HModel generates the collection of all smaller hierarchical models that it contains and displays a graphical representation of the collection. Then, given a model optimality criterion threshold HModel finds all models that are at least as good. That is, HModel classifies all models into two groups: those at or below the threshold and those above the threshold. If the set of models at least as good as the threshold is small, finding this set requires fitting only a small fraction of all models. The selection of models to fit can be automatic or conveniently controlled by the user. A search string facility for selecting sets of models as well as other set operations are also available. All of these functions interact with the graphical representation of the collection of models. The current implementation and this paper focus on log-linear models for categorical data and the Akaike and Bayes information criteria although the underlying ideas are more general. The search can manipulate a collection of up to about 200,000 models on a high performance workstation. For example, six categorical variables give 140,035 possible models of order three or less.
Precambrian zircons from the Florida basement: A Gondwanan connection

A Gondwanan origin for the pre-Cretaceous basement of Florida is suggested by U- Pb ages of 515 to 2860 Ma for single zircons separated from subsurface samples of lower Paleozoic sandstone of the Suwannee basin (Alachua County, Florida) and Neoproterozoic Osceola granite (Osceola County, Florida). Forty individual grains analyzed by SHRIMP ion microprobe yielded ages from 515 to 2860 Ma; ages >1000 Ma were predominantly concordant. Two principal populations are evident: (1) 515 to 637 Ma (avg. = 574 Ma; 206 Pb/ 238 U ages) and (2) 1967 to 2282 Ma (avg. = 2130 Ma; 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ages). Only six zircons were recovered from the granite; four are Pan-African and two are Archean. For the sandstone, the similarity between the Sm-Nd model age (1245 Ma) and the average of the single zircon ages (1326 Ma) suggests that these zircons are chronologically representative of the aggregate provenance of the sandstone. The two dominant zircon age groupings correspond chronologically to the Pan-African and Birimian or Eburnian (Africa) and to the Brasiliano and Trans-Amazonian (South America) orogenic cycles. The presence of detritus from rocks of these two orogenic cycles clearly places the basement of Florida in Gondwanaland proximal to the West African and/or Trans-Amazonian-San Luis cratons in the early Paleozoic, a location it probably shared with other circum-Atlantic exotic terranes (Avalonian, Cadomian, and/or Carolina).
Tuberculosis and HIV disease: two decades of a dual epidemic.

The HIV epidemic is currently in its third decade without any sign of abating. Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for a third of all AIDS deaths, 99% of which occur in developing countries. The two epidemics fuel each other, together making up the leading infectious causes of mortality worldwide. Tuberculosis-HIV coinfection presents special diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and constitutes an immense burden on the health care systems of heavily infected countries. Despite major gains that have been made in the past two decades, important questions still remain. To cope with the challenge of TB-HIV coinfection, further research in the design of diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, detection of drug resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis strains in HIV-positive people, as well as development of more effective therapeutic agents and vaccines are urgently needed. It has become evident that this dual epidemic will persist unless comprehensive measures are instituted through the provision of sufficient funding in addition to expanding and strengthening current control strategies adopted by governments and international organizations.
Characterization of DNA from three bee species

Abstract DNA was isolated from three species of bees: the common honey-bee ( Apis mellifera ), the Indian honey-bee ( Apis cerana ), and the leaf-cutting bee ( Megachile rotundata ). The guanine-cytosine distribution of the two honey-bee DNAs is relatively broad and skewed toward lower values; leaf-cutting bee DNA shows a narrow distribution. No distinct satellite bands are present in any of the species. Renaturation kinetics indicate that the genome sizes of the two honey-bee species are identical to one another and somewhat smaller than that of the leaf-cutting bee. About 89 per cent of the genome of all three species renatures slowly; this fraction presumably comprises the single-copy (unique) sequence portion of the genome. Sufficient DNA was isolated from the dwarf honey-bee ( Apis florea ) to determine a guanine-cytosine distribution. Like the other honey-bee species, the distribution is relatively broad.
a study of the cultural domain of “relatives”1

The data for this study of the collective representation of kinship were collected in intensive interviews with urban middle-class Jamaicans. Analysis of these data suggests that while the collective representation of kinship and its uses are distinct, the observation of these uses is valuable for the full understanding of the culture of kinship.
Breast Cancer Relative Hazard Estimates From Case-Control and Cohort Designs With Missing Data on Mammographic Density

We analyzed data from the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) to obtain multivariate relative hazard models for breast cancer that included mammographic density (MD) in addition to standard risk factors. Data from the BCDDP were collected from a stratified case–control study in the screening phase (1973–1980) and from follow-up of three subcohorts in the follow-up phase (1980–1995). For both phases, MD measurements were only available for about half the women who developed breast cancer (cases) and a small fraction of noncases. We used a logistic regression model for the stratified case–control study and developed a general pseudo-likelihood approach to accommodate missing covariate data (MD) by adapting the method of Scott and Wild and Breslow and Holubkov. We showed that this method was substantially more efficient than a previously proposed weighted-likelihood method. We assumed piecewise exponential models for the analysis of each subcohort, with the missing covariate (MD) distributi...
Reported Speech and Survivor Identity in On‐Line Bone Marrow Transplantation Narratives

This paper investigates the language choices made by contributors to an electronic discussion list on bone marrow transplantation, called SupportBMT, and relates these to the construction of these contributors’ identities as survivors rather than as victims of a life-threatening disease and/or of a life-threatening medical treatment. Specifically, it examines the use of 142 instances of reported speech within 61 narratives posted to SupportBMT that recount conflict within a past medical encounter. Analyses of the illocutionary acts of these instances of reported speech, as well as the alternation between direct and indirect reported speech in these narratives, portray the patient as a strong self-advocate and the physician as contributing to that positive image of the patient, either directly or indirectly. Findings suggest that survivors’ use of reported speech within such narratives provides a socialization model for newcomers to the community of those with such illnesses.
Storming to partition: Croatia, the United States, and Krajina in the Yugoslav War

To many scholars and policymakers, ‘partition’ offers the most efficacious means of resolving ethnic-civil wars. Others reject partition as a solution, citing flaws (both logical and empirical) and harmful international implications should such an approach become commonplace. What has been missing from this debate is an understanding of how the process of partition unfolds. In this article we examine such a process, the case of the Krajina in the war in Yugoslavia, 1994–1995. The US aligned itself with Croatia against Serbs rebelling in the Krajina region of Croatia. The culmination of this alignment occurred in August 1995 when Croatian forces initiated ‘Operation Storm’ (Oluja) against Croatian Serb insurgents. Croatian forces effectively cleansed the Krajina of its Serbian population. Eager to initiate a diplomatic peace process, Washington welcomed the Croatian operation, and largely because of Operation Storm, negotiations at Dayton became possible.
Comparison of standard two-dimensional and three-dimensional corrected glenoid version measurements.

Hypothesis There is concern regarding the accuracy of 2-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) for measuring glenoid version. Three-dimensional (3D) CT scan reconstructions can properly orient the glenoid to the plane of the scapula and have been reported to accurately measure glenoid version in cadaver models. We hypothesized that glenoid version measured by correcting 2D CT scans to the plane of the scapula by 3D reconstruction would be significantly different compared with standard 2D CT scan measurement of the glenoid in a clinical patient population. Materials and methods Thirty-four patients underwent dedicated axial 2D CT scan of the shoulder with 3D reconstruction. The 2D glenoid version was measured on unmodified midglenoid axial cuts, and the 3D glenoid version measurement was corrected to be perpendicular to the plane of the scapula and then measured in the axial plane. Three observers repeated each measurement on 2 different days. Results The difference between the overall average 2D and 3D measurements was not statistically significant ( P = .45). In individual scapulae, 35% of 2D measurements were 5° to 10° different and 12% were greater than 10° different from their corresponding 3D-corrected CT measurement ( P P = .045). Reproducibility of both 2D and 3D-corrected measurements was good. Discussion Although 2D and 3D corrected methods showed a high degree of both intraobserver and interobserver reliability in this series, axial 2D images without correction were 5 to 15 degrees different than their 3D-corrected counterparts in 47% of all measurements. Correcting 2D glenoid version by 3D reconstruction to the transverse plane perpendicular to the scapular body allows for an accurate assessment of glenoid version in spite of positioning differences and results in increased accuracy while maintaining high reliability. Conclusions Owing to the variability in scapular position, the axial 2D CT scan measurement was significantly different from 3D-corrected measurement of glenoid version. Averaging the version measurements across patients did not reflect this finding.
Establishing criteria to assess the possible origin(s) of life elsewhere in our solar system

The origin of life on Earth continues to be one of the greatest mysteries of modern science. The fact that geochemical evidence for life may extend back to the earliest portion of the terrestrial rock record (approx. 4.0 Ga) makes it impossible to state with any certainty whether life originated on Earth or if it was introduced to Earth. Similarly, since a living system has never been synthesized in the laboratory, the requisite conditions and subsequent pathways for that origin remain unknown. It is this lack of definitive information that continues to inspire us to search outside the Earth for clues to life's origins. However, our ability to determine if life as we know it presently exists or existed elsewhere in our solar system or beyond depends on the establishment of criteria that can be used to determine its existence and to distinguish it from present-day life on Earth. The latter is critical, as it is extremely difficult to completely avoid contamination during sample collection and analysis. This is especially true with respect to materials returned to Earth, as is planned for future Mars' missions. Given their ubiquity and unique stable isotope compositions resulting from fractionations associated with their respective abiotic and biotic syntheses, amino acids are one of the classes of compounds best suited for establishing the existence of life as we know it. Criteria will be presented for detecting life and its possible precursors elsewhere in the solar system based on the stable isotope compositions of this important class of compounds.
Research and Internship Roles in Applied Medical Anthropology

Training in applied anthropology links theory with practical application resulting in what is one of today's key metaphors—"praxis." Training also requires the utilization of other knowledge bases (i.e. medical, legal, business, education, etc.) to enable a practicing anthropologist to effectively operate within an applied setting. In my situation, both the research and internship experiences in applied medical anthropology were obtained internationally in Costa Rica. The requirement of proficiency in the country's language was not a barrier in my situation because Spanish is my primary language. Other aspects of training in applied anthropology (i.e., theoretical and practical) were both cultivated and strengthened in my undergraduate and graduate training at Georgia State University through participation in research projects. The additional knowledge base that I called upon during the research and internship periods was previous training in biology as well as three years of experience as a medical and l...
Erratum: A Multiple IMM Estimation Approach with Unbiased Mixing for Thrusting Projectiles

In the above titled paper, the Mach number-dependent multiplier which is missing in the equation is presented.
Notch-1 induction, a novel activity of SV40 required for growth of SV40-transformed human mesothelial cells

We show that SV40 infection of human mesothelial cells directly causes overexpression of Notch-1, a key cell regulatory gene. Notch-1 induction is achieved at the transcriptional level and requires both the SV40 large T-antigen and the small t-antigen. Notch-1 upregulation is maintained in SV40-transformed human mesothelial clones and in SV40-positive mesotheliomas and derived cell lines. Activation of Notch-1 promotes cell cycle progression and it is required for the growth of SV40-transformed mesothelial cells. Our finding is relevant to the process of SV40-mediated human cell transformation, an effect that cannot be accounted for solely by SV40-Tag inhibition of Rb and p53.
Processing of thin films of the three-layer superconducting phase in the Pb-doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system by metalorganic deposition

Abstract Thin films of the three-layer phase in the Pb-doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system have been processed from metalorganic precursors by spin pyrolysis. The cation composition of the three-layer phase was found to differ significantly from the stoichiometric “2-2-2-3” composition. Superconductive measurements suggest a distribution of distinct regions with different T c within a pure three-layer thin film. Temperature-time-transformation studies were carried out on the three-layer phase in air showing the narrow temperature range of stability.
The effect of target applications on the design of database machines

Specialized, single function processors can be built to be faster and cheaper than general purpose processors. Most database machines use such special purpose processors to manipulate data, with a general purpose managing processor to control the special purpose processors and perform utility functions. In this paper, the organization and use of these data manipulation processors is explored. Database machines are classified into single data manipulation processor systems, multiple disk-associated data manipulation processor systems, and multiple cache-associated processor systems. Examples of actual database machines are given for each category.Application types are classified into business, bibliographic search, and statistical analysis systems. A metric is developed to compare the performance of the categories of database machines with respect to the application types. The metric is the effective instruction rate, which is comparable to the instruction rate (millions of instructions per second) for conventional computers. It is shown that the effective instruction rate is highly sensitive to the proportion of work performed in the database machine's data manipulation processors. Therefore, determining the work that must be performed in the machine's managing processor is found to be important to determining the performance of the machine.Database machine performance for each category of database machines is compared for each type of application. It is shown that single processor systems are best for business applications; that disk-based multiple processor systems are best for bibliographic search applications; and that hybrid systems are best for statistical analysis applications. Therefore, the design of the organization of data manipulation processors is shown to be application-dependent.
Using Evaluation in Controversial Settings: The Client's Perspective.

Clients value the stabilizing force that evaluation can bring to settings troubled by conflicting value perspectives.
Granular impact and the critical packing state

Impact dynamics during collisions of spheres with granular media reveal a pronounced and nontrivial dependence on volume fraction $\ensuremath{\phi}$. Postimpact crater morphology identifies the critical packing state ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{cps}$, where sheared grains neither dilate nor consolidate, and indicates an associated change in spatial response. Current phenomenological models fail to capture the observed impact force for most $\ensuremath{\phi}$; only near ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{cps}$ is force separable into additive terms linear in depth and quadratic in velocity. At fixed depth the quadratic drag coefficient decreases (increases) with depth for $\ensuremath{\phi}l{\ensuremath{\phi}}_{cps}$ $(\ensuremath{\phi}g{\ensuremath{\phi}}_{cps})$. At fixed low velocity, depth dependence of force shows a Janssen-type exponential response with a length scale that decreases with increasing $\ensuremath{\phi}$ and is nearly constant for $\ensuremath{\phi}g{\ensuremath{\phi}}_{cps}$.
Cognitive Evaluation Theory: An Experimental Test of Processes and Outcomes.

Abstract Cognitive Evaluation Theory has been proposed as a viable theoretical framework for explaining the detrimental effects of performance contingent rewards on intrinsically motivated behaviors. A review of the literature suggested that this theory had not been adequately tested. A field experiment was undertaken to do this. The results did not support the theory.
A global organism detection and monitoring system for non-native species

Abstract Harmful invasive non-native species are a significant threat to native species and ecosystems, and the costs associated with non-native species in the United States is estimated at over $120 Billion/year. While some local or regional databases exist for some taxonomic groups, there are no effective geographic databases designed to detect and monitor all species of non-native plants, animals, and pathogens. We developed a web-based solution called the Global Organism Detection and Monitoring (GODM) system to provide real-time data from a broad spectrum of users on the distribution and abundance of non-native species, including attributes of their habitats for predictive spatial modeling of current and potential distributions. The four major subsystems of GODM provide dynamic links between the organism data, web pages, spatial data, and modeling capabilities. The core survey database tables for recording invasive species survey data are organized into three categories: “Where, Who & When, and What.” Organisms are identified with Taxonomic Serial Numbers from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. To allow users to immediately see a map of their data combined with other user's data, a custom geographic information system (GIS) Internet solution was required. The GIS solution provides an unprecedented level of flexibility in database access, allowing users to display maps of invasive species distributions or abundances based on various criteria including taxonomic classification (i.e., phylum or division, order, class, family, genus, species, subspecies, and variety), a specific project, a range of dates, and a range of attributes (percent cover, age, height, sex, weight). This is a significant paradigm shift from “map servers” to true Internet-based GIS solutions. The remainder of the system was created with a mix of commercial products, open source software, and custom software. Custom GIS libraries were created where required for processing large datasets, accessing the operating system, and to use existing libraries in C++, R, and other languages to develop the tools to track harmful species in space and time. The GODM database and system are crucial for early detection and rapid containment of invasive species.
African American adolescent males' perceptions of their community resources and constraints: A longitudinal analysis

The research study investigated African American adolescent males' perceptions of their community resources and constraints. The participants were drawn from a sample of African American adolescents participating in a cross-sectional longitudinal study in a large Southeastern American city. Research findings for two waves of data collection are reported [(8th, 9th, & 10th graders) and (10th, 11th, & 12th graders)]. The measures used were a combination of qualitative and quantitative instruments. The results from qualitative analyses indicated that adolescent males communicated with significant adults when confronted with negative experiences. Also, adolescent males reported awareness of negative neighborhood characteristics like drugs and violence. However, when students were asked about barriers that would keep them from reaching their life goals, over 2/3 of the sample had positive goal expectations. The measures used in the quantitative were subjected to reliability and validity checks. The instruments used had alphas above the .70 standard. The measures were The Black Male Experiences Measure, a revised-Machismo Measure and a Revised-Hassles Measure. The year 03 & 05 revised-Machismo Measure (referred to as the Bravado Construct) was the dependent variable. Measures of daily hassles and negative/positive experiences were used to predict exaggerated bravado attitudes in males (F (4, 116) = 8.09, p > .001). The variance accounted for in the model was 19.64%. The implications of the study support beliefs that negative attitudes are learned and are associated with negative contextual experiences. Exaggerated male identity attitudes may be coping strategies for survival in high-risk environments. Suggestions for prevention and intervention programs are given. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stabilized two-center holographic recording in doped LiNbO/sub 3/ crystals

A congruently grown LiNbO/sub 3/:Fe:Mn crystal with high Fe concentrations is experimentally tested to show the improvement in M/# and sensitivity. Particularly, the variation of sensitivity versus recording and sensitizing intensities is investigated in detail.
The Role of Ultrafiltration in Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure

Congestion, due in large part to hypervolemia, is the primary driver of heart failure (HF) admissions. Relief of congestion has been traditionally achieved through the use of loop diuretics, but there is increasing concern that these agents, particularly at high doses, may be deleterious in the inpatient setting. In addition, patients with HF and the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) have diminished response to loop diuretics, making these agents less effective at relieving congestion. Ultrafiltration, a mechanical volume removal strategy, has demonstrated promise in achieving safe and effective volume removal in patients with cardiorenal syndrome and diuretic refractoriness. This paper outlines the rationale for ultrafiltration in CRS and the available evidence regarding its use in patients with HF. At present, the utility of ultrafiltration is restricted to selected populations, but a greater understanding of how this technology impacts HF and CRS may expand its use.
Solubility of phenobarbital in alcohol-glycerin-water systems.

The solubility of phenobarbital in alcohol, water, glycerin, and combinations of these solvents has been determined and is reported. It has been found that the solubility of phenobarbital in hydroalcoholic solutions reaches a maximum at 90 per cent alcohol. The solubility of phenobarbital in alcohol is increased by the addition of glycerin, although glycerin and glycerin-water solutions are poor solvents for this compound. Tables and charts are included for use in determining quickly the volume of alcohol and/or glycerin required to dissolve a given weight of phenobarbital.
Hysteresis of Transfer Characteristics of Floating-Gate a-Si:H Thin Film Transistor Nonvolatile Memories

The mechanism controlling the memory function of the floating-gate amorphous silicon thin film transistor, i.e., the hysteresis behavior of the transfer characteristics, has been identified. The magnitudes of the forward and backward gate voltages determine the charge trapping and detrapping processes including the curve of the transfer characteristics, the hysteresis direction, and the memory window. The thickness of the channel-contact layer also controls the charge transport distance and the memory function. The memory window can be well defined and optimized by avoiding excessive trapping of holes and enhancing the trap of electrons.
Dengue fever epidemic potential as projected by general circulation models of global climate change

Climate factors influence the transmission of dengue fever, the world's most widespread vector-borne virus. We examined the potential added risk posed by global climate change on dengue transmission using computer-based simulation analysis to link temperature output from three climate general circulation models (GCMs) to a dengue vectorial capacity equation. Our outcome measure, epidemic potential, is the reciprocal of the critical mosquito density threshold of the vectorial capacity equation. An increase in epidemic potential indicates that a smaller number of mosquitoes can maintain a state of endemicity of disease where dengue virus is introduced. Baseline climate data for comparison are from 1931 to 1980. Among the three GCMs, the average projected temperature elevation was 1.16 degrees C, expected by the year 2050. All three GCMs projected a temperature-related increase in potential seasonal transmission in five selected cities, as well as an increase in global epidemic potential, with the largest area change occurring in temperate regions. For regions already at risk, the aggregate epidemic potential across the three scenarios rose on average between 31 and 47% (range, 24-74%). If climate change occurs, as many climatologists believe, this will increase the epidemic potential of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, given viral introduction and susceptible human populations. Our risk assessment suggests that increased incidence may first occur in regions bordering endemic zones in latitude or altitude. Endemic locations may be at higher risk from hemorrhagic dengue if transmission intensity increases.
The Influence of Decision Aids on High School Students’ Satisfaction with their College Choice Decision

Research by Wilson suggests that examining the bases of one’s decision can lower satisfaction with the outcome of that decision. However, several investigators have found that using decision aids that cause people to consider the bases of their decisions leads to greater satisfaction with the decision. In the present study, high school students used either no decision aid, a pro/con list, or a computer program in making their actual college choice. Among students whose recall of the basis for their college choice was less accurate, the two aids resulted in significantly higher satisfaction with their decision when assessed after one college term compared to the satisfaction level of the control group. The authors suggest that use of a decision aid will heighten satisfaction with one’s choice if the aid promotes the identification of the appropriate bases on which the decision will be made.
On the origin of membrane vesicles in Gram-negative bacteria

It is proposed that the genesis of extracellular membrane vesicles in Gram-negative bacteria is a result of cell wall turnover. Peptidoglycan turnover would cause a turgor on the outer membrane, causing the outer membrane to bulge and finally bleb. Mechanical motion would then shear the blebs into the culture medium.
Primary carcinoma of the appendix vs. carcinoid

Abstract 1. 1. Two rare cases of primary carcinoma of the appendix are reported. 2. 2. The essential characteristics of carcinoid tumor are given to enable the surgeon to more readily understand the differences between these two easily confused tumors.
Growth, distribution, and the environment: Sustainable development in India

Abstract This paper considers prospects for improving growth and income distribution in India that are broadly sustainable in terms of macroeconomic and environmental constraints. It first describes recent economic trends and the reform process, using a simple framework which can incorporate political economy issues. It then takes up environmental questions and the interaction of the environment and the macroeconomy. Based on this analysis, the economy's medium-term prospects are discussed under current policy and an alternative approach which is arguably more promising for growth, distribution, and the environment.
Characterization of [3H]GABA release from striatal slices: evidence for a calcium-independent process via the GABA uptake system.

Abstract GABA can be released by depolarization even in the absence of external Ca 2+ . To investigate the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon, GABA release was studied using slices prepared from rat striatum. Slices were preincubated with [ 3 H]GABA in the presence of β-alanine and superfused with Krebs buffer. Total tritium efflux was measured as an index of GABA release. Electrical stimulation at 2 Hz for 3 min elevated resting tritium efflux approximately two-fold. Decreasing external Ca 2+ to 0.1 mM increased basal tritium efflux and reduced electrically evoked overflow, while omitting Ca 2+ entirely (and adding 1 mM EGTA) increased both basal efflux and evoked overflow. Tetrodotoxin (5 μM) abolished the evoked release of tritium but did not affect the resting outflow in either normal or Ca 2+ -deficient conditions. In the presence of normal Ca 2+ , nipecotic acid (0.1–1 mM), an inhibitor of GABA transport into neurons as well as glia, enhanced both spontaneous efflux and evoked overflow of tritium. Nipecotic acid also increased spontaneous release when external Ca 2+ was reduced or removed; however, under these conditions electrically evoked overflow was reduced. These results suggest that the electrically evoked release of [ 3 H]GABA from striatal slices is of neuronal origin, but can occur in part in the absence of external Ca 2+ . They further suggest that this Ca 2+ -independent release, which may co-exist with the Ca 2+ -dependent release, takes place via the same carrier system utilized for high-affinity GABA uptake.
Temperature-Dependent, High-Resolution Magic-Angle-Spinning (HRMAS) NMR Studies of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic Acid)

High-resolution magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy is used to investigate the phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels crosslinked with N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide, hereafter poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc). Van't Hoff ΔH and ΔS for polymer dehydration are derived from temperature-dependent NMR spectra, and the thermodynamic data strongly support a four-stage dehydration mechanism for pure poly(NIPAAm). Acrylic acid stabilizes the hydration sphere around the polymer chains. Reduced amounts of water released during the phase transition translates into smaller values for ΔH and ΔS. Enhanced rehydration kinetics for poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) is attributed to water remaining in the samples at elevated temperatures, which may produce facile diffusion pathways and enable faster rehydration kinetics than poly(NIPAAm).
Fractionation and analysis of mitochondria with polycarbonate membrane filters.

Abstract Polycarbonate membrane filters were used to fractionate mitochondrial populations depending on their aggregation or association with other subcellular structures. Isolated rat liver mitochondria penetrated through filters which have pore sizes larger than 1 μm. In contrast, mitochondria which were induced to aggregate in vitro by incubation at low pH were retained by the filters and thus could be separated from the single or small aggregates of mitochondria. Use of this membrane filtration method to analyze release of mitochondria from isolated hepatocytes showed that treatment with digitonin at concentrations only sufficient to lyse the plasma membrane did not release mitochondria. Homogenization or sonication following digitonin treatment released 25–50% of the mitochondria, but only a small fraction was intact. A high yield of intact mitochondria was released from digitonin-treated cells by a brief treatment with a low concentration of the proteolytic enzyme nagarse. Thus, this membrane filtration method provides a simple and rapid approach to analyze the extent of mitochondrial aggregation and association with other subcellular structures.
Some inequalities for randomly stopped variables with applications to pointwise convergence

In this paper, first, we prove some inequalities for randomly stopped variables, which arise naturally in the gambling theory, then we show that a theorem of Chacon and some pointwise convergence theorems, which imply the submartingale convergence theorem, are immediate consequences of these inequalities.
Hillslope soil erosion estimated from aerosol concentrations, North Halawa Valley, Oahu, Hawaii

Concentrations of aerosolic quartz and137Cs were used to estimate rates of hillslope soil erosion during 1990–1991 in the North Halawa Valley on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Fluvial transport of quartz was estimated to be 6.1 Mg in 1990 and 14.9 Mg in 1991. Fluvial transport of137Cs from North Halawa Valley was estimated to be 1.29 × 109 pCi in 1991. Results were used with quartz contents,137Cs activities, and bulk densities of hillslope soils to compute rates of basinwide hillslope soil erosion ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mm yr−1. These rates are within the range of previous estimates of denudation computed for drainage basins on Oahu. The aerosol-concentration approach, therefore, is a useful method for assessing basinwide soil erosion.
Electrophysiological Modeling of Fibroblasts and their Interaction with Myocytes

Experimental studies have shown that cardiac fibroblasts are electrically inexcitable, but can contribute to electrophysiology of myocardium in various manners. The aim of this computational study was to give insights in the electrophysiological role of fibroblasts and their interaction with myocytes. We developed a mathematical model of fibroblasts based on data from whole-cell patch clamp and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies. The fibroblast model was applied together with models of ventricular myocytes to assess effects of heterogeneous intercellular electrical coupling. We investigated the modulation of action potentials of a single myocyte varying the number of coupled fibroblasts and intercellular resistance. Coupling to fibroblasts had only a minor impact on the myocyte's resting and peak transmembrane voltage, but led to significant changes of action potential duration and upstroke velocity. We examined the impact of fibroblasts on conduction in one-dimensional strands of myocytes. Coupled fibroblasts reduced conduction and upstroke velocity. We studied electrical bridging between ventricular myocytes via fibroblast insets for various coupling resistors. The simulations showed significant conduction delays up to 20.3 ms. In summary, the simulations support strongly the hypothesis that coupling of fibroblasts to myocytes modulates electrophysiology of cardiac cells and tissues.
Negative differential resistance in the scanning-tunneling spectroscopy of organic molecules

In the interpretation of scanning-tunneling spectroscopy data on molecular nanostructures the tunneling conductance is often assumed to be proportional to the local density of states of the molecule. This precludes the possibility of observing negative differential resistance (NDR). We report here the observation of NDR in the current-voltage $(I\ensuremath{-}V)$ characteristics of a self-assembled monolayer of $4\ensuremath{-}p\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{terphenylthiol}$ molecules on the Au(111) surface measured using a platinum tip. We argue that the NDR arises from narrow features in the local density of states of the tip apex atom and show that depending on the electrostatic potential profile across the system, NDR could be observed in one or both bias directions.
Growth of epitaxial films of sodium potassium tantalate and niobate on single-crystal lanthanum aluminate [100] substrates

Epitaxial films of sodium potassium tantalate (Na0.5K0.5TaO3, NKT) and sodium potassium niobate (Na0.5K0.5NbO3, NKN) were grown on single-crystal lanthanum aluminate (LAO) (100) (indexed as a pseudo-cubic unit cell) substrates via an all-alkoxide solution (methoxyethoxide complexes in 2-methoxyethanol) deposition route for the first time. X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the onset of crystallization in powders formed from hydrolyzed gel samples was 550 °C. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies of solutions of methoxyethoxide complexes indicated that mixed-metal species were formed, consistent with the low crystallization temperatures observed. Thermal gravimetric analysis with simultaneous mass spectrometry showed the facile loss of the ligand (methoxyethoxide) at temperatures below 400 °C. Crystalline films were obtained at temperatures as low as 650 °C when annealed in air. θ-2θ x-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the films possessed c-axis alignment in that only (h00) reflections were observed. Pole-figures about the NKT or NKN (220) reflection indicated a single in-plane, cube-on-cube epitaxy. The quality of the films was estimated via ω (out-of-plane) and φ (in-plane) scans and full-widths at half-maximum (FWHMs) were found to be reasonably narrow (∼1°), considering the lattice mismatch between the films and the substrate.
Solid-State Dehydration of Uric Acid Dihydrate

Uric acid dihydrate (UAD) is a crystalline constituent present in a significant fraction of human renal precipitates. Using a combination of techniques including powder X-ray diffraction, hot-stage light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis, the mechanism and kinetics of its irreversible dehydration to polycrystalline anhydrous uric acid (UA) is analyzed as a function of intrinsic sample parameters (e.g., crystal size, shape, structure) and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity). The highly anisotropic dehydration of UAD to UA is rationalized on the basis of its crystal structure and morphology, and appears to involve no other crystalline intermediate phases. Mechanistic models derived from both isothermal and nonisothermal kinetic data support a one-dimensional-phase boundary mechanism. Increasing relative humidity conditions were found to decrease the dehydration kinetics up to a point, after which a dissolution−recrystallization mechanism is e...
A subsampling UWB radio architecture by analytic signaling

This paper describes a signal processing technique which allows a reduction in the complexity of a transceiver for a 3.1-10.6 GHz ultra-wideband radio. The proposed system transmits passband pulses using a pulser and antenna, and the receiver front-end downconverts the signal frequency by subsampling, thus requiring substantially less hardware than a traditional narrowband approach. By exploring the properties of analytic signals, the system allows hardware reduction and a time resolution finer than the sampling period, which is useful for locationing or ranging applications.
On the performance of multicarrier modulation in a broadcast multipath environment

Multicarrier modulation (MCM) has traditionally been used on severely distorted channels for which there is a reverse path to the transmitter. A potential area of application of multicarrier modulation is for the terrestrial broadcasting of high rate digital television, including high-definition television (HDTV). We show that certain multipath conditions can substantially degrade the performance of MCM, even when combined with coding. If certain conditions are met, however, multipath contributes positively to the performance of the MCM receiver. >
Modeling Nontraumatic Aneurysm Evolution, Growth and Rupture

We have presented a mathematical model to study the evolution, growth and risk rupture of nontraumatic aneurysms contained within a cylindrical region of blood vessels. Analytical and numerical solutions are studied. Results affirmed that the intra-aneurysmal pressure and bloodstream flow account for the evolution and growth of aneurysms, and we find that an aneurysm may rupture when the ratio of the lateral membrane contraction to longitudinal membrane extension approaches one. Numerical properties of intra-aneurysmal pressure, impact fluid velocity, membrane displacement and the deformed radius with respect to the Poisson ratio, membrane thickness and extensional rigidity are studied. The importance of the findings is rested on the fact that they can be used to improve noninvasive means for predicting aneurysm rupture, and treatment and management decisions after rupture.
Segregate Applications at System Level to Eliminate Security Problems

Improvements in advanced microprocessor design and cost/performance gains in hardware technology have changed the distributed computing paradigm from a homogeneous parallel computation to a heterogeneous cluster one. This new paradigm involves coordinating and sharing computing, application, data, storage, and network resources across dynamic and possibly geographically dispersed organizations. To attract organizations to take advantage of off-the-shelf ready-to-build commodity clusters, substantial improvements have been realized in many areas such as resource allocation and management, process distribution and recovery, data integrity and application security. However, the primary factor above all others as we approach this new level of computing is trust - higher confidence in the privacy and security of data and resources is needed to advance to the next level. Most organizations avoid running applications using their private data on systems that are not under their control until a sufficient confidence of trust is built. Proofs of information security help build a higher level of trust and thus increase the utilization of the shared cluster. When launch applications on computer systems, five potential security threats arise at user, protocol, system, communication and hardware levels. To secure information, each level has to execute a set of protection tasks. Full trust will be achieved after all levels are proven immune from attack. In a conventional system, security is guaranteed if the hosting system is wholly controlled by the applications. Therefore, to protect confidential data between applications in a shared system, the traditional approach is to separate the entire system by either spatial or time methods. Here we introduce a resource separating and grouping mechanism that physically and logically separates system resources by adaptable scale to eliminate security problems and reduce the overall cost.
1-N-Acetylspermidine: occurrence in normal human serum.

Using gas chromatography mass spectrometry following derivatization (N-trifluoroacetylation), 1-N-acetylspermidine was found to occur in normal human serum at a level of approximately 0.008--0.5 nmol ml(-1), i.e. about two orders of magnitude lower than the corresponding spermidine level. No evidence for the occurrence in serum of the isomeric 8-N-acetylspermidine was found. Mass spectra of authentic samples of trifluoroactylated 1-N- and 8-N-acetylspermidine are presented.
Implementation of cellular phone-based secure light-weight middleware platform for networked RFID

We describe the core components of a mobile RFID system, and they include components such as mobile RFID reader, platform architecture and network architecture. Although there are several kinds of mobile RFID readers in the market, we will propose specially designed mobile RFID technology which has several positive features including security features, network architecture, operation scenario, and, code resolution mechanism. We will analyze the characteristics of the proposed technologies.
Do Our Methods Lead to Insomniacs' Madness?: Daytime Testing After Laboratory and Home-Based Polysomnographic Studies

Summary: Complaints of daytime dysfunction are common among chronic insomniacs, but laboratory compari­ sons of insomniacs and age-matched and gender-matched normal controls have generally failed to document these complaints. However, a few studies, which allowed subjects to sleep in their homes on the nights before daytime testing, have shown some relative diurnal deficits among insomniacs. The current study compared the effects of nocturnal laboratory and home polysomnogram (PSG) studies on subsequent daytime test results among older insomniacs and normal sleepers. Insomniacs (n = 32) and normal sleepers (n = 32) were randomly assigned to first undergo three nights of nocturnal PSG monitoring either in the sleep laboratory (16 insomniacs, 16 normal sleepers) or in their homes (16 insomniacs, 16 normal sleepers). Following the third night of PSG monitoring, subjects spent I day in the sleep laboratory, where they completed a four-trial multiple sleep latency test along with four trials of a computer-administered performance test battery. Results showed that insomniacs, as a group, were slightly, albeit consistently, sleepier than were normal sleepers following nights of home sleep monitoring, but a reverse of this trend was found among subjects who underwent nocturnal laboratory PSG before daytime testing. Furthermore, normal sleepers showed faster reaction times on a signal detection task than did insomniacs within the subgroup who underwent home PSGs prior to such testing. However, within the subgroup that underwent nocturnal laboratory PSGs, insomniacs' signal detection reaction times were significantly faster than those shown by normal sleepers. Results provide some support for the speculation that the nocturnal PSG monitoring site, used as a precursor to daytime testing, may systematically affect daytime comparisons between insomniacs and matched