cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential cerebrovascular responsiveness in spontaneously hypertensive rats following antihypertensive treatment with clonidine and verapamil.

Abstract Numerous studies have been reported examining the effects of antihypertensive treatment on peripheral vascular responsiveness in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). This study was conducted to determine the effects of chronic treatment with 2 antihypertensive agents on cerebrovascular responsiveness in male SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. SHR and WKY (3–4 weeks old) received either placebo, clonidine (CLON, 10 mg pellet) or verapamil (VER, 5 mg pellet). Vascular reactivity studies on the basilar artery, using standard smooth muscle bath techniques, were conducted following 6 weeks of treatment. Both CLON and VER significantly attenuated the rise in blood pressure in SHR. Basilar artery responsiveness to KCl, serotonin (5-HT), and calcium were significantly increased whereas responses to acetylcholine (ACH), isoproterenol (ISO) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were significantly reduced in SHR compared to WKY. CLON had no effect on basilar artery responsiveness to either the contractile or relaxation agents in SHR. However, although responses to KCl, 5-HT and calcium were not affected by VER in SHR, VER significantly increased the responses to ACH, ISO and SNP. Neither CLON nor VER treatment affected basilar artery responsiveness to any of the agents in WKY. These data demonstrate that, even though CLON and VER have similar antihypertensive effects, differential effects of the 2 agents on cerebrovascular responsiveness in the SHR are apparent. This would suggest that the vascular effects of VER and CLON are dependent upon the mechanism of action of the agents and not simply due to prevention of the elevation in blood pressure.
A session key caching and prefetching scheme for secure communication in cluster systems

With the widespread use of cluster systems and ever increasing threat to computer security, it becomes more necessary to design and build secure cluster systems. Most cluster systems rely on security products like firewalls for their security, but they cannot guarantee security of intra-cluster communications, which can be a weak spot that hackers exploit for further security attacks. A recent study by Lee and Kim (2007) [22] proposed a security framework to protect intra-cluster communications by encrypting and authenticating all packets with fine-grained security where any two communicating processes dynamically generate and share a cryptographic key, called a session key. However, the fine-grained security scheme can incur serious performance degradation in large-scale cluster systems since it may take a long time to access session keys. To solve this problem, we propose to incorporate a session key cache inside a cluster interconnect card to speed up accesses to the session keys and build an analytical cluster traffic model to estimate the behavior of the cache in large-scale cluster systems. For further performance improvement, we propose a prefetching scheme speculating job scheduler's decision without OS interventions. Simulation results indicate that the session key cache with the prefetching scheme decreases the network latency by 50% on average, compared to the configurations without the enhancements.
Lifting the nebula: novel insights into skeletal muscle contractility.

Novel roles for nebulin, a giant protein of the sacromere, in muscle contractile performance and in muscle weakness in nemaline myopathy patients are discussed in this review.
On the Design of Seasonal Adjustment Methods using Linear Programming Techniques

Abstract The objectives of the seasonal adjustment of monthly economic time series are discussed. The design of seasonal adjustment methods of the moving average type is formulated in terms of a linear programming problem. A moving average is designed, using this technique, to seasonally adjust current data. The designed moving average is compared to the X-11 current data moving average in both the time and the frequency domains.
The role of electrochemical reactions during electrophoretic particle deposition

Platinum microelectrodes were fabricated on a sapphire substrate by lithographic patterning and used to manipulate 1.58 μm silica particles in the plane of the substrate. A digital video system captured the motion of particles far from the electrodes and their deposition onto the working electrode during application of a DC potential. The role of electrode reversibility was investigated by comparing as-deposited electrodes with electrodes modified by electrolytic plating of platinum. Particles were also observed adhering to the substrate before reaching the electrode. The ζ potential of the particles and substrate was measured. The differing surface chemistry of the two systems and a local reduction in pH due to the production of hydrogen ion at the anode can explain the adhesion phenomena. Force distance curves were recorded using a colloid probe atomic force microscopy technique to directly measure the interaction of the silica particles with the sapphire substrate. These data validated the observed adhesion at the electrode and provided further support for the temporal and spatial reduction in pH. The role of Faradaic processes and the diffusion of potential determining ions in electrophoretic deposition were also considered.
Sanfilippo D syndrome: estimation of N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase activity with a radiolabeled monosulfated disaccharide substrate.

Abstract N -Acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase activity was assayed by incubation of the radiolabeled disaccharide O -( a-N -acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate)-(1 → 3)- l -[6- 3 H]-idonic acid (GlcNAc6S-IdOA), with homogenates of leucocytes, cultured fibroblasts, and urine from normal individuals, patients affected with N -acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase-deficiency (Sanfilippo D syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis type IIID), and patients affected with other mucopolysaccharidoses and lysosomal storage disorders. The assay clearly distinguished affected homozygotes from their obligate heterozygotes and normal controls and other lysosomal storage disorders. Sulfatase activity in fibroblasts, leucocytes, and urine toward GlcNAc6S-IdOA exhibited a pH optimum at 4.2, 4.5, and 5.1, respectively. Sulfatase activity in fibroblasts had an apparent K m of 7.2 μ m and was significantly inhibited by both sulfate and phosphate ions. The action of fibroblast or leucocyte N -acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase activity toward GlcNAc6S-IdOA is recommended for the routine enzymatic detection and classification of mucopolysaccharidosis type IIID patients.
Resource Exchange in the Production and Distribution of a Motion Picture

An independently produced motion picture was used as a case study of the resource exchange pattern underlying project-based aesthetic production systems. Several exploratory propositions resulted concerning 1) sources of processual conflict, 2) the nature of resource criticality during the production process, 3) the timing of returns on invested resources, and 4) the commercialization of aesthetic products.
Binding of bovine serum albumin to heparin determined by turbidimetric titration and frontal analysis continuous capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract The association of proteins with glycosaminoglycans is a subject of growing interest, but few techniques exist for elucidating this interaction quantitatively. Here we demonstrate the application of capillary electrophoresis to the system of serum albumin (SA) and heparin (Hp). These two species form soluble complexes, the interaction increasing with reduction in pH and/or ionic strength ( I ). The acid–base property of Hp was characterized by potentiometric titration of ion-exchanged Hp. Conditions for complex formation with SA were qualitatively determined by turbidimetry, which revealed points of incipient binding (pH c ) and phase separation (pH φ ), both of which depend on I. At pH > pH φ , i.e., prior to phase separation, frontal analysis continuous capillary electrophoresis was used to measure the concentration of free protein and to determine the protein–HP binding isotherm. The binding isotherms were well fit by the McGhee–von Hippel model to yield quantitative binding information in the form of intrinsic binding constants ( K obs ) and binding site size ( n ). The strong increase in K obs with decrease of pH or I could be explained on the basis of electrostatic interactions, considering the effects of protein charge heterogeneity. The value of n, independent of pH, was rationalized on the basis of size considerations. The implications of these findings for clinical applications of Hp and for its physiological behavior are discussed.
Best k of 2k — 1 Comparisons

Abstract A technique frequently used in athletic competitions, the best k of 2k — 1 comparison, is analyzed with a view toward its use in deciding between two alternative courses of action. The test is defined and, under a certain model, formulas for its expected duration and the variance of its duration are obtained both in the case where ties can occur and where ties cannot occur. A procedure for arriving at an optimum choice for k is presented for the case where ties cannot occur. The application of the test to situations in which ties can occur is discussed and a multi-level procedure is presented that could sometimes be useful in such situations.
A linearized electrohydraulic servovalve model for valve dynamics sensitivity analysis and control system design

This paper presents the derivation of a linearized model for flapper-nozzle type two-stage electrohydraulic servovalves from the nonlinear state equations. The coefficients of the linearized model are derived in terms of the valve physical parameters and fluid properties explicitly, and are useful for valve design and sensitivity analysis. When using this model structure to fit experimental frequency response data, the results render closer agreement than when using existing low order linear models. This model also suggests important servovalve dynamic properties such as the nonminimum phase zero and the transfer function relative degree, and how they relate to the valve component arrangement. Because of the small modeling errors over a wide frequency range, a high bandwidth control system can be designed. A robust performance controller is designed and implemented to demonstrate the utility of the model.
Arginase and ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity in serum and liver of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract 1. 1. In vitro activity of arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) and ornithine carbamoyltransferase (EC 2.1.3.3) was assayed in liver and serum of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni for up to 19 weeks. 2. 2. Prior to parasite egg deposition, the activity of both enzymes was comparable in the liver of infected and uninfected mice. 3. 3. Nineteen weeks postinfection, total liver arginase increased by 61%, while hepatic ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity decreased by 31%. 4. 4. Serum arginase was elevated in prepatent mice, and increased progressively into the patent stage of infection. 5. 5. Serum ornithine carbamoyltransferase remained unaltered in infected mice.
Analysis of properties of secondary particles in nucleon-nucleon collisions at very high energy

Momentum measurements were made on the individual secondary particles emitted in the « outer » cone of theS-star. A lower limit to the momentum of the particles in the « inner » cone was obtained. The transformation from the laboratory system to the center-of-mass system can be made, using suitable approximations, on the assumption that all charged secondaries are pions. This leads to a symmetrical angular and energy distribution with all particles included in a forward or backward cone of half-angle 20°. The results are compared with various multiple production theories. It is possible to infer that there is no more than one pair of particles of protonic mass among the secondaries and that even the presence of one pair would violate symmetry. The number of K-mesons must also be small. The methods of analysis should be useful on other events in this energy range.
Metastatic Pure Small-Cell Carcinoma of Prostate

Extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma arising in the prostate gland has been described in several case series and case reports. However, pure small-cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare, and there are only a few reports in literature describing the clinical features and management of this neoplasm. These tumors are highly aggressive and commonly manifest with visceral metastasis at the time of diagnosis. We report a case of metastatic pure prostatic small-cell carcinoma and an associated paraneoplastic polyneuropathy.
Spiritually-Informed Management Theory Overlaying the Experience of Teaching Managers

Steingard’s essay is refulgent with theoretical insight. It is, however, easy to slip by important nuances unless one is steeped in the literature and language he references. So perhaps briefly sharing a more descriptive perspective from a dialog with more than 350 managerial participants in the seminar, Spirituality of Organizational Leadership offered at Santa Clara University can be complementary (Delbecq, 2000). This article clearly shares a subjective overall perspective. In any group of managers there will be a range of responses.
Law between the cultures: C.P. Snow's The Two Cultures and the problem of scientific illiteracy in law

Abstract Fifty years later, C.P. Snow's description of the scientist/humanist divide still sparks debate. Though his book is flawed and in certain respects dated, it remains a heartfelt and intelligent brief for greater scientific literacy and investment, both at home and abroad. The problem of scientific illiteracy is serious, and has serious consequences in the law. In litigation, in legislation, and in the regulatory and enforcement actions of executive agencies, there is pervasive need for scientific expertise to inform legal decisions. But expert testimony in the courtroom or in hearings is a poor substitute for the slow consensus-building process that grounds reliable scientific knowledge. Moreover, the process of borrowing scientific expertise has often been tainted by political or interest-group agendas. For law to make productive use of scientific knowledge, what is required is not scientific understanding, but the humanist's ethical and political commitment to making fair and neutral use of others' expertise.
Effects of radiocobalt irradiation of rabbit spermatozoa in vitro on fertilization and early development.

ABS>Rabbit semen irradiated with gamma radiatlon from a Co-60 source in vitro at 90 r to 65,000 r was inseminated artificially to females. The ova were examined at pronuclear, segmentation, blastocyst, and into fetal stages. The motility of spermatozoa was damaged only at very high doses of irradiation, 32,200 to 65,000 r. Though incapacity of sperm to reach the site of fertilization may occur at these dose levels, the fertilizing capaeity per se appears to be undamaged. The segmentation of fertilized ova was very much disturbed. The disturbance is in proportion to the dose level and the higher the dose level the earlier the failure of segmentation. With irradiation of sperm at 90 r, the proportion of morphologically normal fetuses is not significantly lower than after normal mating; following irradiation of sperm at 600 r the formation of normal blastocysts was impaired but once a normal blastocyst is formed implantation and development are assured; following irradiation of sperm at 6,500 r, no normal blastocyst is formed. Delayed penetration of sperm, a high proportion of polyspermic ova, haploidy and triploidy of ova, and delayed syngamy were not observed following the irradiation of sperm at 32,200 to 65,000 r. Fragmentation of femalemore » and male pronuclei, an irregularity of nucleus formation at segmentation, and one possible gynogenetic ovum out of 32 ova were observed. (auth)« less
Management metrics: meaning and applications.

Medical school and residency training programs prepare physicians to practice medicine and care for patients; however, there usually is little, if any, training on how to run a successful business practice. Whether a physician is in private practice, academia, or another arrangement, the business aspects of running a practice are usually learned on the job. Regardless of whether or not a physician is in a management position, it is important to have metrics and measurement tools to assist that individual and his or her organization to meet objectives. “Management” can generally be defined in business and organizational activities as the act of getting people together to accomplish the desired goals and objectives of the organization by using available resources efficiently and effectively [1], which is mpossible to do without delineating specific performance metrics, measuring, monitoring, enchmarking, following trends, and communicating them. The old management adage of You can’t manage what you don’t measure” rings true. As a result of this understanding, any health care organizations or group practices use combined metric reports, Balanced core Cards, Key Performance Indicators, or other types of dashboards to measure the erformance of the group or individual physicians [2]. It is essential that physicians nderstand which key metrics are being measured, the components of these measures, the mpact of the components, and their role in affecting the results. This article reviews several omponents of a typical scorecard, including revenue and quality. These issues affect every ype of practice, and physicians should have some familiarity with these concepts.
Effect of low aluminum silicon on the direct process

GE Silicones ran a commercial direct process production unit with low aluminum content silicon, and very poor reaction yields were obtained. The direct process is used to react silicon with methyl ...
Modernizing small manufacturers in Japan: The role of local public technology centers

Japan's hundreds of thousands of small manufacturing enterprises not only provide high-quality inputs to large Japanese companies, but also are becoming innovators and growth generators in their own right. In addition to help from larger customers, small Japanese companies can call upon an array of public support mechanisms, including about 170 local Kohsetsushi examination and technology centers which provide research, testing, training, and guidance for firms with under 300 employees. With their intensive geographical coverage, broad range of technical services, and nominal fees, these centers offer small Japanese firms a readily available and effective source of assistance to improve their manufacturing operations, technology, and products. After reviewing the changing context for small manufacturers in Japan, the article examines the role of local Kohsetsushi centers in small firm modernization. This article considers the history, organization, and services of the Kohsetsushi system, explores the operation of five case study centers, and discusses how small Japanese firms benefit from Kohsetsushi services. Finally, there is an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Kohsetsushi system.
The Las Campanas/Palomar 10,000 Kilometer Per Second Cluster Survey. I. Properties of the Tully-Fisher Relation

The first results from a Tully-Fisher (TF) survey of cluster galaxies are presented. The galaxies are drawn from 15 Abell clusters that lie in the redshift range ~9000-12,000 km s-1 and are distributed uniformly around the celestial sky. The data set consists of R-band CCD photometry and long-slit Hα spectroscopy. The rotation curves (RCs) are characterized by two parameters, a turnover radius rt and an asymptotic velocity va, while the surface brightness profiles are characterized in terms of an effective exponential surface brightness Ie and scale length re. The TF scatter is minimized when the rotation velocity is measured at r=(2.0±0.2)re; a significantly larger scatter results when the rotation velocity is evaluated at 3 or 1.5 scale lengths. This effect demonstrates that RCs do not have a universal form, specified only by luminosity, as suggested by Persic, Salucci, & Stel. The scatter minimum at r=2re is interpreted in terms of a thin stellar disk plus spherical dark halo mass model. Variations in halo mass and size at fixed disk mass and size can produce extra TF scatter at arbitrary radii, but no additional scatter at the special radius r=2re provided ρhM. In contrast to previous studies, a modest but statistically significant surface brightness dependence of the TF relation is found, vL0.28I. This indicates a stronger parallel between the TF relation and the corresponding fundamental plane relations of elliptical galaxies than has previously been recognized. The scatter of the optimized TF relation decreases with increasing luminosity and surface brightness (SB), from ~ 0.75 mag for low-luminosity, low-SB objects to 0.35 mag for high-luminosity, high-SB objects. This effect is well described by a model in which the intrinsic TF scatter is ~0.30 mag and most of the remaining scatter is caused by rotation velocity measurement errors of ~15 km s-1 independent of rotation amplitude. Future papers in this series will consider the implications of this cluster sample for deviations from uniform Hubble flow on 100 h-1 Mpc scales.
Effects of Dichloroisoproterenol on Macromolecular Synthesis and Differentiation in Tetrahymena vorax

The effect of dichloroisoproterenol on macrostomal cell formation in Tetrahymena vorux was examined and the drug was found to be 50% inhibitory at a concentration of 88 pM. Cellular uptake and incorporation of a variety of radiolabelled precursors was monitored in the presence of dichloroisoproterenol. The results demonstrate a strong, concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on RNA and protein biosynthesis, with a lesser inhibition observed for lipid biosynthesis. These data indicate that dichioroisoproterenol's reported effects on vacuole formation and processing in Tetrahymena are nonspecific with regard to phagocytic processes, but result from a general suppression of macromolecular synthesis. Supplementary key words. DCIF', phagocytosis, protein synthesis inhibition, RNA synthesis inhibition, vacuole egestion, vacuole formation. HE signal-mediated differentiation of a Tetrahymena vorax T microstomal cell to the macrostomal form is characterized by two major structural alterations. One involves oral replace- ment wherein the small oral apparatus (OA) of the rnicrostomal cell is resorbed and replaced by a much larger OA. The second requires that existing food vacuoles be disassembled into mem- brane vesicles which then fuse to form a single large mem- brane-bound structure known as the cytopharyngeal pouch (CPP). The CPP is attached to the large OA at the cytopharynx and is open to the environment to allow entry and entrapment of prey. Formation of the CPP represents a modification of normal vacuole formation. Dichloroisoproterenol (DCIP), a mammalian beta-receptor antagonist, has been reported to inhibit digestive vacuole formation in T. pyrifomzis by 95% with little effect on egestion ( 151. This observation prompted our investigation of the effects of DCIP on CPP formation. The results demonstrate that DCIP strongly inhibits development of the macrostomal cell type in T. vorax. Moreover, a wide spectrum inhibition by DCIP of macromolecular synthesis was observed. These data lead us to postulate that the inhibition of digestive vacuole for- mation by DCIP reported by others is due to an overall sup- pression of biosynthesis rather than a high-specificity effect upon the mechanism of vacuole formation itself.
Internalized Antigens Must Be Removed to Prepare Hypoimmunogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cell and Gene Therapy

Adult stem cells from human bone marrow stroma, referred to as mesenchymal stem cells or marrow stromal cells (hMSCs), are attractive candidates for clinical use. The optimal conditions for hMSC expansion require medium supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS). Some forms of cell therapy will involve multiple doses, raising a concern over immunological reactions caused by medium-derived FCS proteins. By a sensitive fluorescence-based assay we determined that 7 to 30 mg of FCS proteins are associated with a standard preparation of 100 million hMSCs, a dosage that probably will be needed for clinical therapies. Here we present ex vivo growth conditions for hMSCs that reduce the FCS proteins to less than 100 ng per 100 million hMSCs, approximately a 100,000-fold reduction. The cells maintain their proliferative capacity and sustain their ability for multilineage differentiation. Experiments in rats demonstrate that rat MSCs grown in 20% FCS induce a substantial humoral response after repeated administrations, whereas cells grown under the conditions described in this study reduce the immunogenicity in terms of IgG response over 1000-fold to barely detectable levels. Our results have the potential to dramatically improve cellular and genetic therapies using hMSCs and perhaps other cells.
Registering the handicapped in Nazi Germany: A case study

During the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, mobile units of the Security Police and SS Security Service, the so-called SS Einsatzgruppen, supported by units of the German uniformed police and SS auxiliaries recruited from the native populations, systematically murdered all Jews, Gypsies, and the institutionalized handicapped.1 They did so without formality, merely rounding up the victims, marching them to preselected places of execution, and shooting them. Similarly, the SS just rounded up their victims during the liquidation of the Polish ghettos.2
Modelling the solubility of solids in supercritical fluids with density as the independent variable

Abstract An alternate thermodynamic formalism is developed to correlate the solubility of a non-volatile solute in a supercritical fluid (SCF) as a function of the density of the fluid phase. We show that this solubility varies approximately in a linear fashion with the solvent density when examined in either log-log or log-linear coordinates, depending on the system in consideration. The slope of this plot is related to the solvent isothermal compressibility and the partial molar volume of the solute present at infinite dilution in the SCF phase. From literature solubility data, we obtain estimates for the partial molar volumes for some infinitely dilute mixtures of solutes in SCF which are in agreement with independently measured experimental values.
Optical multilayer neural networks

In order to implement fully adaptive optical multilayer neural networks, a number of issues involving both learning algorithms and device technologies need to be addressed. In this paper, we present some important modifications to existing learning algorithms that serve to simplify optical architectures and allow the use of simple optical devices.
Estrogen Regulates 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase-1 and -2 Localization in Placental Syncytiotrophoblast in the Second Half of Primate Pregnancy

We recently demonstrated that the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes catalyzing cortisol-cortisone reduction (11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1) and oxidation (11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2) are located in different regions of the baboon and human placental syncytiotrophoblast. Moreover, there was a 2-fold increase in the ratio of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 in syncytiotrophoblast membranes contiguous with the basal membrane (BMm) between mid and late baboon gestation. Our laboratories have also shown that estrogen regulates syncytiotrophoblast functional differentiation. Therefore, the current study determined whether the change in the ratio of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 in the BMm was regulated by estrogen. Placentas were obtained on d 165 of gestation (term = d 184) from baboons that were untreated or were treated daily beginning on d 100 with the aromatase inhibitor CGS 20267, which reduced uterine and maternal serum E2 by more than 95% or with CGS 20267 plus E2 benzoate. Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence confirmed that in untreated controls the expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 was abundant in the microvillus membranes and considerably less in the BMm. In contrast, expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 was abundant in more internal regions of the syncytiotrophoblast, including the BMm, but was not detected in the microvillus membranes. The 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 protein level was significantly decreased in the BMm of placentas from estrogen-suppressed baboons, resulting in a 2-fold decrease in the ratio of these enzymes in membranes juxta the fetal blood, and these changes were partially restored by CGS 20267 and E2. In contrast, estrogen had no effect on the ratio of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 in whole villous homogenate or the micro-villus membranes. Collectively, these results indicate that estrogen regulates the developmental increase in the ratio of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 in syncytiotrophoblast membranes juxta fetal blood, providing the subcellular architectural mechanism responsible for the previously demonstrated estrogen-dependent switch in transplacental glucocorticoid metabolism that regulates maturation of the primate fetal pituitary-adrenocortical axis.
C-nitroso donors of nitric oxide.

A complete understanding of the biological activity of nitric oxide (NO) is complicated by the different reactivity profiles of its various species and by the often complex decomposition behavior o...
Fluid and electrolyte balance during recovery from high-output heart failure due to beri-beri.

The pathogenesis of congestive heart failure is still obscure. Previous studies showed a decrease in cellular osmolarity during recovery from low output failure. A similar trend was found during recovery from high output failure due to beriberi, suggesting an analogous cellular disturbance. It is postulated that increased cellular osmolarity is an important factor in the retention of water and sodium associated with the development of congestive failure.
Heterotrophy in the Lemnaceae

Summary Lemna minor L. and Wolffia brasiliensis Weddell can use sucrose to support heterotrophic growth in darkness and photomixotrophic growth in the light, but each is killed by galactose in the medium. Spirodela punctata (G. F. W. Meyer) Thompson growth on sucrose and galactose was indistinguishable. L. minor, Wolffia , and Spirodela plants could not utilize lactose or sorbitol; Callitriche stagnalis Scopoli could not utilize galactose or sorbitol and made only marginal use of sucrose to drive growth in light or darkness. L. minor callus and Callitriche callus, on the other hand, utilized galactose effectively, and L. minor callus also utilized sorbitol. The specific reducing sugar content was lowered in Lemna callus during heterotrophic growth on galactose, bus not in Spirodela plants. The specific starch and sucrose contents were reduced in both when growing on galactose. Callitriche plants appeared to absorb galactose, but to not utilize it to drive growth, whereas the callus that did utilize galactose showed the Lemnacean pattern of diminished specific starch and sucrose pools. Catabolic sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13) activity diminished during growth in darkness in all cases, consistent with an increase in the specific sucrose content. Invertase (EG 3.2.1.26) activity, alkaline and acidic, diminished in darkness (excepting heterotrophic Spirodela plants), consistent with the large increases in specific reducing sugar content being due to diminished alkaline invertase activity. L. minor callus not only showed lowered invertase and sucrose synthetase activities when growing on galactose or sorbitol, but also had lowered reducing sugar, sucrose, and starch contents. The enzymology of exogenous lactose, galactose, and sorbitol utilizasion is open to study with respect to primary carbon partitioning.
Dispersity Routing: Past and Present

Dispersity Routing is a multi-path routing rule that the author proposed for the ARPA-net more than 35 years ago. Since that time, dispersity routing and other multi-path routing techniques, have been proposed for many networks, for different reasons. However, dispersity routing isn't used in any major networks. We will present some of the reasons why dispersity routing was considered and show how changes in networks have made dispersity routing less useful and more difficult to implement. Dispersity routing is currently being proposed for MANET's and delay tolerant networks. Based on our experience with wired networks we will recommend how multi-path routing techniques should, and should not, be used in wireless networks.
CMOS analog programmable logic array

In this paper, we present a methodology to design analog circuits and program the circuits using a digital bit stream to function like a desired complex circuit (ex. OTAs). The basic CMOS analog cells are synthesized from high-level circuit specifications into transistor net-lists using a two phase tuning process. The first phase uses a fast analog performance estimator to perform a global circuit sizing and the second phase involves Spice circuit simulations for a detail circuit sizing achieving high accuracy results. The synthesis environment relies on a genetic algorithm based heuristic method to search for a solution in a large design space.
Erythropoietin use in critically ill patients: forest and trees.

In this issue, Zarychanski and colleagues present a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that evaluates the use of erythropoietin in critically ill patients.[1][1] The primary purpose of this commentary is not to critique their analysis but, rather, to present an overview of the potential
How agents from different e-commerce enterprises cooperate

Using agent technology to support e-commerce automation is a promising direction. However, previous "proof-of-concept" efforts do not scale well in e-commerce automation. An essential reason is that the conventional agent infrastructures are primarily designed for intra-enterprise, group-based agent cooperation, but most e-commerce applications are based on inter-enterprise business partnership. Agents across enterprise boundaries are unlikely to be organized into the same "agent group" and under a centralized coordination. We tackle the issue of scaling inter-enterprise agent cooperation from the following three angles. First, we have introduced the point of presence (POP) approach for integrating message-based agent communication with interface-based service invocation. This approach allows us to unify the messaging service interface for all the agents, and therefore greatly simplify both server-side and client-side interface implementation and maintenance. Next, we have developed the agent-embedded cooperative process manager, for elevating multi-agent cooperation from the conversation level to the business process level, and from centralized process management to peer-to-peer cooperative process management. These emerging technologies are integrated with the E-Carry agent infrastructure, an autonomous and decentralized system we developed at HP Labs. The feasibility of this approach have been demonstrated in a prototyping system.
Modulations of laser signals by water waves observed by a boxcar integrator

This paper describes a new measurement technique for active remote sensing of water waves using a lidar. To demonstrate this technique, a series of experiments studying interactions of laser pulses with water waves was performed in an NRL wave tank. This technique used a commercially available boxcar integrator to sample IR laser pulses reflected from water waves. These water waves were generated either by artificial winds or a mechanical paddle in the wave tank. The boxcar integrator samples these laser waveforms as a function of windspeeds and paddle frequencies. This paper describes the experimental technique, the measurements, and the data analyses. For wind-generated water waves, results of the data analyses show that lidar-detected laser energies and the lidar-detected water-wave frequencies are functions of windspeeds. For paddle waves, the measurement data show that the laser backscattering cross-section from a water wave is a function of height positions within the water wave. The measurement data successfully demonstrate a boxcar-integrator waveform-sampling technique as an alternative technique to, and possible improvement over, a conventional waveform digitizer. The potential application of this technique in active remote sensing is discussed.
Understanding Stream Geomorphic State in Relation to Ecological Integrity: Evidence Using Habitat Assessments and Macroinvertebrates

Scientists have long assumed that the physical structure and condition of stream and river channels have pervasive effects on biological communities and processes, but specific tests are few. To investigate the influence of the stream-reach geomorphic state on in-stream habitat and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, we compared measures of habitat conditions and macroinvertebrate community composition between stable and unstable stream reaches in a paired-study design. We also explored potential associations between these ecological measures and individual geomorphic characteristics and channel adjustment processes (degradation, aggradation, overwidening, and change in planform). We found that habitat quality and heterogeneity were closely tied to stream stability, with geomorphically stable reaches supporting better habitat than unstable reaches. Geomorphic and habitat assessment scores were highly correlated (r = 0.624, P 0.689, df = 8). However, the percent of the macroinvertebrate community in the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa was significantly correlated with the overall habitat assessment scores as well as with individual measures of geomorphic condition and habitat quality. While there is a clear need for more work in classifying and quantifying the responses of aquatic and aquatic-dependent biota to various geomorphic states and processes, this study provides solid preliminary evidence that macroinvertebrate communities are affected by the geomorphic condition of the stream reaches they inhabit and that geomorphic assessment approaches can be used as a tool for evaluating ecological integrity.
Comparison of the performance limit of Schottky-barrier and standard infrared focal plane arrays

In this paper D* is analyzed as a figure of merit for focal plane arrays. Spatial noise (nonuniformity) is incorporated into the signal-to-noise ratio, and its effects are examined for a Schottky barrier and for a standard photon detector (constant quantum efficiency) over the 3 to 5 µm spectral band. The requirements for radiometric source uniformities are presented to show their effect in reduction of fixed-pattern noise. Because of the D* inadequacies presented in this paper, the preferred figure of merit is the signal-to-noise ratio.
Shear Elastic Modulus Estimation From Indentation and SDUV on Gelatin Phantoms

Tissue mechanical properties such as elasticity are linked to tissue pathology state. Several groups have proposed shear wave propagation speed to quantify tissue mechanical properties. It is well known that biological tissues are viscoelastic materials; therefore, velocity dispersion resulting from material viscoelasticity is expected. A method called shearwave dispersion ultrasound vibrometry (SDUV) can be used to quantify tissue viscoelasticity by measuring dispersion of shear wave propagation speed. However, there is not a gold standard method for validation. In this study, we present an independent validation method of shear elastic modulus estimation by SDUV in three gelatin phantoms of differing stiffness. In addition, the indentation measurements are compared to estimates of elasticity derived from shear wave group velocities. The shear elastic moduli from indentation were 1.16, 3.40, and 5.6 kPa for a 7%, 10%, and 15% gelatin phantom, respectively. SDUV measurements were 1.61, 3.57, and 5.37 kPa for the gelatin phantoms, respectively. Shear elastic moduli derived from shear wave group velocities were 1.78, 5.2, and 7.18 kPa for the gelatin phantoms, respectively. The shear elastic modulus estimated from the SDUV, matched the elastic modulus measured by indentation. On the other hand, shear elastic modulus estimated by group velocity did not agree with indentation test estimations. These results suggest that shear elastic modulus estimation by group velocity will be bias when the medium being investigated is dispersive. Therefore, a rheological model should be used in order to estimate mechanical properties of viscoelastic materials.
Experiencing child abuse: effects on emotional adjustment.

The impact of abuse and subsequent intervention strategies on emotional development was examined for a group of 30 physically abused children between the ages of five and 12. Results indicated that emotional adjustment, as measured by psychological test scores, was differentially affected by characteristics of the abuse experience and interventions. Implications for the use of psychiatric treatment and foster care placement in the management of child abuse cases are discussed.
Object-adaptive vertex-based shape coding method

The paper presents a new technique for compactly representing the shape of a visual object within a scene. This method encodes the vertices of a polygonal approximation of the object's shape by adapting the representation to the dynamic range of the relative locations of the object's vertices and by exploiting an octant-based representation of each individual vertex. The object-level adaptation to the relative-location dynamic range provides the flexibility needed to efficiently encode objects of different sizes and with different allowed approximation distortion. At the vertex-level, the octant-based representation allows coding gains for vertices closely spaced relative to the object-level dynamic range. This vertex coding method may be used with techniques which code the polygonal approximation error for further gains in coding efficiency. Results are shown which demonstrate the effectiveness of the vertex encoding method. The rate-distortion comparisons presented show that the technique's adaptive nature allows it to operate efficiently over a wide range of rates and distortions and across a variety of input material, whereas other methods are efficient over more limited conditions.
(136) Beliefs about prescribing opioids for chronic pain: survey of primary care providers

There is growing concern among primary care providers (PCPs) of medication misuse and noncompliance among chronic pain patients prescribed opioids for pain. This survey study is part of a larger investigation on improving provider confidence in managing chronic pain patients through the use of specialty support, risk assessment, and summary reports. Forty-five (N=45) primary care providers completed a packet of questionnaires about attitudes and concerns about opioids for chronic pain including the Concerns About Analgesic Prescription Questionnaire. The providers also completed background information, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Knowledge of OpioidsTest (KOT). Ages ranged between 27 and 64 (average 43 years), 58% were female, and 82% were Caucasian. In general, the PCPs showed adequate opioid knowledge on the KOT (averaging 17 of 25 items correct) and general health was unrelated to prescription attitudes. Most expressed concern about medication misuse (90%) and felt that managing chronic pain patients was stressful (84%). Most were worried about addiction (82%) and less than half felt that they were sufficiently trained in prescribing opioids (44%).Many also felt that theywere not satisfiedwith the support and communication they received from pain specialists in managing their chronic pain patients (67%). Younger providers felt more reluctant to prescribe opioids, experiencedmore stress in managing pain patients, had less overall confidence in managing pain patients, and worried more about dependence than older providers (p<0.05). Younger providerswere also less knowledgeable about opioids, but opioid knowledge was not found to be related to concerns about analgesic prescriptions. An ongoing study will continue to track providers and patients to help determine whether careful patient monitoring and incorporation of a structured opioid therapy protocol (risk assessment, periodic urine screens, and compliance checklists) will reduce opioid misuse within primary care. This survey was partially supported by a grant from Mallinckrodt.
Preparation of Large Thin Area Vlsi Tem Specimens by Dimpling With A “Flatting Tool”

An alternative VLSI TEM specimen preparation technique has been developed to produce 100µm diameter electron transparent thin area by using a conventional dimpler with a texmet padded “flatting tool” for dimpling and a microcloth padded “flatting tool ” for polishing, followed by low angle ion milling. The advantages of this technique are a large sampling area and shorter milling times than conventional specimen preparation methods. In the following, we report the details of the modified dimpling technique. The improvements in available electron transparency, and a decrease in ion milling time are demonstrated with the preparation of planar and cross section VLSI device samples.
The importance of corporate brand personality traits to a successful 21st century business

Brand personality has been defined as the human characteristics or traits that can be attributed to a brand. Corporate brand personality is a form of brand personality specific to a corporate brand. Unlike a product brand personality that typically relates to consumers and user imagery for a specific product brand, a corporate brand personality can be defined in terms of the human characteristics or traits of the employees of the corporation as a whole. A corporate brand personality will reflect the values, words, and actions of all employees of the corporation. A successful 21st century firm must carefully manage its corporate brand personality. The three core dimensions of corporate brand personality and two traits for each dimension that are crucial for marketplace success are outlined as Passionate and Compassionate (Heart), Creative and Disciplined (Mind) and Agile and Collaborative (Body). These traits have an interactive effect such that the effects of one trait can be enhanced by the existence of another.
Modeling Dynamics of the Human Limbic System

In this paper, we proposed a computational model of the limbic system in order to capture the spatio-temporal dynamics of abnormal/normal brain states. Power spectral density measurements of the abnormal seizure states are captured in order to differentiate from normal brain states. Electrical titration therapy is proposed through this model to demonstrate how the model can be utilized as an EEG simulator that demonstrates how external stimulation restores the model back to its normal chaotic operating state.
Exploring the Drugs/Violence Nexus Among Active Offenders Contributions From the St. Louis School

In 1985, Paul Goldstein published a seminal article suggesting a conceptual framework for the study of the connection between drugs and violence. This work influenced a generation of scholars, incl...
Synchytrium Ranunculi Cook

Synchytrium ranunculi develops a distinct prosorus in its life cycle, which gives rise to a sorus in the apical part of the infected cell. On this basis it may be included provisionally in the subg...