cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning constitutive equations of physical components with predefined feasibility conditions

Complete models of physical systems enable a plethora of model-based methods in control, diagnosis or prognosis. Proprietary information and system complexity often hinder building such models. We address here the problem of learning physical representations of components in partially known physical systems. These representations need to be feasible: when included in the system model, at minimum the model has to simulate. We propose mathematical models for the component representations and give necessary and sufficient conditions for their feasibility. We demonstrate our approach on a illustrative example where we learn different representations of an unknown resistor component in an electrical circuit.
Coups d'état and the foreign exchange market

I empirically examine the effect of coups d'etat on the foreign exchange market using a monthly panel dataset covering 150 countries over the period 1980–2015. Specifically, I investigate whether foreign exchange market's participants sanction a country following a coup d'etat event by allowing depreciations of its national currency against a weighted basket of currencies of its trading partners. I combine different identification strategies and find that the occurrence of a coup d'etat induces a depreciation of the nominal effective exchange rate in the coup d'etat country and generates negative spillover effects on neighbouring countries. Once a coup occurs, a country level of financial buffers and the flexibility of its exchange rate regime allow reducing the magnitude of the depreciation. In addition, I provide evidence that coups also increase the likelihood of experiencing a currency crisis by about 2 percentage points in coup d'etat countries compared to non‐coup d'etat countries.
The Effects of Narrowband Interference on OCDM

Orthogonal chirp division multiplexing (OCDM) is a fairly new multi-carrier modulation scheme that has been proposed for optical fiber communications. It spreads data over an entire band using a set of linear chirps that are mutually orthogonal thus achieving the maximum spectral efficiency. This paper analyzes the performance of OCDM in wireless multi-path channels with narrow band interference (NBI) and in doing so shows that linear minimum mean squared error (MMSE) equalization exhibits an interesting signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) dependent degradation in error performance caused by interference amplification at high SNR. Furthermore, it employs a variant of the MMSE equalizer when the interference energy is known to prevent interference amplification and improve the error performance.
La ficción como amparo legal del arte: titiriteros, raperos y libertad de expresión en la España pos 15-M

Las polemicas sentencias a prision de cantantes, teatreros o tuiteros han situado en el punto de mira a Espana en un debate sobre la libertad de expresion que ha cruzado las fronteras estatales. De...
Novel Adjective Processing in Preschool Children: Evidence From Event-Related Brain Potentials.

Purpose Recent findings in preschool children indicated novel adjective recall was enhanced when learned using repeated retrieval with contextual reinstatement (RRCR) compared to repeated study (RS...
A Background-Noise and Process-Variation-Tolerant 109nW Acoustic Feature Extractor Based on Spike-Domain Divisive-Energy Normalization for an Always-On Keyword Spotting Device

In mobile and edge devices, always-on keyword spotting (KWS) is an essential function to detect wake-up words. Recent works achieved extremely low power dissipation down to $\sim500$ nW [1]. However, most of them adopt noise-dependent training, i.e. training for a specific signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise type [1], and therefore their accuracies degrade for different SNR levels and noise types that are not targeted in the training (Fig. 9.9.1, top left). To improve robustness, so-called noise-independent training can be considered, which is to use the training data that includes all the possible SNR levels and noise types [2]. But, this approach is challenging for an ultra-low-power device since it demands a large neural network to learn all the possible features. A neural network of a fixed size has its own memory capacity limit and reaches a plateau in accuracy if it has to learn more than its limit (Fig. 9.9.1, top right). On the other hand, it is known that biological acoustic systems employ a simpler process, called divisive energy normalization (DN), to maintain accuracy even in varying noise conditions [3]. In this work, therefore, by adopting such a DN, we prototype a normalized acoustic feature extractor chip (NAFE) in 65nm. The NAFE can take an acoustic signal from a microphone and produce spike-rate coded features. We pair NAFE with a spiking neural network (SNN) classifier chip [4], creating the end-to-end KWS system. The proposed system achieves 89-to-94% accuracy across -5 to 20dB SNRs and four different noise types on HeySnips [5], while the baseline without DN achieves a much lower accuracy of 71-87%. NAFE consumes up to 109nW and the KWS system 570nW.
Maximizing Well-Being in the Context of Long-Term Services and Supports: A Q Methodological Approach.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate diversity in stakeholders’ perspectives on how best to maximize older adults’ well-being when they use long-term services and supports (LTSS).M...
Effectiveness of water softening residuals as components of road deicing chemicals: Model analysis of freezing point depression

Water softening residuals disposal is a worldwide issue due to the lack of effective reuse alternatives. The current principal disposal methods of landfilling and land application are quite costly due to the dewatering and transportation costs involved, and these operations can also cause potential environmental harm from leaching of the additives used in the treatment process. This research is aimed at the use of water softening residuals in the production of biodegradable road deicers that would be beneficial in replacing the highly corrosive and environmentally harmful chloride salts that are currently used for road deicing. Experimental data developed show that calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and calcium magnesium propionate (CMP) deicers produced using water plant sludges are effective in deicing applications. A mathematical model is developed for predicting freezing point depression of CMA and CMP deicers as a function of molal concentration. The model predictions are found to match well with the experimental data, providing confidence in the use of this model for the effective design water softening sludge based deicers. The information developed herein provides options for the sustainable management of softening residuals and the concommitant mitigation of environmental harm associated with road deicing operations.
Outpatient Management of LVAD

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized the therapy for advanced heart failure patients by improving the survival and quality of life. Despite all advancement, and improvement in LVAD technology, patients with implanted LVAD will face multiple challenges, including significant lifestyle modifications, complications associated with LVAD, and long-term management. One of the most crucial steps in improving the outcome of LVAD patients is the preparation of the patients and their caregivers before hospital discharge. These steps include adequate education of the patients and their caregivers, assessment of the home safety, referring to rehabilitation centers, and medically optimization of the patients before discharge. After discharge, patients will need close follow-ups. Patients, caregivers, and LVAD teams are responsible for managing blood pressure, driveline exit-site, and equipment. Most of the LVAD patients are on multiple medications, and there are unique pharmacological considerations that the LVAD patients and their caregivers need to be aware of; these include the anticoagulation therapy, antiplatelet therapy, and drug interactions. Caregivers are one of the essential members of the LVAD team. This chapter will review the outpatient challenges and management strategies for LVAD patients and their caregivers.
Organoid models: assessing lung cell fate decisions and disease responses

Organoids can be derived from various cell types in the lung, and they provide a reproducible and tractable model for understanding the complex signals driving cell fate decisions in a regenerative context. In this review, we provide a retrospective account of organoid methodologies and outline new opportunities for optimizing these methods to further explore emerging concepts in lung biology. Moreover, we examine the benefits of integrating organoid assays with in vivo modeling to explore how the various niches and compartments in the respiratory system respond to both acute and chronic lung disease. The strategic implementation and improvement of organoid techniques will provide exciting new opportunities to understand and identify new therapeutic approaches to ameliorate lung disease states.
Liquid Sloshing Dynamics

Preface Introduction 1. Fluid field equations and modal analysis in rigid containers 2. Linear forced sloshing 3. Viscous damping and sloshing suppression devices 4. Weakly nonlinear lateral sloshing 5. Equivalent mechanical models 6. Parametric sloshing (Faraday's waves) 7. Dynamics of liquid sloshing impact 8. Linear interaction of liquid sloshing with elastic containers 9. Nonlinear interaction under external and parametric excitations 10. Interactions with support structures and tuned sloshing absorbers 11. Dynamics of rotating fluids 12. Microgravity sloshing dynamics Bibliography Index.
Evaluation of propylene glycol and glycerol infusions as treatments for ketosis in dairy cows

To evaluate propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (G) as potential treatments for ketosis, we conducted 2 experiments lasting 4 d each in which cows received one bolus infusion per day. Blood was collected before infusion, over 240min postinfusion, as well as 24 h postinfusion. Experiment 1 used 6 ruminally cannulated cows (26±7 d in milk) randomly assigned to 300-mL infusions of PG or G (both ≥99.5% pure) in a crossover design experiment with 2 periods. Within each period, cows were assigned randomly to infusion site sequence: abomasum (A)-cranial reticulorumen (R) or the reverse, R-A. Glucose precursors were infused into the R to simulate drenching and the A to prevent metabolism by ruminal microbes. Glycerol infused in the A increased plasma glucose concentration the most (15.8mg/dL), followed by PG infused in the R (12.6mg/dL), PG infused in the A (9.11mg/dL), and G infused in the R (7.3mg/dL). Infusion of PG into the R increased plasma insulin and insulin area under the curve (AUC) the most compared with all other treatments (7.88 vs. 2.13μIU/mL and 321 vs. 31.9min×μIU/mL, respectively). Overall, PG decreased plasma BHBA concentration after infusion (-6.46 vs. -4.55mg/dL) and increased BHBA AUC (-1,055 vs. -558min ×mg/dL) compared with G. Plasma NEFA responses were not different among treatments. Experiment 2 used 8 ruminally cannulated cows (22±5 d in milk) randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a Latin square design experiment balanced for carryover effects. Treatments were 300mL of PG, 300mL of G, 600mL of G (2G), and 300mL of PG + 300mL of G (GPG), all infused into the R. Treatment contrasts compared PG with each treatment containing glycerol (G, 2G, and GPG). Propylene glycol increased plasma glucose (14.0 vs. 5.35mg/dL) and insulin (7.59 vs. 1.11μIU/mL) concentrations compared with G, but only tended to increase glucose and insulin concentrations compared with 2G. Propylene glycol increased AUC for glucose (1,444 vs. 94.3mg/dL) and insulin (326 vs. 6.58min×μIU/mL) compared with G, and tended to increase insulin AUC compared with 2G. Propylene glycol was not different from GPG for glucose, insulin, or BHBA responses. Propylene glycol decreased plasma BHBA concentration (-10.3 vs. -4.21mg/dL) and increased BHBA AUC (-1,578 vs. -1.42min ×mg/dL) compared with G, but not compared with 2G. In general, and compared with G, GPG decreased plasma NEFA concentrations after infusions and PG decreased plasma NEFA concentrations early but not late after infusions. We conclude that a 300-mL dose of PG is more effective at increasing plasma glucose concentration than G and at least as effective as 600mL of G or a combination of G and PG when administered in the cranial reticulorumen.
A unified approach to active dual supervision for labeling features and examples

When faced with the task of building accurate classifiers, active learning is often a beneficial tool for minimizing the requisite costs of human annotation. Traditional active learning schemes query a human for labels on intelligently chosen examples. However, human effort can also be expended in collecting alternative forms of annotation. For example, one may attempt to learn a text classifier by labeling words associated with a class, instead of, or in addition to, documents. Learning from two different kinds of supervision adds a challenging dimension to the problem of active learning. In this paper, we present a unified approach to such active dual supervision: determining which feature or example a classifier is most likely to benefit from having labeled. Empirical results confirm that appropriately querying for both example and feature labels significantly reduces overall human effort--beyond what is possible through traditional one-dimensional active learning.
Convolution operators and zeros of entire functions

Let G(z) be a real entire function of order less than 2 with only real zeros. Then we classify certain distribution functions F such that the convolution (G * dF)(z) = √∞ - ∞ G(z - is) dF(s) has only real zeros.
Evaluation of recovery of native renal function in patients with hepatorenal syndrome following combined liver and kidney transplant. Is kidney transplant necessary

543 Objectives: Many patients with Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) end up receiving a Combined Liver and Kidney Transplant (CKLT) with preservation of native kidneys. Eventually, most of the patients regain renal function, but it is unknown if this is due to the transplanted kidney, the recovery of native renal function, or both. The aim of this study is to evaluate recovery of native renal function in patients with HRS following CKLT. Methods: 20 patients (15 men;5 women) with history of HRS and status post CKLT were studied. MAG-3 renograms in the anterior and posterior views with the 3 kidneys in the field of view were simultaneously acquired. The renograms were analyzed by creating regions of interest around the transplanted and native kidneys. Relative contribution to the renal function, clearance, and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) for the transplanted and native kidneys were obtained. Results: Only 1/20 (5%) patients presented with a very poor functioning transplanted kidney (uptake: 4.7%, clearance: 42 ml/min and ERPF: 34 ml/min). In 13/20 (65%) cases, the combined native renal function was markedly poorer than the transplanted renal function (uptake: 21±6 vs 81±6 %, clearance: 34±21 vs 223±39 ml/min, ERPF: 97±46 vs 479±89 ml/min). In 6/20 (30%) native kidneys showed a contribution to the renal function similar to the transplanted kidney (uptake: 48±9 vs 52±9 %, clearance: 117±31 vs 159±47 ml/min, ERPF: 235±57 vs 323±103 ml/min). Conclusions: In our series, 1/3 of the HRS patients recovered their native renal function after CKLT. Identification of common factors that affect recovery of native renal function may help to avoid unnecessary renal transplants, significantly reducing morbidity & cost, while facilitating a reallocation of scarce donor resources.
Prediction of Times to Failure of Censored Items for a Simple Step-Stress Model with Regular and Progressive Type I Censoring from the Exponential Distribution

The problem of predicting times to failure of units from the Exponential Distribution which are censored under a simple step-stress model is considered in this article. We discuss two types of censoring—regular and progressive Type I—and two kinds of predictors—the maximum likelihood predictors (MLP) and the conditional median predictors (CMP) for each type of censoring. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the prediction methods. Using simulation studies, mean squared prediction error (MSPE) and prediction intervals are generated for these examples. MLP and the CMP are then compared with respect to MSPE and the prediction interval.
The effects of message framing and message processing on testicular self‐examination attitudes and perceived susceptibility

This study examined the effects of message framing (gain and loss) and depth of message processing (high and low) on perceived susceptibility and attitudes towards performing testicular self‐examinations. Hypothesized predictions were based on prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979, 1982) and the elaboration likelihood model (Petty & Cacioppo, 1986). Participants were exposed to either a gain or loss frame message and were measured and classified as high or low depth of message processing. Participants exposed to the loss frame message reported feeling greater testicular cancer perceived susceptibility than those exposed to gain frame messages. It was hypothesized that a framing effect would occur for participants who had greater depth of message processing. The results suggest that participants who processed the message more deeply and who were exposed to loss frame messages had more positive attitudes towards performing testicular self‐examinations compared to participants who processed carefully and...
Respiratory disorders associated with dystonia.

Background: Respiratory difficulties are sometimes reported by patients with cranial-cervical and other forms of dystonia, but the nature or mechanisms of the breathing problems have not been well characterized. Case Report: We review 13 dystonic patients with various respiratory complaints and describe their symptoms and response to treatment, including botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections. Discussion: Gasping, stridor, interrupted flow of speech, paradoxical breathing, dyspnea on exertion, and other respiratory symptoms reported by patients suggest involvement of the upper airways, chest, and diaphragm. BoNT injections may be, at least partially, beneficial in some patients. Conclusion: This series of patients draws attention to respiratory distress as a potentially serious, even life-threatening, complication of dystonia. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Institutional Change in the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Community

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Community (EC) is a complex institutional structure with major effects on world agriculture. This study analyzes the CAP from a public choice perspective as a case of induced institutional innovation. The demand for change is analyzed as a function of a newly enlarged Community. Time-consuming decisions, unequal distribution of net benefits, increasing budget expenditures, and rising pressures to "renationalize" farm subsidies drive the demand for change. Alternative institutional arrangements respond to these demands, which reflect preferences for fairness and equity as well as improved efficiency in the CAP.
Fairness and the Neurobiology of Social Cognition: Commentary on ''Nonhuman species' reactions to inequity and their implications for fairness'' by Sarah Brosnan

Behavioral responses to social norm violation, such as those described in non-human primates by Brosnan, require, at the very least, attention to social cues, sensitivity to change (e.g., disappointment), and behavioral inhibition. Neurobiological evidence suggests that these various processes are instantiated in neural circuits localized to the parietal cortex, the striatum, and prefrontal cortex, respectively. Here we provide a brief overview of these neural mechanisms, which are likely to be involved in the perception of, and reaction to, social inequity.
Role of thyroxine-binding globulin in the early distribution of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

ABSTRACT The thyroxine (T4)-binding capacity of the T4-binding globulin (TBG) affects the distribution within the body and the rate of disappearance from plasma of both labeled T4 and triiodothyronine (T3). Thus, estrogens, which increase T4-binding by TBG, reduce the hepatic incorporation, hepatic volume of distribution (VL) and hepatic clearance (CL) of both hormones in normal adults without altering the extrahepatic fractions of T4 or T3. Conversely, in 2 brothers who lack TBG, the hepatic uptake, VL and CL were much greater than in normals. We infer that increased T4-binding capacity is responsible for the reduced VL and CL produced by estrogens in normal subjects. The qualitatively similar effects of estrogens on the hepatic incorporation and VL of T3 show that TBG also influences the distribution of T3. Comparison of the rates of plasma disappearances of T3 and T4 with the rates of hepatic uptake suggests that the period of time from 20 to 50 min after injection reflects principally hepatic uptake o...
Internal Stresses Adjacent to a Hole Through a Multilayer Wiring Board

Abstract The normal displacement field close to copper plated-through holes (PTH) in multilayer laminated circuit boards that is generated during thermal expansion is strongly inhomogeneous. By adhering a thin, and therefore flexible, microscope cover slip to the top surface of the laminate, Fizeau optical interference fringes can be generated between the cover slip and an adjacent optical flat and used to map the displacement field; the precise distribution of these fringes changes when the distance between the two is changed by thermally expanding or contracting the laminate. Thin plate elasticity theory applied to the cover slip permits the distribution of normal stress in the laminate to be estimated. Moving radially outwards from the centre of a PTH the normal stress is found to oscillate in sign in a highly damped manner such that the amplitude is insignificant beyond the first cycle. The largest normal stresses in the laminate are found to act at a radial distance corresponding to the outer edge of...
What bilinguals tell us about culture, cognition, and language.

In the last 25 years, cognitive scientists have come to see that using more than one language is a natural circumstance of human experience, not an exceptional condition that produces disordered speaking or thinking (1). The revision of previously held negative views about bilingualism is largely attributable to the finding that although bilinguals appear to activate both languages when reading, listening to speech, and speaking one language alone, they do not suffer notable disruptions (2). Bilingual speakers can choose the language they wish to speak, but at the same, switch back and forth from one language to the other, often in midsentence, with others who are similarly bilingual. The evidence suggests that the consequences of bilingualism are largely positive, with features of bilingual minds and brains reflecting the benefits of a life spent negotiating the presence of two languages and acquiring the skill to select the appropriate language in the intended context (3, 4). In a fascinating PNAS report, Zhang et al. (5) demonstrate that bilingual speakers are sensitive to cultural cues in the environment that signal the presence of the native language. Contrary to the claim that bilingualism confers benefits to those who speak more than one language, the form of the sensitivity demonstrated in the Zhang et al. research is negative, with slower speech when speaking the second language, L2, in the presence of first language, L1. Most dramatically, these disruptions to L2 speech occur when bilinguals are speaking to the faces of other bilinguals with the same L1.
Current status of thalidomide and its role in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer

Following the discovery of its anti-angiogenic properties and despite its tragic history, thalidomide has re-surfaced in the field of oncology. Concurrent with its evaluation in various clinical trials for cancer, thalidomide's mechanism of action is sought and new analogues with improved efficacy and pharmacological profile are emerging. This review is a critical evaluation of thalidomide metabolism, molecular targets, anti-angiogenic activity and clinical efficacy with an emphasis on metastatic prostate cancer.
Energy policy and financing options to achieve solar energy grid penetration targets: Accounting for external costs

Abstract This paper presents a review and assessment of public-policy options for supporting large-scale penetration of photovoltaics (PV) in the United States. The goal therein is to reduce the costs both of solar technology and of grid integration, so enabling solar deployment nationwide. In this context, we analyze the solar PV markets and the solar industry globally, and discuss the external benefits of PV that must be advertised, and perhaps marketed, to assure an increase in social support for PV. We discuss existing energy-policy mixes in those countries leading to the development of solar power, highlighting the lessons learnt, and outlining areas of improvement of the existing policy mix in the United States. We highlight that there is a need for a holistic approach including social in addition to economic considerations, and we discuss policy options for supporting the continuation of PV market growth when the current investment tax credits expire.
Leadership, Change, and Understanding Insights Gleaned from Personality Studies of Educators

The current educational reform movement calls for educators and leaders to move toward a new vision as they strive to become more effective educators. The current restructuring effort requires that educators accept and adapt to changes within the education system. This necessity may fail, as an inherent personality type common among teachers seems resistant to the implementation of change within their classrooms. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the current study investigates different personality typologies within the educational reform movement, and the roles these personality types may play in the resultant success of the present restructuring effort.
Molecular distortion of distamycin on binding to DNA as revealed by Raman spectroscopy

The Raman spectra of distamycin and its complex with DNA were examined in both H2O and D2O solutions. To facilitate band assignments, Raman spectra of several small model compounds of distamycin were also obtained. On binding to DNA, the CO stretching band at 1620 cm−1 (amide I band) of distamycin was shifted upwards by 14 cm−1, whereas a strong pyrrole-ring stretching band at 1437 cm−1 was shifted downwards by 7 cm−1 in H2O. In addition, most of the Raman bands including amide I, II and III became narrower and sharper on binding to DNA. These results indicate that, in the free state, the dihedral angles around the CC and NC bonds connecting the pyrrole ring and the peptide chain of distamycin fluctuate near 0° (coplanar configruation), whereas in the bound state these angles are fixed and markedly shifted from 0°. Previous x-ray and NMR studies on distamycin (netropsin)–DNA complexes show that such deviations occur when these drug molecules are bound in the minor groove of DNA. Molecular distortion of distamycin caused by interaction with other polynucleotides has also been elucidated by using such spectral characteristics as diagnosis.
Crack Resistance of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements

The crack sensitivity of jointed plain concrete pavement is investigated experimentally in the laboratory for a limited number (seven) of large-scale slabs and numerically as well using nonlinear fracture mechanics. The basis for modeling is the concrete crack-width relation and the elastic modulus. The stress-crack width relations for the concrete were obtained on the concretes tested in the laboratory. The slab dimensions in the experimental and numerical analysis were 1.8 m wide and 3.0 m long, and a full-depth cross section (250 mm) containing a full-width surface crack extending 20% to 25% of the slab thickness was used. The major findings are that the numerical analysis verifies that the results from laboratory testing resemble field fracture behavior. Further, irrespective of the aggregates used, a concrete pavement is highly crack sensitive, although the coarse aggregate can affect the sensitivity by approximately 30%. The experimental and numerical results showed that a crack-to-slab-thickness ratio of 20% to 25% reduced the in-plane tensile capacity of the cracked section by 60% to 75% depending on the concrete used.
Optimization of prism coupling efficiency for surface electromagnetic wave excitation in the infrared

The ir SEW coupling efficiency of a BaF2 prism has been determined for various gap heights and internal angle configurations, utilizing the two prism coupling technique and a CO2 laser. Samples consisted of W foil and Ni, Pt, and Cu films deposited on glass substrates by electron beam deposition and vacuum evaporation. Optimum prism coupling gap heights were found to occur for each metal. It was determined that selection of the proper internal prism angle increases coupling efficiency by a factor of 3 over the coupling efficiency of the right angle prism.
Acetyl coenzyme a synthesis through pyrophosphoryl split of adenosine triphosphate.

Abstract The formation of acetyl CoA by interaction of ATP, CoA and acetate has been studied with yeast and pigeon liver preparations. Pyrophosphate and AMP have been found to be the products of the reaction, with the formulation as follows: ATP + CoA + ac e tate ⤥ ac e tyl CoA + AMP + pyrophosphate Magnesium is a component of the enzyme system. The reaction is reversible as shown by the conversion of acetyl CoA, pyrophosphate and AMP, to ATP and free CoA. The reversion specifically requires pyroshosphate Enrichment of the yeast enzyme is described.
Identification of the Cytochrome P-450 Isozymes Responsible for Testosterone Oxidation in Rat Lung, Kidney, and Testis: Evidence that Cytochrome P-450a (P450IIA1) Is the Physiologically Important Testosterone 7α-Hydroxylase in Rat Testis*

Abstract Previous studies have shown that several forms of cytochrome P-450 present in rat liver microsomes oxidize testosterone with a high degree of regio- and stereospecificity. The aim of this study was to characterize the pathways of testosterone oxidation catalyzed by rat extrahepatic microsomes. Lung, kidney, testis, prostate, and brain were isolated from 3- and 14-week-old-male Sprague-Dawley rats. Microsomes from lung, kidney, and testis catalyzed distinctly different pathways of testosterone oxidation, whereas microsomes from prostate and brain failed to hydroxylate testosterone directly in a timeand protein-dependent manner. Lung microsomes from immature and mature rats converted testosterone to 16α-hydroxytestosterone, 16β-hydroxytestosterone, and androstenedione. Lung microsomes were shown by Western immunoblot to contain cytochrome P-450b (P450IIB1), which has been shown previously to catalyze these three pathways of testosterone oxidation. Antibody against cytochrome P-450b strongly inhibit...
The Persuasive Effects of Audiovisual PSAs to Promote Organ Donation: The Mediating Role of Psychological Reactance

The content and effects of organ donation public service announcements (PSAs) were analyzed in 2 studies. Study 1 identified 17 30-second PSAs in the public domain and coded them for content using Marwell and Schmitt's (1967) persuasive message typology. Common codes identified included liking, positive self-feeling, altruism, and moral appeal. Study 2 measured undergraduate students' evaluations of persuasive strategies, psychological reactance, and message reactions. Results indicated that PSAs were not perceived differently on the basis of donor status or message condition. However, students' perceptions of persuasive strategies were influential based on donor status. For non-donors, psychological reactance fully mediated the relationship between perceptions of impersonal commitments strategies and message reactions, such that increased psychological reactance was associated with reduced message reactions. For donors, psychological reactance and perceptions of persuasive strategies had no effect on mes...
Regulation of Vasculogenesis by Platelet-Mediated Recruitment of Bone Marrow–Derived Cells

Bone marrow-derived cells contribute to physiological and pathological vascular remodeling throughout ontogenesis and adult life. During tissue regeneration and tumor growth, the release of cytokines and chemokines mediates the recruitment of hematopoietic and endothelial progenitor cells that contribute to the assembly of neovessels. Current evidence implies that platelets contribute structurally and instructively to vascular remodeling. Platelets adhere almost immediately to exposed or activated endothelium, and they are major storage and delivery vehicles for pro- and antiangiogenic growth factors including VEGF-A and thrombospondin (TSP), and cytokines and chemokines, such as stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). By site-specific deployment of these factors, platelets orchestrate the local angiogenic stimulus within a tissue and direct the recruitment and differentiation of circulating bone marrow-derived cells. These insights have profound clinical implications; inhibition of platelet-deployed growth factors or their receptors may be an effective strategy to block tumor growth, whereas activation of these pathways may be used to accelerate revascularization and tissue regeneration.
STRIPPING OF Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II), AND Cd(II) FROM DEHPA USING EDTA IN A HOLLOW-FIBER MEMBRANE MODULE

The equilibrium behavior of liquid-liquid extraction of Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) from DEHPA (di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid) with EDTA (ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid) was studied. A concentration of 0.003M EDTA was able to extract simultaneously 83, 70, 88 and 54% of the cadmium, cobalt, copper and zinc, respectively at a pH between 1.6 and 1.8. The non-equilibrium liquid-liquid extraction behavior was studied using a polysulfonic hollow fiber membrane module with 1 mm ID and 5,000 molecular weight cut-off. The aqueous feed solution and EDTA was passed through the tubeside of the two membrane modules, and the organic DEHPA solution was circulated through the shellside. The optimum flow rate for the organic solution was 77ml/min and that of the aqueous feed and strip solutions were 78ml/min. The shellside pressure was maintained at 1.0–1.2 psig and that of the tubeside was kept at atmospheric pressure so that a stable organic interface was achieved. Under these conditions, 77, 63, 93, and 56%...
External spin—orbit coupling. The T1 state of naphthalene in a dibromobenzene host cyrstal

Abstract The origin of the T 1 state of naphthalene in a p -dibromobenzene host crystal is shown to be the strongest line in the spectrum at 20720.9 cm −1 . The vibronic activity of the naphthalene phosphorescence indicates that a spin—orbit coupling mechanism different from the one vibronically induced in an isotopic mixed naphthalene crystal is active in a chemically mixed crystal with a halogen-containing host.
Schistosoma mansoni: Respirometric and partial pressure studies in infected Biomphalaria glabrata☆

Abstract The oxygen uptake rates by Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni for different time periods and those of controls have been determined. Although statistically significant differences in these rates have been observed only during weeks 6 and 8, regression analysis has indicated that the rates of oxygen uptake by infected snails increase as a function of time while that of the control group decreases. The oxygen uptake rate for the cercaria of S. mansoni has been determined to be 0.0057 μl of O 2 /hr/cercaria. The pO 2 , pCO 2 , and pH of the hemolymph of infected and control snails have been found to be similar, with the mean pO 2 for noninfected snails being 67.7 and that for infected snails being 72.7, the mean pCO 2 for noninfected snails being 12.3 and that for infected snails being 12.8, and the mean pH for noninfected snails being 7.60 and that for infected ones being 7.54. From the estimated rate of oxygen uptake by cercariae and sporocysts in vivo , it is suggested that the increased oxygen uptake by infected snails is due primarily to the increased oxygen utilization of host tissues and secondarily to that by parasites. A possible relationship between increased oxygen uptake and increased heart rate in the infected snail is indicated.
Segmentation propagation for the automated quantification of ventricle volume from serial MRI

Accurate ventricle volume estimates could potentially improve the understanding and diagnosis of communicating hydrocephalus. Postoperative communicating hydrocephalus has been recognized in patients with brain tumors where the changes in ventricle volume can be difficult to identify, particularly over short time intervals. Because of the complex alterations of brain morphology in these patients, the segmentation of brain ventricles is challenging. Our method evaluates ventricle size from serial brain MRI examinations; we (i) combined serial images to increase SNR, (ii) automatically segmented this image to generate a ventricle template using fast marching methods and geodesic active contours, and (iii) propagated the segmentation using deformable registration of the original MRI datasets. By applying this deformation to the ventricle template, serial volume estimates were obtained in a robust manner from routine clinical images (0.93 overlap) and their variation analyzed.
Changes in blood-brain barrier permeability associated with insertion of brain cannulas and microdialysis probes

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) transcapillary transport was studied after insertion of cannulas and microdialysis probes into the brains of three groups of rats. Quantitative autoradiography was used to measure changes in BBB permeability around the insertion site. In the first group, BBB function was measured with 14C-sucrose at times from immediately, and up to 28 days, after insertion of a microdialysis probe. BBB function was disrupted biphasically: a 19-fold increase in the influx constant (K1) of sucrose occurred immediately after insertion with a second 17-fold increase at 2 days, followed by a slow decline to 5 times normal values at 28 days. In the second group, 14C-dextran (70 kDa) was used to measure BBB transcapillary transport; K1 was increased 90-fold after probe insertion. In the 3rd group, 14C-AIB (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid) was used to evaluate BBB transport after insertion of a 27 gauge cannula, which was used to infuse 1 microliter of saline over 5 min. The K1 of AIB was increased 25 times control values. We conclude that BBB transcapillary transport function is disturbed in response to insertion of brain cannulas and/or microdialysis probes, that BBB dysfunction is maximal at the cannula or probe tip, varies with time after insertion, may persist for at least 28 days after insertion, and occurs over a wide molecular range of solutes. These results suggest caution when using microdialysis as a method to study normal BBB function, and suggest that microdialysis may overestimate the rate of transfer into and out of the brain.
Simulation of stellar speckle imaging

Standard FFT-based phase screen generation methods do not accurately model low-frequency turbulence characteristics. This paper introduces a new phase screen generation technique which uses low frequency subharmonic information to correct the problem. We compare our technique to two other subharmonic methods. The structure functions for this new method match very closely the structure functions of Kolmogorov turbulence theory.
Development and In-Vitro Characterization of Sustained-Release Acetaminophen Tablets

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate powdered lipids as both granulating agents and retardants in formulated sustained-release acetaminophen tablets. Castor Wax or Durkee 07 powders were premixed with acetaminophen and granulated with boiling water. After cooling, the mass was screened to obtain a 10/20 mesh fraction which was used for tablet production and evaluation. Friability, hardness, dissolution and compression profiles were monitored. As lipid content increased from 5-15% w/w, friability and hardness also increased. Dissolution showed an inverse relationship between level of lipid and release rate. Compression profiles demonstrated good transmission when Castor Wax was employed. This study demonstrated that a high milligram potency tablet could be fabricated with low levels of lipid, to retard drug release, without significantly increasing tablet weight and size.
Natural Gas Dissolved In Brine - A Major Energy Resource Of Japan

One of the major hydrocarbon resources of Japan is a natural gas found dissolved in brine produced from relatively shallow aquifers. These reservoirs are sandstones and siltstones usually found at depths of 500 to 1000 m and in some cases up to a maximum of 2000 m. The gas consists mainly of CH/sub 4/ with some CO/sub 2/, even smaller amounts of N/sub 2/ and essentially no H/sub 2/S. The brine in which it is dissolved contains a good deal of I which is recovered to provide the major source of I in the world. The origin of, drilling for, and production of this natural gas are described along with the reservoir engineering aspects of the fields. Because of the low solubility of gas in brine at the hydrostatic pressures of these reservoirs, large quantities of brine must be lifted and handled. In the past, this has led to significant geologic subsidence in the 2 major areas of production. The design, operation, and results of successful brine reinjection tests to arrest and prevent this subsidence are described. Because this kind of natural gas undoubtedly exists elsewhere in the world, this kind of energy resource should be sought elsewhere.
Alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes in Gossypium hirsutum and its putative diploid progenitors: The biochemical consequences of enzyme multiplicity

Electrophoretic variation in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was examined in tetraploidGossypium hirsutum and its putative diploid progenitorsG. ramondii, G. herbaceum, and a close relative,G. arboreum. All the diploids had three isozymes, while strains of the tetraploidG. hirsutum had either 4 or 6. Each isozyme was eluted from starch gels and significant differences in activity were noted between several of the isozymes relative to pH, substrate, temperature and salinity. This suggests that an increase in enzyme heterozygosity can result in higher levels of developmental homeostasis, but it depends on the isozyme alleles involved.
A unifying theory of atherogenesis

The author proposes that all major risk factors, including elevated serum low-density lipoprotein, cause atherosclerosis by increasing viscosity, creating larger areas of decreased blood flow, thereby perpetuating the interaction of atherogenic elements with the endothelium. Low-density lipoprotein causes increased viscosity by fostering erythrocyte aggregation. High-density lipoprotein protects against atherosclerosis by antagonizing erythrocyte aggregation, thereby decreasing viscosity. Implications of this theory are discussed.
Molecular dissection of a critical specificity determinant within the amino acid editing domain of leucyl-tRNA synthetase.

A highly conserved threonine residue marks the amino acid binding pocket within the editing active site of leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRSs). It is essential to substrate specificity for the Escherichia coli enzyme in thatit blocks the cognate leucine amino acid from binding in the hydrolytic editing active site. We combined mutagenesis and computational approaches to elucidate the molecular role of the critical side chain of this threonine residue. Removal of the terminal methyl group of the threonine side chain by replacement with serine yielded a mutant LeuRS that hydrolyzes Leu-tRNA L e u . Substitution of valine for the conserved threonine conferred similar activities to the wild-type enzyme. However, an additional substitution within the editing active site suggested synergistic interactions with the conserved threonine site that significantly affected amino acid editing. On the basis of our combined biochemical and computational data, we propose that the threonine 252 side chain not only sterically hinders the cognate charged leucine from binding for hydrolysis but also plays a critical role in maintaining an active site geometry that is required for the fidelity of LeuRS.
Monomial Orderings, Rewriting Systems, and Gröbner Bases for the Commutator Ideal of a Free Algebra

In this paper we consider a free associative algebra on three generators over an arbitrary fieldK. Given a term ordering on the commutative polynomial ring on three variables overK, we construct uncountably many liftings of this term ordering to a monomial ordering on the free associative algebra. These monomial orderings are total well orderings on the set of monomials, resulting in a set of normal forms. Then we show that the commutator ideal has an infinite reduced Grobner basis with respect to these monomial orderings, and all initial ideals are distinct. Hence, the commutator ideal has at least uncountably many distinct reduced Grobner bases. A Grobner basis of the commutator ideal corresponds to a complete rewriting system for the free commutative monoid on three generators; our result also shows that this monoid has at least uncountably many distinct minimal complete rewriting systems.The monomial orderings we use are not compatible with multiplication, but are sufficient to solve the ideal membership problem for a specific ideal, in this case the commutator ideal. We propose that it is fruitful to consider such, more general, monomial orderings in non-commutative Grobner basis theory.
Robust stability bounds for a class of nonlinear feedback systems with output quantization

A nonlinear observer is used as a basis for a class of dynamic compensators to control a linear system with incompletely known nonlinear actuator characteristics and with quantized output measurements. Using the Gronwall-Bellman inequality, a sufficient condition is derived to insure the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop compensated system. >