cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Historiography and the Shoʿubiya Movement

AbstractThis article examines the ways in which Iranian mytho-history was woven into the narratives of Islamic history. It argues that the inclusion of narratives such as the ones that equate several of the earliest Iranian mytho-historical kings to the earliest Koranic prophets or claim that Persian was the language of the prophets from Ādam to Esmāʿil, reflects the concerns of the Shoʿubiya movement. The paper also analyzes the ways in which these Iranian kings are represented in the Avesta as paradigmatic rulers and how their essential function as good rulers is retained in the later mythos and, hence, texts so that they are equatable to the prophets. The paper argues that these narratives reflect not only a concern for equality among Iranians as Muslims, but also the ways in which intellectuals negotiated the interstitial spaces between culture and politics.
Design and Implementation of Dual-Stage Track-Following Control for Hard Disk Drives

This paper discusses the design and implementation of two track-following controllers for dual-stage hard disk drive servo systems. The first controller is designed by combining an outer loop sensitivity-decoupling (SD) controller with an inner loop disturbance observer (DOB). The second is designed by combining mixed H2 /H∞ synthesis techniques with an add-on integral action. The designed controllers were implemented and evaluated on a disk drive with a PZT-actuated suspension-based dual-stage servo system. Position error signal (PES) for the servo system was obtained by measuring the slider displacement with an LDV and injecting a simulated track runout.© 2009 ASME
Moderating effects of coping on the relationship between test anxiety and negative mood

We explored the moderating effect of exam-related coping strategies on the relationships between test anxiety, negative mood and salivary cortisol. Fifty undergraduate students participated, with 29 in the academic examination group and 21 in the comparison group. Across groups, worry was associated with higher levels of negative mood before, during and after the exam or homework period. However, avoidance coping moderated this effect such that there was a strong positive relationship between worry and negative mood when avoidance coping was low, but not when avoidance coping has high. Negative mood on the day of the study correlated positively with the number of illness symptoms reported 3 days later. Our results suggest that coping strategies used to deal with academic examination stress dynamically moderate the effects of test anxiety on negative mood. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of an AP-1-like sequence in the promoter region of calcyclin, a S-100-like gene. Enhancement of binding during retinoic acid-induced neuroblastoma cell differentiation

Abstract The promoter region of genes involved in cell growth and differentiation is bound by specific transcription factors which regulate its expression. Our previous study showed that the calcyclin gene, which belongs to the large family of Ca 2+ -binding proteins, is differently expressed in SK-N-BE(2)C and LA-N-5 neuroblastoma cell lines. We analysed the region upstream the transcription initiation site of the gene before and during retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation. Gel-shift analysis showed that the −161, −135 untranslated region is bound by an AP-1-like protein both in SK-N-BE(2)C and LA-N-5 cells. Competition assay demonstrated that AP-2, AP-3 and NF1 transcription factors did not bind in the same region. Calcyclin mRNA is induced in RA-treated LA-N-5 cells and reaches maximal expression at 96 h, suggesting that its gene is involved in cell differentiation. Gel-shift analysis shows a strong signal of binding after 96 h of RA treatment. Our results indicate that RA induces an increase in the binding protein or improves its affinity for the AP-1-like region during neuronal differentiation. These preliminary data suggest that the calcyclin gene is involved in neuronal pathway differentiation and that AP-1-like binding sequence could be one of the gene regions that is under transcriptional factor control during cell differentiation.
Guiding-center dispersion function

Abstract Analytic properties of the linear Vlasov response function for guiding-center particle motion in low frequency flute modes are investigated for a two-temperature Maxwell-Boltzmann plasma. Algorithms are given for evaluating the family of analytic functions G m , n ( ω ) along with the software implementing the methods and user documentation on MFE files.
Nutrition Knowledge is Influenced by Education, Age, and Wellness Program Participation in Older Women

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To define the influence of age, education, and wellness program participation on nutrition knowledge in older women. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of age, education, and wellness program participation on nutrition knowledge in Caucasian females aged 60+. Two subsamples from previously gathered data were used: 1) a convenience sample of women in their 60s (n=29), 70s (n=35), and 80+ (n=9) from a community wellness group (CWG) who completed a mail survey; and 2) a national probability-based sample (NPS) of women in their 60s (n=96), 70s (n=138), and 80+ (n=102) who completed a telephone survey. A nutrition knowledge score (NK) was calculated from total correct responses to 10 true/false/don't know items related to dairy products. With the samples combined, mean NK scores of those in their 60s (6.1) and those in their 70s (5.9) were higher than those in their 80s (5.2; F=5.66, p=.0038). Those with more than a high school education had a higher mean score (6.2) compared to those who finished high school (5.6) and those who did not (5.2; F=7.45, p=.0007). Mean score of the CWG was higher than the NPS (6.6 vs 5.6, F=13.99, p=.0002). ANOVA analyses showed no interactions between age group, education, and sample when comparing mean NK scores; however, these main effects were all significant (p 2 =11.9, p=.018) and that whole milk does not have more protein than low fat milk (X 2 =12.26, p=.016). The CWG more often knew that skim milk contains the same amount of calcium as whole milk (79% vs 60%, p=.007) and that skim milk has only a tiny amount of cholesterol (X 2 =12.6, p=.002). Both groups were uncertain if milk or broccoli had more calcium (44% and 54%) but the CWG had a higher correct response rate (38 vs 21%, p=.008). In summary, future educational efforts must recognize that nutrition knowledge in older women is influenced by age and education as well as participation in health promotion programs. (Funded by the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board in cooperation with the National Dairy Council and GA-AES Hatch #629.)
Derivatives of TlSr2CaCu2O7 from elemental substitutions of Pb for Tl, La for Sr, and Y for Ca

Abstract Tl(Sr,La) 2 CaCu 2 O 7 , Tl(Sr,La) 2 (Ca,Y)Cu 2 O 7 , and (Tl,Pb)(Sr,La) 2 (Ca,Y)Cu 2 O 7 were synthesized and characterized. Thus, all derivatives of the 1212-type phase TlSr 2 CaCu 2 O 7 from elemental substitutions, Pb for Tl, La for Sr, or/and Y for Ca, have been synthesized. La and Y play a similar role in the substitutions. Pb is necessary to increase the Tc from 90 K to above 100 K in the double substitutions while it plays a role similar to La and Y in the single substitution. The triple substitution of Pb, La, and Y does not increase Tc to even higher. The optimal average Cu valence is 2.20 ± 0.05, the same for all derivatives.
Temperature acclimation and oxygen consumption in Physa hawnii Lea (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

1. There was no relationship between oxygen consumption and size over the size range of 10.9 to 41.6 mg. 2. The mean oxygen consumption of snails acclimated at 5°, 10°, 20°, and 25°C increased at successively higher temperatures as did the range and standard error of the means for all groups. Higher temperatures had a differential effect on the population. Animals acclimated at 20° and 25° evidenced a plateau effect at intermediate temperature ranges. 3. There was a significant temperature effect on oxygen consumption which did not fit a linear regression; the deviations from which can be explained on the basis of acclimation and activity. 4. Q10 was higher at low temperatures. 5. P. hawnii achieves some degree of temperature independence by acclimation and by change in activity.
Setting Passing Scores on Passage-Based Tests: A Comparison of Traditional and Single-Passage Bookmark Methods

In this study, a variation of the bookmark standard setting procedure for passage-based tests is proposed in which separate ordered item booklets are created for the items associated with each passage. This variation is compared to the traditional bookmark procedure for a fifth-grade reading test. The results showed that the single-passage bookmark method produced greater consistency among the participants' cutscores, and most participants' bookmark placements did not change after the first round. In addition, participants reported greater understanding of the bookmarking task and greater confidence in their recommended cutscores. Both procedures required approximately the same amount of time to complete, but it is likely that the single-passage bookmark method could be carried out in two, or possibly even one, round of bookmarking rather than the three rounds used in traditional bookmarking. On the other hand, there are several concerns about the single-passage bookmark method that warrant further resear...
Duality of pituitary gonadotrophins : effects of FSH-ICSH mixture on hypophysectomized male and female rats

SummaryA mixture of purified FSH and ICSH was shown to produce predominantly follicle-stimulating effects in female and interstitial cell-stimulating effects in male hypophysectomized rats. These differences in the response of the two sexes were secured by the simultaneous administration of both hormones and it would consequently not seem valid to interpret such phenomena as evidence for the existence of a single pituitary gonadotrophin.
Experimental Congenital Infection with Cytomegalovirus: A Guinea Pig Model

An animal model permitting study of congenital infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been developed in guinea pigs. Fifteen Hartley strain guinea pigs in the latter half of pregnancy were inoculated intraperitoneally with 10(5.5) 50% tissue culture infective doses of guinea pig CMV. Forty percent of infected mothers delivered litters containing at least one infected newborn, as defined by a positive culture of lung, spleen, or brain. All tissues were cultured by an explant technique. The three mothers who had no detectable complement-fixing antibody to CMV prior to experimental infection delivered infected litters, whereas three of 12 immune mothers delivered infected litters (P less than 0.01). A low-passage, tissue culture-adapted virus produced neonatal infection as frequently as did salivary gland-passaged virus. No congenital abnormalities were found in any of the seven infected newborns. CMV was isolated from lung, spleen, or brain in the four newborns of nonimmune mothers; CMV was isolated from lung only in the three newborns of immune mothers. These preliminary experiments demonstrate that the guinea pig is a suitable animal for further study of maternal-fetal CMV infections.
Spectrophotometric assay with turbidity correction of sized immunoglobulin G aggregates

Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been thermally aggregated and fractionated on calibrated agarose columns into cuts of known molecular weight. Quantitation of aggregates was done by spectrophotometry employing apparent absorbance measurements at two wavelengths. An equation has been developed to correct such data for turbidity or light-scattering effects. The validity of the method was demonstrated by comparison with the biuret and Kjeldahl techniques for total protein. It has been shown that the relative turbidity per unit weight of IgG aggregates increased regularly with particle size at least up to a molecular weight of 8 × 106. When relative turbidity per particle was determined (at a wavelength of 280 nm) a maximum value was obtained with particles of 8 × 105Mr (5-mers). Larger particles exhibited decreased turbidity. Similar phenomena have been reported for pigment suspensions, mineral colloids, and fog droplets. It is suggested that the pathological effects of immune complexes may be related to their size and that turbidity measurements may be useful in assessing this parameter.
Configuration optimization of a nanosphere array on top of a thin film solar cell

Resonant dielectric structures placed on top of a solar cell can enhance light absorption and therefore increase its efficiency. Freely propagating sunlight diffractively couples into the resonant modes of a low loss sphere array. We numerically demonstrate this enhancement using 3D full field finite difference time domain simulations. The coupled energy is then transferred into the active layer underneath and significantly contributes to increase the calculated photocurrent of the solar cell. On a typical thin film amorphous silicon solar cell, a parametric analysis is done. For a hexagonally close packed sphere configuration, we vary the size of the spheres as well as the type of material used. Finally, we study a configuration where high index spheres are embedded in a lower index polymer. This last configuration has the advantage that it can easily be integrated upon solar cell fabrication.
Biochemical changes in certain genodermatoses

Abstract The dermis, like other structures composed of connective tissue, is comprised largely of collagen. Indeed, collagen constitutes more than 70% of the dry weight of the skin. 1 Although its major biologic function in the skin is to provide the structural framework underlying the epidermis and overlying the subcutaneous tissue and musculature, the critical tensile properties necessary for structural integrity are achieved by specific interactions with other collagenous proteins, as well as with proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and elastin. The cellular processes involved in the synthesis and degradation of these macromolecules are now sufficiently well-understood to allow characterization of certain cutaneous disorders in terms of specific biochemical abnormalities. In this review, we focus on two cutaneous disorders: one inherited, the other representing an apparent sporadic congenital anomaly. Each of these disorders is characterized clinically by excessive accumulation of one component of the connective tissue with resultant compromise of function of the skin in the affected areas. By utilizing skin fibroblast cultures derived from these patients, we have gained biochemical insights into the aberrations that characterize these diseases of the skin.
High yield four-point bend thin film adhesion testing techniques

Novel four-point bend specimen geometries are proposed for improved test yield over standard four-point bend specimens when measuring high-strength and ultra-thin film structures. The fracture energies of both a Cu/SiN dielectric diffusion barrier interface and a high-k/metal gate (HfO2/Pt–Ti metal bilayer) interface are reported. Four novel specimen types were evaluated and result in significantly increased test yield as compared to the standard four-point bend specimens. The modified four-point bend specimens were fabricated by altering the crystallographic orientation, width, and thickness of the beams which make up the specimen. The mechanics of the four-point bend test are discussed for each different specimen type. The increased test yield is explained in terms of the stresses which develop in the specimen during testing, the phase angle of loading experienced for each specimen type, and the anisotropic fracture properties of single crystal silicon.
Drug-Related Attitudes and Knowledge of Pharmacy Students and College Undergraduates

A drug-related education appears to increase factual knowledge but has few effects upon attitudes even when the education has been of several years duration.
Parity-violating matrix element in 10B

Abstract The parity violating matrix element 〈2−, 0(5.16)|VPNC|2+, 1 (511)〉 in 10B is calculated in a complete 1 h ω basis free of spurious states. If the full two-body form of VPNC is used, the matrix element is found to have a value of 0.2 eV using recent parameters determined by Desplanques, Donoghue and Holstein. It is found that an effective one-body operator approximation reproduces this value to within 10%.
Six Major Functions of Staff Development: An Expanded Imperative:

The characteristics of effective staff development programs and inservice activities are beginning to emerge. Furthermore, the author suggests, six specific purposes for staff development are impli...
A comparative NMR study of the polypeptide backbone dynamics of hemoglobin in the deoxy and carbonmonoxy forms.

Model-free-based NMR dynamics studies have been undertaken for polypeptide backbone amide N−H bond vectors for both the deoxy and carbonmonoxy forms of chain-specific, isotopically (15N and 2H) labeled tetrameric hemoglobin (Hb) using 15N-relaxation parameters [longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), transverse relaxation rate (R2), and heteronuclear nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE)] measured at two temperatures (29 and 34 °C) and two magnetic field strengths (11.7 and 14.1 T). In both deoxy and carbonmonoxy forms of human normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A), the amide N−H bonds of most amino acid residues are rigid on the fast time scale (nanosecond to picosecond), except for the loop regions and certain helix−helix connections. Although rigid in deoxy-Hb A, β146His has been found to be free from restriction of its backbone motions in the CO form, presumably due to the rupture of its hydrogen bond/salt bridge network. We now have direct dynamics evidence for this structural transition of Hb in solution. While remar...
Breit-Wigners viewed through gaussians

Abstract The frequently-occuring situation is analyzed in which a signal of Breit-Wigner form, as, for example, a particle group from a state in the continuum of an excited nucleus, is detected by a measuring instrument whose resolution function may be represented by a Gaussian, such as a solid state detector for this example, so that the observed signal is a convolution of the Breit-Wigner and the Gaussian. Tabular, graphical and analytical answers are given to the questions: What is the form of the convoluted signal?; By how much is the peak height lowered by the convolution?; How is the Breit-Wigner width Γ to be extracted?; What fraction of the area under the convoluted peak lies outside given limits?
Low and Unsteady Shear Stresses Upregulate Calcification Response of the Aortic Valve Leaflets

Aortic Valve (AV) calcification is a degenerative disease that results in AV sclerosis and is one of the major causes of death. AV is subjected to mechanical conditions such as fluid shear stress, transvalvular pressure and membrane tension1. Normal hemodynamic conditions constantly renew and remodel the valve, whereas altered mechanical loading has been implicated to be the cause of AV disease2. Studies have shown that adverse hemodynamics such as hypertension and altered shear stress can cause tissue inflammation that leads to calcification and stenosis3, 4, and ultimately result in valve failure. However, the molecular and cellular processes that lead to calcification are not very well understood.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Contemporary indications for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

Objective To analyze current indications for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Methods The current literature regarding transsphenoidal surgery for all subtypes of pituitary adenomas and other sellar lesions was examined. Alternate approaches for pituitary surgery were also reviewed. Results Transsphenoidal surgery continues to be the mainstay of surgical treatment for pituitary tumors, and has good outcomes in experienced hands. Pre- and postoperative management of pituitary tumors remains an important part of the treatment of patients with pituitary tumors. Conclusions Even as medical and surgical treatment for pituitary tumors evolves, transsphenoidal surgery remains a mainstay of treatment. Outcomes after transshenoidal surgery have improved over time. Neurosurgeons must be aware of the indications, risks and alternatives to transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.
Rarely parasitized and unparasitized species mob and alarm call to cuckoos: implications for sparrowhawk mimicry by brood parasitic cuckoos

Abstract Recent experiments support the long-standing hypothesis that Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) are mimics of Eurasian Sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus). Additional experiments further suggest that mimicry benefits the cuckoos by reducing the intensity of mobbing they suffer near host nests, at least in some host populations, potentially increasing their access to the hosts' nests. We observed two species of birds—one very rarely parasitized and the other never parasitized by cuckoos—responding to a cuckoo as they would a bird of prey. On the island of Oland, Sweden, we observed two instances of a gray phase cuckoo being mobbed by a group of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) during the non-breeding season. These mobbing observations cannot be explained as a consequence of selection in the context of brood parasitism, because swallows are extremely rare cuckoo hosts and should not show co-evolutionary responses to parasitism. Instead, the swallows appear to have mistaken the cuckoos for Eurasian Sparrowh...
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate: Stimulation of Melatonin and Serotonin Synthesis in Cultured Rat Pineals

Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, like norepinephrine, stimulates the synthesis of labeled melatonin and serotonin from tryptophan labeled with carbon-14 by rat pineals in organ culture. Unlike norepinephrine, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate does not enhance the accumulation of labeled tryptophan or protein within the pineal. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that cyclic adenosine monophosphate mediates some, but not all, of the effects of norepinephrine.
The control of nuclear and cytoplasmic synthesis by the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio in Saccharomyces.

Abstract Determination of the densities of individual yeast cells during the period preceding the formation of the first bud revealed that the densities fluctuated only slightly while the volumes of the cells remained constant. Other data indicate that the new nucleus is synthesized during this period. It is inferred that synthesis of cellular material is controlled by the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio: synthesis of nuclear material occurs before the bud qpears and synthesis of cytoplasm occurs while the bud is enlarging.
Linear stability and dynamics of viscoelastic flows using time-dependent stochastic simulation techniques

Abstract In this study, an approach for the prediction of inception and evolution of viscoelastic instabilities without a need for closed form constitutive equations is presented. This methodology combines Brownian dynamics simulations with time-dependent finite element techniques to allow investigation of stability of viscoelastic flows in complex geometries. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this new approach, flow transitions in plane Couette flow of Hookean dumbbells have been studied. In turn, the results of Hookean dumbbell simulations (i.e. in terms of the most dangerous eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenfunctions) have been compared with the corresponding closed form constitutive equation, the Oldroyd-B model. The excellent comparison between the two results clearly demonstrates the viability of this new approach. Finally, to demonstrate the versatility of our methodology, the effect of the finite extensibility of the entropic spring on the stability of plane Couette flow of finitely extensible non-linear elastic (FENE) dumbbells has been examined. Specifically, the simulation results demonstrate that the plane Couette flow of FENE dumbbells is stable and the corresponding eigenfunctions have a similar structure as the Hookean dumbbell eigenfunctions. Although, the plane Couette flow of Hookean and FENE dumbbells is linearly stable, selected number of non-linear stability analyses have been performed to demonstrate the capability of this new approach.
An analysis of an urban heat sink

Abstract The urban heat island effect is recognized as a common and pervasive urban climatological phenomenon. Here the less common phenomenon of an urban heat sink is examined with respect to the mechanism which might explain its formation. Thematic Mapper (TM) data for a study area of central Indiana, including the Indianapolis metropolitan area, are employed in an effort to assess the heat sink in both qualitative and quantitative terms. The phenomenon is found to be regionally pervasive under specific conditions, and quite strong (6.4°C in our central Indiana case study). Explanations of the phenomenon are sought in the temporal and surface characteristics within the study area. A number of factors have contributed to the phenomenon: time and date of data acquisition, climatological conditions relating to soil moisture and air temperature, and agricultural land preparation relating to soil density. More specific understanding of the anomalous urban heat sink is sought through an examination of urban versus rural emissivity variations. Although it is an important variable, emissivity variation does not account for the magnitude of the heat sink gradient that we have observed. The anomaly within our study area and its magnitude can only be understood with reference to low thermal inertia (and consequent low conductivity) of the soil, which in turn are the result of specific observable conditions: dry, bare, and low density soil.
Amniotic fluid ferning in early gestation

Ferning of amniotic fluid was studied in early pregnancy. Arborization was demonstrated during the interval of 6 1/2 to 16 weeks by flame-drying. Air-drying yielded a spectrum of crystallization from none prior to 8 weeks to full ferning by 16 weeks. Technical differences are stressed.
Furanocoumarins in seeds of wild and cultivated parsnip

Abstract The furanocoumarin content of ripe seeds of seven cultivars of Pastinaca sativa was compared to that of ripe seeds from a naturalized population in central Illinois. Five furanocoumarins were identified and quantified in the intact seeds. While seeds of wild and cultivated plants contain furanocoumarin components in identical proportions, seeds from wild plants contain almost three times the quantity of furanocoumarins on a dry weight basis as do seeds of cultivars.
Development of a novel probe for measuring drug binding to the F1*S variant of human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein.

Abstract A novel probe was developed to measure drug association with the F1*S variant of the human serum protein alpha 1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). The molecule 2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐diiodo‐ N ‐[2(diethylamino)ethyl]benzamide (DEDIC) binds to AGP, quenching its native fluorescence. This quenching was fitted to a two‐site model giving apparent dissociation constants of 0.049 ± 0.005 and 12 ± 2 μM (mean ± SEM). Quenching of each of the separate variants of AGP by DEDIC was itself described by a two‐site model, giving for the F1*S variant K D 1 ( F1*S ) = 0.041 ± 0.010 μM and K D 2 ( F1*S ) = 29 ± 7 μM; and for the A variant K D 1 (A) = 0.31 ± 0.18 μM and K D 2 ( A ) = 8.8 ± 0.7 μM. The utility of DEDIC in probing drug interactions with isolated variants was demonstrated in competition experiments with the model drugs amitriptyline and bupivacaine. In addition, the selectivity of DEDIC for variant F1*S rendered it capable of probing the binding of drugs (including the variant A‐ selective drug amitriptyline) to F1*S in a mixture of variants, such as occurs naturally in whole AGP. DEDIC is unique as an F1*S variant‐selective probe of drug binding to whole AGP that is also sufficiently soluble to serve as a probe of drug binding to the lower affinity sites on isolated A and F1*S variants. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:1407–1423, 2001
Non-invasive in vivo diffuse optical spectroscopy monitoring of cyanide poisoning in a rabbit model

The objective of this study is to establish a cyanide toxicity animal model and to investigate the ability of broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) to non-invasively monitor physiological changes that occur during the development of cyanide toxicity in a rabbit model. Broadband DOS combines multi-frequency frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) with time-independent near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to quantitatively measure bulk tissue absorption and scattering spectra between 600 nm and 1000 nm. Serum cyanide concentration and arterial and venous blood gas analysis at pre- and post-cyanide infusion were presented. To investigate the ability of DOS to non-invasively monitor physiologic changes occurring during development of CN toxicity, tissue concentrations of deoxyhemoglobin [Hb-R], oxyhemoglobin [Hb-O2], cytochrome c oxidase oxidized state [CcO_Ox] and reduced state [CcO_Re] were determined from absorption spectra acquired in 'real time' during cyanide infusions (NaCN 6 mg/60 ml normal saline) in six pathogen-free New Zealand white rabbits. During cyanide infusion, in vivo tissue oxygen saturation increased ( approximately 10%). In addition, broadband DOS was able to detect a concurrent increase in [CcO_Re] and decrease in [CcO_Ox]. Changes in tissue scattering properties in all six animals were detected during these events, confirming the need for DOS-based methods over traditional NIR spectroscopy to obtain accurate results.
Enantiomeric discrimination of aromatic-containing anionic substrates using cationic cyclodextrins

Abstract Cationic α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins were prepared by reacting the corresponding native cyclodextrin (CD) with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTAC). The reaction conditions were varied in order to alter the degree of substitution of GTAC units on the cyclodextrin. The CD-GTAC derivatives, which retain a positive charge independent of pH, were evaluated as water-soluble chiral NMR solvating agents for anionic substrates. The CD-GTAC derivatives are considerably more effective at causing enantiomeric discrimination in the 1 H NMR spectra of aromatic-containing anionic substrates than the neutral native cyclodextrins. Derivatives with a degree of substitution of about 1.5 were more effective than those with lower or higher degree of substitution. Not one of the α-, β-, and γ-CD-GTAC derivatives was consistently the most effective at causing enantiomeric discrimination for all of the substrates examined herein.
Microstress partitioning in porous and microcracked synthetic cordierite

As a continuation of earlier work on thermal expansion in extruded porous cordierite honeycombs, high-temperature neutron diffraction allowed us to observe lattice strains as a function of temperature. The transfer of grain microstrain (and stress) between the main (orthorhombic) cordierite phase and the minority spinel phase could be experimentally captured and rationalized by simple stress balance equations.
The equivalence of two buckley-james variance estimators

Buckley and James’s (1979) procedure has been shown to be an effective method for estimating the regression coefficients in a censored data linear regression model without requiring distributional assumptions. Three methods of estimating the covariance matrix of the Buckley-James estimator directly have been proposed. One method was proposed by Buckley and James and the other two methods were proposed by Schneider and Weissfeld. The purpose of this note is to show that the two variance estimators proposed by Schneider and Weissfeld are equivalent.
Extraction of lipid-grown bacterial cells by supercritical fluid and organic solvent to obtain pure medium chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates

A simple two-step process was developed to extract and purify medium chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (MCL-PHA) from bacterial cells (Pseudomonas resinovorans) grown on lard and tallow. The process consists of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of the lyophilized cells with carbon dioxide to remove lipid impurities, followed by chloroform extraction of the cells to recover the MCL-PHA. SFE conditions were varied as to temperature (40–100°C), pressure (2000–9000 psi), and carbon dioxide flow rate (0.5–1.5 L/min, expanded gas). Lipid material, usually 2–4%, but in some cases as high as 11%, was extracted from the dried cells by SFE. A pressure range (5000–9000 psi, increased stepwise), a temperature of 60°C, and a carbon dioxide flow of 1.5 L/min were routinely used to extract the bacterial cells (4–5 g) after 3 h. Higher flow rates could shorten the extraction time even more. SFE did not extract MCL-PHA from the cells. Yield of MCL-PHA after chloroform extraction at room temperature was a maximum of 42.4% based on dry cell weight. The results show that the two-step process saves time, uses much less organic solvent, and produces a purer MCL-PHA biopolymer than previous extraction and purification methods. A more environmentally friendly clean-up procedure based on SFE and organic solvent recovery was developed to remove contaminating lipid materials from the fermentation biomass, allowing for the recovery of higher purity MCL-PHA that are suitable for more demanding applications.
STUDIES IN EXPERIMENTAL EXTRACORPOREAL THROMBOSIS : VI. CERTAIN TECHNICAL MODIFICATIONS IN METHODS OF STUDY.

As the result of these modifications, many of which in themselves may appear trifling, the course of events in the extracorporeal loop is greatly affected. White thrombi, it is true, are laid down in from 10 to 20 minutes, but the formation of fibrin sufficient to cause obstruction is prevented for 3 hours or more. Thus, the observations in normal animals tend to approach those described in Paper III, after the use of anticoagulants such as heparin and hirudine. The new technic offers certain advantages in the study of the details of the early stages of thrombosis.
EPHA2 Is a Mediator of Vemurafenib Resistance and a Novel Therapeutic Target in Melanoma

BRAF(V600E) is the most common oncogenic lesion in melanoma and results in constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and uncontrolled cell growth. Selective BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib have been shown to neutralize oncogenic signaling, restrain cellular growth and improve patient outcome. Although several mechanisms of vemurafenib resistance have been described, directed solutions to overcome these resistance lesions are still lacking. Herein, we found that vemurafenib resistance can be (i) mediated by EphA2- a member of the largest receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) subfamily erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors and (ii) associated with a greater phenotypic dependence on EphA2. Furthermore, we developed a series of first-in-class EphA2 inhibitors and show that these new compounds potently induce apoptosis, suppress viability and abrogate tumorigenic growth of melanoma cells, including those that are resistant to vemurafenib. These results provide proof-of-concept that RTK-guided growth, and therapeutic resistance, can be prospectively defined and selectively targeted.
Protection by ipratropium bromide and metaproterenol against methacholine and histamine bronchoconstriction

Summary To establish relative protection against methacholine and histamine, 40 μg of ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic compound, 1.3 mg of metaproterenol or placebo aerosols were administered by metered-dose inhaler prior lo inhalation challenge with methacholine or histamine in nine asthmatic subjects. Double-blind, randomized challenges were performed. Subjects required a mean methacholine dose of l.72 ± 0.73 and 2.46 ± 0.72 (Ln inhalation units), and mean histamine dose of 2.l6 ± 0.65 and 2.68 ± 0.49, to cause a drop of 20% and 35% respectively in the FEV1 following the placebo. In the methacholine challenges, both ipratropium bromide and metaproterenol had significant protection as compared to placebo (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the degree of protection against methacholine between ipratropium bromide and metaproterenol. In histamine challenges, metaproterenol had significant protection as compared to the placebo, while ipratropium bromide did not protect against histamine.
“Neon Needles” in a Haystack

: Passive surveillance is usually viewed as less efficient for case ascertainment than active surveillance. However, for diseases with nonhuman animal reservoirs, active surveillance can be like looking for a needle in a haystack and may be prohibitively expensive. Fortunately for surveillance of West Nile virus (WNV) in the northeast US, the dead crows have served as “neon needles in a haystack”—indicators of viral activity that call attention to themselves. In 2000, laboratory testing of dead birds, including all species, birds found singly, with signs of trauma, or no compatible pathology, provided the first confirmation of viral activity in most areas. The surveillance factor most closely associated with the number of human cases was the dead crow density. In 2001, dead crow densities will be used as an additional index for monitoring human risk and need for prevention and control activities. If there are few crows in an area, if their case-fatality rate is reduced, or if there is public complacency about reporting dead crow sightings, this passive surveillance indicator may not be helpful in identifying areas likely to have occasional human cases or an outbreak.
Optically controlled GaAs MMIC switch using a MESFET as an optical detector

The optical control of an MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) switch by a MESFET photodetector is presented along with a novel model of the illuminated MESFET, which serves as a tool to optimize the switch's performance. The wavelength dependence of the response is emphasized, since it influences the relative contribution of the photovoltaic and photoconductive effects. A theoretical analysis accurately predicting the photocurrents in MESFETs operated in the pinched-off mode is presented. The analysis includes photovoltaic and photoconductive effects. >
Early intervention service eligibility : Implications of using the peabody developmental motor scales

Objective Occupational therapists, as members of early intervention (El) teams, are responsible for contributing to equitable decision making regarding service eligibility. Because the two editions of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) are often used in this process, it is important to study these measures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the implications of using different editions of the PDMS (PDMS versus PDMS-2) and different types of scores (standard deviation versus percent delay) when determining children's eligibility for El. Method With testing order counterbalanced, 30 candidates for El evaluation, between 11 months and 34 months corrected age, were tested using both the PDMS and the PDMS-2. Results Support for El eligibility often differed depending on the edition of the PDMS used and the type of score used. When the PDMS was used, as opposed to the PDMS-2, disagreements occurred 23% to 43% of the time. For all disagreements, scores on the PDMS supported El eligibility, whereas scores on the PDMS-2 did not. When support for service eligibility was compared using percent delay scores versus standard deviation scores, disagreements occurred more often for the PDMS (Gross Motor: 17%; Fine Motor: 23%) than for the PDMS-2 (Gross Motor: 7%; Fine Motor: 3%). Conclusions It is important that occupational therapists within a facility, and ideally within a state, identify a single test edition to use as part of the process for determining El eligibility. Also, if standard scores and percent delay scores point to conflicting decisions (eligibility vs. noneligibility), further evaluation and greater reliance on clinical judgment are advised.
Scripting highly autonomous simulation behavior using case-based reasoning

Describes additions to the object-oriented RISE system to allow high level simulation of autonomous units. The authors are attempting to use case-based reasoning as a basis for simulating the intelligent behavior of military units. They present details of the mechanism and argue that the key to its success is the proper balance of high level planning code, and efficient primitive behaviors. >
Assessing host specialization among aecial and telial hosts of the white pine blister rust fungus, Cronartium ribicola

The white-pine blister rust fungus, Cronartium ribicola Fisch. in Rabenh., continues to spread in North Amer- ica, utilizing various aecial (primary) and telial (alternate) hosts, some of which have only recently been discovered. This introduced pathogen has been characterized as having low genetic diversity in North America, yet it has demonstrated a capacity to invade diverse environments. The recent discovery of this rust fungus on the telial host Pedicularis racemosa Dougl. ex Benth., raises questions of whether this host association represents a recent acquisition by C. ribicola or a long- standing host association that was overlooked. Here we explore two questions: (i) is host specialization detectable at a lo- cal scale and (ii) is the capacity to infect Pedicularis racemosa local or widespread? Genetic analysis of C. ribicola iso- lates from different aecial and telial hosts provided no evidence for genetic differentiation and showed similar levels of expected heterozygosity within a geographic population. An inoculation test showed that diverse C. ribicola sources from across North America had the capacity to infect Pedicularis racemosa. These results support a hypothesis that ability to in- fect Pedicularis racemosa is common in C. ribicola from North America. Utilization of Pedicularis racemosa by C. ribicola may be dependent on the co-occurrence of this host, inoculum, and favorable environments.
MULTICHANNEL AUDITORY SEARCH: TOWARD UNDERSTANDING CONTROL PROCESSES IN POLYCHOTIC AUDITORY LISTENING

Two experiments are presented that serve as a framework for exploring auditory information processing. The framework is referred to as polychotic listening or auditory search, and it requires a listener to scan multiple simultaneous auditory streams for the appearance of a target word (the name of a letter such as A or M). Participants' ability to scan between two and six simultaneous auditory streams of letter and digit names for the name of a target letter was examined using six loudspeakers. The main independent variable was auditory load, or the number of active audio streams on a given trial. The primary dependent variables were target localization accuracy and reaction time. Results showed that as load increased, performance decreased. The performance decrease was evident in reaction time, accuracy, and sensitivity measures. The second study required participants to practice the same task for 10 sessions, for a total of 1800 trials. Results indicated that even with extensive practice, performance was still affected by auditory load. The present results are compared with findings in the visual search literature. The implications for the use of multiple auditory displays are discussed. Potential applications include cockpit and automobile warning displays, virtual reality systems, and training systems.
The Return of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Skin Testing for Coccidioidomycosis

A skin test that detects dermal hypersensitivity in persons with past infection with Coccidioides species is again available for clinical use. Nearly all of the clinical studies with similar materials were published prior to the 1990s, and as a result, many practicing physicians will be unfamiliar with how skin testing for coccidioidomycosis might be useful in patient management or as a research tool. We review clinical and epidemiological studies with past skin test antigens, the composition of past and current skin test preparations with particular attention to differences in the preservatives, and how the current preparation could be used today.
A 32nm SRAM design for low power and high stability

A SRAM cell must meet stringent requirements for operation in the sub-micron/nano ranges. A nine transistor (9T) cell at a 32 nm feature size in CMOS is proposed to accomplish improvements in stability, power dissipation and performance compared with previous designs for low-power memory operation. Initially, this paper presents the optimal transistor sizing for this 9T SRAM cell considering stability, energy consumption, and delay. A write bitline balancing scheme is proposed to reduce the leakage current of the SRAM cell. By optimizing size and employing the proposed write circuitry scheme, a saving of 32% in power dissipation is achieved in memory array operation compared with a conventional 6T SRAM based design. The impact of process variations is investigated in detail, and the HSPICE simulation shows that the 9T SRAM cell has an excellent tolerance to process variations.
Numerical investigation of excess RF channel noise in sub-100 nm MOSFETs

High-frequency simulations of channel-thermal noise in MOSFETs with gate-lengths of 40 nm, 80 nm, and 110 nm are presented. The simulated noise parameter γ is a stronger function of the carrier transport model at shorter gate-lengths. Velocity saturation is necessary to produce a good match between the simulated and measured DC I-V characteristics using either the drift-diffusion or hydrodynamic transport models. However, in the presence of velocity saturation, the simulated noise is insufficient in explaining the observed excess noise. Hence, these physics-based device-level simulations point to the presence of a non-thermal RF noise source in the FET channel.
Proof of a conjecture of Wohltmann on target path controllability

We prove that a sufficient condition for target path controllability, as defined by H.-W. Wohltmann, is also necessary.
Object oriented reuse: experience in developing a framework for speech recognition applications

The development of highly interactive software systems with complex user interfaces has become increasingly common, where prototypes are often used as a vehicle for demonstrating visions of innovative systems. Given this trend, it is important for new technology to be based on flexible architectures that do not mandate the understanding of all complexities inherent in a system. In this context, we share our experience with developing an object oriented framework for a specific new technology, i.e. speech recognition. We describe the benefits of the object oriented paradigm rich with design patterns, which provide a natural way to model complex concepts and capture system relationships effectively, along with achieving a high level of software reuse.
TCR Mechanobiology: Torques and Tunable Structures Linked to Early T Cell Signaling.

Recent data based upon optical tweezer experiments suggest that the TCR is an anisotropic mechanosensor, converting mechanical energy into biochemical signals upon specific peptide-MHC complex (pMHC) ligation. Tangential force applied along the pseudo-2-fold symmetry axis of the TCR complex post-ligation results in the alphabeta heterodimer exerting torque on the CD3 heterodimers as a consequence of molecular movement at the T cell-APC interface. Attendant TCR quaternary change likely fosters signaling via the lipid bilayer predicated on the magnitude and direction of the TCR-pMHC force. TCR glycans can modulate quaternary change, thereby altering signaling outcome as can the redox state of the CxxC motifs located proximal to the TM segments in the heterodimeric CD3 subunits. Predicted alterations in TCR TM segments and surrounding lipid will convert ectodomain ligation into the earliest intracellular signaling events.