cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orthogonal frequency coded surface acoustic wave passive remote sensing

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are attractive for sensing of the physical, gas, liquid or biological environment because the device has many parameters which can be adjusted for various applications. The temperature coefficient of delay can provide temperature sensing, coupling to liquids, gases or applied films can be controlled by choice of mode, and putting the device under stress or strain can measure pressure or vibration. In addition, there are many substrate choices to attempt to optimize a given measurand. Finally, substrate choices allow sensing from cryogenic to high temperatures (1000°C), which has the potential for use in a wide spectrum of space applications. This paper will describe a novel SAW sensor platform for sensing of various measurands which is passive and wireless, and has several levels of coding available for providing identification. The paper will describe the concept of orthogonal frequency coding used in the device identification and its advantages in communications and sensing, and the mechanism for implementation using reflectors in a SAW sensor. Results of measured SAW device performance versus the coupling of mode (COM) model predictions show excellent correlation for a 250 MHz device on a lithium niobate substrate. The approach presented uses frequency selective reflectors in a differential delay line to measure temperature; measured from cryogenic temperatures to 150°C with the same device. A discussion of substrate materials and device parameters will be presented to exemplify the versatility and practicality of these devices to a wide range of sensor applications.
Enzymatic radioiodination of the envelope proteins of avian myeloblastosis virus

Purified avian myeloblastosis virus was iodinated by the lactoperoxidase method. Disruption of the labeled virions and chromatography of the viral proteins showed that radioiodine was associated only with the glycoproteins of the viral envelope. Reaction of the radiolabeled virus with antiviral antibody followed by mild detergent treatment and subsequent recovery of immune complexes showed this technique to be useful for the isolation of viral envelope antigens.
Using GRAPPA to improve autocalibrated coil sensitivity estimation for the SENSE family of parallel imaging reconstruction algorithms.

Two strategies are widely used in parallel MRI to reconstruct subsampled multi-coil image data. SENSE and related methods employ explicit receiver coil spatial response estimates to reconstruct an image. In contrast, coil-by-coil methods such as GRAPPA leverage correlations among the acquired multi-coil data to reconstruct missing k-space lines. In self-referenced scenarios, both methods employ Nyquist-rate low-frequency k-space data to identify the reconstruction parameters. Because GRAPPA does not require explicit coil sensitivities estimates, it needs considerably fewer auto-calibration signals than SENSE. However, SENSE methods allow greater opportunity to control reconstruction quality though regularization and thus may outperform GRAPPA in some imaging scenarios. Here, we employ GRAPPA to improve self-referenced coil sensitivity estimation in SENSE and related methods using very few auto-calibration signals. This enables one to leverage each methods’ inherent strength and produce high quality self-referenced SENSE reconstructions.
On the Self-Regulation of Behavior

1. Introduction and plan 2. Principles of feedback control 3. Discrepancy reducing feedback processes in behavior 4. Discrepancy enlarging loops, and three further issues 5. Goals and behavior 6. Goals, hierarchicality, and behavior: further issues 7. Public and private aspects of the self 8. Control processes and affect 9. Affect: issues and comparisons 10. Expectancies and disengagement 11. Disengagement: issues and comparisons 12. Applications to problems in living 13. Hierarchicality and problems in living 14. Chaos and dynamic systems 15. Catastrophe theory 16. Further applications to problems in living 17. Is behavior controlled or does it emerge? 18. Goal engagement, life and death.
Hepatic ATP reserve and efficiency of replenishing: comparison between obese and nonobese normal individuals

Hepatic ATP Reserve and Efficiency of Replenishing: Comparison Between Obese and Nonobese Normal Individuals
Particle Swarm Optimization on a GPU

Optimization problems that contain discontinuities, non-linearity, or high dimensionality are difficult to solve and time consuming using conventional computational methods. This paper introduces a tool that solves these kinds of optimization problems using a patent pending Gaming Particle Swarm Optimization (GPSO) algorithm implemented on Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware. Our study applied this utility to a radio frequency resource allocation optimizer. This tool, implemented on an Nvidia GTX 465, resulted in 5X performance gain over a state-of-the-art AMD Phenom 3.4GHz quad-core CPU. This study provides a powerful tool that may be used for solving various multi-disciplinary optimization problems such as training of artificial neural networks, function maximization/minimization, autotuning for universal mobile telecommunication system networks, as well as scheduling.
Intermolecular interactions identify ligand-selective activity of estrogen receptor α/β dimers

Estrogen receptor (ER) dimerization is prerequisite for its activation of target gene transcription. Because the two forms of ER, ERα and ERβ, exhibit opposing functions in cell proliferation, the ability of ligands to induce ERα/β heterodimers vs. their respective homodimers is expected to have profound impacts on transcriptional outcomes and cellular growth. However, there is a lack of direct methods to monitor the formation of ERα/β heterodimers in vivo and to distinguish the ability of estrogenic ligands to promote ER homo- vs. heterodimerization. Here, we describe bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays for monitoring the formation of ERα/β heterodimers and their respective homodimers in live cells. We demonstrate that although both partners contribute to heterodimerization, ligand-bound ERα plays a dominant role. Furthermore, a bioactive component was found to induce ERβ/β homodimers, and ERα/β heterodimers but had minimal activity on ERα/α homodimers, posing a model that compounds promoting ERα/β heterodimer formation might have therapeutic value. Thus, ER homodimer and heterodimer BRET assays are applicable to drug screening for dimer-selective selective ER modulators. Furthermore, this strategy can be used to study other nuclear receptor dimers.
Alzheimer's Garden Audit Tool

Abstract Increasing numbers of dementia units are being built, many with attached outdoor space. Some are successful in providing for users' needs; others less so. The Alzheimer's Garden Audit Tool (AGAT) provides a relatively simple evaluative framework for assessing whether a garden incorporates those design elements and qualities that are necessary for a successful dementia care garden. The rationale for including items on this checklist-tool is explained. The possible uses are discussed. The tool is presented in its relatively preliminary state in the hope that people will use it and send their comments to the author for modification and improvement.
OVIPOSITION RATES, LARVAL AND PUPAL SURVIVAL RATES OF CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS IN DIFFERENT PLANT LEAF INFUSIONS

Keywords : attractants, Culex quinquefasciatus, leaf infusions, oviposition. doi : 10.4038/jnsfsr.v32i3-4.2430 J. Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2004 32 (3&4): 109-114
Medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area involvement in the suppression of pulsatile LH release by a mu-opioid agonist in the ovariectomized rat

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine whether specific activation of mu-opioid receptors at the level of the medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (MPOA-AHA) could suppress pulsatile LH release. The experiments were done using rats that had been ovariectomized (OVX) 24 hr before on diestrus 2, animals in which we have previously demonstrated an active endogenous opioid peptide suppression of pulsatile LH release (2). DAGO, DPDPE, or U50488H, specific agonists of mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors, respectively, were continuously applied directly to the MPOA-AHA by means of push-pull perfusion. Perfusion of the MPOA-AHA with 0.5 μg DAGO/hr suppressed LH pulse amplitude. This effect of DAGO was not due to spread to the third ventricle and subsequent diffusion via the CSF to another CNS site, since push-pull perfusion with this dose of DAGO in the region just dorsal to or in the posterior hypothalamus was ineffective in altering LH pulse amplitude. The response to DAGO was dose-dependent since a higher dose (4.8 μg/hr) markedly suppressed both LH pulse amplitude and frequency. The same doses of DPDPE and U50488H (0.5 and 4.8 μg/hr) had no effect on pulsatile LH secretion, providing support for mu receptor involvement in the DAGO-induced suppressive action. These data demonstrate MPOA-AHA involvement in the suppression of pulsatile LH release by a mu-opioid agonist in the OVX rat.
A perceptually-inspired force model for haptic texture rendering

One of the most salient haptic characteristics of objects is surface texture. Psychophysics studies have identified several key factors that affect perception of roughness during exploration of surface textures. Inspired by these recent findings, we develop the first force model for haptic display of interaction between two textured objects. We describe how our force model accounts for important elements identified by psychophysics studies. We then analyze and validate our model by comparing our simulation results against actual perceptual studies. We show that our model captures similar effects to those observed in the earlier experiments on roughness perception.
Outcome Expectancies, Descriptive Norms, and Alcohol Use: American Indian and White Adolescents

This study examined the relationships between adolescent alcohol use and outcome expectancies and descriptive norms for a sample of American Indian and white youth living on or near reservations. Three outcome expectancies proposed by the theory of normative social behavior (perceived benefits to self, perceived benefits to others, and anticipatory socialization) were examined. Survey data were collected from high school students in the 2009–2010, 2010–2011, and 2011–2012 school years. Stronger descriptive norms for use and higher perceived benefits to self from use were associated with alcohol use in the last month, drunkenness in the last month, and binge drinking. Perceived benefits to self also moderated the relationship between descriptive norms and both alcohol use in the last month and binge drinking, and the effect of descriptive norms on use became more robust as perceived benefits to self increased. Outcome expectancies of perceived benefits to others and anticipatory socialization did not moderate the relationship between norms and alcohol use. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Coronary perfusate composition influences diastolic properties, myocardial water content, and histologic characteristics of the rat left ventricle

Abstract Background . Recent studies found that edema, histology, and left ventricular diastolic compliance exhibit quantitative relationships in rats. Edema due to low osmolarity coronary perfusates increases myocardial water content and histologic edema score and decreases left ventricular filling. The present study examined effects of perfusate osmolarity and chemical composition on rat hearts. Methods . Arrested American Cancer Institute (ACI) rat hearts (4°C) were perfused with different cardioplegia solutions, including Plegisol (289 mOsm/L), dilute Plegisol (172 mOsm/L), Stanford solution (409 mOsm/L), and University of Wisconsin solution (315 mOsm/L). Controls had blood perfusion (310 mOsm/L). Postmortem left ventricular pressure-volume curves and myocardial water content were measured. After glutaraldehyde or formalin fixation, dehydration, and paraffin embedding, edema was graded subjectively. Results . Myocardial water content reflected perfusate osmolarity, being lowest in Stanford and University of Wisconsin solutions ( p p p p Conclusions . Perfusate osmolarity determined myocardial water content and left ventricular filling volume. However, perfusate chemical composition influenced the histologic appearance of edema. Pathologic grading of edema can be influenced by factors other than osmolarity alone.
Metabolic variability within individual fibres of the cat tibialis posterior and diaphragm muscles

Variance in succinate dehydrogenase activity along the transverse and longitudinal axes of fibres from the cat tibialis posterior and diaphragm muscles was determined in order to estimate the three-dimensional distribution of mitochondria within single fibres. The variance (coefficient of variation) in succinate dehydrogenase activity along the transverse fibre axis was greatest in type IIB fibres from both muscles. Intracellular compartmentalization (i.e. subsarcolemmal vs central core differences in succinate dehydrogenase activity) was observed only in type II fibres from the tibialis posterior; the succinate dehydrogenase activity of the subsarcolemmal region was significantly greater than that of the central core. The extent of succinate dehydrogenase variance along the longitudinal fibre axis was dependent on the total length of the fibre segment analyzed, the muscle, and fibre type. The coefficient variation for short fibre segments, i.e. 40 microns, was significantly lower than that for much longer fibre segments (840 microns). Significant differences in the coefficient variation for 840 microns fibre segments were observed between the diaphragm and tibialis posterior muscles. The longitudinal variance in succinate dehydrogenase activity was higher in diaphragm muscle fibres. The succinate dehydrogenase variance along the longitudinal axis of type II fibres was higher in diaphragm muscle fibres. The succinate dehydrogenase variance along the longitudinal axis of type II fibres was significantly greater than that of the type I fibre population. These results indicate that mitochondria are heterogeneously distributed within muscle fibres. Possible functional implications of such intrafibre metabolic variance are discussed.
Doped Mott insulators in (111) bilayers of perovskite transition-metal oxides with a strong spin-orbit coupling.

The electronic properties of Mott insulators realized in (111) bilayers of perovskite transition-metal oxides are studied. The low-energy effective Hamiltonians for such Mott insulators are derived in the presence of a strong spin-orbit coupling. These models are characterized by the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg interaction and the anisotropic interaction whose form depends on the $d$ orbital occupancy. From exact diagonalization analyses on finite clusters, the ground state phase diagrams are derived, including a Kitaev spin liquid phase in a narrow parameter regime for $$t_{2g}$$ systems. Slave-boson mean-field analyses indicate the possibility of novel superconducting states induced by carrier doping into the Mott-insulating parent systems, suggesting the present model systems as unique playgrounds for studying correlation-induced novel phenomena. Possible experimental realizations are also discussed.
Considerations in Evaluating Human Spermatogenesis on the Basis of Total Sperm per Ejaculate

Total number of sperm per ejaculate (TSperm) is an important measure for clinicians to provide advice to patient couples. However, TSperm per hour of abstinence (TSperm/h) is a better measure for epidemiologist-andrologist teams or clinicians to evaluate spermatogenesis because it is a rate function. This review looks at the interplay and impacts of rate of sperm accumulation in the excurrent duct system, abstinence interval, sexual arousal, and masturbation vs intercourse on observed TSperm. It also examines why and when TSperm/h might provide a meaningful quantitative evaluation of spermatogenesis (ie, rate of sperm production). There is no doubt that TSperm increases with longer abstinence, and in different men plateaus after 2-9 days. Clinicians wishing to maximize number of fully functional sperm available during intercourse, or for artificial insemination, might wish to recommend 6-7 days of abstinence. Diagnostically, the important feature is TSperm/h. After abstinence interval exceeds 64-72 hours, TSperm/h has started to decline in most nonoligozoospermic men as rate of sperm accumulation in the excurrent ducts approaches zero; apparently increasingly more sperm are voided in urine. Clinicians or epidemiologist-andrologist teams wishing to have optimal distinction among individuals with high, typical, or low sperm production (ie, normal or abnormal spermatogenesis) should accurately measure TSperm/h for samples provided after 42-54 hours' abstinence (never 64 hours). Longer abstinence intervals reward men with poor sperm production, because sperm accumulate in the excurrent ducts for 7 days or more of abstinence, and penalize men with good sperm production, because after 3 days or less of abstinence their excurrent ducts probably are full.
The Econometrics of Search

Many urban activity and location decisions can be viewed as the outcomes of sequential search processes. In this paper are addressed the special econometric aspects associated with the analysis of ...
Cellular proliferation and macrophage populations associated with implanted expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethyleneterephthalate.

The chronic inflammatory response associated with the abluminal surface of polymeric vascular grafts has been suggested to affect adversely graft neovascularization, the cellular response at the luminal surface of vascular grafts, and overall graft patency. To better understand the source for this chronic inflammation, this study examined two types of macrophages and the amount of cellular proliferation around two widely used graft materials, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and polyethyleneterephthalate (PET or Dacron) implanted in the rat for 3 and 5 weeks. Serial sections of explants were analyzed for recruited macrophages (ED1), resident macrophages (ED2), and proliferating cells (PCNA). Results show that Dacron is more inflammatory than ePTFE and that there is a segregated macrophage response; the first 54 μm of perigraft tissue were composed predominantly of recruited macrophages (ED1+) while the more distal tissue consisted of resident macrophages (ED2+). Proliferating cells were located predominantly in this same 54μm perigraft region. In subcutaneous tissue they accounted for 23% of all cells present around Dacron after 3 weeks of implantation and 8% after 5 weeks. Conversely, cellular proliferation around ePTFE increased from 4% at 3 weeks to 21% at 5 weeks. In adipose tissue, proliferation levels around the implanted polymers were lower and more similar after 3 and 5 weeks. Serial sections revealed the coordinate expression of PCNA and ED1 antigens by the same individual cells, suggesting that proliferation is a mechanism used to perpetuate the chronic inflammatory response. These results suggest a new target for designing treatments to alter inflammation and improve the healing associated with these biomaterials. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 49, 489–497, 2000.
Measurement of both left ventricular function and regional myocardial perfusion with 133Xe in dogs.

A technique to measure left ventricular (LV) function and myocardial perfusion was validated in 12 dogs. 133Xe in saline was injected into the left atrium (LA) or LV and two data sets were obtained using gamma camera imaging: 1) A first pass gated scan for LV function; followed by 2) Sequential images for regional myocardial perfusion. LV ejection fraction and wall motion measurements from the 133Xe blood pool images were compared to ejection fraction (r=0.88, P<0.01) and wall motion (r=0.83, P<0.01) data from 99mTc labeled blood pool scans. The perfusion measurements obtained with the 133Xe method were compared to microsphere data (r=0.79, P<0.01). Measurements after LV 133Xe injection were similar to data following LA injection. Thus, quantitative assessment of global LV function, regional wall motion and myocardial perfusion is possible with LA or LV 133Xe injection and gamma camera imaging.
The strategies of mnemonic battle: On the alignment of autobiographical and collective memories in conflicts over the past

In this article, I compare contemporary mnemonic battles concerning three issues: child sexual abuse, the Vietnam war and American slavery. Analyzing the rhetorical dynamics between contentious mnemonic agents in each case, I detail the formal cultural strategies that define different mnemonic disputes in order to elucidate the ways agents use autobiographical memories in contests for mnemonic authority. Mnemonic battles take three principal forms: disputes over the existence, the nature and the relevance of the past. Each case I present is most aptly characterized as one of these three types. More, each illustrates a different way that actors achieve the formal alignment and social interdependence of autobiographical and collective memory claims when defining a contested past. Such an approach provides a useful analytic guide to understanding public struggles for mnemonic authority in a contemporary cultural milieu marked by a new ethic of autobiographical storytelling. Beyond demonstrating how dynamics of contention form around memory, I show how agents coordinate personal and collective memories to shape the dynamics of contention.
Averting behavior: Does it exist?

Abstract This paper reports the first micro level information on households' reported adjustments in behavior - averting actions - to reduce the risk of exposure to pollutants. The findings are based on a survey of households in suburban Boston and their actions to avoid hazardous wastes. Probit analyses of the factors influencing decisions to undertake these actions indicate that attitude toward hazardous waste risks, confidence in local officials responsible for the problem and information are important determinants of their decisions.
Generation of Irregular Disturbances and Solitarylike Waves in Transitional Boundary Layers

The interrelation between erratic signals and large-sized coherent structures excited in boundary layers transitioning to turbulence is investigated. To shed light on the issue of fundamental importance, a new dynamical system has been put forward recently on the basis of simple physical arguments assuming the Reynolds number to tend to infinity. Wave dispersion in the system is defined by the Laplacian of the self-induced pressure resulting from inviscid-inviscid interaction of the intermediate (adjustment) sublayer with the outer oncoming stream. This regime supersedes the triple-deck velocity pattern when the pulsation size attains sufficiently large magnitudes. In the present paper, asymptotic equations governing a three-dimensional disturbance field are expanded into a power series of a small parameter proportional to the magnitude of excess pressure. However, the final closed-form result does not depend on this parameter. The birth of erratic signals typical of transitional boundary-layer flow is demonstrated by computing the two-dimensional disturbance field downstream of a steady obstacle. In accordance with experimental findings, solitarylike coherent structures emerge amid the foam of erratic oscillations surviving the random buffeting by the surrounding fluid. The phase speed of solitarylike waves exceeds the speed of weaker pulsations; therefore, the large-sized waves leave behind the small-sized signals.
Application of controlled mesocosms for understanding mercury air-soil-plant exchange.

Whole system elemental mercury (Hg0) flux was measured for ∼1.5 years using two large gas exchange mesocosms containing ∼100 two-year old aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) planted in soil with elevated mercury concentrations (12.3 μg/g). We hypothesized that during leaf-out, whole mesocosm Hg0 flux would increase due to movement of Hg0 in the transpiration stream from the soil to the air. This hypothesis was not supported; plants were found to assimilate Hg0 from the contaminated air, and whole system Hg0 emissions were reduced as plants leafed-out due to shading of the soil. Surface disturbance, watering, and increases in soil moisture, light, and temperature were all found to increase whole system Hg0 flux, with light being a more significant factor. Although surface soils were maintained at 15−20% moisture, daily watering caused pulses of Hg0 to be released from the soil throughout the experiment. Data developed in this experiment suggested that those processes acting on the soil surface are the primar...
Carbon and biogenic silica export influenced by the Amazon River Plume: Patterns of remineralization in deep-sea sediments

Abstract The Amazon River Plume delivers freshwater and nutrients to an otherwise oligotrophic western tropical North Atlantic (WTNA) Ocean. Plume waters create conditions favorable for carbon and nitrogen fixation, and blooms of diatoms and their diazotrophic cyanobacterial symbionts have been credited with significant CO 2 uptake from the atmosphere. The fate of the carbon, however, has been measured previously by just a few moored or drifting sediment traps, allowing only speculation about the full extent of the plume's impact on carbon flux to the deep sea. Here, we used surface (0.5 m) sediment cores collected throughout the Demerara Slope and Abyssal Plain, at depths ranging from 1800 to 5000 m, to document benthic diagenetic processes indicative of carbon flux. Pore waters were extracted from sediments using both mm- and cm-scale extraction techniques. Profiles of nitrate (NO 3 ) and silicate (Si(OH) 4 ) were modeled with a diffusion-reaction equation to determine particulate organic carbon (POC) degradation and biogenic silica (bSi) remineralization rates. Model output was used to determine the spatial patterns of POC and bSi arrival at the sea floor. Our estimates of POC and Si remineralization fluxes ranged from 0.16 to 1.92 and 0.14 to 1.35 mmol m −2 d −1 , respectively. A distinct axis of POC and bSi deposition on the deep sea floor aligned with the NW axis of the plume during peak springtime flood. POC flux showed a gradient along this axis with highest fluxes closest to the river mouth. bSi had a more diffuse zone of deposition and remineralization. The impact of the Amazon plume on benthic fluxes can be detected northward to 10°N and eastward to 47°W, indicating a footprint of nearly 1 million km 2 . We estimate that 0.15 Tmol C y −1 is remineralized in abyssal sediments underlying waters influenced by the Amazon River. This constitutes a relatively high fraction (~7%) of the estimated C export from the region.; the plume thus has a demonstrable impact on C org export in the western Atlantic. Benthic fluxes under the plume were comparable to and in some cases greater than those observed in the eastern equatorial Atlantic, the southeastern Atlantic, and the Southern Ocean.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Encodes a SUMO E3 ligase That Is SIM-dependent and SUMO-2/3-specific

Sumoylation has emerged as a major post-translational modification of cellular proteins, affecting a variety of cellular processes. Viruses have exploited the sumoylation pathway to advance their own replication by evolving several ways to perturb the host sumoylation apparatus. However, there has been no report of virally encoded enzymes directly involved in catalyzing the sumoylation reaction. Here, we report that the K-bZIP protein encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a SUMO E3 ligase with specificity toward SUMO2/3. K-bZIP is a nuclear factor that functions to modulate viral gene expression and to prolong the G1 phase, allowing viral transcription and translation to proceed at the early stage of infection. In addition to functioning as a transcriptional factor, we show that K-bZIP carries a SIM (SUMO-interacting motif), which specifically binds to SUMO-2/3 but not SUMO-1. K-bZIP catalyzes its own SUMO modification as well as that of its interacting partners such as the cellular tumor suppressor proteins p53 and Rb, both in vitro and in vivo. This reaction depends on an intact SIM. Sumoylation of p53 leads to its activation and K-bZIP is recruited to several p53 target chromatin sites in a SIM-dependent manner. In addition to the identification of a viral SUMO-2/3 E3 ligase, our results provide additional insights into the mechanisms whereby K-bZIP induces cell cycle arrest.
Influence of antidromic callosal volleys on single units in visual cortex

Abstract Thirteen to 30 days after unilateral visual cortex ablation or after ablation and complete transection of the corpus callosum, high-frequency callosal stimulation inhibited spontaneous and evoked unit activity in most cells sampled in the intact contralateral visual cortex. On the other hand, few units were excited by callosal stimulation. Since orthograde degeneration of callosal fibers should be complete by 11 days after the lesion, these effects are interpreted as resulting from antidromic activation of axon collaterals of callosal-projecting visual-cortex neurons. The antidromic inhibition was found to occlude orthodromic inhibition evoked by lateral geniculate stimulation and was often facilitated by a preceding brainstem reticular stimulation.
Pattern of dissolution of deoxyribonucleic acid in trichloroacetic acid in the presence of protein.

Abstract Hot TCA solutions are unsatisfactory for the solubilization of radioactive DNA from precipitates containing large amounts of protein. Under such conditions, only a portion of the radioactivity becomes solubilized initially. With longer heating, the radioactivity becomes reattached to the precipitate but eventually becomes partly or completely resolubilized when the protein precipitate itself dissolves as a result of the decomposition of the TCA. Hot PCA or HCl solutions are satisfactory for the solubilization of radioactive DNA in the presence of protein, but longer heating is required to effect solubilization than in the absence of protein.
Rare earth element abundances and distribution patterns in hydrothermally altered basalts: Experimental results

Oceanic tholeiites that have been experimentally reacted with seawater at 500–600° C, 800–1000 bars, have rare earth element (REE) abundances and distribution patterns that are essentially identical to those of the unaltered basalts. Although the data indicate the possibility of some REE leaching and redistribution, the net effects are small and the REE patterns of basalts affected by submarine hydrothermal processes may still be valid petrogenetic indicators.
A POSSIBLE EDGE EFFECT IN ENHANCED NETWORK

K-line observations of enhanced network taken with the NASA/SPO Multichannel Spectrometer on 28 September 1975 in support of OSO-8 are discussed. The data show a correlation between core brightness and asymmetry for spatial scans which cross enhanced network boundaries. The implications of this result concerning mass flow in and near supergranule boundaries are discussed.
Computationally Tractable Stochastic Image Modeling Based on Symmetric Markov Mesh Random Fields

In this paper, the properties of a new class of causal Markov random fields, named symmetric Markov mesh random field, are initially discussed. It is shown that the symmetric Markov mesh random fields from the upper corners are equivalent to the symmetric Markov mesh random fields from the lower corners. Based on this new random field, a symmetric, corner-independent, and isotropic image model is then derived which incorporates the dependency of a pixel on all its neighbors. The introduced image model comprises the product of several local 1D density and 2D joint density functions of pixels in an image thus making it computationally tractable and practically feasible by allowing the use of histogram and joint histogram approximations to estimate the model parameters. An image restoration application is also presented to confirm the effectiveness of the model developed. The experimental results demonstrate that this new model provides an improved tool for image modeling purposes compared to the conventional Markov random field models.
Pathways for androgen biosynthesis in monkey testis.

Abstract Monkey testicular homogenates and minces were incubated for varying lengths of time with pairs of differentially labelled steroids, progesterone and pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone and androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, in order to elucidate the possible pathways involved in testosterone biosynthesis. It was evident that all these steroids could be converted to testosterone but pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxy-pregnenolone were better precursors than progesterone and 17α-hydroxypro-gesterone. The results suggest that testosterone is made from pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone by a pathway independent of androstenedione. Δ 5 -Androstenediol must be considered as a possible intermediate in testosterone biosynthesis having been formed from both pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypreg-nenolone.
Morphometric Studies of the Renomedullary Interstitial Cells

The renomedullary interstitial cell (RIC) is a unique cell found in the renal medullary interstitium among the collecting ducts, Henle's loop, and the vasa recta. A combination of morphologic and physiologic studies has defined some of the properties of this cell, which is the apparent source of the mediators of the antihypertensive function of the kidney. These may include prostaglandins (PGE2), APRL or platelet activating factor, and the incompletely defined neutral lipid, ANRL (or medullipin), the most likely candidate for this function. The lipid droplets in the RIC apparently are the precursors of the mediator(s). Degranulation of the RIC by an experimental maneuver usually indicates increased activity of these cells. The presence of abundant well-granulated RIC in a kidney indicates a resistance of that animal to the induction of salt-sensitive forms of experimental hypertension. There is definite evidence for an extrarenal antihypertensive function of the RIC mediators, but an intrarenal effect also is considered.
From group 13-group 13 donor-acceptor bonds to triple-decker cations.

Donor–acceptor bonding between group 13 elements seems counter-intuitive because one normally thinks of e.g. boron and aluminium compounds as classical Lewis acids. Indeed, many such compounds have achieved industrial prominence in this regard. Recently, however, it has become possible to stabilize these and other group 13 elements in the +1 oxidation state as opposed to the archetypical +3 oxidation state. Moreover, it turns out that in the +1 oxidation state these species are excellent donors – hence the formation of these unprecedented donor–acceptor bonds. The discovery of such bonds has led, albeit indirectly, to the development of triple-decker main group cations. This aspect is also covered in the review.
Intracerebral actions of the 5-HT1A agonists, 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone and of the 5-HT1A partial agonist/antagonist, NAN-190, on female sexual behavior.

Proestrous rats were infused intracerebrally with 50–1000 ng 8-OH-DPAT, 500 or 2000 ng buspirone or 125–500 ng NAN-190. For each drug, bilateral infusions into the mediobasal hypothalamus inhibited female lordosis behavior and proceptivity and initiated resistive behavior. The effects of the drugs were evident within 5–20 min of infusion and generally lasted for 1–2 hr. The effective sites for 5-HT1A-mediated inhibition of sexual behavior were most concentrated in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Cannulae sites anterior, posterior or dorsal to the ventromedial nucleus or clearly within the IIIrd ventricle were less effective at disrupting lordosis behavior. The inhibition of sexual behavior, following 8-OH-DPAT occurred in a dose-dependent manner and appeared to include the loss of motivation of the female to mate. Buspirone produced similar, but quantitatively smaller, effects on lordosis behavior. NAN-190 slightly, but significantly, suppressed lordosis behavior after either intracerebral or intraperitoneal injection and substantially increased resistive behavior. These results suggest that the inhibition of lordosis behavior, following treatment with 5-HT1A agonists, include an action within the ventromedial nucleus. Moreover, 5-HT1A receptors in this area appear to play a functionally important role in the modulation of the female's “willingness” to mate.
Structural Monitoring of Oligosaccharides through 13C Enrichment and NMR Observation of Acetyl Groups

Structural characterization of biomolecules by NMR methods frequently requires the enrichment of magnetically active isotopes at particular molecular sites. Introduction is usually achieved biosynthetically through the use of bacterial cultures grown on isotopically enriched media, but for certain types of molecules—cell-surface carbohydrates of mammalian origin, for example—this is not practical. Here we explore a means of introducing 13C-enriched sites, postisolation in natural carbohydrate products, and illustrate an ability to acquire sufficient information to select appropriate conformational models from among energetically allowed sets. The application presented involves replacement of native N-acetyl groups with 13C-labeled acetyl groups in a simple disaccharide derivative, (GlcNAc)2-OBu, or O-butyl-chitobiose. The assignment of the two acetyl groups introduced is based on a novel combination of NMR and mass spectrometry data. Structural information is obtained from chemical shift anisotropy offsets of 13C carbonyl resonances and 13C-13C dipolar couplings between the labeled methyl and carbonyl carbons of the acetyl groups. Although the application is to a relatively simple system, it lays the groundwork for application to biologically important complex carbohydrate systems.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Improving Efficiency in the Clinical Laboratory. F.L. Kiechle and R.I. Main. Washington, DC: AACC Press, 2002, 142 pp., $25.00 ($20.00 AACC members), softcover. ISBN 1-890883-72-7.

This is a well-written text that provides the reader with insight on how to deal with changes in the hospital laboratory. The primary focus of the text is to offer recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of the laboratory. The first chapter, entitled “So-Here We Are!”, describes two major challenges for the laboratory in the current healthcare environment: decreased reimbursement and personnel availability. Using an historical approach, the authors describe the evolution of reimbursement and the impact of managed care. In addition, the chapter presents 22 years of inpatient testing volume data with occupancy rate, length of stay, total number of inpatient discharges, and laboratory tests per discharges from the department of clinical pathology at William Beaumont Hospital to demonstrate the impact of managed care on these variables. The authors approach the personnel availability issue by describing the many reasons for its decline (e.g., job satisfaction and program closures) as well as suggestions for potential solutions. I found it remarkable that the authors had provided me with a good understanding of the topics in just 5 pages. This …
Reflections of a West Point Education in Warrior Spirit andMoral Leadership

The rigors of West Point have primed cadets for the challenges they will face in their careers as army officers, and beyond. I am no exception–I’ve had my share of developmental activities at the Academy. At the moments of my greatest development, I felt the most vulnerable, the most weak, and the most hopeless, but I could never have realized this at the time. Now, looking back, I know that the road to successful officership has its bumps, twists, and turns for a reason. West Point provides the crucible in which to fail and learn, and most importantly, to lead.
Aperture-averaging factor for optical scintillations of plane and spherical waves in the atmosphere

Previous analyses of aperture averaging of optical scintillations in the turbulent atmosphere have generally involved either numerical integrations or approximation formulas based on asymptotic results for large apertures. Here I develop the exact expressions for the aperture-averaging factor in the weak-turbulence regime for both plane and spherical waves. For computational ease, accurate approximation or interpolation formulas that can be applied in most cases of interest with greater accuracy than previous approximations are also developed.
EXTRAVESICAL COMMON SHEATH DETRUSORRHAPHY (URETERONEOCYSTOTOMY) AND REFLUX IN DUPLICATED COLLECTING SYSTEMS

Purpose: Various surgical approaches have been used for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in uncomplicated duplicated collecting systems. We retrospectively evaluated our success with extravesical common sheath detrusorrhaphy in such a setting.Materials and Methods: Between 1990 and 1997, unilateral and bilateral extravesical nondismembered detrusorrhaphy was performed in 24 and 19 patients, respectively, with 51 duplicated collecting systems, including 8 bilateral, for management of vesicoureteral reflux. Vesicoureteral reflux was present in the moieties of ipsilateral duplicated kidney in 2 patients, and bilateral reimplantation was performed in 2 who had a history of contralateral vesicoureteral reflux that resolved. Patient age ranged from 1 to 16 years (median 3.67). Followup ranged from 36 to 114 months (median 86), and included cystourethrography and renal ultrasound.Results: Vesicoureteral reflux resolved in all but 1 duplicated renal moiety, which was a success rate of 98%. In this patient the p...
Current and Future Geographic Information System Projects within the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Potential for One Universal Application

ABSTRACT Geographic information systems (GIS) have a wide range of capabilities, which can be used for a variety of useful applications, such as a resource for oil spill management or a maritime security response tool. These systems provide useful information in a graphically and timely fashion, making it an ideal system for managers making critical decisions. A number of GIS programs have been developed. Among these are the Geographic Specific Tactical Response Plan (GSTRP), Florida Marine Spill Analysis System (FMSAS) and the Maritime Security Strategic Information System (MSSIS). The GSTRP and FMSAS were developed to assist responders in the event of an oil spill, where response time is critical in order to effectively reduce environmental and monetary impact. The MSSIS has been developed to better plan for, react to, or protect the port from a terrorist/criminal threat. All of these programs are similar in scope and function, with overlapping areas of operation. Each also has unique features and toget...
Suppression and Elimination of an Island Population of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus with Sterile Males

The release of 8,400 to 18,000 males per day of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say which had been exposed to a sterilizing agent (thiotepa), suppressed and eliminated an indigenous population of this mosquito on an island off the coast of Florida in a 10-week period. Sterile males were effective in seeking out and mating with females on the island.
Trade-off between high-side capability and substrate minority carrier injection in deep sub-micron smart power technologies

In this paper we present an evaluation of trade-off capability between high-side capability and minority carrier injection into substrate in smart power technologies. While high-side capability is easier to accomplish on lightly doped p-type substrates, the suppression of minority carrier injection is extremely poor. Techniques such as active protection, while useful in stand-alone configuration, show significant problems in actual circuits in a product. On the other hand use of a P++ substrate to improve substrate injection suppression poses significant challenges in achieving high-side voltage. We propose a new scheme of integrating deep trench based isolation with P++ substrate to realize an excellent trade-off between the two.
A HYBRID FINITE VOLUME/PDF MONTE CARLO METHOD TO CAPTURE SHARP GRADIENTS IN UNSTRUCTURED GRIDS

The hybrid finite volume/PDF Monte Carlo method has both the advantages of the finitevolume method’ s efficiencyin solving flow fields and the PDF method’ s exactness in dealing with chemical reactions. It is, therefore, increasingly used in turbulent reactive flow calculations. In order to resolve the sharp gradients of flow velocities and/or scalars, finegrids or unstructured solution -adaptive grids have to be used in the finite volume code. As a result, the calculation domain is covered by a grid system with very large variations in cell size. Such grids present a challenge for a combined PDF/Monte Carlo code. To date, PDF calculations have generally been carried out with large cells, which assure that each cell has a statistically meaningful number of particles. Smaller cells would lead to smaller numbers of particles and correspondingly larger statistical errors. In this paper, a particle tracing scheme with adaptive time step and particle splitting and combination is developed, which allows the PDF/Monte Carlo code to use any grid that is constructed in the finite volume code. This relaxation of restrictions on the grid makes it possible to couple PDF/Monte Carlo methods to all popular commercial CFD codes and, consequently, extend existing CFD codes’ capability to simulate turbulent reactive flow in a more accurate way. To illustrate the solution procedure, a PDF/ Monte Carlo code is combined with FLUENT to solve a turbulent diffusion combustion problem in an axisymmetric channel.
Drug therapy for the treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis results from the abnormal accumulation of a class of dendritic cells normally found in the skin, which proliferate in many organ systems along with lymphocytes, macrophages and eosinophils. Standard therapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis includes vinblastine and prednisone with or without methotrexate and mercaptopurine, depending on the extent of disease. Effective therapies for patients unresponsive to the above include cytosine arabinoside and cladribine. Thalidomide has proven useful for patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the skin and/or bone. Emerging therapies include the use of monoclonal antibodies against the CD1a or CD52 epitopes found on Langerhans cells. Specific therapies directed against the cytokines that are apparently critical to the abnormal proliferation have not yet been defined.