cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroid identification and corticosterone concentration in serum of Rana pipiens during dehydration in winter and summer

Abstract 1. 1. Inter-renal tissue from the frog Rana pipiens was incubated in vitro with 4-14C-progesterone, the radioactive products extracted, and separated in simple forms or as acetylated derivatives in six solvent systems using thin layer chromatography. 2. 2. Corticosterone and aldosterone (produced in a ratio of 3 : 1) were observed to be the major products. 3. 3. The concentration of corticosterone (B) in serum from R. pipiens acclimated at 25°C was measured in May (summer) and November (winter) under normal and dehydrating conditions. 4. 4. The concentration of B was constant in winter frogs irrespective of treatment and was ca. 2·2 μg/100 cm3 serum. 5. 5. In the summer, tap-water control frogs had a high concentration of B, namely 1·8μg/100 cm3, while dehydrated frogs had significantly decreased concentrations of B; 0·7 and 1·1 μg/100 cm3 in 0·125 M and 0·150 M NaCl, respectively. 6. 6. The distribution of glucocorticoids observed in the Amphibia and a possible cause of corticosterone response to dehydration was discussed.
Directional detection of fission-spectrum neutrons

Conventional neutron detectors consisting of 3 He tubes surrounded by a plastic moderator can be quite efficient in detecting fission spectrum neutrons, but do not indicate the direction of the incident radiation. We have developed a new directional detector based on double proton recoil in two separated planes of plastic scintillators. This method allows the spectrum of the neutrons to be measured by a combination of peak amplitude in the first plane and time of flight to the second plane. It also allows the determination of the angle of scattering in the first plane. If the planes are position-sensitive detectors, then the direction of the scattered neutron is known, and the direction of the incident neutron can be determined to lie on a cone of a fixed angle. The superposition of many such cones generates an image that indicates the presence of a localized source. Typical background neutron fluences from the interaction of cosmic rays with the atmosphere are low and fairly uniformly distributed in angle. Directional detection helps to locate a manmade source in the presence of natural background. Monte Carlo simulations are compared with experimental results.
Ciliary process microvasculature of the primate eye

Using methylmethacrylate microvascular luminal castings, we studied the three-dimensional angioarchitecture of the primate ciliary process with the scanning electron microscope. We found that the ciliary processes are served by vessels that radiate anteriorly and posteriorly from the "major arterial circle" of the iris. The anterior arterioles possess focal constrictions and supply the anterior and marginal aspects of the major ciliary processes as well as interprocess networks that connect contiguous processes. The posterior arterioles lack focal constrictions and supply the minor ciliary processes via posterior interprocess networks. Major and minor ciliary process capillaries are irregularly dilated and pass posteriorly to drain into the choroidal veins. Finally, venous arcades exist which directly connect anterior and posterior interprocess networks with the choroidal veins and thus bypass the ciliary processes entirely. The presence of focal constrictions in the anterior arterioles suggests a site for possible autonomic or neurohumoral control of blood flow into the major ciliary processes.
Transient crack growth behavior in aluminum alloys C415-T8 and 2519-T87

Abstract This research focused on the creep crack growth characteristics of two creep-brittle aluminum–copper alloys in sheet form, 2519-T87 (2.921 mm) and its chemical variant C415-T8 (2.286 mm), at 135 and 150°C. Transient crack growth behavior during which the creep crack growth rate does not correlate with K was observed in both aluminum alloys. By utilizing a transition time, tg, concept, the data obtained under transient crack growth conditions were separated from the quasi-steady-state crack growth data. In the quasi-steady-state regime, the creep crack growth rates were shown to best correlate with the stress intensity factor, K, for both alloys and test temperatures. The window for steady-state crack growth in creep-brittle materials is demonstrated to be very narrow, and the proposed condition for steady-state crack growth behavior is that V c / V ≤0.50 and that V c / V changes by less than 100% over a crack extension of 0.5 mm. K/rqc is investigated as a crack tip parameter applicable to both transient and steady-state crack growth conditions; however, the experimental difficulties in determining the creep zone size were encountered and are discussed in the paper.
Concentrations of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in softshell clams from Coos Bay, Oregon, USA

Abstract Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (BAP) were measured in subpopulations of softshell clams, Mya arenaria , from four intertidal sites in Coos Bay from June 1976 to June 1978. Subsequently, concentrations of 15 unsubstituted polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAH) were determined in two subpopulations from September 1978 to August 1979. There were significant differences between BAP concentrations in clams from the four sites. For the two-year period, they were highest in clams inhabiting areas adjacent to the industrialized bayfront and lowest in clams inhabiting more remote areas. There were no significant seasonal variations in BAP concentrations during this period. During the 1978–1979 study, the average total PNAH concentration in clams from the bayfront area was 555.1 μg kg −1 compared to 76.3 μg kg −1 for clams from a more remote environment. In general, PNAH concentrations were lowest in the fall-winter and highest during the spring-summer.
Rethinking conformity and imitation: divergence, convergence, and social understanding

Social and developmental psychologists have stressed the pervasiveness and strength of humans’ tendencies to conform and to imitate, and social anthropologists have argued that these tendencies are crucial to the formation of cultures. Research from four domains is reviewed and elaborated to show that divergence is also pervasive and potent, and it is interwoven with convergence in a complex set of dynamics that is often unnoticed or minimized. First, classic research in social conformity is reinterpreted in terms of truth, trust, and social solidarity, revealing that dissent is its most salient feature. Second, recent studies of children’s use of testimony to guide action reveal a surprisingly sophisticated balance of trust and prudence, and a concern for truth and charity. Third, new experiments indicate that people diverge from others even under conditions where conformity seems assured. Fourth, current studies of imitation provide strong evidence that children are both selective and faithful in who, what, and why they follow others. All of the evidence reviewed points toward children and adults as being engaged, embodied partners with others, motivated to learn and understand the world, others, and themselves in ways that go beyond goals and rules, prediction and control. Even young children act as if they are in a dialogical relationship with others and the world, rather than acting as if they are solo explorers or blind followers. Overall, the evidence supports the hypothesis that social understanding cannot be reduced to convergence or divergence, but includes ongoing activities that seek greater comprehensiveness and complexity in the ability to act and interact effectively, appropriately, and with integrity.
Three-dimensional Technology for Apparel Mass Customization: Part II: Human Body Modeling from Unorganized Range Data

This paper presents a human body modeling method using the B-spline surface approximation algorithm and unorganized range data from 3D scanning systems. The scan data are firstly reorganized to have a uniform density through the Delaunay triangulation and linear interpolation. The scanned body is divided into six cylindrical segments, and the cubic B-spline surface approximation is performed on each segment separately. The individual B-spline surfaces are then merged to create a seamless model, which not only dramatically reduces the size of the data needed to reconstruct the surface but also smooths and completes the scan data. The fitted model is essential for e-tape measurement of the body and virtual try-on of clothes.
Pain Is Not Associated with Worse Office-Based Buprenorphine Treatment Outcomes

Physical pain is common among individuals seeking treatment for opioid dependence. Pain may negatively impact addiction treatment. The authors prospectively studied opioid-dependent individuals initiating office-based buprenorphine treatment, comparing buprenorphine treatment outcomes (treatment retention and opioid use) among participants with and without pain (baseline pain or persistent pain). Among 82 participants, 60% reported baseline pain and 38% reported persistent pain. Overall, treatment retention was 56% and opioid use decreased from 89% to 26% over 6 months. In multivariable analyses, the authors found no association between pain and buprenorphine treatment outcomes. Opioid-dependent individuals with and without pain can achieve similar success with buprenorphine treatment.
β-Lactamase inhibitor combinations with extended-spectrum penicillins : Factors influencing antibacterial activity against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Production of beta-lactamases is the most common mechanism by which gram-negative bacteria express resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. One successful method of circumventing the threat of plasmid-encoded beta-lactamases is to combine inhibitors of these enzymes with a penicillin. Currently, four inhibitor-penicillin combinations are in clinical use: ampicillin-sulbactam, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ticarcillin-clavulanate, and piperacillin-tazobactam. Of these, ticarcillin-clavulanate and piperacillin-tazobactam have the broadest spectra of activity that includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many factors influence the activity and pharmacodynamics of these combinations, including potency of both agents, pharmacokinetics of the inhibitor, type and quantity of beta-lactamase produced by the target bacterium, and potential for the inhibitor to induce expression of chromosomal cephalosporinases in the target bacterium. Although ticarcillin-clavulanate and piperacillin-tazobactam have similar spectra of activity, they have many differences. Most notable are increased potency of piperacillin against Enterobacteriaceae and P aeruginosa, increased activity of piperacillin-tazobactam against gram-negative pathogens producing penicillin-sensitive enzyme (PSE)-class beta-lactamase or hyperproducing other plasmid-encoded beta-lactamases, and the more favorable pharmacokinetics of tazobactam. In the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections, the potential for clavulanate to induce expression of chromosomal cephalosporinase and antagonize antibacterial activity of ticarcillin is a concern, especially in patients who lack protective host defenses. These are not concerns with piperacillin-tazobactam.
Measuring cognitive outcomes in a pre-clinical bioethics course

Medical schools universally accept the idea that bioethics courses are essential components of education, but few studies which measure outcomes (i.e., knowledge or retention) have demonstrated their educational value in the literature. The goal of this study was to examine whether core concepts of a pre-clinical bioethics course were learned and retained. Over the course of 2 years, a pre-test comprising 25 multiple-choice questions was administered to two classes (2008–2010) of first-year medical students prior to the start of a 15-week ethics course, and an identical post-test was administered at the end of the course. A total of 189 students participated. Paired t tests showed a significant difference between pre-test scores and post-test scores. The pre-test average score was 69.8 %, and the post-test average was 82.6 %, an increase of 12.9 % after the ethics course. The pre- and post-test results also suggested a shift in difficulty level of the questions, with students finding identical questions easier after the intervention. Given the increase in post-test scores after the 15-week intervention, the study suggests that core concepts in medical ethics were learned and retained. These results demonstrate that an introductory bioethics course can improve short-term outcomes in knowledge and comprehension, and should provide impetus to educators to demonstrate improved educational outcomes in ethics at higher levels of B.S. Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning.
120. Tropism and Toxicity of Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Serotypes on Neurons and Glia In Vitro

Viral vector toxicity is a primary concern in choosing an optimal gene delivery vehicle for either studying biological phenomena or evaluating potential therapeutic strategies. Generally, adenoassociated viral vectors are thought to be among the least toxic viral vectors. Currently, over 100 serotypes of AAV have been identified or produced and the tropism of the serotypes varies. In the central nervous system, studies have shown serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are capable of transduction. We have previously reported the transduction of primary neuronal cultures by serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 6. Here, we compare the toxicity of serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and tropism of serotypes 7, 8 and 9 on primary cortical cultures derived from rat embryonic brain tissue. A self-complementing AAV vector containing modified AAV2 terminal repeats flanking a green fluorescent protein expressed from the CMV promoter was packaged using the cap gene from AAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. All vectors were purified by CsCl centrifugation. Cultures were infected on DIV6 then examined for GFP fluorescence, toxicity and immunoreactivity on DIV8 and 12. At 48 hours after infection at a comparable MOI of 10000, only serotype 1 showed significant toxicity as determined by LDH assay. Using an MTS assay, similar toxicity was observed at an MOI of 100000; however, at a higher MOI, serotypes 1, 6, 7 and 8 exhibited greater toxicity than serotypes 2, 5 and 9. One week after infection, serotypes 7 and 8 resulted in primarily NeuN+ colocalized with GFP fluorescence, however, GFAP+ fibers expressing GFP were detected. Serotype 9 infected both NeuN+ and GFAP+ cells. Overall, AAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 transduce rat neurons and glia in vitro with varied efficiency and toxicity.
Role of fungal peroxidases in biological ligninolysis

The degradation of lignin by filamentous fungi is a major route for the recycling of photosynthetically fixed carbon, and the oxidative mechanisms employed have potential biotechnological applications. The lignin peroxidases (LiPs), manganese peroxidases (MnPs), and closely related enzymes of white rot basidiomycetes are likely contributors to fungal ligninolysis. Many of them cleave lignin model compounds to give products consistent with those found in residual white-rotted lignin, and at least some depolymerize synthetic lignins. However, none has yet been shown to delignify intact lignocellulose in vitro. The likely reason is that the peroxidases need to act in concert with small oxidants that can penetrate lignified tissues. Recent progress in the dissolution and NMR spectroscopy of plant cell walls may allow new inferences about the nature of the oxidants involved. Furthermore, increasing knowledge about the genomes of ligninolytic fungi may help us decide whether any of the peroxidases has an essential role.
Utilizing UAV Payload Design by Undergraduate Researchers for Educational and Research Development

An undergraduate team consisting of mechanical and electrical engineering students at the University of North Dakota developed an electro-optical and un-cooled thermal infrared digital imaging remote sensing payload for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The first iteration of the payload design began in the fall of 2005 and the inaugural flight tests took place at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, a National Guard facility, in the fall of 2006 with a corporate partner. The second iteration design with increased performance in object tracking and data processing is expected to fly in the summer of 2007. Payload development for integration into a UAV is a process that is not currently well defined by industrial practices or regulated by government. These processes are a significant part of the research being conducted in order to define the “best practices.” The emerging field of UAVs generates tremendous interest and serves to attract quality students into the research. As with many emerging technologies there are many new exciting developments, however, the fundamentals taught in core courses are still critical to the process and serve as the basis of the system. In this manner, the program stimulates innovative design while maintaining a solid connection to undergraduate courses and illustrates the importance of advanced courses. The payload development was guided by off-the-shelf components and software using a systems engineering methodology throughout the project. Many of the design and payload flight constraints were based on external factors, such as difficulties with access to airspace, weather-related delays, and ITAR restrictions on hardware. Overall, the research project continues to be a tremendous experiential learning activity for mechanical and electrical engineering students, as well as for the faculty members. The process has been extremely successful in enhancing the expertise in systems engineering and design in the students and developing the UAV payload design knowledge base and necessary infrastructure at the university.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Anodic acetamidation via ClO4−, Cl− and ClO2 oxidation

Abstract Voltammetric data for oxidation of Bu4N+Cl−, ClO2, and Et4N+ClO4− in CH3CN, Et4N+BF4− at platinum are reported. Acetamidation of methyl hexanoate and methyl butyrate results when these chlorine containing species are preparatively oxidized in CH3CN. This acetamidation also results from oxidation of mixtures of methyl hexanoate and Et4N+BF4− in CH3CN at 3.1 V. The yield ratio of isomers, methyl 5-acetamidohexanoate and methyl 4-acetamidohexanoate obtained from methyl hexanoate are independent of the species (Cl−, ClO2, ClO4−) initially oxidized. A mechanism involving radicals derived from the solvent/electrolyte is proposed.
7.10. Integration of System Engineering Tools

Integration of tools is a major issue in the provision of a useable set of tools to support system engineering. Integration can be approached from different perspectives including: infrastructures (middleware), and the integration characteristics of individual tools. This paper concentrates on integration mechanisms which a given tool might enjoy. A major portion of the paper looks at application programming interfaces (APIs) which provide the most complete range of integration possibilities: and the various dimensions of APIs are analyzed. Also discussed are internal programming languages, filters, modification of internal tool files and shared repositories. Tool enhancement techniques are mentioned in places because they are so intertwined with integration. In order to make intelligent choices of tools to support systems engineering for a project or organization, it is necessary to understand a wide range of tool integration properties in detail.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF 2-MERCAPTOPYRIDINES. PART 1. AN EPR AND SPIN-TRAPPING INVESTIGATION USING 5,5-DIMETHYLl-PYRROLINE N-OXIDE IN AQUEOUS AND TOLUENE SOLUTIONS*

We have employed EPR and the spin trap 5,5-dimethyi-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) to investigate the photochemistry of pyridine-2-thione (2-S-PyrH), N-hydroxypyridine-2-thione (2-S-PyrNOH), and its sodium salt, (2-S-PyrNONa), and disulfides, 2,2′-dithiobis (pyridine N-oxide) [(2-S-PyrNO)2] and 2,2′-dithiodipyridine [(2-S-Pyr),]. We have found that upon UV irradiation they generate aromatic thil radicals, 2–'SPyr and 2–'S-PyrN O, detected as DMPO adducts, DMPO/2–'S-Pyr (1) and DMPO/2–'S-PyrNO (2). In aqueous solution (pH 7) hyperfine splitting constants (hfsc) were determined to be for 1: aN= 14.92 G, aHβ= 16.57 G, and for 2: aN= 14.78 G, aHβ= 16.05 G. In toluene hfsc were 13.09 G, 13.93 G for 1, and 13.25 G, 12.04 G for 2. Irradiation of 2-S-PyrH and DMPO in aerated pH 7 buffer generated the DMPO/-O2,- radical (3a, aN= 14.10 G, aHβ= 11.40 G, aHγ= 1.18 G), while in aerated toluene DMPO/.O2H was formed (adduct 3b, aN= 12.74 G, aHβ= 10.41 G, aHγ= 1.295 G). In both systems adduct 1 was also observed. Because compounds possessing the pyridine-2-thione moiety show antifungal, antibacterial and anticancer properties, it is likely that the ability to photogenerate free radicals may be pertinent to their biological activity.
Semigamy Gene Is Associated with Chlorophyll Reduction in Cotton

currently the only feasible means for production of haploids in cotton is via semigamy. Haploids produced by semigamy can be used to facilitate selection Semigamy is a type of facultative apomixis in which incotton(GossypiumbarbadenseL.)breedingandgenemapping.The the male sperm nucleus does not fuse with the egg objectivesofthepresentstudyweretodetailthegeneticmechanismof nucleus after penetrating the egg in the embryo sac. Subsemigamy and its relationship with reduction in chlorophyll content. Pima 57-4, a semigametic line isolated as a doubled haploid (DH) sequent development can give rise to an embryo confrom Pima S-1, produced 46 to 50% haploid progeny when selfed. taining haploid chimeral tissues of paternal and materComparedwithitsnaturalisogeniclineS-1,57-4hadlowerleafchloro- nal origins. In cotton, the semigametic phenomena was phyll content, photosynthetic rate (Pn), and boll weight, and had first reported by Turcotte and Feaster (1963), who dehigher lint percentage, seed index, and shorter and coarser fiber. veloped the Pima line 57-4 that produced haploid seeds Three segregating populations (F2 and two BC1F1) from a cross of at a high frequency. The semigametic line was a DH 57-4 S-1 were progeny tested to investigate the genetic basis of from a natural haploid mutant found in a field of Pima semigamy. Haploid production in F1 ,F 2, and backcrosses were also S-1. In two presentations, Turcotte and Feaster (1974, recorded. The results verified that semigamy in cotton is controlled 1975) indicated that semigamy in Pima appeared to be by one gene, previously designated Se. The gene functions sporophytcontrolled by one dominant gene (Se). Despite wide ically and gametophytically, resulting in incomplete dominance nature. A generation-mean analysis for the cross of 57-4 S-1 identified acceptance by the cotton research community (Kohel one gene responsible for the parental differences in chlorophyll con- and Lewis, 1984; Smith and Cothren, 1999), no compretent. Consistent with the difference between the two parental isogenic hensive genetic data have been published. Semigametic lines, semigameticF2.3 lineshad significantlylower chlorophyllcontent lines can produce 30 to 60% haploids when self pollithan nonsemigametic F2.3 lines, an observation that was confirmed by nated, and about 0.7 to 1.0% androgenic haploids when a significant association between haploid production and chlorophyll used as female parents in crosses with normal nonsemicontent. The Se gene and the gene for reduced chlorophyll content gametic cottons (Chaudhari, 1978, 1979; Turcotte and could be either the same or closely linked. The elucidation of the Feaster, 1967). A unique feature of semigamy is that relationship between semigamy and fiber development will help charthe inheritance of the gene is conveyed by both male acterize the molecular function of the semigametic gene. and female gametes, but expression of the trait in terms of haploid production occurs only in the female parent. As a consequence, for example, in reciprocal crosses
Characteristic Ultraviolet/Optical Timescales in Active Galactic Nuclei

The UV/optical light curves of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) may be roughly characterized by a periodic fractional flux variations of approx. 10% on timescales of 1 month. The physical mechanism(s) responsible remain ill defined. We present a structure function analysis, i.e., measure the power distribution over a range of timescales tau, of 13 AGNs to constrain the origin of UV/optical emission. On timescales tau approx. 5- 60 days, the mean UV and optical power density spectra (PDS) are equivalent. This may suggest that the underlying energy generating mechanism is identical. The combined W/optical PDS is P(f) proportional to f(sup -alpha)- with alpha = 2.13(sup +0.22, sub -0.06). For sources with measured X-ray PDS indices, we find they are indistinguishable from their UV/optical counterparts. This supports scenarios whereby X-rays are generated via Compton upscattering of UV photons, to later radiatively drive optical variations. At the same time, we present evidence for characteristic variability timescales tau(sub char) of approx. 5-100 days in 10 sources. These variability timescales combined with reverberation based masses M suggest a M - tau(sub char) relationship; higher mass systems have larger characteristic timescales. The UV tau(sub char) may possibly reflect dynamical or accretion disk thermal timescales. We find suggestive evidence for a dichotomy, at tau approx. 30 days and M approx. l0(exp 7) solar mass, between short- and long-time scale optical variations. These optical variations may be attributable to dynamical and accretion disk thermal or starburst activity timescales, respectively.
Synchronous and hybrid mode-locking of a Styryl 13 dye laser

Abstract We report synchronous and hybrid mode-locking of a Styryl 13 cw dye. Pulses ≋ ps were obtained tunable from 870 to 1040 nm, when the laser was synchronously pumped by a frequency-doubled mode-locked cw Nd:YAG laser. Hybrid mode-locking using the saturable absorber IR 143 produced 830 fs pulses near 926 nm in a simple linear cavity.
Age-associated Changes in the Skin

Like all organ systems, the skin manifests an age-associated loss of functional capacity and increasing vulnerability to injury and certain disease states. Knowledge of the aging changes in normal skin assists the physician in diagnosis and management of certain dermatoses. Awareness of the important interactions between aging skin and the environment could lead to prevention of many disorders. The burden of skin disease for the elderly is often underestimated. It is psychosocial as well as medical, and although mortality is low, morbidity is high. A rational and caring approach by the general practitioners, family physicians, internists, and geriatricians responsible for this patient population should greatly improve the situation.
Perceptions of Rehabilitation Counselor Behavior

A comparison of perceptions held by selected rehabilitation subgroups toward counseling behavior was conducted. As expected, rehabilitation counselor educators were most different from state agency personnel in rehabilitation. State agency personnel appeared to value active counselor behavior more than educators. However, the predicted similarity between educators and trained counselors in state agencies and in other settings did not materialize. Differences between subgroups are discussed with respect to possible environmental and group influences. Some implications for communication between subgroups and training programs for rehabilitation counselors are also presented.
ANALYSIS OF THE INTRAVENTRICULAR ELECTROGRAM FOR DIFFERENTIATION OF DISTINCT MONOMORPHIC VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS

This study investigated the effectiveness of correlation waveform analysis for identifying different ventricular electrogram morphologies of multiple VTs in the same patient. Patients with implantable antitachycardia devices are commonly subject to the occurrence of more than one distinct monomorphic VT. Each of these VTs may have unique therapeutic alternatives for termination. VTs with identical and different monomorphic configurations were recorded (1-500 Hz) using distal bipolar (1 cm) and distal unipolar electrograms from the right ventricular apex. Thirty-six distinct monomorphic VTs induced in 15 patients were analyzed. Nine VTs with identical morphologies (12/12 surface ECGs) were induced twice and used as a control. A template was created for each VT induced. Correlation waveform analysis was used to compare each depolarization of all other VTs induced subsequently in the same patient. The mean correlation coefficient (p mu) of cycle-by-cycle analysis was used as a discriminant function: p mu > or = 0.95 was considered matched; and p mu < 0.95 was considered distinct. From the control population, VTs were successfully classified as identical in 9 of 9 cases (100%) using both bipolar and unipolar electrograms. VTs with different monomorphic configurations were successfully classified as being different in 31 of 33 cases (94%) using bipolar electrogram analysis and in 29 of 33 cases (88%) using the unipolar. Template matching is effective for detecting: (1) the recurrence of VTs, which are identical; and (2) the occurrence of a VT with a different configuration. This method appears effective using either unipolar or bipolar intracardiac waveforms.
Harmonic generation due to plasma effects in a gas undergoing multiphoton ionization in the high-intensity limit

In cases in which the ponderomotive energy is much larger than the ionization energy, which correspond to the highintensity limit or to the low-frequency limit, harmonic generation in gases near the ionization threshold can be understood from a plasma-physics point of view. Multiphoton ionization, which can be described by using the dc tunneling limit, takes place in a time interval localized around the maximum of the electric field. The plasma current thus generated varies on the same fast time scale and is responsible for harmonic generation. A model using those properties that has been developed shows the presence of a large number of odd harmonics.
Descending inputs to the cat dorsal cochlear nucleus: an electron microscopic study.

This experimental study provides identification of several types of terminals in the fusiform cell layer (FCL) of the cat dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Eight types of synaptic terminal were defined in control animals. 22 experimental cats were then subjected to unilateral lesions of the superior olivary complex or SOC (Groups I and II), the inferior colliculus or IC (Groups III and IV), or the IC plus the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus or DNLL (Groups V and VI). After one to 14 days, animals were killed by perfusion-fixation and brain stems prepared for light and electron microscopic study of degeneration. After SOC lesions, theipsilateral FCL showed degeneration of small (type 2a) endings on small dendritic shafts; thecontralateral FCL showed degeneration of larger (type 5) endings mostly on fusiform cell somata and on some primary dendrites. Both sides showed mild degeneration of large, glomerular (type 1a) endings. After small IC lesions, theipsilateral FCL demonstrated degeneratingtype 1a glomerular endings but thecontralateral FCL showed severe degeneration of type 5a terminals (axodendritic to fusiform cells) and mild degeneration of bothglomerular (type 1a) and axosomatic (type 5) endings. Combined IC-DNLL lesions caused extensive degeneration in a pattern similar to that following IC lesions. In addition retrograde degeneration of fusiform cells occurred bilaterally.
Transient expression of the basic helix-loop-helix protein NSCL-2 in the mouse cerebellum during postnatal development

The spatio-temporal expression of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor NSCL-2 was analyzed in the postnatal development of the murine brain by in situ hybridization. We found that NSCL-2 is transiently expressed in the cerebellum. NSCL-2 was found exclusively in the premigratory zone of the external granule layer where postmitotic neurons undergo initial stages of neuronal differentiation. NSCL-2 expression was not detected in mature neurons. This pattern of expression suggests that NSCL-2 is critical for the onset of neuronal differentiation, but not for the maintenance of the differentiated state.
Electrochemical behavior of cerium ion in molten LiCl-KCl

Abstract The electrode process of cerium(III) on the Mo electrode in eutectic LiCl-KCl melt was investigated by electrochemical transient techniques in the temperature range of 673–783 K, respectively. These results unanimously indicated that the reduction process of cerium(III) to cerium metal was a single step exchanging three electrons which was controlled by diffusion of cerium(III). Diffusion coefficients ( D Ce(III) ) in eutectic LiCl-KCl melt were determined by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and square wave voltammetry. An empirical diffusion coefficient function depending on temperature was proposed: ln D Ce(III) =−2.129−5704/ T . The formal potentials ( E θ ′ Ce(III)/Ce(0) versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode) at different temperatures were obtained from chronopotentiometry, which were –2.10 V (673 K) and –2.07 V (733 K), respectively.
Percutaneous Intradiscal Aspiration of a Lumbar Vacuum Disc Herniation: A Case Report:

We report a case of an 83-year-old gentleman presenting with acute low back pain and radicular left lower extremity pain after golfing. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a low-signal-density lesion compressing the L5 nerve. A computed tomography scan was then ordered, confirming an extra-foraminal disc protrusion at the L5–S1 level, containing a focus of gas that was compressing the left L5 nerve root and communicating with the vacuum disc at L5–S1. After a failed left L5 transforaminal epidural steroid injection, the patient was brought back for a percutaneous intradiscal aspiration of the vacuum disc gas. This resulted in immediate relief for the patient. A follow-up MRI performed 2 months after the procedure found an approximate 25% reduction in the size of the vacuum disc herniation. Six months after the procedure, the patient remains free of radicular pain. This case report suggests that a percutaneous aspiration of gas from a vacuum disc herniation may assist in the treatment of radicular pain.
A technique for the specific staining of macromolecules and viruses with ferritin-antibody conjugates.

Abstract A technique is described for the selective staining of specific antigenic determinants on isolated macromolecules to permit their localization by electron microscopy, utilizing ferritin conjugates of antibodies directed against the macromolecules. The method is illustrated with experiments with bacteriophages T2 and T4.
Towards automated enhancement, segmentation and classification of digital brain images using networks of networks

Abstract An adaptive image processing algorithm (IEEE Trans. Neural Networks 8 (1997) 169), based on biological principles, is extended and applied to enhance, segment and classify digital brain images acquired using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The algorithm is based on the network of networks (NoN) neural computing theory (World Cong. Neural Networks 1 (1995) 561). The initial algorithm, developed by Guan and Sutton (GS), uses vector connections among model neurons to delineate regions of pixels that have dynamic boundaries, corresponding to critical features of images. The boundaries subdivide large regions into smaller regions, where the smaller regions operate as gradient descent networks to enhance local aspects of blurred images. In this report, the authors develop and test two new algorithms that build upon the success of the GS algorithm. The first algorithm, termed the segmentation-variance (SV) algorithm, maps pixels into discrete groups using a segmentation function of the local variance. Boundaries formed at the transition zones among groups are subsequently tuned to automatically delineate brain regions of interest. This is demonstrated using MRI scans of the human brain. In a second algorithm, pixel groupings formed using the SV algorithm are consolidated into larger groups to generate histograms. Dynamic maps and histograms capture features of object relationships and are used to classify structures. The resultant algorithm is called the dynamic segmentation and classification (DSC) algorithm. It is tested on MRI scans of four geometric patterns under various noise conditions. The SV and DSC algorithms illustrate proof of principal concepts in the evolution towards automated segmentation and classification of digital brain images.
New molten-salt synthesis and photocatalytic properties of La2Ti2O7 particles

Abstract The (1 1 0)-layered perovskite La2Ti2O7 photocatalyst has been synthesized in high purities and in homogeneous microstructures within a molten Na2SO4/K2SO4 flux in short reaction times of ∼1–10 h. The La2Ti2O7 particle morphologies and sizes were investigated as a function of flux amounts (flux:La2Ti2O7 molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, and 10:1) and reaction times (1, 2, 5, and 10 h). Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the structure type and high purity, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance measurements yielded optical bandgap sizes of ∼3.75–3.81 eV. Rectangular platelet morphologies are obtained with maximal dimensions of ∼500–5000 nm, but with thicknesses down to
Vitamins and trace elements

Abstract Vitamins and trace elements are micronutrients which are essential for many key metabolic pathways. Each micronutrient represents part of a much larger and complex picture. Individual micronutrients interact with each other so that physiological adaptation to a deficiency may itself affect micronutrient metabolism leading to multiple deficiencies.
Neutron radiation hardening of polycrystalline iron

Abstract The dependence of the yield stress of vacuum-annealed and hydrogen-purified iron polycrystals on neutron dose and annealing temperature and the influence of these two parameters on the effect of static strain-ageing has been investigated. The radiation hardening was found to depend sensitively on the interstitial impurities N and C. This may be explained by both a nucleation of precipitation and a trapping of the impurities at radiation produced intrinsic defects. The radiation enhanced precipitation predominates in the relatively impure iron samples at low doses and may be eliminated by annealing at 190 °C. The trapping becomes effective at higher doses or in higher purity iron. Below 400 °C two recovery stages for the yield stress are observed, one between 200 and 260 °C and the other between 320 and 400°C; these may be explained by the detrapping of N and C respectively. The static strain-ageing was found to be reduced by neutron irradiation. It reappears after annealing at temperatures at whi...
Bacteriological evidence of antibiotic failure in pneumococcal lower respiratory tract infections.

The global pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the pneumococcus, has had a major impact on the management of community-acquired pneumonia. A number of prospective and retrospective studies have analysed the impact of penicillin resistance on clinical outcome in pneumonia. Pharmacodynamic principles predicting success when the antibiotic dose exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 40-50% of the dosing interval have proved remarkably accurate. There is no evidence of bacteriological failure of penicillins active against resistant strains. There is a single report of the failure of the less active agent, ticarcillin. High dose oral and intravenous amoxicillin should treat strains with MICs or = 8 microg x mL(-1) are rare at the present time. Most other cephalosporins are less active and should not be used empirically for drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacteriological failures of cefazolin, cefuroxime and ceftazidime have been reported. There is increasing evidence of bacteriologically confirmed macrolide failure of pneumonia therapy at MICs > or = 4 microg x mL(-1). The molecular basis of the resistance is irrelevant if the MIC is in that range or higher. Double mutants in the parC and gyrA genes lead to fluoroquinolone resistance that has been found to cause bacteriological failure of the fluoroquinolones, particularly levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, in the management of pneumonia and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Two mutations in these genes can greatly increase the MICs of all the marketed fluoroquinolones, and raise the prospect of failure of therapy even with the more active ones. However, demonstration of bacteriological failure of gatifloxacin or moxifloxicin has not yet been reported. High dose, active beta-lactams or fluoroquinolones with enhanced activity against Gram positive pathogens remain the drugs of choice for the management of community-acquired pneumonia caused by the drug-resistant pneumococcus.
Signalling among Relatives. I. Is Costly Signalling Too Costly

Zahavi's handicap principle,originally proposed as an explanation for sexual selection ofelaborate male traits, suggests that a sufficient cost to dishonest signals can outweigh the rewards of deception and allow individuals to communicate honestly. Maynard Smith (1991) and Johnstone and Grafen (1992) introduce the Sir Philip Sidney game in order to extend the handicap principle to interactions among related individuals, and to demonstrate that stable costly signalling systems can exist among relatives. In this paper we demonstrate that despite the benefits associated with honest information transfer, the costs incurred in a stable costly signalling system may leave all participants worse off than they would be in a system with no signalling at all. In both the discrete and continuous forms of the Sir Philip Sidney game, there exist conditions under which costly signalling among relatives, while stable, is so costly that it is disadvantageous compared with no signalling at all. We determine the factors which dictate signal cost and signal benefit in a generalized version of this game, and explain how signal cost can exceed signal value. Such results raise concerns about theevolutionary pathways which could have led to the existence of signalling equilibria in nature. The paper stresses the importance of comparing signalling equilibria with other possible strategies, beforedrawing conclusions regarding the optimality of signalling.
Electronic control of a digital micromirror device for projection displays

Digital micromirror devices (DMDs), developed as spatial light modulators for video projection systems, have evolved to the hidden hinge concept. The DMD consists of a pair of torsion hinges that support a yoke assembly on which a mirror-supporting post and mirror are attached. Underlying electrodes supply the electromotive forces to rotate the mirrors about the axis of the torsion hinges. To tilt the mirror to a desired position, true and complementary data are applied to the two electrodes. The resultant electrostatic force tips the mirror toward the desired position. An additive bias voltage is applied to the mirror. The additional torque applied to the hinges by the bias EMF tilts the mirror to its mechanical stop. It is important to note that the mirror will remain electromechanically latched in this position, regardless of the electrode data, as long as the bias voltage is maintained. The time required for the mirror to transit from the "on" position to the "off" position is 20 /spl mu/s. This response allows the use of binary pulse-width modulation (PWM) to digitally control "on" versus "off" time. The observer of the display naturally integrates the binary optical stream to perceive continuous tones. >
Prospects for composability of models and simulations

This paper is the summary of a recent RAND study done at the request of the U.S. Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO). Commissioned in recognition that the last decade's efforts by DoD to achieve model "composability" have had only limited success (e.g., HLA-mediated exercises), and that fundamental problems remain, the study surveyed the underlying problems that make composability difficult. It then went on to recommend a series of improvement measures for DMSO and other DoD offices to consider. One strong recommendation was that DoD back away from an earlier tendency toward overselling composability, moving instead to a more particularized approach in which composability is sought within domains where it makes most sense substantively. Another recommendation was that DoD needs to recognize the shortcomings of standard software-engineering paradigms when dealing with "models" rather than pure software. Beyond this, the study had concrete recommendations dealing with science and technology, the base of human capital, management, and infrastructure. Many recommendations involved the need to align more closely with cutting edge technology and emerging standards in the private sector.
Integrating Database Technology with Comparison-based Parallel Performance Diagnosis: The PerfTrack Performance Experiment Management Tool

PerfTrack is a data store and interface for managing performance data from large-scale parallel applications. Data collected in different locations and formats can be compared and viewed in a single performance analysis session. The underlying data store used in PerfTrack is implemented with a database management system (DBMS). PerfTrack includes interfaces to the data store and scripts for automatically collecting data describing each experiment, such as build and platform details. We have implemented a prototype of PerfTrack that can use Oracle or PostgreSQL for the data store. We demonstrate the prototype's functionality with three case studies: one is a comparative study of an ASC purple benchmark on high-end Linux and AIX platforms; the second is a parameter study conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on two high end platforms, a 128 node cluster of IBM Power 4 processors and BlueGene/L; the third demonstrates incorporating performance data from the Paradyn Parallel Performance Tool into an existing PerfTrack data store.
Vapor–liquid phase equilibria for mixtures containing diatomic Lennard–Jones molecules

Vapor–liquid phase diagrams are calculated for binary mixtures of diatomic Lennard–Jones molecules using Monte Carlo simulations and the Gibbs–Duhem integration method. We explore the effects of varying the molecular size ratio, intermolecular attraction parameter ratio and binary interaction parameter on the mixture’s phase behavior. We plot pressure versus composition vapor–liquid phase diagrams for the binary mixtures O2–N2 ,C O 2–C2H6 and N2–C2H6 at different temperatures. Our results are in good agreement with experimental data, especially away from the critical point. Adding a quadrupole term to the two-center Lennard–Jones (2CLJ) potential model further improves the agreement with experimental data. We also investigate the dependence of Henry’s constant on temperature, pressure and binary interaction parameter. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On double-link failure recovery in WDM optical networks

Network survivability is a crucial requirement in high-speed optical networks. Typical approaches of providing survivability have considered the failure of a single component such as a link or a node. We consider a failure model in which any two links in the network may fail in an arbitrary order. Three loopback methods of recovering from double-link failures are presented. The first two methods require the identification of the failed links, while the third one does not. However, precomputing the backup paths for the third method is more difficult than for the first two. A heuristic algorithm that pre-computes backup paths for links is presented. Numerical results comparing the performance of our algorithm with other approaches suggests that it is possible to achieve 100% recovery from double-link failures with a modest increase in backup capacity.