cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Criteria for Sequence Set Design in CDMA Communications

This paper surveys some of the traditional sequence designs that have been considered for code-division multiple-access (CDMA) communications. The design criteria are based on periodic and partial-period cross-correlation properties of the sequence sets. Variations of the design criteria are suggested here which are related more directly to CDMA system performance.
Flexible growing rods: polymer rods provide stability to skeletally immature spines

Objective Surgical treatments for early onset scoliosis (EOS) typically require multiple operations and many complications. A more flexible growing rod construct might result in a more flexible spine with fewer complications. Polymer rods (polyetheretherketone, PEEK) are relatively flexible in bending, and so might allow for greater range of motion (ROM) during treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in ROM of the spine after implantation of simulated growing rod constructs with a range of clinically relevant structural properties. The hypothesis was that ROM of spines instrumented with PEEK rods would be both much greater than metal rods and significantly lower than uninstrumented controls.
X-Ray Telescope

An X-ray telescope is an optic that is used to focus and image x-rays in the manner of a conventional telescope for visible light astronomy. X-ray telescopes are exclusively the domain of X-ray astronomy, the discipline that studies high energy emissions from objects in space. A telescope, by its very nature, is for studying objects at large distances, concentrating their radiation, and magnifying their angular extent. Since X-rays cannot travel large distances through the atmosphere of the Earth, their function can only be used in spacecraft, observing targets through the vacuum of space. X-rays penetrate matter and are used for imaging of the interior of the human body. Unfortunately, this means that X-rays also tend to penetrate telescope mirrors, making the mirror worthless for astronomy. But, by use of a specialized technique called grazing incidence, telescopes can be made to reflect, and astronomy can be performed. In this article, we describe the basic techniques used to build x-ray telescopes for X-ray astronomy. X-ray astronomy, because it must be performed above the atmosphere, is a child of the space program. Telescopes are carried above the atmosphere by rockets and used to study the Sun, the planets, and objects in the depths of space. These telescopes have provided a different view of the hot and energetic constituents of the universe, and produced the key observations to establish the existence of black holes. Various telescopes are described, e.g., Thin mirror telescopes, Kirk-Baez telescopes, X-ray interferometric telescopes, and Multilayer telescopes. Various missions involving these telescopes are discussed. Keywords: X-ray telescope; X-ray astronomy; grazing incidence; fresnel equations; mirror quality; walter techniques; thin mirror telescopes; kirk-baez telescopes; multilayer telescopes; X-ray interferometric telescopes; gratings; einstein observatory; ROSAT mission; TRACE mission; chandra observatory MM-neutron mission apollo telescope mount
Double‐Tuned Surface Coils

Double-tuned surface coils allow magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging to be performed with one RF coil, thereby circumventing disturbance of the experimental setup that would otherwise occur with single-tuned coils. This article reviews double-tuned surface coil techniques and presents detailed theory and construction of two common methods: multiple pole and transformer-coupled. Multiple pole double tuning is accomplished by inserting a discrete component resonant circuit within the main coil tuning circuit. Transformer-coupled coils are created by overcoupling two resonant loops. Both designs perform similar to single-tuned coils at the lower frequency, but suffer losses at the higher frequency. Detailed construction examples, with parts appendices, are given. Testing methods and common problems are discussed. An extensive reference list is provided to allow further exploration of double-tuning methodologies. Keywords: double-tuned coil; imaging; spectroscopy; multiple-pole circuit; transformer-coupled circuit; Q; impedance matching; coil
Temperature dependence of the threshold current density of CdZnSe blue-green quantum well diode lasers

Recently, there have been reports that the optical gain in CdZnSe QW lasers is not derived from stimulated processes between free electrons and holes but between bound electron and holes or excitons. If so, then an "excitonic gain" (EX) model rather than the electron-hole plasma (EHP) model would be appropriate for designing CdZnSe QW lasers. While this may be the case, it is interesting at this time to see how well the EHP model can do in predicting the temperature dependence of threshold current density for such lasers. The laser structure studied has an Cd/sub 0.2/Zn/sub 0.8/Se single quantum well (65/spl Aring/) active layer. >
Modes of Action of Gallic Acid in Suppressing Food Intake of Rats

Gallic acid (3,4,5,trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a naturally occurring polyphenol comprising the major hydrolytic product of tannic acid. Gallic acid and tannic acid were previously shown to suppress food intake of animals to a similar extent. However, the mechanism by which this effect takes place has not been previously reported. Reported here is that the effect of gallic acid on food intake is not mediated entirely through taste aversion or through other gastrointestinal factors, since a continuous daily infusion of a gallic acid solution (18 ml; 2%) resulted in a significant reduction of food intake. The catechol moiety of gallic acid plays an important role in its suppression of food intake since administration of tis 4-0 methyl derivative was significantly less effective is suppressing food intake (P less than 0.01). The effectiveness of gallic acid in suppressing food intake diminishes with time, indicating adaptation to the consumption of this polyphenol. Propyl gallate is a more potent suppressor of food intake than gallic acid. Adaptation to the consumption of this polyphenol, it it exists at all, is much slower than with gallic.
Organ-specific inhibition of Types I,II and III transcriptional activity in hamsters exposed to stilbene estrogen

We have previously shown that stilbene estrogen (diethyl-stilbestrol, DES) covalently binds to nonhistone nuclear proteins both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate the differential effects of DES exposure on in organelle transcriptional activity in nuclei isolated from kidney (target organ of cancer) and liver (non target organ) of hamsters. Kidney RNA polymerase (RNA pol) I and III activities were significantly inhibited by 50% at days 8 and 15 of DES exposure compared to that of controls. Liver RNA pol I and III activities were only modestly inhibited (17 and 22%, respectively) by 2 and 8 days of DES exposure, respectively. However, longer exposure of DES to animals did not produce any significant effects on RNA pol I activity. The activity of RNA pol II was affected by DES exposure in both liver and kidney. DES treatment for two days resulted in an increase in RNA pol II activity in kidney. The enhanced enzyme activity was decreased to 50% of that of the control at 15 days of DES treatment. Unlike RNA pol I and III, RNA pol II activity in the liver was inhibited in a time-dependent fashion in response to DES exposure. To understand the mechanism of transcriptional inhibition by DES, we analyzed the effect of DES exposure on the expression of hepatic RNA pol II at both mRNA and protein levels and also phosphorylation of hepatic RNA pol II. The total amount of transcripts or protein contents of hepatic RNA pol II was not altered in response to DES exposure to hamster for 15 days. Total phosphorylation of hepatic RNA pol II was also not affected by 15 days DES exposure. However tyrosine phosphorylation of hepatic RNA pol II was lowered by 2.8-fold compared to that of control enzyme in response to DES exposure for 15 days. An inhibitory effect of DES on the total RNA polymerase activity in both kidney and liver nuclei in the presence of endogenous template was observed in vitro. No inhibitory effect of DES was observed in vitro on transcriptional activity in the presence of exogenously added DNA template. Based on these data it appears that the in vivo inhibition of transcription by DES may be due to alterations in chromatin template or the level of transcription regulating proteins and not due to decreased availability of the chromatin template and/or RNA polymerase. Whether DES related inhibition of transcriptional activity plays a role in the development of kidney cancer is not clear.
Optimal Control Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain

An optimal control strategy is developed for the powertrain of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to minimize the fuel consumption while maintaining good performance and drivability. A novel robust identifier using the generalized notion of power approach is developed and used to accurately predict the performance characteristics of the powertrain. The uniqueness of this model is its ability to represent both internal combustion engine (ICE) unit and electrical motor generator (EMG) unit of the powertrain system in one state space system of equations. Thus, it allows proper characterization of the interaction of both units considering the irreversibility of the entropy generation by the ICE unit, load small disturbances, and magnetic material nonlinearity as well as space and time harmonics of the EMG unit. The optimal control strategy is developed in two stages. The first uses a mathematical search algorithm based on the calculus of variation to minimize fuel consumption and develop needed torque to achieve a good performance. The second stage employs a fuzzy logic algorithm to ensure good drivability (comfort). The superiority of the optimization algorithm is demonstrated by applying it to a prototype HEV with split power configuration and by comparing simulation results with readily available benchmark data.
A new class of noninactivating K+ channels from aplysia capable of contributing to the resting potential and firing patterns of neurons

Abstract From the nervous system of Aplysia, we have cloned a new class of noninactivating K + channels (aKv5.1) that are activated at low voltage and are capable of contributing to the resting potential and firing patterns of neurons. Expression of aKv5.1 in Aplysia neuron R 15 revealed that aKv5.1 exerts an unusual control over cell excitability; it increased the resting potential by more than 20 mV and abolished the spontaneous bursting activity of the cell. In its ability to suppress the endogenous rhythm of R15, aKv5.1 differs in its actions from transient, inactivating K + channels such as aKv1.1a, an Aplysia homolog of Shaker. aKv1.1a shortens the duration of the spike and increases the afterpotential, but does not suppress bursting. Thus, by expressing different classes of K + channels, it is possible to redesign, in specific ways, the signaling capabilities of specific, identified neurons.
A new methodology for anticipating STEEP surprises

Abstract In technological forecasting and futures research on social change, the term wild card (a.k.a. disruptor or STEEP surprise ), traditionally refers to a plausible future event that is estimated to have low probability but high impact should it occur. This article introduces: 1. A Type II Wild Card, defined as having high probability and high impact as seen by experts if present trends continue, but low credibility for non-expert stakeholders of importance. 2. A four-level typology of wild cards, leading to a systematic methodology for monitoring the emerging awareness and credibility of high probability disruptors and for assessment of stakeholder-specific views about them. An informal pilot test of the methodology both indicated that the approach has practical value, and highlighted the importance of highly plausible tipping points which could rapidly lead to massive disruption, either toward collapse or reformation in the complex adaptive systems (CAS) making up human civilization. For reasons of historical continuity, wild card-related nomenclature is used throughout the majority of this article although the term STEEP Surprise is advocated for further work. (STEEP being a frequently used acronym denoting five conceptual sectors of importance.) Suggestions for further work include: • Research on how to diminish the discounting of Type II phenomena by institutional leaders • Monitoring of transitions in the perceived credibility of critical Type II STEEP Surprises by thought leaders • A Snowball Survey of wisdom leaders having multidisciplinary expertise from all walks of life to identify specific Type II possibilities (especially positive ones), they see as having greatest importance • A Cooperative Clearinghouse on STEEP Surprises for sharing of intelligence on highly probable/highly disruptive events, together with plausible impacts and proactive policies.
Text- and content-based biomedical image modality classification

Image modality classification is an important task toward achieving high performance in biomedical image and article retrieval. Imaging modality captures information about its appearance and use. Examples include X-ray, MRI, Histopathology, Ultrasound, etc. Modality classification reduces the search space in image retrieval. We have developed and evaluated several modality classification methods using visual and textual features extracted from images and text data, such as figure captions, article citations, and MeSH®. Our hierarchical classification method using multimodal (mixed textual and visual) and several class-specific features achieved the highest classification accuracy of 63.2%. The performance was among the best in ImageCLEF2012 evaluation.
SU-EE-A4-06: Impact of KVp and Bowtie Compensator On Cone-Beam CT Image Quality: An Elekta Synergy XVI Experience

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of kVp and Bowtie compensator on cone‐beam CTimage quality using Elekta Synergy XVI system. Materials and Methods: An XVI system was customarily calibrated at 80, 100, 120, and 138 kVp for various collimation settings. For each kVp, the beam quality and output of the x‐ray tube was measured using a 6‐cm3 ionchamber with a series of tube current (mA) with and without Bowtie filter. Catphan 500 phantom was used for CBCTimaging. For the small FOV and 20‐cm length collimation (S20), high‐resolution CBCTimages were reconstructed with voxel size of .5×0.5×0.5 mm3. Spatial resolution, uniformity, CT‐number accuracy and linearity were measured on the Catphan images. Contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio (CNR) was measured using the means (S) and standard deviations (s) in 6‐mm diameter circular region‐of‐interest (ROI) within the polystyrene (PS) and LDPE by the formula of ( ) / ( 2 2 ) / 2 LDPE PS LDPE PSCNR = S − S s +s. Results: The exposure rate with Bowtie filter is linearly proportional to the mAs, increases at a rate of (kVp)2.85, and decreased to 73% of that without Bowtie at equivalent kVp and mAs settings. Without Bowtie, the spatial uniformity improves but the CNR deteriorates when increasing kVp at equivalent exposure rates. Application of Bowtie compensator improves the spatial uniformity by more than 11% and increases the accuracy of CT number for soft‐tissue materials at all tested kVps. Bowtie compensator also increases the CNR from 1.64 to 1.94 at 100 kVp, but reduces the CNR by ∼20% at 120kVp and 138kVp. Conclusion: Through this clinical investigation, we have found that Bowtie compensator improves the uniformity and CT‐number accuracy for soft‐tissue materials and may increase the CNR at the low kVp but decrease CNR at the high kVp. In image‐guided radiotherapy, using Bowtie with low kVp for small‐body and no Bowtie with high kVp for large‐body imaging appeared to be optimal settings.
Assembly line balancing: a set of challenging problems

SUMMARY Various techniques have been proposed for solution of the assembly line balancing problem. To demonstrate their efficacy, sample problems have been employed. In recent years, a common set of problems have often been used. This paper examines that set and shows that in light of the state of the art in algorithm development and computer technology, the existing literature set is inadequate as a benchmark. A new set of problems, based upon the previous set, but which is more challenging is proposed. A simple, but effective algorithm is employed to allow focus on the problems; a commonly available microcomputer, easily compared with mainframes or other micros, is employed for timing results.
842 A PREVIOUSLY UNREPORTED DE NOVO FRAGILE SITE [fra(2)(q37)] IN A BOY WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY, HYPOTONIA AND DYSMORPHISM

The patient was born at term with a birth weight of 2.84 Kg. At age 12 months he was not sitting up or responding. At 15 months he could not stand, with hypotonia of legs and a ? history of myoclonic seizures. At 21 months he presented as a thin boy with hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, pectus excavatum, hammer-toe deformities of the great toes and a head that appeared small. Analysis of GTG-banded, cultured peripheral lymphocytes revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,fra(2)(q37). The fragility on chromosome 2 was present in 100% of the cells examined. The appearance of the fragile site varied from that of a secondary constriction to an isochromatid break. It was seen in lymphocytes cultured in Ham's F-10 synthetic medium, plus 20% calf serum. No inducing agents like FUdR, BUdR, anti-folates or distamycin were present. The parents had normal karyotypes. It is of interest that the father was exposed to Agent Orange spray in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. There are two areas of possible causality which are unresolved in this case: the relation of the dysmorphism and developmental delay to the fragile site, and in turn its relationship (if any) to Agent Orange.
Prognostic factors in patients with metastatic breast cancer at the time of diagnosis

Approximately 90% of breast cancer mortality is due to metastases that are resistant to adjuvant therapies. Thus, assessment of factors associated with clinical outcomes in patients with advanced breast cancer is of significant importance. Despite the recent improvement in early detection, between 5 and 10% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with metastasis at initial presentation or, rarely, before the primary breast cancer has been identified. These patients typically have poorer survival outcomes compared to those who develop distant metastasis subsequently. Yet, the prognostic relevance in these patients has not been intensively explored. In this study, we analyzed breast cancer patients with distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis between 1997 and 2010 (n=194) to identify the clinicopathological factors significant for overall survival. By univariate analysis, race, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor status were significantly associated with overall survival, while race and ER remained independent factors in multivariate analysis. Being Caucasian and overexpressing of ER both showed a significantly decreased hazard of death (P=0.015 and 0.017, respectively). Reflecting these findings, the overall survival differed significantly between breast subtypes, with the luminal subtype and triple negative disease being associated with the longest and worst survival, respectively. Further, multi-organ involvement was associated with a worse prognosis than those with single organ metastasis, whereas no significant difference in survival was found between the different anatomic sites (bone, viscera and brain). Our findings suggest that it is predominantly the intrinsic nature of the tumor along with the genetic makeup of the patient that predicts the prognostic outcome in those patients with advanced disease at presentation.
Poly(fluorene-oxadiazole) copolymer-based light-emitting devices on a plastic substrate

Abstract We reported on one new series of light-emitting copolymers for polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs), poly(dioctyl fluorene-co-diphenyl oxadiazole)s (P(DOF-DPO)s). The device structure used in this study was composed of: indium tin oxide (ITO) anode/PEDOT:PSS ((polyethvlenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrene sulfonate)) as hole-transporting layer/P(DOF) or P(DOF-DPO) as emissive layer/calcium + aluminum cathode. Both the photo-luminescence spectra and electro-luminescence spectra were slightly blue-shifted, when we added less than 10% DPO moiety into P(DOF-DPO). The maximum emission efficiency of the PLEDs based on P(DOF-DPO) with less than 10% DPO moiety are comparable to the P(DOF)-based PLEDs. However, when we added more than 20% DPO moiety into P(DOF-DPO), we found that P(DOF-DPO) PLEDs had significantly lower device efficiency than P(DOF) (poly(dioctyl fluorene)) PLEDs.
Characterizing emergent properties of immunological systems with multi-cellular rule-based computational modeling

The immune system is comprised of numerous components that interact with one another to give rise to phenotypic behaviors that are sometimes unexpected. Agent-based modeling (ABM) and cellular automata (CA) belong to a class of discrete mathematical approaches in which autonomous entities detect local information and act over time according to logical rules. The power of this approach lies in the emergence of behavior that arises from interactions between agents, which would otherwise be impossible to know a priori. Recent work exploring the immune system with ABM and CA has revealed novel insights into immunological processes. Here, we summarize these applications to immunology and, particularly, how ABM can help formulate hypotheses that might drive further experimental investigations of disease mechanisms.
Vagueness‐Related Attitudes

Stephen Schiffer claims that vagueness is essentially a psychological phenomenon. According to him, vagueness should not be explicated in terms of absent truth values or incurable ignorance that is, as a semantic or an epistemic phenomenon but rather in terms of a peculiar new type of propositional attitude. Schiffer introduces the notion of a vagueness-related partial belief and bases upon it both a novel analysis of the notion of a borderline case and a novel solution to the sorites paradox. He defines standard partial beliefs (SPBs) as partial beliefs which can under suitable idealization be identified with subjective probability (p. 221). He defines vagueness-related partial beliefs (VPBs) as partial beliefs which cannot be so identified (p. 223). He adds that VPBs, by contrast to SPBs, do not measure uncertainty or generate corresponding likelihood beliefs (p. 223). He defines a paradigm VPB (VPB*) as a VPB held by an ideally rational thinker who knows, with certainty, that she is in ideal epistemic conditions with respect to the content of her VPB (p. 227). Schiffer then analyzes the notion of a borderline case as follows: x is to some extent a borderline case of being F just in case someone could have a VPB* that x is F.
EXPERIMENTAL OPTIMIZATION METHODS FOR MULTI- ELEMENT AIRFOILS

A modern three element airfoil model with a remotely activated flap was used to investigate optimum flap testing position using an automated optimization algorithm in wind tunnel tests. Detailed results for lift coefficient versus flap vertical and horizontal position are presented for two angles of attack: 8 and 14 degrees. An on-line first order optimizer is demonstrated which automatically seeks the optimum lift as a function of flap position. Future work with off-line optimization techniques is introduced and aerodynamic hysteresis effects due to flap movement with flow on are discussed.
Impact of non-dispatchable renewables on generator cycling and control via a hierarchical control scheme

Increasing penetration of intermittent non-dispatchable renewable resources to the power grid could result in a less reliable and secure system if the intermittency is ignored. An additional effect of intermittency is the cycling of thermal units as the thermal units are controlled under an economic dispatch controller. This paper proposes an approach to smoothen the intermittency and therefore minimize thermal unit cycling by controlling demand and other customer owned resources. Specifically, a hierarchical optimization and coordination algorithm is proposed that takes advantage of the control capabilities of these resources and optimizes their operation with the ultimate goal to minimize system operating cost and maximized reliability. A byproduct of this optimization is the reduced cycling of dispatchable generating units. Results are demonstrated on a utility scale system with various levels of wind penetration using actual wind generation patterns. It is shown that while the objective of the optimization is the minimization of the overall operating cost of the system, the optimal solution also reduces the number of cycles and the average MW variation per cycle. This minimization of thermal unit wear and tear increases the reliability of the system.
Quasiperiodicity in dissipative systems: A renormalisation group analysis

Abstract Dynamical systems with quasiperiodic behavior, i.e., two incommensurate frequencies, may be studied via discrete maps which show smooth continuous invariant curves with irrational winding number. In this paper these curves are followed using renormalization group techniques which are applied to a one-dimensional system (circle) and also to an area-contracting map of an annulus. Two fixed points are found representing different types of universal behavior: a trivial fixed point for smooth motion and a nontrivial fixed point. The latter representsthe incipient breakup of a quasiperiodic motion with frequency ratio the golden mean into a more chaotic flow. Fixed point functions are determined numerically and via an e-expansion and eigenvalues are calculated.
Influence of ammonia on membrane-electrode assemblies in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract An experimental investigation of contamination of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) membranes and catalyst layers with ammonia (NH3) is reported. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses show that trace amounts of ammonia can significantly contaminate both the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and the catalyst layers. The results show that the catalyst layer contamination can be reversed under certain conditions, while the membrane recovery tends to be much slower, and permanent effects of ammonia contamination is observed. Mechanisms of contamination of the polymer electrolyte and catalyst layers, and performance degradation of the PEFC are also postulated.
Postoperative pericardial adhesion prevention using Carbylan-SX in a rabbit model.

Introduction. The presence of dense adhesions within the pericardial space complicates reoperative cardiac surgery. Prior attempts to reduce adhesion formation after primary cardiac surgery using medications or biomaterials have had variable success. Carbylan-SX (Carbylan Biosurgery Inc., Palo Alto, CA) is a hyaluronan-based biomaterial, which has been shown to be effective at reducing adhesions in a non-thoracic rat model. This study evaluates whether Carbylan-SX can effectively reduce postoperative adhesions within the pericardial cavity. Methods. Thirty-eight New Zealand white rabbits underwent a left lateral thoracotomy. A pericardiotomy was made and epicardial adhesions were induced on the anterior surface of the heart using a Dremel device (Racine, WI). The rabbits were divided into four groups: controls with abrasions only receiving no treatment (n = 10), Carbylan-SX films (n = 10), Carbylan-SX aerosolized hydrogel (n = 10), and Seprafilm (n = 8). The pericardial sac and chest were subsequently closed. Rabbits were sacrificed at a mean of 15 days. For histological analysis, each heart was divided into 12 separate 1 mm sections. Computer imaging software was used to measure the adhesion thickness and the mean of 12 random measurements for each animal was recorded and statistical analysis performed. Results. Histological analysis revealed all treatment groups to be significantly better than the control (2159 μm thickness, P < 0.0001) at preventing adhesions. The Carbylan-SX film and Carbylan-SX aerosolized hydrogel both proved to be better at preventing adhesions than Seprafilm (Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, MA) with an average adhesion thickness of 454 and 577 μm, respectively, compared with 1319 μm for Seprafilm (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0005, respectively). The Carbylan-SX film and Carbylan-SX aerosolized hydrogel were equally effective at preventing adhesion formation. Conclusion. Carbylan-SX film and Carbylan-SX aerosolized crosslinkable hydrogel are equally effective methods of reducing postoperative pericardial adhesions within the pericardial cavity. Both the Carbylan-SX film and aerosolized hydrogel showed a significantly greater reduction in adhesions than Seprafilm. Clinical application of Carbylan-SX could have significant therapeutic implications in the future.
Comparative effectiveness of two extracerebral DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors in Parkinson disease

In four patients with Parkinson disease, we compared carbidopa combined with levodopa (Sinemet®) and benserazide combined with levodopa (Madopar®). All of these patients had responded to treatment, first with levodopa and then with Sinemet; after 6 years two continued to show a good response, while two developed marked “on-off” phenomena. Clinically, Sinemet and Madopar were similar; however, DOPA levels were higher, but with a shorter half-life, on Madopar. The higher DOPA levels may have been offset by the shorter half-life, resulting in no clinical change. DOPA levels were lower and half-life was shorter in patients with on-off phenomena. These differences may be responsible in part for the on-off phenomena.
RELEASE, METABOLISM AND INTERCONVERSION OF ADENINE AND URIDINE NUCLEOTIDES: IMPLICATIONS FOR G PROTEIN-COUPLED P2 RECEPTOR AGONIST SELECTIVITY

The occurrence of a physiologically relevant release of adenine nucleotides that results in the activation of cell surface receptors was formally postulated several decades ago’,?. More recently, the reputation of ATP and ADP as extracellular signalling molecules has been augmented by the identification of coding sequences for a remarkably large number of adenine nucleotide-activated receptors. These include at least seven receptors of the so-called P2X receptor class of l&and-gated ion channels and at least two members of the P2Y* receptor subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors’. Additional pharmacological and second messenger signalling data suggest that the full cohort of receptors for extracellular adenine nucleotides has not yet been cloned. Although evidence for regulated release of uridine nucleotides is sparse”, the high selectivity of several of the cloned P2Y receptors for UTP or UDP supports the idea that extracellular uridine nucleotides also subserve physiologically important roles. The molecular cloning of DNA encoding P2 receptors has enabled the pharmacological selectivity of I’2 receptors of defined amino acid sequence to be delineated. This development was particularly
Nerve growth factor influences potassium movements in chick embryo dorsal root ganglionic cells.

Abstract Recently we have shown that Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) influences the movement of Na+ across the membrane of chick embryo dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. When cell dissociates from 8-day embryonic chick DRG, equilibrated with 86Rb+ (a K+ analog) in the presence of NGF, were transferred to NGF-free medium a marked loss of intracellular K+ occurred over several hours. The time course of K+ loss was similar to the time course of Na+ accumulation which occurs in the absence of NGF. NGF-deprived, K+-depleted DRG cells reaccumulated K+ within minutes of delayed NGF presentation, just as delayed NGF administration results in the rapid extrusion of Na+ from Na+-loaded cells. Restoration of K+ competence was dependent upon NGF concentration. The occurrence of this K+ response to exogenous NGF in other ganglionic preparations correlated with traditional responses to NGF in culture and previously observed Na+ responses. Neither the development nor the expression of the ionic defect (K+ depletion, Na+ filling) during NGF deprivation required the presence of both cations in the medium. NGF-dependent restoration of intracellular K+ in NGF-deprived chick DRG cells required the presence of intracellular Na+, and NGF-dependent extrusion of Na+ required extracellular K+. Thus NGF appears to influence the coupled (active) movements of Na+ and K+ across the membrane of its target cells, possibly by means of the classical Na+, K+-ATPase pump.
Revising the Conceptualization of Computerization Movements

One interesting problem arising from Kling and Iacono's pioneering work on computerization movements (CMs) is the question of empirically determining a movement's success or failure. This article questions the question and argues that it is based on two assumptions that upon closer examination seem problematic. The first is that Kling and Iaconco's concept of a CM is sufficient to cover the range of CMs. Their approach to CMs is explicated, pointing out three ways in which it is limited, concluding that it should be reconceptualized. The second is that CMs are similar enough so that a single set of criteria is sufficient to judge the success or failure of any given CM. Using a heuristic analysis to examine a set of 41 CMs, a typology is introduced demonstrating that there are important differences among CMs. The article concludes that since a single set of criteria is no longer appropriate, different sets of criteria are needed to evaluate the success or failure of different types of CMs.
Laser processing of diamond-like carbon–metal composites

Abstract Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a hydrogen-free amorphous material that contains a large fraction of sp 3 -hybridized carbon atoms. DLC exhibits hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance properties close to those of diamond. Unfortunately, DLC films contain a large amount of compressive stresses and exhibit poor adhesion to many metal substrates. We have adopted a novel pulsed laser deposition process to incorporate metal atoms into diamond-like carbon films. Visible Raman spectroscopy data suggest that DLC–metal composite films possess less internal compressive stress than as-prepared DLC films. DLC–metal composite films have several potential applications, including use in machine tools and medical prostheses.
Comparative attachment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and of gonococcal pili to various mammalian sperm

Abstract Sperm from five mammalian species was tested for ability of N. gonorrhoeae from colony types 1 and 4 to attach. Gonococci attached to swine sperm > human, > dog, > cat, > rhesus monkey. Isolated gonococcal pili were radioiodinated and were assayed for attachment to sperm of three of the species. Maximum saturation of swine, human and canine sperm occurred between 15 and 30 min, with a subsequent decrease in attachment noted at later time points. Attachment was greatest with sperm from swine. These data suggested that eukaryotic cell wall components, perhaps gangliosides, might serve as receptors for pili.
COMPARATIVE VASOACTIVE RESPONSES OF PREMATURE, NEWBORN AND ADULT BABOON CEREBRAL ARTERIES TO PROSTAGLANDINS

Prostaglandin (PG) E1 is used in neonates with certain cyanotic congenital heart defects to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus, but its effects on cerebral blood flow are not well known. Vasodilator response (expressed as % of 10−4M papaverine-induced relaxation) and vasoconstrictor response (as % of 30 mM KC1-induced contraction) to PGs were examined in helical strips of cerebral arteries isolated from premature (0.75 gestation), full term newborn and adult baboons. PGs I2, E1, E2 and F2α at low concentrations of 10−10 to 10−8M produced a vasodilation in the arteries from all age groups. Maximum vasodilator responses to PGI2 were similar between adult and newborn arteries (95-100%). Vasodilator response to PGE1 was much greater in newborn than adult arteries; adult arteries relaxed to 20±9% (N=8) at 10−9M PGE1 and contracted above the baseline at 10−8M, whereas newborn arteries relaxed to 53±7% at 10−9M and 74±8% at 10−8M (N=7). Similarly greater relaxation was found in newborn than adult arteries with PGE2 and PGF2α. No significant difference was found between premature and newborn arteries in relaxation response to all 4 PGs. PGs E1, E2 and F2α at concentrations of 10−8M or greater produced a marked contraction in adult arteries, but small or no contractions in premature and newborn arteries. The results indicate that the cerebral arteries of premature and newborn baboons are more responsive to vasodilator actions, but less responsive to vasoconstrictor actions of PGs than adult arteries.
A lack-of-fit test in Tobit errors-in-variables regression models

Abstract The problem of fitting a parametric model in Tobit errors-in-variables regression models is discussed in this paper. The proposed test is based on the supremum of the Khmaladze type transformation of a certain partial sum process of calibrated residuals. This framework covers the usual error-free Tobit model as a special case. The asymptotic null distribution of this transformed process is shown to be the same as that of a time transformed standard Brownian motion. Consistency against some fixed alternatives and asymptotic power under some local nonparametric alternatives of this test are also discussed. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed test.
Embedded wa-phrases, predication, and judgment theory

Topic marking with the particle wa is a prevalent phenomenon in Japanese, and it is generally considered a root phenomenon, as its appearance is much more restricted under embedding. While it has been pointed out that there are some types of embedded clauses that allow wa-phrases, relative clauses present the most restricted linguistic environment for the particle. This exceptional restrictiveness cannot be attributed to a general constraint on wa in embedded contexts. Adopting Kuroda’s (Japanese syntax and semantics, 1992) theory of wa-marking, I argue that the restriction on wa in relative clauses is a result of the clash between two distinct notions of ‘predication’; the general understanding of the term relevant to the predicate abstraction process in a relative clause and Kuroda’s notion of predication, which is structurally manifested in a sentence with wa. Specifically, the lack of wa-marking in relative clauses is due to the illicit abstraction process that crosses over wa-phrases. It will be shown that the analysis has many consequences beyond relative clauses. In particular, it explains the wide scope tendency of topic phrases and the distribution of wa in as diverse sentence types as wh-interrogatives, scrambled sentences, cleft sentences, and clausal comparatives.
Characterization of Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transformed by a plasmid with an inducible APRT gene.

Abstract A plasmid was constructed by fusion of a selectable mammalian gene, hamster adenine phosphoribosyltransferase ( APRT ), to the Zn 2+ -inducible sheep metallothionein I (MT I) promoter. This plasmid was used to produce stable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell transformants by electroporation to study the effects of induced gene expression on DNA-mediated transformation. The sheep MT Ia promoter was chosen for these experiments because it regulates gene expression differently than murine MT promoters, exhibiting low basal levels of gene expression in uninduced conditions. We have shown that in the absence of Zn 2+ , there is very low expression of a sheep MT I- APRT fusion gene in stable CHO cells transformants; induction of APRT mRNA and enzyme activity by Zn 2+ produced a “threshold” response, from low basal levels to high induced levels, in Zn 2+ responsive stable transformant clones. In electroporation experiments, transformation frequencies were unaffected by Zn 2+ treatments during a preselection period, but the presence of Zn 2+ during selection increased the recovery of stable transformant clones 8- to 10-fold. All stable transformants analyzed displayed Zn 2+ -inducible APRT enzyme activity. Our results indicate that stable mammalian cell transformants with inducible genes under regulation of the sheep MT I promoter should be useful, because of low basal and high induced expression, for studies in which modulation of transcriptional activity is required.
Evaluation of systems for collection of porcine zygotes for DNA microinjection and transfer.

Abstract Crossbred gilts and sows (n=116) were used for the collection of 1-cell zygotes for DNA microinjection and transfer. Retrospectively, estrus synchronization and superovulation schemes were evaluated to assess practicality for zygote collection. Four synchronization and superovulation procedures were used: 1) sows were observed for natural estrous behavior; 1000 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was administered at the onset of estrus (NAT); 2) cyclic gilts were synchronized with 17.6 mg altrenogest (ALT)/day for 15 to 19 days followed by superovulation with 1500 IU pregnant mares serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 500 IU hCG (LALT); 3) gilts between 11 and 16 days of the estrous cycle received 17.6 mg ALT for 5 to 9 days and PMSG and hCG were used to induce superovulation (SALT); and 4) precocious ovulation was induced in prepubertal gilts with PMSG and hCG (PRE). A total of 505 DNA microinjected embryos transferred into 17 recipients produced 7 litters and 50 piglets, of which 8 were transgenic. The NAT sows had less (P 0.05) in the number of corpora hemorrhagica or unovulated follicles, but SALT and PRE treaments had higher ovulation rates than LALT (24.7 ± 2.9, 24.3 ± 1.8 vs 11.6 ± 2.7 ovulations; X ± SEM). The SALT and PRE treatments yielded 12.3 ± 2.6 and 17.7 ± 1.7 zygotes. Successful transgenesis was accomplished with SALT and PRE procedures for estrus synchronization and superovulation.
Multispectral pattern recognition applied to x-ray fluorescence images of the Archimedes Palimpsest

The Archimedes Palimpsest is one of the most significant texts in the history of science. Much of the text has been read using images of reflected visible light and visible light produced by ultraviolet fluorescence. However, these techniques do not perform well on the four pages of the manuscript that are obscured by forged icons that were painted over these pages during the first half of the 20th century. X-ray fluorescence images of one of these pages have been processed using spectral pattern recognition techniques developed for environmental remote sensing to recover the original texts beneath the paint.
Evaluating the impact of buffers to account for scientific uncertainty when setting TACs: application to red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska

Andre E. Punt1*, M. S. M. Siddeek2, Brian Garber-Yonts3, Michael Dalton3, Louis Rugolo3, Diana Stram4, Benjamin J. Turnock3, and Jie Zheng2 School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, WA, USA Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Commercial Fisheries, PO Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526, USA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115, USA North Pacific Fishery Management Council, 605 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 306, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA *Corresponding author: tel: +1 206 2216319; fax: +1 206 6857471; e-mail: aepunt@u.washington.edu
But Are You Really Happy?: The Negativity Effect in the Inference of Happiness and Unhappiness

This research examined whether people make correspondent inferences more readily for others' expression of unhappiness than happiness. Study 1 measured people's lay theory of the range of emotional expressions that happy and unhappy people enact. We found that people perceive that a person who is unhappy has a wider range of emotional expression than a person who is happy. Participants in Study 2 inferred that another's description of his or her own unhappy life was more revealing of that person's true attitudes and feelings than another's description of his or her own happy life. Following up on these findings, Study 3 showed that people's inferences regarding another's level of happiness were more affected by situational information when the person described a happy life compared to an unhappy life. Together, these three studies point to a negativity effect in person inference that also applies to the expression and communication of happiness and unhappiness.
Z-scan measurements of the excited state absorption cross sections of a benzothiazolylfluorenylethynyl-substituted terpyridyl platinum(II) complex

Using Z scans employing 4.1-ns and 21-ps pulses, values of 4.0×10−17 cm2 and 4.2×10−17 cm2 were obtained for the singlet and triplet excited-state absorption cross sections of 4′-[2-(7-benzothiazolyl-9,9-diethylfluoren-2-yl)ethynyl]-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridyl platinum(II) chloride at 532 nm.
Generators for categories of compact irreducible semigroups

For a compact totally ordered space X, K. H. Hofmann and P. S. Mostert constructed a topological semigroup Irr (X)0 such that every compact irreducible semigroup with idempotents X is a surmorphic image of Irr (X)0 [2]. J. H. Carruth and M. Mislove pointed out that Irr (X)0 was in general not a compact semigroup. In this paper a compact connected hormos will be constructed which contains Irr (X)0 as a dense subsemigroup and for which every compact irreducible semigroup with idempotents X is a surmorphic image. This leads to a new proof of the existence of generators for the category of compact irreducible semigroups with idempotents X. It will then be shown that Irr (X)0 contains generators for the category.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Drag and Torque Characteristics of Three-Bladed Savonius Wind Turbine

With the growing demand of energy worldwide, conventional energy is becoming more and more scarce and expensive. The United States is already facing an energy crunch as the fuel price soars. Therefore, there is an obvious need for alternative sources of energy—perhaps more than ever. Wind is among the most popular and fastest-growing forms of electricity generation in the world, which is pollution free and available almost at any time of the day, especially in the coastal regions. The main attraction of the vertical-axis wind turbine is its manufacturing simplicity compared to that of the horizontal-axis wind turbine. Among all different vertical axis wind turbines, Savonius wind turbine is the simplest one. Operation of the Savonius wind turbine is based on the difference of the drag force on its semi-spherical blades, depending on whether the wind is striking the convex or the concave part of the blades. The advantage of this type of wind turbine is its good self-starting and wind directional independence characteristic. It, however, has a relatively lower efficiency in comparison with the lift type vertical-axis wind turbines. Due to its simple design and low construction cost, Savonius rotors are primarily used for water pumping and wind power on a small scale. The main objective of this ongoing research work is to improve the aerodynamic performance of vertical axis Savonius wind turbine. Wind tunnel investigation has been performed on aerodynamic characteristics, such as drag coefficients, and static torque coefficient of three-bladed Savonius rotor model. Also the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has been performed using FLUENT software to analyze the static rotor aerodynamics such as drag coefficients and torque coefficient, and these results are compared with the corresponding experimental results for verification.Copyright © 2009 by ASME