cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vasopressin responses to unloading arterial baroreceptors during cardiac nerve blockade in conscious dogs

We examined the relative contributions of afferent input from the heart and from arterial baroreceptors in the stimulation of arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion in response to hypotension caused by thoracic inferior vena caval constriction (TIVCC). Afferent input from cardiac receptors was reversibly blocked by infusing 2% procaine into the pericardial space to anesthetize the cardiac nerves. Acute cardiac nerve blockade (CNB) alone caused a rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 24 +/- 3 mmHg but no change in plasma AVP. If the rise in MAP was prevented by TIVCC, plasma AVP increased by 39 +/- 15 pg/ml, and if MAP was allowed to increase and then was forced back to control by TIVCC, plasma AVP increased by 34 +/- 15 pg/ml. Thus the rise in MAP during CNB stimulated arterial baroreceptors, which in turn compensated for the loss of inhibitory input from cardiac receptors on AVP secretion. These results indicate that the maximum secretory response resulting from complete unloading of cardiac receptors at a normal MAP results in a mean increase in plasma AVP of 39 pg/ml in this group of dogs. When MAP was reduced 25% below control levels (from 95 +/- 5 to 69 +/- 3 mmHg) by TIVCC during pericardial saline infusion, plasma AVP increased by 79 +/- 42 pg/ml. However, the same degree of hypotension during CNB (MAP was reduced from 120 +/- 5 to 71 +/- 3 mmHg) led to a greater (P less than 0.05) increase in plasma AVP of 130 +/- 33 pg/ml. Because completely unloading cardiac receptors can account for an increase of only 39 pg/ml on average in this group of dogs, the remainder of the increase in plasma AVP must be due to other sources of stimulation. We suggest that the principal stimulus to AVP secretion after acute CNB in these studies arises from unloading the arterial baroreceptors.
Osteoarthritis and Gender-Specific Joint Replacement

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating joint disease which primarily affects women for reasons that remain unclear. There are many treatment options available to address the pain and loss of function in osteoarthritis, ranging from noninvasive physical therapy to total joint replacement. Most of the treatments are gender neutral, but recently knee implants have been marketed to women as gender specific. This chapter reviews the most recent literature on these topics.
Cathepsin C and ultraviolet mediated inhibition of mitochondrial reactions.

Abstract The relation between ultraviolet inactivation of mitochondrial dinitrophenol-activated adenosinetriphosphatase and cathepsin C activity contained in the preparation was studied. That far-ultraviolet activation of lysosomal cathepsin C acting upon mitochondrial protein is probably not the basis of previously noted inactivation of mitochondrial enzyme systems following ultraviolet irradiation is indicated by the following observations: 1. 1. Incubation of mitochondria with purified beef spleen cathepsin under conditions previously employed for ultraviolet treatment does not result in a loss of adenosinetriphosphatase activity. 2. 2. Ultraviolet irradiation of the mitochondrial fraction results in a drop of adenosinetriphosphatase activity at the same time as cathepsin is being photoinactivated. 3. 3. Cathepsin inhibitors do not protect mitochondria from inactivation by far-ultraviolet light.
Understanding the binding of bacteria to plant surfaces

Abstract Many of the bacteria that associate with plants bind tenaciously to plant cells. This characteristic appears to have important functional implications for the inception of disease-causing and symbiotic interactions. Although binding is complex and as yet poorly understood, experimental manipulation of this process holds promise for improved plant productivity.
A MASER SYSTEM FOR RADAR ASTRONOMY

Abstract A description is given of a maser system for use in radar astronomy and space communications. The equipment has been used successfully in a Venus radar experiment. A ruby maser of a particularly simple design is described, and the problems associated with the operation of such a maser on an antenna are discussed. The dewar system was unique in that it was demountable. Teh duty of one filling of cryogenic liquids was in excess of 24 hr, and it is expected that the maser will operate continuously for 12 weeks. In order to achieve a good noise figure for the system, the maser was followed by a parametric amplifier; this is believed to be the first such application for a parametric amplifier. Gain and noise measurements are made by use of a set of remote-controlled switches from the control building.
Levetiracetam in the treatment of neuropathic pain: three case studies.

Case reports A 55-year-old woman presented with numbness and pain in both lower extremities. The pain was of sudden onset and of 4 months' duration. A nerve conduction study demonstrated a bilateral sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy with axonal and demyelinating features of a mild degree. Initial treatment with oral thiamine and topiramate had little efficacy and caused unacceptable side effects. A switch to 1500 mg bid levetiracetam plus nortriptyline resulted in a 60% improvement in pain symptoms. A 75-year-old man presented with numbness in both feet of 5 years' duration. The sensation of numbness had progressed to persistent pain, resulting in sleep disruption. The patient's use of oral thiamine did not lead to pain relief, but the addition of 500 mg levetiracetam once in the evening led to a complete resolution of his pain and to sleep improvement. A 67-year-old obese male was referred from a podiatrist with progressive dysfunction in both lower extremities that developed over a 1-year period. Walking more than a few steps resulted in sharp, shooting pain that at night disrupted sleep. A nerve conduction study demonstrated a severe bilateral sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy with axonal and demyelinating features. Treatment with 1000 mg levetiracetam bid resulted in complete absence of pain. Conclusions In these 3 case studies, levetiracetam was demonstrated to be an effective therapy in the treatment of neuropathic pain. It has the benefits of a low incidence of adverse events and an improvement in patients' sleep.
Comparison of neurotensin levels, receptors and actions in LS/Ibg and SS/Ibg mice.

Neurotensin (NT), injected centrally, markedly enhances sensitivity to ethanol-induced anesthesia in SS but not in LS mice (4). Since LS and SS mice were bred selectively for differential sensitivity to ethanol, these findings suggest that neurotensinergic neuronal processes mediate some of ethanol's actions and that LS and SS mice might differ genetically in neurotensinergic systems. Indeed, in biochemical studies it was shown that LS and SS mice differ in NT-like immunoreactivity in specific brain regions, i.e., hypothalamus, and in NT receptor densities (Bmax) in frontal cortex and striatum. In other experiments LS and SS mice differed in behavioral responses to centrally administered NT. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NT produced dose-dependent changes in motor activity, hypothermia, and analgesia in both LS and SS mice. SS mice appeared to be more sensitive than LS to NT-induced analgesia but not hypothermia. Neurotensin increased or decreased locomotor activity in both SS and LS mice following intraventral tegmental area or ICV administration, respectively. The results indicate that LS and SS mice, which were selectively bred for differences in ethanol sensitivity, differ genetically in NT concentrations, receptor densities in specific brain regions, and in some receptor-mediated behavioral responses to NT.
Duration and frequency patterns of the after-discharge from septum and amygdala.

Abstract 1. 1. After-discharges were induced in nineteen adult cats by repetitive electrical stimulation of the septum, amygdala and septum plus amygdala (overlapped S.A. seizures). Frequency and duration patterns were analyzed. 2. 2. Discharge durations were shortest for the amygdala, intermediate for the septum and longest for the overlapped septum-amygdala electrographic seizures. 3. 3. Durations of repeated, overlapped seizures increased at a faster rate than those of non-overlapped seizures. Durations of septum after-discharges displayed a moderate increase in relation to time whereas durations of amygdaloid seizures revealed very little change. 4. 4. Septum and S.A. after-discharge frequency patterns were characterized by predominantly slow, fast or mixed frequencies with modes at 5–7, 15 and 20 c/sec. Amygdala after-discharge frequency patterns were characterized by predominantly slow frequencies with a mode at 1–4 c/sec. In the overlapped S.A. discharges, the amygdala appeared to potentiate the frequency and duration patterns of the septum after-discharges.
Direct Fluxometer Measurements of the Evaporation from a Bare Soil

Abstract The accuracy of the fluxometer system, first presented by Sellers and Hodges, is evaluated using data collected with a modification of the original air sampling tunnels. In order to investigate the accuracy of the present system, equations estimating the sensible heat flux are developed for situations for which the evaporation rate is negligible. Two of the investigated gradient forms of the sensible heat flux use the temperature at the earth's surface. A comparison of the latent heat flux, as measured by the fluxometer and as found from the residual of the energy balance equation, shows that the standard error of the fluxometer is about 5 ly hr−1, or 0.08 mm hr−1. It is observed that the fluxometer overestimates the evaporation rate during the afternoon hours.
Feedback sandwiches affect perceptions but not performance.

The feedback sandwich technique—make positive comments; provide critique; end with positive comments—is commonly recommended to feedback givers despite scant evidence of its efficacy. These two studies (N = 20; N = 350) of written peer feedback with third-year medical students on clinical patient note-writing assignments indicate that students think feedback sandwiches positively impact subsequent performance when there is no evidence that they do. The effort necessary to produce feedback sandwiches and students’ unwarranted confidence in their performance impact have implications for teaching about how to give feedback.
Upper airway obstructive symptoms because of ectopic gastric mucosa in a newborn: a case report

An 8-month-old female infant was referred after unsuccessful attempts of extubation owing to upper airway obstruction by a pharyngeal soft tissue mass. Laryngoscopic examination revealed an obstructing mucosal fold originating from the posterior pharyngeal wall. The lesion was totally excised with remarkable improvement of the infant's deglutition and respiration. Histologic examination revealed an ectopic gastric mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ectopic gastric mucosa causing upper airway obstruction in a newborn.
Tooth extraction-induced internalization of the substance P receptor in trigeminal nucleus and spinal cord neurons: imaging the neurochemistry of dental pain.

Abstract Although pains arising from the craniofacial complex can be severe and debilitating, relatively little is known about the peripheral and central mechanisms that generate and maintain orofacial pain. To better understand the neurons in the trigeminal complex and spinal cord that are activated following nociceptive stimuli to the orofacial complex, we examined substance P (SP) induced internalization of substance P receptors (SPR) in neurons following dental extraction in the rat. Unilateral gingival reflection or surgical extraction of a rat maxillary incisor or molar was performed and tissues harvested at various time points post-extraction. Immunohistochemical analysis of brainstem and cervical spinal cord sections was performed using an anti-SPR antibody and confocal imaging. Both the number and location of neurons showing SPR internalization was dependent on the location and extent of tissue injury. Whereas extraction of the incisor induced internalization of SPR in neurons bilaterally in nucleus caudalis and the spinal cord, extraction of the molar induced strictly unilateral internalization of SPR-expressing neurons in the same brain structures. Minor tissue injury (retraction of the gingiva) activated SPR neurons located in lamina I whereas more extensive and severe tissue injury (incisor or molar extraction) induced extensive SPR internalization in neurons located in both laminae I and III–V. The rostrocaudal extent of the SPR internalization was also correlated with the extent of tissue injury. Thus, following relatively minor tissue injury (gingival reflection) neurons showing SPR internalization were confined to the nucleus caudalis while procedures which cause greater tissue injury (incisor or molar extraction), neurons showing SPR internalization extended from the interpolaris/caudalis transition zone through the C7 spinal level. Defining the population of neurons activated in orofacial pain and whether analgesics modify the activation of these neurons should provide insight into the mechanisms that generate and maintain acute and chronic orofacial pain.
Possible chemical basis for histocompatibility-related mating preference in mice

High-resolution chromatographic profiles of urinary volatiles were quantitatively recorded and statistically evaluated for the female mice genetically differing in a small region of the major histocompatibility complex on the 17th chromosome. Both immature and estrogenized animals were evaluated. While there seem to be no specific volatile products of the histocompatibility genes, statistically significant differences were readily observed with the immature females of different haplotypes, involving the general range of secondary volatile metabolites. Their possible role in olfactory communication is discussed.
Advances in Reconstruction of the Skull Base

Reconstruction of the skull base continues to advance at an exponentially rapid rate. New methods of vascular tissue mobilization, improvement in technology, and advancement in minimally invasive tissue harvesting allow for multiple endoscopic reconstruction options of the anterior skull base. Size and location of defect, along with experience of surgical technique, all play a part in the algorithm for choice of reconstructive method. Reduction of nasal morbidity has increased, while rates of complications continue to decline with increasing surgical experience and technique. Continued efforts to expand the armamentarium of the skull base surgeon will advance the field towards better clinical outcomes and reduced complications. Here, we review the most current avascular and vascular reconstructive options available, highlight recent advances in decreasing patient morbidity, and discuss complications occurring during reconstruction.
Field trial of a novel non-intrusive method for in-service PMD measurements in fiber-optic networks

We have tested a non-intrusive PMD measurement method which monitors and analyzes the in-band high-resolution frequency-dependence in the polarization states of traffic signals. The method is applicable to single-polarization optical signals with arbitrary modulation format.
Natural convection along a vertical complex wavy surface

Abstract A previously proposed transformation has been applied to the natural-convection boundary layer along a complex vertical surface created from two sinusoidal functions, a fundamental wave and its first harmonic. The numerical results demonstrate that the additional harmonic substantially alters the flow field and temperature distribution near the surface. The conclusion that the averaged heat-transfer rate per unit-wetted wavy surface is less than that of a corresponding flat plate [L.S. Yao, Natural convection along a vertical wavy surface, ASME J. Heat Transfer 105 (1983) 465–468] has been confirmed for this more complex surface. On the other hand, the total heat-transfer rates for a complex surface are greater than that of a flat plate. The numerical results show that the enhanced total heat-transfer rate seems to depend on the ratio of amplitude and wavelength of a surface.
Topological design of a centralized communication network with unreliable links and node outage costs

Abstract In this paper, we present a mathematical formulation of a terminal layout problem in the design of a centralized communication network with unreliable links and node outage costs. The node outage cost associated with a terminal node is a cost incurred by the network user whenever that terminal node is unable to communicate with the central node due to failure of a link. We suggest a two-phase heuristic with a time complexity of O( N 3 ) to solve the problem. We also present a Lagrangean relaxation method to find the lower bound of the objective function value. The lower bound given by the Lagrangean relaxation method is used to estimate the quality of the solution given by the two-phase heuristic. Experimental results over a wide range of problem structures show that the average solution given by the two-phase heuristic is within 10% of the optimal objective function value.
Computational techniques for spatial logistic regression with large data sets

In epidemiological research, outcomes are frequently non-normal, sample sizes may be large, and effect sizes are often small. To relate health outcomes to geographic risk factors, fast and powerful methods for fitting spatial models, particularly for non-normal data, are required. I focus on binary outcomes, with the risk surface a smooth function of space, but the development herein is relevant for non-normal data in general. I compare penalized likelihood (PL) models, including the penalized quasi-likelihood (PQL) approach, and Bayesian models based on fit, speed, and ease of implementation. A Bayesian model using a spectral basis (SB) representation of the spatial surface via the Fourier basis provides the best tradeoff of sensitivity and specificity in simulations, detecting real spatial features while limiting overfitting and being reasonably computationally efficient. One of the contributions of this work is further development of this underused representation. The SB model outperforms the PL methods, which are prone to overfitting, but is slower to fit and not as easily implemented. A Bayesian Markov random field model performs less well statistically than the SB model, but is very computationally efficient. We illustrate the methods on a real data set of cancer cases in Taiwan. The success of the SB with binary data and similar results with count data suggest that it may be generally useful in spatial models and more complicated hierarchical models.
Electron spin resonance study of the copper(II) complexes of human and dog serum albumins and some peptide analogs

Electron spin resonance spectra of the first Cu(II) complexes of human serum albumin, dog serum albumin, L-aspartyl-L-histidine N-methylamide and glycyl-gly-cyl-L-histidine N-methylamide have been studied using isotopically pure 65Cu in its chloride form. At 77 degrees K, the esr spectra of Cu(II) complex of human serum albumin exhibited only one form of esr signal between pH 6.5 and 11. No intermediate forms were detected. The presence of an equally spaced nine-line superhyperfine structure with spacing approximately 15 G indicated considerable covalent bonding between Cu(II) and four nitrogen atoms derived from the protein. The esr spectrum form of Cu(II) bound to human serum albumin detected at neutral pH would be consistent with the participation of four nitrogens from the alpha-NH2 group, two peptide groups, and the imidazole group of a histidine residue. In contrast, the esr spectra of Vu(II)-dog serum albumin complex showed a transition from a low pH form to a high pH form as the pH was increased to 9.5. These spectral changes were found to be reversible upon lowering the pH. Ligand superhyperfine splitting in the low pH form of the esr signal of Cu(II)-dog albumin were not resolved. The distinct pH dependence of the esr signals observed in human and dog serum albumin complexes could be correlated to their respective optical spectra changes as a function of pH. At room temperature and in the pH range between 6 and 11, the esr spectra of Cu(II) complexes of L-aspartyl-L-alanyl-L-histidine N-methylamide and glycyl-glycyl-L-histidine N-methylamide exhibited a well-resolved nine-line superhyperfine structure indicating metal coordination with four equivalent nitrogen atoms of peptide.
A procedure for testing the consistency of opacities with the oscillator strength sum rule

Abstract A simple method is derived and discussed for testing the degree of consistency between any opacity computer program and the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn oscillator strength sum rule.
El Aprendizaje Organizacional desde una Perspectiva Evolutiva y Constructivista de la Organización

The main objective of this paper is to expand the organizational learning analysis framework according to the relationship between the organizational learning and organizational environment. From a constructivist and evolutionist perspective of the organization with emphasis in the emerging processes, it is developed and discussed that the ability to learn faster than the competitors would be the only source of competitive advantage sustainable in time. On the other hand, it is analyzed the concept of “dominating logic” as a useful framework for an explanation about how the management strategy and the organizational learning suppose a modification of this logic in order to obtain a better adaptation to the environment changes. Finally, it is stated that the main challenge for firms and organizations nowadays, is the creation of culture and climate that facilitate the organizational learning in a turbulent environment.
Maintenance therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Foscarnet

The use of ganciclovir in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is limited by marrow toxicity and by the development of resistance to this agent in CMV strains capable of causing progressive disease. Foscarnet retains activity against ganciclovir-resistant CMV and has an adverse effect profile different from that of ganciclovir. Preliminary data from studies conducted under the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) program indicate that intravenous foscarnet maintenance therapy at 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg/day in AIDS patients with CMV retinitis successfully completing foscarnet induction therapy is associated with median times to retinitis progression of 90, 95, and greater than 123 days, respectively. An ACTG trial of foscarnet in patients failing ganciclovir therapy has been initiated, as has a trial jointly sponsored by the National Eye Institute and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases comparing the safety and efficacy of foscarnet and ganciclovir. Also underway is a trial evaluating the effects of combination and alternating regimens of these two agents.
Crack propagation in multilayer thin-film structures of electronic packages using the peridynamic theory

Abstract This paper presents an application of the peridynamic theory to predict crack paths in multilayer thin-film structures of electronic packages. The peridynamic theory is a nonlocal continuum theory that has an inherent crack initiation and growth criterion. Specifically, the peridynamic theory is employed to model cross-sectional nanoindentation, an experimental technique used for characterizing interfacial adhesion and observing crack paths. Cross-sectional indentation experiments previously conducted on blanket and patterned thin-film structures were simulated. The predicted crack propagation paths in both blanket and patterned multilayer thin-film structures compare well with the results from cross-sectional nanoindentation experiments.
Iris: A hybrid nanophotonic network design for high-performance and low-power on-chip communication

On-chip communication, including short, often-multicast, latency-critical coherence and synchronization messages, and long, unicast, throughput-sensitive data transfers, limits the power efficiency and performance scalability of many-core chip-multiprocessor systems. This article analyzes on-chip communication challenges and studies the characteristics of existing electrical and emerging nanophotonic interconnect. Iris, a CMOS-compatible high-performance low-power nanophotonic on-chip network, is thus introduced. Iris's circuit-switched subnetwork supports throughput-sensitive data transfer. Iris's optical-antenna-array-based broadcast--multicast subnetwork optimizes latency-critical traffic and supports the path setup of circuit-switched communication. Overall, the proposed nanophotonic network design offers an on-chip communication backplane that is power efficient while demonstrating low latency and high throughput.
Pharmaceutical product design using combinatorial optimization

Abstract A two-step computational method for designing new molecules in medicinal chemistry is described. In the first step, topological indices are used to develop structure-based correlations for properties of interest. Zeroth and first order connectivity indices are employed to develop linear correlations for three physical properties of interest in pharmaceutical chemistry: octanol–water partition coefficient (OWPC), melting point and water solubility. These correlations are then used within an optimization framework to design molecules having the desired properties. This step involves formulating a mixed integer linear program (MILP) which includes the property correlations, structural constraints which ensure that a stable, connected molecule is formed, and an objective function which minimizes the deviation from a set of property targets. A new data structure, known as a partitioned adjacency matrix, is employed to allow the connectivity index definitions to be written linearly, such that they can be included in an MILP and solved using a standard branch-and-bound method. The connectivity of the molecule is ensured by the inclusion of network flow constraints within the formulation. Three examples show the efficacy of this approach.
Researcher perceptions of ethical guidelines and codes of conduct.

Ethical codes of conduct exist in almost every profession. Field-specific codes of conduct have been around for decades, each articulating specific ethical and professional guidelines. However, there has been little empirical research on researchers’ perceptions of these codes of conduct. In the present study, we interviewed faculty members in six research disciplines and identified five themes bearing on the circumstances under which they use ethical guidelines and the underlying reasons for not adhering to such guidelines. We then identify problems with the manner in which codes of conduct in academia are constructed and offer solutions for overcoming these problems.
Replicating Human-Human Physical Interaction

Machines might physically interact with humans more smoothly if we better understood the subtlety of human-human physical interaction. We recently reported that two people working cooperatively on a physical task will quickly negotiate an emergent strategy: typically subjects formed a temporal specialization such that one member commands the early parts of motion and the other the late parts. In our study, we replaced one of the humans with a robot programmed to perform one of the typical human specialized roles. We expected the remaining human to adopt the complementary specialized role. Subjects did believe that they were interacting with another human but did not adopt a specialized behavior as subjects would when physically working with another human; our negative result suggests a very subtle negotiation takes place in human-human physical interaction.
Customer perceived control and the moderating effect of restaurant type on evaluations of restaurant employee performance

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of customer perceptions of control within the dining experience on their perceptions of employee performance. The moderating influence of restaurant type on the relationship between perceived control and evaluations of employee performance was also examined. Results indicate that high perceived control leads to higher perceptions of employee performance than low perceived control. Results also suggest that increased control has a greater positive effect on employee performance ratings in fine dining restaurants than in more casual restaurant environments.
Infestation and Damage of Poultry House Insulation by the Lesser Mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer),

Abstract The phenological events occurring in various types of insulation during infestation by Alphitobius diaperinus were studied under laboratory conditions. Late instar larval A. diaperinus initiated tunneling behavior into polystyrene insulation. Adult female beetles utilized the surface of the polystyrene panels as oviposition sites, but early instar larvae left the panels soon after hatching. Within 20 days after placing the panels into laboratory colonies, large numbers of adults moved from the media into the polystyrene expanding the tunnels. Concurrently, the number of late instar larvae recovered from the insulation declined. No oviposition occurred within the tunnels. Few middle instar larvae were present in the polystyrene. All lifestages of A. diaperinus invaded exposed fiberglass, but invading late instar larvae did not pupate successfully. Polystyrene seemed to be preferred by late instar larvae over polyurethane for pupation sites, but polyurethane was favored over polystyrene by ovipositing beetles. The insulative capacity of polystyrene was reduced as a result of lesser mealworm infestation.
Aromatic annelation; application to the synthesis of unsymmetrical biphenyls.

Abstract A procedure for the preparation of unsymmetrical biphenyls by elaboration of aromatic rings from aryl alkyl ketones is described.
Shock-induced martensitic phase transformation of oriented graphite to diamond

ONE important method of diamond synthesis is shock compression of graphite and other forms of carbon to high pressures and temperatures, and subsequent quenching to yield metastable diamond. This process, which occurs in microseconds, happens naturally in the impact of meteors1,2, within products of explosives3,4, and by explosive compression of powders5,6. A major unresolved issue is whether the shock-induced phase transition of graphite to diamond is martensitic or diffusive. The relation between the crystal structures of graphite and hexagonal diamond suggests that the phase transition should be fast and martensitic if shock pressure is applied parallel to the c axis (normal to the basal planes) of the graphite crystal structure. Here we report measurements of shock-wave histories for this transition whichshow that it occurs in ~ 10 ns. These results imply that the transformation from graphite to diamond is martensitic for temperatures substantially lower than the melting temperature. We observe an unexpectedly large sensitivity of kinetics to sample morphology. As well as answering questions concerning the physical nature of the transformation, our results are relevant to optimization of diamond yield in industrial synthetic methods.
Teaching Computer-Mediated Visual Communication to a Large Section: A Constructivist Approach

A constructivist approach to teaching encourages students to seek answers for themselves, while the instructor acts as a guide and facilitator as students pursue information gathering and knowledge construction. In a large class, it is difficult to use a constructivist model of education simply because of the number of students involved. This article discusses how a university instructor was successful in creating a constructivist learning environment in a large class section.
Lunasin: A Cancer-Preventive Soy Peptide

Lunasin is a novel, cancer-preventive peptide whose efficacy against chemical carcinogens and oncogenes has been demonstrated in mammalian cells and in a skin cancer mouse model. Isolated and characterized in soy, lunasin peptide is also documented in barley. Lunasin is found in all of the genotypes analyzed from the US soy germ plasm collection and in commercially available soy proteins. Pilot studies show that lunasin is bioavailable in mice and rats when orally ingested, opening the way for dietary administration in cancer prevention studies. Lunasin internalizes into mammalian cells within minutes of exogenous application, and localizes in the nucleus after 18 hours. It inhibits acetylation of core histones in mammalian cells. In spite of its cancer-preventive properties, lunasin does not affect the growth rate of normal and established cancer cell lines. An epigenetic mechanism of action is proposed whereby lunasin selectively kills cells being transformed or newly transformed by binding to deacetylated core histones exposed by the transformation event, disrupting the dynamics of histone acetylation-deacetylation and leading to cell death.
Numerical semigroups from open intervals

Consider an interval in the positive rationals, I ⊆ Q . Set S(I) = {m ∈ N : ∃ n ∈ N , mn ∈ I}. This turns out to be a numerical semigroup, and has been the subject of considerable recent investigation (see Chapter 4 of [2] for an introduction). Special cases include modular numerical semigroups (see [4]) where I = [mn , m n−1 ] (m,n ∈ N ), proportionally modular numerical semigroups (see [3]) where I = [mn , m n−s ] (m,n, s ∈ N), and opened modular numerical semigroups (see [5]) where I = (mn , m n−1 ) (m,n ∈ N ). We consider instead arbitrary open intervals I = (a, b). We show that this set of semigroups coincides with the set of semigroups generated by closed and half-open intervals. Consequently, this class of semigroups contains modular numerical semigroups, proportionally modular numerical semigroups, as well as opened modular numerical semigroups. We also compute two important invariants of these numerical semigroups: the Frobenius number g(S(I)) and multiplicity m(S(I)).
Addition of Allylic Metals to α-Aminoaldehydes. Application to the Synthesis of Statine, Ketomethylene and Hydroxyethylene Dipeptide Isosteres

Abstract A general and stereoselective method to statine, ketomethylene and hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres is described. The key reaction is the diastereoselective allyl metal addition to α-aminoaldehydes.
Photo-induced joining of a transfer RNA with its cognate aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetase.

Formation of a stable linked complex of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase with tRNA1tyr and with tRNA2tyr has been achieved by ultraviolet irradiation of the complex under mild solution conditions. The linking reaction is specific, as shown by a number of criteria. Sections of the nucleic acids that are joined to the enzyme have been identified by digesting the cross-linked complex with a specific nuclease. It is found that pieces of the helical dihydrouridine arm, of the anticodon loop, and of the extra loop are joined to the enzyme. No other sections are significantly linked to the protein.
The role of student assessment in curriculum reform

Most people who do curriculum work regard the assessment of student learning outcomes as a domain distinct from curriculum. Curriculum texts, for example, devote little, if any, attention to the relation of student assessment to curriculum, much less to the technical aspects of assessment. The only aspect of assessment that receives any attention by curriculum writers is curriculum evaluation. Apparently, evaluation of a curriculum is relevant to curriculum work, but the ways in which assessment of learning shapes the curriculum is not. Student assessment seems to be considered a part of another domain, the domain of testing, informed by psychology, a domain too technical for curricular thought. In this article I will explore the effect of assessment (and testing in particular) on curriculum and show how the testing movement has undermined repeated attempts at curriculum change. Further, I will argue that more authentic approaches to assessment can lead directly to significantly improved curriculum, and that without changes in methods of assessment, significant curriculum reform is hopeless.
The processing of hexagonally sampled two-dimensional signals

Two-dimensional signals are normally processed as rectangularly sampled arrays; i.e., they are periodically sampled in each of two orthogonal independent variables. Another form of periodic sampling, hexagonal sampling, offers substantial savings in machine storage and arithmetic computations for many signal processing operations. In this paper, methods for the processing of two-dimensional signals which have been sampled as two-dimensional hexagonal arrays are presented. Included are methods for signal representation, linear system implementation, frequency response calculation, DFT calculation, filter design, and filter implementation. These algorithms bear strong resemblances to the corresponding results for rectangular arrays; however, there are also many important differences. Some comparisons between the two methods for representing planar data will also be presented.
Outside Vapor Deposition of High-Purity Silicon Dioxide

A study of the outside vapor deposition (OVD) process for the manufacture of fiber optic sleeve tubes is presented. High purity silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) is deposited on the outside of a rotating substrate via flame hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4 ). Three double-flame burners hydrolyze the precursor forming streams of nominal 50 nm particulate, which are driven to the substrate surface via thermophoresis. The partial-premix burners utilize two concentric combustion chambers to provide fine control of the hydrolyzation process and heat flux to the preform surface. The bulk average deposition rate and efficiency to create a full-size sample are 4.93 gm/min/burner and 28%, respectively. The peak surface temperatures hover around 980 deg C at the bare quartz substrate surface, but then rapidly increase to 1200 deg C as the first four layers of SiO2 are deposited. These peak surface temperatures then monotonically decrease as the circumference and surface area of the porous preform increase. Similarly, the SiO2 layer density is 0.96 gm/cm3 at the substrate surface, but then decreases to 0.28 gm/cm3 as the porous preform grows to a diameter of 174 mm.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Automated testing of graphical user interfaces: a new algorithm and challenges

Smartphones and tablets with rich graphical user interfaces are becoming increasingly popular. Hundreds of thousands of specialized applications, called apps, are available for such mobile platforms. Manual testing is the most popular technique for testing graphical user interfaces of such apps. Manual testing is often tedious and error-prone.In this talk I will describe a new automated technique, called SwiftHand [2], for generating sequences of test inputs for Android apps. The technique gradually learns a behavioral model of the target app during testing, uses the learned model to generate user in- puts that visit unexplored states of the app, and uses the execution of the app on the generated inputs to refine the model. The technique is inspired by Angluin's L*[1] active learning algorithm and is designed to minimize the cost of learning. We have implemented our testing algorithm in a publicly available tool for Android apps written in Java. Our experimental results show that we can achieve significantly better coverage than traditional random testing and L* -based testing in a given time budget. Our algorithm also reaches peak coverage faster than both random and L*-based testing.The second half of the talk will be focused on challenges to implements this technique for the Android mobile platform. This work is a collaboration with Prof. George Necula and Prof. Koushik Sen.
Physiological stress increases renal injury in eNOS-knockout mice

African Americans have a fourfold greater likelihood of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared with Caucasians. It has been proposed that the increased prevalence may be explained by non-traditional factors such as environmental stress and psychosocial factors. In this study, we used infrequent running to exhaustion as a physiological stressor to mimic real life experiences, such walking up stairs when an elevator is malfunctioning or running to catch a bus, to study its effect on renal injury in a hypertensive mouse model (endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice; eNOS−/−). This model has previously been shown to have renal injury comparable to that observed in African Americans. The effect of physiological stress on renal injury was examined in the setting of low (0.12%), control (0.45%) and high (8%) dietary salt. Following bouts of physiological stress, eNOS−/− mice had significantly greater interstitial inflammation compared with unstressed eNOS−/− mice (two-way analysis of variance (2-ANOVA), Holm–Sidak; P<0.01). Interestingly, eNOS−/− mice on a high-salt diet had greater interstitial inflammation compared with similarly stressed eNOS−/− mice on a low- or control-salt diet (2-ANOVA, Holm–Sidak; P<0.03). These effects of stress were independent of systolic blood pressure (141±7, 143±4, and 158±8 vs. 141±4, 138±5, 150±4 mm Hg; end of study vs. baseline, respectively). There was no significant effect of stress or dietary salt on renal injury in control wild-type mice (eNOS+/+). These data demonstrate that physiological stress exacerbates the renal injury associated with hypertension and that high-salt compounds this effect of stress. These results provide support for the idea that psychosocial and environmental factors contribute to the increased prevalence of ESRD in hypertensive African Americans.
A fourier transform infrared spectroscopic investigation of polyethylene single crystals. I. Methylene wagging mode

The application of the spectral subtraction routine to the determination of the morphology of polyethylene single crystals is discussed in detail. An analysis of the CH2 methylene wagging mode is presented. A band at 1346 cm−1 is observed to be unique to polyethylene single crystals. The assignment of this band to a regular, tight fold structure is discussed.
A geostatistical tool for drought management

Abstract Drought lead time is a useful tool to enable local reservoir operators to predict the possibility of the occurrence of a hydrological drought. Universal time kriging, a geostatistical technique, can be used to predict streamflows in low-flow seasons to yield an estimate of drought lead time for a given operating policy and initial conditions. This is an indicator of the severity of an approaching drought. The case study concerns a hypothetical reservoir in western Georgia. This area has experienced a number of drought periods in recent years. Using the actual and the estimated data, drought lead times for different initial storage values are calculated. The comparison indicates that the proposed procedure yields reliable estimates of drought lead time.
The effect of pea crabs on predation of host mussels by sea stars

Pea crabs parasitize a large proportion of mussels in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Large mussels (>50 mm shell length) are more heavily parasitized than smaller mussels. Previous work on the ene...
Ethanol-chlordiazepoxide interactions in the rat.

Abstract One group of rats (n=9) was trained to discriminate between the effects induced by 600 mg/kg ethanol and saline, whereas another group (n=5) had to discriminate between 5.0 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide (CDZ) and saline, administered intraperitoneally (IP) 15 min prior to the training sessions. Once trained, decreasing doses of ethanol in ethanol-trained rats produced decreased discriminative performance; the ED 50 was 239.4 mg/kg. Likewise, decreasing doses of CDZ in CDZ-trained rats produced decreased discrimination, with an ED 50 = 1.5 mg/kg. Substitution of 1.25–10.0 mg/kg CDZ in ethanol-trained rats produced a transfer of the ethanol-induced interoceptive cue in a dose-responsive manner, whereas ethanol did not substitute for CDZ in CDZ-trained rats. Analysis of dose-response curves suggested that CDZ is acting by a similar mechanism/site in both groups of rats but by a site different than ethanol. Co-administration of the ED 50 's for ethanol and CDZ in ethanol-trained rats did not produce additive effects. The observed one-way asymmetrical generalization of drug effects, as well as the lack of additive effects of co-administration, are discussed.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CAROTENOID PIGMENTS AND RESISTANCE TO RADIATION IN NON‐PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA

— A radiation-resistant Micrococcus sp. and a colorless mutant subject to gamma radiation were found to have identical killing curves. Similar results were obtained with ultraviolet light. However when exposed to visible light in the presence of the photosensitizer, toluidine blue, the pigmented wild-type was unaffected whereas the colorless mutant was killed. Sarcina lutea and a colorless mutant were killed at similar rates following exposure to x-rays and U.V. light, whereas previous studies have demonstrated that the pigmented wild-type is protected against lethal photosensitizations by visible light. It is concluded that the effect of carotenoid pigments in radiation damage is limited to protecting cells against the lethal effects of visible light and is without effect at shorter wavelengths.
Extraction of calcium from blood fibrin with a solution of tetrasodium-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na4EDTA).

Abstract A modification of a procedure, developed previously for reducing the trace mineral content of isolated soybean protein, has been made for the purpose of removing calcium from blood fibrin and thereby lowering the calcium content of a purified diet containing it. The properties of the chelate, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na4 EDTA), of combining with cations and keeping them in solution so that they could be washed away at the isoelectric point of the proteins were utilized in developing the procedure. The original blood fibrin was found to contain 0.1881% calcium. After purification by the procedure described the calcium content was reduced to 0.0078%. This amounted to approximately 4.15% of the original quantity.
Photoelectric detection of polychromatic light

The problem of photoelectric detection of light is reexamined when the light is polychromatic and not strictly stationary, and when the frequency response of the detector has to be taken into account. It is shown that, whereas the one-photoelectron detection probability can always be expressed in a familiar form involving the expected light intensity, the same is not true of the twofold detection probability. In general, the photodetector does not count photons in any precise sense.
Prospective randomized comparison of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

ABSTRACTPurpose: We report on a prospective randomized comparison of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal tumor.Materials and Methods: Between June 1999 and June 2001, 102 consecutive eligible patients with a computerized tomography identified renal tumor were prospectively randomized to undergo either a transperitoneal (group 1, 50 patients) or retroperitoneal (group 2, 52 patients) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen extraction. Exclusion criteria for the study included body mass index greater than 35 or a history of prior major abdominal surgery in the quadrant of interest. Both groups were matched regarding age (63 versus 65 years, p = 0.69), BMI (29 versus 28, p = 0.89), American Society of Anesthesiologists class (2.7 versus 2.8, p = 0.37), laterality (right side 46% versus 48%, p = 0.85) and mean tumor size (5.3 versus 5.0 cm, p = 0.73).Results: All 102 procedures were technically successful without the need for open conversion. Compare...