cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multigrid preconditioning of linear systems for semi-smooth Newton methods applied to optimization problems constrained by smoothing operators

This article is concerned with the question of constructing efficient multigrid preconditioners for the linear systems arising when applying semi-smooth Newton methods to large-scale linear-quadratic optimization problems constrained by smoothing operators with box-constraints on the controls. It is shown that, for certain discretizations of the optimization problem, the linear systems to be solved at each semi-smooth Newton iteration reduce to inverting principal minors of the Hessian of the associated unconstrained problem. As in the case when box-constraints on the controls are absent, the multigrid preconditioner introduced here is shown to increase in quality as the mesh-size decreases, resulting in a number of iterations that decreases with mesh-size. However, unlike the unconstrained case, the spectral distance between the preconditioners and the Hessian is shown to be of suboptimal order in general.
Striatal Responses to Partial Dopaminergic Lesion: Evidence for Compensatory Sprouting

Dopaminergic lesions result in the acute loss of striatal dopamine content, the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers, upregulation of preproenkephalin mRNA expression, and compensatory changes in the synthesis and metabolism of dopamine. Despite the severe loss of fine tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers, larger fibers persist. We found that some tyrosine hydroxylase fiber types increase their branching and become thicker after partial lesion. To determine whether the remaining tyrosine hydroxylase fibers were degenerative or part of a compensatory response, we morphologically characterized striatal tyrosine hydroxylase fibers and compared them to silver-stained degenerative structures. Branched and large tyrosine hydroxylase fiber types were nondegenerative. Furthermore, normal preproenkephalin mRNA expression was maintained despite severe overall loss of tyrosine hydroxylase fibers in striatal regions with abundant branching, whereas preproenkephalin mRNA expression increased in severely depleted regions that lacked branched fibers, indicating that branching or sprouting was involved in the compensation for dopamine depletion and the maintenance of normal preproenkephalin expression. In support of compensatory sprouting by tyrosine hydroxylase fibers, mRNA for growth associated protein-43 was upregulated in dopaminergic midbrain cells. We conclude that an important compensatory response to partial dopaminergic depletion is the formation of new branches or sprouting.
Postoperative MRI of the shoulder

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the postoperative shoulder presents technical and diagnostic challenges related to imaging artifacts from hardware and micrometallic shavings, postsurgical scarring, and morphological alterations. Improved visualization of postoperative shoulder anatomy and pathology can be obtained with the use of metal artifact reduction techniques as well as MR arthrography. In this article we review the MR techniques that are designed to address these technical and diagnostic challenges, and we discuss the definitions and indications, normal MRI appearance, and complications of routine surgical procedures for treatment of injuries to the rotator cuff, labral ligamentous complex, and biceps tendon.
Rat Race Roulette: Helping Humans Make Sense of Probabilistic Journey Time?

Probabilistic journey planners accounting for uncertainty inherent to travel time are becoming more widely available. One common difficulty associated with such sophisticated planners is communicating the risk in the proposed plan to the end users. In this research, we have empirically investigated how different representations of journey time distributions affect people's understanding. Specifically, we have compared three graphical representations of continuous probability distributions representing journey times: a continuous function graph, a histogram, and a new representation we propose, based on the cumulative distribution function. We evaluated both reading and comparison understanding and explored whether a short tutorial was useful to increase performance. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations to developers of applications involving the visualization of probabilistic journey times.
Behavior Therapy Versus “Will Power” in the Management of Obesity

Summary In a study of the management of obesity 43 patients were randomly assigned to behavior therapy, will power, and no-treatment control groups. The behavioral treatment involved contingency contracting, stimulus control, self-monitoring, energy expenditure, and group reinforcement procedures over an 18-week period. The will power patients were told to do the same thing as the behavior therapy patients; however, instead of having formal contingencies and meeting regularly, they were told to apply “will power” on their own, as this was the most important aspect of losing weight. The third group was a standard no-treatment control group. Analyses of covariance indicated that (a) the behavior therapy group lost significantly more weight than the will power (p < .05) and no-treatment control (p < .01) groups, and (b) the will power and no-treatment control groups did not differ significantly from each other. An 18-week maintenance follow-up of the behavior therapy group indicated that there was no signifi...
Sustainable Transportation Systems for Dhaka Metropolitan City: Issues and Opportunities

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, with more than 15 million people within its area of 360 square km, has emerged as one of the most congested, unsafe, and polluted cities in the world today. The capital city relies on its road-based transportation system. However, the roads of Dhaka are not well planned, designed, and operated to meet the dwellers mobility and accessibility needs. A major portion of Dhaka's some 1868 km of roadways has no sidewalks and where the sidewalks do exist, they are very narrow, poorly maintained, and disjointed or broken. Buses are the only form of mass transit mode in Dhaka, and bus operators are mostly privately owned fragmented and unorganized companies. They provide substantially inadequate and very poor quality of bus service. For its very existence as a mega-city, Dhaka needs to develop a healthy transportation system to support its existing population as well as to maintain a sustained growth. Given the status-quo, this paper addresses six critical issues (e.g., transportation infrastructure and pedestrian, public transportation, growth management and control, education and research, governance and institutions, and funding and financing), and needs in light of developing sustainable transportation systems for Dhaka metropolitan city.
Knowledge engineering for small batch manufacturing systems

Abstract The skilled craftsmen and setup engineers who prepare and operate small batch manufacturing systems are experts in planning, hand/eye manipulation tasks and sensor-based monitoring skills. During knowledge engineering experiments, craftsmen can be studied during the enaction of such skills. For example, this case study considers some of the activities of experts who plan and supervise the fabrication of complex three-dimensional metal parts on computer controlled milling machines. The broad motivation of this research is to automate small-batch machining so that a machine tool can run completely unattended in future factory systems.
Five-coordinate nitrosyl iron(II) tetraphenylporphyrin exhibits porphyrin ring 14N symmetry about the Fe–N–O plane: a hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy study

Abstract Hyperfine sublevel correlation experiments were performed on five-coordinate nitrosyl iron(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (ON–FeTPP) in frozen toluene solution. The spectrum exhibits pairs of equivalent pyrrole nitrogens N 1,2 and N 3,4 . The quadrupole parameters agree with literature values for other pyrrole nitrogens. N 2s spin densities of −0.0021 to −0.0022 and −0.00096 on N 1,2 and N 3,4 , respectively, are found. The anisotropic hyperfine interaction results from magnetic dipole interactions between the pyrrole 14 N nuclei and electron spin located in the Fe 3d z 2 -type orbital and in the N 2p orbitals in the ( yz ) plane bisecting the pyrrole C–N–C angles. The spin density in the Fe 3d z 2 -type orbital along the normal to the porphyrin plane ( y axis) is ∼0.7. The two pyrrole N 2p orbitals are quantized along axes y ′ and z ′ , 9–10° from y and z , respectively. The N 2p y ′ and N 2p z ′ spin densities range from −0.005 to −0.009 and +0.007 to +0.010, respectively.
Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of the heme domain of inducible nitric oxide synthase: Binding of ligands at the arginine site induces changes in the heme ligation geometry

The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the heme domain of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) demonstrate a close relationship to the corresponding spectra of the neuronal isoform (nNOS). The binding of ligands to the iNOS arginine site perturbs the environment of the high-spin ferriheme in a highly ligand-specific manner. The iNOS forms five-coordinate, high-spin complexes with arginine analogs which are clearly related to the corresponding complexes of nNOS. Studies indicate that the binding of L-arginine, N(omega)-hydroxy-L-arginine (NHA), and N(omega)-methyl-L-arginine (NMA) produces various spectroscopic species closely corresponding to the equivalent complexes of nNOS, while N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (NNA) binding produces a state which appears intermediate in character between the nNOS NNA and arginine complexes. These spectroscopic studies have permitted the determination of ligand-specific high-spin states which reveal similarities and differences between iNOS and nNOS.
Vibrational Raman spectra of hydrogen and deuterium mixtures at high pressures

Room-temperature mixtures of hydrogen and deuterium in the fluid and solid states have been studied to 60.5 GPa (605 kbar). Raman-scattering measurements performed on these mixtures showed substantial deviations in the pressure dependence of the vibrational stretching frequencies of the molecules as compared with spectra from monomolecular hydrogenic samples. Most notably, the maximum in the vibron-frequency shift occurs at higher pressures. These observations are explained in terms of the coupling interaction between identical molecules, the same interaction that governs the ${\mathit{Q}}_{1}$(0) and ${\mathit{Q}}_{1}$(1) frequency shifts in ortho-para hydrogen mixtures.
CZT detectors for high-energy flare spectroscopy: the Room Temperature Semiconductor Spectrometer (RTeSS) on the JAWSAT satellite

We report on the design and construction of a solar flare spectrometer that will employ four 15 X 15 X 15 mm CZT detectors with coplanar electrodes. The compact spectrometer, which will provide measurements in the 40 - 800 keV energy range, is being constructed for flight on the Joint Air Force Academy/Weber State University Satellite (JAWSAT). JAWSAT is scheduled for a Minuteman II launch into a 650 km sun-synchronous orbit early during the next solar maximum. The terminator orbit will allow our Room Temperature Semiconductor Spectrometer (RTeSS) to monitor solar hard x-ray and gamma-ray emission nearly continuously during the 23rd solar sunspot maximum. The primary scientific objective of the RTeSS is measurement of the broad line complex near 450 keV that is generated in solar flare spectra by the interaction of energetic alpha particles with helium in the solar atmosphere. The RTeSS spectral resolution of approximately 4% FWHM at 662 keV is well matched to the line splitting expected for likely alpha particle angular distributions and should allow us to place important constraints on the acceleration and the transport of flare ions. The primary technological objective of the RTeSS program is to test the feasibility of using CZT detectors for the construction of solar flare spectrometers that are capable of high resolution observations when operating at room temperature. If successful in low earth orbit, CZT solar flare spectrometers could lead to significant savings in mass, volume, and power consumption over conventional high-resolution spectrometers.
Response of cotton cultivars to aluminum in solutions with varying silicon concentrations

Abstract Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is extremely sensitive to Al toxicity. Increasing Si concentration in solution has been reported to alleviate AI toxicity. In this investigation the effects of varying Si concentrations (700, 1400, and 2800 μM Si) on reactive Al (defined as Al reactive with aluminon during 10‐s reaction time, without acidification and heating) was studied in solutions containing either 50, 100 or 200 μM Al during 50 d of aging. An increase in Si concentration had negligible effects on the reactive Al in solutions with 50 or 100 μM Al. However, in solutions with 200 μM Al the reactive Al decreased by 6 to 15% with an increase in Si concentration from 0 to 2800 μM. The effects of either 700, 1400 or 2800 μM Si on root growth of Coker 208, Coker 315, DPL 90, McNair 235, Stoneville 506 and Tifcot 56 cotton cultivars were investigated in solutions containing either 0, 10, 20 or 40 μM Al with 500 μM Ca at pH 4.5. In solutions containing no Al, addition of 700 μM Si improved root growth by...
A Multi-Detector Germanium Gamma Ray Camera

The design, fabrication, and evaluation of a multidetector germanium gamma ray camera is described. The camera consists of a square array of four orthogonal strip high purity germanium detector elements which are 12 mm thick and have a 41 cm2 field of view. Position sensitive readout is achieved using the resistive charge splitting method. The measured FWHM system energy and spatial resolution at 140 keV are 5.5 keV and 2 mm, respectively. Comparative phantom and animal studies yielded radionuclide images with contrast and in-depth spatial resolution superior to that of state-of-the-art scintillation cameras.
Dilemmas, Decisions, and Recommendations: Personal Empowerment in an Elementary Science Methods Course.

1 assumedit would be like most of the other classes I'd had in the past. That I would come in and the professor would hand us a syllabus o f activities that he expected us to do. When we came to class it was quite different. Dr . . . . told us he had made an outline for us, but i f we wanted to, we could completely ditch the outline and come up with one of our own with goals for the quarter. I don't know how the other students felt, but I think most were shocked. This was something new . . . . all of a sudden we were confronted with all these choices.
Ethnicity, bone status, and the calcium requirement

Abstract The relationship of calcium intake to bone and total body health is reviewed for Caucasian, Black, and Oriental populations. A large body of evidence indicates that calcium intake is an important determinant of bone acquisition during growth, of bone loss with age, and of fracture risk for both Caucasian and Oriental populations. Much less information is available for Blacks. Such evidence as has been published indicates that inadequate calcium intake limits bone acquisition and maintenance in Blacks just as in the other races. However, it is abundantly clear that the intake needed to ensure optimal skeletal status is lower in Blacks than in the other racial groups. Additionally Blacks exhibit relative resistance of the bony resorptive apparatus to parathyroid hormone and consequently have higher blood levels of parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH) 2 vitamin D. These mechanisms lead to reduced urinary calcium loss in both children and adults, and to improved calcium absorption in children - adaptations which facilitate achieving optimal bone status on reduced calcium intakes. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that these same adaptations, despite their protection of the skeleton, contribute to the burden of other chronic diseases in Blacks (particularly hypertension), and that, for them, optimal total body health is achieved at a calcium intake higher than that required for skeletal health.
Induction of Antibodies in Rhesus Macaques That Recognize a Fusion-Intermediate Conformation of HIV-1 gp41

A component to the problem of inducing broad neutralizing HIV-1 gp41 membrane proximal external region (MPER) antibodies is the need to focus the antibody response to the transiently exposed MPER pre-hairpin intermediate neutralization epitope. Here we describe a HIV-1 envelope (Env) gp140 oligomer prime followed by MPER peptide-liposomes boost strategy for eliciting serum antibody responses in rhesus macaques that bind to a gp41 fusion intermediate protein. This Env-liposome immunization strategy induced antibodies to the 2F5 neutralizing epitope 664DKW residues, and these antibodies preferentially bound to a gp41 fusion intermediate construct as well as to MPER scaffolds stabilized in the 2F5-bound conformation. However, no serum lipid binding activity was observed nor was serum neutralizing activity for HIV-1 pseudoviruses present. Nonetheless, the Env-liposome prime-boost immunization strategy induced antibodies that recognized a gp41 fusion intermediate protein and was successful in focusing the antibody response to the desired epitope.
Supplemental perioperative fluid administration increases tissue oxygen pressure.

Background. Wound infections are common and serious surgical complications. Wound perfusion delivers oxygen, inflammatory cells, growth factors, and cytokines to injured tissues. Hypoperfused regions experience low oxygen tensions that do not support adequate oxidative killing or wound healing. Clinicians may fail to recognize clinically important hypovolemia because hemodynamic stability and urine output are maintained after peripheral perfusion is compromised. We tested the hypothesis that supplemental fluid administration during and after elective colon resection increases tissue perfusion and tissue oxygen pressure. Methods. Fifty-six patients undergoing colon resection were randomly assigned to conservative (8 mL·kg−1·h−1, n = 26) or aggressive (16 to 18 mL·kg−1·h−1, n = 30) fluid management. Anesthetic technique was standardized. We used 60% nitrous oxide in 40% oxygen. During surgery and postanesthetic recovery, subcutaneous oxygen tension (PsqO2) was measured by using a polarographic sensor implanted subcutaneously into 1 upper arm. Capillary blood flow was evaluated postoperatively with a thermal diffusion system. Data were analyzed with 2-tailed t tests; P value less than.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Hemodynamic and renal responses were similar in the groups. Intraoperative tissue oxygen tension was significantly greater in patients given supplemental fluid: 81 ± 26 vs 67 ± 18 mm Hg, P =.03. Postoperative PsqO2 (77 ± 26 vs 59 ± 15 mm Hg, P =.009) and capillary blood flow (69 ± 12 vs 53 ± 12, P <.001) were also greater in the supplemental fluid patients. Conclusions. Supplemental perioperative fluid administration significantly increases tissue perfusion and tissue oxygen partial pressure. Optimizing tissue perfusion will require providing more fluid than indicated by normal clinical criteria or use of invasive monitoring to guide treatment. The actual effect of supplemental fluid administration on incidence of wound infection requires further investigation. (Surgery 2003;133:49-55.)
Detection of trace gases using frequency modulated off-axis cavity ring-down spectroscopy

We describe and demonstrate a trace gas detector using a variation of cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) in which we modulate the laser frequency and use off-axis alignment to simplify the sensor design and make it more suitable for deployment in vibration-prone environments. The use of off-axis alignment reduces the sensitivity to vibration and optical feedback. Modulation of the laser frequency eliminates signal fluctuations that can arise due to laser drift and incomplete averaging of the cavity modes, and thus removes the need for precision locking or frequency stabilization of the laser.
Requirement of TLR4 and CD14 in dendritic cell activation by Hemagglutinin B from Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that is one of the causative agents of chronic adult periodontal disease. Among the potential virulence factors of P. gingivalis are the hemagglutinins. Recombinant Hemagglutinin B (rHagB) from P. gingivalis has been shown to activate the immune system by inducing specific antibodies that protect against experimental periodontal bone loss following P. gingivalis infection. Since different microbial products can stimulate dendritic cells (DC) through Toll-like receptors (TLRs), subsequently leading to T cell activation and antibody production, we wanted to investigate the immunostimulatory effect of rHagB on DC and the role of TLR signaling in this process. Using an endotoxin free rHagB preparation, our results show that stimulation of murine bone marrow-derived DC with rHagB leads to upregulation of the costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40, activation of p38 and ERK MAP kinases, transcription factors NF-kappaB, CREB and IRF-3 and the production of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-12p40 and to a lesser extent IL-10 and IFN-beta. This activation process was absolutely dependent on TLR4 and CD14. While upregulation of CD86 was independent of the adaptor molecule MyD88, CD40 upregulation and optimal cytokine (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-12p40, IL-10 and IFN-beta) production required both MyD88 and TRIF molecules. These results are of importance since they are the first to provide insights into the interaction of rHagB with DC and TLRs. The information from this study will aid in the design of effective vaccines strategies against chronic adult periodontal disease.
Midbrain stimulation inhibits tail-flick only at currents sufficient to excite rostral medullary neurons

Abstract The effects of midbrain electrical stimulation on the activity of tail-flick (TF) related neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) were studied. Neurons whose activity either decreased (off-cells) or increased (on-cells) immediately prior to TF were examined. Of 31 off- and on-cells, 26 (84%) showed increased activity during midbrain stimulation sufficient to suppress the TF. Furthermore, in 21 of these cells, the threshold for activation was identical to the threshold for TF suppression, and in the other 5 cells the threshold difference was⩽5 μA. This study provides evidence that off- and on-cells in the RVM mediate the antinociceptive actions of midbrain stimulation.
STUDIES ON THE OXIDATION AND REDUCTION OF IMMUNOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES : VI. THE "REACTIVATION" OF THE BACTERIOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF OXIDIZED PNEUMOCOCCUS EXTRACTS.

The methods previously employed in the study of hemotoxins have been applied in the present investigation to the oxidation and reduction of the bacteriolytic substance of Pneumococcus. It is shown that the bacteriolytic agent, previously inactivated by oxidation, can be "reactivated" by treatment with bacterial reducing agents. Evidence is presented that this "reactivation" represents the reduction of inactive, reversible oxidation products to the original active substance. The bacteriolytic agent is an integral constituent of the pneumococcus cell, which can be separated from the hemotoxin by absorption with red blood cells in the cold.
Effect of Temperature on Thermoelastic Instability in Thin Disks

A model of a thin annular plate sliding against an elastic foundation was developed and used to study thermoelastic instability (TEI) in clutches. The analysis examines the stability of the quasi-steady state solution of the governing equations by considering non-axisymmetric perturbations. The results indicate that above critical values of temperature and sliding speed the response of the plate becomes unstable and exhibits large deformations. Two mechanisms account for this behavior: thermal buckling and bending. It is shown that a conservative approximation of the stability boundaries can be constructed by computing only two points on the stability curve. The boundary between stable and unstable behavior depends on the material properties, geometry, and boundary conditions. The model was used to conduct a parametric study which indicates that stability of the sliding system can be improved by reducing the sliding speed, decreasing the modulus of elasticity of the plate, increasing the thermal conductivity, or increasing the thickness. In addition, for a range of sliding speeds, increasing the stiffness of the friction material improves the stability of the system. For speeds outside this range, increasing the stiffness makes the system less stable.
Gelation of Commercial Whey Protein Concentrates: Effect of Removal of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Components

Low-molecular-weight solutes were removed from reconstituted, commercial whey protein concentrate (WPC) and isolate (WPI) by centrifugal gel filtration. Effects on gelation properties were investigated as a function of pH, protein concentration, and mineral ion addition by least concentration endpoint (LCE) and uniaxial compression testing. Partial removal of low-molecular-weight solutes had little effect on WPC and WPI gelation. Lowest LCE values were obtained at pH 6, 0.2M ion addition, and with KC1 and CaCl2 addition. Highest gel firmness (shear stress and strain) values were at pH 6 and 7.5, and at 0.1M ion addition. WPI functioned better than WPC by both test procedures.
Variance-Stable R-Estimators.

By means of the concept of change-of-variance function we investigate the stability properties of the asymptotic variance of R-estimators. This allows us to construct the optimal V-robust R-estimator that minimizes the asymptotic variance at the models under the side condition of a bounded change-of-variance function. Finally, we discuss the connection between this function and an influence function for two-sample rank tests introduced by EPLETT (1980),
Intra- and Inter-Molecular Cross-Linking of Peptide Ions in the Gas Phase: Reagents and Conditions

Intra-molecular and inter-molecular cross-linking of protonated polypeptide ions in the gas phase via ion/ion reactions have been demonstrated using N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS)- based reagent anions. The initial step in the ion/ion reaction involves the formation of a long-lived complex between the peptide and reagent, which is a prerequisite for the covalent bioconjugation chemistry. The sulfonate groups on the NHS rings of the homo-bifunctional cross-linking reagents have high affinity for the protonated sites in the peptide and, therefore, facilitate the long-lived complex formation. In addition to the formation of a long-lived chemical complex, intra-molecular cross-linking also requires two unprotonated primary amine sites within a molecule where the covalent modification takes place. Alternatively, inter-molecular cross-linking demands the availability of one neutral primary amine site in each of the two peptides that are being cross-linked. Nucleophilic displacement of two sulfo-NHS groups by the amine functionalities in the peptide is a signature of the covalent cross-linking chemistry in the gas phase. Upon removal of the two sulfo-NHS groups, two amide bonds are formed between an unprotonated, primary amine group of a lysine side chain in the peptide and the carboxyl group in the reagent.
The effect of maternal weight on efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of maternal weight on misoprostol cervical ripening in labor induction. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients receiving intravaginal misoprostol tablets for cervical ripening between August 1, 1995, and January 1, 1998. Patients received 50 μg of misoprostol serially every 8 hours until Bishop score was 7 or higher, labor occurred, intervention was required, or a total of 500 μg was used. Patients were arbitrarily grouped between maternal weights of 165 lb or more and less than 165 lb. Results: There were 124 women less than 165 lb and 243 women more than 165 lb. There was no difference between the groups in demographics, but indications for delivery were different, with preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and diabetes being higher among the large women. Oxytocin was used more frequently and for longer periods of time in large women, and the mean number of misoprostol tablets was also greater in women more than 165 lb. Their time to labor or induction (11.8 versus 14.4) was higher and the time from first misoprostol to delivery (19 versus 24 hours) was longer. The incidence of hyperstimulation was no different nor was the number of patients who received terbutaline. Stage 1 labor was longer in heavier women, as was the incidence of cesarean delivery and epidural use. Birth weights were higher in the larger women, as well. Conclusions: Women less than 165 lb require fewer misoprostol insertions to receive equivalent success in women greater than 165 lb. In addition, women less than 165 lb deliver in a significantly shorter period of time than women of larger weights.
Progestins inhibit FSH-stimulated granulosa estrogen production at a post-cAMP site

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the mechanism by which progestins inhibit FSH-induced estrogen (E) production by cultured rat ovary granulosa cells. We have demonstrated that the highly potent synthetic progestin, R5020, is able to inhibit the induction of granulosa cell aromatase activity by cholera toxin, prostaglandin E2, dibutyryl cAMP or oFSH. Since the induction of E synthesis by these compounds is mediated through activation of adenylate cyclase and increased cellular cAMP production, these observations indicate that the progestin inhibitory effect is a post-cAMP event. In addition, we have demonstrated that R5020 does not inhibit FSH-stimulated granulosa cell cAMP production. The involvement of the granulosa cell progesterone (P) receptor as a mediator of this post-cAMP progestin effect is suggested by the relative abilities of various progestins to both bind the P receptor and to block the induction of granulosa cell aromatase activity by dibutyryl cAMP. While the precise mechanism of progestin action remains unclear, the kinetic analysis of aromatase enzyme activity demonstrates that progestins are not acting as competitive inhibitors of granulosa cell aromatase. Since E is necessary for follicular development, our in vitro data are consistent with the hypothesis that P is a factor which can inhibit FSH-induced follicular growth and development in the rat ovary.
Mendel's work and its rediscovery: A new perspective

(1990). Mendel's work and its rediscovery: A new perspective. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 197-212.
GOLPH3L antagonizes GOLPH3 to determine Golgi morphology.

GOLPH3 is a ubiquitous PI4P effector, critical for Golgi function, and also an oncogene. GOLPH3L, a paralogue in vertebrates, also binds PI4P and localizes to the Golgi, but its expression is restr...
Definitions and conventions in ellipsometry

Abstract Many parameters which appear in the theory of ellipsometry crucially depend on the choice of arbitrary conventions and definitions. This dependence is discussed for nine two-fold choices. On the basis of literature usage, preferences are expressed for one of each of the alternatives and for the nomenclature of the variables involved.
Flow Control among Microvessels Coordinated by Intercellular Conduction

Optimal distribution of blood flow requires coordination of vasodilation among resistance vessels. During hyperemia, blood vessels dilate upstream from the initiating stimulus. Spreading vasodilation independent of flow changes has not been previously demonstrated. In the present study, iontophoresis of acetylcholine adjacent to single hamster cheek pouch arterioles in situ (diameter, 20 to 37 micrometers) induced a rapid bidirectional dilation that was not attenuated when blood flow was eliminated with vascular occlusion. This finding indicates that a vasodilatory stimulus is conducted along the arteriole and demonstrates the existence of a mechanism of intercellular communication that is capable of coordinating diameter changes among resistance vessels.
Reliability measure of a clinical test: Appreciation of Music in Cochlear Implantees (AMICI).

Purpose The goals of this study were (1) to investigate the reliability of a clinical music perception test, Appreciation of Music in Cochlear Implantees (AMICI), and (2) examine associations between the perception of music and speech. AMICI was developed as a clinical instrument for assessing music perception in persons with cochlear implants (CIs). The test consists of four subtests: (1) music versus environmental noise discrimination, (2) musical instrument identification (closed-set), (3) musical style identification (closed-set), and (4) identification of musical pieces (open-set). To be clinically useful, it is crucial for AMICI to demonstrate high test-retest reliability, so that CI users can be assessed and retested after changes in maps or programming strategies. Research design Thirteen CI subjects were tested with AMICI for the initial visit and retested again 10-14 days later. Two speech perception tests (consonant-nucleus-consonant [CNC] and Bamford-Kowal-Bench Speech-in-Noise [BKB-SIN]) were also administered. Data analysis Test-retest reliability and equivalence of the test's three forms were analyzed using paired t-tests and correlation coefficients, respectively. Correlation analysis was also conducted between results from the music and speech perception tests. Results Results showed no significant difference between test and retest (p > 0.05) with adequate power (0.9) as well as high correlations between the three forms (Forms A and B, r = 0.91; Forms A and C, r = 0.91; Forms B and C, r = 0.95). Correlation analysis showed high correlation between AMICI and BKB-SIN (r = -0.71), and moderate correlation between AMICI and CNC (r = 0.4). Conclusions The study showed AMICI is highly reliable for assessing musical perception in CI users.
Analgesia following local injection of dibutyryl cyclic nucleotides at sites in the rat CNS

Tail flick latency (TFL) was elevated following microinjection of both dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) was dibutyryl cyclic GMP (dbcGMP) at sites in the caudal reticular formation. TFL was also elevated following injection of dbcAMP but not dbcGMP into the periaqueductal gray. TFL was unaltered following administration of either agent into the lumbar intrathecal space. These actions are discussed with respect to the possible involvement of cyclic nucleotides in the analgesic action of morphine.
ATR-IR study of the adsorption of 2′-hydroxyacetophenone and benzaldehyde on MgO

Abstract ATR-IR measurements were conducted during the adsorption of 2′-hydroxyacetophenone and benzaldehyde from a liquid solution onto a thin MgO film at room temperature. Analysis of the results obtained by multivariate modeling revealed the presence of adsorbed surface species, which are similar in nature to the species observed during the adsorption of the same molecules on MgO from the gas phase. In particular, both 2′-hydroxyacetophenone and benzaldehyde adsorb intact from the liquid phase onto the MgO surface at room temperature without any significant changes observed in the main functional groups or the aromaticity of their rings.
The Future of Genetics in Public Health

During the 1980s, we have witnessed an erosion in federal and state funding for the coordination of genetic services in state health departments. As this decade begins, the federal budget for the support of the national genetics program is less than half of the total available in 1980. In addition, priorities in state maternal and child health programs have changed, and genetic services have often received lower rankings aside of programs to improve prenatal care and to address problems such as teenage pregnancy. Clearly we are at a critical point for the future of genetics programs in the public health arena. Fortunately, despite the problems with funding and priority setting, important coalitions have been built during the past decade and continued advances in medical genetics have made it difficult for public health officials to ignore the potential impact of genetic services. Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services (CORN) and the regional genetic services networks have provided opportunities for interaction and coordination between genetic services providers and public health officials that had not been available to any significant extent. The full potential of these coalitions has yet to be realized, but efforts in data collection, development of national guidelines and standards, and information sharing and networking have already had an influence on state genetic services programs. Continuing research on the genetics of chronic diseases and the influence of discoveries in molecular genetics will undoubtedly broaden the current scope of state public health programs in genetics, which all too often have been limited to newborn screening and administration of grants for genetic services. The regional and national genetic services programs should be strengthened and appropriate training programs should be developed in Schools of Public Health to provide the expertise and leadership that will be needed to guide the future of genetics in public health.
A paradox of non-monotonicity in stability of pipes conveying fluid

The paradoxical result of the non-monotonous relationship between the critical speed of the fluid that is conveyed in the elastic pipe, and the mass ratio was reported first some four decades ago. Since then this result was reproduced in numerous books and articles. In this study the paradox is revisited. It appears that it is a numerical artifact; instead of non-monotonicity there are jumps.
Metabolite Activation of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism and C4 Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase

The effects of glycine, alanine, serine, and various phosphorylated metabolites on the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase from Zea mays and Crassula argentea were studied. The maize enzyme was found to be activated by amino acids at a site that is separate from the glucose 6-phosphate binding site. The combination of glycine and glucose 6-phosphate synergistically reduced the apparent Km of the enzyme for PEP and increased the apparent Vmax. Of the amino acids tested, glycine showed the lowest apparent Ka and caused the greatest activation. d-Isomers of alanine and serine were more effective activators than the l-isomers. Unlike the maize enzyme, the Crassula enzyme was not activated by amino acids. Activation of either the Crassula or maize enzyme by glucose 6-phosphate occurred without dephosphorylation of the activator molecule. Furthermore, the Crassula enzyme was activated by two compounds containing phosphonate groups whose carbon-phosphorus bonds were not cleaved by the enzyme. A study of analogs of glucose 6-phosphate with Crassula PEP carboxylase revealed that the identity of the ring heteroatom was a significant structural feature affecting activation. Activation was not highly sensitive to the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the second or fourth carbon positions or to the presence of a hydroxyl group at the second position. However, the position of the phosphate group was found to be a significant factor.
Computer-assisted modeling of blood-flow: theoretical evidence for the existence of optimal flow wave patterns.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to model blood-flow waveforms in order to examine the relationship between various waveform shapes and input impedance spectra. Twenty distinct single cardiac cycle flow waveforms having the same mean flow and heart rate were created based on clinical and published observations. The “best” waveform was one with a steep flow upstroke, a high peak flow value, swift deceleration following peak flow, and flow reversal during diastole. Each flow waveform was paired with 20 computer-generated pressure waveforms to calculate input impedance spectra by discrete Fourier transformation. “Favorable” flow waveforms were associated consistently with a lower characteristic impedance (average of 4th–10th harmonics, Z av ) irrespective of the shape or magnitude of the input pressure wave. Z av corresponds to the degree of compliance of the vascular bed and could be expected to be lower under favorable outflow conditions and in non-diseased vessels. In conclusion, this study provides theoretical evidence for the existence of optimal flow wave patterns and supports the notion of flow waveform assessment for diagnostic purposes.
The Accuracy of Hedge Fund Returns

How can the same hedge fund report different performance measures in different places? The answer is that auditing plays an important role in explaining the differences. Although the majority of hedge funds state that they have auditors, a significant proportion of these funds are not effectively audited. Funds that have gone out of business have been particularly less effectively audited than funds that have survived, and audited funds have much smaller return discrepancies than non-audited funds. There is a significantly positive correlation between the fund size and the auditing variable. Large funds tend to be audited and small funds not. Funds listed on exchanges, funds of funds, funds with broad investor representation, funds open to the public, funds invested in a single industrial sector, and unlevered funds have smaller return discrepancies than other funds. These findings suggest a compelling need for hedge fund auditing.
Taking the X Architecture to the 65-nm technology node

The X Architecture is a new way of orienting the interconnect on an integrated circuit using diagonal pathways, as well as the traditional right-angle, or Manhattan, configuration. By enabling designs with significantly less wire and fewer vias, the X Architecture can provide substantial improvements in chip performance, power consumption and cost. Members of the X Initiative semiconductor supply chain consortium have demonstrated the production worthiness of the X Architecture at the 130-nm and 90-nm process technology nodes. This paper presents an assessment of the manufacturing readiness of the X Architecture for the 65-nm technology node. The extent to which current production capabilities in mask writing, lithography, wafer processing, inspection and metrology can be used is discussed using the results from a 65-nm test chip. The project was a collaborative effort amongst a number of companies in the IC fabrication supply chain. Applied Materials fabricated the 65-nm X Architecture test chip at its Maydan Technology Center and leveraged the technology of other X Initiative members. Cadence Design Systems provided the test structure design and chip validation tools, Dai Nippon Printing produced the masks and Canon’s imaging system was employed for the photolithography.
Hymenolepis diminuta: interactions of the isolated brush border membrane with proteolytic enzymes.

Abstract Proteins of the isolated brush border membrane of Hymenolepis diminuta were hydrolyzed in vitro by chymotrypsin, papain, pepsin, subtilopeptidase A (= subtilisin Carlsberg), and trypsin. Neither proteolytic nor amidase activity was demonstrable in the isolated membrane using proteinaceous (casein and hemoglobin) or chromogenic (benzoyl-arginine- p -nitroanilide and succinyl-alanyl-alanyl-propyl-phenylalanine p -nitroanilide) substrates, and the membrane preparation did not inhibit the proteolytic and amidase activities of these enzymes. Thus, the isolated tegumental membrane of H. diminuta is not inherently resistant to the action of proteolytic enzymes, and it does not inhibit proteolytic activity. In control incubations containing only buffer, the alkah'ne phosphatase activity of the brush border membrane decreased in a time dependent manner, but in the presence of chymotrypsin, subtilopeptidase A, and trypsin, the membrane retained greater alkaline phosphatase activity (pepsin and papain could not be tested for this effect on alkaline phosphatase activity). A similar time dependent decrease in activity was also noted for each of the proteolytic enzymes in control assays, but subtilopeptidase A and papain retained greater activity in the presence of the isolated membrane preparation when these assays were compared to controls.
A Low Profile Twin-PIFA Laptop Reconfigurable Multi-band Antenna for Switchable and Fixed Services Wireless Applications

A reconfigurable twin inverted-F monople antenna has been developed to cover various services including (GSM/DCS/UMTS/IMT-2000/WLAN). These services operate at seven different frequency bands (800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.4 GHz WLAN, and 5.2 GHz frequency bands). The developed antenna is compact and has a low profile which makes it optimum for laptop implementation (103 mm times 12 mm times 3 mm). It utilizes two-branches, and each branch has more than one-resonance. The twin PIFA antennas are switchable to collectively provide wider range of operating frequencies, i.e. services. The embedded switches, however, are strategically located next to the ground plane to ease their implementation, and reduce parasitics. The implemented design is aimed at simultaneously providing fixed service like Bluetooth at 2.4 GHz, and switchable services (like GSM or PCS for example) at all other frequencies.
Capacitance–voltage characteristics and device simulation of bias temperature stressed a-Si:H TFTs

Abstract In this paper, the degradation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film transistors under a self-heating stress (SHS) condition is investigated by analyzing the capacitance–voltage characteristics of gate-to-drain capacitance ( C gd ) and gate-to-source capacitance ( C gs ). The very different characteristics of C gd – V g and C gs – V g show different stress-induced density of states (DOS) property at the drain side and source side of channel. In a long channel device, the C gd and C gs characteristics could be explained by the deep states profile which corresponds to the non-uniform threshold voltage profile induced by the bias temperature stress only. The capacitance-voltage and current-voltage curves, simulated using the ATLAS 2D simulator based on the non-uniform defect states profile, agreed well with the measured data. In a short channel device, the simulation fitting of the C gd and C gs data required a non-uniform defect states profile, which is substantially modified from the long channel profile. This was interpreted in terms of a significant contribution of the non-uniform temperature distribution, caused by stress-induced self-heating effect in the short channel device, to the defect states density profile in the channel. A decreased density of conduction band tail states at the source end, corresponding to the increased deep Gaussian states, enabled a good simulation fit in the short channel device.
Buerger's disease

Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a nonatherosclerotic segmental inflammatory disease of small- and medium-sized arteries of the distal extremities of predominantly young male tobacco users. Early symptoms may include episodic pain and coldness in fingers, and late findings may present as intermittent claudication, skin ulcers, or gangrene requiring eventual amputation. Tobacco cessation is the cornerstone of treatment. Other modalities of reducing pain or avoiding amputation have not been as successful. This review summarizes in tabular form the types of treatment that have been used, including therapeutic angiogenesis.