cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Pollination: A New Tool for Analyzing Environmental Stress

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the effects of temperature, and particularly heat stress, on plant reproductive functions using maize as a model system. Environmental stress represents the most limiting factor to agricultural productivity. For major crop plants, the average losses in productivity due to stressful environment is estimated at 50–80% of their genetic potential. Although plants are able to tolerate some variations in their optimal growth conditions, temperature becomes lethal to the plant above a certain limit. The reproductive phase in the plant life cycle is particularly sensitive to heat stress. Because fertilization success is determined by a number of factors including pollen viability, female receptivity, and environmental influences that are impractical to test in the field, in vitro pollination is a useful technique for studying the fertilization process. Both pollination and culture are conducted under controlled nutritional and environmental conditions using this approach. The quality of male and female cells and tissues used for culture are necessary factors to ensure optimum in vitro fertilization.
SIMD programming illustrated using Intel's MMX instruction set

Parallel and vector processor architectures support SIMD-style (Single-Instruction, Multiple-Data) programming where a common operation is performed simultaneously on multiple data elements to improve performance. Intel Architecture's MMX technology, designed and optimized for multimedia applications, supports SIMD-style programming. In this paper we illustrate the use of Intel's MMX instruction set with simple SIMD-style coding examples. These codes are embedded in Visual C++ programs so that interested readers can quickly verify the logic and develop their own applications. The paper is also intended to help students and professionals to acquire the necessary skills to appreciate the advanced processor technology.
Knowledge-Based classification of neuronal fibers in entire brain

This work presents a framework driven by parcellation of brain gray matter in standard normalized space to classify the neuronal fibers obtained from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in entire human brain. Classification of fiber bundles into groups is an important step for the interpretation of DTI data in terms of functional correlates of white matter structures. Connections between anatomically delineated brain regions that are considered to form functional units, such as a short-term memory network, are identified by first clustering fibers based on their terminations in anatomically defined zones of gray matter according to Talairach Atlas, and then refining these groups based on geometric similarity criteria. Fiber groups identified this way can then be interpreted in terms of their functional properties using knowledge of functional neuroanatomy of individual brain regions specified in standard anatomical space, as provided by functional neuroimaging and brain lesion studies.
Crosstalk noise model for shielded interconnects in VLSI-based circuits

Placing shields around a victim signal line is a common way to enhance signal integrity while minimizing delay uncertainty. An analytic model of the peak noise is developed for shielded interconnects, based on a pseudo-2/spl pi/ RC model. A design methodology for inserting shields between coupled interconnects, to reduce crosstalk noise, is presented.
Suppression of surface waves using the micromachining technique

Silicon micromachining has been applied to build high performance microwave and millimeter-wave antennas. To suppress substrate modes and increase the bandwidth of the patch antenna, silicon substrate material has been selectively removed under the patch area. It has been shown that the new structure can effectively suppress unwanted substrate and higher order modes. Also, effective dielectric constant curves for micromachined substrates are provided for accurate design of patch antennas.
Effective compensation for physical effects in 3D single-photon-emission-computed tomography

SPECT can potentially be used for quantitative imaging of in vivo 3D radiopharmaceutical distributions. Attempts for accurate quantitation in 3D SPECT images have been compromise not only by the physical effects of photon attenuation, distance-dependent spatial resolution, and scattering, but also by the lack of effective and efficient methods that will correct for these effects. In this work, we introduce a one-step method that can effectively compensate for the effects of photon attenuation and distance-dependent spatial resolution in 3D SPECT. The correction for these effects requires only a very limited amount of computation in addition to that for 3D reconstruction and hence has the potential for routine clinical application. We use both computer-generated simulations and real data to validate the approach. The results demonstrate that the proposed one-step compensation method results in reconstructed 3D SPECT images with good quantitative information.
Encephalopathy or Encephalitis-like Syndrome

The recent publication of Gerald S. Golden, M.D. (Pediatrics, 36:67, 1965) entitled "encephalopathy and Fatty Change in the Liver and Kidney" describes the case of a child who died of encephalitic-like disease. I quote from his article: "Reports of a new syndrome, the chief manifestations of which are hypoglycorrhachia, disturbances of the state of consciousness, and vomiting, are reviewed and a case presented. The pathological manifestations are quite consistent and include massive fatty infiltration of the liver without necrosis, fatty changes in the epithelium of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney, and deposits of fat in the endothelium of many of the cerebral vessels.
Authentic Learning Exercises as a Means to Influence Preservice Teachers' Technology Integration Self-Efficacy and Intentions to Integrate Technology.

This study explored the impact of authentic learning exercises, as an instructional strategy, on preservice teachers’ technology integration self-efficacy and intentions to integrate technology. Also explored was the predictive relationship between change in preservice teachers’ technology integration self-efficacy and change in intentions to integrate technology. Participants included 104 preservice teachers enrolled into a professional preparation methods course. Technology integration self-efficacy was measured as perceived technological knowledge (TK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK), pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). A paired samples t-test revealed a significant increase in self-efficacy for all TPACK constructs, as well as intentions to integrate technology. The effect was greatest for PCK. Also, multiple regression analysis revealed change in technology integration self-efficacy as a model, predicted change in intentions to integrate. Particularly change in perceived technology knowledge, predicted change in intentions. Implications for professional preparation programs are shared.
The case report. II. Style and form

When you have completed the first draft of your manuscript, put it aside for a couple of weeks before you begin your critical review and revision, so that you will examine it with a fresh eye and renewed interest. Read your composition several times, concentrating on a specific criterion each time. Begin with the general principles of originality and validity; next move to structure and organization, then to grammatical propriety and usage, and finally to readability. Sensitize yourself to the recurrent maladies in medical writing--the verbosity, jargon, imprecision, barbarisms, stereotypy, illogical locutions, improper sequence of tenses, and generally unappealing style. Remember, you are writing to convey an important message, so make sure your style and form illumine rather than eclipse or becloud that message.
Non-invasive breast carcinoma

Non-invasive breast cancer is comprised of two distinct entities: lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS) and ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). The natural history of each clinical entity is described and a biologic interpretation of the available data is offered. Lobular carcinoma in-situ is considered only a risk marker rather than a precursor for the subsequent development of invasive cancer, so that once the diagnosis is established, further operative intervention is unnecessary and serial follow-up alone is recommended. The treatment of ductal carcinoma in-situ must take into account that breast-preserving therapy is now considered optimal treatment of invasive cancer of the breast, the disease we are trying to prevent. The pitfalls of recommending treatment based on retrospective data is emphasized and the need to support clinical trials designed to determine the optimal therapeutic management of intraductal carcinoma is affirmed.
Later developments in the Union Pacific merger case

First attempt to dissolve the combination of the Harriman lines, 772. — Opinion of the Supreme Court, 773. — Second unmerging plan, 774. — Difficulties encountered in separating the Southern Pacific from the Central Pacific, 775. — Attitude of the Pacific Coast, 778. — The State Railroad Commission of California refuses to approve proposed leases and other contracts in California, 785. — Modified version of the second unmerging plan, 786. — Third plan successful, 787. — Distribution of Baltimore and Ohio Stock, 789. — Final outcome of the proceedings, 790.
The Treatment of Unresectable, Locally Advanced Non—Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Radiation Therapy Perspective with an Emphasis on the Trials of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group

Abstract Radiation therapy used as a single modality in the treatment of locally advanced non—small-cell lung cancer is potentially curative, but long-term survival rates are disappointing due to both locoregional and distant failures. The trials of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) have been instrumental in defining the optimal management of this disease. The conclusions and questions posed by the RTOG are discussed in this review. The conclusions of this review include the following: chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy improves survival in patients with good performance, with increased toxicity; concurrent chemoradiation is superior to sequential chemoradiation. Questions remain regarding the value of the addition of induction or consolidation chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiation, the value of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, the role of altered fractionation regimens in combination with chemotherapy, the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen, and the role of novel biologic agents.
Influence of feed intake during individual weeks of lactation on reproductive performance of sows on commercial farms

Abstract The influence of average daily feed intake (ADFI) during different weeks of lactation on the reproductive performance of sows was investigated. Data contained 18243 farrowing and 15671 ADFI records for sows with lactation length between 7 and 22 days from 30 commercial farms. The regression coefficients of ADFI during individual 3 weeks of lactation on the three measures of reproductive performance were compared. The coefficients of ADFI on natural log-transformed weaning-to-service interval were larger for week 2 (−0.0529 for parity 1; −0.0579 for parity 2 or greater) than for weeks 1 (−0.0340 for parity 1; −0.0277 for parity 2 or greater) and 3 (−0.0295 for parity 1; −0.0188 for parity 2 or greater). The coefficients of ADFI for weeks 2 (0.6667) and 3 (0.6301) in parity 1 sows on litter weight at weaning were larger than that of week 1 (0.3051). In parity 2 or greater, the coefficient of ADFI for week 3 (1.2787) was intermediate between those for weeks 1 (1.0533) and 2 (1.6956). No differences were found between the coefficients of ADFI during individual weeks on subsequent litter size. It is suggested that increased feed intake during early and mid-lactation reduces weaning-to-service interval more than it does during late lactation, and increased feed intake during mid- to late lactation increases litter-weaning weights more than it does during early lactation.
α-bonded methyliron porphyrins? The conversion of iron(III) to magnesium(II) porphyrins by methyl-Grignards

Abstract Iron(III) porphyrins react with methyl-Grignard reagents to produce in sequence two similar but distinct S = 1 iron(II) porphyrins followed by the magnesium(II) complex. Stable porphyrin alkylirons are not produced by the methyl-Grignards, methyllithium, or sodium cyclopentadienide.
Radiation hybrid mapping of chromosomal region 2p15-p16: integration of expressed and polymorphic sequences maps at the Carney complex (CNC) and Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy (DHRD) loci.

Chromosomal region 2p15-p16, which corresponds to the genetic interval flanked by polymorphic markers D2S119 and D2S378 and covers a genetic distance of approximately 16 cM, is underrepresented in the existing maps of chromosome 2. This is primarily due to two large gaps of unknown physical distance within the known yeast and bacterial artificial chromosome (YAC and BAC, respectively) maps. In constructing a YAC/BAC contig covering 2p15-p16, a total of 55 sequence-tagged sites (25 of which are polymorphic), including new sequences derived from chromosomal walking, and 38 expressed sequence tags were screened by a commercially available RH panel (Stanford G3). A total of 45 of these sequences were placed; 32 of them were assigned at unique sites. The high-resolution TNG3 RH panel was then used to define further the chromosomal order of markers contained in the region flanked by D2S391 and D2S2153. This region harbors the genes for two autosomal dominant disorders, Carney complex (CNC), a multiple neoplasia syndrome, and Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy (DHRD), a disease leading to blindness at a young age. This is the first attempt to order cloned sequences in chromosomal region 2p15-p16, an area apparently resistant to YAC cloning. Construction of the 2p15-p16 RH map is critical for identifying the genes responsible for CNC and DHRD, as well as for the molecular elucidation of a chromosomal region that is frequently rearranged in tumors.
Disseminated multifocal herpes zoster leukoencephalitis and subcortical hemorrhage in an immunosuppressed child.

We describe a rare case of multifocal varicella-zoster leukoencephalitis in an immunosuppressed adolescent boy who developed a herpetiform rash on his groin and subsequently presented with a subacute encephalopathy, aphasia, and hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain revealed multifocal bihemispheric targetlike lesions predominantly in the white matter. A magnetic resonance imaging scan 2 weeks later showed a subcortical hemorrhage in the left insular region. He received long-term high-dose intravenous acyclovir and had significant improvement in his neurologic status. (J Child Neurol 1994;9:56-58).
Design of Wavelength-Selective Switch Using Micro-Ring Resonators

A very compact wavelength-selective crossbar switch array with high performances utilizing micro-ring resonators is proposed. An efficient tuning scheme to greatly improve switch unit performance is also demonstrated when fabrication errors present.
Application Of Contrast-Enhanced Lithography To 1:1 Projection Printing

Contrast-enhanced lithography (CEL) is a high-resolution, photolithographic technique which utilizes photobleachable materials in conjunction with conventional resist. The basic CEL concept, material requirements and applications to 10:1 lithography have been described previously. 1,2,3 In this paper we describe the application of this process to 1:1 projection lithography. A comparison of the defect density and linewidth control achieved with both conventional positive resist and CEL is made. These data are collected using electrical measurements on test structures fabricated with a Perkin-Elmer 321. The use of bleachable materials with conventional photoresists results in an increase in required exposure time for any given set of exposure conditions. An experimental analysis of the exposure time penalty vs. the line profile benefit will be presented. Another interesting application for CEL is maskmaking. With continued interest in 1:1 lithography, improved resolution in maskmaking is needed. While this application has not been investigated extensively, preliminary experiments suggest that significant improvements in resolution can be achieved when CEL is employed instead of the standard resist process. Experiments carried out using an Electromask 10:1 maskmaker will be presented.
Instrumentation for the Tevatron Beam Dump

A graphite core beam dump designed to accept aborted protons from both the Main Ring and the Tevatron has been installed at Fermilab. Instrumentation was designed and constructed to monitor the integrity of the dump, the temperature at various locations about the core, and the position of the beam at the front face of the dump. These devices include calorimeters, temperature sensing devices, and an ionization chamber. Constraints were placed on the choice of materials used due to expected maximum temperatures of 400/degree/C and accumulated doses over 10 years of up to 10/sup 10/ R. Presented in this study are details of the choice of materials for and the design and construction of the desired instrumentation. 5 refs.
Brain N-acetyl aspartate concentrations measured by 1H MRS are reduced in adult male rats subjected to perinatal stress: preliminary observations and hypothetical implications for neurodevelopmental disorders

The present study was undertaken to determine if the concentration of brain N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), a putative neuronal marker, is reduced in adult rats subjected to stress during the perinatal period. As the prenatal stressor, pregnant rats were subjected to restraint stress for one hour twice daily from days 14–21 of gestation; stressed offspring were reared by normal dams and studied as adults. As the postnatal stressor, normal pups were reared by prenatally stressed dams and studied as adults. As compared to non-stressed controls (n=6), NAA concentrations were significantly reduced 21 and 25% in left frontal cortex from the prenatal (n=4) and postnatal (n=6) stress groups, respectively. The data suggest that in perinatally stressed adult offspring permanent neuronal damage or loss has occurred. While no direct causal associations between perinatal stress and the developmental of particular disorders can be inferred from these limited data, the effects of perinatal stress on subsequent brain neuropathology are reviewed, particularly in relation to NAA. For hypothesis-generating purposes, the possible relevance of stress and NAA to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia is discussed in greater detail.
Construction of a new universal vector for insertional mutagenesis by homologous recombination

We describe here the construction of a vector (pSSC-9) which can be used for the insertional mutagenesis of any gene for which genomic sequences have been cloned. This vector contains a neomycin-resistance-encoding gene (neoR) which is driven by a modified thymidine kinase (tk) promoter for positive selection. Flanking neoR are two tk genes driven by their own promoters for negative selection of nonhomologous insertions. The neoR and tk cassettes are separated by four unique cloning sites on the right-hand side of the neoR cassette and three unique sites on the left-hand side. The vector also includes two SfiI sites, one on each side of the tk cassettes, for the excision of the cloned genomic DNA fragments along with the selectable markers. Electroporation of pSSC-9 into mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and cultured diploid mouse adrenal Y-1 cells conferred resistance to G418 and sensitivity to ganciclovir in both cell lines. These results illustrate the expression of the positive and negative selectable markers in two different cell lines and thus suggest that the vector could be used in ES cells, as well as in cultured somatic cells.
Quantum information: Caught at the finishing line.

Quantum systems habitually leak information, limiting their usefulness for practical applications. By optimally reversing the leak, this information loss has been reduced to a trickle in the solid state.
Comparative analysis between CFSE flow cytometric and tritiated thymidine incorporation tests for beryllium sensitivity.

Background: In this study, we evaluated alternative possibility for CFSE beryllium flow cytometric test against beryllium blood lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) as a standard radioactive clinical screening method to identify sensitization to beryllium. Methods: Delta PD (the ratio of divided cell population to the total number of cells with subtracted counts of unstimulated cells) of specific beryllium-induced pathogenic CD3+CD4+ T-lymphocytes and stimulation index (SI) in CFSE proliferation test was compared with delta counts per minute (mean test CPM minus mean control CPM) and SI in radioactive blood BeLPT. Results: Comparison analysis of CFSE and BeLPT demonstrated excellent agreement between delta PD and delta CPM (κ = 0.845, P << 0.0001). We determined 6.8% positive subjects in the beryllium-exposed, Be-LPT-negative group. The decreased mean difference of these indexes to percentage of average and the long tail in the plot reflects increased sensitivity. CFSE/CD4+ T-cell proliferation assay has 100% specificity, significantly higher sensitivity and efficiency than BeLPT. Conclusions: Both delta PD, measured by the precursor frequencies method in CFSE assay and delta CPM, defined by tritiated thymidine in BeLPT, can be used for the enumeration of beryllium specific CD4+ T-cell proliferation and may substantially improve the quality of the early diagnosis of beryllium hypersensitivity. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society.
Video-assisted thorascopic repair of a subarachnoid-pleural fistula in a child after thoracic tumor resection: technical note.

Study Design. Technical report. Objective. To describe a minimally invasive surgical approach for the obliteration of a subarachnoid-pleural fistula in a 4-year-old child after resection of an intrathoracic ganglioneuroma. Summary of Background Data. Development of a subarachnoid-pleural fistula has been reported after thoracotomy for lung, chest wall, and spinal tumors, when an iatrogenic meningeal laceration results in establishing communication between the spinal subarachnoid space and the pleural cavity. Methods. Review of a single case in which video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) was used to deposit fibrin glue and to suture a pleural allograft. Literature review was performed to document other options to treat subarachnoid-pleural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. Results. At 10 months after VATS repair, the CSF fistula has remained closed. Conclusion. VATS technique should be considered for a safe, efficacious, and durable CSF leak repair and as an alternative to open thoracotomy in the pediatric age group.
Performance limitations of imaging microscopes for soft x-ray applications

Recent advances in the fabrication of nanometer-scale multilayer structures have yielded high- reflectance mirrors operating at near-normal incidence for soft x-ray wavelengths. These developments have stimulated renewed interest in high-resolution soft x-ray microscopy. The design of a Schwarzschild imaging microscope for soft x-ray applications has been reported by Hoover and Shealy. Based upon a geometrical ray-trace analysis of the residual design errors, diffraction-limited performance at a wavelength of 100 angstrom was predicted over an object size (diameter) of 0.4 mm. In this paper we expand upon the previous analysis of the Schwarzschild x-ray microscope design by determining the total image degradation due to diffraction, geometrical aberrations, alignment errors, and realistic assumptions concerning optical fabrication errors. NASA's optical surface analysis code (OSAC) is used to model the image degradation effects of residual surface irregularities over the entire range of relevant spatial frequencies. This includes small angle scattering effects due to mid spatial frequency surface errors falling between the traditional `figure' and `finish' specifications. Performance predictions are presented parametrically to provide some insight into the optical fabrication and alignment tolerances necessary to meet a particular image quality requirement.
A refinement of Vizing's theorem

Abstract Let M be a multigraph with maximum edge-multiplicity μ and girth g . We show that χ′(M)⩽Δ(M)+⌈μ/⌊g/2⌋⌉ .
Erratum for "Analytical Model for the Impulse of Single-Cycle Pulse Detonation Tube"

I N the original evaluation of our analytical model for the singlecycle impulse of a pulse detonation tube,1 we approximated the detonation product isentrope as having a frozen composition with a corresponding polytropic exponent γ f . As discussed in the accompanying comment by Radulescu and Hanson and our response,2 for many situations, it is more appropriate to use an equilibrium approximation to the isentrope. This implies a different value of the polytropic exponent γ = γe and a new computational procedure for computing the plateau pressure P3 and results in revised values for the predicted impulse. Although the general equations and the qualitative conclusions drawn in our paper are unchanged, the revised numerical values of the predicted impulse differ up to 9.5% for stoichiometric fuel– oxygen mixtures and less than 1.3% for fuel–air mixtures at standard conditions. In this Errata, we present a revised set of data along with a short description of the calculations. The choice of the isentropic exponent, issues associated with chemical equilibrium, and the relevance to impulse calculations are discussed in the associated comment by Radulescu and Hanson and in our response to them. The input parameters of our impulse model consist of the external pressure P0, the detonation velocity UCJ, the equilibrium speed of sound behind the detonation front c2, the Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) pressure P2, and an approximation to the equilibrium polytropic exponent γe for the adiabatic expansion of the detonation products. All parameters were computed using numerical equilibrium calculations3 performed with a realistic set of combustion products. Instead of the analytic computation used in our original paper, our revised properties at state 3 (behind the Taylor wave) are now calculated by numerically integrating the Riemann invariant along the equilibrium isentrope until the plateau region of no flow is reached, ∫ P2
The G-Protein βγ Complex

Abstract The vast majority of signalling pathways in mammalian cells are mediated by heterotrimeric (αβγ) G proteins. Reviewed here is regulation of signal transduction by the βγ complex at different protein interfaces: subunit–subunit, receptor–G protein and G protein–effector. The role of diverse β and γ subunit types in achieving specificity in signalling and potentially unidentified functions for these subunits also are discussed.
The effect of thin membrane restraint on the ballistic performance of armor grade ceramic tiles

Abstract Incorporation of ceramics in hybrid armor systems has resulted in significant weight reductions. They are an excellent prospect for the next-generation energy absorbing systems for vehicular protection. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the ballistic efficiency of ceramic tiles can be vastly improved by judiciously restraining them with membranes of polymeric composites or metal sheets. Experiments have been conducted to study the ballistic performance and failure of armor grade Al 2 O 3 and SiC tiles. The comparative effects of restraint by materials such as E-glass/epoxy, carbon-fiber/epoxy and Ti-3%Al-2.5%V alloy and their varying thicknesses have been studied. WHA (tungsten heavy alloy) was used as the penetrator material at an impact velocity of 900 ms - 1 . It was observed that by restraining the impact-face of ceramic tiles with a membrane of suitable tensile strength, the ballistic efficiency can be improved by nearly 25% for a mere 2.5% increase in areal density. High-speed photography, flash radiography and microscopy provide insight into the failure mechanisms that underpin this improvement.
Mechanical proof systems for logic: reaching consensus by groups of intelligent agents

Abstract Reasoning about reaching consensus by groups of intelligent agents has been discussed and formalized by Rasiowa and Marek within the framework of a modified logic for approximation reasoning. Two kinds of knowledge operators have been applied: perception operators and epistemic operators. The present paper is restricted to the fragment with perception operators and presents theorem-proving systems of Gentzen style and of the resolution style. They are based on systems formulated by Rasiowa, Sikorski; and Robinson for classical predicate calculi and on those given by Orlowska for Post predicate calculi.
GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor α6 subunit mRNA in granule cells of the cerebellar cortex and cochlear nuclei : expression in developing and mutant mice

The gamma aminobutyric acidA/benzodiazepine (GABAA/BZ) receptor is a multisubunit (α, β, γ, δ, and ρ) ligand-gated chloride channel; there are several variants of the α, β, and γ subunits, each of which has been localized throughout the central nervous system. A large number of GABAA/BZ subunit variants are expressed within the cerebellar cortex. In previous studies from other laboratories, α6 subunit mRNA has been reported to be present exclusively in cerebellar granule cells. The developmental expression of α6 mRNA in cerebellar and cochlear granule cells is of interest because it has been suggested that each of these cell types is derived from a common precursor pool. The polymerase chain reaction was used to generate a cDNA fragment encoding a portion of the M3–M4 intracellular loop of the α6 subunit of the GABAA/BZ receptor. A [35S] riboprobe, transcribed from this cDNA fragment, was used to examine the expression of the α6 subunit mRNA by in situ hybridization in developing normal mice and in adult mutant mice with known deficits in synaptic circuitry. A strong hybridization signal was observed over the granule cell layers of both the cerebellum and cochlear nuclei in adult mice. The signal over the cochlear nuclei appeared after birth toward the end of postnatal week 1, coinciding with the appearance of labeling in the cerebellar cortex. The intensity of the hybridization signal in both regions increased rapidly until postnatal day 14, after which it increased more gradually, reaching adult levels during postnatal week 3. In the weaver mutant, α6 labeling was detected in surviving granule cells, but not in cerebellar regions devoid of granule cells. Significant levels of the α6 hybridization signal were also present in cerebellar granule cells of Purkinje cell degeneration, lurcher, and staggerer mutants, suggesting that aberrations in synaptic circuitry do not prevent α6 subunit gene expression. Our results demonstrate that α6 subunit mRNA is not limited to the cerebellum, but is expressed in other neurons which share a common cellular precursor pool. These data also suggest that these granule cell precursors may be intrinsically programmed to acquire a specific form of the GABAA/BZ receptor, irrespective of their final location and lack of connections with target neurons. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Metal complexes of furfurylamine derivatives

Abstract Complexes of Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) with furfurylamine, tetrahydrofurfurylamine, and N-methyltetrahydrofurfurylamine have been isolated. The first ligand coordinates as a monodentate ligand while the second and third coordinate as bidentate ligands. The complexes of CoCl 2 and CuCl 2 are initially non-electrolytes in nitromethane but become 1:1 electrolytes after the complexes have been in solution for 1 day. The spectral data for solutions of these complexes in nitromethane and acetonitrile are in agreement with those reported for solvolyzed tetrachlorometallate species.
Effect of an Experimental Rhinovirus 16 Infection on Airway Mediator Response to Antigen.

Viral respiratory infections provoke wheezing in many patients with asthma. It is our hypothesis that viral respiratory infections enhance the airway inflammatory response to antigen, thus provoking increased wheezing. To evaluate this possibility, 8 patients with allergic rhinitis were experimentally inoculated with rhinovirus (RV) 16. The airway response to antigen was evaluated by segmental bronchoprovocation with antigen. During the RV infection, and at recovery 4 weeks later, there was enhanced histamine release and recruitment of cells, particularly eosinophils, to the airway with antigen challenge. These findings suggest that RV infection can enhance the airway inflammatory response to antigen.
PIRG doldrums: exit via overrecapitalization

The laggards of the Eurozone pose a novel economic and legal issue. Whereas the Eurozone sorely needs growth in the PIRGS, neither conventional Keynesian stimulus nor devaluations are likely to be productive. This essay proposes that growth be rekindled by forced over-recapitalization of the laggards’ private banks. This will generate local growth while circumventing inefficient national governments and without starting an inflation spiral or additional bureaucracy. The proposal is sensitive to the Eurozone’s attitudes about federalism of financial regulation, to help which the paper juxtaposes the development of US bank regulation.
Counting and constructing orthogonal circulants

Abstract If F is an arbitrary finite field and T is an n × n orthogonal matrix with entries in F then one may ask how to find all the orthogonal matrices belonging to the algebra F[T] and one may want to know the cardinality of this group. We present here a means of constructing this group of orthogonal matrices given the complete factorization of the minimal polynomial of T over F. As a corollary of this construction scheme we give an explicit formula for the number of n × n orthogonal circulant matrices over GF(pl) and a similar formula for symmetric circulants. These generalize results of MacWilliams, J. Combinatorial Theory10 (1971), 1–17.
An endogenous elevation of cGMP increases the excitability of identified insect neurosecretory cells.

In the moth, Manduca sexta, the neuropeptide, eclosion hormone, triggers a dramatic rise in the levels of intracellular cGMP within a group of 50 neurons. The cells within this group include the segmentally repeated neurosecretory cell, Cell 27. In this study the effect of cGMP on the excitability of Cell 27 was investigated using intracellular recordings. Prior to its normal elevation in cGMP, Cell 27 exhibited a high spike threshold, but this was lowered dramatically when intracellular cGMP levels increased. The latter was also associated with spontaneous action potentials. This change in excitability did not correspond with changes in either resting potential, input resistance, or action potential amplitude. A similar lowering of threshold was induced by perfusion of 8-bromo-cGMP, whereas 8-bromo-cAMP caused the threshold to increase. Intracellular recordings using various ion substitution paradigms and channel blockers provided evidence which suggests indirectly that Ca2+ is mostly responsible for the depolarizing phase of the action potential while a Ca2+-activated K+ current contributes to the hyperpolarization. The results of these manipulations are consistent with the hypothesis that cGMP may partially increase excitability in Cell 27 by enhancing an inward Ca2+ current.
A Grand Unified Theory of Rehabilitation (We Wish!). The 57th John Stanley Coulter Memorial Lecture

There has been much discussion of the need to enhance the evidence base supporting rehabilitation practice. Much of this discussion focuses on the need for gathering useful empirical data to support or refute the benefit of specific treatments and services. In contrast, little attention has been paid to the role of theory in advancing science in general and rehabilitation science in particular. This lecture focuses on the role that theory has played in scientific progress and examines some of the theoretical frameworks that may have useful applications to rehabilitation research.
Superconducting properties of evaporated copper molybdenum sulfide films

Films of copper molybdenum sulfide were produced by coevaporation. Those that were superconducting contained only the ternary compound and free molybdenum. The range of copper content in the ternary compound was as large as that in polycrystalline material, that is, it includes either phase alone, or a mixture of the two phases of this material. This is in contrast with sputtered materials where copper concentration has been limited to a narrower range. The upper critical field and the critical current were measured as functions of external magnetic field, and found to be similar to those of sputtered copper molybdenum sulfide, when the comparison was made for samples having the same amount of copper.
Handwritten word recognition using segmentation-free hidden Markov modeling and segmentation-based dynamic programming techniques

A lexicon-based, handwritten word recognition system combining segmentation-free and segmentation-based techniques is described. The segmentation-free technique constructs a continuous density hidden Markov model for each lexicon string. The segmentation-based technique uses dynamic programming to match word images and strings. The combination module uses differences in classifier capabilities to achieve significantly better performance.
Design of reconfigurable fractal antennas and RF-MEMS for spaced-based communication systems

In this paper, design concepts of reconfigurable and electronically steered antennas based on a new fractal antenna and FR-MEMS devices are presented. The input characteristics of the Hilbert curve fractal antenna can be made frequency agile by incorporating RF-MEMS switches along its length. In addition, due to the large number of connected segments in this antenna geometry, reconfigurable radiation characteristics can be obtained by adding just few additional line segments to interconnect these through semiconductor or RF-MEMS switches. The beam peak direction can be shifted by 63 degree(s) and the beam width can be changed by up to 25 degree(s) by this approach. An electronically steered antenna with micromachined phase shifters using tunable ferroelectric barium strontium titanate thin film is also discussed. These MEMS based antenna systems find applications in communications satellites and electronically scanned arrays for space-based radars.
Automated Coach to Practice Conversations

We present a real-time system including a 3D character that can converse, capture, analyze and interpret subtle and multidimensional human nonverbal behaviors for possible applications such as job interviews, public speaking, or even automated speech therapy. The system works in a personal computer and senses nonverbal data from video (i.e., facial expressions) and audio (i.e., speech recognition and prosody analysis) using a standard web cam. We contextualized the development and evaluation of our system as a training scenario for job interviews. Using user-centered design and iterations, we determine how the nonverbal data could be presented to the user in an intuitive and educational manner. We tested efficacy of the system in context of job interviews with 90 MIT undergraduate students. Our results suggest that the participants who used our system to improve their interview skills were perceived to be better candidates by human judges. Participants reported that the most useful feature was being given feedback on their speaking rate, and overall they reported strong agreement that would consider using this system again for self-reflection.
Thermal performance evaluation of hybrid heat source radiant system using a concentrate tube heat exchanger

Abstract This study developed a new radiant system concept having a concentric tube heat exchanger embedded in a radiant panel and evaluated the system characteristics. The concentric tube heat exchanger allows two fluids, air and water, to flow in the same direction. The outdoor air for the space ventilation requirement passes through an inner tube. The primary heat transfer medium, water, flows through the outer tube exchanging heat with both radiant panel and air tube. Two fluids would have an identical temperature condition by the characteristics of the heat exchanger. The system configuration enables simultaneous satisfaction of the space sensible loads and ventilation requirement. It has also flexibility to use outdoor air directly at night to reduce any heat built up during the day in the thermal mass. A numerical analysis model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has evaluated this conceptual system. Comparing this new system with the performance of a typical system incorporated with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), the proposed system is shown to provide a more closed the room set temperature condition and a better local thermal environment. In addition, the developed system can improve the performance of the night ventilation operation using nocturnal outdoor air.
Studies on the base-promoted conversion of conjugated alkynyl esters to α-substituted α-allenyl esters

We report the development of an efficient method for the conversion of a variety of conjugated alkynyl esters to α-substituted conjugated allenyl esters (racemic) through the use of strong amide bases. Substantially improved yields over typical enolate formation conditions were observed with the use of 2 equiv of lithium diisopropylamide. Trapping studies indicate that the second equivalent of base likely leads to the dianion intermediate, which upon addition of methyl iodide, trimethylsilyl chloride, or tributyltin chloride gives mixtures of α-substituted conjugated allenyl and β,γ-alkynyl deconjugated esters. Further optimization revealed that additive salts such as LiCl lead primarily to the allenyl product while the use of HMPA as a cosolvent gives the β,γ-alkynyl deconjugated alkylation product. The role of base, base concentration, and electrophile on product yield and selectivity is also discussed.
Activity of DNA and RNA polymerases in resurfacing rabbit corneal epithelium

Activity of RNA polymerases I, II and III (distinguished using α-amanitin) and activity of DNA polymerases α and β (distinguished using N-ethylmaleimide) were assayed for varying intervals and at varying substrate (UTP or dTTP) concentrations in the purified nuclear fraction from corneal epithelium of carbamylcholine-treated and control eyes of rabbits with resurfacing acid burn defects. Incorporation was linear with time for all enzymes up to 30 min. In 10 min assays at varying substrate concentrations, all polymerases from carbamylcholine-treated eyes had significantly elevated Vmax compared to corresponding control enzymes. The drug also increased apparent affinity of RNA polymerase II for UTP and apparent affinity of DNA polymerases a and 3 for dTTP. Results are discussed in relation to potential mechanisms by which effects of carbamylcholine on polymerase activity may be mediated.
Rationality of liquidity preferences and the neoclassical monetary growth model

Abstract In the neoclassical monetary growth literature, the rationality condition in the sense of freedom from money illusion is imposed on the demand for nominal balances by assuming that this demand is homogenous of degree one in nominal income and nominal wealth. We argue that the price level should enter into this demand as a separate argument, and that the rationality condition should require that the demand be homogenous of degree one in nominal income, nominal wealth, and the price level. Then, the symmetry issue of the real purchasing power is consequential to the structure of the neoclassical monetary growth model.
ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF RADIOGRAPHS ACCOMPANYING BIOPSY SPECIMENS

According to a long-established protocol, biopsy specimens of bony lesions sent to the University of Washington Histopathology Service are accompanied by relevant radiographs. In this study, the authors evaluated the quality of 114 radiographs, both intraoral and panoramic, from 89 consecutive cases. The radiographs were judged on their clinical usefulness, rather than on criteria for technically ideal images, and on the severity, rather than the number, of errors. Only 33 percent of the panoramic radiographs were of acceptable quality, while the quality of the intraoral radiographs was markedly better. The most striking feature was the lack of three-dimensional radiographic coverage of the site of surgical exploration.
A NEW FEATURE SCALE MODEL AND EXPERIMENTS OF THE HYDROGEN PLASMA ASSISTED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION OF COPPER

A new feature scale model has been developed for the hydrogen plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) of copper from Copper(II) bis-hexafluoroacetylacetonate, CufHfa)2. PACVD of CufHfa)2 enables low temperature deposition and conformal coverage to be achieved. Copper is formed via a surface reaction between dissociatively adsorbed precursor and the atomic hydrogen that is produced in the plasma by the dissociation of molecular hydrogen. Our feature model shows that the transport of CufHfa)2 and atomic hydrogen into irenches/vias is restricted by the feature walls, which reduces gap fill. Also, ii predicts conservatively that the concentration of Cu(Hfa)2 is essentially constant and that the formation of voids is due largely to the variation in the concentration of atomic hydrogen. Using a variable diffusion, free boundary model that we have applied to copper PACVD, we show that gap fill can be very good and that voidless via fill can be achieved under proper conditions. These conditions are sens...
Telephone counseling and the masturbator: A dilemma

The problems facing telephone counseling services who receive calls from men who desire to masturbate while talking to a female are discussed. Some suggestions are made as to how the counselor can handle this type of call, but it is noted that there is no evidence that telephone counseling is feasible with such callers.
Purification of the NADPH:5α-dihydroprogesterone 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase from female rat pituitary cytosol

Abstract The NADPH:5α-dihydroprogesterone 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3α- HSOR) [EC 1.1.1.50] which catalyzes the reversible conversion of 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5α-dihydroprogesterone; 5α-DHP) to 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (3α-,5α-tetrahydro-progesterone; 3α,5α-THP) was purified to apparent homogeneity from female rat anterior pituitary cytosol by a three step micro-purification. Specific activity of purified 3α-HSOR was enriched 438-fold from that in pituitary cytosol using successive ion exchange, chromatofocusing and affinity column chromatography purification steps. 3α-HSOR appears to be a monomer with an approximate molecular weight of 36 kDa and an isoelectric point of about 5.75. The purified enzyme appears as a single protein staining band (36 kDa) when examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and with both silver or Coomassie blue staining. Under non-dissociating electrophoretic conditions, all of the 3α-HSOR activity co-migrated with the 36 kDa protein staining band. The purified enzyme in the presence of the preferred cofactor, NADPH, has an apparent K m for 5α-DHP of 82 nM and a V max of 1.2 μmol of 3α, 5α-THP formed per mg protein/30 min. The K m for NADPH was 0.71 μM. In the oxidative direction, the enzyme in the presence of NADP + has a K m for 3α,5α-THP of 1.4 μM and a V max of 9.7 μmol of 5α-DHP formed per mg protein/30 min. The K m for NADP + was 1.6 μM.